And Here's What I Bought in Paris

A huge flower made from thick, soft, crinkly paper and

when I say huge I mean HUGE.

This is how the French present something. So beautiful you don't want to take it out but

 inside is a fabulous fabric flower bracelet.

2 gorgeous grey linen pillow cases for my bed

and 2 pearlised leather and linen cushion covers for my sofa

Lastly a pair of reading glasses that won't fall apart like all the others I have bought in the past.

An Afternoon Around Opera in Paris

Last Saturday I returned to Paris to visit the Grand Magasins as they call their department stores. I was more than a little disappointed as the area seemed a little dull. No wonderful shop windows to lick. Everything seemed to be very low key, trying not to attract attention. I'm not sure if this is the result of the terrorism that has unfortunately hit Paris or I just chose the wrong time to visit.

However this is a pretty impressive Apple Store.

Printemps in the sunshine.

I had the most amazing lunch in Place de Madeline. Salmon with dill creme and lentils

and with my cafe creme I was given a spoon that was a biscuit.

Even Place Vendome was a let down. I found myself only taking pictures that took in the blue sky.

And I finished with a picture of the amazing glass dome of Galerie Lafayette.

A Day In The Marais, Paris - Always a Good Idea

Last Wednesday I took a trip into Paris on the train. I spent the day in one of my favourite places - The Marais. Bittersweet really as it was a place Harvey and I used to visit a lot but hey life has to go on and it's still a favourite.My first stop as always was Merci on Boulevard Beaumarchais. I was delighted that their Look at the Flowers exhibition was still on.

The whole shop was full of flowers 

everywhere you turned

there were more

Even the clothes were made from flowered fabrics.

I had lunch in The Used Book Cafe on the ground floor. I loved how the carafe of water served with my wine had fresh mint in it. I was seated in the window in a corner where all the interior design books were so I was in heaven.

I ordered their version of boiled eggs and soldiers. These were SAS rather than soldiers and the Normandie butter pat was huge. Absolutely delicious.

I had a stroll around the Marais and visited the Art Galleries in Place de Vosges. Loved the electric blue Bhudda and

these huge spent matches with the tips carved ito faces.

Before catching the train back to Soissons, where I was staying with my daughter, I had the obligitory Wine and Cafe Creme and people watched for an hour.

The SNCF train I caught was like being on a Disney ride with its bright colours and pin point lighting. This is how to design trains.

Inspired by Food

I'm constantly asked where I get my ideas from and I always say - by looking up, sometimes however I get it by looking at food. Nature's pantry is truly inspirational. The colours just sing. Totally possible to copy these colours onto your interiors. Images found on Pinterest.

Dreaming

Well today the powers that be are discussing Brexit. I am, however, still awaiting the outcome and fall out. In the meantime I shall just dream. 

Whilst I'm doing that why not join me by taking a look at this amazing Chateau in Upper Provence. Chateau de Moissac.

Little Visuals That Lift My Spirits

It's not a great time of year for me. I miss Harvey a little bit more than usual so to lift my spirits I have to look around me and appreciate what I have. I suppose being a designer it would be little visual delights that do it, like the sight of fresh basil, tomatoes and olive oil in the kitchen

Bright flowers in the centre of the dining table

Some presents wrapped for our grandchildren

The grass on my landscape rug

The sight of the wreaths I have finished for the Village Hall Xmas Party

Chillin With My Colouring In Book

A few weeks ago I was sent some Adult Colouring Books by Michael O'Mara Books. Of course I had heard of such a thing but had only coloured in my kids books when they were younger. It was always a very theraputic thing to do until the kids snatched them back and went over the lines. I hated it when they went over the lines.

These are MINE so hands off anyone under the age of 18.

These are amazing stress busters. Get yourself one or add it to your Christmas list, I promise you Nirvana.