Monday, September 5, 2011

Dorys day out

Today we treated Dory to a special day and went to her fave spot in the harbor, Wishbones Pet Boutique & Barkery http://www.wishbonespet.com/ or find them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/wishbonespet?sk=wall.

If you have a pet this store is an amazing spot for food, treats, toys, leashes, apparel....really anything a pet needs. Located in The Mill Wharf parking lot Wishbones is a fantastic spot to shop for a special treat for your pup or for everyday needs. Outside there is always water available for your dog and the signature wishbone shaped mulch landscaping out front really adds to the charm of this special store. The owner and staff are so friendly and love all the animals that visit the store.




Today Dory got an extra special treat, peanut butter frozen yogurt especially for pups! Perfect way to cool down on this hot day. She absolutely loved it and licked every last bit of it.






 

We also treated Dory to a new stuffed lobster. She was playing with it in the store so we just had to get it for her!


Dorys new favorite toy
Dorys pink and turquoise lobster harness from Wishbones

There really isn't another store in Scituate quite like this one so if you are an animal lover and like to sometimes spoil your best little buddy definitely check it out!
Dory exhausted from her big day out in Scituate Harbor!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Coastal Maine

My cousin Melissa and I are OBSESSED with finding the best lobster rolls in New England. With me in Scituate and she in Kittery ME we have abundant of choices around us. On a recent trip up to visit her we made the short ride to Kennebunkport ME. It is absolutely one of my favorite places that I have visited in ME. Melissa, myself and my favorite little buddy Riley headed out for a coastal girls day!
cutest little sidekick!
First stop was a  coastal cruise on aboard a lobster boat. We saw beautiful houses, inns, beaches and former President George Bush summer compound. It is a great way to check out the scenery from the ocean, we also spotted a few seals and pulled a lobster trap that had a few lobsters. The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable, it was a fun activity especially for Riley!
http://www.firstchancewhalewatch.com/kylieschance.php


Riley checking out the action!

Next we headed in search of a lobster roll, we landed at Arundel Wharf Restaurant. This place is a short walk out of the center of town. It is right on the water with patio seating as well as a tented deck that has the same feel of being outside. We had a few pints and delicious lobster rolls, this one is up there as one of our faves! They keep it simple with just a tad of mayo and on a toasted bun but they really do not skimp on the lobster. Definitely visit if you are in the area.
 http://www.arundelwharf.com/

View from Arundels patio
Afterwards we strolled through the center of town where there are plenty of unique shops, art galleries, ice cream shops and restauraunts. I love going to the little shops and hope to find some cool coastal finds for our house. Kennebunkport is really a great town that is worth the drive. It is a quaint coastal New England town that has something for everyone and is beautiful year round.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Mill Wharf


 I have a special soft spot for the Mill Wharf Restaurant as I was a waitress there for many many years. This restaurant is broken up into two, the pub upstairs and finer dining downstairs, it also hands down has the best view and patio seating in the harbor.

View from upstairs patio at The Mill at dusk
When I visit the Mill these days I prefer to sit downstairs, if you sit at the bar or at one of the cocktail tables you are free to get the upstairs pub menu as well. Personally I love cocktail table dining and just splitting  a few apps (wood grilled shrimp are amaze). You will usually always encounter friendly staff and the best espresso martinis i have ever tasted(esp on Sat nights).

On a recent visit here GiGi and I sat downstairs at the bar for some fresh seafood nibbles. We enjoyed delicious oysters(my new obsession) steamers(a summer staple) we also indulged in some stuffed mushrooms (cheesy and delish!) Also an AMAZE raspberry margarita made by Mr. Keith Lewis himself!



If you are in the harbor The Mill is def a place to stop by, it is a multi purpose restaurant with something for everyone. Great for a casual meal upstairs, fine dining downstairs, drinks and oysters on the patio. As I mentioned before I do have a bit of favoritism for this restaurant but it is definitely worth a visit!

http://millwharf.com/index.html

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Summer Floating



My new fave summer thing to keep cool is relaxing in a tube in the ocean. Such a simple obvious idea right?!?! I can not believe I haven't been doing this for years! On a recent unbearably HOT day  GiGi and I decided to get floats so we could literally be in the water all day long. Off to CVS we went and got some tubes for the bargain price of $2.99! We headed down to my favorite secret beach, Museum Beach( next to yacht club where you have the a view of the light house and the harbor). This is the perfect place to float not as busy as the ocean and if your so relaxed and fall asleep you most likely wont be swept out to sea just maybe into a sailboat.


I highly suggest for your next beach day grab a tube and hang in the ocean all day. You will stay cool and if you drift far enough you will also get a little arm and leg workout paddling back to shore!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

cocktails and appetizers

One of my fave things to do in the summer after hitting the beach all day is to sit outside have some wine and some snickys! I do love slaving over the stove and cooking a full on meal but I have to stay most of the time I would much rather make a few different apps to snack on. On a hot Saturday night who wants to feel all stuffed from a 3 course meal and as much as I love wearing my apron I certainly don't want to be sweating while cooking in my kitchen.
This past Sat I had one of these great evenings w my BFF GiGi, after a day spent at the beach  I defrosted some shrimp cocktail(prob frowned on by some esp since my bf is a fisherman but they were still good. )I had already prepped some bruschetta and most importantly sangria that morning so we were ready to sit outside  snack, drink and gossip. A great evening.

Contrary to some recipes I've found I made the sangria that morning and it was delicious. I still have not decided on what the best red wine is to use but I am more into Spanish reds so I tend to use those. This particular time I added strawberries, watermelon(which i think made it), raspberries, lemon, lime, orange, simple syrup and peach schnapps. Before serving I add soda water and a wedge of lime. Delish and refreshing summer cocktail!

Bruschetta is another recipe I'm flexible with. I prefer to keep it simple w halved small tomatoes, and then whatever herbs you have on hand! Lucky for me I have a decent selection in my herb garden, I added basil, oregano, and thyme, olive oil and salt and pepper. I grilled french bread and that was it.

 I like to keep my platters simple I am usually always using a wooden cutting board for serving apps, I also usually have a white or coastal themed platter. This amazing fish bowl was a gift from my very dear friend  Christine.

Also come mid to late summer I try to always have fresh cut hydrangeas, my newly planted bushes are not ready for picking but lucky for me Rachel my close friend as well as neighbor had so many I just had to pick them. Add a few rocks in the vase for a true coastal living feel.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Adopt a pup!

One of the first days we had Dory


Dory at the Beach
We adopted our little puerto rican mixer just about 1 year ago and we can not imagine our life with out her! We rescued Dory from the Caribbean Connection Puppy Rescue http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MA379.html which is out of Marshfield. They work with an organization in Puerto Rico that rescues Satos(stray street dogs) and has them transported to the US where they have a much better chance at being adopted. I don't know if you have ever been to PR or any other Caribbean island but most of them have TONS of homeless dogs roaming he streets and beaches looking for a meal or some love. It makes me so sad to picture my poor little pup roaming the streets wondering if she would find something to eat....

I started the search for Dory on www.petfinder.com this is a GREAT adoption site if you are looking for any animal to adopt just pop in your zip code you can even be specific on breed if you would like. I think that rescue dogs really appreciate the homes that they come into they had it tough living on the streets being mistreated, fighting over food and territory, sleeping on the sidewalks. When we got Dory she had only been in the US a few weeks she was barely 10 lbs, every bone in her body visible and very skittish. Now she is a fun loving energetic pup now about 20lbs whose biggest worry now is wondering what toy to play with!

There are millions of animals in shelters just waiting to find there forever home. Some are born in shelters, some are turned in by owners who can no longer care for them, some are found wandering alone on the streets. A shelter animal just wants a family to love and a home to be a part of. If you are interested in adding an animal to you household you should consider adopting a dog from your local animal shelter, if not be sure to choose a responsible breeder. Do whatever is right for you but no matter what just don't buy from a Pet Store! Pet stores support the cruel visious cycle that keeps Puppy Mills in business.

Monday, May 9, 2011

First Friday Night Scituate Harbor

The First Friday of every month the shops in Scituate Harbor stay open a little later, most shops have wine and some even provide light snacks. It really is a perfect girls night out! That's exactly what brought me there this past Friday night, girls night out with some work friends!  Scituate Harbor Merchants http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scituate-Harbor-Merchants/179687063826 has a great facebook page that always keeps you informed on whats going on down the harbor. It is a great evening out that everyone should definitely take advantage of. Some of the highlights from our night out were checking out the goods at Joye, this store is my go to for jewelry (especially the Jo Jo Bling!) and unique finds for you home. If I am shopping for myself or someone else this is usually my first stop!
Joye
http://www.joyegifts.com/Joye/Welcome.html
Another great stop was at Roman Table this is a fairly new shop specializing in olive oils, balsamic vinegars, European housewares as well as cooking classes.  I love sampling the unique flavored oils also this past Friday night they were serving up a delish champagne cocktail punch that I sure hope they are serving next First Fri night!

The Roman Table
http://www.theromantable.com/home.html




We ended the evening at Riva where we split amazing butternut squash ravioli and a tasty pitcher of red sangria!
Riva
http://www.rivarestaurant.net/
Even if you aren't looking for anything in particular you are bound to fall in love with something at one of the many local shops or pop into any of the restaurants for a delish meal and some drinks! Support local business and be sure to check out Scituate Harbors next First Friday Night!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Coastal Gardening


So I know I have been slacking on keeping up with my blog, it has been a hectic few weeks. So today I will blog twice!

Today I did a little work in my garden with some help from my cousin Jen and her man Garrett and of course Dory got to dig a little in the dirt and munch on some chives! Ryan was at work today usually the gardening is his thing I just give my input and pick up what I want and he plants away, lucky for us he inherited his mothers green thumb! But usually every year the herbs are my garden project so I was eager to start today and with help from new new fave gardening side kicks we got it done! I have to say with out Garrett I don't know how far I would have gotten so a special thanks to GMan!!

I picked up some herbs at R & C Farms http://www.randcfarms-simons.com/
Rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme, lavender, cilantro and chives. I also  have some mint from last year that is already flourishing! My herb garden is outlined in beach rocks which adds a special coastal living feel to my yard and today added rocks that I labeled with the herb names which really adds a unique touch.

 Spring time is here and our gardens are really starting to take off. I look forward to adding to the herbs and vegetables we currently have and really take advantage of eating what we can grow right in our yard!
herb/veggie garden in front of our buoy filled shed





Lunch to go outside...

Today looked sunny and absolutely gorge out until I stepped out and felt the chill of the breeze brrrrrr....But still it is great to be outside and enjoy the sunshine you just need to grab a sweatshirt and you are good to go for a day outside!

Today started with a nice walk around 2nd cliff with my cousin Jen and of course Dory! Then it was off to R & C Farms http://www.randcfarms-simons.com/ to pick up some herbs(Ill update you on in a later post). Then off to pick up my other cuzzy and her hubby who are on there last day of their visit home from San Francisco so a little QT was needed before we said good bye. We headed out to grab some lunch after some thought I remembered passing what looked like a cute sandwich place in Cohasset Center 5 South Main(sorry they don't have a website) and cute it was! Focusing on local organic ingredients this cozy little breakfast/lunch/baked goods place was delicious!! The menu includes many unique breakfast items, also original sandwich and salad options for lunch. Since it was warm enough out we decided to take our lunch to go and sit across the street at the Cohasset Common(a great picnic spot!) I got the caprese sandwich fresh mozzarella, tomato, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions sandwiched between a soft roll  with a homemade pesto. I also got a chocolate covered twinky that was delish! Everyone was very satisfied with there choices as well which included a spinach salad and a turkey, avocado and bacon sandwich. I cant believe I haven't know about this place until today but I look forward to my next visit!
Jen, Garret, Ry and Ben on our lunch picnic at Cohasset Common



Sunday, April 10, 2011

a relaxing sunday morning

It has been a busy few days at my household hosting a few of my nearest and dearest family members. As fun as it is when we all get together today I was feeling the exhaustion! This morning we went to Riva in Scituate Harbor for breakfast http://www.rivarestaurant.net/.




I have to say this is one of my most favorite places to eat for breakfast and for dinner, they also have a pizza/ sandwich shop in North Scituate(where I got takeout Thurs night!) We do eat here  quiet often and todays meal did not disappoint, we can always count on a good meal here. I got the eggs benedict (which is my all time fave going out to breakfast choice) it was delicious as usual, just the right amount of hollandaise sauce and the fresh rosemary that is sprinkled in the homefries makes it! With the weather getting warmer Scituate Harbor was bustling this morning and since Riva is a smaller cozy restaurant we did have to wait for a few but it was so nice out we didn't mind peeking threw a few windows of the local shops. After breakfast we strolled down the the Front Street Book Shop http://www.frontstreetbookshop.com/  where my cousin picked up a highly recommended book from the friendly staff member.  This book store is great to pop in and check out the selection that includes a little bit of everything from latest best sellers to interesting local reads. After leaving the quaint cottage esque book shop with your purchase you feel the sense of giving back and supporting local business. Books can be bought at larger chains and the internet for a bit cheaper but for me it just feels better shopping local and getting your bookworm card stamped(Front Street Book Shops rewards program) and luckily for me its just a few minutes away from home!

Sundays for me are always about taking it easy relaxing for the busy work week ahead and today I feel I accomplished just that.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Farm Fresh




Today Ryan and I hit up our fave local farm/garden stop R&C Farms on RT 123 Scituate.
http://www.randcfarms-simons.com/
We weren't looking for anything particular just getting excited knowing spring will be here soon and we want to start getting our garden ready. We love  to walk around the property visit the different greenhouses and check out the abundance of options to plant in our garden. Today R&C is still getting ready for the warm weather and what will soon be their busy season, but we did pick up some pansies to mix in with the crocuses and irises that are starting to sprout up at our house! We also took advantage of a great program that R&C does and we joined the CSA(Community Supported Agriculture) program. For a reasonable fee we bought a 1/2 share of their seasonal harvest,  this program  will provide us with fresh local produce weekly starting in mid June and ending in mid October. I am SO looking forward to having some fresh local veggies every week! I also cant wait to test out my culinary skills finding new and tasty recipes with the familiar and some new unfamiliar foods we will be getting. Its nice to know where your food is coming from and I know I will def be saving some $$ this summer in my grocery budget!

First Entry...

OK this is my first blog entry. I have heard about blogs over the past few years, stumbled upon a few while doing a google search but never really had a desire to start one of my one until recently. My super up to the latest friend sent me her blog which I LOVED and after reading I decided to start one of my own on some of the things I enjoy. I don't really know what this blog will bring yet or what I will focus my posts on but I have a few ideas..... Some things I enjoy and what I envision my blog to be about are local south shore  topics such as restaurants, shopping and  events. Other things that I enjoy which I'm sure will find a way into my new blogging hobby could be cooking, organic living, coastal living, home decorating, wine, yoga, my dog and who knows what else. What a new adventure I am setting myself up for in hopes to discover new great local places and things. I am exciting to post about them in hopes that someone else will find the info useful! So I guess I will see where all this blogging will take me...I'm sure it will take some getting used to but here goes nothing!