I’m kicking off the summer by heading out to Fire Island with some friends this weekend. The weather isn’t going to be the best, but it will be fun to get out of the city and relax before Alt Summit next week.  Yay!

Last year was my first year to visit the island. I found it to be a unique environment: tame deer, no cars, frigid waters and weather-worn nostalgia. I describe it as “camping at the beach”. 

• Motor vehicles are not permitted on the island.
• The first Fire Island Lighthouse was built in 1825 and was replaced by the current lighthouse in 1858.
• One of the oldest Coast Guard stations in America, Station #25 has been in uninterrupted operation since 1849.
• A memorial to TWA 800 is located on the eastern end at Smith Point County Park near where it crashed.

I’m interested to see how it has changed since the hurricane last year.

• A 2009 beach renourishment program was credited with saving the island from the full effects of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
• Hurricane Sandy completely destroyed 90 homes and tore away about 75 feet of the dune coastline.

Aren’t these the coolest beach towels? I first saw them on Gilt, but they are also available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. The perfect vintage beach accessory for the Isle of Fire!

Instagram  will be blowing up with my photos this weekend. Check them out and we’ll catch up next week as I prep for Alt Summit.

 Happy Weekend!

girlgrowingsmall:

ad-busting:

H&M’s new beachwear campaign featuring Jennie Runk is pretty awesome. In this article she explains that women have sent her messages saying that this ad campaign has given them the confidence to try on a bikini for the first time in years!

See… it does make a difference when we see diverse body types in advertising and media! 

(via womenshealthandactivism)

Today is my and Nathan’s thirteenth wedding anniversary! We have had many adventures in those years, and I am certainly ready for more.

I want to share with you something I’ve recently learned about and wish I’d been aware of earlier in my life: The Enneagram of Personality. If you are a human being and have relationships of any kind, I urge you to investigate the Enneagram. There is much much more for me to learn on the subject, but basically it defines nine personality types that reveal your basic desires, fears, vices and virtues. Once I discovered my type number, I found it easier to understand my thoughts and motivations - past, present and future.

To find your Enneagram type, you need to take a short test like the one from the Enneagram Institute here. It is only a free sample, but is sufficient to find your type. You will be amazed at how accurate your number describes the person you are! (Note: If your score is similarly high on several numbers, read each of those descriptions and determine which one best fits.) Short descriptions can be found here. 

After Nathan and I discovered our numbers (7 and 6, respectively), we had a laugh reading about our relationship type combination or how we relate to each other.  It now informs and supports how we interact and we have found it an invaluable tool for our relationship.

Even if you’re skeptical, I urge you to give the Enneagram a chance. If you’ve ever taken a test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, you know that typology has its place and can help pave the road to self-discovery and development. And I’ll take all the help I can get!

Hi all. So, I just finished up the Gin Tasting and now I’m on to another party. I’m not sure when my introverted self became such a party animal. I’m going to guess it was when I devised a way to learn + party. This time I will be teaching two friends to make terrariums (and inspiring you to have your own party in the process). Can you learn from the internet and the countless other posts on DIYing terrariums? Sure. Would that choice include prosecco, a playlist and friends? Likely not, so get some pals together and get to it!

Paperless Post is the bomb, you guys. Their designs are so lovely and you can customize most elements. And they give you 25 coins to spend when you sign up. Yes, coins. How else do you expect to purchase virtual stationary but with virtual coins? 

Just follow the flowchart above and you will be enjoying your own terrarium in no time. I do want to remind you that many of my containers have come from thrifting (always better to reuse, right?). You can find all kinds of interesting containers this way. I even used an old perfume bottle that I bought at a flea market.  Empty liquor bottles and mason jars work well too. If the mouth is too small to add plants, just poke some moss and twigs in there and call it a day!

 The most important thing is to choose either an open or closed terrarium because this determines the kinds of plants you can use. I usually choose closed versions because they are self-sufficient; the water condensates and the plant recycles it. Only if the top is loose will you have to check it and water every once in a while. As far as plants go, a closed terrarium requires moisture-loving plants. I have had great success with the plants pictured above. Ivy is supposed to work, but I have not had luck with it. Moss, ferns, baby’s tears, philodendron and bromeliads are my go-to closed terrarium plants. Open terrariums can accept really any kind of houseplant; succulents and cacti are especially popular and low-maintenance. 

Another thing to consider is the amount of sunlight your terrarium will absorb. I keep most of mine on my windowsills. This is perfect in the winter, but can be too intense in the summer as the glass magnifies the effects of the sunlight and overheats the plants inside. Just keep an eye on them and reposition accordingly. 

 The size of your container will affect the amount of materials you will need and use:

1. The first layer is rocks, which you can purchase at pet, garden or craft stores. Add enough to the bottom for adequate drainage.

2. The next layer is activated charcoal, which you can get at pet or garden stores (it is used in fish tanks). Add a thin layer over the rocks.

3. Depending on the depth of your container, you will next add soil. Leave enough room for your plant’s roots. 

4. Next is your plant(s). Make sure they are not touching the glass as it will make them brown. One of the trickiest things is finding the right sized and shaped plants. If it won’t hurt the plant, you can divide it and use only a section because it needs room to grow.

5. If your container is going to be closed, you can add moss around the sides of the plant. Open containers with succulents or cacti should be carefully filled in with pebbles on top.  

6. Top your creation with a whimsical inhabitants like Yoda or dinosaurs!

If you’d like to see one made, watch this Martha Stewart video . It’s a good thing.

No party would be complete without a themed playlist. This is totally normal, right? I have been working on this one for some time so I have a longer extended version here. The curated one above can be listened to by clicking here or on the image. Photosynthesis, ya’ll. 

I hope you have been inspired to make a terrarium and, more importantly, to do it with friends: Do It Yourself Together.

You can follow the party on Instagram on Friday. See you there!

The #gindig was a success and I hope the photos and my How To posts will inspire you to have your own tasting. You can certainly replace gin with pretty much anything and in fact, we plan to have a rum tasting next!​

Nathan did a fabulous job with the history and introduction of the gins. Everyone was pleasantly surprised by the sweetness and complexity of the gins we chose.​

​After the tasting and some appetizers, Nathan manned the bar and everyone ordered their first cocktail. Below is the making of Aletha’s dirty Martini with Dorothy Parker American Gin. It was a winner! 

The Rosemary Gin & Tonic with Warwick Gin was ​also quite popular. It was a little hot that day and it was oh so refreshing!

More cocktails were made and served through sunset and into the night! The other recipes can be found here.​  Cheers to everyone who helped and attended! 

See also:

How To: Throw a Gin Tasting Part 1

How To: Throw a Gin Tasting Part 2

How ​To: Throw a Gin Tasting Part 3

3. Cocktails

Welcome back! In Part 1 we prepped and in Part 2 we learned all about gin. Now it’s time to choose cocktails to highlight your selection.​ This is great fun and, of course, requires lots of pre-tasting. With friends, maybe some appys? Aaannndd now you’re having a a pre-tasting tasting party. I digress.

Below is the mix of traditional and contemporary recipes we will be using. Cheers (Drink To That)!

​

The Bomb Collins is, of course, an iteration on the Tom Collins. Peach and sage make it the perfect drink to kick off the summer. Enjoy in the sunshine.

This take on the traditional French 75 replaces simple syrup with the syrupy goodness that is St. Germain. I’d say that makes it extra French.

A classic Martini with 3 different garnish options. What’s your pick?

This is one of my summertime favs: Gin & Tonic with a rosemary sprig. Add a cucumber slice to the whole thing to make it extra refreshing! Again, best served in the sunshine.

Gin is an accomplished spirit with a rich history. New recipes and distilleries are reviving the industry and I hope you will give them a taste.

Extra Credit:​

Cheers to Mrs. Lilien for inspiration - check out her blog! ​

Drink Notes (Pinterest)​

Gin, Tonic and a Dash of Restraint (NYT)

It’s 5:00 somewhere. Happy weekend!​

2. The Gin

​So you’ve decided on your invites and inspiration and it’s time to choose your gin. If you are a nerd like me, you will feel compelled to learn about the history before embarking on this aromatic adventure. From Dutch medicinal to English poison, from bathtubs to palaces, gin has had a long and sordid history. Unflagging, it stood the test of time and evolved into a modern and complex spirit.

Below is a visual history of the most important parts of gin’s past: 

A great quote about the effects of gin from my favorite book/play/movie:

And now, the gin.

Which gins you choose to taste is up to you. You may want to choose from the top ten or perhaps a selection from a specific area. For our party, we have selected from local New York distilleries. Below are the four gins that we will taste and then highlight in specialty cocktails (they are in order from sweetest to driest).​

Click anywhere on the profiles to go to the distiller’s website.​

It is definitely hard to choose without trying first. Like I said, if you can go to your local liquor store and get some advice. Sometimes they’ll even crack open a bottle and let you taste! You can also go to a well-stocked bar to try them for yourself. 

Come back tomorrow for cocktail recipes!

​P.S. This quote is on the bottle of Dorothy Parker American Gin. Oh, Dorothy!

2. The Gin

​So you’ve decided on your invites and inspiration and it’s time to choose your gin. If you are a nerd like me, you will feel compelled to learn about the history before embarking on this aromatic adventure. From Dutch medicinal to English poison, from bathtubs to palaces, gin has had a long and sordid history. Unflagging, it stood the test of time and evolved into a modern and complex spirit.

Below is a visual history of the most important parts of gin’s past: (click to tweet)

A great quote about the effects of gin from my favorite book/play/movie:

And now, the gin.

Which gins you choose to taste is up to you. You may want to choose from the top ten or perhaps a selection from a specific area. For our party, we have selected from local New York distilleries. Below are the four gins that we will taste and then highlight in specialty cocktails (they are in order from sweetest to driest).​

Click anywhere on the profiles to go to the distiller’s website.​

It is definitely hard to choose without trying first. Like I said, if you can go to your local liquor store and get some advice. Sometimes they’ll even crack open a bottle and let you taste! You can also go to a well-stocked bar to try them for yourself. 

Come back tomorrow for cocktail recipes!

​P.S. This quote is on the bottle of Dorothy Parker American Gin. Oh, Dorothy!

I’m helping with a gin tasting party on Friday, so I thought I’d do my first “how to” post. It’s an exciting time in distilling and spirits. A lot of people say they don’t like gin because they’ve only tried very dry traditional gins (Beefeater, London’s, Seagrams, Tanqueray, etc).  If this is you, I encourage you to give some of the new brands a taste. They are smooth and aromatic with lovely botanical infusions. Now don’t worry - I’m going to lead you through party inspiration, history, spirit profiles and gin cocktails. Hang on to your hats!

1. Inspiration & Preparation

First, you must choose your theme, invitations and gins. I suggest Paperless Post for invitations; you can choose from paper or online options. If you aren’t sure which gins to highlight, go to your local liquor store, ask questions and get suggestions. This article is a great place to start too.​ Later, I’ll give you the profiles of the four local gins we’ll be tasting at the party.

​

1 handsome cocktail invite​ | 2 number bottle stoppers | 3 Breuckelen Glorious Gin | 4 stainless steel cocktail stirrers | 5 Greenhook American Dry Gin | 6 Dorothy Parker American Gin

Next up: A Visual History of Gin

Since visiting the American Museum of Natural History last weekend, I have found the Audrey Hepburn quote I posted yesterday to be true; I went through much of the museum, but it didn’t all sink in until later. I have enjoyed going back to label and prepare the pictures for this post. Unintentionally, it’s all looking very Wes Anderson, but I like it.

As an educator, the African toys pictured above were of great interest; there were dolls, wooden bows and arrows, and games meant to mimic adult activities and prepare the tribal children for adulthood. Their uses were obvious and clearly defined the gender roles of their owners. 

Besides the backlit Hall of Animals, I was drawn to photograph intricate or delicate items. To me, they are like exquisite art sculptures. Below is a crystallized mineral called stibnite.

Whether you live in New York or are visiting, I highly recommend exploring the American Museum of Natural History. The artifacts in this post are part of the permanent displays, but they host an ever-changing series of ​exhibits like the Butterfly Conservatory. Check the website for current exhibits.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! Go, explore, learn!​

Since visiting the American Museum of Natural History last weekend, I have found the Audrey Hepburn quote I posted yesterday to be true; I went through much of the museum, but it didn’t all sink in until later. I have enjoyed going back to label and prepare the pictures for this post. Unintentionally, it’s all looking very Wes Anderson, but I like it.

As an educator, the African toys pictured above were of great interest; there were dolls, wooden bows and arrows, and games meant to mimic adult activities and prepare the tribal children for adulthood. Their uses were obvious and clearly defined the gender roles of their owners. 

Besides the backlit Hall of Animals, I was drawn to photograph intricate or delicate items. To me, they are like exquisite art sculptures. Below is a crystallized mineral called stibnite.

Whether you live in New York or are visiting, I highly recommend exploring the American Museum of Natural History. The artifacts in this post are part of the permanent displays, but they host an ever-changing series of ​exhibits like the Butterfly Conservatory. Check the website for current exhibits.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! Go, explore, learn!​