Pack Master

Hope you had a good week!  I’ve been feeling anxious with the amount of stuff we still have to get done before moving, but looking forward to a weekend of catching up with Lee’s high school friends (and their lovely sig others) who are in town to celebrate their 10 Year High School Reunion.  Mine is next week – and I’m just curious, where did those 10 years go?

Besides, I know I shouldn’t worry about the packing when we have this little guy to supervise…(standing on our never been used crystal stemware…he’s got good taste; what can I say.)

Have a relaxing weekend.

 

Kitty Chenault.

The Windy City

Earlier this year we visited Chicago to find our new home (for two years) and visit family.  Looking back at the few pictures I took, I’m getting really excited for our new adventure, though I’m trying to be realistic and prepared for some of the challenges of moving, like leaving close friends and the comfort of the city that has been home for over 6 years.  Even the little things, like knowing the best drycleaner/nail salon/grocery store, as well as the hidden neighborhood gems is so easily taken for granted. 

French Style Icons

In honor of Bastille Day (a week ago, I know) the Huffington Post posted a slideshow of 17  very fashionable and stylish French women.  I don’t know what it is about French women in general,  but they have a very specific intrigue, style and unique beauty.  When I studied abroad in Paris  in the summer of 2004, I was amazed at how many women wore heels everyday with the amount of walking required.  Also, the women seemed to smoke like chimneys but had flawless skin.  What gives? 

I think I would like to come back in my next life as a French woman.

Here are some of the French style icons that made the cut.

From top left

1) Coco Chanel 2) Jane Birkin 3) Catherine Denevue 4) Brigitte Bardot 5) Anna Karina 6) Marion Cotillard,

All images via

The Chenault Life featured on La Dolce Vita!

Hi there… So if you haven’t checked out La Dolce Vita by the lovely Paloma today, please do so!  My Dream home is being featured in her weekly series.  It was so much fun putting this together, and thanks so much to Paloma for featuring it.

My Dream home Sneak Peek!

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New Guilty Pleasure…

Hello there…Did you have a good weekend?  Ours was full of food, friends, more food, and we started watching Damages Season 1 with Glenn Close and Rose Byrne (hilarious and perfectly obnoxious in Bridesmaids!).  Have you seen it?  It’s a dark legal drama/thriller, and I’m loving it – especially since it’s available on Netflix (though I’m not thrilled with them at the moment) streaming. 

Since there is nothing on this summer (except Million Dollar Decorators) I love finding a “new” series to catch up on.

What are you watching this summer?

P.S. – I have a post I’m very excited about planned tomorrow…please check back!

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone!  How was your week?  Mine was  painfully slow as we’re in what Lee and I have started calling a “Holding Pattern”.  Being so close to the move, but still with a laundry list of items to accomplish and not sure where I’ll be working (physically) in the next month has kind of taken its toll. So I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with great friends and family to reenergize and clear my head…

What are you doing this weekend?  I hope you have a great one!

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P.S. – This image is totally random, but it makes me laugh every time, and I hope you like it too.

Favorite Houston Restaurants

Taking a cue from one of my favorite bloggers, Bailey McCarthy of Peppermint Bliss, I thought I’d include a list of some of our favorite Houston restaurants before we move on to another Culinary Mecca.  Here goes…

Best Ladies Who Lunch

Located next to a nursery on West Alabama, It’s hard to out charm Tiny Boxwoods, quaint, French decor and delicious cuisine.  I recommend the latte and chocolate chip cookies to complete your meal. Don’t mind the cranky person at the counter… and just beware if you go on the weekend, it can be kind of a cluster (but worth the wait!)

Runner up: Ouisies Table – try the crab cobb salad – amazing! 

Best See and Be Seen

RDG + Bar Annie in the Galleria area opened a couple of years, and serves as home to beautiful people looking fabulous. Oh - and the food is nice too.  In 2009 we dined here during Restaurant Week and were sat at a table next to one of Houston's biggest socialites, Lynn Wyatt…

Runner up: Philippe (go just for the beautiful decor – the good food is a bonus!)

Best Romantic

Mockingbird Bistro – though pricey, this little gem consistently delivers amazing food and service in a lovely River Oaks location. 

Runner Up: Michelangelo's – Lee and I were engaged after eating here in 2004…it will always be very special to me, (and there’s an awesome tree that sits in the middle of this Montrose area restaurant!)

Best Comfort Food

Zelko Bistro, located in the Heights, is a charming, unpretentious, delicious little spot.  The shrimp and agave grits are amazing, and the wine selection isn’t bad either.

Runner up: Benjys – the risotto, usually on some kind of rotation, rarely disappoints.

Best Tex Mex

I could literally eat at El Tiempo 5 times a week, and unfortunately for my waistline, we’ve gotten close.  Located in several inner loop locations,  get the fajitas and skinny margaritas and you won’t be disappointed.

Runner up: El Real – try the queso con carne! 

Best Happy Hour Food

Canopy – this light, bright Montrose spot has amazing Happy Hour items like mussels for a great value!

Runner up #1 : Flemings – Located in the Upper Kirby area, the 5 items for $6 till 7:00 p.m. weekly HH special has some great menu items like ahi tuna and kobe sliders.

Runner up #2: Oporto's -  This unassuming restaurant (located in a strip mall) in the Greenway Plaza area has delectable tapas at $3/piece making this place very appetizing during the Happiest of Hours.

Tuesdays are nice…

Why?  Because they come with a little of this…

Million Dollar Decorators

and maybe a glass of this.

Read  Raina Cox’s hysterical recap from last week’s episode here.

July/August 2011 Lonny Issue

The new Lonny issue does not disappoint.  Have you seen it? Here are my favorite images from this issue…

Love this table.

Another bubble chair – these are so fun!

Sexy, modern office

Love this eclectic living room – especially the dachshund pillow

Master Bedroom

Yes – this poolside set up will work just fine.

Aren’t they great?  All images via Lonny Mag

The Kennedys

We have definitely gotten our dose of the Kennedy’s over the last week.  First we watched the 8–part mini series The Kennedy’s on Netflix starring Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes.  I don’t know how accurately all of the scandals and dramatic scenes are reflected, but it’s entertaining to say the least – especially Katie Holmes attempt at a Boston accent.  And today, we watched a fascinating show on the History channel called The Lost Kennedy Home Movies.  Both shows covered the triumphs, scandals and tragedies of the Kennedy family.  One thing that struck me is how they looked.  Even in the casual home videos, the family always look photo-call ready like in a Vineyard Vines ad while visiting their family home on the Cape. I can see why they were and continue to be such a fascination in our country.

Jackie is obviously known for her grace and style, but to me she has an air of mystery and strength that adds to her intrigue. Clearly devoted to her children, she seems happiest in her pictures when she’s with them.  I came across some great photo albums on Life and wanted to share.

John F. Kennedy Jr. admiring Mom’s pearls

Beautiful

Captured by the paparazzi that continued to follow her throughout the course of her life.

Photos via