h.r.h prince william of wales, k.g. + miss catherine middleton

"A toast before we go into battle. True love. In whatever shape or form it may come. May we all in our dotage be proud to say, 'I was adored once too.'" -- Gareth, Four Weddings and a Funeral

I said I wasn't going to wake up at 3:45a.m. to watch. And here I lay ... 3:59a.m. ... watching. Maybe it's the procession of "fly-trap"-looking hats (as Shepard Smith just dubbed them), worn by the women? Maybe it's because 50% of my blood is British? Truth be told: I'm a sucker for it all.

Think I'll go pour myself a glass of something bubbly ... since I'm up.

easter 2011, in photos

Enjoyed a beautiful Sunday with family.

Perfect weather.

Perfect food.

Perfect day.

easter :: eternal love

For I remember it is Easter morn,

And life and love and peace are all new born.

fleurty girl

Last week in New Orleans I visited the most darling little shop, Fleurty Girl, owned by NOLA native, Lauren Thom. We just happened to be strolling through the French Quarter when Lauren's super comfy (and stylish) display of Feelgoodz flip flops (a company owned by her boyfriend) in the store's front entry caught our eyes. In addition to the saucy sandals, we weren't disappointed by the bounty that awaited us inside: everything from bling to art to tees to bags to shoes ... Fleurty Girl was a veritable cornucopia of all that I love :).

Not only did Lauren take the time to chat with us about her favorite city, she also told us about her grand opening (the shop on St. Peter's Street in the French Quarter [where we stopped] had just opened the prior week), as well as her other two locales in The Big Easy. Fleurty Girl was a fantastically wonderful surprise, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. Next time you're in the city, definitely check out all of the lime green loveliness the shop has to offer!

back in black

"Dut. Duh duh dut. Duh duh dut.

[Meow Mee-ow-ow]

Dut. Duh duh dut. Duh duh dut ...."

[that's a guitar riff]

Jaxson & Zoe--my furry roomies--made their annual springtime debut outside today. See, Jay and Zee aren't "outside kitties," so they get as much of a kick (perhaps more of one?) out of April's sounds, plants, scents, insects, and yes ... even the fussing mocking birds who very vocally warn 'em to keep their distance ... as do I.

Cause I'm back -- yes I'm back -- Well, I'm back ....

becker vineyards :: springtime

I'm a sucker for Becker Vineyards wines--in my opinion, one of the Texas Hill Country's best vineyards and wineries (and that's saying something, since we certainly have our fair share of wineries in the Lone Star State).

I'm also a sucker for good marketing ... including pretty packaging and names like Springtime for a white wine. This light, crisp, and fruity wine reminds me of a Viognier, but not quite as aromatic. I'd describe it as just a plain, ol' white ... but nothing about Becker's wines is plain.

I don't know how available Becker Vineyards wines are outside of the immediate region; but if you can get your hands on any of their varietals, you won't be disappointed.

Happy spring! I'm off to do some planting (to be followed by a glass of Springtime).