fleur de lys

The fleur de lys (or fleur de lis, in English) motif is near and dear to my heart because of my French roots. Fun fact: when my mom became an American citizen she wore fleur de lys earrings! I took the photo in San Francisco on my last trip. I can't remember the building, but I do remember it was a column and I love the watery celadon background color paired with the stone.

things i heart, but first purchased because of the packaging

I'm not proud of it, but I admit that I *sometimes* purchase a new product solely because of the packaging. I bought a bottle of St. Germain soon after the product launched last year because I was intrigued by their print advertising and brilliant graphic design (check out their website to see what I mean). When I picked up the bottle in person I was sold ... it's heavy and gorgeous, and it reminds me of the Guerlain Shalimar perfume my grandmother Delphine wears. I do remember thinking, well, if the liquor is horrid I can use the bottle in my bathroom for bath salts.

The elderflower liquor is my new favorite. I like it best as a "flavor shot" in plain club soda in a tall glass with ice. It's also excellent mixed with champagne, and is a great after dinner drink served straight up. Plus it looks pretty on the table.

travel: san francisco

Today I'm traveling to San Francisco for a quick work/fun trip. One of the things I am most looking forward to (besides visiting my cousins, of course) is a visit to La Boulange for a cannelle and café au lait. Thank goodness nobody in my neighborhood makes these or my pants would never fit again.