The Nantucket Girl

The Nantucket Girl – Jen Shalley

December 21, 2013 By Emily Leave a Comment

I am constantly asked, “What is it like to live on Nantucket year-round?” Well, I decided to answer this question in a series of blog posts called, “The Nantucket Girl.” Every few weeks, I will feature a friend who calls this beautiful island home. She will share with you some of her favorite things about Nantucket and also her favorite picks at Milly & Grace! I hope this will give everyone a glimpse of what it’s like to be a girl living 30 miles out to sea.

So, I present to you.

Meet Nantucket Girl: Jen Shalley

Tell us a little about yourself: Although I grew up in the south (Virginia, Tennessee, Texas and Florida), I’ve come to find I’m a New England girl at heart. I love everything about the ocean and, I’ve discovered, I must be near it. Alas, Nantucket is a pretty perfect fit!

How long have you called Nantucket home?: It’s almost hard for me to believe this, but I’ve called Nantucket home for almost six years. Like so many islanders, my stay wasn’t originally intended to be a long-term, but I’m sure happy that it’s turned out that way!

What do you do in Nantucket?: I have the oh-so-unfortunate job of selling beautiful island homes as a Sales Broker for Windwalker Real Estate. As the firm’s Director of Research, I also produce a monthly and annual real estate report for our clients. In addition to my real estate career, I’ve recently taken up instructing indoor cycling classes at Nantucket Cycling & Fitness. You can visit me any Wednesday morning @ 5:30 am!

Hobbies: I love anything related to being active, especially if it’s outside. I love running, biking and swimming, and am so happy to live in a place where it’s easy to do all three in a spectacular setting. I also have to mention my love for snorkeling — here, it’s best enjoyed while snatching up bay scallops!

Guilty Pleasure: When I’m not teaching spinning or working out early myself, I love a leisurely morning with a cup of tea, a great breakfast and time to catch up on the news, emails etc from home.

Favorite Quote: It is immensely difficult to pick just one! I have a journal of favorite quotes that I’ve collected over the years but I’ll select this one quote, as it is appropriate for anyone, especially anyone who has spent ‘quiet hours’ on Nantucket:

“I want to add just one more bit of advice: to keep growing, silently and earnestly, through your whole development; you couldn’t disturb your development any more violently than by looking outside and waiting for outside answers to questions that only your innermost feelings, in your quietest hour, can perhaps answer” – Rainer Maria Rilke

Favorite time of year: My favorite time of year anywhere is fall but it is especially beautiful on Nantucket. September, October, November and the beginning of December host some of the most spectacular months that also happen to be choc-full of exciting things to do but not so choc-full of people.

What’s your perfect day on Nantucket?: Wake up just before the sun rises and, so long as it’s summer, start the day with an ocean swim. After a refreshing start to the day, I love strolling through town, grabbing coffee and then hitting the beach with beach games, a great book, and a cooler full of snacks and refreshments to last the day until the sun goes down. If it’s fall, substitute the ocean swim for a snorkel session of scallop gathering and, instead of the afternoon at the beach, replace with an afternoon spent walking any of the numerous conservation trails on island.

Favorite:

Shops: For clothing, Emily Hollister and my credit card would agree that Milly & Grace is number one! The Lovely and Hepburn are also my go-to’s.

Restaurants: Anyone who knows me knows I love fine dining and a great spot where I can cozy up and enjoy a great meal. There are so many wonderful choices on Nantucket but my top picks would be Oran Mor and Dune. On a small island, I really appreciate that the fantastic chefs at these restaurants regularly (and creatively!) change the menu and prepare not only a tasty meal but also a beautifully prepared one at that. Pi Pizza (especially this time of year!) and Millie’s Restaurant are my more relaxed go-to’s.

Beach: I’m a south shore gal but I rarely disclose my favorite beach.

Nantucket Event: I’m really a fan of them all but I’d have to say I particularly love the Nantucket Film Festival and I love Columbus Day weekend activities.

Tell us an interesting fact about living on Nantucket: So many summer people wonder why/how we year-rounders choose to live on the island for 12 months of the year. Here’s what I’d share – I’ve discovered more about myself during my time on Nantucket than just about any other time period and any other place in my life. The quiet months, while challenging at times, are a huge gift – one that may be taken for granted, but one that you will forever appreciate once you’ve experienced it. As so many of us find, it’s difficult to give ‘year-round’ up!

What’s the hardest part about living on Nantucket?: It can be a frustrating place to get to and from, especially in the shoulder seasons. I love traveling, but living on Nantucket means you may not always get home and you may not always be able to leave when you want to!

Tell us something others may not know about this little island: Many may know this but it’s worth a reminder that Nantucket is the perfect place to look up and enjoy the night sky. Numerous satellites, The Milky Way, planets and shooting stars are nearly always on display.

Milly & Grace Picks

Day Look:

Jenn’s chose this super comfortable and warm Christopher Fischer Cardigan that is perfect for the Holidays coming up.

Night Look:

Jenn is ready to paint the town red in this beautiful Ruby Dress from Erin Fetherston paired with this Ella Moss Faux Fur Jacket.

She paired her evening look with these striking black earrings perfect for any occasion!

Thanks Jen for being our last 2013 Nantucket Girl!

Filed Under: Emily, Milly & Grace, Nantucket, The Nantucket Girl Leave a Comment

The Nantucket Girl – Laura

November 10, 2013 By Emily 1 Comment

So, I present to you..

Meet Nantucket Girl – Laura Fletcher

(Photo Credit: Kit Noble)

Tell us a little about yourself: I’m a rural girl who has always been drawn to the sea. After graduating from the University of Vermont, I worked on-island as a science teacher, wedding planner, and for the past 9+ years as a sales and rental broker at Great Point Properties.

How long have you called Nantucket home?: Since May of 1999, I came over on the slow ferry the day after graduation and never went home.

What do you do in Nantucket?: Sales and rental broker at Great Point Properties.

Hobbies: Stand-up paddle boarding in the harbor, spinning, Pilates at Core and lots of fun classes at Nantucket Cycle and Fitness.

Guilty Pleasure: Reality TV shows.

Favorite Blogger: Karina’s Kitchen- Recipes From A Gluten-Free Goddess and really any commentary on the Huffington Post.

Favorite Quote: “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us”. – Joseph Campbell

Tell us about your life on Nantucket: My summers are jammed packed with work, social and philanthropic commitments, its fast-paced and goes by much too quickly. The fall and winter bring a welcomed break and traveling to some amazing places.

Favorite time of year: Right this very second, I wish that we could freeze September, October and November. It’s a great time to catch up with friends, go to restaurants, which are thankfully still open, and enjoy the amazing weather that the fall on the island brings.

What’s your perfect day on Nantucket?: An ideal day would start with a paddle in the harbor followed by breakfast at Black Eyed Susan’s, an afternoon at a south shore beach reading Vanity Fair and a sunset evening of lobsters and prosecco on the beach with friends, followed by ice cream at the Juice Bar (with no line).

Favorite:

Shops: Milly & Grace of course, for all of the feminine Joie blouses, great selection of dresses and perfect accessories; Blue Beetle; Flowers on Chestnut; Parchment; Shift.

Restaurants: The Pearl is hands-down my favorite, especially when dining in the Pink Room or at the Chefs Table; Black Eyed Susan’s, Centre Street Bistro, The Chanticleer, and the Languedoc.

Beach: Anything off the beaten path on the south shore.

Nantucket Event: Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love Daffodil and Stroll weekends but the Boston Pops concert is right up there too.

Tell us an interesting fact about living on Nantucket: There are no traffic lights here and our street signs are painted wood, you need to exercise patience when driving around here.

What’s the hardest part about living on Nantucket?: When fog or inclement weather foils your travel plans.

Tell us something others may not know about this little island: Nantucket used to have a railway system which connected the village of Nantucket with Sconset, it was only around for about 36 years and the last remaining car is now part of the Club Car restaurant.

Milly & Grace Picks

Day Look

Laura matches with the season in this beautiful Floral Silk Blouse available online and in the store for 30% off!

She paired it with these two bracelets that are “Good as Gold” and also are available on our online boutique.

Night Look

Laura chose a striking Little Black Dress for her night look. Striped organza and a comfortable fit make it the perfect piece for all of the Holiday events coming up! (Get it online for 30% off!)

This black dress looks even more polished with this Danni Jo Turquoise Jewelry.

This Nantucket Girl loves whales and added this pillow to her “Wish List” this season. The pillow reads “Because your heart is like the ocean. I love you.”

Laura’s favorite holiday is Christmas. She was thrilled to see our Christmas decorations starting to come out at the store and online. She adored these reindeer ornaments, figurines and other vintage inspired Christmas decor. Take a peek at our Christmas Shop online! We can’t wait to add even more as it gets closer to Christmas!

Thanks Laura for being a Nantucket Girl!

Filed Under: Emily, Nantucket, The Nantucket Girl 1 Comment

The Nantucket Girl – Liz

October 3, 2013 By Emily 1 Comment

So, I present to you..

Meet Nantucket Girl – Liz Finlay

Photograph by: Kit Noble

Tell us a little about yourself: I am married, for almost 18 years, with 3 children. I have two tall teenage boys, (one just got his license- eek!) and a little girl. We’ve been on island for almost 20 years and Patrick, Matty and Ella were all born here. I’m from Vermont and most of my family is there so we try to get up there to visit often. I love to travel, visit with family and friends and watch my kids play sports. I can’t think of a better way to spend a spring afternoon that watching the boys play lacrosse, for example. Reading can be a guilty habit of mine. I’ve been known to sink into a book and not put it down until it’s done.

How long have you called Nantucket home?: Almost 20 years.

What do you do in Nantucket?: I’m a real estate broker doing both sales and rentals at Great Point Properties

Relationship Status: Married with 3 kiddos

Hobbies: Walking our dog, getting out on my paddle board, reading

Guilty Pleasure: Wine, dark chocolate, cheese and enjoying a book so much I literally read it all day.

Favorite Blogger: Milly & Grace Girls, Mind Body Green, Pioneer Woman, Huffington Post.

Favorite Quote: Proper Steps, from the Story People: “I only do this until I get dizzy & then I lay down on my back & watch the clouds,” she said. It sounds simple but you won’t believe how many people forget the second part. I like this quote because it’s a great reminder to slow down and enjoy life.

Tell us about your life on Nantucket: I am grateful to lead a very full life. My days are pretty packed with doing things for and with my family and, of course, work. Sometimes my days are a little too full and those days I am sure to talk with my friends, or better yet get together with them, or try to get a walk in to take a breather and do something for myself. I’m a believer that it is better to give than receive, but when your cup is empty, it’s harder to give so you need to take time for doing what you love and fill that cup.

Favorite time of year: I love fall on Nantucket. September is the best month. The weather is great, the island is quieter and it gives those of us who live here year round a chance to enjoy all the island has to offer. I also love this time of year because of the foliage and I try to get home to Vermont to enjoy it there too.

What’s your perfect day on Nantucket?: Sleeping in a little (school mornings can be rough), going out for lunch with my girlfriends and strolling town afterwards, making sure to grab a little sweet after lunch. Walking around town is not something we’re always able to do in our busy summer months so I try to do it daily this time of year. Reading on the beach while my kids play is a great ending to the perfect day.

Favorite:

Shops: Milly & Grace, of course! Hepburn, Core (it’s not just athletic wear) Flowers on Chestnut and Bookworks.

Restaurants: I have a confession to make: I eat at Centre Street Bistro at least once a week; it’s my favorite place for lunch and so good for dinner too; Dune, Millie’s, the Sea Grille, and we often take the whole family to Fusaro’s. I haven’t been to Proprietors yet and am dying to go. We’re lucky to have so many great places!

Beach: Lately, we’ve mostly been going to Nobadeer where my boys love to surf and boogey board. We also like Quidnet beach and Sesachacha pond, which is just such a pretty setting.

Nantucket Event: the 4^th of July on the island is a pretty great way to celebrate the 4^th.

Tell us an interesting fact about living on Nantucket: Every once in a while I will meet someone for the first time who has lived here for as long as I have. I always wonder, how can that be? Our little island is bigger than we think.

What’s the hardest part about living on Nantucket?: When showing property I often get asked what it’s like to live here year round and whether it gets boring. For me, this is not an issue. With 3 kids, who all play sports, I’m never really bored. Trying to get off island over a holiday, especially with the threat of a storm, is one of the biggest challenges about living on the island. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen too often but it’s those times I am really reminded that we live on a little island out to sea.

Tell us something others may not know about this little island: Nantucket has more than 82 miles of beaches.

Milly & Grace Picks

Day Look:

Liz looks ready for Fall and absolutely fantastic in this Soft Joie Green Jacket and Rust Joie silk top! Casual, classy and comfortable for a walk down Main Street after a shopping trip to Milly & Grace!

Night Look:

Loving this Ruffle Ruana in Camel that Liz picked out for her night look! She paired it with a gorgeous white lace tank and stunning jewelry! Linear Chandelier Earrings and a Gillian Julius Bracelet available on our online boutique!