A short essay on photography and mental print

I still cannot stop taking mini snapshots of everything I see in my head. I think, one day, my over stimulated-sometimes-childlike brain is going to simply protest and ask me to just STOP be quiet Fiona. Just let me take is EASY for a few minutes. But until then, I do not intend to slow my mental snapshot habit. When I am able Read on...

It really is all about love

So, happy Monday first of October Autumn morning (or the opposite for those in Australia... I mean, happy Summer, not like UNhappy morning or anything...). Share this, put it on your desktops, print it out, carry it around with you in your handbags and wallets. It's what I believe in. It's a mental note that instead of bumping into the Read on...

Pale colours fading

I was given these flowers recently and could not believe how strangely surreal they look. Like old silk handmade flowers that lay in a crystal vase, by a window for endless years, faded by the sun. Again, I truly recommend buying flowers from markets, wherever you are. They are so fresh and you tend to get more for your money too. These are from the Bastille Market (see in my Culture section where to find it and a list of Parisian markets too). Enjoy them with me xxxx Read on...

Flowers in jam jars

I received some flowers for a special occasion today and had no idea where to put them. And then I realised, my kitchen is full of jars where I put everything into, cereals, rice, cocoa, sugar, dried fruit... and then it came to me, flowers dont have to be super long stemmed! I cut the roses down to medium the stalk's original size and put them in a jam jar with enough water. The effect is super pretty, so I did two. One for the bedroom and one for the living room. Jam jars from Ladurée are the best, really big and bulky. Cosy and charming! Read on...

Floral decoration – where to go & a few tips

Flowers flowers flowers. They just light up a room, I love putting them in my office as they inspire me while I work. Here are some new bouquets from various markets and here is the link again of all Paris markets and their opening days and times but you can obviously get these types of flowers from everywhere you go: www.marches.equipements.paris.fr My favourite are: tulips that you can get all year round now, faded pink or even purple or yellow are great for lightening up a work space or even a kitchen. Tulips are always best kept in only a little water (bottom of stems immerged) and I personally add a table spoon of sugar, which I was once told by a Covent Garden florist, made flowers last much longer. Finally, I find tulips are modern and go well with a 60s or 70s decor, so keep the vase simple (white, even a water jug will do) and put them slap bang in the middle of your living room to brighten up your view (away from radiators please). Roses are classics but go really well when held in vintage vases. I own a few vintage whisky decanters which often end up being used to hold my flowers. Red/white roses and crystal decanters: look so Victorian, great for a boudoir bedroom look. Roses often come with lots of foliage: take half of it off! The bouquest doesn't need all those leaves there and they will end up by chocking the flowers. Stems must be dipped high in water. As with tulips, add a table spoon of sugar to the water to prolong the bouquet's life and, as with all flowers, trim the stems every two days and change the water at least every two days. And dont forget, once they have nearly wilted, cut off all the stems and put the heads in a bowl filled with water. It makes a great center piece for a dinner! Enjoy the aromas! xxx Read on...

Of flowers and markets

I have spoken about Paris Markets before but let us not forget that most food markets also sell flowers. I am spoilt by my fiancé and receive beautifully coloured and perfumed flowers to decorate the house and I love love love them. After having convinced (forced/blackmailed) him to tell me where he purchases these lovely plants, he finally owned up that it was on the Bastille Market. Here is the link again of all Paris food markets and their opening days and times: www.marches.equipements.paris.fr Read on...