me&t at The Maritime

me&t had a rendezvous in New York City this past weekend. One of our favorites was the glamorous, boutique hotel where we stayed - The Maritime. It is located in Chelsea and borders the Meat Packing District. In addition to a great location, the architecture and style of the hotel exuded all things nautical. (which, you know I adore!) The building, with it's 5 foot porthole windows, once housed the National Maritime Union. After a renovation in 2003, it was transformed into the hotel it is today.

This is what we liked -- > The staff was consistently friendly and helpful. They always made us feel most welcome. The doormen were funny as they noted the comings and goings of the t's! (one bartender was surly, but everyone has a bad day ;) Our room was "ship shape" with a porthole window and teak furniture -- it felt like we were on a boat! The bathroom had waterfall showers, fun products (Marvis toothpaste :) and sleek sconces for reading. All lights were on dimmers. So many thoughtful, well done details. We couldn't stop raving about the lobby. The super long sofas, chairs, fireplace, and bookcases loaded with books invited people to relax after busy days in the city. (and we did) Lots of travelers with suitcases and accents gathered here on their way to and from the city.

The food and drinks at the hotel were so perfect, it was hard to leave at times! Their one restaurant, La Bottega, has 6,000 square feet of patio space (!) - if it wasn't for the high winds, we would have enjoyed relaxing under the lanterns for a bit. I read The Maritime has the most outdoor space of any hotel in NYC..who knew?

As with anything, location, location, location. For our visit, it was a perfect spot to take in Chelsea, Meat Packing and even the West Village and SoHo. Brooklyn was a cab ride adventure, but we were usually able to walk everywhere. We especially liked being across the street from Chelsea Market and The High Line. Please stay at The Maritime Hotel if you visit NYC. Like us, you will be glad you did.

me&t

The Maritime Hotel 

363 West 16th Street 

212-242-4300

The Maritime Hotel

Really long sofa and coffee table in the lobby 

Cozy seating area in the lobby 

In our room 

 Loved this bathroom

The view from our porthole window 

A t in La Bottega

RETREAT

me&t in NYC

We are just getting back from a weekend in the Big Apple!

Stay tuned for all the details and maybe even some bloopers.

Photo Friday No. 62

Ball game in

New Jersey

Spring flowers in
Pennsylvania

Here We Go Again..

We seem to have a small - well, actually big - project going on around here. Digging (finally!) started today, so I thought it was time to get the word out. I promise to provide updates here and there. Honestly, my OCD is kicking into high gear as I look at the devastation in my yard. :/ I can't look in the backyard anymore. No joke. This is what we are doing -- > adding a family/tv/hang-out room, creating a hallway from the kitchen to this new room, adding a children's bedroom and a bath. As you know, our tiny two-bedroom "starter" house has constantly expanded and reinvented itself over the years to accommodate our growing family. Some (like our mother) claim I am addicted to renovating. Perhaps. Wish me luck..I will need it.

Tricia

DOUBLE

DOUBLE THE TROUBLE

TWICE THE FUN!

That was the theme for a baby shower I attended this weekend.  It was definitely not a traditional shower.  Instead it was happy hour / party rolled into one.  The couple is Gen Y.  The shower was at a restaurant / brewery / bar.  My friends and I rolled up, sat at the bar and hung out all night.  At one point, we had to pry ourselves away from the bar just to eat.  It was a hoot.

Presents were not wrapped in order to save paper.  In lieu of cards, you brought and signed a book.  Very green.

About six weeks until the babies arrive (did you pick up that they are having twins).

Tracy

The Inn at Perry Cabin

The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael's, Maryland calls itself a "luxurious manor house and spa" and it is! A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of staying there for two nights. It is the  epitome of relaxation, quiet and peace nestled on Chesapeake's Eastern Shore.

This is what I loved..

{the inn} sprawling, while clapboard buildings nestled among tidy gardens and pebble paths all overlooking the water. The interior spaces are the perfect combination of old meets crisp and new. Of course, there are nautical details everywhere.

{the spa} a freestanding building - modern barn in style with a pool and an outdoor "relaxation area" with a fireplace. I enjoyed a facial, as well as relaxing with a pile of magazines while sipping chilled cucumber water.

{food & drink} The Inn boasts Purser's Pub - a charming ship-shape bar with a hidden, patio - we had afternoon drinks and bites. Sherwood's Landing is their four diamond restaurant, which features regional ingredients, as well as some from their own working farm. Simply put, our two dinners were divine.

{town} quaint and charming describes the tiny town of St. Michael'. Almost a town that time has forgotten. Loved the adorable shop "The Preppy Redneck" -- bought two bags (of course!) -- and enjoyed chatting with the owner, who grew up in a house across our street in Annapolis. The Inn had blue bikes with wicker baskets for riding into town. :)

{history} The original inn was built in 1816 to resemble Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's cabin on his ship the U.S.S. Niagra. Over the years, the inn evolved from a private home, to a working farm to a riding academy. Laura Ashley purchased the inn in 1989 and transformed it into a luxury hotel. Orient-Express Hotels acquired it in 1999 and gave it a 17 million dollar renovation.

Tricia

PS while dogs and kids are welcome - I heard the Inn is trying to incorporate more kid-friendly elements to their environment. Maybe we will bring the kids next time. ;) 

Photo Friday No. 61

Braces in

New Jersey

Homework in

Pennsylvania

 

 

ACTION

Sorry for the late post.  Somehow Mike and I managed to score tickets to the Flyers game last night --- box seats.  Crazy.  The Flyers lost --- boo!

Tracy

Waiting for the action to start

This & That

1. How is this for a great idea? --> use a parking meter to collect coins for a cause. Most people walking by have change in their pockets or purses to donate. My children like to save their pennies, so to speak, and march to the meter lugging bags of coins. (see photo!) Have you ever donated to a parking meter?

2. I just spied a brochure from someone offering to teach children how to ride bikes. Two wheels - no trainers! Not sure how much they charge, but I like to think of this as a rite of passage between parent and child. I still remember Buddy holding onto the back of my bike and letting go at just the precise moment when I was ready to ride on my own. The thrill, pride and excitement. There isn't much like it.

3. Latest addiction: stripes. Thick, thin, blue, shirts, sweaters, dresses, bags. You get the idea. Summer isn't my favorite fashion season - stripes are my saving grace. Thank goodness.

4. It is HOT. Too HOT for April. There are still sweaters, boots and coats within reach and the summer stuff is neatly packed away in bins. It is difficult to focus on homework when the thermometer continues climbing. The ice cream trucks have begun making the rounds (I am already weary of their song ;) I want spring back.

Tricia

ICE

We are not necessarily NHL hockey fans in this house.  But Mike and I agree that playoff hockey is pretty darn cool.  We watched the Philadelphia Flyers play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday.  What a game.  There were so many fights I don't think you could count them. I would step away from the TV to do something productive and then Mike would scream "fight" and we would all come running, even the kids.  

The best was when the TV camera showed one of the players on the bench and he had no front teeth.  That was common back in the day but now athletes use mouthguards.  He must be really tough.  I wonder how his mother feels about that?

Catch Flyers fever ... tune in Wednesday night.

Tracy

Get Flyered Up!

Remember our piles of bracelets from last summer? A wrist circled with layers of sparkles, baubles, gold, silver, and color. I have a feeling I am going to do the same this time around. Honestly, I have started already. ;) With so many great picks to choose from, it is easy to go overboard - as I usually do!

This spring it started with a gift. {thank you AMR!} A simple glass cuff in citrus yellow. I adore it! It is modern, fresh and has a pleasing weight. Next up, both t's scored a woven bracelet with tiny sparkles and a tassel. The tassel is definitely the game changer. I chose Kelly green, another "in" color this season. Last, I am going to put my kids to work this weekend..I am ready for their infamous braided, surf versions in a multitude of colors.

What is around your wrist?

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 60

The "Gremlin" in

New Jersey

A "teen" in
Pennsylvania

INSTANT

I think I posted awhile back some of my favorite apps.  The list included Instagram --- have you checked it out?  And have you heard the news --- Facebook is buying Instagram for $1 billion!  That is insane.

For those who haven't seen or tried the app, Instagram allows you to take a picture and change the finish of it (see example below).  Then you can share your pictures on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  Apparently there is a cult-like following out there.

Instagram is less than two years old and was started by two Stanford graduates.  They currently operate with about a dozen employees out of San Francisco.  It is reported that Instagram has 30 million followers and around 5 million pictures are posted and shared every day.  The app is free.

I can't say that I follow the business aspect of companies who provide sites such as Facebook, Twitter or those that develop and publish apps.  If you read the book The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, I wonder if the Instagram founders put in their 10,000 hours?  I read they tried other ventures that didn't take off.  And I wonder if they are hitting their pace at the right time and with some luck.  Interesting stuff.

Tracy  

P.S.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK ANDREW!!!  Moving on from a "tween" to a "teen".  Yikes!  Enjoy your day and celebrate!

Before Instagram

After Instagram 
(there are many finish options)

Bags-by-the-Door

Here is a good idea --> take all of the interesting/stylish/unusual bags you buy in order to be green, and hang them on a hook by the door. On your way out the door, it is easy to grab one to help with whatever it is you are doing ... errands, grocery store, lacrosse practice, mall, picnic, library, and so on. And, if you are like me, I have started a medium-large collection of these bags. Addicted? Perhaps. Honestly, I have this type of bag on my radar more than a new handbag lately.

If you want to take it one step further, a mom shared this tip with me: attach a tag to each bag with its purpose and leave some staples inside it. Example "soccer" with water bottles, "pool" with towels and sunscreen, "restaurant & kids" with paper, crayons and small games. You get the idea!

Some of my favorite bags are Scout, Feed, Lands End, JCrew, and recycled sail bags. Also, I adore the ones lululemon gives me with a purchase. Are you a "bag lady"? I suspect it IS genetic as Grace seems to have a small collection already.

Tricia

SHOP

I don't know how we managed to sneak away and shop but we did and we scored some good picks:

Navy gear for kids - "Does my boat make me look fat" sticker - TOMS shoes - Kurtas - copper stacking rings - striped dress - tassle bracelets - silk top, long skirt and earrings (2nd hand shop) - baby shower gift - "Who's Your Daddy Cups" - decorative metal bowls - bird print - candle sticks - lamps (which ended up being a steal) - What else? 

The countdown until me&t hits Manhattan.  Do we have a hotel reservation yet?

Tracy

Your Pile

My Pile (yikes!)

 

a me&t weekend!

Both t's gathered in Annapolis for a fun-filled Easter weekend -- seven kids, two husbands, and our parents. Truly, with everyone's busy schedules, it is rare for us to spend dedicated time together. We had lots of laughs (a few tears ;), ice cream, boat rides, sunshine, electronic games :((( and shopping. The days were filled with sunshine and the nights held stars and a full moon over the water. Best, there were many moments for memories.

Tricia

PS Matthew declared it was the worst Easter ever due to lack of egg hunt
PSS Uncle Mike's gag toy zapped Grace so much she burst into tears
PSS "Who's Your Daddy?" cups were a huge hit - cups seemed to be a theme!
PSSS note to the raccoon residing in our ceiling: please leave!!!!

Photobooth = Tracy, Grace & Tricia

Photo Friday No. 59

Peeps art in

New Jersey

First softball practice in

Pennsylvania

 

 

BREAK

I don't know about you sister but we are ready for a break.  My kids are now on vacation and they are just wiped out.  I came back from a run after work and two of them were sleeping.  One is still sleeping and it is almost 9:00 pm!  We are gearing up for the Easter Bunny.  And I am making a special treat for dessert. Can't wait to share.  I hope you are enjoying some R&R on your end.  See you soon!


Tracy    


P.S. Love the quote above.

Random thought: 

If I had a tent like this, I might go camping.  Love it!

PROJECT

I am happy to report that I started and finished my powder room painting project this weekend (thanks to some clouds and rain).  But there was some minor drama prior to starting.  

I arrived at the paint store with a color in hand.  I got cold feet and changed my mind.  Then I changed my mind back again to the original color.  Have I ever mentioned how indecisive I am.  I settled on a dark grey color (almost black but not black).

So I ordered this color in a high-gloss paint.  Not semi-gloss, not gloss but high-gloss.  The guy went to the back to get the paint and then came out and said "hmm, we can't do a dark color in a high-gloss".  Oh no ... so I decided to switch gears and asked for the flattest paint possible (almost like the chalkboard paint).  The guy went to the back to get the paint and then came out and said "hmm, we can't do a dark color in a flat paint."  Really?  True story. So I left, with no paint.

After work, I went to another paint store and tried again.  I had to pick out a brand new color.  So I ordered up the new dark grey color in a high-gloss.  There was a moment of hesitation when the lady said a certain brand doesn't have a high-gloss paint.  But she was able to sell me the Ace Hardware brand of paint in the color I wanted and in that sheen.  Score!  And, the paint was only $33 a gallon.  What a steal.

A shout out to you sister for your color consult and for recommending the high-gloss.  I love it!  It truly is like shiny nail polish on my walls.  And believe it or not, the family loves it too.  

Tracy

"After"

The reflection of light due to the high sheen
(not like the that in person).

Meet my Guest!

{I am sick. Just a bad cold/sore throat. With little sleep and lots of Advil and cough drops, I needed a guest blogger fast. Eenie meanie minie mo -- > Grace graciously agreed to help out. Happy reading!}

If you have a book-loving kid (like me) or need a gift, here are a few of my favorite book picks!

1. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Whether it is a children's book or an adult book, I love this series. The story takes place in the future, has a strong heroine and it involves many cliff hangers. It is also a good book for kids and parents to read and discuss. Maybe even see the movie. (not for young children - maybe middle school)

2. Condoleeza Rice by Condoleeza Rice
Most biographies or autobiographies of women are about the distant past. Here's twist: this one is about someone who is still making a difference and doing good in our world. It is amazing how Ms. Rice overcame segregation and racism. Her parents always told her she had to work twice as hard as a result.

4. Grayson by Lynne Cox
A great story about a distance swimmer who helps a baby whale find his mother. Lynne Cox is a gifted swimmer and writer. I couldn't put this book down!

5. Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox
Another book by Lynne Cox, this time about the determination of a long distance swimmer. She used swimming as way to create positive connections and goodwill between conflicting countries. For example, she swam the Berring Strait during the Cold War. She also uses her swims to study how the human body reacts to insanely cold temperatures. I read this book three times!

By - Grace
Fifth Grade