Paris Parfait

In the house with Kim Kardashian

Hundreds of fans waited in line outside Debenham's department store in London.

Last week Kim Kardashian - American reality television star - was at Debenham's in London promoting her new perfume. British fans began lining up before 6 a.m., in the hope of being one of the first 150 customers who were promised photos with the popular entrepreneur.

This young girl brought her father along in a vain attempt to see Kardashian. I was standing next to them.

A group of construction workers were more interested in catching a glimpse of the brunette bombshell than in working (perhaps it was their lunch break).

A Debenham's employee motioned for people to clear the road.

At half past twelve, Miss Kardashian arrived in a black limo.

Crowds immediately surged around the car, making it difficult for Kardashian to walk the few feet to the store entrance.

As she exited the car, hundreds of enthusiastic fans tried to snap photos with their mobile phones or digital cameras.

Inside the store, Kim posed with purple glass bottles of her perfume. The crowds went mad, trying to see her in a cordoned-off area behind the Fiorelli display.

Here she is wearing Gucci. (Photo by Splash. Alas, I couldn't see over the crowds to get a good photo; should have brought a ladder)!

Prior to Kim's appearance, six gorgeous girls in high black heels and short tight purple dresses walked around Debenham's spritzing the perfume on customers. I overheard one young model say they'd answered a casting call at an agency for the chance to participate in the perfume launch. "And we were told we get to meet Kim. I'm so excited!" she said.

She wasn't the only one. Fans went wild when Kim entered the store.

A few of Kim's screaming fans were hysterical, climbing and standing on display stands and knocking off merchandise for sale. "I have GOT to see her!" one of them repeated, over and over.  Security guards had difficulty controlling the huge crowds.

Who knows how long they waited to see Kim and get her autograph??!!

At Debenham's back entrance, a driver waited with a specially-painted black London cab.

And news agency photographers filed their stories on the spot...

...for an insatiable tabloid press, hungering for any tidbit about the glamourous Miss Kardashian and her $2 million engagement ring (no doubt an extra headache for Kardashian's bodyguards).

Life in the fast lane, folks! Never a dull moment.

Normal posting resumes on Friday.

Joyeux Noël et bonne année

Fenêtre de lumière, Printemps, Paris.

 

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton.

Wishing you and yours much love and light, at Christmas and the New Year.  

Galeries Lafayette and Christmas merriment

Galeries Lafayette ablaze with light, Paris.

Lights from Galeries Lafayette reflected in this Societe Generale entranceway.

Wings of a dove and dancing top hats in this Broadway-themed vitrine.

Hairspray.

Cabaret.

Singing in the rain (the sign in French says "singing in the snow.)"

Children admiring a wide variety of toys at Galeries Lafayette.

Children's faces bathed in a Barbie-pink glow.

Crowds of shoppers.

Bedecked and bejeweled, Franck et fils, Paris.

Frosty the Snowman in a snowy Boulogne-Billancourt.

For more Paris holiday vitrines, go here and here. For Amsterdam Christmas vitrines, go here.

Printemps dazzles with holiday glitz and glamour

Red and gold holiday party glamour at Printemps, Paris.

A Baccarat crystal chandelier over a table laden with crystal and fine porcelain.

A beautifully-styled dinner table, complete with luxury gifts.

Lounging at home.

Animated musicians and dancers to entertain the children.

More puppets preparing a holiday feast.

Carrying a tray of fruit to the buffet table.

More Paris holiday decor photos to follow.

Printemps 2010 holiday vitrines

Elegant tablescape, Printemps, Paris.

A trio of 1940s chandeliers.

Crowned heads and satin gowns.

A different view of the tableau.

Another festive holiday table, with a tree fashioned of pistachio macaroons.

A Baccarat crystal chandelier.

Swans guard a tray on a Napoleon III chair, painted seafoam green.

Liquid gold in this shimmering dress.

Glittery attire for a festive evening.

Something about this outfit reminds me of Attilla the Hun.

A crown of thorns?

"If wishes were horses, we'd all take a ride." - an old Southern expression.

A dog's life of luxury.

Peach chiffon and glamour for all.

Proud as a peacock.

Not sure about the boots.

A bejeweled peacock.

Printemps dressed in its Christmas finery.

The store's signature cupola.

Starlight.

Admiring crowds.

Check back daily for many, many more photos of Paris Christmas window displays.

Holiday sparkle

Through the looking glass...extravagant Magnolia blooms fashioned of crystals, rhinestones, sequins, silk velvet and organza in an Amsterdam shop window.

Faux ponsettias rival the real thing in beauty.

“Begin doing what you want to do now...We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake...” - Francis Bacon.

Glittering words on another Amsterdam vitrine.

Holiday decor at Les Passages

Sparkly red tinsel and baubles hang from the skylights at Les Passages, Boulogne-Billancourt.

Giant snowflakes infused with gold pinpoint lights.

A glittery Christmas grotto entrance.

Trees dressed with tiny gold lights in the grotto.

Elf workshop vitrines.

Joyeuses Fetes and the outline of a Christmas tree on this window display.

Exiting Les Passages to snowy streets.

I took these photos a couple of weeks ago with the pint-sized Sony Nex-5. Thankfully, I'm not out braving the crowds to shop for holiday gifts. Instead, am on the way to Amsterdam. Back soon, it is hoped with good news about the future abode. Hope you're enjoying some lovely holiday festivities!

Searching

A jumble of snow-covered bicycles, Monday night, Amsterdam.

 

David and I have been in the Netherlands, searching for a place to live. We looked at properties as big as Amsterdam canal houses: strange mazes of odd-shaped rooms spread over three floors, accessed by narrow twisting stairways. These curious abodes would hold all our furniture, with an abundance of empty space remaining. We viewed a city loft-type space, with too many large windows overlooking neighbours' windows and backyards. We saw exposed timber beams painted over by clueless developers.

We viewed an apartment with original stained glass windows, but basic modern design and tiny box-like rooms. Its main attraction was its sprawling rooftop terrace. We spent two hours with Samira - our wonderful estate agent - in a massive traffic jam in evening snow, in what should have been a ten-minute drive. In the estate agents' office, we drank tea and laughed ourselves silly over amusing translations from Dutch to English.

The third place we visited was a charming maisonette, in a beautiful location. It had huge windows, with splendid views of a church. It featured fantastic architectural elements that meant probably a third of our furniture would have to remain in France. But I found myself wistfully gazing out those wide windows at the snow falling and passersby laughing - and just for a moment, daring to wish the magic could last.

Spiced mulled wine and Christmas lights, Amsterdam.

Bikes along a canal.

"It's f*cking freezing outside!" The boutique's statement says it all, Tuesday morning, Utrecht. Alas, we left our hats and gloves in Paris.

Christmas carol shop window display with a profusion of French horns, Utrecht.

Snow-dusted palms in Paris

Snow-dusted palms and motorcycles during the season's first brief snow flurry in Paris today. Images were shot through the glass of a shopping complex.

No Black Friday holiday sales here, but there were quite a few shoppers at Les Passages, beating the Christmas rush.

Salon de la Photo 2010

A French photographer demonstrates photo techniques Friday at Sony's space at Salon de la Photo, Paris. Among photographers participating at Sony events were Reza, Tom Stoddart, Kevin Abosch, sports photographer Eric Baledent, nature and wildlife photographer Cedric Chassagne and Remi Chapeaublanc.

I heard Kevin Abosch talk about his portrait work. He said he hopes that when people look at his images, they recognise something within themselves...not in a melancholic way, but in our shared sense of fragility.

Using a reflector at Sony.

Nikon.

Canon.

Canon. As evidenced by the pictures, the majority of French photographers are men.

Leica.

Art piece by Gilles Ouaki for Leica:  "Cherchez le petite etoile rouge, elle est verte," Paris 2010. ("Searching for the little red star; she is green)."

A vintage Leica.

An exhibition of Willy Rizzo's photographs.

Rizzo's photograph of French actress Catherine Deneuve.

Clocks, balloons and greenery over the crowds at Salon de la Photo, Pavilion 4 at Porte de Versailles. The event continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 8th. Tickets are available at the door.

All images shot with the little mirrorless Sony Nex-5 with an 18-55 mm F 3.5-5.6 zoom lens.

Off with his head!

Shades of the French Revolution!  A head wearing a tricorne has toppled from a 17th-century bust in an Amsterdam antiques vitrine.

Happy Halloween to all the ghouls, ghosties and trick-or-treaters! (In much of Europe, Halloween is largely ignored, in favour of All Saints Day on November 1st).

Cédric Grare's Art Atypique at Bastille

A melange of art and curiosities at Art Atypique, photographed in September at a brocante at Chatou, France. Look for Cedric Grare's Art Atypique next week at the Antiquites Brocante at Place de la Bastille. The brocante begins at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 4th and continues until 7 p.m. daily through Nov. 14th. Tickets are available at the entrance.

Cedric Grare, the handsome proprietor of Art Atypique. He creates unusual art from vintage industrial and found objects. Come to the brocante at Bastille and see for yourself!

Window-shopping in Holland

An unavoidable advertising prop on a rainy day in Amsterdam.

Silk scarves in an Amsterdam boutique.

Art Deco-inspired fashion in Haarlem, Holland.

Fall-themed shop window, Delft.

Standing lamp with Victorian shade outside a shop in Delft.

Biba

Biba at House of Fraser, Guildford, England.

Remember Biba? In the early '80s, I was a fan of the distinctive logo and the cosmetics line, with the black eyeshadow used as eyeliner. The new Biba line has the flavour of the '60s. And I'm quite taken with the Biba doctor's bag. What do you think of the new Biba?

Friday fete

Fall leaves for sale at a florist, Ile Saint-Louis, Paris.

Gorgeous stained-glass pieces at Vitrail de Bievre, 26 rue de Bievre.

Shop assistants, sweets shop, Ile Saint-Louis.

Scrawled drawing, Ile Saint-Louis.

Vintage wooden Pinocchio puppet, Ile Saint-Louis.

Wreath of mushrooms, Boulogne-Billancourt.

Subtle pleasures

Geraniums in window boxes reflected through frosted glass, Delft, Holland.

Have you seen the new shelter magazine Rue? Check it out for Jamie Beck's beautiful photographs of an eventful day with interior designer Vicente Wolf. Photos of Victoria of the blog SFGirlbyBay in her charming abode are also featured in Rue's premier issue.

I had planned to be in London this week, with an afternoon at Liberty fawning over Manolo Blanik's new collection and visiting the V&A's special installations for London Fashion Week. Instead, I've been home fighting a bug/virus David brought home from China.

I've seen two unusual DVDs: the British film Fleur du Desert about the extraordinary journey of Waris Dirie and the Danish film After the wedding. Both are well worth your time.  Besides processing hundreds of photos, I've been reading books at lightning speed, so there are fewer books to move. With every item that goes out of the apartment, I feel the burden of SO MUCH STUFF ease.

Speaking of possessions, Danielle La Porte tackles this loaded topic in a guest post today at Bindu Wiles.

Back soon with a special post about Patti Digh's new book Four World Self Help.

Delft blue

Blue heart sculpture, Delft, Holland.

 

Blue skies over a bridge lifted to accommodate large boats.

A Delft blue sign. In Delft, I took a lot of random photos. It was only when going through them that I noticed how many images sported the famous Delft blue, in one form or another!

Blue-trimmed canal boat.

Bicycle handpainted in the traditional Delft blue.

DJ on opening day of the Delft University of Technology.

Light pole decorated with Delft tiles.

 

Historic tile detail.

 

Mosaic tiles on a seat in a park adjacent to a former convent.

 

Painted bricks.

 

Vintage pieces of Delft pottery at a canal-side brocante.

 

Blue tulips.

Tiles depicting the lives of Dutch children.

 

Mosaic mural.

 

Students moving a sofa and waving at me.

 

Denim-clad traveling musicians.

 

Whirligigs.

 

Canal water marker.

 

Blue shirts.

"Tiled" window shades and stacks of blue mug boxes.

Tiled doorway.

 

Tourism slogan?

Cherub cheer

A little boy tries to convince his sister to exit a giant wooden shoe, Delft, Holland.

Decisions, decisions!

Children wait outside a creche for their moms to pick them up.

 

A touch of Americana outside a Delft toy store.

 

Playground murals at a school in Delft.

 

Doll furniture in the window of a private home.

Check back soon for more photos and tales from recent travels.

Delft delights

The sun sets over the beautiful 17th-century architecture of Delft, the Netherlands.

Strolling in the heart of the city.

One of Delft's myriad small canals.

Delft is famous for its striking blue-and-white pottery. In this window overlooking the city's main square, twin church spires are reflected. I packed for two weeks in one carry-on; may have to leave a pair of shoes behind to accommodate a Delft vase.

 

Friendly greetings.

Back soon with stories and more photos from the Netherlands. Hope you're enjoying these last few days of August.

Scenes from a wedding

Chandelier at the church ceremony on a July evening.

 

Ice sculpture at the pre-dinner reception.

Waiters bring the cake(s) at the wedding dinner at Le Pavillon Dauphine, Paris.

Confetti rains down on the lovely couple, who entered the dinner venue dancing to the Blackeyed Peas song I've Got A Feeling. 

Paparazzi.

 

Dimitra and Constantinos cutting the cake.

 

The happy couple.

 

A chandelier at Le Pavillon Dauphine.

Glimpse of fall

First look at fall, Chanel at 31 rue Cambon, Paris.

 

 

 

Printemps, one of the city's premiere department stores, has a new look. I like the sleek futuristic escalators and chandelier comprised largely of tassles in fall hues.

 

Must be quite the feat to change the center display, which extends several floors.

If you're a handbag collector like me, you may find this little video amusing. Have you ever wondered what to do with your handbag dust bags? This whole group of videos is absolutely (and unintentionally) hilarious.

Haarlem, Holland

A yellow bike and wheels of cheese, Haarlem.

I snapped this picture for the sign's font. Love it!

 

This unique building features a cantilevered top and heavy iron and wooden shutters.

A return to the '60s in this Haarlem shop window. Note the Barbie and the lava lamp.

 

The elegant train station is a reminder of a more genteel era of European train travel.

 

Lanterns at a restaurant facing the main square.

Butterfly

Bonjour les tous! You may have noticed a lack of regular blogging lately at Paris Parfait. That's because May is a popular month for visitors to Paris. I've been a mad social butterfly, flitting from one rendezvous to another with blogging friends. Within the last ten days, have hosted three small dinner parties and been all over town for lunches, walks, brocantes, shopping and tea(s). What a treat it has been!

I've been spending lots of time with my dear friends Lee Renninger, Susan Gardner Creamer and Di Overton (all have been to Paris several times). I also had the good fortune to meet the fabulous Claudia Strasser - and her lovely friend, also named Claudia - for the first time.

In 1997, I was living in San Francisco, when I picked up a copy of Claudia's book The Paris Apartment at a bookstore in Monterey. Never did I dream I'd someday live in my own Paris apartment - and meet Claudia in Paris! On Tuesday, Di and I had a couple of hours of non-stop conversation with the two Claudias at Merci's cozy book-lined cafe. Such fun!

Claudia now lives in sunny Miami, writes the eye-candy-packed blog The Paris Apartment and often brings clients to Paris to shop for their apartments, whether a holiday home in Paris or elsewhere. Her friend Claudia Tessler is up to all sorts of philanthropic and green projects in New York. Both women are formidable (in the best, French sense).

Earlier that morning, Di and I had tea at Merci, before heading to the Antiquites Brocante at Place de la Bastille. It was rainy and cold and I was wearing a thin top and lightweight coat, which wasn't helped by a partially-collapsed umbrella. We didn't last long at the outdoor venue, before heading to lunch. I did manage to find a rare and beautiful Tibetan book of prayers at Bastille, but the grey miserable weather dampened the urge to browse (probably a good thing).

After meeting the Claudias, Di and I went shopping for dinner ingredients. Later we were joined by Di's partner Harvey and their daughter Charlotte for lemon chicken, whipped up by the resident chef. Before and after dinner, we were riveted to BBC coverage of events related to the UK election: Prime Minister Gordon Brown resigning and David Cameron taking office, after agreeing to a full coalition with Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. It's the first time the UK has had a coalition government since World War II! Interesting times, indeed.

These weeks of socialising have come at a price: I have numerous projects piled up, vying for attention. Am working on those now, as this weekend we head to Amsterdam to see friends and explore areas in which to live. Consequently, blogging again will be sporadic for a few days. But I expect to have lots of news and photos to share upon my return late next week. And two more blogging buddies will arrive!

Meanwhile, the brocante at Bastille continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday. Stalls are lined up on both sides of the Canal St. Martin. If you're lucky enough to be in Paris, don't miss the chance for incredible antiques and vintage collectibles! Tickets are available at the door.

Photos at Merci, Paris, 2009.

P.S. El Secreto de sus Ojos - The Secret in their Eyes - is a must-see! After reading reviews for the award-winning film (including a 2010 Oscar for Best Foreign Film), I discovered it hadn't yet been released in Europe. So I ordered the DVD from Argentina, in Spanish (with English subtitles). It's brilliant - interweaving a dark mystery and a poignant story of love too long delayed.

More Merci

These photos are outtakes - pictures not published - from a magazine photo shoot at Merci, Paris. I wouldn't mind this gorgeous chandelier coming home with me.

Mannequins in the lounge/entranceway of Merci.

Isn't this chandelier featuring strings of wooden beads fabulous?

A comfy vintage leather chair and array of reading material.

Another chandelier and racks of designer clothes.

Yet another chandelier is suspended over a dining table.

 

More dining and accent tables at Merci, Paris.

Today at the bank, a young clerk was wearing shorts! Her off-black sheer tights couldn't disguise the fact that she was wearing short-shorts to work at a conservative bank. On the way home, I saw a heavily-made-up woman wearing a sheer blouse that was off her shoulder and nearly off her elbow, along with tight jeans and six-inch metallic gold heels. She was getting into a cab; surely walking more than a few blocks in those heels would be difficult.

In Passy, an elderly woman was tottering down the sidewalk in a short brown leather skirt and heels. Another woman of a certain age with bright orange-red hair was wearing a beret and a skirt well above her knees. She was carrying her little dog in a vintage Gucci handbag. Then I saw an older woman immaculately groomed, wearing a boucle wool Chanel suit to buy groceries.

Ah, the Parisienne women and their unique style! Spring is in full bloom. What's the fashion parade like in your city?

Last weekend for the brocante at Chatou

Antique-lovers, get your skates on! It's the last weekend for the spring version (and 80th anniversary) of the Foire Nationale aux Antiquites a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Ile de Chatou. Doors are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday, March 21.

Be sure to visit Blandine Bavoux's charming stand of kitchen delights at 78 Allee Nouvelle. Blandine's discerning collection was featured in the January-February issue of Campagne Decoration, my favourite French interiors magazine.

Sunshine yellow canisters and red and white enamel skillets.

La balance: kitchen scales in three sizes.

Wonderful enamel coffee pots and tiffins.

Canisters and a hanging wall cabinet for spices.

Porcelain canisters (above) with a Dutch influence.

 

A geologist's measuring instrument is one of the unique attractions at Blandine's Jolie Trouvaille. If you can't get to Chatou, check out Blandine's online shop.

P.S. My daughter Jordana's work is mentioned here.

Scroll down the page for another post today.

Signs of spring at my favourite brocante

A cheery reminder that summer's just around the corner in this vignette at the twice-yearly brocante and ham fair at Chatou, France.

 

Need supplies for your yacht?

 

 

Perhaps an old spinning wheel or a collection of vintage tools?

 

A selection of vintage coffee grinders, including a large one from Philadelphia.

 

1920s fashion hand-coloured illustrations.

 

Curious face masks.

 

A vendor talks to a customer.

 

An ancient clock from Geraldine Michelis's collection of stylish antiques and vintage collectibles at her  Une Chanson Douce stand on rue de la Gaite at Chatou.

 

A desk with vintage books and school supplies.

 

Vintage cookbooks on a boulangerie cart.

 

Scales, pharmacy bottles and assorted decorative kitchenalia with a spring and Easter theme are arranged on a painted chest with numbered drawers. I also like the stack of baskets, perfect for display.

 

Letters and a wooden sign.

 

This huge French mercantile cabinet features numbered drawers on both sides. Oh to have a big kitchen or studio!

 

A vintage child's steam shovel, framed antique map and wooden plan chest.

 

I'd like to fill the back of this truck with CDs or old photos.

 

The smoothness of the wood on this elegant, simple piece made me want to rub it like a touchstone. Luckily, I forgot my checkbook.

 

A chandelier with crystal "branches" dripping like a weeping willow.

See more treasures from Chatou in an upcoming post. Or see the many delectable antiques and collectibles for yourself! And plan on staying for lunch. They don't call it the "ham fair" for nothing!

The 80th Anniversaire Foire Nationale aux Antiquites a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Ile de Chatou continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday, March 21st. Tickets are available at the door. Hope to see you there (yes, I'm making a second trip).

Scroll down the page for an additional post today.

Downtown delights

My friend Gillian going native: trying on an antique headdress at the famous Al-Afghani Bazaar, Amman. We managed to find quite a few treasures here; more about them in an upcoming post.

 

Downtown Amman, Jordan is filled with an Aladdin's Cave of delights. Among them: freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

 

Take your pick of flavours and spices, including the ever-popular cardamon.

Roasting coffee beans.

A vendor carries a brass teapot and tray of glasses past stalls of knitted hats and scarves.

  

Sugarcane juice, anyone? This gentleman kindly agreed to pose for a photograph.

Crossing the street.

Traditional dresses trimmed with teal designs.

 

Red embroidery and cross-stitches accent these dresses.

 

Window display featuring traditional designs.

 

Bolts of neatly-stacked fabric in a tailor's shop.

 

Gillian and Julian at the Gold Market.

 

Feeling lucky? Here's your chance to play the numbers.

 

An old hotel that's seen better days. On one building in Amman, a sign proclaims "Life could be better."

A variety of tempting perfume oils.

 

King Hussein Mosque.

  

A flowering tree hints of spring. More snapshots of Jordanian life to follow.

Thank you, Romantic Homes!

A 1920s French mannequin wearing a vintage apron from Thailand and antique Jordanian and Bedouin ornate silver and coral necklaces (including as a headdress) and bracelets.

Many thanks to fabulous editor Jacqueline deMontravel for featuring Paris Parfait as a "Blog We Love" in the April issue of Romantic Homes magazine!

Jacqueline contacted me last November, just before my daughter and I were departing for Jordan. As requested, I sent some photos upon my return to Paris, but wasn't sure when my blog would be mentioned.

Alas, the magazine isn't available in Paris.  So it wasn't until today, when my friend Marilyn opened the magazine's latest issue and emailed me, that I knew the feature had been published, along with three of my photos. Such a lovely start to my Wednesday morning!

Merci bien, Romantic Homes! Now where can I find your magazine in Paris??!! I usually buy copies in London, but since Borders closed, difficult to find.

Doing more with less

 

Downward arrows, shop window and reflection of Oxford Street, London.

What could you do with less? These days, many of us are asking ourselves that question.

While the family that sold their house and moved to a smaller one, using proceeds to help fight hunger in Ghana is laudable, one doesn't have to travel to Africa to find poverty. Vast pockets of impoverished people live in the United States and in most countries. Shockingly, in the developed world, the only place where poverty is worse than the USA is Mexico!

As a child growing up in the Southern United States, I saw plenty of poverty, particularly in Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. In all these states, many families didn't have enough to eat, much less adequate health care. They sent their children to school with ill-fitting hand-me-down clothes and often lived in squalid or substandard conditions, as that's all they could afford.

Poverty, ignorance and oppression are at the root of most of the world's ills. Education, in particular, is often unavailable to the poor and this, perhaps more than any other factor, matters. Without education, people are unable to think for themselves or rise above their humble beginnings. They're unable to better their environment or make wise choices that will inform their future.

In the West, we are spoiled. We have too many material things and we keep accumulating more.  We're besieged with endless advertising and marketing, suggesting we're not good enough. So we scramble to purchase a particular dress, a designer handbag, a luxurious mansion that we've been persuaded might make a difference in our lives. But the truth is, none of it matters.

We are enough. Without the designer clothes, the flash sportscar, the expensive jewelry, the fancy address, we are enough. If we have been educated to think for ourselves, be kind to others and use our talents to benefit not only ourselves, but others, we can move mountains. There's nothing stronger than sheer will and determination as a powerful force for good.

Living with less so that others have more doesn't suggest we must surrender all our comforts. It means that we deliberate more, when making decisions about how to spend our hard-earned money. In my case, I've started selling some of the antique furniture and collectibles I've accumulated over more than ten years in Europe. I'm donating clothing, furniture and money to charity. I'm discarding many beautiful pieces of decorative art in favour of useful tools, i.e. camera and computer gear that will help me generate income.

I'm reconsidering the clothes and shoes in my wardrobe and giving away items that no longer suit. Instead of purchasing hardback books (I consider books a necessity), I'm saving money by buying ebooks for my Kindle (unless the books are MacMillan's, who insist on charging considerably more than other publishers, even though ebooks cost them very little).

While still frequenting brocantes and flea markets, I'm thinking twice before buying. Am only scooping up rare things that I know I can re-sell for a profit. But I allow myself the occasional purchase, if something  tugs at my heartstrings. After all, no reason to be fanatical about living with less! But for every item that comes into the apartment, something else goes out. I've adhered to this rule for over two years and it's proved surprisingly effective.

I also donate my writing and photography skills to human rights work and political causes. Sometimes time and energy can be more effective than money.

Do you see signs of poverty in your city?  Have you made any major changes in your lifestyle and spending habits?

All that glitters

Money exchange sign in historic downtown Amman, Jordan. After exchanging their money for Jordanian dinars, many foreigners (and locals) like to shop in the popular gold souk.

The vast array of 24-karat and 18-karat gold offerings may prove irresistible (although my daughter Jordana showed remarkable restraint).

Important to keep one's sense of humor, when confronted with such tempting choices. In the Middle East, gold is considered an essential part of a bridal dowry.

Years ago I bought a 24-karat gold bracelet and ring at the Amman gold market. When I was living in New York, the price of gold soared and I sold the jewelry at a profit.

Fancy a shopping expedition in Amman? An unexpected cancellation has left one space available for our Journey to Jordan March 1-8. Go here for more information about this chance to visit Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and for landscape photography tips from Zohrab.

Neglected

Thick cobwebs and dirt collect in an oeil de boeuf window in a chateau near Versailles. The 19th-century house has been unloved and unlived in for years. The elderly owner has put the property up for sale.

Wooden shutters are flung wide to invite fresh air. The sunlight reveals cobwebs and winter's debris encasing the windows.

I hate to see beautiful old - and often historical - properties left to decay. My photographs of the crumbling Edmond de Rothschild estate, as well as of various Paris landmarks are in an upcoming book about ruined chateaus of France. It's due out in February; will provide more information after the author notifies me of the release date.

Barbie in Paris

Barbie at 50? A vitrine at Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

Galeries Lafayette. What about that cotton candy-like hairdo? This look may be a little risque for Barbie.

 

Vitrine on Boulevard Haussmann.

When you were a child, did you play with Barbie and/or Sindy (in Europe)? My favourite was Solo in the Spotlight Barbie. Remember Midge, Francie and Skipper?

Do you still have your childhood Barbies? My two brothers demolished mine, but  my daughter Jordana still has a few of her favourites from childhood. However, she lost about 30 Barbies, when we left nine suitcases in the Middle East (when she was eight years old). A friend was supposed to bring them to London, but it never happened. Guess some other little girl enjoyed playing with Jordana's Barbie collection.

 

A cosmetics and perfume shop in Covent Garden, London. That slogan is so Barbie-like, isn't it?

Room for a piano

Late 19th-century piano, Paris.

In my eternal quest to find room for a piano, I've opened an Etsy shop. I'm selling most of my collection of white ironstone and many French and English antique and vintage collectibles that I've amassed over ten years in Europe. I have dozens and dozens of items still to list, so check back often to see if anything suits your fancy! It's a chance to buy French antique and vintage items without paying American dealers' trumped-up prices. Mind you, shipping from France isn't exactly cheap, but nothing can be done about that; at least La Poste and Chronopost are reliable (have had only one package go astray).

You can find a link to the Etsy shop in my sidebar (at left). The fabulous Vanessa Valencia designed my shop banners, using my photographs. Merci bien!

I've played piano since I was five years old, although a life moving from place to place as a journalist has pretty much denied me the space and opportunity to own a piano. The last time I had one was 1994 in Belmont, California (just outside San Francisco). In 1995 when my boyfriend and I broke up - and I moved to an apartment across San Francisco Bay and up a flight of stairs - I donated the piano to the Salvation Army. Am hoping the next move will include ample space for a piano (and tolerant neighbours).

Sorbet parfait

Retro hairstyles, makeup and fashion in sherbet shades of peach and pineapple at Galeries Lafayette, Paris. The elaborate holiday vitrines will soon give way to displays advertising the January sales.

 

 

Holiday glitz and glamour in Paris vitrines

Bejeweled crown, a faux fur shrug and ethnic prints at Printemps, Paris.

Heavy crystal chandelier lamp on crystal stand.

Holiday table setting, with tall-stemmed lead crystal and Limoge porcelain.

I really like the Napoleon III chair painted white and the aqua satin evening clutch.

A sequinned jacket and bejeweled dress, along with a crown!

  

An egret is featured in this snowy woodland scene.

Bejeweled crown and aqua ostrich feathers.

Proud peacock.

Baccarat crystal chandelier over a festive table.

An elaborate braided headdress in a trefoil design, with a pearl and cabochon ruby frontispiece.

Back view of a bead-studded faux fur coat and braided headdress.

Christmas geese and a graceful swan in faux snow.

A Chinese-inspired gold gilt and red beaded headdress.

Russian nesting dolls.

Preparing for a holiday party.

Seed pearls and bronze beads on wire, fashioned into a sunburst.

Beaded velvet cloak and gown.

A velveteen-covered horse is at the center of this vitrine.

Another elaborate headdress and dyed fur collar over beaded knitwear.

A black bear in this vitrine of knitwear, fur and suede designs.

 

Even a stuffed deer is adorned with a pearl-encrusted gilt frontispiece. More holiday vitrines to follow.

Christmas blessings

Madonna and child, photographed through glass, Church of St. George, Madaba, Jordan.

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel! Feliz Navidad!

On this day of joy and remembrance, my prayers are for more enlightenment in this world: for more justice and less repression; for more hope and less fear and for compassion and care for those less fortunate. And no more walls; please, let's tear down all the walls; break apart the barriers; eclipse arbitrary borders. What unites us is more powerful than what divides us.

I also pray for grace and strength as we continue to face challenges and change, as well as for some small measure of peace in our hearts.

Holiday bustle and cheer

A Bugs Bunny balloon floats above the crowd on Boulevard Haussmann.

Reflections in the Galeries Lafayette building on Boulevard Haussmann.

Crowds on the block encompassing Galeries Lafayette, one of the city's biggest department stores.

 

Crossing the street from Galeries Lafayette.

 

A balloon vendor (at right) on Boulevard Haussmann.

 

A bear in a marshmallow swirl slides down a gingerbread house. So many children had their noses pressed against the glass, I couldn't get near many of the holiday vitrines to photograph them.

Gingerbread girl and beaded bear. And pink satin ribbons! Can one ever have enough pink satin ribbon?

 

Animated bears decorating a Christmas cake.

Leopard-print platform pumps and scented candles.

 

 

An illustrator creating children's names on demand.

Last-minute preparations

A Christmas tree and reindeer in my neighbourhood.

Today I braved the crowds to photograph the last-minute Christmas rush in Paris: the multitude of shoppers; glittering store windows and seasonal decorations. Check back later for more photos.

Hope your own holiday plans are going smoothly. I plan to spend tomorrow baking; my British chef (husband) has responsibility for the main Christmas dishes, including a turkey.

Tall Christmas tree surrounded by miniature potted trees at sunset in Boulogne-Billancourt.

Marhaba from Jordan

My daughter Jordana is wearing an antique Palestinian hat, hand-stitched and covered with coins. A similar design is in a museum at the Amman Amphitheatre, Amman, Jordan.

Jordana wearing an old Bedouin silver necklace, Amman, Jordan. Check back later for more images from Jordan.

Similar hats in a local museum.

Paris Postcards winner

Hortensia, Merci, Paris.

I'm delighted to announce that Megan Butel in Australia is the winner of Leonard Pitt's book Paris Postcards. My daughter Jordana drew Megan's name from le chapeau. Thank you to all those who entered the competition and shared amusing or touching anecdotes about your memorable time in Paris. Here's Megan's story:

"My husband and I went on a short three week holiday having left our very young children with my mother in Australia - it was supposed to be a bit of a second honeymoon. We'd spent a week driving around Ireland - which went well despite me navigating and him having to follow instructions.

"We flew out from Ireland and arrived in Paris on a beautiful, sunny autumn day - it was more like spring than autumn it was so warm.

"After we had checked in at our hotel, we decided to go for a walk - so there we are strolling down the Champs Elysee heading towards the Eiffel Tower. I said something in French. He made fun of my pronunciation and corrected me. He was wrong. I told him so. He asked me what would I know as - after all - he had done French at school. So had I - up to the final year of high school and being younger than him - my experience of high school French was more recent and far broader. He wasn't having a bar of it. Neither was I. The whole discussion quickly disintegrated into an embarrassing public slanging match, culminating in him storming off in a huff back to the hotel.

"So that's what can happen to you on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Paris walking down the Champs Elysee with the one you love. That story happened 12 years ago - and we still can't talk about that fight without it starting another one! I am quite sure we will never feature in a Willy Ronis picture postcard of Paris."

Megan, hope Paris Postcards triggers happier memories of the City of Light!