Here's a link (I hope, I don't have much success posting these)http://tinyurl.com/l3fh5h to a fun article from,bien sur, the NY Times concerning one of my favorite ways to while away a day: hitting the thrifts and fleas etc. I believe bargain hunting for 'treasures' resonates with me deeply because of my affinity for history and storytelling - it's all interwoven.
I should do a post, with pictures, of the furnishings in my home that we picked from
the treelawns on trash day or found in a junk shop in Toronto, and refinished or painted or whatever....really an idea for a book! Ahh I've so many.
hope you enjoy,
xo La
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
L'ete arrive!
I feel the need to check in with my 'diary' to clarify and sort of quantify, perhaps
to reinforce a bit as well - my purpose in blogging: to add daily to my life by being more aware, more genuine, real, euro inspired in some ways. Blogging is time consuming!
I spend my days trying to 'get ahead' which right there sounds negative. The process is the real thing. Remember that Laura.
Alors, I am loving my potager so much. We have harvested exactly 27 haricot verts. The one sprouted onion I planted has rendered lots of greens for stir fry and roatsted red potatos with oregano and thyme. The tomatos are covered with blossoms and shiny, green balls - soon to be sugar sweet cherrys, and romas and early girls...and the zuchini! well, get your recipes ready. I just layed out some strips of rags lightly soaked in ammonia. Supposed to keep the critters away and a ground hog, I believe, was munching on a hungarian pepper plant. The watermelon vine is a runaway:)
A good day ends with lots of compost in the (tightly covered) pot by the kitchen sink. Starting with coffee grinds, eggshells and fruit ends and accumulating all
day long it's magical ingredients, the pot is emptyed after the evening meal into the compost pile behind the garage. This simple endeavor has been so satisfying over the years - providing wonderful soil for garden and potted plants AND providing a
place to recycle uneaten food.
Been cycling a lot. Today to the library to work, uninterrupted for 2 hours on the computer. Love it.
Soon the long awaited oil cleansing method experiment will start, I promise. I am working thru untold meager amounts of accumulated Vit E oil and Ponds Cold Cream etc
I do have a nice tan going. I am not an extremeist either way per the sun. But I need me some, especially on my legs.
La mode is doing pretty nicely this summer so far. Tomorrow my easy linen capris are
ready from the tailor. I'll drop my denim pencil skirt off. I'm going to repair my
Land's End red leather sandals with my wonderfully heavy weight sewing machine (I hope) - it's just a seam, but threatening their life. I can always hit the cobbler if I can't do it. Oh - had my eye exam and had my lenses put in some 'cheaters' that I had and loved. They are smashing - a light weight green metal conconction that always garners a 'love your glasses' - did the same with my Jackie O sunglasses, except specialized as bifocals - again terrific results.
bisous - I had a splendid birthday week, I'm a summer baby born on the longest day of the year and was wined and dined into not so sleek, but heavenly shape.
La
to reinforce a bit as well - my purpose in blogging: to add daily to my life by being more aware, more genuine, real, euro inspired in some ways. Blogging is time consuming!
I spend my days trying to 'get ahead' which right there sounds negative. The process is the real thing. Remember that Laura.
Alors, I am loving my potager so much. We have harvested exactly 27 haricot verts. The one sprouted onion I planted has rendered lots of greens for stir fry and roatsted red potatos with oregano and thyme. The tomatos are covered with blossoms and shiny, green balls - soon to be sugar sweet cherrys, and romas and early girls...and the zuchini! well, get your recipes ready. I just layed out some strips of rags lightly soaked in ammonia. Supposed to keep the critters away and a ground hog, I believe, was munching on a hungarian pepper plant. The watermelon vine is a runaway:)
A good day ends with lots of compost in the (tightly covered) pot by the kitchen sink. Starting with coffee grinds, eggshells and fruit ends and accumulating all
day long it's magical ingredients, the pot is emptyed after the evening meal into the compost pile behind the garage. This simple endeavor has been so satisfying over the years - providing wonderful soil for garden and potted plants AND providing a
place to recycle uneaten food.
Been cycling a lot. Today to the library to work, uninterrupted for 2 hours on the computer. Love it.
Soon the long awaited oil cleansing method experiment will start, I promise. I am working thru untold meager amounts of accumulated Vit E oil and Ponds Cold Cream etc
I do have a nice tan going. I am not an extremeist either way per the sun. But I need me some, especially on my legs.
La mode is doing pretty nicely this summer so far. Tomorrow my easy linen capris are
ready from the tailor. I'll drop my denim pencil skirt off. I'm going to repair my
Land's End red leather sandals with my wonderfully heavy weight sewing machine (I hope) - it's just a seam, but threatening their life. I can always hit the cobbler if I can't do it. Oh - had my eye exam and had my lenses put in some 'cheaters' that I had and loved. They are smashing - a light weight green metal conconction that always garners a 'love your glasses' - did the same with my Jackie O sunglasses, except specialized as bifocals - again terrific results.
bisous - I had a splendid birthday week, I'm a summer baby born on the longest day of the year and was wined and dined into not so sleek, but heavenly shape.
La
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Secret: How to Live Beyond Your Means
A book espoused long ago by some Chics was written by Margery Wilson. How to Live Beyond Your Means is her friendly, but stern, manifesto to 'having it all'. I have a copy, the copyright is 1945, the wording is touchingly old school. I thought maybe my daughters would read some of it (what was I thinking?) and when it sat untouched on the dining table, I reached for it. I had a bit of a shock as I realized that this was almost verbatim The Secret - circa 2006 or so via
Rhonda Byrnes et all. The first time around with Wilson's book I had not yet read Byrne's. Seems the Law of Attraction has been around, indeed. I am intrigued by the promise of the secret, and convinced that to smile and expect goodness is just the best way to live anyway. Is there any French connection to this? I don't know, but is seems to me that the Gallic shrug and attitude could be construed as more on the side of pessimism. Any luck employing The Secrect? Do share!
Rhonda Byrnes et all. The first time around with Wilson's book I had not yet read Byrne's. Seems the Law of Attraction has been around, indeed. I am intrigued by the promise of the secret, and convinced that to smile and expect goodness is just the best way to live anyway. Is there any French connection to this? I don't know, but is seems to me that the Gallic shrug and attitude could be construed as more on the side of pessimism. Any luck employing The Secrect? Do share!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
So very European.....
It seems to me a very Euro thing to do: make your own liqueur. And frugal to boot!
Here is a link to an interesting article with some recipes:
http://tinyurl.com/lkp6ag.
Marsi, I know you have made limoncello. Any tips?
Here is a link to an interesting article with some recipes:
http://tinyurl.com/lkp6ag.
Marsi, I know you have made limoncello. Any tips?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fleur Cowles has left the building......
Don't know if you are familiar with Fleur but she was a one of a kind lady and
I've always been rather fascinated with women who bucked the trend(s) of their times/lives. She passed away and here is a link to the NY Times article about her interesting life: http://tinyurl.com/lcn5p6
I've always been rather fascinated with women who bucked the trend(s) of their times/lives. She passed away and here is a link to the NY Times article about her interesting life: http://tinyurl.com/lcn5p6
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Your Money or your Life
Stephanie at Bonjour Madame has a recent post on 'your money or your life' which is
resonating with me. She uses the example of the movie A Good Year. Of course if any of us were in the situation where we could choose to inherit a vineyard I don't think there'd be much question!
I don't really care for the phrase 'in this economy' but there it is. 'In this economy' if you are struggling with work that you don't enjoy or doesn't reward you amply in some way, it fells peevish to complain: what about all those without any work at all? Despite 'the economy' - or any other factors - I believe it is
important to be rewarded properly for your work and to do something that you at least enjoy (if not love).
I've read/heard that many of the French (and perhaps other Europeans) with great social benefits and vacations mandated and a built in cultural more that everyone should enjoy life (or at least have the means via good food, wine, family/vacation time etc) don't care as much about loving their job. They look at work as a means to live. It feels as tho, maybe because we don't have the same political/social set up, Americans don't have that luxury.
Personally I am in that conundrum right now as well, Madame. I have spent the past 3 years learning a (new) profession. Now that I am working (for a management company) the work seems endless. I don't even want to calculate my hourly wage. With 3 teenagers to support I obviously have to maintain an income. The decision I have made is to team up with a wonderful friend who is also an appraiser. We are meeting this week to start the ball rolling on opening our own company. As women we both value our family time as much as our work and don't see this as a problem - both should get their proper due. I'd been avoiding working for myself because of the added work: finding clients, billing, taxes etc. I've changed my view - we are going to create an income stream OUR WAY - with balance, attention to the important details, great service and time left over for living.
I'd love to hear how others are coping with this.
resonating with me. She uses the example of the movie A Good Year. Of course if any of us were in the situation where we could choose to inherit a vineyard I don't think there'd be much question!
I don't really care for the phrase 'in this economy' but there it is. 'In this economy' if you are struggling with work that you don't enjoy or doesn't reward you amply in some way, it fells peevish to complain: what about all those without any work at all? Despite 'the economy' - or any other factors - I believe it is
important to be rewarded properly for your work and to do something that you at least enjoy (if not love).
I've read/heard that many of the French (and perhaps other Europeans) with great social benefits and vacations mandated and a built in cultural more that everyone should enjoy life (or at least have the means via good food, wine, family/vacation time etc) don't care as much about loving their job. They look at work as a means to live. It feels as tho, maybe because we don't have the same political/social set up, Americans don't have that luxury.
Personally I am in that conundrum right now as well, Madame. I have spent the past 3 years learning a (new) profession. Now that I am working (for a management company) the work seems endless. I don't even want to calculate my hourly wage. With 3 teenagers to support I obviously have to maintain an income. The decision I have made is to team up with a wonderful friend who is also an appraiser. We are meeting this week to start the ball rolling on opening our own company. As women we both value our family time as much as our work and don't see this as a problem - both should get their proper due. I'd been avoiding working for myself because of the added work: finding clients, billing, taxes etc. I've changed my view - we are going to create an income stream OUR WAY - with balance, attention to the important details, great service and time left over for living.
I'd love to hear how others are coping with this.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
McDonalds Chic?
I am not much for fast food. Several years ago we watched Super Size Me together as a family and that was pretty much that. As a real estate appraiser I am on the road quite a bit and I stop at McDonalds occasionally to use the restroom and/or get a regular large coffee. About a year ago the Wall Street Journal (I believe) had a story that had professional coffee taste testers drink all the big coffee chains (such as Starbucks) versus fast food coffees. McD's came out number one. So I was validated on that one. Anyway, I NEVER get any food. Until yesterday. I was taking an
8 hour class for a license upgrade and on lunch break hit the McD's for a much needed caffeine fix. I noticed the fruit and walnut salad (at $2.15) and decided to
order one. I had packed a sandwich, but the tedium of the morning portion of the class somehow made me want to reward myself and so for 2 bucks I went for it. I took my impromptu lunch to a sunny, somewhat secluded corner of the school parking lot and took inventory. It was really not bad! Several slices of apple and some grapes, a small scoop of vanilla yogurt and a portion of candied walnuts. The yogurt was sweeter than I like, but overall I'd get it again if I was stuck in a situation and wanted a quick, healthyish meal. It's packed really well 'to go' - a shrink wrap cover over the container and it's packaged with a knife and fork which promotes using them and, as we know, is de rigeur for eating a la francaise. So maybe it is chic? The nutrition facts on line say it's a bit high in sugar, but also in vitamin C and low in sodium and cholestrol.
Bonus!! My recipe for sugared pecans.
SUGARED PECANS
1 pound of pecan halves, toss them in:
1 egg white, beaten just till frothy (and with a tablespoon of cold water added).
Scoop out pecans (use a slotted spoon) and toss in a bowl of combined:
1/2 C Sugar
1/2 tea.Cinnamon
1/4 tea Salt.
Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for one hour at 225 degrees, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up and separate them every 15 minutes.
These are heaven. Lovely as a nibble with aperitiv, as a dessert or snack with yogurt. As a salad topping. Nicely packaged as a favor or gift at the holiday. And you can experiment with the nut used and the spices. Try and make a savory version using your favorite spice.
xo,
La
8 hour class for a license upgrade and on lunch break hit the McD's for a much needed caffeine fix. I noticed the fruit and walnut salad (at $2.15) and decided to
order one. I had packed a sandwich, but the tedium of the morning portion of the class somehow made me want to reward myself and so for 2 bucks I went for it. I took my impromptu lunch to a sunny, somewhat secluded corner of the school parking lot and took inventory. It was really not bad! Several slices of apple and some grapes, a small scoop of vanilla yogurt and a portion of candied walnuts. The yogurt was sweeter than I like, but overall I'd get it again if I was stuck in a situation and wanted a quick, healthyish meal. It's packed really well 'to go' - a shrink wrap cover over the container and it's packaged with a knife and fork which promotes using them and, as we know, is de rigeur for eating a la francaise. So maybe it is chic? The nutrition facts on line say it's a bit high in sugar, but also in vitamin C and low in sodium and cholestrol.
Bonus!! My recipe for sugared pecans.
SUGARED PECANS
1 pound of pecan halves, toss them in:
1 egg white, beaten just till frothy (and with a tablespoon of cold water added).
Scoop out pecans (use a slotted spoon) and toss in a bowl of combined:
1/2 C Sugar
1/2 tea.Cinnamon
1/4 tea Salt.
Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for one hour at 225 degrees, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up and separate them every 15 minutes.
These are heaven. Lovely as a nibble with aperitiv, as a dessert or snack with yogurt. As a salad topping. Nicely packaged as a favor or gift at the holiday. And you can experiment with the nut used and the spices. Try and make a savory version using your favorite spice.
xo,
La
Monday, May 18, 2009
Informed Produce Shopping
Happy Monday!
Here is some information that I found to be interesting. It concerns genetically modified, organic and conventionally grown produce and how to tell the difference
between them, easily.
Hopefully we will all be buying from the farms this time of year (or growing our own, my garden is doing very well so far), but if not, I hope you find this tip
helpful.
PLU (Price Look Up) codes are four or five number codes that bring up the price of each item. Within these codes is information about the food itself.
If the code number (you can see it on the label or price tag) is four numbers, the product was grown conventionally.
If the code is made up of five numbers, the product is either organic or genetically modified. An organic product code starts with the number 9, while a genetically modified product code starts with the number 8. Never buy a product (unless it's at a farmer's market or direct farm to consumer) without a PLU code so you know what you are buying.
La
Here is some information that I found to be interesting. It concerns genetically modified, organic and conventionally grown produce and how to tell the difference
between them, easily.
Hopefully we will all be buying from the farms this time of year (or growing our own, my garden is doing very well so far), but if not, I hope you find this tip
helpful.
PLU (Price Look Up) codes are four or five number codes that bring up the price of each item. Within these codes is information about the food itself.
If the code number (you can see it on the label or price tag) is four numbers, the product was grown conventionally.
If the code is made up of five numbers, the product is either organic or genetically modified. An organic product code starts with the number 9, while a genetically modified product code starts with the number 8. Never buy a product (unless it's at a farmer's market or direct farm to consumer) without a PLU code so you know what you are buying.
La
Friday, May 15, 2009
Guest Blogging
I have the fun news that I will be guest blogging on a blog that I really enjoy:
www.my-french-corner.blogspot.com. Amigh has practical insight that she shares and much of it about things that really interest me. I am honored to be her guest blogger. If you go to www.copenhagencyclechic.com now, you will be an 'insider'
when you click on My French Corner on Sunday to see my post.
This leads me to say that if anyone has an interest, topic or question I'd love
to hear about it. Post a comment!
Thanks,
La
www.my-french-corner.blogspot.com. Amigh has practical insight that she shares and much of it about things that really interest me. I am honored to be her guest blogger. If you go to www.copenhagencyclechic.com now, you will be an 'insider'
when you click on My French Corner on Sunday to see my post.
This leads me to say that if anyone has an interest, topic or question I'd love
to hear about it. Post a comment!
Thanks,
La
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Standing Tall
The thriftiest and best French chic rule: great posture. Unlike a terrific haircut(which is another rule of french chic and which can often be pricy) posture is free.
To have look of a dancer is the height of elegance. When wondering how to bring chic into your day, examine your stance and correct your posture and movement if necessary. Voila!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
My deck and patio are coming alive
One of my favorite places on earth. I have roses that I've grown from infancy and brass doors that I've lugged from Toronto and privacy. It is a sanctuary of sorts, a garden, a meal setting, a party haven. The peonies popped up 8" almost overnight.
My daffodils and tulips (from the front of the house) are done. They were pretty.
Yesterday I just had to get my red geraniums. Visually they scream "Paris". Red geraniums, like red polish on my toes, are a no brainer for my style. They'll go in some pots for the deck and in the front garden to round out the
veggie plants I'll be putting in. Did you know it is very easy to 'save' geraniums
over the winter in an attached garage or cool basement area?
My flower and veg gardens are going to be integrated this year to take advantage
of our best sun for the veggies, which can make do in the back but really thrive in the S/West exposure in the front.
Perhaps I'll post more pics as the season progresses.
The Best Margarita or wardrobe shopping at home rewards!
The sun has been revitalizing. My closet is purged and I have come up with some
good findings, one of which is I really needed sandals (and clogs, but those can
wait for fall) to update/upstyle everything I already own. I may still have the
cropped pants from Marcel tailored. Found great gladiator sandals at Target,
they were inexpensive at just about $21. including tax.
Wore them last night for
margaritas on the deck. Very wondeful.
Shopping your closet may leave money available for good tequilla upon occasion.
The best Margarita
Juice of one large orange
Juice of 2 limes
1 tea. powdered sugar
Shake together in a small jar.
Pour a shot of tequilla into lots of ice and add the lovely juice.
No salt, no blender. No headache.
good findings, one of which is I really needed sandals (and clogs, but those can
wait for fall) to update/upstyle everything I already own. I may still have the
cropped pants from Marcel tailored. Found great gladiator sandals at Target,
they were inexpensive at just about $21. including tax.
Wore them last night for
margaritas on the deck. Very wondeful.
Shopping your closet may leave money available for good tequilla upon occasion.
The best Margarita
Juice of one large orange
Juice of 2 limes
1 tea. powdered sugar
Shake together in a small jar.
Pour a shot of tequilla into lots of ice and add the lovely juice.
No salt, no blender. No headache.
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