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Slim Paley Photo
Our last night in New Orleans. We roll (literally) out of here in the late morning and on to Austin, Texas (another quiet, Doesn’t Know How to Party town) for SXSW. That’s the South by Southwest music festival for those of you as unfamiliar with it as I was, just a couple of years ago. This will be our second SXSW adventure-the first was fun, although once we arrived we realized it was not really age appropriate for our younger son. It was one of our dodgier ‘good parenting moments’, oh, I’d say right up there with me taking him to see “40 Year Old Virgin”, sitting in the middle of the row and having to leave less than 5 minutes in. Awkwaard. But I wax nostalgic…as fate would have it, he got sick in Austin anyway (God punishing me??) so we spent a good deal of the time in the hotel room while my husband, our older son and his friend enjoyed the festivities. Quite frankly I’d rather have room service than see Iggy Pop’s 60 year old abs anyway. The most exciting part was actually being bed-wall to bed-wall with Hilary Clinton in the hotel and having all those secret service agents outside our room 24-7. Not that Hilary was there for SXSW, although I’m sure Bill would have been down with it.
Speaking of Austin…Sandra Bullock and Jesse James…Really? REALLY??
But gosh- I’ve gotten side-tracked from Friday’s Favourites haven’t I?!
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Although not nearly as big or as grandly breathtaking as it’s neighbour, Oak Alley, just down the road, The Laura Plantation more than makes up for it’s lack of stature with a rich and colourful history that is equal parts disturbing and fascinating. Yes, I dragged my boys to Oak Alley again, but this time we stopped and took the complete guided tour of The Laura first (it’s not possible to go thru it otherwise) Everyone was very quiet with their own thoughts for awhile afterwards. Our Favourite? The tour guide “JOEY” was fantastic. You felt that you were in the presence of someone who sincerely loved and took pride in what they were doing- what a treat nowadays. Please go. Ask for Joey. Tell them Slim sent you. 
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Slim Paley Photo
The sun bursting through the clouds on the way to The Laura Plantation.
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I don’t wish to tout my own horn, or camera as it were, but since I started Slim Paley, the most common question I’ve been asked by far is “What camera do you use to take your photos?” It is a Leica D-Lux 3 which I bought probably close to 4 years ago for aprox. $400. Since I was asked again just the other day, I decided to check it out on Amazon and I was completely shocked to find that the least expensive one I could find was $1,600. I don’t know how this could be possible, as I’m not well versed in cameras I don’t understand how it could go up that much in price. I hope I’m mistaken, but if not, then I would suggest looking at the Leica D-Lux 4, which I assume is the newer model and retails for $799. If anyone out there has a better lead on the D-lux 3′s please chime in!
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On a much more affordable front;
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Favourite Lipstick of the moment; Nars Mitzi in the sheer texture. Fantastic, easy to wear colour for day and night with a great texture. Can’t imagine it not working for most fair to medium skin tones. I love a lipstick that you don’t even need a mirror to apply- this is one of those.
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Fall 2010/11
Favourite new designer; Haider Ackerman.
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Photo by Bruce Weber
Lastly, while it can’t be classified as “A Favourite” because it hasn’t even been published yet, Deborah, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire is coming out with her new autobiography titled ”Wait For Me” in September. I can’t wait! (seriously, no pun intended- You say Mitford Sisters and I’m there with my pre-order)
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Pre-order on Amazon.uk
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Have to wrap it up now. I’m running on fumes and cholesterol and I still have to pack for Austin.
Happy Friday!!
