More French Decor and Paris' Magic Macarons

Ok, just a few more photos of that lovely furniture/lifestyle shop! Like I said in my previous post -everything was satin this fall. It was amazing how wonderful these sofas felt -cool and smooth. It really made my wonder why more upholstery manufacturers don't work in satin or smoother materials. I know I'll be very happy when all that nubby upholstery goes by the wayside with popcorn ceilings!

It wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention the dining rooms which were filled with a European colonial meets Africa feel. Can you just hear the Lion King playing in the background?! Lots of silver, horn and natural wood and leather. Notice that the French almost never have a table without a table cloth and in this case they took runners and placed them widthwise rather than lengthwise. So clever and chic! Sorry I cut off the chandelier but that was beautiful too -very modern and it had an edgy feel and no there was no big uni-shade on it (ughh, if I see another one I'll turn off the lights!).

Isn't all this making you hungry? It did for me so I just headed out for a snack to my favorite macaron place -they are WONDERFUL. If you are ever in Paris you need to visit this legendary institution Ladurée (take a look at their website it is EXACTLY like being in the store incl. the sounds). The macarons come in so many flavors -my personal favorites are violet, rose, coconut and black forest. They also make wonderful chocolates in so many wonderful flavors. 

If you happen to get there before I return would you send me a few? Oh and the boxes they come in are so beautiful that long after you eat the contents you'll still have the elegant box (I keep mine on my desk). MMMM delicious memories! 

Hot Off the Couches of Paris

My trip through Paris this fall was so amazing. The food, friends, museums, shops, cafes were begging for discovery. The smell of bread baking on the corner bakery, the cafes with people sipping their noisette while their dogs sit on patiently for bits of butter. I had such an awesome time visiting with old friends and seeing what all the shops had.

So what had me craning my neck in the shops? -couches! I've been looking to redo my own at home but after taking a look at the latest davenports:

Lounge in black satin and lamp shades in thin raw silk

So what is so special about this sofa? The French are upholstering everything in high grade dense satin. This thick satin material is better than leather! (Ready to throw out your Chesterfields? -remember you heard it here first) It feels amazing and withstands a lot of use. Not to mention this is wonderful for my personal vegetarian leanings. I noticed that the colors of the upholstery this season is dark neutral -charcoal gray, deep plum, moss green. Deep rich colors with the shine of satin -delicious!

I've decided to just keep my bags packed for my next trip to Europe. Here is hoping that it will be soon or perhaps a move back? Hmmm...

Beautiful orange colors at Hermes

Going the Wrong Way?

Today I woke up and to my disbelief it was 9:55 am. That is a record for me -I haven't slept in that much since I don't know when. I must say that I'm beginning to get a little sad that I only have one day left here. I've had a wonderful time with my friends and it has made me realize that maybe I should be living here?

Anyway, last night we had a wonderful dinner in a very BoBo (bourgeouis-boheme in English you would say YUPPIE). This tavern serves food only after 9pm and everyone gets a giant plate of fries and mussels with wine. It was very full and lively -lots of artists, old men, university students and young professionals. In fact, I didn't even get a chance to take photos because we were talking to some young guys and discussing philosophy -can you believe that?! It was really so surreal and fun.

By the way, I had to take pictures earlier in the day of a cafeteria. I was amazed to see that it had a full chandelier and the plastic cutlery -well just look for yourself!

Am I going the wrong way back to California or should I just send for the family?

Live from France!

So now I'm taking a much needed break. These two weeks have been flying by and I've enjoyed every minute of it -from plane delays, to meeting new friends and seeing old friends. While here in Paris I've been snapping some photos at Bercy, Tuileries and other deliciously beautiful places.

While I was at Bercy there was a wonderful market of mid century design items. I had to snap some pics of it!

Also I think this one could be called SteamPunk? You tell me -like it or not?

And of course a jazzy little number makes me want a cocktail and say, "Daddy-O."

Another Blog

Thank you dear readers for following my adventures and musings on Italy, food, museums and decor. My life has changed so much since my husband went off to Afghanistan. He has now safely returned but life isn't the same. I have started a new blog for my new adventure. I am trying to start a foundation to help families of the deployed military in Afghanistan and Iraq. I want to offer these families free babysitting for when these fathers and mothers are in harms way and then for one month after they return.
Who is with me? Who is willing to help out these families that give so much? Join me on this new adventure at http://respite4weary.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there!

Aloha House II

Holy Toledo! I've been AWOL a long time! So sorry about that. Life has been crazy. However, I do have some more Aloha House photos for you! Thanks for hanging in there with me! Enjoy -

Casually formal living room

Guest bathroom with beautiful Asian antiques highlighted by a soft lavender color

Pool with wonderful landscaping and waterfall

Can you see the family of mosaic honu (turtles)?

A dream kitchen with 2 sinks that both have a garbage disposal (why more people don't do this boggles the mind!)

The dinning area with great lighting and flooring. Just around the corner is the family room and beyond that is the guest bedroom with every comfort imaginable. Cynthia really has such an eye for both elegant design and function.

 She is really so gifted some of the other homes she has done have the most wonderful feeling -warm, inviting and inspired. I love the way she combines antiques, modern items and warm inviting colors and lines. Hopefully, we will be seeing a lot more from her!

Aloha House

So, I've been busy with traveling unassisted with the two children under five (can you say crazy?). However, when there is a friend in need you move mountains when necessary. The wonderful thing that came from this trip was reconnecting with old friends and plugging into the wonderful energy of Hawaii.

What did I bring back for you my dear readers? Wonderful photos, interesting people and perhaps some ideas to inspire you. My Hawaiian friends are very talented and the first lady of talent I'd like to introduce you to is my friend Cynthia. She is seriously amazing at design and has a keen eye and great vision (can you tell I really admire her?) -on top of being a dear friend. Anyway, let me give you just a amuse-bouche while I beg her for some of her other work that she has done in and around Honolulu.

What are you loving about the photo above? Would you love to see the pool beyond the wall?