Indulge Decor Blog

Harbour Island

 

When travelling to the Bahamas, you might want to keep in mind the saying -

Hurry Up and Wait.

As I mentioned in the earlier post, our Ft. Lauderdale to North Eleuthera flight ended up running about 4 hours late, grr. It turns out, Issac and I were the only 2 passengers on the next flight and that was why the Continental representative was so irritated that he could not reach us (Issac & me) to put us on the earlier flight that was running 2 hours late (Did they delay that flight just for us, hmm?). Just to make things more interesting for all, the powers to be at 'said' airline, took 9 nice folks off a completely different flight (to nearby Governor's Harbour) and put them all on our North Eleuthera flight (huh?). Then, Continental gave all 9 dis-enfranchised passengers free vouchers for taxi transportation to their actual destination (Governor's Harbour) a mere 1 hour away.

I 'overheard' a local Bahamian grandmother (fellow passenger) remark to her precious grand-daughter, "God put Continental Airlines into my life to teach me patience."

Amen!

Take 9 passengers off one plane to Governor's Harbour, and put them on a completely different plane just so you can deliver 2 passengers to Harbour Island, hmm.

9 taxi vouchers to Governor's Harbour instead of the reverse - 2 taxi vouchers to Harbour Island.

Sounds like typical big business bureaucracy - spend dollars to save pennies . . . . ?

(Someone told me that the Gulf Stream Airline franchise was filing for bankruptcy, hmm. I'm sure they will qualify for some type of government bailout.)

Anyhew, . . . .

The moment you step foot on Harbour Island all your travel worries disappear. You just breathe out big city life (stupid airline) and breathe in island life (worry free).

Except perhaps for the guy sitting next to you on the water taxi with not 1 but 2 machetes, eech! I let Issac take that seat. Poor dear, he doesn't even notice the blades, just as well, tee hee.

Hotel check-in is always a funny thing to me. Issac always makes the hotel reservations for us (translation - his credit card). I'm assuming that The Coral Sands Hotel must be a really nice place to work. I say that because every year we see so many familiar faces still working there and still smiling. For Issac, there are lots of warm "Hellos," "So glad your back," "We've put you in the same room that you had last time." And then, they glance over at me with a polite blank expression on their faces.

"And, you are traveling with . . . .?"

Once the hotel arrival adulation has begun to wear off, Issac remembers to speak up, "My wife is with me. Yes, that," sweeping gesture, "is my lovely wife."

Whatever . . . .

Really though, I get it. They've all been in the hotel business a long time and marriage is a 50/50 split. And, I guess, a husband could bring more than one 'lady friend' to a romantic island get away. And, their (hotel's) allegiance is to 'said' credit card so to speak and not to individuals (wives). Lastly, and probably the most likely, all us middle-aged, blonde haired, white chicks must look the same, ha ha.

(Or, I guess, I could be his, ahem, much younger 'niece,' tee hee.)

Personally, I can't wait to get to the room and throw off my cumbersome winter clothes (it was a chilly 38 degrees in Houston when we left), and slip into my island look, and head straight for the beach. One of my all time favorite Harbour Island activities is to simply just walk down the beach either direction - In the morning, I tend to walk to the right . . . . .

and in the evening, I tend to walk to the left.

Did I mention that I love to eaves drop on other people's conversation whenever possible, all the time, tee hee? I know that eaves dropping is terribly impolite and a horrible habit, but I just can't seem to help myself.

I haven't even cleared the Coral Sand's 3rd beach umbrella when I overhear one young tanned college age girl confide to her BFF strolling along side her, "I really wish that I had a few days off between going home and going back to college, you know, . . . to rest."

"I know, me too." The incredibly tanned BFF replied, most earnestly.

Poor dears, life can be so stressful at that age.

- - - - -

One thing that I have grown to understand and love about Harbour Island is that Issac and I are on the same vacation migratory pattern as several other individuals and families on The Island. Translation, many of us recognize each other from coming to stay on The Island and/or at the Coral Sands Hotel or simply we have sat next to each other for a meal at one of our very favorite spots.

Issac and I have 3 favorite Dinner spots on the island -

Coral Sands Hotel

The Landing

The Rock House

 

For Lunch -

 Coral Sands Hotel

The Dunmore Deli

Sip Sip

 Aqua Pazzo

Queen Conch

 

For Breakfast -

Coral Sands Hotel

Arthur's Bakery

Dunmore Deli

 

Typical of any species, the watering hole (bar) is where you will find the male species at his most vulnerable (stupid). One such particular 'bird' that we've run into a couple of times over the past few years was telling us (anyone who would listen) that he is thinking about making the move from 'bay' to 'beach'.

"I bought on the bay side a few years ago, but I really want to be on the beach side now." He ascertained.

"Oh, you fish." I assumed. Because wouldn't that be pretty great to be able to pull your fishing boat right up to the dock on your bay side home.

"No, never.' He replied, most emphatically.

"Oh, then you must enjoy walks on the beach and swimming in the ocean." I continued my efforts.

"No, I've been down here all week, and I haven't made it over to the beach yet."

Over?  - You mean the whole 1/2 mile distance in golf-cart?

"I just see myself on the beach side more than the bay side."

"Well, I guess it is worth the extra money if you are down here a lot." I smiled.

"Oh, I hardly ever come down. I've only been down a couple times since I bought the place. I'm way too busy."

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you buy the place to begin with."

"For my grand-kids to visit."

"Oh, you have grandchildren?"

Ahh, he's trying to be a fun grand-dad.

"No, my kids are in high-school and live with my ex, but I will have grand-kids some day, and I'm sure they would love the beach."

 I remembered to forget to ask the fella his name again this year, tee hee.

"Have you looked elsewhere? Perhaps Palm Beach would be more convenient."

He doesn't deserve to own a house on such a beautiful island. He should sell the house and buy a pretty painting to impress his friends (and himself!) with.

I know, I shouldn't have such strong opinions.  I don't know why I would even care. But, the conversation did make me think - How many homeowners on Harbour Island (or any resort for that matter) are too busy to take time out/ off to enjoy their beautiful vacation homes?

I will always remember my friend P.A. telling me about a 'bird' (peacock) she met at a cocktail party in Aspen one summer. The guy just kept going on and on about how many homes he owned, and how many house keys he had to keep up with, and how he didn't have time to even go to all these homes, . . . . blah, blah, blah.

My dear friend quickly cut him off, "Those houses don't sound like homes, they sound like investments. A piece of real estate is not a home, it's an asset."

My friend P.A. is not easily impressed.

- - - - -

During my beach holiday on Harbour Island, I received a text ($3) from my over-achieving brother who was in Vail with his family for an action packed ski week.

"Skied 15 runs today." He bragged. "What did you do today?" He challenged.

I know he wouldn't understand how lovely (and completely opposite) my 'winter' vacation was . . . . .

 

An early morning walk on the beach.

 

Followed, by a big breakfast.

 

Some quality beach time.

Lunch, (wouldn't  dream of missing a meal, ha ha.)

 

Perhaps, another stroll on the beach.

Sightseeing . . . . . .

Shopping . . . . . .

 

Straw Market

 

The Sugar Mill

 

Miss Mae's

 

Blue Rooster

 

A little eco-tourism . . . .

 

Huge dinner . . . . . to bed.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Harbour Island, not your everyday walk on the beach.

(My kind of powder, ha ha.)

Blanc D'Ivoire Shipment January 2011

 

I call this container - Hurry Up & Wait

Items on this container purchased in August 2010 at Maison & Objet in Paris. Paid for in October and received January 17, 2011 - a mere 4 1/2 months later, grrr. No matter what I do, I can not get the goods packed, shipped, and out on the floor any quicker.

Anyhew, it's always worth the wait. May I present our 2011 Blanc D'Ivoire Collection available to purchase right off the floor (while supplies last!).

 

Victoria Console PM, Romane Mirror

(shown with Juliska accessories and not-exactly-real-flowers)

 

Victoria Console GM, Romane Mirror

(shown with Juliska accessories and not-exactly-real-flowers)

 

Roxanne Chest in Gray, Carole Sconces in Ash Metal

(shown with Juliska accessories and not-exactly-real-flowers)

 

Carole Sconce in Ash Metal (sold as pair)

 

 

Roxanne Chest in Gray, Carole Sconce in Gray

(shown with Vietri Incanto pottery)

 

Carole Sconce in Gray (sold as pair)

 

 

Pauline Dining Chairs in Distressed Oak with Linen

 

- - - - -

Claudia Headboard in Gray (available queen & king)

(shown with Sferra Francesca bedding)

 

 

Charlie Headboard Queen, Paola Chest

(shown with Peacock Alley & Sferra Bedding)

 

Paola Chest, Paola Side Table shown in Gray

 

Ingrid Headboard Queen Only, Romy Chest in Distressed White with Oak Top

(shown with Matteo bedding)

 

Eddy Side Tables, Leonie Chest

 

Diana (far left), Eddy (far right), Cleo (center front) Side Tables

 

Jackie Headboard (Queen & King), Paola Side Table in Ebony, Fish Prints (set of 3)

(shown with Matteo & Peacock Alley bedding)

 

Jules Writing Desk in Ebony

 

Charlotte Writing Desk in Gray

 

Claire Writing Desk in Gray

 

Arthur Side Table

 

Eddy Side Table (has drawer)

(shown with Matteo Bedding)

 

Anais Side Table (cabinet)

 

Bla Bla Lamb Mobile, too charme.

 

- - - - -

 

Zinc Birdcage from Belgium

 

Not-Exactly-Real-Finches

 

Blanc D'Ivoire Garden Table, PM & GM

 

 

Elysees Chandelier - PM, GM, XL

 

Blanc D'Ivoire Gladis & Isy Mirrors

 

- - - - -

Indulge Linens Decor - 2501 River Oaks Boulevard

Best Looking Mirrored / Distressed Wood Cocktail Table Ever!

 

Stag Leg Table

 

Stag Leg Table available in PM & GM

 

By the time you have read this blog post, I will have already left for France to buy more' good stuff.'

Au revoir.

Golden Globes Best Dressed 2011

 

Since my husband has absolutely no interest in watching the Golden Globes, I am banished to the bedroom to watch the show by myself. Actually, I have the sound turned down because the noise is  disturbing me while I'm trying to concentrate on my typing (spelling). I am watching (not listening) to the G.G. not for the awards or sappy acceptance speeches, but for what else - the fashion!

So, I have come up with a few award categories of my own.

 

Olivia Wilde - Best Princess

 

Michelle Williams- Most De-Lovely

 

 

 

Natalie Portman - Best Drape (Baby Bump!)

 

 

Anne Hathaway - Best Over-the-Shoulder Pose 

 

 

Claire Danes & Emma Stone - Best Color 

   

 

 

Sofia Vergara & January Jones - Best Va-Voom

   

 

 

Halle Berry & Eva Longoria - Best Black

   

 

Halee Steinfeld - Best Kido

 

- - - - - 

Best Hollywood Couples

 

Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta Jones

 

 

Robert Downey Jr. & Susan

 

 

Brangelina

- - - - -

Best Single Guys

 

Jake Gyllenhaal (looks so swift, ha ha)

 

 

Alec Baldwin - He's Complicated

 

- - - - -

Lost In Translation (A nice way to say not my favorite)

 

Helena Bonham Carter & Sandra Bullock

  

 

Julianne Moore - The wonderful smile can not even save the dress.

Waiting for great photo of Helen Mirren - Best Ageless!

- - - - -

But as they teach children on the playground these days - everyone is a winner, right? Ha, ha.

*Please note - all photos downloaded during the show from MSN Wonder Wall, unbelievable.

Book Review - Beach Holiday Read

 

I am a voracious reader. In fact, I was that geeky kid who finished her summer break reading list the first few weeks of June and then read the 'extra credit' books for fun. I am ashamed to admit that now days, most of my reading material is purchased at airport kiosks and leans toward the 'serial killer' and 'who-dun-it' fodder. It is with that confession in mind that I was surprised at myself that just before my trip to Harbour Island, I actually went to the neighborhood bookstore and selected 2 'real' books to take with me to read late at night in my room and on the beach. (It is amazing how much I can read if I have the stupid TV turned off, hmm.)

Two very different memoirs featuring two of Britain's most famous (living) celebrities. I feel pretty certain that I am one of the very few people in the world who decided to read those 2 particular books back to back - a Duchess and a Rock Legend, hmm. But, at the time, my reading choices seemed quite logical.

 

 

and,

 

I started with The Duchess, but of course.

Deborah Mitford

Duchess of Devonshire - Wait For Me - Memoirs

My Book Review - *****

I love her, truly!

Such fortitude, grace, character, and perseverance, The Duchess embodies all those wonderful and seemingly rare traits that are so obscured in 'fascinating' women these days (especially in America!). To be perfectly frank, I can not even imagine who her counter part might be in America today.

The Duchess is so open and vulnerable in her Memoirs. You learn of her 3 miscarriages, her beloved brother Tom's heroic death during The War. The impact of the deaths of several dear childhood friends fatally wounded during those great battles. Her sister Unity's attempted suicide. Her sister Diana and brother-in-law's 2 year imprisonment during The War for being suspected Nazi sympathizers. Her husband's brother Billy's unforeseen death.  Her sister-in-law Kick Kennedy's tragic plane crash in France. The unthinkable betrayal of (sister) Nancy in regards to (sister) Diana's imprisonment. The extreme burden of debt the young married couple faced in regards to Chatsworth and the death taxes / penalties associated with such taxes. Her husband Andrew's much hidden (yet seemingly controlled) alcoholism.

So much of The Duchess' story reminds me of the quote - 'That which does not kill us makes us stronger.' 

And, yet through it all, relaying all the sadness and tragedy, the Duchess never once falters and implies poor me. Instead, you get the distinctive impression that she looked at life quite positively. I guess that was her mother's influence and the influence of being brought up in the country to be completely self-sufficient and sensible (aside from baby chickens and baby pigs as dining table centerpieces, ha ha.)

My only criticism of the book is that I wish that she (The Duchess) had included even more photos of family and friends. But, I guess that is the sign of a really great book - leave the reader wanting more. Perhaps the follow up book could be Duchess of Devonshire - Cherished Photo Albums, ha ha.

And, I think the movie should star either Dame Judi Dench or Helen Mirren as The Duchess. Either actress would be completely believable.

P.S.- While waiting for the movie version of Wait For Me, rent Nancy Mitford's book-turned-movie The Pursuit of Love / Love in a Cold Climate. Most charming movie and I'm told the book is (of course) loosely based on the Mitford family. The first scene in the movie captures the eccentricities of the country life so wonderfully - noble father, hunting dogs, children, I can't tell you any more or I will give it all away.

 Next up,

 Life

by Keith Richards

Thinking back on why I bought this book actually had very little to do with Keith Richards and everything to do with an article that I had recently read about his beautiful wife Patti Hanson (they've been married for 27 years!) and her heroic fight against bladder cancer (stage 2). In the article, Patti lovingly pays tribute to her husband Keith whom she states if it wasn't for him she never would have made it through.

Huh, I thought?

That guy is still married to that really pretty model? They have two incredibly beautiful daughters? They live in Connecticut?

I think that I kind of got him tangled up there with 'ole Mick and all his tricks. I guess you can't judge a rock super legend by his album cover, ha ha.

Rolling Stones 1966 album cover on acid, I mean in 3D.

 

According to the book, - Yes, there were drugs, lots of drugs. And sadly, several close friends died as a result of an over indulgent lifestyle, but, somehow Keith survived it all and amazingly seems to remember it.

"We must reconsider our ideas on drugs," wrote Cecil Beaton in his diary. "It seems these boys (Rolling Stones) live off them, yet they seem extremely healthy and strong. We will see." - 1967 (page 217)

Turns out Keith is a really nice guy and the glue that kept The Stones together for all those years. I think that it's hilarious that he calls Mick Jagger 'Her Majesty,' (page 453) and kind of tragic that the press stalked him so - In 1973 the New Musical Express drew up a 'top 10 of rock stars most likely to die', and put Keith at number 1. (Keith was number 1 on that list for ten years straight.) (page 364)

Throughout the book, you really get that Keith was always in it for the music and the camaraderie of meeting and getting to play with his rock heroes and that perhaps Mick was in it for himself (money and accolades). When Mick decided to strike out on his own and declared in an interview that "the Rolling Stones are a millstone around my neck." (page 464), Keith was deeply hurt.

For me, the fun part about the book is to hear how so many of the songs were written and how the 'conspiracy theories' behind the songs are so laughable. For instance the song "Jumpin' Jack Flash" was always rumored to be about heroin (flash) when actually it was inspired by the gardener (Jack) jumpin' up and down trying to get the rain off his boots (page 240), ha ha. 

The Rolling Stones have been together since 1962 (a year before I was born!). As far as I know, I have seen The Stones in concert 3 times. My only true confirmation for this number (3) is how many Stones t-shirts I remember owning; they were my favorite! (Concert t-shirt creed - You only wear the t-shirts of the concerts you actually went to. No giving a friend $20 bucks to pick you up one.) Apparently, I seem to have a very 'selective memory' as far as concerts go, ha ha. It would seem that Keith has a better long term memory than me, wink.

Probably the one thing that Keith Richards and I have in common - He too is a self proclaimed voracious reader! (page 522)

Previously read . . . .

 
I have to say that I was more creeped out reading the nonfiction book Monster In River Oaks than I have ever been reading a Stephen King or James Patterson murder mystery. The author of MIRO weaves a tale (told as a typical lawyer would tell it - complete indifference) of control, power, sexual deviancy, stupid wealth, stupid-er woman, physical, emotional & sexual abuse, . . . . .

 But, at the end of the horrific tale, I'm thinking that the author is really asking the reader the very pointed question - Who is the Real Monster in the Story . . . . ?  

 My vote - JBJ.

Her instinct should have been - protect the cubs at all cost!

Unforgivable.

- - - - -

 And, from the husband's perspective (lounge chair). . . . .

Issac read the book - The American

  

A really wonderful  novel A Very Private Gentleman (1991) was written by Martin Booth and somehow 'hollywoodized' and renamed The American (2010) and made into a big screen movie starring my cinematic boyfriend George Clooney.

Issac loved the book so much that when we got home he couldn't wait to down load the movie on PPV and watch it from the comfort of his own couch.

Five minutes into the movie, Issac is muttering, "This is not right. This is not what the book said. They have 'it' all wrong. They completely missed the author's point."

I didn't read the book so I could care less if the director had 'it' all wrong. I had a completely different agenda for watching the movie. That being said, I don't know how the director could possibly make 1hr. and 45min. of G.C. that monotonous. There is not even one potential G.C. smirk in the whole movie.

Great read, lousy movie.

 *The 'hollywoodized' book/movie The American should not be confused with the classic novel The American (1877) written by Henry James.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Linen Sale, 2011

 

Winter Linen Sale, 2011

I don't know why it is considered an industry standard for linen stores to put all their beautiful 'soft goods' on sale during the month of January, but who are we (Indulge) to buck protocol?

The funny thing is, even if we (Indulge) don't remember to organize the Winter Linen Sale, our charming customers politely remind us.

"Now, when are you going to start the linen sale?"

"How much will things be off?"

"What exactly is going to be on the sale?"

"Are you still including special orders?

All very good questions, I might say. So, this is what we (Indulge) have decided:

January 10th thru January 22nd, 2011

20% off all sheets, shams, blankets, coverlets, pillow & duvet inserts (Lucerne & alternative down), dust-skirts, decorative pillows, throws, custom headboards, towels, bath mats . . . .

 Sferra, Peacock Alley, Matouk, Yves Delorme, Matteo, Pine Cone Hill, Abyss, and more . . .

To include layette bedding,

Sferra, Matteo, Serena & Lily, (Bella Notte, Blvd. Store only) 

 

As seen In Our Store

 

 

 

 

 

Special Orders Welcome!

*Sorry, sale prices not available on website orders.

 

The Marlboro Man

 

The first week of every new year my husband and I go on a much-anticipated-beach-holiday. We both work so hard all year that even our dear families and friends are excited for us to have a break and get some real rest and relaxation. Luckily, my husband and I have the exact same work ethic, if we are in Houston then we are working 8 hours a day/ 6 days a week, and if we are on 'holiday' then . . . . . .

This year's much-anticipated-beach-holiday - Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island, Bahamas

(This will be our 10th time to vacation on Harbour Island!)

A week before our (my) trip, a friend curiously asked me, "What do you and Issac do all day on that little island for a week?"

I'm not quite sure how much of the question was really directed at me and my upcoming beach holiday with my sweet husband versus originator of 'said' question wondering if she would ever want to go on such a trip (complete isolation) with her husband.

"Hmm," I thought. "I'm not exactly sure what we do all day, but that is a very good question. I'll let you know."

Now, the idea of spending a solid week (stranded) on a tiny island that measures just 3 miles long and 1/2 mile wide might be intimidating to some people, but not moi. (My husband and I just watched the movie Couples Retreat starring Vince Vaughn on cable, how funny was that whole relationship/couples scenario - Club Eden, ha ha.)

This year's much-anticipated-beach-holiday unfortunately fell one week after my husband spontaneously decided to quit smoking (again!). With no forethought in mind, my husband went to an acupuncturist/healer that was going to cure his 40 year smoking addiction in just 30 minutes with just a few pricks here and there. Issac's ideal was that he would walk out of that doctor's office feeling like a new man.

Issac's only real concern was that he was worried that the addiction would somehow manifest itself in some other form (donuts, icecream, pretzels, exercise).

(My only concern was me and my much-anticipated-beach-holiday.)

After the 'procedure', the acupuncturist told my husband, "50% of my patients walk out of here and never want another cigarette again in their wives. The other 50% have to come back for another session. Good wuck."

5 hours later I came home to the most strung out individual I had ever seen. Every hair on Issac's head was sticking straight out like he had just disembarked from a hellacious roller-coaster ride.

"I don't feel right," was all he could mutter over and over again. "It's not working. I have to go back. I need more needles. He has to fix this."

 The next day, Issac was waiting for the accupuncturist when he arrived to his office. "Ahh," the doctor sighed. "You have it very bad. You are 90% the other 50%. We treat you again."

An hour later, unbelievably, Issac left the doctor's office even worse than he had arrived.

"Wemember, don't smoke. You will be very sick if you smoke." The doctor warned. "Try to have a nice day, and wemember no caffeine, sugar, alcohol, or red meat."

 Issac couldn't work - he couldn't concentrate. Issac couldn't go home - he couldn't sit still. He couldn't stop eating. He couldn't stop moving. He couldn't stop complaining. And, worst of all, . . . . he couldn't smoke.

Now, I know that it is my wifely duty to stand behind my man and love him and support him and bla, bla, bla. . . . . but, nowhere in those marriage vows does it say that I have to spend 7 nights and 8 days on a 3 mile long and 1/2 mile wide island with a strung out, niccotine defucnt crazed lunatic.

 Please God, let Issac smoke just one more week without it making him violently ill and then I promise that I'll do whatever it takes to help him quit smoking. I promise.

Thank heavens the effects of the accupuncture wore off after a couple of days and Issac was feeling well enough to smoke again (not actually funny).

 Travelling is very hard on smokers. Issac knows the exact last minute that he can have a cigarette before he has to go through airport security and head to the gate at IAH. Issac also knows where the 'smoking door' is adjacent to the food court at the Ft. Lauderdale airport. With that in mind - 'smoking door,' Issac rushes off the plane at FLL and disappears somewhere between Chili's and the men's restroom.

I patiently wait (as usual). After about 15 minutes, I head to Gate 5 to check-in for our North Eleuthera flight. When I get to the counter, the nice Continental Airline represenative says to me a little irritated, "Where have you been? I've paged you 3 times. I was going to put you on the earlier flight that left 2 hours late."

"You had a flight that just left?" I asked, totally confused.

"Yeah, just a few minutes ago. Sorry you missed it because your flight is delayed over 2 hours and now you are going to have a bit of a wait. I'm authorized to offer you 2 food vouchers for the inconvenience."

I looked at the food voucher - $8.

$8 food voucher x 2 persons = $16

$16 to sit at a gate and wait 4 hours for the next available flight, grrr!

The Continental guy felt badly that he had not been able to track us down. "My report says you came in on time from Houston, where were you? Why didn't you hear the page?"

"My husband just quit smoking and he was outside inhaling half a pack of cigarettes, grrr."

Issac's smoking - mildly inconvenient to say the least.

 

Issac smoking less in Harbour Island, 2011