Southern as a Sazerac: My Latest Article in The Independent Weekly Bridal Guide

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Once upon a time there was a little girl who eloped. She wanted nothing more than to step out of the   limelight and run from every part of planning a wedding. The thought of a guest list or a bridal shower made her little heart go boom-boom, but not in a good way. She married the man of her dreams, quietly in a grand old place and had a grand old time. They've lived happily ever after. 

Even without a registry. Gasp! 

Then one day, a venerable local publication approached this girl about writing an article for their BRIDAL GUIDE. And she almost passed out. And her mind started racing with thoughts of "Oh, my garter belt, I have no idea what in the hell to write about a wedding!" Not one to back down from a challenge, she graciously accepted. 

To read the article in its entirety, visit The Independent  and view pages 27-29 for the spread :) 

**there's a tiny hint to what I've been up to –– if you guess it, I'll give you the biggest virtual smacker you could imagine. 

Till next time,

Andrea

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Merry Christmas!

Pin It Lawd, has it really been since August?

Major life changes going on –– exciting stuff, really! I can't share just yet, but hopefully one day soon. 

Merry Christmas, and if you're ever in a pinch (or if you're just lazy like me) and you want a quick, stylish gift wrapping idea, check out what I dreamed up for Christmas this year. Easypeasy! 

Simple:

•Satin Ribbon

• White wrapping paper + chinese takeout boxes

• Wired miniature white pinecones

Pretty, memorable gifts don't need to cost a fortune a'tall! 

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I did not put up a Christmas tree this year, but I made a new wreath {that counts, right?}

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I've also been getting more requests to do florals and event design, which I DO love so much. 

Check out a recent event that I had the pleasure of whipping up. The occasion? My neighbors' birthday last month. We were on a tight turnaround time and in a halfway renovated kitchen, but pulled it off swimmingly!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!

xoxo,

Andrea

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Raji Radhakrishnan • I Simply Can't Get Enough!!

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I fell in love with Raji's approach when, out of the blue, she sent me a sweet friend request through Facebook. At the time, I wasn't familiar with her work, but after catching a glimpse of her well-edited, sophisticated and unexpected interiors, I was just floored. So beautiful, so tailored.  

I'm a huge fan of restraint, and to me, Raji is a master at playing with the positive and negative space that separates a design from too much or not enough  and translates it into a result that is visually dynamic without being either or. Perfectly balanced, through and through. 

All photos courtesy of Raji's Facebook Fan Page or website. 

Notice the finish on the herringbone floors –– venturing away from the popular ebony or medium walnut tones, Raji used what appears to be something between cherry and mahogany. The results are beautiful! That chair!! 

The stark nature of Serge Mouille floor lamp creates such a clear communication with the brass table and mid-century armchair. I love the subtle tension between these three pieces. 

This is the room that gave me pause. So many traditional elements, yet the room feels relevant and current. LOVE the intaglio inset into the keystone on the fireplace. Just gorgeous!  

Her strategic use of color is so refreshing. Well balanced, fresh and never too much.  

Raji has also recently completed the 2011 Hampton Designer Showhouse, so be certain click over to a few blogs that have covered the "Salon des Femmes" she designed! 

My Knotting Hill

Apartment Therapy

xoxo,

Andrea

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Sounds Good To Me Music Series: Chris and Thomas

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Haunting. I love these guys. 

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That 70s House • Part II of Our De-grannyfication Project

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While we weren't able to make headway on the kitch, we were able to spiff up the majority of the other public areas of the house. WHAT a difference –– we are still in disbelief over this radical change. 

Could it get ANY uglier or drab? Billiard lights are leaving the premises asap. For now, I will be replacing with simple track lighting. Oh, who am I kidding....we all know how temporary works –– it really means semi-permanent ;)

We will destroy you!

After 2.5 days of prep, 12 hours of painting, a black dog almost turned white and 3 pizzas eaten...........

The fan (gag) is being replaced with a chandy, and we still have to hang draperies.

Miss Cricket makes her internet debut.....how appropriate that she's sitting atop HER sofa for the photo opp.



Obviously, we still have a long way to go –– but to us, any progress is major progress in this old house! 


xoxo,

Andrea

***I should note this: a few friends brought it to my attention that the blogger comment box can be a bit fussy –– they want to leave comments, but usually get frustrated with the signing in, etc. In an attempt to try and make it easier for my facebook friends and blogger friends, I'm trying out both forms. Please feel free to let me know what you think. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have this more streamlined and easier to read :)

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See a common theme? 

Stay tuned. 

Hint: We're going on a staycation over 4th of July.........

xoxo,

Andrea

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Thank You Grant K. Gibson!

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A couple of weeks ago, Grant K. Gibson posed the question: Mo Faux or NO FAUX. Flowers that is. 

In a sweet gesture from the gentleman himself, he asked that we comment away and one lucky commenter would win a nice bunch of the peonies that he used for his room in the San Francisco Decorator Showhouse. Well, wouldn't you know.....I won! And I swear, I have never won anything in my life that I didn't 'work for.' So I was thrilled to bits! 

Today, I received the lovely package with a smart little handwritten note done up on crisp letterpress stationery. So kind! 

Since I (embarrassingly) believe that those mo fauxers have a time and place (if done well!!!) The pretty  peonies found a new home in my dining room. 

Thank you, Grant! I promise to water them daily and keep them smelling as nice as they have for the last 3 years ;) 

xoxo,

Andrea

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Sometimes I Just Like To Play

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All from my yard! Thank goodness for plants that grow themselves year after year, because this gangrene thumb couldn't even keep the fresh thyme {that I bought  in a planter!!} alive for more than three days. I quietly wept as it rapidly withered.......

The girly-girly fru-fru china was passed down to me from my great-aunt, rest her lovely soul. Isn't it sweet?  It inspires me want to make some Marie Antoinette-like confections and have an all out girly date replete with champagne and a shoe-fashion show.

xoxo,

Andrea

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Picnics & Pastis • Summertime Is Here

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Most definitely my new summer libation. Pastis. Truly delicious if you are a fan of anise or absinthe + light, crisp, bubbly concoctions which dance on your tongue. Salut! 

Image via dhaleb.com

A a photo taken by Gwen for a little get together I like to call "Ladies who lunch but not a socialite in the bunch, lunch"

Fresh baked bread, olive tapenade, crisp linen, brie and apples, fried chicken, honeysuckle and pastis. The sights, scents and tastes of a South Louisiana summer –– and what a summer it's crafting itself to become! 

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! 

xoxo,

Andrea

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The Best Momzie Any Girlie Could Wish For

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Because she's a champ with advice and only only gives it when asked • is the most delicate strong person I know • the most graceful lady I've ever encountered • the cutest and hippest momzie from here to the east coast •  has saved me from being a total butthead on multiple occasions •  put up with my hyperbolic antics • taught me a ton about being kind, generous and genuine • made me drink with my pinky up (even beer!) • has always been my champion • brought me to every festival she could • taught me to dance in an un-whitegirl way • made me work for what I wanted • and the best for last: kept telling me to date "that Ken boy" even when I would reply "No way, mom. We're just friends"

She does a bang-up job as a mother, y'all. I can only hope that one day I can be half the mom she has been to my sister and I. 

 Lady Momzie, my sister Lacey and I.  I'd better look that good at her age! 

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I hope that your beebee's spoil you all day long! 

xoxo,

Andrea

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