It's All in the Details

My Little Ballerina

Mexican Wrestler, handmade from El Jaguar Dorado

Print by Peggy Wolf

All images from my home, taken by Elle James

Introducing: My Little Bratteboro & The Farmers' Masquerade

Watch the Farmers' Masquerade Video to see more pics!

I’m happy to write my first piece here on Brattleborology where I’ll focus on the art, culture, style and unique events that make this place SHINE!  I thought it appropriate to start by covering one of the most creative and fun events of the year, The Farmers’ Masquerade, created by local photographer and event planner, Elle James.

The Farmers’ Masquerade took place in a traditional red barn in Southern Vermont and the setting was spectacular, in that Vermont rustic soulful way. The lights were strung, ethnic fabrics floated in mid-air, light poured in through the cracks as the masked guests arrived and swayed to the sounds of bluegrass.

Three Chicks Farm

Homemade Photo Booth

1. Tell me about the Farmers' Masquerade, where did the idea come from?
I recently moved onto a beautiful old farm with two other ladies and coined the nickname Three Chicks Farm.  The property has a gorgeous old barn and I began fantasizing about having a party there.  Living in Vermont there are few opportunities to get dressed up, and I wanted to throw a party that not only had a theme, but encouraged people to dress up.  But of course being in a barn, it had to have a rustic element to it.  That's how I came up with Farmer's Ball,  which didn't seem specific enough and led to the very exciting idea of a Farmers' Masquerade!

2. What was the highlight of the evening?

There were so many great things about the night; but I would have to say either the great live Bluegrass music by Jonn Davis and Six Feet Deep or the homemade photo booth.  

3. I've been to lots of your parties and there is always this beautiful essence,  how do you achieve this magical presence with your events?

"Magic" is a perfect word for what I try to create.  A beautiful presentation is key.  With this event in particular I think the magic was in the details; vintage bottles filled with wild flowers lined the food table, the barn was bedazzled with white lights, which added sparkle.  The guests, from young mothers with babies on their hips, to a fun and feisty 84 yr old, added to the diversity of the event.  It was a potluck where everyone brought beautiful food and the DIY photo booth was unique, providing memorable keepsakes!

4. You are an incredibly creative person by nature, how do you throw such amazing events on a tight budget?

In order not to use plastic or disposable dishes or utensils,  I collected forks, dishes and glassware from the Swap Shop at the dump. Along with being eco-friendly, the dishes and glassware add to the charm and unique ambiance.  I find retro looking items at discount food stores and I love treasure hunting for unusual things that add beauty and texture, especially vintage fabrics.

5. What's next for Elle?

I am currently taking clients for creative portrait photography and event planning. I can be contacted at elleteresajames@gmail.com while my website is under construction. 

Thanks Elle for an amazing event and interview! xo Desha

I Have a New Column on Brattleborology!

Did you know that Brattleboro is listed in the top 20 small towns on Smithsonian.com and there's a new article in the NY Mag featuring our cute little town? Oh yes, Brattleboro IS the place to be!

I've said it before, Brattleboro is a sweet place to live and attracts the most creative, amazing people! Thus, I'm happy to announce that I am writing a new column on Brattleborology focusing on art, culture, style and events that make Brattleboro shine. It's called "My Little Brattleboro".

Click here to read my interview on Brattleborology and check back on Thursday for coverage of the Farmer's Masquerade and interview with local photographer and event planner, Elle James.

Ta-ta for now!

Corazon del Mar in Nantucket

We arrived at Corazon del Mar to find a personalized menu, just for The Desha Show! Iyla even had her own dish, her favorite calamari!  After spending over two hours dining at the best Latin seafood place on the island and beyond, I realized I needed to dedicate a whole post to this amazing experience, so here goes!


You can't do a cultural travel show without talking about food, and that's not a problem for me, as I LOVE to eat! Our local guides, Juliette, Dominque and Mark Sutherland, highly recommended a visit to their favorite spot, and I have to say our dining expereince at Corazon del Mar was a highlight during our Nantucket adventure. Described as a "Latin love letter to food", Corazon takes the best flavors from the Latin world and melds them into a modern blend of pure delight. The decor is reminiscent of the bright colors of Mexico inspired by the art and life of Frida Kahlo (we love her). Make sure and try the famous KRACK sauce. Um, yea it's addictive. 

Scallop Aguachile
cucumber, jalapeno, avocado, salsa macha

Traditional starters also include guacamole and salsa
 fresh and delicious

THE DESHA SHOW MENU

CORAZON DEL MAR

Chef's Ceviche & Raw Bar Selections

Lobster Tostada

Scallop Aguachile

Oysters de la Noche

Appetizers from the Kitchen

Chicken Mole Lettuce Cups

Chilaquiles Verdes, "Druken Mexican Nachos"

Padron Peppers 

Just for Iyla

Chicharron de Calamar

Principal Plates

Crisp Tomatillo Pork Carnitas

Tecate Battered Fish Tacos

Lobster & Littleneck Moqueca

Dolce

Traditional Mexican Churros

Passionfruit Mousse

Local guide Dominique at  Corazon del Mar enjoys Oysters de la Noche with the famous KRACK sauce

Our lovely hostess Katie Foringer (isn't she pretty in this floral maxi dress!)

I love the attention to detail Corazon puts into every aspect of the dining experience.
Who doesn't want a personalized menu? 

Chicken Mole Lettuce Cups
Antonio's mole poblano, crema, sesame seeds

Owner/Chef Seth Raynor explains the inspiration behind Corazon del Mar

This was one of my fav's: Lobster Tostada
aji amarillo, avocado, citrus crema

Signature cocktail: Flor DeCana Daquiri
4yr anejo rum, fresh lime + turbinado simple
I could drink a case of it. 

Iyla had her own dish on the menu, Chicharron de Calamar,
but those little fingers snapped them up before I could even get a pic!

Another FAV: Lobster & Littleneck Moqueca
Lobster broth, coconut rice, yuca fritters

To finish: Traditional Mexican Churros and Passionfruit Mousse
Pure Heaven

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Desha Show where you'll see much more of Corazon del Mar. Until then, a hardy THANK YOU to owner/chef Seth Raynor and Katie Foringer for an unforgettable dining experience!

Filming in Nantucket!

The Desha Show received a warm welcome in Nantucket, where we've been filming for the past five days. It's been nonstop action and I have tons of photos to share, along with a little travel guide coming soon, but for now I wanted to share a few pics  (hip, hip hooray for iphones and Instagram!) 

At Dionis Beach, Nantucket

Our little retreat in Polpis was named "Little Toad" 

Juliette: assistant producer, videographer, editor,  local host and friend.

Sconset

View from The Cottages at Boat Basin where we stayed last night

Historic Downtown

Dionis Beach

Happy Summer

July is a busy time for our family with loads of visitors from Santa Barbara, Ohio, Michigan, Boston and Beirut! There's so many fun and amazing projects I'm working on that I can't wait to share here, but for now I need to make a gluten free birthday cake for the hubby and get ready for our trip to Nantucket where I'll be filming our next episode of The Desha Show, until then, Happy 4th of July and Happy summer!

All images via Vogue