As it turns out, a good nights sleep does do the trick! and a morning ride around the canals, a stop into one of my favourite boutiques, and a delicious breakfast in the Joordan…it all helps.
This morning I was returning props from yesterday’s shoot, and I can tell you, that is the worst part of the job. Sometimes I’m drawn to tears, having to return such incredible props. And many times I just can’t part with the goods so I buy them. Above are some of the flowers I bought for the shoot. Mes chères fleurs! I think they are so beautiful. Peonies of course are in season, but I also love these little fluffy blossoms. I don’t know the names unfortunately. Don’t they all go so well together?
Also on the kitchen table:
French Boy and I like to try different wines from all over the world but with the French palate that we (umm, namely he) has, we are pretty picky and often stick with the French ones we love. But we have noticed a good number of reds coming from South Africa lately. The other day, we tried this one with dinner and it was succulent. So I kept the bottle to let you all know about it, and we will be stocking up on a few for the wine cellar (aka a cupboard in the hull of the boat). And guess what – it is fair trade and organic! I know, we couldn’t believe it – we felt like we had hit the jackpot. The label is called “African Star” and the one we had was labeled ‘organic red 2007’: its harvested in South Africa by a company called Stellar Organic Winery. Proceeds go to one of the local primary schools. Jackpot, right?!!
These Oat Crumbles. I’ve been having them with my tea lately and they are sooooo delicious. They melt in your mouth. Made by Island Bakery Organics on The Isle of Mull in Scotland.
And this is my favourite outift combo du jour. I don’t know why I felt like showing you but I just do. I’m loving it that much. Maybe it’s the summer weather we are having lately, and the freedom to be in flowy frocks and flip flops. I bought this dress for 10 euros at Free P Star vintage clothing in Paris. It’s one of my favourite stops. The belt is handmade, I bought it at the art and crafts markets in The Corso, in Manly, Sydney. The cotton wrap is about 10 years old, I have no idea where I found that one but it has followed me around on my travels, it still holds its shape and is so soft. I usually pin a flower to the wrap to complete ‘the look’. And wear Thai black cotton flip flops on my feet. And my hair up off my neck.
Okay, enough procrastination on my part. Time to get back to the grind stone. Enjoy your day mes chers amis.
I have no idea what those flowers are but I’ve been enjoying the spring with lots of pink peonies – my favorite flowers.
I must check out that wine… I love trying red wine from far away lands.
June 7th, 2008 | #
Peony, my favorite flower (I have some resting and fading on my table right now). Vintage – my favorite kind of dress (perhaps I’ll wear one today). African wine – I will have to see if they have it here where the California wines grow. Now see how easily one blog post can influence a day 🙂 – thanks and happy weekend to you!
June 7th, 2008 | #
I la la la la love your outfit!!! And the peonies are pretty too- it looks like Astilbe and Solidaster with them.
June 7th, 2008 | #
i sure do like coming each day to see what it is you are going to say. your life is so different from mine and yet there are those universal themes of flowy garments, bare feet and up-doos that bind women together the world over. and my peonies are blossoming too. it may be that the pink frothy flowers are pink variety of Astilbe. a shade plant that has fountains of flowers just like those.
have a lovely day pia!
your friend, bird tweet robin from down the road
June 7th, 2008 | #
The ‘fluffy’ ones look rather like Astilbe (possibly ‘Venus’) – is the foliage divided into leaflets which have toothed edges? They look beautiful. Just off to pour myself a glass of wine – cheers!
June 7th, 2008 | #
I believe the lovely fluffies are astilbe
I am in soggy chilly seattle, gazing longingly at my summer dresses and flip flops – too cold to wear them 🙁
June 7th, 2008 | #
it all looks so wonderful to me…..beautiful!
June 8th, 2008 | #
Peonies are beautiful — I have a pink one and a white one in the yard. Just don’t bring them in the house!
June 8th, 2008 | #
I’m dying to get back into my thongs. You’ve made me jealous.
June 8th, 2008 | #
Beautiful wonderful peonies…I love that image 🙂
June 8th, 2008 | #
beautiful outfit and freepstar is one of my favorite shops too (just a bit too small and too many beautiful dresses to choose from 🙂 ), I’ll check for that bottle of wine, I’ve been trying to convert my husband to the joys of organic wine maybe this will be the one, thanks Pia !
June 8th, 2008 | #
i kept the flower photo for my computer.
This make me want to buy a flower bouquet.
June 8th, 2008 | #
cute, cute, cute!
June 8th, 2008 | #
Beautiful! Peonies are definitely my favorite flowers. I have them on my coffee table as we speak. They smell just as wonderful as they look.
June 8th, 2008 | #
I like the combination of photos here.
June 8th, 2008 | #
Those peonies are so gorgeous! I think I will have to go hunt some down tomorrow…
June 9th, 2008 | #
So nice to meet you Pia! You’re living quite the life, I’m actually jealous! Love your houseboat, flowers and photographic eye! Can’t wait to see more…I’m adding you to my blogroll right now!
June 9th, 2008 | #
The cookies look delicious. I cannot help but love your blog. It never fails to inspire.
June 9th, 2008 | #
Oh Pia the peonies are to die for!!!
June 9th, 2008 | #
oh i love those flowers 🙂
June 9th, 2008 | #
Hi Pia,
I was feeling a bit unispired and decided to surf Irene’s site. That always helps. And then I surfed your site. Also very helpful (Make Mental note to myself: I need to buy flowers). And then I saw your before-after Paris apartment post on Designe Sponge and that really helped. The shots with the desk, cables, Jimmi Hendrix and Guiness flag. Men need help, don’t they? Great job ;). Thanks for the inspiration!
June 9th, 2008 | #
wow, so many fab comments!! thank you, i had so much fun reading your comments while i was powering toward my deadline. and now i know the name of that blossom! aren’t you all wonderful.
June 9th, 2008 | #
I love your outfit and am so glad you posted it! The print on your frock reminds me of my favourite “house dress” print. Alas, it is on its last legs and I’m having a hard time parting with it. Your outfit inspires me to get out there and find more wonderful light skirts and dresses to flounce about in!
June 9th, 2008 | #
the peonies are divine and the the little liberty print frock, looks as soft as it must feel!
June 10th, 2008 | #