Wednesday, July 27, 2011

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

A few weeks ago we took our vacation. 
Again, this year to Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ. 

(lobby)

We love it there because it's got something for everyone. 

(view from our window seat)

We ate breakfast in the courtyard (by a very old fountain) everyday.  
(Courtyard)

One of the reasons Congress Hall feels warmer to me than a regular hotel is that you can take the stairs instead of an elevator. The staircase has two sides, which I love! And, the landings are decorated with furniture that's been at the hotel since the 1800's.  


I watched a wedding from this window in the garden with a woman 
who was married exactly one year ago in the same garden.  


There's a cool bar for the grownups. 
It was the first place I ever saw a zebra rug (five years ago).
It has since been replaced with a tiger print that I don't love as much.


They have family activities and camps for the kids. 


When the hotel was revitalized the designer used old pieces and 
freshened them up with bright whites and colorful paint. 
(Old mirror painted white and birdcage lamps with new shades)

Love the old elevator trimmed black. 
Bright colors -blue, pink, yellow, green and stripes throughout.
The wire urns and giant birdcage are so cool


Check out my post about it last year , it's much better.
I forgot my camera this year and just snapped a few pix with my iPhone. 
Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Six Already?...

Drew turned six this weekend. 

He asked for a rock & roll party theme and lots of sugar. 

It's been unbearably hot, so we set up a tent a.k.a "backstage". 
The kids enjoyed marshmallow microphones (oversized marshmallows on a stick dipped in chocolate).



Rock star cookies. 
(A giant version of these were the party favors.

We played dance music and everyone got a microphone.

But the highlight, without a doubt was the inflatable water slide 


and pool

Everyone had a great time


 I love the look of anticipation on their faces as they wait for their slice of cake.

I made a marshmallow fondant cake with chocolate stars. 
Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of it's good side. 


It was over 100 degrees here yesterday - I hope you're staying cool in this unbearable heat.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Having Fun With It


Have you met Cathy of Stitchfork Designs yet? She is one of the most clever, creative bloggers out there. In her posts you'll see her original works of custom embroidery paired with fun facts/trivia.  


I've been admiring her work for quite some time and I've picked up quite a few interesting tidbits of information that will make me a conversational superstar at the next cocktail party. 

For months I've been trying to decide if I should order something with my monogram. Or,  do something fun to take Monkey Grass Hill to the next level.   Cathy's slogan is, "it's just embroidery, have fun with it" guess what I chose?




Even though I didn't know what I wanted, the process was really easy.  She asked me a couple questions via e-mail. 

and threw out some options







She stitched one up 



Did a little fine tuning


And I can now take lunch and dinner reservations for 8 at Monkey Grass Hill. 


They turned out great. I can't wait to use them!




Check out Cathy's blog Stitchfork.

Once you see what she can do, I'm sure you'll want to have a little fun with embroidery too.  Tell her I sent you. 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Summer's Mor FunR

 So much to do when the sun is shining! 

parades


Fireworks


 picnics




Really big slingshots


 bubble baths?....

 laser tag



Lemonade stands

clubhouse adventures


berry picking


and just hanging out with friends


I hope your having a great summer. We sure are!