I Spot Something Sassy! A Brief Introduction Into the Newest Member of My Family

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After years of anguishing and liking many–– but not loving any, I finally found some china that I positively flipped over!

So, now I have 10 of these bad boys in my arsenal and am building my collection in hopes to accommodate 20 (or more)! 

It's an antique Theodore Haviland pattern named Embassy. Surprisingly, I had never seen this pattern anywhere throughout my tireless search for "THE ONE" and could not believe  my little eyes when I did. I don't think my laptop could keep up with the rapid rate that I was jamming the keys to say: BUY BUY BUY! 

It's already making my food taste thoroughly superior to when I serve on my old ironstone plates ;)

{Even when I slack and cook pancakes for dinner}

Have a great weekend, Happy Halloween and don't forget to enter the blog giveway for your chance to win that fantastic piece by Jill Tauzin Broussard! I will throw a dart at my computer screen to randomly choose a winner tomorrow morning!!!!

xoxo,

Andrea

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Blog Giveaway! You Can Own an Original Jill Tauzin Broussard Painting!!!

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Remember this post from a few weeks back about the gem of an artist, Jill Tauzin Broussard?

Well, Jill––who is so sweet and so kind, offered up one of her paintings for the All The Trappings one year blogiversary and 1st ever giveaway. How generous is that? 

This beautiful 8"x 8" x 2"d  painting, titled "Waiting" 
packs a ton of punch with it's vivid color composition of pumpkin, vermilion, mustard and faint aqua. The smattering of gold leaf makes it shimmer and shine, but not a touch TOO MUCH, it's just perfect!

It's gorgeous and worth $320!!! But for you, pretty ladies and gents I'll give you a veddy good price: Free!! I like the sound of free, don't you?

"Sign me up! How do I enter?" 

1.Go to Jill's website, peruse her inventory. 2. Fall in love with all, but pick only one!  3. Return to All The Trappings and leave a comment with your choice of which piece made your mouth water! 

Don't forget to follow All The Trappings on either Facebook, Twitter   or by email–– which is located on the sidebar of my blog. I know, I know, I'm asking WAY too much here, but I have to strike while the iron is hothothot, people! 


Çest Tout! 

*** If you are an anonymous poster, you must leave your email for me somehow in case you win!! Either leave it in the comment box, or email me at amv2626@gmail.com telling me that you posted a comment. 




I will choose a winner AT RANDOM on Saturday morning, so be sure to do your homework before then! 

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This is SO EXCITING!!! You will LOVE this piece in person!!! 

Thank you all so much for the TONS of support I have received in the last year. Your encouragement, comments, emails and all that jazz make this lady feel like I've won zee lot-ry ;) 

Have fun!

xoxo,

Andrea

***Big Update!!!!! Jill is SO impressed with the response from everyone that she wants to give EVEN MORE to All The Trappings followers!!!

The details: Jill is offering 30% off of commissioned paintings over $300 for All The Trappings followers until December 1st!! Do the math: $320 to Poof! $224!!! Substantial is an understatement!

So, if you are looking to give a special Christmas present to someone, or hey––yourself for that matter, then contact Jill @ jillmarietb@yahoo.com and mention that you are subscribed to All The Trappings! Wow!!!! Could she be any more kind? 

Thank you for all of your comments, I am just thrilled beyond measure over the response and cannot WAIT to pick a winner!!

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Crisp and Tailored Fall Tablescape

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Photo stylized by Andrea Veron and captured elegantly by Elise Dejean Photography for Face Magazine

•please just pretend like you don't even see the cork in the wine bottle. I almost cried when I realized it was still in there after the photoshoot! Ugh!

Looking for Autumnal Tablescape Inspiration?

Are you starting to collect ideas for your Thanksgiving tablescape? We only have about a MONTH left!!!!! I hope this one done up by moi gets your wheels turning!

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Many moons ago, my neighbor Ty Hanes and I collaborated on our dream tablescape for a late afternoon autumn al fresco soirée. Isn't he a fabulous floral designer? We implemented vintage with new, formal with casual––all while still keeping the overall feel pared down and welcoming. Appropriate for an easy and crisp approach to your fall dinner party or Thanksgiving day table, don't you think? 

Those dahlia's were SO gorgeous in person!! I LOVE fronds and poor Tybaby, I was just adamant about them being in there somewhere. I know he looked high and low to find them––he probably wanted to kill me, but would have never said peep! He's the best friend and neighbor a girl could have, truly. 

In the end, I'd say we were successful in pulling it all off! Plus we had so much fun working on it all together–––great memories!!

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I have a GREAT giveaway coming up, so check back early next week!! You'll not want to miss it!

xoxo,

Andrea

**Update! Check my most recent post to enter the blog giveaway, which is a stunning piece by Jill Tauzin Broussard titled "Waiting" It would look so good in your home!

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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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