visiting dana point

June 3, 2016

This week, on Friday field trip, I am sharing some of my gorgeous hotel views from my short stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point while on the West Coast! I was so very lucky to have the opportunity to stay at this awesome hotel for a work assignment.

Named after ‘east coaster’ Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of the book Two Years before the Mast, Dana Point was the spot used by film producer Bruce Brown for the 1966 surfing documentary Endless Summer. (Music buffs may recognize the title as the same as the film’s theme song by The Sandals.)

I was up at 5:00 am for workouts during my stay at the Ritz, and local surfers were already dotting the shoreline and providing some great entertainment for those of us interested in being spectators while enjoying an amazing ocean view!

The views also made for wonderful al fresco dining!

The sprawling footprint of the hotel optimizes its expansive ocean views. Believe me, my photos do not do the view justice, but I hope you enjoyed seeing a little bit of the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel – Southern Orange County at its finest!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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ice cream & liquid nitrogen!

May 20, 2016

A new ice cream shop called Milkcraft opened last Monday in Fairfield’s Brick Walk in the center of Fairfield, Connecticut. An ice cream shop may not sound all that exciting, but there was quite a buzz going on about this place. I really wanted to see first-hand what made the place unique, so I made a trip over and I am sharing with you on today’s Friday field trip. I knew there would be a long line, so I planned my trip on a rainy evening figuring an ice cream shop would not be as crowded on a rainy night…poor assumption on my part! Indeed, the line was long! But, since I went with a friend and we were busy talking – mostly about the amazing popularity of Milkcraft – the line seemed to go pretty quickly! Most of the line was occupied by teens and it was apparent why – social media! The owner of the shop did a great job of using social media to get the hype going about the place.

The unique part of the store was the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze each customer’s made-to-order ice cream batch in a mixer. This process creates a super creamy texture to the product by eliminating any formation of ice crystals. It is also really fun to watch!

Milkcraft boasts the use of locally sourced ingredients and fresh milk base from local farms. The menu, which is said to be updated seasonally, features sustainable and organic ingredients and delectable flavors such as roasted banana PBJ, Vietnamese coffee, cookie butter Speculoos and strawberry balsamic. I have to admit though, I did have trouble figuring out what organic ingredient created the brilliant green and blue colors on some of the ice cream I saw served!

The ice cream is served in two ways. The most popular seemed to be the Bubblecone. This is a Lego-like patterned bubble-waffle cone. The Milkcraft website lists addresses in California and in Shanghai, China, so I have to think the origination of the concept must come from one of these two locales. And, the Bubblecones are definitely inspired by similar ones found in Hong Kong.

The second way the ice cream is served is called Creameebun. This is a glazed donut used as a bun and the ice cream is tucked inside.

I chose the Bubblecone option and split a strawberry balsamic with my friend – she got the short end of the split! I also tried the cookie butter Speculoos (the bright green one). Both were really good with a wonderful texture. They were very creamy and dense.

A fun trip! If you decide to visit, I would chose a time during the day when the teen set is still in school!

It is interesting to note that the owner of Milkcraft is also the past owner of one of Fairfield’s former Brick Walk restaurants – Spazzi – one of my favorite places to eat back in the 1990’s!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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garden party bridal shower

April 15, 2016

What is better than shopping at Terrain? Attending a bridal shower at Terrain, of course!

I recently had the opportunity to do just that at Terrain’s Garden Café and today I am sharing with you on Friday field trip!

I know many of you are not lucky enough to have a Terrain located near you. With only two Terrain store locations – one outside Philadelphia, and one in Fairfield County, Connecticut – many of you can’t frequent the store regularly like me!

But, for today, everyone can enjoy the beautiful aesthetics of a Terrain event! For a detail oriented, color obsessed person like me; Terrain hits all the marks – particularly when the organizers of the party working with Terrain have incredible style as well!

Enjoy the photos!

Please note: The beautiful fern favors, Prosecco prizes, wooden spoons, and cake top were not done by Terrain – they were created by the party organizers and, as you can see, tied into the Terrain décor perfectly!

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a marvelous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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jonesing for warmer temps

April 8, 2016

Can you believe, here in Connecticut, there are still weather forecasts of snow? It is a little much, in my opinion. Can we just get on with spring?

For today’s Friday field trip, I am providing a little glimpse of the Connecticut coast and hoping to inspire some thoughts of warmer weather.

I know you can’t tell by the photos that the April temperatures while I was photographing were in the ‘20s!

Enjoy thoughts of warmer weather ahead!

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Have a marvelous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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first visit to texas

March 11, 2016

It has been a crazy week for me – a very busy time for two of my jobs! One was in Texas and gave me the opportunity to travel to the Lone Star state for the very first time. The Texas weather could have been better – the area I visited experienced some of the rain that has been so severe in parts of Texas as well as some other areas of the South.

In spite of the weather, I experienced many bright spots in my life over the past few days. It wasn’t the weather providing these bright spots…the sunshine was provided by the people I met! My job gave me the opportunity to meet many fabulous people and the experience made my heart sing!

I had to hit the ground running when I got back from my few days away – very busy with another job and trying to control the wave of sadness over the loss of a friend’s brother that really breaks my heart.

So, Friday field trip today is just a few quick glimpses of the location I visited in Texas. I thank those I worked with in addition to all the new people I met for making me smile during a week that ends with heartbreak – particularly for my dear, sweet, friend that lost her brother. xo

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things and to appreciate those close to you, Jackie

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baita pop-up in nyc

February 26, 2016

If you happen to spend any time in New York City, you know about Eataly; particularly if you are a foodie. For those of you that may not be familiar with Eataly – it is the largest Italian marketplace in the world! A collection of restaurants, food and beverage counters, bakery, retail items, and a cooking school, Eataly occupies over 50,000 square feet near Madison Square Park.

For Friday field trip, I am taking you to Eataly, but not to the popular main floor. Today, we are traveling above the market to the 14th floor. Why the trip up the elevator? Because, from December to March, Baita, a pop-up restaurant reminiscent of the Italian Alps, has taken residence on the 14th floor and we are making a visit!

Enclosed by a retractable roof, the restaurant offers wintry views of New York City, including those of the neighboring Flatiron Building.

With cozy plaid blankets hung over chairs and smells of mulled cider, a snowfall would have been the perfect way to complete the Northern Italian atmosphere!

Seared Arctic Char with Beer Braised Brussels Sprouts & Roasted Hazelnuts at Baita in NYC.

It is a fun spot to visit. If you don’t have time for lunch or dinner, have a drink with a friend while sitting on an Adirondack chair facing the evergreen trees – still up and decorated with antlers from the holidays.

If you are lucky, your trip will take place during a good snow. ;)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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seaglass carousel

February 19, 2016

I have been eager to see the new SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery in New York City. For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing my first visit with you!

I hadn’t been able to fit in a Carousel visit on any trip I’ve made into New York since the Carousel opened last August. When I found out it would be open for visitors during Presidents’ Day week, I scheduled a special trip to make my first trip!

Winter may not seem the ideal time to plan a trip to a park, but it turned out to be the perfect time! There were no lines or crowds to deal with – the cold weather kept everyone away! And, the fact that it was a gray day totally worked in my favor – better for viewing the glow of the lights!

From the moment I caught a glimpse of the ride, I was impressed. But then, I guess the result of 10 years work and $16 million dollars should be impressive!

Although actually made of fiberglass and steel, the structure looks like sea glass! It is made up of 30 sea creatures – some as tall as 13 ½ feet – that glow from within to create a marine life looking bioluminescence.

Passengers sit inside the creatures as they rotate and rise up and down. Each creature has 3 stereo speakers and a base speaker to best project the classical music selections that play during the ride (and include sounds of gurgling water).

The Carousel is truly a unique experience and definitely worth the $5. fee to take a ride. (I am guessing the same as the price of a beer in NYC?)

Hours/days of operation are limited during the winter, dependent on the weather, so check the SeaGlass Carousel Facebook page for up-to-date schedule information if you plan on visiting.

I am looking forward to going back – next time at night; to get the full effect of the glowing!

I hope I have inspired you to visit the SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery next time you are in New York City!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. I posted a short video of the SeaGlass Carousel on my Instagram. :)

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visiting bass pro in ct

January 15, 2016

The destination for today’s Friday field trip may seem an unusual choice, but if you consider how much I love a good theme, it makes perfect sense.

We are visiting a place where an outdoor sportsman theme is running in overdrive – Bass Pro Shop.

crosswalk at Bass Pro pleasure in simple things blog

The crosswalk leading into Bass Pro Shop in Bridgeport, CT

Growing up, I was exposed to hunting, fishing, camping, and a variety of outdoor sports at a young age because my dad was a big sportsman and lover of the outdoors. And, I certainly am no stranger to boat shows. It seemed natural I would want to check out the new Bass Pro store where they specialize in all these areas.

But, once I got there, it was not the merchandise that grabbed my attention, but rather, the décor surrounding the merchandise – the place is like Disney for the outdoorsy set.

light fixtures at Bass Pro pleasure in simple things blog

One of my favorite details at the Bass Pro in Connecticut are the hand painted light fixtures on the second floor.

In Fish Bowl Bowling Alley and Uncle Buck’s Grill, there is dramatic lighting and plenty of props to help simulate an under-the-sea ambiance. Details like a school of fish above the bar and alligator eyes painted on bowling balls are sure to grab attention. I’m pretty sure any kid would gladly trade some of his toys or give away Halloween candy (that’s serious biz) for a chance to bowl in the Fish Bowl bowling alley!

The store is worth checking out, even if you aren’t currently in the market for a fishing pole or a firearm! I guess many others think so too since people are traveling great distances to visit. The Bass Pro Shop in Bridgeport is only the second store in New England and the first in Connecticut. It is a great spot to stop and check out if you are driving along the Connecticut coast because it is super easy to access off I95.

Dad, if you are listening; I sure wish you could have seen this place! And, they even sell live bait!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend.

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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a little place on the water

December 29, 2015

Okay, I didn’t get this past weekend off and I am working three jobs this week, but I did get to spend Christmas Day with the people that matter the most to me and it was pretty darn special. I hope your day was as wonderful as mine!

Because Friday will be the month’s book giveaway, I am sharing a quick field trip today…a few photos I took of a little getaway by the water I was lucky enough to visit…this is a detached family room that is pure heaven! Yes, please. I’ll take one! This is the type of place my dreams are made of!

Enjoy the photos and enjoy the end of 2015 and ushering in 2016!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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christmas magic

December 18, 2015

The best time to visit a favorite store as the holidays approach is when Christmas gift buying has been completed. Sound crazy? Well, once the pressure is off to find the perfect gifts, the whole shopping experience changes. The perspective shifts from one that has been focused on gift buying to one that is enjoying the shopping experience in an entirely different way.

For me, I can genuinely appreciate my surroundings and soak in the effort that has been made to create a beautiful holiday aesthetic. If I should find a little something special to add to a stocking – fine. But, there is no real urgency to the gift buying.

You probably know by now that one of my favorite stores is Grace. Today, for Friday field trip, I am sharing some of the wonderful holiday aesthetic created by this marvelous shop in Niantic. Enjoy!