Shots of the Store

Sometimes we get so excited and so caught up with all of our favorite new (and old) items in the store that we forget to take a moment and remember how beautiful the store itself is. We tend to be most forgetful during the holidays when we receive all of our gift items and holiday decor making everyday feel like Christmas. Not that such a dilemma is a bad thing, but it's good to take a moment every now and then to appreciate your surroundings and really see the forest for the trees. With grand windows that let beautiful southern light in all day, historic walls with exposed brick and a cafe that transports you to relaxed Parisian bistro, it's a wonder we ever leave this wonderful place at the end of the day.

Postcards from Paris : { 12 jours de célébration }

 Unlike in the States, France misses out on the Thanksgiving holiday before Christmas. However the thing I missed out in the states was The Epiphany. I hadn't realized before that the 12 days of Christmas actually lead up to the day of the Epiphany, usually falling on January 6th. So our festivities have been continuing since the 25th. My husband and I just spent several days with part of the Paris Market family in the Black Forest. Kelsey, Erik, Collin, and Eliza have all spent the holiday with their parents in Germany, and we took advantage of this opportunity to celebrate more with them.
On the way to Kandern, we spent some time in Strasbourg. Even though we left on the 27th, the Christmas market was still bustling. The scent of spiced vin chaud smelled so wonderful, and all of the Alsacian food looked so tempting and delicious.
Cozy and comfortable in Kandern we found ourselves showered with hospitality. What a joy it is to ring in the new year with dear friends. As the 12 days continued to pass along, we've been enthused about 2014 with trips to the market, seasonal fruits, french hens, and a partridge in a pear tree.
My favorite moment however is once the galette des Rois is served, meaning the Kings cake. This tradition celebrates the three kings arriving in Bethlehem. While indulging in the delicious flake pastry, frangipane-filled cake we all anticipate who will be the lucky candidate to come across the small ceramic figurine hidden inside called a fève. The fortunate one is crowned king or queen for the year.
I wish you all a happy, prosperous New Year. I hope we all find our own little fève, and feel like royality all year!
Bisous,

Reba

Notes from Abroad: Provence Part 2 { Saint-Remy-de-Provence }

We pick up from where we left off two days ago. We all jump into the car together and make our way down the mountainside. Our destination is Saint-Remy-de-Provence and on our way we see nothing but the most picturesque landscapes shrouded in myst. Upon our arrival to Saint-Remy we were relieved to find the clouds had parted, allowing us to see a few glimpses of the famous Provence sunlight. The temperature was much warmer than in the mountains and immediately a stroll through town was on our minds. We navigated our way through narrow walkways that were lush with greenery until we reached the center of town. Brimming with excitement, Saint-Remy appeared to offer adventures for everyone to choose from, so we parted ways briefly, agreeing to reconvene later in the evening for a bite to eat. The sun set shortly, and our bones quickly began to feel chilled. After finding the quintessential French restaurant we agreed warming up with a glass of Rosé wine was exactly what our appetites were craving. Shortly after dinner, we decided to call it a night and get some rest for the next day. In the morning when we awoke we enjoyed an entire meal's worth of delicious croissants and coffee and began making our way to Saint-Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric center painter Vincent Van Gogh admitted himself in 1889. I've always loved Van Gogh's work and having the opportunity to see the room in which he stayed and the window he looked out only gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of him. Shortly after visiting the gardens surrounding Van Gogh's room we had to say goodbye to the Persimmon trees and make our way back to the German countryside. I'm told Provence should only be experienced in summer time and not during the winter. However, after seeing the region at "it's worst", I can say with honesty, despite the rain, cold weather and lack of sunlight, Provence is nothing but beautiful.

A bientôt,

Erik & Kelsey

Winter's Natural Beauty

With the holidays now already behind us and with nothing to look forward to but the no man's land of mid-winter, it becomes all too easy to feel gloomy towards the chilly days that lie ahead. One remedy we've found for keeping our spirits high is to put on our boots, bundle up and go for a stroll outside and forage for some natural beauty to bring into the home. It doesn't matter if it's a simple tree branch, a bundle of sticks, dried leaves or a handful of pinecones, adding a simple touch of nature around the house really helps liven the homestead and keeps the winter feeling fresh and beautiful. We've already gone ahead and displayed a little area of the store with all of our favorite brambles to tide us over until spring melts aways the stark, humdrum days of winter. Next time you're feeling a touch of the winter blues, remember there's nothing like bringing the outdoors inside to lift spirits up!

Notes from Abroad: Provence pt. 1 { Hiking Sainte-Baume }

By far one of the most exciting experiences we've had abroad this year was our trip through southern France. As a family we decided to take a vacation together to Provence, a region of the country that is known for its natural beauty, exquisite light and peaceful way of life. Typically a dry and sunny area of the country, our arrival into the region was met with relentless rain, which is unusual for Provence even in winter.

When we awoke in the morning the rain had cleared, so we decided it would be a good idea to go for a hike and enjoy the landscape while we had the chance. Aix-en-Provence was our nearest point of reference, however we were staying outside of the city in a much more rural area. The trail we wanted to explore was a short drive away, however our journey almost immediately became delayed when our car was swallowed up by an unexpected herd of sheep. As we navigated our way through the herd and to the foot of our trail we quickly got out of the car and began hoofing it up the mountain. About halfway up Sainte-Baume's mountainside we stopped for quick respite to hydrate ourselves at a natural spring. The water was clean and crisp and replenished our energy for the last leg of the hike. Our final destination was a monastery located near the summit of the cliff. We passed several signs that asked for silence as we entered the monastic grounds, which only added to the tranquil atmosphere you felt as soon as you walked in the front doors. We couldn't believe our eyes as we scoured the hidden monastery that sat so peacefully on the side of a cliff. We kept quiet and enjoyed the serenity and beauty of such a place, while occasionally exchanging glances affirming the grandeur of our simple hike.

A Bientôt,

Erik & Kelsey