Missing Paris...........and blog friends

~ Photos by Lala of My Castle in Spain ~

In sharing these most divine Tumblr photos taken by one of my favorite  bloggers this week, I got to thinking about my Paris trip a year ago September. We were supposed to meet up with lovely Lala of My Castle in Spain during the second week and my sister-in-law and I got caught in a torrential downpour while Zara shopping on the Champs Elysées. Not a terrible place to get soaking wet. We couldn't get a cab, waited hours holding our wet shopping bags like the pair of pathetic drowned tourists that we were at that point, no phone, no way to get back to our hotel, no way to contact Lala. Someday I hope to meet up with lovely Lala if our paths cross in Paris again. Maybe by then I can learn to speak a bit of French? 

~ Photo by Haleigh of Making Magique ~ 

All of this got me to thinking about how much I missed going to Paris this year. How incredible and wonderful it was to spend time with Vicki, the talented Carla, meet up with sweet Haleigh her Paris photos above and below and Claudia who is brocante hopping right now, and how I would have cried if my Paris photos weren't retrieved when my laptop hard drive went off this week. I wonder if they think the same.............how improbable it was that we all met up that week in Paris and how we made it happen. 

~ Photo by Haleigh of Making Magique ~

It is difficult to maintain such unique friendships long-distance but bloggers tend to do it well. We make it happen by email, telephone, Skype, plane, or train and once the connection is made, especially once you have met them in person, it  becomes important to maintain the bond that most will say is impossible to keep. My brother called me the other day "Louise wants to know when you two can go to Paris again?" My reply was quick and decisive. "September 2012 for the Maison d' Objet and I know exactly who to call to meet us there". I miss Paris but mostly I miss my blogger friends. 

A most gorgeous post of Laduree Green

Today was supposed to be a post about how to combine a solid Laduree pastel green gift wrap with a unmatched gift wrap end cut. Tie up some loose ends into a new gift package. I took the photos last week but when I went to load my photo card today I was a bit distracted and think I put it in the wrong slot..........it has disappeared. But Laduree green it will be in another way at least until we take the screen apart quite possibly the most gorgeous post I have seen this week. That is saying quite a bit after following all the NY Fashion week gals this past week but this is one pretty, pretty post from one of our most stylish bloggers. Go here for a most breathtaking peek at Laduree green. 












Photo from here discover via Dust Jacket Attic

It has a name.......... Arm Party

I laughed out loud this morning when I read this post by Lisa of the entertaining blog Privilege. She blogged about the coined phrase Arm Party................what a great and clever name for my fascination with multiple things adorning a wrist these days. I love it! You will remember I posted about it last week here and here without the clever phrase and it appears I still haven't tired of this subject though you may have by now and I am almost done I swear. So you had to know these La Mer Collection watches with chains and charms as part of the wrapped leather strapping would become be my latest thing. I just can't decide what colour I would like to order. Another fashion blogger said last week that the multiple look is yawn and I think someone better tweet Joanna Hillman and Kate Moss because they are the life of the party with this look. I say any party is a good one...........even if it is on my wrist. I don't need a party every day but once and a while it is the best thing. 

Objects of Desire here

Two favourites in one great post

Last week's favourite blog photo also turned out to be my favourite post story wise. I adore this room, everything about it. It certainly suggests the owner is interesting, makes you want to spend some time there and find out just how interesting......... pour a drink and turn that corner, tell me stories and start at the beginning. Exceptional interiors usually do reflect exceptional people and this is one is certainly no exception. Go here to read all about this most fascinating woman, her portrait by Ambrose McEvoy is right above the marble shelf. 







Image by Derry Moore found here

wake up...........time to Roost

Her name is Caitlin, but you can call her Coco. I like the name Coco and I really, really like her blog Roost and I wanted to make sure you know about it. Least of all, she caught my attention for wrapping up healthy fruit leathers in such a charming gift way as I was just talking about simple, heartfelt gifts in a post here. But mostly I want you to know Coco for what she is doing which is sharing her recipe journey as she adapts to a new way of thinking and cooking in order to reverse the symptoms of her husband's Crohn's disease and she has been successful. If you or someone you love suffers from auto immune disorders such as Crohn's, colitis, IBS, or celiac disease you are well familiar with restricted diets and the connection between certain foods and auto immune illnesses. You have probably read just about everything. What I find so encouraging about the blog Roost is how Coco makes the dietary restrictions so deliciously appealing..............even if you are not looking to totally change to a grain-free lifestyle but make some healthy changes. Roost is full of gorgeous food images photographed by Coco herself she is also a graphic designer who designs blog banners and it is such a warm place to learn a thing or two.

Objects of Desire here

All images from Roost

A Lovely Being.............the blog

It was this photo that caught my eye and sent me over to discover a blog new to me.

Anyone who will scan in Vanity features from old issues of House & Garden

has my admiration. Those were the best.

And who's office could this be? Go here to find out.

A Lovely Being had me doing two things I do when a blog has my attention. Hit Archive to read more and more and grab my notebook. If I jot down notes while reading a new blog, it means it is telling me things I like to think about, listen to, read, or research. I like the clean design, the mix of subjects, and her friendly voice, I am thinking you might too. A Lovely Being written by Kansas blogger Elizabeth Fallon is simply.................being lovely. She has a lovely Tumblr too. 

All images via A Lovely Being

Glass Votives.............a paintery project

Now that I know you clever girls love glass, I am on the outlook for creative glass projects. I adore these votives created by the popular wedding blog Once Wed which was inspired by the beautiful talent of Atlanta artist Michelle Armnis. See the instructions here.

Her colorful canvases which you can see here inspired Once Wed to create a paintery tableau that I thought was too gorgeous for words. So did everyone else as it is easily the most popular photo on Pinterest these days. See how it inspiration spread from painting, to flowers, to table setting here (just in case you missed it). Love it when that happens. 

Barbie and Chocolate Cake.......at 3 am

All of these photos gave me a giggle this morning. Was there anything better than your mom's Devil's Food chocolate cake and then playing dress-up with Barbie? I am assuming I ate my yummy birthday cake, along with a glass of chilled milk, then dressed up my new Barbie and that is why these two things go together in my reminiscent mind today. I am kind of loving this upscale Barbie couture, though I must admit way, way back.......in my young mind my Barbies were certainly dressed this glam. I am sure I mentally enhanced their attire in all sorts of creative ways. Let's admit it, this is my mature version of how to serve chocolate cake and how to dress Barbie. Doesn't it look like fun? Something to serve while watching the Royal Lovefest at 3 am this Friday? The gorgeous cake photography and recipe is from a blog named What Katie Ate, a really yummy place.

Photo 1 from What Katie Ate/Photo 2 and 3 from Pinterest

the home stretch.............and a surprise blog

Photo by Jessica Nichols 

The week simply got away from me over here. Our son has been home for a few weeks and off he goes tomorrow to Florida for his final home stretch. In four more months, after a few more exams and a few more hospital rotations, he will be at the finish line. I find I am holding my breath for him right now as mothers tend to do. Somehow I thought older children would be easier, the worry eased, I find it is not. Someday, when he lets me, I will tell you our son's story, why we are so remarkably proud of what he has accomplished. It is not my story to tell, but it is one of facing huge odds and I do want him to know..............you inspire me. xo

photo by Rodney Smith

I just finished reading The End, the fascinating blog written by photographer Rodney Smith. Yes, that Rodney Smith, the very famous and talented photographer has a blog and it was a delightful and surprising discovery. Over the past weekend, I read each and every post he has written since he started it back on July 13th, 2009. He is one of the most talented photographers of our time............and his writing, his stories, his honest and human writing style had me wanting more, the feeling of reading a wonderful novel which I didn't want to end. I am in awe of both his talents. Rodney Smith posts every Monday, from home in New York or from location anywhere in the world..............next Monday can't come fast enough for me. 


Photo 1 from Jessica Nichols / photo 2 and 3 by Rodney Smith

Navy Tomatoes............and cycling alone?

This summer beach setting is just ahead, right?..........so where did all my Cycle Challenge gals go? I know more than a few of you went out and bought hot new bikes, but are you actually riding them and if so, why aren't you telling me about it? Hey, blame me for stalling the whole challenge even before we started but I'm all fixed up now and have been adding up this weeks mileage slow and steady but looking to pick up the speed. So go to Fun Stuff on the top left and if your name is listed under the Cycle Challenge page then I am waiting to hear from you now and again. Every Sunday night to be precise. Somebody please.

This photo is in my fashion file labeled Navy Outfit to Inspire Weight Loss. The label really was capitalized which only means I was really serious about using this photo for inspiration. Yes, it is a simple outfit (but quite svelte through the hips) so down below you will see my Hermes Box from last weeks jewelry reminder post refreshed and ready to make this outfit less simple......and more inspired.

I am going to eat beautiful plates of roasted cherry tomatoes on whole wheat penne with fresh basil. Not great big plates, but petite ones with a few shaves of fresh parmesan to finish it off. Big plates of my favorite fennel and black olive salad with lots of white balsamic vinegar and a measure of a good quality olive oil. I make everything sound positively easy don't I? It isn't (I really like ice cream and way too much yogurt), but I did tell you I was going to do it. I am also going to head over to the new blog CRU by Noel of Fanciful Designs for healthy, raw food recipes. Bless her focused and creative heart, she is exactly what I need right now.

This weekly jewelry refesher idea really does work. I wore my favorite Italian watch a good part of last week and am fastening on plenty of older favorites more readily and just for fun. That multi-coloured necklace and bracelet of multiple strands has waited for a long time to return to favour while silver tones captured my attention, but gold tones are back so out it comes again. I think it would look quite good with that navy outfit.

I actually don't need much of a reminder to wear this bracelet. Though dramatic in size, it is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable and looks good in any season. It is my go-to bracelet and we all have one of those, right?

This wire cuff brings a welcome jolt of summer colour to any outfit. Especially black linen and I adore black linen in the summer. And those humid days of revealing summer fashion are right around the corner, aren't they? Anyone ready for a good cycle? The slow and steady kind?

Photo 1 and 3 by Tim Evan Cook~Sarah Kaye/Photo 2 unknown/remaining photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life.

My computer apologizes........me too

I want to give you a delicious plate of pistachio macarons, just because a few of you are not enjoying my new blog as well as you normally might. In fact, I might give them to myself .......let's share them while I apologize to any reader who is having trouble reading this blog because.........well, I am not sure why. I am sorry and please bear with me while this browser? stuff gets sorted out. Is it just me or is this computer thing getting more difficult by the day? Though much less difficult with the gracious hand holding of  DJ of Dust Jacket Attic all week long. In the meantime, a few of my favorite things to close off the week.

When I want a good chuckle or think I might want to renew my lost passion for cooking incredible tasty meals, I head right over to visit my favorite food blogger. Well, actually I have a few but I love the way former pastry chef and author David Lebovitz keeps it real while sharing his experience of being an American living and cooking in Paris. It was this photograph from his February post on Truffle Hunting in France that got me hooked on his witty writing style. He shares his story and recipes much better than I ever could, so head over (if you haven't already) and get lost in the culinary world of David Lebovitz.

Somewhere in South Africa, someone is living in my next dream room by Cape Town designer John Jacob that I found over at the blog My Notting Hill. This is it The Room. There is something about that silk grasscloth colour, the cosy dimensions, and the warmth of this sitting room that just does it for me. I even showed it to my husband and said "here's our next house" and he replied "but our house kind of does look like this". Silly guy, that's like saying that my hair is blonde when we all know it's kind of gray with blonde highlights. But then again, he only sees the blonde so who am I to call him silly guy?

While I am dreaming............I will take this stunning kitchen by Houston designer Donna Temple Brown that I borrowed from the blog Acanthus and Acorn. Look, it's kind of gray and blonde. Have you noticed who is being the silly one today?

Happy Weekend!

The warmest welcome to new followers and a grateful thank you to the original ones

who are sticking with me while I sort out the browser? problem.

Top photo by photographerArabelle McNie ~ Sarah Kaye/photo 2 via David Lebovitz/photo 3 from John Jacob Interiors/bottom photo from Veranda.

Christmas in April.......a gift of a new blog design from DJA

This is way better than any Christmas gift. This is Christmas in April for me. While we were working on this new and shiny blog design, we were using this December photo as a work sample. The more I looked at it the more I thought "tomorrow when I wake up and open my computer, it really will be like Christmas morning". And it is and I have someone pretty incredible to thank.

I know you know DJ from Dust Jacket Attic. Her fashion blog and playlist is a daily dose of glamour for many of us and it is no secret that I love her style. What you may not know is how incredibly kind, helpful, talented, and spectacular this woman is inside. Even better, she has a fabulous sense of humour. I would say she is somewhat mysterious, her posts are about stylists and fashion photography, she is from Australia, she tells us very little about her personal life which I seem to find intriguing. A few days ago while she whipped through the changes and nailed my design faster than you can imagine, I said to her "you are holding out on us, you have some experience and some serious design talent". And she does, doesn't she?

I am convinced that the best people to design a new blog design are bloggers themselves. When I asked DJ for help, it became like it often does in the blog world, more than a helping hand.......it becomes a gift. A gift beautifully wrapped in enormous generousity. She made this change feel so effortless, so painless, so much fun, so suited to me, so exciting that I cannot possibly thank her properly. If I could I would fly to Australia today and give her the biggest possible hug and say thank you, thank you DJ.

You are simply the absolute best. I adore my new blog. And you.

Photo by Chris Everard ~ Sarah Kaye

Fifi does........... A Gift Wrapped life

I hope Fifi Flowers isn't too upset that I waited so long to post her artful gift (forgive me!). When I ran across one she did for Vicki Archer a few weeks ago, I realised I had missed a draft of this post from months ago. You aren't a real blogger until you have had Fifi Flowers draw something she likes in your post, or in this case my blog header . It certainly is a badge of honour and a wonderful gesture, after all it's nice to know something had inspired the fabulous FiFi. Oops........I see something she missed or maybe left it out on purpose. Care to guess? It is easy to miss but is my favorite part.

Thank You Fifi ~ I adore my drawing!

And your artistic generosity.

Original artwork by Fifi Flowers

Sarah Klassen and some Apricot inspiration

Certain colours just stay in my head and when I saw these apricot silk shoes in a post by fellow Canadian blogger Sarah Klassen I knew this meant it would show up somewhere in the weekly gift wrapping. I simply can't help it, not when stylish bloggers give me so much colour inspiration. If you haven't made it over to her most stylish blog Haute Design, you must make it a point to do so. Sarah has an incredible eye for fashion and design and you will just love it there. I do.

I had a run of "pink" website orders this week so when it came time to wrapping the last order of the week (a personal one) I was in the mood for another direction. Not that I don't love pink, I must use more pink ribbon than anybody in the world. I just wanted something more dramatic, something with that delicious melon colour.

We tend to think of tissue paper as something we crinkle and stuff into a gift bag. As a understated gift wrap it can be beautifully simple. Something you can consider when you want the presentation to be less wrapped so to speak. I will talk about tissue more in the next few weeks and try to show you how to do the hand pleating that you can see under the label if you look carefully. Tissue wrap has a tactile feel that gift wrap paper just can't match. This was one of the gift items that go into the larger box. Each gift is wrapped different, varying papers, ribbon and wrap styles. It just makes the whole unwrapping experience so much more fun don't you think? It can also be a gift wrapping tutorial if they take their time and study the techniques. If they are into that sort of thing.

Do you always have to have a bought card? I like making my own and I really liked the idea of tucking it under the big bow with a little flower peeking out under all that ribbon. It seems more personal somehow. I simply took a blank card in a melon colour, punched a hole in the corner, wired in the petite flower, and wrote my message, no envelope. I pulled it out to photograph but it does get hidden under the bow before it goes out the door.

Top photo via Sarah Klassen/Other photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

Bringing Small Comforts ~ YumYum good

When it comes to sending comfort, can there be anything better than homemade Chicken Soup? Soup made with love and then shipped to a doorstep anywhere in the United States? Is this a yum yum good idea or what? When I ran across the website Spoonful of Comfort I just knew this was a brilliant idea for friends and family looking to send long-distance comfort. How you send love and concern long-distance was a very personal question for Spoonful of Comfort founder Marti Wymer. As a transplanted Canadian living in Florida, Marti cooked up this delicious concept when her Canadian mother passed way shortly after being diagnosed with cancer as a way to send something more personal than flowers or a fruit basket. So my question was........do you ship to Canada too? Not yet, but soon they hope as they work out those pesky food issues the border seems to dwell on. I will Canadian readers keep posted.

A 64 oz. jar (4-6 servings) is $32.00 plus shipping and you do have the option of ordering multiple jars and adding homemade rolls or oatmeal raisin cookies in 1/2 dozen sizes for $6.00. The soup is all homemade, full of all those good nutrients and hydration that is so essential to recuperation. The fresh soup is packed with love and good wishes in an insulated liner with gel packs and recipients are instructed to use within 2-3 days. Wholesome comfort sent right to their doorstep.

Speaking of yummy soup................you might want to check out the Soup on Sunday series that style blogger Ronda Carman of the blog All The Best has been posting over the last few weeks. Her warm and cosy soup series has me digging out the soup pot and scaling back our Sunday dinners to a one bowl feast. Not just me, her readers are urging her to write a soup cookbook and it just might happen. I just happen to think Ronda's soup sketch could make for a clever cookbook cover.

Sunday Menu........Ronda Carman's Tortellini Parmesan Soup. Click here for her recipe.

1st and 2nd photo from Spoonful of Comfort.com/3rd and 4th photo from blag All the Best

French Blue ~ French Blue

Show someone they are special this week.

Is there anything better than an unexpected gift?

One that is so perfect it takes your breath away?

One that just amazes you with it's thoughtfulness?

One that is just so you?

Yes.

It's even better when it is from someone you adore.

If you know Janet at French Blue, her gorgeous blog, her website full of unique vintage finds , you will know how remarkable she is in her support of the women who surround her. She just has that unique gift of "seeing" women and the beauty that comes into our lives if we chose to embrace it. Her blog embraces beauty in a most magical way and with the most poetic words. Janet was one of my first blog supporters, the one with the most incredible comments that would lift your heart and inspire you to be more. Oh my!....... the goddess post, we all had so much fun with that! I am most certainly not a goddess, but I loved that Janet made me feel like one! For those of you who have visited her blog or had a comment from Janet, you know exactly what I mean.

Some people are like that aren't they? The type who rarely toot their own horn, always looking to toot it for others instead. Her gorgeous array of petite gifts landed on my doorstep at Christmas, something just for me, something so unexpected, something so perfect, something so me. Wrapped to perfection, they stayed unopened for days and days ..........I do love the anticipation.

When I opened the final box, I literally gasped. Laudree ribbons! How perfectly perfect.

Could anyone give me a more thoughtful gift?

Isn't it a good week to give someone a little something? Something thoughtful? Something you know is just for them? For no reason other than you adore them or that they really could use something pretty. I think Janet at French Blue,the most incredibly giving woman would love than more than anything. If you do gift someone this week and spread around some good feelings, go tell her here, she will be delighted.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life