H U N T: New York

Sorry I was away last week.

Mentally.

I had gone to New York with my mom and sister for a "girls' weekend" over the weekend of Nov 6-7-8th and after staying out until 4am on Friday with some friends from college...

I was not able to bounce back like I used to and I proceeded to have the longest most braindead week.

Ever.

I hardly got online and I am sorry I was MIA- but I am recharged and back. Ready to share some fun pics from our trip.

The purpose of the trip was to see friends (& new babies) and hit some antique places on our way down and back from the city. On the way down we stopped in New Cannan, CT to visit a great high school friend, Ainsley. She and her family recently bought a 1700's farmhouse. This is a special property with so much charm.

Check out the dutch doors.

My favorite part of the house was the brick outdoor screened-in porch.

Ainsley has her own interior design business and was one of the people who got me into this line of work. She has so many ideas for this house I can't wait to see it evolve over time.

After shopping in New Canaan's downtown area, we headed to Stamford, CT - to the Antique Center there. Unfortunately the particular warehouse where I had gone antiquing with a friend a few years back burned down two years ago and instead we spent all of our time at the Antique and Artisan Center. They have a couple of buildings (one is even dedicated to accesories and lighting) and there are staged sections representing different dealer's goods. The items are great- fun finds - ranging in period and quality. On the whole, the prices are fair - you can find some good deals but you have to hunt (and negotiate). Some vignettes are super out-there but inspiring in the way they stage the space. It is such a fun place you should all make a trip there soon. I heard there are a couple of other warehouses down the road on Canal Street that are less "high end" and if we had more time, we would've stopped there.

My mom found a piece of furniture she has been hunting for quite some time! That was exciting.

Here are some quick pics I illegally shot inside.

Still dreaming of these wire brackets (display shelves)

This was my favorite section. It was full of OLD OLD bathroom fixtures, sinks, soap dishes, metal towel racks and some curious looking items.

Such as:

Of course my sister knew what this was used for as soon as she saw it. An avid bather, she said unphased, "this is for the big sponge and the soap went on top." How cool!?

In NYC we went to great dinners and I also visited with another old friend from highschool. I can't believe that I didn't take pics of her amazing apartment. I am going to have to do a feature on her place soon. It was so cool (just like she is) yet cozy and quirky. I could have lived there.

We saw some celebs - Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg (sp?), Carolina Herrera and the highlight from Saturday dinner-- Orlando Bloom (looks like a 17 year old boy in person).

Then we went shopping at one of my favorite stores, Gracious Home. I could spend HOURS in this store. They have everything from hardware items, to dishes, candles and Xmas decorations. Below, my favorite section: Tablewares...