In the Kitchen

Our new temporary apartment has an oven! Most people might not get excited about an oven, but our last temporary rental did not have one, and I didn't realize how much I'd miss having one. So the first thing I did when we moved into this apartment was pick out a few things to cook. I'm still making things from La Tartine Gourmande and still very happy with everything I've made. Although I didn't need an oven to make the soup above, I did need a food processer or blender, and there's an immersion blender here, unlike the last place we were in. I've had my eye on that soup for weeks! It's carrot, red lentil soup with coconut milk, lime and cilantro. It also has cumin, red onions, tomato, and garlic, just to name a few tasty ingredients. It is sooo good. I also made a chocolate, almond, plum cake. Below it was cooking in the oven. The recipe calls for amaranth flour but I couldn't find any, so I used rice flour and it turned out great. 

I'm heading out to look at apartments today, but when I get back I'm going to make brown butter, pistachio financiers (little cakes), also from La Tartine Gourmande. 

Rainy Paris

The last few weeks have been very wet in Paris. Rain, rain, and more rain. We've had some peeks of sunshine too, but mostly drizzle. Paris is still really pretty in the rain, and Lois doesn't seem to mind it. She likes to jump in puddles. Time to put our wellies back on to head out today. 

We moved temporary apartments (just to another temporary one), and I have more to share soon... 

Au Petit Bonheur la Chance

Another place I took my mom that she loved was Au Petit Bonheur la Chance. I went a few weeks before her visit and knew she'd like it a lot. Their web site is under construction, but it's on Rue Saint Paul in the 4th (along with a handful of other great shops). It is such a cute shop and bursting with fun treasures to dig though. They mostly carry vintage kitchen goods, craft supplies, and office supplies. One thing I really like about this place is there's more than one of everything, lots of lots of things actually.

Porte de Vanves Flea Market Outing

Back in Paris now... One place I took my mom that she loved was the Porte de Vanves flea market. I went once a few years ago and looked forward to going back though I hadn't been yet this time around. There was a great selection of linens, buttons, vintage clothes, small furniture, lighting, mirrors, and paintings. So much good stuff at this flea market! I think the prices were high compared to London (compared to some places in London anyway) and much higher than the US, but I imagine a lot of these vendors buy in the country and sell in the city at the higher prices.

J&B The Shop for Mollie Makes

I'll get back to Paris posts soon, but for this post, we're headed to London. I was going to post about this tomorrow, but I'm so excited I can't wait! An article I wrote and photographed for Mollie Makes on Jessie and Buddug's wonderful shop on Columbia Road is in the current issue and on stands tomorrow. (You might recognize some of the photos from previous posts!) The editor emailed the feature to me today, which I was not expecting, so it was a fun surprise to see it, and here it is! Mollie Makes is such a great magazine. I can't wait to see the rest of this issue. If you don't already know of the magazine, it's perfect for anyone who loves crafts or vintage and even better for anyone who loves a great mix of both. I feel honored to be a part of it and to have shared a bit of Jessie and Buddug's story.

La Droguerie

I had a great time with my mom while she was visiting. She left today and I'll miss her, but we had a really nice time while she was here. I have a backlog of photos to show from my mom's trip. One of her favorite places was La Droguerie. I knew she would love it! I posted a few of these pictures recently, but I took a few more photos and wanted you to have a better look. I think we were there for 2 or so hours, and my mom was wide-eyed and wanted some of everything.

Paris Days with My Mom

I've been having a great time with my mom. So far we've done lots of walking, browsing shops, eating, and really just taking it all in. Above is a bit of Paris through our eyes. Macaroons, flower shop petals, petit dejeuner (breakfast the French way), window shopping in the 3rd, Stroher pastries to take home, La Droguerie craft shop, more deliciousness from La Grand Epicerie, and Au Petit Bonheur La Chance. 

More photos coming soon from La Droguerie and Au Petit Bonheur La Chance--two of my favorite Paris shops so far. 

Glamping in France

Now that's my kind of tent! Does't it look wonderful to you too? That is a desert tent at Camping Les Ormes in southern France. I read about the campsite on My French Country Home a while back and made a note of it. A farm, restaurant, pool, lake, fun outdoor activities... it looks amazing! I'm more the glamping kind of gal than the rugged camping kind of gal, though I've never really been to a campsite so beautiful. I appreciate running water and toilets very much! I'd really love to go camping here this Summer. It looks especially great with kids. If you'd like to have a relaxing family vacation in France, this might be a good option. Here is the web site for more photos and information. Photos here are from their site. 

My mom arrives today for a visit, so I'm very excited! I have a lot planned for us in the next few days, so I hope to have lots of posts about our Paris outings.