Dutch treat

Dutch treat in America translates to paying one's own way.

However in Holland, the translation is seen through the work of artist

Gerdine Duijsens.

Gerdine on the right with one of her paintings and her daughter Fleur on her left

Prepare yourself for a real Dutch treat. Please allow me to introduce you to a talented and spirited Dutch Artist, Gerdine Duijsens. Gerdine was introduced to me via a dutch cousin Babette Raymakers, living in Brussels. As an artist, people always love to connect artists and networking is good thing, especially when most artists tend to work alone. I am always flattered to connect and to be inspired. As they say, "flattery will get you everywhere!"

Gerdine's abstract work, hung in a traditional interior adds spirit and freedom

Gerdine began her love for art by drawing at an early age and later attended the Academy of Art in Utrecht. She is a mother of 3 gorgeous daughters. She and her (late) husband managed Veterinarian Practice of Horses and Cows. He past away last year. He was her most supportive person and encouraged her to attend the Art Academy in Belgium when her daughters were in high school. I am impressed as she managed to do this part time.

A "stone" lady who clearly enjoys life in red and pink

Inspiration came through the beauty and movement of owning horses that inspired her to paint them in an abstract way. (see her site to view the horses!) Gerdine is also in touch with the people and paints them in a way that shows them larger than life in order to show life above the ridiculous often in arrogant settings such as in a formal social setting of a cocktail party or a concert. Her favorite colors are reds and pinks.

Painting of a Royal Wedding, in Gerdine's favorite red and pink colors

photo of Gerdine's blue kitchen with lovely copper pots.

I can imagine this blue kitchen to be enjoyed by many, just as many enjoy her artwork. Please take a moment to stop by and visit Gerdine, she is after all a real Dutch treat. Please tell her it is on pve design! I hope to make it to Holland and meet in person and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and see her artwork.

It would be my treat!

Please contact Gerdine if you are interested in purchasing her work via her website.

one little pig is in the house

Image of Gwyneth Paltrow's yoga home, courtesy of la la lovely

"Home again, jiggety-jig!"  Lusting over this lovely yoga retreat in my back yard to get back to yoga.  Our trip to France was fun, fabulous and fine.  However the scale God is not happy with me and is commanding me to listen to my inner body and back to fruits and veggies for this little pig.  This little home could also double as my art atelier!

Huf and I huf, back to work, yoga, tennis and swimming.   What are vacations and weekends for if you cannot enjoy, within moderation!  Enjoy your weekend where ever you may be.

J'aime les sweets!

Illustration on top of macaron box at Pierre Herme

Alright, my last post from Paris. I was lucky to have this sweet from Pierre Herme here in Paris which my sweet sister-in-law served for my in-law's 50th wedding anniversary.
Rumor has it that she was on a quest for the best in Paris. Pierre was one of the top patisserie chef's at Laduree and then went out on his own accord. His tastes are modern, fresh and flowery.
A beautiful shop for the senses and for the sweet life! J'aime les sweets in Paris!

Alsace in full bloom

Illustrations by "Hansi" - an artist of the Alsace Region of France.

Please excuse my lack of posting. Internet access was not available at my dismay. We just spent the last few days visiting "Alsace" and stayed in a quaint village in the L'Andlou region not far from Strasbourg. Flowers were in bloom and filled every window box and lined every bridge. We even saw one box with a note that was pardoning the lack of blossoms. These people take great pride in their flowers. It was my first time visiting this area of France and we left wanting more. The vineyards, the countryside were all breathtaking. I kept remembering my Grandmother and how she would have loved this area. Tidy villages and everyone toiling at there calling. Statues along with crosses were at the entrance of each village. Faith and a grateful quality is necessary when you live in the place so lovely. One artist that I was not familiar with is "Hansi." I will post more about this artist who illustrated life in Alsace.
If you have not visited this region, I highly suggest that you take a trip. The people, the food and the wines were so pleasant.

Belgian Chocolate

I apologize for all this "food" posting, but when in Brussels, I cannot help but post about my favorite chocolate - "Cote d'Or" which melts in your mouth. This chocolate is sold in many shops as well as "Cote d'Or" shops here in Belgium. I also love the Belgian Waffles, or "Gaufrettes" which are a treat.
We visited the "Atomium" where my mother-in-law was one of the foremost and gorgeous hostesses greeting visitors at the 1958 World's Fair. My children were very proud to see their grandmother's photo as a Hostess. I will post more about that once we are back in the USA.
Leaving for Strasbourg today

Brussels today

Happy to say that we have enjoyed the classic "moules frites" here in Brussels, Belguim. One cannot come to Brussels and not have this famous dish. There are many wonderful spots but a favorite is Chez Lyon located off the Grande Place.

Our hotel on the other hand is not classic, but fresh, fun, hip and free wi-fi. In such an old city, this Hotel is a fresh bloom. Hotel Bloom.
Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! I promise to have lots of fresh ideas to post when I return with some new designs.

feu d'artifice (fireworks)

Leaving Paris today on the Fourth of July. I thought this photo would be a wonderful one to post showing the Eiffel Tower being showered in fireworks, like diamonds in the sky! The city is already beginning to prepare for the Bastille Day.
We were fortunate to have a picnic sitting near the Eiffel Tower which was amazing and it stays light til past Ten at night. Everyone is out enjoying the city of lights! At night it is lit up with twinkling lights and then is lit up "bleu" which is magnifique!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday where ever you are! Thank-you again to my incredible guest blogger, Architect Design! Merci!

Happy Landings

Happy Landings are always a great way to return home. Picture your luggage waiting patiently and positively no jet lag nor delays. Imagine returning home fully rested and ready to go back to work. If any of you are traveling, I hope that you have a happy and safe landings!
Thank-you again to "Architect Design" who was my guest blogger while I am away. My posts may be a bit scattered. We leave Paris for Brussels early friday morning.

Postcards home

If you travel to a foreign destination, one of the first things you should do is send home postcards to your friends and family. I always have a hard time finding things to write as I've barely begun the vacation; nothing is worse than arriving home before the postcard!

Postcards are one of the most exciting things to get in the mail, next to packages of course. I have a large postcard collection from friends and family from all over the world acting as a sort of a travel wish file. All the exotic locations in the world and you have a friend who can suggest an itinerary; beats having to do all the legwork yourself! So next time you leave home, don't forget to write; a handwritten postcard beats an email anyday!

A day at the beach

Now that our totes are packed -we're ready for a day at the beach. Don't forget the sunscreen! Here 2 friends share a look at the ocean under an umbrella; the view is always best when shared.