Simply Gabrielle Marie

Needlepointing 2020 Away!

61825833508__93329d3d-6b8e-4b50-a0a3-3659c7cf6ac6

COVID-19 has created a very hectic year for most, including myself. With a lot of time spent at home these days, I needed to pick up a new hobby. I needed to find ways to cope with the new normal; mute the TV and ease my mind from all the chaos.

Finding ways to cope has never been more important. I encourage everyone to find a few things to keep their mind sane… that are not alcohol related! Ha. For me, I have taken this time to teach myself how to NEEDLEPOINT! There is a saying that it is “Yoga for the Mind”, and it has definitely been helping me get through a tough, uncertain year.

In this post, I am going to share some great resources that helped me, show you what I have been working on and links to where they can be purchased.

I am new to needlepoint, so BE KIND! When quarantine began, I found my first needlepoint project, “Staying in is the new going out” on Etsy. Laura hand-paints each and every canvas she sells, and you can purchase thread for her canvases here. NOT PERFECT because again, this was my first project… but I wanted a quarantine ornament more than ANYTHING! f28f7664-e443-4546-bcf7-64862836fcce

Second project, I moved on to this Pineapple Ornament Kit from Needlepoint.com. The canvas designer is Two Sisters, and the kit comes with the thread, a detailed packet on which stitches to use and where, and two helpful videos from http://www.needlepoint.com.

In addition to that, I relied on The Comfy Cottage ‘s YouTube channel (I did not find until this project.) These are all such awesome resources if you are interested in trying needlepoint or challenging yourself to new stitches.

My next two projects are Two Sisters from http://www.needlepoint.com, I am currently working on the Jellyfish shift pictured above and then, the Shells shift. I live in sunny Florida, and I put up a “Christmas (Palm) Tree” every year! Needless to say, but these are perfect for that. I hope I inspired you all to look into learning something new during these difficult times. I hope everyone is staying safe & healthy, and let’s hope 2021 can resume back to normal.

**Note- All of the BOLD words in post are links! What have you been up to these last 6+ months? I would love to hear.

Take Care,

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

Things to Do 10/18-10/20

Hi Lovelies!!

Happy (late) October!! I should’ve made this post a long time ago, but there are still a lot fun things to do this month:

The 32nd Annual Las Olas Art Fair 10/19-10/20 From 10am to 5pm- Click Here for more information.
This Month’s Happy Hour, Dinner, and Brunch Suggestion(s)!
1. Death or Glory Bar (Great for Happy Hour or Brunch) has been having a Halloween twist this month and going by “Death or Gory” until October 31st! Everything from “Spooky” cocktails to food. They have a great brunch and Happy Hour! I think you’ll be very happy with either time you choose to go.
2. Yakitori Sake House & Full Bar (Great for Happy Hour; Lunch & Dinner)
  1. They have wonderful sushi and cocktails all year round, but they are, too, having a Halloween featured menu! Blackberry Spooky Martinis, Halloween Rolls, and more!
3. Spaghetto Factory in Davie, FL (Great for Lunch & Dinner; Holiday Catering Menus) may have the freshest pasta in South Florida using traditional Italian recipes, 100% natural, no preservatives added! Due to it being Fall, may I suggest you try the Pumpkin Ravioli? You can order fresh pasta to make at home or dine in; Order fresh pasta or reserve a table here!
Fall Festival at Bedner’s Farm in Boynton Beach, FL could be just the thing you need in Sunny South Florida to put you in the Fall spirit! Great for Kids & Adults (They serve wine) and what better way to get your pumpkins for the season?!
(Now Through January 31, 2020) Yayoi Kusama : All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins Exhibition; Buy/Reserve Tickets here!

I hope you all enjoy my suggestions. Have a wonderful weekend, or next time you have a day off! Take Care.

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

Champagne Dom Caudron

When we think of champagne, we first think of the joy it brings. “Come quickly, I’m tasting the stars!” were the exact words of Dom Pérignon when he first discovered champagne; the champagne bubbles bring most people excitement and can usually be linked to a fond memory; a special celebration. Secondly, the names of champagne come to mind such as Veuve Cliquot, Moet et Chandon, Mumm, Pommery, Taittinger, etc.

We all know the big names when it comes to champagne, which is why I want to introduce you to a bit, less recognized champagne that’s just as enjoyable.

When my family visited the Champagne region in December 2018, we chose to tour one of the smaller Champagne houses; Dom Caudron, founded by Priest Dom Caudron and the vine-growers of Passy-Grigney who, before, relied on an income from the grapes.

This Champagne house offers a thorough tour beginning with showing you their antique presses, once used to crush the grapes for the champagne.

The grape used for this champagne is 100% or mostly the Meunier.

To give you a comparison, the famous Veuve Cliquot, Yellow Label, is made up of a variety of three different grapes:

50-55% Pinot Noir

15-20% Meunier

28-33% Chardonnay

From here, they take you into a little movie theater where they show you a small clip on how their grapes are grown and harvested followed by a walk through on their current, modern process.

This tour is very informative, meaning, they really take you through the process of how their champagne is made. From the history and the growing and harvesting of the Meunier grape, to how the champagne is made.

Now for the important part; Where you can get it in the United States:

Wine By the Bay
- This place is a special gem located in Downtown Miami, and I will HAVE to tell you more in another, future post!

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

The Norton “After Dark”

Happy Monday, Lovelies!!!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I wanted to share with you one of the “Things to Do” recommendations that I had the honor of enjoying, myself.

If you can get to South Florida by late October, I highly recommend you go to the Coming Soon: Film Posters from the Dwight M. Cleveland Collection at the Norton Art Museum in West Palm Beach, FL. I had the pleasure of going this last Friday evening, (their free admission “Art After Hours” open until 10 PM. **Now, this may only be for FL-state residences, something I could look into for all my readers.**
I already knew this exhibit was going to be a hit, but now that I have been, I would tell you it’s a must-see!

The importance of the movie poster- “It’s the bait that lures you into the theater.” Below, I included my favorites from the collection.

I just loved these the most out of the entire collection. I kept a lot of the posters of this exhibit off this post because I want you all to go learn and experience the excitement of this collection, yourselves. There’s a huge room of vintage movie posters to browse and read up on all the history. You would be surprised what was and wasn’t allowed in ‘Old Hollywood’.

Above: This, here, is one of the few originals of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s film posters that has been replicated countless many times.

That’s it for now! Have a wonderful week .

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

Things To Do 8/16-8/18

Hi Lovelies!

What I love about South Florida the most is that there is always something new and/or exciting to do. For this weekend, I put together some things I personally want to check out along with this weekend’s brunch suggestion! I hope you enjoy.

My first suggestion is always free one evening of the week (read on!), and 5 is always free (unless you buy something, of course.)

Coming Soon: Film Posters from the Dwight M. Cleveland Collection at The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL. I have yet to go to the museum since its $100M renovation, so I am very intrigued to step foot. This exhibition will be on until October 29, 2019. Here’s a quick preview with the Collector Dwight M. Cleveland, himself, and the Guest Curator.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GYXJxx3E2c&feature=youtu.be
2. Norton has changed their free admission night to Friday evening from 5-10 PM
This Weekend’s Brunch Spot: Deck 84; Get here by boat or driving~ Make a reservation here!
Do you have a rebellious side just dying to graffiti? Take a class in Wynwood!
Simply go to the pool; At home or party it up at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale
The Vintage Fair at Festival Flea/ Marketplace is this weekend. Here’s the thing about Festival- The entire place used to be filled with antique dealers, and now, you have to go all the way in the back where Hillsboro Antique Mall is or attend the Vintage Fair held every third Saturday of each month!

Okay! That’s it for now, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

Brunch with Mom: South Florida Brunch Suggestions

I cherish every moment with my mom; whether it be sharing a laugh, a simple car ride, or enjoying a good bite. We always enjoy spending time together. The beautiful(inside & out), classy woman teaches me so much about life and does so much for me. Both my mom and dad support me in everything I do. My love for vintage, clothing and culture comes from my mom’s impeccable taste. (& dad, but this post is about mom!)

Unfortunately this year, I will not be with my mom, and it’s my birthday too…

Anyways, I put together a list of my favorite brunch spots in the Boca Raton and surrounding area to take your Mom or to try another time.

My ultimate favorite brunch spot, here in the Boca/Delray Beach area, goes to Sundy House. My family really enjoyed celebrating my mom here last year and the atmosphere; tropical gardens and an elegant dining room surround you while you dine.

They are booked this year, but I highly suggest trying it for another occasion. Maybe, a birthday or make a note of it for next Mother’s Day. You and your mom will love it.

Other Favorite Brunch Spots:

Cap’s Place Located in Broward County, Florida’s oldest restaurant. This is another great restaurant my family enjoys; they have seen famous diners such as, Roosevelt, Churchill, and the Rockefeller family. And, then there are the infamous like my family…
Louie Bossi Two locations- Boca Raton & Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Apeiro Kitchen & Bar in West Delray Beach, FL
Circle Brunch at The Breakers on Palm Beach Island
Boatyard Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Have a lovely weekend! & Treat yourself to a little Mexican fiesta tomorrow night!

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

You’re The Bees Knees – Katie Kime Favorites

Hello My Lovelies! “You’re the Bees Knees!”

Happy Woman Crush Wednesday #WCW!

Today, I’m highlighting my love for and all things Katie Kime. First, who is Katie Kime? Read This article to learn more.

She creates her own prints like the one below “The Bees Knees” and has built a very successful home and apparel business in Austin, Texas.

For my dress; Click here. My dress, back in stock, inspired this post more than anything else. I love this print, “The Bees Knees”, and this particular dress is not always available. Some of the sizes are already completely SOLD out; so act fast!

Some of my favorites:

Home:

Bees Knees Wallpaper; I dream of the day that I get to put this print on bathroom walls in my home. If you have not guessed it already, this is my favorite Katie Kime print.
Camel Gallery Print! Yes, Please!
These Napkins will make any and every party or small get together a blast!
This Dragonfly pillow

Fashion:

This top may be everything & more! The pink feather trim makes me want to wear it for a birthday, or something whimsical. Check it out!
These NEW! rompers! Adorable! SO fun! SO me! 1 ; 2
Joyous Strapless Dress

I tried to pick my top favorites, but KK has something for everyone & everything! Just take your time browsing the entire website. https://katiekime.com/

Hope you’re all having a fantastic week!

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie

The Luxe List + Fit Edition held by Marketing Clique at SLS Brickell 🌴

Hi Lovelies!

This weekend, I had a blast at the SLS Hotel located in Brickell, Miami, Florida. I went for The Luxe List + Fit Edition event held by Marketing Clique Miami.

I got to learn about and participate in two workouts; The Vixen Workout and UFC Kickboxing. Out of the two, I loved the Vixen workout. If you enjoy Zumba, you should look into it. I will leave a link here .

Then, local businesses worked booths. One of the booths, I really enjoyed was Lunchology Miami . If you live or work in the Miami area, check them out! They will make any healthy eating or fitness goal you have more convenient and easy.

Rise Nation Miami (Design District)

If you live in the Brickell/Design District area; check Rise Nation out here! It is a high intensity workout that revolves around a Versa climber. If it’s something you’re interested in trying, here’s a list of their other Locations.

As of right now, there is not a studio super close to me either. However, the guy eagerly told me they have investors interested in Boca Raton, FL. (Fingers crossed. In the meantime, I might just try a class out in Miami spontaneously).

Pretty soon, it was time for a refreshment! This, my friends, is not an alcoholic mojito. It’s what Box Cold Brew Coffee & Tea Bar Miami calls the Green Goddess; ingredients include their cold brew green jasmine tea + fresh lime + Basil. SO delicious.

I look forward to more events like this in the future!

XX,

Simply Gabrielle Marie