Corks and Caftans

In an attempt to marry my passion, wine, with my occupation in the construction industry, I began to develop some new concepts in wine storage and display with a focus on: ease of installation, space-conscious design, unique wine buying and stocking options, and a realistic, workable budget. The real breakthrough for this project came with an inexpensive custom [...]

I was checking my e-mail on the couch when I heard this really pathetic whimper come from the kitchen. “I know that sound,” I thought. I’d been aware, moments earlier, of Rob working on a masterpiece bowl of shredded wheat: arranging the squares, breaking them in half, pouring the milk, tapping the cinnamon out of the bottle, [...]

3 weeks, 3 great wine stores, 3 different bottles from 2 different countries—all bad. After a string of bad bottles from some of the best wine stores I know, I thought it was time for a repost. Up until now, most of the turned bottles I’ve opened have come from auction sites and been relatively [...]

I’ve always been a fan of fringe. And alliteration. Of which you’re about to read a lot. When fringe is added to the equation in the right amounts (and the right quality), it imparts an unrivaled bohemian chic. However, if it looks like you bought it at a craft show, then you too will look like [...]

The ongoing project in Jim and Jenny’s basement… he framed out the entire thing.   Rob’s own soffit design in the living room gets its final touches (and a coat of gold paint; my idea!): And stay tuned for updates on this project:

The other day before an important meeting, I needed to give myself a manicure. Seeing as how it was an important meeting, I went all out. I filled the sink with hot water, sprinkled in sea salt and lavender oil, then got a half of a lemon and stuck my fingers in the lemon and [...]

One of Rob’s and my favorite dinners is seared filet, sliced thick, between two halves of a mini baguette with some mesclun salad. It’s unreal. The best part is flying by the seat of our Hanes’/Eberjey’s and making up a sauce to go along with it. If you know Wodehouses, you know the sauce is [...]

Rob and I went for a walk around Saratoga on Sunday because I feel as if I literally have gotten zero movement in a month. In addition to cooking random “spa” meals I cut out of Shape magazine in 1997, some Pilates here and there and NO ALCOHOL for 3 nights in a row (!!!), I’m hoping [...]

Sleep Talking 1. I’m reading my magazine while Rob sleeps when… Rob: “Unbelieveable.” Carey: “What is?” Rob: “How amazing these floors look.” Later… Rob: “It’s been really great spending time with you.” Carey (putting down the magazine now;  interested): “Yes, it has.” Rob: “Mmm.” Carey: “Remind me, what are you talking about?” Rob: “Twinkle lights.” [...]

I’ve only recently become domestically inclined, but I’m embracing it. It all started with a matching apron and oven mitt and has morphed into a complete kitchen utensil makeover which, I’ll admit, has made cooking way more fun than I ever imagined. I’m a kitchen snob; always have been. I have several favorite kitchens of my past that I call [...]

Dear God! Why is it so cold? Where is the sun? Who invented snow? Why haven’t I turned the heat on? Eli was padding down the hallway just now and poked his head around the doorframe. I looked at him from the bed, shivering. “Hi, there.” “I’s been up for 3 hours, please to feed me!?” “Eli, you were up here [...]