Tanner Galleries

Tanner Galleries in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The hauntingly, lovely art found here, epitomizes the deep and multifaceted history of the South. It prompts me to confront the disconnectedness I have the tendency to live in… Disconnectedness from nature, my past, and my surroundings. It reminds me to take notice of the beautiful landscapes, unique to our area.

I am a strong believer in loving where you live, and seeking art all around you, no matter where you are. Tanner does that with impeccable skill, and inspires me to have an eye for the beautiful, especially when it seems dark.

His work is very much alive… When you look at it, it’s like a scene from a hundred years ago. As if you are getting a glimpse into a timeless wood that’s been untouched. There is a great reverence to his art.

If you know me, you know I love graveyards. I know it sounds odd, but one of my favorite things to do is visit old gravestones, and read the inscriptions. They remind me of my smallness and how fleeting time is, but they also leave me feeling grounded and not alone in my mortality. That feeling is captured in the three paintings titled “NATCHEZ REMEMBERED”, one of which, is pictured below.

I cannot wait to visit the studio in person, when Covid-19 allows. Until then, I will continue to swoon over the Tanner Gallery & Studio Instagram, which makes me feel like I’m walking the streets of Nola, soaking in all the vibrant culture and history. Be sure to follow them!

DH Fashion

Did you ever feel the importance of dressing well, in quality, beautiful garments? Have you ever worn something that was made, specifically for you? It’s a luxury for sure, and one that everyone should know. When you can, dressing beautifully is a great joy.

I hate fast fashion (or fast anything, for that matter), and have bought almost all my clothes secondhand for years, because of that. Fast fashion is when you buy 32, $2.00 t-shirts, only to wear them once each, because they fall apart. The people who are making these items, are often in horrifying working conditions, not to mention how unhealthy this pattern is for our economy. It’s a prime example of why shopping local, is so important.

I came across local designer, Destani Hoffman, about a year ago, and absolutely adore her work. Everything she creates, has the look of a dream about it… A stormy, deep and intriguing dream. The colors are emotive and the way her pieces move, speak for themselves.

I ordered my first custom blouse, about a week ago, and have already received my piece! The finished product somehow makes me feel like I’m in a silent film I once saw, about a girl who lived on the moon.

P.S. She crafted the loveliest mask, to match! I’m quite smitten and think you should go and order your own.

Chapel Hill Farm Collection

I stumbled across Chapel Hill Farms, online.

I saw was a post about a Eucharist image necklace, that resembled ancient stone in a golden embossed stamp… like one you would seal a letter with.

If you know me at all, you know this was just my cup of tea.

I won’t say much, because words don’t do it justice.
I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Elegant, eclectic and full of the most stunning finds. Just know you should visit very soon, it’s absolutely my new favorite haunt!

Health Fix in Saraland, AL

With Covid-19 forcing many of us to work virtually, we are all going to be using our computer a lot more.

I have been spending approximately 12-14 hours per day, staring at my screen, and it has taken a toll on my neck and shoulders. I was consistently having tension headaches, my muscles were sore and painful, and my jaw was tense. I knew I needed to pay a visit to Health Fix, in Saraland AL.

Health Fix is not your typical massage or injury specialist. The owner, Chase, is skilled at focused, soft tissue injury and pain management. If you have chronic neck/back tension, headaches, migraines, TMJ, or any other aches and pains, this may be perfect for you! Most of these issues are not something we think are serious enough to see a doctor about, or we’ve just resigned ourselves to live with them, as a normal part of getting older. However, you don’t have to live with these nagging issues.

After my visit, I noticed improved mobility, my lymph node function increased, tension released, and my old nerve-related elbow injury pain felt eased. I couldn’t believe I had been dealing with these issues for so long, when the fix was so easy.

Health Fix has also recently added a new aspect to their therapy, an infrared sauna! An infrared sauna session is, not only, a beautiful and relaxing way to de-stress, it’s also a wonderful immunity boost. Time in a sauna has been known to increase white-count (important for your virus-fighting immunity), lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of a stroke, improve healthy heart function, and even help with insomnia. Click below to learn more!

Mary Kendig

I’ve had my eye on Mary Kendig for a while now, and couldn’t wait to buy one of her pieces.

Mary Kendig is from the Gulf Coast, and her artful work embodies the southern elegance I love. Many pieces are inspired by unique, southern culture. An example is a stunning set of pearl magnolias… a personal favorite, and next on my list!

Both her jewelry and art are unique and timeless, each has its own tasteful personality. While her jewelry pieces are all exceptionally bold, they are lightweight and comfortable, and you won’t be needing to remove them after a few hours.

She is constantly inventing and crafting new designs, so follow her online and order a pair for your first post-quarantine dinner out!

Lou's Jewelry

So… for Mother’s Day this year, I had something unique in mind.

Short backstory: My Grandfather collects coins, and chronically conceal carries Double-Bubble gum, as every self-respecting grandpa should. My Mom has always wanted a necklace made with one of his coins, and this was the Mother’s Day to make it happen!

I messaged Lou’s Jewelry, because they are the best. Even though they were closed during the quarantine, they quickly responded, and after a few kind exchanges, they had helped me find what I needed.

When they opened again, their team welcomed me at the very first opportunity. Within a couple more days, my custom piece was complete. When I walked in to pick up, the owners were there and we spent a good while chatting. They took time with me, genuinely thanked me, and made me feel at home.

Their work is the highest quality, they make sure you’re pleased with the end product, and they listen. Best of all, they care about the community they serve and have proven that through the years. Their stunning pieces are American made, and locally sourced. A rare testament to the integrity of the staff, this is not something they flaunt. Best of all, the family at Lou’s has a legacy of graciously serving the Port City, for 45 years. Pay them a visit, next time you are nearby… Whether for a gift for someone, a token of love, or an heirloom your family will treasure forever, Lou’s is who you want to trust.

Paper Jubilee

Just before the “loop”, as we Mobilian’s call the odd intersection at Government Street & Airport Boulevard is Paper Jubilee, Stationary, and Gifts.

Paper Jubilee is owned by my dear friend, Karen. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted with a warm smile, and invited to peruse the thick sample book of options she offers.

Listen, nothing has the power to make you feel elegant, like fine stationery. Your full name, at the top of a crisp, ivory card is one of life’s sweet pleasures… at least, that’s how I feel. When I’m sending a “Thank you”, to an attorney who helped me out with a client, or a kind friend who donated food for the homeless, I love to have a beautiful card to pour my gratitude onto. It feels to me like a true acknowledgment of a person, and a serious, and tangible expression of my appreciation. In an age of digital everything, getting a handwritten note, makes you feel human, again.

Paper Jubilee has every combination you could want. If you prefer raised, or jet black font, initials or full name, romantically scrolling or stately, and structured, she has something for you. She does holiday cards, graduation or birth announcements, invitations… place cards for your first, post-COVID-19 dinner party! While you’re there, you can even have an elegant luggage tag made. And if you are planning a wedding, or need a gift, you can have all your monogram needs met. She makes lovely personalized cutting boards!

Stop by, order online, or purchase a gift card!