Haute Hotel

It’s true that we already mentioned the Borgo San Felice in our August newsletter, but I was so stunned by this hotel’s simple charm and beauty, I couldn’t resist sharing again via my own photographs. We stumbled upon the luxurious place to stay while driving through the Chianti countryside in search of wineries. And when we pulled up to this fantastic cluster of historical buildings, we were overwhelmed by how peaceful and lovely the grounds felt. If ever I go back, I hope this is where I can stay!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I really got it lucky this year, as I don't have to lift a finger at all for Thanksgiving! My eldest daughter offered to host the feast at her apartment in Los Angeles, and she's quite the little chef, so I'm looking forward to what deliciousness she'll have to offer. Unfortunately, she lives in a studio apartment without a table and chairs, so we'll have to balance turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie on our laps while perched on her couch. But considering she'll be doing all the planning, cooking and cleaning (and it's all taking place in the beautiful Southern California sunshine with plenty of champagne to go around), I don't think I'll be complaining!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May your day be filled with love, laughter and lots of family and friends!
P.S. Don't forget to check out this weeks French Friday Sale at French Charmed!

 

Photo credit: abduzeedo.com

Passport To Paris: Rendezvous With Kambra, Part Three

Bonjour again French Charmed readers! Did you miss me?! I promised I'd be back to share a quirky, fun day trip a local Parisian took my sister and I on while we were visiting The City of Love in August. It's definitely not your average tourist experience, but rather some charming spots enjoyed by locals. And really, what better way to experience a city than how the people who live there enjoy it? As they say, when in Rome!

xoxo,
Kambra

Our little adventure began at Arnes de Lutece, a 1st-century amphitheater where circus acts and gladiatorial contests happened back when Paris was a Roman civilization. It's mostly used by children for baseball and other playful activities these days, but you can definitely envision the spectacular history that must have taken place there while standing within the round.

This sweet little jazz record store is just steps from Arnes de Lutece, and it's definitely worth a gander. What's a trip to Paris without a little music purchase?

Just a few minutes walk from Arnes de Lutece lies the National History Museum (Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle). We didn't have time to go inside, as we spent most of our time wandering the beautiful gardens located in the back of the building! What's more, the site also offers a fun menagerie!

Naturally, we were starving after our walk through the gardens, so we stopped for tea and dinner at La Mosquee, which is a fabulous Moroccan restaurant with the most unbelievably delicious desserts! Obviously, it's not traditional French food, but it's nice to have a variety of meal options when you're visiting a foreign country for several days!

Sweet, sweet tea that lingers on your tongue with a faint scent of flowers and honey.

Delicious rabbit Tangine with prunes and pine nuts.

These desserts were seriously the most amazing thing we ever tasted. And the restaurant generously lets you pick a small variety!

Parisian Wonder

Bonjour bloghearts! While sitting here sipping some cappuccino and checking my E-mail, I noticed that I received Club Monaco’s fall lookbook — and imagine my surprise when I saw that it’s Parisian themed! I’m so excited to see that the fashion world is experiencing the return of classic, feminine shapes (slim trousers, long skirts and lace are all over the runways — ooh la la!), and Club Monaco has done a fantastic job of capturing the wonderment of it all. In fact, my daughters are in the City of Love at this moment, and they say these outfits are exactly what Parisian women are wearing. So join me in sipping cappuccino, sit back and let these photos inspire your fall wardrobe!

~ Chelle

P.S. Stay tuned for a special “Straight From Paris” series written by my daughter, Kambra. She’s taking lots of photos and promises to share her Parisian experiences once she’s back in the States (I couldn’t very well ask her to step away from the excitement and write about it while she is there, could I??) Here’s hoping she found a few gem boutiques — and maybe a sexy Parisian boy so I can have French grandchildren! J

Mother's Day One Day Only Sale!

20% Off Storewide Sale!

Bonjour ~ French Charmed is having a 20% Off Storewide Mother's Day One Day Only Sale on Thursday, April 29th! Charming and Unique gift ideas, even for the Mom who has it all! Perfect prices and still time to order for Mother's Day delivery. Hope to see you there! ~ Chelle

Back from Holiday

We have just settled back into our routine after our trip to Mexico. The sun and beach for Christmas was so amazing! We spent some great quality time with our daughter Kambra and our new son-in-law Adam ~ new nickname for them: SnorkleDorks ~ Awww we love you guys! We have a few pics to share that I will post next week. I am off to Idaho this week, to visit family, as my beautiful grandmother's spirit has passed on. She had a very happy and healthy 92 years in this lifetime. I will cherish my wonderful memories as she watches over me. Well, I need to get packing! Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year Wishes!
R.

Christmas Post with an Adventskranz!

Bonjour and Joyeux Noel!

Hope everyone is staying all bundled up and warm this holiday season. We have had very cold rainy weather here. But, I am happy to report we will be staying very warm on Christmas day, as we will be in sunny Mexico! Since we are not going to be around, I decided to put a little artificial tree up this year. Not ultra chic, but it certainly works! The past few days I have been thinking about what to use for my Christmas post. Then this morning, I received an email from my youngest daughter Bre, and she sent the perfect material! She has recently moved to Germany and this will be her first Christmas living abroad. I was delighted by her email and the photos she sent of her first handcrafted Adventskrantz! This is her sweet description: "So in Germany they have a tradition that five Sundays before Christmas you make an Adventskranz (a wreath with four candles). You light one candle the first Sunday, then two the next Sunday and so on until all the candles have been lit. You can light them during the week too, but only the ones previously lit. So anyway, I decorated ours and wanted to share it with you!" I learned something new today about another Christmas tradition, and thought it would make the perfect Christmas post to share with all of you! Below is Bre's beautiful Adventskranz.

Fabulous! Thanks for sharing with us Bre. Merry Christmas!

And Merry Christmas to all of you! Hope to see you in the New Year! Cheers and Warm Blessings, R.

NYC Out and About & bits of Shopping

5th Avenue, Times Square, Soho, etc ...

My very Favorite Window Display ~ It's all Bling!

Shopping in Soho. Yes, I am at an age when breaks are necessary ;)



5th Avenue!

This Church is so Beautiful!

Somewhere in New York City.

Empire State Building

Leave it to me to find France in NYC

Times Square!

Me, after asking "Where is the Ice Rink?" Duh ... it's summer momma.


Well, we certainly got around that City. I have a blister for every monument! I have just one more Post left from my big trip to NYC. I will Post it in a few days, as soon as I am back from Idaho. Have a great weekend & thanks for stopping by!