Last weekend of Summer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbZte59Z6gpQtCVCkz-YrXdISoDSrQmGeOPOr8jKBCAup1ebPrXE5PHRskbMZcbDDu3QOziUTqYjQhoJnIV7ZJ-Eum1rhX_DMzNT9OJVRWfzRKjBYf_-L3tvYuRO76ynFeceAycCKvGKC/s1600/SurroundingsJulyBGCover8.5x11Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbZte59Z6gpQtCVCkz-YrXdISoDSrQmGeOPOr8jKBCAup1ebPrXE5PHRskbMZcbDDu3QOziUTqYjQhoJnIV7ZJ-Eum1rhX_DMzNT9OJVRWfzRKjBYf_-L3tvYuRO76ynFeceAycCKvGKC/s640/SurroundingsJulyBGCover8.5x11Web.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo by <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html" target="_blank">Michael J. Lee</a> for ::Surroundings:: Magazine</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Have a great one!</span></div><br /><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>

Last weekend of Summer

 Photo by Michael J. Lee for ::Surroundings:: MagazineHave a great one!If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks! Subscribe to ::Surroundings::…

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Patch NYC at Shops at Target

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.targetimg1.com/everestOpenContainers/081212_Fall_Shops/slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://static.targetimg1.com/everestOpenContainers/081212_Fall_Shops/slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo via Target</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I went to a fun event last night in Boston celebrating <a href="http://www.patchnyc.com/" target="_blank">Patch NYC</a>'s  upcoming product release that's part of Target's <a href="http://www.target.com/c/the-shops-at-target/-/N-56f52" target="_blank">Shops at Target</a> initiative. Target has "targeted" (bad pun intended) small and unique fashion and home decor boutiques around the country and works with them to create a line of products to be sold exclusively for a limited time in all Target stores and online.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/5042/files/byun_style0018_g.jpg?104782" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/5042/files/byun_style0018_g.jpg?104782" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">photo via Patch NYC</span></div><br />Boston's Patch NYC is a tiny, off the beaten path shop, owned by Don Carney and John Ross - who founded the shop in New York and relocated it to Boston's trendy So. End in 2010. (As an aside, I worked in the So. End in the 1980's when it was definitely NOT trendy and am jealous of the vibrancy there today). John and Don design and manufacture their wares specifically for their shop and to wholesale to other boutiques. I'd never been to the store, but was enchanted by the eclectic offerings that are a little retro, a lot stylish and very witty. And, I will say that the Target collection (50 or so items) adhere perfectly to their aesthetic. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5TBakoCbTQ/UD7kG-E9UoI/AAAAAAAALu8/H7sV3bImiCw/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="478" id="blogsy-1346335368004.122" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5TBakoCbTQ/UD7kG-E9UoI/AAAAAAAALu8/H7sV3bImiCw/s640/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The lovely Jaime Derringer of <a href="http://design-milk.com/">Design Milk </a>hosted the launch party last night at Patch NYC in Boston. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eqfRMsg2WI/UD7kYkR6-xI/AAAAAAAALvE/2yW4r8uQwaU/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="477" id="blogsy-1346335368027.3647" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eqfRMsg2WI/UD7kYkR6-xI/AAAAAAAALvE/2yW4r8uQwaU/s640/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WJmx1hNrSSI/UD7lbXaNA3I/AAAAAAAALvc/fa47Bbv-r9k/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="579" id="blogsy-1346335368008.396" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WJmx1hNrSSI/UD7lbXaNA3I/AAAAAAAALvc/fa47Bbv-r9k/s774/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" width="774" /></a></div>A great crowd for the party outside the Patch NYC boutique. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gtVOkPzeCFM/UD7k7Yi_x3I/AAAAAAAALvU/x9t_F9gVy5o/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="418" id="blogsy-1346335368104.859" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gtVOkPzeCFM/UD7k7Yi_x3I/AAAAAAAALvU/x9t_F9gVy5o/s640/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A35%252520PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The above montage features a few of the smaller items from the Patch NYC shop in Boston. So cute. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zoQ_lrky14g/UD7kpdGuxNI/AAAAAAAALvM/p7WfbFekrdw/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="421" id="blogsy-1346335368049.6426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zoQ_lrky14g/UD7kpdGuxNI/AAAAAAAALvM/p7WfbFekrdw/s640/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252011%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And these products above are from the Shops at Target collection - equally as cute! The small details are what really appeal to me such as the doe on top of the cookie jar (top right) and the fabulous wood pecker lamp with branches shade (bottom right). And I think my favorite piece is the owl candelabra. How cute is the tiny owl sitting among the tapers. The detail is amazing. So totally going to own this one!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GeMPLVO2IjU/UD7mmZKbF0I/AAAAAAAALvs/UWpmW1uRMJI/s1530/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A44%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1346335368100.563" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GeMPLVO2IjU/UD7mmZKbF0I/AAAAAAAALvs/UWpmW1uRMJI/s640/Photo%252520Aug%25252029%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A44%252520PM.jpg" width="478" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0v-HYF-hAmFVlfD_c5ueZqrn8WsDGuahgtRv19j6U6bI4H4RYmprJ5RBLpeo5CWDDHDOI6xCLCfy5I5V_X5xWcjl6LdHaz3ZtBs5iS5S9piFI9WUoQ5cGT0LU8LkGufQh3Q9ziFHg11N/s1600/look-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0v-HYF-hAmFVlfD_c5ueZqrn8WsDGuahgtRv19j6U6bI4H4RYmprJ5RBLpeo5CWDDHDOI6xCLCfy5I5V_X5xWcjl6LdHaz3ZtBs5iS5S9piFI9WUoQ5cGT0LU8LkGufQh3Q9ziFHg11N/s640/look-70.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I also love: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcBSmLiHnVb1kYb-NMUWwByXiZAoch58gtHs3ejFgz0ooyA1Xtrzc2TyxIQOwnhgOIktsEToEWYCUprA50itLen1ForuPaNgQd30hEsMo_q_-vzncIx1EPpRmAPFRP4hgbR9Rxy1Qi3Jq/s1600/look-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcBSmLiHnVb1kYb-NMUWwByXiZAoch58gtHs3ejFgz0ooyA1Xtrzc2TyxIQOwnhgOIktsEToEWYCUprA50itLen1ForuPaNgQd30hEsMo_q_-vzncIx1EPpRmAPFRP4hgbR9Rxy1Qi3Jq/s640/look-71.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXthrLmbgpHC21FZzo_mjppiwsRYXix5odZ9MNf-456ARHi7pZg88DR87B7U8ZhWtX4lkwRwyevo4QOmcTcoIBJMuDkcu5FlcDesWtY4vQ103CIGBeDZRnNIEeGhkQBiHLmJPi4Oa5gPSK/s1600/look-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXthrLmbgpHC21FZzo_mjppiwsRYXix5odZ9MNf-456ARHi7pZg88DR87B7U8ZhWtX4lkwRwyevo4QOmcTcoIBJMuDkcu5FlcDesWtY4vQ103CIGBeDZRnNIEeGhkQBiHLmJPi4Oa5gPSK/s640/look-77.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The product range includes barware, bedding, tabletop and decorative accessories and prices range from $5-$120. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://static.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/5042/t/1/assets/patch-for-target.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://static.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/5042/t/1/assets/patch-for-target.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos, unless otherwise noted or product images, by Linda Merrill.</span><br /><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Patch NYC at Shops at Target

photo via TargetI went to a fun event last night in Boston celebrating Patch NYC's  upcoming product release that's part of Target's Shops at Target initiative. Target has "targeted" (bad pun intended) small and unique fashion and home decor boutiques around the country and works with them to create…

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Heaven Scent: The Bermuda Perfumery

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX03wUw6dj2OuCOCZYhoVOuV97s-bucs6rFCDW_jmQTiXEiLScKovfGPLHmMvL_cq4T4bJt0EgnG1R3PChfLsWDXNXQRTf6bfKyFQvVx5kqj1qcyWyJ8ZqMUqLJIQ_7RkaMjxYCUvMGNj/s1600/DSCN6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX03wUw6dj2OuCOCZYhoVOuV97s-bucs6rFCDW_jmQTiXEiLScKovfGPLHmMvL_cq4T4bJt0EgnG1R3PChfLsWDXNXQRTf6bfKyFQvVx5kqj1qcyWyJ8ZqMUqLJIQ_7RkaMjxYCUvMGNj/s640/DSCN6348.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/images/contenu/history.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/images/contenu/history.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of our must-see destinations last week in Bermuda was the <a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/">Bermuda Perfumery</a>. Apparently, it's been quite a tourist destination since it's opening in 1928, when the first owner used to pay tourist operators to bring their groups. My mother recalls visiting the Perfumery in 1938 when she was a little girl. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/images/home/home-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/images/home/home-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo via <a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/">Bermuda Perfumery</a></span></div><br />Today's location is not the original space. In 2004, the Brackstone family acquired the Bermuda Perfumery and moved its operations to historic Stewart Hall in St. George's in the heart of UNESCO's World Heritage Site. However, the methods of making the perfume are still the same and are under the guidance of the perfumer who has been there for 43 years. What was amazing to me is how hand-made the process really is. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0V-ssrwSKnB1HffVMUu10ySpsUVOrDjeZRyK2OFnuI6O3tdYVcTucsiOpHsvDYwXGWTMjeDPiLU4yFxNYa1Klm4auYmAUdHne38zh3j0aZ-gmM5om9sM2mcf03aCupTmJRtTpduOqZc-/s1600/DSCN6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0V-ssrwSKnB1HffVMUu10ySpsUVOrDjeZRyK2OFnuI6O3tdYVcTucsiOpHsvDYwXGWTMjeDPiLU4yFxNYa1Klm4auYmAUdHne38zh3j0aZ-gmM5om9sM2mcf03aCupTmJRtTpduOqZc-/s640/DSCN6349.JPG" width="480" /> </a></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.royalgazette.com/storyimage/RG/20120801/ISLAND04/708019997/EP/1/5/EP-708019997.jpg&q=100&maxw=630&maxh=350" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://www.royalgazette.com/storyimage/RG/20120801/ISLAND04/708019997/EP/1/5/EP-708019997.jpg&q=100&maxw=630&maxh=350" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bermuda Perfumery Owner, Isabel Brackstone. (Photo by Akil Simmons) July 30,2012 via <a href="http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20120801/ISLAND04/708019997">Royal Gazette</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While they do create men's colognes, the Perfumery is distinctly feminine with it's pink striped front hall and pink packaging. Too many people were coming and going for me to get a decent shot of the front hall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCsd3XC8o5LYCB3SbMoIt92vV-9Oif1fKMA8SxG38dc45ul7554fbvECHRPKGJ7BNuh1t-4qkGCGcd_Lw6fPhG_xuwzd9QymJKFjHmxvh9jV11yJzv1g5ZysVujDItxGAJr7z-8D0zycQ/s1600/DSCN6350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCsd3XC8o5LYCB3SbMoIt92vV-9Oif1fKMA8SxG38dc45ul7554fbvECHRPKGJ7BNuh1t-4qkGCGcd_Lw6fPhG_xuwzd9QymJKFjHmxvh9jV11yJzv1g5ZysVujDItxGAJr7z-8D0zycQ/s640/DSCN6350.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They offer a tour of the facility, which starts in this gathering hall/museum that features a colonial chandelier and original beamed ceiling. You will see that the ceiling itself is limestone "bricks" made in the traditional Bermudian manner. The tour included a brief historical movie and some samplers to test your "nose". I failed. I didn't detect vanilla, rose or cinnamon. Sad... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXziBxdKGNxOx-HolCqwQaiIdb7FKbJfvGB21RDUSBON-xakELGZh5cQtcVnaVcKP7gJ7k6_M-jUU0vEmgX7OH5VzBLLsDwQffgM4BEO2a_l8RHBHj8-3L0rO-AhDJCwd5kJBrrgI6dHP/s1600/DSCN6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXziBxdKGNxOx-HolCqwQaiIdb7FKbJfvGB21RDUSBON-xakELGZh5cQtcVnaVcKP7gJ7k6_M-jUU0vEmgX7OH5VzBLLsDwQffgM4BEO2a_l8RHBHj8-3L0rO-AhDJCwd5kJBrrgI6dHP/s640/DSCN6351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of the accoutrement of the perfume making business. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXlILnJQtYQ_DwZuWAktNk1AxvgUTzTboVZevKog33wVpEAPdJVMcRXsUutlhtqWoQkUkZTw5-vX1daZeMmOSKTwjjK3kFiIPXyuaE10PqsictsyAlfpF53pyp3wChtxubS6zgiARO3wS/s1600/DSCN6352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXlILnJQtYQ_DwZuWAktNk1AxvgUTzTboVZevKog33wVpEAPdJVMcRXsUutlhtqWoQkUkZTw5-vX1daZeMmOSKTwjjK3kFiIPXyuaE10PqsictsyAlfpF53pyp3wChtxubS6zgiARO3wS/s640/DSCN6352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dUCUl3uGtQaq_ovn_rlUieICgQ7F7DeFf4R6_YAEcoNwL67gvUwIls93eEqeiffY3gtjEUyMkckhIyP2gDAPi4m35Xx3WIXEu4ft8qvUIh5XySHKitrRx-5kh4J5s_QIR3ycWh-VQcNn/s1600/DSCN6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dUCUl3uGtQaq_ovn_rlUieICgQ7F7DeFf4R6_YAEcoNwL67gvUwIls93eEqeiffY3gtjEUyMkckhIyP2gDAPi4m35Xx3WIXEu4ft8qvUIh5XySHKitrRx-5kh4J5s_QIR3ycWh-VQcNn/s640/DSCN6353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWKmpVePgV2W_pgzMVjGmQXhtGJzhXIhE4kEDp_b3tvmG75iflliemASJ4vGrC09ZG-FL-pSoFQW6knCQj9QNZKhoHRbAhyphenhyphend3CK-VaJRioLIww7bPhSOsLOe-AJp52JyAiegHHalxPQAB/s1600/DSCN6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWKmpVePgV2W_pgzMVjGmQXhtGJzhXIhE4kEDp_b3tvmG75iflliemASJ4vGrC09ZG-FL-pSoFQW6knCQj9QNZKhoHRbAhyphenhyphend3CK-VaJRioLIww7bPhSOsLOe-AJp52JyAiegHHalxPQAB/s640/DSCN6354.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our tour lead us out the back of the shop and museum building to a gorgeous back yard filled with flowering plants and herbs.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJxr78KYOwJLMe0_VIt-Pr6_xCQbo1NXwo5_OdVXle0hbZgTBMoDLlMG3nGvh3CFIhbUXP0L9CH0gpOVn12raOxoqSPuuJK_NcAoyI0f10MzRb6lyKbc98rBp6gCpBojGJ-kc7mg6DHuc/s1600/DSCN6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJxr78KYOwJLMe0_VIt-Pr6_xCQbo1NXwo5_OdVXle0hbZgTBMoDLlMG3nGvh3CFIhbUXP0L9CH0gpOVn12raOxoqSPuuJK_NcAoyI0f10MzRb6lyKbc98rBp6gCpBojGJ-kc7mg6DHuc/s640/DSCN6358.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The "factory" was surprisingly a small, cool room filled with these large glass bottles where the various eau de colognes and perfumes were distilling. Each bottle is dedicated to a single scent. It's used brand new and never washed between uses, as washing or detergents could adulterate the purity of each cologne. The bottles are hand blown in Italy and when a scent is discontinued, so is the bottle. The cloudy liquid in the bottle mid-row far right contains a citrus essential oil, which they say starts out cloudy and then clears up before bottling. I just loved all the colors - which look like the ocean. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAZWX7HWNC-m1BnPyj12SZ-E8xugC8vA-OiOmv7Ool1yHmEhABxbG2LJnq_o54mSvETXDJp4l6NbfDS8IcmzfVBusU0GnvlgbWc7HYh7XXTucFKIbDuib_P7aTrpwV2CmOMTMC6UQsmdB/s1600/DSCN6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAZWX7HWNC-m1BnPyj12SZ-E8xugC8vA-OiOmv7Ool1yHmEhABxbG2LJnq_o54mSvETXDJp4l6NbfDS8IcmzfVBusU0GnvlgbWc7HYh7XXTucFKIbDuib_P7aTrpwV2CmOMTMC6UQsmdB/s640/DSCN6361.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvb8WaCf7IRQfVmmG7Ic4Yn_DNtSZX22ePrrkbcmJzp8SsH7YtMsAIfdxIFa6jxvoi9zjXRGVuaL4tPSn0CoNfYZKzte3kldy9TnbWJ2cAFH15jlbd34-3MTaht2khD5hrJ3yBHES4kiF/s1600/DSCN6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvb8WaCf7IRQfVmmG7Ic4Yn_DNtSZX22ePrrkbcmJzp8SsH7YtMsAIfdxIFa6jxvoi9zjXRGVuaL4tPSn0CoNfYZKzte3kldy9TnbWJ2cAFH15jlbd34-3MTaht2khD5hrJ3yBHES4kiF/s640/DSCN6363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>These smaller dark amber bottles are distilling perfumes, which are much more condensed than eau de cologne or eau de toilette. There is a description of the three strengths of perfume <a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/know_how/">here</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKF7hpg_ejKT9PiYOLlWIdp3rdo9VdbDmYhc08kaRbjqNss9idiytsku3d1ncSTuVBvvlupaQes3IFeF_xTQKjOaMen4a5pnkCfmwsKprvGA69qy2tdbwPYXP-1q0bXQUhZ5VgkZm6U656/s1600/DSCN6366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKF7hpg_ejKT9PiYOLlWIdp3rdo9VdbDmYhc08kaRbjqNss9idiytsku3d1ncSTuVBvvlupaQes3IFeF_xTQKjOaMen4a5pnkCfmwsKprvGA69qy2tdbwPYXP-1q0bXQUhZ5VgkZm6U656/s640/DSCN6366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some perfume making items...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYeDgSeWp7E6gT7RP4CB9H84Ey7BShD3IavRpvSqnG6C7dd9c2kmyxaglZqBAWbhsyLTG6h69o9nMTQOmKKl7C496kjZMdHvCksfJEsiiWY8ZxngCUjUKBynSmboqnN_h318MFrWBtvdW/s1600/DSCN6367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYeDgSeWp7E6gT7RP4CB9H84Ey7BShD3IavRpvSqnG6C7dd9c2kmyxaglZqBAWbhsyLTG6h69o9nMTQOmKKl7C496kjZMdHvCksfJEsiiWY8ZxngCUjUKBynSmboqnN_h318MFrWBtvdW/s640/DSCN6367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A wild rosemary bush - the scent was amazing.<br /><br />I brought home the <a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/boutique/?f=11&p=58">Lily Bermuda Library of Scents</a> - it was so hard to select just one! Their scent Pink (Pink Mimosa, Grapefruit & Peonies) is quickly becoming a favorite, however. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/data/prod/1000_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bermuda-perfumery.com/data/prod/1000_p.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos by Linda Merrill, unless otherwise noted or look like product shots. </span><br /><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>

Heaven Scent: The Bermuda Perfumery

One of our must-see destinations last week in Bermuda was the Bermuda Perfumery. Apparently, it's been quite a tourist destination since it's opening in 1928, when the first owner used to pay tourist operators to bring their groups. My mother recalls visiting the Perfumery in 1938 when she was a lit…

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Hotel Review: Fairmont Southampton and lots of food stuff

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--TaMD6TOHEM/UDOS9C-VWeI/AAAAAAAALnc/ui-DuloEAjw/s2034/Photo%252520Aug%2525204%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="286" id="blogsy-1345560247243.2256" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--TaMD6TOHEM/UDOS9C-VWeI/AAAAAAAALnc/ui-DuloEAjw/s650/Photo%252520Aug%2525204%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />I spent last week in Bermuda at the beautiful <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/">Fairmont Southampton Resort</a> and wanted to share my thoughts about our stay. For clarity, this is NOT a paid review, I received no discounts or freebies (okay, I DID receive a couple of birthday sweeties!) in exchange for my thoughts here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eCA1Bm3TIj8/UDOTDkIr47I/AAAAAAAALnk/3-ii31elfMA/s2039/Photo%252520Aug%2525204%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="282" id="blogsy-1345560247263.2207" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eCA1Bm3TIj8/UDOTDkIr47I/AAAAAAAALnk/3-ii31elfMA/s650/Photo%252520Aug%2525204%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A06%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />The first four images on this post are from the hotel's website. Clearly, I couldn't get an areal shot or a photo of the empty lobby. All but one of the remaining images are mine, however. This trip was a long planned extravaganza for four of my closest girl friends whom I grew up with. I guess it's fairly unusual for a group of friends that go back to elementary school to still be close when we hit our mid-C mark; we know we're blessed. We started talking about a spa retreat vacation ten years ago, so we were very ready for a first class experience. And, for the most part, we received it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jDibWX6MbQ/UDOUuyWYoQI/AAAAAAAALns/T_i6Vs2oJ7s/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525204%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A07%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="282" id="blogsy-1345560247259.9387" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jDibWX6MbQ/UDOUuyWYoQI/AAAAAAAALns/T_i6Vs2oJ7s/s650/Photo%252520Aug%2525204%25252C%2525202012%2525201%25253A07%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A decorator is never really on vacation and we do like to evaluate our surroundings. The lobby of the hotel is very beautiful and for a busy, well used space, it's in great condition. A few things are different now than when the above pic was taken, in particular they no longer have the little settees flanking the round table. And, as a matter of fact, the one critique I'd have of the lobby is that there were few places for more than one person to sit down together. There were several big comfy chairs on each of the four sides of the central stair, but they were placed as single chairs. It's a small point, but pairs of chairs would be nice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i9ox1YvcFRw/UDOZSuE0XQI/AAAAAAAALpE/g-1EMmwDtQY/s980/Photo%252520Aug%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A20%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="304" id="blogsy-1345560247288.5046" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i9ox1YvcFRw/UDOZSuE0XQI/AAAAAAAALpE/g-1EMmwDtQY/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A20%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This wasn't my room, but looks substantially the same. Since I was sharing, we had two beds. The bureau on the right which holds the tv was in fact a large mini-bar unit which held the coffee/tea service, fridge and other similar items. There was also a very comfy, swivel desk chair as well. The bathroom featured side by side sinks and plenty of room for two women to set out all our various toiletries. There was also a substantial walk-in closet with a tall bureau that served as a dressing room. All it needed was a bench to sit on (see, the decorator never stops!!!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qKrBuncKj2A/UDORF1BTWXI/AAAAAAAALmE/8Vxn5V3JMR0/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1345560247299.9878" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qKrBuncKj2A/UDORF1BTWXI/AAAAAAAALmE/8Vxn5V3JMR0/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />This was the view from my room - nice huh? We were on the 4th floor, having booked the full ocean view rooms. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKgtxQDmc-4/UDOSKaWAtEI/AAAAAAAALm0/Fo15z46Oh5Q/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1345560247261.7793" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKgtxQDmc-4/UDOSKaWAtEI/AAAAAAAALm0/Fo15z46Oh5Q/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A17%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather reports before we arrived showed rainy weather was predicted and while we did have some rain it came and went very quickly.  One day we were treated to this amazing double rainbow. </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/AVvXsEj5OuhkQuX2R9lzrWw148fj5QBMJmrtDN5lvkNMRRIST8lke3baDaNbZ38f0KbtDkhw1bLJWwumZzUTBGW_3bi9XjCIgabdLrZO_-9VfewTNJ6S7cIdfpL1-na7cr0CfE6WQ_TL1WyAEc1h/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OuhkQuX2R9lzrWw148fj5QBMJmrtDN5lvkNMRRIST8lke3baDaNbZ38f0KbtDkhw1bLJWwumZzUTBGW_3bi9XjCIgabdLrZO_-9VfewTNJ6S7cIdfpL1-na7cr0CfE6WQ_TL1WyAEc1h/s640/photo-2.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of treats, this lovely cake was delivered from the hotel manager upon arrival.  I'll admit that I did pre-Tweet the hotel about our arrival and all about our joint birthday celebrations. Cake all around! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2DFu1tR7vYU/UDORqMIFsZI/AAAAAAAALmc/n4uMQl9sY0s/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1345560247278.524" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2DFu1tR7vYU/UDORqMIFsZI/AAAAAAAALmc/n4uMQl9sY0s/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U6K_UhROHWI/UDOX1NNegCI/AAAAAAAALo0/csFxOmUI4MM/s1536/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A56%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1345560247289.2769" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U6K_UhROHWI/UDOX1NNegCI/AAAAAAAALo0/csFxOmUI4MM/s640/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525206%25253A56%252520PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We took advantage of the hotel's <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/special-offers/hotel-offers/spa/pamperinparadise/">Pamper in Paradise</a> package which included not only the rooms, but a spa service at the Willow Stream Spa and a dinner at the famous Waterlot Restaurant. The Spa is beautiful and includes a private indoor pool with outdoor balcony seating overlooking the ocean. The pool is private for those who pay and are 18 and over during day time hours and is open to all hotel guests after 6:30. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KuOCnMKfMfU/UDORdT5PAOI/AAAAAAAALmU/TEZFwupYMS8/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1345560247225.1484" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KuOCnMKfMfU/UDORdT5PAOI/AAAAAAAALmU/TEZFwupYMS8/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A03%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>The view from the private patio overlooking the ocean... (sorry about my pre-pedi toes!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EJm6NCMlxu0/UDOSq_TV1MI/AAAAAAAALnM/6fG5Q_AhqUc/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1345560247230.7952" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EJm6NCMlxu0/UDOSq_TV1MI/AAAAAAAALnM/6fG5Q_AhqUc/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252014%25252C%2525202012%2525203%25253A02%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>Lunch could be delivered right to the pool, which was divine after our spa services. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7asb7LtyIDA/UDOR0WhWJ1I/AAAAAAAALmk/vMk9sI0F-_w/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1345560247267.7087" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7asb7LtyIDA/UDOR0WhWJ1I/AAAAAAAALmk/vMk9sI0F-_w/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>And this is the women's private lounge. There is also a couple's lounge for men. Apparently, there's not much need for a men's only lounge. I will say, they know how to cater to women's tastes and sensibilities.<br /><br />Unfortunately, there was a problem with the Spa that did dampen our spirits somewhat. Although the Willow Stream Spa is onsite, it's apparently a separate entity from hotel and they basically serve as a vendor to the hotel. Based on our confirmations and the package description on the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/special-offers/hotel-offers/spa/pamperinparadise/">website</a>, we understood that we had unlimited access to the entire Spa, not just the workout room and pool after 6:30pm. However, when we tried to enter the spa on our first day, the ladies at the desk were completely unaware of the package itself and what it contained. I had to run back to my room to get the written confirmation, which was fine. However, the written email confirm specified The Willow Stream Spa Fitness Facility, which they deemed to be only the workout room, not the sauna's, changing room, showers or pool. Hmm... Definitely not our understanding of the package. I wished I'd shown them the website page, because it makes it clear that it included unlimited access. To their credit, the ladies at the desk gave us access that day anyway and said they'd look into it. When we left in a couple of hours,  they confirmed we only had unlimited access on the day of our spa treatments, which was our third day.  As it turns out, on day two, we were so busy sight seeing, we'd have never been able to use the Spa during the day, so it didn't matter that much. However, all of us (three rooms housing five people) had problems with our bills upon checkout. All the spa services that were part of the package were billed to our rooms and the hotel's front desk people seemed to have never heard of the Pamper in Paradise package. As we each checked out separately, we each had to go through the whole explanation to get the charges credited appropriately. One of our party was made to go down to the spa herself to see what they had to say (she was definitely NOT a happy camper about that). Needless to say, this was not a pleasant way to finish a very pleasant holiday. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xF3Z47Agn_E/UDOXexVcTNI/AAAAAAAALok/YAbxbqqCV64/s1536/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A53%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1345560247241.431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xF3Z47Agn_E/UDOXexVcTNI/AAAAAAAALok/YAbxbqqCV64/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A53%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />Onto happier moments. The hotel breakfast buffet at their Windows on the Sound restaurant was most excellent and there was no need to have lunch on any of the days we were there. The staff were wonderful, in particular Philip and Naomi(I think), who were super attentive and a whole lotta fun! On my birthday, my friends of course shared that fact with Philip as he was seating us. A few minutes later, he was standing next to me, twisting a plain white paper napkin into a lovely little present (see above). How cute is that? It didn't make the journey home very well, but then neither would a real rose. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tfbIa1o94BI/UDOR_IkVB6I/AAAAAAAALms/cB-G0Fl0a7w/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A17%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1345560247246.1528" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tfbIa1o94BI/UDOR_IkVB6I/AAAAAAAALms/cB-G0Fl0a7w/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525208%25253A17%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />And, at the end of breakfast, I was treated to a birthday serenade by the waitstaff and the most delicious piece of cheesecake I've ever tasted. Unfortunately, we were all so full after breakfast we could barely eat more than a couple of bites. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dkRwtADZF4o/UDOen4tncEI/AAAAAAAALqE/9Wk1f4fqzaw/s448/Photo%252520Aug%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="273" id="blogsy-1345560247279.6975" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dkRwtADZF4o/UDOen4tncEI/AAAAAAAALqE/9Wk1f4fqzaw/s582/Photo%252520Aug%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252010%25253A39%252520AM.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br />As mentioned above, the package included dinner at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/southampton-bermuda/dining/waterlotinn/">Waterlot Restaurant</a>, which has been on Bermuda for 350 years! The pic above is from their website, but I believe this is actually our table, although the chairs are different. The Waterlot is known for its old-world style and steak! It was very delicious. The service was a tad spotty - for instance water glasses went unfilled, empty cocktail glasses were not removed when the wine was delivered, crumbs weren't cleaned off the table cloth after the first course (ok, I am picking nits with that last one, I suppose...) We all felt that this was more a result of understaffing than actual inattentiveness. Like the Spa, the Waterlot is a vendor to the hotel and they were also unaware of the package details.  In fact, we were a little clueless as well and needed them to call the hotel to be sure that "dinner" really meant the entire dinner (excluding alcohol, of course). Another example of lack of information sharing between those who created the package deals and those who are on the ground. It was, however, an amazing 3-course meal and the best piece of steak I've ever eaten. A gentleman at the next table even sent us over a bottle of Champagne, which was fun. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D8Cmvfb-BxE/UDOWb5yFyhI/AAAAAAAALn8/AcSklZpxzJc/s320/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="257" id="blogsy-1345560247292.1792" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D8Cmvfb-BxE/UDOWb5yFyhI/AAAAAAAALn8/AcSklZpxzJc/s343/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>A tiny little iPhone pic of our wonderful evening. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkNS3U9sx3w/UDOWxCPXWhI/AAAAAAAALoU/MyafhaRM5bA/s320/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="312" id="blogsy-1345560247306.749" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nkNS3U9sx3w/UDOWxCPXWhI/AAAAAAAALoU/MyafhaRM5bA/s416/Photo%252520Aug%25252016%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A40%252520PM.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>I ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding and was again serenaded by the waitstaff for my day. (My diet started yesterday, btw). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1Jpaezwivw/UDOWmcuyIZI/AAAAAAAALoE/acOjZ8SQqmc/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1345560247269.2146" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y1Jpaezwivw/UDOWmcuyIZI/AAAAAAAALoE/acOjZ8SQqmc/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A51%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />We went to the beach early on the last morning, which is an easy trolley bus ride from the hotel. The water was amazing, warm and bouyant. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ptx6vaCiJs/UDOWvysvdqI/AAAAAAAALoM/Mkj8lZD8HYk/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A54%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1345560247259.951" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Ptx6vaCiJs/UDOWvysvdqI/AAAAAAAALoM/Mkj8lZD8HYk/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525207%25253A54%252520AM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />To sum up the hotel experience: The Fairmont Southampton excels at hospitality and needs work on logistics and the flow of information. However, I would highly recommend them and we all agreed we <strike>want</strike> need to go back. Just make sure to confirm any package deals ahead of time and don't assume the right and left hands are in perfect communication. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igyyiflHA-M/UDOXpSzyJqI/AAAAAAAALos/VughloCycEg/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1345560247243.8428" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igyyiflHA-M/UDOXpSzyJqI/AAAAAAAALos/VughloCycEg/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252015%25252C%2525202012%2525204%25253A16%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />I also wanted to share the true highlight of our trip, which was <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/hamilton-bermuda/dining/afternoontea-heritagecourt/">Afternoon Tea at Heritage Court</a> at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel on the other side of the island. A ferry boat ride from one hotel to the other brought us right to the rear patio door of the Hamilton Princess. It was beastly hot and humid and I was nearly fainting, and definitely very irritable, by the time we got inside. But the blessed air conditioning, a long tall iced tea and the attentive services of Kiawana (?) (Kiwi for short), not to mention some amazing tasty treats refreshed and revived me. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaWmdVCdI-zejTdzOlUB3n07QM3KTbNK-25tSri7I1hXosXhJzhIW2k2pco-P8mbuPE_104PQ-WJfJJ8Qtkm2ENM51Gql2p7PifBSIvWqd1mjJL5HUb0VareFK1x8Cg-KjmeZQMZRI2GQ/s1600/DSCN6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaWmdVCdI-zejTdzOlUB3n07QM3KTbNK-25tSri7I1hXosXhJzhIW2k2pco-P8mbuPE_104PQ-WJfJJ8Qtkm2ENM51Gql2p7PifBSIvWqd1mjJL5HUb0VareFK1x8Cg-KjmeZQMZRI2GQ/s640/DSCN6390.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>The private view from our seats over looking the coy pond. It was raining while we were there, but that made it feel all the more Englishy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aLu_bOJkw7M/UDOdOAwqInI/AAAAAAAALp8/WAUkar094AY/s1600/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1345560247306.8364" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aLu_bOJkw7M/UDOdOAwqInI/AAAAAAAALp8/WAUkar094AY/s650/Photo%252520Aug%25252017%25252C%2525202012%2525209%25253A41%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div>Me with my girls. And yes, there was little left but crumbs at the end of our two+ hour tea party. Quality time with my besties. Priceless. <br /><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Hotel Review: Fairmont Southampton and lots of food stuff

I spent last week in Bermuda at the beautiful Fairmont Southampton Resort and wanted to share my thoughts about our stay. For clarity, this is NOT a paid review, I received no discounts or freebies (okay, I DID receive a couple of birthday sweeties!) in exchange for my thoughts here.The first four i…

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