June 04, 2025

Mansion in May 2025

June 04, 2025/ Meryl

Something I look forward to attending is Mansion in May. A Designer Showhouse and Gardens with proceeds going to the Morristown Medical Center. This year’s mansion was Wildfair in Chester, NJ.

I attended with my sister Noreen, her daughter Christina, her sister in law Vicki, and my dear friend Kristin.

The Entry Staircase and view from the upstairs walkway was delightful.

The Entry powder room was spectacular. The designer was tasked with keeping the existing vanity and marble and creating a seamless design.

The study had a private courtyard area.

I would love to lounge here with a book!

The gorgeous Diningroom won the Tulip Award for best Interior Design.

This two floor library space was really cool.

The Family room had a stunning onyx bar.

I loved this combination in the Master Bath.

I matched one of the bedrooms.

This bath by Tile Lab was amazing… it’s all tile. Yes, these images are of tile. I was so impressed I snapped a pic of their contact details.

The lighting was dark but, this bedroom had such a unique design.

I loved the use of Bashful by Benjamin Moore in this bedroom.

This Bathroom leading into the teenage girls room was so fun.

The Teenage girls bedroom was beautiful.

I have the great good fortune to know Susan Farcy the designer of this magnificent guest room. The Hydrangea wallpaper was a delight.

The pool and the pond beyond - is a stunning setting.

This garden was up a level around the side of the property. It was Magic!

After the tour we had lunch and then did a little shopping in the Boutiques.

I picked up this lovely block print fabric and I’ll always enjoy having a reminder of this wonderful day.

Until next time friends be well. I’ll see you over on Instagram and if you’re interested in more about the Mansion in May - click the link below for an article I published in 2023 about all the Mansions I’ve visited since 2001 Mansion in May.

Images: Mansion in May, Noreen, Vicki, Kristin & Me

May 28, 2025

Long Valley Peonies (2025)

May 28, 2025/ Meryl

I’m excited to share the visit my sister Noreen and I had Sunday May 25th to Long Valley Peonies Located at 227 West Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ, 07853. The farm is open 9am-6pm, rain or shine every day, including Sundays, until the blooms are finished. It costs $10.00 CASH to visit and walk the farm. The bouquets are $35.00 for 10 blooms - they accept CASH and Venmo. When we walked around there were more folks at the farm stand buying blooms than walking around. It was in the low 60’s* but the sun came out just as we started walking around.

We started the afternoon off with a yummy lunch at Chesapeake Tavern.

This year the peonies were not as far along in their bloom cycle as they were in both 2023 and 2024. Unfortunately, this was the only day we could get there. Not that I’m complaining but, I do wish I could go again this week.

I encourage you to visit Long Valley Peonies. If you’re very far from New Jersey look in your own area and find a farm or garden to visit. 🌼

Give Long Valley Peonies a follow and check out their Website.

Til next time friends be well and I’ll see you over on the Gram!

May 14, 2025

Charming Chatsworth

May 14, 2025/ Meryl

While I was recovering from my Tear Duct/Nose surgery last month I took a deep dive on You Tube and watched every program I could locate about Chatsworth the wonderful estate in Derbyshire, England, owned by the Dukes of Devonshire since 1549. I am besotted by it’s grander and history. If I ever get back to England it’s at the top of my list to visit. I added two new books about this magical place to the permanent Chalet collection.

In 1959 Deborah Mitford moved into Chatsworth with her husband Andrew Cavendish the 11th Duke of Devonshire and their children. She was known for her role in steering the renovation, improving the gardens and developing businesses such as the Chatsworth Farm Shop, Chatsworth's Retail and Catering operations, Chatsworth Estate Trading and Chatsworth Design. The Duchess also supervised the development of the Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, near Chatsworth and the Devonshire Arms Hotel at Bolton Abbey. She authored/co-authored (listed on Good Reads) 24 books all but a few about the estate. Here are four I own.