travel Archives — Places In The Home

Day Into Night Vegas Outfits

This Day Into Night Vegas Outfits post has been in development for several weeks, way too long to indefinitely put it in a draft folder so proceed it is.

Hotel Grand openings, especially those on the Vegas strip, create buzz and inspire travel plans and all the fun details that go with the process.

When the date of the grand opening of Resorts World was announced, our let’s go to Vegas interest was piqued.

Should we trip to light fantastic?

Resorts World Las Vegas

Crowded Vegas is not a personal favorite, and the grand reveal of a new property tends to bring out the crowds.

We slowed our dice roll on booking, electing to let the lookie-loos come, see, and depart before hitting the select button.

Boy, am I glad we waited.

COVID-19 Delta variant concerns, restrictions, mandates, and all the issues that go with cropped up, being all the reason needed for Dave the Builder and I, although fully vaccinated, to postpone any and all travel plans until we feel it safer and wiser to do so.

So here we find ourselves at present, stuck in the middle of flyover suburbia consumed in wanderlust with no trips booked for the foreseeable future.

Travel to Vegas vlogs, fashion blogs, shelter magazine features, and social media platform(s) of choice grant you a front row seat to the action, and serve the purpose as suitable alternative to keep me inspired and entertained.

West Coast Bound- 1966

As a person who has always loved to travel and coordinate trips to the adult version of Disneyland otherwise known as Las Vegas, I love the pre trip planning and packing day into night Vegas outfits process.

Well, well, well. Who do we have here?

Mr. & Mrs. Places In The Home – Mirage Las Vegas 1990

Why it’s a Vegas fashions through the decades pictorial show and tell.

Up first is a photo from February 1990 of Mr. & Mrs. Places In The Home at the newly opened Mirage.

I was decked out from head to toe in items from The Limited with the exception of the black faux mink coat that I absolutely loved.

Believe me when I tell you, it gets cold in the desert.

My Mom with Robert Urich aka Dan Tanna – Desert Inn Las Vegas 1978

This next photo of my mother and Mr. Dan Tanna himself, the late Robert Urich, is from 1978.

My parents were staying at the Desert Inn, and while my dad was golfing my mother enjoyed a full day of filming with the Vega$ stars and crew.

She established a friendship with Anne Francis who was guest starring in the episode being shot.

Ms. Francis invited my mother to join her for lunch and to play the role of her assistant by helping with her make-up and mic pack fitting.

Robert Urich aka Dan Tanna was as super cool and super nice off-screen as he was on-screen.

Great show, great memories, great photo.

Call me old-fashioned, old school, or just plain old in my way of thinking, but I love dressing up for travel by airplane.

Here is my standard leaving on a jet plane outfit.

The multi-colored torsade is an oldie but goodie piece, and the COACH Horse and Carriage bag I actually bought in Vegas on our March 2009 trip after seeing a woman carrying the bag and falling in love with the gold horse and carriage emblem.

From bag to feet, pink croc-embossed is my current fashion accessory material obsession.

Nigel Leather Shoulder Bag

Faux Pearl Decor Croc Embossed Mule Heels

Jewelry Travel Tip:

Jewelry can present a pesky problem when going through airport security.

Traveling to Vegas calls for stack bracelets set with a fashion watch, rings, a graduated necklace trio, and a pair of the bigger the better CZ hoop earrings – all metal, all fabulous, all prime for setting off the metal detector.

When we arrive at our local airport I don’t have one piece of jewelry on, but what I do have is two clear zipper storage bags full of my Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas picks in my carry-on bag.

Simply pull the clear storage bags out, place in the bin, and meet up and adorn arms, wrists, ears, and neck with your jewelry on the other side of security.

Luxe Linen-Stretch Straight-Leg Crops

I’m seriously considering ordering these luxe linen stretch (love the stretch) straight leg crops for a late summer into early fall fashion show.

Journee Collection Womens Giada Mules

“When preparing to travel, lay out all of your clothes and all of your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”

—Susan Heller

To buy more clothes, of course.

Time and Tru Women’s Roll Cuff Pullover
Pixie Straight-Leg Ankle Pants for Women
Ancient Coin Pendant Layered Necklace
Large Capacity Work Tote Bag
White Cubic Zirconia Rhodium Over Sterling Silver Ring 3.25ctw
August Steiner Women’s Quartz Diamond Markers Stainless Steel Watch
CAMTOP Canvas Weekender Bag Carry-on Tote with Shoe Compartment

Casual chic is the preferred style of the majority of today’s flying masses, and is the style choice I go with for the flight back home.

The Cotton Crop Pant
Ted Baker London Ingaah Textured Ring Bracelet Clutch
Bijoux Bar Collar Necklace with Drop Earrings
Jack Rogers Georgica Jelly Sandals

An average Vegas trip for us is for at least eight nights.

By the time our last day rolls around, casual chic is about all the fashion statement I can muster up.

I like the Twizzlers chew on this commercial with the guy sitting on the beach pondering “why can’t I wear white after Labor Day?”

What color, pattern, texture, or fabric you wear after Labor Day or any other day mirrors my belief about personal design styles.

It’s your thing, style or wear what you wanna style or wear.

Let the jewelry, bag, shoes, and accessories do the talking.

Love Jersey T-shirt
Elis Pleated Leather Chain Handle Hobo
COACH Horse And Carriage Belt
Wide-Brim Felt Fedora
Street Style Sexy Red Lips Tongue Leopard Print Summer Cotton T-shirt
Erie 3/4 Sleeve Printed Tunic
Time and Tru Women’s Core Straight Leg Jean
Time and Tru Women’s Smocked Strap Tank Top
NYC Sterling Women’s Luxury Cubic Zirconia Emerald Cut Tennis Necklace

Vegas is hot in many ways, including the day into night temperatures.

Locals offer the “it’s a dry heat” explanation to Vegas visitors, and there’s truth to it, but it’s also like a 2200 watt blow dryer set on high constantly blowing in your face type of heat.

Ryegrass Womens Asymmetrical Neck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse
Fashion Earrings-Bracelets-Ring
Journee Collection Womens Telulah Slip-On Shoe
Knotted Saddle Crossbody Bag – Universal Thread™

My dad shared a ton of stories and advice over the many years of his travel to Vegas career.

Friends would inquire about the spring into winter heat and how my dad dealt with it.

His stock answer?

It’s always a cool 68-72 degrees inside the casinos.

Backpack Purse, Leather Crossbody Phone Bag Small Shoulder Bag

By a show of virtual hands, how many of you hate digging in a purse, bag, or tote for anything?

When you’re walking the Strip, checking out the hotels, casinos, shops, and attractions, a traditional purse can be a cumbersome tagalong.

Options are good, and this chic little number hits the 3-in-1 accessory must have jackpot.

Pool time rates high on the priority list of things to do with Vegas visitors.

3D Floral Straps Scoop Back Swimsuit in Black

I’m one of those people who enjoys the desert sun and heat in small and shaded doses, so I SPF up and dress pool chic on a couple of days of our trip(s) for a quick trip down to the pool area to check out the scene and enjoy a refreshing tropical infused beverage poolside.

Polka Dot Frill Trim Split Thigh Dress

Fun themed earrings for an afternoon of pool time at the Flamingo.

Pave CZ Pink Flamingo Drop Earrings

Amazonia Forest Linen-Blend Midi Dress

LC Lauren Conrad Woven Paper Fedora with Bow
Fabric Flower Hoop Earrings, Created for Macy’s
2-Pc. Set Pavé Bead & Imitation Pearl Cuff Bracelets, Created for Macy’s
Gold-Tone Green Palm Leaf Cuff Bracelet, Created for Macy’s

Eyelet Embroidery Zip Back Cami Dress

One of the most appealing aspects of our Vegas trips is the costume change hour- the hour (or two) spent in the hotel room in the late afternoon having a cup of coffee or glass of wine and selecting our day into night Vegas outfits.

Womens Off The Shoulder 3/4 Ruffle Sleeve Tie Blouse

Flounce Sleeve Embroidery Mesh Dress

Day turns to nighttime style easily with just a few outfit additions and subtractions.

Plus Dalmatian Shirred Waist Ruffle Hem Blouse
La Regale Mesh Metallic Foldover Clutch
Louis Vuitton Monogram Pochette Version 2
Pashmina Soft Shawl Wrap Scarf
Tribal Women’s Cami Top
Wrapped Wire Hoop Earrings
1 4K Gold Plated Sterling Silver CZ Inside Out Hoop Earrings
7 For All Mankind Cargo Jogger Pants
SARTO by Franco Sarto Obi Calf Hair Heeled Sandals
Nina60S Black Leopard Stones Pumps

Surplus Buckle Jumpsuit

A quick glitz and glamour change of jewelry, bag, and shoes perfectly elevates your day look into a hot Vegas after dark fashion statement.

Julia Jordan Sequined Color Block Jumpsuit

Night time is the right time for putting on the glitz.

Asymmetrical Neck Ruffle Trim Peplum Top

No, it is not a fashion myth.

Horseshoe Neck Sheath Dress

Little black dresses (LBD) for under $40 do exist.

Gabby Skye Sleeveless Cutout Textured Knit Dress

Disco ball clutch bag divine.

Mini Rhinestone Covered Ball Design Clutch Bag

Sequins fabulously get a look where it needs to go, and for less than $20 this sequined sleeveless top gives you a great base piece to work with.

Sequined Sleeveless Top

GLiving Black Tassel Drop Earrings

Crystal Straps Cami Tank Top in Black

Knit Open Back Maxi Dress

2 In 1 Faux Pearl Beaded Bucket Bag

Layers of Falls Cami Top in Black
3D Posy Double-Layered Mesh Midi Skirt in Caramel

Minimalist Chain Ruched Bag

SHEIN Plus High Low Hem Belted Leopard Top

One bad experience resulting in two pieces of diamond jewelry being stolen made me realize fashion jewelry is the way to go when traveling.

Ancient Coin Pendant Layered Necklace

Different opinions weigh in on the Las Vegas at night jewelry situation with most agreeing the look to go for is chic.

Fabulous fakes give the look of real.

Nordstrom Rack

Walking is a part of the Vegas experience.

Hotels and attractions appear much closer than they actually are, and your feet will be the first to make you aware of the fact that you have greatly miscalculated the distance between properties, restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Wikipedia

Dave and I usually rent a car for the entirety of our trip, however, we do plenty of walking in the form of shopping, gambling, restaurant hopping, etc…

I’ve gone the super cute new strappy sandal route and the super chic new espadrille route before to my regret.

Las Vegas is not the place to break in new shoes, friends.

Trust me on this one!

Balance between comfort and style is achievable.

Check those end-of-summer sales and clearance events for super stylish, super affordable options.

GC Shoes Womens Nylah Flat Sandals
Pop Womens Currency Flat Sandals
Ginnie Double-Band Slide Flat Sandals, Created for Macy’s
Avery Slip-On Sneaker
Pepa Clear Slide Sandals
Jack Rogers Georgica Jelly Sandals
Olivia Miller Womens Tyom-132 Wedge

Heels in the evening for a show, dinner, or home base gaming is the preferred footwear choice.

Saks OFF Fifth

Several weeks before one of our Vegas trips I took a less than graceful trip over a DDR pad.

It was almost a total footwear disaster until I found three pairs of sequined flip flops on Amazon in red, gold, and black.

You’d think this choice would be an epic style fail, but I received more compliments on the bedazzled flip flops much to my delight.

Dry desert air is not kind to the skin.

I complain about the humidity at home, but miss it in regards to my skin when in Vegas.

Foot cream, moisturizer, and lip balm come in as beauty essentials, and this is the trio of products I depend on.

Who knows when the coast will be clear (COVID-19 speaking) for comfortable and safe travel.

Until it is, I’ll remain inspired, live vicariously through travel posts and fashion sights and sites, and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Homemade Southern Biscuits

Southerners know the comfort found in a warm, buttery, flaky pan of homemade Southern biscuits.

noun

food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being, typically any with a high sugar or other carbohydrate content and associated with childhood or home cooking.

Quarantine days into nights hum right along to the catchy tune “Wishin’ and Hopin'” cause bakin’ and cookin’ and eatin’ and eatin’ is how I’m filling the stay-at-home times, days, afternoons, nights, plates, and stomachs of my fellow quarantine loved ones.

Baking is a time-honored tradition steeped in essentiality, creativity, comfort, and love.

Add to that recipes and wisdoms handed down through the years and practice makes perfect the dashes and splashes of spices and seasonings secrets handed down from generation to generation, and now we’re speaking truth to taste, y’all.

Flickr

Hands down, the best Southern biscuits I ever tasted were those from Dave’s mother’s kitchen.

Her recipe included the biscuit basics:

White Lily self-rising flour.

Cold buttermilk.

Crisco.

The delicious was brought forth by how she made her biscuits, a skilled technique perfected from childhood.

Her mother died when she was eight years old, leaving the culinary duties to her and her four sisters.

The girls baked sixty-nine biscuits a day- three each for her daddy and four brothers, two each for the four girls, three meals a day, seven days a week.

Believe me, she had her biscuit making routine down pat.

Dave and I have tried many times to perfect her biscuit recipe, but never have had success in replicating it.

Foodies Feed

Practice in the Places In The Home test kitchen makes perfect.

Much to our delight, we have several respectable biscuit go-tos.

A local Chinese restaurant makes a fluffy flaky square-shaped mini biscuit that when paired with fresh honey is absolutely fantastic.

Popeye’s biscuits satisfy a Southern biscuit craving in true Louisiana c’est si bon fashion.

Lest we forget Cracker Barrel biscuits.

Oh yeah, we brake for biscuits.

All of the above biscuit options are distinctive and delectable in their own right, but are no match for the small bites of biscuit perfection set in the oven and upon the dining room tabletops of the Carriage House Restaurant located on the grounds of Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi.

Trip Advisor

Stanton Hall – Natchez, Mississippi

Photo courtesy of Brittany of Hello, Honey. Please do check out her blog post detailing a visit to Natchez and her very cool photos of Longwood and Arlington properties. Here’s the link- Natchez, Mississippi

When in Natchez, lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant is a biscuit must.

A menu mixing of popular Southern fare classics and new-traditional dishes appeal to palate and plate.

Flickr

Fried chicken, rice and gravy, baby lima beans with ham, and fresh green beans please the patrons, but it’s the Carriage House biscuits that make a lasting impression.

Flickr

Carriage House Biscuits

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon sugar

5 Tablespoons vegetable shortening

¼ to 1 cup cold milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 400˚F. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut the shortening in with 2 knives until the mixture resembles peas. Stir in the milk ¼ cup at a time until you have sticky dough.

Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead as little as possible. Roll lightly to a ¼ inch thickness. Cut biscuits with a small (2-inch diameter) biscuit cutter or a clean, small open tomato paste can.

Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick baking spray or grease lightly with shortening. Place the biscuits with edges not touching on the prepared pan. Brush tops with milk. Bake at 400˚F until biscuits are puffed and slightly golden. Remove immediately, split and butter while hot.

Chef Bingo Starr

Chef Regina Charboneau

Southern hospitality and butter biscuits are the calling card of Chef Regina Charboneau aka Queen of Biscuits.

Regina’s Kitchen

Regina’s Butter Biscuits

Ingredients

4 cups flour

¼ cup baking powder (Regina suggests using Calumet baking powder.)

¼ cup sugar

¾ pound margarine, salted

¼ pound butter, salted

1¾ cups real buttermilk, not low fat

Directions

Put flour, baking powder and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Turn the machine on low and blend the dry ingredients for 15 seconds.

Add the butter, margarine and buttermilk to flour mixture before turning mixer back on. Turn mixer on medium and count to 10. This goes very quickly; the key is to not overmix the dough. There will be large chunks of margarine, the size of quarters, in the dough.

Scrape dough from the bowl onto a generously floured tea towel (or other floured work surface) and shape into a long, vertical rectangle about 2 inches thick. The dough will seem rough and messy. Using the edges of the towel, fold the lower part of the dough (about one third) toward the center, then fold the top portion down. With a rolling pin, roll dough out to a 2-inch thickness. Fold the two ends in again, lifting the edges of the towel to help move the dough. Give dough a one-quarter turn, and roll it out again to a 2-inch thickness. Continue folding, turning and rolling dough until it is smooth, with noticeable yellow ribbons of butter and margarine throughout.

Roll dough to a 1-½-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch biscuit cutter, cut dough into rounds. Punch cutter into dough cleanly, without twisting. When refolding and rerolling the dough, gently stack it to retain the layers. Do not overwork.

Place biscuits on a baking sheet and freeze. Once they are frozen, transfer biscuits to plastic bags. The unbaked biscuits can be frozen for 2 months.

To bake, heat oven to 350 degrees. Place frozen biscuits in the cups of muffin tins, and let thaw in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Bake until golden brown, 23 to 25 minutes. Makes two dozen large or three dozen small biscuits.

Regina Charboneau

No Places In The Home Southern fare blog post is complete without a biscuit recipe from Southern Living.

Angel biscuits made with butter and shortening- heavenly!

Ingredients

½ cup warm water (100°F to 110°F)

1 (¼-oz.) pkg. active dry yeast (2¼ tsp.)

1 teaspoon plus 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided

5 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ cup cold salted butter, cubed

½ cup cold shortening, cubed

2 cups whole buttermilk

6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and divided

Directions

Stir together warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in a small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.

Stir together flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl; cut cold butter and cold shortening into flour mixture with a pastry blender or 2 forks until crumbly. Add yeast mixture and buttermilk to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; chill at least 2 hours or up to 5 days.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 3 or 4 times. Gently roll into a 1⁄2-inch-thick circle, and fold in half; repeat. Gently roll to 1⁄2-inch thickness; cut with a 2-inch round cutter. Reroll remaining scraps, and cut with cutter. Place rounds with sides touching in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. (If using a 12-inch skillet, place remaining biscuits in a 10-inch skillet or on a baking sheet.) Brush biscuits with 3 tablespoons of the melted butter.

Bake in preheated oven until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Brush with remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter, and serve.

Makes about 3½ dozen.

Southern Living

Mississippi Current Cookbook – by Regina Charboneau & Harriet Bell

Served with butter, jelly, preserves, gravy, or ribbon cane syrup, a batch of homemade Southern biscuits may not be the healthiest part of a daily diet, but sure do body and soul good as a staple comfort food.

Vacation Observation and Summer Getaway Show and Tell

The traveling Places In The Home duo is home sweet home, and as much as I love a good getaway, there is no place like home. Prior obligations and work schedules clipped our wings to a certain time extent, so our escape was of the closer to home statecation to North Louisiana variety. Making a vacation observation and sharing details of our summer getaway will be a two-parter with the first installment a celebration of the red, white and blue.

Vacation Observation #1

Don’t believe everything you read or hear about a decline in patriotism and the celebration of the American flag. Seeing is believing, and on our statecation getaway we treated ourselves to a self guided tour of the Historic South Highlands neighborhood.

Architecturally magnificent on all fronts, the homes of the Historic South Highlands neighborhood happened to be decked out not only in detail, but in 4th of July-proud to be an American style and colors. Here, let me show you.

I love the Southern comfort lives here ambiance and patriotic porch set for a red, white, and blue summer holiday.

Vacation Observation #2

North Louisiana mirrors the landscape of East Tennessee (another favorite vacation getaway destination). Tree-lined streets of the Historic South Highlands neighborhood wind and weave through a semi-hilly fashioned parkway. Mark this corner cottage in a dreamy creamy shade of yellow as a model of southern charm.

Several squeals of glee pierced Dave’s eardrums, more than a few oohs and aahs perhaps became a few too many, and an insane amount of unabashed architectural envy dominated the evening’s conversation.

What can I say?

Architecture is my thing.

Towering pines and oaks shade the yards and boulevards. Vintage street lights evoke nostalgia of days gone by.

Beauty, charm, and tradition lie in the details.

Curb appeal is a powerful calling card.

Impressive entry doors greet the eye and welcome step away from the ordinary style.

Vacation Observation #3

Architectural juxtaposition promotes a dramatic effect and a desirable address.

Vacation Observation #4

An afternoon drive through a historic neighborhood between shopping destinations and dinner reservations inspired, confirmed and renewed. It’s not a day at the beach or one spent in the desert or the mountains, but it’s one of our favorite things to do at home or on vacation. The food, the landscape, the architecture, the terrain, the dialect-you can learn so much from your travels. Inspiration is everywhere.

Old Glory is once again displayed from the oak tree in the front yard of Places In The Home. The tree is cosmetically worse for wear since the tornado, but is still the optimum spot for the flag to be displayed. Patriotism with flying colors is alive and well at Places In The Home. Happy 4th of July to all of you. Celebrate in style and let freedom ring!

Souvenirs: The Architecture and Interior Design Of The Broadwater Beach Hotel

Updating and refreshing blog posts is a necessary exercise in relevancy just as updating and refreshing our decor is.

A recent discovery of original images of the Broadwater Beach Hotel and Resort by architectural photographer Ezra Stoller and the video Biloxi Memories and the Broadwater Beach Hotel highlighting the heyday of the Broadwater Beach Resort is an exciting development (the video is posted towards the end of the post) and the main reason for updating Souvenirs: The Architecture and Interior Design Of The Broadwater Beach Hotel.

In compliance with licensing and copyright permission, the usage of the Ezra Stoller images was only approved for use in Pinterest board format.

The link to the Pinterest board is also towards the end of the post.

If the story of the glamour days of a Mississippi Gulf Coast beach hotel, the architecture and interior design features that impressed and inspired, and the who, what, when, where and why that made it the pleasure dome on the Coast captures your imagination, then I’ve got a blog post for you.

Urban Americana

The decorating wheels of my mind are always turning, especially while on vacation.

Checking in and checking out the architectural, interior design and decorating features of the hotel we are staying at mixes business with pleasure.

Inspiring design and decorating features of the lobby, dining room, swimming pool area and grounds of the hotel and of course, the well appointed hotel room, become impressive souvenirs.

Biloxi Beach Lighthouse ~ William Woodward

Over the summers of the early and mid 1970s, my family attended American General Contractors conventions in Biloxi, Mississippi.

I fell head over heels in love with the aesthetic of the buildings and interiors of our summer home away from home at 2110 Beach Boulevard on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Broadwater Beach Hotel and Resort aka the Broadwater.

Through words, Biloxi memories, Ezra Stoller images and decor accessories and accents in the style of, I invite you along on this tour of the architecture and interior design of the Broadwater Beach Hotel.

The Broadwater

The Broadwater Beach Hotel began as a modest hotel property in comparison to what the Broadwater would become under the ownership of its second owner, Mrs. Joe W. (Dorothy Dorsett) Brown.

Pete Martin Sr., the original builder and owner, was known as a well-known gambler and rum runner along the coast.

He opened the Art Deco style hotel in 1939, but the desire to invest in a Las Vegas hotel brought about the need to raise the funds to pursue this endeavor.

Enter Texas oilman Joe Brown.

Mr. Brown purchased the property from Pete Martin, Sr. in 1958, but unfortunately Mr. Brown passed away the next year.

Mrs. Dorothy Brown

Mrs. Joe W. (Dorothy Dorsett) Brown wholeheartedly embraced the task at hand of transforming the Broadwater into a travel destination contender.

Mrs. Brown, with a keen vision and staunch attention to architectural detail, brought to fruition a premier flagship beach hotel and resort property.

Dorothy Dorsett Brown launched a new Sea·Sun-Food·Fun architectural and mid-century modern interior design renovation complete with architectural enhancements, renovations and additions to the property.

Stunning on all beach fronts, the newly completed and modernly improved Broadwater Beach Hotel and Resort raised the hospitality stakes as the foremost host on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

I have diligently tried to locate fixtures, fabrics and finery original to the Broadwater to little or no avail.

I’ve selected a few accents and accessories to illustrate the juxtaposition between yesteryear and today’s interior decorating tastes and trend.

Standing out among the other properties along Beach Boulevard Highway 90, a half circular exposed aggregate palm tree lined driveway and signature concrete canopy glamorously greeted guests.

As coastal day turned to coastal night, exterior recessed, spotlight and pathway lighting illuminated the Broadwater in shades of yellow tinted white.

As an extra-added “front of the house” visual treat, colored bulbs were added to the landscape spotlights in the front landscape beds.

It’s all in the details!

Four Seasons Toronto ~ Yabu Pushelberg

The lobby showcased Terrazzo flooring, framed artwork, Italian chandeliers, mid century modern table lamps and walls dressed in mid century style contemporary walnut paneling.

Light Society Montreal Clear Glass Five-Light Chandelier

Vintage 1940s Twelve-Light Chandelier made in Milan

Montreuil Chandelier

Elle Decor

Retro Stone Table Lamp with Painted Drum Shade – Lucas McKearn

Possini Euro Design Mid Century Modern Table Lamp

$https://brandcycle.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=115&aff_id=2671&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anrdoezrs.net%2Flinks%2F7921344%2Ftype%2Fdlg%2Fsid%2FA{affiliate_id}O{offer_id}TID{transaction_id}%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.overstock.com%2FLighting-Ceiling-Fans%2FArt-Deco-Metallic-Gold-Ceramic-and-Dark-Base-Table-Lamp%2F31626699%2Fproduct.html%3Frefccid%3DQTFXZRROIC2LVTSPYUMUC54J5Q%26searchidx%3D16%26kwds%3Dceramic%2520gold%2520table%2520lamp%26rfmt%3D%26$

StyleCraft Art Deco Metallic Gold Ceramic and Dark Base Table Lamp

Coastal Couture Coral 26-inch Table Lamp (Set of 2)

The extensive grounds of the Broadwater included Lanai rooms, brick cottages, a resort triple play of swimming pools complete with waterfalls, diving board (remember when hotel pools had a diving board?) and postcard worthy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, family friendly offerings such as a playground and train, elegant dining options featuring live musical entertainment, tennis courts, riding stables and premier Sun and Sea golf courses.

Terrazzo – Exposed Aggregate – Quartzite – Natural Stone

Regarded as a state of the art jewel of the Coast, the Broadwater Marina made its property debut to the boating public in 1965.

Dorothy Dorsett Brown spent $3,000,000.00 to build the marina.

That’s a lot of clams for 1965!

The Broadwater Marina could host up to 150 sail and powerboats.

Hotel shore to ship services such as boat or yacht housekeeping and room service was offered to the marina occupants.

The staff of the Broadwater Hotel and Marina, with effortless precision, mastered the art of hotel and southern hospitality.

No pedometer was needed to record the number of steps taken or distance walked around the sprawling grounds of the Broadwater.

Miles.

Trust me.

We clocked hours swimming under the waterfalls of the Lanai pool, holding court poolside from the swim up tables bedecked with fringed umbrellas in resort festive colors, and sipping Shirley Temples made to order with extra long stemmed cherries and crushed ice.

Room service delivered to the patio of Lanai room 127 was a daily treat enjoyed by the members of our future ladies who lunch club.

The room key from Lanai room 127 is a forever souvenir from the Broadwater Beach Hotel.

The objective of a hotel or resort is to treat guests to a memorable vacation and hospitality experience.

One of my most endearing memories of the Broadwater is the The Royal Terrace dining room.

Opulent yet accessible, the interior design and decorating accent mark was fittingly placed over swank and service.

Vintage Cookbooks & Crafts ~ Restaurant-ing Through History

I am truly convinced my love of crystal prisms began in The Royal Terrace in the summer of 1973.

Mid Century Modern Cubist Glass Sconces

Corbett Lighting Chimera 2-light Silver Wall Sconce

Options for today’s in the style of look-

Crystal Wall Sconce Options

Elegant wall sconces dripping in crystal prisms illuminated ornamental panels.

Crisp white linen tablecloths draped tables elegantly set for a summer night on the town dining experience.

A distinctive curved wall to the left of the main dining area anchored the Trophy lounge.

Veranda

House Beautiful

A curved floor to ceiling wall of windows adorned in Austrian shades overlooking the pools and patio all done against the backdrop of deep pink and white color palette perfection.

These will forever be a few of my favorite hotel interior design and decorating things.

Destruction and devastation is the calling card of a hurricane, and the states in the Gulf Coast region have had their fair share come to call.

Dave the Builder’s sister, her husband who was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, their toddler daughter, and her in-laws rode out Hurricane Camille at The Broadwater Beach.

Her mother-in-law worked at the Broadwater, and feeling the structure sound she suggested the young military family take refuge at the hotel.

Evacuation confusion ensued along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as hurricane coverage of the category 5 hurricane was thought to be aimed at Florida.

Hurricane warnings for the area were issued by 5:00 p.m. CST on Sunday, August 17, 1969.

The window of opportunity for them to safely evacuate slammed shut sooner than later, forcing them to seek protection in the motel rooms on the back part of the property.

weather.gov

Hurricane Camille’s landfall presence was unforgiving.

The storm surge was brutal, flooding and fires consumed and destroyed properties, and the death toll startling.

The Broadwater Hotel suffered storm surge flooding, and the Broadwater marina saw moderate damage.

The Broadwater weathered the storm and survived the damage of Hurricane Camille, coming out on the other side of nature’s wrath repaired and renewed.

This time.

I last visited the Broadwater Beach Hotel in 1998.

Financial neglect, design and decor disrepair, and changing times were now guests with no intention of checking out.

The bones of the main building were as I remembered, but an attempt at updating the once glorious interiors looked to be an epic fail.

Post Katrina Damage to Main Pools & Dining Room

Hurricane Katrina barreled through, and what parts of the Broadwater Hotel she didn’t destroy the wrecking ball did.

On this side of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the economic downturn of 2008 comes hope for a Broadwater revival.

Broadwater Development, LLC hopes to once again create resort magic on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where exceptional hospitality leaves a lasting impression- one that invites you back time and time again.

News of the revival of the Broadwater is exciting as is the discovery of Biloxi Memories and the Broadwater Beach Hotel highlighting the heyday of the Broadwater Beach Resort.

Biloxi Memories and the Broadwater Beach Hotel

Please find the link to the Pinterest board below:

The Belle of Biloxi: The Broadwater Beach Hotel and Resort

The companion post to this feature, Souvenirs: 21 Inspiring Design Features from Hotel to Home, is currently in the process of being updated and will be posted at the end of the week.

images via Preservation in Mississippi, PIM via John Beers II,Flickr/tombarnes20008,Reocities

A Most Fetching Friday: Coastal Sunrise Sunset

Today’s A Most Fetching Friday captures the majesty and serenity of the coastal sunrise sunset beautifully featured as the view of the day in “Coastal Living Magazine.”

Do yourself a visual favor and view other fetching sunrise sunset images over on Coastal Living Magazine’s Facebook page. Inspiration is everywhere!

Grand Isle, Louisiana

Monte Carlo, France

Isla Espíritu Santo, Mexico

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Canada

Maui, Hawaii

Belleair Beach, Florida

Los Angeles, California

Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sequim, Washington

Inspiration is everywhere!

Tripping Down Memory Lane: Las Vegas For Spring Break Trip Report

As the calendar shows April and temperatures spike toward fun in the sun, thoughts of a Las Vegas for spring break trip report and let’s get out of town vacation getaways cross the minds of many.

Elle Decor

Everybody loves going on vacation-kids love it, adults need it, and the travel and hospitality industry banks on it. Dave the Builder and I have had slowed our vacation roll over the past couple of years. New career paths, project deadlines and family responsibilities will do that. Short weekend getaways and reading back over trip reports from trips of vacations past keeps vacation hope alive. Our son is home this week for his spring break vacation which will find me pushing back from the keyboard for a couple of days. I thought I would share our Las Vegas for spring break trip report from our 2008 with you. You may be asking yourself, “Who wants to read about a Vegas vacation from several years ago?” Call me crazy, but I’ll read a trip report about any town, anywhere, anytime.

United

Although prices, airlines names, hotels, restaurants and the live and in person names on the marquee change, the allure of the Vegas vacation remains the same. Travel deals, hotels, shows, dining, shopping and gambling- they’re all present and accounted for. I’ll post the report in a couple of installments as not to take too much of your time, bore you or both. As for staying on topic, you will find personal opinions and comments on design, decorating and architectural elements peppered throughout.

Getting There, Staying There… Air and Hotel

We used Continental OnePass miles (now United) for the airline tickets with the extra added travel bonus of no charge for our first or second bags due to acquiring our tickets before April 2008. Flying on reward tickets has the drawback of limited departure times. We chose the crack of dawn departure time of 5:40 AM CST which is early, but we look at like this- you arrive in Vegas around 8:30 AM PST with an entire day of Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas in front of you.

Fiori di Como by Dale Chihuly

We came to the decision to go back to basics in terms of taking the Bellagio and Wynn way of doing Vegas off the table for this trip. Our last two trips bordered on decadent, and although we loved every minute of it, we were ready to take it in a casual flow direction. We almost caved with the great offer we received from Wynn, but our last stay was so near perfect I decided to just savor the memories. This is a short comment and review of sorts given to a fellow hey baby, let’s go to Vegas travel friend.

“Great detailed report. Aren’t they the best?!

I am in the great pay vs. comp room debate. We stayed at Wynn in 2007 for our 25th wedding anniversary. My tastes do not tend to favor the “Californication” decor, but the room delivered a studio apartment feel perfect for relaxing. It wasn’t until we checked out that I realized how much I enjoyed the room. The interior design and room decor was neither overpowering nor understated. It achieved what good design and decor does, it made a lasting impression. I will give Wynn and Encore more play in the future in hopes of scoring a comped room.

Some of our best Vegas memories are from our stays at Venetian and Palazzo. Dave and I love the decor, customer service and attention to detail. I have read negative reviews regarding the “fakeness” of the architecture and the use of plastic and faux finishes.

Grand Colonnade ~ The Venetian Las Vegas

For the love of all things Vegas, give it a rest! I’m an interior decorator, and even I don’t look that close nor care. Do you know the cost involved in attempting an architectural replication with authentic materials?

The suites of Venetian, Venezia and Palazzo are some of the best the strip has to offer. Yes, the property makes a fine impression on us!

As soon as we got home from our last Vegas trip I went right into trip planning mode. Dave and I bounced plans and opinions around until we fined tuned the plan. Our hotel choices for this trip came in at everyone’s favorite Vegas vacation rate- comped.

Vegas Vacation Tip #1 (any other vacation destination applies here, too):

Experiencing sensory overload while in Vegas is to be expected. One tends to lose track of time, sleep and the ability to think straight. Over the years our trips have run the gamut from whirlwind in town for only 72 hours full tilt blowouts (younger days) to ten days and nights Vegas isn’t going anywhere themed trips. Regardless of the number of hours or days of the trip, I like to have a pre-trip pre-planned agenda to loosely follow as more of a daily guideline than a hard and fast schedule. Schedules and time commitments don’t really coincide with my idea of relaxing and recreating, but shows and dinner reservations wait for no one. Then there is the dreaded “what do you want to do today? I don’t know, what do you want to do today?” kiss of vacation death. If you’re not careful you will blow valuable vacation time suspended in decision mode. Besides, don’t we all do enough of that at home a la “what do you want for dinner? I don’t know, what do you want for dinner?” Yeah you do!

We try to put a new spin on Vegas each trip by staying at properties we have yet to stay at. I logged on to our MGM Mirage player club accounts and discovered a great offer from Treasure Island. We booked Treasure Island Tuesday- Saturday with $$$ in free play and two comped buffets included.

Taking aim at the Rio from our hotel room at TI. Note the reflection of my old Fuji Finepix Z camera in the photo. Great camera and a not so great photographer. I’ve come a long way, baby.

Caesars Entertainment came through with a Summerfest Slot Tournament offer of four comped nights at Rio with one night at $78. Our host from the Stardust is now at Rio, and with one well placed phone call we were set with all five nights now comped.

My, how the look of the Las Vegas Strip has changed over the years.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas!

We landed at 8:49 AM PST, and after the usual airport doing that thing you do we arrived at Planet Hollywood’s front door around 10:10 AM. We wanted to kill an hour or two before checking in at Treasure Island. Dave the Builder loves playing blackjack at Planet Hollywood, and I couldn’t wait to hit Sephora, ABC, and L’Occitane. Dave won therefore he was a happy Vegas camper. I, on the other hand, contributed funds to the Vegas retail economy and county sales tax office. With goodies in hand we headed the rental car North to TI. The check- in line was wild at 11:45 AM, but the lines moved quickly. Stephanie at check- in was a delight to deal with, and after a nice conversation we were assigned room 31036 with exactly the view we wanted. The room was on the corner with one window facing Venetian and Las Vegas Boulevard. The other window offered great views of the Strip from Mirage to CityCenter. The bellman was up to the room with the bags in short order, I checked my look in the mirror, and it was time for our favorite lunch destination, The Palm at The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace.

The Palm Restaurant

The Palm Business Lunch is one of the best wins of every trip for us. We both ordered the filet with salad and Dave had Lobster Bisque for an appetizer.

Our “we’re in Vegas” lunch was exactly what we needed. Well, almost. What we needed was to get our gambling on at Caesars.

On this our first day of gambling ~

Dave’s game of choice is blackjack, and my games of choice involve a comfortable seat, a button, a Shirley Temple, and some reel action. I was playing on a $1 WOF machine and just about to call it an evening when I got the bonus spin and the sweet cry of Wheel-of-Fortune sang out. The “wheel” landed on $500 for a nice ending to the Caesars afternoon. We dragged our tired bodies back to our home base of Treasure Island. I set the we’re in Vegas, baby mood by tuning the sound system to the smooth jazz station, turning the A/C thermostat to arctic blast, and pulling the drapes back for prime neon viewing. Sticking with our first night tradition, we ordered a light supper of French onion soup, chicken noodle soup, toast and milk for two and one of the best slices of cheesecake we have had in quite awhile from room service.

Blurred photo to match my blurred eyes. It’s been a long first day in Vegas

Our lovely evening ended at the embarrassing hour of 9:15 PM. I announced to Dave we are officially old as my head hit the pillow.

Stay tuned. It’s just getting good.

images: Chicago Window Expert, The Venetian Las Vegas

Colors Along The Bayou

We Louisianians are a patient people waiting for colors along the bayou to strut their colorful stuff.

We’re aware our neighbors to the North actually get to experience seasonal foliage and fall colors before mid to late November.

Fall takes it time getting down to Louisiana, but when it does it stunningly shows its true colors along the bayou in perfect fall form.

I’ve yet to find a better way to take it all in than to hit the road with camera in hand, Dave the Builder at the wheel, and the words from the song “Drive South” defining the moment.

Come on baby drive South
With the one you love
Come on baby drive South

You can be guaranteed if it’s late November the locals will be wondering if the Ginkgo trees are showing off colors along the bayou.

This famous landmark Ginkgo tree has served as the picture perfect photo backdrop for generations of local residents.

This picture does not do justice to just how beautiful the colors along the bayou really are.

Decades old iron bridge railing has aged gracefully through the years.

Brick-lined streets, decorative ironwork and historical homes make a drive though the garden district a trip through time.

Further South down the road we go to another small town favorite, Lea’s Lunch Room.

Lea’s Lunch Room is known throughout the United States as the place for pie.

It’s a standing game day tradition to stop at Lea’s for one of their famous ham sandwiches and a piece of pie on the way to Tiger Stadium.

Recently Lea’s Lunchroom was listed in the USA TODAY Travel article “10 best: Delicious Pies around the South.”

All that driving and photographing works up an appetite, and it is the best excuse I know of to order up a ham sandwich and a slice of coconut pie with sky high meringue to-go, of course.

On the road again…

The Mary McCoy Big House stands steeped in history on the Solomon Northup Trail.

The story of Solomon Northup was the subject of the film, 12 Years a Slave.

The Bayou Boeuf community and the parishes of Central Louisiana historically factor into the life of Solomon Northup.

When I was in college at LSU I used the Mary McCoy Big House as my thirty minutes to home mile marker.

Lots of history and beauty associated with this local landmark.

Click on image to enlarge

Like the leaves, the colors of the season are changing from browns and oranges to brighter reds and traditional greens.

This much needed road trip was all the detour needed to help me collect my thoughts and take a breather before the next phase begins.

December 1st signals the official Christmas season kick off.

Here we go!

The Myrtles Plantation Mystery Tour

The door has opened on Part III of The Myrtles Plantation Mystery Tour : Inspiration, History and Mystery.

The final portion of our story involves history, haunts and Houston.

The Myrtles Plantation

Here we go!

The Myrtles Plantation ~ Tara Marie Photography

The furnishings inside The Myrtles Plantation include four-poster tester beds, crystal chandeliers, ornamental frieze work, and ornate English, French and Italian architectural attributes.

Angel Statue on the grounds of the Myrtles Plantation

Most impressive to me was the backstory, explanations, insights, legends and lessons of lifestyles, customs and ceremony of the period.

Miss Hester told of how etiquette and ceremony were heavily emphasized.

It was considered in poor taste and bad manners to broach the subject of how long guests would be staying at The Myrtles.

When the owners decided the time had come for their guests to be moving on, the center bed finial would be removed while the guests were out of the room.

An immediate departure was expected.

Another story of interest revolved around the main staircase.

A mortgage button (decorative plug) in the newel post of the foyer staircase proudly signified the mansion mortgage was completely paid off.

It is believed the property note would then be rolled up, placed in the hollow post, and capped with a decorative plug.

Some historians totally debunk this theory.

There are others who say the practice of the time would have been to burn the property note, therefore, placing the ashes in the hollow post.

Of myth and mystery comes tales that may not be long on historical accuracy, but make for interesting and intriguing parts of the evening.

The history of The Myrtles and its legend of murder, mystery and sightings is detailed in this short video from The Travel Channel.

I was really into the spirited vibe of the evening for the sake of the adventure.

Far be it from me to discount the tales of tugs and ghostly reflections that others claim to have felt or seen.

Miss Hester took me to the side and told me that the children like to show themselves to other children.

She told me of the pull described in the video, and that our son could be visited during the tour.

Dave was freaking out, our son was prepared for paranormal activity with a ghostbuster attitude, and I was dead up (pardon the pun) in the middle of all the mystery and mischief.

Could this be what was in store for us this evening?

Wikipedia

Everyone on the Mystery Tour was hanging on Miss Hester’s every word, braced and ready for impact.

Between the ghosts and the thrill of what could happen I almost forgot I was on silver lazy Susan lookout.

As we entered the dining room, I immediately saw the lazy Susan prominently displayed in the center of the dining table.

Even though we immensely enjoyed every moment of the Mystery Tour, I’m sorry to report that no sightings, tugs, pulls, or sounds emerged from the house or the grounds.

We gave it our all trying to get that ghostly feeling, but it was a no-go.

General David Bradford Suite

We met a couple from Baton Rouge who were staying in the General David Bradford Suite on the first floor of the main house.

They invited us to join them on the porch for post mystery tour cocktails and spirits.

Myrtles Porch

Dave mustered up a shot or two of liquid courage, and in doing so became quite determined to wake the dead.

I reminded him it was probably best to stick to the cocktail spirits, and to let sleeping spirits lie.

My brother could not wait to find out how we liked St. Francisville, New Roads, and The Myrtles.

Our conversation began with two to the point questions.

Did you see the lazy Susan?

Yes.

Large Antique Sheffield England Silver Plated Lazy Susan Server or Centerpiece

Can you find me one?

Yes I can.

I filed his request away for a future antiquing trip.

Three months after our Myrtles excursion my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and another road trip of a very different kind was the plan.

We moved to Houston, Texas for six weeks for my mother to receive cancer treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

My mother successfully completed her treatment, and thankfully remains cancer-free.

One afternoon while my parents were resting, Dave and I set out to explore the Westheimer and Buffalo Speedway area of Houston.

We lunched at La Madeleine in Highland Village (now closed), and did an abbreviated version of a shop crawl beginning at Pottery Barn.

I called to check in on the parents, who informed me they were rested and heading out to have dinner with a dear Houstonian friend of ours.

That’s a go for more antiques and home decor shopping.

Oh, boy, is this great!

Carolyn Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas was hopping, and the finds and deals got my attention.

I was thrilled to find a Pheasant mount, a black and brown English riding derby, and a large copper bowl.

I was shocked when I flipped over the price tag on the bowl to see a super responsible price.

The reason for the great price?

The entire center of the bowl was covered with a poorly done free handed inscription.

Where one person sees a problem another sees a solution.

I simply hung the bowl with the center facing the wall, and problem solved.

It is one of many items still packed in storage from the move, but as soon as I locate that bad boy I will post a picture.

On our way to the check out Dave happened to spot a booth brimming over with vintage silver pieces.

We simultaneously spot a silver lazy Susan and make a beeline for it.

The dealer approached us with a smile and in the mood to deal.

I put my best broker face on and played the will you take $$$ game for right under one hour.

Now comes the dance.

I call my brother with the she’s asking $$$$ price.

He would counter.

Dave would pace.

I would shop some more.

Dave would pace some more.

The dealer would counter.

It’s all in the game.

Finally, a fair and final figure was agreed on by all, and everyone came away a happy camper.

That’s the true definition of a good deal.

All roads leading to the lazy Susan hold a special meaning to me.

In the middle of the fun, the fright, and the fight stood hope, faith, and family.

Speaking of family, can a brother get some silver polish?

images via Southern Living, Flickr

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