Parlene Loves Paris

"I love Paris, why, oh why, do I love Pairs?" These are part of the lyrics to the song "I Love Paris" que nous savons bien. As I take time to reflect on my recent trip to Europe back in April of this year, I realize that it was only 6 months ago that I was in my favorite city in the world, Paris.

Many things around me have changed since then and I realized that it was time to bring a little more Frenchiness back into my life. My husband agreed with me and so we picked up this little dream to add to our French decorated home. I may not be able to go to Paris tomorrow, but I can bring Paris to me tonight. We fell in love with this framed photo we found at Ikea. This motif was photographed by Jean-Marc Charles.

With this simple addition to our home we found ourselves staring longingly at the photo on our wall. We remembered when the view was real and within our grasp. In the spring, on our last night in Paris my husband promised to bring me back to France. We cuddled up on a bench and admired the Eiffel Tower from afar and heard the sounds of Paris. We lingered for about an hour and then walked the long way back to our hotel. A perfect night and a perfect end to our 5 weeks in Europe.

Back at home, after my husband hung the photo on the wall I lit a candle and put on a compilation CD of my favorite French songs which I created myself. Sitting in my living room, staring at the Eiffel Tower on my wall is just another day in my European Style Life.

Preparing For France

In preparation for my upcoming trip to France, I am trying to incorporate aspects of French life into my already Frenchie Life. I started by setting the table with my table linens from Provence.

I wonder how the rest of the world prepares themselves for their trips to France. I'd love to hear how you personally prepare yourself for that flight across the ocean.

The Art of Hospitality

An art that has nearly been lost is the art of hospitality. People lead very hectic lives and hospitality often ends up at the bottom of our “to do” list. In a time past, there was a certain excitement that took over the mood of the house during the anticipation of a guest’s arrival. Preparation might start several days before the “lookout” began. And when the time came, all the household including the servants would line up outside for a formal welcoming.

The art of hospitality is one that I truly enjoy indulging in. We’ve had guests from various parts of the world stay in our humble home. Yet, we’ve learned how to make even the most foreign of guests feel right at home. Here are my suggestions on how to provide superior hospitality on the occasion of overnight guests.

Have a welcome message. – I like to do this by using a decorative chalkboard in our guest room/office. I write on the board the guest’s name and what I plan to serve for breakfast in the morning. If your guest speaks another language other than your own, write out the message in their native language. HINT: You can look it up on the internet.

Plan out the details. – Is your guest from a foreign country? Why not search out some food items that are from your guest’s country and make them readily available for snacks. If your computer is password protected be sure to leave them the password. Make sure your guest has their own key.

Subtle touches. – Little luxuries go a long way with overnight guests. Think of yourself as the owner of a Bed and Breakfast. Provide travel size bottles of lotion and fancy soap. Perhaps giving a small welcome basket upon their arrival with some of their personal favorite items. If you are not sure what that might be, gourmet food items always do the trick. Example: wine, crackers, cookies, olives or fresh fruit. Fresh flowers add warmth to the room.

Be the first to rise in the morning. – Even if it is a mere 15 minutes before your guests rise much can be done. You can start the coffee and throw in a fresh batch of muffins or cookies into the oven. What a lovely way to wake up in the morning! Now, immediately after your guests wake they can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and something to nibble on while breakfast is cooking or as they prepare to leave for the day’s activities.

Accessible Delectable. – It’s likely that you will do some special grocery shopping prior to guest’s arrival. You may ask your guest in advance of any food allergies or special likes and dislikes. Since you’ve gone through all the trouble and expense of having special food items, leave them out in eyes view for your guests to enjoy. Communicate to your guests that they are welcome to help themselves to whatever they need.

Sweet Dreams. – While your guests are enjoying breakfast discreetly enter their room and make their bed for them. In the evening, turn down the covers and add a small piece of chocolate on their pillows. Sprinkle pure lavender oil on thier pillow cases and offer a cup of hot tea before bedtime. Be sure to have an ample tea selection.

Coat or Sweater? – Your guests will be grateful if you print out a 10 day forecast for them. Leave it in an obvious place for them to see. If you can, email the forecast to them prior to their departure from their home for practical packing purposes.

What to do? – Prior to your guest’s arrival think of and be ready to provide a list options of places to go and places to eat. For places to eat, keep in mind all your local favorites and a wide variety of cuisine. Knowing where to shop to get all the best deals is always welcomed information.

Home Cooked Meals. – It may be difficult to coordinate the guest’s schedule of sightseeing with your daily routine but it’s worth a try. It may be possible with good planning to prepare dinner for your guests. A special meal and a nice bottle of wine will be appreciated as you spare them from another restaurant meal. This may also provide the opportunity for your guests to meet your friends.

Warm and Cozy. – Look for ways to make your guest feel at home. Making sure the temperature is right, have extra pillows, a soft blanket and anything else you can think of that is personal. The more personalized the visit the quicker you will see them get comfortable enough to put their feet up.

All your efforts will be appreciated and memorable. Your guests will feel as if they had visited a 5 star resort. They will long to return for another visit and will brag about your hospitality to all their friends. In the end, both the guest and host benefit. Even if it is their first time staying in your home, they leave your home as old friends. Offering warm hospitality is just another day in a European style life.

What are your favorite ways to express hospitality? Post a comment for all to enjoy.

Corsica, France By Becky Dolman

We arrived on the island of Corsica in the month of December for a three month stay. During the winter it can be very cold here, it even snowed! We thought, "Hey! We are supposed to be in the Mediterranean!” But when the clouds parted and we took our first stroll around the city, it was oneof the most beautiful sites we have ever seen!

The city is overlooked by a huge fortress built four or five centuries ago. I enjoy walking around town taking in the picturesque view. There is only one main shopping street called Boulevard Wilson. The town is quite small (5,000 people) so one easily meets friends on the street or in the grocery store. The Corsican custom here is to kiss when friends meet each other. Even the men kiss each other with two kisses – one on each cheek. It was strange for my husband Edwin when he had his first "public kiss". We were at the grocerystore and he came across two friends and they gave their two customary kisses. I have to say it’s a bit unusual for me also to see my husband receive a kiss on the cheek. A few weeks later Edwin played soccer and he was the last to arrive. Every player greeted him with the two kisses and then played a competitive game of soccer! Bizarre but so cute at the same time!

We eat all the typical French food. Especially the Corsican cuisine, such as the local wine, cheese and Charcuterie. Corsicans even have French Corsican Cola! My French cooking is not that great yet. I’ve had a hard time understanding the recipes. I was starting to get a bad reputation with my cooking but I redeemed myself with American Chocolate Cookies and Carrot Cake (which most Corsicans have never tried) Everybody is crazy for them!

I also had to change my name. In the states I go by “Becky”. I am now Rebecca. Apparently my name sounds too close to “bequille” – the French word for “crutch”.

The Corsicans are incredibly nice and generous. We have received as gifts homemade brioche, fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit, homemade jam, and oranges from an orchard from the 14th century! A few friends even surprised us with a surprise anniversary party after only 2 weeks on the island. The party was complete with decorations, food (quiche of course!) champagne and presents. My husband even had tears in his eyes!

Mais bien sur (but of course), I love France! We buy everything French from the Provence scented toilet paper to the Ratatouille Kleenex picture boxes. VIVE LA FRANCE!! Even though we are only here for three months, all these experiences have taught us how to live another day in a European style life.

By Rebecca “Becky” Dolman
France Correspondent

Chili Recipe

I am not sure if Chili can be considered haute cuisine, but it sure is comfort food that can keep any man happy. Try this Chili recipe for cold days, game days or the Super Bowl. Coming home to a warm homemade dinner is just another day in a Euro style life.

Chili Chili

2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey (browned and drained)

1 large onion, chopped

1 large can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, with liquid

1 can (8 ounces) tomato puree

1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, with liquid

1 can of black beans, without liquid

2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies, with liquid

1/2 cup of water

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

2 tablespoons of chili powder (or more if you like it spicy)

2 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce (or add individually to servings when done)

salt and pepper to taste.

Combine all ingredients in greased 4 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hours or on low heat 4-6 hours. Serve in bread bowls or serve with tortilla chips or cornbread. Makes 10-12 servings.

Garnish with sour cream, chives and grated cheddar cheese.

Are you a Branché girl?

Branché means trendy in French. Branché is also the name of my jewelry collection. There are a lot of trendy girls out there strutting their Branché jewelry. If you are one of them, I'd love to hear all about how you wear your jewelry, where you wear it and compliments you've received from wearing it. You can also include comments and suggestions for new styles and pieces you'd like to see. Click on the link marked "comments".


Visit http://www.parlene.etsy.com/ to see more of my jewelry collection and you too can say "Oui, I am a Branché girl!" Naming necklaces after people is one of my favorite things to do. And who knows, maybe the next Branché neckalce will be named after you!

Marie Antoinette

There is something to be said for a historical figure's love of fashion to be remembered centuries later. Marie Antoinette is such a person.

Kirsten Dunst playing Marie Antoinette in the movie directed by Sophia Coppola based on the book written by Antonia Fraser. While this article is more about the movie than the book, I've read all 458 glorious pages of this book. And I still haven't had my fill of this captivating historical figure. I highly recommend the book, you won't be able to put it down, and when you do it will be because you are in flight on your way to France to visit Versailles!

The more I've read about Marie Antoinette, the more I feel that she is France's most misunderstood monarch. However tragic her life was and how it ended, she was the Queen who rocked-out Versailles in her fashion forward wardrobe. Maybe it is the worst case of "retail therapy" ever recorded, but to us fashion lovers, we can appreciate her passion for fashion. While we enjoy this modern rendition of the life story of the doomed Queen of France by the talented Sophia Coppola, let us enjoy the variety of senses that Sophia uses to lure us to this movie, namely, sight and sound.

Filmed on location in Versailles, the costumes match the historical surroundings and also mix into the modern music Sophia chose to use. The soundtrack is nothing short of genius. I listened to the CD daily for 10 months straight. I encourage you to sample listen to it and then purchase it on itunes. One of my favorite songs on the CD is "The Melody Of A Fallen Tree" by Windsor For The Derby. Which I am listening to as I write this article.

The movie received harsh criticism from some critics, but how often do we listen to them anyway? Sophia Coppola used her wildest imagination to form a masterpiece of a historically accurate film that would appeal to a younger generation. Using modern music to tell her story of the clueless Queen worked magically. At the perfect moment, Sophia switches to classical or period music, it's hardly noticeable and adds much to the feel of the movie. I can't imagine this movie without each song that is seemingly hand picked by Sophia.

The costumes leave nothing to be desired. Beautiful use of color, fabric and texture makes this movie a feast for your eyes. Each costume is walking you through the changes the Queen is going through. As the years pass in Versailles, you see the Queen's style change and you understand her fashion choices. At times flamboyant and at other times meek an natural.

Marie Antoinette was criticized among her friends and family and most frequently by her mother, hundred of miles away in Austria. She longed to please her husband and her mother. It seemed near impossible as the political movement was heading straight for a then unseen revolution.

She was home sick and in a foreign country much different from the royal court where she was raised. She gave of herself to charities and to her children, always wanting to be a supportive wife. Marie Antoinette regarded the last 5 years of her life spent in prison, as her happiest. In prison is where she found what she was always searching for, time alone with her husband and children.

Read the book, watch the movie and listen to the soundtrack. Each will leave you wanting more of the opulent French court during the reign of Marie Antoinette. In the end of it all, you too will feel empathy for the young Queen who fell into the French Revolution. You will be astounded by the courage and brave actions of the infamous Marie Antoinette.

Our Roman Holiday

After returning home from vacationing in Italy, my husband Freddie and I made a decision. We decided to look at ways of life that most Europeans have in common. One thing we noticed in Italy and France is how commonplace if not prevalent scooters are. Since we live in Southern California where the weather is agreeable most of the time, we contemplated purchasing a scooter. But not just any scooter. Our theme is a European life. So naturally we decided to purchase a Vespa.

We came to this decision because Vespas are made in Italy and they have a vintage look like the kind you see in the movie 'Roman Holiday' with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. 

Imported directly from Italy, our Vespa (which we nicknamed "Scootie") added much to our European life in Los Angeles. Besides the obvious great things about owning a Vespa is the fact that you will save a lot of money on gas.  A Vespa gets a little over 60 miles to the gallon. The gas tank holds 2 gallons. So the cost to fill up the tank is anywhere between $6.00-$6.75.  It makes absolute sense why most Europeans use scooters for transportation. Their price of gas is at least double what we are paying in the US.

When we first purchased the Vespa, which is now my husband's main mode of transportation, he worked 10 minutes away from home. He was filling up the gas tank once or twice a month. Now he works in Santa Monica, CA (about a 1 hour commute, 5o miles roundtrip each day). He now spends about $48 per month on gasoline. Not a bad deal when you compare it to the price of putting gas into a car or SUV. It's great for quick trips around town or going to busy places around LA where it's difficult to find parking.

Enough with the logical reasoning. We adore our Vespa. I generally will put on a skirt when riding with my husband. Hey, if the European girls can do it, why can't I? That's one of things I admired when I saw people on their scooters in Europe. Especially in Italy, everybody was so nicely dressed, girls wearing their stilettos and skirts or dresses and the men were wearing their suits and ties on their way to work. Can you imagine it?! 

Well, now my husband is that guy on a Vespa wearing his suit and tie on his way to work. Mama Mia! And from time to time I am that girl on the back of a Vespa holding on with excitement. Just another way to continue living a European life. 

How To Be European in the US

Here is my fun list of ways to immerse European lifestyle into your daily routine in the United States. I'd like to hear your ideas of how to live Euro style. Post a comment if you so feel inclined.

1.Act nonchalant about things you really enjoy.
2.Go for a short walk in the afternoon.
3. Say “ooh la la” instead of “wow”.
4. Watch American movies with French subtitles.
5. Say “ah-hah” when someone says something interesting.
6. Pucker your lips, raise your shoulders and shake your head slightly when someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to.
7. Own a scooter.
8. Own a copy of the soundtrack from “Amelie”.
9. Drink wine with lunch and dinner.
10. Greet your friends with a kiss on each cheek.
11. Answer your phone by saying “salut”.
12. Eat fresh fruit as a snack.
13. Sit at a restaurant for 3 hours during dinner and always order coffee at the end.
14. Walk to a nearby store and buy a baguette and fresh flowers.
15. Use regular sugar in your coffee and not Equal or Sweet N Low
16. Set the table even if you are only having cereal and toast.
17. Ride your bicycle in a cute outfit, preferably a skirt or a dress if you’re a girl.
18. Eat your fries using a fork with mayonnaise instead of ketchup.
19. Always wear high heels with your jeans if you are a girl.
20. Go to museums and botanical gardens on Saturdays and Sundays dressed as if you were going out to a nice dinner.
21. Drink water out of a wine glass.
22. Do not use ice in your drinks (even in the summer).
23. Do not use deodorant.
24. Eat and enjoy stinky cheese.
25. Ask for “Coke Light” instead of “Diet Coke”.
26. When ordering at a restaurant start your order by saying “I’ll take….”
27. Do not talk loudly on your cell phone.
28. Love soccer.
29. Hate Lance Armstrong.
30. Listen to French music instead of American.
31. You’ve visited Versailles but have never been to the White House.
32. Ride the metro, ride your bike or walk more than you use your car.
33. Have multiple hats and scarves in your closet.
34. Know the words to “La Vie En Rose”.
35. Always have at least one Paris metro ticket or coin in your wallet at all times.
36. Have an ample supply of Nutella in the cupboard.
37. Use the phrase “C’est la vie” liberally.
38. Name your dog “Fi Fi”.
39. Have friends that live in France and other parts of Europe.
40. Call your friends by their would be names in French.
41. Check the weather in Paris frequently.
42. Know more about the French Revolution than you do about the American Revolution.
43. Have at least two Eiffel Towers in your house.

44. Visit a Farmer's Market at least once a month, if not every week.

Paris Always Sizzles

I might be a self proclaimed authority on Paris, but in reality my insight on Paris is very well researched. While I am no Samantha Brown, I have a unique insight into this chic city. I've been there 3 times (working on 4). I am constantly in search of new things to do, and yet, there are things on my "Must See" list, even though I've done them before. Here is my list of "Must See". This is no list of typical stops highlighted on a map, rather a list of what my daily life would include, should I live there un jour. My favorite places would be too difficult to number in order of importance so pay no attention to the place they hold on my list. They are all places deemed worthy by the locals.

SALON DE THE

Café Angelina
226, rue de Rivoli 1st Arrondissement
75001 Paris
Ile-de-FranceFrance
+33-01-42608200

This cafe has been in place since the 1900's. The decor says it all. Immediately when you enter you feel transformed into the days of yesterday. This salon de thé (tea) is actually known for their chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). The best way to describe it is a melted bar of chocolate, but richer and thicker. It comes in a small pitcher. One can never hope to finish it, it's very rich and decadent. But oh so delicious! Stop in for chocolat chaud and a pastry. HINT: They also have wonderful macaroons. Prices range from 5-15 euro.

Grevi Firenze

1, Place Alphonse Deville
75006 Paris

No trip to Paris could ever be complete without a trip to this hat store. I simply adore hats and wear them all the time. By chance I happened across this store. Just like a dream, I bought a beautiful hat in Paris. Not to burst my own bubble, but these hats are made in Italy. There are only two stores in the world. One in Florence, Italy and one in Paris, France. That is what makes this store so unique. Imagine only two stores in the world and I stumbled across one of them! With so many hats to choose from, one could go broke in this store. Hats for all occasions, chic and casual Grevi will make any girl crazy for hats if they aren't already. Even if you don't buy one, it's fun to go in and look and try them on. I actually can not think of a better souvenir. This store excels in customer service and pretty packaging. In the US, it's very difficult to find great hats. This store really is a treat! Did I mention I have two Grevi hats? Prices range from 50-150 euro. It's worth every euro cent!


Au Pied de Cochon

6, Rue Coquillière75001

Paris, France
+33 1 40 13 03 81

Au Pied de Cochon (meaning the foot of the pig). I can't take any credit for this find. This restaurant was recommended to me by my friends who used to live in Paris. I have to say, this is the place where I truly had the best meal that I've ever eaten in my life. I can't imagine anything that could surpass it. I ordered the braised lamb and finished off with Crème brûlée. One great thing about this bistro is that you can make a reservation right from your home online. Prices range from 15-40 euro. They do have a set menu for 19 euro which includes three courses. You will not be disappointed.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a public park. Parisians gather here on Sundays to relax and enjoy life amidst a busy city. Do not, however, underestimate what happens at this jardin. It is a live fashion show. Even the Parisian children are dressed to the nines. Women strut in their high heels and big sunglasses and men are equally dressed. I admire the way the French use every occasion to parade their wardrobe. 

This park is perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of old Paris, both intentional and unintentional. Great for relaxation, photographs and people-watching. If the French dress like this when they go to the park, what do they wear when they go out to a nice dinner?

Style To The Nines

Style and fashion are a trademark of femininity. A certain thought process happens on any given morning when we pick out our clothes and how we want to present ourselves to the world. For instance, maybe you are going on an interview and you head straight for your two piece suit. Going on a first date? Instinctively you head for your little black dress. Meeting your future in-laws? The cardigan sweater with the a pearl necklace is fail safe.  

                     

But maybe you are having one of those days where you wake up in the morning feeling just blah? Possibly for no good reason. And you just know it's going to take everything out of you to get through the day. Well, that was me today.

I was already running late for work so I went to my default wrap dress which doesn't need to be ironed. It always looks great and it's comfortable. I was going to opt out of my usual make-up routine. Instead, here I was, knowing that the day ahead would be long and hard. And I decided to fake it until I could make it. What this means is I had to put on a full face of make-up.

Despite feeling horrible and wanting to crawl back into bed even though I had already hit the snooze button 3 times. I knew that I would have to look fabulous just to pull through the day even if I didn't feel fabulous.

I hope the next three steps can aid you in getting through your next "Blah Day".

1. Go Glamorous. It's okay to go to work with the "smokey eye" look. I used Sketch eye shadow by Mac along with Goldmine (for contrast) and Orb under my brow for highlighting, all products of Mac.

2. Don't leave the house without lip gloss. I decided to go with Ornamental also by Mac.

3. Wear your pretty dress. Yeah, the pretty dress that you hang ever so carefully in the back of your closet.  Pull it out and wear it like it's Saturday night. Even if it is only Tuesday.

Remember the scene from Breakfast At Tiffany's where Audrey Hepburn is forced to rush out of the house at a moments notice? She goes from pj's to positively glamorous in about 5 minutes. She is looking for her shoes underneath the bed and throws on a black dress, a fabulous black hat and big sunglasses. Not to underestimate the fact that she is after all, well, Audrey Hepburn, but you get the idea.

So the next time you wake up feeling "blah" think glamorous and go for it!!!

Branché Jewelry

In Europe I observed a dramatic difference in style and fashion. On various trips to France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary I noticed a change in style from one country to the next. 

I developed a fondness for each country's individual sense of fashion and wanted to share it at home in the states. Using semi-precious stones mined in Italy, Africa, Russia, Canada, Brazil etc., I capture the essence of Branche.  99% of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. 

My aim is to incorporate my personal style with European fashion and couture.Creating fashion forward jewelry is my passion. Inspired by European fashion I create pieces that will rock-out any wardrobe. You can visit my website at http://www.parlene.etsy.com/