Dusk & Rubies: A Long Island Story

Showing posts with label A Long Island Story. Show all posts

6/6/13

Day Date Ideas: Tall Ships Festival

Looking for a fun day to spend relaxin' with your man, or hangin' with your lady while on Long Island? Well here's a suggestion for you...The Tall Ships Festival in Greenport. Great street fairs, plenty of booths, good eats, and of course if you pay $15 dollars you can board any of the Tall Ships. Check out pictures below, along with a link to Greenport's other

Summer events.

They let me drive...navigate. Okay you caught me I'm just posing.

On one of the five boats in the living quarters.

Sitting in the crew's bedrooms. Behind me is one of the bunks.

Checking out some of the chowder from one of the vendors.Click here for a list of things to do in Greenport
and check out their Calendar for events and schedules!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

Day Date Ideas: Oyster Bay Arboretum

Looking for a great day date? Then I suggest the Oyster Bay Arboretum. Only $8 to park and so many gorgeous views, you'll think your in the private gardens of the Long Island Elite. Plus, it's a great way to get in some exercise. Enjoy the pictures below:

Click Here for more information and directions to the Planting Fields Oyster Bay Arboretum

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

6/2/13

Long Island: Summer Festival 2013 Roundup

Great South Bay Festival

You know that long, lean island off of New York that is a hop, skip, and a jump away from NYC? Yeah, the one that sort of looks like a fish…no not Phish; the island in no way, shape, or form resembles Trey’s silhouette. Anyway, the island I’m speaking of is called Long Island, and although it might be best known for its beaches, and towns like Montauk and the Hamptons did you know that there is a music current that has been lapping at our shores and gaining momentum for the past four years? That’s right there is major music and festival appreciation here on the island.

If I could describe the music scene, I would say it’s hungry, massive, and energetic. Many of the festivals are scenic, and hosted on beach fronts, local farms, or near historical landmarks. Here are the top festivals to attend this summer on Long Island. So get ready to listen, jam, vibe, throw some glow sticks, and drink some delicious microbrews!

1. Beer fields Craft Beer & Music Festival
Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill, Selden, NY
(formally Brookhaven Amphitheater)
June 29th

The Venue:

Let me tell you a little about Bald Hill. It is a completely natural-made landscape, and one of the highest points above sea level on Long Island. So you’ll be able to see for miles, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding sea, all with a beer in one hand…or maybe two. Bald Hill is not only picturesque, but also spacious with its 20 acres made up of fields, and foliage. The venue website boasts its ability to contain approximately 3,000 seats plus a vast lawn for over 6,500. On a clear and sunny day in the summer where else would you want to be?

About:

If you’re looking for a completely low-key and stress-free festival, then this is the one for you. Beerfields can be best described as a blend of unique microbrewery beers and banging bands. The Festival’s website informs us that, “Beerfields focuses on catering to the masses by providing education and exposing the wonders of craft beer while entertaining the people with top notch music festival performances”. This year’s music acts include: DirtyHeads, Mailers, OogeeWawa, NonStop To Cairo, Soundswell, Workout, and The RBC. The breweries that will be setting up shop are some of my favorite on Long Island: Great South Bay Brewery (If you can try their Blood Orange Pale Ale), Blue Point Brewery which is one of the fastest growing microbreweries in the United States, and Spider Bite Brewery (I suggest grabbing a pint of either their white bite wheat ail, or black bite roasted wheat.)

Cost:

General Admission is $53, and you can purchase them from Ticket Master, or choose the tab that states, “Buy Now” on the Beerfields website.

2. Great South Bay Festival
Shorefront Park, Patchogue, NY
July 19, 20, & 21

The Venue:

I may be biased because this Festival is hosted in my home town, but if you ask anyone of the plethora of Dead heads, festy goers, and venders at GSB they’ll tell you the same thing. This is one of the festivals to attend. It is held at the Shorefront Park in Patchogue. I have gone in both rain and shine and had an awesome experience. Large tents are set up next to the bay where you have the: soft breeze from the water keeping you cool, the stunning views of Fire Island, and passing boats, and great vendors, food trucks, cigar, beer, and wine tents. This festival is also an all week-end event. My favorite part about GSB? The late night acts on the main stage are always accompanied by an electric light show, the vibe is so positive and you can look left to right and everyone is completely enthralled and jamming out by the sights, sounds, and feel. It is a full sensory experience.

About:

This festival brings in some major names from the music scene. This year’s lineup consists of: The Doobie Brothers, Electric Hot Tuna, Dark Star Orchestra, Billy Squier, SouLive,Jerry Douglas Band,The Infamous Stringdusters, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Steve Forbert, James Maddock, Amy Helm Band, Antigone Rising, Patent Pending, Kerry Kearney Band,Miles to Dayton,Jack’s Waterfall, Funkin A, The Point,Wig-Jam, Funknasty, Heartless Devils, Rickity, Lo Fi 3,Heavy Duty Super Ego, Katie Pearlman, Cassandra House, Juicy Bruce, Stephen Kellog, Streetlight Circus, Jem Warren, Jamie Bendel, Rebecca Perl, Robert Bruey, Ancient Tongue, East,Butchers Blind, Memphis Crawl, Musaic, Soundswell, Mara Levine with Gathering Time, Red White & Blues Band, Vanilla Ghost House, Chris P. Cauley, Victoria Faiella, Jeff Ting, Alan Semerdjian, Sabretache, Mark Newman, Michael Jazz Trio, Funkt Up, John Sparling, Madame Please, Bx2, Pandafan,Youth Be Told, Fully Charged, Alex Proios, and Jillian Rae.

Cost:

Differs from day to day, depending on the package you purchase.
·         Friday Online Tickets start at $34.00
·         Saturday & Sunday Online Tickets start at $29.99
·         At the venue: General admission for one day is $35.00

You can buy tickets online by visiting the Great South Bay Festival website and click on the tab “Tickets”.

Just some fun friends having a good time.

Getting ready for a show on the main stage.

Some other music festivals to look for on Long Island (upcoming and past events):

· Montauk Music Festival: Held in Montauk is usually a 4 day music festival that collects bands, and up and coming musicians from all different genres.

· Phish At Nikon Jones Beach Theater: Although part of their concert series, the Jones Beach parking lot becomes transformed and takes on a festival air with handmade items being sold, intense hula hooping competitions, and tail gating prior to walking in to the venue.

· Electric Farm Fest: It always better to party for a cause. Electric Farm Fest is a festival on a farm whose proceeds go to a selected worthy cause. There is no Electric Farm Fest this year, but hopefully they will bring it back. If they do, we’ll be ready!

Picture Courtesy of: Patrice Marissa

That is me on the right and Patrice on the left!
Picture Courtesy of: Patrice Marissa

Picture Courtesy of: Patrice Marissa

I’ll be bringing you more updates on the music scene here on Long Island, as well as the craft beer festivals because to me they go hand and hand.

So welcome to my island. Treat her well, and she’ll show you a good time.

Like Always Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor & Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

5/26/13

What To Wear: To The Boardy Barn

What To Wear: To The Boardy Barn by duskandrubies featuring high waisted shorts

5/24/13

Foodie Reviews: Robinson's Tea Room

I love tea, so it is no secret that one of my favorite cozy tea spots would be the Robinson's Tea Room in Stony Brook Village. This tea spot is so divine it is Zagat rated!

Robinson's also offers both the enjoyment of sitting down to your own steeping pot, or to order one of their delicious teas to go. Another wonderful feature of Robinson's is that they don't only serve tea, but also lunch, and desserts such as their famous scones and clotted cream. Mmmm.

My favorite tea flavors include, but are not limited to: Almond, Orange Spice, Cocoa Coconut, Maple Vanilla, and Licorice Spice.

Just a spot of tea.

How cute is this tea cup and saucer?

My mom is such a pretty lady. Look at her keeping her pinky out!

This place is great for: family events, girlfriend gatherings, mother's day, and just to enjoy your high noon tea.

Stay Lovely,

...and drink a cup of tea

D.R

Editor, and curator of

Dusk & Rubies

5/16/13

Who Doesn't Love A Little Retail Therapy?

It was quite the exciting Wednesday. First, I met the beautiful and talented Wendy Williams, and then after taking the LIRR back to Long Island I had a Grand Opening Party to attend for the newest boutique in Sayville: Therapy Life & Style

I am lucky to have had multiple conversations with the boutique's owner, Kelly Kirkpatrick, prior to her grand opening party. Kelly believes, "everyone needs a little retail therapy", and I couldn't agree more. Her boutique resonates with her message with its thoughtful, and well curated items from: the artwork that is not only decorative but also available for purchase, to the hot pink studded clutch that I fell in love with. It was not a surprise that her soiree was just as equally therapeutic.

When my friend Samantha (you may know her from our Worth The Weight page) and I walked in, we were instantly addressed by one of the waitresses, and offered a "nightcap". It's not what you are thinking, but rather these beautiful petite cocktails in the form of cupcakes!

(From Left to Right)
Back Row: Espresso, Peach Bourbon, Lemon Drop
Middle Row: Lemon Drop, Mudslide
Front Row: Mudslide, Peach Bourbon, Bahama Mama

Then there was a pop of champagne and the mimosa's were made! Which meant Samantha and I were ready to shop.

It was love at first spike!

Samantha remarked, "I love how this store has the feel, and the merchandise of a boutique but the prices aren't ridiculous".

We were obsessed with this lace romper!

The transformation dress.

There is even more to see! So stop on down to Therapy Life & Style whenever you're in Sayville. If you live further away, then don't fret. There is also another store located in Southhampton!

Overall, the grand opening was a hit, with customers constantly walking in, and taking their time to peruse. This success was definitely due to Therapy Life & Style's ability to not only enchant, but also relax its customer. Kelly makes every customer, who walks in her door, feel as if they are the only one in her shop. So go, and get your retail therapy on!

Don't forget to like them on facebook: Therapy Life & Style

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

-------------------------------------------

Part of the WSWP: Women Support Women Project

Know someone who is starting a small business and is looking for press? E-mail us your story, and your business may be chosen to have an article written about it [duskandrubies@gmail.com]

Written by: Danielle A. Rufrano
NYS Teacher Certification in English Language Arts
Freelance writer for: yourzenlife.com and getfesty.com
BA in English, 2010

5/8/13

Foodie Reviews: Long Island Restaurant Week...Le Soir Review

Restaurant Week 2013: The dates were April 28th- May 5th, and Brian (my boyfriend) and I just made it by attending the last day of the week, Saturday May 5th. Restaurant week on Long Island gives us the chance to go to expensive restaurants and eat a 3 course well procured meal for the reasonable price of $27.95. Naturally, we chose Le Soir- one of our favorite spots (we go at least once a year). Here is a quick run down about the restaurant:

Name: Le Soir (which means the evening in French. I think their name is clever, because every time we go our evening is filled with delight, both culinary and experience wise.

Cuisine: French

Where: Bayport

Price: Usually expensive, but during LI restaurant week extremely reasonable.

My Favorite Dish: Roast Duck in Orange Sauce

The Menu:

Appetizers

Risotto aux Petit Pois et Lardons
Peas and Pancetta Risotto
Pâté de Campagne
Le Soir Country Pâté

Mélange de Salades, Fromage de Chèvre Tiède, Tomate séché
Goat Cheese Salad, Sun-dried Tomato

Bisque de Homard et Gnocchi

Lobster Bisque, Gnocchi

Escargots Bourguignons
Baked Snails, Garlic Butter (supp. $4)

Entrées

Carré de Porc Rôti, Sauce Charcutière

Roast Rack of Pork, Duchesse Potato, Mustard Gherkins Sauce

Branzino Sauté, Sauce Beurre Blanc Citronné
Sautéed Branzino, Lemon White Butter Sauce

Canard Rôti, Sauce a l’Orange

Roast Duck with Orange Sauce (supp. $7)

Poulet de Ferme Rôti, Sauce Diable
Pan Seared Farm Chicken, Diablo Sauce

Desserts Maison
$ 27.95

The food was full bodied, every part of my hunger was satiated and satisfied from my appetizer to my cafe (coffee). I strongly reccomend when on Long Island trying this restaurant. It is some of the best French cuisine I have ever tried, the staff is friendly and knowledgable, and the room is bright and open with beautiful artwork. There were white roses set on our table, and I felt I had just stepped into the novel, Alice and Wonderland, because of the artwork, and the white roses at our table. See the picture we were sitting beneath below, and tell me if you agree with my allusion.

Last but not least...a picture speaks a thousand words...and I have a lot of pictures.

Roast Rack of Pork, Duchesse Potato, Mustard Gherkins Sauce

My Meal: Pan Seared Farm Chicken, Diablo Sauce

Pan Seared Farm Chicken, Diablo Sauce

The Floating Island Dessert

The art above our table depicted bushes that were shaped with different tops!

I wore a red chemise, and my be mine Betsy Johnson Bag. I felt like the Queen of Hearts!

Stay Lovely,
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies

The Craft Fair Diaries...

This weekend I went to my first craft fair of 2013! It was held at the Farmingdale Library, which is huge in comparison to my library. It was all state of the art with its: window-like fish tanks, and coffee machines. There was a book fair, a bake sale, and a mother's day plant sale. So you could imagine the place was bringing in loads of traffic.

There were over 75 vendors, and every shop was unique and different. All crafters were divied up into three different rooms, and I like to believe that room Z (my room) was the best one. I have to say this craft fair completely boosted my confidence as a designer. I was given so many compliments on my designs, and how I presented my jewelry. Here is what a few vendors, and buyers said:

"You're jewelry is so beautiful, and so different."

"You need to keep this up. My neighbor started off just like you, and now she is running a successful business. I am originally from California, and I think you will go very far."

"You're stuff is beautiful-you used beads in a way I never thought to." -Eileen Godwin

It was so exciting to make people's day, or to see their excitement with their purchase. One mom and daughter bought a pair of earrings to match her prom dress, and they came back a second time just to thank me for the beautiful earrings, another daughter bought a pair for her Mom, and one woman bought two long dangles for herself, and rocked them! Overall, it was a really successful and gratifying experience. Here is what sold: