Weekend Staycations...Shelter Island

Fourth of July weekend brings thousands of people from the hot city streets of Manhattan out to the hot sandy beaches of the Hamptons, and Sunrise Highway becomes flooded with bumper to bumper traffic. Usually I play it safe, and stay far away from the frustrations by lounging by the pool, but this past weekend I decided to (with my siblings) take a chance and voyage to Greenport where we could take the ferry to Shelter Island. We hit no traffic on Sunday, and the trip was so affordable, and relaxing! Take a look at some pictures below.

 Ferry prices are so affordable, and parking for the ferry is free. I opted not to take my car, and we walked from the ferry terminal to Crescent Beach.

While walking to the beach we took the scenic route. We saw sail boats docked, beautiful houses, tennis courts, and on their main street there was a gas station, general store, bike rentals, a bar, liquor store, and café. We also passed a golf course, and a deli.  



 

Crescent Beach is one of the most highly visited beaches on Shelter Island. Although this beach is located directly in front of the Sunset Beach Hotel and Restaurant, it is open to the public. Their are lounge chairs, and umbrellas for the guests of the hotel only, but their is paddle boarding for everyone to rent. They charge $30 per hour and two people can go out on one board.



Photo From Sunset Hotel Brochure



Photo From Sunset Beach Brochure



1. Bring single dollar bills with you because ferry rides take tokens, and one token is worth $2 dollars. (If you put in a ten dollar bill, then you will receive four tokens, not change. You only need two tokens: one there, and one for the return trip.)

2. It is pretty affordable to take your vehicle, but there is no guarantee that there will be parking. Plus, you will have to wait on the sometimes grueling ferry line.

3. We chose to walk it, but the scenic route was 2.2 miles long. My brother called it suburban hiking. We found biking as the number one way to get around the island, because even though we chose to walk there were very few people walking, and most roads lacked sidewalks. There were plenty of bikers who biked to get around, and just for exercise.

4. If you choose to walk or bike the easiest way to carry your items is with a backpack. If you bring a cooler, then somehow bring one that is easy to carry or tie to your bicycle.

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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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

CONTINUE READING

Ask Wendy: Wendy Williams on her new novel, love, and being fabulous!

How you doin'? May be her catch phrase (let's just ponder for a moment what it would be like to have our own catch phrases...) Right, as if having a hit morning talk show wasn't enough, Wendy Williams has her own catch phrase, and  has just released a new book, which to me equals bonafide stardom. I was lucky enough to have seats up front to Wendy Williams book reading, and Ask Wendy segment (which her sixth book has been named) at the Bryant Park Reading Room.

 The day was perfect. Well, it was a little chilly, but Wendy warmed us right up with her pop of color: hot pink manolo blahniks, hot pink lips, and of course her vivacious personality. Wendy explained as she posed for pictures that she never knows how to dress for these things, but likes to "give the full Wendy". She elaborated by stating,  "I like to give good height, and I like to give good wig" joking about her 5'11" status and love of playing with her multitude of hair styles.

My outfit to meet Wendy in. Of course I wore 4" wedges!

A little shoe love.

 She not only looked fabulous, but she also gave us the inside scoop. Wendy Williams is set to play Matron Mama Morgan in the Broadway play Chicago! She told us she sings one number, and starts vocal lessons next week. She also told us that she would like for the production company she and her husband own, to collaborate with a channel like Lifetime to produce her Ritz Series (A trilogy based on her main character Ritz, who is of course a diva).

Her hot pink lip!

After all the juicy news Wendy divulged she was ready to delve into her most current book Ask Wendy. She explained to us that she is going into her fourth season of the Wendy show, and this book was dedicated to her "Wendy Watchers", who wrote her letters about their toughest problems and she answered them. "No topic was off limits", she stated to us, and we all nodded in admiration of Wendy's ability to explain, in only the special way that Wendy does that, "Tough talk means straight understanding".

She gave us advice, as she told stories from her own life, and her own growth such as:

1. That it is okay to breakup with your girlfriends. That just because you know someone since kindergarten does not mean you have to stay friends with them. That if your girlfriend is a thorn in your side, then breakup. She smiled as she remarked, "the friendship chapter was my favorite chapter to write". She smiled secretly, and then broke it down for us, "I am a firm believer in you have to break a few eggs to make a good omelet".

2. That when you walk away from a man, or break up with him, "you want your walk away shot to be good, and lingering..." Meaning, that even if the man does you wrong, to do yourself right.

 3. Office romances are NOT a good idea, or that they take a special kind of mature person, and that when you're "falling in love no one is completely balanced".

 After talking she opened up the floor for a Q&A, then she signed books, and took pictures. While waiting online she began talking to me while signing someone elses book. My height had peeked her interest, "How tall are you?". With the heels that I was wearing on, I was a healthy 6'2". We then started to discuss our heights, and laughed at how we love to embrace it by wearing skyscraping heels. Wendy nicknamed me "tall girl" and we took a rather good picture. How you doin'?

Here are a few more pictures:

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor, and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

CONTINUE READING

5 Strange, Yet Completely Entertaining Movies...To Watch On Netflix

I'm a huge fan of the movies. I think a movie, similar to a good book can serve as a great escape from life, the perfect activity for a rainy day, or a way to relax before bed. That's just some of the reasons why I indulge myself with movies. After seeing the constant commercials, and the great deal of just $7.99 a month it just felt natural to sign up for Netflix.

I have had Netflix for about a year now, and while it is not always up to date with the newest releases it does provide me with movies I would never have found on my own. I am really open to all different types of movies, because although I prefer movies like Casino Royal over the newest romantic comedy, and have watched classics like The Sound of Music more times than the Notebook (I own the collectors box set of The Sound of Music, and do not own the Notebook- although The Notebook, and Nights at Rodanthe are the only Nicholas Sparks movies I truly like). I am a big fan of anything from the Turner Classic Movie Collection, anything that is Film Noir, Tarantino, or featuring Joseph Gordon Levitt (huge crush alert).

Pause to gawk at his perfection:

Okay I am back...

Anyway...here are the 5 surprisingly intriguing, bizarre, and completely entertaining movies I found on Netflix. In no specific order:

1. The Pill: Genre- Drama, Romantic Comedy. About- Those of you, like my boyfriend, that take a lot of stock in what Rotten Tomatoes Critics say this movie earned a 70% by critics on the tomatometer. I don't want to give too much away, but this movie would be great to see with the girlfriends just add wine and you have the perfect night in! This movie is unrated.

2. Hick: Genre- Drama, About- Big names like Chloe Grace Mortez (Remember her as the kid sister wise beyond her years in 360 Days of Summer?), and Blake lively bring this completely bizarre story to life. It truly is one of those films that is completely off the beaten track. I thought it was great because it was thought-provoking. This movie did not fare well on Rotten Tomatoes with a 5%, but I think it is because it is not for mainstream audiences. So, if you're feeling brave and dare to tread in movie waters unknown cue it up! This movie is Rated R.

3. Butter: Genre- Drama, Comedy About- With a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes this movie also delves into a strange world, one about carving butter-which may seem as ridiculous as it sounds. I watched this with the boyfriend, and it kept us completely entertained one laid back Saturday night. This movie does place its audience into awkward situations so be wary of who you choose to view it with. Rated R for sexual content, and language.

4. The Witness: Genre- Drama, Mystery & Suspense. About- Don't let the fact that the movie came out in 1985 stop you. This movie earned a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and if you don't already love Harrison Ford you will have to admire him after this movie. This movie is great to watch with your family, friends, or the significant other. It is a true crowd pleaser. It is rated R for strong language, and scenes of violence. 

 


5. All Good Things Genre- Mystery & Suspense About- This movie earned a 35% rating on rotten tomatoes, but is truly a fascinating story. It is based on the true life events surrounding a missing persons case that is still, to this day, unresolved...in the eyes of the law. Those who watch the movie may have a different perspective. Ryan Gosling gives an incredibly believable performance. This movie is rated R.

Happy Viewing!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

CONTINUE READING

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

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 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

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Recap of All Things April

So if you're new to Dusk & Rubies Blog, or if you're just interested in my April adventures your in luck because  here come a parade of pictures of things that happened this April:

 

I voyaged to Manhattan...

I love when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom!

I was inspired by a room full of talented writers...

 

I saw beautiful views through wine tasting at the Boat House in Central Park...

 

I celebrated love at a bridal party, and enjoyed the company of old friends...

 

I experienced my first ever Cask Festival...

 

I worked on my company and had loads of fun shooting my jewelry designs...

 

 I spent some R&R time in the Hamptons with the boyfriend...

 

 I sipped pre-cinco de mayo margaritas in Westhampton...

 

I jammed out to these guys Soundswell...

 

I lost another 5 lbs! That is 10 total in 2 months. Yes!! It has been a slow process, but I am truly doing it the right way. Eating every meal, never skipping, and I have snacks too! I work out sometimes. My goal for May is to start getting back into the routine of working out. Wish me luck...

Before: End of February Beginning of March





After: End of April Beginning of May


If you're interested in losing weight the healthy way click on "The Health Issue" label and scroll down to the blog post M.I.A March Here To Stay April...or click below:

M.I.A March Here To Stay April

 

Well now it is May, and last weekend was spectacular I can't wait to share!

 

Like always stay lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk and Rubies

CONTINUE READING