Five on Friday #13

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This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
On the Web
You all have got to check out this article on Vogue about Nantclwyd Hall in Llanelidan Wales.  The house was built in the 1600s and is basically a modern day Downton Abbey in Wales.  I first read about it on Decor to Adore, you can read her article here.  The gardens are below, click on the article to see the front!!

Personal
If you follow along on the blog, you’ll know that we just got back from Hawaii!!  We spent the week there.  My favorite part of the trip, besides Spa day, was going kayaking in the ocean then snorkeling! We kayaked to a spot where turtles are known to hang… and sure enough! There they were!!  We also saw tons of schools of fish.

Below, the beach. That day a shark was spotted so no one was in the water!

Snorkel time! Below, a Moorish Idol (like Gill in Finding Nemo!)

School of fish!

Pretty clear day to Kayak!

Waterfall!

Where I spent the majority of my days… on the inner tube on the lazy river.

Spotted – Black and White Edition
I saw these pretty pieces online and put together this black and white mood board I really love this shirt.  I saw a *TON* of people wearing Panama Hats as well as these très chic Dior sunglasses at the pool in Hawaii! This Bien Fait (meaning Well Done in French) tote is only $5!


Top row, left to right: Panama hat // Colorblocked Sheath Dress // Dior Sunglasses
Middle Row, left to right: Cotton & Silk Tee // The Reusable Bien Fait Tote (only $5!) // High Waist Midi Skirt
Bottom row, left to right: adidas Women’s Superstar // Ruffle-sleeve top // French bikini top in dot

Favorite Instagram
Going along with the article in Vogue featured up above… This is the Instagram account of Alice, who lives in the beautiful Nantclwyd Hall up above.  She is definitely one to follow, @Aliceinherpalace

Sharing at these parties!  Friday FavoritesFive on FridayOh Hey, Friday!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop and Link Party #236

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I’m back from vacation this week.  I don’t have any features as I didn’t have any time to go through the posts. Look out for features next week!

My favorite thing this week was of course going through our vacation pictures.  We went snorkeling in Hawaii and we swam with the sea turtles!  So naturally, that was my favorite thing! 

the sea turtle!

Alright, now let’s get on to the party!

Katherine-Katherines Corner 

 Nina-Vintage Mama’s Cottage 

 Debi- Surroundings by Debi 

Betty- My Cozy Corner 

 Rosemary-An Italian In My Kitchen 

 Rina-I Thee Cook 

 Pam-Over 50 Feeling 40

Olivia-Reinvented Collection 

 Shellie-The Fabulous Journey 

 Marilyn-Marilyns Treats 

 Angelina –Peonies and Orange Blossoms 

 Jennifer- A Well Styled Life


It all starts with a simple act of kindness. Please visit at least two of the blogs ahead of you on the hop list. It will result in a much more satisfying hop experience. 


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An InLinkz Link-up

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Designing a Pool House

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Today I’m back with another post regarding our French Farmhouse build!!  Today’s post is all about pool houses.

But first, I realized I never went over the exterior look of the house… guess that will be for another post.  Think Provence.  Like the picture below. Except, stone will be used less sparingly with a bit more stucco to save some cash.  Okay, with that in mind…
This post may contain affiliate links. 

…Trying to design the layout for the pool house has been a bit difficult for me!  Initially we had the entertainment room (aka the theater room) in the pool house, but then we decided to maybe put that over the garage instead.  So, back to the drawing board for the pool house then.

Let’s go over our requirements for the pool house:
1. Must have a gym/exercise room
2. Must have a bathroom (no tub needed)
3. Must have storage for pool equipment
4. Must look super cute as the master suite looks out on this

Here is an excellent drawing by yours truly showing a general lay out. As you can see, the master suite looks out across the pool to the pool house!

Things I am thinking about for the pool house:
-Having just a covered area for seating versus having an enclosed area with a sliding door or French door
– Having a covered area over the outdoor grill/kitchen

Exercise room would look like the picture below – would like big nano doors to open, but big sliders would work as well.  Room will need to be big enough for 1 elliptical, two spin bikes, and two yoga mats. Oh and a TV so I can do exercise videos!

Do we make the pool house big enough to put say a day bed in so it could be used as a back-up guest bedroom?? Don’t know.

Something like this below could work, exercise room on the left with a covered seating area on the right.  I don’t think it would be as massive as this, but you get the idea!

I did like this pool house, although our pool would be a bit further from the building.  It isn’t quite Provincial enough for me, more Spanish, but the arches are nice.

Or, the outside of the pool house could look like a little storybook cottage? Hard to have big exercise windows then!!

I notice during my searches that I’m drawn to the symmetry. Wouldn’t it be pretty to look out of the master and have the fireplace lined up?? Exercise room on the right, um, something else on the left??

We’ve also seen this pool house a bazillion times. What’s not to like? No room for the exercise area, would have to put windows and wall some of it off.

I LOVE this Tuscan pool house below.  You could put the exercise room in the center, bathroom on the right, and maybe instead of a walled off area you could just do a covered loggia for the outdoor kitchen?

Well, I like this but I know in my heart it won’t work. Don’t you love the little oval (round?) windows!

Ok, this below is actually pretty similar to the layout of our house.  Master suite on the left and pool house on the right.  If you look, you can see some open doors on the right. We could put the exercise room where the open doors are, and then the outdoor seating area and maybe outdoor kitchen just in front?

I really like the fireplace in the center of these pool houses!

 The one below is actually in Provence.

 This pool house below is to die for.  Yes, please!

I liked the covered patio on this one below.

What I liked about the house below was how the main sliding doors are closer to us, then there’s a room that further away on the right.

 What I like about the pic below is that there’s symmetry but one has doors and was does not.  Maybe the outdoor kitchen could be straight across? Or put the outdoor kitchen on the left and the seating in the middle? I know there’s dining in the middle currently, but our dining table is going else where.

I like the loggia of the house below.

 Oh goodness, isn’t the interior of this loggia BEAUTIFUL! A bit fancier than I had dreamt, but now that I see it.. wow!!

 Symmetry. It is so pleasing to the eye.

Alright, let’s look at some house plans.  The one below, where it says garage, pretend there is an exercise room instead.  And obviously no stairs.

 For the one below, the kitchen could be open.  We could put an exercise room where the bathroom is and move the bathroom behind it?

Where it says office, put exercise room instead!

This one is the most simple.  I would flip it around and put the room on the right and the bath on the left.

Ok, back to more pool house pictures.  The one below is cute.

From Pre-Fab to Farmhouse

Photo by Historical ConceptsDiscover farmhouse landscape design ideas

What I’m interested in for the picture below is that the arched area over the kitchen is stone.  Then the living area is stucco.

Texas Chic

Photo by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors ConstructionLook for Mediterranean pool pictures

 

Instead of table below, I’d put chairs.

Outdoor Living Areas

Photo by Allan Edwards Builder IncDiscover Mediterranean patio design ideas

Hmm, this is interesting below. A fireplace is needed in the center though!

Pool House

Photo by HOBBS INCLook for farmhouse pool pictures

I like this one below too.  Except, where to put the kitchen?

Spanish Colonial

Photo by Richard Manion Architecture Inc.Look for Mediterranean pool design inspiration

This one below would work well for just exercise and a bathroom, don’t you think?

Skyfarm Villa

Photo by Dennis Mayer, PhotographerSearch Mediterranean pool design ideas

I like this little one below too.

Mediterranean Cottage

Photo by RMLASearch Mediterranean pool pictures

Okay so exercise area on the left, and covered sitting area.

Rancho Mirage Villas

Photo by Sennikoff Architects, Inc.Look for Mediterranean pool design inspiration

Really like the one below.

Colorado Tuscan House and Pool

Photo by Gayle Berkey ArchitectsBrowse Mediterranean pool ideas

 

Private Residence - Woodside, California

Photo by BraytonHughes Design StudiosMore Mediterranean pool photos

 

I also like the on below as well.  The seating and kitchen are covered by a pergola. But that also makes me think.. the birds will sit there and poop on the grill! Gah. Practical things to think about, eh?

Cabana

Photo by Residential Design Unltd.Browse traditional pool photos

 

Really like this below.  Love the shutters!

Patio and Pool

Photo by Tom Meaney Architect, AIA – Browse Mediterranean patio ideas

ALRIGHT. That does it for the day.  What do you all think? Any pool house layout suggestions?? I know, one could go crazy looking at pictures of pool houses and pinning away. But decisions must be made!

 

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Dining like a French Royal – Royal Dinner Services of France

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Today’s post all started when I was dreaming about pretty plates that I could display my macarons on and take pretty pictures of them.  One thing led to another, and the next thing I know I’m reading about the history of the Sevres porcelain factory (originally called Manufacture de Vincennes) and royal dinner services.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

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These dinner services were so pretty I decided to share them with you.  While these items are fit for a King and Queen, what I thought was refreshing about these patterns were the soft colors in the patterns (and then of course the bright bleu celeste in others).

 

It’s a nice change from the boring china that is made today, maybe our current makers of china can borrow some of these patterns (minus the gold and hand painting, to bring down the price for us.) Alright, let’s get started. Grab a cup of tea and let’s go!

The plate below was manufactured in 1756-1757 for Madame de Pompadour.  Don’t you like the flowers with the green ribbon and the floral garland? I believe it is called Green Ribbon Service.

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The service below was called “attributes and gooseberries“. It was a dessert service made for Louis XV for the Petit Trianon in 1763, then enriched by Louis XVI in 1790.

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The plate below is part of the service called “à fond lapis cailloute d’or”, made for Louis XV in 1762.

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This is a service for Madame du Barry, made in 1770 by Sevres! I love the pattern! The pattern is “sky blue ribbons service” of Madame du Barry.

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This pretty pink service was made for Louis XV at Chateau de Fontainebleau in 1770.  The pink color was really rare for the time.

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Now, the pattern below is not from the French court but I thought I’d share it anyway.  It was made by Sevres for the Earl of Essex in the 1780s.  The pretty blue that draws your eye is the bleu celeste color – a color unique to Sevres porcelain.

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The service below, Service Mythologique, was commissioned by Louis XVI in 1783 and was scheduled to take 23 years to complete the entire service.  The company had only finished half the service by the time of his execution.  The plates are heavenly – made with beau bleu border, gilt scroll, florals wreaths, and scenes from classical Roman and Greek history.  Each plate would take a year to finish! It is the most expensive service in France.

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This service was bought by King George in England and is now in the collection of HM.

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The service below was made in 1774 for Louis XVI in the Chinoiserie style – it was a Chinese ornaments tea service called “ribbon“. Louis XVI then gave this sit to his aunts Madame Adelaide and Madame Victoire.

 

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This pretty plate below was made for the sister of Marie-Antoinette (Charlotte-Louise, was she was known in France). It was once again made by Sevres.  Isn’t is super pretty??

 

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The service below Marie Antoinette commission by Sevres in 1781 for Princess de Lamballe as a gift.  The service pattern is called “à double filet bleu, roses et barbeaux”.

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The blue and green plate below was part of an entire service made for Marie Antoinette in 1781 by Sevres.  This service was called “À Perles et Barbeaux” (Pearl and Cornflower in English, Cornflowers were one of Marie Antoinette’s favorite flowers).

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Below is yet another service made by Sevres by Marie Antoinette in 1781 called “cartels en perles, panneaux en roses et bar beaux“.  I have several pictures from this collection – I wanted you all to see the details!

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Below is a tray from the Royal Blue service of Louis XV, “bleu celeste de Louix XV“, manufactured by Vincennes in 1753. He had a whole service of this pattern as the bleu celeste color was highly unusual.

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Marie Antoinette ordered a dinner service for her apartments in the Tuileries palace in Paris (burned to the ground but what remains is now part of the Louvre). It was completed in May 1784.  However, King Louis XVI decided to present the service as a diplomatic gift to King Gustave III of Sweden. So, there went her service…

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…or not! Marie Antoinette was determined to have her service. So she commissioned the factory to make more, and later that same year in August she received her service after all!  The service was called “à  frise riche en couleurs et riche en or”.  The plate below looks a little different because it’s a different type of plate in the service.

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Now, not all of the royal China patterns were fancy with gold and handprinted flowers.  Below is a rather plain plate for Louis-Phillipe for use at the Grand Trianon in 1847.  The Grand Trianon is where the men would hang out and hunt.  The pattern is “l’Office livre au Grand Trianon.”

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The piece below is from a service called “with garlands of myrtle and barbel“.  Commissioned by Louis XVI in 1783, it was use for the officers of the Service Versailles. Below is a plate from the tea and chocolate service.

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Below is another service commissioned by Madame du Barry, made in 1770-1771. You can see her initials in the center of the plate.

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Madame du Barry loved china patterns, as you can see is yet another service she commissioned!  This was is called “à vases et guirlandes” made in 1771.

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Ok, so, where am I going with this?  Well, on my internet adventures I found that in 1986 Bernardaud purchased one of the royal porcelain companies, Ancienne Manufacture Royale.  You can read about the history of this HERE.

What does that mean? They produce some of the exact same patterns from Marie Antoinette and the royal court!

Below is a picture of the original service “pearl and cornflower” sitting in a museum!

Original Service

And below is a picture of the copycat service, made today by Bernardaud!  No, the pieces are not cheap, but perhaps I could afford one teacup to display!

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Again, below is a picture of the original rambouillet dairy service made for Marie Antoinette’s Hameau, in 1788.


And below is the new version made by Bernardaud!
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Below is a pretty pattern originally made by the Manufacture de Clignancourt. It is the Rose Garden service.  The original is in Musee de Montmartre in Paris.  Bernardaud now makes the reproduction.

 

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Now, the plates below are not for French royalty, but they were produced by Sevres for Prince William of Hesse in 1829.  The “Botanique” service is unique – every piece is decorated with different flowers.  What was also interesting about this service was that the name of the plants were printed on the back of each plate – the dinner guests were to try to guess the name of the plant.  Bernardaud makes the plates now.

The plate below is a reproduction by Bernardaud from Louis XV service made for Fontainebleau. You can scroll way up and see the original!

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The plate below is from the “Marie Antoinette Petit Trianon” produced by Raynaud Limoges.  The pattern below is a copy of Marie Antoinette’s monogrammed travel kit.

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I leave you with a milk pail from Marie Antoinette…

What pattern is YOUR FAVORITE??? Leave a comment!

Did you know that you can search the Collections of the Chateau de Versailles?? That’s where I found a lot of the history and pictures!

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Five on Friday – Vacation

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Aloha!

I’m actually away from the blog this week relaxing in paradise.  I’ll post a few pics of paradise on my Instagram. Back on Sunday with a regular post!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

While I’m gone though, you can always check out my tumblr blog or my other social media here:  bloglovin, instagramtwitterpinterest, and google plus

Last time I was in Hawaii…

I had my eye on these cute swimsuits before I left…

written at peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop & Link Party #235

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.

Aloha everyone!! This week I’m actually away from the blog on vacation.  Sorry I didn’t have time this week to choose any favorites!

Please head over to Katherine’s Corner to link up your posts!!  If I can, I’ll post the link for the party… but I won’t have a computer with me so it is unlikely I’ll be able to do that!

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop and Link Party

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Pretty Floral Dresses for Spring 2016

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.

Today I’ve fallen in love with pretty floral dresses for Spring!  I love the romantic prints on these dresses.  These would be perfect to wear to bridal showers, weddings, tea parties, or pretty much whenever you feel like dressing up and looking beautiful!!

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Top Row: pink maxi dress // pink cherry, daisy and bee print dress // romantic bustier dress // beautiful embellished tulle dress

Middle Row: blue printed chiffon maxi dress // stamped floral dress // belted maxi dress

Bottom Row: bright multicolor maxi dress // lace trumpet dress // floral-applique illusion gown // appliquéd silk-organza gown (for looks, only!)

Which one is your favorite??  I think mine is the pink cherry, daisy, and bee print dress for daytime events and the beautiful lace trumpet dress for evenings.

These dresses were all in stock when I made this.

linking up at: amaze me monday  The Scoop!  BNOTP Mon Inspire Me Tuesday Cooking and Crafting with J&J Wow us Wednesdays! Moonlight and Mason Jars Share Your Style Thursday Favorite ThingsThoughts of Home Home Sweet Home Feathered Nest Fridays The DIY collective Craftberry Bush Foodie Friday & Everything Else Shabbylicious Friday Best of the Weekend Share it One More Time Sundays at Home Dishing it and Digging It

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut Macaron Recipe

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I’m back with another macaron recipe! These ones were super good!  I like to use the French macaron method, as I think it is easier.

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut macaron recipe!

If you like raspberries and nutella you will like these!!  Yes, the filling has nutella. I didn’t make my own chocolate hazelnut ganache, I got lazy. Sorry.  These cookies are time consuming enough to make!  I love making them though… they are really quite pretty and you can show off to your friends and family!

Materials needed: (affiliate links are used for your convenience)

    • a food scale (yes, you need this. I use this one)
    • a piping tip and piping bag (I like the ateco #806, I use these tips and piping bag)
    • Food coloring (the gels or dry powder works best, not the liquid store stuff)
    • A macaron template
    • food processor (I use this one)

Laduree Macarons Recipe

275g ground almonds

250g powdered sugar

210g egg whites

210g granulated sugar

 

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 to the paper, they aren’t cool yet. Or you undercooked them.

 

Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut macaron recipe!

Filling – for Raspberry Chocolate Macarons

Ingredients:

  • Seedless raspberry jam (For these macarons, the easiest way for the filling is to buy seedless raspberry jam.  I know, it’s cheating! If you really wanted to be fancy, you could make your own.)
  • Nutella

1. Once the cookies are cool, add a dollop of your nutella to one cookie and spread with a small knife, spoon, or icing spatula.  Then add a dollop of raspberry jam.  Don’t push too hard when spreading, otherwise you will break them!

2.  Place the other cookie to your filling, press gently, and slightly twist the two together.

3. Once all assembled, put them in an airtight container and let them mature (yes, that’s the scientific word for this process) in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

Now, these cookies won’t be bad if you eat them immediately, they will just be amazing if you wait a day.  The theory is that the juices from the filling soak back into the cookie to make an AMAZING cookie.

Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut macaron recipe!

Have you made macarons?? Let me know about your experience!

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Five on Friday #12

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.


This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Spotted
Spring Vases Edition!  With all of the flowers about to burst into full bloom next week here I have been browsing looking at pretty vases!!

I love this footed bud vase from Juliska! Isn’t is so pretty?

This vase below is actually more for bulbs as it is a cache pot. It is so pretty, I can imagine a pretty orchid sitting in it, can’t you?

Cute polka dote vase by Kate Spade!

I love these little bud vases! You would need to buy three though! Anthropologie, Tapered Bud Vase

I love this little bud vase from Juliska, it’s only 4″ high so perfect for your garden roses!

This milk jug flower vase is really cute and perfect for the farmhouse look! Only $15!

On the Net
How to avoid the most common nursery mistakes.  Important information as I know we are all headed out into the gardens right now!

Favorite Instagram

Casa de Perrin is actually a business that curates tabletops and does party rentals.  Regardless, they set the prettiest tables!  I am in love with their recent pink, green and gold table! 



From the Blog

If you missed it, I am conducting a reader survey. I value your input about my blog and want to make my blog the best that it can be.  I invite you to take just two minutes to take my reader survey. CLICK HERE to take it! Thank you very much!!

Favorite Recipe of the Week

Ok, I confess, I have *not* made this recipe… yet. I saw it this week and pinned it and knew I wanted to make it.  Doesn’t it look delicious?? It is a lemon poppy seed cake with blackberry vanilla bean buttercream. Get the recipe at Oh, Honey Bakes!

recipe and pic from Oh Honey Bakes

Sharing at these parties!  Friday FavoritesFive on FridayOh Hey, Friday!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

You can also follow me by clicking on these: bloglovin, instagramtumblrtwitterpinterest, and google plus

Follow:

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop & Link Party #234

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.

Hey, welcome back for another week of Thursday Favorite Things!  I enjoy reading through as many posts as I can that you all link up! So many different things to read!  I confess, I don’t really watch TV anymore. I just read the internet.

This week I conducted a reader survey. Thank you to all who have participated. If you have not yet given me your two cents, you can still take my reader survey HERE. It will take just a few minutes.

Here are a few of my favorite posts from last week’s part-ay!

Kathy at You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out shared her trip to Washington DC that was made specifically to photograph the beautiful cherry trees! You all have to check out her pictures! This is something I hope to see in person some day!

From Parsimonious to Perfection shared this pretty tartan table setting in honor of national tartan day.  I don’t usually think of tartans as Spring colors, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this pretty table!

Cristina at Bird’s Party shared this DIY marble and copper charger.  It is really simple and it looks elegant!  I think I’m going to have to try this!

 You all know I am sucker for *anything* Paris related.  Julia at Auf der Mammilade shared her trip to Paris including pics of an apartment they stayed in.  Her pictures are truly stunning!  The site is in German – here is a link to the English version.

Southern Elle Style shared a great post on What to Wear to a Bridal Shower: Guest Edition.  I just love that colorful skirt!!

Alright, on to the party this week!!

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop and Link Party

Katherine-Katherines Corner 

 Nina-Vintage Mama’s Cottage 

 Debi- Surroundings by Debi 

Betty- My Cozy Corner 

 Rosemary-An Italian In My Kitchen 

 Rina-I Thee Cook 

 Pam-Over 50 Feeling 40

Olivia-Reinvented Collection 

 Shellie-The Fabulous Journey 

 Marilyn-Marilyns Treats 

 Angelina –Peonies and Orange Blossoms 

 Jennifer- A Well Styled Life


It all starts with a simple act of kindness. Please visit at least two of the blogs ahead of you on the hop list. It will result in a much more satisfying hop experience. 


PLEASE link to your blog post, not your home page. You can link up to 3 posts.


YES you can link your giveaways.  Please add them to the give away page at Katherines Corner too.


NO links to your shop/services or other blog hops, please. You can add your hop to Katherine’s blog hop page.


OPTIONAL link back or blog/social share is always appreciated.


Adding your link to this blog hop gives Katherine and her hostesses’ permission to share your posts and pictures via social media, on pinterest and as features on their blogs.


Happy Hopping!

If you are a not a blogger, you can still enjoy this party! You simply click on a link below any of the thumbnails and you will be taken directly to the post!


An InLinkz Link-up

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French Country Spring House Tour 2016

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 always think Christmas time if my favorite time of year, but now that it’s Spring… I think Spring is my favorite time of year! I just love all of the fresh flowers!

This post may contain affiliate links which means I make a few cents when you click on links.

The biggest way I add Spring decor to the house is to bring in fresh flowers from the garden.  Below, Mr. Swan has dried eucalyptus and ranunculus floating on his back.  My little Staffordshire Swan bud vases are on both sides with pink flowers in them too!  The Faience plates are above them.

I already showed you all my French pink table setting.  The flowers are STILL alive, whew! It’s been over a week!

Spring French table setting with Madeira table cloth, Meissen plates, pink and white ranunculus, and vintage French goblets.

 

Below is a little Spring vignette on my French marble top console table.  The theme is that of my wedding from several years ago which was a romantic pink and silver theme.  The little white statue below was actually on our table at the wedding and the French vase held wedding flowers.  I blurred out my wedding picture on purpose.

I purchased the table from Eloquence years ago.  It actually hasn’t held up too well with multiple cross-country moves and I’m afraid it is going to break here soon someday.  The little crystal lamp was a RH outlet find for $89!

My formal living room is spruced up for Spring with a few fresh flowers.  I stuck a few in a little Limoges tea cup.  I love the French gilt mirror… it’s my favorite piece!  I love the curtains my Mom made for me… beautiful seamist green check from Chelsea Editions.  My favorite bergere chairs sit in front of them.  For my coffee table I actually use two little French marble top side tables.

Turn the corner and I spy my tulipiere full of more fresh flowers.  This time with carnations and unique ranunculus.  I am working on a table setting with them.

Let’s head out to my little cutting garden.  I have never grown ranunculus before until this year.  We planted them in October.  They have been in bloom for several weeks now.  I didn’t know when they open up they look like anemones.

This Fall I’m going to plant even more ranunculus. I am so happy with how they have turned out!  Oh yes, and anemones too!  I really want to plant the Cloni, Hanoi, and Cappuccino ranunculus varieties. Do you know where I can find those bulbs??

Back inside, oh my, a pretty pink present for someone’s birthday coming up!  Wonder what it could be… guess we’ll find out later.

While taking pictures of this tour, I spy a Chloe cat. She is curled up sleeping on the wool blanket without a care in the world (wait, not true. She cares about her food bowl as she is fat cat and loves to eat).

A French Country Style Spring Home Tour
A French Country Style Spring Home Tour

 

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Reader Survey 2016

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.

Hi everyone!  I’m pretty excited about today because it is YOUR chance to tell me how I’m doing!

I am conducting my FIRST EVER Reader Survey! I’m excited and a little anxious.

I am conducting this survey to help me deliver the type posts that you WANT to read!  It will help me make Peonies & Orange Blossoms a better blog.  I love my blog and how much it has grown since it started. However, I love making changes to it and want to deliver content that you, MY READERS, are interested in!

I would be so grateful for your participation… it should only take a few minutes. (I timed my husband – it should take between 2 and 6 minutes).  Your responses are anonymous.

If the survey does not load for you, CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY.


Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to fill out my survey! I look forward to reading all of your responses and to developing Peonies and Orange Blossoms into a better blog!

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Five on Friday #11

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Hello and Happy April!

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
On the Net
The king of French cuisine, Alain Ducasse, is going to be opening a restaurant at the Chateau de Versailles! It is also part of a 20-room luxury hotel that will open its doors in 2018.  You will be able to dine like a King on “a terrace with a view of the Versailles orange grove and the Bosquet de la Reine gardens.” Read the article here.

Alain Ducasse’s restaurant at Le Meurice

The decor of the hotel and restaurant will stay in the style of Versailles! If it looks anything like the restaurant above, I think we will all swoon!  Alain Ducasse has earned 21 Michelin stars total!

Spotted

This week I wrote about French Chinoiserie and How to Add Chinoiserie Decor to Your Home. I was writing the post I was looking at pretty Chinoiserie pieces… I’ve saved some of them and am sharing them with you!!

Chinoiserie Decor For Your Home!

Top Row, left to right: red chinoiserie plate// Chinoiserie Wastebasket (also in black and yellow) // beautiful red Chinoiserie lamp

Middle Row, left to right: bird toile napkins //  Chinoiserie outdoor wing chair  //  blue and white ceramic jar $49

Bottom Row, left to right: blue plate only $7!!(red and yellow)  // Chinoiserie French stool, a good deal at $165 // Bamboo gold accent table

Personal
To be honest I’ve been working like a dog because I have vacation coming up.  You know how that goes, essentially have to put in 4 weeks of work into 3 so you can have a week off!

On The Blog
After I styled my table this week for a pretty French pink table setting, it had me looking back at my post when I was lusting for lustreware!  Ever heard of lustreware? It is a very pretty pink porcelain.

Favorite Instagram of the Week
If you didn’t know already, I’m obsessed with Instagram!!  I love choosing my favorite IG of the week. I have a hard time choosing every time!  I would love for you to follow me on Instagram! 
This week my favorite pic are these pink velvet French settee and chair in front of an antique tapestry! Love!!  This account by Julio Lima is full of pretty decorating inspiration!

Sharing at these parties!  Friday FavoritesFive on FridayOh Hey, Friday!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

You can also follow me by clicking on these: bloglovin, instagramtumblrtwitterpinterest, and google plus

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Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop & Link Party #233

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.

Hello everyone! Welcome back for another Thursday Favorite Things Link Party!!!  My favorite thing this week was my French pink table setting for Spring!  My flowers are still looking just as pretty as when I photographed them this weekend below. I wrote about them in my post here.

French table with fresh pink and white ranunculus

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop and Link Party

So that’s what I’ve been up to. Now onto my favorite posts from the party last week!

Sarah at Hyacinths for the Soul shared “Tiptoe Through the Daffodils“… a post full of beautiful Spring decor, fresh flowers, bunnies, and enough Mackenzie-Childs to make me drool!

 

Old Things New Blog did a makeover for her French Country bar stools. They look fab now, you all should see the before!

Rosemary at An Italian in my Kitchen shared her recipe for Spaghetti Broccoli Arugula with Pecorino.  If you didn’t know, Rosemary is one of the Thursday Favorite Things Co-hostesses and she shares the tastiest looking Italian recipes on her blog! I’m always drooling at her pics.

Pat at Bringing French Country Home shared her Spring Changes in the French Country Dining Room. I really loved this little vignette below, it looks like she’s ready for a picnic! 


That’s it for this week’s features.  I’m curious to see what you will share with us all next!  Thank you all for stopping by. 

Katherine-Katherines Corner 

 Nina-Vintage Mama’s Cottage 

 Debi- Surroundings by Debi 

Betty- My Cozy Corner 

 Rosemary-An Italian In My Kitchen 

 Rina-I Thee Cook 

 Pam-Over 50 Feeling 40

Olivia-Reinvented Collection 

 Shellie-The Fabulous Journey 

 Marilyn-Marilyns Treats 

 Angelina –Peonies and Orange Blossoms 

 Jennifer- A Well Styled Life


It all starts with a simple act of kindness. Please visit at least two of the blogs ahead of you on the hop list. It will result in a much more satisfying hop experience. 


PLEASE link to your blog post, not your home page. You can link up to 3 posts.


YES you can link your giveaways.  Please add them to the give away page at Katherines Corner too.


NO links to your shop/services or other blog hops, please. You can add your hop to Katherine’s blog hop page.


OPTIONAL link back or blog/social share is always appreciated.


Adding your link to this blog hop gives Katherine and her hostesses’ permission to share your posts and pictures via social media, on pinterest and as features on their blogs.


Happy Hopping!

If you are a not a blogger, you can still enjoy this party! You simply click on a link below any of the thumbnails and you will be taken directly to the post!


An InLinkz Link-up

Follow:

French Table Setting in Pink

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.

What I love most about Spring are the pretty flowers!  I picked up some pretty pink ranunculus from both the flower market and my own garden and put together this Spring French table setting!

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I make a few cents when you click.

Spring French table setting with Madeira table cloth, Meissen plates, pink and white ranunculus, and vintage French goblets.

 

When putting together this table, I initially used my Juliska “Country Estate” plates.  But then I looked up on my bedroom wall and thought, ah ha!  And the pink plates came down from the wall.

Spring French table setting with Madeira table cloth, Meissen plates, pink and white ranunculus, and vintage French goblets.

The plates are by Meissen and the pattern is “Purple Indian”.  Based on the mark on the back, they are from around the 1850s!

Spring French table setting with Madeira table cloth, Meissen plates, pink and white ranunculus, and vintage French goblets.

The pink goblets are a recent antique mall score.  They are vintage and made in France.

Spring French table setting with Madeira table cloth, Meissen plates, pink and white ranunculus, and vintage French goblets.

The table cloth is antique.  It is a Madeira table cloth.  The table cloth is made of organdy, applique, and embroidery.  I’ve taken a close-up to show you the pretty details!

antique madeira table cloth

I love my vases!  I hauled back the little bud vases with people from my trip to Paris last year. The pitcher in the center is new (an early birthday present!!) and is also from Astier de Villate.  I just LOVE my new pitcher.  The other little bud vases are Juliska and are retired.

French table with fresh pink and white ranunculus

I couldn’t stop photographing the flowers. They are so photogenic.  Did you notice I hid some geraniums in the little bud vases?

French table setting with pink ranunculus

This was the first year I have grown my own ranunculus. They are so pretty out in the garden; I hated picking them but then I brought them in and didn’t regret it!

Pink ranunculus and geraniums in a pretty French pitcher

Spring French table setting with Madeira table cloth, Meissen plates, pink ranunculus, and vintage French goblets.

I’ll end this post with a treat, would you like a raspberry macaron?

French table setting with Meissen plates, Astier de Villate pitcher, and pink ranunculus

A French country Spring table setting

 

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