Sunday Guides, Mother's Day

 
 
 
 
 
 

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Enjoy this short video about our beautiful DIY floral ice buckets.
They make a lovely addition to your Mother’s Day Brunch!

To view the video fullscreen, click the square icon in the bottom right hand corner of the video player.

 
 
 

I am writing the Mother’s Day Editor’s Letter at a favorite cafe in Bucks County PA on a sunny Spring afternoon. I am surrounded by flowers while enjoying an artisanal lunch, complete with bread baked in terracotta pots served with European butter and flakes of sea salt, zucchini fritters, and strawberry herbed mocktails. The meticulously curated flowers, plants, and home accessories beckon one to bring them home, wrap them in beautiful gift wrap and a satin bow for the perfect Mother’s Day presents. In this issue, we celebrate and honor the women in our lives, those who have raised us, nurtured us and helped shape us into the person we have become. Those who cheered us on from the sideline our entire lives. This edition also celebrates Spring, the sweet scents of lilacs, roses, peony, primroses, pergolas cascading in wisteria and seasonal fresh ingredients, evoking memories of years gone by and creating new ones. Immerse yourself in quiet moments of a gentle spring day. Put on your favorite floral dress and walk barefoot on freshly cut grass. Read a book in a hammock with a cozy blanket. Invite friends over and catch up over some “scandalous” girl talk, perhaps from Taylor Swift’s latest music! Visit your local farmers markets and bring home tasty fresh food & make your mom a champagne brunch in the garden (make our easy DIY floral ice buckets). If you prefer not to cook, go out to a relaxing dinner. A spa getaway to an idyllic country spa is another great way to celebrate! We have a special issue this month and there is something for everyone. A little extra love and a day of respite is good for the soul. Caregivers come in all different forms, so embrace this issue and that special person in your life who has guided you with love from that very first breath you took. Take time for yourself as well. You deserve it!

Sunday Guides, Saratoga Springs Edition

 
 
 
 

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Sunday Guide: Saratoga Springs, with Kids! By Jennifer Taber VanDerwerken

Beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York is often called “The Summer Place to Be”, when major tourist attractions like the Saratoga Race Course, the New York City Ballet summer residency, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center are in full swing, and beckoning to tourists from across the globe.

But Saratoga is just as vibrant and gorgeous in the fall, with bright bursts of foliage, temperate weather, and the always bustling downtown attractions ready to be enjoyed. Saratoga is also a wonderful place to call home for locals, and as such, offers plenty of recreation for families. 

Here’s a family-friendly guide to one of the prettiest little cities you’ll ever see, for the special time of year when New York puts on her golden colors, and shines in all her autumnal glory.

Where to Stay:

The Adelphi Hotel (365 Broadway)

This historic, boutique hotel isn't short on swank, but their welcoming attitude to kids (and pets!) and their premium location right on Broadway makes it a great place to stay for families. There are multiple suites available to accommodate families, and two great eateries located right inside the hotel.

The Gideon Putnam (24 Gideon Putnam Road)

Another historic gem, this hotel is located right inside Saratoga Spa State Park, which makes it perfect for the family who wants to walk out of the hotel and stroll right to geysers, creeks, natural spring water fountains, or The Automobile Museum.

Where to Eat:

For breakfast, you have a plethora of options at your disposal. You can sit down for scrumptious cinnamon roll pancakes at local favorite, Sweet Mimis (47 Phila Street), or grab a delicious bagel and coffee at Uncommon Grounds (402 Broadway) and take it to go. Triangle Diner (400 Maple Avenue) is also a perennial favorite, offering inventive, elevated takes on classic dishes, like eggs benedict, and BLTs. All of these spots are also open for lunch, and make great options for even the pickiest eater.

Any parent traveling with young kids knows that when the energy starts flagging, a little sweet treat can save the day. Saratoga has got you covered with Mrs. London’s (464 Broadway), a charming bakery offering patisseries, breads, cookies, and delicious coffees. Kilwin’s (420 Broadway) candy shop, which you can scout just by the delicious smell of their caramel apples, has gleaming cases filled with every kind of chocolate treat you can imagine, and wonderful ice cream too.

For dinner, Druther’s (381 Broadway) is always fun, with an accessible menu, outdoor seating, and a fun, casual vibe. Their macaroni and cheese is perhaps their signature dish, and what kid doesn’t love that? Forno (541 Broadway) is a great spot for delicious Italian food, and if the weather is with you, their porch is a perfect spot to people-watch while you dine.

The Brook Tavern is a warm and charming restaurant, just a quick stroll from the bustle of downtown and located in a picturesque neighborhood of sprawling Victorian homes.

The Wishing Well, open since 1936, is a favorite of locals and a great spot to make special family memories on your visit.

Where to Shop:

Because Saratoga is such a family-friendly community, there is no shortage of children’s stores to browse or pick up that special souvenir. Lex and Cleo (454 Broadway, unit 2) is a charming shop with a high-end selection of beautiful clothes, stuffed animals, and toys. G. Wiliker’s (461 Broadway) is a consummate old-fashioned toy store, with incredible year-round window displays and everything from the most classic games to trendy toys. And Northshire Bookstore (424 Broadway), one of the most popular independent bookstores in the northeast, has an entire second floor dedicated to the wonderful world of children’s books. The staff is knowledgeable and kind, and they often host children’s reading events and activities.

Things to Do:

Upstate New York is apple country, and if you’d like to head to an orchard to pick your own while visiting, you’ll find plenty of options in Saratoga County and beyond. Saratoga Apple (1174 Route 29, Schuylerville) is a favorite among locals. 

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (65 South Broadway) is a lovely little museum design for children aged 7 and younger, and houses excellent hands-on exhibits to delight your child’s imagination.

Beautiful Congress Park (320 Broadway), located right on Broadway with all of the shops and restaurants, is home to a historic wooden carousel, which you can ride for just $1.00. Go for a spin on weekends in the fall, from 11 AM to 6 PM. And don’t miss the Congress Park ducks who’ll likely approach you looking for a treat! Yaddo (312 Union Avenue) is a world-famous artist’s retreat, and their gorgeous manicured gardens are open to the public. This past summer, they installed the Yaddo Reads Lending Library for young readers where you can take or leave a book. Take a stroll through the garden and a peek at the koi fish in the multiple fountains. It’s also the perfect place for a picnic.

Saratoga is famed for its mineral springs, which the Victorians believed could cure almost any ailment. There are active springs and drinking fountains throughout the city, some flowing with crystal clear water, others with slightly fizzy, highly mineralized waters. Children will love getting to taste test the assorted fountains for those that are fresh and appetizing, and those that you can smell from a few feet away. Here’s a great guide to finding them: https://www.saratoga.com/things-to-do/springs/

Jennifer Taber VanDerwerken is a freelance writer based in Upstate New York. Her work has appeared in the The Beekman 1802 Almanac, Scary Mommy, Motherly, Design Mom, Grown and Flown, and Mini City Magazine. Jennifer loves writing about parenting, food, travel, books, and the people and places that make upstate home. You can reach her on Instagram @wecangohomeagain or at her website: jennifertabervanderwerken.com.

Mayflower Inn & Spa

By, Michele Rosenthal

 
 

Mayflower Inn & Spa Auberge Resorts Collection

Calm, peaceful, beautiful, exquisite — just a few words you’ll use to describe the lush natural wonder of Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut. Whether you’re on a ski trip, a hike, a shopping spree, or simply stopping by, Mayflower is full of rich history, integrity, and serenity, you’ll want to visit every season.

Situated on dozens of acres, this inn and spa welcomes you into a secret world, a getaway that only exists in New England. The Mayflower is a renowned resort that was converted from a school in 1920. Drawing upon the natural scenery, historic nearby towns, and stunning eclectic designs, beauty is everywhere you look. Recently design icon Celerie Kemble revitalized the interiors of the inn, combining historic Victorian architecture and 19th century artwork with a modern freshness. It’s safe to say your room and the Shakespeare garden alone will wow you.

 
 

The Inn also has countless amenities. Are you in the mood for a massage or facial? Step into THE WELL to get lost in your wildest dreams, receiving treatment from only the best professionals. You can also receive holistic treatments from doctors and health practitioners. After you feel revitalized and ready to go, take a swing on the tennis courts. When we stayed, my husband got lost in the game as I relaxed in the spa.

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Next, stop by The Garden Room to have carefully crafted, farm-fresh meals from expert chefs. The openness and country atmosphere will feel like a breath of fresh air. When your stay comes to an end, pop into the shop The Huntress. You’ll find gorgeous, high-quality clothes and sentimental souvenirs to remember for a lifetime. Then, make your way through the quaint village, where you can shop for one of a kind finds to bring home as a beautiful reminder of your journey to New England. From snowfall and spring renewal to summer activities and fall foliage, Mayflower Inn & Spa has an abundance of refreshing activities, peaceful musings, and beauty to fulfill your ever need.

 
 
 
 

Our beautiful Paris House Cocktail ring is designed and made in NYC.
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Blueberry Lemon Thyme cake

Asparagus Gruyere Tart baked in a warm buttery puff pastry, is the perfect addition to a brunch table. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rollout thawed puff pastry- we love Dafur. Gently press in 2 rectangular tart pans & sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese over. Then add your asparagus on top. Make sure to remove the bottom woody parts of asparagus. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt & fresh ground pepper. Option you can, if you like, use a pastry brush and brush a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the puff pastry, before adding the cheese. I prefer it without but it does add a nice flavor. Bake for 20 minutes OR until golden and bubble

The Perfect Sunday Brunch addition to your buffet! Blueberry Lemon Thyme Pound Cake or Asparagus Gruyere Tart; we love our cakes and pastries!

 
 

After you leave the dreamy Mayflower Inn, why not make a beautiful and delicious cake to take the memories home with you! no worries if baking is not your thing! have your local grocery store make you 3 round vanilla cakes or use a box cake mix. If you enjoy baking there are many delicious recipes on line! Barefoot Contessa has several. Then layer with a homemade Chantilly whipped cream, fresh strawberries and top with edible flowers such as pansies.

Imagine wearing this spectacular dress while enjoying a cocktail in the Shakespeare Garden!
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Tennis Anyone!! hit the courts in style!
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The most gorgeous dress with caplet we have ever seen!
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Recreate your own little getaway at home with these carefully selected finds from Paris House!
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You can continue your adventure to The Long Island Sound in Westport CT. There is a great shopping and dining! one of our favorites is Mrs Londons

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