Beauty Sleep

If I was ever invited to stay the weekend, I'd have no problem sleeping in your greenhouse and showering outside the barn. I'm easy like that.

[photos via Anthropologie catalog.]

I Do

Even with months of constant planning and nonstop hiccups, there is nothing like the end result of a fabulous wedding. Professional events planner Sheila Motley created an affair to remember with weekend-long festivities ranging from a Margarita Party to a Lobster Bake. And for the 300 lucky guests in attendance, I'm sure this was one for the books! I'm not sure I would have been able to break away from the Donut booth, especially given my obsession with food trucks.

[photos by Jen Fariello.]

By the Book

An author, a stylist and their incredible house in Paris—it's no surprise the library knocks your socks off. This is one for the books!

Fresh Pickins

I filled my tiny camel planter with a mix of fresh herbs and he's been making me smile all week long. Nothing like pinching off a bit of this or that to spice up a dish!

The Big Picture

I couldn't be more excited for the launch of photographer [and dear friend] Julie Soefer's new and improved website. Julie has an undeniable talent for drawing the beauty out of everyone and everything she shoots, truly capturing the soul of her subjects.

Hats Off

A brief glimpse into the English wedding my friend attended and I'm completely smitten with these toppers and tails!

Spring In My Step

I can't help but have a spring in my step! Tomorrow is my godchild's birthday party and J returns home after a two-week overseas stint. It's going to be a great weekend and I'm ready to hit the ground running in comfy shoes and cozy clothes. 

Camp Out

Summer Camp was one of my fondest childhood memories. Canoe races, skit nights, all-day crafting and a cantina full of Slush Puppies and Beef Jerky; I was in hog's heaven. The Long Live Summer collection by Lizzie Fortunato has me nostalgic for those easy-going days.

What Lies Ahead

Do you think there's a squirrel around that bend? I've fallen victim to this move once or twice before [sans handbag and heels, thank goodness] and it's no walk in the park.

[Kate Spade ad.]

Spring Fever

If I was to hop in the cutest car my eyes have ever seen, I'd head to a party in a fabulous swimsuit and head scarf where I'd feast for hours on ice cream and candy. I've caught Spring Fever!

[styled by Marisa Crawford Indri.]

Joy Ride

Michael sent over a photo of the Fiat Jolly and I immediately jumped for joy at the cutest car my eyes have ever seen!


In the late 50s, a number of Fiat 600s were shipped to the Italian design house Ghia for conversion into the Jolly. They featured wicker seats, had the option of a fringed top to block the Mediterranean sun, and could accomplish speeds of 59 mph while achieving gas mileage of 52 mpg—the Jolly was the ultimate shore dingy. With a cost of nearly double that of a 600 model [$1760.00 compared to $998.00], the rich and famous such as Aristotle Onassis, Yul Brynner and Patrick McGoohan would load them onto their yachts for use as beach buggies. The darling Jollys were made in a very limited production and it's believed fewer than 100 exist today. It's a party on wheels!

[photos from here.]

Raising the Bar

I couldn't be more excited that Bobby Heugel, my favorite Houston bartender, along with Kevin Floyd and Steve Flippo, are opening a bar of their own this month. The threesome are shaking things up and raising the bar on drinking standards in Houston with Anvil Bar & Refuge.

In deciding the name, they wanted something nostalgic and laborial in connotation, which is right up their throwback-to-golden-days appeal. Located at 1424 Westheimer, the 1959 building was originally a Bridgestone-Firestone tire shop and later converted to a daiquiri factory in the 80s. The boys have put their own sweat and tears, literally, into the remodeling of this venue using mostly reclaimed materials, such as a 1920s wooden cooler door and steel from the piano store where Bobby and Kevin first became friends during their teenage years. Mix these older components with the industrial salt-acid etched bar [commissioned from Installations!] and you've got a sense of "laborious nostalgia" perfectly complimenting their classic approach to cocktails.


They will serve over 300 spirits [delivered to you in vintage glassware, natch],  50 homemade bitters and infusions, 100 limited micro and local brews [with 12 rotating on tap and a promise to hardly see the same one twice], and numerous wines from up and coming regions. The kitchen's fresh pizzas, sandwiches and small bites will keep you moving and shaking until wee hours!

While you won't find ingredients for an Appletini—or anything else with artificial flavoring—rest assured they'll offer all of the great standbys. And don't be scared of egg whites; you won't get sick. Just to be sure, I've tested them for you as my friendly civic duty. Then I tested them again because that's the kind of safety inspecting gal I am!

[photos by Julie Soefer and Robert Heugel.]

Cat, Whiskey and Ham

Hands down, this is my favorite family photo to date! My great-grandparents, Delma Edgar and Anita LeGlue Boudreaux, are showing off their Christmas gifts of whiskey and ham. Anita had numerous outdoor cats, all of whom she called Menou [pronounced Mee-noo], but only one lucky fellow made the photo. They look so proud!

Dilly-Dally

Jamie recently posted an article from The New York Times about creating a fresh start in the kitchen for '09. I've easily read it a few dozen times and am highly inspired to change my way of thinking—buy less pre-fixed items [like salad dressings and stocks] and mix up my standard go-to seasoning routine, for starters.

Yesterday at the market, I couldn't help but buy a large and perfectly dewy sprig of dill. The article lists plenty of uses for it in soups, salads, eggs and over vegetables [in addition to the ubiquitous fish seasoning], but I'd love to know your favorite use for dill. Any tried and true secrets to pass along?

Walk-In

I haven't quit laughing at this commercial since my husband emailed it to me. Women aren't the only ones obsessed with a walk-in...

Spring to Mind

Is it odd to dream of throwing a Spring party just to make and wear something so absurd, yet fabulous?

[photo from Urban Outfitters.]

See-Through

Originally intended for home-canning purposes, German Weck jars have a sleek, utilitarian design. The aluminum clips and air-tight seal make these canisters spill-proof and pantry perfect. Plus their price tag won't break the bank!

Wedding Bells Continued

Glimpses of Aunt Myrtle's wedding caused quite a stir, so here are a few more from the big day. The reception was held at the Woman's Club House in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and cost less than $3,000 for liquor, flowers and Mrs. Lee's catering! To top it all off, the bridesmaids wore iridescent 'Regatta Blue' taffeta dresses with shoes dyed to match, no less.

Behind the Seams

Living in a two bedroom house has its storage limitations and my closet is currently bursting at the seams! I wouldn't need to move in on J's turf if I had this incredible vintage clothes closet in our bedroom.

Wedding Bells

My Aunt's 1957 wedding sure looks like it was one swell party!