Chic Parisian

Pesto bean soup

2013-03-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

when i am not feeling my best, there are a few foods that are more soothing than my mom's ratatouille. i came across this recipe and decided to make it since i had all the ingredients required and it seemed pretty simple. well guys i have to tell you, it takes a bit longer than heating a can of soup in the microwave, but it is well worth it. The creaminess of the beans, the freshness of the basil... and i could go on with every details but i guess you have to try it out.

Over the weekend

2013-03-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

It seems to me like the past few weeks have flown past really fast! i can hardly believe it is march 10. Hopefully the summer will be here before we know it, because i am done with this stupid snow. ok it looks good and all. and it is fun for a little while, but every time i hear the word "snow" now, i swear i hear parking tickets or car towed.We must have had at least 7 parking tickets just this winter.lame!

Anyways, the weather was nice on saturday so we spent the afternoon in Boston. we had lunch at Four Burgers and did some shopping/walking around. Mathieu loves being out, so after being inside for 3 days straight he was soooo haaappy. i also cooked an Amazing soup {which i will share with you in a separate post because it deserves it} and some orange and yogurt parfaits with red wine caramel {you can see the photos below} that were not very good to be truthful. they might have turned strange because i used Bordeaux instead of Syrah wine {i used whatever i had at home}. Oh well! i will still give it another try though.

and let's move on to sunday so you guys can know the WHOLE STORY.

Jeremy and Mathieu spent the afternoon at his parents house so i got to be truly alone. it was awesome! i got to rearrange my closet, do my nails, take a long shower {that involves: hair mask, face mask and the whole shebang} and even stumble upon a letter that i wrote to my dad. i was probably 7 or 8 years old. Hilarious!

The point is after all that, i kept thinking about much i was missing my boys.

French lesson for travelers - Part one

2013-03-10T19:20:00.003-07:00

2013-03-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Oh hey!

Nothing exciting is going on here. this is why you have a photo of me looking like a rat! whatever!

here I am thinking....

ok, I have been staying home without moving, when I say "without moving" I really mean it. Mathieu has been sick for 2 days now and he needs me to hold him constantly {my poor baby, it breaks my heart to see him this way}.

so while being a live pillow/bed, I have been browsing online for a Persian carpet. Found one on Ebay. Looked at it for almost forever while thinking about things that has nothing to do with carpets. Placed the bid. Turns out, it is not a Persian carpet it was made in Turkey... Ok... what was I looking at for almost 45 minutes ?

thinking while shopping is dangerous! {oh and luckily someone placed a higher bid and that makes me free from a carpet I don't want}.

we HAD to go to the store because Mathieu did not have anymore milk and came out with three full bags of groceries.

i am currently obsessed with leather jackets but why should you even care ?

hummmmmm...... i am making a veggie frittata with a salad for tonights dinner.

oh!

wait!

ahah ! just kidding !

see ? nothing exciting.

A day in the life // Friday on Saturday edition

2013-03-02T10:06:00.002-08:00

//We made pizza last night, and Mathieu helped!

//These babies are called Chausson au pommes - they are like some kind of apple turnover but better. Yum!

//What Mathieu does while I make breakfast. So fun! (I want to mention, he did not write his name ;-))

// by the way, saturday morning blueberry muffin?

// beautiful copies of hand drawn pictures from our family friend Richard Bertman. They go perfectly in my living room!

life lately according to my phone pictures

2013-02-28T15:38:00.006-08:00

Yep! a bunch of indoors photos .... and food ... that's all I've got to show you right now.
On a side note, I am working on a first time motherhood post to put into words the millions thoughts I have,
but mostly these days, I am busy being super mom!

I love it sooooo hard.

Basics of French language - Greetings

2013-02-21T14:27:00.001-08:00

Bonjour everyone!

I am exited to start a series of videos teaching some basics of the french language. I hope you find them helpfull! Let me know if you have any questions I will be glad to answer them.

Here is the vocabulary that I've used in the video:

Bonjour - Hello

Salut - Hi

Comment allez vous/tu ? - How are you ?

Tres bien et vous/toi ? - I am doing well and you ?

Je m'appelle Sarah - My name is Sarah

Enchanté - Nice to meet you

Au revoir - Goodbye

Merci - Thank you

Just the two of us

2013-02-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

Since Mathieu was born, Jeremy and I have had very little time to ourselves. So when my dad offered to take care of our babe so we could have a whole night together, we just had to make it happen! I've never spent a night away from Mathieu so I was a little anxious at the beginning.

We decided to go to dinner and ate at Oleana, it is a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant located in Cambridge. We thought that by going out on a Monday night it would be quiet and romantic, but it was the complete opposite. The restaurant was packed and rather loud. The food was great on the other hand. We very much enjoyed the flavors and ingredients combinations on our plates.

The best part of our meal ? DESSERT! We shared the Baked Alaska {coconut ice cream with passion fruit caramel - see photo below} it was amazing!

And the best part of our night? to be just the two of us and of course to get a full night of uninterrupted sleep! been a while!

Thanks for stopping by Blizzard Nemo!

2013-02-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hello guys!

I am sure most of you have heard of blizzard Nemo {cool name!}. This storm passed through the northeast this weekend and it pretty much snowed from Friday night to Saturday night. It was AWESOME! {I am not sure Jeremy would say the same thing because he had to shovel out our two cars...}.

I know I say that I do not like the cold that much but being snowed-in with Jeremy and Mathieu is so much fun! We spent the whole weekend playing, cooking {eating}, dancing, looking out the window and took little walks when it was not too windy.

Oh! and I got to sleep in on Saturday and Jeremy on Sunday, so we both got to snooze a few more hours.

Here are a few photos from this weekend:

{Mathieu showing Jeremy the tractor removing the snow in front of our house}

{These madeleine's look burnt on the photo but they were good!}

{Wine and ....}

{Popcorn for movie nights when Mathieu went to bed}

{I watched the Star Wars saga for the first time and I am converted. I am a huge fan. I am thinking about re-watching the whole thing! Oh! and my favorite movie was "The return of the Jedi" in case you want to know :-)}

I hope all of you are doing great!

XO

It is snowing over here

2013-02-03T14:26:00.001-08:00

Today is Sunday! and Sunday is always special to me because we get to have dady around and I get to sleep in {sometimes}. I haven't had a full night of uninterrupted sleep in more than a year so to me the word "sleep in" sounds so luxurious.

Also, it was snowing for a few hours so when we saw Mathieu getting super excited in front of the window we decided to take a little walk in the neighborhood. Luckily the snowflakes were the biggest and fluffiest that I have seen in a while and it was not freezing cold. Of course it made me extra obnoxious to the point that I was jumping around like a five year old.

Talking about five year old, I am getting old ... I found out that I have three gray hair... that is not very awesome but hey! it's part of life! So before I start with how much my body has change since my little munchkin came into this world, I will stop right here and wish you all a wonderful Sunday!

Is It Spring Yet?

2013-01-25T19:01:00.003-08:00

Well I wish I had fun things to write about, but to be honest, right now we are just trying to get through this stupid winter season. It has been soooo cold for the past few days and just going out to the grocery store is a mission. Jeremy has been working longer hours at the office so lately it is just me and my little man living life around here. I try to put "my brave face on" while going on with my life and motherly duties but seriously I am exhausted. I think about the single parents or parents with multiple kids and I tip my hat to all of you because having kids is no joke.

Luckily Mathieu is still a very happy cuddle bug even though we are stuck inside. He likes going out but, reading books, drawing {everywhere but on paper}and playing chase down the hallway is as fun as a trip to the park.

So in tribute to these winter indoor hours, I though I'd share a few things from around the house and some of Mathieu's favorites books.

Stay warm!

Sarah

and the cloth diaper giveaway winner is ...

2013-01-23T05:50:00.001-08:00

Mathieu and the Ipad

2013-01-17T08:49:00.001-08:00

He is just a little bit obsessed with the Ipad

ShopDiaper review + Giveaway

2013-01-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
I want to share with you some close up photos of these awesome cloth diapers from www.shopdiaper.com and also give you more details than I did on the video because with Mathieu running all around me it is just difficult to film and and share my thoughts clearly.

I am new to cloth diapering and always though that cloth diapers would be such a hassle to use on my baby, but I have to tell you, they are as easy to use and have multiple benefits for you and your baby. These diapers are more breathable, way softer and are just as absorbent as disposable diapers.

Also, disposable diapers are made of plastic and contain some chemicals that can be dangerous for your baby {who wants that ?} and the environment. The impact of disposable diapers on the environment is not negligible. I want to do my best to protect our home {the Earth} so our children, grand children and great grand children can experience the beauty of this planet. Using cloth diapers is another "green" step that I choose to take. Here is site with some helpful and interesting facts on disposable diapers.

Last but not least, www.shopdiaper.com is giving away a free one size pocket diaper and a free insert to one of our readers. All you have to do to enter the contest is to leave your email address below my video or send me your email at chicparisianblog@gmail.com.

I hope all of you are happy, healthy and staying Chic!

XO

Cloth diaper review and giveaway from www.shopdiaper.com

2013-01-08T17:18:00.001-08:00

A few moments from last month

2013-01-06T16:25:00.002-08:00

This box served as endless entertainment for days...children don't need toys.

Just pots, pans and a cardboard box.

The day we got married! LOVE!

Our trip to Miami.

Mathieu eating one chocolate square for the first time!

Placing the animals on the map is so fun for him!

We always have so much fun at the park. Mathieu never wants to leave.

My face says it all! lol

I felt really bad because Mathieu was so sad to see the Christmas tree getting back in it's box. But after explaining to him that we would see the Christmas tree next year and waving bye bye, he was all for it! he even helped remove some of the ornaments.

14 months update

2013-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

I feel so blessed to have such a sweet and affectionate little boy like you. I LOVE how you want to be picked up, and then you will just lay down your head on my shoulder and cuddle in. You love to snuggle in and be held. When I ask you for a kiss, you open your mouth as wide as you can and dribble right on my face.

You have all these little poses that we like to imitate

Your shovel is your favorite toy lately, you even sleep with it.

You love to play with the guitar and for the first time this past week you pointed at the guitar that was on the desk and said Guitar! with purpose! you have been saying a few words especially numbers in french { un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq! ahhh I love it!}. It is so amazing to see how you grow and develop.

I am so grateful to be able to say that you are a lovely, fantastic, healthy growing kid and I know that there are no guarantees, that things can change as we go through life... but right now things are really, really good. So I want to thank God for keeping you safe and healthy and I want to thank you for choosing us as your parents.

Love you,

Maman

Ps: I am writing you letters on this blog because it is the closest thing you will have to a memory book and the letters won't get lost.

Heart Linzer cookies

2012-12-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

Linzer cookies {sables} are typically reserved for the holidays but I do think that they are adequate any day. They are light and flaky and delicious{perfect with black tea}! So even if they took forever to make they are worth your time.

I followed this recipe and added 1/4 of ground almonds, used the whole egg instead of just the yolk. and used strawberry preserves instead of the raspberry jam.

I have a feeling that I have been blogging a lot about food lately... sweets to be precise... this needs to change... but here is the thing I LOVE food! especially sweet things. I used to be embarrassed by this but I don't care anymore. I like tarts and cakes and a whole lot more!

I might have a crush on sweet food...

Anyways! I can't wait for Mathieu to be old enough so we can bake cookies together.{sight!}

I hope you are enjoying the last few days of 2012. By the way, what are your plan for New years eve ?

I think we are staying in so I am trying to find some cute and special recipes. Let me know if you have any favorites!

{He had to! lol}

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-25T19:48:00.001-08:00

Hello!

It has been a few days since I last blogged and I was not sure how to start this post because a lot of things has happened since. So besides the fact that we had a beautiful Christmas, Jeremy and I go married last week. I will make a separate post about it. It was very simple intimate and honestly wayyyyyy cheaper!

Below are some photos of this morning, as you can see Mathieu is very serious when it comes to learning about a new toy! ahah! {I also sneaked in a photo of our weeding night and yes! I cried!}

I hope you have a lovely holiday no matter were you are or you what you are celebrating!

Merry Christmas!

XO

From my phone lately

2012-12-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

Family Holiday 2012

2012-12-13T21:36:00.001-08:00

This quick trip to Florida {Ft Lauderdale/Miami} was one of my most cherished experience with my husband and baby. Even though time was a little tight we took time to simply be together, have fun and celebrate the blessing of being part of this family.

The most significant part of this trip for me was Mathieu's time on the beach. His previous beach experiences were not exactly fun for him so seeing my baby rolling in the sand, playing with his little shovel and pail while talking and laughing was so great!

Also I will do a blog post about traveling with a baby {through the airport} and how I organize our luggage.

I hope you guys are happy and healthy and enjoying every moment of your lives. Thank you so much for the kind emails and for following along! We are happy to have you here!

{Our room was on the 26th floor - the view was breathtaking.}

{He kept looking at me and shake his head back and forth saying " no-no"}

{Counting his toes, I can't even...}

{We found it! our special 2012 Christmas tree ornament!}

CRANBERRY AND ALMOND GRANOLA BARS

2012-12-04T20:03:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I barely have time to prepare food for myself, I need something quick, easy and healthy. When I came across this recipe I knew it would be exactly what I was looking for. The hearty crunch, right amount of sweetness and texture makes it my favorite breakfast on the go/snack lately. I will switch the cranberry with some dried apricot next time and let you know how they came out. Let me know if you try it out!

Christmas tree!

2012-11-26T16:17:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday we decided that it was time to put the Christmas tree up and as one a our family tradition, we are purchasing one handcrafted or highly detailed Christmas ornament every year {we use to buy one for each member of the family but the tree would have been complete in a few years so we are sticking with one per year for now} and there are no better place to find handcrafted Christmas goods than the Boston Christmas Market!

Unfortunately we did not find the ornament of 2012 .... but we did find a cute little owl shaped wooden box, ate at our favorite burger place and spent an amazing time together.

Merry Christmas everyone!

{at Four Burgers}

{The holiday market}

{who made it}

{He was so happy - I caught a little bit on video which I will share later}

{Tada!!!! minus the new ornament ...}

{meanwhile! lol ! I had to share. he is so funny!}

Below are some of our previously bought "tradition ornaments":

{Mathieu's first Christmas ornament}

Grimes - Genesis

2012-11-19T18:24:00.001-08:00

Music is a big part of my life so I want to get into the habit of posting songs that I love on my blog.

So here we go ... my favorite song to be alive to lately!

Palmiers recipe

2012-11-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there is nothing better than a simple cookie like Palmiers. They look so elegant and special that they would be perfect for valentines day.

I want to share this recipe with you because they are one of my favorite childhood sweet treats. So it brings wonderfull memories each bite I take. I eat them with coffee or tea while Mathieu takes his afternoon nap {it is the best time to take a little Mom break during the day ;-)}.

Oh! and the best part ? you can prepare them in advance and place them in the freezer for a quick just baked treat!

I hope you like them!

Let's begin :-)

Ingredients: {for 18 cookies} one Palmier is about 63 calories

- 1/4 of a cup of sugar
- 1 sheet of puff pastry

Preheat oven to 450F

Pour half of the sugar on a flat surface.

Place the sheet of puff pastry over the sugar, sprinkle the remaining sugar and spread evenly with a rolling pin so the sugar is pressed into the dough.

Fold the sides of the dough toward the center so they go halfway to the middle.

fold the sides one more time.

Then fold one half over the other, closing just like a book.

Slice.

Arrange them on baking sheet. and bake for 6 minutes or until caramelized and brown on the bottom.

Meanwhile... lol

This is what they look like when it is time to turn them.

What they look like turned. Bake for another 3 to 4 minutes.

There are so many way to cook these but you could add some apricot spread or anything your heart desire at this point. as long as it spreads you are ok!

and they are done! They look shiny, light, and delicious... {can't wait until the eating part!}

Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

Enjoy!