Saturday, August 21, 2010

Sweets straight from Paris

My parents have returned from their wanderings on the old continent. They spent some time on our cousins' vineyard in Burgundy, took a trip to Normandy, and gazed up at Mont St. Michel. You can read about their adventures here I had set them the task of getting me one precious little thing from Paris.... A mini coffret of macarons all for moi. They did not fail in the attempt!


The taste is somewhat indescribable... Ok fine, it's crisp on the outside, but as soon as you get to the middle, the delicate thing crumbles into your mouth and inside the soft creamy centre ..... hmm so good.

The bag and the box will be lasting reminders of the deliciousness -- until I get more. Hmm.

I'm so glad they got the lovely green coloured box with gold...very classic.



Tellement mignon, tellement délicieux. Le sigh.


I`m quite obviously going to keep this box forever. If anyone throws these out they`re completely insane.
I`m savouring these.... as slowly as I can. But currently there are only three left. So far my favourite is the vanilla.... Delicious.
xox
Ave



Friday, August 13, 2010

Target and Liberty of London

I know I'm late jumping on this train, but the truth is I've been eyeing this forever. I am finally planning a day down in Buffalo, NY, to try and snap up some of these fantastic items from Target. You all know how much I love Liberty of London, and I'm hoping that I'm not too late to get a little something. Quite frankly I'll settle for anything....


Anything with Liberty florals pretty much floats my boat. But when you toss in anything tea-related, you've got me hooked!

Candles, stationery, pillows...... I want it all!

You just know if I find these, they're all mine....



Come on now, a piggy bank with peacock feathers on it??? I'm coming to get you, piggy! ;)
xox
A.







Saturday, August 7, 2010

Lavande

What is it about lavender that is so enchanting? I think my love of lavender started many years ago, when my family and I first visited Provence. We went to a lovely place, hidden in a valley, not far from the village of Gordes in the Vaucluse. Amidst a field of lavender was a weathered and beguiling building - the Abbaye de Sénanque. There is something about that place that really enchants you. The heat, the sweet smell of lavender in the sun, and the buzzing of bees all around - very dishevelled and wonderful.

The smell of lavender will always transport me back to provence. I always picture the warm colours of Roussillon, or the clear blue sky, or even the potted pansies in January. Sigh.

The Abbaye de Sénanque produces several lavender products - but the beauty of the place is what attracts me.

There is nothing better than Lavender sachets. I love the colours of the Provençal fabric.


I make dried lavender bunches such as these often. I pick the lavender from my backyard and then make wands... a very agreeable pursuit!

I have no words to describe the beauty of this place - though I would venture a guess that fairies live here...


Speaking of which! One of my favourite flower fairies - the Lavender fairy! I once received a gift set of lovely perfume and lotions all stamped with her impish visage.



The iconic solitary tree amidst lavender fields. This picture is symbolic of all of Provence...There must be hundreds of solitary trees there, but every picture is beautiful to me.
Hope you are all enjoying your summer weekend - and I hope you come across some lavender, wherever you are!
xox
A.




Monday, August 2, 2010

Birthday Cupcakes

It was my birthday the other day, oh joy, oh rapture. I started my day with a cup of tea in my favourite Tintin mug. Tintin for the win!


My little brother Marc was ever so sweet... he bought me some lovely cupcakes from "The Cupcake Shoppe" at Yonge and Eglinton. My fave was the vanilla with the buttercreme on it... note the miniature strawberry.




Aaaand I was super excited to serve them on my strawberry plates. Cute.





I like my birthdays to be pretty low-key, nothing too loud or celebratory, not sure why... but cupcakes sure do make my day. Thanks mon frèreau.
xox
Ave