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A Beach in the Heart of Paris

July 28, 2011 by

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The French Riviera may be known for its beaches, but what many people don’t know is that Paris sports its own beachfront property, right in the heart of the city.

Each summer, from July 21 to August 21, at least one well-known waterfront along the Seine River is transformed into a Caribbean-like paradise, complete with white sand and beach chairs. An annual event since 2002, the Paris Plages offer a variety of activities, including volleyball, kayaking, sailboat rental, and, of course, sunbathing.

This year, Paris’ Seine River will host not one, but three beaches:

1) The Georges Pompidou Expressway (in central Paris)
2) The La Villette Basin (Paris 19th district)
3) The square in front of the Hôtel de Ville (Paris 4th district)

If you’re lucky enough to be in the City of Lights during this time, don’t miss this unique experience!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , ,

Lemons of the Mediterranean

July 25, 2011 by

According to best-selling author and French icon Mireille Guiliano, a French woman’s la boisson du jour on a sunny summer day is quite typically a citron pressé – or lemonade as we know it stateside. But given a lemon, the French can make much more than lemonade. In fact, it is a nearly impossible to talk about fruit in France – eating it or cooking with it – without mentioning the lemon. There’s even a city in southern France that hosts a huge annual springtime celebration – Fête du Citron – dedicated to all things lemon.

Whether its a a traditional lemon or the more fashionable meyer lemon, citrus fruits such as the lemon are staples in many Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Although most uses for lemons are associated with cooking, baking, and beverage-making, lemons and their acidic juice offer much for than flavor and zest.

Guiliano points out on her Web site that lemons can be used for so much more, including:

  • Calming the nerves, ie sliced lemons in a cup of tea
  • Homemade facial astringent and exfoliant
  • Giving shine to your hair and lightening hair color

Still Real Simple magazine offers 10 additional ways lemons can be used beyond cooking, including whitening finger nails and brightening laundry whites.

What’s my favorite use for a lemon? Why decorating of course! Place a few fresh, uncut lemons in a crystal or other decorative bowl and voila – instant color and simple French chic!
Lemons – so many uses, so little time!
Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , , ,

Gelato Vs. Ice Cream

July 18, 2011 by

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When a good friend of mine recently returned from Italy, he raved about the wonderful flavors of this amazing Mediterranean country – the pasta, pesto, wine, and especially, the gelato. Once you have gelato, you’ll never go back, he said.

Gelato….Ice Cream – What’s the Difference?

Well, for anyone who has had both, you can easily taste the difference. Gelato is denser and, often times, has a stronger flavor than ice cream. However, according to Bon Appetit magazine, the difference between gelato and ice cream really lies in the amount of fat and air found in each dessert. Ice cream tends to have more butter fat and air, making in creamier and lighter in texture. On the other hand, gelato starts with a base of eggs, and milk or cream,  yet it contains significantly less fat and air than ice cream, which gives it a richer taste and thicker texture. In other words, a little goes a long, long way. That must be why gelato cups and spoons are so little.

For a truly wonderful and simple Italian dessert, try gelato affogato style. Simply pour a steaming hot shot of pure espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato. Buon appetito!

Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , ,

Bastille Day Delights

July 14, 2011 by

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Bonjour and Happy Bastille Day! July 14 is not only France’s Independence Day, but it is also a great excuse to indulge in many Francophile delights. Not sure of the significance of Bastille Day or how to celebrate? Read my previous posts on how to celebrate the holiday with a Bistro Chic twist!

12 Ways to Enjoy Bastille Day

A Bastille Day Breakfast

Bastille Day Farmer’s Market

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

Posh Picnics and Pink Martinis

July 11, 2011 by

Shabby chic meets French country style in this truly amazing picnic display.

Every summer, my husband and I attend several outdoor concerts near our house. The venue is such where you can bring a full picnic of outside food, wine/alcohol, small tables and chairs, candles, etc. Although many couples and groups of friends go all out – bringing fancy plates, real wine glasses, and gourmet food, others are more spur of the moment, and bring just a blanket and dessert.

Last night, we attended a fantastic concert by the Portland, Oregon jazz band, Pink Martini. Not only did hear the wonderful sultry sounds of the band, but it was also a very special night for picnic-goers. Home and Garden Television was on hand to host and judge an ultimate picnic contest. Although we did not participate in the contest, it was lovely walking around taking pictures of the beautiful picnic and food displays. The time and creativity spent on some of these displays was amazing and the styles were reminiscent of classic outdoor parties in England and France, many that were truly fit for royalty.

Take a look at a few of my favorites (including the above). Enjoy!

Ruby red mixed with olive green bring a touch of elegance and a hint of romance to this classy display.

Refined English garden charm with a splash of pink martinis!

A throwback to the 70s with cushy beanbags peppered with Asian decor – spicy and colorful!

Ciao bella!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , ,
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