Category Archives: francophilia

musée d’Orsay…

 

 

Musee-d'orsay

Somehow I have neglected to write about one of my favorite Paris musuems, the Musée d'Orsay. It recently reopened after over a year and a half of renovations, and I find it interesting how it has been changed. Apparently a white background is not always best for showcasing artwork, especially in the case of impressionistic or academic pieces. The radiant white can create an aura around a painting which distracts from the subtleties and nuances of the artwork. Modern artwork, usually having more abstract and larger subjects, fares better with a white background. The new Impressionist gallery in the museum has charcoal gray walls, making the pieces the center of attention, rather than the light. If you are interested, check out this video. I am looking forward to seeing the new & improved space!



le beaujolais est arrivé!

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Tonight at the stroke of midnight in France (6 pm here), the 2011 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau will be released, and people around the globe will raise a glass! What began as local fun after World War II has become a worldwide tradition celebrating the young red wine. Made from the Gamay grape in the Beaujolais region of France, it is fermented for only a few weeks before being released for sale on the third Thursday of November. It is an opportunity to taste wine at it’s most simple, or immature state…and to some that is not appealing. In my opinion, those people just don’t get it…the purpose is to experience the fruity flavor and lightness, and to join in a global celebration! Le Beaujolais est arrivé!

diptyque…

 

 

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One of my favorite things to do is visit the flagship Diptyque store in Paris. I was already familiar with their candles on my first visit, but had no idea they opened the shop (in 1961) to showcase fabrics and avant-garde finds from their travels. They started offering candles to coordinate with their fabrics, and by 1963 they were selling the first scented candle. They are quite easy to find in the states now, but I still consider them a treat, and visiting one of their shops is an experience! I've always loved the black and white graphics, and of course….the scents! My favorite…Roses! 

What is your favorite?


musée rodin…

 

 

Rodin-museum

 

I'll be honest…it has taken me many years to warm up to the works of Rodin. After seeing Midnight in Paris I knew I owed a visit to the beautiful Musée Rodin, situated near Les Invalides and housed in the beautiful Hotel Biron. After more research I am also quite fascinated with the history of the structure, with it's classical architecture and rich past…a few famous creatives took up residency there for a time. A friend of mine shared some of her photos from her visit to the museum yesterday, and my mind was made up…it is a must see. I will most likely be in love with Rodin by the time I leave there.

image courtesy of Jessica McDougall

 

proust q & a…sarah of paper + cup design

sarah-livescault

 

I have a new blog (and blogger) crush…it is a beautiful happy place, filled with great design, fun posts, and Paris! Sarah Livescault is the art director of Paper & Cup Design operations abroad, and has been writing blog posts from Paris, along with Minhee Cho who founded the company. The stationary and design company is based in New York and has recently launched a new website! Their products are fabulous, and the blog really is dreamy for design buffs and francophiles alike. With the posts written in both English and French, I’m finding it a great way to practice. Sarah infuses the blog with bits of her personal life (a newlywed!) and anecdotes of French living…I just can’t get enough. Merci encore Sarah!

 

What is your present state of mind?

It changes a lot depending on what I’m surrounded by (music, movies, weather, people…). It can be annoying, especially for my husband.

Your favourite colour and flower.

That’s a tricky one…I love the combination of black and white and I love love love peonies and orchids.

Your idea of happiness.

To love and to be loved.

Your idea of misery.

A lonely life with no family or friends.

Your favourite food & drink.

My mom’s food with a nice glass of wine!

Your biggest flaw.

 I’m very stubborn! 

Your favourite occupation.

Going to the movies with my hubby.

Your favourite qualities in friends.

Trust and honesty in good times and bad times.

Your favourite hero (or heroine) in fiction.

Peter Pan & Alice (in Wonderland)

Where would you like to live?

If I could, I would go back to New York…but can’t complain about Paris! I could reverse Gerturde Stein’s quotation: “France is my country, but New York is my hometown”. 

 

**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here**