Confessions from the Kitchen
Ok I need to get this off my chest! I am addicted to American Idol!
What is wrong with me?! Answer? I think Phillip Phillips has a little to do with it! HOT HOT, HOT and ….SUCH a great artist. The order of that….I am…. not sure….yes I am. He was born in 1990 so it’s the music….. Seriously!
So I have a glass of red wine and doors open and I look forward to hearing the next great artist headed our way! Go Phillip!

A Glimpse of Heaven
Today I was walking down the street in Exeter, NH. My daughter is in school here and I was killing time until she got out of class. It has been gray and rainy since I got here and that only enhanced how much I miss her and will have to leave her tomorrow. This trip was my Mother’s Day gift to myself because I needed to see my girl. But today I got another gift… I wandered into an incredible find! The MOST beautiful florist! Cymbidium Floral is a gift to just walk into! The orchids were amazing and dead center of the shop was my most favorite orchid that is a rich, deep purple! The owner was designing and busy for Mother’s Day and her color choices and those of her team were mesmerizing! She said they deliver to all of the towns around here so if you need flowers anywhere near here this is THE place! Stop by and breathe in the colors and textures and smells! Flowers are the great gifts of the universe! Well done Cymbidium!
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day. Mom!
I am the last of 8 children. That right there should win my mom an award! Eight is A LOT of children! You don’t really realize it until you have children of your own… I stopped at three! There have been many times I have called my mom to ask for advice, and… to apologize for giving her such a hard time. Like…when I was in grade school I gave her hell for not being like the other “cool” moms and wearing pants. My mom only wore dresses. At that point I never wore dresses, just the thought made me want to run outside and get dirty. Or when I was a teenager and wouldn’t let her touch me in public…no arm around my shoulder (too cool). But alas, things change and time marches on and clarity comes, thank God!
And now I know the truth. My mom rocks the universe! She is beyond cool. She is real and I am so proud of her. She is where I get so many things…
My hazel green eyes, my love of the garden, my stubbornness, my love of shoes, and anything “swish.”
She named me “Muffie” when the nurse brought me to her bedside announcing, “here is little Miss Muffett.” Who else could think “Muffie” was just the right name when I had already been named Elizabeth Stuart? …only my mom!
Mom, thank you from the bottom of my heart for not stopping after number 6 and 7 (twins) and having just one more. I love you!
Parasols with Style….
I just love the below parasols! I can just image…. a cool breeze, a drink in my hand, and my favorite swimsuit enjoying the sun and shade by any pool!
A Charleston Affair
I moved to Charleston last week and I was fortunate enough to attend the annual Charleston Affair cocktail party. Four thousand of the College’s alumni and friends danced the night away while sipping lemonade cocktails. What a wonderful way to spend a warm May evening. The event staff transformed the Cistern with lighting, stages, fun lanterns, and food stations and it made for a night to remember! My friends and I joked that this was my “welcome to Charleston” party- a very warm welcome indeed!
Weddings CAN Be Eco Friendly
Charleston has always been a top wedding destination. My neighbors, Rachel Gordon and Sarah Poe put on an amazing event at Magnolia Gardens to spread the word about The Eco Bridal Guide of Charleston. These are 2 super talented ladies. Rachel is a clothing designer who just debuted her bridal collection at this year’s Charleston Fashion Week (along with our friend Michael Wiernicki). Sarah is a photographer and jewelry designer. It was a great turn out for the event which included music, a documentary, food and drinks. You can read more about the event at Charleston Magazine.
Have You Met Scout?
The Scout Guide originated in Charlottesville, Virginia and has luckily made its way to Charleston. ”TSG beautifully highlights the flavor, passion and character of small businesses, local artisans and the communities they serve. They ‘scout’ out the best of a local city and bring it to our readers through the annual local Guides, TSG blogs and national website.” It’s a fabulous reference when visiting. They recently included us in a Mother’s Day blog along with our friends from Mac & Murphy. We hope you will come see us the next time you are in town!






















