I was sitting here reminiscing about a field trip my success team girls & I went on last weekend. We decided to hold our monthly meeting out of the city. We hopped on a Metro North train & headed to Westchester county. It was quite a treat escaping from the Manhattan for a day. The smell of autumn was definitely in the air. Robin, who lives up there, met us at the station and whisked us off to Blue Hill at Stone Barns for an amazing brunch. This place was incredible. We were greeted at the entrance by cows, chickens, hens and sheep while we made own way up the winding road to the large, old horse stables. Numerous green houses were aligned in a row with fresh herbs and veggies growing in them. We walked up to a beautiful stone quadrangle that featured the cafe, learning center, and the acclaimed restaurant. It was magnificent inside. Modern, contemporary country with a hint of Shaker style. The bar area featured a cozy fireplace with large, overstuffed leather chairs. It seemed to call out for one to sit in them with a glass of fine wine. The main dining room was a very grand converted barn. Hey.. we were really there for the food.

Brunch began with lots of choices; fresh tomato soup with creme fraise and caviar, mixed greens (picked that morning from their greenhouse) with pistachio crusted poached eggs, hand rolled cavatelli with herb tomato sauce, skate with broccoli drizzled with fresh pesto, homemade meatloaf. And let's not forget dessert - molten chocolate cake, poached pears with a meringue dressing....ummmm.. It all was to die for. I do wish that I had some pictures to share, but 3 of us forgot our cameras. Robin brought hers & we all posed in front of the fireplace only to realize that the batteries were dead. Don't feel too bad, it gives us another excuse to head out there again.

Here's a quick update on our bathroom makeover. The tiles & tub have been painted & resurfaced twice. It's a major improvement. The large hole was covered by Tom with such precision that I was amazed. It was quite a scene watching him cut through hundred year old plaster, cement & wood with his deafeningly loud circular saw. Sparks were flying everywhere. The new medicine cabinet was put up with ease, as was the new floor. And the tropical inspired vanity fit perfectly in our tiny space. The once hitch was the hand painted Mexican sink. Tom tried to pry the one that came with the vanity out, but was not successful. We both believe that it can be replaced but, decided to wait until after the holidays and hire a professional to do it. We learned some valuable things by doing the work ourselves. Removing a toilet is not that hard, though it is a stinky job. And basic plumbing (like hooking up our new sink) is also not too difficult if you have the right tools. I did it all on my own! I was very proud of myself.Tool Belt Diva watch out!!!

We still have to paint the walls & ceiling. And then the real fun begins - ACCESSORIZING!! That's my favorite part. Shopping for a new shower certain, wall hangings, rug and pretty towels that are only to be used by guests. A concept that Tom just doesn't understand. I have been taking pictures every step of the way and will post them once the room is complete.

Posted by Dawn Falcone @ 1:23 PM 4 comments

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