A little of this and that for the weekend. From French style dinners to deer on the patio- welcome to the weekend view.
Fresh bounty
I mean- is this not a delicious and beautiful snap of fresh fruits and veggies? This is some of the weeks fresh bounty from the market and some picked from the garden in our yard. As I was cleaning up and putting them away- took a quick snap of them together.
Date Night Dinners
We have been trying to slow our dinner roll and take time to enjoy the meal and conversation more. When the whole crazy of 2020 started- we were doing date night dinners in the backyard and garden – but as it has continued – we have gotten away from those dinners in the garden being more special. Aka- I am wearing shorts and have my hair in a messy bun most of the time instead of ‘dressing’ for dinner. haha. So, we decided to ‘bring date night dinners’ back- and going French style. We have been doing plate by plate for each course- from bread to artichoke to salads.
Seriously so good.
Stay tuned for some of these recipes coming your way- all healthy, vegan or vegetarian and all so good.
French Style Living
As I just mentioned -French style dinners are on repeat over here. But it is also about more than just plates of different foods, enjoying bread that isn’t keto bread and even a bit of dessert. It is about simmering and soaking it all up. When we were in Paris in 2019 – we were up at 3:30 in the morning making coffee and waiting for the city to walk up (and for Starbucks to open haha) We learned quickly that we really were the epitome of those impatient, rushing through everything ‘Americans’ and that slowing down and enjoying dinner for 2 hours (or more) seemed just crazy. After a week of living that way- that slower roll and soaking it all up became what we craved.
So since we aren’t sure just when we will be back in France – we are enjoying a little bit of that slowed down lifestyle here right now- and I have some thoughts and reflections to share about that as well- so I am thinking for the month of August or September- the theme for the blog posts might be focused on more authentic and intentional ‘French style living’ – from decor to dinners and more. Anyone up for that?
A Visitor
I was sitting in our bedroom by the window on FaceTime with my daughter the other day – when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. This wee deer wandered down the steps on to the patio and I grabbed a quick FaceTime screenshot of her standing there. She has been coming by almost daily-mostly wandering the garden or on the lawn- but this day- she was getting ready to go grab a drink out of the fountain. It has been so hot and dry here that we have been noticing more and more animals looking for water. We have a couple buckets of water set out in the wooded area for them- but they do seem to love the fountain more.
Coming your way
This week is all about that veggie bounty above- with a recipe for enjoying and for setting the table and entertaining.
In the cottage – there are a couple of changes and updates that I haven’t shared yet. Sharing the new addition in the kitchen out there- and my plans for the bedroom refresh.
And stay tuned for the next post in our Collecting series- and some tips on where to shop and list things for sale as well.
And- that antique furniture re-do…. sharing the finished look
Happy Sunday everyone.
Barbara c says
Looking forward to french-style living and recipes!
Georgeanne says
I have a huge backyard backed by woods. Deer are frequent visitors. I put any old vegetables in a sheltered spot in the far corner of the yard to share with the deer. They love it and the last few days, I have seen 2 does with 3 little spotted fawns munching on red cabbage, celery and carrots. They are enjoying their summer salad bar.
Charlene Nelson says
Love it! We feed deer in our backyard, too. Only one little fawn this year. They are so beautiful!
Kathleen Lunman says
Thank you for sharing this great idea: FRENCH-STYLe dining–taking time to relax and enjoy. Looking forward to Your recommendations.
Jill says
I Really enjoy your blog aNd Would really enjoy posts on French style living.
Debbie says
Yes please, French Style Living.
Pat says
Ooh, this WEEK SOUNDS wonderful! Can’t wait to see
Pat
caron says
Love your beautiful dinners! Not only are they a culinary treat;they are an esthetic Treat.
Deborah Behney says
I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR EMAILS.
tHANK YOU FOR SHARING THE BEAUTY.
Renee says
lOVE THE IDEA OF THE FRENCH SYTLE-DINNERS AND LIVING.
Darlene says
Your blog has become my favorite blog. Love. love. love it and can’t wait for any new posts. Please keep sharing!!!
Karen B. says
I love the idea of slowing down and enjoying every moment in a day/evening. Thank you for taking the time to inspire us to do more of that.
I love your new visitor. I know they can eat their weight in backyard plants but they are such magical creatures. It’s hard to be upset with them.
xo,
Karen