Cape "No Fear"

Cape "No Fear"

After just returning from a much needed vacation that has completed lifted my spirits and revived my creative juices, I wanted to share with you my secret garden……it's Cape May.  I discovered the spot about 5 years ago with the help of two of my dearest friends.  I now claim it as mine.  I don’t however, own property or even a bike there, but do limited rights to a room or shall I say the "Presidential" suite at my friend's home.  What I love most is the familiarity that I have cultivated with the restaurants, shops, farmer’s market and beach.  Have you ever felt really connected to a place and don’t really know why?  For me it's about my surroundings but even more importantly is how I can spend quality time there with my family.  Not just my immediate family but an extended clan who have adopted me as cousin, aunt or older big sis—whichever role is most fitting at the time.  Over the last several years we have established a tradition of attending the annual Christmas parade (Bring your bag ready to grab candy thrown from Santa’s firetruck or pass another plate of MC's homemade ziti!)   Whether it’s a bike ride to beach or shopping on the small town mall, I am building memories for my daughter.  Okay, so now for the real highlight of my trip, and yes, its food--an incredible meal at Freda's Cafe.  Legend has it that the chef is from the Plaza Hotel in New York.  Not surprising!  In this charming cafe, the food is amazing and yet has a homestyle taste.  My favorite so far has to be the incredible Kobe burger!  A sumptous, cooked to perfection burger with mushrooms, pepperjack cheese and carmelized onions.  Melts in your mouth while it glides onto your hips.  So worth it though.  Don't forget to add a bowl of the New England Clam Chowder (it's the little touches that matter like the dill that really sets off this creamy broth) or better yet--try the gourmet mac and cheese.  Don't just take my word, see for yourself--It is located at 210 Ocean Street, Cape May, New Jersey.  Let me know if you have a favorite escape that inspires you and feeds your soul.

For as long as I can recall, I have been intrigued with beautiful things.   At 13, my mother, who desperately wanted me to glide comfortably into my intended 6 ft /110 pound frame without the usual adolescent shame or embarrassment, enrolled me in a modeling class.  This was a chance to embrace and celebrate the body that I was bound to have with grace and dignity.  I was clearly, the youngest and gaukiest girl in the room.  Each week, she would chauffeur me to class and I would learn the art of the "cat walk."  I adored the other girls who in my estimation, were far prettier and more fabulous than I.  Our teacher, Bernadere was the original diva with beautiful cocoa skin, and a figure to die for.  As she glided into the room before class, I spied her carrying a mysterious handbag.  Little did I know, it was a Louis Vuitton.  Its worn leather and aristocratic shape captivated my attention.  I wanted one without knowing all the baggage this bag carried!  This is my first memory of my obsession with beautiful things.  However, it wasn’t until recently an epiphany occurred that uncovered my true appreciation for great craftsmanship and beauty. Another fellow beautista suggested I create my own sounding board....A blog!  So to that end, I have decided to share with you, and the world or shall I say anyone, who is interested, my daily find(s) and acknowledgement of great stuff.   As my daughter reads this over my shoulder she shakes her head with vehement disapproval.  Mom “Don’t say stuff.”    However, there is a reason for the use of the word stuff.  My title clearly declares "all things simple and intricate."  For me "simple" translates to "stuff."  Need I say more?  So in other words, my awareness and my appreciation isn’t only for those things pricey or purchased at Saks…  (Although I do admit I have a fetish and addiction for pricey handbags  as my earlier Louis story suggests.)  I also can find the simplest glass mason jar at a flea market filled with gathered wild flowers,  to be, shall I say “magnificent”  So anyway, back to my purpose for creating this.  I want to share with you many of my favorite finds, shops, best places to eat or movies to see, must have services that can’t be beat and just an allover connection to things that make my heart flutter.  I hope you enjoy and let me know what you have discovered and love as well.