Rochambeau

October has Arrived at Last!

 

My beautiful mother just celebrated a birthday.  The photo above was taken at our book club luncheon last Wednesday.  Jan's confection was Brown Sugar Cake!! Yum.

 

The party continued the next day when 14 of our lady friends dropped by to eat Poppy seed Cupcakes, Fruit Tart and Chocolate pie and sip coffee and champagne we did!

 

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 In a prior post I mentioned where Rosetta the puppet was destined.

 

 

Here is the outside of The Gallery at the Rieves Building in Jefferson, Texas owned by an artist and friend, Mieko Hathaway.  

 

 

 

Don't you think it's a nice building?  More to come when the Gallery officially opens, but here is a news flash and very exciting!!  Yesterday, Mieko sold one of my masks to a woman from Shreveport and that her very first sale.  Oh happy day!

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A Fine Little Boutique

Tejas Trade is in Texarkana, Texas (right on the boarder of Texas and Arkansas) and is a jewel of a shop owned by Leitha Herring and Dell Kirkman, a mother ~ daughter team who  create exquisite and earthy jewelry. This is  Leitha standing in her doorway.  I wonder if you can tell by her photograph that she is such a fine person.   To read more about the story of how they opened their establishment, you can go here.

Attention to detail in all they create and sell, yes!

Check out the driftwood and the Bodark balls mixed in with the foliage.  Isn't it perfection?

 

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  We're hanging in there.  Off to take photos of the third grader American Girls Book Club meeting. Never a dull moment!

 

xox

Constance

Favorite Snaps From Nola

One of the best things about New Orleans is that it's the nearest place to where we live, where anything goes.  Meaning: people can express themselves and  be who they choose without worrying about what others think. No one looks twice or cares what you look like or what you are wearing and let me tell you, here you will see it all!  It's been my experience, that port cities collect such a fine and colorful assortment of people from many cultures, all walks of life.  I feel right at home and most myself in these places.  Needless to say,  there are characters aplenty and where else might you discover a life sized plastic virgin waving and blessing passers by from her balcony stationed above?  It just seems apropos in the French Quarter.

There were other balconies that caught my attention.  Peace Ya'll!  Wish I could have caught this one, all lit up at night!

We bumped into three bands featuring 4 string banjo players (even a girl banjo player) and THAT would have made my father very happy, yes indeed!  The instrament on the right is called a gut bucket.  We used to have one of those.  I know, I know, crazy but true! 

There was a most excellent looking super red door that jumped out at me...

and this curious mannequin representing what? Who knows?

An elegant detail from the most gorgeous Supreme Court Building on Rue Royal caught my attention.

 I must conclude by divulging a little secret about two of the most exquisite shops called 'Oh!'.  The proprietor of these fine establishments is an extremely creative and tasteful man named Sandy Thigpen.       The boutique on Royal reminds me of entering into a fantastic fairytale.  It took my breath away being surrounded by the colorful dresses, sequined headdresses, fashionable chapeaux,  the soft silk curtains dividing two rooms, not to mention the French boudoir dolls holding court upon two armories.  A magical confection of a shop, yes!  *Best yet, Mr. Thigpen owns two places in the Quarter, both specialize in Vintage Couture and fine lingerie and both called Oh!  

In his second shop you will not only find more pretties, but meet the stylish and a most friendly lady named Marina.  

Oh! Check it out!   It's ooh la WOW!  

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Oh! 829 Rue Royal / 504.524.8807  (Sandy)

Oh! 330 Chartres St. / 504.525.8880 (Marina)

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Hope you've enjoyed coming along for your stroll in the Quarter!

 

xox

Constance

Blue Frog Chocolates

These Italian Candy Bouquets by D'Alessandro of Sulmona, Italy............

 loured me into the enchanted world of Blue Frog Chocolates  at 5707 Magazine Street, New Orleans, La.

This is a jewel of a shop where you will find something for every chocolate lover on your list, even a Voodoo Queen!

 

You can discover bittersweet alligator's swimming  upon doilies....

and and sea of Bonbons and Truffles....

There are holiday treats to entice

Even a twenty five pound Santa Claus, decorated with nonpareils.

You will discover shelves of Bellagio Chocolate Truffle hot Cocoa.

And delicious looking Gift Baskets galore !

Next time you're in Nola, check out Blue Frog Chocolates,  call 504.269.5707 for special orders or easier yet, visit their online shop!

 

Spreading the Bon Gris~Gris!

  

~ New Orleans ~

A Celebration of the Senses!

Why do I love this town and her people so much?

Because of the rich history, one that tolerates and honors uniquenes. A town where characters are revered!

 

(above:  Detail from above the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone)

 

Attention to detail ~ 

Take for example Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter, a class act it every respect.  I could go on and on, but simply offer highest compliments to the owner and staff for attention to detail.  It hasn't changed, it was the same great experience this week as many years ago. Customer service is at it's best at this establishemnt.

Everything extra special starts with the right people and all those minute details, when pulled off correctly, offer a magical experience.   That's Hotel Monteleone!

 

Makes my heart smile!

In the French Quarter we felt happy and positive energy everywhere, just like before Hurricane Katrina!  Visitors are returning for business and pleasure, people from all over the world.  Time has passed ( five years ) AND

It was a emotional gift to the Crescent City, that those Saint's Came Marching In and won the Super Bowl last year!  It boosted the moral big~time!  Go Saint's!!

 

(above: Oyster dishes at antique shop on Rue Royal)

 

It rained the first day we arrived, but it did dampen our spirits, not one bit. 

 

(Above:  Jackson Square)

Andrew Jackson's statue (in Jackson Square), inscribed:  "THE UNION MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED".

 

 

Buskers set up after the rain, offering thier talents, some Dixeyland Jazz and this wasn't just any ole music. 

If you've never been to New Orleans, you must GO if possible!! 

You'll never hear greater live music or eat finer food and when you leave you'll have been changed in a good way.   There is something special, a gift you take away with you, but it's hard to explain (if you haven't been) but once you go you will get "it"!  And not soon forget!

Mule and carriage in front of Café du Monde.

Beignets at the Café~

Window shopping in the Quarter.

Foster the cat invites me to come into his shop.....

So I did.  This is Ronda of Louisiana Loom Works, who weaves colorful one of a kind rugs.  She combines cotton thread and cotton fabrics to create signature, one of a kind rugs.  You can feel in her shop that she is a soulful and creative artist, a gentile person.   It was great meeting her!

 

For more information or to order, email Ronda at:  ragrugs@bellsouth.net or call 504.566.7788.

More

SOON !!

Thank you for sharing New Orleans with me!

 

xox

Constance

 

 

Boutiques de Trésor

Are you in the mood for a little shopping expedition?

(Photo above:  Corey Amaro)

Good!!  Because there are two new E~boutiques, that have recently opened!

Distinct shops on the internet map, ones you will appreciate and enjoy, I think.  

Above treasures found at Tongue and Cheek Antiques

(Photo above:  Corey Amaro)

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Chez Gersaint Antiquites

In these shops, you will discover beautiful hand selected antiques, from the brocantes of France.  

(photo above:  Melanie Aussandaon)

Unique and interesting things and one of a kind objects.

(photo above:  Melanie Aussandaon)

 

Each treasure, is destined to move on to a new home carrying it's own special history.

Find the Beautiful objects above at Chez Gersaint Anitiques

So, if you are on the lookout for that "special gift" for a friend or yourself, one with French flair, follow two these links now and get inspired!   ~  Visit Corey at Tongue in Cheek Antiques and Mélanie, at Chez Gersaint Anitiques now, or anytime twenty~four/Seven !

Congratulations to you both on your new E ~ boutiques.   Thank you for sharing your incredible finds with the world~

Bravo!

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P.S.

<3  <3  <3      <3 <3 <3

Happy Saint Valentine's Day to All!

xox

Constance

Charley & Bella's ~ A Sneak Peak Reception

Charley and Bella's is one of the most exquisite and popular shops in East Texas, located in downtown Marshall.  Tonight, I had the great privilege of taking a sneak peak into a Charming Winter Wonderland!  The owners Jerry Cargill and Terri Kurlan, fill their boutique to the brim with home furnishings, gifts, invitations, table settings, furniture and much more.  Terri is the gal who puts the creative displays together, using vintage doors (rescued from an old hotel being renovated in the neighborhood), to create one of a kind display units.  Ones that set a fine stage for the the many treasure you will discover here!

Tour of Delights:

 

A black and white beaded and appliqued boot.

A Pretty Angel~

 

A handsome St. Nick!

 

Sparkling Reindeer!

 

One of the Santa Displays~

 

A Frosted Peacock~

A Santa Boot~

 

A Stenciled Reindeer~

Snow People~

More of the " Snow Family"~

Elves~

 

Santa holds court over delicious smelling candles~

Jewels surround "The "Halo" Department" and so much more!!

 

Here above is one of the Christmas window displays~

And another window display, featuring a woman with her dogs, dreaming of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Close up of her papier mache face!

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For more information, please contact:

Jaunt to New Orleans

Brought to you by: 

The person who remembered her camera,
but forgot to charge her battery AND
 didn't pack the battery charger, either!
You know how that made me feel,
all of you bloggers out there, don't you?

~;-{ ......................................

Still , I did snap a few pics
and was able to work up this post.

(above photo:  Lee Circle at dusk
and Macarons from Sucré)




On the way down, 'les amis' took a
side trip off the beaten path, to check
out Breaux Bridge, Louisiana and we were
rewarded by discovering this charming
 little town for the first time.




We dined on BBQ Shrimp
at Cafe Des Amis (above).

*Barbecue Shrimp is prepared with the head and shell on, cooked in a rich butter and garlic sauce.  It is always served with New Orleans French bread, used to sop up the sauce.



Next, we sauntered down the street
and bumped into:

 Lucullus Antiques

A highly regarded culinary antiques shop
with a flagship store on Magazine Street
 in New Orleans. 



The owner of Lucullus,
 Patrick Dunne, is the author of ~
 The Epicurean Collector:
Exploring the World of Culinary Antiques.

Mr. Dunne happened to be at his shop
this day, to our friends Sharon & Bill Stewart
(owners of "Stillwater Inn Restaurant")
great delight!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



 About New Orleans:

We stayed at an apartment of of a good friend, who's place is located at the waterfront of Lake Pontchartrain. Much of this area was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We drove around the worst parts, absorbing the destruction.  Some of the roads are still war torn, there are boarded up homes, many cleared off lots for sale, but also there are houses that have been rebuilt. This community is slowly coming alive and being revived.

There WERE people out and about living and enjoying New Orleans, thankfully everywhere we went!

(photo above: detail from a wrought iron fence in the Garden District)



We drove to the French Quarter on Sunday evening.  It looked lovely as ever.  The weather was unseasonably nice (87°) as the sun set and not too humid.  

It is good for the soul to wander around and take it all in.  Absorbing the architecture, the history, the sounds, the intoxicating mix of people from all over the world, the flowers, the artists set up around Jackson Square, selling there work, and buskers play music on street corners.  A sublime mix of life.  

(Photo above: As the sun set,
in front of Jackson Square)


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~





On Monday morning, we parked on Constance Street and wandered around the corner to Magazine Street, one of the best shopping spots in New Orleans.
 We devoted most of the day to strolling along different parts of a six mile stretch of  boutiques, design stores, antique shops, restaurants, bars, boulangeries, small grocery stores, combined with interesting and old homes. It was heavenly!



The first thing I saw as I turned the corner
was this cool man wearing a construction kilt!



THIS was for sure worth one of my few
photos!!  I asked if he'd like for me
to send him a photo, he said;
 "Naw, I don't need a picture, I look
at myself in the mirror every morning".  ;-)

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~

 

The first shop we popped into was Fairy. 



Aside from a great name, this boutique has a nice selection of clothing, shoes and jewelry. Elizabeth (the owner) was charming, can't you tell? Love the  polka~dot awning too!

 





Next stop was , Pied Nu an elegant shop
filled with a gorgeous display of
home furnishings.




Upstairs,  you will find a stunning collection of finery.  One dress especially caught our attention, a breathtaking full length fitted caftan made of flowing white silk, a show stopper!








The Bead Shop is filled to the brim with every kind of beads imaginable, treasures from all over the world.  Check out this hand beaded chair from Africa!



We walked by shops~



And went in shops~



Sharon tried on a chapeau.



While the guys had a beer.



We lunched at La Boulangerie,
at 4600 Magazine, next......



We found ourselves in the enchanted
world of Sucré !



And am I GLAD we did!



My kind of Heaven!



 Sharon treated me to some excellent
 gelato. She tried Chocolate with Raspberry
and Earl Gray Tea, I had Coffee! 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


For Dinner:
we dined at:





Herbsaint was a total ten!!  The ambiance,
the food, the service, all perfection.
 A most memorable dining experience! 

(Herbsaint Restaurant)

 

Hope could be felt in the air of New Orleans,
both by the people who live here and
 those who were visiting! I wish her my
 very best and look forward to coming back
soon. Won't you meet me one day here in the
 Crescent City?



Thank you for your kind birthday wishes!!
This truly was a great one!



xox
Constance

(photos above: Birthday roses
and another gift I found on
my birthday in Nola, sweet!)

Castle in the Air

Imagine~
There really is
A KINGDOM BEHIND THE CLOUDS!



The woman holding the Keys to the
Castle in the Air
 is
Karima Cammell!



The proprietress held fast to her dream,
and it came true~



 One of opening a shop where artists can
discover unique materials to work with
and become visually inspired.  It is a
Fairytale Land,
 where collectors of beautiful things
 discover one of a kind treasures.


 
There is a roomy workshop upstairs,
where classes are taught by creative artists
such as:



 Ulla Milbreth,



John Mc Rae
(John previously owned Every Day's a
Holiday in San Francisco)!



Amiée Baldwin



&
 Nancy Burns.



If you'd like to visit the Castle in the Air~
but don't live in the Bay Area, now you can
stroll through the shopping aisles of the

Castle in the Air Online Shoppe

Where you will find many a
of the same sparkling and unique finds!



 Karima has a wonderful  blog too, where
she shares things inspiring her
now and news from the "Castle".



It has been a pleasure meeting her,
via Blog Land!  Hope you'll enjoy
visiting the "Castle" (one way or another)
and meeting her too!
 

Castle in the Air


Believe in the Fantasy!

 1805 Fourth Street
Berkeley, California
94710

510.204.9801

Pâtisserie Extraordinaire!

Please join me on a virtual trip to
 the updated site of
LADURÉE~


So scrumptious....



 so exquisite.....




So Ooh la la!
 


 A Patisserie in Tokyo has
opened, reminding me of all
the reasons I'm bedazzled by this
awe inspiring establishiment!!



Such attention to detail!



Look at these round balls decorating the
table!  They look like gigantic
silver dragees!



last year a photo of this
 Blackcurrant-Violet "Religieuse"
stared at me.....



until one day I became inspired to
make my own rendition of this
lovely confection.



Thank you for all of your thoughtful
comments on my last post. 
In Blogland I find a world of
incredible support!

~ Hope all is sweet in your world today! ~
 

Queenly Things for The Beautiful Life

In her trunk of Elegant Essentials,
 Ruth Harsham 
(owner of The Beautiful Life ) shares
her talent for finding magnificent
 treasures here and abroad.

(Numbered pillows ~ a great gift to 
  commemorate a special birthday)



Drop by her online shop &
Do some window shopping.

(Murano Glass Magnifiers)



Browse through her unique collection
of gifts, home furnishings and
dazzling finds.

(above Sylvie's creations ~ Fabulous Fifi's Sister)



These little Santos hands,
so sweet...



And many types of
 French Sacred Hearts made of metal.




There is a large collection of
 charmed jewelry, so stylish!



To learn more about Ruth,
 you can read a feature article
in the February issue of
Romantic County Magazine.



Because of the power of the
internet, Ruth and I hooked up.
And recently, she asked me to create a
Queenly Collection for her.

Here is The Beautiful Life's Collection:

















If you've not visited before,
you're in for a good one!

The Beautiful Life
&
The Beautiful Life Blog