One Of My Favorite Perfumes

One can enjoy a little Paris, everyday, simply by dabbing a little French perfume on your neck, wrists, and décolletage. In fact, it is one of my 25 suggestions in an earlier post, Finding Your Frenchness. Have a signature perfume. If one signature scent is not enough for you, have one for daytime and one for evening, or one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter.

Miss Dior was my signature perfume in high school that I loved to wear. I loved the fresh floral scent, yet never knew all of the fascinating history behind this fragrance. Rekindling my love for this fragrance came from two recent events. The first, was watching the Apple TV+ series, The New Look (2024), which tells the story of Christian Dior’s couture journey during Nazi Paris, opening his own couture house, and his famous debut of “The New Look” his ultra-feminine collection for women in 1947 that gave hope, beauty, and spirit once again to the world. The second, was reading the book, Miss Dior (2021) by Justine Picardie, specifically about Christian Dior’s younger sister, Catherine.

Catherine Dior’s story is fascinating. Christian and Catherine Dior were always very close. Catherine Dior was Christian Dior’s muse, and whom the fragrance, Miss Dior, is named after. She was the only member of their family to be at his couture house the day his “The New Look” collection was presented to Paris and the world. The fragrance of Miss Dior had been created, but not released yet on the market. His couture house was filled with a preview of Miss Dior fragrance scent wafting in the air that momentous day.

Christian Dior’s inspiration for his fragrance, “Miss Dior” was remembering his mother’s garden full of roses and exactly how it smelled. Lily of the Valley scent is prominent in the fragrance too, as he thought of it as his “good luck” flower. Each of his designs had a small Lily of the Valley discreetly sewn into the garment.

Christian Dior and his couture designs became world famous virtually overnight. At one point in his career, he was responsible for 50% of France’s exports. Catherine Dior’s life was humble, courageous, and always tied to flowers. She joined the French Resistance during World War II, was captured by the Nazi’s, tortured, and survived years in a concentration camp. She was honored and recognized by France for her service and bravery. After the war ended, and after she had time to heal physically, socially, and spiritually, for a few years she had a cut flower business in Paris. Preferring to be a rose cultivator, she moved to South France near Grasse, Provence, and lived in the rustic family home she inherited from her father, where he had lived later in his life. She helped Christian Dior cultivate the specific roses he needed for his fragrance. She still tended her beloved roses, close to age 90, and up until shortly before her death.

Christian Dior had an untimely death of heart failure in Italy at age 52. He left everything to Catherine Dior. Although Christian Dior was very successful, he employed 1,000 people at that time and was one million “1957” dollars in debt. He had bought a lovely huge estate in Provence he was renovating, as well as a new apartment in the Paris 16th arrondissement. Catherine Dior took on the task of selling the properties to pay off his debts, ensure his name and business would endure, and started the first Christian Dior museum in Normandy on the property where the entire Dior family had once lived and prospered before their father went bankrupt and fell onto hard times.

There is a Christian Dior museum in Paris called La Galerie Dior, at 11 Rue François 1er, Paris France. It is part history, and part testament, to Christian Dior and his six successors, and their visionary Parisian haute couture. It is closed on Tuesdays, and you must get tickets in advance. It is on my list for next time I am in Paris.

With all of the incredible history behind the Miss Dior fragrance, it makes it so much more special wearing it. I love knowing that it is so garden-oriented, so rose-oriented, and really so love-oriented.

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“MON PETIT CHOU” CORNER

Two Of The Three, Clear Stain Glass Windows

I am selling three clear stained glass windows and a glass etching. These were in our home when we bought our property, and probably from a previous owner’s remodel in the 1980’s. They would be perfect for someone’s garden shed or a “she” shed. The clear stained glass have wood frames, which would probably have to be re-framed. The etching below is glass with no frame. Pick up only, no shipping.

Stained Glass Windows Dimensions are 62.5” long x 26.5” wide. Price is $75.00 for each window.

Etching is 32” high x 24” wide. Price is $75.00

If you have an interest in any of these, please email or call me at (tel) (760) 402-7600. Thank you.

Glass Etching With Woodland & Deer Setting

Wishing You A Great Week & Bastille Day July 14….Bonnie

Walking In An Open Field At Sunset In The French Countryside

Having spent some time in France now, I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my ponderings of this life. This is a quick, short list.

Some of these ponderings stem simply from experiencing a different culture. Some ponderings are simply from not knowing. Still other ponderings are from trying to get it right, and still getting it wrong. It is all in good humor and jest. Perhaps these ponderings will give you a smile or even a chuckle.

1) Lunch is sacred. Most shops and services close for midday. People stop and dine for a big lunch. In South France, parking meter spaces are free from noon to 2pm, so everyone may enjoy their lunch.

2) The French are known for their “joie de vivre” and relaxed present moment living. On the road, however, is where they must take out their inner demon frustrations by driving fast, close, and taking risky chances.

3) I have found the French very friendly and helpful, yet they are private people. They don’t go for a lot of small talk and “chit chat.” They like to be direct, which might be misinterpreted.

4) They respect their land, tradition, and culture. They work and use the land, borrowing it from their children and grandchildren. Organic methods are practiced and popular. Farmers, fishermen, winemakers, and artisans of food are held in high regard. Market days are part shopping, part social, and part traditional celebration.

5) Recycling is taken very serious, and exactly spelled out as how to recycle. Most villages have a designated spot for recycling paper, glass, and plastic. Household non-recyclable garbage is picked up once a week. Landscape greens, construction materials, used household items have to be taken to the nearest dump which is free with a processed card that proves you are a resident.

6) The number of croissants a boulangerie bakes for a day, is meant to sell out in the morning. Almond croissants are not baked by every boulangerie and tend to go very fast. Consider your day special, if you get an almond croissant.

7) Since many of the homes, villages, and buildings are very old, I mean hundreds of years. They are quite good at fixing and maintenance. They like to keep things in good working order as best they can. I think that they prefer fixing old over new. There is certainly a respect for those who came before them.

8) The cost of living is fairly low. Water, insurance, and internet is very reasonable. Electricity is very expensive. Electricity is more common than gas now. Induction cooktops are very popular.

9) They love their dogs and smoking, two of their favorite things.

10) Days are nice and long, with late sunsets. The heat of the day usually comes around 4:00 to 5:00pm. Dinner starts later because of their midday lunch and relaxation break. There is always room in the day for cafe time.

11) Weather can be a little more dramatic with hard fast rain, thunder, and lightning. There are varying degrees of Mistral winds in South France, which can blow sometimes for days or with big gusts that catch one off guard. I was at a flea market one Saturday morning, where local vendors had beautiful mirrors and paintings falling down right and left from the wind gusts.

12) School children have Wednesday afternoon off, and can go home for lunch twice a week, if they are picked up. School lunches are multiple courses, with fabulous cheese, etc. French food culture is taught early, to be delicious, quality, and in courses. I can see the smile on Alice Waters now. France has a national program, free for all children, to learn how to swim.

13) The French take great pride in their country, but you won’t see them waving French flags. It is just a given. They do love a good protest, too.

14) French love their gardens. If they don’t have garden space they may have flower boxes, pots, and usually climbing roses on the front of their homes.

15) You often hear more “non” than “oui.” One has to get use to that, and understand the “non” to get to the “oui.”

16) The color “French Blue” is alive and well.

17) French people are masters of quality, style, and good taste in every aspect of living. It is a real joy to observe and experience this. Vive la France!

Sunset In The Magical French Countryside

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Buying Pillows in Uzès, France

My husband, John, and I last summer bought a little stone house dating back to 1850, in a little village outside of Uzès, France. Officially in the Gard Department, it is often considered the very western part Provence, about 25 miles from Avignon.

It was a dream of ours that somehow got tucked away for twenty years. A yearning for more of Europe and a thinking of a “next chapter,” back in July 2022, we started looking online at properties in South France.

It was my task mainly to find this dream house and property for us. I started searching online in the Languedoc area, as suggested by friends. A very personal choice, somehow, something felt missing, and it occurred to me that from all of our travels and familiarity with Provence, that maybe we should be focusing on an area closer to Provence.

I was looking for a charming little stone house, old—but moderately updated. I didn’t want a lot of property to keep up, but perhaps a few flowerbeds and an outdoor terrace. It had to be in the countryside in a smaller village, and with great access to airports and trains. It had to have a lot of potential to decorate in a rustic, simple style. It had to be in an area that had vineyards, colorful markets, festivals, and a lot going on. I had a very clear vision of this house in my head.

Mas de Manion Needing A Gardener’s Touch

On our May 2023 trip to France, time had run out. John and I were driving back to Barcelona in two days to catch our plane home to California. I remember thinking vividly, “okay, this is not going to happen this year.” The very next day we found the listing, by pure luck. We were visiting a small village market, new to us, and saw a small real estate office off of the market square. I had a feeling about this house from the very first time I saw the photo and listing in the real estate office window. VILLAGE HOUSE FOR SALE. MAS, RARE. It was meant to be.

Mas in French means farmhouse. Barely 800 square feet in size, it is a charming little house with a kitchen, living room, and one bedroom and bathroom upstairs. A pied à terre. A small outdoor terrace connects the main house to a separate studio, which was originally the tiny barn where they kept animals. Mature landscape was there, yet overgrown, but nothing that a little pruning and gardening attention could easily remedy.

“Cooking Up a Storm” at Mas de Manion

This area of France is very beautiful. There are lots of vineyards, farms, little charming villages, black truffles, and even magnificent Roman ruins. I can’t say enough!

John Happy To Explore The Vineyards Around Uzès & Beyond

The Roman Aqueduct Masterpiece, Pont du Gard, Is Close To Our Village

The Stunning French Countryside This Spring Outside of Uzès

For those of you who have big dreams of something in your life. My advice to you is, “chase it” and not tuck it away. Do it now. You won’t regret it!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Tickets Are Going Fast!

The truly incredible Village Garden Club of La Jolla is bringing internationally renowned floral designer and floral farmer, Gabriela Salazar to San Diego for a very special luncheon event, speaking program, and floral demonstration all rolled into one. Tickets are still available, and are open to the public. Please see above for reservation details, and who to contact for more information. You won’t want to miss the magic of Gabriela Salazar!

Wonderful Ingredients for Truffle-Tomato Bisque

If you love “Simple French Comfort Food” and want to add some carefully curated recipes to your repertoire, please sign for the upcoming Saturday, March 2, 2024 culinary experience at Domaine de Manion. Spend a day in France, learn new tasty recipes, and enjoy a relaxing lunch. For more details please visit: Simple French Comfort Food Culinary Experience

Newly Planted Arugula, Carrots, Fava Beans, Lettuce, Kale, Onions, Peas, and Swiss Chard

January, and the new year 2024 has been very productive and busy for us at Domaine de Manion. I have had our massive pine trees trimmed, refreshed and mulched all of our pathways with the chipped trimmings, pruned all of the roses, redesigned a flowerbed, and started the winter potager. That is just the garden and landscape.

Inside the house, I have reorganized my closet, linen closet, and kitchen. Donated clothes, shoes, belts and odds ‘n ends. Refreshed this, and refreshed that. It is a great feeling to start the year off this way!

With that said, this year I am venturing on to new projects and places—which means I will still be writing my posts, but maybe not as regularly as every Friday. I am not going away, but devoting a little more time for travel, events, cooking classes, and surprises! Please keep your comments and interest coming. I always enjoy hearing from all of you. Please stay tuned, and please share this blog with friends and loved ones that you think might enjoy it for a “Taste of French Country Living.” One can sign up for this newsletter on my homepage at Bonnie Jo Manion.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie

Provence Lavender

Many have tried to define the magic of Provence, but it is not one single thing, it is many, many glorious things together.

“Provence is one of the great garden destinations of the world. It is a special place where the beauty of its natural landscape has magically mingled with civilizations for centuries, and the beauty keeps on radiating.” —Bonnie Jo Manion

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Manna, A Modern Day Atelier

From time to time I write about “Places to Know” around San Diego County which are special and of interest. For those who live in the San Diego area, there is a great new breakfast/brunch spot called Manna, A Modern Atelier.

Located at 1076 N. Coast Highway in Leucadia, it is a special place indeed. Open from 9am to 2pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The name, Manna, means an unexpected blessing, especially in a time when needed the most. Don’t we all need a little of that?

Manna is the latest creative project from owner, Chef Andrew Bachelier, whose culinary skill has been duly noted with his time spent at Blanca, Addison, Cucina Enoteca, Campfire, and Jeune et Jolie to name a few restaurants. He has collaborated with his longtime friend and chef de cuisine, Marlaw Seraspi, who also has a noted culinary resume.

Bachelier has one another creative project up his sleeve, collaborating with local skateboard legend, Tony Hawk, in another Leucadia location with a new restaurant called Chick & Hawk. It is expected to open the end of Summer 2023, beginning with a dinner only menu.

Çilbir—Turkish Soft Poached Eggs, Herbed Yogurt, Chili Garlic and Buttered Toast

The menu changes seasonally, and chances are you have never had a breakfast close to anything on the menu before. I had Cilbir, Turkish Eggs, soft poached eggs with herbed yogurt, chili garlic and Prager Brothers grilled butter toast. Divine!

Pleasant Outdoor Seating at Manna’s in Leucadia

It is a small space with a 25 seat dining patio, which is wonderful for morning dining, and experiencing the Coast Highway 101 corridor vibe in Leucadia. Closed on Monday and Tuesday, weekends are busy, so a more relaxing introduction to Manna might be a weekday morning.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Stopping To Smell The Roses in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, Provence, France, Photo by Debbie McGowan

The French love their roses, just like they love their dogs. May is a perfect month to catch France in full bloom and especially the stunning peaking roses that adorn their front homes, gardens, and stone walls. A On a recent trip I tried to capture some of these beautiful roses to share with you all.

I couldn’t identify many of them, but I did see quite a few of the traditional Eden, and Pink Eden. Enjoy these photos, and let them take you to France a moment!

The Village of Siran in Languedoc, France

Welcoming Roses Greet You at a Village Home in Caunes-Minervois, Languedoc

Matching Eden Roses Adorn the Front of a Village Home in Caunes-Minervois, Languedoc

A Fairy Tale Village Home in Caunes-Minervois, Languedoc

Never Mellow Yellow for a Village Home in Trausse, Languedoc

A Beauty in a Garden in Uzès, Gard

Rambling Rose in Caunes-Minervois, Languedoc

Bonus, have you ever seen a field of naturalized poppies blooming. It will take your breath away.

A Field of Poppies Blooming Outside of Uzès, Gard, Framce

Hoping your garden is happy, blooming, and giving you a smile!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Dreamy Dining Room

My husband and I rented a beautiful two bedroom apartment in the historic center of Uzès, South France. This apartment is within walking distance of everything, so convenient, so relaxing, and so inviting. If you ever get a chance to visit this charming town, plan on staying a few days.

We found this stunning apartment on AirBnB, called C’est la Vie, managed by Dominique and Christophe Cachat. She is American, and he is French. Dominique loves remodel, decorating projects, brocante finds, and it shows. They offer a number of properties to rent in the area which can accommodate a number of guests. Their website is www.uzesvacationrentals.com

Dreamy Kitchen

The kitchen all on one side, and all in white, has everything, even a dishwasher. I must admit we ate out most evenings, at wonderful tiny restaurants, some which were recommended, and some we stumbled across.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days in Uzès. We went to the Wednesday morning market which is bustling, located in the town center under beautiful canopy trees called Place aux Herbs. We had fun browsing, and bought some beautiful vibrant red-ribbed tomatoes, olive oil, black olives, Camargue (the wild marshland natural region south of Arles) honey, and more. From the cheesemongers we bought fresh goat cheese medallions and aged Tomme sheep cheese.

Rainbow Swiss Chard at Uzès Wednesday Market

Engaging in conversation with the chatty sheep cheesemonger, Monsieur Cheesemonger gave us this tub of his whipped sheep ricotta cheese as a gift. He wanted us to try it. He suggested it could go with sweet or savory. He said, “Have it for breakfast with fruit and honey, or in the evening with olive oil and herbs on a baguette.” Wow!

A Gift of Whipped Sheep Ricotta Cheese

I thought for a while, what could I make with this whipped sheep ricotta as a dinner. What came to me was a pasta dish inspired by Half Baked Harvest One Pot Recipes, a sort of loose combination of these two recipes,

One Pot Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata Pasta and One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta. I had mades these recipes before, and was inspired to do something similar with the ingredients I had. I didn’t have sun-dried tomatoes, but I had wonderful fresh market tomatoes.

Fresh Spinach Washed, Dried and Cut Up

I prepared the lovely fresh spinach, rinsing, drying, and cutting it up. I added a little Basil Olive Oil to a large pot, and began warming it.

Finely chopped a shallot and sauteed it in the pan. I then added my beautiful market tomatoes ( I wished I had bought more), a couple of tablespoons of rich tomato paste, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, chopped black olives, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. The tomatoes began to break down, and a nice sauce started.

Making Tomato Sauce with Black Olives

When I felt the tomato sauce was ready for the last ingredients, I added 8 ounces of shelled dry pasta, all of the spinach, and about 4 cups of water to the same pot, gently stirring on a medium low heat.

Adding Pasta, Water, and Spinach to the Sauce

Ten minutes or so later, the pasta had absorbed all of the water, and also the beautiful tomato sauce. It was a nice, creamy texture. Since I thought this sheep ricotta cheese was so fresh, and so special, I used it as a topping on the pasta, being very generous with a big dollop, rather than mixing it in with the tomato pasta. I think that was a good idea, because I didn’t want to take away the fresh flavors of the sauce.

One Pot Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Whipped Sheep Ricotta

We had a baguette to serve with our pasta dish, so one could also put the whipped ricotta on the baguette too. My one pot pasta dish turned out beautifully. It was a wonderful relaxing evening in with a delicious dinner and a nice bottle of wine.

I didn’t even mention the wine. Since we are winemakers, we always like to explore the wines of the area when we travel. The wine in this area is very, very good, and quite reasonable. Many of these wines are made with the Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre grape varietals. We befriended the local savvy wine merchant, who suggested a few local bottles for us to try. Chin! Chin!

à Table, Chin Chin, et Bon Appétit!

Not to forget dessert. The French really have some amazing desserts and pastries to tempt you. Earlier in the day, we stopped at our favorite boulangeries/pâtisserie and picked up a Lemon Meringue Tart for dessert. Heaven. I hope you enjoyed, Dreamy Dinner Chez Nous!

Splitting a Lemon Meringue Tart for Dessert

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie