Swaps and So Much More

Here is my sweet little magnolia in bloom. The blooms have the faintest scent of summer in the South.

In contrast, here are my neglected peonies. Every day I told myself to go out and cut some for the house. Did I ever cut any? I always got sidetracked once inside and never cut any, not a one. What a shame. They were brilliant in their day.

The prize chocolates have come and gone.

Robin and Betty have both received their champagne truffles.

We have one small box left of the macaroons/luxemburgerli (not like American macaroons, I guarantee!). These tiny cream filled confections are anything but. The kid nicknamed them little burgers when we were in Zurich and stumbled upon them. Oh my. They are just heavenly but way too delicate to mail, I'm afraid. I wish I could share them with all of you.

The hub has also brought some special chocolates back made from Sprungli's made of cocoa beans from around the world. They were a tad strong for my liking but fun testing just the same.

As I was talking to my friend Pam, who is celebrating her birthday today, the door bell rang. It was a box. I wondered what on earth I had ordered now. But it wasn't that at all. It was a huge box from Monica of M&Co. who I had done a magazine swap with. Well, once I opened it, and as you can see, it was much more than magazines. What a sweety! Thank you so much Monica! Wow! Tusen takk! Needless to say that some of these magazines will be coming with me to Paris! I actually look forward to an 8-hour plane ride with some peace of mind. Now, that's kinda sick, don't you think?

This book "Tildas Hus" is going to be one of my favorites, I can just feel it. So many lovely ideas, so little time. It's so reminiscent of a DIY Laura Ashley of the 80s and the Cath Kidston of today. Fun!

Take a look at this beautiful necklace she added. I had just purchased a little silk jacket for Paris; and will you take a look at the color coordinating going on! Amazing!!

And speaking of matching, I have had this Mary Frances handbag collecting dust for several years. I have worn it only once, in Bermuda. Look, again, at how well it matches. I knew I bought it for a reason! Paris! Right? Ok, back to my other goodies.

And home-made seed packets. I can't wait to get back and plant them. Yay! Again, thank you so very much Monica. You were more than generous.

I am finished running errands, getting everything ready for the trip, so I can sit back and relax a little this afternoon. I'll take it.