In the Garden {Caladiums}

 One of my favorite plants in the summer is caladiums. They grow so well in the heat of the New Orleans summer, and the leaves are so big and bright. This year, I planted hundreds of Southern Charm caladium bulbs from my favorite garden center, Perinos. I love the white leaf with the red veining. Here is how they look in the front garden:

This fancy leaved new variety has unusually thick leaves held on sturdy upright petioles.  Southern Charm caladiums tolerate full sun. Well suited for container sizes 4″ and up.  Southern Charm also preforms well in combination pots and patio containers.

Southern Charm Caladiums, y'all!

The Acorn Cottage {Gas Lantern}

The one thing I've been waiting to be installed is the Bevolo French Quarter gas lantern. It was plumbed yesterday, and I am in LOVE. It has only taken me 50 years to finally have the one thing that I have absolutely wanted for a long, long time. The flickering flame is definitely a Southern charmer.

Gas lantern, y'all!

Guilty Pleasures {TV}

BRAVO is keeping me busy for sure. With summer approaching, I'll be addicted to all things BRAVO.

I am loving Sweet Home Oklahoma. Pumps is a riot. The glove!!!!! Have you seen it? It airs on Monday nights.
Deep in the Bible belt, amid cattle, tornadoes and pump jacks, Jennifer Welch, Josh Welch, Lee Murphy, and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan proudly embrace—but unabashedly stand out from—their idyllic hometown. No feelings are spared when it comes to approaching burning issues, amongst themselves or with the world at large. Through their characteristic off-kilter perspective, they find humor confronting the white-picket-fence-meets-reality facts of life. Challenging the conventions of conservative society and showing an alternative, outrageous side to the tony enclave of Nichols Hills, their unique friendships hilariously reveal that the daily triumphs and struggles of small-city life are more wild, fun and memorable than meets the eye.

I am already stoked for the return of Southern Charm on Monday nights as well as Real Housewives of New York City, one of my favorites. "Money can't buy you class."

I am also looking forward to Southern Charm: Savannah premiering in May.

What are your TV guilty pleasures?

BRAVO pleasures, y'all!

Obsessed {Patricia Altschul}

Thanks to one of my readers, Jeanna, for sharing the magnificent Charleston manse of Patricia Altschul (Southern Charm) featured in Architectural Digest. All I can say is OMG! It is glorious.

Designed by famed NY designer Mario Buatta, the 1850s South Carolina home is filled with brilliant chintz, a colorful palette, and heirlooms galore.

You can read more of the article HERE.

Take a look at the photos from the 2014 Architectural Digest:

                           Obsessed, y'all!

Guilty Pleasure {Southern Charm}

I was so happy for the return of Shep, Cameran, Craig, Whitney, Thomas, and especially Patricia on last night's premier of Southern Charm on Bravo.

Patricia definitely steals this show. The gal loves her martinis.

This season looks like it will be a doozie full of good ole reality TV drama.

For those of you that have never heard of Southern Charm:
"Southern Charm" reveals a world of exclusivity, money and scandal dating back through generations of families in Charleston, S.C. The docuseries follows several Charleston singles as they pursue their personal and professional lives while trying to preserve their family names because just one social faux pas can taint a family's name for generations. Featured singles include law student Craig, who helps underprivileged children who have been taken from their parents; modern Southern woman Cameran, who now works in real estate after spending 10 years in the cosmetics industry; former state treasurer Thomas, who is active in organizations that promote free enterprise; raconteur Shep, who is ready to tackle life's curve balls; and filmmaker Whitney, who is a classically trained guitarist. My favorite character is Whitney's socialite mother, Patricia.

Are you watching Southern Charm? I cannot wait until next week for sure.

I love this recap: click HERE.

Southern Charm, y'all!

#southerncharm

Last night, J & I celebrated Southern Charm with my St. Paul Episcopal school family. The theme was a perfect one for my liking.

J & I donned our seersucker and called upon Mitch's Flowers to create the cotton boll boutonnieres. It's all in the details.

I added a striped classic boater's hat for more Southern flair.

We ubered to dinner at Ralph's on the Park with Paige/Joe and Lindsey/B-Rad.

The Gala was held in the school's gym. It was great to see friends and parents.

An after party continued at local bar, Parlay's.

Needless to say, I spent most of my day on the sofa. Yes, I was overserved.

Southern Charm, y'all!