Holiday Festivities

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day--whether you are camping, boating, hosting a BBQ, visiting the grave site of a loved one, or just working on projects!

image from Marie Claire Idées (stylists: Dominique Turbe, Camille Soulayrol; images by Jean-Baptiste Pellerin)

Growing Wheat Grass

While away on our Babymoon, my friend Katie grew 30 containers of wheat grass we planned to use as centerpieces at an upcoming church activity. She put that green thumb of hers to use and I came back to gorgeous, lush, thriving grass. They turned out to be the perfect centerpieces as they were bright, fresh and also budget-friendly.

Katie told me she found the tutorial over at Sprout People quite helpful. You can link to it here.

p.s. these are the cans we spray painted with graffiti paint.

Navy Striped Tees

I am completely enamored with the navy and white striped tees I saw here and there in France. Since horizontal stripes on a pregnant lady aren't the most flattering, I'm dreaming of next Spring :) I love the casual simplicity of this subtle, nautical design and know I could wear something like this year after year.

Here are some of my current favorites:

Stripes & Light Tee (shown above) / French Sailor's Shirt / Nautical Tunic

image from Anthropologie

Une Femme, Trois Femmes

I think I may frame this chic little note from Lynne over at Sugar City Journal. Isn't it fabulous? I wholly appreciate how she doesn't just send any thank-you note, but rather a work of art! What an absolute treat. The paper is weighty and the page from a vintage, French book is just darn right adorable.

Everyone who wants Lynne and Melissa to start selling these in their always-fabulous shop, say "ay"! :) Oh how I can't wait until they restock all those cute patterns! Even though I can't sew, I definitely appreciate their creativity.

Home Tour on Cafe Mom

Sweet Gabrielle (a.k.a. "Design Mom") featured some images of our home on Cafe Mom today. If you care to take a peek, you can do so here.

Dordogne Highlights

I can't believe we've been home for almost 3 weeks...so much has happened in such a short period of time. I'm so grateful I thoroughly enjoyed every minute away (except for the 9 hour delay at the airport) and that we could even squeeze in a babymoon (a first!) before things really got crazy :)

Today I'll be dreaming of floating down that river with our friends Paula and Mark. What excellent traveling companions they are! We had such a great time enjoying France together and they even helped us with some house projects along the way. What good sports they were to participate in weather stripping windows and schlepping bags 300 feet up the cobblestone path. Gems I tell ya :)

Above you'll see the village of Beynac (where La Maisonnette sits) in the distance. Talk about a killer view, no? If you think you've seen it before, you probably have...that is if you are a Rick Steves fan. I believe a similar image of the village dons the cover of the video version of his Guide to France.

Also, Sally passed along this article about the Dordogne region from MSNBC. If you haven't seen the article in the NYTimes, you can also read that here. It's good to know we aren't the only ones enamored with this area of France!

















Had to hit the Sarlat market despite the gloomy weather that day. I was sad to not see my favorite spice, vanilla and honey vendors. I suppose the cold weather kept them all away. Drat! I was really hoping to stock up on some goodies.

















We ate our fair share of white asparagus that week and were more than happy to do so. It was delicious and I'm not sure I've ever seen it at a market in the States before--just canned versions. The strawberries were excellent too (here's an easy, yummy treat to make with strawberries this summer that requires zero cooking).























Views of the valley and of Beynac from the Marqueyssac Gardens. We walked around with homemade ice cream cones (available next to the chateau--try the walnut with chocolate) while sunshine and spring rain took turns covering us while we enjoyed the excellent views and a good, long walk.

p.s. I'm getting big. Errr...I mean the baby is getting big :)

p.p.s. love the little sign letting you know where guests can picnic. For some reason I love the way the French spell the word.


































And more fun image from our lunch with Daniele--truly a trip highlight and a meal I'll never forget. Plus, when a woman in her early 70's tells you she's never seen snowfall in May before, you know it's a memorable day! Isn't her hat cute? She is such a firecracker.

Homemade Country French + Triple Berry Jam

One of my favorite treats in the world is also one of the simplest--homemade bread with homemade jam. Just last week I discovered that my favorite lunch spot in Salt Lake--Les Madeleines--also sells the homemade country french bread they use on their delicious sandwiches. I immediately picked up their very last loaf and thoroughly enjoyed it over the next few days with the homemade triple berry jam I also left with that day. This simple snack sums up why I love eating at this little cafe/patisserie so much--the food is thoughtfully prepared with the best ingredients, the ambiance is very casual, and I have access to a delicious treat after consuming a delicious lunch. There aren't many places that offer such high-quality food in an unpretentious setting such as this; and as a mother of 3, I appreciate that very much.

If there are any leftover loafs of country french bread, they are put out daily at 2:30 p.m. If you'd like to place a special order, you are welcome to do so. Just make sure you call 3 days in advance, as that is how long it takes to make a single loaf.

image by Stephanie Brubaker

Summer Tees on Super Sale

I love it when my sister-in-law Tiffany clues me in on a sale she spotted while out and about. In fact, I love it when anyone gives me the heads up on something not-to-be-missed! Hey, we can't be everywhere at once, right? Well, today I spotted this little dealio so consider yourself informed :) That Voile Ruffle Tee is just adorable. And $10 for a cute Summer tee is an outstanding price!

image via Loft

Atlanta Bungalow

Once I spotted the orange bicycle complete with a basket full of flowers, I knew this was going to be a home tour to love. See more images of this light and airy Southern bungalow here.

via Brilliant Asylum; image via the AJC

Muji Pens

If you've ever dropped by a Muji store (in NYC or abroad), you know what a temptation the office/school supplies are--particularly the "pen bar" as I like to call it. I've never seen so many well-designed, reasonably-priced writing instruments in one setting. Pens made of wood, acrylic, stainless steel, etc. And then you move over to the bright colors and you realize there is no way you're leaving without a couple. What you see above is what I left with most recently :)

You can find these pens and others on Muji's US website, or even on Ebay.

p.s. It was fun to see the Muji manufactured by Thonet chairs in person. They are very lovely, but that is no surprise!

Roast Chicken with Herbs + Spring Vegetables

It's been a bit chilly here lately (it even snowed yesterday!), which is making me feel like warm, comfort food is still perfectly appropriate, despite the fact that it's May 25. If you're in the same boat, you may want to check out this simple, delicious recipe. We made it on Sunday night and it truly hit the spot. I think I could eat this meal every week.

Feel free to view the recipe over at the Zupas food blog today.

Vintage Books

One of the gems I picked up at a flea market outside Paris a few weeks ago. Five minutes after we arrived I spotted it. I tried to negotiate with the vendor a little (he gave in a little, but not too much), then walked away only to find myself picking it up a couple minutes later. I just knew I'd be sad if I didn't leave with it. The cover is stunning in both color and design and the inside is actually in excellent shape too. What a find! This is how I get my thrills people :)

What are some of your favorite sources for vintage books? Have you ever seen the blog, "Vintage Kids' Books My Kid Loves"? It's a fun resource...you should take a peek. Also, Etsy offers a plethora of vintage books. Go ahead, I dare you to go through all 24,637 options and not add a couple to your cart!

Dandee Designs

I am consistently impressed with everything I've purchased from Dandee Designs. I don't know how she does it with five young children, but somehow she manages to churn out quality everything. Given her excellent track record, I asked her to make some cards for the welcome baskets we like to present our guests at La Maisonnette du Coteau. Of course, she did an excellent job! We also had her make bookplates for the myriad of books we now have at the cottage and they too are just perfect.

The "La Maisonnette" logo you see above was created by Leah Wright of Pelouse Design and let it be known we are still thrilled with it as ever! I mentioned it here awhile back.























This is Danyelle's latest DIY and I think it's the cutest thing ever...and not just for Mother's Day! It's perfect for a birthday too.

Bright Side Project

If you are interested in the chance to win something fun or are simply interested in what other people love (that's my favorite part!), then head over to the Bright Side Project today. There are three more days left to enter a giveaway for one of my very own favorites...

p.s. even though I was alone in my kitchen when I read the post, I felt myself blushing. Online friends make you sound so much more put together than you really are :)

For Your Weekend...

For the San Franciscans, or those heading there this summer:

This exhibition is a must-see! Treat yourself to a dose of France and hop on over to the gorgeous de Young Museum to view Impressionist masterpieces straight from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The exhibition opened today.













For the Salt Lake City Locals:

Stop by Koo de Ker's stylish oasis in the hip 9th and 9th District and pick up a new frock for the warm weather ahead (I swear it's coming soon...seriously). Koo de Ker would like to offer you dear readers a special coupon for 25% off one item of your choice during your visit to her fabulous boutique (next to Hip & Humble). Just print out the coupon below. Enjoy!












Like Gelato? Head over to this website and print out a 2-for-1 coupon for delicious gelato at Dolcetti Gelato in Sugarhouse (connected to the Tea Grotto). My taste buds tell me this is the best gelato available in SLC :) I highly recommend the affogato with hot chocolate.

























image 1 - de Young Museum; image 2 - Koo de Ker; image 3 - Dolcetti Gelato

So Loving

Beginning top left and moving clockwise:

1 - How's that for a pop of color? This side table provides the perfect amount of yellow for almost any room.

2 - My new best friend in the kitchen. Love this little guy...so useful and so inexpensive.

3 - Straight out of France...love these cafe chairs!

4 - I've wanted to start composting for some time now and with gardening season approaching, it seems like the right time. These are not only pretty, but functional too.

A Visual Guide to the French Grocery Store

Since I've had several people ask me what they should pick up at the grocery store when in France, I thought it would be helpful to offer a little guide that includes pictures, versus a list. It's easy to feel overwhelmed inside a foreign grocery store, especially when you know there are wonderful things to be had, but you're not sure how to find them and read the labels! I created this post in hopes that you will enjoy yourself more, find what you want/need, and be able to come out of there with some pretty special things. Ben and I find that a trip to any French grocery store is a real highlight!

1 - French Decorating Magazines - there are many and you probably won't love them all, but there are a few gems. My favorite to date is Marie Claire Maison, although the Deco Idées and Maisons Coté Ouest look awfully promising. Can't wait to sit down with them for a little breather.






















2 - Labello Lipcare - the best lipcare in the world. Hands down. Love the "classic" and the "hydracare".























3 - Miniature dessert containers and spoons. I used mine here.

4 - Almond Flour - as far as I know it's only available in the US via online sources, so buying it here in small quantities is very ideal. I purchased this solely for the purpose of trying my hand at macaroons.

5 - Fleur de Sel - Buy a container for you and buy a few for hostess gifts to have on hand (the brand on the far right is my favorite for gifts). This salt is amazing and really dresses up ordinary food. I really enjoy using it often. I realize you can find this in the US at stores like Williams Sonoma, but you not only will spend a lot less in France, you'll also have a fantastic selection.

6 - Maille Mustard - Again, Maille is available at nice grocery stores in the US, but typically only in the Dijon and Whole Grain varieties. In France you have about 10+ different types of Maille available in all sorts of sizes and containers. We love picking up our mustard here and schlepping it back to the States.

7 - French Green Lentils - If you're a fan of Ina's delicious Lentil Sausage Soup, you will love the chance to pick up a few packages overseas at a great price. Using the French Green lentils in that recipe really does make a difference.

8 - La Fermière Vanilla Yogurt - Not only is the vanilla bean yogurt quite tasty, but the pots are perfect for pots de cremes. We typically buy and eat the yogurt, rinse the pots and them pack them in our suitcases amongst the socks and such. So far we haven't lost a single one! They are oven safe and are perfect for baking all sorts of custards.

8 - Dutch Process Cocoa - This is a wonderful type of cocoa to have around if you love to bake. It can be a little tricky finding it in the US, so stocking up on a few boxes is a good idea. Every now and again Van Houten offers cocoa in decorative containers, which make great gifts, so keep your eyes peeled for those too.

9 - Petit Bateau Onesies - If you have the chance to hit a Carrefour (not the "market" version, but the big daddy version), then I'd like to add a couple of things to the list. First, make sure you grab a few Petit Bateau onesies for baby gifts. Also be sure to snag a few Sophie La Giraffe toys too. They are a classic French toy and are wonderful to present as gifts. School supplies are also fun to peruse!

Note: when you pack for your trip, make sure you include several empty, large, freezer-quality Ziploc bags. You'll find them quite useful when you pack up all your goodies. For whatever reason the ziplocs you buy in France are inferior to the ones available in the US and cost a lot more. The last thing you want is mustard all over your clothes and shoes or French lentils in every nook and cranny of your suitcase :)

Tin Can Centerpieces

This morning I'm donning my grubbies and heading to my neighbor's home to work on this little project. Instead of using hydrangeas though, we are using wheat grass. It's far less expensive and superb for a true Springtime look! Plus, once Gabrielle posted about it a couple of months ago, I've since wondered how to get a little wheat grass into my life :) Thanks to my friend Katie...I will! She's a rockstar at planting wheat grass now. I'll try to procure a detailed tutorial from her to share...

An interesting note regarding spray paint...you'll notice if you click through to the tutorial that MS suggests painting the cans with a brush. While you'll definitely have a myriad of color options if you do this (spray paint at places like Home Depot and such are usually only offered in pretty basic colors), it'll be more time consuming and likely messier. When my friend and I visited Home Depot we were torn because we loved the pretty hues of the Martha Stewart line, but strongly preferred the convenience of spray paint for this project. The associate working there noted our dilemma and suggested we visit a graffiti store downtown instead. He said they offered unique shades, similar to those we were swooning over from the MS line. Hmmm...

We decided to take him up on his advice and hit a store called Up Rock here in SLC. It turns out they did have the perfect shade of Berry Pink. How random is that? I feel like I've discovered a new "craft" source. Who knows, maybe the graffiti store in your city has a plethora of gorgeous colors too!

image 1 - Martha Stewart; image 2 - Design Mom

Fruit Watercolors

Jones from the blog, Loveliest Days, recently shared some of the beautiful art she was considering for her baby girl's nursery. Like Jora, I instantly fell in love with these clementines (and strawberries!) by artist Jamie Shelman. Now I can't stop thinking about these perfectly not-so-perfect depictions of simple, delicious fruit!

Menu of the Week

What we are eating and have eaten this week...with a few notes. I hope that sharing these will inspire you to whip out those cookbooks sitting on your shelf :)

Shepherd's Pie , salad with vinaigrette - the best version of this dish I've found; also, I know what you are thinking...shepherd's pie in May? Well, yes...if it's 45 degrees and raining!
(note: added a TB sour cream, substituted 1 lb. grass fed beef for the lamb)

"Brupper" (breakfast for supper) - eggs w/chives, salsa, avocado, wheat toast perhaps?

Fish Tacos, fresh fruit salad, rice

Rigatoni with Sausage, Peas, Zucchini + Mushrooms, salad

Caramelized Pineapple with Coconut Sorbet - there is no other dessert that can be prepared in 5 minutes that will taste this good. Just ask my neighbors.

image 1 - Jonny Valiant for Real Simple; image 2 - Tom Schierlitz; image 3 - me

Packaging Treats - Frenchie Style

Because heading to France is such an incredible highlight for me, I tend to think about it a whole lot and am subsequently very inspired by anything remotely French. Before I recently embarked on what was only our second child-less getaway in 7 years(!!!), I made these little treats for a few gals in the neighborhood. If you'd like to know my sources and the how-to, head over to the Zupas blog.

You Must Create

I am in love with this outfit Chelsea posted this week. I think it's the pockets...I of course popped over to new-to-me-website, YMC, and happily found some excellent sale items too. With the Euro at the lowest point in about a year, I am considering buying one thing for myself as a post-pregnancy present--even if it will take me close to a year to fit into it :)

image via {frolic!} via le train bleu

Blue Doors of Paris

One of my favorite things about Paris are the blue doors, blue shutters, blue signage, etc. Those city planners really know what they are doing. It doesn't matter what shade of blue (although the ones at top left are probably my favorite--I photograph them on every trip), they all look lovely.

Walnut Wine and Truffle Groves + Lunch with Danièle

Just a couple of weeks ago this book was released much to our delight! It not only features one of our favorite Frenchies, but it showcases the best elements of the Dordogne region--the day markets, the night markets, the sights, the best restaurants, and of course...recipes! It's a delightful book for anyone who is interested in simple Southwestern French cooking or who has stayed, or is going to stay, at La Maisonnette in the future (note: we left a copy at the cottage for guests to peruse).

A week and a half ago, Danièle (the aforementioned favorite "Frenchie") invited us to lunch at her rustic home in the country. I've been there several times in the past, but always just to say "hello" or to attend one of her fantastic cooking classes (mentioned here and here). It's not every day that a former palace chef invites you to a meal! We were instantly excited with the invitation and I forecasted it to be one of the highlights of our trip. Danièle is one of the most amazing people I've ever met and her energy and drive is most inspiring. Not being a fluent French speaker, I always appreciate that she speaks fluent English. In fact, this is what's made her cooking classes possible in the past!

p.s. I recently discovered a great article about Danièle and the Dordogne over at Travel & Leisure's site. Although I don't agree with all of their recommendations, their description of Danièle is spot-on and the article really gives you a taste of what country life in France is all about.






















1- A simple, country French place setting.

2-If Danièle isn't cooking on an open fire, she is using it to warm the cottage. She is one industrious lady!

3-White asparagus, fava beans and a poached egg smothered in black truffle sauce made from truffles found on her own property. One of the best dishes I've ever consumed in my life.

4- Fussing over us like a mother hen while she told us tales of truffle farming. Of course she first made sure we were warm with herbal tea, blankets and chairs near the fire. An amazing hostess indeed.

R & R

I hope you have a lovely weekend full of fun, productivity, and good times with friends and the fam. For those of you in need of some good r & r (rest and relaxation), I hope you find it :) We'll be laying low...t-ball, a birthday party, and maybe a potluck with a friends. I'm also toying with the idea of attending an earthquake preparedness class too. But, one thing is for sure...I really should unpack that last suitcase (why does unpacking always get dragged out so long?). Inside are many fun things I picked up in France for you and I that will be coming to the etsy shop just as soon as I can get back into the groove.

Until Monday!

image from Basil

May Day in Paris

If you happen to be anywhere in France on May 1st, you'll no doubt spot little posies of lily of the valley everywhere you turn--the airport, the local bar, the markets, even the convenience store! They are one of my favorite flowers in the world so it was really fun for me to see them at every turn.

Our friends snapped a picture of my husband buying me a little bouquet from a street vendor at a market on Paris' Boulevard Raspail. What a sweet thing she was too--on her feet all day so late in her pregnancy and had nothing but a smile on her face when she saw that I was pregnant too. She told us her due date, what she was having, etc. all within a 2-minute exchange. Bless her.

Cheerful Kitchen

Out of all the kitchen remodels I've seen in the past few years, this one continues to resonate with me. Perhaps it's the inclusion of the yellow Tolix stool? (we all know I cannot resist any interior shot with any kind of Tolix piece. Never have. Never will.) Perhaps the scalloped rug (I've shared my love for all things scalloped here) or the mix of neutrals with pops of color? Most likely it's the combination of them all.

You can view more images of the remodel here.

Also, if you are interested in sources for so much of what you see in this image, here they are:

Scallop Rug / Roller Shade / Bowls* / Tolix Stool /

* I believe these bowls from Anthropologie would create an almost-identical look; plus they are less expensive and more readily available than the ones pictured here.

image from Living, January 2008 featuring the home of stylist Alistair Turnbull and art director James Dunlinson

Pork Souvlaki from the Carefree Cook

In honor of my recent obsession with the Greek gyro + salad at Salt Lake's City City Greek Express, I thought I'd share my favorite Greek recipe to make at home. It is a fantastic recipe that is easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is very healthy to boot. I make this quite a bit in the summer to take advantage of the chance to use the grill. Served with a simple Greek Salad and you have yourself one amazing meal!

Note: it is from Rick Rodgers that I learned about French and Bulgarian feta and its superior taste to the Greek versions so readily available at grocery stores. Although a little more difficult to procure, the French and Bulgarian versions are very much worth the extra searching. You wouldn't believe the difference! As an added bonus they are not more expensive than any other type. In Salt Lake you can find both kinds of feta at the International Market. They also have yummy blackcurrant syrup, orange blossom water and Medjool dates.

Pork Souvlaki
From Rick Rodgers of the Carefree Cook
(also try his Fettucine with Shrimp and Lemon Rosemary Sauce--heaven!)

Serves 4-6

2 pounds center-cut boneless pork loin
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
metal skewers (or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes, drained)

1. Trim the fat from the pork and cut it into 1.5 inch cubes.

2. Puree the onion with the lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pour into a zip-tight plastic bag and add the pork cubes. Refrigerate to marinate while you prepare the fire, or for up to 24 hours (note: I like to make this in the a.m. and then allow it marinate all day for best flavor).

3. Build a charcoal fire in an outdoor grill and let burn until the coals are covered with white ash. (or preheat a gas grill on medium high.)

4. Thread the meat onto the skewers, leaving a little space between the cubes (note: I actually place them close together--they seem juicier and less overdone to me. I also put chunks of onion in between the meat as well).

5. Lightly oil the grill. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the meat is well browned and looks barely pink in the center when prodded with a sharp knife, 10-12 minutes.

6. Remove the pork from the skewers and serve hot.

Bottom line: marinate, grill, skew, and enjoy!

image by William Meppem for the Carefree Cook

Inside Look: Liberty of London for Merci

It wouldn't be a trip to Paris without a stop at my favorite store (especially with all the hullabaloo about the Liberty of London line for Merci). With a few men in tow it was difficult to get in any shopping time so my friend Paula and I were content with just one enjoyable hour drooling over everything in this fantastic space. I personally fell head over heels for the baby red Tolix chairs. I'm certain I let out a little scream when I saw them...simply adorable!! The only thing holding me back from scheming a way to take one back to the States was the 189€ price tag. Tempting though :)

Although much of the Liberty line was sold out, it was still fun to see what remained--suitcases, fabric-by-the-yard, crib bedding (swoon!), high chair padding, pillows, clothing for baby, and of course a few things for the grownup gals as well. I asked a sales associate specifically about the fabulous oversized envelopes and lo and behold after looking everywhere in the store, she found one left. One. I thanked her as well as my lucky stars and am scheming as to how I am going to
put it to use...ideas?

If you want to see more images of the space (they change it up all the time), you can glance at this post and this one too.