Year of the Horse

Friday, January 31, 2014


Happy Chinese New Year ~ Year of the Horse

Jackie Kennedy with John & Caroline / Kelly Klein's Horse / Patricia Herrera Lansing / Collette Wallpaper / Ralph Lauren / Poppy Halard / Paul McCartney

Start of the Year Snow

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Image AJC

Yesterday's snow in Atlanta's Piedmont Park....  And although so beautiful, its effects on commuters trying to  leave the city and reach home to settle in for the night, quickly turned into a major debacle.

The Facebook page SnowedOutAtlanta, was established late afternoon on Tuesday to help people connect to assistance & updated info in real time and is currently supported by over 47,000 members.


Spotlight Series ~ Jason Dominy

Monday, January 27, 2014

Jason Dominy

My Spotlight Series continues with today's post highlighting Jason Dominy and focusing on his impressions, insights, and experiences encountered thus far within the world of Social Media. Jason has been influential to me as a small business owner in really recognizing the valuable component Social Media plays in developing customer relationships & growing a brand. Plus, his infectious energy and entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire all that cross his path.

We first became connected through a Scout Mob Deal offering a tour of Batdorf & Bronson, a coffee roasting company located on the Westside of Atlanta (read more here). At the time, Jason served as a sort of Social Media conduit for B&B, establishing their presence on an assortment of platforms to connect with the community, while also spreading his passion for great coffee. He has since transitioned to the role of Social Engagement Manager at Engauge....   Read my Q&A below for more details....



For someone who is unfamiliar with the concept, how would you define Social Media?

Social media is a platform for sharing a voice, whether it be from a person or a brand, company or organization. I’ve written up a great blogpost on what it is and isn’t here.



When did you first find yourself accessing Social Media?

I first started using social media working for a small, regional coffee roaster in Charlotte that had no marketing budget, but lots of marketing needs. One of the main challenges they had was that not a lot of people knew who they were, what they did, or that they did it right there in Charlotte. Social media was in it’s infancy and I immediately saw the potential for social media to amplify the brand’s voice to a much larger audience. I created a social channels map of what channels we’d use and what message we’d use for each channel, making sure that the purpose of each channel was different. I was extremely successful at using social media to increase growth for the brand, and helping the brand engage with their customers and fans in a way they’d never been able to capture before.



Would you share the details behind implementing a Social Media network for Batdorf & Bronson.

When I arrived at B&B, they had no social presence, so I basically was able to do the same thing there I’d done at my previous coffee roaster. Create a social presence, establish channel voice and tones, as well as purposes. We used social media, and they still use it, for connecting with existing fans, creating new ones, and talking about new coffees and initiatives. Through B&B’s social media, I was able to better connect with our B2B customers and support them and their businesses, as well as our B2C customers through providing a voice for the brand. They’re a great coffee brand, and the coffee tells one part of the story, their social efforts tell the other part.



You currently work for Engauge.  Could you describe your position and what sort of role of Social Media plays in it.

My current position is Social Engagement Manager, which means I currently create content, calendars, strategy and implementation for five clients within two of the largest brands in the country. Social is still a very important tool for brands to connect with their fans in new and relevant ways, as well as encouraging a genuine connection between brands and fans. And part of my role is helping create that conversation and engaging in it, which increases loyalty.



What forms of Social Media do you use daily.....  And is there one form that you particularly like better?

I use TwitterFacebookTumblrInstagramLinkedInFoursquareYelpUntappd. Each platform has a different purpose, and I try and keep them separate as much as possible. There’s not one I like better, since I use them all for different reasons. It’s like having 8 kids, ya know?



From your experience, what is the level of importance for business owners to use Social Media. 

It is vital that businesses utilize social media. Why? It’s where their fans are everyday. And because so many people are using mobile than desktop, it’s important that fans can connect with businesses as many ways as possible, as easy as possible. If your fans are on social media everyday, don’t you think your business should be? Many fans totally bypass a brand’s website, heading straight to their social media sites to gain the information they need. Also, from a customer service perspective, many of our brands fans reach out to the brand directly through their social media channels, and it’s important for brands to connect with their customers and handle customer service issues as quickly as possible on social media. This builds loyalty and increases positive sentiment around the brand.



Do you see Social Media going away anytime soon?  Or maybe certain forms (Facebook, etc...) becoming unpopular with users?

I do not. It’s the way we communicate in this day and age. We’ve all become content creators, website builders and voices much bigger than they were 10-15 years ago. Certain platforms will diminish in time for certain age groups, as we’re seeing with Facebook and the number of teens using Facebook decreasing, but it will be balanced out by other age brackets and other platforms will increase. So, they overall usage of social media will continue, but there will be a different distribution of fans per platform.



Are there any new Social Media platforms developing on the horizon that you like?

I have no idea what the future will look like for social, honestly. Current platforms are starting to copy one another, taking on each other’s functions and purposes, so that water is becoming very muddy. Other things on the horizon like wearable tech and augmented reality are just around the corner and will even more redefine what social media and marketing looks like for consumers and brands. I’m really hoping there’s a shift towards making social media more social, like with theProject #2Dto3D I started last year. Using it to create real relationships with people and brands.  

ATL Craigslist Collage #7

Tuesday, January 21, 2014


Inspired by the Cherry Blossom painting (top right corner) I came across on Atlanta Craigslist, I've pulled together a collection of decor that translates my take on Modern Chinoiserie style....


Fresh Designs

Monday, January 20, 2014

Rikshaw Design begins their Trunk Shows to preview their newest styles // Sibella Court releases Gypsy: A World of Colour & Interiors on April 15 // Hable Construction has added the Kite Bag to their line of totes // Pieces features a pink toned hand-dyed natural Hide // Diptyque has launched their limited edition Rosa Mundi candle

D. Porthault ~ SALE

Friday, January 17, 2014


Something to look forward to and starting on Monday, January 20, is D. Porthault's Semi-Annual SALE...  30%-80% Off Select Linens...  I've included a selection of their bedding designs above

All Things Oriental ~ Joan Potter

Thursday, January 16, 2014


John and Joan Potter, along with their 3 sons, lived in our apartment building complex off of Wong Nai Chung Gap Road in Hong Kong during the late 70s/early 80s. My parents recently received the news that John Potter has passed away at the age of 89. Thinking about their family and the extensive life they led in Asia, has me focused on Joan and the antiques business she established during her time living abroad. I can remember as a little girl my mom telling me how Mrs. Potter would venture out to the markets/shopping districts in search of period Asian finds. In an interview from Martha's Vineyard Magazine, Mrs. Potter notes that during the early days of her business, she developed a deeper understanding of the provenance of her treasures, while also emerging as an accomplished negotiator for her purchases (a skill held in high regard by vendors). 

Mrs. Potter's family had long summered on Martha's Vineyard, and it remained a continued tradition for her & Mr. Potter and the boys. In 1981, she opened All Things Oriental in Vineyard Haven and the space featured all of her hand-selected pieces brought back from her travels throughout the Far East. Her shop became a destination for buyers seeking out interesting and important Asian antiques and its doors remained open for 27 years. The Potter's East Chop home was photographed for Martha's Vineyard Magazine Home & Garden Spring-Summer 2009 issue....  I've included images above & below.

Images MV Magazine

Bla Bla

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Exterior of Bla Bla
Image is mine

The day before Christmas Eve, we found ourselves heading out for a little last minute shopping and to the stores located at the main crossroads of Virginia-Highland. On our approach through the neighborhood we pass by an original 1-story storefront that is nestled off the beaten path of N. Highland Avenue and houses maybe 5 small businesses. Occupying the prominent light-filled corner space is Bla Bla, the most charming children's accessories shop. Owners Susan Pritchett and Florence Wetterwald offer an assortment of hand-knitted toys (supported by fair-trade artisans in Peru) and custom designed home goods. Included below are some of Bla Bla's handcrafted wares.

Real Estate Stalking

Monday, January 13, 2014


I am a self-professed real estate stalker....   I think its rooted from the days of being young and looking at houses when driving about the country roads of CT with my parents. (Fairfield County boasts a healthy mix of extraordinary period/historic architecture as well as the most forward thinking designs of the 20th + 21st centuries). Its a pursuit that continues to this day as I make my way around Atlanta's pocket neighborhoods. When I spot an exterior that catches my eye, typically the property's online listing provides further market details as well as the treat of peeking into the interiors of the home. The interior design of some houses are perfectly nice, but in others, there's no mistaking that someone with a great eye & innate sense of style (the home's owner or professional in the field) is responsible for implementing an overall well thought-out design plan. 

The Kitchen of this (images featured above & below) Tudor style residence built in 1933, is one such example. The home is older, so its great to see elements of its age interpreted -- vintage pottery, stone details, & antique furnishings. But what keeps the space fresh, is the addition of some contemporary pieces & stainless steel fixtures, yielding the right combination of old world charm & the best of today's decorative trends.







Spotlight Series ~ Jarrett Stieber

Friday, January 10, 2014

A new feature I am launching today is a Spotlight Series....   Highlighting an individual that is making strides in their chosen field and on their own terms. They could be local or regional, and representing a range of occupations, but what they all have in common is an unwavering passion for their work.


Chef Jarrett Stieber

The focus today is on Chef Jarrett Stieber. You might remember his name from my previous post over the Summer, EAT ME, about his pop-up kitchen of sorts & evening dining at Candler Park Market. When I learned that 2014 is bringing changes to Chef Jarrett's cooking schedule, I approached him about sharing further upcoming details as well as some insights into his background thus far. He kindly obliged for a Q&A....  Read more below.


Are you from Atlanta?  If not, where are you from and how long have you lived in Atlanta?

I'm basically from Atlanta... born in Pittsburgh but I've been in Atlanta since I was three and consider myself an Atlanta.



Would you share some of the details of your culinary background (your training & kitchen experience) and what sparked your passion to get involved with food?

When I was really young, I used to ask waiters at restaurant my parents would take us to if I could meet the chef or see the kitchen (which they usually allowed), so I suppose I have always gravitated towards kitchens. I started cooking professionally when I was 16 years old at the original Alon's location in Morningside. I asked Alon if I could apprentice for free under his chef for a few days during the summer and I ended up working every Saturday and Sunday my entire junior year of high school. From there I did more apprenticeships through high school (the original 5 Seasons, Joel) then I went to Le Cordon Bleu (worked a few days a week at Pura Vida while in school), graduated and started at Restaurant Eugene; I was transferred to Holeman & Finch shortly after it opened (where I met my mentor Ryan Smith). After working there, I worked for Josh Hopkins at Abattoir. After a year there, I went to Empire State South to work for Ryan Smith again as his butcher/charcutier. Two and half years later, I nearly left Atlanta for work (I split time with pop ups in ATL for Steady Hand Pour House and a job butchering/curing meat in Asheville for a month) but ended up staying in Atlanta for good and getting involved in full time in pop up work; Eat Me Speak Me was born.



You have some great & new opportunities breaking open for 2014....  Starting February 2nd, EAT ME is moving a few doors down to Gato Bizco and happening on Sunday nights 7-11pm. The Speak Easy component will continue as well. On January 8th, you will start cooking & offering your signature dishes behind the deli counter at The General Muir, WED-FRI 10:30am-4:40pm. Could you tell me more about the details of both these posts.

Gato Cafe Sunday Nights (this will be my speakeasy night, as well) 7-11 pm starting Feb 2 (So people who don't care about the super bowl either can have somewhere to eat... and yes, there will be riffs on some super bowl type food). At Gato, my menu will probably be slightly larger and a little more adventurous and whimsical (anything goes!). It will, of course, feature local produce/meats/fish and change week to week. I also will  be using Sunday night at Gato to continue my speakeasy (format - come in and order food, inquire and find out where it is that night, always within walking distance; different house, different bar keep each week). Choosing Gato was a mutual thing; Allen Suh (of Gato Arigato) and James Ellington (Jimmie's Hot Chicken) are good friends and chefs I respect tremendously. We all get along well and really wanted to work together under the same roof, pushing our (and diners) understandings of what good food is and fueling our senses of creativity. 



At The General Muir, I will be set up behind their deli counter during the day offering a 5 item menu of locally sourced (which is the only way I cook) dishes in addition to their existing deli features. My menu will definitely change week to week within the same format, and as is the nature of how I cook, may ended up changing during the course of a given week. Todd Ginsburg proposed this idea to me because he, and the other owners at the Muir, believe in what I am doing and graciously want to host something fun and interesting like a pop up restaurant within their walls.




Chef Stieber's handcrafted dishes include .... (left to right) TOFU pickled pecan purée, zipper pea, joe parker pepper, pumpkin // PORK LOIN black sesame, nardello pepper, edamame, lions mane mushroom, baby bok choi // RADISH butter vinaigrette, cucumber, smoked salt, radish top + vanilla purée



Are there any other interesting happenings in the works/on the horizon for you and how can people get in contact & learn more?

I will be planning a fair amount of collaborative dinner events with other chefs, alcohol specialists and designers. To be involved in that, receive news about events and reserve spots as diners, people can e-mail eatmespeakme@gmail.com and ask to be added to the news list. I am always thinking, plotting, planning, coming up with ridiculous ideas (in the best way)... on top of all the things I have planned and lined up for the year, there is always potential for new things at any moment. People should follow Eat Me Speak Me on social media, @eatmespeakme on IG + Twitter, and check our website www.eatmespeakme.com for updates/news/photos/etc!

New Read >>> Carleton Varney

Thursday, January 9, 2014

This article in the Wall Street JournalCollecting Vintage Design Books, had me going through my collected stacks to see if I had the titles author Gillian Fassel discussed....  Turns out I have 3 of the 5 featured & in multiple copies. You see, I have a real problem walking away from classic design books when I see them at estate sales and/or thrift stores,etc....  Not only from the standpoint that physical books seem to be going by the wayside, but also because I believe it is truly important to always keep an eye on revered & period design of the day.




Carleton Varney, a noted interior designer who has enjoyed a lengthy & successful career, is one such author I keep a look out for when I peruse bookshelves. I currently have a copy of one of his early books, You and Your Apartment, published in 1967. (I also have a slight obsession of tracking down his vintage fabric prints created for Schumacher in the 1970s, which you can read more about here). And lucking for us design enthusiasts, Mr. Varney continues to publish work with his most recent title being released on January 16, Decorating in the Grand Manor: A Design Memoir, (cover above). I've included images below of Mr. Varney (top right corner) and for insight into his signature style, the interiors of a client's lakeside cottage recently featured in House Beautiful magazine....



Images HB & NYT


Lush Landscape ~ Miranda Brooks

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Miranda Brooks with daughter Violette Grey on the grounds of Daniel Romualdez's home 
(photo top left corner)


Although we have had only a handful of true frosty temps to deal with these past couple of days, this mid-January Winter weather already has me looking forward to the return of Spring and prompted me to revisit the lush landscape designs of Miranda Brooks. I've written previously about Brooks here + here (and she's featured in my picture scroll bar at the top of the blog) and included some images of her completed client work above & links below.


Daniel Romualdez's Connecticut Home, Images Oberto Gili // Amanda Peet's LA Residence, Images Francois Halard // A Private Home in Greenwich, CT, Images Miguel Flores-Vianna // A Private Home in the Hamptons, Images Christopher Baker

Lena Dunham

Tuesday, January 7, 2014


With anticipation building of Season 3's premiere of Girls this Sunday, January 12 on HBO, I've included the interiors of Lena Dunham's family's country home (exterior above). Lena is Girls creator & part of the ensemble cast and her parents are NYC based artists Laurie Simmons and Carroll Dunham. The family utilizes the NW Connecticut home as both a retreat and work space. The images were originally featured in T Magazine back in the Fall of 2011, right on the cusp of Dunham's debut of Girls in the Spring of 2012. Additional images included below followed by the trailer for Season 3....



Lena Dunham




Grace Dunham


Carroll Dunham's Drawing Studio on the 3rd Floor + Bath


Carroll Dunham // Barn Studio Space


Laurie Simmons // View from the Front Yard



BLOG Anniversary

Monday, January 6, 2014


Happy 4th Blog Anniversary! Enjoy 40% Off for FOUR Days in My Etsy Shop -- Coupon Code HAPPY4TH

Top 10 Posts of 2013

Thursday, January 2, 2014


Before I turn the page and begin a new chapter in 2014, I felt a little research was warranted on my part in determining what subject posts you, Duchess Fare readers, responded to most in 2013. I was happy to see that the range of topics represented at the top reveal exactly what I set out for Duchess Fare to exemplify -- a platform highlighting all things lifestyle....  People, Places, Happenings, Decor, Food, and so on.....  The Top 10 Posts are pictured above & links provided below.


For my 2014 forecast, I look forward to Duchess Fare continuing its mission with more of everything --  fresh content & insights from noted artisans, coupled with my passion for uncovering + offering interesting vintage decor. Plus, next week marks the anniversary of this blog & I have something special in store to celebrate!

Wishing you a break-out year in your endeavors for 2014 & as always, thank you for your support of Duchess Fare!
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