A HOUSE OF THE HEART

” In 1994, while riding my motorcycle at random on the roads of Provence, I discovered a house standing amidst lavender and olive trees. I made it my anchoring harbour, my home, before deciding to open it to others. It has always had this very special place in my heart, and it still has today… “ 
Alain Ducasse

This September I was fortunate to be able to get away and take a much needed vacation. Jeff and I  chose to travel to France. I had never been to the South of France, so we decided to start in Paris and then tour Provence. It was absolutely the best trip I have ever taken. And when we reached Moustiers-Saint-Marie, and checked in to La Bastide De Mousiers, I knew was in heaven.

This is a very special place conceived by the famous Alain Ducasse. He wanted to create a place that felt like a private home. And that is exactly how it felt. Warm, relaxed, private, like a home. A home with impeccable staff.

We stayed here for three nights and never wanted to leave. We explored the gardens. Smelled the lavender and olive trees. It was a place to relax and catch up with thoughts and dreams. For some reason I felt transported to my childhood. Or a time when lying in the grass and staring at the sky was considered constructive time management.

The restaurant was the best I have ever had the pleasure of dining in. Most of the food comes fresh from the garden or close by in the region. It was fun to stop by the kitchen and be welcomed in. They couldn’t have been warmer, encouraging a look at the menu. I was so blown away by the food, I literally got a little weepy at times. Fresh pumpkin soup with chestnuts. There was a corn chowder that I could have eaten everyday for the rest of my life….

I hope to return soon. We met a couple from New York that comes every year. And this was the second time this year. Lucky ducks!

For now I will just keep the memory fresh by sharing it with you and looking at photos from our time spent there.

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September signals the beginning of fall.

Fall may be my favorite season. Especially when I am in Michigan visiting my family and dearest friends. Living in Los Angeles, I long for seasonal changes that we don’t have here. The change of attitude that goes along with the cooler air and warmer colors. A cozying up and winding down from the activities of summer.

A more serious tone sets. A back to school attitude for everyone. More serious fashion. Boots and rich hair color.

My fall is a time of  going home, nature walks, apple crisp, bird watching, and layering cashmere. Wool blankets, heirloom quilts and tea by a fireplace. A time when I reflect on the year and look at my goals for the coming months. Nature helps me center myself.

What does fall mean to you?

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Taking a break to dish with a friend or just unwind from the day, try actually using your pretty tea set. You will be amazed at how much better your tea or coffee tastes in a china cup and saucer. It is not much effort to use your pretty things and feel pampered.

My friend at Hermes always remembers me saying how everything tastes better in fine china. He loves to tell that to his clients in the home department! It makes me laugh because it is something I honestly believe that everyone should be doing!

These are the little rituals that get me through the day. The small private moments that nurture my soul. It is worth washing by hand. I even love that chore if it is an object of beauty. Care about the little things. They are the moments that gradually add up to a life well lived.

Spring is almost here! That means warmer temps and lighter clothes, and perhaps a picnic in the park! It is so easy to put this special treat together! I just run to my favorite market and pick up a few of my favorite treats! This makes it much easier than making the food and then packing it. That usually seems like too much effort. This is supposed to be a simple pleasure! Not a complicated chore. I always have a picnic basket with plates and napkins and an old quilt at the ready for an impromptu adventure. Then just hop on your bike to the nearest shady spot and have a lazy lunch, staring at the sky and dreaming!