For Alfonso

When reading Apartment Therapy tonight I came across this hilarious art installation
(top right). This totally reminds me of my dear friend Alfonso and his ever-entertaining sense of sarcasm. (it also reminds me of his apt in DC). Very clever...

Antiques in Fairhope

Downtown Fairhope, AL (my husband's hometown) is quite possibly one the most adorable, quaint and interesting areas to see in Alabama. Hence, the reason we chose to have our wedding here. It's picturesque, with great shopping, favorable weather and the nicest people! I am so fortunate to now have a reason to go back often.

I spent a day last week exploring the many antique stores around Fairhope and I found a favorite! Crown and Colony (which has 3 locations downtown) had amazing imports from France and Italy. When the b-school budget expires, I know where I will be shopping! It's great to give nice people in small towns your business.
Susan, this mirror is for you. :)

These were the cutest little candlesticks!



Of course, the best thing I "saw" when I was in Fairhope was little Gracie Thompson. I'm sorry the picture is blurry because my good friend Effie's little girl is absolutely precious. I wish I could see her more often.

Gracie Thompson - 3 months.

Christmas in Dixie

Sweet Home Alabama!
A beautiful sunset in Fairhope...

Christmas lights in downtown Fairhope - love it!

I laugh when I think of how different my husband's (new) house is from the house he grew up in.

His childhood home is like something out of a movie - and I know our children will absolutely love going to visit one day. I am sorry that none of the photos of the outside of the house turned out - it was truly a winter wonderland! It's a wonderful, whimsical and very COLORFUL house!

"Poolene" and Dr. McB's "Startrek" tree (above)




The peaceful river...

Thanks, McB's for the BEST Holiday Hospitality!

Cajun Christmas

Lee and I spent the weekend before Christmas in New Orleans. What a GORGEOUS city - it's been about five years since my last trip down to the Big Easy. My Dad informed me before our trip that New Orleans was written up recently as one of the "top cities to visit over the Holidays" - I can sure see why!A house in the quarter...
This apartment in the quarter (below) has my name written all over it! The color scheme, the windows, and The ORANGE TREES! Too good for words!









I did lots of antiquing, but will spare you with photos of my finds - more to come on that at a later date. And, one of the best parts of the whole weekend - breakfast at Cafe Beignet! The best coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, and cute little cats prancing around our table. Too much!


Last but not least, my happy travel companion...

We also had an incredible dinner at Herbsaint (thanks to a recommendation from Sam and Marjory), had a drink in the very festive (and dressy!) Windsor Court Hotel, and then met friends on a little terrace in the Garden District. I can tell you this: I will not wait five years again until my next trip to NOLA.

First Christmas (my blog card)

Merry Christmas! May your days be MERRY and BRIGHT...

Our first Christmas at our home in Austin....

Our house smells great!

Home-made ornaments (on the b-school budget)

...and may ALL YOUR CHRISTMASES be LIGHT!!

Merry Christmas from Lee and Mere

Happy Holidays from MERE

Freaky Chic-y

The craze for antlers and skins and such...

This weekend, I buckled down and began to tackle our Christmas shopping. I read about the Austin "antique" mall and went to check it out. It appears that flea markets are great places to find vintage furs, hats, belts, and shoes!

A bucket of horns for $10 each now....

And a mantle-piece for Miles Redd later!! (above photo)

A cow skin rug at The Corner Shoppe in Austin - super cool / freaky spot, by the way! And how fortunate that these are so very "in"! (below image from Domino mag)

Life-size peacock at the Corner Shoppe - anybody need one?

What to do with these??? Voila! (image from Domino mag)
Whether it be for your home or your bod, I bet you'll find something funky and fabulous if you check out a flea market nearby. My friend Kate rocked her Grandmother's fur recently at our friend Lucy's wedding. Gorgeous, love!