My first trip was at least twenty years ago... Once again, a three hour ride down to the very end of the Garden State Parkway took us to America's oldest seashore resort filled with quaint shops, succulent seafood and rows upon rows of charming bed and breakfast painted ladies... 

"Painted ladies" is a term used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. Cape May, New Jersey, is filled with them! In fact, as we learned during our trolley tour, town law states any new structure must be built of wood in compliance with the antique style. Owners can paint their buildings in any color, just as long as they are painted, anything other than wood is strictly prohibited in order to maintain Cape May's famous old-time spirit and charm. Strolling the outdoor shoppers haven, we perused many unique boutiques, said hello to one of the carriage horses and returned to our porch for afternoon refreshments, watching vacationers like ourselves drink in the relaxed air.

Of course, I took many pictures... because each on is worth a thousand words. Streets lined, one after the other with such attention to detail in gingerbread trimming, impeccably enhanced by the surrounding kaleidoscope of fresh flowers and lush landscapes. Have a look...

There is a crowded room with all kinds of conversations going on. People are laughing, glasses are being held high, but for this one couple, as they kiss, everything around them stops. In that moment, love is all that exists and they are in the center of it... 

Adorned with a classic white ribbon, the famous Blue box is an international symbol of style and sophistication that has circled the globe... Tiffany and Co. is a name synonymous with elegance and style, but most of all, love. This year marks the 175th anniversary of its founding on Lower Broadway, and what better way to celebrate than by opening a store in the neighborhood where Charles Lewis Tiffany developed his growing enterprise. Once the company began building its new store on Greene Street in SoHo due to open in September, it was no surprise the company schemed a picturesque way to make even its construction site look gorgeous! By allowing selected artists to create images of what they believe true love to be on the hoarding that is surrounding the storefront, this approach embraces the essence of the SoHo community by displaying its connection with the arts. There are four artists who are participating in this effort: Danielle Dimston, Ellis Gallagher, Danny Roberts of Igor + Andre and Natasha Law. Each artist’s work will be on display for just two weeks.

Fashion Artist Danny Roberts painted an original art piece live on the street beginning August 6th and finished on the 8th. So far, this mural has been the most elaborate of the lot, and the largest he has personally done to date, measuring 15 feet by 35 feet. This is certainly taking street art to whole other level, enlisting him a total of 133 hours... Wow! Have a look...

Tiffany is once again the talk of the town... xoxo-Sonya

After cooking up a storm for my daughter's graduation party, all the subsequent summer meals and seemingly endless late night dinners, it was definitely time for me to mix it up again. I admit I get bored very easily with food. Instead of resorting to my usual formula when entertaining guests - two apps to start, major dinner entree and some tasty ending sweets - let's go rogue! Let's enjoy tapas! A little bit of this, a little bit of that, some light wine and rich conversation in the company of great friends on a balmy Saturday night. Since it rained earlier in the evening, forget about sitting outside on the deck. We wound up cozy in the kitchen, relaxed with a table of bite sized goodies... My kind of noshing on a hot summer night.
The word "tapas" is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, "to cover". Yep, sounds about right... cover the table with food! Tapas are snacks, canapes or finger food that originated in Spain. Tapas come in many different forms and can vary from town to town. Want to see what I prepared for the menu here in River Vale? Pictures speak a thousand words..