essie

New favorite, currently on fingers & toes. It's the color of wild blackberries.

Keno's Inaugural

Say what you will, I love the Keno brothers. I've watched them on TV, read them in Traditional Home, seen them in Nantucket & New York, and will soon be shopping their new line @ High Point. They're talented, adorable, polite, well-dressed & well-spoken. (One went to Williams, but it just wouldn't be right to hold that against them.)

{love the dog & chair & rug}

Leigh's Manhattan townhouse on E. 69th, which also used to house his antiques business, is classic & elegant.

A mix of incredible antiques & an '80's deli sign. 

This Saturday marks the inaugural of his latest venture, Keno Auctions. 

{George}

{Adam}

{John James Audubon 8 volume set, Birds of America}

{Blvd. Saint-Germain watercolor}

{Reyes lightship basket}

{big fat Sussex pig}

{Daddy loves him some banjo}

{antique Nantucket}

{a nest of 8}

{classic Cahoon}

Browse {& maybe even bid?} 3 separate sessions of goodness @ artfact.com

'Dashing, Sporty, And Not Too Drunk'

In high school, many lived and died by this little book.

This Fall, its sequel will be unleashed.

I'm intrigued. You?

Concord Grape

To the uninitiated (and/or people from the North), the juxtaposition of Garden & Gun is a bit shocking and, well, off-putting. Off-putting, that is, until they've had the pleasure of reading this classic Southern periodical. I can't say enough in favor of it (and I'm from Connecticut)

So with Derby Day almost upon us, I had to share this amazing recipe for a fabulous twist on the classic mint julep from NYC's Tipsy Parson, as it appears in this month's G&G. {Yes. A Northern recipe for the mint julep has been published in a Southern periodical. Katy bar the door}

And if you find a good source for Concord Grapes, please share.

Concord Grape Mint Julep
(They say it serves 4.  I beg to differ.)

8 oz. bourbon
4 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 oz. mint simple syrup*
4 oz. Concord grape reduction**
4 cups ice
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Blend all ingredients in blender until ice is broken up and drink is uniformly smooth. Serve with a small bouquet of fresh mint sprigs

*Mint Simple Syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch mint

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, add whole mint sprigs, and simmer for ten minutes. Strain and cool.

**Concord Grape Reduction
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
3 cloves
1⁄2 tsp. black peppercorn
1⁄2 tsp. white peppercorn
1⁄4 tsp. anise seed
1 quart Concord grapes
1⁄2 cup water

Make a sachet with all dry ingredients. Simmer sachet, grapes, and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat until grapes are broken down and soft (about 45 minutes), gradually adding more water if needed. Remove sachet, and strain the reduction to remove seeds. Cool uncovered in the refrigerator. Reduction may be kept refrigerated for up to a week.

{recipe & photo via Garden & Gun}

The Oyster Box

If I had sufficient patience (and/or drugs) for the very, very long plane ride required, I think I'd fly directly into Durban, South Africa, drive up the coast, and stay a fortnight or 2 on the edge of the Indian Ocean at the lovely Oyster Box Hotel.

i

Have you ever seen a prettier accommodation?

Netflix

I'm streaming via my Wii and I love it. Have you seen Priceless?

The scenes of France are perfect, and yes, Audrey Tautou is amazing, but Gad Elmaleh is the heart of this fabulous movie.

High Point

This weekend was the show @ Liberty. Somewhat disappointing overall (rain, lots of Victorian, and high prices), but I did find a fresh little antique birdseye maple desk with scalloped trim and some wonderful old metal baskets.

On the way home I stopped at Furnitureland South to see the latest arrivals (couldn't resist this shot of the 4-storey highboy)

And no trip up I-85 would be complete without Lexington Barbeque. Somehow I managed to avoid the temptation of the B&G apple & chocolate pies next to the countertop cash register, and went straight for the chopped pork with slaw on a homemade roll. No doubt the best in North Carolina...

Foodie heaven.

Bid to Save the Earth

Cool stuff. Tonight @ 8:00. Happy Earth Day.

Vintage Decor

I love all things vintage, especially books. I've read The Family Decorates a Home by Carlton Varney hundreds of times.

I especially love the section on awnings, window boxes, and door ornaments.

A little kitschy, and lots of fun.

Thinking About a Trip to London?

This Summer might be just the time to visit...

Patiopalooza @ Post & Gray

May 21 & 22 in Charlotte, NC. Wonderful outdoor {and indoor} stuff + a band and farmer's market! Here's an estate sneak peek...

{arriving next week!}

{vintage & lightweight aluminum}

{sunkist orange}

{more...}

{feather & down + sunkist orange}