Sail On

Grey Beach

Grey Beach

Mike Barr

Charles River

I love the spring time in Boston. Everything seems to come to life again. Water sports are in full swing and the city is a great back drop for all the nautical activity!

Edward Ardizzone

From ... Little Tim and The Brave Sea Captain

by, Edward Ardizzone

New England Boiled Dinner

There's nothing quite like a bunch of root vegetables and corned beef with seasonings all boiled together to form a perfect Sunday meal.

Of course, I had to serve it all with some of my homemade soda bread and a Newcastle. I think I gained about 10 pounds this past weekend but it was worth it!

Irish Soda Bread

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This year, I decided to bake Irish Soda Bread for the first time ever. It came out great as a huge surprise to me. Usually when I attempt to bake it turns into a disaster.

I started by adding all of the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

I used Baleine sea salt (my favorite) as apposed to kosher table salt. Either kind of salt would work well in this recipe.

Next, I added my liquid ingredients.

I kneaded the dough on a lightly floured surface.

I brushed the loaf with a mixture of melted butter and buttermilk and then popped it in the oven for about 50 minutes.

(You can tell I don't bake often ... I had to use a Pyrex because I don't own a cookie sheet.)

Irish Soda Bread!

Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

DirectionsPreheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes.

Nautical Hangbags

K. Slademade Nautical Clutch

Fleabags

Tory Burch Nautical Tote

Kate Spade Hit The Dock Rudy Handbag

YSL Roady Printed Canvas Schoolbag

Miele Bianco Stripe Fold Over Clutch

Oysters

http://www.portlandmonthly.com/portmag/2009/08/guide-to-maine-oysters/

I'm definitely ready for summer. Flip flops, beach days and, of course, delicious seasonal seafood! I'm a huge fan of all types and preparations of seafood (raw, grilled, steaed, broiled, etc). I love it all!

I'm really looking forward to my first delicious raw oysters of the season. I love the salty freshness with a little bit of lemon!

I've been wanting to try Neptume Oyster on Salem St. in the Nort End of Boston for some time now. Hopefuuly this summer I will find some time to try it out.

http://www.neptuneoyster.com/

"Kate The Great"

Each year, for one day only, The Portsmouth Brewery has their annual "Kate The Great" day. This beer takes five months to brew and by some, is ranked the best beer in America. Over 200 hundred barrels of "Kate The Great" were consumed this year on Monday, March 5, in under seven hours at the brewery. Beer enthusiasts waited for hours in line to have the opportunity to consume some of the Russian Imperial Stout.

http://portsmouthbrewery.com/

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2012/03/10/kate_the_great_day_at_the_portsmouth_brewery/

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/06/nh-brewery-sells-out-of-kate-the-great-stout-beer-in-7-hours/

J'adore Jacadi

http://www.jacadi.us/ 

I'm a huge Jacadi fan! I love the classic, French style of the clothing, shoes and toys. Jacadi is very minimal and timeless and a great place to find a baby gift that anyone would love to receive!

1. The Striped Mariniere

2. The Officer's Jacket

3. The Sailor Pant

4. The Canvas Peacoat

5. The Navy Cap

6. The Sailor Collar Dress

The Rockingham

The Rockingham House, formerly The Rockingham Hotel built by Frank Jones in 1885 is located in the heart of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This gorgeous building features original woodwork and period details from the late 1800's and is one of the most intriguing buildings in downtown Portsmouth. There have been many reports of a female spirit who "smells of the sea" that haunts this old building.

I love the facade detail on this building. If you look closely you can see several images of Frank Jones depicted at different ages. Jones (1832-1902) was a famous merchant, brewer and US Representative from New Hampshire.

Frank Jones - One of the most colorful, prominent and important figures in New Hampshire history.

Frank Jones building detail

The Rockingham Main Entrance

The Rockingham Main Lobby

Main Lobby Fireplace



Trawler

Fishing Trawler

Cape Cod