Wigged out...

Have you seen this entertaining and interactive feature on the V&A website?  This is guaranteed to be provide comical diversion from your day.  Just like Marie Antoinette! 

H is for Hawk

I have just completed, H is for Hawk, a memoir by Helen Macdonald, which chronicles the story of the relationship between her and Mabel, a goshawk.  Deeply grieving from the recent and sudden loss of her father, Macdonald begins the healing process by raising, training and "manning" Mabel. 

 Macdonald's book was included in the 100 Notable Books of 2015 by the NYT.

Worth a read. 

The Ice Plant Bar...Saint Augustine

The Ice Plant Bar in historic Saint Augustine, Florida is an appreciable venue for a step back in time to the 1920's.  Fashioned in the original ice building, cocktails featuring specialty ice formations spotlight the menu.  Dining offerings range from small plates to entrees and are prepared with meats and produce selected from local fresh markets and vendors.

Original sink and tile flooring in the ladies bathroom

Vintage truck parked out front

Farm to table cuisine

Copper mule as a souvenir 

Worth a visit while in Saint Augustine.

Merry everything!

Love British accents...

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Jacksonville Arts & Antiques Show '15

Fresh in from a trip to China and heading out once again for Brazil, Alexa Hampton gave an informational, humorous and quite honest lecture at this year's show. Gleaned from her commentary: 

• Avoid corner niches; they only serve to collect "stuff".
• Lower the wainscoting in rooms to create a taller feel to the space. 
• Consider patterned curtains after years of linen panels everywhere. 
• Alexa is sensitive to the psychological aspects of design, more specifically how each element and detail in the space will feel and be perceived.

Love her hair. 

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Prior to Ms. Hampton speaking, a heart-warming story of the separation of two local twins who had been born conjoined was presented. Proceeds from the show benefit the Wolfson Children's Hospital where the highly successful procedure took place.

My eye was drawn to an exhibit of Museum Bees.  Created from small pieces of repurposed framing material surrounding an embellishment of bees and other treasures, these miniatures are unique! 

Additionally, Juli Catlin, a local designer and William Nash, a restorer of furnishings gave an interesting lecture on the evolution of architecture styles in Florida over the years. Always worth it to stick around and listen to these two speak.

Happy Halloween!

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Second Best Marigold Hotel

The Second Best Marigold Hotel spotlights a fabulous cast with heartfelt intergenerational messages. The final wedding dance is fun to watch. 

If you enjoyed the first installment, this is worth a watch.