My Favorite Things (April 2025)

Another month, another installment of what makes my heart beat a bit faster. Enjoy!

A box of "pampilles" at a brocante

Crystal Chandeliers

I have a couple of friends who would never buy anything overly detailed, because "who would dust all that". The thing with crystal chandeliers in my opinion that a bit of dust or a cobweb here and there only add to the patina and charm. They add class to any space - I love them in bathrooms, and living rooms equally. The glam and the romance are worth any necessary dusting.

In France there is no shortage of beautiful light fixtures with plenty of "pampilles" at very reasonable prices - if you like the style stay away from modern versions which can have plastic parts. Even if an antique piece is missing a few pieces, those can be easily found at the "brocantes". Whenever I find a box of the detached crystal elements, I grab it. Usually very inexpensive, they provide me with the necessary source to repair the "lustres" (chandeliers). Whatever can't be used, I can repurpose them as Christmas decorations, n'est-ce pas?

Me in my happy place -a shop filled with antique light fixtures

Fields of Yellow Blooming Rapeseed

Driving through our rural area of France this time of year becomes a multisensory adventure. Not only everything is in bloom, and the forests change from brown to green seemingly overnight, but there are numerous fields of rapeseed in cheerful yellow everywhere. Not as famous as the lavender fields of Provence, but the intensity of yellow hue gives such a happy energy, even on a rainy day.

Blooming rapeseed in the countryside

Mariage Frères Tea

I got hooked on this tea when we were still in the United States. We carry the tradition here, in France, by brewing a fresh pot of this aromatic tea almost every day. It's a ritual! Favorite flavors? Bolero, Tokyo Breakfast, Casablanca. The black tins with yellow labels are elegant and perfect for storing the tea, sealing the aroma. Once you have the tins, you can buy the loose tea in little bags. Or there is always an option to purchase tea bags. There also other delights available, such as elegantly packaged chocolates, which make a perfect gift when you are invited to someone's house unexpectedly. Because one should never show up empty handed. Bonne degustation!

Next edition of "My Favorite Things" is coming next month!

***I am not affiliated nor do I get compensated by the brands I mention***