A Toast!

I generally am a little bit snobbish when it comes to champagnes and sparkling wine (I can't help myself, it's just in my nature), so it's always surprising to me when I find an affordable bottle that seems to be loved by all. And I did just that when I served Mumm Napa's Brut Rose for a family birthday this past weekend. Elegant, crisp, lightly fruity yet not at all sweet, this bottle was perfect in every way — and it even looks beautiful! And bonus: it was on sale and therefore under $20 at my local grocery story! I highly recommend it for any upcoming gatherings you French Charmers may have. oxox

 

Photo credit: jerichowine.com

The Cat’s Meow

Oh French Charmed readers, I think I’ve found something that’s guaranteed to make you purr! My daughter lives in Los Angeles and frequents an amazing French brasserie called The Little Next Door (the counterpart to the much fancier dinner spot The Little Door), and she just sent in photos of her latest visit — complete with one of the café’s extensive selection of to-die-for macaroons! If you’re ever in the L.A. area, this one is a can’t miss experience. (Bonus: It’s also a great place for celeb sightings!)

Trio of roasted beets with almond crusted goat cheese, arugula and orange ginger vinaigrette.

Duck Foie gras.

Rose hibiscus cocktail with champagne.

Chocolate almond croissant.

Chocolate Éclair.

Macaroons at the bakery.

Lavender, pineapple and pistachio macaroons.

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!

Monday, May 23 is Victoria Day in Canada. This celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24th). Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the Queen is head. 

Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend, which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Day Weekend, the May Long Weekend, the May Long, or the May Two-Four (a case of beer there is called a "two-four" and many of these are consumed over the holiday). 

The Victoria Day Weekend is the first popular weekend for spring / summer travel. Lots of people open up their cottages, plant gardens, or just get away. Gorgeous fireworks displays are common, especially on Monday night. If you are lucky enough to join in the festivities, expect crowds at resorts and hotels and very busy highways. 

Banks, schools, many stores and restaurants are closed on the Monday, so be sure to call ahead to find out about attractions and tourist spots that you plan to visit. Happy "two - four" Canadian friends!

directoryofhamilton.com

seminars.torontoghosts.org 

You Make-ah Me Blush

Spring usually brings bright colors to the forefront of fashion, but I’ve always been a sucker for softer, more natural hues. Feminine blush tones bring to mind delicate ballerinas, and you know how that image makes me twirl!

Photo credits from top to bottom: apartment34.blogspot.com, fieldguided.blogspot.com, fieldguided.blogspot.com, knightcat.com, thecherryblossomgirl.com,citified.blogspot.com, citifiedblogspot.com

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

There’s really nothing in this world that compares to mom. Even designer shoes (God love ‘em) can’t console you the same way after a tough day, make you feel better when you’re sick and listen to you go on and on about how, despite how much you try, you just can’t get your husband to pick his dirty laundry up off the floor. But probably the best thing about moms is the invaluable advice they pass on to you, with the hopes that maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up with a better life than they did. In celebration of this wonderful motherly trait, I’ve put together a list of five important lessons my own mother taught me. And what’s more, my daughters put together lists of five things I somehow managed to pass on to them (can’t wait to read that, haha). We’d also love to hear important lessons your mother had to give you, so please leave a comment in the box below. In the meantime, here’s wishing you a relaxing, fun filled Mother’s Day! May you be one of the lucky mamas whose children plan something special.

Five Lessons I Learned From My Mom
1.  By giving me chores at a very early age, she instilled a great work ethic, which in turn provides me a great appreciation of the material things I've earned!

2.  Cry if you must, but then pull up your boot straps, line up your ducks, and carry on!

3.  Always look out for yourself. Have a stash of secret cash ... just in case!

4.  Always rinse your dishes (yes, straight from the cupboard to the sink) as you never know what creepy crawlies visited in the night!

 5.  As old age sets in, be kind to your children and forget their past transgressions, as you may have to live with one of them!


Five Lessons My Eldest Daughter, Kambra, Learned From Me (In Her Own Words)
1. Boys are gonna hurt ya, that’s just the name of the game. Probably better to beat them to the punch!

2. Severely limit your intake of sweets, junk food and soda, because if you don’t watch your figure, nobody else will!

3. Try to be as self-sufficient as you can, and remember to treat yourself (whether that’s with wine, a new outfit or a whole new apartment) whenever you can.

4. No matter how bad things get, take a small moment to cry about it, a bigger moment to laugh it off, and a gigantic moment to forge ahead into the next adventure!

5. When answering the phone, it’s “hello” not “hullo.”

Five Lessons My Youngest Daughter, BreAnna, Learned From Me (In Her Own Words)
1. Seeing my mom cut up a credit card while I was young scarred me for life. So I’m very careful about my finances!

2.  Experiencing culture is important, even if it’s just burnt garlic bread.

3. Be yourself, whether accepted by your mom or anyone else. She didn’t care what we wore to school, because, as she used to say, “I’m not the one who has to go out of the house looking like that!”

4. Keep your toilet so clean, you could eat off it!

5. She always said, “Do as I say, not as do.” I used to think that was ridiculous. She was a role model, for crying out loud! But now that I’ve reached my 20s, I realize she said it for a reason: She didn’t want us to make the same mistakes she did. And everyone is human, so of course, she made a few.

 

Photo credit: abbysharp.tumblr.com

Cheers, Dears

It’s all things mom this week, and we’re so happy to share this absolutely perfect and oh-so-pretty Mother’s Day cocktail. Whether you’re perhaps planning a Mother’s Day brunch at home or even just want to get together with the most important woman in your life for a nice afternoon of those signature hours-long chats mothers and daughters are known for, she’ll no doubt be delighted when you serve her this stunning concoction. And if you’re lucky, she’ll get liquored up enough to admit that maybe, just maybe, she’s not always right! (Okay, that’s just a pipe dream, we know. Mom’s are always right. But we can  dream, can’t we?)


{ingredients}
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 oz. white crème de cacao
1/4 oz. rosewater
small pieces of turkish delight or rose petals to garnish
1 drop rose food color

1. fill half of a cocktail shaker with ice
2. add liquids
3. shake
4. pour
5. garnish
6. love


Photos and recipe: citified.blogspot.com

 

Hail To The Queen

May brings flowers, but it also signifies the month of mothers, with this year’s big day falling this Sunday! I’ve been thinking about what to get my mother for months, as she’s not exactly the easiest person to shop for (allergic to perfume, picky about clothes, doesn’t do bubble bath, allergic to flowers, etc). And then I found this amazing crown I just know she’ll love. I don’t know about yours, but my mom has definitely ruled me like any royal highness would. And I intend to remind her that I’ll always be her loyal subject! oxox

A Winner And A Thank You

Mr. French Charmed has been at it again. He has drawn, from the Black Hat Box, the winner of our 3rd "April In Paris" Giveaway. Congratulations Robyn of Whimages! Our gorgeous Pom Pom throw will be on its way to you soon. We would also like to send a giant MERCI BEAUCOUP, to all of our wonderful readers! Your participation in our 1st Annual "April In Paris" Event, is very much appreciated.  French Charmed Boutique   hopes you enjoyed this month of fun, as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Until next time ...