Anne-Marie with a dash

Famous clichés!

2010-12-05T13:25:00.000-05:00

I had such a good laugh with this You Tube video that someone posted on Facebook. Thanks Nel! They are so accurate. The first time I visited France I looked everywhere to find Frenchmen wearing striped shirts with berets hugging and armpit baguette.....What I saw and heard was quite different. Enjoy!

My 2 feet of snow!

2010-12-03T00:37:00.000-05:00

This is what 2 feet of snow looks like:

Have a good weekend everyone! I've had problems with my blog in the last 3 weeks. I can finally go and visit you nice people that have left comments. Yahoo.....!

Someone has to pay for the wedding!

2010-12-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

UK credit worsens:

I'm loving it!

Sparkling Cranberry Rose

2010-11-13T01:53:00.000-05:00

Today I've joined Beverly at Pink Saturday. If pink is your thing click here!

Here is a great recipe for entertaining. It looks and tastes great!

ingredients

8 to 10 sugar cubes
1 to 1-1/4 cups cranberry juice
1 750-milliliter bottle sparkling rosé wine, champagne, or sparkling white grape juice
Fresh cranberries (optional)

directions

1. Place one sugar cube in the bottom of 8 to 10 chilled champagne flutes or other tall, narrow glasses. Pour 2 tablespoons cranberry juice into each glass.

2. Fill each glass with sparkling rose wine or champagne.

If desired, place a wooden skewer of fresh cranberries in each glass.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

http://www.imaginedesignblog.com/

Happy Pink S aturday !

girlfriends, the key to a long life?

2010-11-05T01:35:00.003-04:00

Can having girlfriends cause us to live longer?

I was reading an old issue of Oprah magazine, (which, by the way, is very substantive reading), and caught an article about womens' friendships and how important they are to us gals.
Apparently, women value their friendships much more than men do. They take them more seriously, sincerely care about what's going on in the lives of their women friends and feel a genuine need for regular sisterly togetherness.

The article said women who have viable friendships throughout their lives, in particular as they grow older, tend to live longer and suffer from less illness than women who don't have many confidants. Having friends you see regularly helps to reduce stress, improve the immune system and offers a support system that can rival the ear of even the most qualified psychiatrist. Seems women have figured it out, or maybe it's just something hardwired in us from the beginning of time. Women need the company of women just because.

I can speak from my own experiences. At this point in my life I have a handful of friends I know I can count on. They bring me incredible joy and their place in my life is immeasurable. Because I'm a very open and frank person, I find it incredibly satisfying to be able to tell my friends what's on my mind, no matter what. They are like my therapists. They also make me laugh, help me through tough times and celebrate the happy times and being with them just makes me feel healthier.

When I was younger and while I was raising my kids, I didn't have near the friends I have now. Of course my children were my main focus, and even then I still managed to have two regular friends, both with the name Cindy. Only one Cindy has remained. I've since lost contact with the other, having moved to a new town. Now that my kids are almost grown and my husband works at home, I have more time to foster my friendships. I can tell you these women are very important elements in my life. I have a Girlfriend Friday group which consists of about 8 women who have known me since the early grades of grammar school. We meet once a month and make it a point to never miss a Friday. We look forward to a meal together and a night of sitting around the table just talking and catching up on each others' lives. The laughter is infectious on these Friday nites. My other group of friends are the women I met on the internet about 6 years ago through a Delphi forum. These women all share my interests in doll making and crafting/sewing. We have gathered together many times for crafting getaways where we all sit at a table with our sewing machines, laugh, sip on cocktails and share our stories and lives with each other. We also hit the antique shops and flea markets to seek out our favorite vintage treasures. The projects we work on are just something to keep our hands busy while we enjoy our time together. The laughter alone from any of these groups probably adds a week to my life each time I see them. When I'm with them, I feel better. My whole soul just sings when I'm with my girlfriends. Nothing beats the sisterhood of women.

Just over the last 6 years or so girlfriends have really become an integral part of my life. My friends are simply fabulous. There are things I can divulge to them I could never tell my husband. Their time spent with me is something I treasure. I want these women to grow old with me....to be there all through the coming years. I hope we'll all be around for a long time because between us all there is enough laughter to keep us going for a long time--and hopefully healthy for the next 30 years.

So, let me ask you...have you hugged your girlfriend today?

I've also joined: HOP ALONG FRIDAY

Delicious Chocolate math GAME !

2010-11-03T13:15:00.010-04:00

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH

Don't tell me your age; you'd probably lie
anyway-but the Hershey Man will know!

This is pretty neat math GAME!
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute .
Work this out as you read .
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that
you would like to have chocolate (more than once but
less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Add 5

4. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator ....

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1760 ..
If you haven't, add 1759..

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.
(Its difficult to do math while looking at chocolate, I know,
we are almost finished)

   You should have a three digit number:

The first digit of this was your original number
(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are (ta da):



YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)
THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2010) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.

Now, time to reward yourself with your favorite chocolate treat!

True Love!

2010-11-01T01:37:00.006-04:00

Click on the pink title below "The Orangutan and the Hound. You will not be disappointed! True love comes in many shapes and sizes. This one is really incredible.

Orangutan and the Hound

Start carving!

2010-10-29T03:06:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALOWEEN……………

Incredible artist!

Artist Ray Villafane began carving pumpkins on a lark for his art students in a small rural school district in Michigan. The hobby changed his life as he gained a viral following online and unlocked his genuine love of sculpting. Here are images of pumpkin carvings Villafane created over the past five years.


I have my eye on you!


Very rude!

He looks like he is well fed! Love his hat!

He won last year's competition for Best Halloween Costume. OK, you can scratch your eyes out!

This one has a splitting headache!

I've joined a few blog hops:

Click here to meet Berverly at Pink Saturday!

Male or female

2010-10-26T22:27:00.006-04:00

As a French teacher its not always easy to teach the difference between feminine and masculine. Everything has a gender: la table, le téléphone, etc...It can be hard for kids to memorize. There are still a few things that still challenge me. I still cant say if the following are are male or female. Here`s what a male friend of mine says:

	FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
	PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong Buttons.
	TIRES: Tires are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated
	HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under their butt.
	SPONGES: These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
	WEB PAGES: Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
	TRAINS: Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people..
	EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
	HAMMERS: Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
	THE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it wouldbe male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying

Which group do you belong to?

2010-10-25T12:27:00.006-04:00

The elementary schoolyard is full of them -- of cliques and it's not the kids that I am talking about, it's the moms. By now every mom can walk into their schoolyard and find their peeps -- the like-minded, like-outfitted people that they can stand around with and gossip and discuss burning kid issues.

My schoolyard breaks down into the following cliques:

Athletes: they arrive in their workout gear and discuss training schedules and injuries.

Cool Kids: these moms are also impeccably dressed but they have a more unstudied look to their outfits. They want to look as they don’t care, when they really do. They discuss their busy social calendar and the sales at their favorite independent boutiques.

The Frantics: rushing in late in sweatpants and always talking about their daily crisis, everything is an emergency needing discussion.

The Greens: Everything is mismatched hemp or vintage finds, they are always carrying re-useable bags filled with glass containers and are worried about the latest study on toxicity. Their kids don't watch much TV or play video games but they do play a wicked piano concerto.

The Lifers: every school has them. The women who devote most of their day to the school, organizing pizza lunch, fundraisers, and classroom volunteers. Their powers of organization are legendary and a little scary. I love the lifers. What would I do without them!

The Working Moms: they are not a clique per se as they actually have somewhere to go after drop-off. They may not be aware of the ins and outs of the social scene so they can stand out as the make an appearance at the schoolyard. As they walk off the schoolyard they may not realize that the eyes of those left behind may be following them longingly. (I used to belong to this group).

The Forever Mommies: they often have a baby strapped to them in some way, or a toddler clinging to their leg crying, they are talking naptime and toilet training for the upteemth time

There are of course other groups such as the Foodies discussing meal plans, the men-bashers (guilty as charged), the victims....

Its just the way I see things! But I love all my moms because they do give me their best work: their kids!

If you want to join Debbie at Tuesday Tag, just click HERE!

La vie en rose

2010-10-22T00:17:00.001-04:00

I decided to write a post about pink products I personally like. Last week I published a post about pink products that are being sold to help find a cure for breast cancer . You can find it here! Today is TGIF! I feel like taking it easy and creating a post just for the fun of it. The following products are just some of my favorites at the moment and they just happen to be pink.

First, nail polish:

I`ve always loved pink nail polish. Once in a while I wear red but 95% of the time I just love to wear pink polish (the bonus is that mistakes dont show as much). . There is a new trend called French Inverse nails. I quite like it!

Then there is the traditional look, always a classic:

The bottle seems a bit mauvy but your nails will look a fresh pink.

The next product is quite smart. Its made by Shuella. They are shoe covers. Lets say you are stepping out wearing your best shoes (made from fine leather, satin or suede) and then it starts to pour. No need to worry, you just flick out your pink shoe covers from your purse and voilà! In case you are interested you can have a closer look at their website (the covers exist in other colors): http://www.shuella.com/

Lastly, I present to you my favorite spread. Its delicious on ice cream, croissant or French bread: its rose petal jelly! This one is made locally!

You have to try it. I dont like sweet jams but this jelly is perfumed with a hint of rose and tastes great. You can find this product everywhere these days. I usually find mine in gourmet shops. Hope you enjoyed my short list of pink products. Have a Happy Pink weekend!

Flattery Specialist for 5$ a call !

2010-10-19T22:25:00.006-04:00

I'm not sure how to react to this one! Its about a company that charges 5$ a call to flatter people. Apparently its spreading like crazy! Miriam Glassman is the creator of the concept. Last week she spent 60 hours on the phone. She wont say what she's making but enough to make a living. She makes calls on your behalf. Sort of like a personal secretary. Mother is not feeling well....call Miriam and she knows how to cheer her up! Your employee reached her sales quota, she will call her with pats on the back! All this for 5$ !!! Dont believe me. Check her website: http://www.flatterme.ca/index.html

Here is part of their ad:

Top 10 Ways People Are Using Flatter Me?
(It started off with compliments but Flatter Me phone calls has become so much more. Tell us what you want. And we'll phone em' to deliver the message! Only "positive" messages though!)

1) Employee Motivation calls . Did someone do something great at work? This is a great way to encourage a job well done.
2) Cheer Me Up Calls. Know someone that is having a bad day? Feeling helpless? Flatter Me phone calls can help.
3) Apology Calls. Did something wrong? Need to do some serious sucking up to someone. This "might" help!
4) Happy Birthday Calls. Happy Valentine's Day. Happy Anniversary. Happy Father's Day. We do it all!
5) Appreciation Calls. Mom's overworked? Wanna make someone feel appreciated. We won't let them forget how valuable they are!
6) You Can Do It Calls. Know someone that has a goal? Training for a marathon? Lately, we've been doing encouragement phone calls too.
7) Santa Claus Calls. Want Santa to call your kids to get their gift list and remind them to be good? We're here for family occasions.
8) Got A Crush On You Calls. Too shy to tell that special someone you think they are amazing? Need a date this weekend? It's worked for others!
9) Custom Phone Calls. Be creative. It's like a phone-o-gram. If it is positive, we'll say it. We've delivered poems and more.
10) Holiday Greeting Calls. Wanna wish someone a happy thanksgiving? Happy New Year? We celebrate all holidays at Flatter Me!

I dont know about you but I'm not ready to outsource my personal calls yet....Its edgy but is it effective? My educated guess is that our elderly parents would not be too elated by our effortless attempt to empathise with such empty effort on our part!

Down with high heels...

2010-10-18T21:23:00.004-04:00

Recently in the UK, The Trade Union Congress, that represents 7 millions workers, tried to ban high heels. High heels were deemed inappropriate for the work place. According to the TUC, heels higher than 2.5 cm (1 inch) are degrading to women and can cause health problems. This proposition caused an uproar because British, Scottish and Irish women feel that wearing stylettos in the work place contribute in enhancing self-esteem....

I joined a few Blog Hops:

Fight like a diva

2010-10-15T01:55:00.015-04:00

A few years ago I lost a friend to breast cancer. She was 38. She had 3 children, the youngest being 8 months old when she passed. The 2 others were 6 and 12. She had been a cancer survivor for a few years when she found out she was pregnant again. Her doctor recommended that she terminate her pregnancy as it put her at risk. She loved children and could not go through with with and had a beautiful baby girl but then...she found out that the cancer was back and it had spread.

Many criticized her for having a baby against her doctor's wishes but I remember her words: I feel I have been given a miracle and that this is God's way of showing me his love. She was by no means stupid, she was a university professor and had a heart of gold. As she was dying, she did not complain once but she kept worrying about the future of her 3 girls. She especially did not want them to be separated. Unfortunately, no one in the family could take in the 3 girls all at once. I know they have adjusted and are generally happy. It was a real heartbreaking story for all of us. I often think of Louise and of how proud she would be of her girls 10 years later.

I dedicate this post to her and everyone out there that is "fighting like a diva". We are making some real progress but the fight must go on. There is a contest on Polyvore to mark October as Cancer Awareness Month. The best set wins. Hope you enjoy it. There are a few items for sale listed at the bottom. Some of the proceeds go towards The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Check out the Estee Lauder Jeweled Pink Ribbon pin offered at 13$. Estee Lauder is donating the proceeds to the cause.

Strapless Bow Party Dress
$69 - metroparkusa.com
Party dress »

Cancer Apparel | Cancer Shirts and Ribbon Gifts
zazzle.com

shoes , Shoes, Womens - Search Zappos.com
$89 - zappos.com
Shoes »

Aionoeud bow-embellished clutch
$260 - theoutnet.com
Satin handbag »

Estée Lauder Jeweled Pink Ribbon Pin - Beauty - Bloomingdales.com
$13 - bloomingdales.com
Ribbon jewelry »

Oval Classic Pink Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds
$6,500 - ylang23.com
Pink jewelry »

Sparkle Stud Earrings
$45 - saksfifthavenue.com
Kate spade jewelry »

Makeup and Cosmetics | Shop Eyes Lips Face
$5 - eyeslipsface.com

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color Colour Nouvelle Riviera No. 537 Limited...
$30 - izzysbeautyshoppe.com

NEW LashBlast Luxe Mascara :: CoverGirl
covergirl.com

I've joined a few blog hops on Friday and Saturday:

To join The Green Frog, just click Here

Dream Day

2010-10-14T01:27:00.001-04:00

I'm at home recovering from pneumonia. The last few days have been spent on making a speedy recovery. I'm patient to a certain degree but complete rest is fun for the first 24 hours but anything beyond that is insane. I can only imagine what these Chilean miners went through after spending so much time in the dark. I cant compare my situation to theirs but in the meantime I've been coping by dreaming up "Dream Days". Below is one such example of my hallucinations: loads of cash on hand and a figure to die for. Here is how I would plan my dream day in Paris for example:

First thing's first, I would check into a fabulous hotel. It's always nice to know you have somewhere decadent to have a quick power nap before heading out again. Paris has plenty of super luxe hotels to choose from, but for me there is only one; the Plaza Athénée better known as 'Carrie's hotel in Paris'. Ever since I saw it in the last couple of episodes of SITC, it's stuck in my mind as one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen and somewhere that I must visit, one day.
I would hang around Avenue Montaigne and Rue de Faubourg St. Honore, watching elegant Parisian woman indulge in some retail therapy. They are renowned for being impossibly chic, so I'm sure I could pick up a tip or two about being a bit more polished! I would definitely head over to Ladurée to indulge on a macaroon or 10, while doing some more people watching.

My inevitable sugar rush will almost certainly put me in the mood for window shopping. Paris is home to some ridiculously cool, iconic boutiques: Colette and L'Éclaireur.

Of course, no fashion trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to Chanel on Rue Cambon. The almost legendary building houses a Chanel store, haute couture dressing room, a workshop and Coco Chanel's apartment. It's such a beautiful building!

I'm sure a fair amount of time would be spent looking out for Karl Lagerfeld's yellow hummer, if I saw it I would probably throw myself at him!

I would visit some of the markets and rummage around for some antiques. Marche aux Puces de Clignancourt is one of the largest markets in Europe, it's actually made up of 15-20 smaller markets and has over 2,000 stalls! For something a little more less crowded, I would head to Marche aux Puces de Vanves for some vintage clothes and costume jewellery.

My ideal evening would be spent at The Crazy Horse or the Moulin Rouge. I'm sure the Dior Institut spa, situated in the hotel, will be put to good use after that action packed day!!

Of course, if I went during Paris Fashion Week it would be a different story. I would beg/borrow/barter my way into Balenciaga/Galliano/Dior/Chanel/McQueen shows...or at least hang out in the Jardin des Tuileries!

I dont know about you but I feel better already. Hope you enjoyed my Dream Day in Paris.

Today I joined Jenny at

Too many berries?

2010-10-13T00:05:00.006-04:00

Here is a great recipe that is so simple and yet so delicious. Its perfect for this time of the year when berries are so abundant!

RED BERRY CRUMBLE

Can be made using fresh or frozen BERRIES

Easy recipe

For 6 people:

2 cups (1lb) of your favorite red berries
3 tablespoons of sugar (white)
2 tablespoons of red currant jam
1/2 cup of soft butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 1/2 cup of flour

Préparation : 10 mn
Cooking time : 15 mn
Resting time: 0 min
Total time : 25 mn

1) Preheat oven at 325 F. Mix the red BERRIES with the sugar and the current jam and spread in 6 individual small ramequins.

2) Mix the butter, the brown sugar and flour and spread evenly on mixed berry preparation. 3) Cook in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Pour finir... while it is still warm, I like to add a tablespoon of whipped cream or my favorite: a scoop of vanilla ice cream...... mmmm!

To see other posts relating to red, please visit Sue here!

To visit Melissa, Carly and and Allison, just click on the following button:
To visit Kristin and Jaime at:

please click here!

Sounds like a great idea!

2010-10-08T11:33:00.002-04:00

To see more pink posts make sure to click HERE

I want them back!

It’s over. It took you years to find the perfect ones, the ones that brought out the best in you : beauty, confidence. You’ll never get over them. You’ll never be able to replace them.

Your favorite black pants (or pink dress). Worn out....

Don’t do anything desperate. In Paris, a resurrection of romance is always possible. Or at least a good copy.

The creators of the website www.jeveuxlememe.fr (translating « I want the same.com ») offer to borrow your favorite piece of clothing and clone it back to reality. If you’re okay with their price, they’ll have it delivered to your place in Paris (I wonder if they would offer this service internationally).

It’s a simple and quite affordable way to revive a once-lost passion.. or to give your best friend an exact copy of that pink dress that she’s been drooling over in your closet for so long.

Pants from 60 €, shirts from 40€, dress from 50€
www.jeveuxlememe.fr

Very exotic!

2010-10-03T22:33:00.002-04:00

I took this picture last year while I was living in Doha, Qatar. We stayed at The Sharq Village part of the Ritz Carlton Hotels. The village is built to mimic the feeling of an old Arabic village. The lights are integrated in the sidewalk and bathe the walls in a beautiful gold color.

During the day the walls are really a beautiful pink. Here is my daughter looking out at the ocean. Did you spot the beautiful gold couches? This area is reserved for shisha smokers. I was not one of them. I love the smell but cant smoke to save my life LOL

If you want to see other yellow posts, just click on this button:

Dream Day

2010-10-01T17:33:00.001-04:00

This is how I imagine my 'dream day' . Just eating cake and assorted pastries (while not gaining weight) and waiting for my personal mani-ped specialist to massage my feet and paint my toenails. Aaahhh! I feel better just thinking about it! Its fun to dream sometimes! Back to housework....What's your dream day?

Happy Pink Saturday everyone! For more Pink posts visit Beverly HERE !

Just a wall !

2010-09-28T21:37:00.001-04:00

I know its just a wall....I took a picture of this wall that belongs to a building of a small university in Bamberg, Germany last year. I was standing on a bridge and I could not resist taking a picture of this building. I'm not sure how they did this as the building is surrounded by water. Go figure! When there is a will there is a way!

I'm participating in Rednesday. If you want to see more red, then just click HERE. Sue is the hostess and she loves red!

I'm also joining Welcome Wednesday. If you want to meet other friendly bloggers, just click on the button:

I've just jointed this cute blog hop: Blog, Hop, Skip & Jump Wednesday hosted by Jessica!

To join just click on the button!

Atta Girl

2010-09-26T09:56:00.003-04:00

A while back I received this award. Today I would like to dedicate this award to every blogger that makes the time to blog on Sunday. Sundays are usually busy days for us women and mothers. I'm a new follower of Pink Dandy, Relax and Surf, The Sunday Social Network and Weekend Blog Hop. To join just click on the button:

APARTMENT

2010-09-23T00:19:00.003-04:00

Last year I moved to Doha, Qatar. My husband and I rented a small apartment right next to the Four Seasons. We had a very small budget. While he was at work I went shopping (of course). I shopped in different souks and malls and here are a few pictures of what I bought to furnish our tiny apartment.


The forbidden table! (no drinking allowed in a Muslim country! Shhh!

A lot of the furnishings are inspired by India (they also import from China). They love gold and red. I'm usually not a flashy person but I thought that the mirror would brighten the apartment.

One thing you probably know about living in the Middle-East is that it is extremely hot and humid. The only time we can actually stay outside a bit is at night. As you travel by car in Doha you can see many parks catering to children. They are usually empty. If you drive around 10:00pm or later at night you will find that the parks are full of children. Its understandable but its just weird to see so many mothers (all dressed in black veils) playing with their toddlers in the middle of the night. While walking around in a beautiful souk I found these beautiful Indian lanterns. Just the thing to brighten our tiny balcony.

We had a beautiful view of the Arabian ocean. The boats just rest there during the day because its just too hot to even go out in them but come night time when its time to sleep......everybody is out enjoying themselves while we poor expats need to get some rest to confront the unbelievable traffic in Doha each morning (that's another story).

This post is brought to you by the letter A. Want to see more A's? Join Jenny right here !

I've also joined a new blog hop:

If you are interested in meeting new friends on FUN FOLLOW FRIDAY, just click HERE

MY JAUNT TO LUXEMBOURG

2010-09-21T20:17:00.003-04:00

I traveled to Luxembourg in the spring and was very much surprised by its multi-level design. When you first drive in it looks very chic with hotels, banking institutions and fancy buildings, then you drive down in a sort of spiral and each level seems to belong to a different century. It is surreal as you navigate your car slowly to see a very old European city emerge with beautiful old mansions. At the top you feel like the 21st century and as you drive down the many levels you end up driving on small cobble street roads to finally arrive in a picturesque town from the Middle Ages. Hope you like this picture I took of the many bicycles as well as the castle-like structure at a higher level.

Today I joined Sue who hosts Rednesday. If you want to link up just click HERE to see a lot more red.

I've also joined Donna at ABC Wednesday. Today's letter is J. Care to see more "J" post then click here.

Bamberg , Germany

2010-09-20T07:34:00.000-04:00

I was in Bamberg, Germany recently and I could not resist taking this picture of this blue building.

At the street level there are boutiques and offices at the higher level. I thought of Sally when I saw it. It almost looks like it's made of Wedgewood china. For those of you not familiar with Wedgewood here are 2 beautiful vases made of this type of pottery.

Enjoy your Blue Monday with Smiling Sally! For more blue posts click here!

The last roses!

2010-09-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

This a picture of the last roses to bloom in my garden this season. Nights are becoming more chilly. They are heavy from the last rainfall last week. I felt like cutting them and putting them in a pretty vase as to protect them from the cold nights but I changed my mind. I left them out on the front lawn so that the many people walking by can enjoy the few remaining flowers before the big chill.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Today I'm joining TODAY'S FLOWER. If you want to join you can click HERE to view a garden of flowers from all over the world!

Bruges, Belgium

2010-09-14T23:04:00.002-04:00

While in Bruges (Belgium) last fall I could not help but stare at this beautiful lace dress in the window. I love lace, especially when it's handmade. I bought a few pieces. Our Canadian money was worth less last year. Its rather expensive but you should see the finished results. Bruges is renowned the world over for its lace. This dress is not for sale but I can just imagine the time it took to complete.

There is a section of Bruges where one can find many stores that specialized in lace. My husband was not too interested but I was mesmerised by the beautiful details. Here are a few more pictures of what I saw:

I've joined Jenny at Alphabe-Thursday this week, for funnier posts than mine, please click HERE!

I've also linked up to Jennete at Smart and Trendy Moms: Just click on the button to meet some really friendly bloggers:

Doha, Qatar

2010-09-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

I was living in Qatar on and off for the last 2 years. Qatar is in the Middle-East right next to Oman and Saudi Arabia. While there I tried to take as many pictures as I could. There is this one Iranian restaurant in a downtown souk that my husband and I kept going back to. The atmosphere was excellent and the food and service were great. Here is a picture of one of the servers. She was nice enough to let us take a picture. She had such a great smile. The other picture is of my husband and one of my girlfriends smiling for kid kodak. The red gobelets are for water only....

Have a super Red Tuesday. If you like this post and want to join, please click here! Visit Mary, the hostess of Ruby Tuesday.

Violet is sexy !

2010-09-09T00:49:00.001-04:00

Violet just happens to be my favorite color. It has many attributes and qualities. Let's see....

Its a mixture of blue and red!

Violet signifies calm, kindness, passion and intelligence.

If you are into Tarot it symbolizes new beginnings.

In psychology violet is the color of fusion (between 2 hearts).

In other spheres violet is also used to indicate sadness and is widely used during funerals.

In France, they used to attach a violet stone around the necks of children to make them obedient and protect them from illness.

It is the color of the 7th chakra which is the color for the transition from the yang to the yin. It is used to stimulate women sexually while men use red!

The catholic churches use it extensively during funerals and Good Friday!

I'm joining Jenny today. If you would like to see other violet posts. Please click here

Fall in love!

2010-09-06T20:41:00.002-04:00

Autumn may just be my favorite time of year in Montréal. There's this contagious surge of energy as people roll back into town and get back to business, and a wave of exciting exhibits, shows, and new movies fill the events guides. Then there's that hint of the approaching winter, and walks in the crisp air. It's a heady mix.

My top 2 favorites things are walks in the crisp air and Thanksgiving but then there is the new fashion line and hot cups of chocolate....

If you want to participate in Taylor's Top 2 Tuesday, just click here

Another T Party !

2010-09-05T08:24:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

Hope you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend. Just moved my youngest in her new dorm! She was very excited about moving away! It will be quiet here on the home front or maybe not....stay tuned!

Today I'm linking up with Chari at Sunday Favorites! If you are interested in joining up please click here!

03 June 2010

T is for Tea Party!

Please join me for tea! I'm very excited about the weather here in Montreal. Its so beautiful that I could probably entertain every one dans le jardin (in the garden). I'm so happy that you can join me for a special TEA PARTY brought to you by the letter T.

PLEASE, TAKE A SEAT:

I'm using my best china especially for you:

This fancy teapot was something that I came across and fell in love with. At first, I thought it was a coffee pot but its a more stylish, elongated tea pot. I love it! I will be brewing a nice pot of tea in honor of your visit.

I'm in love with Moroccan tea glasses and these look lovely at a tea party! I was living in Qatar last year and bought these glasses as well as a full Arabian Tea set (picture above).
I will also be serving mint tea which is very popular in the Middle East. It was surprising to learn that men only are in charge of serving it....

I added a little color to the table by adding some flowers!

No tea party is complete without a few treats!
Scrumptious Treats!

My tea party consist of finger foods such as little sandwiches. When I was little my mom threw me a birthday tea party and we had petits fours like the ones pictured above! They are so simple and add a fun touch to any kind of party!

I love my metal lace cake pedestal for serving either cupcakes or petits fours!
I do hope You enjoyed the Tea Party! Please come again!

55 comments:

Tracy said...: Thank you how kind to invite a total stranger to tea. Being English I love afternoon tea. I am not a fan of make it in the cup tea but having a pot of tea is just the best. Thank you for sharing; June 3, 2010 3:43 AM
Julie Schuler said...: The Moroccan tea cups are beautiful! And I love petit fours. They are so pretty. I probably would never make them, though.; June 3, 2010 7:07 AM
Theresa said...: How lovely! Tasting tea and treats with you in your beautiful setting was T-riffic! Thanks for posting and sharing such wonderful pics!; June 3, 2010 8:23 AM
Mary said...: Beautiful tea party~ I love the Morrocan tea glasses... your treats look tasty too :-); June 3, 2010 9:13 AM
Catherine said...: You said Tea party, and I popped right on over LOL! Gorgeous tea things, thank you for inviting me :) . Lovely blog, I'll be back! Blessings, Catherine :); June 3, 2010 9:42 AM
Coralie Cederna Johnson said...: TEA parties are such fun and yours is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing and be sure to come visit my TEA party too!!!; June 3, 2010 9:56 AM
kim said...: Love all the pretty teacups and teapots. Thanks so much for coming by and following. I will do the same.; June 3, 2010 9:58 AM
Debbie said...: WOW....those are beautiful tea cups and pots...the glasses are gorgeous too. You really did break out all your finest for us...thank you it was delightful on the eyes!; June 3, 2010 10:03 AM
Nora Johnson said...: I did so much enjoy my visit with you - the petits fours were delicious! Have a great weekend, LOLA:) PS Mine’s HERE!; June 3, 2010 10:39 AM
Lizzie said...: Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am glad I returned the favor, what a lovely tea party! Thank you.; June 3, 2010 11:05 AM
Ron Cooper said...: What strikingly beautiful pix of your tea-ware and table settings! Thanks for visiting my blog. My latest posts are “The Power” and “The Triumphant Heart.” Cheers, Ron http://inspiredbyron.blogspot.com/; June 3, 2010 11:10 AM
laterg8r said...: thanks for the invite, love those dishes :D; June 3, 2010 12:02 PM
amariaf2000 said...: Thanks for the invite - I'll be right over to enjoy some tea and petites! :) ~angela @ peonypatch www.mccalled.com/peonypatch; June 3, 2010 2:11 PM
H said...: I'm not a tea drinker, but I love the Moroccan tea glasses; I could almost be tempted... By the way - How are the family with the burned down house?; June 3, 2010 2:58 PM
Riet said...: What a beautiful T post. I love your teacups, beautiful. And your tea and peptitfours were perfect.I loved it. I am glad you like my country; June 3, 2010 4:06 PM
Jo said...: oh, thanks for the invite, and thanks for visiting my blog ... your Tea party looks perfect ... I love the fancy tea pot!; June 3, 2010 4:12 PM
lissa said...: nice! what beautiful cups and delicious desserts, quite enchanting have an extra sweets on me; June 3, 2010 4:20 PM
RACHELLE said...: yOU are quite the hostess! the tea was lovely and the decor was FAB! Super fun! shell gypsylemonade.blogspot.com; June 3, 2010 4:21 PM
Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...: I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE the lace cake pedestal!!! So pretty and feminine. I also love the chunky legs of the table. I'm gonna look around your blog. Hope I can see some pics of the table. If not, you need to post some!!!; June 3, 2010 4:45 PM
Short and Sweet said...: Anne-Marie, thank you so much for leaving a comment on my blog and for inviting me to visit your blog. I'm thrilled that I found you online and I think that your blog is absolutely delightful. I really enjoyed the "tea party" and you are a treasured hostess. The tea cups and saucers are beautiful and the sweet treats are to die for. So glad to meet you.; June 3, 2010 4:45 PM
jen said...: Thanks for commenting on my blog. I love your table! What a great room. That's one thing I miss living here in AZ--everything is so relatively new that there is little character. We went to Morocco two years ago and I must say it is one of my favorite places ever. EVER! I'm adding you to my blogroll. I'll be back!; June 3, 2010 4:48 PM
Viki said...: I love all the teacups and teapots. They are all lovely. Great T post.; June 3, 2010 7:22 PM
Jenny said...: Anne-Marie! Oh what a lovely, lovely link for Alphabe-Thursday's Letter "T"! Your pictures and prose are absolutely charming. I might be in love with your tea glasses and the filigree cake stand! It is lovely to see you add your unique perspective to this meme...and I am so happy you joined us with this terrific post! A+; June 3, 2010 8:41 PM
JDaniel4's Mom said...: I love the mint tea and the petite fours were wonderful too.; June 3, 2010 9:02 PM
mbkatc230 said...: What a lovely party, thank you for the invite. I had an 11 hour day today, and this would be the perfect way to unwind. The table in the garden is just beautiful! Thanks for stopping by, glad you got a kick out of the odd words I came up with. Kathy; June 3, 2010 9:08 PM
Charmingdesigns said...: ohhhh that cake plate is stunning. Love your T cups; June 3, 2010 9:44 PM
Brenda said...: Love all your tea things! I would love to join you for tea. I like the teas with a little spice in them.; June 3, 2010 10:14 PM
Jingle said...: love tea, admirable tea sets... Happy Thursday!; June 3, 2010 10:20 PM
criticalcrass said...: thanks for reading picky and leaving it some love. :] i dig those tea glasses. very cool.; June 3, 2010 10:43 PM
Jackie said...: Hi ! I will have some tea please and I love your moroccon tea glasses . Thanks for being a friend and follower ! Your sandwiches and petit fours are delicious . Yum :) I hope you are having a Terrific Day , TTYL!; June 3, 2010 11:28 PM
Maggie B said...: Thank you for inviting me to tea with you today, milk no sugar for me please. I'll take one of those scrummy looking petit fours with it too, s.v.p. Oh, how lovely it all looks. Maggie; June 4, 2010 7:45 AM
EG Wow said...: I have never seen Moroccan tea glasses before. I can see why you like them! Thanks for the tea. I enjoyed my visit. :); June 4, 2010 8:06 AM
Anna said...: Thank you for inviting me to your tea party. With milk and sugar in one of those pretty cups, please! Those Moroccan tea glasses look pretty, bu I am afraid I might break one. May I have one of those petit fours please? Yes, that one, the lavender one, please. Ah, that was delicious! Thank you so much! Now whenever you have the time you can visit me in my garden! Best wishes, Anna Anna's Ts; June 4, 2010 10:30 AM
Christy said...: absolutely gorgeous tea party! what time shall i be there? i think the elongated tea pot might be a chocolate pot...i inherited something similar from my gran many years ago...and she told me that it was meant to hold and serve hot chocolate. but that doesn't mean it can't hold tea!; June 4, 2010 1:14 PM
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...: Such a delightful and elegant tea, Anne-Marie! I adore petite fours!; June 4, 2010 1:53 PM
jaydubblah said...: Bonjour, ca va thanks for your comment on my trees. I had so many visitors this week because teacher put me at the front of the class!; June 4, 2010 4:38 PM
Holly said...: I always love a tea party and yours is glorious! I adore those Moroccan tea glasses...I would love to add them to my tea party! Holly 504 Main; June 4, 2010 8:02 PM
panamamama said...: So pretty! My grandma collected china teacups (as a good Canadian) and my mom has some gorgeous ones. I love the Moroccan glasses.; June 4, 2010 8:16 PM
Melinda Cornish said...: I love tea parties...thanks for the peek!; June 5, 2010 1:26 AM
susan said...: Ann-Marie Nice to "meet" you! I love and totally agree with your philosophy on gratitude! You have a beautiful collection of teacups and tea pots. They are among my "favorite things" too--and petit fours certainly are--It's probably a good thing I cannot master making them at home :); June 5, 2010 8:14 AM
Lindsay @ Just My Blog said...: This has to be one of the most beautiful tea parties I've ever seen :) Beautiful tea pots and cups! Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!; June 5, 2010 11:02 AM
Laurie said...: Bonjour! C'est moi, Laurie.Como ca va? From Cajun Louisiana transplated in Honduras. Your post is beautiful, and makes me miss my sister's tea shop near New Orleans. I have a small collection of cups, and I used to host an annual teacher tea in August to buck up the teachers with tea and scones before another school year. You brought back some great memories. Merci!; June 5, 2010 11:08 AM
Cheryl said...: I love the dainty tea cups and teapots. My grandmother would be in heaven at your garden party. Great T post!; June 5, 2010 11:37 AM
samsstuff said...: What a lovely tea party! Thanks for inviting me :) (I'm following you back); June 5, 2010 12:52 PM
Brenda@Cozy Little House said...: Hi, just found your blog and it's so cute! My, what pretty tea cups you have. Brenda; June 5, 2010 2:08 PM
Costea said...: Tea drinking is an art that very few possess. I like paintings on tea jugs.; June 5, 2010 3:10 PM
cheri said...: i have yet to attend an actual tea party, so yours is the first one i've been on :) i seem to have missed you on the treehouse yesterday :( happy SITS saturday :); June 5, 2010 3:36 PM
Jan @ bobbypins boardwalk said...: It is all so beautiful, but I have first dibs on the cupcakes! Thank you for inviting me. I LOVE tea parties.; June 5, 2010 11:11 PM
gnee said...: T is for thanks for finding me! I've so enjoyed your terrific tea party and my time here. I will be back often. Till then, have a good one!; June 6, 2010 2:34 AM
Rene' said...: What a beautiful tea party!! I love those tea cups... This is my first time here...loving the over 40 button! Rene'; June 6, 2010 12:01 PM
Lori said...: thanks for inviting me to your tea party! Your blog is adorable. btw I used to wear YSL Paris in high school. It smells really good. I should buy another bottle of that someday.; June 6, 2010 1:00 PM
laurie @ bargain hunting said...: What a beautiful post! Such beautiful tea pots, tea cups, and those gorgeous Moroccan glasses and that wonderful footed tray. Love that garden setting. I am so glad that you linked this to Favorite Things Saturday, and I'm so glad I came over to look at your lovely blog. laurie; June 6, 2010 2:30 PM
Postcards and Coasters said...: Love your tea cups... I also have a little collection going!; June 7, 2010 1:24 AM
Unknown Mami said...: Best Tea Party I've ever been to.; June 8, 2010 12:05 AM
The Quintessential Magpie said...: How adorable! Love all of the cups. XO, Sheila

6 word Saturday!

2010-09-04T00:30:00.000-04:00

Back to teaching! Loving my students!

To participate in Six Word Saturday, just click below!

Can you guess what this is?

2010-09-02T23:19:00.000-04:00

Can you guess what these pictures are about?

These are pictures I took from the plane flying over Siberia last January. I was flying back to Canada from Qatar and I happened to look out the window. At first I was puzzled by the scenery and asked one of the attendants where we were. I was quite surprised to see how Qatar Airways flew over Siberia to get back to Canada. It was really a sight to behold. The snow was a crispy clean white and buried deep in the snow you can see tiny homes. Here in Montreal we are experiencing another heat wave and the school where I teach is stifling. Its quite refreshing to look at these a few months later. Happy Show and Tell to all!

To visit Cindy and see more Show and Tell Friday posts please click here !

I know what Victoria's Secret is...

2010-07-26T21:27:00.024-04:00

Welcome to my blog dear friends! Today is Ruby Tuesday. You will find some interesting vintage images (with red in them of course) as well as a special guest appearance from a well known personality. Enjoy! (I know we are supposed to post pictures we have taken ourselves but I like to live on the edge..note to blog police: my camera is in the repair shop!)I know what Victoria’s Secret is. The secret is that nobody older than 30 can fit into their stuff.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

Sometimes I think I understand everything, then I regain consciousness.
I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting my pantyhose on fire.

Maxine really wanted to appear on Ruby Tuesday. Here is what else she wanted us to know:

Amazing! You hang something! in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes!

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like, "You know, sometimes I just forget to eat."

Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name, and my keys. But I've never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat.A friend of mine confused her valium with her birth control pills. She had 14 kids, but she doesn't really care.
The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him!

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are: eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That is my idea of a perfect day.

Maxine wants to thank Mary for giving her a chance to participate in Ruby Tuesday. If you want to see more red please click HERE!

I did dance!

2010-07-24T00:06:00.003-04:00

Today is PINK SATURDAY and I will be sharing some memories from my childhood.

As far as childhood memories go, mine are wrapped around ballet. As far as I can remember, I danced. My childhood was about going to ballet classes or getting ready to go for a class. I loved it! If my mother would have let me, I would have gone every day, all day. That's how much I loved dancing. I loved the smell of the studio, the pianist playing all the beautiful classical music, the pink shoes, the pink tights, my black leotard, my neat hair bun and all of my patient beautiful ballet teachers. I lived for dancing. I had a really happy childhood thanks to dancing.

Eventually, I became a ballet teacher. I had my own school and enjoyed teaching all the young want-to-be ballerinas. While teaching, I was also able to join a ballet company: Les Ballets Métropolitains du Canada. It was the best time of my life. It was fun traveling and putting on "Les spectacles de ballet". It was "a dream come true".

Finally, a career in dance does not last very long. As a teacher I was part of the prestigious Académie des Grands Ballets Canadiens. I finally stopped teaching when my husband, because of his work commitments, was being constantly transferred in different cities across Canada and then overseas. I recently came across this beautiful painting by Scott Mattlin. It conjures so many beautiful memories. I'm mesmerized by this painter's talent especially the tutu. Its very luminous with a touch of pink!

It just reminds me of the many times I crossed the pink ribbons over my ankles always making sure that the ribbons were not too tight nor to loose. I still love pink tutus, pink tights, pink leotards, pink satin pointe shoes...

Here is a song that reminds me of how important "dancing" can be in one's life. At times, dancing literally gave me wings to fly over the peaks and valleys of my life. Weekend blessings to all!

Here is one of my favorite songs by Lee Ann Womack! Enjoy!

Today I've joined Beverly at How Sweet the Sound Is. She is the perfect hostess of PINK SATURDAY! If you want to visit other pink blogs, just click here !

A redo of B for BLEU with Juliette Binoche

2010-07-21T23:21:00.011-04:00

Today I've decided to present to you one of my favorite actresses Juliette Binoche. She played in many movies such as Chocolat and Bleu.

Bleu won 3 Golden Globes as well as many other awards.

Blue is the story of Julie who loses her husband, an acclaimed European composer and her young daughter in a car accident. The film's theme of liberty is manifested in Julie's attempt to start life anew free of personal commitments, belongings grief and love. She intends to spiritually commit suicide by withdrawing from the world and live completely independently, anonymously and in solitude in the Parisian metropolis. Despite her intentions, people from her former and present life intrude with their own needs. However, the reality created by the people who need and care about her, a surprising discovery and the music around which the film revolves heals Julie and irresistibly draws her back to the land of the living.

Another interesting aspect of this film is the use of music instead of dialogue, her silence is a reference of her terrible loss and pain. The photography of the film and the beautiful and delicate face of Binoche contribute to the impact of BLEU.

Throughout the film blue is used extensively, there is a trace of it in practically every shot of the film, everything from people's clothes, the color of ink, the paint on walls and arches, the tint of the street and the water, etc. Blue is used "to create moods of melancholy and coldness, and to draw attention to the resonant emotional associations conjured up by objects and places in Julie's mind." The coloring perfectly reflects the mood of the film; it presents a very dismal and hopeless atmosphere full of solitude and melancholy, giving the viewer a visual insight into Julie's mind.

Here is the beginning of the movie. You will see an element of BLUE introduced in each scene:

It does have a happy ending. This movie is part of a Trilogy: Blue, White and Red (the colors of the flag of France). Blue stands for liberty, white for equality and red for fraternity. The theme of the movie BLUE is liberty and it is manifested by Julie's attempt to start life anew, free of personal commitments, belongings, grief and love. The character of Julie begs for self tolerance in the face of many enormous swings of faith that life can present. The message is that life is precarious, enjoy what you can, when you can!

Enjoy life now by joining Alphabe-Thursday's Alphabet Soup hosted by Jenny Matlock. Want to stir the alphabet soup? Just click HERE!

Better Homes and Gardens 1939

2010-07-21T16:05:00.000-04:00


Anne-Marie is asking herself if she sould take a break from slavin' in this hot kitchen.... I have a better idea why don't I share something red today and join Sue for Rednesday?

If you have something red to share click Sue loves Cherries.

Hotel Les Rosées!

2010-07-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

Last year my husband and I went on a short trip to France. This time I promised myself I would see the Riviera and all that the Provence region has to offer. From a recommendation from a friend I booked us a room at Les Rosées because it sounded perfect and its name caught my attention. The flagstoned walls are pink! I thought, how romantic! This is my first pink post at Pink Saturday and I'm dedicating it to Beverly and all the pink lovers. Thank you Beverly for letting me join. If you wish to join, please click here!

We are, it turns out, the only non-honeymooners at Les Rosées, and it isn't hard to see why. It doesn't get much more romantic than this. As pretty as its name, this lovingly restored, traditional Provençal country house sits in the same flower-filled garden in which it has snoozed peacefully for more than 400 years. It is located in Mougins, just 20 minutes from the glitz of Cannes, it is a gloriously tranquil base from which to explore the most glittering stretch of the French Riviera.

The town of Mougins, only three kilometres north, is like taking a cool, flower-filled bath. All winding bougainvillaea-bedecked streets of artisan shops, fountains and picture-postcard restaurants, Mougins is exactly how you'd imagine a picturesque village on the French Riviera to be - only prettier. It's no wonder that generations of glamorous writers and beautiful people - Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, Christian Dior, Catherine Deneuve, Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, among them - have hung out here. Most famously, Picasso spent the last 15 years of his life in Mougins, high on a clifftop overlooking the Côte d'Azur, after he married Jacqueline Roque. The fascinating Musée de La Photographie at the centre of the village has a wonderful collection of photographs of him and other 20th-century icons.
Here are a few pictures of the hotel and of Mougins:

Arriving late and weary, we don't fancy venturing out for dinner, but a snack of ham and cheese with a glass of wine in our room is no problem. I was told that the Isadora suite is the most beautiful and is a favourite of Liza Minnelli, but we are happy with our pink spacious bedroom .

After our long car journey, the bed, with its clouds of crisp linen, is heavenly.

Decorated in warm, earthy tones, the pink flagstoned rooms have a rustic feel, yet are still stylish. You can see the influence of the owner's Canadian wife in the homely touches. Breakfast - everything is organic - is a treat: white tablecloths, croissants, ham and cheese, and homemade jams in the idyllic garden. The pool is a good size and, if we hadn't been on the doorstep of some of Europe's starriest towns, we could easily have spent a blissful day reading in the shade of the trees.

I convince Glenn that we have to visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory in nearby Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. A guide explains the whole process from distillation to bottling. Did you know that to extract one kilo of rose essence you need to distill 3,000 kilos of roses? The tour is free, but ends, predictably, in the factory shop and a fairly heavy sell. Glenn grumbles, but agrees to treat me to a tiny bottle (only, I suspect, because our attractive and fragrant guide recommends it so warmly). The products at Les Rosées are Fragonard, naturally, so I've already had a chance to sample them in the luxury of our pretty Provençal-style bathroom.

The highlight of the trip for Glenn undoubtedly was driving along the heart-stopping coastal roads. This should definitely be on everyone's list of romantic things to do before you die (if you are afraid of heights, stay away) - fortunately we, and our mini, make it back to the serenity of Les Rosées in one piece.

Hope you enjoyed my post! I'm tickled pink to have joined Beverly at Pink Saturday and cant wait to visit other pink participants. See you soon!

Rain makes me feel sleepy!

2010-07-15T16:19:00.008-04:00

Its raining again. Not men, nor golden opportunities just warm drops of water! Somebody more poetic wrote:

The first drops of rain always bring a smile on our faces. The smell of wet soil, the damp grass, and the slosh of puddles under our feet make us want to dance with wanton joy. Rain makes a heart go romantic. Ever danced in the rain? The feeling is inexplicably beautiful. Hold your sweetheart's hand and walk in the rain while the clouds play cupid.

Ever watch children playing in the rain? As an elementary school teacher I often get a chance to see how young children, especially boys, just love to jump in puddles and how little girls love to show off their latest Wall Mart umbrellas and rubber boots!

Since we are on the subject of rain, I thought I could share some of my favorite vintage pictures. Enjoy!

I also love to hear the rain at night. It puts me to sleep. How does the rain affect your sleep? Let's suppose you were in your bedroom and you are going to sleep and it's pouring rain. Does the sound help you fall asleep or does it become an annoying sound that keeps you awake. For me, I find it better and easier to fall asleep when it's raining (minus the lightening and the thunder), it can even make me sleep soundly and peacefully. How about you, how does the rain affect your sleep, does it make it easier or harder to sleep?

This post is presented by the letter Z. Tody I'm joining Jenny Matlock at Alphabe-Thursday. If you want to see more ZZZZ posts. Please click here!

I'm also joining Jennette at Smart Trendy Moms. If you want to discover new friends at Social Parade please click here!

Here is another blog hop I really enjoy: Hop Along Friday! To join click here!

She lives in Ireland, its her birthday and she is a hostess at Friendly Follow Friday. Who is she? Emma! If you want to meet her an discover new friends click here!

I'm also joining Lauren at That 22yr old Housewife at Friendship Friday, if you want to meet some brand new friends click here! or click her button situated at the top of my left sidebar.

I was finally able to link myself up with New Friend Fridays which is hosted by Diana. If you want to meet the many participants, please click here!

Les chaussons rouges!

2010-07-13T03:31:00.003-04:00

Its Ruby Tuesday! I'm joining Maryt at Work of the Poet. To discover other red blogs, click here!

When I was young I loved to watch the movie The Red Shoes in English or Les Chaussons Rouges in French. Either in English or in French I would watch it as many times as they would show it. I loved ballet and as a child I always wanted a pair of red satin ballet shoes. I had many pink pairs, black ones and even a blue pair but never owned a red pair. To compensate I watched Moira Shearer dance in this old 1948 movie.

The Ballet of the Red Shoes is from a story by Hans Christian Andersen. It is about a young girl who is devoured by an ambition to attend a dance in a pair of red shoes. She get’s the shoes and goes to the ball. For a time all goes well, and she is happy. But at the end of the evening she is tired and wants to go home. But the red shoes are not tired. The red shoes are never tired. They dance her out into the street, they dance her over the mountains and valleys, through fields and forests, through night and day. Time rushes by, love rushes by, life rushes by, but the red shoes dance on....

I thought it would be interesting to include this You Tube song made by Kate Bush in the 90′s, to accompany her 7th album ‘The Red Shoes’. The song is hauntingly beautiful. It loosely sticks to the story told in the ballet sequence with the addition of another dancer who passes on the curse (Miranda Richardson). The cinematography was handled by Roger Pratt, who went on to shoot ‘Chocolat’ and the Harry Potter films interestingly enough.

I've also joined a fun gang of girls at Follow Me Back Tuesday. If you want to join in the fun click here!
You might also want to discover another fun blog hop hosted by Chelsea at Twee Poppets. Its Tuesday Tag-Along. To join click here!

Praying for clear blue water!

2010-07-12T02:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Blue Monday to Sally and all my dear friends. Praying that the oil spill disaster will come to an end soon!

If you want to discover beautiful blue blogs and meet the bluest person I know, please click HERE! Sally loves blue that's why she smiles so much on Monday! You can visit her blog Smiling Sally .

Roses roses or pink roses!

2010-07-09T22:00:00.001-04:00

Today I'm joining Laurie at A Few of my Favorite Things Saturday. If you want to join in the fun, click HERE!
And almost joined Beverly at Pink Saturday. If you want to see other pink posts, please click here!

I have dedicated a whole post with many pictures (probably too many, I lost count) on rosebuds. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I did creating it.

I love pot-pourri. I have it all over the house. I especially like rosebuds. They are nice to look at especially if placed in a glass container. I love the smell!

I have many rose bushes in my yard. They bloom all summer long. I love it when its a warm windy day. Their gentle perfume spreads in my house.

Many artists, painters and poets were inspired by rosebuds (and now bloggers). Here are two portraits painted in 1909 by J.W. Waterhouse entitled Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May. I love the gentleness of the girl picking roses as well as the one offering a bouquet in a small vase.

I love vintage pictures. I found this vintage postcard from the early 20th century. I you look closely it is decorated with tiny pink rosebuds. I wonder what it says on the back...

I also found beautiful writing paper. If I had to write a letter to someone special I know I would used this one. Beautiful paper inspires me and I feel more creative. Dear.....

While I lived in South Africa I took a stamping class. At the particular studio where I was there was a wide selection of stamps. It was difficult to decide which one to use. They were all really beautiful. I was not a particularly talented stamper but I enjoyed watching my teachers create beautiful cards. Here is one such stamp: A little rosebud angel. Imagine using this stamp and then tinting it with different colored pigments. Beautiful!

I had 2 girls so you can imagine the fun I had dressing them when they were little. Pink was a dominant color in their wardrobe as they were growing up. Here is a cute little pair of shoes decorated with rosebuds. Add a pair of cute lacy socks and a fashionista is born...

While we are on the topic of babies I am sure that you have all heard of Ann Geddes. She is an Australian born photographer who is known the world over for her stylized depiction of babies. I could not resist posting these adorable pictures of babies:

The first in the collection is two rosebud Easter bunnies:

There is a little rosebud sleeping in one. All together now: aaaaawwww!

This is the happiest baby I have ever seen. She loves her roses.......

Adults love rosebuds as well. We like to smell them and enjoy admiring their beauty. But you can make excellent tea using rosebuds. I tasted rosebud tea. One of my students offered it to me for Christmas. Its excellent and good for you:

If you go to Paris you must go to Fauchon..They make patisseries that is out of this world and confitures (jams). On such jam that I really enjoy because of its unique flavor is Rose Petal Jam.

Try it on a baguette with a bit of crème fraîche or cream cheese. Mmmmm! Irrésistible! Can you see the curly rose petal? Mmmm!

And while you are at the pâtisserie, why not buy des petits gâteaux au fondant. They are as pretty as they are delicious! And look, they have tiney rosebuds on top!

And finally a touch of whimsy. Have you ever tried putting rosebuds in an ice cube container and adding a little water, freezing them and using them in your favorite drink.? Its always a crowd pleaser. My daughters love them. Here is another idea. Why not fill an ice bucket with rosebuds ice cubes. Serve it to someone very special.....

Well I hope you enjoyed some of favorite pinks. Pink is a relaxing soothing color. I might just do this again....

Bonne journée à tous mes amis!

I wonder if my Pug likes pink. I can just see her dressed in this pink outfit.

The problem with teachers....

2010-07-06T01:42:00.001-04:00

Its Ruby Tuesday once again! I'm joining Maryt and many other lovers of red today. If you feel like you want to see "red" join the gang by clicking here!

I'm a teacher. I'm really proud of what I do but unfortunately not everyone can understand this. Sometimes at parties when people have had a few drinks they will repeat this famous saying: Those who can, do and those who cant teach! I keep my cool and smile along while I think to myself that it sometimes feel that the general population must think that teachers attend Clown University:

The other question I'm often asked is: What do you make! Depending on where you live in North America and what level you teach your salary will vary and its also dependent on many other factors. I really like how Taylor Mali handles this question. I'm not sure I will use his answer in future situations but I will keep it in mind! Enjoy!

I'm also following Cindi at Little Yayas. She is one of the many hostesses of Follow Me Back Tuesday. If you want to follow her fun blog please click here!

I'm Blue Eiffel

2010-07-05T09:36:00.001-04:00

Its BLUE MONDAY again and to meet Sally and her blue fans at Smilling Sally just click here!

Whenever I participate in Blue Monday I have this song playing in my head. Well today I'm sharing this song. Hope you enjoy it (warning: you might hear it playing in your head for the rest of the day!) :

Red hair beauty!

2010-06-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

Bonjour my dear friends,

Welcome to another edition of Ruby Tuesday hosted by Maryt at Work of the Poet. To join click here to view other exciting ruby red posts....

From auburn and crimson to copper, redheads are a rarity—some figures put them at between 1 and 2% of the world’s population—which is perhaps what makes them so prized. Those women sporting red locks, which are most common in Northern Europe, mainly England, Scotland and Ireland, also usually have pale, freckly sun-sensitive complexions. I love red hair. Do you? Lately I have been considering getting red highlights. Here is a selection of models chosen at random because of their beautiful red hair. I'm not sure if they are all natural redheads but they still look great! Happy Ruby Tuesday!

So many hues...but all so beautiful!

CONTENTMENT

2010-06-28T02:27:00.001-04:00

Today, Monday, I'm joining Smiling Sally at Blue Monday. If you want to get to know Sally (who by the way is never blue) and join her blog hop please click here!

I always wondered what contentment looks like, I finally found it!!!. I had been looking for it for so many years. I read so many books on trying to find it, I also looked inside trying to find it by doing meditation and yoga, by talking to others such as therapists. Even after all this effort I still felt I had not captured it. I kept wondering what it really looked like. I googled it and found this poster. I finally found a poster that reveals what contentment looks like. Here it is:

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL CONTENT?

Revisiting Dr Pinsky!

2010-06-27T00:24:00.001-04:00

Today June 26th, I'm joining Chari at Sunday Favorites.

"Sunday Favorites" is a Sunday meme designed to give bloggers a chance to share a favorite post from the past!!! For more information on how to join so you can republish a past post just click here!

I need a consultation with Dr. Pinsky before this happens to me:

It looks like I'm not the only one with an addiction. Take a look at this article:

"An annual report from a Catholic counseling service claims computer games are partly to blame for complicating wedded bliss. Troubled home life? Blame the Internet if you're using it to do work, , gamble and of course, play computer games...

According to the Irish Examiner, the counseling service said the number of people experiencing marital problems "because of Internet use" surged 87.5 per cent from 2007 to 2009. What's more, 15 per cent of the service's clients face "huge difficulties" because of Internet-related activity."

Hi Dear Friends,

Yikes! Blogging was not mentioned as a problem here. PHEW! I'm happy I will not be part of the statistics with "marital problems". I still think I need to write Dr. Pinsky a letter; at least, to examine my blogging behavior. What do you think constitutes normal versus abnormal blogging behavior? My weakness is that I spend too much time blogging. There should be a gadget or device that would warn the blogger that his or her time is up:

Well maybe not as extreme. Anyway, Dr. Pinsky, can you come to my house? Heavy blogging workload prevents me from leaving my home at this point....

EmmaK said...: Well you need to do this if you have a flatmate or partner living with you. My husband password protects the computer so I have to go to library to use it - and what with the undesirables and mental people here I only last about an hour!! If I was left at home with the comp well things would definitely take a turn for the worse. Blogging addiction is even worse than drinking or drugs because the internet is 'free' and you don't have to go out and score crack but if you can't control yourself get someone to control you lol!!; March 18, 2010 10:27 AM
A 2 Z said...: I will take your advice. I saw your You Tube video of your rehab stint in some exotic place. You had a cabbage leaf on your head. I laughed so much. But at the same I was relating so well to what you said. I agree that its very addictive. Minutes turn to hours...Thanks for stopping by Emma! Hope you come back soon! I need my daily fix...LOL; March 18, 2010 12:24 PM
Ashley Mutschler said...: Thanks for stopping by from SITS! It sounds like we've got a lot in common! I love your site! I'll definately be stopping by more :); March 18, 2010 12:37 PM
tds said...: Oooh. Does Dr. Pinsky do housecalls? I think that would be more of a marital threat than computer time, personally. Interesting that social networks (facebook, etc) and CraigsList didn't make the list of Internet threats, too. Thanks for stopping by from SITS ;-); March 18, 2010 1:20 PM
A 2 Z said...: Hi Ashley,Thanks for your visit! Hi TDS,Yes, I agree, he's not hard to look at. I think when they talk about internet overuse my understanding is that they are including all my favorites: facebook, etc... Maybe I'm wrong.; March 18, 2010 1:48 PM
Dumbwit Tellher said...: Ashley you are hilarious. I could certainly see where blogging could be the next deterrent to wedded bliss. I know I spend way too much time online but to be honest if I don't read or comment on fellow bloggers posts I tend to feel some anxiety. My high-schooler said the other day that my face is always in the computer & that was a wake-up call. So I had try to set limits so real life does not pass me bye. I so love Blogger Barbie!Great post and wishing you a happy weekend. x; March 18, 2010 10:23 PM
Natasha said...: I had such a busy week last week and didn't get to blog and boy, did I miss it! Maybe I am addicted!!I hope you don't mind but I have a little award waiting for you at my blog. Best wishes for a wonderful week,Natasha.; March 21, 2010 6:22 AM

W for wisdom and wonder

2010-06-23T22:43:00.013-04:00

People can be enlightened at any time and at any stage in their lives. They just have to be willing to accept it when a window of opportunity opens up. It is a gift when a person feels enlightened. When a person wishes to deliver enlightenment it is usually one who truly loves and respects the person wise and worthwhile enough to receive it. Enlightenment isn't always welcomed and can make things worse at times, especially when family is involved. Families tend to shy and wrestle away from enlightenment and stick their heads in the sand and say "Oh that's just the way so-and-so is." Or the family walks around on eggshells not wanting to upset anyone as to create unwanted wars. In order for families to heal well and give them new wings they need to communicate to mend old wounds. Yes, we might feel weepy... a good look at oneself isn't easy. It might feel like things are worse for a while and we feel like withdrawing although in the end a weight can be lifted and life can be enjoyed once again.

This is my sanity prayer or mantra. Its given me wings when life feels wrong and I feel like a wreck:

God,
grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change
the courage to change
the things I can and
the wisdom to know
the difference.

Hope you enjoyed my W post. I have to stop now as I'm getting a writer's cramp.....

Today I'm joining Jenny at Alphabe- Thursday. If you want to join in the fun, click here!

I am also joining Sharon at Just for the Joy of it. If you want to join in just for the joy of it, click here!

I'm also hooking up with Smart and Trendy Moms at Social Parade, to toot your horn in this parade, please click here!
Emma has a cute blog hop. If you want to join Friendly Friday, click here!

You probably know that French people love frog's legs. But who would eat this friendly little frog especially since he is inviting you to hop on over here to meet new friends at Blog Hop Friday!

If you dont like to hop perhaps you prefer to fly. If so fly on over to Friday Follow Me. To fly over, click here!

Here is a girl that I envy! If I was younger and without kids I would definitely follow in her footsteps. For now I will follow her blog hop Follow Back Friday NYC Island Gal here!

Want to meet a Creative Girl and some new friends all at the same time? Well look no further because the place is here and the time is now.

If you are Forty or Forty plus (that's not a bra size) you perhaps want to meet some 40 year young bloggers at Follow Friday 40 and Over! If you need glasses to read this then you qualify. Just click here to see who else has to look over or under their glasses to check who is on this list!