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! ~

 

 

Again to Lilford

 

It's usually this time of year when I think about retreating to the refreshing damp greenery of England. I admit I would rather be there sometimes than even the warmest of destinations. While we do have a winter warm-up break planned, I can't resist looking back at our stay in Northamptonshire in February last year. We travelled to Oundle, the ancient market town bordering on Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. I am convinced the prestigious Oundle School was the inspiration for Harry Potter.

 

The highlight of our visit, was a drive through the countryside to see the Jacobean beauty, Lilford Hall (again).  As I have posted previously (see here), my great-great grandfather was the head gardener here. The current owners have been restoring the property and have made some excellent progress. Yes, I wish I lived in an English country manor house too!



 

~ Please visit Lilford Hall's website to learn more about its incredible history! ~

 



A Touch of Red

 

Here in Calgary, most days are brilliant with sunshine - even in the winter! In this environment bright paint colors appear to be even more intense. Subdued colors seem to be the preferred tones. Alternatively, in an overcast climate as England typically experiences, bright colors, especially red, just pop out beautifully. What a gorgeous colour to offset stone buildings on cloudy days!

 

 

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! ~