Paris vs. New York

Something humorous to make you smile on this chilly, {possibly rainy} Monday morning! 

I'm getting such a kick out of these Paris v. NYC prints despite the fact that I do not, and never have, lived in New York.  I look at it more like a US/France cultural comparison (boy, that's kind of the hot subject this week, yes?), which I definitely appreciate.  I envision one, framed print over a white Parsons desk; or a grouping of 4 (2x2) on a living room wall with simple, wood frames (fyi: the wood gallery frames from PB are pretty top notch and a good balance of price and quality). I just can't figure out which one to add to my wishlist...they are all so great!  If only they came in a mini postcard set...they would make a great banner for a petite fête. 

via Zagg Pepper (Warby Parker's blog)

The Differences Between American and French Parenting Styles

A couple of days ago I received a surprise package in the mail from Amazon.  Inside was a book called "Bringing Up Bébé--a book written by an American mother raising her children in Paris.  Upon giving birth in France, the former Wall Street Journal reporter immediately began noticing that the French raise their children quite differently than American parents.  Fascinated by the differences, she began taking notes, that eventually led to the making of this book; which looks very interesting (and controversial) by the way.

Now there was no invoice inside the package...or a note...or any indication as to who sent this book to me.  I can only infer that someone thoughtfully gifted it because they thought I'd be genuinely interested in the subject (which I am) or that I need a little help in the parenting department (a likely scenario!).  Regardless though, I am touched by someone's thoughtfulness...if you were the one that send this to me out of the blue, thank you! 

Back to the subject of French and American parenting styles...there has been much talk of this subject lately, mostly due to the release of this book (you can brush up on all the hullabaloo here and here).  Clearly a fascination is emerging and questions are being raised as to what is best.  I must confess that when we lived there, not a week went by when my husband and I didn't discuss this very subject.  We couldn't figure out why our children didn't behave quite the same (i.e. not as well) as their French counterparts.  We tried to put our finger on what exactly led to these differences, but never quite figured it out.  Let me share a few stories that will help you understand the subtle differences between our two cultures: 

One Saturday our family took a break from working on the house and we all went to the local market together.  As usual, we didn't get out of the house as soon as we planned for and ended up being at the market right during lunch time.  Our youngest child at the time was 2 and obviously not old enough to entirely reason with (at least in my mind--a French parent may disagree).  She began to get fussy and a bit fiesty (we blame the then red hair), so I bought her a little basket of wild strawberries and placed them on her lap for her to munch on while I finished up my shopping.  Interestingly enough, she and I began to receive a lot of stares, looks, chuckles, even finger pointing.  Initially I was confused, but then realized that we were doing something considered very American--snacking.  Apparently allowing my daughter to eat outside the borders of a kitchen table during the designated lunch hour was considered very entertaining!  A French parent would've made her child wait...I, however, did not. 

On another occasion I took my two youngest to the nearest IKEA, which was about 3 hours away.  If you've ever been in the car with young children, you understand how stressful this can be at times.  When we pulled up to the big, blue building, all I could think about was how nice it was going to be to drop my kids off at the little childcare center and allow them to play and release some energy after being in the car for awhile.  Plus, I was in the mood for a little break admittedly.  But as luck would have it, the playland was full and so my disappointed children would have to squeeze into a itsy bitsy cart for a couple of hours while I navigated the packed aisles trying to make good buying decisions.  Feeling a little stressed out by the crowds and my tired, whiny children, I did what any American mother would do...I whipped out a little iPod and headphones for my kids.  And even though the cartoons were in French (Petit Ours Brun), I again received lots of looks, pointing fingers, laughs, etc.  The fact that I was trying to keep my children entertained (vs. them entertaining themselves) was what set me apart from my French friends. 

Based on experience, I believe there are positive things about each culture, and the secret is to glean the best from both worlds to create your own personal parenting style.  I would love to hear any of your own thoughts, observations, experiences, etc.  It's truly a fascinating issue to think about! 

images by Stephanie Brubaker

Tolix Kids

A couple of years ago, when we were living in France, I spotted a little red Tolix chair underneath the staircase at Merci.  It was so cute I would've pinched its cheeks, had it cheeks to pinch.  I'm not sure there is anything more precious than a pint-size Tolix chair!  I toyed with the idea of figuring out how to bring a few home, as there was no need/room for them at La Maisonnette; but quickly wisened up once I started thinking through the logistics for a few seconds (this was definitely another I-wish-I-had-access-to-a-container moments). 

Aaah, but I have some good news for fellow Tolix fans!  I just noticed that Chicago-based Antiquaire is now carrying the entire Tolix Kids line, well beyond the red chair.  I'm dying over every little thing and now know what my daydreams will be made of for the next little while...

images via Antiquaire and Tolix

Registration Details - Food Photography Workshop w/Aran

I am so grateful for the opportunity to host another food styling and photography workshop in the Dordogne region of France this year with the over-the-top-talented Aran Goyoaga.  In fact, registration takes place tomorrow, Thursday, January 26th (that's today for some of you already), so I want to review the details of signing up for those interested.  Aran, her assistant Nadia (whose gorgeous home was featured in my "real life home series" last week), and I, are so thrilled to be sharing another fabulous week with 8 new friends amongst castles, cliffs and breathtaking views.

Here is how registration will take place:

A Darling Children's Book about Paris

My preschool-aged daughter chose this book for her bedtime read last week and I was reminded how much I love this little book for its gorgeous illustrations of Paris and for the sweet storyline.  Set in the City of Lights about a hundred years ago, we follow a girl named Adèle and her little brother Simon as they try to make their way home after school.  The siblings stop at many famous Parisian landmarks along the way, weaving a beautiful path through the city.  While not a vintage book, it certainly has that feel, and is a darling read for little boys and girls--especially one who dreams of Paris like my kids do.

Also, happy to report that Adèle and Simon is on sale now too...ten bucks for an award-winning hardcover is not too shabby!  I should probably stock up on a few for birthday gifts myself...

Have a great weekend!




images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

Food Styling + Photography Workshop in France Part Deux

Today, I am happy to announce that I am hosting another food styling and photography workshop in France this year with Aran Goyoaga of the award-winning blog, Cannelle et Vanille.  September proved to be the perfect time of year in 2011, so we've decided to press repeat for this next workshop, which will take place September 23-27 of 2012.  The workshop will be limited to just 8 guests.  Think: delicious food, castles, picturesque villages (one of which will be your "home" for the week), comraderie and up close and personal instruction...in France.

More details about the workshop are outlined on Aran's blog today so take a peek if you're the least bit interested in upping your game when it comes to food styling and photography. We would love to have you with us that week in the Dordogne region of France!  You can peek at images from last year's workshop here, here and here. 

images by Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille

Rendevous in Beynac, France 2012

Just a heads up that we have opened our 2012 calendar at La Maisonnette in Beynac, France. So if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful respite in the French countryside, feel free to peek at available dates.  Summer is always a lovely time to be in southern France, but we also know that September through mid-October is typically beautiful as well.  In fact, I snapped this image during the first week in October, while wearing short sleeves! 

Vacationing in Beynac during the off-season gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area when all is quiet in the village (our rates are more than half the peak season too).  I love going to the markets during the off season when it's almost entirely locals...such a different experience!  I look forward to trying truffle hunting in January (after stopping in Paris for Les Soldes); Valentine's Day would also be romantic (putting the fireplace to use is a must!); Thanksgiving would be downright decadent...and Ben and I talk about getting over to enjoy a simple, serene Christmas at some point.

We have really enjoyed having blog readers stay at La Maisonnette...it's been a pleasure to interact with you and we've appreciated your kind words and good care.  We look forward to hosting more readers in the seasons to come!

Winter Squash Soup with Apples + Creme Fraiche

When in France almost 2 months ago for the workshop with Aran, I fell in love with the adorable potimarron dotting the produce stands at the outdoor markets.  Referred to as red kuri squash in the US, these sweet little French pumpkins are a special treat and fantastic in soup.

I'm sharing my recipe for Winter Squash Soup with Apples + Creme Fraiche over at Cafe Zupas.  Enjoy!

Doolittle Magazine

I need a shot of pretty today...and you?  No Black Friday speak here :)

"Smitten" is the word that describes how I feel about the simple, creative, minimal styling in French magazine, Doolittle.  If I had to choose my favorite element, I think the hydrangeas taped to the wall with washi tape would take first place.  However, there are so many tiny details to appreciate, it is difficult to choose (that polkadot dress...swoon!).  In my dreams my girls closet, bedroom and playroom would look like the pages of Doolittle.  Le sigh...

images via Doolittle Magazine

An Autumn Day in Paris

I learned something new last month, Paris in October is magnificent.  Honestly though, I'm sure every month in Paris is wonderful, how could it not be?  It is truly my happy place and I can't ever imagine tiring of it--there is simply too much to explore and vast amounts of beauty almost everywhere.

When prepping this post and trying to gather the images, I was surprised at how little I shot in Paris.  I couldn't believe I only had a handful of pictures to share!  Part of the issue related to just wanting to savor and enjoy in a more sensory way, and part because I was in the driver's seat trying to make sure we hit everything at the top of our list that day {mostly in my Paris Guide}; and well, driving in Paris can be hectic to say the least, but well worth it! 

{above is a street display on Rue Cherche-Midi in the 6th arr.}

Mamie Gateaux - My heart skipped a beat when I saw the "ouvert" sign in the door window.  One never knows if one is actually going to find the shop open and thankfully it was!  I was excited to share it with Aran and Nadia as I knew they would appreciate the owner's aesthetic.  At Mamie Gateaux you'll want to pick up a tote, an apron or a yummy jar of homemade confiture.

Be sure to stop by the cafe for a piece of gateau and a cup of tea.  Also, peruse the brocante next door as well, lots of fun eye candy in there.  If you find the brocante locked up, simply ask the folks at the cafe or boutique to open it for you. 

A stunning blue door in St. Germain (I have a real thing for blue doors in Paris) and beautiful linens in Merci--my favorite store in Paris.  Always has been and most likely always will be.  In fact, you can peek at more images here, here and here if you're curious--they change out their displays quarterly and they are always superb. 

Below, more images of the home department in the basement in Merci, my favorite floor and usually where I bolt first.  Gorgeous, gorgeous and more gorgeous.  If you're on a budget, you can always find affordable things in the basement and also on the 2nd floor--an aspect of Merci I really appreciate.  Prices at Merci are quite reasonable as the large boutique is essentially a non-profit--all profits go to a children's cause in Madagascar.  How's that for philanthropy?

images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

Salade Niçoise, Breadcrumbs + the Best Roast Chicken Recipe

It occurred to me this weekend that I haven't shared any of the recipes I posted on Cafe Zupas this month.  Oops! So what that means is that I have more than one to share with you today--a  combination of old and new favorites and definitely what I'd call "keepers".  Enjoy!

Salade Niçoise with a Shallot Vinaigrette - During the workshop with Aran, I created a variation of this classic French meal for lunch one day. The sun shone outside and we gathered around a table on the lawn to enjoy every bite.   Added bonus: picky eaters will appreciate being able to pick and choose just what they want to eat.  I made a mental note to make a Salade Niçoise once a month from here on out.  It was just that good.

Lemon Herb Roast Chicken  - my go-to recipe for company and it makes your home/apartment smell amazing!!  It's basically a one-pot meal so it makes for a simplified evening of entertaining. 

How to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs - because good ones are so hard to find and making your own is so darn easy.  Why, oh why did I not do this earlier? This week I plan on making something yummy with a batch I recently made...I'll keep you posted!

I hope these 3 recipes bring you a few great nights in the kitchen!  Have fun and be sure to listen to some great music while you cook--it'll make your food taste that much better :)  I always enjoy oldies, Buena Vista Social Club or Puccini (random, I know).  In fact, I'd love to know what music you enjoy listening to when you cook...what are your favorites?

Lemon Herb Roast Chicken / Salade Nicoise / Homemade Breadcrumbs 

image 1 - Jennifer Chase / image 2 - moi

Walnut Groves + Star Gazing

Last night, as I transferred a few things from my car to house, I paused to look up at the stars twinkling in the sky.  Even though we live in Seattle proper, we do live in a quiet neighborhood (the best of both worlds!) and as I enjoyed that brief moment of silence I thought of where I was last week, and the time I stopped to look at the stars one evening after returning "home" from dinner in a nearby village.  Only a little more than a week apart, but moments far different from each other to be sure.  It's pretty surreal to even think about what I experienced that week...my "normal" life is quite different.  My heart is spilling over with gratitude.

This particular adventure in France was unlike previous trips as this time I was not only there without any family members, including my kiddos; but, I didn't have any house projects either.  Instead I was able to truly enjoy the area and savor my surroundings in a new way, i.e. actually have the time to stop and pick walnuts off a tree.  I thought to myself, "this is how it must be for our guests when they stay at La Maisonnette".  Let me tell you, it was so relaxing!  I felt and still feel so inspired by this experience...thank you for going with the flow here as I post a few more times about it.  I have so much to share with you.

In the meantime, you've got to check out what our workshop guests have been sharing on their own blogs and websites.  Aran and I have been blown away by the beautiful images (all very different from each other too) and heartwarming accounts.  I think you'll enjoy the additional perspectives and a morning's worth of "pretty". Here they are...



Olivia - her images of Beynac blow me away.  Her perspective is so unique and the way she captured the Sarlat market in Autumn was breathtaking.

Kimberly - our picnic next to the Dordogne River and a beautiful image of our guests with the Valley of the 5 Castles behind them. 

Jen - beautiful images from our workshop plus lots of candid images of Aran doin' her thing.

Romina - comic relief and a delightful play-by-play of some of the details the rest of us have yet to share :)

Lorna - more lovely market photos (shallots and garlic never looked so good) and my favorite cheese plate photo of the week.

Sanda - red geraniums (so French!) and images straight out of a movie...like Chocolat...which was filmed in lovely Beynac.

image 1-3 - Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo / image 4 by Romina Rasmussen of Les Madeleines

Maje

Walking through Paris department store Printemps last week made me feel like a giddy school girl.  And while I'm sure it would've been even more fun to go on a shopping spree, I still had a great time just browsing.  One could describe the experience as a real-life version of Pinterest--lots of eye candy in one location :)  I always enjoy getting a sense of what's fashionable in Paris, and then keeping my eyes peeled for similar looks that are more in my budget. 

Hands down one of my favorites was the Maje boutique (they also have free standing stores in Paris as well).  The minimal palette was simple yet striking {the tomato red is my favorite} and the classic lines appealing too.  I fell in love all over again with Peter Pan collars...they are just darling paired with a menswear-inspired pant.  Just the perfect amount of femininity here girls. 

Also noteworthy:

1. Maje will soon have an online presence here in the US...until then New Yorkers can take advantage of their upcoming debut in the Big Apple.  Lucky ducks.

2. The model you see on the home page is romance novelist Danielle Steele's daughter.  Random.

Last, this was my first time going into Printemps (somehow we always end up at Galeries Lafayette down the road).  It was fun to note the differences between the two...if you've been to both, what is your opinion? Which do you like better? }

To Market

One of my favorite experiences in France is the market.  It doesn't matter if they are selling birds, flowers, antiques or food--it's all wonderful, different and visually stimulating.  I'll take a good French market in any form!

Last week we took our group to Sarlat, a large Medieval town about 10 or 15 minutes away from Beynac.  Every Wednesday and Saturday (with Saturdays being the largest and busiest), locals and tourists mingle as the best produce for the best price is sought out.  The theme of the day was "market to table" so Aran, Nadia and I toted our friend Ouafaa's beautiful basket and filled it to the brim with yummy treats to eat and photograph.  The weather was outstanding that morning, as it was all week (hallelujah!) and while a few of my favorite vendors were missing, it was still glorious to be there...

My market favorites down in the Dordogne included Charlotte strawberries (which we caught at the end of the season...wahoo!), acacia honey, fruit rouges jam, walnuts and sweet, little potimarron (in the US it's called kuri squash).  Half of these we enjoyed immediately and the other half we tucked in our suitcases with all our rinsed out yogurt jars (hello pots de cremes!). When we lived in France during our renovation, walking around this very market was my weekly respite.  Despite having visited numerous times already, it still thrills me every, single time.  I feel like there is always something new to discover and I never take for granted what an absolute delight it is to be there. 

images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

An Adventure at Marqueyssac Gardens

It started with a hankering for ice cream after a day's work and ended with a climb over a very tall, very spiky, and very locked gate...

Just down the road from the manoir hosting our workshop, stood a chateau with mesmerizing gardens as well as an ice cream stand offering locally-made artisanal ice cream.  Would you pass up trying "poppy", "daffodil" or "Perigord walnut" ice cream?  Me neither!

Upon our arrival they asked us in French, `can you be out of here at 6 o'clock as we close at that time?'.  `Oui, bien sur', we replied, fully expecting that to be the case.  However, I made a wrong turn there at the end and this mishap resulted in the three of us being locked in--all the employees had gone home for the day and we were left to fend for ourselves.  At first we joked around about how we should've slowed down a little, instead of rushing to beat the clock; and the subject of a dinner picnic surfaced as well.  But the reality of getting out became an issue.

In my life I've had plenty of experience climbing things I probably shouldn't have, so I immediately thought to climb over the fence, despite its foreboding appearance.  Sure enough, we were all safely on the other side, (camera bags included), in about ten minutes.  It felt good to laugh at ourselves (something we should all do more of I think!) and started making plans for that future picnic-dinner-witih-a-view.

Previous adventures at Marqueyssac Gardens can be found here:

1. Our rained-out-but-much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt with Gabby & co.

2. The wildest storm in my life {and Rachel's too}.

images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

Day 2: Autumnal Picnic Shoot

Yesterday we took a "field trip" to a fairly isolated walnut tree grove for our autumnal picnic shoot.  I enjoyed snapping pictures of our guests snapping pictures (pretty much this is the scenario wherever we go...we are quite the sight around this little valley!).  The breeze set in every few minutes, sprinkling a few leaves here and there, all whilst the sun shone.  If I could pick my perfect weather scenario, this would've been it.  I feel so much gratitude inside for how nicely all the details are playing out.

Here, in this post, are some images I snapped during downtime; but I'd love to share with you some images that a few of our guests posted this week on their own blogs during the wee hours of the night (we are all staying up too late, but can't bring ourselves to put an end to the fun!).  They are learning so much from Aran and it shows...it's truly inspiring:

Kimberly Taylor / Sanda Pagaimo / Lorna Palmer

Day 1: Food Photography with Aran {in France}

Lots of fun and gorgeous weather yesterday...such a blessing.  I cannot believe the beauty that is the Dordogne in October and our workshop guests are taking advantage of it by shooting outside as much as possible.  Aran made a lovely, rustic, gluten-free galette, which everyone photographed on a stone wall in the garden.  It looked so delicious that I wanted to become gluten-free right then and there.   

In the meantime, we are enjoying still enjoying the previous day's market fare...

 

Aran taught the class how to garnish food with different types of herbs, including this delicate, aromatic lemon mint from the manoir's garden.  Her advice: plant your own little pot of herbs to have on hand...no need to have a yard, just a little pot in your kitchen will do. 

We also hit a local grocery store just so we could pick up these yummy yogurt pots (see above).  Based on my observations, it appears this label comes out with a different color of pot each year.  A couple of years ago the special color was a bright robin egg blue and this year I spotted periwinkle blue and dark gray.  I practically jumped up and down in the yogurt aisle upon this discovery (yes, they have an entire aisle dedicated to yogurt in France).  It's the small things, no? 

Prepping for Workshop with Aran in France

I've been preparing for and thinking about this workshop with Aran of Cannelle et Vanille for so long that I cannot believe it is actually here!  I wish I could express how fully grateful I am for this opportunity...it's been outstanding on so many levels.  As an added bonus, I get to be "home" here in Beynac and share my beloved maisonnette with Aran and Nadia.  I feel like a part of me is within these walls and having the chance to share this little treasure with new friends makes me thoroughly happy.  To me, every wall, every beam and every antique have a story to tell; and I listen to them every time I'm here. 

Yesterday we spent the day prepping for the food styling and photography workshop, which of course included a trip to the market, getting lost amongst groves of walnut trees (see harvested walnuts in top image), climbing trees to pick apples, and finally dinner at La Borderie with Daniele Mazet-Delpeuch.  It was truly the perfect day.  I could not ask for better weather and I'm now a big fan of visiting the Dordogne in early October.  Who knew it was so heavenly?  The tourists are gone, the weather is amazing, and the foliage is just starting to turn.  Bliss.

I have more pictures to report from today--the first official day of the workshop--but those will have to wait until tomorrow...until then, enjoy these small glimpses.  I hope you too have a wonderful week!

One of my favorite things about small, French villages are the streamers that hang from building to building.  They make any town feel festive, even if it isn't a holiday!

You'll never believe this, but that entire vase of beautiful cosmos only cost 5 Euros...how could you not smile?!

My favorite Dordogne treat...the coveted and insanely sweet mara des bois.  These wild strawberries are the most delicious little things you'll ever pop into your mouth.  In Paris, the famous Berthillon even makes ice cream from them (which is absolutely delicious by the way.!) 

If you followed my blog during the renovation of our Medieval cottage a few years ago, you know I have a thing for a pretty grove of linear trees.  This grouping was a new find this trip...we took a country road in search for wild fruit and found this instead.  A nice consolation prize indeed.

Ah-ha! Fruit is found off the side of a different road.  I climbed the tree to pick the best apples (at the tippity top bien sur) while Aran photographed our find.

I know many of you enjoy Aran's blog as much as I do and to satiate your curiosity I must tell you that she is an absolute delight and as down-to-earth and real as you'd expect her to be.  If you are thinking of attending any of her upcoming workshops, you should seriously consider taking the steps to be there. Time spent with her means time well spent.  I'm so inspired!

And last, but certainly not least, we drove an hour away to my friend Daniele's home deep in the countryside.  Driving down this lane is always a welcomed sight and dining with her is always an experience I'll never forget.  And to think the friendship began with a simple cooking class...

I'll be back tomorrow with more images from our first day of "class".  A demain!