Monday, January 4, 2016

Holiday recap and capsule wardrobe #161

Winter has finally arrived in the South of France, and is painting the morning and evening skies in a beautiful palette of pastel colors.



Nothing more exciting than an orange box under the tree (no, there is not a bag inside!)





My (fierce and cute) neighbor at the hairdresser's



New Year's Eve: Black John Rocha silk coat (I bought it fifteen years ago.. what a good purchase it was) black cotton sateen trousers and a black silk top. 



Here's to 2016!
Have a most happy and fabulous New Year everyone, filled with joy, good health and many special and beautiful moments!









Capsule pieces: Camel/beige reversible coat, black jeans and black turtleneck sweater
Shoes: black ankle boots



Accessories: Hermes Birkin 35 in black, Evelyn gloves in camel and Chanel sunglasses



The content of the orange box... Avalon tri-color blanket in gris/anthracite. Love it so much, and it's beautifully warm and cosy.





Have a great week ahead everyone xx

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86 comments:

  1. Dear MaiTai,

    Happy New Year to you and your dear family hope it is all you wish for.
    As always you are looking lovely, your new blanket looks so cosy for the winter love the colour too.
    Have a great week ahead.
    Jane xx

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    1. Thank you for the lovely good wishes, dear Jane! So happy you like the blanket, and have a great week ahead too! xx

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  2. I love these photos! Am typing this at the beach so it's lovely to see the cold weather snaps. Your blanket is divine and I love the earrings x

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    1. Likewise it is wonderful to see paradise beach shots in the middle of winter! Have a wonderful holiday xx

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  3. Somehow I knew it's time to check your blog...but I'm very grateful that IG satisfies my curiosity (and addiction) in shorter intervals:) I always love your nature photographs - they capture the atmosphere so well! No need to mention that I'm a big fan of your camel coat - do you ever wear it on the other side? The earrings are stunning additions to your exceptional Collection!
    Wishing everyone a Happy New Year with lots of MaiTai surprises,
    Katja

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    1. Isn't Instagram a fun place? It's so great to see you there, dearest Katja! So happy you enjoy the nature shots.. nothing inspires me more than the changing seasons, and the light and colors outside. The reverse side of the coat is beautiful, but I think the camel side suits me better. It's great though to have the cream showing a little bit...it illuminates the face;-) Wishing you a most fabulous and happy 2016 ahead xx

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    2. Dear Katja, I´m happy to follow you on IG! Happy New Year! Hugs, Manuela

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    3. Dear Manuela,
      Getting lost in all the blogs and IG:) I was very sceptical in the beginning, but I must admit that I really like it (and your pictures, too!) - by the way, I discovered we own same beautiful Carrée book (and the other swans probably, too:)! Happy New year to you, too, dear Manuela!
      Katja

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    4. Thank you! <3 M xx

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  4. So, you little minx, teasing us to the end to see the contents of that big orange box. It was worth it though. The blanket is gorgeous, and since it's gone from 75 to 30 here (all within the course of a couple of days), I'd like one to curl up under, too.

    I also love those new H. gloves, which are lovely with the new coat. NEW is the operative word here, missy. Either Santa was very good to you, or you were good to yourself, and regardless of the case, it's a win-win.

    The new chandelier earrings are beautiful. Now, can you sell me the lifestyle to go with them, please?

    A sparkling new year to you, MT, and all the lovely swans.

    Best,
    Jerrine

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the box suspence, dearest Jerrine! The blanket is so thick and plush that it needs a full blown Birkin box to contain it. I'm moving up on the sofa as we speak, so you can come and escape your cold spell anytime! The gloves were a sale bargain from years and years ago, and are virtually unworn...I never had a coat to match ;-) Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and come to Paris soon... we'll rock the earings in swinging St Germain!
      Much love to you and a very happy New Year! XX

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  5. Dearest MaiTai,
    Here we go for another year all together !

    Thanks a million for this peaceful, elegant, classy blog. No doubt we will continue to share some good time here. I saw you prepared some « merveilles » to start the year with. You can be proud to have MT swans’ ambassadors worldwide!

    Can I join you and Jerrine in Saint Germain? I propose a rendez-vous Chez Georges to start the sparkling Chandelier night…. let’s finish it talking for hours wrapped up warmly in your beautiful blanket… so much fun it could be!

    Catherine

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    1. Catherine, that sounds absolutely wonderful - the perfect tonic to beat the winter blahs. Have I mentioned I hate January - blah, blah, blah and more . . . blah.

      I think we definitely need that rendez-vous in Paris, complete with chandelier earrings, long talks and that very cozy blanket. Think all three of us can fit under it?

      The very best to you,
      Jerrine

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    2. My dearest Jerrine,
      When you are in good company even a tiny corner of this wonderful blanket would be enough ;-)))) Ready for the rendez-vous, let's hope 2016 will be THE YEAR!
      Mwah
      C.

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    3. Chere Catherine, I would happily join you girls chez Georges and take a stroll through St. Germain. Maybe we could have lunch at Café de Flore... How nice it woud be! Une tres bonne nouvelle année pour toi! Bises, Manuela

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    4. Excellent plan, chère Catherine! We definitely need something to spark up January, it's been way too bleak! xx

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  6. Just loving the pastel coloured skies of the south of France. For weeks now in the UK our skies have been overcast and grey... Looking forward to seeing the new bracelet in the shop... Have a great week x

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    1. We've had such dreary weather too... the second there is some light, I rush out to take pictures. Hope some brighter days lie ahead for us! x

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  7. Such a lovely, beautiful winter vignette you have provided for us darling friend.
    All so cozy in composition that I want to retreat under that blanket, too! But, it looks as if I may have to bring my own, as it is getting a little crowded!;)
    Happy, happy New Year dearest MT, and to all of the lovely swans gathered here, T xx

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    1. Trudye,
      I'll share my small corner of that blanket with you! Happy New Year to you.
      xx
      Catherine

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    2. Ah, dearest Catherine, thank you for the offer! I promise not to tug at the blanket;)
      xx

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    3. There is always a space for you under the blanket, darling Trudye! Got the champagne on ice too xx

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  8. I am in love with your reversible camel coat--so chic and so practical! The chandelier earrings are perfect and sparkly, but I've got a crush on your outerwear!

    Happy New Year--

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    1. An outerwear crush, lol. Greta, I agree. That coat is just too beautiful and perfect with MT's blonde coloring - a striking blonde coat for a striking blonde. What could be better?

      Best,
      Jerrine

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    2. Jerrine, "better" would be if I could find that coat here, in Alabama, on sale!

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    3. Yes, Greta, that would be better, and what would be best would be if we could both find one.

      I searched, too, and even visited Atlanta's Max Mara boutique - no luck. They'd never even had it in the store. Bleagh . . . retail can be so frustrating.

      Layfayete makes a nice one, too, in a pale taupe, reversing to cream, but it's not as nice as MT's.

      Maybe next year? Either that or we fly over and "borrow" MaiTai's!

      Best,
      Jerrine

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    4. Dear Jerrine and Greta,
      What can I say - I found the coat (not on sale, sigh) - but it didn't suit me!! Such a pity- the fabric was incredible, the colour perfect - but my wallet jumped for joy! It's only 7 months till the new Winter collection will be in the shops...maybe we all have to meet in Paris for a shopping trip and a cuddle under the blanket:)
      Katja

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    5. Okay, Katja, you're on the Paris rendez-vous and shopping trip list. MaiTai will adjust the blanket order accordingly!

      Best,
      Jerrine

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    6. A trip to Paris sounds lovely--new coat or not!

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    7. Never mind the coat (although I am absolutely in love with it), a trip to Paris spend with friends is so much more fun to look forward too! Working on blanket adjustments as we speak xxx

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  9. Hello, dearest MaiTai, thank you for this gorgeous post. Love your new blanket, and the Evelyn gloves are drool-worthy! I just got a promotion at work and it seems I never stop now, from before dawn till dusk. Visiting Le Salon even for a minute or two gives me a much-needed mental break. Thank you for creating this oasis of beauty and charm. A very happy January to all the lovely Swans!
    Much aloha,
    Fifi

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    1. Congrats Dear Fifi for your promotion. Welcome to the over overbooked club!
      Wish you the best for 2016.
      Catherine

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    2. Woo hoo, Fifi, way to go. Heartiest congratulations. I'm all too familiar with Catherine's overbooked club. It's only a few days into 2016, and I'm already worn out.

      We definitely need the Paris rendez-vous, Catherine. I'll even give up my corner of the blanket. Drink enough champagne, and who needs a blanket!

      Hang in there everyone,
      Jerrine

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    3. Catherine, you made me smile. Guess we won't be drifting gently into retirement after all. We'll slam into it going full speed! A wonderful 2016 to you, too, my dear!

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    4. Thank you, dear Jerrine! I will gladly join you for the Paris rendezvous if there is space on the blanket aka magic carpet. Perhaps dear MaiTai would share some tips on how to stay cheerful and healthy while juggling many demands on our time and energy. Meanwhile, I raise my coffee mug to you, Jerrine and Catherine. Keep on truckin'.

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    5. There's always room for you, Fifi! I could certainly use some tips on staying cheerful while being worked half to death, too.

      I just basically went up one side and down the other of AT&T, our phone provider. They just can't figure out why I'm upset that neither our voicemail service or fax line is working. Gee, why would I want them to work?!?!

      I really think I'd rather have root canal surgery than have to deal with these idiot companies!

      I'll stop complaining now and get on with it :)

      Love to you and again, congratulations,
      Jerrine

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    6. Dearest Fifi,
      Somewhere in the Ethernet my comment and congrats to you is floating about! Sending a hearty fist pump and a toast with the bubbly to you on your promotion!
      Just remember to stay focused on the moment and take a deep breath when you have a chance to stop pedaling!
      Isn't it wonderful that MT has provided us all a lovely respite at the pond? It is a beautiful place to breathe. Big hug, T xx

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    7. Dear Fifi, congratulations for your promotion!!! So happy you still have time to drop by and share some great moments with us:-) Happy New Year to you! Warm hugs, Manuela xx

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    8. Thank you, dearest Trudye and Manuela! What fun I will have picking out something from the MT Collection to celebrate my first paycheck of the new job! :-) Much love, Fifi

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    9. Dear Fifi,
      congratulations on your promotion! Hope you still have time to swim and relax on the pond and recharge your batteries in these beautiful surroundings! How nice that it's so simple now to treat yourself with MT collection items - just a few clicks and there you go:) Have fun picking out your reward,
      Katja

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    10. Jerrine, I am thinking of you this morning as I try to deal with Comcast (cable company). Root canal surgery, indeed! Katja, thank you. The collection is getting bigger and it's more fun to shop, but harder to just pick one thing!

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    11. Fifi--
      Why pick just one thing? You got a promotion! Treat yourself!
      Congratulations--
      Greta
      PS Comcast is THE WORST!

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    12. Greta, I like the way you think! You're right, Comcast is the worst -- but they're pretty much the only game in town and I do so love having internet service!

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    13. Congratulations dearest Fifi, what a fabulous way to kick start the New Year! You are on a roll, well done for all your achivements. The blanket is expanding as we speak, and a giant champagne cooler is already in place right next to it. All set here for a sparkling swan lake gathering!

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  10. Lovely pictures! The new jewellry looks beautiful. I am curious to know what fragrance you wear.
    Val

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    1. I have way too many fragrances! I'm on a misson to tackle bathroom clutter and so I'm currently only buying a new scent once I've finished as least two existing bottles. At the moment I wear Hermessence 'Rose Ikebana', Eau d'Hermès and 'Orange Vert' by Hermès, Chanel No 5, Etro 'Masot', 'Classique' by Jean-Paul Gaultier,'L'Heure Bleu'by Guerlain and 'Eau du Sud' by Annick Goutal. On the list: Equipage Geranium!

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    2. Val, are you a scent hound too? I just love fragrance. My go-to at the moment is Amouage Lyric Woman. Val, what do you wear? Dear MT, I love Equipage, didn't know there existed an Equipage Geranium. Off to the sample store I go...

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    3. Dearest Fifi, I only found out recently about the Equipage Gerananium, it is a beautiful fresh and modern re-visited version of the 70s original. Have fun sampling! PS. I emailed you a couple of days ago, hope you received my message!

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  11. Dearest Maitai, what a beautiful post!I love those pale pink and purple skies with the silhouete of the trees! <3 You always manage to capture the beauty of nature in such a wonderful way!
    Congratulations on your beautiful coat and gloves! They are stunning!Love your bracelet and earrings too and look forward to their arrival in the shop.
    Would love to join the girls under the cosy H blanket but I´m afraid I arrived too late:-)

    Wishing you and all the Swans a wonderful New Year with lots of joy, good health and love. Manuela xx

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    1. No, Manuela, the new plan is to have MT buy several more H. blankets and stitch them together, so all swans can be warm and cozy while gossiping and sipping champagne.

      You are welcome, of course,
      Jerrine

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    2. Chère Manuela,
      Un petit bout de plaid et une grande coupe de champagne te sont réservés! Meilleurs voeux à toi aussi pour 2016.
      Catherine

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    3. It sounds perfect to me, dear Jerrine! What a party we would make! <3
      Thank you! Warm hugs, Manuela xx

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    4. Merci, chere Catherine <3 bises Manuela xx

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    5. Of course there is space for you, dearest Manuela, always! There is no such thing as being too late in the salon. Here's to our sparkling slumber party xx

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    6. Thank you <3 M xx

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  12. Happy new year, dear MaiTai.

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    1. Thank you, dear Pam! Wishing you the very same xx

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  13. A very Happy New Year to you, my dearest MaiTai and to all the lovely ladies gathered here! Thank you for always sharing the most breathtaking pictures. You are absolutely ravishing in your New Year’s Eve outfit with your new sparking beauties, and just so lovely in the gorgeous camel coat ensemble. A big congratulations on your special gift - you are right, nothing more exciting than an orange box under the tree - wishing you many cosy and happy moments! Everything so soft and gentle, a truly wonderful start of the year!
    Wishing you, dearest friend, and everyone a most wonderful year, SE xxx

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    1. What a lovely surprise to "see" you here, dear Scarf Enthusiast! It´s such a long time ago! I hope you are doing well and miss your very well written comments.
      Happy New Year to you! Warm hugs, Manuela xx

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    2. Thank you for your warm New Year greeting, my dear Manuela! I have missed you much and all the other fun and lovely ladies too! It is so wonderful to be back in our special place of beauty and warm friendships. Wishing you a lovely weekend with big friendship hugs to you, Scarf Enthusiast xox

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    3. Friendship hugs to you too, dear Scarf Enthusiast, and hope to see you often among us, Manuela xx

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    4. Thank you, dear Manuela! Looking forward to joining you and all in 2016! Happy hugs, Scarf Enthusiast xx

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    5. Dearest Scarf Enthusiast, what a special joy to see you! You have been missed very much, and not just by me <3 Hope you are well and that you've had a great start into the New Year. Hope it will be full of happiness, joy and good health! xxx

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  14. Hello from Manhattan. I am a huge fan of your lovely and very informative blog. I look forward to every post. You are truly a gracious and classy lady.
    I do have a question about scarf tying that I cannot find the answer for on your blog.
    I own a gorgeous vintage 16" square Hermes, and I just do not know what to do with it, how to wear it, how to show it off.
    It is a tiny print with skiers and skaters on the border, called " Neige d' Antan.
    I would appreciate even one idea. Thank you so much for the enjoyment you provide with your blog.

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    1. Welcome to the pond. The blog is quite addictive. We're all willing victims.

      Yes, the little gavroches can present a challenge, but look at MT's "Flower Knot." It's adorable when tied at the neckline of a shirt or a jewel-neck sweater or top. It's really easy to accomplish with MT's excellent directions, too.

      "Neige d'Antan" is a beautiful pattern, and it deserves to be shown off.

      Best of luck,
      Jerrine

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    2. I couldn't agree more with Jerrine. This blog is very adictive but wonderful! <3
      I suggest you buy a 'petit scarf ring' from the Mai Tai Collection and follow one of her tutorials on to use it with a gavroche. The result is great and, with one of the knots, the gavroche seems bigger than it is. Welcome to the Salon! Manuela

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    3. Hello to Manhatten! Jerrine and Manuela are right (thank you both for stepping in <3 !), there are many cute ways to wear a Gavroche. The flower knot and the options with a Petite scarf ring are absolutely lovely! Some additional ideas can be found here: http://maitaicollection.com/pages/scarf-ring-options-with-gavroches-pocket-squares Have fun!

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  15. Dear MaiTai, Happy New Year!!
    Love your blog and your coat is ��
    Do you mind sharing the coat details??
    Thank you so much

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    1. Happy New Year to you too! The coat is by Max Mara (reversible cashmere). I don't have a model number, but hope you can find it!

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  16. MT, love love your IG page. Is the beautiful enamel bracelet :/hermeschainedancre/: still available? Somehow, I missed this one. Plus, it would be lovely to hear your thoughts on selecting these bracelets. I guess it is helpful to think about what we want to wear it with. Anything else to consider? Your advice is always welcomed.

    Thanks so much in advance,
    Jane

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    1. Not sure if the bracelet is still available, dear Jane. I hope so! The best would be to ask your SA to do a search. Wishing you the best of luck!

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  17. Dear MT and lovely Swans of the Salon, How much I enjoy reading your beautiful and gracious blog and following the sisterhood of the swans! MT, you have inspired me tremendously! I've followed your suggestions of how to pick a scarf and made your bread recipe with good results!
    Tonight I'm writing with a bit of an SOS request for information. I think remember that one lovely swan takes care of some feral cats and her neighbor? fashioned something to keep them warm in the winter? Would you tell me how the cats are kept warm? You see, my neighbor's house was destroyed in a fire Saturday. Everyone is fine; except the cat has disappeared into the neighborhood. He will eat food left out but won't let anyone near him. Those of you in the Southeastern US know how cold it has been these past several nights!
    Thank you!
    Rebecca

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    1. Oh, Rebecca, I'm so sorry to hear this - that poor family. I hope that once the cat calms down, they'll be able to get a hold of him.

      Here's what my neighbor and I did to protect our two feral cats during the harsh winter:

      We took a Rubbermaid (or similar brand)tote with lid and cut nearly one end out of it. We tried a smaller opening first, but the cats wouldn't go in it. We then lined the bottom and the sides with 1" foam core and filled it about half way with straw.

      Well, the little buggers apparently did NOT like the straw, so we had to remove that and put their cat beds inside. On top of the bed, we placed a "Purr Pad," a self-heating pad, which works with the cat's own body heat to keep them warm. They're available at any pet store or online from Dr. Fosters, and they're inexpensive.

      At that point, they began to use the shelter, or I should say shelters, as they wouldn't share - we had to make two!

      My neighbor mothers the two ferals half to death, and as she was afraid that they wouldn't be warm enough during the really cold weather (it was 22 in Atlanta this a.m.!), we bought heating discs, which can be placed in the microwave and then placed on top of the Purr Pad under a towel. It will keep the cat pretty toasty for about 8-10 hours. My neighbor actually gets up in the middle of the night to re-heat another set of discs for them. We probably have the most pampered ferals in the Southeast! (The heating discs are available from Dr. Fosters, as well.)

      If this doesn't work, your neighbor might contact a local animal society and see if she could borrow a humane trap, which would be baited with food - something fishy and smelly like inexpensive canned tuna. If the cat is hungry enough, he may just enter the trap. Of course, she would have to withhold food for a couple of days until he's hungry enough to be tempted into the trap.

      My sister takes care of a colony of ferals in Pennsylvania and uses this method whenever she has to catch one to get it spayed or neutered. It seems cruel, but the cat is not harmed.

      I hope this is even a bit helpful, and please let us know the outcome. I'll keep my paws crossed for the poor little guy.

      Here's hoping,
      Jerrine

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    2. Rebecca--
      How kind of you to think of this poor kitty! I would think a south facing box with a blanket would provide some protection from the cold. I'm in coastal Alabama and it's freezing here, so I'm glad you can provide some warmth for poor kitty. Best of luck to your neighbors as they recover, and I hope the cat comes around soon.
      Greta

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    3. Dear Greta and Jerrine,
      Thank you tons for the your quick replies with detailed advice. As I write, kitty is under my deck. He is slipping out to eat food and runs away when he sees me. At least he won't be facing tonight's low (19F) with an empty belly! I've put out a box with a bed and a blanket and will buy Purr Pads.
      A trap! Of course! It didn't occur to me. Thank you! A friend has one to loan me and I plan to attempt it, once I clear it with the cat's family.
      Jerrine, you really should write a household hints book! You could cover territory that Heloise never dreamed of - from how to launder H scarves to feral cat care with a bonus section on the history of grits! BTW, I followed your advice on scarf laundering. I did everything exactly as you outlined; the only thing I added was a stiff drink before I plunged the silk into the water. The bracer was not needed; the scarf turned out beautifully, just as you said it would!
      Hope you lovely ladies stay warm & cozy tonight.
      Sending you my best wishes from Nashville,
      Rebecca

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    4. Rebecca,

      Greta and I were happy to help, and I only hope that once he's less traumatized, you'll be able to get your hands on him and re-unite him with his family. Poor little thing! Has his family come over and attempted to talk him out from under the deck? I think he's simply scared, and this will take some time.

      I'm happy to hear that you had a successful scarf washing, too. The first time is always a bit scary, and a cocktail was probably a good idea even if you didn't need it. I think the first time I washed one, I plunged it into the water and shut my eyes and hoped for the best!

      If we can convince MT to write that book we all want, maybe she'll let me contribute a chapter.

      Good luck with kitty, and please let us know the outcome. As I said previously, paws are crossed.

      Best to you,
      Jerrine

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    5. I second Rebecca's notion of a book from Jerrine! I'd buy it in a second. From kittehs to grits and everything in between. I'm so glad these little ones are being helped. The kindness of our Salon Swans does not surprise me, but it does humble me. xoxo Fifi

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    6. Fifi, since I have two guaranteed sales, I think I'll start on the book immediately. I've had it with the corporate world - bleagh!

      Think up a good title for it, will you!

      Love,
      Jerrine

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    7. I can't keep up with all of you lovely swans, but just want to say that I'm an adoring fan of Jerrine's writing too! I'll stand in line to buy a copy, regardles what it's about. It can only be good! In the meantime, let's get all cosy under the blanket and make a list of the topics we'd love to hear her advice on xx

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    8. Hello Rebecca, So glad you asked the question here... the swans are the most competent and helpful angels on all questions life throws at us! Hope the kitty is calming down and keeping safe and warm. It is simply wonderful that this has become a place where we can all help and support each other. Have a very happy New Year 2016!

      PS. Jerrine, you ROCK xxx

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  18. Book! Book! Book!

    Title? Tie One On

    (It can be about scarves AND cocktails!)

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    1. Hello MaiTai,
      Can you please divulge the maker of your yummy and elegant camel/ beige reversible coat? Is it Max Mara? I promise if I end up buying it, we won't be in the same room together as I live in Manhattan!
      Also, I am so happy to have gotten onto the blog comments? Does this make me a " Swan"? I sure hope so. Again, your blog brings pure joy. JUDY

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    2. Hello dear Judy, You are officially a swan, welcome to our happy pond! The coat is by Max Mara and I hope you can find it (I bought mine last September, so there is a chance that it's still around). Good luck and happy shopping!

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  19. Hey MaiTai,
    I want to tell you that I just love your all posts. They all are interesting and informative. This like this post as well. Please continue the good work.

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