Author: Frances

Postcard From Burgundy – Part 5 – le Fin (the End)

As I was saying, from a bicycle you see aspects of scenery you might otherwise miss from a Ferrari, and there is something to be said for that. Bicycles also have more head room. That you have to wear one of those dorky helmets seems a small price to pay. What I don’t understand is… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 5 – le Fin (the End)

Postcard From Burgundy – Part 4 – Market Day

One of the best things about France is its outdoor markets, and every town has one. A centuries old tradition, le marché is the happening place for procuring the week’s privisions and no doubt a good deal of gossip. Like Did you see Pierre? What  was he thinking with that beret…? In addition to gossip, fruits, vegetables,… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 4 – Market Day

Postcard From Burgundy – Part 3 – Bopping Around Beaune

Beaune is a charming town, walkable, manageable, with good little shops, and a bustling Saturday market. Good food too of course. And wine, which you know. One of my favorites was Laronze-Decor, managed by the charming and gracious Nicolas, whose family owns the shop, and come to find out a kitchen shop and bed and… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 3 – Bopping Around Beaune

Postcard From Burgundy – Part 2

This scene sums it up: the vineyard, the softly undulating landscape, the church steeple marking the center of a beautiful village, and the backside of a biker. Bikers were always ahead of me because, a) I am slow, and b) I stop to take pictures, which makes me, c) even slower. The good news is… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – Part 2

Postcard From Burgundy – No. 1

One of the nice things about biking through the French countryside is that you can stop and smell the horses. And you can come in for a closer look. We visited the Abbey of Citeaux, begun in the eleventh century and one of only two Cistercian abbeys in France that allow visitors. The Cistercians were a… Continue reading Postcard From Burgundy – No. 1

Flew to France, Watched Dancing, Planted Roses, in That Order Backwards

Have just landed in France and driven 72 years to Dijon. Okay 3 hours to Dijon and another 3 to get to the hotel which you cannot get to because every street is one-way opposite the way you need to go and the other streets are closed for construction… So finally I am lying on… Continue reading Flew to France, Watched Dancing, Planted Roses, in That Order Backwards

Modern Farmhouse Chic in France

Do y’all know about the blog Honestly…WTF ? Don’t you love the name? My friend Liz from Santa Barbara told me about it (thank you, Liz), and it’s done by hipsters Erica Chan Coffman and Lauren Kolodny who are bi-coastal like me, style mavens and cool hunters like… I won’t push my luck. But they… Continue reading Modern Farmhouse Chic in France

My Sister the Tango Temptress, Dancing for Alzheimer’s

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you went on Dancing With the Stars? Me neither. Okay maybe a little. Well now I have a pretty good idea thanks to my baby sister who has been working her bo-hiney off in a local charity’s take-off on DWTS  called “Dancing Stars of Atlanta.” The purpose… Continue reading My Sister the Tango Temptress, Dancing for Alzheimer’s

East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

If you’re in a small town and they have a parade, you must always go because you are guaranteed to feel good. Parades exist for the sole purpose of show, smiling and cheering. Memorial Day parades in particular honor our military and all who serve country and community. In East Hampton and small towns everywhere… Continue reading East Hampton Memorial Day Highlights

What’s Black and White and Red All Over? A Scalamandre Zebra Tote Bag

So I’m standing in the misty rain Thursday morning waiting for the bus to Long Island when I spy the distinctive silhouette of designer Steven Stolman,  currently president of the venerable textile manufacturer Scalamandré. And then I spy his tote bag. It’s a bit early in the morning for this kind of talk but I sidled… Continue reading What’s Black and White and Red All Over? A Scalamandre Zebra Tote Bag

‘Tis Iced Tea Season — Here’s the Best and Prettiest

It is always iced tea season at my house. After noon and sometimes before, there is a glass within reach. My mother was the same way. Genetic research supports this, particularly in the South. But have you been to Paris lately? Iced tea has become popular there as well. (I swear those French, always copying… Continue reading ‘Tis Iced Tea Season — Here’s the Best and Prettiest