COTE DE TEXAS: BROWN Hosts Garden & Gun

BROWN Hosts Garden & Gun

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The darling - and let me repeat that for emphasis – the darling Haskell Harris, Associate Editor of Garden & Gun magazine said it best: “BROWN and Garden & Gun are simpatico.” I couldn’t have said it any better.

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Haskell Harris, Associate Editor, Garden & Gun magazine

But wait, who, what?

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Thursday night BROWN, my favorite lighting and decor store in Houston, hosted a party to welcome Garden & Gun, the newest Southern lifestyle magazine on the scene – or, as they say of themselves - the “Soul of the New South.” The two companies styles could not have meshed visually and philosophically any better – they are simpatico. Thank you, Haskell. BROWN and Garden & Gun just look good together.

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Blow-ups of former G&G covers were strategically placed around the shop, along with stacks of the current issue, each neatly tied with twine.

Jill Brown, proprietor and designer of BROWN, planned the get together and every detail was perfect, it truly seemed as if Garden & Gun and BROWN were actually run and owned by the same people. Jill’s style is incredible and it really showed on Thursday night – starting with the menu (and all made by Jill herself) – the sweets and food all a nod to every Southern favorite: bourbon balls, molasses cookies, beer cheese, and turkey sandwiches – to name just a few of the delectables. Drinks included Belgian Beer and the historical Tait Farm Shrubs. Instead of using platters, the tables were set with Jill’s fabulous collection of antique copper pots and pans. Bread that looked like stone blocks chiseled with large G&G’s were an extra visual touch.

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Bread branded with G&G in wire baskets – every detail a visual treat.

The flowers, there weren’t really flowers in the sense you would think, instead Jill found someone somewhere in the Carolinas that provided tobacco leaves – in honor of Garden & Gun , because as Jill put it “tobacco is Southern, a part of our heritage, textural, and Brown. Jonathan Andrew Sage arranged all the tobacco leaves and various plants in Jill’s old galvanized buckets. Other “floral” details included cherry tomato stalks that Sage incorporated into the mix. Anything that had to do with the South, it seemed Jill had thought of it.

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Sweets and treats were placed in galvanized trays. Autumnal colors mixed well with BROWNS’s decor.

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Some time ago Jill found a substantial cache of 100 year old copper pots and pans. She put them to good use at the party.

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Live music – inside and out. Notice the gorgeous painted wood floor! Squares merge into stripes.

A band – the acoustic Across The Water played inside - while a lone saxophonist, Edmond Baker, Jr. added a moody vibe outside. The large store was filled to capacity with many of the great interior designers in Houston – I saw Babs Watkins, Ginger Barber, Sharon Perry, and Carol Glasser mingling in the crowd. Cote de Texas favorite Sally Wheat was there too.

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The General Store on the front porch of BROWN.

The front porch was set up like a general store, except nothing was for sale, it was all there for the guests to take home. (I took home a little sign, ok – three tiny signs!!!) Little chalkboards were purposed as signs, both outside and inside. And throughout the store were “Haskell’s Picks” – things that the Garden & Gun style maven found especially appealing. Haskell, who has the cutest dimple in the world – only one, I asked! - gave a talk about the history of Garden & Gun, their vision and where they want to take the magazine. She spoke about authentic design and heirloom quality – passing down things from generation to generation. Haskell is just as darling as you would expect and watching her star rise, first at Cottage Living and now here at Garden & Gun, you know she will have a long and successful career. Her mother was an interior designer – the very house where Haskell was raised was also where her mother’s shop was located, so you can safely say Haskell ate and slept interior design - and it shows. When her redone Birmingham house was featured in Southern Living, everyone loved it - but she’s in a new home now in Charleston where G&G is headquartered. Besides editing the magazine’s style features, Haskell also writes a charming blog HERE.

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Stacks of the current issue were there for the taking. Jill also graciously bought subscriptions for all of her guests. Thanks, Jill!!

You don’t have to be southern to enjoy Garden & Gun – there’s a mix of food, music, art, travel, and sporting culture in each issue. And G&G is one of those rare magazines that men love as much as women. When I got home, Ben immediately confiscated my issue and promptly bought gift subscriptions for his brother and partner. And with Haskell Harris in charge of all things stylish, there is plenty of ink on interior design and gardening to satisfy all feminine leanings. To order Garden & Gun go HERE. To visit BROWN, go HERE.

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Now that it’s all over except for the memories, Jill Brown, whose incredible eye has solely created the unique and visionary BROWN, graciously refused to take any credit for the party, giving Angela DeWree of Design and Inspiration, total thanks for the night. Somehow, I think Jill is being a little too humble, but that’s just part of her endearing charm. Make no mistake though DeWree is incredibly talented – her abilities in event planning, branding, PR, store staging (you name it, she does it) are legendary in Houston and she really shined Thursday night along with Jill. To contact DeWree, go HERE.

Below are a few favorite stories of mine in Garden & Gun, available on the their web site:

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This Texas Hill Country farmhouse is a modern day version of the classic Texas dogtrot. Read the story and see all the pictures HERE.

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How cute is this vintage styled trailer? G&G is filled with stories like this. HERE.

image_thumb11 This gorgeous Georgian garden is located on the former land of author Flannery O’Connor, read and see it all HERE.

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The oldest beagle pack in America – living in Virginia, HERE.

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One of the most visited private gardens – that of Emily Whaley – is featured in G&G HERE.

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Besides Haskell’s duties for the magazine, she also writes their blog, Belle Decor. Filled with personal stories of her past and present, she also highlights her favorite finds. HERE, the Charleston office of Ross Kenan Interiors is shown.

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This beautiful portrait by Jim Pollard is of Lou Harris and her two daughters, Haskell and Chandler. Son Haze was previously painted in another portrait. Haskell told Courtney of Style Court that she vividly remembers the chinoiserie screen in the background. To read the charming and bittersweet story behind this, go to Style Court HERE.

Haskell Harris has long been a favorite among design bloggers, starting with her days at Cottage Living. Growing up in Virginia, in the true southern manner, design is in her blood. Sharing the house with her mother’s interior design business, Haskell had an early and constant exposure to all things beautiful. Her love of historical houses also dates from her childhood, which was spent in an 1910 historically significant house. A graduate of UVA, Haskell moved to Birmingham when Cottage Living hired her. There she remodeled a cottage, which when published, made design bloggers everywhere fall in love with her. And who can blame us? Her house is as adorable as the one-dimple Haskell is. The jump to G&G forced a moved to Charleston and another historical house, this time a rumored to be haunted 1796 single house. We are all patiently waiting to see what magic Haskell performs there. Until then, please enjoy one more peek at the Birmingham cottage Haskell painstakingly remolded. Pictures, sources, and quotes come from Southern Living HERE and Style Court HERE.

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The charming Birmingham cottage that Haskell restored. Originally a neon green, she spent weeks painting it the neutral shade Cliffside Gray (RME-74) by Benjamin Moore with trim shade Swiss Coffee (5012) by Behr.

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I adore the picnic bench out front with lanterns – what better way to meet your neighbors?

image_thumb7 The welcoming front porch with swing and painted striped floor.

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Inside the cottage, there is a large living/dining area. The pine dining table came from Haskell’s childhood mountain farmhouse where she spent many years eating meals on it, surrounded by family. The color scheme was taken from a bag of gourmet marshmallows which Haskell found soothing and inviting. “They were the softest, most sophisticated colors I’d ever seen. Pale pink, pale blue, cocoa, cream, and pale gray―I based all the paints on those marshmallows,” Haskell says. “The chalky finishes remind me of studying in Italy and visiting old villas and churches. The paint looks like it’s been there a long time.”

Living room wall paint: Riff (C2-358) by C2 Paint. Fabric on wingback chair: Tucker Resist from Lewis & Sheron Textile Co. The two antique 18th century maps of Europe atop the bookcases are a favorite splurge – found in NYC on a shopping trip with her mother.

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The hanging shelf is another heirloom from her parents. I love the way the chair fabric pops against all the neutrals.

image_thumb28 Another view from Southern Living magazine.

image_thumb19 The kitchen is utterly charming with its mix of high and low: black honed granite was a splurge, as was the farm sink from Herbeau. The walls are humble beadboard which add to the cottage atmosphere. Kraftmaid cabinets mix with classic white subway tiles from Daltile.

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Close up of the beautiful sink and faucet. Haskell loved her honed black granite and confesses she probably loves every honed stone. For her next kitchen, she wants to do fatigue green honed granite with matching painted cabinets – sounds divine! The hanging baskets hold fruit and recipes – such a cute idea.

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View towards the back door of her kitchen. The small tiled floor is another charming cottage touch.

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The master bedroom was a calm haven for Haskell to come home to. You can just see the vintage crystal doorknob on the very right.

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A collection of mirrors accessorized a wall in the light pink bedroom. Many were empty frames found by Haskell and fitted with antiqued mirrors.

Secret (C2-048), also by C2 Paint.

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Haskell herself installed the subway tile in her bathroom. She chose gray grout to age the look and for ease of maintenance.

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And finally, in her laundry closet, next to the bathroom, Haskell cleverly wallpapered it with wrapping paper printed with maps. Baskets, shells, and a lantern add the finishing touches.

I can’t wait to see what Haskell has done with her house in Charleston! This one will be hard to top, that’s for sure.

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I hope you enjoyed learning all about Haskell Harris and Garden & Gun. To read more about BROWN on Cote de Texas, go HERE, and if you live in Houston pick up the latest issue of Paper City to see a large feature on Jill’s house. Thank you Jill and Haskell so much for including me Thursday night. It was a real treat to be there!

48 comments :

  1. Love,Love,Love G&G
    Thanks for beautiful post

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  2. Love the pack of beagles .....
    so cute! And the little trailer, makes me want to go camping! Where are those smores???
    Leslie

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  3. I love the cottage. The striped floor is wonderful, and the kitchen looks wonderful. So does the party.

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  4. I remember seeing her house in the mag. Love it!

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  5. I could look at those pics of Haskell's cottage a million times... probably already have. I picked up my first copy of G&G at the Atlanta airport this summer and loved it... probably should subscribe! What a great party, Joni! So many fantastic ideas and displays and merchandise. Thanks for the tour!

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  6. What fun - and yes, this blogger in particular adores Haskell - a terrific treat to have her "in town."

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  7. inspiring post; the BROWN party ideas and display, gorgeous!

    haskell, very talented indeed!

    'garden and gun', this chicago girl loves my subscription

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  8. I think that Birmingham cottage is adorable... especially the kitchen, with it's muted colors, but everything I love about a kitchen, honed surfaces, farmhouse sink and subway tiles! Thanks Joni!

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  9. Beautiful pictures :) Lovely :)

    Wilhelmiina from finland

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  10. Oh! What an event...every detail looks spectacular! And Haskell's Cottage is just adorable...

    Thanks for all that, Joni!

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  11. Hi Joni,

    Thanks for sharing all the photo's. My favourite photo's are of Haskell's cottage. I keep coming back to look at them. And, yes the wing-backed chairs are gorgeous. The party I'm sure was fabulous and all the flair and imagination in the decorating is beautiful too. Joni, you mentioned Ginger Barber was there. She is one of my favourite interior decorators and your story on her was the first one I ever read on your blog. I was wondering, did you hear a whisper as to where Ginger lives now????? Could you let us know. Many thanks, also a huge fan of Carol Glasser and really enjoyed the story you did on her the other day. Hope you have a wonderful day and are keeping well

    Janine
    XXOO
    Tasmania, Australia

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  12. Another wonderful post!

    Julia

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  13. Joni, I think this my be may favorite post ever! I loved every detail, from the bread in the baskets at Brown to the review of Haskell's cottage. What a special and talented person she much be. Thanks so, so much for sharing in such a thoughtful and extensive way. Great way to start my day......very inspiring!!

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  14. Well now Joni...I am supposed to be packing for our trip home and here I sit! I love this post!!! J did too!

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  15. I am new to blogging, but have absolutely fallen in love with yours. I have had so much fun looking through past posts. This question has nothing to do with this post, I'm sorry, but one from your holiday celebration in Dec of 08. I absolutely love the secretary/bookcase(?) that has the base of a bombay chest. I would love to have top like that made for mine. Would you give up any info? I would certainly understand if you didn't. Thank you for all the wonderful design inspiration.

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  16. Joni you never cease to amaze with your finds. I love the Haskell image in the office of Ross K, the Chandelier. All is very cool and inviting.

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  17. Hi Joni,
    My husband recently ordered a subscription to G&G for us after being introduced to it by a hunting friend/co-worker of his from Mississippi. It is a very good magazine.

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  18. what a great introduction! Thanks Joni... I loved seeing Haskell's cottage again... SSWWOOON!!!

    Have a Great Week!

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  19. What a great post, Joni! I love G&G magazine and so does my husband....first mag we BOTH can enjoy!

    Haskell is just too darn cute!! Love her style...superb!

    You continue to be my very favorite BLOGGER, Joni.....keep 'em coming!

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  20. i Love her house, it's interesting to see someone else's approach to tiny living.

    OK, since knowing you, speaking with Karen Carrol, I'm 'sold' on the Southern culture (not that I needed to be but I guess I wasn't as aware) I went out and got a subscription to G&G about 3 months ago.

    Of course, when my So Cal friends see it sitting on the counter, they're completely taken aback by the title alone. But once they start flipping through it, they're fascinated. The culture is so unique to the region. I've fallen in love with it all via all of my new southern friends.

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  21. Oh! What a surprise and pleasure to see my favorite magazine, G&G, featured on my favorite blog, Cote!
    Way to go. You may not hear from me much but I'm here and enjoying every minute and beautiful photo.
    Thank you!
    Ronnie Gunn Tucker

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  22. have followed G&G from the beginning and am happy to see people enjoying it! and yes, it is the only publication that both my dad and I enjoy, haha.

    thanks for the peek into the party, looks like fun!

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  23. What a dang cute house! I love that she based it off marshmallows ...a true artist! And that monogrammed bread is great and those beagles are so lovey.

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  24. The Haskell cottage is gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing all this beauty!!!!!!! I will come back again and again to look at these pictures! I loved every detail of the cottage especially the kitchen! Have a great week! XO, Pinky

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  25. What a fantastic evening! I have loved Garden & Gun since I picked up my first issue nearly 6 months ago. And Ms. Harris' house is just darling!!

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  26. Okay, I give up. What do guns have in common with gardens? Guns are horrible things that kill people and animals. Gardens are the antithesis of guns.

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  27. I really like Haskell's kitchen. Does anyone know what Kraftmaid finish that is?

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  28. Hi Joni,

    This is such a rich post. Thanks for taking us to the fabulous party.

    Also, Haskell's kitchen gave me some direction for my Bungalow kitchen remodel or "unmuddle."

    Annie

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  29. Wow, an impressive event and an impressive lady! Funny, but I saw a copy of Garden & Gun on our recent trip to Virginia and pointed it out to David and said "doesn't that look Southern?" and only picked up a copy later in the trip. A interesting magazine. Love the dog cover.

    Lovely post!!

    xo Terri

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  30. I am a fan of Garden and Gun-fingers crossed that it survives. So true it isn't just for Southerners-I hope this post boosts their subscriptions. The gift of a subscription by Brown is wonderful! Charleston is real inspiration for many-glad they have that rich culture to draw from. GT

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  31. You continue to inspire with an eye to excellence, originality and beauty. Love this site.

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  32. We have recently begun taking this magazine...my husband loves it too. I used to live in Haskell's "hood"...such a charming area...I totally adore her house. Thanks for always putting out such amazing posts!

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  33. The gifts for guests looks so cute (I wouldn't mind taking 1 or 2, or well 10 of those things home with me!)

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  34. Hi Joni:
    The party looked wonderful! I really loved the tobacco leaves, old cooper & the gifts – great inspiration. I discovered Garden & Gun last year & love it! After all, who would not want to read about The Best Southern Foods 100 Things You Simply Must try before you Die?

    http://southerninspirations.blogspot.com/2008/12/visions-of-southern-foods-happy-new.html

    P.S. I agree with you on Haskell - she also looks very sweet. Can’t wait to see her Charleston home!

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  35. What a great post - full of so much eye candy and great ideas. Houston seems to have the best stores! Great to see Garden & Gun going forward in this economy.

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  36. Thanks so much for the intros, Joni. Love Haskell's style! Also, thanks for your sweet comment and support! xo

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  37. Looks like a great shindig - and it goes without saying about her casa!

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  38. love it.,i've been following her blog and loved that SL feature! the party look like PERFECTION!

    Holly Mathis
    www.hollymathisinteriors.com

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  39. Joni,

    I was at the hair salon a few months ago and there was a copy of G&G, I had never heard of it. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I did a post on a tree house in Atlanta that was featured in that particular copy. I check it out regularly online, it is a fun magazine. I really enjoyed reading about Haskell and seeing her cottage. (I picked out that same fabric on the wing chairs for a client of mine, but the colors are Indigo Blue and Wheat, It's Duralee 20682). Great post, and it looks like you were rubbing shoulders with some of your favorites!
    Blessings....

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  40. Interesting article. The party looked beautiful, and Brown has some really interesting lighting. I think the name Garden & Gun is very offputting, though. I think they would have been wiser to choose a name that would be more accessible, but maybe they want a very niche market, despite the fact that only seems to work if each subscription costs a fortune.

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  41. Just love Haskell's style & she is so open & sweet! I can't get over her house & have been crazy about it ever since I first saw it. It's PERFECTION to me. I really can't tell you enough how badly I miss Cottage Licing too!!

    xoxo,
    lauren

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  42. What a great post. I hadn't heard of this mag. but look forward to checking it out. Love Haskell's house...the colors, honed granite, great furniture pieces. Thanks for such an informative article.
    marcie

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  43. This is a beauty. My favorite little detail is the old phone tucked in the shelf below the lamp.

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  44. Excellent post. I bought my husband a subscription last spring for his birthday -- more for the 'gun' part, and the 'garden' part for me. I love this magazine and hope it hangs in there. Thanks for showing all the photos of the cottage. Love, love, love the kitchen!

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  45. Haskell has grown up to be a very talented young lady. She has always been a sweetheart. Congratulations on your success, Haskell!!

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  46. Love this post-Garden & Gun is such a phenomenal addition to the magazine world & to the south!
    Also, I was thrilled to see you recognize the cottage she redid in Birmingham-my hometown!

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