Girls Night Out

Last weekend Mac went down to Athens to go to the UGA Football Game so that gave me the opportunity to have a wonderful Girls Night Out!

Maymont Hosted a wine tasting and we had a lovely evening trying wines from all of the different vineyards!

By Far the BEST Vineyard Was Horton!  I am totally sold on their Pear and Blackberry Wine.  If you've never had their wine it is not something to miss!  We made friends with Barry and are already planning a trip to Gordonsville!

The girls with Barry

After our tastings we enjoyed a tour of the mansion.  Of course I was drawn to the tour guides in Costume.

This was my favorite bedroom!  What a bed!

Thanks ladies for a wonderful evening. I am already looking forward to our vineyard tour.  It looks like they have some fun events coming up!

Can't Get Enough Ruffles

So we all know based on my clothing line that I just Love Ruffles!  So of course I am incorporating them into my fall line, which will hopefully be ready soon!  The look will be feminine, sophisticated, and fun!

 There will definitely be plaid with ruffles so stayed tuned.  I am soooo Excited to Debut the New Fall Collection.

Fun Trunk Show in The Area

Don't miss a very fun trunk show in Richmond hosted by Monkees. Two great brands will be featured!

Unfortunately I will be out of town, but I hope you all can make it and Enjoy!

Can't Believe Summer Is Over

I just can't believe Summer is Over!  I absolutely Love Labor Day Weekend not only because it's my anniversary, but because it's one last time to enjoy summer and cookout before fall begins.  We had a wonderful time celebrating our 5 years of marriage, which I will blog about later, but we also enjoyed Monday off to relax with the fam.  As much as I love fall, I am always sad when summer ends.  So we wanted one last pool day with our pups last weekend to relax and enjoy the last bit of summer!

Louging in the pool with Leonard and Lucile

The Pups soaking up the sun!  Leonard doesn't seem to realize he also has a monogrammed cushion.

What did you all do to celebrate the last weekend of summer.

Gallery On Green

While we were down in Key West a dear family friend, NF , who is an art dealer offered for us to stay at her house.   She was going to be traveling to Cuba for work and invited us to stay while she was away.   I wish I could blog about how stunning her house is because the artwork displayed throughout was absolutely incredible.

NF owns the Gallery On Green street in Key West and we were so excited to stop by and spend some time there.  The Gallery on Green "Curates an important collection of Key West art with an emphasis on works of historic importance and local charm, from 1934 to present day.  Gallery director Nance Frank brings tremendous personal commitment and enthusiasm for art and collectors.  The gallery seeks to satisfy both the casual art buyer and the established collector in the primary and secondary markets."

 Karen was very sweet to Welcome us to the Gallery since NF was out of town and showed us around.

So many talented artists were featured and I particularly loved the Cuban Art.  The bright vibrant colors are right up my alley.

A Richmond Artist Jeff  MacNelly was also featured and my mother in-law purchased a print.  It was definitely not as pricey as his sculptures though.

Here's a sculpture by a Cuban Artist, Fabelo.  It was such a unique piece.

 I loved the Diversity of the pieces displayed.

 And of Course there was a picture of NF's beloved dog, Seaborn.  Seaborn speaks several languages, but mainly responds to German.  I think Leonard could learn a few things from him :)

In the back of the studio I could tell how much hard work everyone puts into getting the pieces ready.

If you ever find your self in KW, Gallery On Green is a must see.  You can also follow their blog to find out about the artists, exhibitions, and publications.

Favorite Spots in KW

For the Wilson's, Key West is the center of the world.  KK, Mac's grandfather was a naval officer and settled in Key West with his wife and 8 children in late 40's.  When your father in-law graduated from Key West High School (who knew that existed) and it's where you go to visit grandma and all the Wilson Clan, you become an honorary conch.  I had a wonderful time celebrating my 31st there and if you ever find yourself in KW here are some places you must visit; My fav spots!

Pepe's is the oldest restaurant in KW and we enjoyed Fabulous Bloody Mary's there for my Birthday Brunch.  Pepe's has a great outdoor patio with hanging chandeliers that is the perfect place for lunch or brunch!

B.O.s fish wagon is another great sport for lunch for drinks!  The owner, Buddy Owen went to HS with my father in-law and the atmosphere is sooooo Key West. It's definitely a spot you don't want to miss 

 Gallery On Green is a local gallery and I will post about them tomorrow.  It's a phenomenal place and has amazing pieces by famous Cuban and American Artists.

My all time favorite spot has always been Louie's Backyard!  I could go there every day and never get sick of it! It's a Victorian looking house with a great front porch and the back deck is built over the Water.  It's the Best Spot in town!

Having Cocktails for my b-day!

The Wilson's absolutely Love Live Music so we had a ball at the Green Parrot during Sound Check! If you're not up for a late night, sound check goes from 5:30-7:30.  You can go hear the bands practice before their night shows.

We've never had to stay at a Hotel in KW obviously, but if you are going down to vacation, The  Casa Marina is the most beautiful hotel in town.  It's also a great spot for dining or relaxing on the beach.  It's been renovated and is absolutely stunning.

For the Best Cuban Sandwich and Bucci's (Cuban Espresso) in town, there is no other place than.........

I'm very sensitive to caffiene so I always get the mini bucci!  It's just perfect for me.

Every time I'm in town I have to stop by to see my favorite Party Girl, Mimi! Mimi is Uncle Mike's beloved Bird and she loves to have a good time!

Other places to visit that we didn't get to this go round are Turtle Crawl's and Salute's.  They are both on the water and have phenomenal views!

And of course the Best Location is always Grandma's house and nothing is better than swimming in her canal with our fav friends!

There are the tourist places on Duval that you might want to check out, but you certainly won't find any locals there.  KW is absolutely a great spot and The Wilson's are lucky to call it-HOME!

9/2/06

Five Years of Laughter With My Best Friend!