Laudree

In mid-February, after several months of working 80-90 hour weeks, my project was getting very close to the deadline. We were all exhausted, but moved operations from Istanbul to Lausanne and kept pushing through several more days and got the material to the printer. After we hit the send button, I looked around and realized I had absolutely nothing to do, so I left the office (before dark for the first time in more than 3 months) and headed up the hill in Lausanne to treat myself to some macaroons.

My first experience with macaroons happened last fall on another trip to Switzerland when I discovered they had an outlet of the famous French shop Laudree, and I decided it was about time I learned what the fuss was all about.

My biggest problem was picking just four flavors, but I stayed strong, made my selection and brought my little blue box home to photograph - because isn't that what everyone does?

Is it embarrassing to admit that this little blue box is now my jewelry box when I travel? It is the perfect size and always makes me smile when I see it.

Every detail is perfect, the box, ribbon, sticker. It is one of the places where you pay not just for the sweet but for the experience.


Looking at this photo I think next time I'll chose flavors to make the box more colorful with more contrast - but I was buying strictly for flavor on this trip. My favorite flavors so far? Salted Caramel and Lemon.

And now that I've shared my macaroon adventure, I find myself craving something sweet. I also discovered there is a Laudree outlet in Istanbul.....good thing I'm back to working those 80+ hour weeks or my waist and pocketbook would be in big trouble.

Have you tried macaroons? Better yet, have you figured out how to make them?

Grace Potter: Paris (oh la la) Pin It

Inspired by Colors

I'm hosting a linky party at Inspiration Studio - we are sharing photos, painting, writing, etc that were inspired by a song.  There is still plenty of time to join in, so take a minute this weekend, turn on some music, create and share it with us!

My photo for the linky party (above) was inspired by the Grace Potter and the Nocturnal's song Colors. Pin It

Across the Bridge

I've mentioned it a time (or ten) before, but I'm participating in Maegan's Creativity Bootcamp again this year.  I've been looking forward to it for weeks and am hoping it will kick start some great things in my creative life.  One of her suggestions in day one was to limit the time spent online during the two weeks as a way to focus internally.  I've decided it is a suggestion I'm going to follow - so for the next two weeks I'm going to limit the time I spend writing, reading and commenting on blogs.


I'm hoping you'll understand if you don't see my name pop up in your comments section for a couple of weeks as I focus on building my creative muscle.  I'm also hoping you'll understand if I don't stick to my normal posting schedule during this time. I'm sure I won't be able to give it up completely, but I'm not planning to have a post each M, W and F.


When was the last time you dedicated a period of time to your internal creative muse?  Don't you think it is about time you gave it another go?

I was in the car today when this song came on, and as creativity is forefront in my mind, I couldn't help but think how perfect it fits my creativity - it seems it is either falling or flying.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - Falling or Flying
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Moving Forward

When I wrote my last post, my real intent was to share the reason my posts were a little blah and to excuse the lack of photos.  I had no idea when I wrote it that I would spend the next several days, as I read and re-read your comments, I would feel so much comfort.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kind words and suggestions.  I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this wise and supportive community.

Thanks to all of you, I know I'm not alone - we all lose our mojo from time to time.  I also know this season seems to be getting a lot of us down.  And, most importantly, I have greater faith that my creative spark will come back again and I'm content waiting until it is ready.

I also spent the weekend putting many of your suggestions to work.

• I did a little meditating and realized that in addition to the weather, a busy work schedule and my remodel projects have me stressed out and, that this stress may very well be a part of my problem.
• I sat down and made a list of all the to-dos that float around my head, filling my mind to the point it can't contain any more.
• I slowly started ticking things off that list - it's still long and will take a while - but I feel lighter having made progress.
• I cleaned out a few cupboard and closets bringing a little more order to my life.
• I made sure some of those to-do's felt at least a bit creative - I hung some pictures in my nearly finished office remodel project.  I also pulled out a can of spray paint and painted some projects that will go in the office (I'll show you soon.)  Best of all this project caused me to pick up the camera - just to get a before photo - but still progress.
• I spent time with family, who graciously helped me move out of my master suite so the remodel can start (tile goes in Wednesday.)  I even used some of my new and improving cooking skills to make them homemade ice cream as a thank you.
• Last, but not least, I spent some time relaxing with a good book and a movie.

Bottom line is - I may not have my mojo back yet, but I'm feeling better about life in general and know its just a matter of time.  Thank you so much for your great suggestions - I'm very happy to be a part of such an incredible community.

Grace Potter is a new favorite of mine and this song seems to align with those creative waves and dips - at times it does feel as if we are either falling or flying.

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Cherry on Top

Last week the oh-so-talented Tammy, of The Blogging Bradley's,  selected my little blog for the Cherry on Top Award.  Tammy is one of my favorite photographers, I eagerly await each new post to see what she's captured that day.  Her mad skills with the camera inspire me to keep working, so it was incredible honor that she mentioned me - a huge thanks Tammy!

The rules of this decadent award are to:

1. Thank the person who gave the award to you - done.
2. Copy the award and put it on your blog - done
3. List three things about you
1. I have super fair skin that never tans, burns easily and freckles but never tans
2. I grew up in a town my family lived in for generations, but since leaving home for college and moved nearly every two years - including a couple of stops abroad
3. I'm a very proud auntie who is always looking for an excuse to get home to play with my niece and nephew
4. Post a photo that you love

Taken this winter in my hometown.  My dad helped build this barn when he was a teenager.

Finally, tag five people you want to pass this award on to:

RMontalban - her every post makes me want to hop a plane to her part of the world

The Freebird Photoblog - her beautiful photos make me dream of California beaches

Home on North Fillmore Street - check out her adorable photos of little Z

Urban Muser -  amazing yarn creations and stunning photos

HazyDaisy - gorgeous and inspiring photos

I could keep listing for days - I've discovered so many beautiful bloggers in the past couple of months.  Each day when I opening my reader I know I'm going to be inspired and cheered by the beauty and creativity I'll find.

Over the past few weeks more and more commenters are leaving recommendations of artists or songs for me to check out - which I have LOVED.  I immediately click over the YouTube and have found great new music.  Today's song came from one of those recommendations (from Cindy if I remember correctly.)  Here's Grace Potter and the Nocturnals with "Treat me Right."

Does anyone else flash back to Jefferson Airplane?

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