very simple lunch

The simplest lunch in the world. Pure childhood regression!

new curtains!

Although I finished them a couple of weeks ago now, I can finally show you the finished curtains. I am SO relieved that this mammuth job is done. I know it might sounds super easy to the skilled sewer but I had never done anything like this before, and had nobody to turn to when it didn't turn out the way I wanted. Got you feeling sad and sorry for me now, haven't I?
Well, get over it and just admire the beauties with me - that's what they're here for!

 And as you can see, we have been blessed with enough sun and warmth to open the windows a bit today and let the fresh air in. A real treat!

Needless to say, I won't rush to make the rest of the house's curtains...if I manage to fend off Mr Yummy - he thinks I should get to it straight away and prepare the room for our family addition coming soon. But more on that later.

A walk through Paris

Les Halles

Simple lunch at L'arganier, in the Marais district

Roof-top of Le Printemps - lovely views, no entry fee!

Galeries Lafayette

Paris is always charming, even for a cold October day. But how tiring! I walked and walked, saw hundreds of nice things (most very expensive!) and brought back a few goodies to feel all French again - lovely tea from Le Palais des Thés, cheap as chips ballerinas from Etam, my favourites chocolates, to name a few... Now I've had my fix for a while, I can nestle, relax and get on with finishing the dreaded curtains!

sewing curtains

Last week I started a project thinking - this is going to be soooo easy, straight-forward sewing! What on Earth was I thinking? Now at the half-way point, I realise, OK, there is a bit more to sewing curtains than I thought. But the results are already really nice, and I can't wait to have it completely finished to show you more. 

This week I am also loving the amazing news from Posie Gets Cozy! I also finally got my two ornament kits from her website, and will show you progress on that other project soon. But first, curtains to be finished!

Random Things

I’ve been tagged by Rebecca of Meadow Daisy, and it's been at least a week in the making, so here goes!

The Rules:

- Each person tagged must post 11 random facts about themselves
- They must answer the 11 questions posted by the previous blogger
- They must create 11 more questions to ask the bloggers they tag
- They must tag 11 blogs with less than 200 followers
- The bloggers must be informed that they have been tagged

11 random facts about me

 * The obvious one – I’m French and loving my life in the UK, where I’ve lived for over a decade now.

* I live for nice food and wine. I just don’t get those people who think eating is a “necessity” rather than a pleasure. One of the best meals I had in the last year or so was at Benares in London – an absolute must if you want a big culinary treat.

* I hate spring as much as I love autumn. There’s something in the air I don’t like about spring, but can never really say what it is.

* My singing is atrocious and will be anyone in their right mind cringe and run a mile away.

* Drawing is another funny one – even my stick men resemble dismembered and severely handicapped people!

* I own lots of shoes, my favourite pair being the Choos I treated myself to for my wedding this summer. Pure bling, yet comfortable!

* Out of the Desperate Housewives, I’d have to be Bree. I am a complete control freak when it comes to housekeeping.

* I simply cannot function without at least eight hours of sleep.

* My favourite smell in the kitchen is that of melting butter, it just drives me nuts!

* Every year for my birthday I treat myself to a pot of Nutella. So yummy but so unking on the figure!

* I love my job. I can’t help but whinge about it all day every day, but really I love it. There’s just a great buzz to getting a kid to understand something for the first time, and seeing one thrive to do their best and getting the grade they never thought they could achieve.

And 11 questions from Rebecca

1. Summer or winter?
Definitely winter!

2. What makes you laugh?
My husband, he just acts silly all the time and knows how to cheer me up.

3. If you could only eat one food for the rest of time, what would it be?
Mexican, it’s balanced yet a bit naughty.

4. Describe your perfect evening....
A glass of wine, a plate of antipasti, a good movie.

5. What were your favourite subjects at school?
Languages. I loved being able to say things in other languages.

6. Do you have any pets?
No ;(
  
7. What are your favourite hobbies?
Movies, cooking, sewing, sometimes a mix of all three!

8. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Back to Japan. This country mesmerized me and I can’t wait to go back, feel healthy, astonished, enchanted!

9. What is your favourite book?
I’ll stay on the Japan theme and say Memoirs of a geisha, but there are so many others!

10. Where is your favourite place to eat?
At the moment I am loving Wahaca. Good Mexican street food, but made with local produce.

11. What do you think about the most.... the past, the present or the future?
I try to live in the now.

And 11 questions for…Atina Alga, Plain Jane,  Miss pelicano, Ali, Pequenos gestos, Susan, Anne,  le mani d'oro, Bloom, Marie Noelle, and Ottobre.  

1. Sweet or savoury?
2. It’s snowing and you can’t get to work. What do you do with your day?
3. Best holiday destination?
4. What is your favourite flower?
5. 50s or 80s?
6. Who would you invite for dinner tonight if you could and why?
7. Heels or flats?
8. What are you most proud of?
9. Who makes you laugh?
10. What did you last buy?
11. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?