Printers Tray Art
February 21st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Hi!
How are you? I hope you had a nice weekend. One thing I learned this weekend: to a 3-year old, the best thing about a trip to an art museum is riding the big, long elevators. Oh well. I’m sure he absorbed a little bit of culture by simply being in the building 
Speaking of art, I just opened an email from High Falls Mercantile and saw an adorable piece of art which has inspired me to take on think about taking on a DIY project. (I’m not a DIY-er. I’m the polar opposite of a DIY-er…basically, I’m a “Hire-er” or “Buy-er.”)
"Gentle Earth" Assemblage by Canace
But these Printers Tray Assemblages by Canace, while obviously beautiful and interesting works of art, also inspire a different way to keep–and display–mementos, whether they’re from vacations, weddings, honeymoons, childhood, relationships, or hobbies.
I don’t know about you, but my mementos and souvenirs are scattered. Some are taped into journals, some are in my jewelry box, but most are buried in our basement dwellers: otherwise known as “the large Tupperware bins o’ Amy’s crap.”
I literally lift up one corner of a bin’s lid and toss in whatever trinket I want to save. Kind of pointless since I look through the bins maybe once a year. Unfortunately, I’ve been following the same method for Peter’s mementos. The kid doesn’t even have one cohesive baby book.
I think it would be so cute to find a printers tray in which to group and display small photos, shells, rocks, movie/theater tickets, dried flowers, small notes, pieces of fabric, etc. , all related specific theme. So much cooler and more functional than an album or scrapbook (or Tupperware bin)!
I want to create one after this summer’s Cape Cod vacation and for Peter’s baby/toddlerhood (maybe from birth to age 5 ). Or even better, have Peter collect items from our vacation(s) and he can create his own printers tray art …fun!
The challenge will be finding small printers trays. The ones I’ve found online are huge. I’ll be keeping an eye out for some the next time I’m browsing an antiques store. However, now that I think about it, I suppose a certain recently retired stepfather could be persuaded to build a faux printers tray for me 
Enjoy the rest of Presidents’ Day!
Our Long Weekend: High Falls Mercantile
November 2nd, 2010 § 2 Comments
Is it true that a month has gone by since our long weekend away? Man. In case you didn’t know, time really does fly.
Well, being that it’s Pretty Things Tuesday, I thought I’d share some pictures we took at the High Falls Mercantile, a gorgeous home decor store located in the center of High Falls, NY.
After hitting up a tag sale that was taking place in a parking lot near the store, Pete and I went inside the Mercantile and…I heard the choirs of heaven. The store was simply a feast for my eyes. My kind of store. We browsed, took photos, and chatted with the owners for quite a while.
Inspired by the chocolate souffle we shared the night before (no, I still haven’t written the post about our fine dining experience, but the souffle was a part of it), I bought a batter bowl and butter crocks/ramekins for the sole purpose of baking chocolate souffles at home. Every day. Sigh…no, I haven’t baked a souffle yet, but I will! In the meantime, the pottery pretties-up my counter.
Here are some other pictures that Pete took in the store:
That’s just a sampling of their wares. Definitely stop by the Mercantile if you’re in the High Falls area. They have also recently started accepting online orders, which may be a little too convenient for me There I go being all materialistic again…
Our Long Weekend: The B & B
October 19th, 2010 § 2 Comments
Two weekends ago, MomMom and Pop stayed with Peter while Pete and I hightailed it to High Falls, NY for a belated birthday present/early anniversary present long weekend.
We decided to spend some time in the Hudson Valley area because we might, possibly, maybe, at some point in the distant future, choose to relocate there. So we basically wanted to scope it out to see if we’re crazy for even thinking about such a move. (I can tell you now that we’re not crazy. It’s a lovely place.)
As my birthday present, Pete researched the accommodations and made the bed and breakfast reservation. Now, I’m not knocking Pete (like I usually do on this blog. Sorry, dear.), but I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I just prayed for a private bathroom and no bedbugs.
And, boy did he deliver! Not only did we have our own bathroom and a bed without bugs, but the place was ADORABLE, the proprietor was super nice, and her breakfasts were amazing! I swore I was never going to leave, but of course I had to come home to see Peter. I missed him like crazy after 3 days.
If you haven’t been to the Hudson Valley area, you may want to check it out. It’s only about a 3 hour drive from central Massachusetts. It’s similar to Vermont with the same peaceful, rural vibe and dedication to fresh food. Oh, the food! The food was unbelievable! So fresh and so good! Nearly every restaurant we went to on this trip had a PLETHORA of INTERESTING vegetarian options. Despite having dined at excellent restaurants in Boston, New York City, Las Vegas, and New Haven, I had my first vegetarian fine dining experience in High Falls (which I’ll discuss in another post, but let me just tell you now that it was mind-blowing).
For today’s post, though, I just want to put the spotlight on our quaint B & B, The Arbor Bed & Breakfast. Nancy was (and I’m sure she still is) so nice and accommodating, a truly wonderful hostess. I can’t say enough good things about her and her B & B.
Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:
When I first laid eyes on these, I was like SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! How flippin’ cute! Shells used as salt and pepper scoops? I just love little eclectic touches like this.
On Saturday morning, Nancy made these hearty waffles. When I asked her for the recipe, she told us that she’s not really a recipe person, she kind of just throws things together. (The total opposite of me in that respect!) She did say that they were mainly oats with a bit of flour and some walnuts and plain yogurt. I need to experiment a little and try to figure out her secret! I didn’t take a picture of Sunday’s breakfast of baked eggs and whole grain toast because we were busy chatting with the other guests, but that breakfast was out-of-this-world good, as well. Monday morning we left early to head home, so we just grabbed some toast, hard-boiled eggs and bananas to eat in the car.
This is where Pete whooped my butt in Scrabble on Sunday night (I was drinking red wine. He wasn’t. I was IMPAIRED. I’m good at Scrabble!)
Surprisingly, I didn’t get a picture of our room, but you can see it on the website I linked to above. The rooms are identified by paint chips taped to the door. (Cute!) We were in the green room.
In addition to the salt and pepper dishes, here are a few more of my favorite things:
The two stocked bookcases, one downstairs, and one in the upstairs hallway outside of our room–a nice, home-y touch. (I was able to read most of Barrel Fever, by David Sedaris).
The all natural soap and shampoos. I’m blanking on the brands, but I was impressed when I saw them
And the extra activities you have the opportunity to try during your stay (we didn’t do any of them, but I like that they’re there if you want them):
Extras (arrangements must be made in advance):
- Yoga and massage in the comfort of your room is available upon request.
- Painting lessons with renowned Hudson Valley artist, Fran Sutherland, available upon request. For more information, please visit fransutherland.com.
- Cooking workshops with award-winning cookbook author and chef, Corinne Trang, available for parties of 8. For more information, please visit corinnetrang.com.
Finally, here are some outdoor pictures. As you’ll see there are many places to hang out, read a book, and sip a cocktail or cup of tea:
So, yeah, I’m a little in love with the place! In the next installment, I’ll tell you about our day trips to New Paltz and Woodstock and, of course, that fabulous dinner in High Falls…
