Parc Monceau

A long time ago, a good friend introduced me to this park situated in the 8th district of Paris.. we had a lovely summer picnic amidst the huge trees. I seldom come here except when I need to go to the Singaporean embassy nearby to get paperwork done.

Nevertheless, it's always a nice walk, especially when one needs to seek respite from the unbearable summer heat.

Aki Boulangerie

My fave Japanese canteen in Paris for a quick & hearty bite... I'm here a few times a week.

Plus they have iced matcha latte which is hard to find in Paris!

Chouquettes

I can never say no to fresh warm chouquettes from the bakery... Sometimes I can eat 10 at a go!!! 

They are so soft and buttery.. it's easy to eat one after another :)

Saturday at the pub

It's finally warm enough in Paris to wear summer clothes.

Rugby match days at the neighbourhood pub are always filled with cheers and good fun.

purple

fresh lavender // recipe notes // the Celeste cake from Eric Kayser // artichokes for a warm summer day

At the salon

Whisk away!

Ever since I drank a cup of frothy matcha at a Japanese restaurant here, I've become very interested in the matcha tea ceremony and to create the experience chez moi!

I didnt invest in the best tools or matcha as I wanted to experiment with them first. 

But it turned out pretty good :)

You will need: a sieve to reduce lumps in the matcha powder (but I didn't use one), a bamboo scoop (chashaku), a bamboo whisk (chasen) and bowl (chawan).

Make sure the water is not too hot, around 70-80degs Celsius. Put a few scoops of matcha powder. It took me at least a minute of whisking before I obtained the foam.

Not bad for a first try ;)

Enjoy! xx

Le Caféothèque

Often credited as the cafe which started the coffee revolution in Paris a few years ago, I finally made my way there this afternoon.

Service friendly & warm, huge space for a cafe with a decor reminiscent of brazil and africa, plus good coffee - full marks in my book!

sunday in the country

whales

Outfit du jour. 

Whenever I wear this sweater, people always ask me: ARE THESE WHALES?

Yes they are! I love them :)

Catherine Deneuve looking suspiciously like Gwen Stefani.

Matcha yoghurt cake

These days we have been busy with clearing & moving stuff, meeting interior designers & the whole house is a mess. But I did find some time to bake my very first cake, a matcha yoghurt cake. It turned out moist & delicious!

The recipe was randomly googled and it was a good one: 

http://kirbiecravings.com/2009/07/easy-tasty-matcha-green-tea-yogurt-cakes.html

Days at home

Watering the succulents... they are my fave plants!

Folding the laundry... 

My husband's family has remarked to him: Ermmm Jasmine seems to always be in marinières (striped tops), is it her wish to be a sailor?? 

I'm just lazy & it's so easy to wear stripes all day long.

Most afternoons I go to our new fave hangout.

And at night I try to cook dinner.

What started out as a tarte provencale became a pizza haha.

Nanashi

I love going to Nanashi in the Bonpoint boutique because they always serve great Japanese bentos filled with organic greens, rice and fresh sashimi.

It's also where you can read a book quietly and have a coffee without worrying someone will chase you out.

Fete de la Musique

On 21 June every year, Parisians celebrate the Fete de la Musique. Everyone, young or old, can play music all night long on the streets and the whole city comes alive with musicians and singers setting up stage to showcase their talents (or lack thereof haha!)

Mamie Gateaux

I often go to the Chapelle de la Medaille Miraculeuse in Paris and have tea after at Mamie Gateaux. 

Le Bon Marché is just round the corner and it is such a joy to shop there cos it's so quiet. Being on the Left Bank and relatively far from the major sightseeing spots, it's the only department store which has not been invaded by tourists yet. 

 After so many years, they still maintain their much-loved old school decor..

Craving for warm scones today!

the Mini Palais

The Mini Palais is always a great place to meet friends for lunch... When the weather is good, the terrasse with its tall pillars is a must!

Pork belly which was frighteningly fatty.

With my dear friend Lula who lives in Aix but comes to Paris once a month.

Lunch outdoors

Musée Gustave Moreau

at the market

friday morning

Nothing better and simpler than this.