The Big Easy

These photos will leave little doubt where I spent the past few days. In town for a family wedding, I was surprised to find the French Quarter little changed after Katrina.

Of course, no visit to New Orleans would be complete without breakfast at Cafe Du Monde. Waiters, bearing trays of steaming chicory coffee and beignets covered in clouds of powdered sugar, make their way through the crowd. Ahh, heaven.

           Outside the cafe, street musicians entertain the crowd waiting for tables.

The landmark St. Louis Cathedral,with its triple steeple, overlooks Jackson Square. It is the oldest cathedral in North America. Definitely worth a visit to see the painted murals on the barrel vaulted ceilings, and the beautiful stained glass windows.

Jackson Square is filled with artists, con artists, musicians and tourists taking in the sights. Below is a Tarot card reader set up with his cards and crystals.

   

        Where else but New Orleans would you find such dodgy characters set up in front of a church?                                                

This town is all about fun, food and jazz. It' a non-stop party, y'all. Or as they say in New Orleans, "Laissez les bon temps roulez."

                          Merry Christmas *   Joyeux  Noel *     Feliz Navidad 

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Channeling Nate

You know how there is always a room in your house that just doesn't work for you?  Well, my den is a perfect example, and I've decided to finally do something about it. Looking at the space, I realize that it is simply a collection of everything that didn't fit somewhere else. Time to start fresh with a plan. 

In my fantasy world I would just call up my close personal friend, Nate Berkus, and have him fly down and transform my room.  Where are you Nate when I need you? Oh, you are working on Oprah's house in Hawaii. Guess I will have to go it alone. 

                                            Here is the den as it is-my "before" shot.

I have lots of ideas and am slowly putting them together. The problem is paring down when there are so many things that I love. Here is my digital design board, with some of the elements that may or may not make the final cut.

These are the basics, but it will be months before all of this will be completed.
Better to let the room evolve slowly. Did I actually say that? I'm always impatient when it comes to finishing a project. 

I like the idea of carrying the neutrals I have in the front room into the den. The red plaid club chair will be slipcovered in a brown linen, and the armchairs that were in the front room should be fine with the white slipcovered sofa and the dark cocktail table. It's musical chairs around here.

Haven't made up my mind yet about layering the zebra skin over the jute rug. I really like it in the entry room where it is now.  The cocktail table is a dark mahogany with turned legs that will work well with my other tables. Oh, the possibilities!!

Autumn Inspirations

With summer finally behind us, it's time to add a feeling of autumn.  Here are a few pins that might put you in the mood for celebrating the season.

So simple-so beautiful

                                   

                                                                                                   

       

         

        

                                     

The easiest centerpiece to throw together, and it's all edible. This would be great with some red chile peppers or anything you can imagine.

California Part II

The drive north to Monterey is more than stunning coastline. We drove through Salinas (John Steinbeck country), watching fields of workers stooped over their huge burlap sacks harvesting a bounty of vegetables. 

The day included a trip to Cannery Row with its rusty charm, Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

                          Old boat off the Monterey Wharf framed by SF skyline

                                                        Snapped this photo in the aquarium

Monterey to San Francisco is a short drive and we were anxious to explore the city. From Chinatown and Little Italy to Golden Gate Park and Nob Hill, we walked, or should I say climbed, our way around the town. That doesn't mean we didn't jump on a cable car from time to time. 

                                   If you get bored in this city, then there is something 

                                                      seriously wrong with you!

     

                                                 A little gambling in Chinatown

                                       Click below to see video of fortune cookie maker

                                        Presidio Park with SF skyline in the background

                                              This Victorian Queen Anne house is a gem

                                                        Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill

Just across the bridge is the lovely town of Sausalito where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view looking out on the bay.

Leaving Sausalito we headed north through forests of redwoods. Of course we couldn't pass up the chance to see the "Drive Thru Tree".

  

                                       

With only a day left, we drove to Yountville, the quintessential Napa town. After checking out the restaurant reviews, we opted for lunch on the charming patio at Bistro Jeanty. The artichoke terrine was amazing, followed by steak frites-we left happy.

                                 "Many a trip continues long after movement in time  
                                 and space have ceased." -John Steinbeck   

 

Big Sur and Beyond

It was a truly memorable drive up the winding Pacific Highway. From the jagged windblown cliffs of Big Sur to the giant redwood forests, there is so much unspoiled beauty. Although we had ten days, it left me wanting more.

The landmark Bixby Bridge in Big Sur 

While pulling off the road for another scenic view, we encountered the local character pictured below. Please note the bird on his head. Apparently, Austin is not the only place "Keeping it Weird".

Before leaving the area, we opted for a hike in Pfeiffer Park. Taking a trail from Big Sur Lodge, it was less than a mile to Pfeiffer Falls, but most of it was uphill through a pristine forest of oaks and redwoods. Then it was time to head for Carmel-by-the-Sea. What can I say about Carmel that you don't already know? Probably not much, but it was even more charming than I remembered. It's brimming with boutiques and art galleries that practically spill down to the beach.                                                                                    Lunch was a great find at Patisserie Boissiere where the smell of butter and freshly baked french pastries lured us inside before a stroll on the beach. I couldn't resist stopping to take a picture of this quaint bungalow that was only a block from the beach-heaven on earth.

             

I want this!!

Carmel has attracted artists from all over the world

                                               

Next on my "to see" list was the Carmel Mission. Opened in 1791, it is still a functioning Catholic parish and a great example of Spanish Colonial architecture.

San Carlos de Borromeo de Carmelo

More to come in my next post with pics of Monterey, San Francisco and Napa.

                                                

                                  

                    

                                                                             

Anticipation

The countdown has begun with only a few days left before a long-awaited vacation. I can't wait until the plane lifts off and we are on our way. I think the ride along the California coast is something everyone should experience at least once. From Big Sur to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, then up to San Francisco and Mendocino, I will be snapping photos all the way. 

I'll post my pics as soon as I get back, so check in and share my trip.

Blame it on the Heat

Yes, I've been procrastinating with this month's post. With temperatures reaching the triple digits, I find it difficult to summon the energy or enthusiasm for anything that requires being outdoors. Honestly, this time of year I would rather be anywhere but Austin.

It boggles my mind when I see runners streaking by in the middle of the afternoon. I wonder how they can tolerate the heat, or if it has affected their brains. Simply keeping my plants and lawn alive with morning and evening watering while fighting mosquitos leaves me wilted.

As if things are not toasty enough,there is the annual Hot Sauce Festival (held outdoors, of course), and the Hatch Chile Festival, not to mention the various chile cook-offs held around Austin. One can only imagine how unbearable it must be, standing over an open grill stirring an enormous pot of chili. I don't care if it IS under a tent - hot is hot!  

I think the only way to survive summer here is to hibernate as much as possible.

Welcome to the dog days of summer.

Domestic Bliss

After passing by this South Congress shop many times, I finally stopped in today. Mockingbird Domestics is a great source for unique gifts and home goods that will indulge your sense of style.

The owners of the store definitely have an eye for the artistic and inventive when it comes to domestic details. The family-owned shop is filled with handmade furniture from local artisans, and an eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary decor.  It's obvious that each item was personally chosen, from the diminutive wine glasses to the handcrafted wooden lighting-it's a fun browse.

Loved this antique wine corker

Handcrafted wooden rolling pins and one-of-a-kind
lighting fixtures are displayed throughout the store

                                           Get creative and sign up for one of Mockingbird's classes

APIE

Last year I signed up with Austin Partners In Education (APIE), to volunteer as a mentor in the public schools.  It has turned out to be an enriching experience, and I would recommend it to anyone with a little time and the desire to make a difference in a child's life.

The West Side Art Tour has been held the past two weekends here in town, and it got me thinking about the children's art on display at Mathews Elementary. I think these photos capture the fun and creative spirit of these kids.

I think my favorite part of volunteering here is having lunch with the kids. The noise level in the cafeteria rises with the sounds of chatter and laughter as they open lunch boxes, compare food, juggle milk cartons and anticipate their upcoming playground time. 

I'm never bored with this crowd-priceless.

If you are interested in learning about this volunteer opportunity, you can contact Austin Partners in Education at 512.637.0900.