Times They Are A Changin'

So, I was cleaning up my bookmarks and came across a site I hadn't been to in awhile Sköna hem or Swedish House.  These days it seems that the Scandinavian aesthetic is a major influence on product and interior design.  What I see mostly is clean, streamlined all white interiors that are balanced with organic elements and small details to soften the linear elements.

Having lived in Sweden for a year, I understand the need for all the whiteness.  Their winter months are brutal.   In the southern most tip of the country where I was, winter daylight was about 2 hours long.  Making the best of that situation, the Swedes fill their home with light, whether it be in color, as in all white, or millions of candles lit when the first sign of darkness appears.  I can only assume that in the northern parts, it's candles and coffee when one hops out of bed.  And lots of both.

These two photos came up on Skona Hem and my new self was completely drawn to the paired down, contemporary feeling of the top photo.  My new self also cringed at the second photo which felt cluttered and utterly claustrophobic.  The funny thing, the second photo is what my old self would have been completely drawn to.  As a matter of fact, I own many pieces similar to ones in the "Rococo" dining room. A few that I purchased in Sweden.  Huh!

Think it's time for a yard sale!

Which do you prefer?

Photo credit:  Sköna Hem

Words To Live By

Profound advice from an installation at the MFA Boston.

Perfect Time For a Rosé

As much as I refuse to grow up, certain parts of me have had to mature and come to terms with ... life.  Dancing on tables (appropriately), taking a dare and occasionally crossing the line towards awkward in my conversations are a few things I will do forever and one just has to love me that way.

One area where I have gratefully gained profound wisdom is the quality of wine I will pour into my glass at the end ... or middle ... of my day.  Move over cloying white Zinfandel.  SO over that.  Do they even still make it??  My evolved self has learned a thing or two about the wonders of wine and while I'm not over drinking a refreshing "pink" something on these warmer summer days, it is indeed a bit more sophisticated.

Lately, rosé, more often than not, is the wine I've been putting in my shopping cart.  Easy to drink, pair with foods and refreshing, it is the perfect choice for this time of year.

I stumbled on two articles today that made me think of this post so I'm going to link you to them and allow you to discover a few good ones to buy if you can find them and meals to pair them with.

You're in for a treat.

Bon Appetit
Gayot 

Photo credit:  Bon Appetit

Black & White

Yes, I know that the world goes far beyond black and white.  It felt symbolic somehow to come back to this place at either end of the spectrum and work to fill things in. Life has been feeling a bit black and white as of late.  Now it's time to see the possibilites.  To see color again.  This is a going back to move forward exercise.  I plan to make it spectacular.  The blog ... and the moving forward.

Stay tuned!

Photo credits:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Kid's Space at Chanel. Really?

Ok, so there are a few things wrong with this.

First of all, a designated kid's space on the Chanel website? Is that necessary?

Second, it's troubling that I actually played around with it. I made a lovely gem encrusted brooch for myself.

Paris Tableau: Old Master's Paintings

Very excited....

Got myself an invitation to the Inaugural opening of Paris Tableau, an international fair for old master's paintings. It is dedicated to presenting Old Master's works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The fun part of all this is that if one is lucky enough to afford it, one can actually go home with a little something as the works are being presented by art dealers from around the world.

Today is the opening day, invite only. The event will be all weekend long at the Palais de la Bourse, the former Paris stock exchange, or as it is described on the website, temple of finance. Hmmm, these days, not so much.

Anyway, must get moving. I'll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, if you can't attend you can get the idea here.

Rue Mouffetard & Saturday's Lunch

A simple composed salad of tiny pears, bleu cheese, walnuts, honey, olive oil and fleur de sel from the Camargue all procurred at Saturday's rue Mouffetard market. People from all over the world make their way to this colorful, food-vending street. Poissonneries, boulangeries, chocolateries, tea and wine merchants abound. Lucky me....I live on this foodie heaven street. I stumble out of my apartment (I live behind the brown door in the photo below) and that friendly wine seller knows exactly which bottle of Côtes du Rhône to have waiting for me. The fish sellers on the other side of the door put on their daily "show" of exotic seafood displayed so beautifully. Today there were street musicians adding to the ambiance.

An absolute must for all you foodies visiting Paris.

Métro Censier-Daubenton (Line 7).