Murray's Cheese Bar

Murray's Cheese is a New York City institution.  A couple days ago Murray's Cheese Bar opened just down the street at 264 Bleecker.  Definitely adding this to my list of restaurants to visit!

The decor and menu look so fresh and inviting. And the cheese, oh the cheese! ;D

the menu

all photos from Murray's Cheese Bar 

London calling

With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the beginning of the Summer Olympics, London has been on the world's radar more than ever.  British wallpaper company Graham + Brown has designed wallpaper to commemorate this great city.

House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year 2012

It's that time of year again, the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year is on display at Rockefeller Center in New York City.  It ends July 20th.  It was designed by Mick De Giulio and is a beautiful living space in addition to being a well equipped kitchen.

Beautiful lights and open shelving.

Great idea for pots and pans--no more digging or stacking.

The butler's pantry is spectacular.  The ceiling, sink and crystal pulls all add very special touches.

Dining and living space.

Outdoor dining and cooking patio.  Beautifully done!

The Grand Hotel

Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places and this year The Grand Hotel celebrates its 125th birthday.  Aptly named, it is one of the grandest hotels in America.  The long front porch, amazing views and beautiful geraniums make it breathtakingly beautiful.  The interior is colorful, classic American design.  The whole island gives the feeling of a vacation from yesteryear.  There are no cars allowed and you can only get there by ferry.  Taxis are horse drawn, there are bicycles everywhere and lovely boats in the harbor.  

The hotel's interior was designed by Carlton Varney (Mr. Color) of Dorothy Draper & Company.  Not one room in the hotel is alike and there is a series of First Lady Suites designed by Varney in consultation with Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and Laura Bush.  An additional suite is named after Jacqueline Kennedy.

Jacqueline Kennedy Suite

The Hotel interior

Visitors can enjoy simple pleasures in a grand setting.  Relaxing in a rocking chair on the longest porch in America, afternoon tea in the parlor, a horse and carriage tour of the island, croquet or bocci on the grand lawn, golf, tennis or a five course dinner in the dining room (jacket and tie required.)

 The birthday cake

 The celebration

Now and then . . . Happy 125th!

(all photos from The Grand Hotel)

Studiopatró

Need a hostess gift? or to freshen up your tea towel collection?  These linen towels and market bags from Studiopatró are great!

Martha Stewart Living Summer Travel Issue

Having just returned from Maine and New Hampshire, I was especially pleased to see the latest issue of Living magazine.  Great house parties are so much fun, but can you imagine attending one of Martha's? She shares her birthday weekend at Skylands in Maine, which looks amazing.  Also, the piece on the Adirondacks provides great photos and ideas whether you've been going there for many years or want to explore the area for the first time.

What a lovely setting for a meal.

Peaceful Adirondack lake communities.

 Hoss's looks like a great store.

Love the clever name~Custard's Last Stand

Lastly, this is a wonderful luggage tag from John Robshaw to make your bag stand out on that carousel.  Enjoy your summer travels!