Stormville Flea Market

Still in search of a French garden table and chairs and some antique garden ornaments, like urns, iron fencing, shutters and statues, we went to our local Stormville Flea Market last weekend.

Though I did come home with a few treasures, including a wonderful cast stone garden cherub with a broken wing (remember broken is better), we are still in search of our table and chairs. I am convinced we will sit on the wooden floor, surrounded by plants this summer.

Here are a few photos taken of our excursion.

There were boxes of these old shoes lasts. The best part was many had the words Frenchie orItalia stamped by the maker on the sides. I was all set to take several home when I realized that they were high heeled shoe lasts, which did not allow them to sit flat for display. They looked funny and crooked. They were very cool and very inexpensive.

And this antique Victorian photo album covered in velvet. It had brass finishings and a brass lock on it. The old pictures were still inside.

What is the coolest thing you have ever found at a flea market? What's the most interesting piece you ever brought home with you?

French Potato Salad

I love potatoes. In my opinion, I think they should have their own food group. This time of year, potato salads are out in full force for summer picnics and barbeques. Sometimes I prefer the lighter vinaigrette's to the heavy mayo dressings. I adapted this French Potato Salad from a Martha Stewart recipe I found on-line. It's easy, delicious and versatile. I used herbs from my own garden, but you can use whatever you like. The addition of tarragon, if you have it, would really bump up the Frenchie factor!

French Potato Salad

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, all similar in size, halved
1/4 cup champagne vinegar
1 tsp Fleur De Sel
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 dollop of good Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaved parsley
1/4 cup finely minced chives
2 tablespoons chopped thyme
Freshly ground pepper

Place potatoes in a pan, cover with 2 inches of water, bring to boil. Turn the heat down and simmer 25-30 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife. Drain.

Whisk vinegar and salt in a bowl. Add the oil in a steady stream while whisking until emulsified. Add mustard and whisk again. Stir in herbs and pepper.

Add warm potatoes to vinaigrette and toss gently, being careful not to break apart the potatoes. Garnish with whatever herbs you have used.

Yeah, it is that easy, which is why I love it! Bon Appetit!

Travel Tip Tuesday-Destinations

This week, for Travel Tip Tuesday, Cherrye and I are focusing on destinations. As you might have figured out by now, my two favorite destinations are France and Italy. But, believe or not, I know there are other great places on this planet of ours and I would love to visit them all!!

It is hard to pick just one, but this week I am going to focus on my top pick.

Morocco. Stunning Morocco. Why Morocco, you ask?

Well, first of all, it does have a French influence. Maybe that has something to do with it, non?

Secondly, I think it has a bit of a mysterious feel to it. It's a bit different. It is not at the top of everyone's must-see list. In fact, I bet most would not think to go there and many will never make it there in their lifetime. Morocco seems to fly under the radar, virtually unnoticed.

You know the movie Casablanca? Well, Casablanca is in Morocco. And for most, that is all they know about Morocco. Well, you may have also Rocked the Casbah, to the Clash, back in the day. But seriously, that's it!

But there is so much more, let me show you…

Morocco has beautiful deserts. Deep terracotta colored sand dunes, like this one. So beautiful.

And since it is on the coast of Africa, it has beautifully clear aquamarine water and red jagged cliffs. Breathtaking.

And then there is the eye-popping architecture. Bright bold colors like azure blue, burnt orange and mint greens set against pure white and clay colored structures.

The arches that I love so much in France and Italy, are similar, yet distinctively different here. They have a round shape, but come to more of a point at the tip. It is very unique. And the mosaic tile-work is just exquisite.

Though in the desert, it is also home to tropical foliage and lush gardens, like the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh.

Souk's are a dream come true for a flea market queen like me. These markets are filled with everything from handmade Moroccan wooden carved furniture, lanterns, slippers, rugs, pottery, food and spices. A trip to a souk would be a must for me!

And speaking of food, the cuisine is also intriguing and sounds deliciously different. Of course, I am familiar with couscous, which is a Moroccan dish, but I would love to sample a Tagine. This is a traditional North African dish named after the pot used to cook it. It is like a slow cooked stew, containing a meat, vegetables and many different spices native to the area. I'd also sample some Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, as well as the ubiquitous mint tea.

I have never been on vacation to an area where camels roam or better yet, are used as transportation. And that also intrigues me. Now, I have seen camels up close and personal at petting zoo's, but that's the extent of my contact. They aren't necessarily pretty creatures, but I think it might be fun to go for a camel ride, don't you?

And after said camel ride would be the perfect time to partake in a spa-like experience…local style! How about a visit to a hammam? These are tiled bathhouses with steam rooms, baths, scrubs and some even have massages. I'd love to experience this. The goal is to wash yourself off, open your pores with hot steam, scrub yourself down 'till you're baby smooth and then rub in some aromatic oil.

Ohhh yes…pleeease!

And now for some practical info:

The most well-known area's in Morocco are Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier and Fès.

The currency is called the Dirham. Currently one Dirham is equal to approx .14 USD, which makes it an excellent spot to visit in the current economy!

Morocco is very close to Europe, so ferries are available from Spain, France and Italy. Check here for schedules and rates. It is also very easy to fly from Europe to Morocco. Flights are available from the US as well. Royal Air Maroc is Morocco's airline.

Once in Morocco, trains seem to be the best way to get around.

To read more about Morocco, check the following links to these articles or blogs that offer a wealth of information.

http://www.morocco.com/
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/misc/0804_MoroccoDecoder/index.html
http://budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502908.html
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/moroccos-secret-sands
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/10339
http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Guides/Morocco/Marrakech/
http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_morocco.html
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/
http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/morocco/fez-and-meknes/

Blogs

The View from Morocco
Real Travel
My Marrakesh

So, I hope you have enjoyed this armchair tour of Morocco. After writing this and posting these fabulous photos of the area, it makes me even more determined to get there…someday. But, once I get the bug…it's hard to think of anything else until I can make it happen!

Morocco waits for you….will you go? If you have been, what was your impression? What is one of your dream destinations?

And, don't forget to pop on over to Cherrye's blog to see which destination she is highlighting today!!

Happy Travels!

A Chandelier Fantasyland

Chris stumbled into this tent and ran to find me in the pouring rain.

He said I had to come. Now!

"Chandeliers, all chandeliers" he whispered. A Chandelier Fantasyland.

I dropped everything. He led me by the hand, we sloshed through the puddles and wove through the tents.

There it was. A stepped into the tent. He wasn't kidding. I gasped, loudly. Took a deep breath in. My heart skipped two beats.

Chandeliers, everywhere! What more could a girlie-girl Francophile want?

And then there was the artist. Dorinda. She hails from Atlanta. She tells me she is not on the Internet. This is only her third time at the Brimfield show and she loves doing it.

Her creations are unique. These aren't just antique chandeliers. She takes an old chandelier metal base, rewires it, adds her own new 100% leaded crystals (which reflect more light) maybe some crystal garland and voila. A one-of-a-kind chandelier. All wired and ready to hang once you get it home.

Her creations are amazing and she gladly makes custom orders. She brings her tools and supplies with her and creates during shows.

Since I have no other contact information, you'll have to visit the Brimfield Antique Show to find her. Or look up Dorinda in the Atlanta yellow-pages.

Which one would you pick?

More Brimfield Photos

I love this iron bed, it reminds me of Art Nouveau

An iron French youth bed would make a great daybed. If only I had the room…

A different kind of flower bed

Antique phonographs in pristine condition grace the front of the J&J show in Brimfield.

Even the RCA dog showed up!

Look at the horn on that one!!

For more information on The Brimfield Antique show, click here.

Cheap Eats – How to eat in Europe on a Budget

Welcome to this edition of Travel Tip Tuesday!

We all know that it now costs a small fortune to travel these days, especially to Europe. Gas prices are up, the dollar is down and you need to take a second mortgage on your house, just to get to your desired destination. And that doesn’t even account for the fun once you get there.

The two biggest expenses after the initial transportation costs will be food and lodging. Today, I’ll be sharing some tips on how to eat cheaply, without sacrificing your experience.

Picnic, picnic, picnic. I do it all the time. Visit a local food market and grab some of the best produce you can find. Grab some cold salads, some bread, fresh fruit and pick a glorious spot, sit down and relax and enjoy your meal at a fraction of what a meal out would cost. Don’t just think of picnics for lunch, consider one for dinner as well. I am not talking about eating in your car or anything boring like that. Instead, join the locals on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower, and watch the lights twinkle. It will be a romantic dinner picnic you’ll not soon forget. Or dangle your feet off a less-traveled footbridge in Venice and watch the gondolas float by. Now that’s what I mean by a picnic!
Consider renting an apartment. This way you can shop for fresh food and make most of your meals at your apartment, rather than eating out every night.
Make lunch your biggest meal of the day. We all know that when eating out, lunch prices are usually less than dinner prices. You may be so full from lunch, that you just need a light snack for dinner.
Order from the prix-fixe menu. When traveling to Europe, always take advantage of the prix-fixe menus. Some places will have a choice of a two-course or three-course prix-fix. Try skipping dessert and go for the two course. Treat yourself, just once, to the dessert, your wallet and waist line will thank you.
Check out the daily special. Often chefs will have one special plate on the menu that changes daily. It should be enough to satisfy you for lunch and you’ll only pay about 10-12 €.
If you do eat out, stay clear of the touristy areas. The prices will be two to three times higher and the crowds will be inevitable. Wander off-the-beaten-path, away from the city center to find better prices.
Always ask the locals where they eat. Notice, I did not say to ask them where to go for a special evening, or a one of a kind experience. That is not what you want when you are on a budget. You want good fresh food at the best prices. Places you won’t find in any guidebook. Locals don’t go out for expensive dinners all the time. So don’t ask your concierge. Try asking your taxi driver, housekeeper, the guy at the post office or the girl at the supermarket. Regular folks. I haven’t been steered wrong yet!
Always order the house wine and tap water. These options are much cheaper than soda. All house wines I have had in France and Italy have been better than many expensive bottled wines than I have had in the states. And since tap water is free and very drinkable in Europe, not ordering that bottled water will save you at least 5€ on your bill.
Reuse your water bottle and refill it all day. Parts of France and Italy have fountains that flow with delicious spring water. If you are like me, I drink water constantly. You have to stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling in the hot summer months. And if each bottle costs you 2€, you could spend upward of 10€ a day, just on water. It’s also good for the environment to reuse those plastic bottles. Go green and save the green!
Sometimes, you just have to eat at that place. Your know that five-star, Michelin or Zagat rated, people-can’t-stop-talking-about-it..place. Trust me, I get that. Really, I do. But, think about this. My guess is, many times, you are going for the experience, as much as the meal. What if, just getting all gussied up and sauntering up to the bar having a drink and an appetizer would satisfy this need. It just might and you will be able to save a boatload, without sacrificing most of the experience.
Share. Does your whole party need to have their own gelato every night? Do you each need an 8€ dessert at that restaurant? Think of the money you will save if you share these things. It may not seem like much, but if your on a two-week vacation, it really does add up!
Choose a hotel with breakfast included. If renting an apartment is not your style, try to stay somewhere that includes breakfast everyday. I found a hotel in Paris that included a wonderful, albeit basic, fresh baguette with butter and jam, fresh OJ and a choice of cafe au lait, tea or hot chocolate. It certainly held me over until I had an early lunch. It saved me about 50€ over the course of 10 days. Bed and Breakfasts are a much cozier and friendlier option and the breakfasts tend to be larger, homemade and can vary from morning to morning. And who knows, you may add a new recipe to your collection, if the hosts feel like sharing.

These things may not seem like rocket science. Most are common sense. But I find that you have to be conscious of your decisions with money. You have to actively put these things into play in order for you to reap the rewards. It just doesn’t happen. Each tip on their own may not seem like a huge money saver, but if you put them all to use, you can really save yourself some coin.

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Don’t forget to go to Cherrye’s blog to check out her travel tips today.

Traveling to Italy or France? Click here to see how I can help plan your trip.

Brimfield Show Photos

Finally, we arrive in Brimfield

An old cabinet waits to be unloaded from a trailer, while aqua green coke bottles in a crate sit atop an antique coke machine.

An old electric powered rocking horse was running perfectly, though you can’t tell from my photo

This spectacular antique stagecoach gets a fresh coat of paint on site.

Photos from my trip to the Brimfield Flea Market, which ended today. Additional shows will be held in July and September of this year. Visit the website for show dates and details.

More pictures will follow in the upcoming week.

Wine and Cheese Pasta

You may remember last year we went to a local wine and pasta event in my area called Pasta, Primo, Vino. Well, we decided to go again this year and we were not sorry. This year we tried a winery we had never been to called Applewood. The pasta they were serving was so delicious, I decided to share it with you. I like to call it a wine and cheese pasta. But they titled it Blue Cheese Baked Pasta. Whatever it’s named…it sure is rich, cheesy and just plain tasty!

The pasta is made with Applewood Riesling, which is great on its own, but works so well in this dish. It serves 8.

Blue Cheese Baked Pasta

1 lb. pasta, bowties, large shells (I used the campanelle)
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup Applewood Riesling (or whatever Riesling you have)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese
1 Tbsp minced fresh chives

Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until on the very firm side of al dente. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Do not allow it to brown. Gradually whisk in wine, then milk and cream. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the blue cheese. Whisk until cheese is completely melted. Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss gently to combine. Transfer mixture to the buttered baking dish, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup blue cheese. The prepared dish will look like this..

Bake until sauce begins to bubble and the pasta starts to brown, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with chives right before serving.

Serve with a simple green salad and a chilled bottle of Applewood Riesling.

Treasure Hunting-Brimfield

I have gone treasure hunting in Brimfield. Brimfield is the Queen of all flea markets in the Northeast. It is miles long and lasts for an entire week. You will rub your eyes (and your feet) the first time you visit. You won’t believe it.

I made the mistake the first time I went of being unprepared. I didn’t bring a big enough vehicle, we only went for the day and of course, I ran out of cash. Yeah, story of my life.

Needless to say, I corrected these faux-pas.

We are staying overnight. check
I rented an SUV. check
I have been saving since the last trip. check

One mistake I never make is paying top dollar. I love the wheelin’ and dealin’. I never pay the first price quoted. I guess if they are not willing to bargain with me, than I don’t need it that badly.

Here are some links for you to check out the flea market.

Brimfield.com
BrimfieldShow.com
BrimfieldExchange.com

What do you want me to find? What treasures would you be looking for? Where are your favorite flea markets? And what are your bargaining tips for getting a great deal at the flea market?

France Events-May 2008

Planning on visiting France this month? Here is a short list I have compiled of France Events in May 2008. Click on the links provided for more information.

South of France

Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, May 14th – 25th

La Fête des Mais, Nice, May 1st -31st

Formula One Grand Prix, Monaco, May 22- 25th

Paris

French Open, Paris, May 26 – June 8th

Saint Germain Jazz Festival, Paris, May 6th – May 23rd

The Great Paris Steeplechase, Paris, May 25th

Bastille Antiques Fair, Paris, May 8th – May 18th

International Photographic Flea Market, Paris, May 31 & June1

Other

Strawberry Festival, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, May 13th