Welcome to my blog ~ where aesthetics are a passion, details are a priority, and pleasure in simple things is celebrated!
I invite you to share my inspirations for a creative life and a lifetime of adventures.
Thanks so much for visiting, Jackie
With temperatures reaching in the 60’s this past weekend in Connecticut, thinking ahead to beach days is definitely in order!
For today’s Friday field trip, in honor of warmer weather glimpses, some of my favorite outdoor photos from my last trip to the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
I did want to live like a local on my recent excursion to Orange County, California. I was told one thing I had to experience, if I was indeed living like a local, was a burger from In-N-Out. I guess the equivalent of a McDonalds or Burger King on the East Coast is In-N-Out on the West Coast.
I was game. So, my friends took me for a late dinner one night to give it a try. I admit – the burger was good. But, more interesting by far was the menu. Or, I should say, lack of menu.
There was a whole ‘secret’ menu going on! To simply order something from the menu meant missing out on a bunch of interesting choices from the ‘secret’ menu – all the choices that were not written down anywhere, but could be ordered if you happened to know the ‘secret’ names!
As an East Coaster, of course I knew none of the ‘secret’ names, but my friends did. That is how I happened to order a burger ‘Protein Style.’ Instead of placing my burger in a bun, the meat was simply wrapped up in fresh lettuce. Perfect for me! It tasted even better knowing it was a ‘secret’ menu item!
Some of the other ‘secret’ items the locals can order? ‘Animal Style Fries’. This seems to be a must-have for Californians. The famous hand cut fries from In-N-Out are smothered in cheese, grilled onions, and then topped with a glob of their secret spread. It seemed everyone around me was enjoying these babies!
Next time I happen to be in the vicinity of an In-N-Out, I think I would try ‘The Flying Dutchman’ – this is two perfectly cooked meat patties held together with a few slices of melted cheese in the middle…I do like some cheese with my burger!
All and all- a really fun trip with my friends to my first In-N-Out tasting! In addition to ordering from the ‘secret’ menu, I think the food tasted that much better because we stopped for dinner after being stuck in SoCal traffic for hours! Living like a local!
Thanks for stopping by Friday field trip!
Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
Thanks D & R for a fabulous time!
no comments
For today’s Friday field trip, I am continuing the photo essay of my visit to Taliesin West, the architectural school and winter residence of famed Frank Lloyd Wright, designer of iconic buildings, including the Guggenheim Museum.
This National Historical Landmark is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Wright’s intent was to use the facility to train architects.
Regardless of what your personal opinion may be about Wright’s style, the way he embraced nature with his design of Taliesin West can definitely be appreciated by all who visit.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
On a recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, I visited the city’s only National Historical Landmark – Taliesin West. The landmark was architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter camp and desert laboratory.
Whether you are interested in design or are just fascinated by notable people in history, Taliesin West is worth visiting. Today, I am sharing some photos from Taliesin West – what Frank Lloyd Wright called “a look over the rim of the world.” The location still functions as a learning facility.
Frank Lloyd Wright, as you may or may not know, led a very colorful personal life (some of this has been documented in the historical fiction by Nancy Horan, Loving Frank.)
This week, I am sharing some photos from my visit to Taliesin.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
I don’t really mean to make you hungry!
I just couldn’t resist posting photos of the fabulous lunch I had at a place called The Herb Box in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The entrée was so unique and so tasty, I am sharing it today on Friday field trip. What was the entrée?
Butternut squash corn enchiladas…so good! The restaurant has even received accolades for this meal as the best vegetarian lunch in Scottsdale.
My meal was supplemented with a salad and a variety of house baked cookies…yummy!
Maybe you will be inspired to lunch at someplace new!
Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
My friend Phyllis is finishing up a remodel of the bathroom off her bedroom. I am so enamored with the results!
So, even though the bathroom wasn’t yet styled and the window coverings weren’t yet complete, I snapped a few photos when I was last over her house. This bathroom just made me so happy to look at, I had to share.
The level of detail on the trim work is beautiful. A mutual friend from back in our high school days is a master craftsman and was responsible for the designing/creating of these details.
The combination of a master craftsman and my friend’s great taste made the bathroom come together in a fabulous way!
The entire project was spearheaded by the selection of two beautiful sea glass looking sinks! They were the first item chosen for the bathroom and provide a fabulous little pop of color to the finished project!
The ‘cherry on the top’ is the view from the tub! But then, this is the yard I call a park…the landscaping is fabulous and the property adjoins a golf course. In the middle of winter it may be hard to imagine the gorgeous view during the rest of the year, but you can see it by clicking here.
Thanks for joining me today on Friday field trip. I hope you enjoyed seeing some little glimpses of my friend’s new bathroom!
My buddy, Sadie!
Have a marvelous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
I shared photos of the white sandy beach I visited in Arizona in my last post. For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing some additional glimpses from my stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This hotel is currently celebrating its 28 consecutive year as a five Diamond resort. It boasts 6 pools and 2 18-hole championship golf courses.
The most impressive part of the resort for me was the spa. Even though I did not utilize the services the spa had to offer, I did take a quick tour. From the rooftop pool with mountain views to all the thoughtfully landscaped courtyards, the way the facility is integrated with nature is truly beautiful.
The 5 restaurants on property also utilize the outdoors. My favorite outdoor seating is at the restaurant Toro. So comfy looking, don’t you think? And, some great views as well.
It was also a restaurant – La Hacienda – that housed my favorite lighting fixture. (You probably know by now that I have a thing for lighting!)
The Fairmont strives to provide harmony with nature through vast open spaces, lushly landscaped grounds, and plenty of Saguaro cacti.
A fun spot for visitors to party is in the faux Western town created on the resort property. There is plenty of ambience to add Western vibes to any gathering!
If you know me, you know I never visit a hotel without checking out the desserts! My goal is usually to do the best I can to meet the pastry chefs when I am on property – they are my rock stars! My favorites at The Fairmont were this chocolate raspberry torte and a deconstructed Boston Cream Pie. I plan on recreating the later!
I hope you enjoyed this little visit to The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess! Thanks for stopping by!
Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
A recent trip to Arizona rekindled an old love for all things cactus! My succulent passion began when I was in junior high school and my grandparents invited me to join them on a trip to Phoenix.
From the moment I arrived in Arizona, I was totally intrigued by all the cacti adorning the landscape. I even tried (unsuccessfully) to smuggle some specimens back to Connecticut. (At the time, this was forbidden by the Department of Agriculture.)
I think it is pretty safe to say I was the only 8th grader in Connecticut back then who subscribed to Arizona Highways magazine! Every month I eagerly awaited the newest edition – each one filled with photos of cacti – many of the photos including gorgeous, colorful sunsets!
So, maybe you can understand why my recent trip to Arizona had to include observations ‘in the wild’ of any cacti I was able to find!
For today’s Friday field trip, I hope you have enjoyed some of my findings!
Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous weekend!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
This time of year always makes me wish for warmer weather. So, why not share some with you today on Friday field trip!
These photos were taken on my last visit to Naples, Florida. I walked with some friends down the Naples pier and snapped these pics…it makes me warm just thinking about it!
Enjoy!
Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
Not sure what I thought an acai bowl was. I certainly had heard of it. Never gave it much thought.
If I had known it was a healthy smoothie-in-a-bowl, I probably would have made an effort to try it much sooner!
It is basically a smoothie topped with granola. It is said to have been originally invented by Brazilian surfers, but soon spread to other areas with large surfing cultures – like Maui and California.
My current favorite at Playa Bowls. The Olas Bowl is made up of a banana blend topped with granola, banana, blueberry, coconut flakes, chia seeds & almond butter.
The acai is a berry in Brazil that looks similar to a grape and is a super source of antioxidants. Since it goes badly very quickly, you won’t find it fresh in stores. Instead, in the grocery store, you will find it as a frozen puree.
When making the bowls, some places started substituting the acai for pitaya (another name for dragon fruit). Pitaya is found in Mexico and Central America. It is sweeter and has more nutrients than acai. It tastes more like a watermelon – whereas acai is more like a blackberry in taste.
My first taste of an acai or pitaya bowl was when my daughter took me to a place called Playa Bowls in Connecticut. Jersey shore natives Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor recreated their favorite recipes from surfing locations they visited and founded Playa Bowls – the shop that currently includes over 50 locations in 6 states with more on the way!
Now that I have tried an acai bowl, I am hooked! Always one to like food cold or frozen (you know my love for ice pops and slushies!), these bowls are a perfect treat for me! What a great discovery!
Have you tried an acai or pitaya bowl? What ingredients are your favorites? Do you have a recipe you can share?
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
no comments
