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Josephine at Malmaison: An Imperial Wardrobe
I continued my stroll in Josephine’s footsteps at Château de Malmaison with a visit to her garderobe – wardrobe. Here I discovered that the elegant sophistication of her decor, which I shared with you in my post Josephine at Malmaison: Retreat of an Empress, was also mirrored in her personal attire. This exhibit of her clothing was a wonderful example of the French Empire mode of fashion. A style that just so happened to be named after her the reign of her second husband, Napoleon I. French Empire This style was a drastic departure from the stiffly corseted and elaborately adorned fashions of the pre-revolutionary period. Women of means now…
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Josephine at Malmaison: Retreat of an Empress
The Christmas season is over now. However, memories of my Parisian Christmas visit still linger. We are currently being blessed with a mild streak of weather and it has transported me back to a similar pleasant, sunny afternoon I spent exploring the retreat of Empress Josephine at Malmaison that Boxing Day. In the Footsteps of Royalty I had made my way from the heart of Paris to its western edge and the suburb of Rueil-Malmaison by Metro and bus. I then strolled along le Chemin Joséphine et Napoléon Bonaparte. Round brass markings bearing the bee emblem of the Emperor guided my way to the regal Château de Malmaison. Cone-shaped topiaries,…
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Galette des Rois: A Celebration of the Epiphany
The Christmas season is winding down now. The last major celebration day of the Roman calendar, the Epiphany, took place this week on January 6th. Also known as the Twelfth Day of Christmas, this holy day honours the visit by the three wise men to the manger of Christ. And in France, it is celebrated with a special cake: Galette des Rois – Three Kings Cake. A tasty concoction of frangipane – almond batter – wrapped in buttery puffed pastry, it is most delicious when served warm from the oven. Gifts of the Magi I’ve baked Galette des Rois several times over the past few years. And while it looks…
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Boutique L’Abeille Française: An Exciting New Venture
As we approach the end of another year, I am reminded of a goal that I set for myself around this time last year. The idea had been percolating in my mind for a while. So at Christmas I shared it with my niece Julia. I told her then of my desire to further develop my brand through the creation of an online store. One that would offer home and living accessories with that touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’. I’ve spent the past few months working on it and today I am thrilled to announce its launch to you! So, without further ado, please say ‘bonjour‘ to Boutique L’Abeille…
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Sant Pau: The Other Modernista Wonder of Barcelona – Part 3
As I continued my exploration of the incredible Modernista complex of Barcelona’s Hospital Sant Pau, the Operations House was the next gorgeous building to catch my eye. Set amongst the fantastic patient pavilions and fragrant lavender gardens, it floated in the Spanish sky like a heavenly mirage when glimpsed from within the incredible Administration Pavilion.Upon closer look, I saw that the cerulean blue of that beautiful sky was reflected in the colour of the mosaics printed on its façade. And the names spelled out in these tiled artworks were those of distinguished doctors. Like the pavilions surrounding it, the Operations House is covered in a variety of symbolic stone carvings.…
