Weekend Whimsy #8

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Good Morning!  Here are my reads for this week.

//1// A new kitchen appliance trend… French door ovens

//2// 12 Perfect plates for a setting a stunning table

//3// Making almond croissants the easy way.  It actually does seem pretty easy.

//4// How to throw an elegant tea party, perhaps for this upcoming Mother’s Day?

//5// The ultimate chocolate truffle guide

//6// A recap of the fashion at this year’s Met Gala, in case you missed it.

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Lavender French Country Table Setting

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I’ve been inspired by my recent trip to France to make this simple French country table setting!

Lavender French Country table with burlap, dried lavender, purple goblets - Peonies and Orange Blossoms
French country tablescape

Dried lavender from my parent’s garden is in the Le Lapin French water pitcher.
Lavender French Country table with burlap, dried lavender, purple goblets - Peonies and Orange Blossoms

At each place setting there are two simple pieces of lavender with name card holders made from wine corks.  For this setting, I put down my favorite Parisian bakery/pastry shop names to remind me of my trip!

The wine cork place name card holders were actually used at my wedding.  Needless to say I used to have about 120 of them… all made by my Dad (thanks Dad!)
Lavender French Country table wine cork name tags, with burlap, dried lavender, purple goblets - Peonies and Orange Blossoms

A look from the head of the table… the faux-lavender in the anduze pot is from one of my favorite shops in St. Helena (in the Napa valley).
Lavender French Country table with burlap, dried lavender, purple goblets - Peonies and Orange Blossoms
I like how my Juliska purple goblets go with the lavender.
Lavender French Country table with burlap, dried lavender, purple goblets - Peonies and Orange Blossoms

I love the simplicity of this French country feeling table with the lavender and burlap.  It was so easy to set up.

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com
Linking up with these fabulous link parties: The Scoop!, Amaze me Monday’sInspire Me Tuesday,Wow us Wednesdays!Moonlight and Mason JarsHome Stories A to ZWork it Wednesday’sWhat’s it Wednesday’sCreative Ways , Share Your Style, Tablescape ThursdayTreasure Hunt Thursday  Your Turn to ShineFeathered Nest FridaysThursday Favorite Things ,  Imparting Grace Home Sweet Home, Great Blog Train, The inspiration Gallery, Lou Lou Girls

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Weekend Whimsy #7

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What a busy week!  I have been working like a dog after vacation… still haven’t completely unpacked and I’m *still* jet-lagged. But still, the trip was so totally worth it.

I’m so proud of myself for getting out this week’s weekend whimsy.  Here are my favorite links for the week…

1// This Mexican chopped salad with fresh corn, jicama, avocado, and beans would be perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party…

2// Hermes came out with a new line of fabrics so you can feel très chic at home.

3// Spring allergy beauty tips for allergy sufferers like myself.

4// A look at the Obama state china service unveiled for the first time.

5// How many times you can wear certain clothing pieces until you need to wash it.

6// Amazing pictures of book stores across the world, I especially like the Shakespeare & co in Paris!

Stay tuned for next week, I have new posts coming up!!
Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Cinco de Mayo Recipes

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With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, everyone is going to be thinking Mexican food.  Here’s my Cinco de Mayo recipe round-up!

My favorite dish here is this Mexican Street Corn. It’s really easy to make! 

These Black Bean Sweet Potato bites  are very tasty and a healthier alternative to tortilla chips..

You could make these Black Bean, Potato, and Cheese Pupusas for a main course or appetizers 

This Mexican corn with serrano crema is delicious! Recipe: Mexican Style Corn with Serrano Crema 

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com 

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Tropical Wedding Bouquets

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Just got back from my trip… had this post saved and ready!

With wedding season just around the corner, I thought I’d share some tropical wedding bouquet pictures I had saved on my computer.

The major theme is orchids in all different colors.  However there are peonies, roses, hydrangeas, camellias, gardenias,  and lilies in the bouquets too.  

Have you seen my Hawaii Wedding Locations Guide?

Thanks for stopping by, don’t forget to check out my Hawaii Wedding Locations Guide

Search terms: tropical wedding bouquet, tropical bridal bouquet, orchid bridal bouquet, peonies and orchid bouquet, hawaiian wedding bouquet, hawaiian bridal bouquet, hawaiian flowers, orchid rose bridal bouquet

*note* these pictures are not my own. I saved them on my computer a while ago.  If there are yours and you would like them removed, inform me.

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Bon Voyage!

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I’m headed to Paris right now… so there will be no new blog posts for about a week until I get back.

Until then, au revoir!

pictures are not my own.

I’ll be back in a week!

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Lilly Pulitzer and Target Collaboration: My Favorite Picks!

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If you haven’t heard by now, then let me tell you: Lilly Pulitzer is doing a collaboration with Target!! What???? Yep, that means there is fun Lilly stuff at affordable prices ($2-$150!).

 

Not only is there a collection for Women, but there is a collection for the home. It features plates, napkins, glassware, umbrellas, chairs, everything for your beach party!

 Of course, I love a Lilly scarf. They have tons of them for a good price… $20. Normally they cost $120!

There is also a variety of espadrilles and sandals! How cute are the sandals with the pineapple??

 They are tons of fabulous beach totes too…

The pieces go on sale April 19… when I’m in Paris. Boo. Sooo, I probably won’t be getting any of it as these colaborations usually sell out in like 2 seconds.  Unless… you want to get me something from this list…. ya know…. hint hint-iwearamedium-hint hint.  Click HERE to see the rest of the collection!!

Pictures are from Target.  I was not paid for this endorsement, I just happen to love Lilly Pulitzer!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Weekend Whimsy… French edition

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Here with another weekend whimsy… I’ll be taking a break for the next 2 weekends while I’m on vacation.

This is the French edition… sans graphics.

– Check out this beautiful wedding at a Chateau in France

– What to pack in your carry-on for long airplane flights


– The pictures on this blog from a walking tour of Paris are sooo pretty!

– Choosing a Louis Vuitton Purse


– Did you know you can rent a French chateau for pretty cheap??

– What to wear in Paris in the Spring

– OMG. you need to check out this French clothing label, Sezane. OR don’t. because I promise you’ll find something you’ll like. So… don’t check it out. your wallet thanks me.

– Pastry shops in Paris I’m going to try

Before and After pictures of a chateau reno in France!

– A very famous kitchen shop all chefs/bakers/foodies need to visit

This blogger went to Paris for four months but then… four months turned into several years.  She has the prettiest pictures and the most beautiful instagram. Y’all need to check out her blog.

One non-French thing…. Game of Thrones starts this weekend! Who’s excited?! (me!!!). Remind yourself here of what happened last season so you’re ready for the season 5 premiere!

Ok, hope you enjoyed this weekend’s French edition of Weekend whimsy!!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Weekend Whimsy #5 – Easter Edition!

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Welcome to this Easter edition of Weekend Whimsy!

//ONE//

Wow, look at these very pretty Easter baskets, from Martha Stewart, who else??

//TWO//

Have a look at these fancy imperial Faberge eggs… they are just so incredibly pretty.

//THREE//

How cute are these bunny sneakers?? They also come in black! 

//FOUR//

Don’t know what to do with all of those extra eggs? How about making this healthy greek yogurt egg salad sandwich?

 //FIVE//

The pictures on this blog are so pleasing to the eye… but I have no idea what the blog says as it’s in another language. Take a look at these pretty Easter pictures!

//SIX//

I am in love with this hare fabric… I would use it besides Easter time! 

//SEVEN//

These tussie mussie napkins have me just dying from cuteness!  They are easy to make too, you could pull it off in time for tomorrow!

//EIGHT//

This rabbit menu card is so cute… the little bunny tail carnation is so clever! 

//NINE//

I fell in love with the Pottery Barn glitter eggs but they sold out before I could buy them… this is the perfect Pottery Barn Easter copy-cat! 

//TEN//

28 beautiful Easter tablescapes to ooh and aah ate! 

And will end it for the week!!

Do you like my blog?  Peonies and Orange Blossoms Bloglovin’ is my favorite app that I use to read and follow blogs!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

Pictures are not my own.

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Spring Summer Hair 2015: the Lob

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So sorry, this post is old and has been removed. Please redirect to https://www.petitehaus.com

 

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Which Louis Vuitton Would You Choose?

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I’m headed to Paris in April and for my big 3-0 birthday I am going to get a Louis Vuitton from their store headquarters on the Champs-Elysees. Swoon. Dream come true!

Question is though… what bag to get?!?  They have so many different types of bags, which is nice, but at the same time makes it hard to choose for someone who is a little indecisive about it.

So, I could appreciate your two cents.  (No really, I could use the two cents to help me buy this bag! haha!!).

Let’s look at the choices that I’ve narrowed it down to…
#1
Now this is the classic speedy bag.  It’s what Louis Vuitton is known for.  Iconic monogram, iconic shape.  Here’s the problem though… this bag loses its cute shape when you put stuff in it. And the opening into it isn’t very big. But, they do make felt bag shapers to let the bag keep its shape.


#2
The speedy in blue. Same purse. Just in blue. What I like about this pattern is the Spring/Summer feel of it. But there’s one problem with the Damier Azur pattern and it’s this:  the dye from your blue jeans will rub onto the pattern and stain it. Yes, ruined forever… unless you’re careful. I would be careful.

#3
This “Dora” bag is a recent introduction to their collection. I like the classic lines of the bag and the fact that it keeps its shape.  It also has an optional shoulder strap which is major bonus points to me because I’m more likely to tote it around town.  All of the dora bags have optional shoulder straps.
I quite like the black edges around this one because it won’t fade like the traditional tan edges do. But the bag is stiff and it is hard to get your hand in and out of it.

 #4
The Dora in a soft leather with a new pattern.  It’s different.  I am unsure how I feel about the red letters… definitely a Winter bag.

#5
The Marais bag.  This bag is nice because it has three separate compartments to store your stuff.  The only thing though, is that I don’t think it can fit on your shoulder. (I have to go play in the store to see if I can get it on my shoulder).  So it’s really a hand-bag.  I really need to be able to at least put the bag on my shoulder for me to use it… otherwise it will likely sit in the closet.
Apparently, however, this bag has been retired and will be unavailable for purchase!


#6
The Salina bag. I actually really love this bag.  I think this color pattern would go better with my wardrobe than the classic monogram.  Since this bag sits up high enough from your jeans you wouldn’t have to worry about dye transfer.
They are retiring this bag as well, from what I was told.


#7
The Neverfull.  It’s a very practical bag. You can through anything and everything into it.  But I’m not really that in-love with the shape.  The straps on the side could  allow you to adjust the shape.  This is the most cost-effective choice, which is why I think I see this bag everywhere.


#8
The Neverfull in Damier Azur.  What I like about this pattern is how Spring/Summer like it feels. This bag would probably not get dyed from your jeans.

#9
The Reviro. I like the black straps on it, it does zip. It has a nice classic shape and it wouldn’t lose its shape. The metal on the bottom of the bag would keep it from getting dirty.

 Help me decide!  Which one do you vote for?! Leave a comment!

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com
pictures are from the Louis Vuitton website.

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Chocolate Easter Eggs: in France!

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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…

Aren’t these cuter than our foiled Easter bunny??

Which one is your favorite?  

Pictures are not my own.

http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

Linking up with these fabulous link parties: The Scoop!, Inspire Me Tuesday,Wow us Wednesdays!Creative Ways ,Share Your Style,

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Weekend Whimsy #4

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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

//THREE//

Stylish dog crate covers to hide the metal eye-sore

//FOUR//

I like this post about Dutch doors

//FIVE//

This salted caramel coconut ice cream recipe had me at ice cream. 

//SIX//

I love this bracelet I bought by Nadri… it is perfectly dainty and minimalist and goes well with my ring.

http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

These pictures are not my own.

Contains affiliate links – the bracelet link.

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Antique Black Chinoiserie Mora Clock… Mora Clock Unveil!!

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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….

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms
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!

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms

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.

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms

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!

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms

antique black mora clock @ peonies and orange blossoms

Let’s take a closer look at the chinoiserie painting and the details..

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms

A look at the bottom… I like the scroll work with the little shell at the bottom. 

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms

Let’s take a look inside… what’s in there? Oh, the chime!  It is made of solid wood.

Chinoiserie Black Antique Mora Clock at Peonies & Orange Blossoms

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!! 

Linking up with these fabulous link parties: Metamorphosis Monday’sThe Scoop!, Inspire Me Tuesday,Wow us Wednesdays!What’s it WednesdaysCreative Ways ,Share Your Style, Centerpiece Wednesday Treasure Hunt Thursday Feathered Nest Fridays, Home Sweet Home

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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Table Decorations for Easter 2015

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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.

Linking up with these fabulous link parties: Metamorphosis Monday’s, The Scoop!, Inspire Me Tuesday,Wow us Wednesdays!Creative Ways ,Share Your Style,Feathered Nest Fridays, Home Sweet HomeTablescape Thursday 

Written at http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com

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