Project - Window Box

J'adore garden window boxes and I've been dreaming of installing them on my windows. Last weekend, I finally got the juice to start this project. Surprisingly, I was happy with how they turned out.

The photo below was my inspiration.



This was my window before



I spray painted these two window boxes which was originally a redwood color



I then stenciled "flower garden" in french



And used tiffany bleu paint color which is the color of Marie's Maison



Here is a before without the window boxes



Here is the after with the window boxes

Restoration Hardware

Quelle surprise! I just received the latest catalogue from Restoration Hardware and so excited to see their latest designs are so "frenchified!" J'adore them all.


Would luv to have this room as my boudoir



Don't mind having this as my office




And my "hobby" room



I'd be happy to take any of the living/dining rooms below






















And lastly, this will be the inspiration for my new guest room. J'adore these twin beds they call "French Academie." They remind me of the boarding schools in Europe back in the 30's.

La Madre, e Hija, e Abuela en Barcelona

I always get excited when I'm watching a film and realize that "hey, I've been there...I was there!" Such is the case when I saw the last two James Bond movies (yes...I'm a James Bond fan).

The opening scene of Quantum of Solace was a 20 minute chase around Siena, Italy...a walled city I've visited and love.


In Casino Royale, the last half of the film's location was in Venice. Venice is definitely one of the most romantic places I've ever visited.


When I saw Vicky Cristina Barcelona, I fell in love with all the scenic locations depicted in the movie. For me, the cinematographer paints Barcelona as the most beautiful and stunning place, that I as an audience must visit.

Here's a shot around one of Gaudi's many buildings in Barcelona.



A few images around the most famous street in Barcelona, Las Ramblas








With that said, I am so thrilled that my next planned vacation will be in fact, in Spain. My mother, daughter and I will be visiting the cities of, Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla. Our tickets are booked and the three of us are super excited - it will be an eventful Mother's Day celebration for the three generations of the women in my family.

Not Too Perfect Beach Weather

We've been getting some heavy rain and dark clouds in San Diego county this last month and believe me, we're thankful for it. Last Sunday, although rain was expected, I couldn't be stopped...I had to stroll down my neighborhood beach and play on the sand while waiting for the storm to come in.


See the dark clouds lurking over the flock of seagulls








A few die hard surfers rinsing their boards




C'est moi, scribbling Marie's Maison on the sand













And just as soon as I took this photo, a big wave came in and washed my scribble away. If it only works this way with all mon problème, non?

Early Spring

Spring is almost here and wanting to share a few photos of what's blooming at Marie's Maison this time of the year.


Fragrant pink jasmine




Sweet alyssum which surprisingly popped up again this year.




Combination french and spanish lavender mixed with rosemary and yellow daffodils



So excited about our newly installed 60 gallon rain barrel especially after the heavy rain we got last weekend, it's now full of rain water!











And finally, my new and chic garden belt from Marshalls, only $5.99



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