Paris in Pink

Since it's Pink Saturday time at Beverly's blog, I thought I'd jump back to our Paris trip and show a little bit of pink -- perfect for Valentine's Day!

This was the window display of Le Bon Marche, considered Paris' first major department store. It didn't begin that way, though. The store was originally founded in 1838 as a novelty shop, its shelves carrying lace, buttons, ribbons and goods that included mattresses and sheets. There were only four departments and the store itself was small.

In 1852, Aristide Boucicaut stepped in. He had originally come to Paris from the north of France to be in the fabric industry but discovered he had an aptitude for retail and for marketing. He (with the support and input of his wife, Marguerite) and added things we now associate with retail, including refunds, exchanges, marketing, and expanded merchandise selections. By 1869 the store expanded into a larger building on the Left Bank at Rue de Sevres.

I found it interesting to learn that by 1880, half of the stores employees were women and those who were unmarried could live in dormitories on an upper floor of the store. He also offered medical assistance, paid holidays, classes in the evening, and a retirement fund, among other things.

After his death in 1877, his son began to manage the company, and following his son's early death, Aristide's widow Marguerite took over, turning the business into a joint stock company with several employees as founding members. Some of my favorite vintage collectibles (probably antique by now!) are these colorful chromos, (chromolithography). These were used by Le Bon Marche and other stores to advertise certain products. Some told historical stories, others are simply lovely and beautifully done cards. (I should do a post on those someday!)

The store itself is large and imposing and quite beautiful. I was disappointed we didn't have much time to spend here (the next-time list!). I wouldn't have minded exploring the neighborhood, either! It was quite beautiful.

It's food hall is remarkable. I shared a bit about this during my Shopping in Paris post HERE.  But this is a quick reminder of the candy hall...

...and the wine market.

The high-end shopping in London, as we saw HERE is not without its overpriced charms, too and I couldn't resist another peek at those winged wedges (tall wedges!) that so many of you commented on in the post.

If I had even thought of trying these on, I would be a dead (or at lease seriously injured) woman within about six feet!

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A Pretty-In-Pink Wedding!

I'm a little late on posting this one -- it's almost fall after all, and the wedding was in June! But I couldn't miss talking a bit about the flowers and setting of Kevin and Molly's wedding. It was the ultimate "Pretty In Pink."

They were married at the Grand Ledge Opera House not far from Lansing. The caterers would put on the silver and napkins.
The rest was up to us.

Rick was part of the lantern-hanging brigade. Another crew did the lights!

The favors were chocolate chip cookies made by Kevin's grandmother on his mom's side. She made 33 dozen and packaged them in pink and white.Those were placed on the tables with candles and flowers in the center.

The flowers! Oh, they were gasp-worthy!



Plenty of pink peonies, hydrangeas and roses.



And there were a few white spider mums thrown in!

I wasn't too sure about these tall ones -- I figured they were an accident waiting to happen. I am pleased to report no flowers were tipped during the evening!

There were also flowers for the outside where the ceremony was taking place.

You can see here that the men's ties and bridesmaids' bouquets and shoes were pink, too!

When we left, the ballroom looked like this.

When we came back, pink napkins were placed, the lights were dimmed and it was a magical pink palace.

And it smelled fabulous!

And really, who doesn't look good when surrounded by pink?

This post is part of Beverly's Pink Saturday blog party -- visit her link here to find other posts from lots of bloggers who are "in the pink!"

Gardenviews -- Pink, Green and More!

Long ago I took you to Gardenviews, one of my favorite stores, during the Christmas holidays. Well, we were ready for a road trip on Saturday, so off we went to see what they had for spring! (Check out a nice review of the store HERE)

This store, located in Northville, MI, has the best buyers ever! And the people who do their displays are pretty terrific, too. I loved this one, with splashes of yellow and orange.

There was plenty of pink and green too. I loved all of their faux flowers -- they are better than any others I've ever seen.

I'm not sure which I loved most here -- the flowers or the painted wood behind them!

One of the store employees said that they refused to buy a certain kind this year (tulips, in particular), despite their popularity, because they weren't quite real enough. I loved the peonies -- and no ants! (These came home with me!)

Their outdoor garden ornaments are terrific.

I loved the peacock feathers and bought a few of those to play with, too!

Signs? Well, I adored the Eiffel Tower hanging...

...and this is my motto these days!

I'm getting very excited about our upcoming trip to Paris...

...so I couldn't resist a travel journal!

A perfect day to visit -- if you're in the neighborhood, check it out!

You won't be disappointed!

This post is part of Beverly's PINK SATURDAY -- Link over after 3 on Friday to see who else is in the pink (and green!) this week!

This Kid Wins My Heart!

When Greg was little he drew cars. Then he did portraits. He still does beautiful pencil and ink drawings and wonderful larger pieces. Now he's doing abstracts!

These paintings are from his first gallery show. (He did a gallery showing last fall with other ArtPrize participants, but this was different. This was his!)

I never saw Greg as doing "Pink" but these abstracts, which chronicle elements of his relationship with a former girlfriend (don't ask), take the pink-black-white tones to the max and I wish I had a pink house so I could buy one!

He also had two pieces in the collection that were much colder. I'm particularly fond of the one on the left, but his mom bought it! Reminds me of a bird feeder in winter!

There were eight pieces in all and they showed me a different side of this kid -- no, this young man -- I've known for 16 years.

Greg, you've come a long way since you were nine! And I'm really proud of you!

(Check out other Pink Saturday posts HERE, beginning Friday at 3.)

I also have a new book review on Chopsticks and String. Check out the latest Alexander McCall Smith book featuring Isabel Dalhousie!)

Fun and Games!

Here in Michigan, we've had an unseasonably warm January (though tonight it is snowing -- the lovely kind that kisses the bushes and sticks close to the branches of the trees and withered plants. Tomorrow will be lovely and white!)

Nonetheless, the past few weeks have reminded me of summer and the lake. And there's nothing like a small-town traveling carnival for an overdose of pink! So this Pink Saturday, join me for a walk down the runway! Get your magic ticket here!

We'll stop for a lemonade.

Enjoy a snack or two.

Check out one of the games.

Maybe win a prize or two!

And hit the rides!

Let's wrap up the day with another snack!

I don't know about you but I rarely do anything at one of these carnivals but take pictures -- but I'm sure looking forward to the day when the weather is nice enough for the carnival to come to town, when I can hear that carousel music, smell the greasy food and feel the sun wrap itself around me.

It'll happen. It will!

(Check out other Pink Saturday posts HERE! And if you're a book fan, don't forget to stop by Chopsticks and String for a look at my favorite books of 2011!)