Hitting the Slopes

Jack and I will by flying home to Colorado this weekend for a little ski trip to Winter Park! I won't look as cute as the girl above but hopefully my Spider gear will keep me warm. I promised my sister a couple of excellent meals, a spectacular fall on my tush on the slopes and plenty of sisterly bonding! I'm counting down the minutes! Have a wonderful weekend! {Image via Black*Eiffel}

Honeymoon Part II: Paris

I've been fortunate enough to discover Paris on my own as a teenager and visit Paris with someone I love. Paris is a city for everyone; it rejoices the unexpected, the path of self discovery and of course love. It really is a wonderful magical place. As Jack likes to say, "We will always have Paris". I couldn't agree more.

Some people go to Paris to shop. Some come to Paris to be seen. We go to Paris to eat, eat, eat! I have a must see list of favorite "foodie" sites that I have cultivated over the years that I thought I would share with all of you. Here is part of my Paris Rolodex in all of its glory that features what I consider the best of the best:

Brasserie Balzar: This is a wonderful old brasserie with lots of charm with the most Parisian of waiters. Balzac has been around since the late 1800's and is a favorite of the Left Bank arts community. Don't be frightened off by the waiters; if you are courteous, enjoy great food and have a sense of humor they will respond in kind. Ironically enough the same waiter we had the night of our engagement was our waiter on our return to Paris. The escargot is delicious and Jack swears by the liver and onions. We ended our evening discussing politics with a fun Swedish couple over a delicious 2003 Comte Armand Pommard Cru (yes I had to write it down it was so good).

Le Petite Prince de Paris: Petit Prince is located near the Pantheon on a little side street called Rue Lanneau. You can't miss it with its cheerful red facade. This is a great place for a romantic dinner for two; the ambiance is as famed for its food. Just thinking of the stuffed Boudin chicken is making my mouth water. Go for the prix fix; it is an excellent value. The staff is friendly and reservations are not hard to come by. This is a must!

Au Bon Saint-Pourcain: This little gem was discovered after a visit to the nearby Saint-Sulpice church. We were ambling down Rue Servadoni (strangely enough there are not one but several "Australian" themed stores on this Rue) when we stopped at this picturesque little restaurant. When I think of authentic French food I think of Au Bon Saint-Pourcain. Imagine a hearty roast lamb, fragrant escargot or a tasty sole. It doesn't get more authentic than this.

Poilane: Probably the most famous boulangerie in Paris and it definitely lives up to its name. You know it is a winner when you see local Parisians waiting in line for their dense and chewy bread. I'm partial to the sourdough but what I think makes this boulangerie so special is their jam. Yes, I could live without the bread but the jam is fantastic. The myrtle (blueberry) is heavenly. If I could ship a crate home of myrtle jam I would. Nothing... I mean nothing compares to it here in the States. I would buy a ticket back just for the jam! Jack and I would make a stop at Poilane on our way home everyday for bread and jam.

Laduree: I waxed poetic over Laduree in one of my previous posts and I still think they make the best French Macaroons. Its an experience not to be missed. Although Angelina's was great I think Jack and I prefer Laduree for not only it's delicious pastries, cakes and macaroons but for its tea house experience. For God's sakes they need to open a store in the States, even if I have to travel to NYC!

Barthelemy: Barthelemy is located on one of my favorite streets in Paris (Rue Grenelle). It's pretty nondescript and tiny but if you want to try the best cheese in Paris then this is the place. It's really pricey but worth it. The properitiers are walking fromage encyclopedias. Don't be shy and ask for their expertise. There is a cheese for every wine and dish. I'm partial to any type of chevre but they have a fast selection of brie, fontainebleu ect. Try the boulamour: the store speciality triple creme fromage blanc soaked in kirsch and studded with currants. Talk about a tasty snack!

Maison Rollet-Pradier: A wonderful patissier-chocolatier. For New Years we bought a petit French macaroon chocolate mousse for dessert that we shared with a wonderful bottle of champagne (Ruinart). It was the tastiest chocolate mousse either one of us has ever had.

Hediard: One can go to the Grand Epicerie de Pars a Bon Marche for gourmet foods but if you want something similar on a much smaller scale then Hediard's is the place to go. This is the place to buy some tasty fois gras (to put on your Poilane bread!) or peruse the enormous selections of coffees and teas. Also they have great gift baskets to bring back home to your loved ones.

Maison Berthillon: I was touring Ill Saint Louis on a hot, sunny Parisian day back 10 or so years ago with a group of friends. We were downright pooped from sight seeing and we were cranky. One of the girls suggested we try and find Berthillon, a famed ice cream shop to liven our moods. It's simply delicious. We sat on the corner and ate our ice cream and scouted for Johnny Depp (he didn't show). Oh well, it was amazing. Unfortunately Jack and I never got a chance to go (well I'm not big on eating ice cream when its cold) but hopefully we will go back. Just watch out for the crowds!

{photo sources: One for the table, Pure Mochalette, Appaloosa's photostream, The Amateur Gourmet, Insatiable Critic, Gwagner }

In Flanders Fields

I immediately thought of this beautiful and haunting poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae when I came across Tayloe White's striking poppy paintings. For those of you that don't know about this poem it was composed in the Spring of 1915 in memoriam of the terrible battle at the Ypres salient during WW1:

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

I think I'm on a red streak here.... I can't get enough of it! I'm loving big bold colors. Tayloe White's work can be seen at Rohm Gallery in New Orleans.

Script

I love Style Court. It's a fabulous blog filled with wonderful decorating ideas and written with much style and panache. So my heart went a flutter when Courtney Barnes did a post on Carolyn Quatermaine, a textile designer, artist and stylist. Her "Script" styled textile designs immediately reminded me of the calling card designs featured in New Orleans artist Angele Parlange's book called Creole Thrift. Unfortunately Angele closed up shop and her designs are not available anymore but I'm so glad I came across Carolyn Quatermaine! I'm also a sucker for her flower designs as well. I would kill to have a pair of bergeres in her fabric! (Image via Oh Joy!)

Here are two designs from the calling card line by Angele Parlange (Images via Style Court):

Love the hot pink!

Getting to Know You...

So I was challenged to post 50 things about me and here it is in all of its glory. Some of it's tongue in cheek but all of it true!

50 Things About Me:

1. My ethnicity is Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, and Czech
2. I love making lists and crossing them off (like I am now!)
3. I was 19 yrs old when I met my husband and 27 when I married him
4. I learned I was scared of heights after a sky-diving attempt (my instructor couldn't push me out the airplane:)
5. Nursing homes make me sad
6. I don't like anyone touching my feet but me.
7. My favorite flowers are orchids and peonies but I love receiving wild flowers
8. My first concert was Yanni. His flowing dark hair and piercing gaze made me swoon. I know, I know... but I was only 13!
9. My sister is my pride and joy. I'm so honored to be her big sister.
10. I'm secretly addicted to South Park (and I curse like a sailor in private)


11. Favorite cuss word: F*ck
12. I graduated with a double major in Political Science and Classical Studies with a minor in Latin American Studies from Tulane U.
13. My biggest fear is losing my loved ones. My second biggest fear is Alzheimer's
14. I was once offered my weight in gold as part of a marriage proposal at the ripe old age of 7. The proposal came from a minor Saudi Prince for his little 10 yr old princeling.
15. My mother almost died giving birth to me.
16. I can't resist chocolate. My favorite is dark.
17. Favorite sounds: laughter, champagne glasses clinking, crystal clear sound of the oboe, birds chirping, contended sighs, bells chiming
18. I left a piece of me in New Orleans. I would love to move back someday.
19. Jack comes home everyday with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I adore him for it.
20. I love the name Charlotte. I dream of chubby babies with Jack's blue eyes.


21. I once had a boy in high school tell me I was a "diamond in the rough". I told him to shove it where the sun don't shine.
22. My mother's family grows coffee.
23. My first memory is flying high on my Dad's shoulders
24. The desert is my preferred landscape. Or something hot, even if humid
25. I envy those that have a clear purpose in life
26. I have a deep aversion to peas, papaya and stale beer
27. My favorite piece of music is Nimrod (enigma variations) by Elgar
28. I love receiving packages.. tied up in strings!
29. I gave myself a tattoo when I was 8 yrs old. I held a felt tip pen to the palm of my hand until I got bored. Then I couldn't wash the ink off:) It looks like a little birthmark!
30. I love Regency romance novels.


31. I love the feel of a light breeze and sunshine on my face
32. Museums overwhelm me
33. I have a ugly cry face. I hate it when people see me cry
34. I love to cook for my husband. He eats everything I make (except my meatloaf)
35. If I had been born a boy my parents would have named me Garret Peter
36. I wear too much black. Enough to pass as a New Yorker
37. My dad turned down an offer from a major television studio when I was little. Dammit, I could have been a child star!
38. I am strangely attached to my worn-out pair of boots. I refuse to throw them away. They have taken me many places
39. I 'd love to live abroad again. This time Europe.. maybe Paris or Vienna?
40. Fresh faced is the way to go! I obsess over beauty products but am casual about make-up


41. One of my favorite places in the world is Saintes-Maries-de-la Mer located in the Camargue region of France. I visited as a teenager and it had a huge impact on how I wanted to live. Which is to the fullest.
42. Favorite smells: home made cookies fresh out of the oven, clean laundry, freshly cut flowers, Jack's natural scent, baby powder, pot of coffee brewing, my mother's perfume
43. If I could choose another career it would be to open my own bookstore/cafe
44. I had a recurring nightmare when I was child. A flying vampire from Turkey (yes the country Turkey) would fly through my window, suck my blood and fly off with me.
45. I hate public outbursts but don't mind public displays of affection
46. My first best friend was from India. She had a tendency to poop in her pants in class. I still loved her though. Her mom made the best samosas.
47. I have a phobia of answering the door
48. I have dance parties.... by myself
49. I love sunsets but prefer the mornings (if I get up early enough!)
50. One of my favorite movies is Auntie Mame

Pecan Turtle Brownies

I came across this recipe in Chow when I was hunting down recipes for Super Bowl Sunday and it was a total success. We ate the entire pan of brownies in no time. I can't imagine making brownies without the pecan caramel topping now. The brownie is a cross between a fudge and cake-like consistency which I love. It complements the pecan caramel topping perfectly. You can opt out the pecans if you like. For those that know how to make caramel with ease.... I envy you. I botched my first try when I didn't take the caramel off the heat in time. I modified the recipe by removing the caramel from the heat once it turns a light amber color not the deep amber color it mentions in Chow. Otherwise you will have a bitter awful mess on your hands. It's hands down the best brownies I've ever made!

INGREDIENTS
For the brownies:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped into pea-size pieces
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

For the caramel-pecan topping:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS
For the brownies: Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter; set aside. Combine chocolate and butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until eggs are broken up and smooth. Add chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Add flour and baking powder and stir until just incorporated. Transfer batter to the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove to a rack and cool completely.

For the caramel-pecan topping: Combine sugar, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often until sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to boil, swirling the pan occasionally (but not stirring), until the mixture turns a light amber color, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, carefully pour in cream and vanilla (the mixture will bubble up and steam), and stir until evenly combined. Stir pecans into the caramel mixture and immediately drizzle over the brownies. Spread evenly to cover the brownies. Cool completely before cutting.

Honeymoon Part I

We had an amazing time on our honeymoon. It was part adventure part relaxation which ended up being a perfect balance for the two of us. We stayed in Morocco for two weeks and for kicks we ended our honeymoon with a week long sojourn in Paris. We were gone for almost a month and boy was it hard to come back to snowy cold Chicago! We met so many wonderful people along the way, explored until our feet where too tired and ate to our hearts content. I can't wait to share all of our favorite places and things to do. But first I will start with Paris and work my way backwards.

Once we settled on going back to Paris we decided to rent an apartment vs staying in a generic hotel. We wanted to experience life as a Parisian; albeit even if only for a brief stay. We looked at many different companies and settled on Perfectly Paris, a company run by Gail Bosclair whose specialty is rentals in the Montmartre area of Paris. We thought Montmartre would be a fun new area to explore and it was. We were close to Place Pigalle (known for being the sex district of Paris and the location of Moulin Rouge) but hey, we got married in New Orleans so nothing really shocks us! But once you get off Pigalle the area is residential and picturesque with the beautiful Sacre-Coeur Basilica within walking distance. Here are some photos of our little place in Paris:

We loved our little apartment. It was really small but perfect for the two of us. Our apartment "The Countess" was beautifully furnished, in a good location and the price was right. Right around the corner we had a laundry mat and all the mom and pop speciality food stores that you could imagine. By day two we already had our favorite boulangerie, fromagerie and wine store where we did our daily shopping. Some nights we just would come home and fix a charcuterie plate with crusty french bread and a couple glasses of wine. Ah... heaven!!! Since it's almost Valentine's Day I thought I would finish this post with a dessert and flowers theme. I couldn't leave Paris without going back to Angelina tea house for some hot chocolate:

As part of their holiday series Angelina teamed up with Swarovski and created the Swarovski limited edition french macaroons. They are almost too pretty to eat!

The display case in Angelina.

Angelina's famous hot chocolate. So rich and creamy! It was definitely worth the wait.

Scrumptious petite fours:

Paris has the most beautiful flower shops. Flower design is on a whole other level in Paris. The displays are fanciful, artistic and gorgeous. I'd see one and just pop right in. If I lived in Paris I'd always have a bouquet of fresh flowers in my house... who cares the cost right?

The prettiest peonies I've ever seen. Don't they look heavenly?!?

More peonies...can't get enough of them!

Beautiful orchid display at Moulie- another gorgeous flower shop. Check out the lamb and icicles

More to come...

Domino Magazine

Almost all of the design blogs out there are bemoaning the demise of Domino Magazine due to lack of advertising support. I am too. I really admired how this wonderful magazine provided so much inspiration and made style attainable for anyone; even for the likes of me. They made decorating small spaces on a budget seem doable. As much as I love Architectural Digest (and others) I always feel like everything is priced out of my tax bracket. Not so with Domino.

Perhaps a way of keeping things afloat in these tough economic times is moving the magazine solely to a online format. I already think Domino's online site is fabulous. From the moment I found out the magazine was closing I've been on the domino site saving as many images as I can in case the website shuts down. Here are some of my favorites (classic style with an edge):

Favorite Children's Books

Most of the books that are near and dear to my heart are books I read as a child/young adult. I have wonderful memories of reading with my dad at bedtime and then exploring the bookshelves with zeal when I got older. I miss the wonderment and naivete I approached a new swashbuckling book in my youth. I guess when you are young the world is a very, very big place! I've been known to peruse the children's section at bookstores and hey, why not? The Harry Potter series is not the only literature out there suitable for all ages. Be a kid again and soar high in the clouds in a giant peach, fight a pirate or two and slay a dragon! Here are some of my favorites:

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Warner

Oh, the places you'll go! by Dr. Seuss

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

Polar Express by Chris Allsburg

Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola

Little House Series by Laura Engall Wilder

Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

James and the Giant Peach, The Witches by Roald Dahl

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson
St. George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

My Side of the Mountain by Jean George

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Chronicles of Narnia as you can see is at the top of my list. I read it when I was little and then many years later I made a deal with my 8 year old rapscallion of a sister to read the chronicles in exchange for a steady supply of candy per chapter. Now the kid (ahem... I mean young lady) can't stop reading. Who says bribes don't work!?! I'm surprised her teeth are in such good shape.

Time to re-stock my bookshelves! What are your favorite children's books?