Take Yourself to Dinner

On the occasion of our third anniversary, my late husband, and I went to L'Antibes; a delightful french restaurant, tucked away in the Short North area of Columbus, Ohio.  After my husband's death, I had made a point to visit spots that he and I experienced. 

L'Antibes was a particularly happy memory for me, so, I couldn't bring myself to step foot in that place again.  It had been 15 years since I'd visited that restaurant.  One evening, on a whim, I went to back to L'Antibes.  I'm sure I could have gone with a friend, but, I felt that it was too personal to be shared.  I wanted to feel whatever I felt, without feeling the need to explain myself. 

I was lead to a good table, but, I chose a cozy table in the back.  The owner of the establishment came over to greet me.  I was immediately put at ease.  This place was still just as friendly as it was before.  It promised to be a great experience with an interesting mix of insanely good food; and a warm and inviting staff.
The waiter brought over a demitasse cup of carrot soup.  I don't like cooked carrots, so, I was wary of the innocuous looking little sampling.  I took a sip, and it instantly transported me back to my childhood in France.  I didn't have a childhood in France, so, I have no idea what that was about.  However, the soup was rich and sublime. 

My entree consisted of Beef Short Ribs that were deliciously tender and complex, a velvety Black Truffle Potato Mousseline, Brussels Sprouts, and Shiitake Ragout.  As a rule, I DO NOT eat brussels sprouts.  I don't know how they did it, but, those brussels sprouts were so flavorful; absolutely delicious!

For dessert I had a Chocolate Torte, with Raspberry Sauce, a delicate Honey Whipped Cream, Bee Pollen - actual bee pollen.  The torte was dark, but, it was playful.  The chef at L'Antibes is absolutely brillant, and; the setting is warm and romantic.  http://www.lantibes.com/

The lesson I learned from that night is not to cease to live your life.  If you don't have someone with whom to experience all life has, experience it by yourself!  Darlings, bottom line, carry on a love affair with yourself!

                                     

Today's fragrance.....

Today's scent is Envy, by Gucci.  It's floral, but not too sweet.  Great for the office.  Remember, it's ok to be a perfume snob; as long as you don't pay full price.  Click on the link at the right and get a perfume mini.  Brillant!

The Little Things Can Save Your Life

I was shopping at Staples yesterday buying school supplies for the kids.  The cashier was really nice, so, I started a conversation with her.  I'm turning into my mother!  I digress.  She said that she was a single mom, working two jobs; "living the dream". 

Speaking with her, made me think about the scores of people, working so hard to provide for their families.  After providing for others, they don't have much left for themselves, emotionally; or materially.   

Fortunately, the Staples cashier still had her sparkle and a lovely smile.  Sometimes, however, this world can leave you feeling broken.  My cure for that has been gratitude.  Being grateful for little things, can show you how rich you are. 

Life can be like uninspiring.  However, you can discipline yourself to pause to experience life's subtle beauties.

If you live in an urban setting, stop to marvel at the flowers that grow stubbornly amidst the concrete and gravel.  If you are beaten down, close your eyes when your child kisses you.  Put your cheek against their velvety soft face, and give thanks for them.  Look forward to the little things.  You'll find you got a lot to live for. 

Cheap perfume is worse than no perfume

A woman must wear fragrance.  Gucci Guilty and Versace Bright Crystal are some of my favorites.  Fragrance is something in which you have to invest.  Cheap perfume is worse than no perfume.

Unfortunately, we don't always have $60 to invest in fragrance.  Fortunately, there's hope.  I get my fragrances from Fragrance Net.  I order mini's of my favorites and save a ton.  Just click on my link to the right, and look for your favorite fragrance, or; try a new scent.  Darlings, at these prices, you can afford to experiment!

Today, I'm wearing Light Blue from Dolce and Gabbana.  Tomorrow, I'll try something else.  It just proves that you don't have to be rich, be smart!

GODIVA - Is Having A Sale!

Chocolate doesn't get any more luxurious than Godiva, and; they are having a sale!  Hurry and induldge before it's over.  If you break down the word Godiva it's:  GO DIVA!

If a ballotin is too expensive for you, get one of their chocolate lollipops; so you don't break the bank. 

Darlings, you deserve chocolate...good chocolate!  Le chocolat est la vie!

http://www.godiva.com/welcome.aspx

What The Heck Is A Viens Ici?

What the heck is a viens ici (veens icky) you ask?  In French it means "come here".  Get it?  I knew you would.  Now, how to pronounce it.  That's the tricky part.  Here's a quick french lesson. To learn how this phrase sounds, and, how to pronounce it property click on this link:  http://translate.google.com/?hl=en&tab=wT#auto/fr/Come%20here

Now, when you speak about this fabulous blog, you can say the words like a native.  Quelle merveille!