A guide to Fine Living and a Life Well Lived Curated by Linda Smith Davis, interior designer, entertaining expert, and founder/publisher of New England Fine Living Magazine.
Everyone kept telling me to prepare myself to lose money during my recent press trip to Las Vegas. So prepare myself I did. Each day I allotted myself an amount I would spend in the casinos and yes.... lost most of it, but one day I won a little and instead of putting it back into the machines, the tables, or into a savings account, I purchased myself a new pair of shoes in a wonderful little boutique located inside the Paris, Las Vegas. That night I walked around the casino... lost a little bit more.... but was happy in my new shoes!
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
Here is picture of some wreaths I put together quickly for a wonderful non-profit group called Bright Happy Power. The event is being held this weekend at the Crane Castle Estate in Ipswich, MA. The wreath has fabric cranes that were folded by one of the volunteers in the organization. Inside there are 5 trees with thousands of paper cranes.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
It's funny that a power outage is all that is needed to get my family together. In the winter, we get the candles out(at night), play cards, laugh, and catch up with our teenagers that will soon be on their own. Even in the summer, when we lose power, it is a pain, but I look forward to it for an hour or so. This morning, during breakfast time, we lost power and I was concerned how I would make Sunday morning breakfast. Realizing my daughter just got home from 5 days of camping and cooking on a grill, I thought "I can do that too, why not breakfast at home on the grill?". I started the grill and then proceeded to place sausages, English muffins, and eggs on our flat kitchen skillet. My daughter, who is now a "professional" on grilled eggs coached me as the yolks slowly glided to the front of the grill, and this gave us more time to catch up on her great trip. Once I placed the eggs, muffins, and sausage on our plates, I served everyone with a grin. Here we were enjoying a nice hot breakfast even with no power. Alas, we lost power 4 times today and while I worked a few hours on the road, my family swam and then we played badminton when I got home. I loved it, even though I was worried about our food thawing in the freezer. Oh yeah, I ran out of gas just as I was finishing breakfast... Note to self fill tanks on Monday.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
I admit it and I'm not ashamed! I had no idea what polo was all about when I was asked to attend and cover a wine tasting event at the Myopia Hunt Club and as many of you know, this is the concept of my web site. When I learn... I share... and I share through my web site New England Fine Living, my blog, and my big mouth. Below, I am posting information I got off another web site on the rules and concept of polo. If you ever get to a match and you did not already know how to play or why they were hitting that little ball off of a horse, here you go!
From the International Women's Polo Association
Two underlying concepts govern the game of polo.
The first is that polo is a tactical team sport with either 3(indoor or enclosed arena) or 4(full size ground) players a side.
Like all tactical team sports, each player fills a specific role and supporting the team effort on both offence and defence.
The objective of the game is for a team to score the most goals by hitting the ball through their goal posts at the end of the ground.
Like other high contact team sports such as Rugby or Football, defensive plays, such as "riding off" and "hooking" are important defence tactics and can result in fouls which incur penalties.
Normally, polo is played on an outdoor polo field which is 300 yards long and 160 yards across, the area of 10 football fields.
The second is "the line of the ball". This is the imaginary line the ball creates as it travels from point A to point B.
This "line" determines the strict rules about how players can approach and attack the ball and each other, ensuring that the players and horses, travelling at 35mph when at top speed, do not collide resulting in serious injury to either horse or rider.
When two players ride to the ball, both hoping to hit it, they must ride on either side of the "line" so that both will have access to the ball. They must remain on opposite sides of the line, thus minimizing the risk of collision.
The line remains set until the ball is struck by a player, changes direction, and a new line is formed.
A player may cross the line only when it does not create a hazardous situation such as a collision with another rider. This may result in a foul and consequent penalty being awarded. read more
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
As a new Rotarian, my eyes have been opened to how many people give their time, knowledge and funds to help those in need. I wanted to share with you a business that helps women change their lives. I have copied their mission statement so that I could share it with you as well as a link to their site.
Nest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses.
The funds for these loans are generated by selling a unique line of clothing, accessories and merchandise for the home produced exclusively for Nest by a group of artists and designers. The Nest line also includes ceramic pottery, women’s clothing and other items with the Nest logo. In addition to these exclusive items created by well-known designers, the recipients of Nest loans in developing countries also make their crafts available to Nest as repayment for the micro-credit loans. These items, too, are incorporated into the Nest line of merchandise. In this way, Nest draws together artists from across the globe into a cooperative network with a shared vision of mutual support.
When you buy from Nest, you have not only have purchased a unique and beautiful item for yourself or your home, you have participated in a proven effort to better the lives of women all across the globe. Through our work, and your participation, women all over the world are able to plant their roots in a refuge filled with warmth, solace, comfort and joy. It is our sincere hope that Nest can help you create a home, both for yourself and women the world over, filled with energy, beauty and peace.
Thank you for exploring their site.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
Today, after a week of a semi-vacation, I noticed the weeds in my garden had somehow taken over. How did this happen so quickly? Didn't I just do this two weeks ago? Then I realized that they were lurking beneath the leaves of the then "in full bloom" flowers. We used a product advertised on tv... you might know the one... the one with the sleeping husband while the wife is busy shaking this product on the gardens and never touches a weed again. Well it didn't work for us (yet), but it did kill the "stepables" that were placed carefully between the garden rocks in my moon garden. Curses!
Many of us from New England associate Maine for its beautiful coast, light houses and of course lobster, but how about wine? Below, you will find some information that might surprise you. If you get to visit any of these wineries, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Cellar Door Winery and Vineyards
One of the few wine makers in Maine growing their own grapes. The vineyards are set on 68 acres of rolling fields in the coastal town of Lincolnville adjacent to the north boundary of Camden Hills State Park. Cold weather grapes are pressed and cellar-aged to create varieties of white and red table wines. The winery also makes a Maine blueberry wine. Stroll through the vineyard or visit the gift shop and tasting room.
Bartlett Maine Estate Winery
For more than 20 years this winery has specialized in sophisticated fruit wines made with native flavors. Bartlett uses locally grown apples, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pears and peaches to create distinctive aperitifs, whites, reds, and sweet dessert wines that capture the essence of Maine. The winery is located in Gouldsboro on the scenic Schoodic Peninsula east of Mount Desert Island. A tasting room and retail shop are open May through October.
Blacksmiths Winery
This winery in the town of South Casco near Sebago Lake produces a wide variety of wines with local fruits and hand picked grapes from the state of Washington. Blacksmiths offers a cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay,merlot, pino grigio, sangiovese, vidal blanc, and sparkling blueberry and cranberry among other selections. The tasting room and gift shop are open year round.
Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery
On a working farm in the midcoast town of Union, Elmer and Holly Savage grow eight varieties of hybrid wine grapes and their own blueberries. This year will be the first vintage for Savage Oakes, and with grapes like marechal foch, leon millot, Cayuga white, and seyval blanc, the wines should be a treat. The winery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday mid-May through the fall.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
What a great treat it was to visit the Azores. I just returned from a day trip to Fall River, MA to visit Battleship Cove, and I was pleased to see flags with Ponta Delgada posted. While visiting Ponta Delgada, I was told that Fall River had a large population of Porteguese from the Island. This world is getting smaller and smaller with each of my travels.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
2 oz. Herradura Silver Tequila
1 ½ oz. Cointreau orange liqueur
2 oz. sweet and sour mix
1 oz. lime juice
2 oz. orange juice
Splash of lemon-lime juice
2 olives
Pour all ingredients into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a large martini glass with a salt rim. Add two olives on a spear and serve.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
Last year, I had the pleasure of attending a cocktail party hosted by New England Home Magazine. The event was held at the Residences at The Intercontinental, located in Boston, MA. Realizing that my car navigator was not working properly due to the big dig road changes. I found it very difficult to find the building.
Finally, my guest and I did end up in front of the building, only to find ourselves in a long line of traffic waiting to get into the parking garage. Well, once we got into the garage, the stress of being lost in Boston disappeared. We were greeted by one of the many valet parking attendants, and directed to the door that would take us to the event.
Down the hallway, we could see an elevator attendant waiting to whisk us up to the penthouse level. As we got off the elevator, some of the guests were already walking past us with goody bags that I could only assume were gifts from some of the sponsoring vendors. It is funny to think how something so simple could make me smile with delight. Then I saw it... the tray full of fluted champagne glasses that was being presented to each person entering the penthouse while the soft sound of piano music drew them closer to the cocktail party. When we got into the main room with our champagne glasses, there were so many people it was hard to move around. we decided to make our way to the windows so that we could enjoy the view of Boston. It was a beautiful sight. The lights of the city were flickering off the harbor and the penthouse had a three sided view of the city. It wasn't until we toured the rest of the space that we realized this was a residential condo, that was for sale.
In the goody bag we received that night, there was an elaborate, full color, marketing book explaining the benefits of living at the Residences at the Intercontinental. One of the pages is titled..."Picture of life of Luxury" followed by... "I never dreamed I'd be living in a luxury condominium with hotel amenities. But I am, and I don't have to lift a finger. Well, actually I do - to dial room service. I feel like a grown-up Eloise. And I love it." There is even an in house spa, restaurant and bar just like a hotel would offer. If you would like to live there, here are the prices. Pocket Change!
There are 130 condominiums consisting of one, two, three and four bedroom homes.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
I'm not sure about you, but whenever I try to start a wine collection, I seem to open and enjoy the bottles faster than I can collect them, but David Icken, Managing Partner and Wine Director of The Capital Grille in Burlington, MA. offers suggestions to beginners on how to start their own collections.
I don't know about you, but cleaning is not one of my fortes. Sure I enjoy a clean house, it seems to bring me more energy, and clear thinking, but with my busy schedule I am ashamed to say that it is not always first on the list. I like to plan my cleaning time. I create an atmosphere that helps me enjoy the task just a bit more.
Today the cloud cover is heavy and I needed to get myself in the mood. I lit candles that I have scattered around my home then I put on some great music to help lift my spirits. I usually enjoy George Winston's December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition is one of my favorites. I remember when I was selling real estate in the 80's (oh... I feel so old when I say that) I used to play his CD's during the open houses to set the mood along with the old trick of baking cookies in the oven, but today the radio will suffice.
Today I found that the cleaning went a little smoother than usual, just because of my music and candles. Now I am going to get ready to make myself some lunch and get ready to go to my office.
What do you like to do to help get you in the mood for cleaning to make it a little less of a chore and more like a treat?
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
One day I realized how often I came close to meeting somebody famous, knew someone who knew someone famous, or at least stood where they once stood and I realized how small this world really is. I know it's not a big deal, and I'm not name dropping since I never actually met these people one on one, but here is a partial list of some of my "close calls".
- At my design studio, I met Donald Trump's personal jet pilot
- I was in the same room with Harry Conick Jr. and Sean Lennon for a press trip
- Dr. Ruth was standing in front of me at a movie theater at a ski resort
- I was informed that Jack Nicholson, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer were in my current studio when it was an ice cream store. They were filming "Witches of Eastwick".
- I just missed Whoopie Goldberg in an art studio.
- I have breakfast at a B&B that hosts many movie stars while they are filming in our area such as Mathew McConauhey and Sigorney Weaver.
- My nephew is an actor in LA... Oh the stories I could share! But I won't!
There is much more I could list so I won't bore you, but see what I mean... it's a small world.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
For the past 28 years, the city of Montreal has been the host to over 30,000,000 people who flock to the streets waiting to hear some of their favorite jazz performers.
Last year, two additional American writers were included in this extremely festive event. In May of 2007, a friend and I flew for six hours to get to Europe for a business trip. Two months later, we were off again, looking forward to another six-hours of travel, but this time we had to drive. No in-house movie to watch, no coffee or in-flight dinner would be served… just the bottled water and snack bars I packed for the ride.
It was hot and sunny when my cohort in crime, I mean travel buddy, arrived at my home in her candy-apple red convertible Mini Cooper. The top was down, and as I walked towards the car, I wondered where I would place my suitcase. “Just sling it in the back seat, and let’s go!” she said. The navigation system was already set and it (Navi Girl) informed us to take a right-hand turn out of my driveway. Uh duh… we knew that! Charlene put on her right blinker, pulled out of my driveway, and we were off with the hot sun hitting our face and shoulders, while the wind cruelly messed up our hair (ok, my hair… for some reason, hers did not get messy at all!).
The sky was starting to look a bit ominous, but we just turned the music up louder and headed back towards Route 93 North, and Navi Girl was glad we were back on our destination course that she had set for us earlier.As we approached Franconia Notch, a scenic portion of the White Mountains, we noticed that motorcycle drivers had pulled over to the side of the road to put on their rain gear. We wondered, at that moment, if we should put the top up on the convertible. We looked at each other for just a brief moment, knew what the other was thinking, and proceeded without another word about it. We were two women determined to get to The Montreal Jazz Festival… with the top down.
As we drove higher into the low cloud cover in the mountains, the temperature kept dropping. We started the day off at 82 degrees, and now was 65 degrees. At this point there are goose bumps on my arms, but I decided that until they also show up on my legs I won’t even consider putting on my jacket. Then my dear friend, Charlene, reaches forward and flicks a switch. “Are you kidding me… this whole time we could have had heated seats?” Ahhh, that was much better. Then we see it… the sign that says “Danger – Cross Winds”. “Hold on!” she said (Charlene, not Navi Girl). With Charlene holding on tight to the steering wheel, that little car plowed through the wind chamber like the story book train that said “I think I can… I think I can”.
A few hours later, we arrived at the Canadian border. “Can you believe we made it here with only $1.25 in tolls and less than a tank of gas? I pay $3.00 just to get over the bridge in Boston”. We pulled up to the Customs window and presented our passports. We were asked the routine questions of “What brings you to Montreal? Do you have any explosives, fire arms, alcohol, or cigarettes? How long will you be staying?” After the interrogation, we were allowed to enter Canada. I am sure that Charlene was glad to drive away without getting a hands-on body check like she did at the airport just a couple of months before! Anticipating commuter traffic, we figured we should be at the hotel within the hour.
The downtown portion of Montreal was dressed up for the festival with signage, bright colored flags, and stages. It was all very impressive. Once we arrived at the press room, we collected information packets about this grand festival. The numbers were staggering… 658 total jazz performances were offered during this year’s festival and 346 of them were free! Thirty countries were represented and approximately 3,000 musicians performed. We were a bit late for our concert and, since this concert was being filmed for television, we had to wait to be seated between sets.
The next morning, we walked around Montreal and looked for Eggspectations, a restaurant that is known for their Eggs Benedict. After several zigs and zags up and down the streets of historic Montreal, the two of us finally found it. By this time we were starving, but we knew we needed to get back in time to get seats at the press conferences for Harry Connick Jr. and Sean Lennon. So, after a quick breakfast of traditional Eggs Benedict and two cups of coffee, we hurried back to the hotel for the interviews.
We made it with time to spare. We got a wonderful opportunity to meet and listen to two incredible and surprisingly humble men speak about their work, their family, and their reasons for attending the festival. Cameras were clicking and journalists were writing away. Harry Connick Jr. told stories to the press group that made us laugh out loud, and Sean Lennon’s poetic words moved us. We were both grateful to hear their inspiring stories. After the conference, plans were made to attend a few more concerts, eat some more food, and then enjoy some cocktails during the midnight (yes, midnight) Jam Session that was being held in the hotel lounge.
The next morning, it was time to head back home to reality and the daily grind. We had our breakfast, then called for the car to be pulled around to the valet station in the parking garage. Now that we knew how to read the word EXIT in French (we drove around a few times trying to get out a few days before), we were able to SORTIE the parking garage without any wrong turns. After being stuck in traffic at Customs for more than an hour, then driving through cloud-covered mountains, then past open fields, we finally came to the Massachusetts border. It only seemed appropriate at that time to say in my best Navi Girl computer voice."If possible, make a legal U turn".
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
I recently returned from Sao Miguel in the Azores. It was an incredible trip (even though my luggage never left Boston and I went seven days without my clothes, makeup, jewelry, and shoes! More on that later). Anyway, here is the video clip that I created for my web site viewers and I thought I would post it here as well. I hope you enjoy it.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
Above is a picture of me at the Tanglewood Wine Tasting Event. It was a beautiful warm day and I enjoyed networking with other wine enthusiasts, writers, and business owners. But take note of what everyone is wearing on their feet. Yup, you got it... a majority of the women were wearing flats or wedges. Oh no, not me, I had to wear my high heels that I always wear with this outfit.
I did just fine, for most of the day, until I walked outside on the grass. I almost toppled backwards when my heels sunk into the soft soil. Don't worry, I'm an expert on heels and I never went down! Wait until you hear some of my other stories about high heels and wine.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
Above is a picture of me at the Tanglewood Wine Tasting Event. It was a beautiful warm day and I enjoyed networking with other wine enthusiasts, writers, and business owners. But take note of what everyone is wearing on their feet. Yup, you got it... a majority of the women were wearing flats or wedges. Oh no, not me, I had to wear my high heels that I always wear with this outfit.
I did just fine, for most of the day, until I walked outside on the grass. I almost toppled backwards when my heels sunk into the soft soil. Don't worry, I'm an expert on heels and I never went down! Wait until you hear some of my other stories about high heels and wine.
Linda Smith Davis, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!
