How NOT to cook.

"How NOT to cook" aka "lessons learned the hard way". This is a self help book with a difference - a project that invites you to share advice on what NOT to do in the kitchen. Your burnt offerings and unmitigated disasters now have a place! See more of the How NOT to series, or submit your advice.

Bumper day.

Today we set off to discover the Marché des Enfants Rouges or Market of Red Children in the Marais. Being a national historical monument and the oldest market in Paris as well as off the tourist beaten path it seemed worthy of a visit. We weren't disappointed. Apart from the fact that it's August and not every stall was open we still browsed the photography store where I picked up some vintage postcards of Versailles; bought a baguette and fresh produce and dawdled over coffee. 

The strange name of this market is well explained here.  "Marguerite de Navarre, sister of King François the 1^st and mother of King Henri the 4^th (who was the one to end the religious wars that had been bloodying France), was a very well educated, politically engaged and charitable member of the royal family. In 1534 she had an orphanage constructed in what is now the Marais whose little pensioners were dressed in red as a symbol of their status. The orphanage was closed in the beginning of the 17^th century and in 1615 was transformed into a market dubbed the Marché des Enfants Rouges (market of red children) to commemorate the charitable establishment that had occupied the site for almost a century."

A few hours later we were drenched. And I mean drenched. Our search for a specific art supply store was fruitless and the umbrella proved flimsy and inadequate. It would have been far more sensible to take cover until it was over but 'non' we pressed on! The weather in August is changeable - apparently the hottest but also wettest month in Paris. Up until this date it's been a light drizzle now and again - no serious rain. But enough about the weather.

 

Far more interesting I believe, is the latest task I've set for myself. Along the lines of the Julie & Julia Project I've purchased a copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". (We found an English bookstore near the Tulleries and I blew my entire daily budget on books.) 

I like to cook, I like to bake and quite unfortunatly for the waistline I like to eat the results. So it should naturally follow that while in Paris I should attempt some French cooking. The catch is that I'm severely limited in this endeavor by an teeny-tiny, extremely basic kitchen - with no oven. That rules out a vast number of recipes in the aforementioned cookbook. Nevertheless my aim is to attempt a dinner menu composed from it and I'll document the results should they be blog-worthy. Or perhaps even if they are not. 

Our bumper day was rounded off nicely with a visit to 'Angelina'. It was simply impossible to pass by this century old tea shop on Rue du Rivoli. Apparently once frequented by Proust, Coco Chanel and other famous names it was definitely worth the stop. 

Another full day. Now what to do this evening?

Reading matter.

I'm reading a lot a at the moment. Not just the books above although I've enjoyed immersing myself in all things French - I've also discovered some fantastic blogs about Paris. Some were in my reading list before, but most are new. Here are a few...

David Lebovitz

Food author, dessert king and renown blogger who I've followed ever since the purchase of the ice cream bowl of my KitchenAid..

God, I Love Paris

Great updates from a sweet-loving writer in Paris.

99daysinparis

A couple from Canada in Paris for 3 months - fun 'Wino Wednesday' posts and exploratory walks around Paris.

Unlock Paris

The editor of GoGoParis - great intro to interesting Cafés and so on.

HipParisBlog

Paris tips and insights into touring, renting, living in the city.

I'm now debating what reading material to take along on our trip. The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton and Affluenza by Oliver James are on my list. But I think definitely need something 'lighter' as well. Thanks to Candice for our guidebook and English/French dictionary. And to the others who have passed along novels they thought we'd enjoy. I'm sure I'll manage to pass the loooong flight with my nose firmly buried in a book, if not a blog!

Top Drawer.

The above already combine two of my favourite things - books and perfume - but the pièce de résistance is the awesome cover design & illustration. Credit to Klaus Haapaniemi. Spotted at CR where you can view some of his prelim work. 

Marian, you beauty!

I've pre ordered this book by Marian Bantjes. Due for release in September it looks a fantastic visual feast. 

Blackheart Gang - Book launch

The creators say that "If we were to imagine that a coffee table was a person, then the 'Tale of How' coffee table book should be considered to be some sort of fabulous wig or magical hat that the above-mentioned person could wear out to parties and things."

See more here. The illustrations look awesome.

It's bollocks, pure and simple.

I think I'll have to get this book. Looks like just the right amount of bluntly put anti-self-help type of self help! And I think Janet Street-Porter is hilarious.

"The fact of the matter is, if you don't want bags under your eyes, go to bed early. If you notice your chin sagging, talk a lot! If you don't want to look your age—a miserable old cow—smile! That'll take 10 years off for a start."

Marc Johns

I'm completely enamored with the work of Marc Johns. And now he has a book of "Serious Drawings" coming out. 

Trailblazers, Pathfinders, Groundbreakers.

Women of Design looks like a great collection of work by talented women. I hadn't realised that the Japanese art director Nagi Noda had passed away a few months ago. How sad to loose such a talent. I've blogged about her animal hair hats before. I'll have to put this publication by the clever people of UnderConsideration on my wish list. 

Judging a book by it's title.

Any recommendations for books to read this summer holiday? I already plan to track down the above - simply for it's delightful title and I hear The Time Traveller's Wife is a good read. Suggestions? 

Tony Davidson

I heard this ad man speak at the Eagles breakfast on monday morning. 

He has an amusing book out: One-Track Mind. ...blogging from work...shh

Wisdom

Wisdom.

I watched the dvd from this book this morning. Get it. Brilliant.

No Worries.

I wish I felt like this. I need to learn to stop worrying. 

From the The Happiest Book. By Alex Ostrowski.

I've edited my collection

The number of books in my home had begun to overflow my bookshelves. Piles had started here and there, gathering dust. I love to read, and occasionally re read particular titles. But something had to be done to alleviate the pressure on those shelves! I heard about a little swap concept bookshop and thought it would be worth investigation. Yesterday I spent time sorting through novels and happily headed off with two large bags full of books. I was impressed with the set up of the little store and returned with a fistful of cash (they give you 50% of what they will charge for a particular book) and of course another 3 novels (including Moxyland by Lauren Beukes which I've been meaning to read). I'll definitely be visiting again.

For some ideas on curbing your book clutter visit here.

For anyone in Cape Town the store I visited is 'The Book Shoppe' in Tokai 021 7131528.

Don't you love the cover design of this book? It's by designer Dale Halvorsen. The book even has it's own soundtrack.

Biblioteq

Pop over to elledeco to see images from Tord Boontjes new(ish) book. I'm a fan and snapped up a garland light shade as soon as I came across one (about three years ago on a european holiday). His work seems to be everywhere now but I still love my light shade.


Biblioteq is a great little bookstore where you will always find something inspiring. They also get involved in exhibitions and competitions fairly frequently. Next one in conjunction with Mingo Lamberti is next week, see below.