COTE DE TEXAS: Cote de Texas – A Magazine Writer?

Cote de Texas – A Magazine Writer?

 image

 

We’ve talked about magazines this past year until we were blue in the face.  We’ve mourned them all:  Cottage Living, domino, Country Home, House and Garden, Western Interiors, Home Companion, Vogue Living, Blueprint, O at Home, shall I go on?  Southern Accents.  It  hurts just to type that one.   But for all those that are now gone – the ones left are mostly wonderful:  House Beautiful continues to amaze each month, it just gets better and better under Stephen Drucker’s leadership, and Elle  Decor is now the elder stateswoman – having just celebrated her 20th year in publication.   Veranda has shed its southern beat and is going national while World of Interiors is full of either fabulous quirky houses or even more fabulous castles.   And of course the British and French design magazines have always been worth their high price tag.   Rumor has it that while national magazines are dropping off like flies, the regional and local design mags are doing just fine.  But still, would you be just a little half crazy to launch a magazine in this current climate?   Just ask Dot and Dana, the dynamic mother-daughter team who are doing just that with their baby, Antiques Shops & Designers.  Published by a veteran in the business, Alexander Molinello, the fourth issue of AS&D has just reached the stands and it’s their best effort yet.   Although it’s based out of Houston, you don’t need to be a Texan to enjoy it, all you need to be is a lover of design, antiques, arts, travel, and food.    Dot and Dana, as they are affectionately called around town, have all those subjects covered, thank you very much!   AS&D is a true   family affair:   Dot Dimiero, President, and her daughter Dana Aichler, Vice President are joined in the venture by another daughter, Lori Johnston, as Executive Sales Director/Writer and her husband, Doug Johnson, Historian.     For the most part, the  writers are  local – designers, antiquarians, artisans, restaurateurs, and even a blogger!  Yes, yours truly is now on the official list of “Writers and Contributors.”  

 

image Dot and Dana – and don’t ask which one is the mother and which one is the daughter!   It’s hard to tell, they are both so darling!

 

When they aren’t busy running the magazine, Dot and Dana head Twenty Six Twenty, a charming antique store filled with European antiques and a well edited collection of objets d’art.   Besides the shop,  Dot and Dana have also been busy with  e-Antiquing.com – an online marketplace for dealers to sell their wares.  Be sure to visit it HERE.  But for right now, Dot and Dana’s main focus is the magazine. They know the local design scene well which works in their favor when choosing topics to cover:  each issue highlights just the house you want to see the inside of.    AS&D is truly a perfect reference manual – a sort of address book of the best of the best in the design business, be it art restorers or landscapers, painters or decorators.   But beyond all that – the magazine is just plain beautiful, true visual eye candy where the ads are lingered over and studied as works of art themselves.    Nowhere are advertisements any prettier than here - photographer James Farmer, himself a well known artisan, is responsible for all the mouth watering images.       As an avid fan of AS&D ---I was thrilled when Dot and Dana asked me to join them in their exciting venture and,  to date I contributed articles for the last two issues.   I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for the online version of AS&D to go live so I could share it with  you and it finally has!  What this all means is that now no matter where you live in the world, you can enjoy the magazine too.   To read the newest issue and any of the previous ones – go HERE.     Below are a few of my favorite images from the latest issue.   Enjoy!

 

 

image

Bill Gardner

What can you say when the ads are just as good as the articles?  AS&D is known for their beautiful ads, many of which showcase local interior designers and antique stores.    Bill Gardner, one of Houston’s top antique dealers, had his own house featured in issue #1.  Gardner is also on 1st Dibs.

 

image

Carol Glasser

 

OK, OK – I know I talk about Carol Glasser a lot – but do you blame me?  I mean – look at this ad!!!  Is this not the most gorgeous image?  Leave it to Carol to get every detail so perfect which is exactly why her style is sought after.  That mirror!  That wallpaper!  That console – isn’t it to die for, I could cry it is so beautiful!  The blue and white is divine – it’s the real thing, not that cheap stuff I have all over my house. Note to self:  get some REAL blue and white, will you please?  Enough of that junk you buy at Hobby Lobby – you really aren’t fooling anyone, you know? Dufus!   OK.  Back to Carol Glasser’s perfection.  Those roses, can we talk about the roses with their divine shade of cream that matches the cream in the wallpaper, only Carol would think to do that.  I would have used pink or lilac roses, but what do I know?  I buy blue and white at Hobby Lobby for God’s sakes!   And finally (I really couldn't take much more to tell you the truth) – that candlestick.  The lovely water gilded lone candlestick – not two, just one.   And notice the candle, the shade of the taper.  Glorious!    Even the name of her company is perfect:  Carol Glasser.  Interiors.   You should see her card stock.     If you can afford Glasser and you don’t hire her, you are a fool!

 

OK, OK - I’m not quite done yet.  I wonder if this picture was taken at Glasser’s new house?  If you have been LUCKY enough to visit it, leave me a comment and put me out of my misery.   Because I’m in misery right now.  If I could be one person other than my own dufusness, it would be Glasser.   Oh yes, of course, she is beautiful too!  Could you hate her?

 

 

image

Jane  Moore

Jane Moore, sweet Jane Moore – another fine interior designer from Houston with a cute as can be shop where she specializes in Swedish and French antiques with wonderful painted finishes.   I’m liking that mirror, and the console, and the sconces.   Moore’s wonderful kitchen is featured in this month’s issue – here’s a sneak peek:

 

image Jane Moore’s Kitchen

 

Jane Moore’s kitchen – yes, this is not an antique store, it’s a kitchen, is in her new house, right down the street from her office/shop.   You see, this is how the most creative of Houston’s designers live – they live out people like me’s fantasies.    If you read about someone bombing their kitchen in West University, you can assume it will be my kitchen, even though I just remodeled it.   Seeing this image of Moore’s kitchen just proves I have a lot left to learn.    I might even learn to cook if this was my kitchen!  Besides her life as an interior designer and shop owner, Moore is active in her daughter’s business, Wisteria, where she helps find and develop their fabulous merchandise.

 

 

image Twenty Six Twenty Antique Store

 

Dot and Dana’s own ad for their shop Twenty Six Twenty.  Dana also has a pillow business where she creates pillows out of antique textiles – to see her wares go here.

 

 

image

Caroline Ellsworth’s Advertisment

 

Caroline Ellsworth sells her antiques at Twenty Six Twenty.  I’m in love with that table!  And I’m wondering if I have a place for that armoire?   (I’m dreaming here – go with it!)

 

image

Marburger Farm Antique Show

 

Round Top is just around the corner and this image from Marburger Farm is making me wish Round Top was this weekend!   I spy a million things I could use in this booth!

 

 

image

Home Staging

 

I love this ad – two designers who do home staging.   This sure doesn’t look like the home staging I’ve seen on HGTV!   I don’t know who the designers are, but their work is beautiful!

 

 

image

The Fab Flea

 

Readers of Cote de Texas are familiar with The Fabulous Flea and know all about my futile attempts to take pictures inside Mary’s fab house – but Dot and Dana were more lucky than I was!   Here is just one of the pictures of Mary’s house from the new issue – the kitchen.  And of course it’s fabulous!  Notice the light fixture – I love that!   btw, The Fab Flea has a new shipment in.   To make an appointment to see it, go HERE.   

 

 

imagePat Monroe Antiques Advertisement 

 

Another ad that made me stop and gaze awhile is Pat Monroe’s from Austin’s Whit Hanks.   Pat has a wonderful array of antiques and I try to stop by her space each time I’m in town.

 

 

image

Chateau Domingue

In the new issue, there’s a large article on Ruth Gay’s Chateau Domingue which is not to be missed.   Ruth’s eye is incredible and her shop is a must see, especially if you are remodeling or building. 

 

image

Found For the Home

Found always has the best ads!   I love that framed sign – they are so hot right now!  Leave it to Aaron and Ruth to have just what everyone is looking for.    And notice the light fixture that they create – perfect to mix in with dressy antiques.

 

 

image

Segreto Finishes

Leslie Sinclair whose company Segreto Finishes does the best faux painting in town, is also a contributor.    You may remember that Segreto did all the painted  finishes in the famous Octagon House, HERE.

 

 

image

What’s this?  Story by Joni Webb?   

 

Yep, that’s me!   In Issue 3, I wrote two stories for Antique Shops & Designers and Dot and Dana were nice enough to have me back.  For Issue 4, I interviewed famous Houston restaurant owner Elouise Adams, aka Ouisie, to accompany the pictures of her incredible steel house. 

 

 

image

And I also wrote another, personal story “To Clutter or Not to Clutter” for the “back page.”   I’ve been told that may become a regular feature, believe or not!   To read the article go HERE and to read the entire magazine, go HERE.

 

And finally, a special thank to you Dot, Dana and Alexander for inviting me to be a part of your magazine – I am more than flattered and am sincerely very appreciative of your support!

71 comments :

  1. OMG...I will be running to my local magazine stand first thing tomorrow am to look for the latest issue... It's what I call dollops of goodness galore!!!
    Kammy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Joni - I read your article first thing in this lovely magazine because your writing is great. Enjoy your blog so much. Please don't leave blog world behind as you enter publishing world though!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joni,

    Didn't I predict some day you would be writing for magazines? I am so delighted for you as you are so deserving. What a great story you make!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations, Joni. It looks absolutely gorgeous, a wonderful endeavor to be associated with. Trish

    ReplyDelete
  5. whooo hooooo! Finally! Now when will House Beautiful or Veranda come calling!?!? ;) Great article Joni, and I say clutter away! I prefer the look, as you know! So happy for you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the heads-up on the magazine and congratulations!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations, Joni! This is so exciting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Joni,

    Thank you so much for sharing this all!
    It will be a great magzine!
    And woowww!!! Congratulations with your article!
    No I go to read your article and the magazine!! I'm so axcited about this discovery!

    xx
    Greet

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think I have to go to rehab. Joni, it appears you are my dealer. This is where I go most mornings to get my design "fix". I had my come to Jesus moment when I realized I was happier after seeing and reading today's post & its attachments than when I awoke. Imagine that, a Sunday morning (the best morning of the week for me) and I get giddy when I read your article.

    I truly thank you for your contribution,--for making this life more fun by sharing the beauty and wonder that crosses your desk.

    I dig the magazine and applaud all involved. BRAVO kids.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Joni,

    It's me again! I have just read your article! And I feel the same about cluttered and uncluttered.
    When I moved in my new house 2 years ago I was intended to not clutter!! But now we live here this 2 years and the clutter was indeed started building up!
    And now I realize that I can not live without my cluther things! I love them, they are all a part of me! They are searching me and I look for their presence in my home!
    I really can't help! Even being a Belgian who is suppposed to have an uncluttered house!

    Greet

    ReplyDelete
  11. Joni, This is SOOOOOOO Exciting!!! Congratulations...wishing you only the BEST!!!
    Hugs~

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great magazine...the photographs are so beautiful and fresh. You have amazing antique stores in texas, I need to come down and check them out. We really feel the demise of shelter magazine in new York, but here as well a slew of local magazines have started out among them New York Spaces magazine which is as good if not better as the best of the long lived national magazines.
    www.nyspacesdesignportfolios.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. You go girl! And I am not surprised at all...gf, you have more than one talent!

    ReplyDelete
  14. That post made my weekend! I cannot wait to get my paws on a copy of that magazine! If only I had Mom's Kitchen chicken soup and a brownie while I read it....

    Hooray!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Fabulous Joni and congratulations. Your blogs have always been magazine worthy - so it doesn't surprise me. You will reap from all you have sown.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats............ !*!*!*!*!*!

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

    ReplyDelete
  17. Excellent combo of a magazine....really appeals today's readers.

    I hope I will be able to find an issue here in Sweden, otherwise I will ask my sweet husband to make a local pick for me next week whilst in N.Y.

    Congrats on the article....

    Ingela

    ReplyDelete
  18. Joni - I know you must be thrilled! Congrats - I'm so happy for you. Now I have to see if I can get a subscription.

    –Lana

    ReplyDelete
  19. *** FAB, Joni!!! Just sooo wonderful!!!

    (Have been MIA for mannny days, & can't wait to CATCH-UP on EVERYthing now... WOW, is THIS going to be F*U*N!!!

    Hugs,
    Linda in AZ *

    ReplyDelete
  20. I too have a new house and have tried to declutter all the Hobby Lobby stuff. But let me tell you something about that: Had a garage sale, sold a Hobby Lobby mirror for $30. A week later same mirror showed up in local antique shop for $300. So now, my Hobby Lobby junk is someone else's antique. How does that work?

    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would subscribe to this. Have you a link for subscription information?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Joni, your ease of writing and the way the words lay out on the page for you are just so natural and come across to the reader so genuine. It's no wonder people are starting to want to hire you! You also have a incredibly giddy sense of humor. You crack me up with your "dufusness" comment! Congratulations and I'll be following along to read your articles there as well! (oh... btw... I clicked on the first link to AS&D a couple times and it didn't connect... might want to check the link). Congrats again!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey,
    Those were some nice articles...You are a writer! What the heck do yo think you've been doing these three years????? I'm sure they are thrilled to have you as a contributer...Nice going, sister.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hooray! and Congratulations!
    What a beautiful publication to be affiliated with. As fortunate as you feel to have joined them, they're lucky to have you too. Love it all so far... can't wait to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  25. This sounds like a wonderful magazine and goodness knows we need one right about now! Congrats on your new gig! You are the perfect choice.:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congratulations and love your article! Funny, my husband says the exact same thing, that leaving-this-house-when-he-is-being-carried-out thaing! Hmm, we've out grown the space in 10 years, too. Of course, every time I improve the house, I am less inclined to move, could he actually have a master plan?
    Paula ~ Mise en scène

    ReplyDelete
  27. How exciting for you! Congrats!! The magazine sounds fab -i'll have to check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Well of course, your blog is now one of my favourite design "magazines." It's wonderful and helps me not to mourn the loss of the others!

    I would love to visit Chateau Domingue!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Not at all surprised Joni- you are a fabulously entertaining writer!!! Your blog is my magazine!! And love your remark about the blue and white!! Sometimes I look at my house and see a "Homegoods" store!!! Oh well love to dream with you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I say Dot, Dana and Alex are very smart!!!!! Joni you were destined to do this. Your writing is so personal and witty while being very smart and informative. A joy to read!! My guess is that I will never find this publication in N.C. :( BUT... I am sure going to try and will certainly read the internet version. Congrats!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Joni, I am absolutely sick, I need to catch a plane and fly to Texas right NOW!!

    I am so in love with every photo that you posted I just can't stand it. Who better than you to be a part of a new magazine. You are excellent at showing us the good and the not so good without offending.

    A well deserved new format for your writing skills. I will be a subscriber as I am assured that you would not put your stamp of approval on anything that is less than great! Whoo hoo Joni~*~kelley

    ReplyDelete
  32. congratulations joni! yes, yes, yes, i totally believe they'll become a regular feature. pam

    ReplyDelete
  33. Joni, Congratulations on being a contributor to AS&D. It's no surprise they want you though, you are a great writer and pull it all together so well. They are lucky they got you first!

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a wonderful pairing. This was meant for you! I love to read your commentaries Joni.

    ReplyDelete
  35. First off, I want Jane Moore's kitchen!
    Ok now that I have gotten that off my chest...I need to subscribe to this magazine! You are right, all of the ads are stunning. I wish we had stores like your Houston beauties in L.A!
    I read your article. It was everything that I expected it would be. Funny, insightful. Just like C de T.
    Congratulations!

    xo
    Brooke

    BTW: a little birdie told me that your friend's architect husband put his foot down as well. Rumor has it they will be staying put and just doing some updating to their existing cottage. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  36. How exciting Joni!!!! BIG Congratulations!! Your a wonderful writer and I'm so excited for you!!...now I'm gonna go check out the magazine :0)

    ReplyDelete
  37. They're so fortunate to have you join them!

    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  38. WOW JONI, this is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting. You so deserve this opportunity. You have an eye for detail that is AMAZING!! I am so glad someone has finally recognized this incredible talent of yours. You have had me laugh til tears run down my face, reconsider my ways of looking at my home, really discover my own style, and I LOVE THE CLUTTER article. It was one of my favs along with ceiling fan and slipper socks man vs the chandelier. YOU ARE SO MUCH FUN AND TALENTED!!
    Congratulations!!
    Joni in Dallas

    ReplyDelete
  39. You deserve this Joni, way to go! We're so PROUD of you!

    decrenew.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dufusness? I like it!

    Congratulations on your new position. What a perfect fit!

    I wish I lived in Texas instead of Canada. Your antiques shops have the most gorgeous French, Swedish and Belgian furniture, so hard to find in British Columbia.

    Thank you for a wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Speaking of Round Top ... please, please do a writeup regarding your tips for where to go. I get so overwhelmed and feel I don't take full advantage of the event!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Congratulations Joni! You are the girl about town with the gift of gab (which is a true talent)... the "Hedda Hopper" or the "Louella Parsons" of the interior design blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Stephen Drucker are you reading? You need this woman too!!! Congratulations Joni!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Joni,
    I am always inspired by your writing. Informative and fun at the same time.
    You know I love Dot and Dana's magazine! They are so talented and smart for having you as a writer!
    Thank you for such great articles ~
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a wonderful magazine. I checked out their website and can't figure out how to subscribe to it. Can you help?

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a great magazine, it's been awhile since I drooled when reading a shelter magazine. Thanks for sharing and congrulations on contributing......a perfect fit!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Congrats Joni!! So very happy for you. I can't think of anyone more qualified for the job! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Congratulations Joni!!

    I am going to be here awhile, looking at all these wonderful photos and going over to the magazine to read your fabulous stories.

    ReplyDelete
  49. How does the clutter appear, I am constantly editing out and saying I cannot live with another thing.Lo and behold there is a garden stool in my jeep I cannot even carry inside!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh and Congrats Joni! You are too wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  51. That's wonderful, Joni...they must be smart to have invited you to contribute regularly!! I am off to check it out. XO

    ReplyDelete
  52. I loved every word... what a treat! Please dont leave your blogger family... so happy for you!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I can't believe you didn't mention this before! good going Joni! They're lucky to have you. Actually it looks like a perfect fit all the way around.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Wow, it must have been amazing to contribute to such a magazine, congrats. By the way, the pics in this article are absolutely amazing. Fantastic pieces of furniture staged perfectly.

    Ella

    ReplyDelete
  55. Fabulous! And 'of course' a magazine writer- we all knew it was just a matter of time! I read the article and loved it, not only the subject, but the way in which it was written. So personal, so you!
    So Congrats to you Joni, and Congrats to the magazine for being so wise to hire you! Wishing all of you the best of luck!
    joan

    Oh, and I'm with you... I LOVE good ads (these are wonderful btw) and still have ones I pulled from Veranda years ago that were from 'Moore & Shaffer' in Houston. The best ads, bar none. Do you remember the shop?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Dear Joni,
    your article is fun to read !
    Congratulations to you for your great article and congratulations to the magazine to have you as a contributor !! They are lucky !
    And also congratulations to your blog that has developped that far !
    Unbelievable this long list of comments - I had to scroll down quiet a while !

    ReplyDelete
  57. So, I was not so far off when I recently commented on your wonderful writing stle and creativity and said that you could write a book! A magazine contributer-perfect!! Congratulations!
    ~Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  58. Congratulations Joni! I would read anything you wrote!!!
    - Lorri

    ReplyDelete
  59. Congratulations! You will be a wonderful voice. Don't die of house envy. We need you to tell us all about it in Joni style. Today the mags. Tomorrow, that little chateau in the south of France...

    ReplyDelete
  60. Way to go Joni!!! Where can we locals buy/get this treasure?

    ReplyDelete
  61. Joni, how exciting! Congratulations! I can't wait to read your articles. What a beautiful publication. Oh how I wish I could go to Round Top. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  62. The Pat Monroe picture has me swooning. I adore all of it!

    Read your article on clutter. Great writing, as usual. Now I need to go throw out some things...

    ReplyDelete
  63. Working my way thru the AS&D issues still, but congratulations on your writing debut Joni (and thank you for the link.)

    Wishing Dot and Dana contnued success.
    -Brenda-

    ReplyDelete
  64. Cannot think of a better way to spend a rainy night in Lexington! Just so you know I have my oreo..ok oreos & milk and have been here for a while catching up with you. It's been interesting, heartwarming, hysterical & impressive!
    Joni, I'm so happy for you!
    Dot & Dana & Alexander are brilliant to have invited you to contribute to their wonderful magazine.
    Just take a deep breath & keep on doing what your doing cause your doing it SO well!
    xoxo Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  65. louis vuitton uk are diversified in various kinds, handbags, backpacks, portable bags, purses, wallets and pouches. All kinds are popular among the whole word people.louis vuitton Store Online Handbags can also bring great accuracy as well as practical applicability and fashionable.Have you ever dreamed of being as charming as Madonna? Have you ever thought of becoming an envy of all your friends? If so, come to louis vuitton outlet.

    ReplyDelete
  66. At the coach outlet online you have the largest selection of the day. If you touch the item and like it, keep it in your possession until you make your final decision.The coach factory outlet has been in business for many years. You can log in to find more information about its products and services.You know, Coach items are so perfect and fascinating. Now I grow up, and find coach outlet on the Internet offering affordable products with reliable quality.

    ReplyDelete
  67. There certainly are a amount of methods to acquire affordable coach products at coach factory outlet,it could possibly the most effective options.the most vital cause may be the reality that you simply can purchase genuine coach products at there.All people give the good comments for the coach factory online, and now the Coach outlet store provides many discount goods online.Coach bags enjoy high popularity throughout the world. I would like to share the coach factory outlet online with you. What are you waiting for? Just come to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  68. There certainly are a amount of methods to acquire affordable coach products at coach factory outlet,it could possibly the most effective options.the most vital cause may be the reality that you simply can purchase genuine coach products at there.It is believed that you will like the products on the coach factory online. There are spacious sizes and different colors, styles and so on.in the market you definitely can find various colorways that are designed in as well as the high quality that applied in. For most of you would like to come. So just come to our coach factory outlet online store to choose one.

    ReplyDelete