Paris streets…

Hello there. Happy Friday!

How has your week been? So far, so good over here. Got my family coming in today to celebrate Grace’s upcoming 6th birthday. Can’t believe she’s turning 6! I haven’t had much time this week to edit my plethora of photos but I wanted to share a few with you today.

While walking the streets of Paris it was impossible (at least for me) to watch where I was going…it’s a bloody miracle I wasn’t run over by a mini or ran face first into a local Parisian! I did almost walk into several poles, however – but it was all worth it – my eyes were on the absolutely gorgeous architecture all around me. Doors, windows, gates, cobblestone alleys, gas lamps, scrolling ironwork. It was a visual smorgasbord and my camera couldn’t get enough…

Okay…that’s it for now but more to come. :)

Have a beautiful weekend!

xo,

Au Revoir mon amis…

***

Oh boy…I can’t believe it but in three short days I will be in Paris! I’m not sure I will have time to blog but I will be uploading pictures to my Curate & Love FB page and taking a thousand others to share with you when I return!

For now here are some fabulous images from the French Flea Markets…where I am actually going to be this weekend!!!

Ooooh – I can’t wait!!! I promise to bring back some gorgeous treasures for the shop and I’m pretty sure there will be no shortage of hilarious/embarrassing situations that I get myself into. I will divulge all! ;)

This truly is a dream come true…so wish me luck!

Be well, my dear readers and enjoy the first weeks of Spring!

xo,

Flea Market images via here.

My Vintage Obsession

Hello everyone! Hope you are all doing wonderfully. Don’t worry, I haven’t given up doing my art, I’ve just been putting a lot of time and energy into my Etsy shop. Sometimes I feel torn between all my interests and passions! I probably have too many irons in the fire…but hey, that’s just me, I guess. Anyway, I wanted to share with you what I’ve been up to. My studio is a complete mess from all the photos I’ve been taking for the shop…here are a few of the newest treasures I have added…

I really enjoy learning about each piece. Call me geeky but I love history and having this vintage shop has really taught me some interesting things, plus I adore photographing these beautiful objects! French antiques are really piquing my interest and I’m researching a future trip to the Parisian markets…like way in the future…hey, a girl can dream right?

Have a fabulous week!

xo,

Book club night & farmhouse style

Last night, I hosted my book club – a fabulous group of some the most interesting and intelligent woman I have ever met! (Lucky me!) When I attend a book club night, I am guaranteed a wonderful night of fascinating conversation, good doses of laughter, delicious food and wine and a lovely ambiance. Each lady is a talented host and cook. So, when it comes time for me to host, I want to give them that same decadent experience. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it right and last night, I am proud (and relieved) to say was a hit!

The concept for my table design began the night before. I knew I wanted to use my latest treasure as the centerpiece – a beautifully rustic French wine bottle carrier.

(this beauty will be on sale in my shop very soon!)

The wine carrier makes me think – Farmhouse style – so that’s what I went with…

It made the perfect caddy to display the utensils…

A variety of textures – burlap, linen, lace, silver, glass, ceramics – creates that farmhouse feel. Rustic but elegant. Can you tell I had fun?

I knew we would be dining outside so I kept it in the same theme. I am so grateful to my beautiful purple hydrangea bush! She supplied all the florals!

Hydrangeas are so fabulous because they are like a hundred flowers on one stem! Popped these freshly cut blooms into crystal cut glasses and my simple table arrangements were done!

Had to put out my newly acquired antique French pitcher too! This one was sent to me from a woman in Normandy! So pretty with a vintage lace apron tucked inside…

The trailing wisteria over head completed the purple, white and green color palette…

I did spend a lot of time on decorating but I didn’t forget the FOOD! I whipped up a huge batch of Martha Stewart‘s Macaroni and Cheese! So very naughty, with a whole stick of butter and an obsene amount of cheese! However, I was so caught up in my decor that I didn’t take a picture of it…oops…so here’s one via Smitten Kitchen…

I must say…it was delectable and everyone went back for seconds! Yah! A fresh garden salad and chocolate cake for dessert completed the simple but comforting meal.

All in all it was another fantastic night with my book club gals! Love you girls!

xo,

Digital Art: Paris Card # 2

Hello friends! Hope your weekend was lovely.

As for me…well, I’m a bit tired to say the least. I’ve been staying up into the wee hours of the night (foolishly), entranced by Photoshop yet again…

I will get a series of Paris cards done one day! Here is my second addition to the set…

Thoughts?

Have a beautiful Tuesday.

xo,

Related articles

• French Note Cards (graceandivy.wordpress.com)

French lights, crystal birds, sparkling beauty

I just got Pia Jane Bijkerk’s book Paris: Made by hand. It’s so beautiful.  This small, treasure of a book, is full of beauty, inspiration and the goods of genuine French artisans. Pia’s stunning photography visually documents these amazing shops. One of the many shoots that caught my eye was from a store called Bagues. It’s famous for its decadent, sparkling chandeliers that grace the lobbies of famous hotels and celebrity homes.

So magical…I want one, s’il vous plaît.

xo,

Ivy