spies like us

It occurred to me just the other day that this blog, Come Spy With Me, has lingered here without an update or proper wrap up in well over a year. What a shame. We sure do get a ton of daily traffic and lots of reposting on pinterest. I suppose I am not really one to leave things hanging so today I thought I would put up a proper last post since the truth of the matter is that it is highly unlikely that anymore of our fun and fabulous updates will be taking place here. Though you should never say never! After closing up our shop it has taken us grasshopper girls a good couple of years to recover and re-find ourselves and yes, we have moved on to better things.

This past year has found me happily traveling quite a bit starting with a visit to San Francisco in February, a jaunt to Estonia in June, two weeks in Italy in July, a long summer weekend in Long Beach Island, NJ and a recent journey to New York City to visit my dear gal, Miss Tracy. Amidst the to and fro I have been penning The Peregrine Papers and stocking a handmade and vintage shop Forged and Found.

Spring 2013 found Tracy leaving Philadelphia behind for a second time in her life. This time landing in Brooklyn with her two tiny dogs and boyfriend in tow and carving out a new life with many new adventures. She is feathering her stellar new nest, finding new friends and busy with work. October was an opportunity for the two of us to get get together and finally reconnect. Having NYC  and Brooklyn as our backdrop was so much fun. I can't wait to get back there.

Signing off for now friends!

Thanks for following and enjoying all of our curating.

It's been a blast...

happy birthday

to miss tracy!

last night we celebrated with a group of wonderful ladies, good food and fine spirits. cheers to a terrific year ahead!

tuesday night's soiree

This past Tuesday night a dozen or so ladies came over to my home for a pleasant night out in the garden. What a lovely evening full of fun for all! I slow-cooked a pork shoulder and marinated a steak during the day while chopping loads of veggies for homemade salsa and toppings for the tacos that would be coming later. The shoulder was pulled apart and placed back in it's juices which were well spiced and fortified with some dry vermouth. I arranged fresh flowers, lit all the lanterns outback, set out black grapes, boursin cheese & a liver pate' and fired up the grill while waiting for the girls to arrive. I made a welcome cocktail for each guest served in a crystal teacup and named it The Painted Lady (see recipe below). Many bottles of wine were consumed and the soiree turned quite merry and even bawdy. The last of the lasses finished the night with a strong pot of English Breakfast tea spiked with Pimms. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all and I even have had leftovers for days. I have had so many texts of thanks from my good friends and just as many requests for another party soon. I hope we can have another before the season turns to cold!

The Painted Lady Cocktail

one ice cube

a crushed wedge of orange topped with

equal splash of ginger brandy and pomegranate soda

finish by topping off with Lillet Blanc

garden party

Tonight I will be hosting a garden party for the ladies in my gypsy den hideaway. Stay tuned later in the week for a recap of the evening. It will be a good one. For now here is a selection of inspiring photos for al fresco good times...

photos taken from

outdoor sanctuaries

gypsy purple home

nestdreaming