Insta New Orleans

IMG_3934As most of you who follow me on Instagram know, I was in New Orleans Wednesday through Sunday. I apologize for not posting while I was away! I wanted to do a little recap of our NOLA trip through Instagram. For those of you who follow me, this photos will be familiar, but you will get a little more information on what we did … Started off the trip by checking into Soniat House, and immediately strolling around the French Quarter, finding ourselves at Hotel Monteleone’s famous Carousel Bar. IMG_3937We headed to dinner at Sylvain for a Champagne Cocktail, Southern Antipasti Plate, Seasonal Market Salad, and Gulf Shrimp Pirlou. The Southern Antipasto Plate had a black eyed pea hummus that was to die for. IMG_3965The next morning, we had breakfast at Stanley on Jackson Square, and while WWB did some work I took a tour of the Old Ursuline Convent. I felt as though I had stumbled into a piece of 18th century France in Louisiana … it is no surprise since the building was commissioned by Louis XV of France. photo-1The views of the French Quarter from the interior of the Ursuline Convent garden were magical.
photoLater, we headed out to the garden district. We had lunch at Lilette, which was by far the absolute best meal we had during the trip. We started out lunch with 1/2 dozen oysters and a salad of Shaved Hawaiian Hearts of Palm. It sounds simple, but I could eat that salad with parmesan and olive oil every day. We followed up with some Alaskan King Crab Claws with passion fruit butter … yes passion fruit butter … and some mussels in a curry sauce with eggplant bruschetta. This was all along with the most amazing cocktail made called the Lillete Rouge, which tasted like a sparkling sangria. Then it was straight to Leontine Linens, where we met the amazing Jane Scott Hodges … look for more on that tomorrow. IMG_4001Dinner was at La Petite Grocery, where I had Turtle Bolognese! How does one not order that? Dinner was followed by drinks at Bouligny Tavern, which was the chicest midcentury bar (note the light fixture in the window), where I had an Aperol Fizz. Yummm.IMG_4038Friday it poured with rain almost all day. We took refuge at the Beauregard Keyes House, made famous by the 18 months that Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard lived there. photo copyThe palmetto frond wallpaper in the hallway was a favorite part of that visit. We followed that step back in time with a lunch at Galatoire’s, and dinner at Commander’s Palace. Even in the pouring rain we managed to hit some of the best places in old New Orleans. IMG_4058Saturday morning, after a coffee and a buttermilk drop at Petite Amelie, we did more strolling around the French Quarter, looking out for buildings for me to fall in love with, such as this one. IMG_4063Then it was on to the wedding at Immaculate Conception Church, a traditional Second Line parade around the French Quarter, and a reception at the Opera Guild Home. IMG_4066A big congratulations to Liz and Colin who tied the knot this weekend! It was a wonderful trip, and I’m so glad I can finally say I have been to New Orleans. Until next time NOLA …  

 

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California Dreamin’

Sonoma 1On this grey and rainy morning in Charleston, I am really enjoying the photos of Sonoma in this month’s issue of House Beautiful; specifically the photos that feature the outdoor spaces. Although I am an east coast girl at heart, I spent four years of my childhood in California and that time definitely had an impact on my appreciation of California style, temperatures, and flora. Last year I had my husband plant bougainvillea in our garden, but this is a plant that requires good drainage and a drier climate … how do you think those plants are doing in my tropical Charleston garden?  Sonoma 3 Sonoma 4Looking through the photos of this Sonoma property, I was reminded of Ellen Degeneres’ beautiful Hidden Valley ranch that was featured in Elle Decor.Ellen 2 Ellen 1The majestic trees and the casual and rustic nature of these outdoor spaces are absolutely magical.Reese 1One of my  favorite California outdoor spaces has to be the terrace at Reese Witherspoon’s Ojai, California home. Also featured in Elle Decor, this wood topped table with cream colored legs combined with the wicker and iron chairs was definitely an inspiration for our Charleston garden. Seems silly because California and South Carolina’s flora and climate could not be more different, but I loved the mixture of materials and furniture types.Portraits, InteriorsRight down to the hanging lantern.

Photos of the Sonoma, California house via House Beautiful, Degeneres’ and Witherspoon’s houses via Elle Decor, and my garden via Southern Living. 

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