Charming Cities Of The South Series Part I • St. Francisville, LA

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A smidge above Baton Rouge and a hair below the Louisiana-Mississippi border sits one of the most precious, quaint, and enjoyable towns––St.Francisville, La. 

Being only 1.5 hours away from where I live, I jaunt over to this great little community every chance I get––I instantly feel so positive and rejuvenated by spending the day here just strolling and taking my fill of all  beautiful scenery St. Francisville has to offer. Do you all remember the post on Hemingbough from a few months ago? Hemingbough is ALSO located in St. Francisville––how much beauty can one town have, eh?

Care to take a stroll with me? Get ready, you're going to want to move here!

Image courtesy of stfrancisville.net

St. Francisville was established in the very early 1800s, being the oldest of the Florida Parishes–– a geographic area settled by the Spanish and declared a district by land grants from the Spanish monarchy.

It now has a population of just under 2,000––a wee bit small to reside in for my personal taste, but absolutely perfect to visit!

Perhaps what I find most interesting about St. Francisville is the fact that it was settled by the Spanish, yet the most of the local vernacular lends no trace of a Spanish influence––versus New Orleans which is pouring with rich Spanish detailing in many areas of the city. 

I adore this particularly precious cottage with it's x-motif balustrade.

This home with colonial and greek revival influences is for sale! Any takers?? 

I mean, could this town get ANY more perfect? The preservation efforts in St.Francisville are second to none.

Yet another CHARMING detail.  The eyelet pattern above the posts is just adorable!

Grace Episcopal Church, 2nd oldest Episcopalian church in Louisiana––the grounds are a sight to behold and it always seems to have this hazy quality surrounding it even on a bluebird day.  

Okokok–––in this pic, my sub-par camera and shaky hand creates the haze, BUT! Really, it has this ethereal fog surrounding the lower half, always. 

A closer shot of the wrought-iron gate surrounding Grace. 180 year old patina––never out of style.

Image courtesy of stfrancisville.net

Image courtesy of stfrancisville.net

 Masonic Lodge

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PLANTATIONS OF ST. FRANCISVILLE

St. Francisville is also home to an expansive inventory of wonderful old plantation homes. At one point in it's earlier history, St. Francisville was one of the largest cotton ports on the Mississippi River which lent  to massive working plantations and a healthy export business. Sadly, many plantation homes were destroyed in the Civil War by fire––the remaining structures we have in the South today should be–– in my opinion––revered and preserved with such vigilance in an effort to never lose these incredible living pieces of history and keep them around for as long as we possibly can. 

Butler Greenwood Plantation

Image courtesy of stfrancisville.net

Catalpa Plantation

Image courtesy of stfrancisville.net

Rosedown Plantation

The oaks at Rosedown are beyond majestic––a towering canopy of hundreds year old live oaks literally cover the grounds––it's fabulous. If you can't tour the home for some reason, just sit back and marvel at the grounds for a good while––stunning. 

Wolf-Schlessinger House {Now St.Francisville Inn B&B}

The Myrtles Plantation––One of America's Most HAUNTED HOMES!!!! 

Even if you aren't into ghosts, you have to see the pierced frieze work detailing on the interior once in your lifetime––a marvel I can assure you. Notice the super-imposed seer-sucker clad gent in the far right corner––oh, maybe it's just me that sees it? Maybe I'm crazy?

Image courtesy of stfrancisville.net

And my personal favorite, Greenwood Plantation––who's history is so rich and fascinating I'm just going to tease you and not say another peep so you can one day see for yourself! 

Wasn't that fun? I hope you enjoyed Part I of my Charming Cities of the South Series. I will try my hardest to get out and visit several more destinations, so check back often to join me on more 'walking tours'!

XOXO,

ANDREA

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Quick, Stylish Gift Wrap Idea

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Over the weekend I attended a good friends wedding––of course I can never do ANYTHING ahead of time so I'm always rushing around at the last minute and needing really quick ideas that come out looking not-so-quick. I had to think fast, knew I didn't have time to wrap a box, so bag it was! But look at how stylish you can make a regular, ho-hum gift bag turn cute with just a few simple items from the craft store. 

What You Need:

• Simple, inexpensive gold gift bag

• Wide satin ribbon (unwired)

• Feathers

• Tissue Paper

• Cardstock

• Double Sided Tape

{I use Adobe Illustrator for the card, but any word processing program should do.}

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Simply tie the feathers to the handle with the satin ribbon and affix your card to the ribbon-tails with the double-sided tape. 

Voila! A quick and personalized gift on the go! Even with having to whip up the Illustrator file, this took me 10 minutes, tops. 

  xoxo,

Andrea

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Jill Tauzin Broussard • An Incredible Louisiana Artist

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Round Trees by Jill Tauzin Broussard



Juggler by Jill Tauzin Broussard

I've been daydreaming about taking art lessons with Jill for about a year now. We'd run into each other every now and then, or go to lunch and make plans to start, but never set it in stone. Jill is a fabulous artist and I knew that when I was ready to take lessons I wanted her to be my instructor. Well, that day has finally come to roost and we have embarked on our journey together and are having a great time! 


I have no idea if I am producing pure garbage or something slightly appealing, and I don't care either way because I am having a ball! Jill is great about fostering confidence, but is comfortable enough to tell me if she thinks I could work harder on a piece; or paint right over the whole dang thing and start anew ––and I LOVE that about her. How else am I going to learn, right?



Lemon Lime by Jill Tauzin Broussard

Her studio is set up in her home in a light and art filled room that whispers relaxation and creativity. Coffee is always ready, music selections are superb and the conversation is great because Jill is so inquisitive and truly likes to know who you are, where you came from, who's ya mamma and ya daddy, and most importantly what moves you and inspires you. I can't get enough of our afternoons together!  



Denim by Jill Tauzin Broussard

Jills style is so pleasing to me–– a little watery, a little hazy––the colors are always right on target and her subject matter transcends masculine or feminine in appeal. She loves to paint on wood––the highly varnished wood mounted paintings are DRIPPINGLY gorgeous in person. They are incredibly luminous and the depth in her work is truly captivating. 

The red painting is Jill's piece featured in the article

Recently, she was featured in the November 2009 issue of {the now defunct} Metropolitan Home, and in a brisk move––Kipton Art in New York picked her up at around the same time {smart on their part!}

23 Circles by Jill Tauzin Broussard

Vintage Turquoise by Jill Tauzin Broussard


I want to jump right into these two––one refreshing and cool, one cozy and warm. Both fantastic!



Still 1 by Jill Tauzin Broussard






Pieces by Jill Tauzin Broussard


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MAYBE and that's a BIG MAYBE I'll put up some of the paintings I've done so far on the blog, but until I feel a little more confident, the reveals shall stay between Jill, myself and other trusted 

cronies ;)

Please don't hesitate to peruse Jill's website and other paintings! Jill also produces a ton of commissioned work for her clients, so keep that in mind if you are looking for a piece that makes your heart go pittapatta––she's a gem, truly. 


Even more fun: If you live in Lafayette or nearby, Jill loves to host art workshops for people of all ages, so check her calendar in the newsletter section to schedule an afternoon of painting, chatting, exploring and creating––you will have a BLAST, I'm certain!


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xoxo,
Andrea

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The Effortless {New} Traditionalism of Nancy Boszhardt

Pin It Marisa at Stylebeat was kind enough to whip up a list of the up and coming Kips Bay design roster, and a roster it is! So may talented designers in one house––I'm going to have to figure out when I can go to New York and immerse myself in this particular showhouse when it opens––IN OCTOBER!! **They have 2 months to implement their designs!!! I would totally have a panic attack. I can't even think about it without my throat clenching up! Aaaack!

 I was perusing the websites of some of the designers that I had not heard of and found Nancy Boszhardt (I assume it's prounced just like Beaux-Arts, so I immediately was in love of course). What a TALENT she is! Look at these jaw dropping-images. Pure genius.

Simplicity is {to me} always the best answer. The elegant lines of the chandelier coupled with the slight movement throughout the chairs and table are just right. So beautiful. 

Notice the thin gilding that subtly flanks the molding–– brilliant!

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Nancy worked for renowned designer Bunny Williams before starting up Nancy Boszhardt Inc. I would say that's an esteemed accomplishment, don't you? In her bio, it states that she's had a twenty year career prior to opening up her firm, which I find hard to believe due to her youthful beauty!

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I flipped over that pendant! Hmm, I wonder why.......tole AND greek key?? Me?

                  

Lacquered walls are just mesmerizing!! I desperately want them somewhere in my house. 

Notice the bedskirt. How sumptuous!! The reeded closet doors also snagged my attention. Beautiful and unexpected. 

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF NANCY BOZSHARDT INC.

She seems to blend so many elements so effortlessly. I'm obsessed with that fixture. I designed a fixture in a similar vein for our kitch, but hers is more lovely I can assure you. 

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So, what do you think? Are you as captivated by this talent as I? I think she's just the cat's pajamas and I am DYING to see what she {among others} comes up with for Kips Bay. I'm certain it will not disappoint!

Who are your favorites for Kips Bay? I want to know! Are you as excited as I am? 

xoxo,

Andrea

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What Are You Listening To These Days?

Pin It I'd love to know what everyone is listening to because I received a hot little iTunes gift certificate and it's burning a hole in my pocket. 

I was taken by this song Joanna Newsom today so I'll do a little rainy day roundup for ya. All of these songs are comfort music to me, what's your's? 

**Give her voice a chance––at 1st I was having a hard time with her pitch, but at about 45 seconds into the song, I appreciated her brilliance. 

Andrew Bird just never gets old to me. God he's a genius! Excellent live too. 

Bon Iver just may be my favorite rainy day or wintery album. 

So, What's your MUST BUY album lately? I'd love to know. 

xoxo,

Andrea

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From THREE-OWWW To THREE-OOH!

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It was a whirlwind of a weekend!

So, I crossed into the darkside last Wednesday by marking a whole 30 years on the planet. Yeah, to say I have been grappling is to put it mildly––woe WAS me. I WAS in such a dismal state about this, you'd swear I thought turning 30 was the beginning of the end and that in my slumber, deep crows feet and mouth wrinkles would appear at the stroke of midnight. Little did I know, it's the beginning of well––the beginning! **Or, at least this is the gospel according to my glamaw, and I take what she says suurrriouzzly.

Only one way to combat this 30 year glitch––throw a party! Do it! So I enlisted the help of Mr. Trapped and got to planning right away. I know, sounds pathetic to plan your own party, right? Truth be told, I'm WAY too much of a control freak to let someone else do it, and dreaming up ideas for parties gets me all warm and fuzzy. My friends know me well enough to just let me do my thing––or so I thought.... read on to see how this bit me in my rapidly flattening butt big time. 

We decided to throw a zydeco brunch over at our house (could I be ANY more of a masochist? I mean, seriousssslllllaaaayyyy) 


**A local hot-spot, Café des Amis does a Zydeco Breakfast every Saturday with live music, so how appropriately cheesy to say Café des Ah-V for the party––I couldn't help myself ;) And if you ever visit you HAVE to go to the real Zydeco Breakfast, trust me...it's a blast!

If you don't know what zydeco is, then please listen up––Zydeco is a regional style of music, and by regional, I mean indigenous to the creole and cajun area of the state––aka Acadiana (Cajun Country) where I have been born, raised and where I live eat and breathe zydeco every chance I get. 

A video by Clifton Chenier––arguably the biggest legend in Zydeco history. I see you dancing in your seat! You can't help but move at least something, when you hear this, right?

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Ahem, back to me. So of course it couldn't be just any party, I had to make things super hard on myself and do this, do that, oh what about this? That? Oh, sure I can run around 50 million places. Pre-made quiche? You outta ya crazy mind, I can make that. Cake I've never attempted to make? Got that too. And of course everything had to be stylized TO DEATH.

THE ONE SMALL SNAFU:

Unbeknownst to me–– my friends, my mother (visiting from Florida) and Mr.Trapped were plotting a surprise birthday party for me on the Friday night. Get that? The night before the brunch, there was another surprise party! I was blindfolded, driven around for 30 minutes, made very nervous, and almost fainted when everyone shouted SURPRRRRRRISEEEEE!!!

When in doubt, dress up. You should have seen what Mr.Trapped almost let me leave the house in until I pressured him for an appropriate dress code. 

Friends, that is the face of a control freak after being kept in the dark for 30 minutes. They said it looked like they might as well have had butcher knives coming at me ;) My friends are a funny lot. 

Suprise Birthday photos generously taken by who other than Gwen!

My poor husband......he worked like a dog to pull this off! My friends too! My mom too!! How they kept it from me is beyond my comprehension. I was flattered beyond words. I was too nervous to cry. I saw friends I had not seen in months, friends who told big lies to me and said they couldn't make the brunch etc., etc. 

The poor things didn't know WHAT to do when I foiled all of their plans and came up with the brunch. They were already knee-deep in planning and decided to just trudge forward knowing that I'd figure them all out if they tried to get me to move my enagagement around (I'm stubborn AND super perceptive, a very dangerous combination I suppose).

The morning after 
{Oh, I only had a wee sip of wine the whole night. Or two bottles. Or three}

photo courtesy of bella sugar


Me: %$%#!@#!#@%$$(*&*%%!!!!!! OMGGGGG, I have 32,473 things to do before 11 a.m.
and it's 8:07––ughhhhhhhh.

Needless to say, I didn't do yoga that morning.

Me: YOU CAN DO IT. YOU'RE THIRTY NOW. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING. BECAUSE  THIRTY MEANS YOU ARE AT AN ALL TIME LEVEL OF MATURITY AND GRACE. {The pep talk was the only thing keeping the hangover at bay}


WRONGGGGG!! My awesome neighbors, mom, dad, friends, aunts saved my hiney BIGTIME. I owe them in a huge way. THAT makes me want to cry.

 pronounced {gree-yahds}

So the THREE-OWW, became the THREE-OOH really quickly. What was most exciting about this whole turn of events was how it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the many people in my life who are SO generous, selfless, so gracious, who would do almost anything for me {and I for them of course} I feel so fortunate, loved and overwhelmed––it was a really touching and humbling past week y'all {sniff sniff} With all of this goodness around me, the thought of aging is a mere wrinkle in my memory––and with that said, I'm more than thrilled about what my thirtayyy's will bring––it don't seem so bad afterall :)




xoxo,


Andrea (ol' hag)

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Give The Man Some Space, Sheesh!

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I know, I've been holding this reveal hostage for longer than I'd like to admit and keeping you people waiting with baited breath, haven't I? {I'm so full of jokes today}

Remember Gwen Aucoin? The fab photographer? Well, she is a supadupa busy gal and so well worth the wait that we just got around to a lil' photoshoot just a few weeks ago. I am so pleased with her talent––she never disappoints!

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 the scene:

 Husband's Client Meeting Space

the project deets:

Create a nice and sophisticated meeting space with a budget of $3.67 and not a penny over 

{Okay, more like $5.00, but who's counting?}

{Okaaaayyyy, seriously––we had NOTHING to work with and the walls were painted  granny's muumuu-mulberry on some walls, and I-wear-highwaisted-pleated-chinos-and chacos-beige on others. Horrors. 

the concept:

 Warm, welcoming, pared down, light, airy, stupidly inexpensive yet nicely appointed. 

   design challenges:

WAY too many to list––remember this post when I urged every last one of you to take my heed and nevahevahEVAHHHH do your own upholstery? This was nearly the death of me––no lie. If I could have stapled my hand to my leg to get out of doing it I would have, but I was in too deep to turn back! 

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 a little about the actual space: 
 My husband is a real estate broker––for years he's worked out of the house alongside moi and it's been fab and his needs were very simple–– however, recently his business started to grow rapidly {great!} and he has expanded, which is incredible! It was time for a more professional space ya know? He nor his agents needed an 'officey-office' they just needed a meeting space to have clients over for an hour or two, have coffee, write contracts, etc. So, I set out to design a place for them to feel comfortable, sort of at home, and for clients to feel calm while they were signing their lives away........

Onyx eggs––I got them for a steal!!!!! I was veddy excited when I saw them+the insane price.  I purchased the grass-cloth on eBay, the lamp was nasty with a white body, brass base and dingy shade–– but a little bit of rust-o-leum and spray paint fixed that right up. 

Another accessory I got for a song, these wooden gourd-y, cactus-y deals were a smokin' $12.99.  I went slummin' and found several old beat up books that worked perfectly––all for under $30. 

And voila! The reception area––simple, understated and comfy. To save even more $$ I had to do the artwork myself! Oh, and of course make the arrangement myself too––what I thought would be a manageable task-list ended up being one of those lists that kept exploding––like bread with too much yeast––growingandgrowingandgrowing. I look back with fond memories now, but at the time I was totally about to rip my eyebrows off ;) 

I love how Gwen finds ordinary details and photographs them in such a beautiful way. 

Chairs: Ikea, $39.99 a piece. Remarkably comfortable even though they don't look it. 

Hey, hey is that a giclée? Sho nuff. I was ecstatic that it blended so well. When I ordered it, I became stricken with anxiety that it would come in purple, but it didn't and I let out a big sigh of relief when it was nice and grey like I thought it was :)

On another slummin' excursion I found that trophy for fah bux––snapped that baby right up. 

Yessssss, I know––cardinal sin––flauxrals, but if you can promise me you will go there 2x a week and replace China's best with fresh fleurs, then we can talk––otherwise they are staying ;)

Every time he comes home from the place he tells me no less than 3 times how much he LOVES it–– which makes me feel so good, so lucky and so happy to have done this for him. A satisfied client, no matter if he is your huzzben, is what makes everyday better than the one before it. 

  Çes't tout! 

xoxo,

andrea

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