Rosemary & Thyme

Hello everyone.  I hope you all had a great weekend.  Weather here has been sunny and extremely hot around here.  And when summer is in full swing, my husband and I love to plan long weekend trips.  Last month, we visited one of our favorite destinations, the beautiful resort community of Newport, Rhode Island.  This is such a great summertime and autumn escape.  Great restaurants, wonderful beaches, gilded age mansions and amazing ocean views.  It is also where Jacqueline Bouvier and John Kennedy were married on September 12, 1953. During the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century, Newport, Rhode Island, was the exclusive playground for America's wealthy such as the Vanderbilt family, Berwinds' and Astors' who built grand "summer cottages" there.  It was also a summer getaway for the Kennedy's. One of the mansions which toured during this visit was Rosecliff mansion.   This is certainly one of the less ornate cottages in Newport but yet elegan

Hello everyone.  Things have certainly picked up around here.  It seems like we are full speed in the entertaining department.  We have been non-stop since May.  Although I am completely exhausted, it's been wonderful to have our family visit from New York and Florida.  Especially my parents.   It is always such a sweet treat to spend time with Mom & Dad.  Mom has been through so much since her battle with breast cancer so I treasure every moment that I get to be in her company.  One of my favorite ways to entertain is by having brunch.  It is simple and carefree.  Besides, I consider brunch so much fun.  That wonderful combination of breakfast and lunch allows for a leisurely and relaxed pace.  So last weekend when my niece Adriana stay for the weekend, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to have a Sunday brunch. I usually set the table a few days before which lets me concentrate on meal planning and prep.  I also like to set the buffet areas the night before whi