Bonjour!

A couple of years ago two wonderful friends of mine flew over from the US and we met in Paris.  This wasn't a first trip for any of us, so we skipped most of the sightseeing and made it exclusively a shopping trip, mostly of the world-famous flea markets.  Needless to say, we had a great time!  

We've all seen pictures of Paris a gazillion times, but I thought you might like to see a few "off the beaten path" shots...hopefully these are not what you have seen before.  I also love to cook, so many of these are about the wonderful food markets.  I wasn't blogging at the time; otherwise, I would have taken many, many more to share with all of you.  Regardless, I hope you like them! 

I was in awe of their flower markets...tons of ideas at every glance.

A convertible on a sunny day in Paris with Notre Dame as a backdrop? 

It doesn't get much better.

Check out those grapes!!!  Luscious.

Food can be such a work of art!

This little market was right around the corner from our apartment and we visited almost daily for fresh cheeses, etc.  I wish I'd taken a picture of the man who ran this wonderful shop...he was at least 80 years old, used the original push-button cash register, wore a beret, didn't speak a word of English...the whole thing.  It was awesome.

Just something pretty!  Notice the blue skies - we had amazing weather.

I found these doors at one of the many flea markets. I really, really, really wanted to take these home with me for our future dream house.  This picture is in the "dream house" folder as inspiration for when we build, so I am hoping I can find someone to replicate something like these.

I also bought all of this hardware (or as my husband says: "old rusty stuff") at the markets throughout the city.  Perhaps these are strange souvenirs for most, but for someone with the design of a dream house on her mind, these were heavenly finds!

A couple of months ago I posted about an amazing artist whose work I enjoyed while I was in Paris.  Take a look here if you're interested.

All photos by moi!

Masculine Rooms

It is Father's Day today here in Germany.

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad! 

We'll celebrate when I see you here in Munich next month.  :)

In light of that, I was inspired to include a few rooms that have a tailored, masculine feel to them.  I am not usually the fussy type when it comes to decorating, so these rooms really appeal to me.  See what you think...

{Nina Freudenberger}

 I love that pillow and the thunder egg bookends.  I actually have those - hadn't thought of using them without books but here they look great!  I think I'll have to try it out.

{via Eclectic Revisited}

 I recently bought a horn like that but I'm still trying to find the perfect way to weave it into a tablescape.  Somehow, in this room it looks just right...all by itself.

{Ron Marvin}

I loved Ron Marvin's work when I saw it recently.  I thought this room was especially appealing with all of the masculine fabrics and textures. 

{David Jiminez}

 A great tablescape for the classy gentleman. 

I wonder if my husband would notice if I did this to his stuff...

{via Decorista}

 I don't think that amazing chandelier falls into that masculine category, but the rest of the room does, and the chandelier really makes the room!

{via Eclectic Revisited}

I love all of the smoky, sultry colors in this room.  James Bond would fit right in.

This room borders on feminine but the bust and other larger

elements in the room give it a strong presence.

What do you think?  Do you like masculine rooms or do you need something prettier and more feminine to feel at home?

A Little Bit Of Ethnic

I'm sure those of you that have been following my blog for a while know how much I love ethnic design.  It somehow takes a room to the next level in terms of it being more interesting and unique, in my opinion.  :)  I have put together a few of my favorites - old and new - for this post today.  Enjoy!

via Decorista

via A Life's Design

House Beautiful

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Oyster Box Hotel

West Elm