A Sweet Romance

I just heard from one of my dearest friends who has returned from her honeymoon in France, and other than the fact that it was her honeymoon, all she could talk about was the food...sigh.

It's true - French food, and more specifically, French patisseries (pastries) are in a league of their own, making living about 10,000 kilometres away slightly difficult when the cravings kick in. That said, there's nothing wrong in sharing two of my favourite places in Paris which house delicacies so tasty you'll feel like you're in a dream. 

The first is the well-known La Duree - a classic tea house famous for their gem-like macarons in almost every imaginable flavour. The little mouthfuls are slightly crunchy on the outside but conceal their soft, velvety filling. My favourite flavours are Rose, Raspberry, Chocolate (though that goes without saying) and Pistachio.

The second destination is one far less classic but no less renowned. Sadaharu Aoki has made a name for himself by taking very traditional French methods and using Asian and modern ingredients such as green tea, ginger, and even black sesame. His patisseries taste incredible, and look even more exciting. 

I haven't yet looked at my girlfriend's honeymoon pictures, but something tells me that most photos will not be of her and her new husband...but rather her and her many culinary conquests. How could you blame her?

My Favourite Things version 1.2 - Duck For Cover

It's Friday night here in Sydney so I already feel more relaxed and eager to get the weekend started. As all forms of heat have suddenly decided to disappear without any warning, I've had to quickly call in for reinforcements - shawls, boots, jumpers, you name it. If it serves any warming purpose, then I've got it. 

Now that I'm not shivering anymore, I can finally get onto my Favourite Thing v.2 - and that is a good throw. 

I'm not referring to what baseball players do, but rather a beautiful wool or better yet cashmere blanket which not only aesthetically adorns a living room or bedroom, but also very dutifully saves you from any dreaded drops in temperature.

I pretty much have one in every room of the house with the exception of the bathrooms, and that's purely because I know I would be judged for placing one there. 

The great thing about throws is that they don't need to match anything - they can be of any colour, size and material and still make a room look warmer, richer and more inviting. 

I've come across many varieties over the years ranging from absolutely decadent to well, let's just say that airline blankets aren't much better. Frette - the Italian linen company, have created beautiful throws which would make any connoisseur happy. Of course, who doesn't want a Danish Zaphir sheared mink one? They have even created a range of special throws with matching slippers for our travel needs. Music to my ears. 

These are well worth a look, and of course make a wonderful gift...particularly to yourself.

www.frette.com

Always Listen To Your Mother

Helene Benhamou is a woman of many talents. She has headed up a successful fashion label, created her own range of homewares, is now becoming a leading interior designer in Europe and the Middle East and most importantly has raised two wonderful children. How do I know this, you ask? Well, it just so happens that I am the eldest of the two. 

HB Interior is her most recent and notable venture and while many components go into being a successful designer, her job can be summed up quite simply - she creates beautiful things. 

With an uncanny eye for new and wonderful things, Helene designs spaces which are not only highly original and beautiful, she makes them timeless at the same time. 

A touch of decadence and a large helping of elegance make each space unique and I am constantly trying to keep up with her ambition and talent. 

It's certain - I will always listen to her advice when it comes to arranging my home, but no matter what she says I still won't eat those brussel sprouts.

www.hbinterior.co.uk