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In the US, the Easter bunny rules the chocolate shops. But in France, the focus is on anything but: hens, playing with the egg shape, cows, sheep, pigs, and fish. I am sharing some of the very cute creations I found online. They are too cute to eat! (although I’m sure that wouldn’t stop most of us!)
I think the one below is my favorite…
Although I really love this little egg shaped elephant…
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Just a few for you this week…
//ONE//
Architectural Digest tours the art and antiques of the real Downton Abbey HERE
//TWO//
These beautiful flowers from a florist in Paris have me in the mood for Spring
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Remember last week when I talked about Antique Mora clocks??? Well, mine finally arrived!! I’m soooo excited to share it with you all!
First off, I was invited by Simone at Antique Style to share about antique mora clocks over at her blog. I am so excited to have been invited for my first ever guest post! I just love her blog. She writes about decorating with antiques. You need to go make sure you go check out her blog and my guest post .
Okay, now for the unveil….
Antique Black Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms
This beautiful antique Swedish mora clock is from around 1800. It is a Fryksdall style clock painted in beautiful gold and black!
It is handpainted in black with gold chinoiserie detailing. I think the chinoiserie goes well with the chinoiserie tulipiere I have on the bottom right. Please note, I hate the wall color here but I am renting and can’t paint it.
The face on the clock is really nice… it has the coveted “AAS Mora” on the face which makes it worth more. I like it’s little crown over the face too!
antique black mora clock @ peonies and orange blossoms
Let’s take a closer look at the chinoiserie painting and the details..
A look at the bottom… I like the scroll work with the little shell at the bottom.
Let’s take a look inside… what’s in there? Oh, the chime! It is made of solid wood.
To be honest, black was not my first color choice for a mora clock. But it was cheaper than the other clocks and I really liked its shape. I really wanted a pretty gray/blue but those ones were a lot pricier.
So, I have considered painting it because it wasn’t my original color choice… we will see, I will decide once I move to my new home and find it’s final place to put it. I would feel bad painting it if it is the original paint though… I can’t 100% tell if it has its original paint. There is a light gray paint underneath but I don’t know if that’s just an undercoat or not.
A look at other black mora clocks painting with the chinoiserie style that was popular at the time…
pictures above are not my own.
pictures above are not my own.
I LOVE my new clock!! LOVE IT! Do you like it? Would you repaint it?
Thanks for stopping by! Make sure you check out Antique Style Blog where I am guest hosting today!!
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I have been busy decorating for Easter. After Christmas, Easter is my next favorite holiday. Actually, besides Christmas and general Fall decor, it’s the only holiday I decorate the house for.
The chocolate bunnies sit in the kitchen.
The buffet table is decorated with mainly my Steiff Easter collection.
I got the bunny in the center below last year… isn’t she the cutest?? The little chick sits in a porcelain egg below.
I tried to purchase tulips for the tulipiere, however Costco wasn’t selling any. So… I decided to put Easter eggs in it. I think it’s kind of fun.
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Here are some of my favorite Splurges vs Steals that I’ve found while shopping around this Spring. I don’t normally write about this type of thing, but these copycats were so obvious they couldn’t be missed!
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Welcome to this weekend’s edition of Weekend Whimsy!
//ONE//
You have got to check out these two fabulous houses in Texas. I am in love with the French doors, the steel doors and windows, and this beautiful courtyard.
//TWO//
Yes, it’s TRUE. Nintendo is finally coming out with their Super Mario games for the iPhone. *Children of the 80s cry in delight*
//THREE//
Here are some tricks to creating a healthy, filling, and inexpensive lunch salad.
//FOUR//
Yes, an owl cafe opened in London this week. Only for 1 week. If you live in London and want to feel like Harry Potter… well, you know where to go.
//FIVE//
Looking for some new tv shows to watch? Here are some foreign tv shows that are excellent to binge watch. Although, Sherlock is missing from this list which is a must-watch!
//SIX//
Here is a homemade croissant recipe. Only problem is… apparently croissants take three days to make. I think I will buy them then, thank you.
//SEVEN//
A student designed this faucet the produces totally cool patterns in the water. Plus it saves water too.
Hope you enjoyed!
http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com
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In honor of macaron day this year, I’ve rounded up my macaron recipes!
And just to prove to you… practice makes perfect. My first macarons in the pictures below did not have the flat tops and pretty feet, but they do taste VERY GOOD. The problem with my macarons below is that I underfolded them… so to remedy the problem, all I needed to do was turn the almond flour a few more times into the meringue!
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I have been just dying for an antique Swedish Mora clock since I first laid eyes on one years ago. I know they are trendy right now, but that’s okay. They were trendy in the 1790s, too!
Mora clocks were made in Mora, Sweden when the town came onto hard times.
Mora Clocks are often marked with the inscription “A A S Mora”. These are the initials from Krang Anders Andersson (1727-1799) from Oestnor. He is traditionally known as the first clock maker in the town of Mora. (A A S = Anders Anders Son). AAS initials appeared on clocks in 1792.
Each area in the province of Darlana produced a different part of the clock. The clocks were initially sold without a case, then buyer would then ask various locals to make a case. That is why there is so much variety in these clocks!
Antique Mora clocks
Eventually however, the “Moraklockor” grew out of fashion. A published manuscript from 1878 quotes, “In Mora clocks are being produced, but they are very old-fashioned models which cannot be compared to the more tasteful clocks which are being imported from North America and Germany”. HA! The clocks were produced for about 80 years and then fell out of style.
There are a few different types, all of which are usually made from local pine but sometimes oak.
Fryksdall: They have a pinched in waist, wide belly, and curly scroll. These ones are most appealing to me. They are often painted in whites, cremes, and greys.
Bridal: These clocks are the most unusual and most expensive; they have fine carvings and paintings on them. Often given to the bride on her wedding day.
Country: Plainer in appearance with less decoration. Simple hood crowns, may not have a face glass. They are often painted with folk art or in browns, yellows, and reds.
City: a catch-all phrase for all remaining clocks. These ones are often painted black.
a collection of “bridal” mora clocks!
Clocks made in the North of Sweden were thin and tall.
Clocks made in the South of Sweden were fatter with exaggerated curves.
Antique Mora clocks in beautiful blues
Mora clocks do come with original paint; however through the years they have been painted and repainted at times. The original owners would have never had the “chippy” look; they would have had a new very finely painted clock. The new “chippy” look is all the rage these days with the shabby-chic look.
antique Mora clocks in chipped down to original wood
They come in all shapes and colors… here are some beautiful blues…
Antique Mora Clocks
These ones are more ornate with finer hand painting…
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I am pretty excited about my Easter table this year. Not a whole lot has changed, but I just love the bunny rabbits!
The little bunnies pulling the wagon are pulling Easter eggs and are a new addition this year from Pottery Barn….
This year I put a white paper lace “charger” under the green bunny plates.
I also have little robin’s eggs nests scattered about on the table too.
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It’s time for Weekend Whimsy… #2. I changed the layout this week, what do you think?
Okay, Let’s get right to it.
//ONE//
You need to look at the pictures from this beautiful English Country estate. The tile from this bathroom is from the 1730s! go here!
//TWO//
A design firm transformed a 16th century church into their office. It’s really cool. You MUST look at the pictures HERE!
Loving my new Bunny Rabbit wall flower from Bath & Body Works… You can get it here
//FIVE//
With Disney’s new live-action Cinderella moving opening this weekend, Disney asked high-fashion designers to give their take on the modern glass slipper. Here’s what they came up with!
//SIX//
The editors are Glamour magazine taste-tested the Girl Scout cookies and posted a review. What a terrible job to have! Check out which ones to avoid here
//SEVEN//
You can make some edible cookie dough for one… shhh, I won’t tell! Get the recipe here
//EIGHT//
I am loving this beautiful kitchen. I like the white cabinets, marble counter tops, and what appears to be marble subway tile as the back splash. The farmhouse sink is nice, and I love the two lantern chandeliers. To see more pictures of pretty kitchens including this one go here
Thanks for reading this issue of Weekend Whimsy!
http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com
Disclaimer: the pictures that do not have my logo on them are *not* mine. The sources for the pictures are provided in the links. If these are your pictures and you want me to remove them, contact me.
We use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.
I travel to Paris and London frequently and I am sharing with you a guide about what to wear to these cities.
I usually go to Paris and London in the Spring or Fall, but I have been there in the Summer too.
With that in mind, I have shared some of my favorite pieces that you can layer easily.
I always fit all of my clothes onto a carry-on bag. I’ve heard horror stories of lost checked bags on international trips – especially stories of this happening in Paris because France frequently goes on strike!
Imagine going to the most fashionable city without clothes! The horror!
Tops and Tees
Nº 1 //A Breton Striped Tee– You have to wear a striped tee in France!
Nº 2 //A white and grey t-shirt – A white tee and grey tee go with everything.
Nº 3 // A Nice Blouse – You need a blouse that you can wear to a nice restaurant.
Nº 4 // Chambray Shirt – I like this shirt because it goes with everything and is fashionable.
Nº 5 // Sleeveless Shirt – It is nice to pack a sleeveless shirt or tank top because that way you are prepared for unexpected (or expected!) warm weather! Sometimes the museum can become very hot too.
Outerwear and Dresses
Nº 6 // A Black Blazer – This is essential as you can dress this blazer up or down.
Nº 7 // Long Sweater Cardigan – A long sweater cardigan is great for layering and on the airplane and for cooler days.
Nº 8 // A Little Black Dress – A LBD is a wardrobe staple and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Nº 9 // The Trench Coat – You need a trench coat that will keep you dry in Europe! It frequently rains there for all seasons, except the middle of Summer.
Jeans and Pants
Nº 10 // Jeans – The Europeans love skinny jeans.
Nº 11 // Black Skinny Jeans– You can’t go wrong with a pair of black skinny jeans. They are nice because you can dress then up or down as well.
Shoes
Nº 12 // Ballerina Flat – The ballerina flat is a must-wear in Paris.
Nº 13 // Black Booties – Black booties and boots never go out of style, especially in Europe!
Nº 14 // Mules and Loafers- If you are going to London or Paris in the warmer months, I suggest wearing some slip on mules or loafers instead of bringing booties.
Nº 15 //Retro Cool Sneaker – I have been wearing these Converse Chuck Taylors to Europe for years and every time I go, Europeans ask me where I got my shoes. *smirk, they think I’m cool*
Accessories
Nº 16 // A Scarf – You must bring one scarf with you for the plane and then buy all other scarves in Paris.
Nº 17 // A Cross bodybag – A small cross body shoulder bag is perfect for your slim camera, passport, wallet, travel umbrella, and lip gloss. Honestly though, buy a bag in Paris when you’re there.
Nº 18 // a Necklace– Accessorize your outfit with a necklace. I recommend a simple necklace as the big bold necklaces are not fashionable there. The scarf instead is worn as a statement necklace.
Nº 19 // Travel Umbrella – Who knows when it’s going to rain.
Nº 20 // A watch – I find that when I go to Europe I wear a watch compared to when I am back in the US. I usually use my cell phone in the USA, but as I frequently don’t carry my phone there, I actually wear a watch to tell the time.
Nº 21 // Sunglasses – I always wear a pair of chic sunglasses to Europe. You will find yourself walking around outside a lot (8-10 miles per day!) and you will find some sunglasses very helpful!
Shop my picks here:
If you are headed overseas, be sure to check out my guide to what to pack in your carry-on bag for the airplane flight!SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave
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I have been back in the kitchen baking macarons. I have been longing to try Laduree’s famous orange blossom macarons, but I just couldn’t wait until my trip to Paris in April. So I attempted to bake them at home! This post may contain affiliate links.
Orange Blossom Macaron recipe
The result? DELICIOUSNESS! I was unsure if I would like them since I don’t really like rose flavored things… but the orange blossom flavor is just as if I walked through the orange grove around the block with my mouth open and ate the smell.
No surprise that the blogger of a blog with the name of peonies and orange blossoms likes, well, orange blossom macarons!
Materials needed: (affiliate links are used for your convenience)
1. Mix almond meal and the powdered sugar in a food processor. Be careful not to grind too long, otherwise it will form a paste.
2. Sift the almonds and powdered sugar. Set aside.
3. Weigh out granulated sugar.
4. Weigh the egg whites. Beat them slowly on a low speed until foamy. SLOWLY add the granulated sugar to the egg whites as you beat. Once all mixed, increase speed to medium and beat until a firm meringue forms. You want a firm meringue with glossy peaks but not stiff peaks. They should defy gravity and remain in the bowl if you turn it upside down. If you tilt your bowl to the side and they are sliding out, keep beating.
5. Add the food coloring gel and mix.
6. Then fold in 1/3rd of the almond/sugar mixture into the meringue with a silicone spatula. Once combined, add another third of the almond mixture. Add last bit. This batter requires more deflation during this step since it creates such a poofy meringue.
7. Add the batter to a piping bag. . Pipe in rows using your template onto parchment paper.
8. Pick up the pan and beat until the counter. The cookies need to rest on the counter between 30-60 minutes. They are ready to go in the oven when they are dry to touch (the shell shouldn’t stick to your finger)
9. Set the oven to 300F.
10. Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes one sheet at a time. They are done when they look kind of matte and seem firm when you lightly tap on them. You can always rescue a slightly overcooked one with the maturation process that comes later, but you cannot rescue an undercooked one!!
11. Remove from paper once completely cool. If they stick they stick to the paper, they aren’t cool yet. Or you undercooked them.
Laduree Orange Blossom Cream Filling
4 tbsp (60 mL) orange blossom water (you can get it: buy here)
4 1/2 tsp (15 g) corn starch
2/3 cup (160mL) heavy cream
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
3 1/2 ounces (100g) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
7 1/2 tbsp (110g) softened butter
1 drop green food coloring
Directions
Whisk the 3 tbsp (45mL) of the orange blossom water into the cornstarch.
Combine the cream and sugar in a saucepan and heat until simmering. Whisk the simmering liquid into the cornstarch mixture. Then return it to the saucepan, continuing to whisk over low heat for 30 seconds until thickened and smooth. Pour into a bowl.
Use a spatula and little by little stir in the chocolate into the hot cream.
Now pour into a food processor until it cools slightly
Add the butter gradually, the remaining orange blossom water, food coloring and process until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a dish, cover with plastic cling wrap and plate it directly onto the cream. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm enough to be piped.
Spoon the orange blossom cream into a piping bag and pipe into the remains shells.
Refrigerate the macarons in an air-tight container for at least 12 hours before serving. This allows the “macaronnage” to occur and makes the cookie super yummy. If you eat it immediately it’s really good, if you wait 12 hours… perfection!
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I’m starting a new feature on my blog this weekend. I’m introducing… “Weekend Whimsy”.
It will consist of some of my favorite pictures, articles, and links that I’ve found throughout the net and want to share with you.
The exact format of this will probably change as I figure out how I like it. This week it’s just a week links. But I think next week I’ll include some pictures.
I’ve chosen the weekend to post my favorite items from the week because I often find myself reading blogs on Saturday and Sunday morning and wishing that there were more blog posts on those days.
What is Weekend Whimsy? It’s a fun collection of links and pictures that I found on the web and wanted to share with everyone.
I normally don’t post about “real-word” stuff here, but Jimmy Kimmel rounded up a bunch of real doctors and put together this video for the anti-vaccine movement: Get your kids vaccinated
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I have a delicious Spring pasta recipe for you today! It contains pretty Spring greens and the creamy sauce is made from… avocado! (I know that sounds weird, the husband was skeptical, but then loved it!)
Spring Pasta Recipe with pears, asparagus, and avocado!
1 bunch of asparagus, chopped into bite size pieces
1 shallot, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce…
1 avocado
6 tbsp water
1 tbsp lemon juice
the zest of one lemon
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tbsp thyme
Directions
Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the asparagus to the same pot and cook for 4 more minutes. Drain.
While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce. Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until it is smooth.
In another pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook 2-3 minutes, until soft. Then add the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are hot.
In a bowl, mix together the pasta/asparagus, peas/shallots, and the sauce. Enjoy! Serve with some delicious homemade pain d’epi bread!
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I was perusing the Kate Spade website yesterday when I found she has some of her new Spring line online.
She always has fancy clutches but I thought these were particularly fun and putting me in mood for Spring.
Now, I would never use one of these bags because of the odd shape and the volume of stuff I carry in my bag, but they are so much fun!
A flower pot…
a frog…
A hot air balloon…
A watering can…
The birdhouse is my favorite with the little birdie on the side…
This lady bug clutch is fun too!
Now, like I said, the bags above are just for looking for me. But several things caught my eye that I could possibly buy if I wandered into her store…
My favorite pink necklace broke this weekend. I am so sad. Then I saw this “garden bed gems” necklace which could replace it.
Did you know she made cups? I could see myself sipping on an homemade iced caramel macchiato in one of these, hee hee..
Kate spade, sadly, did not pay me to write this post. But I’ll accept donations, Kate Spade.
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