ACK...!

The gorgeous and storied island of Nantucket is one of my very favorite places on earth.  I spent two summers in college slinging sandwiches by day and drinking gin and tonics on the beach by  night.  This summer I took a day trip back to ACK to revisit some of my favorite haunts...
Nantucket Natural Oils is an amazing resource for me (I left with three fragrances after this years visit).  I love perfume but have grown disenchanted with overpriced "designer" fragrances in alcohol bases that evaporate quickly and contain toxins like hormone disruptors (nothing glam about that)!  Nantucket "Nose" John Harding's emporium can recreate virtually any scent you can dream up by using organic, essential oils for a fraction of the cost of traditional fragrance brands.  They also offer a gazillion single note fragrances as well as their own Nantucket inspired blends.  The About Us section of the website explains in perfect detail why Nantucket Natural Oils has been the choice of savvy Nantucketers for years... 




Vis-a-Vis (the website is terribly lacking...) always stocks a literal ton of jewelry and clothing but I was particularly smitten with the vintage inspired, over sized handbag below...



The charming cobble stone streets of "town" are picture perfect no matter where your eyes fall...



Murray's Toggery Shop is one of the most famous Nantucket landmarks.  They cater to the blue bloods of the island with uber preppy gear like the signature "Nantucket Reds" collection of clothing and lobster embroidered mules.  Also on the racks are whale belts, loafers, polo shirts, madras tennis skirts and sweaters (to tie around your neck, of course).  I don't buy something every time I visit but I always love to look...



New to me and fairly recent to the island is UK import Jack Wills.  I am a sucker for the Union Jack as well as almost anything British. In a previous post about shopping in Boston I stated JW is the Anglo version of Abercrombie & Fitch which is why I left with only a mug (pictured below)...But I loved the shopping experience and worn in feel of the store.  The striped fitting rooms, set up as college bedrooms, are a cheeky touch.  And I discovered my life just won't be complete until I own a Union Jack chaise lounge...




I love the scenery of Nantucket...everything is so damn charming!!  I had to snap a picture of the water meter cover made in Wabash, Indiana...




Now we're getting to the good stuff.  Henry Jr is where I worked once upon a time so I went back to yet again taste the awesomeness of a Henry Jr roll...it was everything I remembered and more.  And NO trip to ACK is complete without a coconut macaroon from the Nantucket Bake Shop.  Their Boston Cream Pie is also TO DIE FOR!!!



During my first summer working I earmarked money from each paycheck for a Peter Beaton hat.  By the end of summer I was the proud new owner of a fabulous and timeless straw hat that I wear to this day.  I popped by the shop for some new ribbons and critters...



Behold the Lily Pulitzer wrapped Jeep...only in Nantucket!



I have purchased my share of Cheryl Fudge scarf tops in years past but this year I discovered her Fashion Camp where campers learn to design and sew their own clothes...so cute!



I always love the crisp and clean yet colorful clothing and accessories of the island's shops...and nothing screams "I have more money than you" than a tote bag emblazoned with your very fancy zip code...



The tiny red row boat below is the "007"...my (now) husband and I spent many nights taking in this exact scene, dreaming of what our futures would hold.  Seeing the gorgeous sights of the harbor always takes me back to the magical summers of Nantucket Island with the man who would turn out to be the love of my life...ok, enough sap...Nantucket is really cool and you should visit.

Friday's Five Favorites...Union Jack paraphanelia!

As stated earlier in the week, we love us some Union Jack!  And, since we're wrapping up Royal Wedding Week today's FFF features the next 5 Union Jack items we'll probably own:

iPad cover...


Bathroom rug...


Cufflinks - French cuffs are great for boys and girls alike...


The cheekiest flash drive we've seen recently...


We'll serve our next batch of scones on this plate...

proper attire for a Royal Wedding (viewing party)...

We know we weren't included on the guest list for the actual event...but we've been cordially invited to sit our asses down in front of the telly to view the fabulous spectacle that is a Royal Wedding...our guests will be given a variety of crowns and tiaras to choose from for the occasion:

it's almost time...tea time, that is...

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY and since we must get up early tomorrow we're hosting a late afternoon tea rawwwther than dinner...




* Great tea sandwich recipes from Oprah, of course!

* Brew the perfect cup of tea...

* How to set your tea table...

* If you're a tea enthusiast this is the magazine for you!

* Want someone else to do it?  Search here for a tea room closest to you...

Beef and Guinness Stew...

British food gets a bad rap, what with funky names like blood sausage, treacle pudding, scrumpy, clotted cream, jellied eels and spotted dick.

However, nothing beats great pub grub such as Fish and Chips, Cottage Pie or Beef and Guinness Stew!  Our favorite recipe (culled from a few different versions) for the latter below:

2 pounds stew beef, trimmed of fat and cut into 1 inch cubes
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons flour
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 bag of pearl onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato puree or paste, dissolved in 4 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups Guinness Irish Stout
2 cups beef stock
2 1/2 cups largely diced carrots
2 cups fresh green peas
Sprig of fresh rosemary
Chopped flat leaf parsley, for garnish
then
4 - 6 servings mashed potatoes (we like pre prepared, real potatoes)

Toss beef with 1 tablespoon of oil then coat with flour and salt and pepper.  Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over high heat and brown the meat. Reduce heat, add onions, garlic and dissolved tomato puree to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer skillet ingredients to a slow cooker and pour half of the Guinness into the skillet, bringing it to a boil.  Stir to dissolve meat drippings in the pan then add to the slow cooker with remaining Guinness, beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. Add the carrots, peas and rosemary and stir well.  Let the slow cooker do its thing for about 2 to 4 hours then spoon the mixture over mashed potatoes and garnish with parsley for a bit of greenery!

Serves 4 - 6

You know, cooking isn't exactly our strong suit so below are some links to other similar recipes, just in case:
My Recipes
Food Network
Rachael Ray

Don't forget to serve Guinness for the accompanying beverage!

We're eating this dish Thursday night in preparation for the BIG DAY!!!