Here at Starr Style, April was a whirlwind of wondrous beauty, cultural treats and family love, fun and celebration.  It was tempered with an equal dose of shock and sadness remembering the Boston Marathon bombings.  Every day is precious.  Live vibrantly, enjoy each moment and give thanks for blessings big and small.

Girlfriends

Deck Gardens to Grow

Family…

Gigi looking like our Tante Therese as a little girl!

Oliva Grows…

Alfresco Times…

Java jive…

Wholesomeness…

Soul Stirring…

Zorro at the Alliance Theatre

Intriguing…

Adrien plays Philip, the “complex savant.”

The cast of Mauritius

Getaway to Houston…

Don’t Mess With Texas!

A new favorite place!

Brunch with Adrien Happy Faces!

My Little Dancing Doll…

Artistic Flair…

An inspired month for Denis…

We carry on with optimism…

“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.”

Romans 5:5

Peace,

Starr

This year, Spring’s arrival in Atlanta was fickle at best!!  Teasing us out into sidewalk cafes one day and then coaxing sweaters, scarves and gloves back out of hibernation for the next few days.  And then repeating the cycle from week to week throughout the month of March.  With an early Easter this year, my Starr Style house displayed an array of pastels and Easter decor right alongside glowing fireplaces and rustic bowls filled with warm and savory soup more fitting to fall temps.  The eclectic month of March!

Snapdragons bloomed early during a few warm days.

Denis prepared for his first golf game of the season.  Pretty nifty set up!

One balmy evening found us “decked out” with Appletinis!

Adrien & friends cruised the Caribbean on their Spring Break.  Here they are visiting the Mayan ruins near Cozumel.

Produce as Art

We have babie wabies on the way…

Monique

It takes two to Tummy Tango!

Amanda

And, of course, the most important day of the year is designated to March…

My Birthday!

My Birthday Bouquet

This was the most wintry birthday I have ever spent in Atlanta.  Nevertheless, a Strawberry Martini was in order!

I enjoyed all of my lovely cards, thoughtful and festive gifts and celebratory phonecalls that day.  Here are my special delivery chocolate covered strawberries that were as big as your head!

A special treat that night…Leonard Cohen at the Fox

We spent the next morning with Roopa…Brunch and Appliance Shopping!

Does your kitchen sing?

This man needs one of these and a country home to go with it!

More birthday celebrations and treats at the Belly in Virginia Highlands with the Happy Little Family!

You can never have too many of these!

Loving our cupcakes!

My surprising and delightful gift!

Another highlight this month was applying for and receiving a spot in this year’s Peachtree Road Race…

Adrien continues having a jolly time during his last semester of college!

Easter weekend brought us many joys…

Mother – to – Be Monique in Atlanta!

The Happy Little Family is Expanding!

Lovely Linzi and Eli

Gigi & Tia Mo

Baby Bumps Galore!

The Ladies that Tea Time!

Baby Shower Tea for Monique at the Crown & Eagle

For the whole story…http://crownandeagletearoom.wordpress.com

A Joy Filled Easter Sunday…

Easter Morning

After church we enjoyed a lovely Spring afternoon at the Happy Little Family’s house with family, friends, a delicious meal and games in the garden…

Girlfriends

The Bunny Hop?!

Mommy Amanda

Gigi’s Awesome Egg Hunt!

Easter people, raise your voices,

sounds of heaven in earth should ring.

Christ has brought us heaven’s choices;

heavenly music, let it ring.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Easter people, let us sing.

 March On,

Starr

Here at Starr Style, 2013 has already proven to be a banner year!

This month we learned that we have two grandbabies on the way!!

Congratulations to Monique & Rodolfo and big brother Jeovani (The Cute & Cuddly Cuadroses)

and to

Amanda & Philippe and big sister Gigi (The Happy Little Family).

With the Cute & Cuddly Cuadroses

The expectant Mommy and Grand Papa!

Love & Wisdom…

and glamour too!

The Love Month brought us, as Mr. Terry says, the Season of Helene…

A Comedy Lovefest…

Adrien with Spontaneous Combustion at College Improv Tournament

Love is good for everything…

Forever in my heart…

Loving the Little Ones…

Rosa, Matteo and Val, wintering in the Pocono Mountains

Dance = Love

Argo have a glamorous Oscar’s Night!

Lots of love in the month that’s all about love,

Starr

A Conquistador-like early morning arrival at the shores of Cozumel!

Disembarkation!

Our proficient guide, Luis.

Today, we chose an excursion to the Tulum Ruins where we explored the archeological monuments of this ceremonial center, an exemplary reminder of the ancient Mayan culture.

We entered the walled Mayan city of Tulum through this narrow passage, barely tall enough for me to pass.

Secrets & Facts

Myths & Legends

A long forgotten Society.

Just call me Ek!  My Mayan name!

Iguana Taco, anyone?  

Shades of Jade at the beach at Tulum

After our curiously, interesting visit to the ruins, we stopped for a pleasant break and a deliciously, authentic Mexican meal at a nearby private beach club.

Coach ride back to the port.

Gloriously Costumed Mayan Players

Happy Mayan!

by

Denis Pellerin

Yeh Mon!

Our second port of call on our dream cruise was Falmouth, Jamaica, where we spent a carefree day with “No Problems.”   First we did a little exploring at the dockside market.

Then it was time to queue up for our half day excursion to the Good Hope Estate where we would be learning the history of this Great House, stories about the families that called it home and enjoy the ritual of High Tea in its formal tea garden.

Pretty, flowery prints were the a la mode!

Pinkies Up and Dancer Gams!

After a short coach ride and a fun lesson about Jamaican expressions from our driver, John, we arrived at the Good Hope Estate.

http://www.goodhopejamaica.com/index.php

Our guide, Kristinn, was very personable, one of the best guides I have ever had on a historical home tour.  There was much to learn about this beautiful house and with her depth of knowledge about and clear cut fondness for this grand property, Kristinn brought us back to Colonial Times when a Pineapple was a symbol of welcome and hospitality.  I fell in love with this hilltop haven and would love to return there again some day.

Pretty Poses on the front lawn of Good Hope!

The Great House

Island Breezes Throughout

The Dining Room Splashed in Coral

Lovely Limoges

The Library

The Bath

Exquisite Gardens

After the tour of the Great House and Gardens, we were led to the tea garden where we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea served by the friendly, beautiful and entertaining young staff.

This young man delighted us with the lore of the “Nut Neg!”

More about our High Tea at Good Hope at

http://crownandeagletearoom.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/afternoon-tea-at-the-good-hope-estate/

After tea, we had a little more time to explore the beautiful grounds and out buildings on the estate.

The Wedding Suite – Originally the Counting House

The Pottery Studio where all of the tableware used on the premises is created.

Farewell, Good Hope!

Back in Falmouth, we reunited with the men and heard about their adventures for the day.

The Marketplace at Falmouth

by

Denis Pellerin

Sail Away, Joyful Jamaica

Located on the north coast of Haiti, Labadee is Royal Caribbean’s private, tropical haven.  Discovered by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the new world, this lush paradise was later colonized by the French.  We chose a leisurely afternoon stroll amid which we gazed upon spectacular mountain views, lush foliage, pristine beaches and colorful island folkloric art and dance!

The Artisan’s Market was a vibrant place with vendors eager to make a sale…

Zouk!

Bonswa Haiti!

Haitian Cove Haven, Labadee

by

Denis Pellerin

Room Service with a smile from Imade!

Casino!

Martinis at the Champagne Bar!

Our able Captain Trym!

Our vivacious Cruise Director Amy!

Our adorable Dance Captain Flavio!

Colorful Carousel on the Boardwalk!

Angels watching over us!

The treasures of Table 560

Pedro & Alejandro!

Such a Bon Voyage!

One Night With Lola!

S * A * L * S * A  at Boleros

Oasis of the Improv

So, You Think You Can Caribbean Line Dance?!

Yeh Mon!

Le Comedien

Z * U * M * B * A

The Mazola Sisters!

F * L * A * S * H      M * O * B

Denny Goodman Live

Say Goodnight, Starr Style!

Denis et Maman

Les Enfants

Yeh Mon!

You don’t have to be glamorous, but it helps…

Family,

Is your favorite “glam shot” missing?  Send it along and I’ll include it in this post.

Starr Style

Formal Night on the Oasis of the Seas

Helene & Terry

A cascade of love to you on your special day…