Today’s Agenda: forgot to bake edition
Jun 30, 2011 Today's Agenda
So I’m heading to Buffalo with the kids later today. It occurred to me about five minutes ago that when my mom donated to my charity bake sale I mentioned that I would bring her baked goods when I came to visit. Which I then promptly forgot about. I totally could’ve whipped out some sourdough this morning if I’d realized all this and left some starter out last night. I may try to throw something else in the oven before I leave. So pissed at myself!
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I’m bringing a few product samples I recently received with me on my toad trip today, all of them having to do with my cell phone. Can’t wait to try them out and report back.
The first is a bluetooth speakerphone from Motorola, The Roadster. It connected to my phone in about 5 seconds with zero issues. I’ll be putting it on my visor and testing it out. I already made a couple of easy calls by pressing a button and saying “Call XXX” – it worked beautifully. Another cool feature? A built-in FM radio.
The second is a universal cell phone holder called, appropriately enough, the EZ Cell Holder, and its cousin the Cell Handle. I’ll be attaching the holder to my dashboard so that I can more easily see my phone when using the GPS directions on my trip. And the handle – which lets you hold your phone securely with one finger – will come in very handy now that I’ve dropped my phone enough times that the case I bought for it broke.
The third is the Loksak. It looks like a plastic zipper bag, but it’s much much stronger, with a completely waterproof seal. It’s available in a bunch of sizes, included iPad size. I’ll be throwing my phone into this when I take my kids to the hotel pool – that way I won’t have to worry about it getting splashed. And the best part? I just tried it out, and I can totally use my phone while it’s in the case.
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I’ve posted the last part of my Cape May/Congress Hall reviews, and today the travel-themed posts continue with an introduction to St. Thomas. We packed so many activities into a little more than a week on the island I had to stretch it all out over a week’s worth of posts!
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Can’t wait to see my family! Just about everyone will be there, but the few who won’t be will be sadly missed.
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Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 1. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
Tags: baking, Cape May, phone accessories, tech
The sights and smells of Cape May
Jun 30, 2011 Travel
The first thing I noticed when I got off of our bus in Cape May earlier this month was the smell. Clean. Ocean-y. Clean. (Sorry, I live in NYC – I have to mention the clean smell twice.) Even when you’re in town a few blocks from the waterfront you can still smell it. I miss it!
I spent a couple of hours wandering around the town alone, and I wish I’d had several days – I only got to see a small fraction. I started by walking away from the water, away from the shopping area. This was risky for me because I had to be back at Congress Hall at a certain time, and my sense of direction is absolutely terrible! But I’m so glad I took the chance, because I got to see some of the most amazing architecture!
This one was my absolute favorite:
Even the ones that are showing their age are still adorable:
Eventually I was able to find my way back to the more touristy area. Just steps from our hotel is a fantastic blocks-long stretch closed off to cars with the most charming shops and restaurants. It was really the only time I was glad my husband wasn’t there with me, because he’s not a shopper. But I was alone, and did as much browsing as I could, eventually buying souvenirs for the kids. No, not the Hermit Crabs, which were ubiquitous.
I hate to use a word as clichéd as picturesque but…just look at these pictures!
I really enjoyed my time in Cape May, and at Congress Hall especially. Between all of the trips to see family in different parts of the country and my husband’s job, we don’t usually have the time for long vacations. I love that there’s a place so close by that feels like another world, in another time.
I loved everything about my stay, but when I go back I’m going to request a different room location. The first night a lot of people were gathered below my window talking and laughing until about 11:30 at night. It didn’t bother me because I wasn’t going to bed until midnight, but if I’d had my kids with me I think I would’ve been aggravated. On the other hand, there are signs in that area asking people to be quiet after a certain time, so I probably would’ve called the front desk and asked them to take care of it.
Something to keep in mind if you’re making reservations, owner Curtis Bashaw told me that the area knows as “The Annex” is the quietest, and the area where I was – on the third floor, facing the lawn – is the noisiest if people are outside. Also, if you like extra charm, request a room with one of the original bathtubs.
This is the last in this particular series of Cape May posts, but I guarantee you it won’t be the last you hear from me about Cape May.
I’m not the only one talking about Cape May! Check out this video from The Today Show, about celebrating July 4th in Cape May:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Special Offer for my readers: Book a stay at Congress Hall, or one of its sister properties, The Virginia Hotel or The Beach Shack, using the code MOMBLOG before July 31st (for travel anytime in 2011) and receive a $100 resort credit. Complete details of this offer can be found here.
Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 7. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
The rich history of Congress Hall
Jun 28, 2011 Travel
“Rich history” could refer to either Congress Hall itself, or the man now running it.
The Big House
The original building, called simply “The Big House” was built in 1816 by Thomas Hughes. When Hughes was elected to congress twelve years later the summer boarding house became known as Congress Hall. It burned to the ground in 1878 in a fire that destroyed much of Cape May’s coastal buildings. (Apparently when everything is built out of wood and lit by gas lamps on a windy shore, things burn down fairly frequently.)
This latest iteration was built in 1879 (of brick this time) and enjoyed many fabulous seasons, becoming the summer getaway of four presidents. John Phillip Sousa even wrote the Congress Hall March in its honor. Eventually, thought, it closed down and stayed closed until a fabulous renovation in the 1920s brought the crowds back (indoor plumbing was added at this point as well, with two rooms sharing one large bathroom).
The Bible Retreat
The car culture of the 1950s and 1960s was not kind to Cape May, and while places like Atlantic City were putting up cheesy motels to cater to this group, Cape May was largely forgotten. This latest downturn left Congress Hall in disrepair, which is how Reverend Carl McIntire was able to buy it in the 1960s and open a bible retreat. Rev. McIntire loved the building and his retreat saved it from being torn down. In 1976 it was given National History Landmark status.
This is where the building’s history runs right into the history of the current owner, Curtis Bashaw: Rev. McIntire was his maternal grandfather. Curtis spent his summers at the religious retreat, working all sorts of jobs. This was back in the days when employees of summer vacation spots all lived together, and Curtis used to sleep in what is now the part of Congress Hall known as “The Annex.” He learned the hotel business from the ground up, and by the time he was in college he was managing Congress Hall.
In 1986 Curtis bought the old Virginia Hotel, and reopened it as an upscale boutique hotel with a fine dining restaurant, The Ebbitt Room. It’s worth noting that he did this while attending graduate school, commuting to Cape May every weekend to oversee the project.
The Renovation
Congress Hall was next. Curtis’ development group bought the property and gave it a huge renovation, spending more than twenty million dollars. The renovation gave each room its own bathroom for the first time (there’s nothing charming about sharing a bathroom on vacation), but left the floors sloping – leveling them all would have cost too much, and frankly, I like the way they look. Reminds me of our house before we had new floors put in.
The result of Curtis’ vision and all that work is a beautiful, friendly, welcoming property that combines the best of both worlds: charm and modern convenience. But with such a fundamentalist Christian background I wondered if the hotel – or Cape May – would be a little too conservative for my taste. That wasn’t the case at all. I’m not giving away any secrets by mentioning that Curtis is gay. In fact, Governor McGreevey turned to Curtis for counsel before declaring “I am a gay American” and resigning a few years back.
Cape May has embraced gay culture (albeit in a more understated way than, say, Provincetown, where more of the waiters wear belly shirts than not). And gays, in turn, have embraced Cape May, opening B&Bs and antique shops. As if I hadn’t loved Cape May enough before finding out it was a tolerant and gay-friendly place. Old-world charm meets twenty-first century sensibility in a place I would be proud to bring my kids.
Next up: The sights and smells of Cape May.
Special Offer for my readers: Book a stay at Congress Hall, or one of its sister properties, The Virginia Hotel or The Beach Shack, using the code MOMBLOG before July 31st (for travel anytime in 2011) and receive a $100 resort credit. Complete details of this offer can be found here.
For more on Curtis Bashaw and the renovation of Congress Hall, you can check out these articles:
Cape May: A getaway from traditional getaways
Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 7. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
The drool-worthy food of Cape May
Jun 28, 2011 Travel
As a vegetarian I’m used to compromising a little bit on blogger trips. I genuinely enjoy side dishes, usually more than whatever special vegetarian concoction is whipped up in my honor. So I try to stay quiet about it, and am always happy if I have more than one main dish to choose from on the menu, especially when that one thing is “Selection of Steamed Vegetables.” As if being vegetarian automatically means that I want no butter, no calories, and no taste.
Well. This was one trip where absolutely no compromise was necessary. In the short time I was in Cape May earlier this month, I got to sample a couple of great Cape May restaurants plus an amazing lunch al fresco, right there in the middle of the farm where Congress Hall’s veggies are grown.
The Rusty Nail
Our first evening in Cape May we took a short walk over to The Beach Shack, a hotel owned by the Cape Resorts Group. This is the same company that owns Congress Hall, where we were staying. This hotel is even more relaxed than Congress Hall, with a fire pit and outdoor restaurant, as well as mini kitchens in the rooms complete with fridges, microwaves, plates, and flatware. A huge plus for families.
Our big group had dinner at The Rusty Nail, home of the longest bar in Cape May (they measured!). The first thing I noticed was all of the kids’ meals being served at other tables. Why did they catch my eye? Because they’re served on Frisbees, which the kids get to keep!
Remember what I said about enjoying side dishes? Despite there being some yummy looking pasta and a grilled vegetable sandwich on the menu, I was salivating over the huge side dish menu! I ordered several and was not sorry. The vegetables were so fresh, as if they’d come straight from a farm (uh, more on that the next section…).
The vast majority of our party were not vegetarians, and they all seemed pretty happy as well, eating things like Surf & Turf, Steak & Cake, and Fish Tacos. You can see the full Rusty Nail menu here.
Beach Plum Farm
The next afternoon we took a very short drive to Beach Plum Farm, an easy bike ride or even a nice walk from the heart of Cape May.
Know what I’m holding in that picture? Asparagus. It had just been picked a few minutes before, and we were grabbing it from a bin like it was candy. I’d never tasted raw asparagus before, and it was so tender and yummy! They cut asparagus for eight weeks last year and couldn’t use it all, so they blanched and froze the extra to use in winter soups.
There are about fifteen acres being farmed, which is roughly one-quarter of the farm (half of the land is marsh). All of the properties of the Cape Resorts Group share the produce. Now in its fourth year of being farmed, Beach Plum is producing all of the greens and herbs used by their hotels, as well as grapes, four or five kinds of berries, lots of different vegetables (including those famous Jersey tomatoes), and even Christmas trees! There are two bee hives, and lots of flowers are cut for use in the hotels (owner Curtis Bashaw likes to arrange them himself).
There are pigs on the farm that eat all of the leftovers from the restaurants. That’s kind-of brilliant. There’s even a new chicken coop, built to look like the cutest little schoolhouse ever. Of course, I totally forgot to take a picture of the outside in my rush to get inside and see the cute little chicks, but you can see it on Ellen’s post – she was smart enough to get a great picture of it (and also took the picture of me and my asparagus). By the end of the summer these chicks will be producing eggs.
Owner Curtis Bashaw (below) answered our questions and explained to us what a learning experience the farm has been for the kitchens of the different properties, as the chefs figure out who gets what. Everything we saw on the tour was simply picture-postcard beautiful.
After our tour we were treated to a lunch that was like something out of a movie. It was the most beautiful setting, with the freshest ingredients, and was served to us by cowboys. Yes, you read that right. Lots of pictures were taken by middle-aged moms with rodeo fantasies. And that’s all I’m going to say about that, because my husband reads my blog.
Our fabulous lunch was made for us by Chef Lucas Manteca, who is the executive chef for the Cape May Group. That’s him at the head of the table below, describing to a bunch of hungry bloggers in mouth-watering detail what we were about to eat.
The potato salad – which I think I had three servings of – was the best potato salad I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a lot of potato salad. It was made with crème fraiche instead of mayonnaise, and I will pry the recipe out of Chef Lucas’ hands and post it if it’s the last thing I do.
Visiting Beach Plum Farm wasn’t just a fantastic perk for bloggers on a press trip. Hotel guests are welcome to check out the farm for themselves at certain times, and bike tours and picnic packages are also offered. Check with the hotel staff for details.
Sad as I was to get up from the table and head back to town, I had a massage appointment to get to at the fabulous Sea Spa, so don’t feel too sorry for me.
The Blue Pig Tavern
After my relaxing massage I met the group at the Blue Pig Tavern, Congress Hall’s restaurant. The smartest thing I’ve ever done was sit next to Ellen, and we shared several dishes so that we didn’t have to do too much deciding, since our brains were still mushy from the spa. I highly recommend the macaroni and cheese. The Blue Pig’s menu is huge, and there really is something for everyone.
All in all this was a fantastic two days of food. I can’t wait to bring my husband, who loves seafood, since everyone was raving about how fresh it was. There’s a restaurant to fit every budget and style, which is important, because when I go on a beach vacation I don’t usually want to dress up or do any more primping than putting my hair in a pony tail. I was able to stay in beach casual clothes the entire trip while still eating like I was in a fancy restaurant.
Next up: the history and people of Congress Hall.
Special Offer for my readers: Book a stay at Congress Hall, or one of its sister properties, The Virginia Hotel or The Beach Shack, using the code MOMBLOG before July 31st (for travel anytime in 2011) and receive a $100 resort credit. Complete details of this offer can be found here.
Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 7. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
Today’s agenda: spoiled milk edition
Jun 28, 2011 Today's Agenda
Well I’m not sure how much more excitement I can handle today because I’ve already had so much. I didn’t do the dishes last night before going to bed (actually, “going to couch” would be more accurate since I once again fell asleep on the couch and almost dropped my laptop), and as payment I knocked a glass of milk off of the counter. Since it had been sitting out since last night its awesome smell was spread around a huge portion of the dining room, along with glass that I’m still finding over an hour later.
But there are things to be done! And today is the last day of school for the kids, so it’s my last chance to get things done without them underfoot until they start camp in a couple of weeks. And today’s only a half day, which doesn’t leave much time. In fact, just enough time for a wax and a pedicure.
Later this morning I’ll be publishing part two of my three-part post on Cape May and Congress Hall (part one is here). You don’t want to miss this one, it’s mostly about food!
This afternoon the kids and I are going to a preview of new Disney products for the holiday season, and they’re not talking Fourth of July! I’m most excited to see the new Disney Animator doll collection. I’ll take lots of pictures.
I’ll also be publishing a review of the Stinger Indoor Insect Trap that I’ve been using for about a week now. Short version? It works very well and is worth the money but won’t take care of every bug.
Have a great day – it’s going to be a stormy one here in Brooklyn!
Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 0. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
Tags: Cape May, Disney, mosquitoes
Congress Hall in Cape May: The part of New Jersey I didn’t know existed
Jun 27, 2011 Travel
I lived in New Jersey for four years. Four terrible years, in an annoying building in a nothing neighborhood across the Hudson from the west 90s. I often worked in northern New Jersey, hosting “Mad Science” birthday parties for rich brats in giant Tony Soprano-esque houses, so I knew about that part. And I knew about the part with Newark Airport and IKEA and the big stadium. And I’d been to Atlantic City many times, because I like blackjack. And I knew there were lots of beach towns. But even though I’ve never seen a minute of Jersey Shore, it had somehow permeated my subconscious, and I thought that all of those beach towns consisted of drunk, over-tanned teenagers throwing up on dirty boardwalks full of t-shirt shops.
I never would have considered taking my family on vacation to the Jersey Shore if I hadn’t gone to Cape May on a blogger trip earlier this month with a wonderful group of women from The Motherhood. But now, after spending two nights at Congress Hall, I am 100% sure that I will be back, with my family in tow.
Congress Hall
For anyone who’s been to the southern tip of New Jersey, you have every right to tell me that I’m an idiot and shouldn’t have been so closed-minded about that area. For the rest of you, I’m going to try my hardest in these posts to convince you that a fabulous beach vacation is a really convenient drive from the New York City, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia areas. In fact, according to owner Curtis Bashaw, Cape May is one tank of gas away from 25% of the country’s population.
Charm Meets Modern Convenience
Congress Hall looks stately, and even a bit imposing. But it’s actually a very relaxed hotel, with lots of charm and detail. I was blown away by the room keys. For one thing, they’re actual metal keys! And the key tags are modeled after an old luggage tag that Curtis Bashaw found while hiking near some old railroad tracks. It’s the kind of charming detail typical of Congress Hall.
My room was spacious and reminded me of the Bed & Breakfasts I used to stay in before I got old and spoiled. But unlike those B&Bs, this bed was huge and super comfortable and there was air conditioning, cable, a DVD player, and complimentary wireless internet – the best of both worlds. Not to mention my own big bathroom. That’s key. No amount of charm makes up for having to share a bathroom with strangers while on vacation. Even though the hotel was originally built with no bathrooms, then shared bathrooms, each of the rooms now has its own adorable bathroom – many with the original tubs!
The view from my room was gorgeous: the hotel’s great lawn and pool, and the wide beach beyond.
One afternoon I even got to spy on a wedding.
The beach is absolutely gorgeous, and very clean (it is raked nightly). And while it is public, staying at Congress Hall has a huge beach perk: lounge chairs and covers, beach umbrellas, and towels are all waiting for you, included in the price of your room, and waiters are waiting to take your food and drink orders right on the beach. There are also cabanas for rent for full or half days for very reasonable prices.
Not in a water mood but still want to relax? Park yourself in one of the many rocking chairs on the covered patio.
Holidays and Hotel Activities
Holidays are celebrated in kitschy splendor at Congress Hall. Independence Day is celebrated with a Dixieland Band, a choir, a lobster bake and picnic, face painting and other activities for the kids, and fireworks set off from a barge. The area’s haunted history is highlighted at the end of October with the Phantom Ball.
The Christmas season is also huge at Congress Hall, with a thirty-foot tree, carolers, a train that kids can ride around the property, a shopping bazaar, hot chocolate, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus! On New Year’s Eve there’s a very schmancy five-course dinner in the ballroom with dancing. There are other holiday celebrations throughout the year – check with the hotel for details.
Tomorrow: the food, the staff, and the history of Congress Hall.
Special Offer for my readers: Book a stay at Congress Hall, or one of its sister properties, The Virginia Hotel or The Beach Shack, using the code MOMBLOG before July 31st (for travel anytime in 2011) and receive a $100 resort credit. Complete details of this offer can be found here.
Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 7. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
Today’s agenda: travel edition
Jun 27, 2011 Today's Agenda
So after falling asleep on the couch after 3am I had to hit the ground running this morning to get as much done as possible on the kids’ last full day of school. Yes, for all of you saying “Why are your kids still in school? Mine have been out for a month!” NYC Public Schools are still in session. Until tomorrow. But they go back ridiculously late – this year it’s September 8th!
The kids and I will be leaving for Buffalo in a few days to meet up with just about all of the family we have! Yay! But I have a lot to do, starting with figuring out why my car is making a high-pitched whining noise. I rarely drive so I can handle it around Brooklyn, but if I had to listen to it for 400 miles I would arrive in Western New York completely insane. The kids will supply all the whine this road trip will require.
About a dozen other errands and I’ll be ready! Except for the packing. And the loads and loads of laundry before the packing. Sigh.
This morning I’m also kicking off two solid weeks of posts about travel. I’ll be starting with the first of three posts about the amazing and beautiful Congress Hall in Cape May NJ, which I visited earlier this month with some other bloggers. That will be followed by a week of posts about our amazing trip to St. Thomas. Then I’ll wind up with posts about Disney World – not really about one specific trip, just all of the reasons to take your family.
This is the perfect time to start thinking about trips for fall and winter, and I’ve got three exciting destinations covered. So please check back!
Originally posted on Selfish Mom. All opinions expressed on this website come straight from Amy unless otherwise noted. This post has a Compensation Level of 7. Please visit Amy’s Full Disclosure page for more information.
Tags: Cape May, Disney World, St. Thomas
