Christmas in May

Using Christmas giftcards six months afterwards really defines the whole "gift that keeps on giving" experience, particularly, if you are a Sag like me and have a December birthday. The treats all come at one time of year, leaving the rest of the year, well, a little bit treat-less. I just, however, had my very own Christmas in May. I received a Jonathan Adler gift card for Christmas and used it (the very next day) to custom design my own pillow, but didn't receive said pillow until Friday!

They weren't lyin' when they said it could take more than twelve weeks to make....and that Peru is far away and I need to chill out and not be too antsy to receive the pillow.  I almost kind of forgot about it until it arrived safe and sound. 

Just thought I would share a little Sunday eye candy...

Side one.

Side two.

I got such a kick out of the fact that each side of the pillow can be different and chose to make mine reversible (right now, it remains on the orange side...).  If you would like to design your own JA pillow, click here.  It is kind of addictive to play with the millions of options, including monogrammed and non-monogrammed choices.  Since Johnny first started the customizing, I have designed countless rugs, pillows, totes and saved them all in my online "account."  A perfect distraction for an idle Sunday. 

Cheers,

JSH

Dreamy Real Estate

Many bloggers post about amazing homes that are listed in fancy places for sky high prices, often featuring pics of unreal Manhattan penthouses, cliffside retreats in Malibu, and pied a terres in Paris.  I love to read them and drrrrooolll on my key board.  Accordingly, today, I felt compelled to jump into this game of caviar dreams and share with you a piece of real estate that, to my husband and any other sports/tearjerker movie fan, far exceeds the luxury retreats we all worship and adore. 

Behold, the real "Field of Dreams" could be yours.  No list price yet, but the memories are invaluable, no?

Imagine yourself in sunny Dyersville, Iowa...

Included with your very own baseball diamond built by Universal Pictures, you would also be the proud owner of a two bedroom home, six outbuildings, and 196 acres.  Perhaps this is the answer to my recent escapist fantasy of leading a simple, more agrarian and rural lifestyle. 

Cheers and Happy Weekend,

JSH

P.S. ....and you know we appreciate Mid-western roots in our household. 

Growth Spurt Progress Report

Here is my mid-term progress report I received for my gardening efforts.  A couple of you green thumbed Gimleters have asked and, in the interest of full disclosure on the blog, here you go. 

Effort:     A ++
Attendance:  A
Mid-term:  B-

As a former nerd/OCD student, I am disappointed by my B-.  Let me show you why I have received such a grade. 

Before shot. 

After shot.

Looks good, right?  WRONG.  Note what is missing.  I killed all of the parsley.  My mom examined everything and informed me that I "drowned it," causing the roots to rot.  Who does that!?

Other view of empty spot where parsley was freshly planted...and is no longer.

I hope you noticed the "accessories," by the way.  My mom surprised me with this cute box of herb markers.  Hmmm....I am noticing this blogging thing is great for hints for gifty ideas. 

Now, I am forced to plant kill more herbs. 

The reason I did not completely flunk the herb garden project is because my efforts have wielded this basil.

It is sitting in water (all per my mom's instructions) waiting to be used in my sundried tomato, artichoke, black olives and orzo pasta salad....

(Side note: If you are new to Gimlet, that bottle next to the sink is not filled with St. Germain, but rather, dish soap.  Although I would like to, I don't have liquor sitting next to my sink ready for a pull all of the time.)

Now, the things that are able to grow on their own have flourished.  The plants I have been calling "the boxwoody things" are actually one of my favorite flowers, gardenias. 

We are so lucky!  The yard is currently infused with fragrance. 

Note that there is a sprinkler right behind this plant...which is why it is thriving.  Otherwise, we know what would happen. 

Ready for the piece de resistance?  Another surprise from my gardener, I mean, mom.

Two confederate jasmine plants for the side fence in our front yard.  They look so puny compared to the jasmine that is taking over New Orleans right now.  Another deliciously distinct fragrance that, in one sniff, can summarize "Nola" to me. 

Apparently, jasmine "grows like wild fire."  Uh-huh.  We'll have to see about that.  Beau has agreed to water them in the evening...or remind me to, since they are not part of the automatic sprinkler system.  Ask me for a progress report in a couple of months. 

Cheers,

JSH

P.S.  We are always accepting tips, tricks, and hints on gardening over here at Gimlet. 

Astronomical Astral

I have long admired the astral chandelier...or something very close to it.  To me, it is the perfect combination of modernity and warmth, a tough combination to achieve. 

Imagine my delight and surprise when I found it for the best deal I have ever seen on this fixture!  Madison Seating carries it for about $600.00 cheaper than the other sites (and brick and mortar stores) I have seen it on/in. 

Of course, I have no where to use it...yet.  However, I dream of hanging one over each twin bed in a room not-yet-created.  I also think they are the perfect size to line up in any type of room a la Sixx Design. 


Imagine the awesome astral arranged similarly.

All images via Sixx Design

via one fresh nest

I definitely dig the "add another big fixture to the ceiling" technique so often utilized by Sixx. 

Now.  Completely unrelated to all things astral...I am so excited about my upcoming weekend!  To be honest, Gimleters, I have had a rough go of it lately.  My days have had a bit more thorns than roses.  I know...nothing lasts forever.  To push through the rough spots, what is the best medicine?  I believe it is to surround yourself with your tribe...or some of it, at least.  Two All Star members of my tribe are arriving on Friday to stay at Casa de Haynes, and I couldn't be more ready for their arrival. 

What are we doing, you ask? 

Well....once upon a time (not too long ago and quite possibly, this summer, for my sister's wedding...) we would have been doing this (and, quite possibly, all in one night):

Carousel Bar in the Monteleone Hotel (a popular post-wedding spot for this gang)

 

Napoleon House...I do believe the hype.  Best Pimm's Cup in the City! 

An oldie but goodie...right in our neighborhood.  Site of many "interesting" nights. 

The Columns.  A favorite place to grab evening drinks, pre-dinner. 

Bridge Lounge on Magazine Street.  My old law school stomping grounds....and still a spot to meet for a drink with your pooch in tow!   

The Delachaise on St. Charles...still a weekly spot.  (The cheese plate is amazing and the fries done in goose fat almost cause me to fall off the vegetarian wagon.)

**images via flickr

Now, during this particular visit, we are quite happily going to do this:

Walking here.

 

PJ's on Magazine to grab our iced coffees...and window shop along the way!

 

Angelique Baby to shop for Adrianne's Baby No. 2! 

A short walk from the guest room...dinner and conversation al fresco at Casa Haynes. 

We are also eating here.

Martinique Bistro.

One of my faves and a very highly underrated spot on Magazine...for a perfect courtyard evening!

...and going here.

What is in the cards for each of us?

Bottom of the Cup Tea Room in the French Quarter

I am so ready for Adrianne and Jen's arrival.  I am pretty sure that we won't stop talking from their arrival at our house until Adrianne is back on the plane headed to Virginia!  Nothing like old friend/roommate/bridesmaid/travel buddy therapy. 

Cheers,

JSH

Sneak Peek: Maison Hospitaliere Project

Get excited, Gimleters!  My friend, Kristen Nelson, real estate agent for Lauricella, agreed to take me to see one of her company's development projects this weekend.  Now, this is not just any ordinary house flip or remodel.  Her company has begun restoring and renovating almost an entire block of the French Quarter, including the Maison Hospitaliere, a massive nonprofit nursing home facility in the French Quarter.   The Maison Hospitaliere operated for 113 years prior to closing its doors in 2006. 

The Maison Hospitaliere, French for "Hospitality House," was started by French Quarter resident Coralie Correjolles, who organized a group of 30 French Quarter women in 1879 as La Societe des Dames Hospitalieres ("The Society of Hospitable Ladies"), to help women unable to support themselves. Dues were 10 cents a month. 

The organization's goal was to unite under one roof those "whom sorrow and misery had already united in heart and sympathy." In 1893 the society bought a former small hotel at 822 Barracks St., which was a frame building with two detached service wings.  The original 20 residents received food, shelter, and five barrels of coal a year.  Eventually, the facility was licensed as a nursing home by Louisiana to provide care for 94 residents, including 35 in the infirmary. In 1951, a building that houses administrative offices and an infirmary was built at 1220 Dauphine St. from private contributions.  (I note that this location is right around the corner from my mom's Pre-K school, La Petite Ecole...no longer in existence, sadly)

Life Magazine shot of Maison Hospitaliere, circa 1946.

Described by Life as "a home for old Creole ladies." 

flickr

flickr

**Mary still presides over the now abandoned courtyard...the furniture and landscaping has been cleared for the renovations to begin. 

flickr

This shot depicts Maison H prior to its closure.

The massive property is currently in need of a complete restoration.  Walking through the hidden courtyards that have yet to be restored and around the property was a bit eerie as the property is in disrepair and certainly representative of a bygone era.  That being said, the promise of what is to come is overwhelmingly fantastic and that certain eerie/je ne sais quoi is exactly what makes this property (and really any property in the French Quarter) entirely different from any other restoration in the country.     

The property will including approximately two or three single family structures as well as condominiums. 

Here is a before shot...

Kristen's company has begun lovingly restoring various parts of the property, having already completed a 1400 square foot Creole cottage that sits on Bourbon Street (the blue cottage above) between Barracks and Governor Nicholls.  Can I just say showstopper?  If the cottage is representative of what the entirety of the property is going to look like when the last phase is completed, I know people are going to be scrapping just to own a piece. 

After shot of the cottage portion of the project.  The colors are fresh and modern, but stay true to the guidelines set forth by the Vieux Carre commission as well as the aesthetics of the neighborhood.  This cottage is being sold as a single family home and has off street parking...the holy grail in the Quarter.

I snapped some interior shots of the cottage, which is serving as the "model unit,"  just to get you hot and bothered prior to the arrival of the real goods (which are coming later from Kristen...):

Love that the designer, Tammy Massey, used a lamp instead of a chandelier above the dining room table.  Perfect for a "model unit"...no commitments to chandeliers that a person may want to move or remove altogether.

The den...note the reclaimed wood behind the TV.  It is not original to the home, but rather, a build out.  I think it adds such character to the, although necessary, TV area.  There are paintings by Harouni throughout the property. 

The beautiful master headboard and custom art work.  (Don't freak...we will be sourcing all of this for y'all!)

I think I was blacking out when photographing the master bathroom because it is so gorgeous and perfectly done.  The custom cabinets are topped by a three inch honed marble slab and the floor to ceiling river rock adds a dose of texture to the space.  Not sure if you can catch the custom light fixtures...they are ethereal and soft. 

I hope that these photos and bit of history have you revved up to see more.  Kristen is going to send us the professional photographs and sourcing information so that you can see everything the home has to offer.  Oh, and if you can't simply point and click and buy this gem (!), there are some good renovation ideas as well.... 

Historical property, slowly restored with only the absolute highest quality materials and craftsmanship.  This Quarter rat at heart can't ask for anything more! 

Cheers,

JSH

P.S. I really hope you signed up for Tidbits....I just got a treat in my email box that may be too delectable to share!  Check out http://www.jolieandelizabeth.com/.  Some local New Orleans designers who are heating up quickly. 

Luxey Loews

This past week, I was lucky enough to enjoy one of my favorite hotel lobbies in all of Nola twice in two days.  I attended a delightful work luncheon on Friday and then followed up with drinkie poos on Saturday at the Loews Hotel.

I can't vouch for the particulars of the rooms or service (although I have heard good things), but I can tell you that the lobby and Swizzle Stick/Cafe Adelaide are a sight to see.  The common areas of the Loews perfectly embody just the right amount of Nola Patina (a term I use to describe that whole "lived in/days of yore" look people willingly associate so much with New Orleans) with some seriously chic touches. 

I was inspired to post about this for the first time last night when I realized that I have said, "God, I love the vibe and decor of this place..." no less than 400 times.  There is something luxe, yet warm and comfortable about the common spaces at the Loews.  I think it is the pitch-perfect mix of textures and warm neutrals that make the art deco-inspired space unique. 

Note the underlit Nola photographs arranged artfully behind the desk.

I am desperate to get a close up photo for you.

Close up of the stained glass and brass chandy. 

via flickr.

 

The warm lobby lounge area...eclectic and warm glamour.

Close up of the lounge area of the lobby

via tripadvisor

 

Swizzle Stick Bar...it is super hard to see here, but note the brassy grates over the shelves displaying liquor bottles of all shapes and sizes.  Oh, and the ship chandy is located right over the huge iceblock they bring in each day....your ice is freshly chipped, of course.

 

Collected paintings line the walls of the Swizzle Stick.

Another view of the Swizzle...you can better check out the shelves holding liquor as well as great chandelier above the bar here. 

via yelp

Did I mention that the Swizzle Stick's cocktail menu should not be missed?  If you ever stop in, order a specialty drink.  I promise you will not regret it. 

Cheers,

JSH

P.S.  I am almost positive that the lobby and Swizzle Stick boast some Hunt Slonem paintings.  This is probably a bad thing for me to know for sure as I have been tempted one too many times to simply rip one off the wall, stuff it into an enormous purse, and make a run for it.   

Images via artnet

Mommy Dearest

I just had to include this because Adrianne and I think this Mik Wright napkin is so hilarious.

For real, though...Happy Mama's Day to all of you who are unquestionably employed in the most challenging, emotionally/physically demanding, rewarding, unruly, insane, wonderful profession ever.

I don't know what I would do without my mom in my life...and I realize how lucky I am for that.  Not everyone is gifted with such a perfect person to have and hold!  Here's to all of the gimlet mamas and caregivers and mama figures and their mamas and/or mama figures, whether they are near or far.  I seriously salute you today and every day...and continue to be in awe of just how you do it so damn well. 

One of my favorite pictures of me and my mama...she weirdly looks pretty much the same, 30 plus years later.   

Lucky girls. 

Cheers,

JSH