Mothering Sunday 2014

I cannot believe I haven't posted in over a month! If there was "bad blogger" award I surely would win it! What is even more incredible is that it has been a year since my last mothers' day post (here). 

All mums are amazing, just being a mother, grandmother, or a carer for anyone then you are doing the most fantastic job in the world, congratulations. 

I personally think Kid President says it better than I ever could, so here it is folks.....

In honour of mothering Sunday and my mum in particular I think its great to share a few photos of you and your special lady. These photos were taken a couple of months ago, when the days were lazy and sun was shining and when mum and I decided to go for a little ride through the woods. 

Mood - Grateful 

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Le Petit Palais

During my family's visit we took a petit trip to the petit Palais, the museum of decorative arts and little sister to the Grand Palais which lies on the road opposite. The beautiful thing about this museum is the actual building itself, which I personally found more interesting than the art itself.....but shush don't tell anyone that. Architecture counts as art in my book and I never tire of seeing the wonderful array of buildings that Paris has to offer. Wandering the streets you can find everything from a southern village-style villa to a living building covered in plants (Quai Branly) and an art nouveau facade. 

This is exactly why I was so fascinated by the Petit Palais and its incredibly architecture. Inside, the palace is a tribute to the artists that were commissioned to contribute to its design, with mosaic floors, painted frescoes and sculpted sweeping staircases. 

The palace is built around an inner courtyard garden, that curves around several water features and shaded walkways lined with sculptures. The gardens are overflowing with green vegetation and the whole place has a feel of natural beauty to it which contrasts with many neatly pruned and carefully cultivated French gardens. The whole museum was so peaceful and we only came across a couple of other tourists. 

As always, I just don't believe it's necessary to queue in Paris or to have to push your way through crowds of tourists. The way to see the city in all its glory is make the most of off-peak tourist hours, so post-5pm during the week and early in the morning on the weekends. Perfect for popping to a gallery after work and making the most of a sunny day at the weekend. Having said that, it was not sunny when we visited the Petit Palais, not that it stopped us from enjoying it at all. 

Mood - Hot and flustered (crazy heat wave in Paris) 

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Ralph's

I want to tell you about the most beautiful and wonderful place in Paris. It's called Ralph's and it is the little restaurant nestled in the courtyard of Ralph Lauren on Boulevard St Germain. Ralph Lauren is a simply chic and classic brand that oozes laid back style and sophistication, whilst promoting the enjoyment of the finer things in life. This mantra also applies to the little restaurant that feeds its crowd of supporters. 

The hustle and bustle of the busy Boulevard St Germain is instantly lost as you step into the shady arch passage leading to the central courtyard of the boutique. The sound of traffic, bus horns and angry taxi drivers is replaced with the quiet chitter chatter of the city's finest, catching up on daily affairs and exchanging conversation with their friends. Paris is lost and it feels like you have found yourself in a quiet, relaxed courtyard garden in the south of France or even Italy. Fresh flowers cover the tables whilst big white parasols blotch out the sunny sky, shielding the clientele from the hot rays on sunshine, creating a cool and shady escape. 

Plush nautical blue and white wicker sofas make this simply beautiful terrace a little corner of luxury. The waiters are quietly attentive, very attractive and refreshing pleasant compared to many waiters in Paris. They dance around the little maze of tables bringing over freshly made mojitos and little bowls of toffee-nut popcorn. 

We stopped for a leisurely refreshing drink and cake, Paris's answer to tea and biscuits. As much as I love french patisseries, sometimes I crave cake, proper cake. For this, Ralph's is the perfect solution. I chose the home-made ice tea, which is a treat in itself as cool earl grey is poured over ice and a little jug of syrup is provided so that you can mix it to your own taste. I like mine as sugary as possible, with a little slice of lemon. Mamma T decided on a little trio of desserts, including the brownie, ice-cream and cheesecake. AW chose the raspberry sorbet and a minty-fresh non-alcoholic mojito. Everything was delicious, if a little too indulgent. 

Ralph's is the perfect place for a little afternoon-tea, a cool evening drink or even a leisurely lunch. I saw the burgers, they looked amazing so I will definitely be back for dinner sometime very soon. In my opinion, this would be the perfect little date spot. I would certainly be impressed. 

Mood- Appreciative

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Les Jardins de Versailles - Part II

After exploring the the sumptuous rooms of the palace Mamma T and I decided that it was time to venture into the gardens to enjoy the sunshine, have a picnic and to stroll around the grounds. The gardens are free to everyone which means that there is a mix of tourists, joggers and couples shading themselves leisurely amongst the trees. Despite being formal gardens and in France we were free to sit on the grass and decided to picnic by one of the grand statues. Unfortunately the water was not on for the fountains and I was informed that there are specified water shows which really show the garden off in all its glory. 

I love how happy Mamma T looks in this photo

The main formal gardens are set out in a rectangular grid that leads down to the Grand Canal and we weaved our way amongst the wide shady boulevards and the lush green hedges that bordered the paths. Statues greeted us around every corner and the views of the Chateau were absolutely incredible. Unlike the beautifully planted and overflowing gardens that are often synonymous with large palaces, the gardens at Versailles were divinely understated. I mean that in the pleasantest way. 

We stopped for a sorbet and sat on the banks of the Canal, lying in the sun and just appreciating the incredible display of natural and man-made beauty that surrounded us. The old fashioned sorbet stall was an old car and the vendor was the friendliest ice cream man I have ever come across. My lemon sorbet was so bitter and refreshing and gave me the energy to walk back to the Palace. The chateau de Versailles is not a day out for the faint hearted and the ache in my feet proved how much we walked. 

My favourite part of the gardens was the Orangerie were we stopped to pick a few oranges, fresh from the trees (or pretended to anyway). The palm trees, the hazy heat and the fresh smell of vegetation transported us to a tropical land and it was impossible not to be impressed at the incredible sculpture and topiary. 

The best thing about the gardens was that they are absolutely free and would make the perfect afternoon trip for a picnic with friends or even just a good book. 

Mood - Refreshed 

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