L'Art de Vivre
“She was so thankful for the softness of her lavender-fragrant bed, and so delighted with the lovely freshness of her chintz-hung room. As she lay upon her pillow, she could see the boughs of the trees, and hear the chatter of darting starlings. When her morning tea was brought, it seemed like nectar to her.” Frances Hodgson Burnett. Emily Fox-Seton
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Aspiring to an Art of Living
When it comes to anything raised from the vulgar mundane to the highest form of beauty and grace, leave it to the French...and not only will they coin it, they'll define it, having the perfect phrase on hand to attain the perfect pitch. Embellishing our lives with grace notes of beauty and perfect pitch evokes a sense of L'Art de Vivre that the French come by so naturally there never seems to be any intention or forethought about it. Romantic Living is not complete without at least some ambition toward an Art of Living. And perhaps with enough practice, this perfect pitch in our lovely lives can become as natural and effortless as it is for our Parisienne neighbors across the pond.
The Art of Cooking & Dining
The Art of Ambiance & Comfort
Beauty and comfort naturally involve all the senses and the more the better, so I have learned not to focus exclusively on the visual. Sweet or spicy smells, tactile surfaces—whether smooth or grainy, soothing music all play into the total picture. The living that goes on within our home should be the most beautiful and comforting scene of all. It’s the living, the pitter-pat of little feet, happy excited giggles, and sweet stories and nursery rhymes.
A friend that I met while we lived in Florida, watching me, commented, “even the way you put your baby to sleep is poetry in motion—the bed, the blankets and pillows, the music and fan going all at once—it’s all so dreamy!” It is so dreamy and sometimes it takes another person a little more removed to help us see it at times. I always kept some soft background music going and the ceiling fans turning slowly.
On many evenings we would light up the balcony with as many candles as we could set out. At our beach house we had a general ‘open door’ policy which basically meant that our door was usually wide open, so anyone could just sort of breeze in whenever. At different times, our neighbors would remark on how peaceful and relaxing our home was. That is the best compliment I could ever receive, for it means that I’m succeeding in my overall objective. There may have been sand all over the floor or beach towels strewn about, but to others it felt comfortable above all else.
A friend that I met while we lived in Florida, watching me, commented, “even the way you put your baby to sleep is poetry in motion—the bed, the blankets and pillows, the music and fan going all at once—it’s all so dreamy!” It is so dreamy and sometimes it takes another person a little more removed to help us see it at times. I always kept some soft background music going and the ceiling fans turning slowly.
On many evenings we would light up the balcony with as many candles as we could set out. At our beach house we had a general ‘open door’ policy which basically meant that our door was usually wide open, so anyone could just sort of breeze in whenever. At different times, our neighbors would remark on how peaceful and relaxing our home was. That is the best compliment I could ever receive, for it means that I’m succeeding in my overall objective. There may have been sand all over the floor or beach towels strewn about, but to others it felt comfortable above all else.
Our Beach House Days
The Art of Graciousness & Welcome
The embellishing touches are really one of the most essential components toward creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere to all who enter our home....and truthfully speak the loudest when it comes to our children and to their unique experience within the family. What exactly is meant by the embellishments? Well, embellishments can be described as all the little finishing touches, ‘tidying ups’ and grace notes that give each mother and her home it’s own personal imprint or expression.
Simply placing flowers in various-sized pitchers and vases around the house, especially in summer time, adds instant beauty. Even in the winter, we can force bulbs, and in late winter or early spring, blossoming branches from flowering bushes and fruit trees. Lighting several candles around the house....in the entry, dining, kitchen, and living room....even the bathrooms. Playing soothing background music, also keeping extra stashes of cookies or muffins and flavored teas on hand. These are a few of the most basic, quickest, and loveliest touches we can add to the ambiance of our home.
The embellishments that we take the time to create for our family ...and all who enjoy the comforts of our home.....speak volumes for who we are as individuals and all the things we treasure and hold dear. I try to make especially sure in my own life that I'm genuinely placing the value on those things that matter most. The sole purpose of embellishing our home is to saturate our days—our moments—with the goodness and blessings all around us. This beauty and bounty should always be felt right at our doorstep and spilling over into the lives of our family and friends.
Simply placing flowers in various-sized pitchers and vases around the house, especially in summer time, adds instant beauty. Even in the winter, we can force bulbs, and in late winter or early spring, blossoming branches from flowering bushes and fruit trees. Lighting several candles around the house....in the entry, dining, kitchen, and living room....even the bathrooms. Playing soothing background music, also keeping extra stashes of cookies or muffins and flavored teas on hand. These are a few of the most basic, quickest, and loveliest touches we can add to the ambiance of our home.
The embellishments that we take the time to create for our family ...and all who enjoy the comforts of our home.....speak volumes for who we are as individuals and all the things we treasure and hold dear. I try to make especially sure in my own life that I'm genuinely placing the value on those things that matter most. The sole purpose of embellishing our home is to saturate our days—our moments—with the goodness and blessings all around us. This beauty and bounty should always be felt right at our doorstep and spilling over into the lives of our family and friends.