Flavours

Car boot sale

2011-06-24T13:46:00.006+02:00

Hey! Long time no post!

Last weekend, a friend and I took part in our first ever car boot sale (or yard sale as it's called in the USA, I believe). There were three of us and we made just over 200 euros and I did NOT get rid of some of the stuff I so desperately wanted to sell! Ah well, maybe another time...

It was fun and we were lucky it didn't rain though the sky was pretty menacing all day long and it was actually... cold!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T00:01:00.001+02:00

No Easter tree for me this year, as I am away. Wishing you all lots of eggs (and a bit of chocolate too!) with this, my little German smoker bunny!

Scarf number 2!

2011-04-09T19:11:00.007+02:00

There you go! I'm terrible. I made myself another scarf, I'm sorry it isn't ironed (how bad is that?!) It's very baroque, don't you think?

Meanwhile, because the weather had suddenly changed from winter to summer in the past week, I have been doing a little bit of planting too, so that the windowsills look so much brighter!

Last year's herbs, rosemary and lemon verbena are thriving, and a new addition has made its home on the kitchen windowsill: thyme!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Spring scarf

2011-04-02T12:45:00.003+02:00

Last Monday I wasn't working and went to the Paris fabric mecca near Sacré-Coeur basilica. I did not resist this lovely Japanese style fabric which came in at 4€ and this gorgeous green roses ribbon which was all of 4€80 for a metre. Hey presto! 30 minutes later, I had a unique lovely cotton spring scarf for all of 8€80 or about 12.50$ or 7.70 quid (£ if you prefer).

Meanwhile, things are happening on the kitchen windowsill! The rosemary has withstood winter and is beginning to bloom!

Happy weekend!

Wolf pack

2011-03-25T19:27:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone! This is a cushion made with a gorgeous whitish fabric and a wolf pack border. This above is the front, and this below is the back.

And this was last night's sunset. After a week of glorious, HOT weather and gorgeous sunsets, we are in for drab and dreary again says the weatherman. Ah well...

Enjoy your weekend, I hope it's a good one for all of you.

My latest work

2011-03-13T12:17:00.007+01:00

Hello! It's been a long time since I posted. Co-author Marinagrenadines hasn't been able to access her blogger account for God knows how long, so I thought I'd show you my latest work. Now this might not be to everyone's taste, but I am in love with it. The fabulous 'Dakota' fabric by Alexander Henry that I had ordered from Canada on Etsy has become a cushion, complete with a fake leather fringe also ordered on Etsy and that arrived from the USA!

Meantime, after a wonderfully sunny week, we are back to drab and dreary so I decided it was time to add some colour at home!

Here's another little cushion I made from the fabrics I had bought in Pendleton to which I added the cream tiny horseshoe fabric bought in France.

And this is the back!

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday and new week (I'm not working tomorrow, yay!)

Faïence de Quimper for MB

2011-02-26T16:59:00.014+01:00

These are 'ear bowls'. The typical French breakfast bowls. These are used on a daily basis in my kitchen. They are Quimper pottery, for the most part depicting traditional Breton costumes. A little while back, MB bought a Quimper piece (see it here) so this post is for her!

Here's a bit more of my collection!

This last one is a Celtic cross.

Quimper faïence has existed since the end of the 17th century. These are all pieces by Henriot manufacture. Unfortunately, just this month, their dire financial situation has been made public. I hope, hope, hope that this tradition of hand made pottery isn't going to die... or worse... be transferred to China.

Happy weekend!

Rugby and fabrics

2011-02-20T00:30:00.012+01:00

February and March are rugby months. France, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England and Italy compete in the 6 Nations championship. Yesterday, a drab, dreary, foggy, drizzly and cold Saturday, my friend L. and I went to the middle of nowhere in the countryside: a small town where the French team trains. As it happens, we weren't going there for rugby reasons but because the largest quilt fabric shop around Paris is located there. Both being long-time rugby fans, we arrived at lunchtime and sought out a rugby restaurant.

It looked closed yet there was a light inside. L. jumped out of the car and went inside. As things go, the restaurant was indeed closed but the gent was nevertheless willing to serve us something to eat. We had the whole place to ourselves!

After lunch, serious business began. We spent one and a half hours at Best of Quilting, which happens to have a sister shop in Woodinville, WA. We also spent quite a bit of money.
L. though not a quilter but who has recently discovered the joy of sewing, bought these fabrics:

This last one she bought, which is one large panel, I think is absolutely gorgeous and would make a superb bag!

As for me... well... I needed fabric for a newborn who arrived late last year at a colleague's:

Then I also wanted something to complement my cowboy fabrics and found some tiny hooves which I think are pretty cool. I couldn't resist the lovely words on this fabric and will most certainly find some sort of use for it!

Finally, I had to find some fabric to make a friend a cushion.

Oh, and I've ordered some fabric on Etsy that I'm very excited about. More about it when I receive it! Now we've both got tons of work ahead!
Happy Sunday to you all!

Howdy!

2011-02-13T14:02:00.013+01:00

Look what arrived in the mail last week! My new cowgirl necklaces! I had ordered them from Washington based Country Cowgirl's Etsy shop. In the past six months or so, I have become a very big Etsy fan but I have yet to try Dawanda, the European equivalent! My Mum said: are you really going to wear the green one at the office? Lol!

Meanwhile, there is lots of new life at home and I'm relishing it! Amongst my favourites are grape hyacinths. They are so pretty and delicate, aren't they?

This blue hyacinth came out blurred but I really like the photo.

Of course, they also smell divine!

It's a bit early for daffodils, but hey, I was given these so I'm enjoying them!

Even though I still have so many other projects to finish, I have been rummaging in my fabrics again. Not good! I now have an itch to start something with these cowboy fabrics which I had bought in Pendleton, Oregon last September. The something is most probably going to end up being a small decorative cushion...

And before I wish you a happy Sunday and a good new week, don't forget to love and be loved! Happy Valentine's day!

Of flower pots, books and quilting

2011-01-29T12:54:00.005+01:00

I've been lazy lately. Been reading a lot and therefore dreaming. And then, this morning, I had a look at my hibiscus which I showed you in its summer glory here and thought I needed to do something about it if I didn't want it to die. So I bought a huge pot and some soil. I hope it'll feel better. Since I had some leftover soil, I also imagined my poinsettia would prefer a slightly larger pot. And finally, I planted an olive tree. It's the tiny top photo. It was given to me and I hope, hope, hope that it's going to make it because I've had it for a while now and it wasn't even in a pot.

Top: olive tree, bottom left poinsettia, bottom right hibiscus.

I'm making progress on a half bedspread. A winter themed quilt I am hoping to have finished come next winter! I'm quilting some snowflakes on it which is painstainkingly slow but oh so pretty!

Wishing you a happy weekend!

A quilted present

2011-01-21T22:14:00.003+01:00

To wish you all a wonderful weekend, here are two pics of a cushion I quilted in December for a China and Japan fan. Shown first is the front and second the back. It is supposed to be a Chinese lantern.

Wishing you a happy weekend!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-15T20:22:00.005+01:00

My Mum's birthday is coming up. Because it's on a weekday, I took her to lunch today and then to have tea at a posh hotel in Versailles. Trust her to buy ME something on the way there!

This is very over the top I agree, but hey, it was CHEAP! And I think it's fun, I feel like a millionnaire!

This, below, is my first attempt at watercolour. It is to be one of the presents for my robin loving Mum.

I realise I am extremely late but in France it is customary and okay to present one's New Year's wishes right until the end of January. So here goes: I hope you have a brilliant year!

May you enter 2011 smoothly and blissfully!

2010-12-29T21:54:00.010+01:00

For this, Flavours' last post in 2010, I have chosen to take you to Lübeck again. I fell in love with this shop, so ere we are all fed up with Christmas decorations until the time comes again in 2011, here are a few snapshots I took whilst buying a present for my Mum!

In Germany it is customary to wish everyone 'einen guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr', which means a 'a good slip into the New Year'. This is what I would like to wish you and yours. In true French tradition, I shall however wait until 2011 has come to express my wishes, lest I bring everyone bad luck. I will be away for a while so until then, enjoy the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T13:55:00.001+01:00

The table is all set for Christmas day, here's a sneak preview!

I am now off to spend Christmas Eve with my family and attend Bescherung, the German traditional exchange of presents (or the coming of Father Christmas), in the late afternoon of Christmas Eve.

I wish all of you who celebrate Christmas serene and happy moments.

Christmas presents in the making

2010-12-19T15:07:00.000+01:00

What is this you ask yourselves? It's a Christmas present in the making!

'Tis goat's cheese. With rosemary from the windowsill, black and red peppercorns, thyme and olive oil.

And I guarantee that it'll be delicious!
Here's another gift: fruit bread made with dried figs, apricots, pears, sultanas and plums, as well as lots of spices. Traditional fare of Bavaria and generally speaking, the South of Germany. Here it is ready to be shoved into the oven, with its offspring: a heart that will make a little present!

Happy 4th Advent everyone!

Baubles... but not on the Christmas tree

2010-12-14T20:15:00.006+01:00

For my Christmas decoration, I favour angels! My mum on the other hand does things in a more subdued but very classy way that I find extremely beautiful and attractive. She's right, it's easy to take some pretty baubles and arrange them in vases or punch bowls.

I adore these little hearts that simply drop from branches gathered in the garden. Very difficult to photograph though.

Snow and hearts

2010-12-09T17:09:00.005+01:00

So... here are some of the little hearts I've been sewing. No fear, the lucky ones who will get them for Christmas don't have Internet!
As a bonus, here are a few of my Erzgebirge angels. All hand made in Germany.

Have a great evening/night/day wherever you may be!

Happy Second Advent!

2010-12-05T15:38:00.002+01:00

I am very busy sewing Christmas hearts....

... Which I'll show you later. Have a great Sunday and week!

Marzipan stories

2010-11-30T16:09:00.017+01:00

Today I am taking you to Lübeck, in the extreme North of Germany, on the Baltic sea. Home to Niederegger.

Niederegger, founded 1806, is THE marzipan shop. You could say it's THE marzipan shop in the whole wide world. Even Wikipedia says so. During Advent time, it is positively overflowing with little boxes of marzipan decorated with another German emblem, the nutcracker.

But you might prefer these little dwarves with their irresistible big noses...

Unless of course these smiling elk go straight to your heart...

Me, I like the angels.

And the father Christmases. They are so jolly!

See all those baskets on the table? Full of tiny marzipan specialities to hang on the Christmas tree.

How about a tomato Christmas? Just the right colours!

If you prefer fruit, they've got them too!

Cat and mouse? Looks like the mouse is teasing the cat!

Naturally, you can also buy some marzipan souvenirs such as these depictions of Lübeck's most famous landmark, the Holstentor or western city gate, finished in 1477 at the height of the hanseatic town's influence.

And do you know what? I don't even like marzipan!!!! I find it very hard however to resist the darling little decorations...

Heaven, I'm in heaven...

2010-11-19T23:18:00.019+01:00

Friday after work, co-author Marinagrenadines and I went to the annual creative crafts show in Paris: le salon Créations et Savoir-Faire, organised by one of our favourite magazines, Marie-Claire Idées. Here's all you need for some Christmassy scrapbooking and decorating!

Make your own clocks, one for France and one for Lapland!

Make your own lampshades...

Fantastic (toad)stools and crocheted stuff...

Make your own bags in Basque style fabric...

Gorgeous Japanese paper...

Naturally I had to walk through a whole aisle of fabric. Guess what? I did not resist... but on the bright side I did not go wild either!

These cute little reindeer are Italian. Il Mondo di Pezze was one of my favourite stalls. I did actually buy a couple of small kits to make an angel and a witch! Photos weren't allowed so please have a look at Laura and Renata's adorable stuff by clicking here!

Buttons and more buttons... Too many! Impossible to choose!

By the time we got to the ribbons I was so tired that all I could do was take photos!

Tired as I was though, the bells in my hair were still jingling!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

A house

2010-11-13T22:14:00.002+01:00

I finished this small quilt in the nick of time for my aunt's birthday. I quilted a house because she is moving back to Germany after many, many years in France. I had framed it before giving it to her. It looks a bit askew in this photo but it isn't in reality!
Have a wonderful Sunday!

Coasters!

2010-11-07T00:13:00.004+01:00

I have at last been busy quilting again and here's the result: two coasters for a friend's birthday who wanted bright, warm colours. Two more have been promised... so I'll have to be busy. In the meantime, I'm working on my aunt's birthday and new home present!

You may have noticed a sign in the top photo. 'Cowgirl parking only'. It was sent to me by MB in Washington. I am terrified of it being stolen if I put it in the garage so for the time being, it's in the kitchen.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Happy All Hallows Eve!

2010-10-30T21:45:00.005+02:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday, Halloween and for the lucky ones like many of us Europeans, a great holiday on Monday -Allsaints!

Autumn at home

2010-10-23T12:34:00.004+02:00

I bought these corn cobs (is that what you call them?) in the USA this last trip. I love them! i'm still waiting for inspiration as to what to do with them. In the meantime, I am content just leaving them in a bowl!
I braided some fabric into a wreath. I like it!

This last one I bought. It greets you on the apartment door! I love autumn colours. So warm and welcoming!

I really like what Anne-Gry has done with some chestnuts: check it out on My New England Dream!

Have a great weekend!

Chicken à la Cieldequimper for MB

2010-10-16T22:18:00.003+02:00

When MB, cowlady extraordinaire posted about potatoes, I had just made this dish for lunch. C'mon, it's so easy! You need chicken (preferably the bird, not some substitute by which I mean reconstituted meat!), potatoes, apples, shallots, thyme, rosemary, olive oil and salt. You arrange everything in an oven proof dish more or less as shown on the photo, you wait while the oven does its job and hey presto! Easy, tasty, satisfying!

Bookworm I am

2010-10-10T15:28:00.023+02:00

In case you hadn't noticed, I love the American West. It's reflected on my bookshelves.

Scotland and Ireland are favourites...

... so are Native American literature and classic English. Who can beat Jane Austen?!

German and Welsh literature are more favourites. Especially Welsh mining stories.
I have loved Rugby Union for over 30 years. As a kid, I had huge crushes on French and Scottish rugby players!

I love to travel to far away places I'll probably never go to and remember places I've been to. That's when I'm not into a terribly serious history book.

Then of course, there's the literature of Brittany, where Quimper is. And classic French literature.

A bit of Scandinavian...

Some Italian and yes, I love thrillers too. The last one I read I couldn't put down: '61 hours' by Lee Child. I highly recommend it!

In 2006, last more or less accurate count, I had well over 2000 books, so this is just a small selection. I can't help it. I can stop buying anything anyday. But not books. So bookworm I shall remain, for the infinite pleasures they contain.

To have a closer look at the titles, clic on any photo. Some of them are blurred though. Probably emotion!

So... do you have books? Do you like to read? Do you buy your books or do you go to the library? Do you prefer paper or are you willing to go into e-books? Do you get a kick out of reading a bedtime story to a kid?

Western bracelet

2010-10-07T16:36:00.004+02:00

Since Léia seems very, very impatient to see things here... ;-) voilà a little gem I bought myself in Pendleton, Oregon, for my birthday. I'm told it is made from antique silver spoons, isn't that just so cool? My little bit of Western Art on my wrist!

Holiday reads

2010-09-15T08:20:00.000+02:00

The co-author of this blog, Marinagrenadines, is already away on vacation in the USA. Tomorrow it's my turn! Being a bookworm, I have bought some food for imagination and thought. Very eclectic, not necessarily philosophical or complicated reading (!) and as you can see, I'm a great "Little House on the Prairie" fan! See you soon!

Letter rack

2010-09-07T13:41:00.003+02:00

Today being strike day (national French sport), I am working from home so here's a quickie! I bought this little letter rack a couple of weeks ago in a small shop in Versailles when I went to the market in search of the City Daily Photo theme day photo. We need more walls for everything I would like to have but this was so small and cute that I found a space for it in the kitchen! Courrier is French for mail.

Lunch in the city: a little haven

2010-09-01T20:23:00.005+02:00

My dear colleague S. has entered her seventh month of pregnancy. At the beginning of August, she had a big scare and now has to stay at home, preferably in bed for at least another month and a half. Needless to say she is bored stiff. So at lunchtime we drove straight through Paris, stopping on our way to grab something to put in the oven and spent a very nice moment with her.

She has this delightful little balcony. Who says a garden in a tiny space in the middle of a financial district isn't possible?

Can you imagine how HARD it was to get back to the office after this?!

At last....

2010-08-29T18:27:00.006+02:00

It's been a long time since I've done some quilting. I have actually in the meantime done some work on our winter scene half bedspread, I started quilting it but haven't made much progress. I have, however, (almost) finished this single block for a friend's birthday.

I am quite pleased with the back's appearence.

My Dad came to dinner yesterday and brought me this little beauty: the label tells me it's a tulip of Thailand or Curcuma Alismatifolia.

I had never seen one before and think it's gorgeous!

Happy Sunday or happy week depending on where you are on earth!

2010-08-15T19:56:00.006+02:00

We lunched with cieldequimper in a very pretty restaurant in Versailles near Paris.

Home Made Marmelade

2010-08-12T18:59:00.002+02:00

The recipe :

Choose some blackcurrant, strawberries, and cherries and an apricot.
Add some sugar: half of the weight of fruits
Let the sugar melt with fruits and add the juice of half a lemon
Cook 7 mn as from the boiling
Choose attractive jars
Have a rough time with pancakes or a yoghurt

So, no petals in the recipe... It was just for the photo.

Time flies

2010-07-30T14:06:00.000+02:00

I just cannot believe that the season for these scrumptious beauties is about to be over, I can't get enough of them. How do you like your blueberries, cherries and raspberries? The slightest hint of light is reflected for Weekend Reflections.

Summer sale

2010-07-18T23:54:00.002+02:00

I liked this cushion... and now it's mine ...

Thanks summer sale !

Finished cushion, winter plaid in the making and summer grub

2010-07-14T06:50:00.002+02:00

Inspired by this wonderful book, I wanted an American meal for my guests last Saturday evening. But it was so hot that I couldn't imagine spending hours cooking so I ended up making a potato salad (very much like the one my German Gran used to make), which we had with corn on the cob and corn muffins. It was lovely!

Back to France for dessert: cherries poached in red wine. You just throw some ripe cherries into a strong red wine, add a little sugar and bring to the boil, then simmer, then bring to the boil again. It also works well with peaches, white and yellow ones.

I am going to be away for a little while so before I leave, here's a picture of a winter plaid I'm working on, full of pins, and of the finished cushion. You saw it in the making here when I had just bought my sewing machine!

See you soon!

Yes... well...

2010-07-10T11:30:00.005+02:00

The summer sale was irrisistible. 20€ for these shoes...

I have had these beautiful peonies all week, thanks Mum!

Have a great weekend!

Summer sale!

2010-07-04T10:20:00.002+02:00

The summer sale started last week. I was very reasonable. Aren't they cute? Happy 4th of July to all of you over the big pond and happy Sunday to everyone!

Things in the making

2010-06-27T10:54:00.011+02:00

Happy Sunday! This is a cushion in the making. I am now sewing sooooo much faster! Why? Well... it was an on the spur of the moment thing. On Thursday, after a particularly bad day at work, I treated myself! Here she is!

It's a basic one, and I do want to continue hand-quilting. I have almost finished this mountains, snowflakes and sky cushion. I still need to sew the other half of the zip on it!

The two cushions won't be quilted.

And here are the two latest stars for the future bedspread. These are the first ones that are machine sewn, I still need to make progress in that field but still, I'm quite happy at how they look. On the right is an Ohio star, on the left a Centennial star. It brings the count of our bedspread stars to 10 and I am eagerly awaiting the cotton wadding and white fabric I ordered in the UK!

Despite the humid heat, yesterday I decided to make the kitchen even hotter by baking some muffins. I had bought this ready-made pack during my last trip to the Pacific Northwest, in a slight hurry, and hadn't read the smaller print. What in heaven's name are 'imitation blueberries'? 'Made with imitation blueberry bits': I was gobsmacked.

They do taste nice, though, despite the fact that I made them in small cupcake moulds.

Rhubarb and strawberries ! Oh... and stars of course!

2010-06-22T19:01:00.006+02:00

What do you do with rhubarb and strawberries? Well, I guess you have several options. So let me rephrase it: what do you do with them if you don't have dough, whether ready or home made?
I just cooked them to a stew. And it was gorgeous even though it doesn't look like much! If you haven't already, do try, it's so easy, quick and delicious!

I have been busily sewing again. We now have eight 12x12" star blocks. I reckon I'm almost half way through!

P.S.: does anyone know what fairy day is?

lovely B&B in Bretagne

2010-06-20T13:26:00.034+02:00

Holidays in Bretagne ... Wonderful country

Il you like this B&B, you can go on the website "la maison des Lamour".

Happiness is...

2010-06-17T19:34:00.003+02:00

A cinnamon roll for lunch @ Starbucks between two stressful meetings on a grey and dreary day!

Happiness is also...

... having finished another star for the future bedspread! Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

A week in Quimper

2010-06-13T11:53:00.006+02:00

Well, I'm back! And I didn't get half the quilting done that I had intended to do. Isn't it always like that?! I had a bit of fun with these black, white and red fabrics and made a small wallhanging. I enjoyed making the 'Scottish Cross' cushion, though it isn't quite finished yet, I didn't have enough time to sew the zip on to it. The colours complement the bedspread quite nicely, I think!

I did finish the present for my friend's birthday and framed it. She loved it and I don't think she was merely being polite!

Finally... I am so happy about this! New, fresh, white wallpaper in the kitchen! I call these my Quimper Olympics just to remind myself that there's a Quimper peninsula and the Olympic forest in Washington!

Have a great Sunday!

Bye bye... for now!

2010-06-04T18:10:00.006+02:00

I am going to be away for a while. Next week I am meeting my friend C. in Quimper. I realised this week that it was her birthday and that I had missed it. I'm terrible. But, in true 'better late than never' fashion, I started a small quilt for her. She loves ethnic stuff and warm, brown and orange tones in her home so...

... I was inspired by this book. I still need to finish it off which will be a piece of cake and then find a frame for it. I have also busily been cutting fabric all week and still haven't finished. I'm hoping to be quite productive while on holiday, but I might just be just a little optimistic.

Why? Because I'm giving a lecture upon my return to work and haven't even started putting my thinking cap on yet, let alone prepare the presentation slides... Arggh... A busy holiday ahead.

So it's with the hibiscus on the windowsill that I would like to wish you all a wonderful weekend and upcoming week!

Flowers and... a star of course!

2010-05-31T19:45:00.007+02:00

Here's the latest 12x12" star that I finished yesterday, the fifth for our bedspread. I was showing you the other four here. There is a big flaw, I'm sure you'll notice it. I didn't have the courage to start again...

New additions to the windowsill! An oblong planter which I decopatched, a small lantern (moved here from elsewhere), some mint and a gorgeous hibiscus my father gave me. Just when I've got everything ready and pretty, we're... back in winter!

Stars... and stars

2010-05-28T20:40:00.004+02:00

To wish you all a marvellous weekend, here are the first four 12"x12" blocks of our future bedspread. I'm having FUN! Hey, that's approximately 30x30 cm for all of those who, like me, have a hard, hard time with inches! It took me a lifetime to figure out what 7/8 of an inch were: 2.22 cm. Now I know and have drilled it into my head!

Chives in full bloom, asparagus and strawberries

2010-05-23T00:09:00.002+02:00

The chives on the windowsill are in full bloom! Unfortunately, greenflies have started to colonise the rosemary and lemon verbena. Since I am determined NOT to use pesticides, even the so-called environmentally friendly ones and since I can't very well buy a whole swarm of ladybirds (ladybugs to you over the big pond) just for one windowsill, I spent a very long time just cutting off leaves and picking them off by hand this morning! Yeah, I know, I'm a bit crazy. If you know of a way of attracting ladybirds, do let me know!

It is now full season for French asparagus and strawberries, which I could both orgy on.

My (French) grandmother used to like adding a little alcohol to strawberries, I believe many people did it or still do it. My (German) grandmother just loved whipped cream over her home grown ones yet I think you can't beat the taste of luscious, bursting red strawberries as nature gave them to us. How do you enjoy yours?

Have a wonderful Sunday!

First ever home made cushion!

2010-05-19T19:34:00.002+02:00

Here it is! My first entirely hand sewn cushion, made to complement my new Pendleton baby blanket, which I bought in March in the Pacific Northwest! I'm kinda proud of myself!

Weekend Reflections inside a shop in Versailles

2010-05-14T18:44:00.001+02:00

The other side of this favourite shop of mine is reflected in the mirror for Weekend Reflections.

Ohio Star for Mother's Day

2010-05-10T19:22:00.008+02:00

Before you say anything, yes, the frame is slightly too small so the block doesn't look as good as it should although when out of the frame and ironed, it's perfect. Still, my Mum liked it a lot!
It came nicely wrapped, too, with a fabric heart I made on Saturday...

Naturally, she also received a pretty spring bouquet!

After chicken marinaded in lemon and ginger, I had made a strawberry mousse.

Nothing could be easier: purée some strawberries, add mascarpone and fold in two beaten egg whites. I also added some lemon verbena from the windowsill.

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

A rant? Maybe!

2010-05-06T20:31:00.005+02:00

Do you use shower gel/bath gel or soap?
If you use shower or bath gel is the plastic container recyclable where you live?
Where I live it isn't. Only water bottles can be recycled, but they are working on it. Even so, I'm curious about other's habits!
My own personal little contribution to less plastic in this world is twofold:

I use soap bars though not necessarily organic;
I abhor plastic bags, therefore favouring the long term, reusable, washable fabric shopping bags and avoiding any unnecessary plastic containers when grocery shopping.

So... what about you?

A boat in the storm and a quick recipe

2010-05-01T21:28:00.005+02:00

I've finished the boat quilt for a sea lover's birthday. I'm a day late... I'll be at the post office as soon as I can on Monday to send it off! Now I only have a week to finish the next one for German Mother's Day...
After 4 hours of scrubbing and dusting, I felt a bit peckish, here's what I came up with:

Red pepper, blanched with garlic in olive oil, pasta al dente in a tad of pesto, some black olives and artichokes with fresh herbs. It was lovely and so, so easy!

Bon appétit and have a great Sunday!

Finished the Indian Trail!

2010-04-29T19:46:00.003+02:00

While Marinagrenadines was enjoying the cherry trees in Paris, I was quilting. I've finished a project for us before starting a birthday present -which will arrive late even though I'm hard at it. This is my Indian Trail block on which I quilted a fir tree.

It's now hanging on the wall next to my aunt's tree.

Cherries trees in Paris

2010-04-28T07:49:00.005+02:00

New potatoes

2010-04-24T09:29:00.005+02:00

New potatoes are here! I like them best plain, just boiled to enjoy their sweet tenderness. Here with cottage cheese and parsley and chives fresh from the windowsill, ground pepper, lemon salt, spring onion, a touch of spring garlic and a few olives!

Bon appétit and have a wonderful weekend!

Spring on the windowsills

2010-04-17T08:45:00.001+02:00

It is with these carnations,

these budding geraniums,

and the white verbena on my windowsills...

that I would like to wish you all a very happy weekend!

Fabric, fabric, fabric!

2010-04-15T19:49:00.013+02:00

Last Saturday in Paris, I also went to a quilting shop that came highly recommended by my aunt, the family specialist and a fantastic quilter. This lovely classic was in the shop window. This is the result of my little stop:

The red fabric I bought specifically to make a friend a present. I'm not sure she'll get it on time though...

Whilst in the Pacific Northwest, I stumbled across a marvellous quilting shop in Poulsbo, WA. I found just what I was looking for: waves and sky. Hopefully I will be able to show you what I'll make of these two fabrics by the end of spring.

I was amazed at the sheer size of the Poulsbo shop and its choice. I could have spent hours in there but I didn't have much time though, so I also got these three fabrics:

Which added to all the ones I already had, will be used for my big, big, half bedspread project. By the looks of it, the estimated date of completion will probably be 2025 or 2026, lol!

Have a grand Friday and weekend!

Le Rouvray is located 3 rue de la Bûcherie in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the website is this way. Heirloom Quilts doesn't have a website and is located 18833 Front Street Northeast in Poulsbo, Norway. No, sorry, I mean Washington State. Why the lapse? Because Poulsbo is an extraordinary little Norwegian town! More info can be found here.

Jelly beans from Paris

2010-04-12T15:45:00.001+02:00

Yes, a day trip in Paris is possible! On Saturday, I took a longer train than the mere 10 minutes I was commenting about, but in half an hour, I was smack in the middle of the city, near mighty Notre-Dame cathedral. It was a glorious spring day, not too cold, not to warm, blue sky and fluffy white clouds! One of my goals was to check out 'Thanksgiving', an American food shop located 20 rue Saint Paul in the 4th arrondissement. Very nice place, with a very French gent at the till!

I've now got some jelly beans -I could kill for jelly beans! Here's the rest of my shopping, I can't wait to taste the corn muffins!

Have a great week!

Update on patchwork!

2010-04-10T09:32:00.007+02:00

Patchwork I said? Let me start with these lovely flowers I bought to replace the sadly wilted tulips of Easter. I think they are gorgeous but does anyone know what they are? Some sort of freesia kind? I would appreciate any help in identifying them!

So... even though I haven't yet finished quilting my other projects and am in the process of doing so, I started a very small 'Indian trail' block. Here's a detail of it:

As for the quilting, here are some details of the small log cabin doll's blanket:

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! I am off to Paris!

Planting time

2010-04-07T08:21:00.002+02:00

On Good Friday, in the pouring rain, I decided it was time to add a bit of green to the kitchen windowsill. I had already decopatched a large plastic container a couple of months ago ready for this moment!

So here they are, rosemary, parsley, chives and lemon verbena (fantastic with strawberries).

Did you think I'd do 'parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme'? I love that song! Here's hoping for slightly warmer weather and no frost and patiently waiting until strawberry season! You can already buy some but I think it's way too early!

Inside, I have magical tulips blooming. Thank you dear Easter bunny (a.k.a. Mum, shh, don't tell her I've known for years!)

Of a recipe for Tapirgal in Oregon and an award from Norway!

2010-04-05T14:58:00.011+02:00

Hi folks, hi Tammie, how very nice to greet you on this blog! That chocolate cake yesterday was marinagrenadines', the co-author of this blog! She's a brilliant cook!

I would like to thank My New England Dream for the Happy 101 Award! I love her blog, it's full of lovely ideas and makeovers -in her own home! Plus she's getting married soon so there's some nice wedding stuff too! Thanks, takk again!

Tapirgal requested the recipe for those little lemon cookies I posted here. So... ready in Astoria? Look, I even got out the German recipe book again! I try to use mostly organic ingredients and these cookies were made with organic flour, egg, butter, lemon and hazelnuts.

For the dough you will need:

- 350 g (12.35 oz) flour;

- a pinch of salt;

- 150 g (5.29 oz) sugar;

- one small pack vanilla sugar (apprx. 2 Tsp);

- the grated rind of a large organic lemon;

- 100 g (3.53 oz) ground hazelnuts;

- 1 egg;

- 250 g (8.82 oz) cold butter. (I hope this metric convertor from the internet is accurate...)

For the icing, you will need:

- the juice of the lemon

- icing sugar

- food colours.

Put all the dough ingredients in a large bowl and add the butter in small flakes. Mix well (I do it by hand even though I have the necessary Kitchen Aid!) Once the dough is firm and well kneaded, put in foil and leave to rest in the fridge for about an hour.

Preheat oven at 180 ° (356° F).

Roll out the dough bit by bit, using flour to avoid it sticking, until it's about 2-3 mm thick (the convertor says 0.08 in.-0.12 in.!) Cut out your little subjects with the cookie cutters and put on a baking tray which you will have lined with baking paper. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The next tray will probably only need 10 to 12 mn.

Once the cookies have cooled down, ice them, allow them to dry and enjoy them!

Bon appétit !

Happy Easter too ...

2010-04-04T15:21:00.002+02:00

I prepared a chocolate cake with colored chocolate animals...

Happy Easter! Frohe Ostern! Joyeuses Pâques !

2010-04-04T00:00:00.002+02:00

Ugh... I'm late! I finished my cookies for Easter brunch yesterday! They are simply butter-flour-egg-almond dough with lots of grated lemon zest! If you are interested in the recipe, just tell me and I'll add it.

I had fun with my new food colours and cookie cutters!

I wish you all a very happy Easter!

Finished! Just in time!

2010-04-02T17:20:00.005+02:00

My Easter tree has been up for a few days now!

I like yellow at Easter. Mr Bunny stands below a bunch of daffodils, and tulips of course are a must. I hope their cheerfulness will help me shake the cold I caught. Sneezing every two minutes right now!

Not long to go until the Bunny comes!

2010-03-27T18:14:00.004+01:00

I had begun to do a little Easter decorating before I flew out to the Pacific Northwest. Things are coming along nicely, of course the chocolate is NOT to be touched quite yet! Will we resist?!!

Couldn't get a nice bunch of daffodils so the tulips had to do, but they are pretty, aren't they? As for the eggs, they are ready to be coloured. Why is it so hard to find white eggs in this country?

Breakfast in America

2010-03-24T20:24:00.008+01:00

I'm still jet-lagged and craving for these magnificent breakfasts! Like these buttermilk pancakes!

Or the classic egg and bacon. I had to laugh when I saw the gingham lid! The good old "confiture" Bonne Maman, the household jam available in every French grocery shop!

Blueberry pancakes...

How could I not hum Supertramp's great song? All those teenager memories flooding back too!

Got 'em! The boots and an award!

2010-03-21T18:10:00.004+01:00

I'm back, terribly jet-lagged but I've got'em! Now I can't wait to wear'em! The trip to the Pacific Northwest was a great success in all respects, more about it later, now I need... a pillow!

Before I fall into bed though, I would like to thank Renee at the fabulous Rochester Daily Photo Blog for the Happy 101 award which she passed on to us before I flew out to Seattle. Mille mercis Renee, it's this blog's first award and all the more appreciated!

My first easter decoration

2010-03-15T09:10:00.001+01:00

I like the colours ... Spring arrives !

Weather vanes folies's

2010-03-14T17:13:00.008+01:00

I like pretty weather vanes on the roofs of houses in the west : sorceresses, owls, boats ...

Couldn't resist...

2010-03-10T09:30:00.000+01:00

Because I am going to be away for a while, I couldn't resist opening the magic boxes which contain these little fellows.
When I come back, I will finish the Easter decoration but I thought I might as well enjoy a little of it before I leave...

Wishing you a great upcoming fortnight and see you when I'm back from the Pacific Northwest!

Chickory fresh from the oven

2010-03-07T11:56:00.005+01:00

Yesterday evening I felt like cooking some chickory. Here's what became of it, an easy dish that is traditional in the North of France: ham chickory.

You will need:
1. some chickory -one or two per person, depending on size;
2. one slice of ham per chickory;
3. grated cheese, preferably an Alpine cheese such as Emmentaler or Gruyère;
4. Béchamel sauce.

Wrap each chickory in ham and place in an oven-proof dish. Make the Béchamel sauce. I opted for a "light" one yesterday. 10 g (or 0.35 oz) of flour mixed with 160 ml (5.41 fl. oz) of milk. Be careful when mixing that the flour doesn't clot. Add a generous sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg, season with salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to the boil while always stirring until quite thick. Then pour the Béchamel over the ham-wrapped chicory, sprinkle with grated cheese and put in the oven at 180° C (356° F) for about 45 minutes.

Bon appétit !

Mirror

2010-03-05T17:26:00.002+01:00

That shop again... Aren't those little decorative cupcakes just soooo pretty?! A contribution to James' Weekend Reflections to wish you all a great weekend!

Balsamic vinegar or bath gel?

2010-03-02T21:53:00.005+01:00

Aren't these bottles fun? Like the lemonade bottles of our childhoods, except that these are filled with delicious bath nectars or foams such as Pina Colada, Cappuccino, oh so French Pastis, mint-chocolate or more classical fig tree, verbena or lavender.

Blancrème is the "cosmetic deli"!

Blancrème's luscious website is this way!

"Cherry time"

2010-02-27T19:28:00.006+01:00

I haven't had much time to quilt lately and anyway, my tendonitis has been yelling for me to stop. Obviously no knitting either and not even any cross-stitching. Then again, I have this huge pile of paperwork to go through, and funnily enough, my tendonitis doesn't seem to mind that!

So instead of showing you my progress, here are a few pictures of a lovely shop that I simply adore. There are even a few reflections for James' Weekend Reflections!

Old houses of the tiny streets around Saint-Germain-en-Laye castle are reflected in these windows.
The shop's name, "cherry time", will remind all French people of a popular, historical and classic song: "le temps des cerises" sung here by Charles Trénet, and here by Yves Montand. Which is your favourite voice?

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Jane Eyre? Lizzie?

2010-02-24T21:01:00.007+01:00

These photos were taken in a lovely shop window in Versailles. They make me feel like I'm a Jane Austen or Brontë heroine all over again! When I was a young teenager, I used to pretend I was Jane Eyre, Lizzie Bennet (aahhh, Darcy!), Emma or Helen. Who's your favourite classic heroine?

Turquoise delights

2010-02-21T14:09:00.007+01:00

When I was a kid, my parents went to New York City and brought me back the famous tee-shirt that says 'my parents went to New York and all I got was this lousy tee-shirt'. I know I've still got it somewhere, I wanted to post a picture of it but I suspect it might still be at my parent's home, lol!

Anyway, recently my parents went to Morocco and brought me back these little beauties, extremely soft leather and just look at that beading!

For the (horrid, horrid) bathroom cabinet doors that I have tried to enlighten with shell knobs, I got these other turquoise beauties!

Thanks Mum and Dad!
Meanwhile, thankfully my tulips aren't turquoise but blooming happily and so prettily away!

Work in progress

2010-02-20T11:09:00.007+01:00

At long last, as promised, here are my first attempts at patchwork. Above, an Ohio star and below, the easy log cabin, all ready to be quilted.

I have also tried my hand at a bear paw pattern which should become a cushion. Of course, the centre square isn't quite where it should be, lol, beginner's mistake!

While I'm sewing away, little grape hyacinth miracles happen in the living room...

I'm already sad at the knowledge that this little beauty will have wilted in a couple of days.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Comptoir de Famille

2010-02-18T20:08:00.010+01:00

Last week I was showing you my new curtains, one pair I bought at Comptoir de Famille, which is one of my favourite treasure troves. I thought I'd share so I took some photos (I didn't bother to erase my reflection in the mirror, lol, I only noticed when I got home!)

This is the shop in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Their website is this way, in French and English.

Meanwhile, the crocuses have bloomed in my living-room...

... and the lysanthia that was wilting has been cut and put in my Grandmother's mug.

Flowers, flowers...

2010-02-16T08:50:00.002+01:00

Colors in my flat, have a nice week....

Happy Valentine's day!

2010-02-14T15:47:00.012+01:00

I had done some baking on Friday...

Happy Valentine's Day to all and especially to the love of my life!

New fabrics, new flowers and new curtains!

2010-02-12T10:23:00.000+01:00

The blue anemones have been replaced by red ones, I just cannot resist these flowers!

The view at home is unfortunately shrinking due to construction of a new building just opposite, so I had to take a major and drastic step: curtains. I am so in love with my curtains, I smile every time I see them. The sky has been grey in grey lately so I'm sorry not to be able to show sunny views of them.

These here are Comptoir de Famille, another favourite haunt of mine. Their website is a glorious ode to temptation. It's this way with an English and US version you can click on.

These are from Sylvie Thiriez and I am equally in love with them!

Meanwhile, though my knitting has come to a halt after three rows, my patchwork is slowly coming along. Soon to come the first photos! In the meantime, two new fabrics I just had to have...

Look what came in the mail today!

2010-02-10T19:05:00.007+01:00

They are here! The socks Renate gave away! They came in this big, fat envelope! Sie sind da! Renates Socken! Sie kamen in diesem grossen, dicken Umschlag!

So prettily wrapped with a lovely little pomander that smells heavenly and a gorgeous card of Renate's magnificent quilt named "Remember"! I was so happy when I came home from work! So hübsch verpackt mit diesem süssen Duftbällchen dass einfach himmlisch riecht und der schönen Karte mit Renates herrlichem "Remember" Quilt! Ach habe ich mich gefreut als ich von der Arbeit kam!

The socks are a perfect fit and lusciously warm, perfect for the snowy and freezing weather we have at the moment! Thank you so much Renate! Sie passen prima und sind so schön warm, perfekt, es hat geschneit und friert draussen! Tausend Dank Renate!

I'm still a Valentine's freak...

2010-02-09T14:33:00.000+01:00

I lived in Saint-Germain-en-Laye for almost 30 years, which is why I still 'enjoy' going to the dentist there. Okay, what I really enjoy is looking around at all the marvellous little shops after having had my mouth wide open for an hour or so! I'm probably driving you crazy with Valentine's Day but you see, these plates and the hearts cutlery I just thought were so cute! I'm not too sure about the pink but then...
... there's also red to choose from.

Sabre is a favourite shop of mine, check out their fun website here!

Oh! Chocolate and the promise of homeknit socks!

2010-02-07T19:31:00.001+01:00

After having been to the dentist yesterday, the most natural thing was to go in search of chocolate, lol, this way continuing preparations for Valentine's Day. I came across a new chocolate shop and just had this irresistible and irrepressible urge to walk in.

Wouldn't you have?

If you are ever in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which is a pretty former royal city only twenty minutes train ride from central Paris, stop at the Osmont chocolate shop.

I promise you won't be disappointed! The chocolate hearts will have to keep until Sunday but I can assure you that the dark chocolate with streaks of candied orange didn't last very long!

On Saturday I had a wonderful surprise! I won a pair of gorgeous home knit socks! Renate in Bavaria does some seriously beautiful and elaborate quilting and celebrated her 100th post with a giveaway. I got lucky! I'm happy, thanks, danke Renate! You can see the socks she will send me in this post, the second ones from the top. Aren't they GORGEOUS? They remind me of the sea that I miss so much!
Ya'all have a wonderful Monday!

February flowers at home

2010-02-07T10:44:00.007+01:00

I appreciate flowers in my flat... So, every week, it's a symphony...

One week to go!

2010-02-06T10:28:00.005+01:00

One week to go and I have finished another hearts garland that is hanging from a lamp. This is a detail, there are three hearts in a row.
Meanwhile, the pink hyacinth has wilted and has been replaced by these delightful beauties:

This morning breakfast was delicious. My friend Valérie came to stay the night and brought me three different varieties of gingerbread made in Normandy at the "bee manor". Apple, orange and honey. Divine toasted with a little butter!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

A little reading lamp

2010-02-01T19:39:00.004+01:00

I saw this little candle like reading lamp in a pretty shop window and fought a long battle with myself. I won the battle, it is still in the window, solely because I wouldn't have known where to clip it... The whole shop is a disaster for the bank account...

Lovely houses in Saint Lucia

2010-01-31T19:49:00.013+01:00

During the holidays, Saint Lucia offers a beautiful sea and lovely shops and very coloured little houses. I like the colours and the diffence with a cold winter in Europe.

Do you a lot of shops on a pretty beach ? Do you want an ice cream ?

Then, if you want to sleep ont he beach, you have differents choices ;-))

Have a nice week ...

Two weeks until Valentine's Day!

2010-01-30T19:55:00.009+01:00

Decopatching and painting have progressed! Here's a sneak preview!

Flower update: the delicious fragrance of hyacinths is everywhere and I've even got the first primula. I'm not much of a pink person but years ago, I bought this pink flower pot in Bergen, Norway, when I was in a sheep phase. So for once, we've got pink flowers!

How to keep collecting

2010-01-27T21:17:00.000+01:00

I have this thing about Pendleton wool. I have already entertained you about it here. I do have a Sioux Morning Star blanket on the sofa, but there's only so many blankets you can put on one sofa! So I was pleased to have found this novel way of displaying the ones that aren't in use! Now all I need to do is start the collection!
Photo courtesy of Country Living.

Meanwhile, at home, the promises of the previous post are being kept!

Have a wonderful end of the week!

I have a new basket...

2010-01-25T19:01:00.014+01:00

I treated myself to this new basket to neatly store the objects of my new pastime.

Have you guessed?

Well... it's all new to me, I started hand-stitching yesterday...

All these fabrics I have chosen to start quilting.

For the time being, I have no sewing machine, let's see how it goes, I've started a simple log cabin pattern which considering the little time I have after work, might take quite a long time to finish.

Meanwhile, though the anemones are now wilting, there are pretty promises to keep me smiling!

Of anemones and a new flashy hat

2010-01-24T11:25:00.001+01:00

When, at the florist, I saw these dark blue anemones whose petals become translucent and so much lighter when a ray of sunshine caresses them, I decided that I couldn't live without them.

They have graced the living-room for a week now and bring a smile to my face every time I look at them, as does my new hat!

At 10€ in the sale, pure new wool, I reckon it was a bargain!

Weekend Reflections: inside a favourite haunt of mine

2010-01-23T00:15:00.002+01:00

For James' Weekend Reflections, here's a reflected view of one of my favourite shops during the winter sale.

Busy...

2010-01-21T12:41:00.001+01:00

My shopping list... or is it a wish list?

2010-01-19T21:49:00.006+01:00

If all goes as planned, in two months from now I shall be in the Pacific Northwest. So, I have started my shopping list, which I'm sure will grow until then! I wonder what my boss will say -or not say- if I turn up for work wearing those!

A cushion such as this Chief Joseph pillow is up high on the list!

These photos come courtesy of Pendleton Woolen Mills. I have already visited their shop in Pendleton, Oregon in the past and was delighted! I can't wait to return there! I'm saving!

Have a great mid-week!

Exotic flowers

2010-01-18T21:23:00.002+01:00

Wonderful flowers in Sainte Lucie in the Carribean Islands. I like the composition.

love locks in Paris

2010-01-17T21:47:00.003+01:00

A world-wide phenomena, you can commemorate a significant event or other by fixing an engraved lock to this romantic bridge. It will last forever.

Warm and tender...

2010-01-17T20:26:00.004+01:00

My new lace and wool scarf. I am in love with it!

It was my mother's birthday this weekend and this is what I had prepared for her! A pretty bag full of little presents.

The éclair, a delicious violet fragranced temptation, didn't last long!

Have a wonderful start to the week!

Flowers and candles

2010-01-15T11:04:00.000+01:00

Flowers and candles are a magical January combination. The days are slowly getting longer, yet a light in the evening brings a warm glow and serenity.

Valentine's Day is still far away yet... I can't help it!

2010-01-13T19:12:00.001+01:00

In bleak midwinter, Valentine's Day to me is a chance to get some colour into the home, given half the chance I would put up a Valentine's tree like a Christmas or Easter tree! I'm already sorting through little hearts I have and am starting to plan decoration ideas. So here's to a month of preparing a sweet weekend!