Message In A Bottle

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a few words can create quite a picture. I just made that up, so excuse me a second while I pat myself on the back and call my mom to brag... Okay, I've returned. And now I can express what I really meant to say in the first place: Items that convey lovely sentiments are at the top of the heap in my book. I couldn't help but keep one of these French Charmed pillow covers for myself, and I've fallen in love with this gorgeous Parisian bottle necklace. Both, I dare say, have left me nearly speechless.

Queen Of Hearts

The rush of the holidays is over, but without even the shortest moment to take a breather, I've found myself knee-deep in Valentine's Day. Or maybe a more proper way to put it would be I'm already head over heels for Valentine's Day? Either way, matters of the heart have taken center stage, and I for one, am a big believer that it's never too early to start planning something special for the ones you love. "If only," you may be thinking, "It were as easy as waving a crystal wand." Well alas, my dears, it just may be if you decide to bring this magical wonder into your lives! We definitely wish it upon you.

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: vintageidie.typepad.com, flickr.com, etsy.com, mycutecrush.tumblr.com, weheartit.com, gorgeouscompany.wordpress.com, blog.hostelbookers.com

A Glimmer Of Hope

2011 has been a wonderful year in its own way, but I for one can't wait to begin 2012. I have so many ideas brewing for French Charmed, and I just have a feeling that this year is going to be spectacular all around! I usually end up making seemingly impossible resolutions (finally get organized! learn how to swim! become a world-famous jazz singer!), but this year, I think I'll keep it simple: I'm going to try and recognize a beautiful moment about each and every day, no matter how small and simple that moment might be. I truly do believe that if we live in the present, enjoy the blessings that are right in front of us and be thankful for what we already have, we will be happier people all around. So that's what I plan to do! What are some of your New Year resolutions? I hope one of them is to swing by and see some of the gorgeous new products we have in the French Charmed boutique! There's no better way to start a new year than treating yourself to something special, right? Love and hugs to you all!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: elizabethannedesigns.com, favim.com, mallofamerica.com, corksandcaftans.com, citified.blogspot.com, Life Magazine, lipseyeshair.tumblr.com, curioussofa.com

The Simple Life

A new year calls for new tricks, and luckily, we've found 25 clever little ideas that will make your life about a million times easier! Here are a couple of our favorite ingenious tips and tricks that we definitely start to implement right away, and you can click here for the rest. All we can say is: Genius!

Egg cartons make perfect containers to store your Christmas decorations!

Use wire to make a space against the ceiling of a closet to store wrapping paper rather than have the rolls take up space on the floor!

Place folded sheets within their matching pillowcase to keep sets together!

Use a straw to easily hull strawberries! (A straw for "straw"berries? Who'd have thunk it!)

Rubbing a walnut on wood furniture hides dings and scratches!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: thegypsyfish.blogspot.com, all others from thedailybuzz.com.au

JOYEUX NOEL

Wishing you your very own white Christmas. Joyeux Noel darlings!

Photo courtesy 27b(re) Austria

Walk On Ice

Don't know how to iceskate and have been too afraid to try? You could skip whirling around the rink and instead don a pair of heels inspired by the chilly weather accoutrement! We'd love to hear what you think about the daring trend. Hot or not?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: gomoneyways.com, shoeperwoman.com, thecrypticbeauty.blogspot.com, blogfullofjelly.blogspot.com

A Holly Gorgeous Christmas

Are visions of sugarplum fairies dancing in your heads? They are for me dears, as I'm enjoying everything beautiful and feminine about the holidays. And I hope you are, too. Gorgeous ornaments, delectable treats, vintage music and glitzy dresses galore! Hidden within these wonderful photos is something special you can buy in the French Charmed boutique that would feather your fancy year-round. Can you guess which one holds the delicate delight?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: bluevelvetvintagecom, shoes-on.com, cocokelly.blogspot.com, frenchcharmed.com, nuhomedesigns.com, hostessblog.com, temptalia.com, seekatesew.blogspot.com, marthastewart.com, lachanelphile.com, lanaaustinmotif.com, etsy.com.

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

In my house, we usually serve a salty breakfast on Christmas morning to counterbalance all the sweets we get in our stockings. But there's something so special about holiday morning pain perdu (aka French toast), so I try and serve it on Christmas Eve morning, especially if I have guests in the house. My favorites are French toast with figs and mascarpone cream (so sophisticated!) and French toast with almonds and strawberries (crunchy and oh-so-sweet). But there a million different recipes to try. Here are some that sound intriguing to me:

Pain Perdu with Almonds and Strawberries

French Toast with Figs and Mascarpone Cream

Pear Stuffed French Toast

Baked Orange Pecan French Toast

Chocolate French Toast with Strawberries

Bon Appetit!

 

Photo credit: notquitenigella.com