Le Carlton

Posted on March 17th, 2010 in Travel

I have a sad but true confession to make. I am no longer on the Cote d’Azur. I have come back to Paris, back to the daily grind of work and school. Don’t get me wrong though, I am not complaining as Paris is a wonderful place to return home to, especially when I feel spring is finally in the air. But I would be lying if I said I would’t rather be back in the South of France spending a relaxing afternoon at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes taking tea in front of the sea like last week when I took these pictures.

Bright yellow tulips throughout the tea room reminded me of how excited I am spring is arriving.

A macaron and little piece of chocolate cake is just enough for an afternoon treat.

Feeling rather relaxed and reclined here…

For such a regal hotel only a royal crown would be a fitting emblem for the establishment.

The entryway was decorated with abundant white orchids and this beautiful chandelier.

The royal crown crest appears throughout the hotel interior.

The outside isn’t bad either!

The Carlton even has its own pier filled with lounge chairs during the summer for those lucky enough to stay at the hotel.

I am sad to say this is about the last of the photos I will be sharing from my recent voyage! Don’t worry though as I will be working around the clock to bring you all the exciting and beautiful things there are to share being back in Paris. The first ever Bardot in Blue Fragonard giveaway is now closed to entry as of the end of March 15th. As soon as I get a free minute to tally up all the comments and enter them into the drawing I will post and let you know who the lucky winner is! I am Looking forward to your comments…I cherish each and every one and they put a little extra spring in my step after reading them and heading out to find more things to blog about here and share. Also, be sure and see all the beautiful images I have been collecting and hanging in the Inspiration Gallery and the fun little video I made and posted in the Bardot Video section.  A bientot!

Saint Tropézienne

Posted on March 15th, 2010 in Travel

When the sun finally came out in the South of France, I decided to soak it up in Saint Tropez. The tiny but very famous village is still quiet at this time of year but I preferred it that way as it felt a little bit like my own private beach in some secret spots we found.

We rounded this otherwise seemingly dead end corner of the village to find…

…this tiny little photogenic bay.

We took some pictures…

Watched the waves….

and collected sea glass.

~ My mermaid pose ~

No, these are not hamburgers. They are my new obsession…

…the Tropézienne!!! They are fluffy, creamy, and sweet with a hint of orange flavor. They come in jumbo size, regular size, and….

…the least dangerous mini size.

When it comes to boats in Saint Tropez, just like the Tropézienne, there are small ones…

and not-so-small ones.

I am hoping to be back here on this beach in the summer doing some “bronzage.”

I thought this little cherry red boat fittingly called “Cerise” was so cute parked in front of the epicerie.

Sunset reflecting on the shutters of a building on a small canal.

Another place I would like to sunbathe this summer is this decaying dock.

I managed to find a bit of Bardot lingering in this restaurant painting.

More small boats…

and big boats.

I am so glad the sun finally came out for my visit to Bardot’s old stomping grounds. I hope to be back this summer when it’s warmer. Today is the last day to comment to enter Bardot in Blue’s giveaway! Tomorrow I will have the drawing! Happy commenting and I hope you enjoy your petit voyage to Saint Tropez with me! Special thanks to French-Kissed as usual for lending her photography skills towards the Bardot blogging cause.

Cannes Close Up

Posted on March 14th, 2010 in Gourmandise, Travel

While Cannes rests along the famous picturesque shore of the Mediterranean where clear blue sky and placid blue sea meet on the horizon of the city’s view, in town the smaller details give it its charming character. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so rather than attempting to describe what it is I like about this place other than its desirable geographical location, I’d rather do what I do best and share it with you in pictures.

The influence of the film festival is everywhere and many places such as this one take the name *star* in tribute to all the Hollywood hall of famers that pass through town annually.

Cute flashing sign for a candy store.

The Splendid Hotel.

One of the many snack shops along the croisette.

The cute Caffé Roma in front of the Palais de Festivals.

Boulevard de la Croisette runs along the beach and is lined with Cannes’ finest hotels, boutiques, and cafes.

My paparazzi shot!

MIU MIU….je t’aime.

Marilyn’s face is all over the city in emblems and pictures as she is one of the most beloved past patrons of the Cannes Film Festival.

Some fine caviar and vodka anyone?

A cute little produce market we came across.

Sea urchins for sale to eat…

I had the best oysters of my life in a local seafood restaurant here. You can buy them fresh on the street from many vendors.

Whole shrimps…eyeballs and all!

The different restaurants and cafes along the water are all marked and claimed with the irrespective flags. In America, private beaches don’t exist…only private beach access, so in France getting used to most being privately owned is still a bit foreign to me.

One thing I really love about France is all the public lounge chairs they provide. In Paris you see these style chairs in the Tuileries and Luxembourg gardens, ideal for lounging and people watching on a sunny day. Cannes public chairs are blue and line the croisette, waiting for strollers to take a rest and enjoy the view of the sea.

Hope you enjoyed Cannes close up. Don’t forget about the Bardot in Blue Fragonard giveaway. To enter its as easy as commenting on this post or any other post until March 15th. Special thanks to fellow Californian Rachel at Little Girl, Shiny World for the “You Dazzle Girl” blogger award! Thank you to all my wonderful commenters as well…every new comment really feels like Christmas!

Happy Birthday Momma

Posted on March 12th, 2010 in Fashion

By the end of the winter I am in my annual fashion rut with worn out shoes, pilled sweaters, and dirtying coats. I have to confess I have been rather unglamorous with my get ups lately. However seeing as yesterday was a very special occasion, I decided to make an extra effort. I got all dolled up to take my momma out to her birthday dinner and she was kind enough to take some photos of me here in our apartment in Cannes.

I wore two necklaces she has given me, one which I received for my 21st birthday, and the second this past Christmas.

The long string necklace is made of aqua marine beads and a gold dos pesos piece my mom had for many years. The charm ring on the strand of pink pearls has a collection of charms she hand picked at a jewelry show. Our dear friend Carla lent her skills and creativity to helping make our design ideas a reality.

Worn with: H&M silk dress and Zara tuxedo jacket….

…and of coarse my favorite Chie Mahara russian doll booties and my Tabio heart tights that seem to always find their way into my posts on the blog.

I love the way the silk dress drapes and gathers in the back.

Happy Birthday Momma!

Don’t forget that Bardot in Blue is having a giveaway. Entering is as easy as commenting on this post or any other until the March 15th drawing. I am not the only blogger with a giveaway right now either! Blog friends French-Kissed, Bright Bold & Beautiful, and Fab Brunette are all having giveaways so be sure to pay them a visit to enter!

Monaco

Posted on March 10th, 2010 in Travel

Where the alps meet the sea and Italy meets France, carved into the rock lies the pristine principauté of Monaco. In the warm months Monaco is the playground of the rich, but as the month of March limbos between colder and warmer days, my visit to Monaco was quiet.

The Jardin Exotique in the upper west corner of Monaco, is a multilevel sanctuary of succulents and other greenery with a 360 degree view of the teenie tiny country.

Even under the grey sky though the colors of all the exotic plants popped against the backdrop of Monaco’s luxury high-rises.

French-Kissed wearing some vintage Fendi glasses enjoying the view over the port from this picturesque terrace. I came to the South of France to get away from the grey of Paris but it seems to have followed me here as I am yet to see a day of sun. Unfortunately that means my pictures have been much more grey than I was looking forward to. Meanwhile back in Paris its been sunny everyday. How do you say, just my luck?

A view down the winding walkways of the jardin. One wrong step and you felt like you would be tumbling into luxury yachts in the harbor.

Had to throw in a pic of me just to prove I really am here.

In the center of Monte Carlo is the old Casino.

Inside the casino is the Opera of Monaco. I didn’t get to see it yesterday but they do have a spectacular miniature model illuminated in front so we can imagine what it must be like inside.

The famous Hotel de Paris on the same square as the casino.

Across the street from the Hotel is the famous Cafe de Paris where we lunched.

Fellow Californian Aimee joined us for the day trip and so kindly navigated the winding route along of the French Riviera with ease. The interior walls of the Cafe de Paris are lined with beautiful stained glass windows illustrating the zodiac signs.

For lunch, I ordered mussels baked in a white wine cream sauce, avec des frites biensur.

With all the money in Monaco, you can rest assured the shopping is good.

The Chanel boutique located on the same square as the casino and Hotel de Paris.

I loved the decor of the Blumarine store.

Loved the shoes and the adorable pink satin and silver pedastal they were placed upon in the window.

When I saw this glass legged table I instantly thought it was something The Paris Apartment would die for.

In the afternoon we stopped in at The Hotel Hermitage.

The tea area was decorated in pale greens and yellows.

Hot chocolate was served in tall cafe glasses, and the raspberry mille feuille was delicious.

Of course Hotel de Paris and The Hermitage are not the only fine hotels in Monaco.

The old buildings have so many fine little beautiful details.

This anything but humble or little abode was up high in the old ville of Monaco next to the cathedral and overlooked the ocean.

The old cathedral of Monaco is especially beautiful lit up at twilight. Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III in 1956 here receiving her eternal title of Princess Grace.

After a long day we watched the lights come on as the sky grew dark above the west marina of Monaco.

Don’t forget that Bardot in Blue is having its first ever give away. If you would like to be entered to win the Fragonard giveaway entering is as easy as commenting on this or anything other post until March 15th when I will have the drawing. The more comments the more times you are entered into the draw. Happy commenting and thanks for stopping by!