le ballon rouge

new blog project.

2010-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

hello friends.

the end has come. I have moved onto a different blog project called : Bicycles and Vegetables. So check it out for more about photography, cooking, madison, bicycles, and all the random stuff i feel inclined to share.

it's been good.

mérci et au revoir!

-parisianfille

new album by beach house

2010-02-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

After falling in love with the song, Norway, off of Beach House's new album, Teen Dream, when it started making massive waves on the blogosphere, I couldn't wait to get a hold of the album. It's fantastic! Check it out!

lunch in the dorms

2010-01-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

My first-day-of-class lunch break. Pesto and provolone with tomato on wheat bread.

winter. oh home.

2010-01-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

Fraboni's

2010-01-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

Winter break is over.

I survived 3 weeks in Stevens Point, WI.

Time to go back to school kiddies.

My dad drove me back down to Madison on Saturday and we stopped at his favorite old college deli, Fraboni's. It's a genuine Italian supermarket and they make incredible sandwiches fitting for a student's budget.

oh home.

2009-12-23T13:23:00.001-08:00

(well this last one is from Madison...)

Watch. Love. This is the theme song of the week I suppose.

kaffe

2009-12-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

another slushy, snowy, semester then.

2009-12-22T09:32:00.001-08:00

madison. the summer. everything warm. i want.

out for a cuppa

2009-12-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights

Barriques Market, Madison, WI

lakeshore among the ice

2009-12-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

walk on lakeshore path. december 20.

long time. new life.

2009-12-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

when it was warm and the sails were high
Memorial Lib
Today
Study room
My breakfast/lunch/dinner/anytime...
My café (and my friend's bike)
State St
My love

Lovlies,

It's been so long since my last post, but upon re-falling in love with my camera, I decided to give the blog thing another go so I can post some pictures and distract myself even more from classes.

Since last posting I...

-moved to my dorm at UW Madison and survived a full semester of college (almost)

-got a tattoo

- went to Hawaii, Michigan (twice), my first 2 music festivals, hosted my Danish friend for a couple of weeks and met Steve Aoki

-joined WUD music committee, made my best friends and we

-signed a lease on the most amazing house in the world for next year

-fell in love with biking, the farmers market, Madison in general

-came down with mono

-learned how to sail

-dance dance danced.

Hope life has been exciting! Enjoy some pictures of my city.

Hip Chalets

2009-04-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this cite while doing a project for my drawing/painting class- Hip Chalets. It showcases a couple of extremely luxurious stays in my favorite town in the world- Chamonix, France! If only I were filthy rich....

Concert-mania-stravaganza

2009-04-21T19:57:00.001-07:00

Lollapalooza Lineup 2009 from C3 Presents Video on Vimeo.

The Lollapalooza Lineup for this summer came out today and.....

EPIC

That's the one word I would squeeze all my utter joy and excitement for this August music extravaganza into. I'm so glad I already have the tickets, the room reservations, the person to go with.

Here are my favorites that will be preforming (in order)"

Kings of Leon, The Killers, Vampire Weekend, Arctic Monkeys, MSTRKRFT, Crystal Castles, TV on the Radio, Snoop Dogg, Cold War Kids, The Gaslight Anthem, The Virgins, Peter Bjorn and John.... and that only breaks the surface of the magical music experience that will go down in Grant Park August 7 through the 9th.

ALSO: BIG NEWS! I got my tickets for the Aerosmith/ZZ Top Concert on August 28th in Chicago. They're only a little off-center and about 19 rows from the stage. For those of you who don't know, Aerosmith is my one and only favorite band of all time. I went to on of their concerts when I was a sophomore (3 years ago) and it is definately one of my top 5 favorite nights to date. I'm going with my mom (I def. couldn't afford $225/ticket alone...) and it will be an exciting end to my wonderful summer.

I love music.

hola

2009-04-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, my life has been busy and I feel I have finally caught up with everything: school, work, skating; and now I can begin to be a more frequent publisher to the blog and keep everyone updated when the news is actually fresh.

The pictures above are the conclusion of my post about my spring break this March in Cancun. I have been back for a while but have neglected to post any of my pictures yet so... here they are.

Cancun was delightful. It was hot, sandy, and smelled of Hawaiian Tropic tanning spray everywhere (read- heaven). I got to swim, snorkel, kayak, eat, drink, parasail and even learn a little bit of Spanish, salsa dance, and merigue. My family stayed at the Iberostar Lindo resort. I highly recommend it to families. The food was amazing and there were endless activites and food. Overall, I want to go back! I'm considering a job working at a resort while in college...

Other than travelling south of the boarder, my final skating show is over and now, except for recreational purposes, I'm all done with figure skating. It's a bittersweet ending. Skating is my passion but also my most time-consuming hobby that has been a major part of my time since I was 7. The show went really well and I finished my final solo the best I could.

So now, onto things coming up in the near future- GRADUATION! I have 5 weeks left of school and then it's a summer filled with trips to Hawaii, two of my own graduation/birthday parties, visits and roadtrips with my friend from Denmark, and, unfortunately, work. I am so excited!

Now, for even more near future events- next weekend is my very last high school dance- Prom. I decided to just wear a dress I already bought at a vintage store a few years ago and got some killer heels yesterday in Barabo. I have a date and now dinner/picture arangments just have to be put into place. It should be a wonderful weekend.

Well I hope all of you are having a stellar spring thus far. I will try to keep this thing updated a lot more frequently.

-Parisian fille

Aboriginal Art

2009-03-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

For my city's annual Cultural Festival, approaching this May, I have been asked to make and demo Australian Aboriginal artwork. I am so excited about this task- plus, it pays pretty well. So today, I'm heading over to the craft store to pick up a load of supplies and hopefully I'll have some work posted on the blog before I leave for Cancun.

Here's an example of the beautiful, earthy art form:

After a week of non-stop papers due and tests to take at school, I'm thrilled to do a project that will actually inspire me. I love art, but sometimes I just feel like it's always pushed aside to make room for all of my AP classes. However, I am in a Drawing/Painting class for one hour/day and it does wonders for my stress levels.

Cancun

2009-03-11T03:29:00.001-07:00

8 Days.

A week and one day.

3 way-too-long days of class.

4 days of work.

Then I'm off to explore the ruins and the beaches of Cancun! I am so excited. I bought two new swimsuits a month ago (actually only one and a half... a blue one and black bottoms to match my mom's old designer bandeau top), my Venezuelan friend taught me some salsa moves and now I'm just counting down the days until I can actually feel the warmth of the sun. It's been such a long winter and I'm definately ready to get rid of the winter blues.
Hope everybody else is escaping the cold sometime soon.
-Parisian fille

(Photo from flickr here)

KOL at LOLLA

2009-03-10T19:50:00.001-07:00

Kings of Leon - 6, originally uploaded by dreadfuldan.

So this week some exciting news has surfaced: KINGS OF LEON at LOLLAPALOOZA 2009! I am beyond psyched. This summer, my Danish friend and I want to take a road trip to Chicago and then hopefully on to Nashville, Tennessee then back to Wisconsin. Lollapalooza will be our Chicago highlight. I have never attended this epic midwestern music extravaganza which makes me all the more excited after hearing endless tales of bands, sun and Chicago from my friends with more trusting parents. But this summer, I'm 18, and I'll beeeeee there.

Music for summer road trips 1

2009-03-06T13:58:00.000-08:00

This is my new band obsession. Perfect road-trip music. Enjoy-

Frontier Ruckus.

fleurs

2009-03-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

I'm loving this sketchbook. Plus... i want my name to be changed to "Fleur" (flower in French for those that don't know.) When I was in French class, that was my "French name" that we got to choose. I even liked it so much I had it printed on the back of one of my hoodies where one's real last name usually goes.

Oh Chamonix

2009-03-04T04:18:00.000-08:00

I've begun to create a lifelist for myself in a nice Rhodia notebook I picked up in France last summer. Of course it won't be finished until I die but it's already 2 french-sized (yes, they're about 2 inches longer) pages in a week.
Heres a goal I put in this morning: Hike the Haute Route between Chamonix, France, and Zermatt. Look how pretty!
The book I checked out from the library about backpacking/hiking said the journey takes from 7 to 13 days. I think it would be just life-changing. When I was in Chamonix last year, I fell in love with the town and I was so jealous of all the mountain climbers with gigantic backpack that were in out "gondala" lift to the top of Mt. Blanc (the tallest peak in Western Europe f.y.i). At that point, I didn't really know where they were going, but I knew that I had to get myself back there with my own very large pack and see for myself. Now I know, and it's definately on the list.

Photograph from flickr here.

magical

2009-03-04T04:11:00.000-08:00

Photography by Rune Guneriussen, a Scandinavian photographer. I think they're magical.

Thanks Laura!

Again, sorry about my blog negligence. Right now, I have so much going on: summer job applications, ice show practice, tonz of homework, and I'm leaving for Cancun in 2 weeks! So hopefully I'll have a few spare moments to update you on my adventures but, if not, enjoy the coming of spring!

Parisian fille

Eat Pray Love

2009-02-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

Today, over my favorite drink: a tall-soy-latte-with-one-pump-cinnamon-dolce-syrup-and-extra-cinnamon-sprinkles-please (said all with one breath... or also known as "the Usual") at Starbucks and a delicious apple bran muffin, I finished one of the best books I have ever read to this day: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you have not read this book yet- YOU MUST! Okay, not really, but I definately feel this book was written just for me. It had my favorite things: travel, yoga, religion, love, and pasta!
The book is basically about the author's journey to find inner peace and happiness after dealing with a long and messy divorce among other circumstances that brought her safe little world crashing down. Gilbert takes off a year to go to three countries that, for different reasons, she finds a need to visit- Italy, India, and Indonesia.

Read it!

Song of the Day: TOUT DOUCEMENT by Feist

rainy days.

2009-02-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelys...

My life has been crazy hectic lately and I appologize for not keeping you more tuned-in. I hope to post more regularily but things may just get crazier until April.

Skating season (figure skating) is in full bloom, which means competitions for me on most weekends. I skated at the Badger State Games (big deal in Wisconsin) this past weekend and was pretty proud of my placements.

Other than that, formal was this weekend. It was fun, but quite a lot of drama went down. (uhhghhh hate it)

But anyways, stay tuned about the ever-more exciting details of the life of Parisian Fille.

(photos here)

simple little things

2009-01-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

1. basket of yarn 2. healthy lunch 3.letter from Denmark 4. sunshine on my art nouveau

mgmt

2009-01-24T14:20:00.001-08:00

mgmt, originally uploaded by personanongrata.

These past few weeks, I have been falling deeply into infatuation with MGMT. I've heard their music before, but I've become obsessed. When I was looking through pictures of roskilde festival (a huge music festival in Denmark that I'm going to next summer) I found this one of the group and ahhhh, what an outfit!

Kiosk Krazy

2009-01-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

I love love love this site: KIOSK. It sells goodies from all over the world. Very retro and simple.

warm breakfast

2009-01-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

The past two days have been "snow days". But essentially, the weather was too frigid cold to step outside to get to school. So here is what I ate for breakfast to keep my spirits warm.

wintertime in the cold

2009-01-13T04:18:00.000-08:00

Matt, a friend of mine took these photos. I think they are lovely- sort of old fashioned yet they are from this month. excellent.

Co-op: awesomeness

2009-01-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

Granted this picture is from November, but I would just like to post a little bit about my hometown co-op. For those of you that don't know what a Co-op (or Cooperative) is, it's a business organized by people to provide needed goods and services and are based on the values of self-help, self responsibility, democracy, solidarity, equality, and equity. Basically, the Stevens Point Co-Op rocks. It always smells like fresh baked breads and cinnamon rolls mixed with fresh ground coffee and essential oils. All mixed together, it ends up smelling warm, if you could bottle up that scent.
I could (and have) literally spend the better part of an hour in this small grocery/bakery/drug store. It's all natural foods, and since I have adapted the vegan diet for the most part, it carries things I can't find anywhere else. I love food, and the fresh, good-for-the-environment food the Co-op sells just eminates joy to me. And the employees in their natural clothes and hippie hair are always so nice. I have learned to appreciate the small things about my small town, which I used to despise when I was little. But it's actually a pretty awesome place to live.

just a lil something

2009-01-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

just something i drew a long time ago. it's one of my all time favorites that i have ever done. it's a drawing of a photograph taken by mimophoto.

Late Happy New Years

2009-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you are having a fantastic 2009 so far. I think this really will be a wonderful year. I will be graduating high school after all these years and hopefully moving on to bigger and better things.

One major change in my life is that I have decided to try out veganism. I have been a vegetarian for almost 2 years now and I think it is the next step for me. There are so many benefits of living my life that way- better for the animals, the environment, and my health. I've gone almost 4 complete days in a row now without consuming any animal products and I feel great about it. I made a delicious zucchini and lentil dinner last night. Yum. Plus, this just means I need to experiment a little bit more with my cooking skills. Definately a benefit.

Unfortunately, I will not have as much time in the coming months to keep posting all the time because I need to work on my scholarships, but I will try to post something at least weekly.

-Parisian fille

PS- this video is perfect advice. take it. it's free.

wintertime adventure to the capitol

2008-12-30T21:23:00.000-08:00

Today, I awoke with an empty day. No work, no plans. excellent. So my friends and I decided to do a random car trip to Madison to shop for some New Years Eve apparel. I didn't buy anything, and mostly just went to try out my new camera. I love the snow in the pictures. Unfortunately, we were in a bit of a hurry to return home, so I had to walk and shoot, causing the blurriness above. (We also had a yummy dinner right on State Street at Queso)

Song of the Day: KIDS by MGMT

Vagabonding

2008-12-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

So I know, it's after Christmas and all, but I know I'm still in the Christmas mood until at least New Years, so I thought I would post this cute little video of two men playing Jingle Bells in Switzerland. I found it when I was researching vegabonding- (a person who doesn't have a permantent home, who moves from place to place). I thought it would be really interesting to just take an entire year off after I'm all done with schooling(4-8 years from now, depending on grad-school). To pack a backpack with my new incredible camera, a couple of changes of clothing, and the basic necessities, and of course a sketch-pad/journal, and just take off. I would work odd jobs for room and board, and possibly write a book about my experiences.

I found a site with a bunch of links to different means of "sleeping for free" here. One of the ones mentioned that really caught my attention was the World Wide Opportunities for Organic Farmers (WWOOF). Currently, I have no knowledge what exactly I would have to know before going, but I'm sure there are plenty of places that would take me and then teach me the job on site.

polaroids of a lovely city in a lovely season

2008-12-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed these photographs of Amsterdam at Christmas-time, so here's the link so you can see them too!

Pia Jan Bijkerk

best behavior

2008-12-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

I pretty much love everything about the Best Behavior Fall/Winter 08 line. The grungy, baggy accent neutral ensembles look so comfortable yet chic. Love the zipper boots!

incredible vintage

2008-12-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

Incredibly photoshoot featured in Italian Vogue shot by Steven Meisel. Again I repeat- incredible. I can't imagine how long it took to piece together the looks.

(found here via here)

frost on the windows

2008-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

I have been scrambeling to get the Christmas shopping done and everything in place for the fast approaching holiday. I finally figured out what I wanted for Christmas: the Rosetta Stone Level 1 German learning kit. I figure that a new language would be the gift that keeps on giving. Plus, one of my most concrete goals is to learn 5 languages (at least almost) fluently by the time I am 30. Currently, I know English (duh) and a fair amount of French (which I will go on to study in college). I would like to learn German, Chinese (for business reasons), and either Italian, Danish, or Swedish for my other three. I just love languages and the doors that open up with each additional language. I guess most of it has to do with my passion for travel and living with locals- not just touristy travel. In fact, I all-but-despise travel just for pure tourist pleasure. I plan on moving around a lot while I'm in my twenties; living in Europe and Asia, which will greatly improve my language skills once I have a base built. So.... that is why Rosetta Stone.

I just finished reading Crystal Castles by Jeannette Walls- incredible. I can't believe the life that woman had as a child- the hardships she went through- and how she currently lives a very sucessful life in Manhattan. I definately recommend Crystal Castles.

welsh cookies

2008-12-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

1)Harmonica Necklace from Urban Outfitters 2) Cozy Danish Home 3)USB-stick from Bo Bedre 4)Welsh Cookies

Welsh Cookies-

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup dried currants
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration

DIRECTIONS
Mix flour, baking powder, salt and the 1/2 cup sugar in medium bowl until well blended Cut in butter or margarine and shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Toss in currants.
Beat egg and milk with a fork in a 1-cup measure; add to flour mixture; mix gently with fork, just until blended. Dough should be consistency of pastry dough.
Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness with floured rolling pin on lightly floured pastry cloth or board. Cut with 3 inch floured cookie cutter
Heat greased griddle or large heavy skillet over moderate heat until few drops of water jump when dropped on surface. Cook cakes, a few at a time, 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn with pancake turner and cook another 3 minutes, or until golden brown on second side. Remove to wire rack. Sprinkle with sugar. Let cool completely, then wrap in plastic bags to store. Can also be frozen.

Song of the Day: THAT WAS THE WORST CHRISTMAS EVER by Sufjan Stevens

British Breakfast

2008-12-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

English Crumpet recipe

INGREDIENTS
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 degrees to 115 degrees)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted, divided
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon butter and egg; mix well. Add flour and salt; beat until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush griddle and 3-in. metal rings or open-topped metal cookie cutters with remaining butter. Place rings on griddle; heat over low heat. Pour 3 tablespoons of batter into each ring. Cook for 7 minutes or until bubbles begin to pop and the top appears dry. Remove rings. Turn crumpets; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until the second side is golden brown. Serve warm or let cool on a wire rack and toast before serving.

Perfect with a nice spot of black tea.

baking day

2008-12-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

I did it! I actually made some definately-not-perfect-but-very-tasty-almond macarons with dark chocolate ganache. These are from the second batch, which I made on Sunday because I was a bit disapointed with Saturday's batch. For Saturday's, I made the shells wrong and then foolishly filled them with home-made salted caramel. Guess what? It hardens. So, although they are sweet and pretty tasty, one could bust a tooth if not cautious. The batch pictured above are delightful though- egg-shell-like outer meringue and a slightly creamy center, filled with the rich orange-infused dark chocolate.
I also made some other holiday treats with a friend. We baked all day long and made (along with batch number 1 of the macarons) Pebernodder (Danish Peppernut Christmas Cookies) and White Chocolate Peppermint Bark. What a wonderful day.

Here are the links to the recipes I used:
Macarons
Pebernodder
Chocolate Ganache
and for the White Chocolate Peppermint Bark: just melt some white chocolate and mix in crushed candy canes then spread the mix on a piece of wax paper and set outside or in refrigerator. Pretty self-explainatory though...

Bon Appetite!

beautiful light.

2008-12-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

very beautiful.

frangipani lights chain

Song of the Day: HERE COMES THE SUN by The Beatles

it's friday.

2008-12-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

inside the loop's recipe for Boudreaux Family's Ameretto

this photostream on flickr by Karo

the perfect gift for the new yorker on your list

this adorable bag from anthropologie. (although i love everything from there so...)
Hollister Hovey really knows how to do a gift list!
M.I.A. released a very funky and colorful clothing line available here

I found a group on flickr dedicated to Chamonix. The photos are breathtaking.

Namolio's etsy store featuring charming linen, lace, pincushions and teddy bears.

Shinzi Katoh UK store online. I just discovered it for the first time. Adorable.

This post from Frolic detailing her trip to Bath. (nice cozy photos too.)

(photo from flickr here)

there's something awesome in the state of Denmark

2008-12-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Danes have a good life-they're tall, blond, and beautiful in a country surrounded by water (and composed of islands) plus they use more candles than any other country. But what most impresses me about them is that, at least in Copenhagen, everyone bikes everywhere! Rain or snow apparently. I have a good friend from said city and I remember when he first told me his family didn't even own a vehicle, I was shocked. Plus, if you don't even own your own bike (or you're just visiting there) you can use any of the free city bikes as long as you want- just pay a deposit and you get it back when you return it. That's smart.

(Copenhagen Cycle Chic via A CUP OF JOE and Frolic)

Song of the Day: THE CHRISTMAS SONG by The Ravonettes

sweet parisian dreams

2008-12-10T14:40:00.001-08:00

The other day, I awoke with a strong feeling that I should be in Paris right now. Aside from the fact that many people dream of living amongst the beautiful and all things pretty in the city of lights, I felt an especially strong longing after I awoke from my dream which, although I can't remember it, I'm sure had something to do with said City. I pictured what I would do that day if I were in Paris and I came up with this: there is nothing I would rather be doing than lining up at the patisserie early in the morning and arriving home to my Montmontre apartment with a beautiful box full of Lauduree or Pierre Herme macarons and spending the morning sitting by my flower-filled window with my black cat, who would be named, naturally, chat. Ah and then the regret came that I didn't actually eat a single macaron whilst I was actually in Paris this summer. So anyways, this weekend, I decided I would spend some time making my own macarons and being Parisian for a day. Oh la la.

I found a couple of recipes online so hopefully the day will be a success:
La Tartine Gourmande (Cardamom Wattle Seeds Macarons with Orange Filling)
Tartelette (Espresso Toffee Macarons)
Epicurious (Laduree Chocolate Macarons)
David Lebovitz (Chocolate Macarons)
Veronica's Test Kitchen (Basic Macaron Batter)

...also, read this article: Man v Macaroon from the Times and this slideshow on the art itself. Bon appetite and sweet dreams.

(photo from flickr here)

bread & honey

2008-12-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

I found this inspiring food blog and thought i must share it with you. I think this weekend may be one for baking Christmas (yes, I still say Christmas) goodies and this blog adds to my inspiration. Enjoy- Bread & Honey

non snow day

2008-12-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today, spirits were down because the much anticipated and rumored first snow day of the year didn't occur and we were subjected to boring lectures and non-important classes yet again. But, in an attempt to start my day off the best way possible, considering the terrible blizzard still ongoing, I decided to make myself a Swedish Breakfast of Swedish pancakes, applesauce, and coffee. It was delicious.

I also have had a relapse in my Starbucks addiction. I thought I had outgrown the cravings when I quite drinking coffee there cold-turkey this fall. I spent way too much of my time and mostly my dollars there last year so I did myself a favor and broke off the addiction. However, on Monday night, my mom and I were out to dinner and we stopped in for some dessert. I ordered a Peppermint Mocha Twist- big mistake. It was possibly the best thing I have ever tasted and since Monday, I've been there twice.

(Photos by me!)

have a good weekend.

2008-12-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

(photo from flickr by jsmithly)
Crazy cool makeup application: same model appears 10-60

This blog feels like love: le love

These pincushions by Hannah Lamb

Lovely and inspiring "handwritten" wall art

Deborah Bowness wall paper

My favorite post from Lobster and Swan- what a perfect way to spread some cheer.

New York Magazine's last minute Holiday gift list

Have a great weekend - Parisian Fille

splendid construction

2008-12-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

1. Toolset Earings from Gargyle
2. Danish Architecture by Jeorn Utzon (flickr here)

The earings would make a great gift for anyone with a love for construction or Paul Bunyan.

Song of the Day: HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by Coldplay

Jayson Home and Garden favs

2008-12-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

1-vintage Scandinavian books

2-antique mercury votive holders

3-Frida taper holder

4-Burlwood bowls

Great holiday home decor gift ideas from Jayson Home and Garden. I love how everything on the site works together and gives off a homey, vintage charm. With "rare finds" and stylish furniture, this Chicago-based store has everthing you need for a perfect one-of-a-kind gift for picky people. Plus, there's free shipping through Dec 31. Love. it.

Song of the Day: PUT THE LIGHTS ON THE TREE by Sufjan Stevens

baby it's cold outside

2008-12-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

The ground is blanketed in snow so, naturally, I am sick and have been out of school for the past two days. However, it is nice to have some time to watch movies, read my books, and spend a little time at home with my little dog, Mischa. I think it's amusing how she is supposed to be so white and, when compared to the snow on our patio, she looks almost tan.

I see many blog posts from others with ideas of how to stay jolly during the dark, frigid days of winter and I thought I would post a few of my own...

1- Put twinkly Christmas lights everywhere! Add some vanilla candles and bask in the glow of the season.

2- Eat soup, hot chocolate with marshmallows, tea, and coffee often

3- Read a good book. I'm currently reading Jane Eyre

4- Learn a new craft such as crocheting, knitting, drawing, calligraphy, etc. I just learned how to crochet (i made the coasters above..) and it is a great way to spend some free time.

5- Write your dear ones letters. Make them beautiful and decorate the envelope. Sending others random gifts will help brighten both their day and yours.

6- Listen to Christmas music.

7- Plan something: a dinner with friends, a movie night, a party- anything. Then you have something to look foreward too and it brings friends together.

So there's my short list. Now I'm going back to bed to try to recover from my sniffles before work tonight.

favorites from Anthropologie

2008-12-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

click here for where to find the items.

...they MUST be models

2008-12-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

Found on The Sartorialist, these hommes in Milan couldn't look more chic. I wish guys in Wisconsin dressed like this. But then again, I guess it wouldn't be Wisconsin...

sea dino pendant

2008-12-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

I love this quirky aqua-dino eating necklace from Verameat. The site also has a bunch of other unique charms and jewelry. This would definately be a perfect conversation starter!

some lists

2008-12-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

I'm loving:
1. V8 Garden Broccoli Soup
2. My new vanilla cookie candle
3. the Toast Christmas 2008 catalogue
4. my crochet skills
5. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss I checked out from the library

I want:
1. a Lamy Safari fountain pen
2. a Swarvoski crystal headband
3. a wax letter seal
4. Roskilde tickets

dreaming of:
1. Gimmelwald & Swiss cows- always
(photo via flickr here)

long weekend

2008-12-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

(Photos: 1- downtown 2- my favorite Danish ornaments 3-my breakfast 4-my vintage Mickey Mouse sweater)

This weekend I...
1. Got accepted to college

2. Learned to crochet

3. Completely cleaned my room

4.... Hung Christmas lights

5. Spent time with family

6. Washed my car

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend as well. Now, unfortunately, it's back to waking up before the sun, scurrying to finish procrastinated tasks, and too much coffee. At least Christmas break is right around the bend and it's the time to decorate cookies, make Christmas gifts, and give back to the community a little bit.

Have a wonderful Monday

Love- Parisianfille

accepted!

2008-11-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

(photo from flickr here.)

I got accepted to the one and only school I have applied to thus far- University of Wisconsin Madison! I actually found out via email, which was quite dissapointing because I havn't yet received my letter in the mail. I guess the holiday probably had something to do with the delay... But I'm fairly certain I will attend UW Madison next fall, so it's quite the relief to have been accepted this early. Now I don't think I even have to worry about applying to any other school.

Wooohooo!

I'm a Badger.

good morning

2008-11-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

A little breakfast. Scrambled eggs, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper and some feta.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things"
Robert Brault

book: Simply Breakfast

2008-11-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

Get your copy of photographer Jennifer Causey's (of Simply Breakfast blog) Simply Breakfast: the art of breakfast. It's her blog in print and I love it.
"This is a little book documenting my daily obsession with breakfast and the beauty I find in the everyday," says Jennifer.
I'd say this book would look lovely on any coffee table. Especially if you already own A Year of Mornings by Maria Vettese and Stephanie Congdon. Order the book and view a preview here.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

As you can probably ascertain from my photographs: Thanksgiving was a success. The food was delicious, the company was entertaining, and I left with a full belly and thanks for a great family and good health. We spent the afternoon at my aunt and uncle's home. They prepared an excellent meal and my mom and I supplied the cranberries: cranberry bread, cranberry sauce, and cranberry-white chocolate-pecan pie (jealous? yum!). My adorable little cousins were there as well, and it's always good to see them as they will grow up so quickly.

The photographs below are the adorable works of my little cousin, Issac. He is basically a genius and, although some of the spelling/punctuation is slightly incorrect, I was quite impressed with his little Nature essay. He also loves Project Runway and decided to design some dresses himself. The funny thing is that I would actually wear any of the ones listed. And the last picture is of the grocery list: part one by my aunt and embellished by Issac in the second part.

Hope everyone enjoyed the season's good tidings and cheer. Sleep well and good luck at the stores tomorrow. I don't know if I'll actually be venturing out as I'm not a huge fan of buying presents vs. making them (and I've heard some nighmare stories about the vicious mom's hunting for the best bargain).

Sleep well. Parisian fille

give thanks. eat pie.

2008-11-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

(photo from flickr by pamelaklaffke)

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and best of luck to all of you who are crazy enough to attempt shopping on Friday. I am off to visit some family for a lovely meal and good company. My aunt always prepares the best vegetarian dishes so I'm thoroughly excited. I made a delicious cranberry white chocolate walnut pie tonight so my stomach is just aching to get a slice of that. Pictures posted soon!

Love- Parisian Fille.

Jewelry made from old pocketwatches and old books.

Smell like a fruity drink all day with cocktail-scented soaps from Zirh

Naomi's idea of a great date for cold weather (on Smitten)

Superadorable video of Katie dancing with strangers.

Place your tea bag in its own special "coffin". Genius.

Bergdorfs has, once again, outdone itself in the window display category.

Looking at gift lists on Urban Outfitters.

Eye-popping design from Miles Redd in Domino

This inspiring, photogenic blog

Beautiful caligraphy from Minted

Oh, the joy of popping bubble wrap- on your calendar? Clever.

These coinpurses- so simple yet delightful.

at long last.

2008-11-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

So, being a huge Harry Potter fan (laugh all you want haters...) since the third grade, I was excited today when i finally saw the trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie. The movie was supposed to be realeased last week, but a certain other fantasy book-turned movie (ahhem) stole the show and now we will have to wait until July to see the 6th movie.

ps. I actually love Twilight...

amour.

2008-11-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

This table, with its energetic punch of colour, would look lovely in my future apartment. Although the price is a bit steep on the actual table pictured, it's definately a DIY idea...

(found via Dose of Design)

NYC couple

2008-11-25T19:13:00.000-08:00

Cute. Couple.
(photo- smosch via lost)

woodsy girl

2008-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

I'm re-decorating my room over Holiday break, and lately I have been longing to put up some branches in my room. I just love when people use them for decorations. This one is so unique and adorable.

(photo from flickr- mrs. kara)

scrappy

2008-11-25T16:06:00.000-08:00

I love these scrappy little journals made by Mrs. Kara (found on flickr). I think I may start saving up my scraps to make some of these for gifts. How adorable.

get real

2008-11-25T15:34:00.001-08:00

All natural and refreshing. Get Real Soap

restaurant with a view

2008-11-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

Imagine eating a meal 50 meters in the sky, surrounded by breathtaking views of the world's finest cities. Well, this is actually a possibility through events in the sky- a company specializing in elevating diners to incredible heights and serving the finest breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cocktails, or even poker nights. How amazing...

(found via lejeande blog)

Christmas on Main Street

2008-11-24T20:18:00.000-08:00

Walking downtown tonight with all of our sparkely Holiday decorations all aglow inspired me. Yes, I know these are blurry... but I think it adds to the Christmas charm in a way- more personal.

Mer de Glace

2008-11-24T14:30:00.001-08:00

I had to post this gorgeous photo- taken in my favorite place (so far) in the world, Chamonix.

Today, the snow fell, and finally stuck. The beginning of what will be a very long and frigid winter has arrived and it's time to break out the wooly socks and oversized sweaters. I sure wish I could be back in the French Alps right about now, curled up in a mountain cabin with some Jane Austin novel and sipping an espresso.... Ahh..... always dreaming.

(Photo by Ben Martinez and cwbuecher from flickr)

toast

2008-11-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Toast- This shop defines cozy/lazy/winter to me. I love it. Especially the name.

Mimophoto.dk

2008-11-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

Danish photographer, Mikkel Moeldrup has so much talent. Check out his site: mimophoto.dk. Incredible photos including portraits, travels, and skateboarding.

pour

2008-11-22T06:44:00.000-08:00

Rainman Carafe.
(via justcooldesign)

a get-real look book

2008-11-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

I love looking at and making look books. But often times, they're filled with models looking amazing in the latest cat-walk trends. Well, New York Magazine has a unique look book, filled with the faces of New York. Each post features a different, stylish and unique New Yorker and a brief interview about them. What a great idea.

Song of the Day: THREE WISHES by The Pierces

sun and snow

2008-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday to all.

School was off today and I got to wake up to sun through my blinds. A rare occasion considering the sun doesn't dare come up until 7:30 (when I'm already at school.) It was lovely though and I decided to make myself a nice breakfast to enjoy on my window seat to celebrate. What a relaxing morning. I watched the film, In Bruges which I quite enjoyed, although the only reason I rented it was because my friend that I'm staying with next summer has an apartment in Bruges. I was surprised to find out one of my favorite actresses, Clemence Poesy, was also in the film. I also got a chance to add another page to my never-finished France scrapbook.

Hope everyone is having an equally lovely day. If not, I find that smiling often helps improve your mood. So give it a try.

love- Parisian Fille.

french spreads

2008-11-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Some staple French goodies.

flower child

2008-11-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I needed a little flower in my hair, so I made this headband with a piece of black string and two fake flowers. I thought it was adorable, so I wore it again today but with a braid around my head.
I got my inspiration from here.

life list: run away to Rome

2008-11-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY got to see Roman Holiday tonight after months of searching for it at my local video store (we resorted to Netflix...) and it was just as good as I had hoped. After falling in love with Breakfast at Tiffany's, watching Audrey Hepburn in her debut role as Princess Ann only re-enforced my admiration in her acting skills. Not to mention the grace and spirit she eludes with every scene. If only I could be as effortlessly adorable...

j'adore

2008-11-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

(via unruly-things)

blog spotlight: simply breakfast

2008-11-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

Simply Breakfast, by blogger jen of simply photo, is simply that: breakfast. My personal favorite meal of the day, I love looking at her pictures of yummy day-starting cuisine. Delicious!

happy weekend

2008-11-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

photo via even*cleveland

I'm up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in a city called Houghton (read- in the middle of nowhere) for a figure skating competition. So whilst I'm up here, have a splendid weekend and I'll post more when I return to civilization.

italian hot chocolate

2008-11-15T16:02:00.001-08:00

I was looking through some travel guides (what else is new) and I read something about how Italian hot chocolate is different from the American, very liquid, hot chocolate. It is supposedly a lot thicker and richer. This made me curious, and I happened upon a recipe via Lucullian delights for "dense hot chocolate" I think I may try come some frigid day...

DENSE HOT CHOCOLATE
2 rather big cups
4 tblsp high quality cocoa powder
3-4 tblsp sugar
4 tblsp corn starch
400 ml/1,7 cup milkspices or some other desired flavour

- Mix cocoa, sugar and corn starch very well.
- Pour milk into a pan and then add the dry ingredients while you whisk.
- Bring to the boil under constant stirring until it has reached the desired density.
- Drink and enjoy!

Probably horrid for your health, but what can I say, I have a sweet tooth!
>

holiday glee

2008-11-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie's holiday ornaments are so adorable. Find anything from knit tea cups to vintage snails. When I get my own place, these will definately be adorning my tree.

I also love Anthropologie's "Holiday Glee" photo reel. Check it out if you're bored.

are you Blushing?

2008-11-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years, health news has exploded with reports of the health benefits of drinking both red and white wine, due to their high concentration of natural antioxidants. Now, First Blush grapejuice has bottled up the same antioxidants without the blush-inducing alcohol. It's been tagged as "grapejuice for grownups" and is made out of the same grapes used to make its cousin wine. It's now sold at Whole Foods Market and I can't wait to get my hands on some.

weekend art

2008-11-14T06:30:00.000-08:00

Original art by Lotsa. Have a wonderful weekend all.

x Parisian Fille

be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

2008-11-14T05:35:00.001-08:00

I am in love with this look, photographed by the great facehunter. Adorable headband with the simple t-shirt tied up to give the retro look. All pulled together by a great vintage saddlebag and some grey heeled oxfords.

blog spotlight- La Tartine Gourmande

2008-11-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

Food, Travel, Lifestyle reads the tagline for this adorably gourmet blog, La Tartine Gourmande. With plenty of photos of artfully-displayed food and recipes, what more could one ask for? Definately worth a read.

Dis Moi!

2008-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

This video makes me think of France. This song was wildly popular and oh so catchy. And I love the group BB Brunes- so cute and so French.

Dis Moi by BB Brunes

John Kernick

2008-11-13T19:55:00.000-08:00

I love well-photographed food.; especially gormet food. The romantic lure of cuisine captured in a simple photo makes me want to learn the delecate process to prepare such palate-satisfying cuisine. I love paging through old cookbooks and international food magazines. I have literally spent hours looking through various bon appetite magazines and drool over the annual Christmas Cookie periodicals.
Check out photographer John Kernick, who has taken breathtaking photos of food, people, and places from around the world.

Song of the Day SHE MOVES IN HER OWN WAY by The Kooks

my favorite time of year- the season of cheer!

2008-11-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

It's finally Christmas time again. And with that comes all of my fondest memories by warm fires at my aunt's house, building snow forts after a fresh layer of snow at the park, the smell of peppermint and hot chocolate and, of course the welcoming down comfortor under which to dream the sweetest of dreams about what will be filling my Mickey Mouse stocking in the morning. I know this year, it seems that I am beginning my festive feelings a bit prematurely, but I guess that's due to the fact that the local Walgreens has an entire aisle dedicated to assorted candy cane flavours and a whole other aisle dedicated to other various types of Christmas goodies, and to the fact that my mom, brother, aunt and I went to see the New York Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular in Green Bay last night. The show was fantastic! Giant teddy bears dancing to the Nutcracker, live camel and donkeys, pair skating, a huge replica New York tourbus, and of course those energetic syncronized dancers adorned in all that glitters kicking their toes into the stratosphere. I'm a bit disheartned that I couldn't see them preform in the actual Radio City Music Hall. But, due to the fact that my brother and I simply cannot see eye to eye on any vacation, a 1.5 hour trip to Green Bay was about all I could handle of the little bugger anyways.
I bought my first round of candy canes on Monday night. I have been waiting all year for them to come around again- and I can confidently say that they satisfied my taste for Christmas and lived up to everything I remember them as from last year. Now, I just have to wait until Thanksgiving is over before the old tree gets assembled and takes its postition in our living room for the real thing to finally begin.

(Room from Pottery Barn Holiday 2008 Catalogue)

Song of the Day: BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE by Doris Day and Bing Crosby

found on etsy. get mappy.

2008-11-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

I really love maps. I love looking at them and figuring out all the places I want to go. Discovering the best route and where I'll pass along the way. But they're also just so beautiful- especially the vintage ones with their fancy fonts and aged colour. Vintage Map Earings

Original Map painting

Map pocket mirror

Recycled map stationery

All found on etsy. Have a mappy day.

Song of the Day: HELLODRAMA by What Made Milwaukee Famous

zuriick

2008-11-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Awesome, not super expensive, shoes from Zuriick. So simple, yet so incredibly and inexplainably cool. I think I might add these to my Christmas List

trash glam and rock & roll

2008-11-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

The Cobra Snake is a collection of candid photos of all the fabulously trendy people at parties, concerts, events, etc. Makes me want to be in NYC, over the age of 21, and living on afternoon naps.

Leatherdays

2008-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

This summer during my stay in France, my friends and I got to see a talented young band- Leatherdays- from Manchester play a few times in the Alpine town of Chamonix. I think they have what it takes to go far in the business: they're talented, charismatic, (and good looking...). When we saw them, they had a couple of good original tracks, includingthe heartbroken, Frozen. They also covered some Kings of Leon, Free, The Doors, and other great rock bands of the like. This week, they just issued two tracks on iTunes and I encourage everyone to check them out! When they become big stars, touring the world, you can say you were with them from the beginning.

the selby

2008-11-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

Tom Selby, of The Selby has a talent for capturing people's personality in his portraits of them and their homes. His photos are whimsical, quirky, and true. Definately a favorite.

Song of Day: FROZEN by Leatherdays

Vassilisa

2008-11-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

I love this line,named after a well known Russian fairytale, Vassilisa. I really love the bold colors and luxuroious fabric.

things i like

2008-11-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

Maison de la Vallette ribbon-covered chandelier
Mailable miniature book of Dog Names by deigner, Jamie Rugh

Cozy, warm interior photography by Michael Grimm

Felt acorn from auxpetitsoiseaux

in the holiday spirit!

2008-11-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my neck of the woods. Yes yes, I know, it's only the beginning of November, but the powder falls early up here and this year, I couldn't be more excited. I woke up this morning with a fresh coat of snow on the ground (see picture above) and it inspired me to break out the familiar Christmas tunes that my family has been listening to since I was 5, and to make my favorite holiday cookies- cranberry cookies that my mom used to make since I can remember (of course my baking skills have now surpassed hers so they were better than ever! haha) I posted the original recipe below. Try them if you love cranberries. They're the best.

Merry Christmas!

-love, me

southern charm

2008-11-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

All the Kings of Leon on my mind inspired me to put together an outfit. I think this would be prime to wear in Tennessee or Texas on a ranch... or just at their concert.

Kings of Leon Concert Review

2008-11-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Front Row! We Are Scientists
We Are Scientiststhe great KINGS OF LEON

"You better learn to crawl

before I walk away" from Crawl

Here are some pictures from the Kings of Leon concert I attended last wednesday, November 5th at the Rave in Milwaukee. It was so incredible. The Whigs, and We Are Scientists did a good job opening for them, but were no comparison to the headliners themselves. They started the show off with the first two songs from their new album, Only By The Night- Closer and Crawl. Then they proceeded to rock every one of their hits from their past and current albums, including an incredible preformance of Molly's Chambers that had the crowd overflowing with excitement. It's hard to pick a favorite that they did because every one of them were so high-quality and awesome.

What a night. I have a guitar pick, quite a few bruises, and dark circles under my eyes due to being forced to attend all my classes the next day as a souvenirs, and my love for KOL is abounding more than ever. All hail the Kings!

Here's the setlist. You can click on the under lined ones to see the video.

1) Closer 2) Crawl 3) My Party 4) Razz 5)Molly's Chambers 6) Taper Jean Girl 7) King of the Rodeo 8) Sex on Fire 9) Fans 10) Revelry 11) Milk 12) Four Kicks 13) The Bucket 14) McFearless 15) Use Somebody 16) On Call 17) Cold Desert 18) Slow Night, So Long 19) Knocked Up 20) Manhattan 21) Charmer

Russell Brand for NYLON

2008-11-07T04:21:00.000-08:00

Russell Brand will be on the cover of the cover of NYLON for guys that comes out on December 12. I think I may have to pick up a copy of that one.

Song of the Day: KNOCKED UP by Kings of Leon

(sorry about the repeated KOL song of the days, but it seems they're the only band on my mind since the concert. Hopefully new bands in a few days)