Paris in September

I was really hoping to change the color of our front door before autumn arrived. It's time for a change from its current warm chestnut brown color to a nice shade of soft black. However, temperatures have plummeted here and for the past three weeks we've had rain or wet snow most days. My door painting project will have to wait.

We've just returned from our trip to Paris. Lots of walking and so many beautiful sights to behold. The people were lovely and so patient with my rudimentary school-taught French. Dinner on the Eiffel Tower was a distinct highlight. Some pretty images of this cultured city as we say farewell to summer and embrace autumn...

 

 

 

 

~ It's Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend and I can't wait! ~

 

 

Swedish Luxuries

 

 

Though we've been back home for a few weeks now, I've still got Stockholm on my mind. The idea of spending some time in an elegant old-world apartment in the Gamla Stan, (especially if blanketed in snow), is extremely appealing! In the meantime, I have my delicate remnants and reminders from the royal palace and shops in the Gamla Stan until I can return one day...

A sneak-preview of a vintage print depicting a night scene outside of the royal palace in Stockholm. Coincidently, we noticed the same print was hanging in our hotel room - after we had purchased it!
 

The framer advised that a color matt should be used to make the image come to life. I agreed and can't wait to see it.

Bathroom luxuries, including a linen towel, all from the royal palace, add special touches for our guests to enjoy.



Some vintage botanical prints have really brightened-up this corner.



Apparently the flower in the bottom print is a favorite of the Swedes signifying an early spring.

Blue and white Swedish pottery, cocktail napkins in a Swedish  crown pattern, and a pot of Champagne honey completes this trio of luxuries!

Isn't it lovely to have memories of holidays or of times past around your home?

 

 

Stockholm: A Magical Place

Before we left for Stockholm, Sweden, a friend of mine remarked, 'it sounds like such a magical place'. Magical indeed. We were so taken by Stockholm's beauty and how incredibly stylish its citizens are.  As two people who are always seemingly over-dressed, in Stockholm we actually felt under-dressed!

 

From the Strandvagen, to the Gamla Stan, to the lush and adventurous island of Djurgarden - I was captivated. The welcoming attitude of the locals was the icing on the cake and who knew that eighty percent of Swedes (of all ages) speak better English than Swedish!

~ A dream come true to experience Stockholm's magical beauty! ~ 

Amsterdam: Canals and Culture

We couldn't have selected a better location than the museum quarter for our stay in Amsterdam. Away from the tourist crammed Dam Square, more open garden spaces and accessibility to its best museums was ideal.

 

Apart from the Riijksmuseum, one of the highlights for me was a morning walk down De Kerkstraat, through a charming residential area. I think some of our best photos were captured along there.

 

If you are heading to Amsterdam, two restaurants that are highly recommended are: Brasserie Ambassade, serving contemporary French cuisine. Secondly, Café Loetji is  a traditional steak restaurant in the residential area of the museum quarter.

~ Thank you for a lovely visit, Amsterdam! ~

Horse Talk

 

What a spectacular day we had at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire, exactly two weeks ago today. Perfect weather, excellent food, riveting events, but best of all (I must confess) was the shopping. All high-quality, well priced items that were difficult to resist! I managed to behave.

 

 

 

Burghley House is certainly worth a visit. The grounds are stunning and the 'house' is an Elizabethan wonder http://www.burghley.co.uk/.  If you would like to attend the horse trials, it runs the first week in September annually. http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk/

 

My one indulgence was a stunning cape  handmade by the talented and charismatic Lucy Bohm of Bohm and Bee that will prove very useful, but more importantly, very stylish this fall. Thank you again Lucy!

 

These gorgeous pups had the right idea after a long and eventful day!

 

The next season is upon us and you know I just can't wait....Until next week!