As we move into the second week of March I am filled with gratitude and contemplation as this is the week of my birthday. I will be taking two days off of work next week to celebrate and to get out and do some things around town that are my favorite. I love taking this time to think about the upcoming year and what I would like to do and accomplish and this year for me is centered around joie de virve and enjoying the small pleasures of life. I am also starting to see some trees blooming with their beautiful flowers and it reminds me that this is a time of energetic renewal and a time to bloom after a few months of cozying up at home during the colder days of winter. I am also looking forward to more daylight as we here in the United States will also be springing forward with moving our clocks up one-hour next weekend. As we make our way through the month that is opening door to the warmer days ahead, let us be reminded to enjoy all that spring has to offer us and that we take advantage and enjoy these warmer days with all the simple pleasures it has to offer. But for today, let us cozy in and enjoy another curated weekly post together as we dream of the warm spring days ahead together.
SHOPPING, BOOKS, MEDIA, ETC.
Linen is a great fabric to wear in the spring and summer seasons and this green Square-Neck Linen-Blend Mini Dress would be a great item to have as a seasonal wardrobe piece. It would be great for farmer’s markets, visiting gardens or a weekend brunch.
I love brining in subtle touches of the season into my home and if you’re the same and are looking for some things to refresh your home for spring, then the lila floral utensil crock would be a beautiful piece for the kitchen with its touch of cottage like charm.
And while the warmer days are ahead, there will still be cooler days lingering too, especially in the mornings and evenings, so a light scarf is a must for the spring season and this Ann Taylor border scarf would be a lovely accessory to have on hand.
You already know how much I love a beautiful mug, especially a seasonal one, and this blue and white floral cup on Amazon has such a pretty design and would be a beautiful addition to any spring cup collection.
I love trying new recipes and sometimes the recipes that I try are found online like with The Simply Luxurious Kitchen. When I find a recipe that I like from online, I like to write it down and store them together its own kind of cookbook and this recipe journal from Papier is a cute book to store all of the favorite gathered recipes. I especially love that it has a subtle Francophile theme too.
Cozy British style is one of my favorite decor styles and this set of 2 embroidered floral textile wall decor reminded me so much of this. It’s also a beautiful set to bring in for the spring season and at only $50.00 for the two of them, it’s also a great budget friendly purchase too.
With the sunnier days just around the corner a good hat is a must to keep us cool and shaded from the sun’s rays. Banana Republic Factory has a great straw fedora that would look great with any outfit and also comes in two different shades to choose from.
Starting off this week’s books is The New French Kitchen:
The spring season is shaping up to be a great time for book releases starting with The Maid’s Secret being released on April 8th. When a daring art heist takes place at the Regency Grand, Molly’s life is threatened. The question is who’s out to get her, and why? Long-buried secrets will be revealed in this intriguing and heartwarming novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest.
A new decor book from the acclaimed Marshall Watson, Defining Elegance comes out on March 11th and gives an in-depth knowledge of periods and styles where Watson is known for his meticulously researched designs. Acclaimed for his understated elegance and European-inspired style, Marshall Watson creates interiors that blend quiet luxury with true comfort.
And if you’re a fan of the Finlay Donavon series then you will want to pick up a copy of the next book, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave which was released this past Tuesday. From New York Times bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes the hugely anticipated next installment in the fan-favorite Finlay Donovan series. Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there’s not a body in her backyard. Being described as, “refreshing, funny and bright, these are wonderfully escapist novels” this is surely one not to miss this season.
A new movie being released in theaters only on March 14th that I plan to go watch is Black Bag. When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country. Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender star in this modern-day whodunit spy movie sure to full of style and intrigue. I’ll be there!
I always stop into the French pharmacies whenever I am in Paris and in this video, you’ll get to visit Paris’ iconic City Pharma in the 6th arrondissement, where they explore the best skincare, haircare, and wellness tips to smoothly transition from winter to spring. In this episode of Parisian Vibe, they are joined by Anna and Lea, French pharmacy experts, who share their insights on maintaining radiant skin, healthy hair and immune system as the seasons change.
After a of couple months of extra waiting, With Love, Meghan is finally available this week on Netflix. I have been watching and savoring this charming show and if you haven’t watched it yet then I highly recommend you give it a try. Here is a sneak peek below.
articles of interest
And speaking of With Love, Meghan, here is a lovely article on The 10 Biggest Revelations from With Love, Meghan. So many fun sights in this article.
This article, Why this American woman moved to France at the age of 70 proves that you’re never too old to live out a dream of living abroad. There were many insightful lessons to learn from this lady.
You already know my favorite grocery store is Trader Joe’s, and reading about the 8 Ridiculously Easy Trader Joe’s Meals You Can Make With 3 Ingredients or Less gave me a few ideas for quick weeknight dinners.
The new issue of My French Country Home is now available, and you can get a small look inside the March/April 25 issue. The photos are simply stunning and I am looking forward to picking up a copy at my local Barnes & Noble soon.
Looking for decor inspiration? Then Maison Flaneur has a fun article, How to Bring Chic French Style to You Home to read. This was a short read, but a fun one.
With spring comes the sweet birds frolicking about and if you are wanting to bring some into your yard this year then read about How To Attract Birds To Your Birdbath, According To An Expert.
And if you’re looking for off-the-radar museums in Paris, then read Beyond the Louvre: five underrated museums in Paris from Earful Tower. There are just so many beautiful museums that are yet to be explored for my trip in March.
in case you missed it…
This week on the blog was inspired by spring and slow living as I shared how I spring clean my lifestyle every year as well as how slow living encourages us to live us well. I am always searching for those petit tresors in my own my life that will elevate the everyday to one of simple pleasure and fulfillment. Being intentional is key to creating the life that we envision for ourselves and also being clear about what we want that life to look and feel like. Living well with joie de virve is a concept that I enjoy discovering for myself and being able to share these ideas on the blog is funny enough a part of that joie de virve. So, keep discovering those petit tresors in your own life too and enjoy the life that unfolds as you do.
How To Spring Clean Your Lifestyle This Year
How Living Slow Encourages Us to Live Well
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