Etsy Wednesday, Wedding Edition

As promised, this week's picks are brought to you by a special guest. My best friend Jess is getting married in less than eight months, and I asked her to share some of her favorite Etsy finds for weddings. Enjoy!

With my wedding coming up in May, I find myself turning to Etsy for all the special touches that will make the day memorable for my guests, my fiancé, and myself. Etsy enables even the least crafty of us to get our hands on unique and charming vintage and handmade goods. I love knowing that I have a source for finding that one item that almost no one else will have. For me, the best part about Etsy is the ability to customize almost anything. Ask most sellers, and they'll be happy to oblige, or just immerse yourself in all of the great stuff that's already out there!

Set the tone for your affair with these adorable invitations.
Don't like the font or color? Change them up!

The perfect dress for a small, garden party reception, or choose it
in another color for some very stylish bridesmaids.

Statement earrings that will make you smile when you pair them
with jeans and a sweater after the big day.

A gorgeous, fluffy flower for your hair, dress, or wrist.
Bridal white, but far from boring.

Colorful Pyrex bowls make a functional and fun shower gift
for the bride that loves vintage.

*****

Thanks for your great picks, Jess!

littlebits Guide to Paris

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Last week I shared some of my favorite spots in London, and now it's time to let you in on some great hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems in the City of Light. This was not my first time to Paris (and it certainly will not be the last), so I got to re-visit some old favorites as well as discover a whole crop of new ones.

1. 2. 3.

1. Fromagerie Véron - Located on the Rue Mouffetard (home of the popular Mouffetard Market), this shop is the perfect place to pick up a couple of cheeses for a picnic in one of the nearby parks. The best part of this fromagerie, though, is the owner, who was sweet and adorable and patient with my attempts at speaking French.

2. Cimitière Père Lachaise - The resting place of the likes of Colette, Chopin, Edith Piaf (and, most famously, Jim Morrison), this well-manicured cemetery on the eastern edge of the city is a peaceful setting for a leisurely, contemplative stroll on a cloudy day.

3. Le Comptoir des Archives - A nice spot in the Marais for a tasty, affordable weekend lunch and a bit of people-watching. I had the duck confit with fried potatoes and green salad, which at €11 was practically a bargain.

4. 5. 6.

4. Hôtel Biron Garden - For just €1 (it costs an additional €5 to enter the museum itself), you can stroll through the beautiful garden at the Rodin Museum. It is full of sculpture, including bronze casts of some of Rodin's most famous works (The Thinker, Gates of Hell, The Burghers of Calais).

5. La Grande Épicerie - If you are a foodie, plan on spending no less than two hours in this epicurean paradise. From chocolate to caviar, truffles to champagne and everything in between, this place literally has it all. I left with a kilo of hand-gathered grey sea salt, a bag of herbes de Provence, some Valrhona cocoa powder, and a small jar of intoxicatingly-scented truffle salt.

6. L'As du Fallafel - There are no less than five (and quite possibly more) places to get falafel on the Rue des Rosiers in the Old Jewish Quarter, but L'As du Fallafel is widely considered the best of the bunch (even Lenny Kravitz is a fan!). For €5 you get a fresh, soft pita stuffed to the brim with crunchy falafel, pickled cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, tahini, and a garlicky tzatziki sauce. So good.

7. 8. 9.

7. Arnaud Delmontel - Okay, I have to admit that I didn't actually eat anything from this bakery in Montmartre, but only because I already had my heart set on a cone of ice cream from the shop down the street (see number 10 below). I did scope out the goods, however, and they all looked absolutely amazing. Think whole-grain baguettes, jewel-like tarts, and the always popular French macarons.

8. Berko - I already let you in on the best cupcakes in Paris (even if they were the only ones I tried), but I couldn't leave Berko off of this list. I am still dreaming about the creamy coffee-flavored filling of the tiramisu cupcake...yum. Waiting until the last day of my trip to visit this place is NOT a mistake I will make twice.

9. Pont des Arts - Right around sunset, this pedestrian bridge in the heart of Paris turns into a meeting place for friends and lovers. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and someone you love and watch the sun go down behind the Eiffel Tower. Ahhh...perfection.

And a few more for good measure...

10. Caramella - A great little ice cream shop on the Rue des Martyrs in Montmartre. The hours are a bit unpredictable (we happened to walk by around 2:00 when it was supposed to open, but it didn't actually open until about 2:45), but the light and delicately-flavored (think speculoos, coffee, and pear with cinnamon) ice cream is worth waiting around for.

11. Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves - Paris is lousy with flea markets, but the one at Porte de Vanves is generally considered to be the best. There is plenty to see here, from books to art to household items, but don't expect bargain prices. I picked up a few old black and white photographs, a rubber stamp from the 60s, and a couple of chipped café au lait bowls (the ones in better shape were way out of my price range).

12. Luxembourg Gardens - This popular park certainly isn't a hidden gem, but I never get tired of it. The flowers, the fountains, the sculpture, the palace...it's all gorgeous. I cannot imagine visiting Paris without spending at least one entire day here, just eating, drinking, reading, and taking in the beautiful surroundings for hours. This is Paris at its most beguiling.

(All photos by me.)

Chickpea Soup for the Soul

For those of you who feel the way I do right now, here are a few soup recipes from my archives that might help soothe your scratchy throats and ease your aches and pains. Even if you're not feeling under the weather, each of these soups makes a light, delicious dinner on a chilly evening.

Stracciatella (from Mark Bittman) - A Roman classic that is as simple to make as it is soothing to eat. You can add cooked chicken and chopped fresh spinach, as the recipe headnote suggests, and even some tiny pasta such as orzo or acini di pepe.

Mexican Chicken Stew (from Dave Lieberman) - Quick, hearty, and with just enough spice to help open up those sinuses. The leftovers are even better, especially when topped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Ultimate Chickpea Noodle Soup (from Heidi Swanson) - A delicious Italian-inspired recipe for the vegetarians out there. I like to garnish it with grated Parmesan and chopped Italian parsley.

(Pictured above is a simple chicken soup I made several months ago with egg crepes and lots of chopped fresh parsley, dill, and tarragon.)

28 Before 28...My Progress

Today marks my quarter birthday, which means I have just nine more months to make good on my 28 things to do before 28 (see original post here). My progress was slow for the first couple of months, but I've had a lot of time on my hands since I got back from my trip, so I've been trying to check off a few of the easier goals. This is where I'm at right now:

1 - buy an old polaroid camera (my mom gave me her old one, so now I just need to buy some film - check)

2 - start a blog (check)

4 - finally read The Sot-Weed Factor by John Barth (I'll be starting it as soon as I finish The Man Who Ate Everything by Jeffrey Steingarten)

5 - buy a bike (check)

6 - make an inspiration board (that's it at the top; you might recognize some of the pictures from my Nesting post - check)

11 - make a lemon meringue pie from scratch (I bought a copper bowl in Paris, so I'm ready to whip those egg whites!)

13 - sort through the stuff I have in my mom's attic (I did a pretty thorough sort-through about a month ago, and I'm constantly reorganizing and weeding things out - check)

18 - learn how to drive manual (working on it - had my first lesson on Sunday)

22 - back up my computer files (bought an 8GB flash drive over the weekend and copied all of my documents and pictures - check)

25 - run a 5K in under 30 minutes (thinking about running this one, but several weeks of indulging my sweet tooth and general laziness have left me pretty out of shape)

*****

I'll check back with you in another three months to let you know how I'm doing. Happy weekend!

littlebits Guide to London

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It's Tasty Thursday, and this week I've got some of the edible highlights (and a few other favorite spots) from my recent trip to London. London is a city with a lot to offer--world-class restaurants, museums, theater, shopping, you name it. This was my first time in the city, so I wanted to do and see as much as possible, but I was also on a tight budget. This is not an exhaustive guide by any means, but these are some of the (inexpensive) places that made me smile during my week-long visit.

1. 2. 3.

1) Victoria & Albert Museum - The V&A's collection is extensive, and there is something (from jewelry to fashion to antiquities) for everyone. They also have a lovely courtyard with a small café and a wonderful gift shop with beautifully-designed (and surprisingly affordable) items for the home. Plus, free admission!

2) Covent Garden Market - Shops and restaurants galore. Go on a Monday for the weekly antiques market in Jubilee Hall and grab a cupcake from Ella's Bakehouse or a cup of tangy frozen yogurt from Yuforia (pictured) for a little pick-me-up after you're done shopping.

3) Culture Grub - Place an order of pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings for take-away from this popular Chinese spot and do like the locals and head to nearby Waterloo Millenium Green for an alfresco lunch.

4. 5. 6.

4) Spitalfields - A renovated market space that is home to lots of cute shops and inexpensive restaurants (including Square Pie!), plus an antiques market on Thursdays and a general market on Fridays and Saturdays.

5) The Golden Hind - Perfect fish and chips in a cozy, charming shop in Marylebone. After lunch, wander through the cobblestone streets and do a little window shopping.

6) Tate Britain - Located along the Thames in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood, the Tate Britain is a nice place to while away a rainy afternoon. Highlights of the collection include Elizabethan portraiture, paintings by Pre-Raphaelite masters Millais and Rossetti, and a huge collection of works by JMW Turner. Admission is free.

7. 8. 9.

7) South Bank Book Market - A daily used book market tucked right under Waterloo Bridge. Its location on the Jubilee Walkway makes it a great starting point for a late-morning stroll along the Thames.

8) VitaOrganic - I stumbled upon this place by chance on a rainy day. My feet were soaked, and their cozy atmosphere and tasty-looking buffet beckoned to me through the window. Though raw and vegan food is not really my thing, all of the dishes I sampled were very tasty. And at just under £5 for the buffet, it is one of the better deals in London.

9) Hyde Park - In my opinion, this is the best of the centrally-located parks in London. An oasis of peace and quiet in a hectic city, it is great for an afternoon walk or even a nap. My favorite spot in the park was the rose garden, which is bordered on all sides by tall hedges, making it feel like your own little secret garden.

*****

Coming next week, the littlebits guide to Paris!

Etsy Wednesday

Fall is here! That means wearing tights, drinking hot beverages (hot cocoa, hot cider, chai lattes...love them all!), stuffing myself with pancakes and fritters at the Apple Festival, and delighting in the scent of fallen leaves. Fall just might be my favorite season. Even if it's not currently your favorite, this week's Etsy finds are sure to bring you around to my side...

I'm loving the soft autumnal colors of this original photograph.

Carry a little piece of fall around with you with this vintage pine cone necklace.

Get that homemade taste without dirtying a single dish with these
chai spice cupcakes (yes, you can buy cupcakes on Etsy!!!).

Or if you feel up to doing your own baking, roll out the perfect crust
for a deep-dish apple pie with this vintage rolling pin.

This hand-dyed scarf will keep the chill at bay on nippy October mornings.

*****

Next week a special guest will bring you her top five wedding-inspired Etsy picks!

Fall Reading List

Now that fall is officially here, it is time to put my summer reading list aside (in the end I made it through eight out of ten books--not bad) and make a new one. I'm still on a bit of a foodie book kick, but I tend to read more fiction than non-fiction in the cooler months, so I'm starting to make that transition. Here is a peak at what I'll be reading this season...



The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food by Judith Jones. Those of you who saw Julie & Julia may remember Ms. Jones as the young spitfire editor responsible for finally getting Mastering the Art of French Cooking published. And that was just the beginning of a brilliant career in the food world.









The Sot-Weed Factor by John Barth. This has been on my reading list for, oh...six years. Finally tackling it is #4 on my list of 28 things to do before I'm 28. At 756 pages (and narrow margins), this will be a challenge. I'm feeling up for it, though!








The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. A leftover from my summer reading list. I have read The House of Mirth (loved it) and The Age of Innocence (didn't love it), so this could go either way.









Sadly, what I will not be reading (after next month) is Gourmet magazine. The news broke yesterday that Condé Nast is shutting down the veteran publication after a nearly 70-year run. Honestly I don't know what they are thinking. Gourmet is an institution, and I will be heartbroken to see it disappear from newsstands. I guess nothing is sacred in this economy.





*****

What is on your reading lists this fall, my dears?

Nesting

Cooler weather has arrived in my neck of the woods, which means my nesting instincts are kicking into high gear. Unfortunately, I don't have my own nest to feather at the moment, but that hasn't stopped me from gathering interior decor inspiration from magazines and around the web. My ideal look of the moment is cozy and lived-in, with fuzzy blankets, vintage touches, and tons of books everywhere...

Stacks of books, magazines, and just a couple of vintage trinkets
(Via Anthropologie)

I'm not loving the stark white of this kitchen, but I am totally digging the
cookbook shelves and the row of hanging pots and pans.
(Via Elle Decor)

This picture makes me want to stay in bed all day and read.
(Via Anthropologie)

Ditto this picture
(Via Apartment Therapy)

Ahhh...a girl can dream.

More of the The Boosh

Because it's Monday and I like you.



Hope your week is off to a good start!

Etsy Friday, Paris Edition

Ah, Paris. I miss you. Here are some Etsy finds that remind me of you...xoxo, Rachael

A simple little dress in a lovely shade of blue, named for one of
Paris's most popular parks.

Brush up on your français with these vintage flash cards.

Pretty, pretty vintage French crocheted trim. Just because.

A roll-up-able blanket that's perfect for picnics in Luxembourg Gardens
or gazing at the stars on the Champs de Mars.

Say merci in style with these cute little letterpress notecards.

*****

Up next week: my Etsy picks for fall! Have a great weekend!

Tasty Paris, Part Trois

The apartment I stayed at in Paris was located just a couple of doors down from a bakery called Berko that had amazing cupcakes in the window, and somehow I managed to resist going inside until the day before I left. When I finally made it into the shop, I was met with a dazzling array of both mini and regular-sized cupcakes in flavors from red velvet to speculoos to salted caramel. An assortment of six minis cost a whopping 9,60 euros (or roughly $14)...and I have to say that it was worth every centime. I only got a chance to try the tiramisu (upper and lower left) and the chocolate mousse (upper middle) varieties, but they were both insanely delicious. Perfectly moist, dense cake, wonderful flavors, and creamy, dreamy fillings. I only wish I had discovered them sooner. (Or maybe not. $14 a day would have been an expensive cupcake habit!)

Tasty Paris, Part Deux

Got home last night, but I'm not quite in full-fledged blogging mode yet (more like napping and unpacking mode). For now, here is a picture of a picnic I had last week with my friend in Luxembourg Gardens. Simple. Delicious. France. Le sigh.