Olive and Branch Lettres

oooh la la...these just in...

2012-01-20T15:31:00.001-05:00

...OK, I have to admit I am a sucker for a notebook, a journal or even a new pad of paper. I love new notebooks, love the crack when you open them up and when you hear the pages turning for the first time. I love that first notation onto the virgin paper - always in my best handwriting - bien sûr.

I used to buy beautiful notepads and journals and not use them, collecting them almost - waiting for something very special to use them for. Well, I gave that up years ago and now I use them - for list making, for ideas, projects to plan, things to do, grocery shopping, trip planning, for drawings, or to just rip out a page when someone needs a piece of paper unexpectedly.

I always have one or two that I am working with at any one time. So, when these arrived in the shop today I was of course very excited. These Mini Paris Notebooks come in a set of three (just the right size for a purse!) and are perfect way to show off your love of Paris! One interior is lined, one is blank and one is graphed (making home decor projects that much easier!)

I knew you'd love them - especially at the price of $10 for the trio! Buy them here.

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year

2012-01-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

Pantone 2012 Color of the Year - Tangerine Tango

Being in the design industry for some 20+ years I am always excited when Pantone introduces a new color to their spectrum and this year is no exception. Introducing Pantone's 2012 Color of the year - Tangerine Tango.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Past colors of the year include:

2011- Pantone 18-2120 Honeysuckle

2010 - Pantone 18-2120 Turquoise

2009 - Pantone 14-0848 Mimosa

2008 - Pantone 18-3943 Blue Iris

2007 - Pantone 19-1557 Chili Pepper

Fête des Rois

2012-01-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

Take a peek into the windows of any French bakery this time of year and this is what you'll find -

The French tradition of serving a frangipane filled tart known as the galette des rois on, or around the 6th January, (the first Sunday of each New Year) actually dates back to the 14th century.

The festival takes place around Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas, when the wise men visited baby Jesus. This year, the Epiphany falls on Friday, January 6th - today!

Usually there is a small feve (originally a bean or small pottery figurine) baked inside the cake and whichever lucky person gets the piece with the feve is king for the day! Of course, if they happen to bite into the feve they may be seeing their dentist soon too!

Happy New Year!

Bonne Année!

2012-01-02T19:35:00.000-05:00


Rue Cler Fleuriste, Paris, France, January 2011

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:21:00.000-05:00

Les Treize Deserts de Noel

2011-12-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

I love holiday traditions, and I especially love learning about traditions followed in other countries. Thanks to my new friend....click here to continue reading...

We are thankful to Julie Gilley of My Far and Away for her post on Provencal Holiday Traditions. Don't miss our special offer to her readers at the end of the article.

All I want for Christmas...

2011-12-03T08:55:00.002-05:00

...is my house to be totally decorated and ready for the season like the photo above! I love, love , love these Horizon pillows so much - we now offer them in our shop. The Icy Flakes and the Peeking Santa with a very Merry Christmas says it all. And I love the little angel as well.

It's time to drag those Christmas boxes out of the attic, put on some Christmas music and start baking, decorating and enjoying the season.

Photo credit: C4C

Le Marche de Noel 2011 is almost here!

2011-12-01T07:25:00.001-05:00

We are thrilled, once again, to be part of this year's Boston French Cultural Center's Marché de Noël, Saturday December 10th 10AM-5PM. With over dozens of vendors participating you are sure to find the perfect gift for the Francophile in your life.

Inspired by the traditional French Christmas markets, we invite you to stroll through the holiday gifts fair and find a gift for everyone on your list, while enjoying a warm glass of cider or mulled wine.

There is something for everyone -

For Children

Seasonal activities and picture time with Papa Noel

For Grown-ups

A marche with local vendors offering treats, home goods (that's us!) and children's clothing.

Complimentarry Refreshments

Homemade mulled wine and cider.

Members $2, Nonmembers $5 - Discounts for families.

53 Marlborough St.
Boston, MA 02116
617.912.0400

Like Us on Facebook and Win a 2012 French Country Diary!

2011-11-17T07:06:00.000-05:00

...that's right Just head over to our Facebook page by clicking on the logo below -

Like us and you could win a 2012 French Country Diary by Linda Dannenburg!

It's that simple.
We will draw the lucky winner on December 1st. If you can't wait that long you can buy one here.
Merci!

Visit Us at This Year's Holiday Market!

2011-11-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Love these little cars...

2011-11-13T13:48:00.002-05:00

My friend's little gem....lucky!

Spotted on the streets of St. Remy de Provence.

Spotted all over France, these little Citroën 2CVs (or literally "two horsepower") was an economy car introduced by the French automaker Citroën between 1948 and 1990. It was designed to help the French peasantry move from horses and carts to cars.

I just think they are cute.

In Flavigny-sur-Ozerian, Burgundy

She can only mean one thing ...

2011-11-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

Start planning for Maison et Objet Paris, France 2012!

January 20-24th - Paris Nord Villpinte.

New this week...

2011-11-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

Garnier-Thiebaut Renaissance Orme

We just added these beautiful Garnier-Thiebaut linens to our For the Table pages. The holidays are right around the corner and preparing our homes for guests can be an overwhelming experience. Just the right dinnerware, stemware and flatware...oh my!

Let us take the worry over your table linens out of the way. Our line of Garnier-Thiebaut tablecloths and napkins are perfect for year-round entertaining. The autumn gold colors of the Garnier-Thiebaut Renaissance Tablecloth and the Garnier-Thiebaut Festin Tablecloth are designed to compliment any autumnal theme. And, our Christmas Cherry is a beautiful compliment to holiday decorating. Available in multiple sizes and matching napkins in 100% cotton.

Garnier-Thiebaut Christmas Cherry in New Green Sweet

Best of all, these tablecloths are machine washable and the Christmas Cherry is part of the new Green Sweet line of cotton table linens which are exceptionally soft to the touch while completely stain-resistant. Simply wipe away any spills, no mess and no clean-up, so no worries over a little spilled wine!


Garnier-Thiebaut Festin Or

Congratulations!

2011-11-06T15:49:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Tale of Two Cities - you have won our Paris Book Giveaway! I will be in touch via email to send you the details. Thanks to everyone for entering our contest. Check back often as we will be sure to have another contest/giveaway soon. Special thanks to Juliette for sharing her time and talent with us! If you didn't win and want to get your hands on a copy of Juliette's book please go here to buy your copy today!

The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Andover Chamber Music

2011-11-03T15:40:00.001-04:00

Julie Scolnick, Artistic Director, Andover Chamber Music

Continuing their celebratory season of programs which take their inspiration from literary works, Andover Chamber Music's, Andover, Massachusetts, next concert, "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" is titled after Milan Kundera's novel, and offers three light, alluring works that overflow with charm and sparkle.

Poulenc's Sextet for piano and wind quintet, written around 1932, is both jazzy, infectiously fun, and filled with good cheer. William Bolcom's Fairytales for viola, bass, and cello, is an entertaining and clever work for the three lower strings based on the favorite fairy tales of the members of the trio for which is was composed.

The concert concludes with a cast of thousands (nine actually - it just will feel like thousands on their tiny stage) in Ludwig Spohr's Nonet, a rarely-performed, early 19th century melodic work for winds and strings, which brilliantly fulfilled the a commissioner's particular request that the work should be "written in such a way that each instrument would appear in its own character," with songlike passages of exceptional beauty.

Just click on either of the following links - Subscribe or Buy Individual Tickets - or go to their web site and select Order Tickets from the menu. It's not too late to subscribe and reserve time for music in your life. Subscribers receive discounts and special reserved seating near the front, and are invited to a reception at the end of the season. And remember - they're offering a new senior discount for individual tickets - $5 off the regular price - and youth under 18 come for free!

Natasha Brofsky, cello ~ Don Palma, bass

Lucy Chapman, violin ~ Dima Murrath, viola

Julie Scolnik, flute ~ Rob sheena, oboe

Michael Wayne, clarinet ~ Suzanne Nelson, bassoon

James Sommerville, horn ~ Nina Scolnik, piano

Sunday, November 6, 2011, 4:00 PM

West Parish Church, Andover, Massachusetts

Paris Book Giveaway!

2011-10-28T08:57:00.005-04:00

Author, Juliette Sobanet writes fun, sassy, women's fiction, and her debut novel, Sleeping with Paris, is now available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and ibooks! And, we are lucky enough to be giving away one FREE copy of her book here. Simply leave a comment (anything nice will do!) in our comment section and we will draw a winner for Juliette's new book on Sunday, November 6th! It's that simple. Be sure to check back or leave your email address so we can get the book to you.

Sleeping with Paris is a story about mending broken hearts, making a few bad decisions along the way and ultimately following your dreams, with or without a man by your side. It's Sex and the City with a French twist!

I have just started reading it and it is a perfect read to curl up with - in bed, by the fire or in the carpool lane! I think it would make a great book club read - and just think - you can hold your next meeting in the City of Light!

A little bit about the book-

Charlotte Summers is a sassy, young French teacher who is two days away from moving to Paris with the love of her life and from fulfilling her dream of studying at the prestigious Sorbonne University in France. But when she discovers her fiancé’s online dating profile and has a little chat with the busty red-head he’s been sleeping with on the side, she gives up on committed relationships altogether and decides to navigate Paris on her own.

Determined to stop other women from finding themselves in her shoes, Charlotte creates an anonymous blog on how to date like a man in the City of Love—that is, how to jump from bed to bed without ever falling in love. But, with a slew of Parisian men beating down her door, a hot new neighbor who feeds her chocolate in bed, and an appearance by her sleazy ex-fiancé, she isn’t so sure she can keep her promise to remain commitment-free. And, when Charlotte agrees to write an article for a popular women’s magazine about her Parisian dating adventures—or disasters, rather—will she risk losing the one man who’s swept her off her feet and her dream job in one fell swoop?

Sleeping with Paris won first place in the Women’s Fiction category of the 2010 Washington Romance Writers Marlene Awards and was a finalist in the 2010 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Contest - congratulations Juliette!

If you can't wait to read it you can order it here - with a big Merci from Juliette I am sure! To read Juliette's blog and find out more about the author and her debut novel, Sleeping with Paris visit her blog here.

Margo's Hair Design 30th Benefit Celebration

2011-10-25T18:46:00.001-04:00

Proud to celebrate their 30th year in business, Margo's Hair and Body Design in Acton, Massachusett is hosting a benefit for Emerson Hospital Bethke Cancer Center.

Join them November 5th, 7:30pm to Midnight at the Maynard Elks, 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, Mass. for Fun, Food, Dancing and their famous raffle (including an oh so special gift and gift certificate from Olive and Branch).

All proceeds from the ticket and raffle sales will go directly to the Emerson Hospital Bethke Cancer Center, Concord, Massachusetts.

Buy your tickets here.

Today is Make a Difference Day

2011-10-22T11:51:00.001-04:00

Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of helping
others, is sponsored annually by USA WEEKEND Magazine
and its 800 carrier newspapers. Make A Difference Day
takes place on the 4th Saturday in October each year...Today!

Complete details about the day, as well as tools to help you make a

difference in your community are available at makeadifferenceday.com.

What will you be doing?

Missing Provence

2011-10-19T21:44:00.030-04:00

Shutters, old buildings and the light.

The views.


Really yummy desserts from the local bakery.


The snails that crawl around my terrace at night (yes, in the dark you sometimes accidently step on them - CRUNCH!)

Carousels in every village.


Canoeing down the Pont du Gard What do you miss?

40th Annual Harvard Flea Market POSTPONED

2011-10-12T18:03:00.002-04:00

is this ~~Saturday, October 15th~~

Sunday, October 16th

9am-4pm

in front of Old Bromfield

and we'll be there!

We'll have a booth this year at the 40th Annual Flea Market, Harvard, Massachusetts which is always great fun for the whole family! We'll have a small selection of our in-stock products on sale at the booth.

Harvard’s first Flea Market was sponsored by the League of Women Voters in 1972. Since then it has been an annual community event, held on the grounds of the Bromfield School on Route 111. In the 1980’s the Harvard Conservation Trust became a co-sponsor. In 2008 the Harvard Schools Trust became a third sponsor and replaced the Conservation Trust in 2009.

Each year thousands of bargain-hunters browse through more than 170 booths of antiques, collectibles, and household treasures. Local non-profit organizations sell a variety of foods and drinks.

It is suppose to be a beautiful day so come out and visit lovely Harvard, Mass, pick some apples at a local orchard and stop by our booth #86 to say bonjour! We would love to see you!

For directions click here.

2011-10-11T16:04:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, November 9th
Taste of France 2011: Taste of Quebec!
6:00pm-9:00pm
Westin Waterfront Hotel - Boston

The French American Chamber of Commerce of New England, in collaboration with the Quebec Delegation in Boston, is proud to present the 2011 Taste of France: Quebec - a French food and wine festival! A celebration of all things French and Quebecois, the soiree will commemorate the unique and strong link that bonds France, Quebec, and New England through a sampling of fine food and wine from more than a dozen of Boston's finest restaurants, as well as live music and an auction fundraiser.

The exceptional extravaganza is expected draw 400+ guests from a variety of backgrounds.

Don't miss the early bird special for tickets and get $15 off your ticket! http://www.tasteofqc.com/get-your-tickets.html

For more details about the event and tickets sales, please visit the taste of Quebec website: http://www.tasteofqc.com/index.html

Happy Fall!

2011-10-08T14:56:00.003-04:00

Happy Columbus Day Weekend and Happy Fall!

And the winner is ....

2011-10-07T11:32:00.001-04:00

Beth - congratulations Google follower Beth for winning our $100.00 gift certificate to our online shop. Enjoy and get in touch at shop@oliveandbranch.com for your GC code! Thanks everyone for participating and following!

The Secrets of Successful Pastel Painting - pastel class

2011-10-07T09:21:00.001-04:00

If you live in the Boston area you have the opportunity this weekend to work with our artist Joelle Levallet-Feldman. An accomplished painter, Joelle's work can be found in several galleries throughout New England and right on our own Art pages here. Her pastel workshop is not to be missed and there are a few spots available for this weekend's class at the Concord Art Association, Concord, Massachusetts.

The Secrets of Successful Pastel Painting
Beginner/Intermediate
Joelle Levallet-Feldman

Learn the process of building a pastel painting from start to finish. The workshop starts with an introduction to materials. Students will explore and experiment with a variety of pastel painting surfaces using different grades and brands of pastel sticks. The focus will be on composition, desired texture, color, drawing an outline, applying an under-painting, gradually building up the layers to a finished painting. Students will also learn basic techniques and good study habits to help master the pastel painting process and, ultimately, giving you greater freedom in the medium. See Joelle’s work here.

Weekend Workshop:
http://www.concordart.org
Saturday, October 15, 10:00am-3:00pm
Sunday, October 16, 12:00pm-4:00pm
$175M $225NM
Supply list

Mmmmmm.....olive oil

2011-09-25T10:08:00.002-04:00

Moulin Saint Michel, Mouriès, France

When you enter the shop/mill tucked away into the corner of the center of this tiny Provençal town in the Valley of Baux-de-Provence, not only do you have the opportunity to try all of their varieties of oil produced, you also have the opportunity to step back in time and view the ancient olive presses and mill.

The Moulin Saint-Michel, has been processing the harvest of the olive growers in the Alpilles, Provence since 1744. They carefully watch over the origin of the olives and, respecting ancestral techniques, store them in their lofts before bringing them to the heart of the mill where they are stripped, washed, and ground.

They then carry out a single cold pressing, always resulting in extra virgin quality. The oil is composed of the main varieties found in the Valley of Baux-de-Provence: the Grossane olive,
the Salonenque, Verdale, Berruguette, and the Picholine, an ideal combination refining and elevating the flavors of the food with which it is used. All of this care results in a luscious oil that is velvety on the tongue but full of flavor.

We're proud to carry the A.O.C Vallée des Baux variety here.

Olive oil production by madeinmouse

My Afternoons with Margueritte

2011-09-21T16:28:00.002-04:00

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;I might&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

I might have to drive to NYC and see this movie - anyone know if it is playing in the Boston area?

Looks simply sweet and lovely. It is the story of an unusual friendship between 95 year-old Margueritte (with two "t"s) and Germain (Gerard Depardieu), a kind, near-illiterate who is mocked for his ignorance — even by his friends, who are drawn together through books and literature.

Writeaway Retreats

2011-09-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

Have you've started a novel but can't find time to finish? or
Have you a great idea for a book but can't find the moments to begin? or
Does the endless, daily, to-do list get in the way of your writing time?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then Writeaway Retreats may be the answer for you....

Led by my beautiful friend, author and tour director Robin Grace and her colleague, author Beverly Carroll, Writeaway's premier retreat is being held this November 3-6th in Ogunquit, Maine. The retreat features three night accommodations at a seaside inn, a welcome reception, three breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and writing related activities. Most important of all is the opportunity to be in a nurturing, peaceful environment to tap the inner prose locked inside of you.

Write in the designated writing area, work in your room or brainstorm in one of the inn's public spaces.Walk the Marginal Way, take refuge from the sea in the relaxing Jacuzzi or join one of the lively workshops offered that weekend.Whether you are just a beginner writer or a seasoned, published pro, this retreat is designed to bring together a community of writers in a beautiful surrounding to help fuel the writer in you.

For more information visit www.writeawayretreats.com

A Day at Brimfield

2011-09-13T16:26:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of spending the day at the Brimfield Antique Market on Friday. The sun was FINALLY shining and the dealers were ready to make a deal since traffic had been bad the days before. Did a lot of looking, but not a lot of buying. Here's a peek at some of the things I contemplated:

Lovely old tiles.


An engraving by Stow Wengenroth


Contemplated this little metal desk for a marketing assistant. Would you like to sit there?

Love this engraving by J. Andre Smith - subject matter and especially loved the matt color.

Of course, you know I liked this!!

Contest

2011-09-07T10:35:00.000-04:00

Enter to win a $100 gift certificate!

Just Google Friend Connect our blog and you will

automatically be entered to win a $100 gift

certificate to our online boutique.

Google Friend Connect in the right hand column.

Drawing to be held 10/1/2011.

French Country Diary

2011-09-06T08:26:00.007-04:00

Order your 2012 Calendar Today

Last year's calendar was a sell-out so this year we are suggesting
you pre-order your calendars to ensure arrival!

From a breakfast of warm croissants in a Provençal garden,

to an antique shop in Paris known for its period treasures, the elegant
French Country Diary 2012 presents the glory of France
in 52 intimate vignettes.

Author Linda Dannenberg and French photographer Guy Bouchet

continue the beloved tradition of the French County Diary, a
perennially popular week-at-a-glance engagement calendar,
with a new year of evocative images.

$21.99

Order here today!
Hurry - this offer expires September 15, 2011.

Quails

2011-09-02T11:18:00.001-04:00

Recently a wild turkey (actually about 12 wild turkeys) clucked their way through the yard and they got me thinking of our quails...

Handmade in Provence, France these quails have round bodies and tiny heads. Potter, Heidi Caillard developed a deep fondness for the little creatures and began to create them in clay...and they are now available here.

Available in Petite and Grande in a variety of colors.

If you don't see the color you need please feel free to email us at shop@oliveandbranch.com and we can do our best to obtain the color for you.

As these are handmade and hand-painted variations in color can occur - it is just part of their charm, not a defect.

Bonne Rentrée!

2011-09-01T09:05:00.000-04:00

We're back...from vacation, to school, to work, with busy schedules, to driving teenagers around, meeting friends. It's Fall and it la Rentrée! I hope everything goes smoothly (now that Irene is past and most people have power back!) and everyone enjoys the beautiful autumnal season in New England and in Provence!

Spa Baumanière - un autre voyage

2011-08-30T12:25:00.001-04:00

There is a special place in the Alpilles, located just outside the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence in southern France that one should not miss. It is the Spa Baumanière. This tranquil mas turned into a spa is always a destination of mine when in the area. I choose the Luxury Hamman Ritual - it is totally indulgent and you walk away from your experience relaxed, almost light-headed and completely pampered.

Here's how they describe it - Immerse yourself in the intoxicating vapours of the Hammam with Maroc cosmetics, for a luxurious ritual that will transport you on a voyage of the senses. In a poetic atmosphere mingling elegance and effectiveness, the gestures and richness of traditional Moroccan beauty care will be unveiled and sublimated for you. Indulge yourself with this bouquet of emotions or share it with someone -- an exquisite moment of pleasure that will enhance the beauty of your skin.

This is how I describe it -

#1 Model-esque women greet you as you enter the the tranquil building. You are whisked into the salon as you wait to be brought into the inner sanctum.

#2 You're brought to the dressing rooms and asked to change into a bathing suit as you prepare to enter the tub area. It is a large tub (the size of a small room) filled with scented warm water with stations of jets that provide pressure to all areas of your body. After taking the circuit, at your leisure, in the jetted tub, you walk to to the eucalyptus scented steam room after pausing for fresh almonds, dried fruits and tisanes.

#3 From the steam room, you can dip in to the cool waters of the plunge bath and are escorted to the treatment room.

#4 You are asked to unrobe (except for the small disposable panties they provide) and lie down on the marble table. Your masseuse slathers your entire body with savon noir, a traditional soap used for cleansing and purifying the skin. After help to the steam room (you, the table, and the treatment room are suddenly very slippery) you are left to open your pores and let the soap work its magic.

Back in the treatment room your masseuse scrubs your entire body with a loofah as not to leave any dead skin cells on your person. You are then lightly massaged in a brown mud. Your masseuse washes you off and...

#5 you follow her to the massage room where you are treated to a 1/2 hour full-body massage with essential oils of your choice - I chose orange.

The brochure states that the treatment is 120 minutes but give your self plenty of extra time as it has always taken up to 3 hours for the full experience. As a matter of fact, I would not schedule anything else for the day as when you return to your home you will just want to sit and listen to the cicadas and be at peace.

For reservations and packages call or visit -

Spa Baumanière

Mas Carita

13520 Les Baux-de-Provence

+33 (0) 4 90 54 24 67

http://www.spabaumaniere.com

Duck, Duck, Goose

2011-08-03T07:18:00.002-04:00

The French love their fowl....not just their ducks, but their geese, roosters, pintade, pigeons, and poules. You see them represented everywhere - on menus, posters, weathervanes, aprons, pillows and just painted on the side of walls. The rooster is a symbol of hospitality in France and is one of the reasons it is plentiful - the people, and the country welcome you and proudly wear their roosters on their sleeves (literally!)

In Perigord, no doubt.

Paris - come in for dinner!

On a quiet intersection in the heart of St. Remy de Provence.

In Sarlat, the Goose is Queen!

Ready for sale at the Arles Saturday market.

Strong Sense of Style: Guest Post: A Diary of Lovely

2011-07-28T08:04:00.001-04:00

Strong Sense of Style: Guest Post: A Diary of Lovely:

"I'm very excited to be here today sharing my Ideal Suitcase. Some of you might know my weekly series called Ideal Closet where I share some..." Click here to read more....

19e Festival International de Musique de Chambre

2011-07-27T17:31:00.001-04:00

19e Festival International de Musique de Chambre, Salon-de-Provence Starting tomorrow the chamber music festival begins in this charming Provence town. It continues through August 7th. All concerts take place in the Chateau l'Emperi at the heart of the city and feature different artistic directors.

Visit http://festival-salon.fr/ for more information, tickets and concert times.

Marchés

2011-07-25T06:55:00.000-04:00

Everyday in Provence, somewhere in a village or small town, or large city, for that matter, is a marché. Each one is similar and each one is uniquely different. You can find almost everything you need at the marché from apples, to lettuce, local melons (proudly displaying their origin), herbs de provence, fresh goat cheese to local honey, wine, pottery, french market baskets, dresses, aprons, olive oil, shirts, shoes, linens, meats, fresh caught fish and shellfish, truffles, lavender and more. They are a gathering place - a place to shop, mingle with the vendors, run into friends and neighbors. The marché comes once, sometimes twice, a week to a village and set up early morning and are down by 1:00, just in time to run to the boulangerie for a trés chaud baguette for lunch! Enjoy these photos of one local marché:

2011-07-20T08:47:00.001-04:00

The French Film Festival continues in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts through July 24th - don't miss the last few days!

View the best of contemporary French film at the 16th Annual Boston French Film Festival featuring favorite French stars like Mathieu Amalric, Isabelle Carré, Gérard Depardieu, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jean-Luc Godard, Isabelle Huppert, Sandrine Kiberlain, Fabrice Luchini, Yolande Moreau, Benoît Poelvoorde, Léa Seydoux, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Tomorrow's showing:
July 21, 2011 8:15 pm - 9:55 pm Remis Auditorium, 161

Admission $9 MFA members, seniors, and students, $11 Nonmembers

The Names of Love (Le nom des gens) by Michel Leclerc (2010, 102 min.). Baya Benmahmoud (Sarah Forestier), a young, extroverted liberal, lives by the old hippie slogan “Make love, not war” and converts right-wing men to her left-wing political causes by sleeping with them. She seduces many and so far has received exceptional results—until she meets Arthur Martin (Jacques Gamblin), a Jewish, middle aged, middle-of-the road scientist.

Improbably, the duo falls in love. Amid the amour, humor, and moments of sheer madness, filmmaker Michel Leclerc injects satirical riffs on such hot-button sociopolitical issues as Arab-Jewish relations, anti-Semitism, immigration, and racial and cultural identity.

Forestier won the Best Actress Award and Leclerc and Baya Kasmi won Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Césars (French Oscars).

Unless otherwise noted, all films are presented in 35mm, were produced in France, and are in French with English subtitles.

Get more information and show times here: http://www.mfa.org/programs/film

Flute Concert - Eygalières

2011-07-17T11:36:00.001-04:00

I want to tell you about a flute concert Julie Scolnick will be giving on Sunday, July 17 in Eygalières in the Eglise St Laurent, at 7:00 PM. Flutist, Julie Scolnick, be playing with pianist Aurélien Pontier in a program of works by Franck, Elgar, Czerny, Bach, and Bloch. It is a free concert, but space is limited, so come a bit early. It is their pleasure to play this concert as a small offering to the beautiful village of Eygalières which they now are proud to call their home away from home.

A day at Clignancourt...

2011-07-16T16:52:00.001-04:00

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, the famous flea market in Paris is located at Porte de Clignancourt. It is commonly know as Les Puces (the fleas) and each weekend it receives between 120,000 to 180,000 shoppers, tourists and flea aficionados. We had a picture perfect day there on our recent visit.

The market is easy to get to from central Paris - just take the métro to Porte de Clignancourt on Line 4 and follow the crowds (and signs that point to the market). For the permanent market stalls, work your way past the vendors selling clothing and the street hawkers under the Périphérique

selling cheap sunglasses and watches. Keep walking and you eventually come to the good stuff.

Stay for lunch at the local restaurant deep in the center of the market itself.

The market is open all year, but only on select days - Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Visit www.marchesauxpuces.fr for more information.

Happy Bastille Day!

2011-07-14T10:26:00.008-04:00

Ready for the day's abrivado.

Those weeds are what are between the bulls and me!

Beautiful white horses of the Camargue.

Running with the bulls is a tradition here in Les Alpilles.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful la Fête Nationale!

Le gardian de Provence (Provence cowboy)


A toast to the day's run with the local pastis.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T05:31:00.000-04:00

A day in the gardens....

2011-07-02T04:24:00.002-04:00

A day at Jardin des Plantes, located in the 5e,...sunny, warm and in good company...

Step out from Gare d'Austerlitz, cross the street, and you are in a wonderful spot in Paris to explore and run about...

Flowers are in bloom...

Ready for Provence...

Greeting you hello or sending you off in style...

Jardin des Plantes
57 rue Cuvier, 2 rue Buffon,
36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire,
place Valhubert 75005 Paris.

Open every day in the summer 7:30am-7:45pm
Free entry.

There is a new spectacle in town!

2011-06-30T09:28:00.001-04:00

Update from Paris - walking along the Champs Elysées you notice the line first. It is long, and everyone is young and hip. Keep walking to the back of the line ...that's right - all the way to the back as it snakes around the block...there is an hour wait to enter through the guarded, golden, gilded gates.

What could be drawing this crowd? priceless jewels you ask? a recently discovered painting by a master? mais, non - it is of course -

Abercrombie and Fitch, Paris

What? Yes, you heard it, a month after the official opening of the swanky-addressed Abercrombie & Fitch's foray into the French marketplace, the lines are still around the block to enter the 31,000-square-foot, four-floor store. And, oh yeah - they sell shirts and jeans.

You enter under the wrought-iron, gold gilded gates (after about an hour wait). The gravel path crunches under your feet as you make your way through the garden (the anticipation really builds here!) to reach the entrance located at the rear of the building.

Greeted by a bare-chested, buff young lad (who was very happy to pose with young ladies and guys for photos) you enter the dark store to the blaring beat of some retro-pop music to peruse the 150 Euro (yes, that is right) button-down, cotton shirt. The same shirt that my son bought in the USA at the local mall for $19.00!

All of the male (recently pulled off the runway) staff members are dressed the same in the blue, checked, button-down - and curiously they all look like they could be brothers. Some are dancing, some are there just to look nice and smile. Murals of scantily clad youth surround the interior of the store and large faux statues of bare-chested (where did I see that before?) men everywhere. The stairs that lead you up and down are lit from underneath - which is helpful since the only thing that is lit up are the shirts and, of course, the staff

It was all so very over the top.

If only there were as many people leaving with A&F purchases in their arms as people entering the store, then maybe they could afford to buy that guy at the door a shirt!

To visit yourself -

23 Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris

Métro: Franklin D. Roosevelt (0.2 km), Saint-Philippe du Roule (0.3 km)

2011-06-14T10:51:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a lovely day for a Boston Public Garden Swan Boat ride! The Swan Boats have been in Boston for over 130 years and I had the pleasure of being able to spend a few minutes with great friends on these uniquely Boston attractions. And for $2.75 a trip - the price can't be beat!

Go to www.swanboats.com for some history and information about how the swan boats came to Boston Public Garden.

My favorite new site...

2011-06-09T10:32:00.004-04:00

If you like to cook (I do!), if you have a large selection of cookbooks (never realized I had 65 or so cookbooks), like to eat (who doesn't?) then this website is A MUST!! Eatyourbooks.com is my new favorite website. Not only is the concept ingenious and ridiculously useful and easy-to-use, it has also helped me save time, money and frustration!

Eatyourbooks.com is a website that indexes the recipes and ingredients of your own library of cookbooks. That's it - simple and brilliant!

Do you own a lot of the Barefoot Contessa cookbooks (I do.) and can't find the recipe for her Chicken Stew with Biscuits because you keep calling it Chicken Pot Pie and you've already taken down from the shelf three of her cookbooks and now are growing frustrated because you can't remember the name of the recipe and can't find it? No more! Go to your eatyourbooks.com account, type in the word Chicken and Barefoot and up pops every chicken recipe Ina Garten has published on your shelf. No more frustrating searches for a recipe.

It has saved me money as well. Last week, in the fridge, I had a large bunch of basil and chicken. I was ready to head to the store to go buy other ingredients to make something with it. This would have involved a wasted trip to the grocery store picking up food items that I don't need and, I am sure, spending well over $30 in the process. Instead, I went to my laptop, typed in chicken and basil and up popped about 15 recipes from my own library of recipes. I could choose from the one that did not necessitate a trip to the grocery store! The $25 annual fee was just paid for...and then some!

The other day I was in the grocery store and wanted to make the Three Day Slaw from my Screen Doors and Sweet Tea cookbook but couldn't remember the ingredients needed for the recipe. I pulled out my iPhone, logged into Eat Your Books and grabbed the ingredient list right there in the grocery store - BRILLIANT!

You can bookmark your favorite recipes, sort your books and recipes by location, type, and menus, make notes on your recipes that you have tried, chat with other cooks and just get inspired to dust off that cookbook collection that is sitting on your kitchen shelf. Best of all you can try it for FREE with five of your favorite cookbooks - try it! You'll be glad you did!

It's that time of day...

2011-06-02T16:43:00.000-04:00

It's seems like a nice time of day for a glass of wine. What do you think of those prices?
The last few days it has been HOT HOT HOT here and I was ready for the rosés of summer. After major thunderstorms, hail and few tornado touchdowns last night it has cooled off and that Brouilly is looking better now. Cheers!

Happy Birthday!

2011-05-31T08:08:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the world Baby Katherine!

May 20th

7 pounds, 4 ounces, 20 inches

I can't wait to meet you!

Artist Joëlle Levallet-Feldman

2011-05-19T17:30:00.000-04:00

Mas Complex, 6x6" $200

I am pleased to announce that we will now be offering the beautiful, original paintings from Artist Joëlle Levallet-Feldman. We have several pieces from her Postcards from Provence (love that title) series of oils and pastels.

Lemon Frenzy, 8x10", $425

Joëlle Levallet-Feldman was born and raised in Normandy, France and returns every year to visit family and friends and rediscover the endless supply of inspiring scenes, each begging to be painted. The paintings we are featuring are from a recent artists' retreat to Provence.

Visit our Art category or click here to see her work we are offering. All of the pieces are matted and framed.

La Fontaine, 11x14", $425

Bring a little piece of Provence to a corner of your home with one of Joëlle Levallet-Feldman's lovely paintings.

A face only a mother could love...

2011-05-18T13:47:00.000-04:00

Outside my office window, I can see this -


Sweet mama bird guarding her chicks.

Hatchlings - only a day old!

Cute, huh?

Temptation at Brimfield

2011-05-17T09:06:00.002-04:00

Last Thursday's trip to Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles show was pick of the week weather-wise. The sun was shining and the day was warm. Perfect weather to browse and be tempted. Here's some of what we saw-

Rare Vintage Syrup Bottles

This clock might need a little work.

Love these smoky old bottles.

Butter churner anyone?

Good Night

Roll Out the Red Carpet

2011-05-11T08:22:00.001-04:00

The red carpet is ready to be rolled out for the 64th Cannes Film Festival’s opening today. Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams will be kicking off the Riviera festival. It’s a story about an aspiring writer (Wilson) who dreams of leaving behind his screenwriting career to live in Paris and, of course, write a novel. But when he visits Paris with his fiance (McAdams), he finds that she doesn’t enjoy the same things he does. And I guess that is where the fun begins in true Allen style.

Apparently, Carla Bruni, wife of French president Nicolas Sarkozy, and "star' in her own right, shares a couple of scenes in the film. The movies is scheduled for screening in the Grand Théâtre Lumière today at 7pm and 11pm - just in case you are in the neighborhood.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:59:00.000-04:00


Beautiful Mama who moments earlier gave birth to a baby lamb. See her cleaning her here.

Happy Mother's Day!

Pink Grapefruit Perrier

2011-05-08T10:43:00.000-04:00

Since when did they start making pink grapefruit Perrier? I had one yesterday for the first time. I haven't seen it in the stores - but if I do I will certainly grab a case. Not only is it Perrier bubbly, but it has a hint of pink grapefruit that makes the drink perfect - not too sweet and not sour or bitter at all. Best of all no sugar and 0 calories!

Meeting Cara Black

2011-05-07T18:48:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure this afternoon to meet and listen to best-selling mystery writer, Cara Black speak to an intimate group of fans at the French Cultural Center. She spoke of her newest book, set in Paris, France, Murder in Passy, the 11th of her series of fictional detective Aimée Leduc.

According to Black, the 16th, her newest Parisian neighborhood muse was taking some convincing, until she heard of the Basque rebel connection and interesting facets to the neighborhood like an above ground reservoir. The publisher's description of the newest release is - "The village-like neighborhood of Passy, home to many wealthy Parisians, is the last place one would expect a murder. But when Aimée Leduc's godfather, Morbier, a police commissaire, asks her to check on his girlfriend at her home there, that's exactly what Aimée finds. Xavierre, a haut bourgeois matron of Basque origin, is strangled in her garden while Aimée waits inside. Circumstantial evidence makes Morbier the prime suspect, and to vindicate him, Aimée must take on the case."

She spoke of her writing process - that she drinks lots of coffee, "I follow Balzac...," she joked as earlier she explained Balzac was know for drinking 50 cups of coffee a day, that she takes about 1 year to 1 year and 3 months to complete a book and sets a daily page goal for writing.

The audience was keen on getting information about upcoming books. Her work-in-progress is the Leduc mystery set in the haut Marais. Questions about Aimée's future and past remained unanswered ... for now.

To follow in the footsteps of Black's main character, visit her publisher's page and download the Paris Companion Guide.

Boston's Big Bastille Day 2011 Party

2011-05-03T15:13:00.002-04:00

Boston's Annual French Cultural Center's 36^thBastille Day Party returns to Marlborough Street for what promises to be the celebration of the summer!

This year's line-up, programmed by World Music/CRASHarts, Inc., features two incredible francophone acts: Caravan Palace, with their irresistible gypsy jazz electro-swing rhythms, and Yoro Ndiaye, leader of the new generation of Senegalese music.

Caravan Palace

Yoro Ndiaye

Friday, July 15

6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Tickets are $28 in advance; $35 at the door

Tickets are now on sale at www.frenchlib.org

Opinel Knives, the perfect accessory!

2011-04-28T18:47:00.001-04:00

my garcons and their knives - Sharon Santoni

Just love this blog I stumbled upon today and her description of the Opinel Knives are spot on!

Joyeuses Pâques

2011-04-24T09:01:00.001-04:00

Celebrate Earth Day!

2011-04-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Earth Day - Plant Sunflowers!

In honor of our mother earth - plant sunflowers! With every order made today, tomorrow, Earth Day 2011, and through the end of the month, we will be giving away one packet of sunflower seeds. Just our little way to say merci and to spread sunshine around on this Earth Day.

The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970 and is marked as the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Check out this year's Earth Day Network's Billion Acts of Green site and take a small pledge to keep our world a greener place.

Don't Miss Our Road Trip to Brimfield...

2011-04-18T13:44:00.000-04:00

Travel Tips

Having sourced Brimfield for many years for the Acton boutique and now for our online shop I am pleased to share with you tips to getting a bargain on your treasures and best way to shop the over 2 miles of the Brimfield antiques show.

Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the May day trip. We can be reached at shop@oliveandbranch.com or
1-855-6-FRANCE or reserve your space today by clicking here.

Looking forward to flea finding with you!

Pam Siddiqui
Owner
Olive and Branch for the home

50 Years Librarie de l'Avenue

2011-04-08T07:14:00.001-04:00

Join Us for Our Flea and Find Road Trip to the Brimfield Fair

2011-04-01T08:29:00.000-04:00

Join us for our

Flea and Find Road Trip to the

Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Brimfield, Massachusetts

Brimfield is the largest outdoor antique event in New England and it is one not to be missed. It has over 100 acres of flea market finds, antique vendors and over 5,000 dealers! Our road trip, designed for the first time or seasoned visitor, includes -

Round-trip transportation on a luxury bus with plenty of room for
your purchases in the bus bay - no need to hire a truck to cart your finds home!
We'll be leaving early so coffee and breakfast will be provided.
Entrance to the May's Antique Market (most markets at the Brimfield Fair are free)
Have the day to roam the explore at your leisure, with the bus parked
close by for the unloading of any found treasures
Snacks will be available throughout the day.
Other special surprises ...
Bubbly and nibbles offered on the ride home to celebrate our finds!

What a great way to spend a day!

Grab a girlfriend, husband or significant other and join us for a fun-filled,

flea-market, antique adventure!

Makes a great Mother's Day gift, too!

Bus departs from Acton, Massachusetts at 8AM and departs Brimfield at 5PM.

$65 -- To reserve your space, click here.

Take a Walk!

2011-03-25T09:22:00.001-04:00

By Laura Burke

Bonnieux, In the heart of the Luberon region, Provence, France

Provence is a popular spot for les vacances, both for Europeans and for people around the world. Of course, the cities and small villages are the real tourist destinations, as they’re home to some of the best restaurants, museums, and landmarks. But what beaucoup de touristes miss is the back roads that lead to the country—the natural, untouched side of Provence. So my tip for visiting Provence? Faites une promenade!

Take the road less-traveled, and promenez (or, for you athletic types, run!) among vineyards, lavender fields, orchards, or chateaux, then head through a village for some savory sustenance. Provence is filled with walking trails, and walking offers the opportunity for you to experience it in a unique and memorable way, and at your own pace.

Keep in mind that there are three different types of trails in France...

The long distance national trails are known as GR or sentiers de grande randonnee. The GR 6, 9, 92 and 97 travel through the Luberon in Provence. They are marked with a white over red blaze.
Regional paths, the GRP or the sentier de grande randonnee de pays (regional long distance path). These trails are blazed in yellow over red.
Smaller, local trails or day walks, the PR, Les sentiers de petite randonnee et de promenade are marked by usually a single yellow blaze. Keep in mind that many of these trails intersect so often you will see a rainbow of colors.

Maps and hiking information is available at local tourist offices. I would suggest starting your walking tour of your village or area there and ask for recommendations for the time of year you are traveling. Summer is very hot for hiking and oftentimes trails are closed during that period for fear of forest fires. Check locally before you head out!

Isle Sur La Sorgue Annual Antique Market

2011-03-20T19:09:00.000-04:00

In Provence, the great gathering of antique dealers! Come one - come all!

Fairytale Wedding

2011-03-16T20:54:00.000-04:00

Love it!

I remember, as a teenager, waking up before dawn to watch Lady Diana marry Prince Charles. A fairytale wedding!

I won't be missing this one either!

Cathay Pacific "Travel the World in 80Days" Competition Event- by Jennif...

2011-03-15T15:28:00.003-04:00

M

My friend's niece is a finalist in a contest by Cathay Pacific to spend 80 days traveling the world! How awesome! Good luck!!

1-855-6FRANCE

2011-03-11T08:03:00.000-05:00

Now there is a new way to reach Olive and Branch without costing you a dime - through our toll-free number.
I know it is corny but it is 1-855-6FRANCE (37-2623).

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

2011-03-09T07:57:00.000-05:00

Nice, France Carnival

20% Off All Souleo - Terre e Provence Style Pottery

2011-02-18T17:13:00.000-05:00

OK - it's the sale you've been waiting for. For a limited time only our beautiful Souleo - Terre e Provence Style Pottery is on sale. Now through Monday, February 28th, all of our one-of-a-kind pieces of Souleo pottery is on sale at 20% off. It's a great time to add to your collection or start a new collection. This beautiful pottery is inspired and made in the South of France.

No coupon code needed just enjoy the savings.

It's OK to Oooh and Aaah

2011-02-12T11:34:00.002-05:00

It's always so pretty!

Twitter and Facebook

2011-02-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

Did I mention you can follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/OliveandBranch

and on Facebook at
http://tinyurl.com/6cz5fyv

Paris Restaurant Review

2011-02-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

Romantica Caffe
96, Bld de la tour Maubourg 75007 Paris Tel 01 44 18 36 37

We stumbled upon this restaurant as we strolled home (back to our hotel) from an evening view of the Eiffel Tower. It is located at a quiet street corner near Les Invalides. We made reservations for the next night and arrived promptly at 8:00 - we were the only ones there! Other diners soon joined us as the city was truly in a quiet mode. It is nice to be able to pick any restaurant and pretty much get seated right away - this happened every night of our visit.

We started out with petite bruschetta and we ordered their featured pasta which is prepared table side. The server rolls out a wheel of a parmesan-like cheese and uses it as a bowl to prepare the dish. They scrape the insides to loosen the cheese. The cheese melts to a gooey goodness after being doused with cognac and lit on fire. Hot, cooked pasta and additional sauce is added and voila - dinner is served. It reminded me of an alfredo sauce - but a really good one. It was delicious.

If you're looking for Italian food while you're in Paris the Romantica Caffe offers a nice venue for dining.

A Woman, a Wine, and a Wonderful Château

2011-02-09T08:58:00.003-05:00

Bonjour Paris - A Woman, a Wine, and a Wonderful Château

Looking to our visit to Chateau Coutet later this year!

The 7er

2011-01-21T12:12:00.001-05:00

We stayed in the 7th arrondissement for last week's trip to Paris. It was our first time staying in that area of Paris. We loved it. It is a great location within walking distance to so many sights, shops and parks. We stayed at the Hotel du Palais Bourbon on rue de Bourgogne mainly because it had a family room for 4. The hotel was great - we were located on the 5th floor (yes, there was an elevator) with two rooms for the family. The rooms were pretty basic, but large for Paris standards and very clean and free wifi!!

Out our window was a view of the Arc de Triomphe and the very top of the Eiffel Tower. You could see it twinkling at night.

Breakfast was included in our room rate which was a nice way to wake up each morning as they delivered it to the room. The city was very quiet while we were there - there were no expos or shows in town - very nice.

The area was superb - we are right next to rue de Varenne (Metro:Varenne) and steps away from the Rodin museum and Les Invalides. Walk a few blocks in the other direction and you are at the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde. Continue along Boulevard St Germain to the swanky shops and overpriced cafes. Walking over to the Eiffel Tower and rue Cler was a breeze too, just a few blocks away.

I would highly recommend this area for a stay as it is so quiet and peaceful....oh except for the night the Tunisian government was overthrown and access to our street was blocked by about 25 police. Apparently the Tunisian Embassy was right around the corner and they didn't want any problems.

Les Soldes

2011-01-20T09:35:00.002-05:00

So we arrived in Paris just in time for that special time of year (that comes twice a year in France) - Les Soldes!! We arrived on the 12th - the first day of the sales that hit the city. Posted signs were everywhere for 20-30 and even 60% OFF!! Unfortunately - I always find that even the sale prices in Paris are more expensive for similar items that can be found in the US not on sale. And that doesn't include the exchange rate.

But, the fun is in the search! I did find a great leather jacket on sale at a new favorite shop - Carroll-Paris. And Galeries Lafayette offered up another great wool jacket - so all was not in vain!

The one thing that hit me though was what a great marketing strategy the scheduled sales are for boutiques and shops ... they might actually maybe make profits. The formula is really quite simple - shopkeepers keep prices high and nothing on sale during the busy holiday shopping season. The Christmas season everyone is buying regardless of price. Then, after they have recovered slightly from the sticker shock of the holidays, hit consumers with big discounts during the notoriously slowest time of the year - January - and boost sales for your first quarter! It really is brilliant!!

I don't think it would take off here in the US though.

A Weekend in Paris!

2011-01-19T10:11:00.003-05:00

I was lucky enough to be able to spend last week in Paris. What started as a little weekend get-a-way (Merry Christmas to me - un million grace à mon mari gentil!) turned into a longer stay thanks to a huge snowstorm barreling up the east coast with intentions to hit the day we departed. So we got out of town a day early and had five fabulous nights in the city of lights!

We stayed in the 7er just a couple blocks up from the Assemblée Nationale, so the area was very quiet (and very well guarded!!) Our hotel even had a peek of a view of the Eiffel Tower and a view of the Arc de Triomphe. Couldn't have been a better location.

Top of the list while we were there -
-les Soldes
-the weather
-the quiet streets
-the food, bien sûr
-les puces
-breakfast inclus in our hotel room each morning

...more to come...

Favorite moments of 2010...

2010-12-31T10:21:00.001-05:00

Florida in July!

Cheeca Lodge - Islamorada Florida

My Ellsie that goes everywhere with us!

The BEST hot dogs anywhere - found on the Vineyard!


Hanging with friends at Camp Otis!

Enjoy this last day of 2010!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:29:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks you for a fabulously busy holiday shopping season.

We look forward to 2011!

2011 is right around the corner!

2010-12-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

Love this little calendar from author and publisher, Linda Dannenberg. Not only is it filled with charming photographs from photographer Guy Bouchet, it offers its owners generous areas to write in their daily lists of things to do and appointments not to miss. At the back of the book are decorative address pages and a source guide.

I recently, begrudgingly, jumped into this century and bought an iphone. One can only take so many missed calls. It has a nifty little feature called an electronic calender and try as I might I just can't get used to entering important dates into it. I LOVE a paper calender/date book - I do. I know its a bit old school but I like being able to open a book, to touch it, and to be able to check things off - can't do that electronically - not quite as much fun.

So this is my new and improved, old-fashioned, beautiful date book for 2011 - can't wait to start crossing off my to do list!

This is the perfect gift for the New Year. Buy it here. Bonne Année!

Paris in January - Must be Maison et Objet - bien sûr!

2010-12-02T10:19:00.001-05:00

January 21-25, 2011

Paris Nord Villepinte

It's that Monday!

2010-11-29T14:47:00.001-05:00

Yes, that Monday and do we have something to crow about! You know, it's Cyber Monday which followed Small Business Saturday and of course Black Friday! Wow - that's a lot of shopping.

To help you along your Monday shopping, we are offering - for today only - 20% Off your entire purchase at our shop of French country home decor. Just visit www.oliveandbranch.com enter code BLACK in the coupon code at checkout and start saving!

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

Hoping all are having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy!

Love this photo from a recent antique fair. It's a silver plated cranberry sauce dish - not homemade cranberry sauce, mind you, but straight from the can, just take a look at the packaging. See, canned jellied cranberry sauce can be elegant!

Holiday Shopping For the Francophile in Your Life

2010-11-20T11:02:00.001-05:00

We are thrilled, once again, to be part of this year's Boston French Cultural Center's Marché de Noël, Saturday December 4th 10AM-5PM. With over dozens of vendors participating you are sure to find the perfect gift for the francophile in your life.

Inspired by the traditional French Christmas markets, we invite you to stroll through the holiday gifts fair and find a gift for everyone on your list, while enjoying a warm glass of cider or mulled wine.

I hope to see you there!

Merci France Magazine!

2010-11-04T08:46:00.000-04:00

A big thank you et merci to France Magazine, North America's best-selling magazine about France for mentioning our shop amongst your pages. It is always nice to be contacted by the press and even nicer to have an international publication contact you for a mention on your business. We are in the Prêt À Partir pages on page 11 in the January 2011 issue. The entire issue is chock full of ideas on traveling to Provence and it is a great magazine to get your French fixe! Check it out when it hits newsstands soon!

Perfect Pumpkin Pillows and more...

2010-10-20T16:44:00.002-04:00

Perfect Fall Pillows - just in time for the harvest, Halloween and Thanksgiving. I love the skeleton pillow - a very scary addition to your porch or front hall and to use as you pass out Halloween candy on the upcoming Spooky Sunday.

And who can resist this Tom Turkey -

And who says there is no such thing as the perfect pumpkin? Here are three right here -

The front is hand latched while the back is covered in cozy velvet. There is also a zipper in the back for access to the pillow’s lofty core. Made of 100% Wool Face and 100% Cotton Backing. Find them here.

Tour de France 2011

2010-10-19T08:50:00.001-04:00

The 2011 Tour de France Route

July 2, stage one: Passage du Gois-Mont des Alouettes, 191km

July 3, stage two: Les Essarts, team time trial, 23km
July 4, stage three: Olonne sur Mer-Redon, 198km
July 5, stage four: Lorient-Mur de Bretagne, 172km
July 6, stage five: Carhaix-Cap Frehel, 158km
July 7, stage six: Dinan-Lisieux, 226km
July 8, stage seven: Le Mans-Chateauroux, 215km
July 9, stage eight: Aigurande-Super Besse Sancy, 190km
July 10, stage nine: Issoire-Saint Flour, 208km
July 11, rest day
July 12, stage 10: Aurillac-Carmaux, 161km
July 13, stage 11: Blaye les Mines-Lavaur, 168km
July 14, stage 12: Cugnaux-Luz Ardiden, 209km
July 15, stage 13: Pau-Lourdes, 156km
July 16, stage 14: St Gaudens-Plateau de Beille, 168km
July 17, stage 15: Limoux-Montpellier, 187km
July 18, rest day
July 19, stage 16: St Paul Trois Chateaux-Gap, 163 m
July 20. stage 17: Gap-Pinerolo (Italy), 179km
July 21, stage 18: Pinerolo (Italy)-Galibier Serre Chevalier, 189km
July 22, stage 19: Modane-Alpe d'Huez, 109km
July 23, stage 20: Grenoble, individual time trial, 41km
July 24, stage 21: Creteil-Paris, 160km

It is not passing through our village this year but we were lucky in the past several years to have it go right by our house 3 times. Great fun.

Taste of Alsace!

2010-10-12T15:58:00.000-04:00

Save the date - the Taste of Alsace is coming to Boston. I love attending these regional featured events. This year's Taste of Alsace is being held at The Colonnade Hotel, Tuesday, November 9th from 6-9pm. The gala, featuring several of Boston's local French inspired restaurants, is designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Boston and Strasbourg and the 25th anniversary of the French American Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to specialty dishes from some of Boston’s finest restaurants, the evening will feature an auction of items donated by the sponsors (including Olive and Branch) and live music from gypsy jazz band The Chicken Thieves. Tickets are $85 for General Admission, $65 for FACCNE/BSSCA Members and $40 for Students. For more information visit:
http://www.tasteofalsace.com/home

Direct from Aix...

2010-10-11T08:42:00.000-04:00

Contributor extraordinaire, Laura Burke is currently spending time (a lot of time) in Aix, France and sent these photos along this morning. Love all the fountains in Aix. Hmmm, wish I was there! Thanks Laura!

A Day at the Flea Market

2010-10-10T09:17:00.001-04:00

Every year on Columbus Day weekend the small town of Harvard has a flea market/antique show that draws thousands each year for the one day event. Just a few photos to share:

This booth was BUSY selling small Christmas ornaments.

Reminded me of Provence and all of the Paella stands at the marchés.

Only 11 for this pan.

The French Magazine blog: Reach out, Albi there

2010-09-10T09:47:00.000-04:00

Been enjoying reading The FrenchMagazine blog - check it out:

The French Magazine blog: Reach out, Albi there: "Great news for the good people of Albi in Tarn, Midi-Pyrénées. Their riverside town is the latest olde-worlde French ville to be granted th..."

Aaah, Paris

2010-09-03T16:13:00.002-04:00

Maison et Objet...Wish I was there this year!

Write Your Way to a Trip to Paris

2010-09-01T18:45:00.001-04:00

Talbots, the women's clothing store giant, is sponsoring a contest inspired by the one-time Paris resident, Ernest Hemingway. Once upon a day he bet his colleagues that he could write a complete story in just six words. Talbots' Tales of Denim contest challenges you to tell a tale about your favorite jeans in, you guessed it, just six words. You and three of your favorite Francophiles could be headed off to Paris, France. Start writing - its only six words - how long could it take?

Hurry contest ends 9/8/10!

Bouillabaisse!!

2010-08-25T09:01:00.000-04:00

by Laura Burke

To be honest, I feel like bouillabaisse is one of those things everyone’s heard of, but no one actually knows. What exactly is bouillabaisse? Well, not to worry, we’ve got your answer. Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew. Originating in the southern coastal ville of Marseille, it was a meal first made by fishermen when they returned to port using common, bony fish and shellfish not served in restaurants.

While similar dishes are popular worldwide, especially around the Mediterranean pays of Spain, Italy, and Greece, what separates French bouillabaisse from les autres is the addition of local Herbes de Provence (try the following recipe!). Provençal bouillabaisse is also served in a specific manner, with the légumes and poissons served separate from the broth. A rouille is a traditional mayonnaise that is also usually served with French bouillabaisse.

Here’s Julia Child’s recipe to try for yourself!

Bouillabaisse

1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup each chopped onion and leek
4 cloves mashed garlic
2 or 3 large, ripe tomatoes
2 1/2 quarts water
Fresh herb sprigs: thyme, parsley, fennel fronds and basil (in any combination)
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1 tablespoon sea salt
3 - 4 pounds fish heads, bones, trimmings, shrimp shells
1 1/2 pounds each peeled shrimp (use the shells for the stock); wild cod, halibut and/or sole cut into chunks, and debearded, scrubbed mussels or clams
Toasted rustic bread
Rouille sauce (recipe below)

Heat the oil in a tall pot (I used an 8 quart stockpot) over medium heat; add the onion and leek and cook gently until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant, then add the tomatoes, water, herbs, saffron, salt and fish bones. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat so that the broth bubbles slowly without boiling. Cook 30 minutes, then strain the broth into a large bowl or another pot and discard the solids. Pour the broth back into the stockpot and bring to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, a minute or two. Add the rest of the fish and shellfish, cover and simmer until the mussels or clams open. Taste the soup and add more salt and freshly ground pepper if needed. Serve the bouillabaisse with toasted bread and rouille on the side.

Rouille

1 roasted and peeled red bell pepper
1 roasted hot red chile pepper or ground cayenne pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small peeled garlic clove
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs or finely chopped almonds
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
Fine sea salt, about 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Puree everything except for the olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while processing to form a paste.

Note from Pam - I make a big pot of Bouillabaisse every year for Christmas Eve - I'll share MY recipe when we get closer to the holidays....although Julia's sounds pretty good too!

Great summer sale!

2010-07-22T09:21:00.001-04:00

20% Off All La Rochère Glassware!

Now through the end of August, enjoy extra savings on our Made in France La Rochère Glassware!
Choose from our Perigord, Fleur de Lys or our popular Bee design!

Happy Bastille Day France!!

2010-07-14T14:10:00.001-04:00

Happy Bastille Day! Throughout France, they celebrate! Like the abrivado that is held in our village of Maussane-les-Alpilles each year. There are a few bulls in the center of the horses - all of the young "men" of the village run and try to catch, hold and release the bulls. It is fun when the bulls escape and run havoc through the streets. We've seen them enter the cafe in the center of town one year! No one (not even the bulls) ever seem to get hurt.

The True Flavor of Provence

2010-07-05T16:04:00.002-04:00

by Laura Burke

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means.. the summer cookouts are in full swing! Looking for ideas to make that ‘quelque chose différent?’ Try using our organic culinary lavender, a staple herb in la nourriture de Provence. Make a lavender coffee cake, lemon lavender butter cookies, or use our Herbes de Provence recipe to liven up an old dish.

Need something quick? Stir up a batch of lavender lemonade (some of you may remember the tastings from the shop)!

Here’s a recipe for a new take on avocado dip using culinary lavender—perfect for those upcoming
backyard BBQs!

Avocado Dip

2 ripe avocados
lemon juice
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 T culinary lavender, finely ground
1/2 cup plain yogurt or low-fat sour cream
1/2 cup of your favorite salsa

Mash avocados with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add the lavender, yogurt or sour cream, and salsa; mix well. Serve with tortilla chips.

A little bit about Garnier-Thiebaut

2010-06-29T15:53:00.000-04:00

by Laura Burke

Garnier-Thiebaut is know for the exquisite qualité of its fabrics, which it provides for the finest of restaurants, hotels and clubs around the world. Well, with our Garnier-Thiebaut hand/dish towels, you can grab a little luxe for yourself! Manufactured in Gérardmer, France since 1833, located in the eastern region of Alsace, the patterns are characteristic of the French countryside and add a warm trés Français touch to any cuisine.

Quick vocab tidbit - En français, a dish towel is call un torchon. Un torchon is definitely important in any French kitchen, as meals are at the heart of the daily life.

Merci Beaucoup!

2010-06-28T16:00:00.000-04:00

Merci beaucoup to Design Sponge Online for including our shop in their French table roundup! Featuring our very French market baskets and bee glassware...

Beach Days....

2010-06-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

Mmmmm...perfect market baskets for the beach!

International Food Festival!

2010-05-25T07:30:00.001-04:00

Boston - This Thursday, May 27th, head to The French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough Street, for the International Food Festival!

Enjoy food and drink from France, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, while socializing with international professionals from greater-Boston. A great opportunity to try out your French!

Event starts at 6PM ($35.00 for members, $45.00 for non-members), and RSVP is recommended (call 617-912-0400). For more information check out the French Cultural Center's website at www.frenchlib.org

Hope to see you there!

By Laura Burke