All Is Gold

Randomly found this poem, and it just seemed so perfect for the month!

A Golden Day
by Paul Laurence Dunbar

I Found you and I lost you,
All on a gleaming day.
The day was filled with sunshine,
And the land was full of May.

A golden bird was singing
Its melody divine,
I found you and I loved you,
And all the world was mine.

I found you and I lost you,
All on a golden day,
   But when I dream of you, dear,
     It is always brimming May.  

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: citified.blogspot.com, dreamyspaces.blogspot.com, whatfashionis.com

Ice Ice Baby

These cute little cubes are the perfect mix of winter and spring, and they're a great way to cure some of that spring fever that's hitting everybody! Just be sure to use edible flowers only, darlings. I don't want to be responsible for bringing on actual fevers!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: pitchforkdiaries.com, corbisimages.com, afancifultwist.com

Spring Forward

We know it's those April showers that bring May flowers, but can we help the fact that we're a tad bit impatient and want to get to the good part, like, now?! It's partially because these pink blooms are utterly fantastic. But it's mostly because we've been working hard at putting together our annual April In Paris event, and it's got us dreaming of all the spectacular spring splendor to be found in Europe's sexiest little country. So that means it's official: We've been hit with a serious case of spring fever!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: citified.blogspot.com, etsy.com, ever-lovely.com, frenchentree.com, kimberlytaylorimages.com, parisperfect.com

Eggstra Special

I can't tell you guys how impressed I am with this super special, super affordable and super simple way to share the magic of Easter with your friends and loved ones. I'm so eggstatic to get started on a message of my own. :)

Directions (via ohparty.net):

1. Empty a raw egg by making two small holes in the opposite corners using a needle. Be patient, but if you encounter any trouble, you can carefully try making the holes bigger, being careful not to crack the shell.

2. When it's completely empty, wash the egg gently to remove any excess yolk and let dry.

3. Paint the outside of the egg with plastic paints or watercolors.

4. While the paint dries, write out a message on a thin strip of paper, roll up and gently push it through the largest egg hole.

5. Gently wrap it in a box and surprise your someone special!

Pink Spring

Color your world! Nothing says 'Happy Spring' quite like a fabulous Pink Peony Wreath! This luscious round piece of decor is a gorgeous welcome into your shabby French chic home. They look so real, you can almost smell them! She is a whopping 24" diameter. Now in stock at the French Charmed Boutique!

Taste Of Spring

I have a friend headed over for dinner tonight, and since we've both had it up to here with all this cold winter weather, I decided to make something light and springy. I caught this shrimp with orzo pasta recipe on TV a few months back and gave it a little whirl. All the fresh herbs and lemony pop give it a bright flavor that's perfectly reminiscent of spring. And since it's supposed to be served chilled or at room temperature, it's the perfect dish for company, as I was able to make it hours ahead of time and can now give all my attention to my guest, where it belongs! With a bottle of French pinot gris and maybe a store bought pear tart for dessert, we're all set!

* French Charmed Note: Taste test for seasoning on your own rather than relying on the measurements in the recipe. We used slightly less salt and pepper, and it was perfect!

Spring Awakening

I woke up this morning to the sound of tiny raindrops pelting the panes of my bedroom window, and for one quick, groggy moment, I could have sworn I was in 1700s Paris, rising for the morning to study my music and literature. But that definitely could have been because I was dreaming about reading plays in my garden. Maybe the two are linked, maybe not. But in any case, here are some gorgeous photos from This Is Glamorous that bring to life exactly what was going on in my mind while sleeping ...

Photo Credit: citified.blogspot.com

New Again

Every time we get around to our annual spring cleaning — complete with moving each and every piece of furniture to make sure the floor, walls and practically everything in between is spic and span — we start lusting for new pieces to brighten everything up. We know we’re not alone, which is why we couldn’t resist sharing this easy, affordable makeover that could bring a little spring back into your bedroom’s step.

All it took for this room to be transformed was replacing the outdated bedside tables with antiqued versions from Pottery Barn, hanging some romantic curtains, and brightening the room with a few fresh flowers and some Ikea table lamps! It’s simple yet dramatic, and the small changes packed a triumphant punch!

Photo Credit: WindLost.blogspot.com

Daffodils Are Up!

My Daffodils are up and spreading spring cheer! Seems a bit soon, but you will not find me complaining. I am so ready for warm weather and all of the gardening work that comes along with it! I already had my garden spot tilled up on the 28th of February. Next week I will be ordering up the seeds, picking up lumber for a few more raised beds, and most important of all, getting together the honey-do list for my man! He is so good at dealing with the irrigation/sprinkling part of this business. Me, I would just turn on the old oscillator, and let'er rip! My plants appreciate (as do I) Tommy's gentler approach, evident in the yields. I do have one major issue with spiders. I do not like spiders. They have a place here, just not in my garden! I have grown my veggies organically for years as we all know what chemicals can do. But for the past two years, the spiders (cat face, black widows and the regular garden variety) have taken over. To the point, I kid you not, that even the neighbors refuse to pick the veggies from the vine! If any of you have a suggestion on how to manage these tiny pests, I would love to hear from you. Well, off I go to the Gurney's catalog to shop. Have a splendid week!

My first Daffodil of the year.