By Invitation Only.....Springs rebirth

Hi there! So happy to be here for our monthly "By Invitation only" post where a very special group of bloggers get together to present our  interpretation on a mutually agreed upon theme for a particular month. This month its all about spring, a new season, new beginnings and a  reawakening.  What does spring mean to us? Well to me, its a time of rebirth, a time of renewal, a time to open the windows both literally and figuratively. The warm air is knocking on our door, the blooms are bursting and everything feels new again..........
When I think of spring my mind branches off in so many directions, I think of new beginnings, a beautiful season brimming with hope, bright skies, flowers in bloom everywhere you look, watching winters bare limbs come to life with lush green leaves, new life taking shape. Spring is such a beautiful season....it is impossible to contain it to just a few ways. So to try to capture my thoughts I decided to do an "ABC's" on what spring is to me, without further adieu here we go.....

                                      A is for  April showers

 B is for Bunnies, especially cute ones that fit into darling little tea cups for two!

              C is for cool,crisp flawless skies

D is for daffodils...gotta love their vivid yellow colors and perky blooms, they are like the poster child of spring!

E is for Easter eggs, what is spring without them!

                    F is for forsythia and their explosive     color             

G is for gardening because if you ever want to feel like a green thumb, this is the time!

H is for hydrangea, another one of my most favorite flowers, of all time....love love love them for their heavenly blooms as much as I do for their staying power

I is for investing in a few wonderful new pieces of springs finery in bright fun colors!

J is for Jasmine whose intoxciating scent reeks of spring!

K is for knowing when to take a break just because you deserve it!

L is for lillies, one of springs many beautiful flowers

M is for misty mornings, I cherish my morning walks with Teddy, my faithful walking companion and there is nothing as beautiful as a misty morning in the spring

N is for the nests resting in the trees ready to bring new life in a new season

O is for orchids because lets face it they are spectacular during any season!

P is for Parties....spring is a perfect time to throw a party. Even a small get together for friends or family

.

Q is for quiet, I love the quiet and  peace that spring brings, when things stand still a little longer

R is for rabbits....it is their season afterall!

S is for sunshine, does it shine any brighter than during spring?

T is for  Tulips....gotta love them and I do in all their many colors!

U is for Umbrellas because we all know rain and spring go together like singing in the rain and Gene Kelly!

V is for Vases....something I have plenty of on hand during the spring to take full advantage of all of natures bounty ready to be displayed!

W is for Wisteria, yet another gift from nature that is just jaw dropping gorgeous!

X is for Xpresso al fresco  (come on just let me spell it this way)

Y is for Yellow...a color I think of as springs poster color it is happy, uplifting and oh so cheery!

Z is for  Zoo, because seriously what better season to visit one than when everything is in bloom and the animals eagerly await a visit?

So that wraps up just some of what I love about spring. I am sure I could easily go on and on, its such a glorious and majestic season. One that inspires us to fling open the windows, let the rush of fresh air fill us with renewed vigor and hope, clean our homes and fill them with the scent of freshly cut flowers, and mark the new season as time to start anew. I know for me its a time to reflect on what I am grateful for, what I hope to achieve and what I hope to be. Cheers to a magnificent spring to each and every one of you!

Want to see more....here are more links to the others in this wonderful group of talented bloggers!

Enjoy!

MARSHA HARRIS http://www.splenderosa.blogspot.com/ 

TISH JETT an American in France http://afemmeduncertainage.blogspot.com/ 

YVONNE PRATT USAhttp://stonegable.blogspot.com/ 

CHARLOTTA WARD in Sweden http://spaceforinspiration.blogspot.com/ 

GREET LEFEVRE in Belgium http://belgianpearls.blogspot.com/ 

CATHERINE ROBINSON in London http://www.catherinerobinsoncashmere.com/ 

ANNIE BOUTERSE USA http://plumsiena.blogspot.com/

COTY FARQUHAR in Australia http://cotyfarquhar.blogspot.com/

FIFI FLOWERS artist with Parisian flair  http://fififlowers.com 

DEBORAH PETERSON between Houston & Scotland http://www.dumbwittellher.com/

DUSTJACKET ATTIC, Debra in Australia http://dustjacketattic.blogspot.com/

SHARI MILLER USA http://www.littlebluedeer.com/

TINA USA theenchantedhome@gmail.com http://theenchantedhome.blogspot.com/

MONA THOMPSON USA http://providenceltddesign.com/

JACQUELINE MUMFORD England http://home-biba.blogspot.com/

KARIN JANSKY France http://lapouyette-unddiedingedeslebens.blogspot.com

VICKI ARCHER an Australian in France http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/

CECILIA GONZALEZ Spain http://desdemventana.blogspot.com/

RENEE GRANIER & ANGELA FOSTER USA http://underspanishmoss.com/

LISA USA not participating this month http://amidprivilege.com

FRANCINE GARDNER a woman of the world in NYC http://interieurs.com blog

CHRISTINA FLUEGGE USA http://greigedesign.blogspot.com/

STACEY BEWKES USA http://quintessence.com

LEANN BROWN USAhttp://linenandlavender.blogspot.com/

LENE Norway http://theessenceofthegoodlife.blogspot.com/

SANDE CHASE Canada www.agiftwrappedlife.com

SHARON SANTONI France http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/

KAREN MALAN UK Pas Grand-Chose Blog http://athousandmiles-k.blogspot

DEJA PSEU USA unefemme.net.

ISA CHANDLER http://isaslittleworld.blogspot.com/

VERONICA tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com/

By Invitation only.....join us at my dinner table!

Good morning friends! You are in for such a fun and wonderful treat today....I loved this idea and what fun it was putting this eclectic group of my "new friends" together! As you by now know, once a month the group I am a part of "By invitation only" (brainchild of marvelous Marsha of Splenderosa)  gets together and posts on a common theme. Its such fun to see how we each interpret this theme or event. 
So this months theme was creating our own 'fantasy dinner party" with any ten people in the world, dead or alive, but no relatives and God can't be invited. (because he is always there and always invited anyway:)  When I was told about our theme this month,  I knew right off the bat a few invitees without having to even think about it, but then I had to really ponder the rest of this guest list. I mean I want it to be an interesting mix, a group of people I personally would love to get to know better, people I have questions for and am intrigued by, and of course an eclectic enough group that it would make for one heck of an interesting night..and you better believe it will!
Here's a sneak peak of the dinner table.......

Where?In the middle of a vineyard because to me, that's kind of the ultimate dinner party. Casual, relaxed but elegant.  And with this swanky group I want no distractions and no gawkers. I want everyones undivided attention and of course a beautiful setting only enhances the evening!  I will naturally be able to custom order the weather, and it will be high 60's- low 70's, zero humidity, and clear skies as everyone arrives. As dinner starts getting served, we will be blessed with the most glorious sunset and enjoy fabulous food, wine and lively conversation under the stars. This fete will go on until the sun starts rising.......needless to say, it will be some night!
So here's who's going to be seated at my table and a little background on why I chose them!

Nancy Meyers......Because in my next life I want her life..we think so much alike, if I was directing movies, I swear every movie set would look just like hers do! Thanks to her brilliant vision, I know exactly how I want my future cafe/bakery to look, how I would want my California and Hamptons homes decorated, exactly where I want to stay with my family on a NYC weekend. Nancy....you so "have it going on". And I will use this get together to see if a partnership might be in the cards :

Ralph Fiennes...... He has been a secret crush ever since I saw him in The English Patient (I think I may have seen it a dozen times) he is such a gentleman, regally/old fashioned  handsome, somewhat mysterious, and charming without trying too hard. Besides, any actor who steers clear of the Hollywood "scene" gets major brownie points in my book! He strikes me as  intelligent, decent and supremely talented. Plus I want to hear that British accent!

Ludwig Van Beethoven..... His music always haunts me but in a good way, Moonlight Sonata continues to be one of my all time favorites, and when people talk about music "moving them" I am pretty sure Beethoven's reign over classical music has something to do with that. I loved the movie "Immortal Beloved" with Gary Oldman (bought the CD  and DVD)  and still blast his CD's in my car much to my kids horror, when I am feeling particularly dramatic or dreamy. Plus full disclosure, I wonder as I  know thousands of others do, who was he really thinking of when he penned "Immortal beloved"?

Albert Einstein........ Because I have always been fascinated with this man, I mean putting his rocking hairdo aside....  to think all of that intelligence was in ONE brain. I really enjoyed reading his
autobiography a few years ago.  And just admit it- every one of you wants to run your hand through that dollop of white hair on his head! I want to hear how he thinks, what he feels, what ignites his fire, what he thinks about our world today, etc.......

Julia Child Who else could take the place of the unofficial live wire of our soiree? A larger than life character, I hope she might come early to give me a few tips in the kitchen! Besides, anyone who broke the rules and tore down gender barriers as she so successfully did and won the French over, is someone I can learn a lot from! I can hear her boisterous laugh now, it would fill the room with such a warm and positive energy, heck.....Ludwig might even warm up to her! 

Bono...first his music is AMAZING. Maybe he will indulge us with an impromptu performance? A mixer with Ludwig perhaps? Now that would be incredible!  Putting his brilliant music aside, and too many hits to name, I respect him for the humanitarian and crusader that he is. He has certainly made it "cool" to make your mark in this world and I have a great amount of respect for him!

Princess Diana......do you really need a reason? This beautiful person, inside and out embodied elegance, grace, dignity, compassion, empathy, humility and peace. I so admired her and was saddened to hear how she had been so unhappy for years. It was so uplifting to see her happy again towards the end....I know she is missed by so many. I want Diana sitting right next to me.....miss that beautiful face.

Sandra Bullock...... because lets face it she IS America's sweetheart and I want to have a gal pal like her to kick under the table when Albert starts talking about unified field theories that just go over my head, Ralph winks at me from across the table or Julia Child starts singing!

Prince William and Harry... if not for the one reason that they could reunite with their mum, so she could see how they have matured and blossomed into strong, able, accomplished  young men. I know she would be so incredibly proud. To hear that Will is soon to become a father and learn of all the great things Harry is doing....I know would put on a smile not only on her beautiful face but on every one of us at the table. (and I am sure more than a few tears)

So there you have it.....my guest list for this wonderful dinner. The only difficult thing was narrowing it down. There are so many people I would have liked to include, but maybe this will become a regular gig and I can start inviting groups of 10 over every weekend....now that would be fun and something to talk about!


I am only fretting over who to sit where......any ideas?? Maybe after each course we can change seats so we all have a chance to "mingle". Have a beautiful and dreamy day!


Want to see more "dinner parties" and who is sitting at their table? Click on over to Splenderosa to visit all the other fabulous bloggers participating! Click here.

By Invitation only.....join us in Paris!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Wow its 2012, well being a lover of even numbers, I am confident this is going to be one great year! I am happy to open the door to a new year, full of new possibilities, new connections and opportunities.....bring it on!

I just realized late last night, today is MY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR BLOGGING!! I can't believe it!! I didnt' have enough time to prepare a full celebratory post but will talk more about it tomorrow and announce a few giveaways to celebrate!! This is some milestone, and I am over the moon that I made it this far!! And I owe it all to my fellow bloggers and readers, so THANK YOU!!

As part of the fun group, "By Invitation only" that I am lucky to be a part of, we decided to, after the success of the Christmas party, all meet up in Paris for a "New Years lunch" to usher in the new year and celebrate the gift of friendship. This was a lot of fun, and when dreaming why not dream big......so we are heading over to the fabulous and famous Parisian restaurant, Pre Catalan for a fabulous "last all afternoon" Champagne luncheon!  It is here where we will spend hours and hours talking, chatting, gossiping, reveling over our holiday highlights and of course talking about what lies ahead in the new year and going forward.

When I think of going forward, I think of ways I can become a better person, a more giving person who gives to the best of my ability. Someone who will be the mother, wife and friend that  I can be proud to be. I truly believe no matter your age, you are always evolving and if you open your mind and heart to constantly learning and improving then you are destined to continue to become a better, stronger, kinder, more intelligent and wiser woman! So in going forward I focus on positive changes, and being conscious of ways to constantly improve myself! And not just talking about them but putting them into action! Cheers girls!

In addition to having lots to talk about, It was decided that we would feature what we are going to wear to this chic soiree and as I am grateful to have these women as my friends, I also am bringing a small gift as a token of our friendship to each one, a celebration of a new year. So below is what I plan on wearing..I wanted it to feel chic, elegant, timeless and above all else very classic!

So here is the setting of this fabulous get together, the beautiful and sophisticated Pre Catalan..

Think this will pass muster? Yes!

Beautiful and elegant dining room, hope they are giving us a big corner table.....there will be lots of laughter and it could get loud and boisterous!

Certainly whets my appetite!

And then  what I plan on wearing....wanted it to be sophisticated, comfortable, elegant and classic......

This chic little mink stroller will be perfect to brave the cold Parisian streets

A close up of my pretty feminine ivory silk blouse by Dolce and Gabanna

And these classic wool Ralph Lauren slacks  in winter white

A classic pair of snakeskin shoes by Jimmy Choo

Here was my basic inspiration....love this classic look, works in any country!

Gotta have my chic super buttery brown driving gloves

And of course have to sport this classic French timepiece, the Cartier roadster watch!

This stunner of a necklace courtesy of Chanel

These pretty little sparklers!

Of course have to have some Hermes here....so why not go all the way! A gorgeous birkin and a fabulous enameled cuff.....

Might as well throw in this chic little beret... I will channel my inner Catherine Deneuve!

And a little keepsake for my special friends to commemorate our special day together.....hummm, wonder what it could be! No peeking!

And a little something for my special group of friends!! 2012 only comes along once after all! You know it has to be from Frances best!

To commemorate my 1 year anniversary,I am going to be offering you readers a few fun giveaways. I am going to announce them in tomorrows post, so please stay tuned! Thank you for joining us in the one and only Paris.....what a delightful afternoon! 

I hope you got a chance to see my "Reflections on 2011" post yesterday. It really speaks to my whole Going forward as much as it does what I have learned this past year. Click here to visit! 

Wishing everyone a truly stupendous 2012! Au Revoir!