Postcards from Paris:{Marriage Bliss}

A lil' sumthin' sumthin' until the luxury of free, unlimited internet access.

I was exploring the charms of my neighborhood, and got slightly entranced by this couple. This scene: completely worth the crowd and the unexpected heat.

Postcards from Paris:{French for Geranium is Géranium}

I've been gone for too long.
Can absence be blamed on the weather?
Paris has been treating us all nicely. I have to say, upon arriving, I couldn't help but feel a little discouraged and having to still hide away behind layers; sweaters and jackets. Alas, the sun is out and shining its rays, and my poor legs, (I prefer to use the word "fair" opposed to "pale") are finally getting some vitamin D.
OH!...and the flower boxes are full of geraniums! If there is anything more Parisian than a striped shirt and a baguette, it would have to be red geraniums along a cast-iron balcony. It's a punch of boldness, and a rather attractive statement that these blooms make even along the highest levels of typical Neoclassic, Parisian architecture.

Postcards from Paris: The Brocante Scene

Last week, my first Saturday upon returning back to Paris I was dressed in layers, but the sun was out. A friend had discovered a little corner of color near her neighborhood, and wanted to share her discovery with me. Being in a new neighborhood myself, I understand. Solo-exploration can be invigorating, but I find that once that cool-spot is found, immediately I find myself wishing that there was someone around to share it with.
With that, we walked along a hustle and bustle boulevard, then to turn onto a less busy avenue, and around the corner with a greeting from colorful store facades on the rue Ternaux. We dined, and then explored. Surrounding that little neighborhood is brocante after brocante, each holding within themselves discoveries of their own. Each linen, lace doilie, lamp, trinket amongst trinkets had a story to tell; a history of who, when, and where.
And time can be passed so easily just by thinking about each story that comes along with the worned, well-loved treasures.
It's Saturday again, the days so far this week have been shaded by gray clouds and rain, but today the sun shines. I'm off to more discoveries!
Bisous,
Reba





Bisous,
Reba

Postcards from Paris: An Awaited Welcoming

It may perhaps be a cliche image; that of the Eiffel towel. But I found that as I was surrounded by the people I had left for America, and with this iconic symbol as our backdrop, my awaited welcoming was just right. The days may be cloudy, but I find comfort from the change of vegetation. Flowers are in bloom, and the trees have the freshest shade of green on them. Eating a chevre chaud salade and trying to recall all of the French I had learned, but stored away, it seemed so nice being back. My journey here, however took its toll on me. Not with the slightest bit of exaggeration, my trip was pretty trying. I cannot really claim that I am now 100% at ease, because my new space lacks the convenience of internet. But I must admit, with a sigh of relief, that it feels nice being back.


Bisous,
Reba

Perfect Porches: Book Signing and Reception

Paula Wallace, president and co-founder of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) will be at The Paris Market and Brocante today. A reception and book signing introducing her latest tome “Perfect Porches: Designing Welcoming Spaces For Outdoor Living” is this evening at 6pm. Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet this visionary educator and designer. The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the inaugural Elle Décor Vision Award, Paula Wallace is responsible for transforming SCAD into the most comprehensive art and design university in the world.

SCAD Style Week

Fantastic guests and incredible events highlighting every aspect of the fashion and design industry are brought together for the next nine days of SCADstyle’s annual extravaganza. The streets of Savannah are literally littered with the icons of the industry. Wasn’t that Fern Mallis? Isn’t that Hamish Bowles? Hey look, it’s Thom Filicia. You never know whom you might bump into on the street, so pull out your latest mags, browse the coolest e-zines and blogs, because the game is on. No rumpled and frumpy the next couple of weeks – unless you can make rumpled and frumpy glamorous and chic. Uber-latest outfits, killer heels day and night (ohh my aching feet, how do those Parisian women do it?), hair down, jewelry on, face perfect, wry smile …okay I’m ready, are you?

Hasta Luego, Texas

Well, the truck is packed, the driver well caffeinated, hotel bill paid (ouch!), and we are ready to hop a flight back to Savannah. I leave you with some final images from Round Top.

Two Breezes

Set on three hundred sprawling acres of rolling hills dotted with wildflowers and traversed by meandering streams, The Inn at Dos Brisas is a spectacular destination unto itself. A luxury horse ranch, intimately secluded with only four “casitas”, driving through the gates you are instantly transported to another world of Texas high style and elegance. Ditch the car and climb on board your own private golf cart (no golf course here, just your green-mode of transportation while at the ranch). Whether you like skeet shooting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, or just a private massage on your own loggia, this is the place to relax.

The best part of this experience is the paring with the only 5-star restaurant in Texas. Under the direction of Grand Chef Jason Robinson, hand-picked herbs and spices from the Inn’s own organic garden, seasonal produce from the farm, and naturally produced ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces. Eat in the elegant dining room overlooking the infinity pool or (as we usually did), have your own picnic basket delivered to your room. You can also revel in the envy of your fellow Round Toppers. While they are holding a boiled hotdog with mustard dripping down their arm, you are opening your picnic basket of fresh cut fruit and just picked vegetables, house-made cheeses, lobster salad petit sandwiches, and just baked pastries.

Sleep, eat, shop, eat, and sleep. Ahh, the perfect day.

Round Top Respite

The problem with rural flea markets is finding a good place to stay. Since Round Top is located halfway between Houston and Austin, smack-dab in the middle of nowhere, just down the road from bumf-ck, the selection in this case is more limited than usual. The choices range from the usual generic small town hotels, to some kinda cute bed and breakfasts (which are unfortunately fully booked at least 2 years in advance), to staying in Granny Smith’s weird seasonal rental (most which look like a cabin from one of the Friday The 13th movies).

So if you are sick of rubber breakfast buffet eggs, cross eyed hotel proprietors, or just want to avoid being part of the 6 o’clock news, another options awaits.

Round Top Roundup

There is something for almost everyone at this market. Big stuff, small stuff, cool stuff and weird stuff. The more seasoned shoppers skip the “grand openings” of the more famous Marburger Farms and Red Barn. Well covered and even air-conditioned, here you are definitely going to pay a premium. Come early and scour the fringes, just off highway 290 and again closer to Warrenton, this is where the bargains and variety abounds. It is a well known fact that some of these items find their way over to the Marburger booths were they suddenly acquire pedigree and provenance. This is a pickers paradise, the food is fried, the vendors are friendly and extremely conversant and the hunt is exciting - alas beware reproductions, they seem to have infiltrated all levels of product.