friday field trip — pleasure in simple things

Tag: friday field trip

holiday shopping trip

December

Today for Friday field trip, a little shopping trip to one of my very favorite gift shops – Taken for Granite in Stony Creek. If you follow the blog, you know I especially love this shop at its holiday finest!

My schedule did not allow me to make it to the evening open house this year, but I found the daylight just as magical!

As always, the best in holiday styling! Enjoy!

I hope this awesome shop provided you with a little holiday inspiration! Thanks for stopping by!

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

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wild about harry

November

If you know me at all, you know my favorite entertainer is Harry Connick, Jr. I have watched him perform in person more than any other entertainer… in addition to seeing many, many of his concerts, I have watched him perform on Broadway – from the front row…and, I even sat in the audience for a taping of one of his holiday specials…and now, I can say I have seen a taping of his new daytime show, Harry!

For today’s Friday field trip, I am sharing a few photos from my first visit to a Harry show taping!

If you live somewhere commutable to New York City, I definitely recommend requesting tickets to see the Harry show for yourself! Not only is Harry Connick, Jr. a great guy and a wonderful performer, but his show includes his full orchestra! A visit to a taping is like attending a concert…Harry singing with a full band…incredible! The band even performs during the breaks! And then, a few celebrity guests are thrown in.

Photos of Harry or the actual show to be aired are not allowed, so I can’t share that with you, but if you watch the show today, you may just catch a glimpse of me “backing it up” with Harry!

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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a connecticut vineyard

September

Connecticut may not seem a likely state for vineyards, but we do have them! Today’s photos for Friday field trip prove it!

Recently, I attended a meeting that was held at a vineyard. Although the meeting was held indoors – someone made a bad call there – I took a few moments to sneak outside to check out the view.

A warm summer evening was the perfect time to enjoy the lovely grounds!

I now have Gouveia Vineyards on my list of places to visit. I plan on returning when I have some time to really explore! This could be a perfect leaf peeping location!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a really marvelous weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on a connecticut vineyard | field trips, travel

lunch in laguna

July

Join me for Friday field trip as I take you on a little trip up Cliff Drive to Las Brisas – a restaurant with one of the most scenic views in Laguna Beach, California!

Las Brisas provides wonderful meals inspired by Mexico, and served with California freshness; using local ingredients.

The food is wonderful, but coupled with the view from a window table, the experience can not be beat! Of course, a Mexican inspired meal has to begin with a little fresh guacamole!

Even with a wonderful meal, for me, the focus was on the view! And, after the meal, taking in the view outside the restaurant is definitely in order!

Within a few walking steps, a gazebo with a lookout spot provides a clear view of Bird Rock.

A great spot to enjoy a little daydreaming…

And, to do a little bird watching.

Have a wonderful weekend friends! Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on lunch in laguna | field trips, sand & sea, travel

jonesing for warmer temps

April

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

4 comments » | field trips, sand & sea

first visit to texas

March

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

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

Comments Off on baita pop-up in nyc | field trips, food & festivities, travel

seaglass carousel

February

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. :)

Comments Off on seaglass carousel | field trips, sand & sea

lovely cakes field trip

November

When I heard that Lovely Cakes was opening a new location in Connecticut, I was intrigued. But, when I found out there would be an open house, I was thrilled!

As a notable by both Brides and The Knot as the best for wedding cakes, Lovely Cakes is a top pick for area brides-to-be. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to taste the cakes made by owner Renata Papadopoulos as well as get the chance to check out the designer’s newest kitchen!

For Friday field trip today, I am sharing a few pics from the visit! I am just sorry I can not share tasting the cakes with you as well!

I enjoyed touring behind-the-scenes – especially the pan collection! A strong case of pan envy for me!

And, I had the opportunity to find out first-hand that the cakes did, indeed, taste just as good as they looked!

chocolate cake with Bailey's Irish Cream pleasure in simple things blog

Lovely Cake’s chocolate cake with Bailey’s Irish Cream buttercream.

Lovely cakes samples on pleasure in simple things blog

Confetti vanilla cake by Lovely Cakes with chocolate fudge icing.

vanilla cake with salted caramel icing pleasure in simple things blog

Lovely Cake’s vanilla cake with signature salted caramel buttercream.

Have a great weekend my friends! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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summer sculpture showcase

September

Today we are visiting a sculpture garden in the historic district of Old Lyme, Connecticut. Sculptures placed over the 4.5 acres of property of artist Gilbert Boro make up the Summer Sculpture Showcase available for viewing by the public.

Over 90 large-scale, abstract sculptural works, inspired by nature and created by a number of artists – including Boro – make up the showcase, located adjacent to the Lyme Academy of Fine Art.

I was lucky enough to meet Boro, his private residence located amid the landscaped garden, on the afternoon I took a leisurely stroll through the exhibit. Speaking with him, it was clear art was his passion.

There is certainly something for everyone in the garden –an interesting assortment of sculpture created in a number of different styles and materials.

Easily accessible off Exit 70 of Interstate 95, the Showcase is a great summer stop. It is open to the public without charge from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, through September 13th.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Friday field trip.

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

Comments Off on summer sculpture showcase | field trips, garden, inspiration

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