The Tudor Life....

Quotes of the Day:

Quote of the Day "A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.”

~Helen Keller

“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”

~Michelangelo



BOOKWORM MASTERPIECES

For all you Tudor fans out there did you know there are Tudor books? I had no idea until I was browsing the website for more info about the upcoming season!

Check out more info on the books at the Tudors on Showtime website!

The three books are The Tudors: It's Good to be King, The Tudors: The King (left, bottom), The Queen and the Mistress(far left, top), and The Tudors King takes Queen (far right)

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Yum for the Tum

Tudor Style

What exactly did King Henry VIII and the Court of the 16th century drink/eat?

• Water- Polluted and not fresh therefore not drank - instead Ale (a fermented drink made from grain and water)
  More Ale was drank than Wine (as it was expensive sometimes diluted w/ water despite the risk of pollution) and Beer was made from hops and not so popular even though it was cheaper than Ale.
  
• Fruit- Apples, pears, cherries, damsons, plums, strawberries and gooseberries were popular. Only eaten during their season and cooked not eaten raw as doctors thought raw food caused illness. Wasn't 'till the 18th century that fresh fruit was eaten in England. Meat was cooked w/ fruit.
• Milk, Butter, Eggs- Were thought of as peasant food therefore not eaten at Court.
• Sugar & Honey- Sugar was eaten at Court and added to ale, sauces for meat and fish, sweetmeats like marzipan. Sugar caused courtiers' teeth turned black and rotted apparently at the end of her life Queen Elizabeth had rotten and black teeth. Honey was used as a sweetener for the poor.
• Flowers- were a popular choice such as violets, lavender, marigolds, primroses.
• Herbs- flavored sauces and meat: sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley and chives. Similar to today! Also used for medicinal reasons and cosmetic and to disguise bad smells.
• Veggies- were not eaten by the wealthy. They were used in soups and to make pottage. Potatoes came much later during Elizabeth's reign.
  
• Bread- very popular among everyone except it is very different from what we know bread to be. They ate such breads as Manchet, Raveled, Carter's bread and Horse-corn
• Fish- very popular such fishes as cod, haddock, conger, plaice, eels, pike, trout, sturgeon, salmon, etc. Mussels, oysters and cockles later in the end of this period. Fish was eaten to also conserve meat. Baked, fried, grilled or broiled.
  
• Meat- extremely popular and all different kinds from game to that reared on a farm. Deer, boar, rabbit, hedgehog, peasant to beef, mutton, lamb, chicken, duck, swan, etc. Roasted, boiled or made into pie.
  

The diet was extremely unhealthy. Yes high in protein, but also in salt in order to preserve the meat. Many tended to overindulge and many people of nobility suffered from illness due to the lack of vitamins from fruits and vegetables and dairy products. Scurvy from lack of fruits, kidney and bladder problems from lack of Vitamin A.

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DECORATING IDEAS

Tudor Style

Thinking about adding a Tudor flare to your home? A very distinct decorative style, here are some suggestions to create that Tudor ambiance:

• Oak, stone, plaster, brick, iron, copper, and slate served as architectural elements and interior design elements
  
• Lighting/Sconces that look like candles
• Diamond leaded glass windows, stained glass, painted glass
• Family crests used as decor and within the architecture- don't have one, make one up!
• Hanging rugs, tapestries
• Vibrant colors are common such as jewel tones, reds, blues, golds, and oranges. Rich fabrics like velvet, brocade and damask used for window treatments
• Arches from one room to another
• Flooring is typically a hard surface like wood, brick, or stone.
  
• Add Wool rugs in soft, neutral colors can add a lot of luxury underfoot.
  
• Furniture is wood, with heavy carvings, iron hardware
• Pewter dishware and glassware are often displayed in open cabinet shelves with the occasional exotic porcelain piece.
  
• Books with leather covers are another elegant Tudor accessory.

All Things Blue....

Quote of the Day:

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."

~Maya Angelou

DECORATING IDEAS
Color Part 1

The Color Blue

Often decorating can make people blue in the face from all the choices...colors, designs, patterns, style, floor plans, blah...blah...blah...

The thing is, it should be fun and easy! How you decorate shows personality, creativity, and really helps others get a feel for who you are!

Choosing a color can become quite overwhelming especially when you have so many people dishing out their advice, which is fantastic, but in the end you can't forget that decorating is a representation of who you are!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding if the color blue is you!

Blue is on the color chart is considered a "COOL COLOR" along with the others in the picture above.

Cool Colors are said to be soothing in nature. Blue represents peace, tranquility, stability, harmony, trust, confidence, cleanliness, etc. It can slow the pulse rate, lower the body temperature, and reduce appetite.

It is considered a business color because it reflects reliability.

Orange is Blue's complementary color on the color chart. What does that mean? Well, they intensify each other so definitely approach using these two with caution! It can be eye catching, but an painful on the eye as well! Check out the Tide pic!

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DECORATING IDEAS
w/ Blue

I recently decided to paint our bedroom blue and absolutely love the color!

The color I chose was Dusk from Restoration Hardware --> pictured right.

I have become a huge fan of their paints and 4 of our rooms in our house can prove it!

So looking for great colors check out your local Restoration Hardware. The price might be a little high, but the paint goes on smooth, easy and in few coats!


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YUM for the TUM

Blueberries



Did you know that blueberries are extremely healthy for you? Check out some of the things they do:

A powerful antioxidant
Slows age related loss in mental capacity
Positive physiological benefits and cosmetic
Low in fat and sodium
Good source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, etc.

Lavender....my favorite!

Quote of the Day

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."

~Frank Lloyd Wright

BEAUTY SECRETS

Lavender

Did you know that lavender essential oil has many benefits, which include the ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems.

Lavender has the Latin name Lavare, which means “to wash”

So if your experiencing any of the following symptoms you may want to read more about lavender and see how it may help you!

• Migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress
• Insomnia
• Sore Muscles, tense muscles, rheumatism, sprains, backache, etc
• Urinary disorders and associated cramps
• Respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, etc.
• Acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations
• Wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns
• Lice
• High blood pressure and hypertension
• Digestive problems; indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea
• Weak immune system

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FABULOUS FINDS

Mistral Soap

A fanatic of soaps is to say the least. My biggest impulse buy when I am out and about at any store is some form of beauty product. Whether it's soaps, lotions, scrubs, whatever if it smells nice I just have to have it!

Recently I came across these lovely soaps at Anthropolgie! Mistral products was founded by Matthew Tilker a California native when he was studying in Provence a seventy year old master soap maker who still crafted soaps using a three hundred year old traditional triple milling process and always the finest ingredients!

Matthew believes the true test of any personal care product is its power to transform you.
Mistral, is named after a wind which brings change and transformation throughout the region of Provence.



L'OCCITANE

Lavender Hand Cream is one of my favorites! If you like to travel you can order their travel size products as shown here on their website too!

Perfect for your carry on luggage!



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FABULOUS FINDS (cont.)

Geranium and Lavender Sachets sold at La Vie En Rose Boutique, and handmade by Lotta of Inleaf Designs.

These sachets are a perfect way to freshen up the house with soothing Lavender! Perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, and in a dresser draw or closet!




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DECORATING IDEAS
Lavender Bunches

What a better way to utilize the benefits of lavender than by adding lavender bunches to your home! It makes for the perfect decor, scent and overall coziness of any home!

I found this fun website called the Lavender Bee Farm where you can purchase bunches of lavender if you can't find any in your local country french store!

I myself have bunches all over my house!

Chocolate and Pilates...

Quote of the Day:

With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world."

~Dalai Lama

COUPON CRAZE

Just received this notification from William Sonoma - FREE SHIPPING!

Enjoy!

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YUM for the TUM

Do you live in the Fairfield County, CT area? If so have you checked out the local chocoholics favorite hangout?: Chocopologie Cafe (12 Main St. Norwalk, CT)

Be sure to tell the boyfriends and hubbies out there about this hotspot for V-day!

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PILATES

I am sure you have heard of pilates and maybe even tried it out on video or at your local gym, but, where did this actually originate and why?

Developed by Joseph Pilates just around WW1 to help aid in the rehabilitation of wartime patients. His wife Clara incorporated his concepts and exercises in ways that benefited more seriously ill or injured clients. Her approachable style and special techniques spawned a dedicated lineage of teachers whose work flows through and uniquely colors the landscape of the Pilates method today.

Pilates is a systematic practice of specific exercises coupled with focused breathing patterns, it has proven itself invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor itself, but also as an important adjunct to professional sports training and physical rehabilitation of all kinds.

What is the primary focus? Increased lung capacity and circulation through deep, healthy breathing.

Strength and flexibility, particularly of the abdomen and back muscles, coordination-both muscular and mental, are key components in an effective Pilates program. Posture, balance, and core strength are all heartily increased. Bone density and joint health improve, and many experience positive body awareness for the first time.

Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one's life.

If you want more info about Pilates check out this PMA website!

"I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They'd be happier."
- Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965, age 86

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Yoga..and no more Frizz (That's a life)

Quote of the Day:

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try and become a man of value"

~Albert Einstein

Yoga/Pilates Anyone?

Check out Yoga Souls if you live in the Stamford, CT area! Offering some of the best yoga classes in the area and a recently added pilates class!

Every Sunday from 11:30- 12:30 I will be teaching pilates there so come say hello!

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Beauty Secrets

So after spending an hour straightening my hair I decided it was about time I purchased a new flat iron! The only problem...Google flat iron and many options come up. So, which brand is the best? ...Off I went on my search for my new flat iron and after reading many articles I zeroed in on the Sedu Flat Iron!

Definitely not cheap, but highly rated and worth every penny if you ask me!

Bennies:

• Ultralight weight
• Works for all types of hair - by using the adjustable temperature control (240 ºF - 410ºF/ 120°C - 200°C)
• Infra Red Heat technology seals in the natural moisture, helping to give hair more shine and luster
• Tourmaline plates produce up to 6 times more negative ions than ceramic. Why is that important? In short it creates a smooth, silky hair surface and seals in the hair's natural moisture and repels static electricity reducing every one's nemesis FRIZZ!
  
• Those frisky negative ions even shorten straightening time by half

Gone are the days of hour long straightening sessions and frizzy hair.... Get out there and get yourself a Sedu Straightener!

Where can I purchase one??? You can check out their website: Sedu or even Amazon where I found it for $115 - $125.00!

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Life - Savers

If you love to cook as much as I do you will find these two products must haves for your kitchen!
These two items are easy to clean, both can be used on stove top or in the oven. They are sturdy and the two cookware items I grab for the most in my kitchen!

Get yourself one, I guarantee it's worth every penny!



Le Creuset Dutch Oven - you can find these everywhere. A tad bit pricey, but any time your recipe calls for stove top then oven cooking you will be happy as you will have one less pot to clean!

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware - a bit heavy, but easy to clean and the best skillet you will ever have! Seasoned cookware at your fingertips!

Ice-Cream in the winter?

Quote of the Day:

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first."
~Mark Twain

FASHION FINDS

One of my first artists I represented at La Vie En Rose Boutique is Megan Greene of MAGPIE RINGS!

The moment I came across her signature rings I just had to feature them in my boutique! I met Megan for the first time in NYC and not only did I instantly flip over her jewelry, I found her to be one of the most down to earth, and just cooler girls I know!

Her jewelry is creative and most importantly fun! I mean really.... find me a gal who doesn't like flaunting into a room and instantaneously becoming the talk of the party? "Where did she get that ring? It's so cute... I have to have one!" Trust me, wear any one of Megan Greene's jewelry and you will be the most popular lady anywhere you go!

I have tons of the rings myself and wear them to cocktail parties, weddings, pretty much a different ring for every occasion! From pearls to stones, black to purple, spring colors to winter, if you don't have one of these rings yet your missing out! Have some fun and check them out! You can find a bunch of rings and other jewelry by Megan Greene at La Vie En Rose Boutique!

Her rings can be custom made and one of the most popular rings at my boutique is what I call the bridal party ring- pearl ring (pictured: above left)! For custom orders or inquiries please contact La Vie En Rose Boutique!

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TRAVEL

For all you traveler's out there with a flexible schedule check out the new website AirfareWatch Dog.com. I was just given this tid bit of info today... thanks Lukey!

This website has it all, some of the best deals out there! Check out their blog too to see what they have to say about their competitors and why Watchdog is the place to book!

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YUM for the TUM

Ice-cream anyone???

I myself just had myself some Breyers mint chocolate chip ice-cream with hot fudge and chocolate sprinkles! What a way to end the day and wrap up the week!

So I decided to check into the history of Breyers... where and when did it all start?

Apparantly it all started in 1866 by a fella named William A. Breyer (go figure)!

He cranked out his first gallon of the famous ice-cream in Philadelphia, made of rich cream, pure cane sugar, fresh fruit, nuts, and other natural flavors. Some of those ingrediants are still found in the ice-cream today! It was quickly considered Philadelphia's best!

1882 came his first retail shop and many more shortly thereafter
1896 the first wholesale manufacturing plant
1908 Henry William's son took over the family biz
By 1918 the company was producing more than a million gallons a year
In 1993 after joining other national companies and being brought out the company was named the Good Humor-Breyers® Ice Cream Company.

Today... it is just simply delicious and continues to be one of my favorites!

So grab yourself a gallon, some hot fudge and sprinkles and end your week with some of America's favorite ice-cream!


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BOOKWORM MASTERPIECES

Robert Frost

One of my absolute favorite poets is Robert Frost. I am one of many who have used this poem to guide me throughout many of life's decisions. Forever choosing a path not yet wandered upon or ventured about.

Recently I was researching a bit about the poem and found many articles analyzing the poem. I found this particular analysis quite interesting so take a look: Robert Frost's Tricky Poem. Of course below you will find the actual poem, did you know it is one of the most analyzed and quoted in American Poetry?...

The Road not Taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

by Robert Frost

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