Alas Labor Day

Is it here already? Oh, Labor Day. While we love a bbq-filled three day weekend, we don't so much enjoy the reminder of summer's end. Here's our final ode to summer:

Cocktails at the Wequassett? Yes please.





A sneak into the Chatham Bars in Inn Spa for a pedicure (our beach worn toes are sure in need of it).

Take in the beauty of end of summer with an early morning stroll on the Provincetown breakwater

Or an end of day stroll on any secluded beach on the National Seashore. All alone for one last...Ohm.


And perhaps a beach party added to the sunshine mix...


With lots of good friends


And a decadent feast on the grill

Just don't forget to catch at least one awe inspiring early September sunsets.

And after all that....you just might go dance your socks off at the third annual Red Nun Music Festival on Sept 3

Happy Labor Day, Everyone!

Come on Irene

Growing up, I spent lots of summers in Miami Beach. Needless to say, I've encounter my fair share of hurricane stake outs. After the ritualistic boarding of windows and securing of porch furniture, our neighbors would gather for an all night hurricane soiree. Good company and good wine was my fathers idea of hunkering. As a child, the anticipation made my toes to tingle. It's been awhile since a hurricane has crossed my path, but Irene's stirring up some pretty familiar feelings, a strange brew of uncertainty and giddieness,

Irene's making everyone feel pretty uneasy. Everyones surely wondering what will come tomorrow evening at around four pm. I'm hoping she'll let off us easy with a gloomy day of rain. But that's thing with hurricanes, you just never know. All we can do is wait. So our advice? "Hunker down" and get cozy with a stockpile of dark and stormies.

The recipes pretty simple. To do like they do in Bermuda:

In a collins glass filled with ice, add:

2 oz Gosling’s Black Seal rum

5 oz of Ginger Beer

Garnish with lime and serve immediately.

Courtesy of epicurious

Be safe everyone!

Outdoor Dining on Cape Cod

Wouldn't it be fantastic to host a secret dinner party? Yes, a secret dinner party. The Parisians do it. Have you heard of the Diner en Blanc. Three weeks ago, as part of a mystical annual event, close to 11,000 Parisians, dressed entirely in white, gathered at the cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre's court yard for a secret feast. Beginning in 1988, these dinner parties flourish in spontaneity and hinge upon an element of surprise. Like ghosts, attendees transform the iconic settings as they carry in their own food, chairs, tables, and silver. At midnight, after a night of dancing and dining, the guests respectively deconstruct the alfresco "dining room," leaving without a trace, as if the event was a simply a mirage.

image and inspiration courtesy of the NYT

There is something so magical about outdoor dinner parties. Between the the twinkling lights and the warm balmy air, a table setting transforms into a fairy tale feast.

Inspired by the French, we love the idea of coming into nature and leaving nothing but perhaps a footprint. Why not take your dining outdoors?

Or on a dock.

Or better yet, in the sand...

On a blanket.

Just last weekend, we had the most marvelous sunset beach picnic with the most amazing people. While we can't claim to replicate the spreads above, our setting was just as magical. With such gorgeous scenery, who really needs anything else except for friends, good food and a bottle of wine.

not as chic, but equally enjoyable

Paddle Boarding on Cape Cod

It was a choice between morning yoga and paddle boarding. Both require basic balancing abilities, and total body strength. One is safe in a walled studio, the other in waters that tout sharks in the national press. Stepping out of comfort zone, we chose the later. It was a beautiful day. The air was hot and windy.

With a bit more practice, we could actually do both!

A sisterhood of five met at Bridge Street at 9:30 am. Jess brought her own board from home. Justin from Adventure Chatham delivered the boards for the rest of us newbies. For $15 dollars, Adventure Chatham will deliver and pick up boards and kayaks from local residences or specified locations, making the whole experience rather easy.

A few minutes before arriving, we watched an online instructional video. It sure looked easy. Basically you find the sweet spot on the board. Paddle around on your knees for a while and when comfortable lift up square on the board using your core and look at the horizon. The key piece of advice? DO NOT LOOK AT YOUR FEET.

Sup instructional video

The outward journey was an effortless (well almost) sail across Mill Pond. I believe one of us even said, "wow, this is a lot easier than I had thought." Definitely spoke too soon.
The same can not be said for the paddle back. Looking like a circus act, the two of us struggled to come upstream against the wind and current. One fall and two battles to turn our boards around later, we were far far behind our clan. Wind is a paddle boarders biggest foe (lesson learned). At times we seriously paddled for five minutes without moving an inch. But regardless, we had a great time. We're not kidding, we had a total blast. We spent the rest of the afternoon paddling in calmer waters. We even strapped the boards to our roof and took them for a spin on Pleasant Bay. From floating on our backs to mastering the paddling technique, we found paddle boarding to be a great way to enjoy the gorgeous view, catch some rays, and get a great work out.

A pro in no time

In addition to rentals and lessons, Adventure Chatham offers guided excursions and tours. Tours range from gentle paddles through the beautiful waterways of Pleasant Bay to a vigorous outer beach seal tour and surf excursion. For the full shebang, Adventure Chatham offers an off road vehicle catered beach excursion. Get the full experience as the companies SUV shuttles you around to the off road section of beaches in neighboring towns. Forget lugging around your beach gear, these trips are fully equipped! Luxury beach chairs, tables, umbrellas, paddle boards, kayaks, skim boards, bbq grill, ipod stereo, boccie set, sun showers and more. They'll even pack coolers filled with delicious sandwiches and drinks from the Corner Store. Sunset trips include tiki torches and firewood, and a beach bbq or clambake! We love the idea of an activity packed beach day sans lugging around two tons of stuff.

excursion photo from Adventure Chatham, what the heck is jumping out of the water?

For less of a commitment, try out "Wednesday Night Paddles." Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30, Adventure Chahtam hosts relaxed group excursions. Tide depending, paddle your way through either Oyster River, Stage Harbor or Chatham Harbor/North Beach for only 20 bucks!

For a list of prices and more information, visit Adventure Chatham online or visit their facebook page !


Paddle Boarding is all the rage, check out all the SUP rentals across the Cape:

Vec Surfboards - Orleans, Cape Cod - 808-634-8776
SICKDAY Surf - Wellfleet, Cape Cod - 508-214-4158
Nauset Sports - Orleans, Cape Cod - 508-255-4742
Pump House Surf Co - Orleans, Cape Cod - 508-240-2229
MOCEAN - Mashpee, Cape Cod - 508-477-1774
Cape Cod Paddle Surf - Osterville, Cape Cod - 508-737-8572
EMS Exploration - Hyannis, Cape Cod - 800-310-4504
RideAway Kayak - Sandwich, Cape Cod - 508-247-0827
Adventure Chatham - Chatham, Cape Cod - 800-809-1750

and for more information on rentals, lessons, and paddle board retail around the Cape, check out out this great site

Green Smoothies

After a weekend of indulging, I'm ready to hit my internal re-set button. The ultimate cure to a post-weekend slump? A green smoothie.

well + good nyc

A handful of kale
Half an apple
5 slices of cucumber
A stalk of celery
½ of an avocado
½ cup water
A splash of lemon juice

To some, this tall cup of goodness, dripping in deliciousness, may scream DRINK ME. For others, this may look like sewage. But as they say, it's never good to judge something based off of outward appearances. I mean, come on, look at lobster.

There's really no need to list the health benefits, as there are many. Basically, your drinking heaps of veggies, fruit and water. Enough said. It's a sure fire way to feel rejuvenated, hydrated, and energized.

Science of Healthy Living

There's plenty of recipes to be found online. However, green smoothies beg for spontaneity. Throw in whatever may be growing in the garden or sitting in the fridge. Kale, lettuce, cucumber, collard greens, celery, you name it. The greener the better. Try to aim for 70 percent greens, 30 percent fruit. Bananas , apples and pears add a zing of sweetness. If your smoothie tastes just a teensy bit toooooo green, drizzle in a bit of agave nectar or maple syrup to balance out the taste. As for the liquid, water is best. But you can always add diluted apple or orange juice (coconut water is great too!). Head to your local farmers market for some green inspiration.

Recently, I've been blending in a whole banana, a few pieces of frozen mango and pineapple, handfuls of kale and lettuce, celery, cucumber, raw almonds, coconut water, and lots of water.

Orleans Farmer's Market: The Real Food Advocate

For an extra dose of fiber and protein, throw in some flax seeds and raw nuts. For a little bit of crunch, try a scoop of granola right on top.

Truly Organic Foods: Cocoa nibs, goji berries and bee pollen

Give the green smoothie a try. Even my three and half year old sister loves them. And this coming from a particularly picky little girl who lives off of cheese found two forms: grilled and macaroni-ed.

Check out this kid friendly "frog nog" green smoothie recipe featured on The Sisters Cafe blog.

2-4 cups spinach or other greens (I use 4 cups organic baby/ or kale)

1-2 cups of water (depending how thick you like it)

1-2 bananas (I use 2)

1 heaping cup frozen pineapple chunks

1 cup frozen mango, peaches or other light fruit (I have used strawberries)

1 Tb honey or agave (optional for sweetness)

First I fill my trusty blender (I use the Blendtec) with spinach–lots of it! Then I fill the container up to the 2 line with water filling in around the spinach. Pulse to blend into a bright green water.

Next add your bananas, frozen fruit ans sweetner, if using. I push the ‘whole juice’ button and the blender purees it all for me into a wonder smooth green drink. What ever blender you have, just be sure to blend it for a good amount of time to make sure it is as smooth as possible. Pour into glasses and serve!
- the sisters cafe blog

Lulu Lemon Month at Power Yoga of Cape Cod

We're hooked on lulu lemon. Who isn't now-a-days? The groove pant is seriously a woman's best friend. We first met these stretchy wonders 4 years ago at a lulu lemon across the way in California. Despite countless wears and as a result, many many wash and drys, these pants haven't aged a bit. I would buy these pants in every color and wear them everyday if it were socially acceptable to wear black stretchy pants to work. (All the more reason to become a yogi!)

With the nearest lulu lemon store in Hingham, we rarely have a chance to ogle over all the great goods. That's why we are SO excited for lulu lemon month at Power Yoga of Cape Cod! (Winner of Best Yoga Studio in Cape Cod Magazine's Reader's Choice Awards and 0ur go to yoga studio which we blogged about here).

On July 23rd, this coming Saturday, lulu lemon will host a trunk show at PYCC from 1:30 to 4:30! Come enjoy refreshments, music, chats with lulu lemon expert educators, and of course, boatloads of great yoga gear. After an afternoon of inspiring company and great shopping, put all that positive energy to good use! One of PYCC's fabulous teachers (and owner,) Jill, will be hosting a complimentary Vinyasa flow class from 4:30 to 5:30!

Then, every single Saturday in August, from 10:30 - 11:45, lulu lemon will sponsor a FREE one hour power yoga class at PYCC. You can sign up online or show up on Saturday ready to sweat!

bringing lulu lemon to you - here on Cape Cod!

For more information, visit PYCC's website

Wellfleet Dreaming

I dream of owning a shack (ok, maybe more like a modest cottage) by the sea. Yes, a simple summer get-away on the shores of Wellfleet would be just fine with me. I would pack up my car, stock up on fresh veggies at a road side farm stand and "escape" for a day or two with a engulfing novel in hand.



I'm thinking white washed walls, stripped wooden ceilings, and cozy linens. Easy and Breezy.

I would induce a rustic feeling with a scattering of exposed beams.

and have a kitchen filled with antique tea cups.

White Dream Green Tea

And sometimes, I would sneak up during the fall and sit by the fire, relishing in the serenity.

White Dream Green Tea

Now wouldn't that just be a dream!



photo credits (not all photos have search-able sources): I want a house like this The SoH Cottage at Cooks Camps

Clued In

An under-publicized encounter with Jhumpa Lahiri. Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m at Truro's Public Library.
Pulitzer Prize winner for her debut short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies.

Among other highly lauded novels that plunge into the immigrant crossover experience. Her novel The Namesake was a New York Times Notable Book, and also made into a beautiful film by Mira Nair.

No admission. Just go!

Perfect Harmony

Ten young men. Singing sweet sweet serenades. A cappella . The combination is heart melting.


I actually spotted these guys at the Squire one night not too long ago. My first thought: Who the heck are all these guys with the vineyard vine bow-ties? And are they for real...? My questions were answered promptly as one of the young men stepped onto the Squires makeshift stage (Tuesday's being karaoke night.) One harmonized rendition of Going to Carolina later, I realized these boys were noneother than members of the famed a cappella group, the Hyannis Sound. The Sound gathers each year after Memorial Day, and spends the entire summer performing across the Cape and the greater Northeast of the U.S. These guys are just beyond precious- seriously, even if you think a cappella isn't your thing, I dare you to go a concert and not leave with a spring in your step (and a couple catchy tunes stuck in your head all week).

The groups uniform consists of vineyard vine ties , oxford shirts and khaki pants (hence the album title.) While I don't usually condone any sort of extreme matching, this ensemble only adds to the groups charm.

A little about the guys (as found here):
"Through their experiences with the group, these men garner valuable skills in performance, business management, and musical direction. While growing as individuals, they also form countless friendships and become members of a brotherhood that last a lifetime... being active members of the Cape Cod community remains a primary goal. As a part of that community, the Sound looks to contribute to the wealth of musical culture that the Cape has to offer. The group continually pushes itself to provide a positive example for young musicians across the region and beyond"


Catch them weekly all over the Cape. Check out the weekly schedule here

Mondays- Falmouth
Tuesdays- Chatham
Wednesdays- (varies)
Thursdays- Brewster
Fridays - Hyannis

Wherever you are, make sure to get to the venue early and grab a front row seat. That way when these boys are singing a revamped version of Jason Mraz's I'm Your's - you'll experience what feels like a personalized serandae.

Here's a preview but seeing them live is an entirely different and intimate experience. Check them out!

July 4th on Cape Cod

It's technically impossible not to love this day on Cape Cod. It's got that open ended beach party vibe. Our most comprehensive guide we can offer has five simple ingredients:
1. A few good friends or fellas...

2. Light Up

Here's the day for fearless grilling on the beach or backyard, try one or all these 21 blissful burgers. Or for a more exotic twist these grilled lobster are beyond imagination fabulous.

Grilled Lobster with Cilantro Chili Butter
http://www. 21 best burger recipes from epicurious.com

3. A variety of festive beverages....some that make you tipsy(mojitos are always a top pick) and some that give you a quick boost and make you feel good all over. This Rosewater-flavored strawberry almond milk smoothie from Have Cake Will Travel.com is divine.

DIY Recipe: Cover strawberries with unsweetened almond milk, add a little amaretto-flavored agave, and a drop or two of rosewater. Voila. Sip up. (These ingredients are easier to find than you think. Try your local super market or health food store. Of course, we like Chatham Natural Foods and Dennisport Natural Market.)

4. For a touch of nostalgia, don't forget about the classic icebox cake. This dessert is a destination in itself. It's like being home when you were 5 years old.

The Smitten Kitchen

Icebox Cake
Adapted from The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook

3 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 (9-ounce) packages chocolate wafer cookies [or, make your own!]
Unsweetened cocoa (or chocolate shavings)

In a large bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.

On a flat serving plate, arrange 7 cookies side by side in a circle, keeping 1 cookie in the center.

Spread with 1/2 cup whipped cream, making a 7-inch circle. Repeat with remaining cookies and cream, making 11 layers of cookies and ending with a layer of cream (there will be a few cookies left over). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

To serve, dust top lightly with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

5. Lastly, Fourth of July just wouldn't be.... without a funny parade and flat out fireworks. Check out this link for the local happenings. Cape Cod Fireworks and Parades

Happy 4th!

(photos courtesy of 123photo.com, hulton/getty,havecakewilleat.com, the smittenkitchen.com)