Travel Tuesday: Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/msydt_logo.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/msydt_logo.gif" /></a></div><br />It's been a while since I've done a Travel Tuesday post and since I am traveling today, I though it was appropriate to showcase the beautiful hotel that will be our homebase during <a href="http://www.modenus.com/blog/category/blogtour" target="_blank">BlogTourNola</a>. The Renaissance Arts Hotel is situated in the Warehouse District of New Orleans and features a world class collection of art, including sculptural chandeliers by glass artist Dale Chihuly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour01.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour01.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour25.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour25.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour29.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour29.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour26.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour26.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div>"From the flowing, asymmetrical Dale Chihuly chandeliers that greet you in the lobby to the visually stunning John Scott paintings and sculptures placed throughout the hotel, you will find your senses are both satisfied and stimulated." (via <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msydt-renaissance-new-orleans-arts-hotel/" target="_blank">website</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour30.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour30.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour27.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour27.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour28.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour28.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour32.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour32.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br />This bedroom will be a fun and perky way to start each morning!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour31.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour31.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour33.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour33.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hospitality suite. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour39.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour39.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div>The Rene Bistrot Bar where the BlogTourNola gang will convene the week of amazing events.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour53.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour53.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div>Lovely rooftop pool area - though based on our schedule, we're not likely to spend much time here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour55.jpg?Log=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/m/msydt/phototour/msydt_phototour55.jpg?Log=1" /></a></div>Though I do hope they stay open late!<br /><br />But first, we'll be heading off to the French Quarter for the first of what will be many amazing meals. Dinner will be at <a href="http://www.sobounola.com/" target="_blank">SoBou Restaurant</a>, which is owned by the Brennan family of the venerable Commander's Palace and Brennan's Restaurant, and others. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sobounola.com/templates/client/images/default_header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://www.sobounola.com/templates/client/images/default_header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Per their website: "SoBou is inspired by our family's colorful time at the Absinthe House, as well as by the great barkeeps as far back as the inventor of the Sazerac in New Orleans, Antoine Peychaud, all the way to today's King Cocktail Dale DeGroff. Our reverence for a well-run tavern where the food makes your eyes roll back in your head and the showmanship of the bartender pales next to the beauty in the glass - that's the kind of joint we imagined. Classic but current, not weighted down by the past, but fueled by it, professional but unserious; an entire spirited restaurant where everyone seems to have an "I just did something slightly naughty" perpetual grin on their face like BarBar, our elephant.  BarBar has that SoBou style - he's debonair, but always up to something. He has plans and you can join him at any point along the way."<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/MainDiningRoom_1347035634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/MainDiningRoom_1347035634.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Main Dining Room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/TheApothecary_1347035714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/TheApothecary_1347035714.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Apothecary at SoBou</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/TheBeerGarden_1347035714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/TheBeerGarden_1347035714.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Beer Garden at SoBou</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/ChocolateComaBar_1352313657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sobounola.com/uploads/gallery/large/ChocolateComaBar_1352313657.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know what's in store for our <a href="http://www.sobounola.com/lunch-and-dinner-menu" target="_blank">dinner</a>, but this looks pretty tasty!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow we're hitting up the Garden District with all it's amazing architecture and a day of shopping on Magazine street, plus more meals. More on that tomorrow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can follow everyone's tweets at <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23blogtournola&src=savs" target="_blank">Twitter #BlogTourNola</a> and you can follow my <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/nola-style-blogtournola-new-orleans/" target="_blank">NOLA Style Pinterest Board here</a>. </div><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Travel Tuesday: Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans

It's been a while since I've done a Travel Tuesday post and since I am traveling today, I though it was appropriate to showcase the ...

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Travel Tuesday: Yellow and Red Parisian Rental

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PassageEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PassageEntrance.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> came across this adorable little rental apartment in my internet wanderings and it prompted me to resurrect my <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Travel%20Tuesday" target="_blank">Travel Tuesday</a> series. Located in the Bastille neighborhood of Paris, the <a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/home.html" target="_blank">Cort Demoye Apartment</a> is a tiny jewel box brimming with Parisian charm. At a small 430 sq. ft., it sleeps up to four. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDLOBJcCc5YdFxE7eGXbnMS0HiTReL4Z3LrrkZtcblbmwG_8ne8ZOA-_xTdVPql9MFXWaUWS7sjWSskSMeeP79ke8Y9SKeW3Grcxjdru1XKXxpxds2EMUlj8Q8x-zuXnwmqm3Jf7oEzbR/s1600/place+de+la+bastille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDLOBJcCc5YdFxE7eGXbnMS0HiTReL4Z3LrrkZtcblbmwG_8ne8ZOA-_xTdVPql9MFXWaUWS7sjWSskSMeeP79ke8Y9SKeW3Grcxjdru1XKXxpxds2EMUlj8Q8x-zuXnwmqm3Jf7oEzbR/s640/place+de+la+bastille.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PrivatePedestrianStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/PrivatePedestrianStreet.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he apartment building is located on a truly romantic looking pedestrian only walkway. The apartment itself is a 3rd floor (that's 4th to us Americans) walk-up - but the climb is surely worth it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010006.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">R</span></span></b>ecently renovated and decorated (no children under twelve or pets allowed), the apartment is filled with classic French country style. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk2/F1030015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk2/F1030015.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>ow truly "French" is this small window seat, casement windows and scroll work iron gate overlooking the neighbors roof. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000005.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he living and dining room spaces are fairly small and spare, but certainly comfortable looking. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000020.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> always love a curtained room entry and this one does a nice job of separating the surprisingly large (by European standards) kitchen from the main living area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000028.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1000036.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he <span class="st"><i>Pièce de résistance</i></span> of the apartment is undoubtedly the jewel box of a master bedroom. The jaunty yellow walls with matching yellow bedding and yellow and white Toile fabric coverlet is really breathtaking. The queen size bed clearly takes up nearly all the space, but the efficient closets, mirrored walls and shelves behind the bed really enhance the space. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030007.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>ote the wall angle by the window - clearly, this is the top floor of a classic Mansard roof building. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he bathroom in the Master bedroom includes a sink and bathtub with shower. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030026.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he WC is located off of the front entry and is papered in a fabulous yellow and gold stripe. Even the vanity door fronts are striped. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1010013.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/Disk1/F1030026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/FloorPlanREV.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/FloorPlanREV.gif" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he rent for this cute little apartment ranges from 850 to 975 Euros per week, depending on how many people are staying. There are also discounts for length of stay, with stays ranging from four days to three months. As anyone knows, staying in an apartment and living as the locals do is truly the best way to get to know a place. And I do think this <a href="http://www.parisbastilleapt.com/home.html" target="_blank">little apartment in the Bastille</a> is one to keep note of for future trips to my favorite city!<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>nd now, a little French ambiance brought to us by the fabulous <a href="http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vicki Archer of French Essence blog</a>: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdlHVkcfxAdk9SEHYUvksjS91kl-Kmus5MRfbOquNyAN886jRfAFiuk2kTfzWuS2G8vTOvxX-AO66G9xz0LZOTGC3hxDSn7Wxp2FhjWAM_vuRr5cl4ZfYl-pdc6Pd7pbBh4N3Eq5HWnU/s640/P1266809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdlHVkcfxAdk9SEHYUvksjS91kl-Kmus5MRfbOquNyAN886jRfAFiuk2kTfzWuS2G8vTOvxX-AO66G9xz0LZOTGC3hxDSn7Wxp2FhjWAM_vuRr5cl4ZfYl-pdc6Pd7pbBh4N3Eq5HWnU/s640/P1266809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCtRhihftiUaV6Qgxnyh0Uo5TigTcCbx7yDurjap6RCE11RlNZgMQrINgi87XoLoX8S23YSCscqOZjNEMHFBgoAJjQXkH-iyt-0m3BEGOrMcrOvXwpb2FZHKIPjbS9MOR96-uJmLivcoD/s640/PB255600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCtRhihftiUaV6Qgxnyh0Uo5TigTcCbx7yDurjap6RCE11RlNZgMQrINgi87XoLoX8S23YSCscqOZjNEMHFBgoAJjQXkH-iyt-0m3BEGOrMcrOvXwpb2FZHKIPjbS9MOR96-uJmLivcoD/s640/PB255600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-eGXkskKNQeaS_G7bnrN9ygaRYQ7_GDdxCx6X1iu1Jo2qTG7xZO2hQ2hwwF2YQiNXcQI8kguG_jNHDSEw8gi3x0rrlzyl-091PNZ8XLTYnML5Za4qYz1L4QsBy0wdG7qSb_BKGPwGHw/s640/L1030528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-eGXkskKNQeaS_G7bnrN9ygaRYQ7_GDdxCx6X1iu1Jo2qTG7xZO2hQ2hwwF2YQiNXcQI8kguG_jNHDSEw8gi3x0rrlzyl-091PNZ8XLTYnML5Za4qYz1L4QsBy0wdG7qSb_BKGPwGHw/s400/L1030528.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuZJLQNGoX3BfF6TAdxo9kEJsbU5AaPt6H2to8s-Eg3CXSZOwvQEYsUykWWUiWSMAo-ZdBbVt2L7oAGK0uiA-nXMGOurrioLDFKA16omjTgn_XCvwRorOo1zBUp50X4DYq0xmMtMJzkr/s640/PB275774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuZJLQNGoX3BfF6TAdxo9kEJsbU5AaPt6H2to8s-Eg3CXSZOwvQEYsUykWWUiWSMAo-ZdBbVt2L7oAGK0uiA-nXMGOurrioLDFKA16omjTgn_XCvwRorOo1zBUp50X4DYq0xmMtMJzkr/s640/PB275774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>nd this final image is by photographer <a href="http://annehenning.com/" target="_blank">Anne Henning</a>. I have this framed photograph that is printed on watercolor paper in my collection - purchased at an auction a few years ago. I just love it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sdS-bnyslDWC8WlRmFBh503MyTdGoFg8Cwp-KkUXwCl_EBQmldoTei0jLGvb9nyqKUuZFsx4ni6xi6-4lko4-UYk8fCkheFmhCrGvCYum72RmLZNzWUFahyZ4eWTwYnyrjNIEkKqoZF/s1600/Anne+Henning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sdS-bnyslDWC8WlRmFBh503MyTdGoFg8Cwp-KkUXwCl_EBQmldoTei0jLGvb9nyqKUuZFsx4ni6xi6-4lko4-UYk8fCkheFmhCrGvCYum72RmLZNzWUFahyZ4eWTwYnyrjNIEkKqoZF/s400/Anne+Henning.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span>f you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Travel Tuesday: Yellow and Red Parisian Rental

  I came across this adorable little rental apartment in my internet wanderings and it prompted me to resurrect my Travel Tuesday series. ...

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Here comes the bride: The Goring Hotel, or Kate slept here

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/public_areas/exterior/HorsesAndCarriage_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/public_areas/exterior/HorsesAndCarriage_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>As we all know, the wedding of the decade takes place tomorrow <span style="font-size: x-small;">(sorry, Las Vegas, it's not Steve Winn's nuptials that are also taking place this weekend)</span>. As royal wedding watchers in England have been camping out in the streets in front of Westminster Abbey, and as we in the rest of the world are debating what time we will be waking up to watch the festivities on television, bride-to-be Kate Middleton and her family are taking up residence at the 100 year old, family owned,  <a href="http://www.thegoring.com/home.aspx">Goring Hotel</a>, along with members of various European royal families. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlWMXW5lYUMIQGxfMG95KFNtUA0bHHoK1vnAT8NzeNS7sTOCZAVl1rjYCO4UOc3pgBaJ3LBcUjO60FJYNg-MgePFTLINzsBhYNW-FTBTkBXG07L6Q0xxQXLUd3daQMnKuYugLkRY-vaIQ/s1600/Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlWMXW5lYUMIQGxfMG95KFNtUA0bHHoK1vnAT8NzeNS7sTOCZAVl1rjYCO4UOc3pgBaJ3LBcUjO60FJYNg-MgePFTLINzsBhYNW-FTBTkBXG07L6Q0xxQXLUd3daQMnKuYugLkRY-vaIQ/s400/Map.png" width="400" /></a></div>The Goring Hotel is situated conveniently near Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/public_areas/interior/lobby1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/public_areas/interior/lobby1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>A beautiful black, cream and white lobby welcomes visitors, along with a bronze statue of the hotel's founder. <br /><br /><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kate slept here? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.katemiddleton.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/KateMiddleton1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.katemiddleton.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/KateMiddleton1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Splendid Silk Rooms</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_bedvanity1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_bedvanity1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This room features reddish/orange silk wallcoverings and white furnishings. Very bridal.  This room was newly refurbished in 2009 and is one of six rooms done in this fashion.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_chairs1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_chairs1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_desk1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedImages/The_Goring_images_library/652x382/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_desk1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This decidedly masculine suite features midnight blue silk wallcoverings and rust velvet pillows and upholstery. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r99_splendid_s_bed1_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r99_splendid_s_bed1_406x460.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r99_splendidsilk_alcove1_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r99_splendidsilk_alcove1_406x460.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r79_splendid_s_desk1_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r79_splendid_s_desk1_406x460.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_bath1_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r78_splendid_s_bath1_406x460.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r59_splendid_s_bed2_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r59_splendid_s_bed2_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r59_splendid_s_bed2_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r59_splendid_s_bed2_406x460.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r59_splendid_s_vanity2_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r59_splendid_s_vanity2_406x460.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r98_mostsplendid_s_window1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r98_mostsplendid_s_window1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r79_splendid_s_mirror1_406x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/r79_splendid_s_mirror1_406x460.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r58_mostsplendid_s_bed1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r58_mostsplendid_s_bed1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This suite, part of a group called the Belgravia Suites, was designed by Nina Campbell</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/s52_belgravia_living1_652x382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/s52_belgravia_living1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/s52_belgravia_bath1_652x382.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/s52_belgravia_bath1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/s52_belgravia_bed1_406x460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/406x460_portrait/accommodation/s52_belgravia_bed1_406x460.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Junior Suite</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/s114_juniorsuite_living1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/s114_juniorsuite_living1_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r86_junior_suite2_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r86_junior_suite2_652x382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you were Kate, which room would be your pick?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSZzlVQ_2uK1whJRHEdrjLUppMH94uZD61n3sQmb8OP3QvIkHjERU_Et6rOItVUFOCrR7fpLOeNAqJxZ7G-cU464a6tr-auvlMLCFBrnzR-wi7B6uP1HUH-KewKT5M4R559LckO2X-vr6/s1600/garden_statue1_406x460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSZzlVQ_2uK1whJRHEdrjLUppMH94uZD61n3sQmb8OP3QvIkHjERU_Et6rOItVUFOCrR7fpLOeNAqJxZ7G-cU464a6tr-auvlMLCFBrnzR-wi7B6uP1HUH-KewKT5M4R559LckO2X-vr6/s1600/garden_statue1_406x460.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.thegoring.com/uploadedimages/Goring_image_library/652x382/accommodation/r58_mostsplendid_s_bed1_652x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here comes the bride!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The official program book of the wedding is available for download here: <a class="twtr-hyperlink" href="http://bit.ly/k2TbF5" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/k2TbF5</a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEfbPlqeKYTV2hO6NG4oWgD34sud-68bxyzI2kD27qXPPRhG4yo3K30_TVHepGJoy9w4TFQH8n9D-PAe8DIVrxU6fguvEG3XY8GLesd6XBHm068rBBUoODnNlTPs7X-AFOdwvto33NWCz/s1600/RWOP_V2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEfbPlqeKYTV2hO6NG4oWgD34sud-68bxyzI2kD27qXPPRhG4yo3K30_TVHepGJoy9w4TFQH8n9D-PAe8DIVrxU6fguvEG3XY8GLesd6XBHm068rBBUoODnNlTPs7X-AFOdwvto33NWCz/s640/RWOP_V2.png" width="451" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.faithclipart.com/images/3/1226447212712_281/img_1226447212712_2811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.faithclipart.com/images/3/1226447212712_281/img_1226447212712_2811.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hennydonovanmotif.co.uk/images/fleur-de-lis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><i><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: black;">On a serious note, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those across the South who have been affected by the devastating series of tornadoes that have caused so much damage and loss of life. Please know that your friends across the country are waiting to do what we can to help. </span></i></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Here comes the bride: The Goring Hotel, or Kate slept here

As we all know, the wedding of the decade takes place tomorrow (sorry, Las Vegas, it's not Steve Winn's nuptials that are also takin...

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