Friday, May 17, 2013

Mon Petit Plaisir



Mon Petit Plaisir 
~ My Small Pleasure ~


Hyacinths for the Soul 
is about the extras in life, 
the little pleasures, that feed my soul. 





 Petit Plaisir ~ the French attitude 
that one should occasionally indulge in 
a small extravagance from time to time.  




Here in the states, I treat myself to a 

Starbucks
Coffee Frappuccino Light



~ While in Paris ~ 

Angelina's  Le Chocolat 

a Ancienne Dit "L' Africain"





~ Angelina's Salon de Thé ~ 
226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, 1st

"Much more than a simple patisserie or tearoom, 

Angelina is a luxury brand with a prestigious


 image that symbolizes the French way of life."







This legendary tea room offers the perfect indulgence. 

~ Thick, Rich Liquid Chocolate, Like No Other ~

~ A Light Afternoon Snack ~






For Monsieur

 ~ Tri Colored Quiche ~






For Moi

~ Club Sandwich ~ French Fries ~Mesclun Salad ~






~ A Mont Blanc to Share ~

An Extraordinary Cake 

~Meringue ~ Whipped Cream ~ Chestnut Cream Vermicelli






On the Way Out ~ An Assortment of Gifts





For Mes Amis Stateside

~ Chocolat ~




Oh La La, Paris in the Spring!

 The winner of the 
Paper Blossom giveaway.




Congratulations to Christine!



Christine's Home and Travel Adventures

Please contact me with your addy, and this beautiful book and box of note cards will be on their way for you to enjoy year round.  Thanks to each who entered the giveaway.  I wish I could send each of you a copy of this beautiful book.





Celebrate France with 
Anita and others who adore all things French.


France Simply Irresistible @ Castles, Crowns, and Cottages

Also Joining

Oh, the Places I've Been @ The Tablescaper
Festive Friday Fiesta @ The Home Girl
Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Pretty Things @ TwelveOeight
Tuesday Treasure @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Your Gonna Love It Tuesday @ Kathe With An E
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

60 comments:

  1. SARAH!!!!

    THANK YOU for reminding me of all the glorious chocolate experiences in Paris! Angelina's chocolate is SANS PAREIL, without equal. It's almost like a pudding, isn't it? Luscious photos and magnificent memories to help others make their own. Merci mille fois for participating and coming by! AND I was trying to put this random generator on my next blog post draft to announce the winner of the book but could not figure out how to do it! ENJOY! Anita

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  2. Hello dear Sarah, Ahhh what a delicious post you are sharing today my friend! The pleasure of treating oneself to fabulous treats such as your rich liquid chocolate from Angelina’s salon brings back such wonderful memories from Paris for me. No one serves hot chocolate like Paris! Lovely post Sarah.
    Congratulations to Christine........

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  3. Oh my friend how homesick you make me for glorious France! I'm ready to hop on a plane right now! :)

    Happy weekend!

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  4. What a sweet post! Now all I can think about it chocolate. Looks like a wonderful trip. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Dani

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  5. Ahhh...Angelina's...one of my favorite places EVER! Thanks for bringing back the memories!

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  6. Oh our American coffee looks so boring and uneventful! Coffee in France is a party in a cup! It is chic. I think I will pour my coffee coolatta into a china tea cup and sip slowly.

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  7. Sarah, one day we need to meet in Paris to have chocolate at Angelina's. Your photos are absolutely stunning. I want hot chocolate right now, and it's 86 degrees here....

    Judith

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  8. These foods looks so yummy. I wish I had one of Angelina's le chocolates right now. I am a chocolate lover, and I'm sure I would love to visit here.

    It's nice to meet new friends.

    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  9. You just made me sooo hungry...LOL..What beautiful food.I love food...How can I not, when I'm from New Orleans.Thank you for sharing your wonderful blog.
    Also Congrats Christine !!!
    Its been a pleasure,
    Marie Antionette

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  10. That chocolate looks simply amazing!! Wow, wow, wow.

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  11. My dear Sarah. How fun: We are both joining Anita for her special "Celebrate France" party... Have enjoyed your photos tremendously, especially the Angelina shots, bien sûr. :-) I am not surprised to see we both enjoy the same summer drink chez Starbucks also! Bon weekend, ma chère Sarah. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  12. Paris gourmand, à déguster sans modération !
    Merci pour ces délicieuses photos.
    Amicalement
    Marie-Ange

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  13. Heel Sarah, Thank you for taking us to Angelina's! The hot chocolate looks amazing and the food too!
    Sarah x

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  14. Hi Sarah. Thanks for dropping into to say hello as part of Anita's France party and introducing me to your fab blog. Your garden really is beautiful.
    So glad that you can join us for our lovely cake stand giveaway too, the more the merrier:)
    Have a great weekend.
    Paul:)

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  15. I came by again to ask you a question about the random generator, but I am caught up again in all this DELICIOUS BEAUTY, SARAH! I have been having such a great time visiting everyone, and your post here is so filled with love! MERCI!

    Oh, that darn random number generator! I did as you suggested by taking a photo but it looks terrible...my fault; my photography skills are lacking! But what I simply cannot understand is why the RESULT does not appear on the widget! AH! Thank you for trying to help me; your image here looks fantastic, but mine is very grainy and looks "tampered with!"

    I guess I need to just pull a name out of a hat! MERCI! Anita

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  16. You did a marvelous job capturing the aroma and luxury of eating at that charming cafe! I can almost taste the thick, rich dark chocolate hitting my lips... that are covered in lightly sweetened whipped cream. Real whipped cream. And as I recall, they don't add sweetner to it. Is that right? Doesn't matter. It's heaven either way!! Thanks for sharing!

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  17. Welcome in France...nice to see you here.......love to do this together...Anita is such a good friend to all of us...enjoy the weekend love Ria...xxx...

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  18. Sarah, this is wonderful, it makes me feel as if I'm on a sidewalk cafe in the heart of Paris.

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  19. Congrats to Christine! She is so sweet. Sarah, thanks for the trip to Angelina Paris! How much fun! It has been too long since I've been to Paris. I want to go back soon! Shanley is in International Honors and is minoring in French. She will probably go for a semester or two in a year so that will give me the perfect excuse to go!

    Lovely post, Sarah!

    xo,
    Ricki Jill

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  20. Mmmmm I wish I could taste some of those wonderful things you've shared, Sarah! Our youngest son and DIL are just on their flight home from France and Italy. He's been emailing me and sharing what they've done each day and best of all, what they've eaten. I can't wait to see their pictures.
    Congrats to Christine!!

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  21. So nice to meet you Sarah, and congrats to Christine!
    Thank you for taking me along on this magnificent tour.. I truly enjoyed my stay..
    fondly,
    Penny

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  22. Oh the French cup of coffee looks heavenly and the light afternoon snack. I do love Starbucks but don't too often. Thanks for your visit today.
    Ann

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  23. What a wonderful post, Sarah! Are you in Paris now??? If so, I hope you are having a wonderful time.

    Congrats to Christine on winning that great gift.

    For some reason, I am not getting your updates on Blogger. Can't figure out why. This did this to me before. Not sure what gives.

    It is also not updating another blogger friend.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  24. Sarah~ What wonderful indulgences and what a treat~ a delight for the soul and tastebuds too! Thanks for my virtual visit, I fear it's the only way I'll travel to Paris :) Congratulations to Christine!

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  25. Chocolat!

    You know my favorite!

    I must say that the Monsieur's tri color quiche would not be safe in my proximity.

    So lovely that you shared your petite pleasure with us!

    I am pleased to meet you, Sarah! I will be following your lovely blog!
    ~Lynne
    withLove.

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  26. Oh Sarah, this French Café looks like heaven for me. The hot choclate and the trats look very temting. Congratulation to Christine for winning this fabulous book. What a creativity to make such center pieces from paper. Really amazing.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  27. Sarah:

    Thank you for taking us on such a lovely trip to France and being able to enjoy their life style.

    - Alma, The Tablescaper

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  28. Glorious hot chocolate Sarah.
    This lovely trip to France is wonderful. I never tire at looking at the beautiful pictures, food, etc. Thanks again for you visit to my blog and encouraging words. xo Linda

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  29. I loved Angelina's chocolate when I was in Paris and I usually don't like hot chocolate, so it's quite the compliment!

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  30. Hi Sarah! Oh, I remember eating the yummy sweets and chocolates in Paris! You're making me hungry too!
    If you get a chance, would you pop over to my blog and take a look at some little salt and peppers I found at a antique shop? There's no marks on it except 'hand painted'. I know you know so much about the things! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  31. Sarah, what a delicious post. Congratulations to sweet Christine.

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  32. Hello there Sarah!

    I just sent you an email via my gmail account; I hope it went through?

    Let me know! Anita

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  33. Sarah, that first pic is so beautiful. Most Paris pictures are a little gray since it is cloudy a lot at least when I have been there.

    I am ready to have a chocolate at Angelina's. What lovely pics of all the food.

    I enjoy reading your comments to people. You have a way with words.

    I will remember Angelina's if I get to go back to Paris.

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  34. that was so sweet ;-) i hope sadie was sitting on your lap as you did that post, for she has you well grounded! ah such sweet dream~

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  35. Angelinas was our breakfast stop every morning! Thanks so much Sarah for telling me the name of that beautiful chateau! I forget a lot more than I remember! Wish I were visiting Paris soon!
    Jacqueline

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  36. Dear Sarah You have the very best taste and now Angelina's will be first on my lists as you have appealed to my weakness!

    Come with me on my adventure in France.
    life, possibilities, grace
    a beautiful dream...

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  37. Oo la la! Thanks for playing and for reviving my memories of our trip there.

    Happy Blue Monday, Sarah.

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  38. OMYGOODNESS...what a delicious post, Sarah.
    I will never have the pleasure of visiting France...I hope my grands can all go one day. I hope they can enjoy the beauty of France...and the chocolate of France..:))
    Thanks for sharing, dear one.

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  39. Reminder to self: "Must visit Angelina"! I almost licked my computer screen it looked so good.
    Thank you :-)
    Di
    x

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  40. Thanks for sharing your little indulgences from Paris. I'll never be able to visit there, so I'll live vicariously through your photos. Gosh, the quiche and club sandwich look delicious. And, congratulations to Christine for winning!

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  41. Such fun! I think I'm about to go into chocolate withdrawal! Loving all of the posts...so very French!

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  42. The food made me hungry. Congrats to Christine. I played too. Mine are here and here.

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  43. Such a sweet delicious tour! Thank you Sarah .... Ah, this hot chocolate ...!

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  44. You make me want to go to Paris. I have never been there and it is on my bucket list! Little treats and indulgences brings so much joy along with them!!!
    That chocolate would be on the top of mon petit plaisir!

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  45. Oh my the chocolate looks devine, such wonderful treasures from Paris. Great post. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  46. Oh, that hot chocolate looks devine! I've been to Paris 3 times and this is the first time I've ever heard of Angelina's, it kills me to know I missed this! Your sandwich also looks very appetizing! Paris is not only a feast for the eyes!

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  47. That was a DELICIOUS post... Thank you for sharing such delights!

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  48. Oh Sarah, my mouth is watering! I'm at my office with no chocolate in sight. That cuppa chocolate has me drooling. Even your club sandwich has me drooling. Beautiful photos. Congratuations to Christine! Lucky lady. laurie

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  49. Sarah I am adding this to my notes for my trip to Paris! :)

    hugs,
    Linda

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  50. A perfectly French chocolate and to dine on the wonderful foods. Your post is causing a wish for all things French. The closest place to us is New Orleans and the French Quarter for Texans. A Delicious Feast in Photos! Tres Bon!

    Pam

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  51. My 2 favorite things to eat in Paris were caramels from Ma Maison du Chocolat and Berthillon sorbets.

    All of your photos made me hungry!

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  52. Lovely to discover your beautiful blog, via Anita's party.
    The food looks delicious, especially the chocolate at Angelina's.
    I love Hyacinths too, and our little blue Persian cat was named Hyacinth.


    Happy day
    Carolyn

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  53. Sarah,

    What a delightful post for Anita's party. All of this food and drink look so elegant. Beautiful images. It's been a fun party, hasn't it?

    Blessings!
    Heidi @ hi-d's place

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  54. How can I not be mad for paragraphs about chocolate... pictures of chocolate for days? Lovely blog and a great view of the world and the little pleasures that feed one's soul. Thanks to Anita for bringing it all together for a great party.

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  55. I am drooling...
    What a great trip, thanks for taking us along and for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  56. That chocolate - I do believe I could smell it!
    I wish I was still getting notice of your posts - I hate to be late to comment.
    Regarding the French delight in the small indulgences; it reminds me of how the Danes have perfected the art of beauty in the everyday. The small luxuries are so important.

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  57. I cannot stand all the tings I have been missing out on! This was wonderful and what a fun party! I want a Mont Blanc! I love chestnut purees and creams!! :)
    Karen

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  58. I had to take another tour of your wonderful Angelina post for Anita's FRANCE Simply Irresistible. Just love looking at the beautiful photos of hot chocolate with miles and miles of whipped cream...

    Judith

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  59. Still not getting your posts on my blogroll:(

    That tricolor quiche..what a great idea.. :)

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  60. Angelina's has the best hot chocolate on earth :)

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.