City of Blues

I know my posts have been scattered and not about "interiors" this past week. But, I must say, I find where I stayed and what I ate while I was there "post worthy." So, after I had my EXTREME night in Natchez, MS I headed southeast toward one of my favorite cities New Orleans, LA. Every time I have gone recently, I have fallen more and more in love with this city. Maybe, it's because I visit on the weekday and stay further away from Bourbon St than I used too. This city is one-of-a-kind....city and food wise. Below is where I stayed and its FANTASTIC!!!!!!! The name is Hotel Provencial. I have stayed here before, and no one leaves for the night! ;) Totally a positive in my book. It's an old boutique hotel that overflows with charm. It's all in the details and this hotel is evident to that. As always, I have posted pictures for a visual.

SCAREDY CAT.....YES, I AM

I have a confession everyone. So, a couple of nights ago when I was so happy, content, and full bellied up in the magnificant Dunleith Bed & Breakfast at Natchez, MS, my "ahhhhing and ohhhhing" of the stellar antiques and fabulous up-keep of the old plantation home turned into fright and a little panic. I sitting on my "canopy" bed (you know, the one I was so so so excited about) became some what curious of my surroundings. As I pondered around the 3rd floor of the home and out onto the wrap around porch contingent with all 26 columns, I began to wonder of the other guest, or lack-there-of lodging in this 1856 establishment. After snooping around, scouting out for movement over the roped off stairs leading to the 1st and 2nd floor,tip-toeing on the balcony, freezing to listen for noise, peering out the windows for a guest car count, and finally calling the CLOSED check-in / front desk (it's located behind the property). I made a pretty dead on assumption everyone had vacated. And, I was yet the only individual holding down this GIGANTIC fort. You know what????? I have never been more right in my life. I...me...all alone....was the only person on the property. And, if you know me, this was NOT ok. I will admit... I had panic run through my body. If your asking why I reacted the way I did.....all the exterior doors on the property are left unlocked, granted it does sit a ways off the road. (even worse if you ask me) After calming myself down, I knew I had to do one of two things, dash to my car parked about 60 yards away (literally) or continue to keep my door locked and stick it out through the night. Boots and a sweater never looked so good with pajama pants, and I had no problem carrying all four bags at once as I made a MAD DASH out the door, down the exterior steps, past the guest house, then the deserted courtyard, through the trees, and across the gravel parking. The only thing slowing me down in my sprint was the look over my shoulder every two steps. I made it to my rental car and sped to the driveway and down to the street in search for a populated hotel. I had the best sleep ever at the Hampton Inn that night. I hope you got a kick out of my Monday night and go to a B&B either...... A.) with a friend or B.) on the weekends.

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

Have any of you ever been to Natchez, MS?????? If you haven't, well get your suitcase out and plan a trip. Because, as I sit here on my CANOPY BED (that's right I said canopy) in NATCHEZ, MS, I am asking myself how this is my FIRST time here. I have visuals so you can see exactly what I am talking about. Traveling for work does have it's perks!

This is where I am staying....

And, this is my room.....

And, this is what I ate...... YUMMY!!!!!! It was the restaurant behind the Bed & Breakfast! (i didn't eat it all though)

I really think it is a hidden treasure over here in MS. I don't have long here in Natchez, as I am leaving tomorrow before lunch, but then heading to good ole' New Orleans.

15 THINGS TO GET YOUR GIRL.....

Ok. So with Christmas right around the corner....22 days away to be exact, I only found it appropriate to dedicate a post to PRESENTS!!!!! This is part 1 (for girls) and part2 (for guys) will come next week. I composed a list with pictures, for you visual readers out there, of what I think would be FANTASTIC gifts to give. You might not agree with everything, but maybe you will find some of this useful. Guys, if you are reading, maybe this will help your Christmas shopping. I must admit, when I was putting this list together, 15 gift ideas came easier than expected. I could have kept going and going and going. So, here's the list........


NUMBER 1 - Box set of Sex and the City. I know it's been over for years, but we still LOVE to watch them
http://www.amazon.com/Sex-City-Complete-Collectors-Giftset/dp/B0011UBDTK



NUMBER 2 - Bobbi Brown MINI set. Every girl needs one for their purse!
http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/mpp/index.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY22811




NUMBER 3 - Pepper Mill from South of Market. I have one and I love it!http://southofmarket.biz/product/large-peppermill


NUMBER 4 - This cute hooded sweater from J. Crew for the winter.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~34007/34007.jsp


NUMBER 5 - Stylish phone cover from Kate Spade
http://www.katespade.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=10817517&cp=10817513



NUMBER 6 - Clever, little stylish recipe book to start a collection of yummy dishes.http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-KITCHEN-COOKBOOKS&id=973513&catId=HOME-KITCHEN&pushId=HOME-KITCHEN&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=100&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=095&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=




NUMBER 7 - Cooking Classes - If you live in a bigger city, try the Viking Store. They offer great classes with MANY selections of classes to choose from.
http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/cookingschool/cookingschool.jsp?id=cat13100027



NUMBER 8 - LuLu De Kwaitkwoski's trendy cocktail book.
http://www.amazon.com/Lulu-Kwiatkowski/dp/0978607678


NUMBER 9 - One year subscription to Netflix
http://www.netflix.com/


NUMBER 10 - Marc Jacobs sleek watch
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446376916&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492707727&bmUID=iOLMi02&ev19=2:50


NUMBER 11 - Marc Jacobs new wallet. It comes in many great colors!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3052589?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=small_leather_goods:women:wallets&cm_ite=marc_by_marc_jacobs_%27classic_q_-_new%27_flap_wallet:268183&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=BA5B74FE-D981-DE11-B712-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA


NUMBER 12 - I LOVE IT and I own one! From Madewell, this peasant blouse.
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/PRDOVR~34313/34313.jsp


NUMBER 13- Pottery Barn's Sophie Jewlery Box (it's covered in pebble leather)

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/sophie-jewelry-box/?pkey=cgifts-for-her

NUMBER 14 - Hunter Boots...this is on my list too! They come in SOOO many colors. Go with black, grey, blue or hunter green for classic colors. You can wear them rain or shine!http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/WorldOfDesigner.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306434781&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446376916&bmUID=iON3dER

NUMBER 15 - One year subscription to US Weekly. We just love it!

http://www.usmagazine.com/


I hope you have found something worth wild to give as a gift. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Happy shopping!!!!!

Tree Notch

What a nice use of a tree, right? This one didn't get chopped down for nothing! I'm in love. It's just exquisite.....with wood like this who needs a complex designed cocktail table? It's on my Christmas list....well, not this exact one. But, I have a handy father!!! If it ends up under the Christmas tree this year, I'll definitely share a photo or two. If your wondering where you can get this piece....Hudson Furniture.

A BASKET FOR YOU?

How do you use your baskets????? What warmth a basket can add to a room! And, not only do they look good, but they are functional, as well. And, even better they come in all shapes, sizes, and forms! Oh...the many ways you can use a basket.

A PILLOW OR 2

Not long ago, I blogged about John Robshaw. This FANTASTIC creative mind that spits out festive, young textiles. I ran across this picture and had to share. Pillows! Along with chairs and luggage, it is another one of my obsessions. Like paint on a wall a couple pillows can change the entire look of a room. Enjoy!