Speaking of Paris

To continue my posts about Paris, I wanted to share a fun idea with you. 

My favorite tea is Paris from Harney & Sons. Pretty fitting since I have a huge crush on its namesake city. I fell in love with Paris tea a couple of years ago on a visit to Hood River and I've been addicted ever since. Truly. I can't get enough of it. Unfortunately the only grocery store in town (Metropolitan Market) that carries it runs out of it often. When I go out of my way to go to said grocery store, I usually buy their entire stock. I have a hunch there is another addict in town and he or she buys out the entire stock too. So it's become kind of a game for me. Unfortunately when I went to Met Market last weekend, specifically to get my stash of Paris tea, they were completely out. And they are still out. 

Anyway, I digress. One of the things that I love so much about Harney & Sons is their beautiful packaging. Until recently I felt kind of sad when I finished a tin because I know how hard it is to come by. But I also felt a twinge of guilt when I threw away the beautiful tin. I recently went through a major effort to organize my daughter's art supplies and our life in general!  And the Paris tea tin played a major role in this effort. I realized they are a great and nice-looking way to store pens, and anything else for that matter!

Of course I thought this was an original idea until I did a search for "tea tins" on Pinterest. Here are a few of my favorites.

And they might just be the perfect flower vase! Especially if you're giving flowers as a gift.

Oh and by the way, in case you are wondering what Paris tea tastes like, according to their website, "This blend is reminiscent of one of the most popular blends in Paris. It is a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavors, and a hint of lemony Bergamot." Now, don't go out and buy my stash at Met Market! Promise?!

My Paris in Color

My Paris in Color post yesterday inspired me to look through the pictures from our two visits to Paris. While my photos and presentation aren't nearly as eloquent as the ones in Paris in Color, I wanted to share my version with you. I found they tended to fall into four categories: doors, flowers, cars and art ... some of my favorite things! I threw in a few miscellaneous ones, too, that made our trips unforgettable. Enjoy!

On our second visit, we took Sofia at just 16 months old, and stayed in a charming apartment in the wonderful and quirky Montmarte neighborhood. 

Home to the famed Moulin Rouge which literally means "red mill." So, not coincidentally there was a lot of red in Montmarte. 

 

 And some green...

The natural beauty in Paris is astounding....flowers are everywhere!

They even put flower boxes on the rooftops? So charming...

 

 

On our first visit in 2003, we were there during Bastille Day, which was a huge treat, and very colorful.  The colors of the French flag covered the bleachers.

 

Bastille Day fireworks at midnight - that is the Eiffel Tower lit up on the left. 

And the cars, aah, the funny and colorful cars.

Look at all those tickets - and the "boot." Classic!

 

Geoff's shirt matched this tiny Fiat perfectly!

I'm not sure what this little mint green number is but it's pretty cute!

Seeing Monet's famous water lilies at the Musée de l'Orangerie was very exciting for me. 

And this ceiling in the Paris Opera House is one of my favorites. 

Seeing Degas' ballerinas in person was such a treat!

If I could, I would have packed up this beautiful lavender love seat from the Paris flea market and shipped it home. Isn't she darling?

Isn't this giant indigo hat fabulous?

I leave you with a few artsy shots of Paris at her best....

Even the street signs are colorful, and well, charming....

Thanks for coming along. Next up, Provence in Color. Ooh la la!!

Paris in Color

Two of my favorite things - Paris and color - come together in this wonderful book. A friend picked it up from my coffee table yesterday and exclaimed "this is a gorgeous book!" I had some fun looking through it this morning and snapping pictures with Instagram to share with you. Here are a few of my favorites, starting with orange of course!

Paris in Color is divided into 10 sections. With six-page spreads dedicated to each color, from noir (black) to blue to marron (brown), vert (green) and orange and the rest of the colors of the rainbow, it is a feast for the eyes. Truly gorgeous from beginning to end-- the last color spread is cheery jaune (yellow). 

Won't you come along on a little tour of the City of Light's orange delights? Oui? Oui?

Do you recognize any of these sites? Which one is your favorite?

Happy weekend friends!

xoxo.

 

Hints of Spring

In last week's post, I hinted at my Spring wreath. I am happy to say it went up yesterday and I can't wait for Spring -- just two weeks away. Yes, I'm counting and yes, I'm having a celebration to mark my favorite season. In addition, I bought daffodils for my kitchen counter this past weekend and I'm starting to transition my wardrobe - more color (if that's possible) and fewer layers! I love the buds on the trees, the sweet smell of Daphne wafting through the air, Winter pansies coming out of hibernation and longer days.

I have to share a little back story on this wreath.... My best friend from childhood, Lara, and I made a different heart wreath each February for about eight or so years. We haven't done it for the last few years. But I saved most of them, except the ones that were perishable (think Martha Stewart-esque cranberry covered wreath - those were a labor of love!). We got smart and starting making re-usable wreaths. So environmentally friendly of us, yes?! Anyway, Lara and I made this daisy wreath in 2003. It's held up quite well over 10 years. Yesterday, I pulled this little darling out of my attic, added a new ribbon and voila, my Spring wreath greets everyone who visits our home. And hopefully brings a smile to their face!

I hope Lara doesn't kill me for sharing this cheesy picture but it brings back such great memories of our wreath-making days. Maybe we will bring back this tradition next year. It truly was a great one!

What is your favorite thing about Spring?