Catherine

It seems that cafes have taken over other meetings places as a safe haven for conversation and first dates for friends or potential love. Even sitting with a book and having a latte and cake is acceptable when on your own. And yet, we could stay home with wonderful machines and capsules or using coffee grinders to taste tantalising flavours hinting of different countries and climates but we choose to find our favourite caffeine spot. Cafes were originally seen as seedy dens of iniquity where outcasts, philosophers, artists and renegades met to discuss their ideas and to pass on

As the hot summer temperatures continue and French and Italian tourists swap coasts, the locals wait for the sun to lower before going out for an apéro. Tables and chairs are pulled out and colourful combinations appear competing with the sun bearing down, making it a pretty sight to see. The bright orange of Apérol spritz and cool wine piscines beckon with snacks and people flop around in the coolest clothing they can find and watch people passing by. A recent evening was fascinating as various nods and knowing looks were made as young ones in synthetic pyjama styles

Amitié, a lovely French word, meaning friendship and peaceful harmony and so relevant this year. 2023 has been full of endings and beginnings, opportunities and challenges and friends in all forms have come forward often at the 13th hour. When an Embassy visit was needed, French neighbours gave keys to their Paris apartment with the promise of a dinner as payment next time we meet. During a challenge, a work friend kept in contact across the seas offering support and checking in to ensure that the equilibrium settled. Others have been there to offer a drink, a kind word,

August is arriving and the heat is on. The beach beckons morning or early evening as the sun shimmers, the sand sizzles and the sea soothes. The song lyric springs to mind, 'mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun'. It is hot. Shades of orange and lemon can be seen in beach umbrellas, t-shirts and decor and sunflowers are appearing in the markets. Sunflowers are the classic symbol of the season and shout, summer is here. The history of sunflowers is fascinating as initially it was all about the oil, dye and healing properties. They are

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language" (Henry James). I am with him. Europe is hitting high temperatures in July and the beaches are full of umbrellas, suntan oil, seagulls and people soaking in the vitamin D on the sea. It is hot and everything has to slow down as we do a shoe shuffle walking to anywhere and everywhere. Suddenly blues, aquas and anything to do with fish and the sea is showing up in interior design. Readers of this blog will know that Feng Shui

"Wherever I lay my hat, that's my home', sang Marvin Gaye and Paul Young. For some this means constant moving, others see it as being comfortable where they are. Most of our friends have one key common factor, they have roamed and homed in many countries and cities. Some have one foot in one country and another foot elsewhere. Others are still moving forward addicted to the adrenalin of a new place and space. Many of us have rented and owned different styles of living, including cliches of dingy studios, tiny apartments and large suburban houses. We talk about

"The oldest form of theatre is the dinner table.” ~ Michael J. Fox. When friends gather around at home, or in a restaurant, there is a wonderful anticipation of bonding, or there should be! Yes, there are 'obligatory' meals, with stilted conversations and muted opinions based on what not to say. But I am talking about those get togethers where there is a genuine rapport and a love of good food and wine. Friends who love to cook are the best as this is a demonstration of passion and a sense of trust. What if the meal doesn't taste

We sang our hearts and voices out in a two hour concert in an ancient church at the top of Cannes hill. Thirty two voices blended in to one and it is an amazing feeling. Try it! It is also a community that has been welcoming and where good friends have been made. The night ended with a late pasta, lots of French songs, wine and bisous.

My favourite colour is finally showing up in stores here. Lots of navy, bright blue and a dash of turquoise. Being inspired, side tables were brought up from the cellar, or cave as they call it in French. Lamps and ornaments were placed and the eclectic living room looks slightly more together. It was always going to be a room that was difficult to style with Feng Shui aspects. It is placed in our Wealth sector, gets less light than other rooms but is cosy in the winter. The colours are stronger than we would normally use but different