Joie de Viver ~ Affordable Luxuries

original image google- image edits HHL

With Christmas less than a week away, I thought I would share with you some items that I have started to incorporate into my everyday life (and some that are on my wish list) that don't break the bank - but definitely add a luxurious feeling to everyday living.  These would be great gifts for anyone on your list or a little treat for yourself.






Laura Mercier ~Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath ~ The delicious scent of almond coconut milk and honey infuse the bath water, emitting a gentle fragrance, turning my bathroom into a relaxing and soothing luxurious oasis. After twenty minutes or so submerging my body in this heavenly liquid, my body is left feeling refreshed, nourished and silky smooth.


Crabtree & Evelyn~ Vanilla handwash ~ We were gifted this wonderful luxurious handwash by our friends from Vermont. Mon ami says it's all she uses in her bathrooms and since trying it, ~  it will be the signature handwash at chateau High Heeled Life too! even Mr. G. loves the vanilla scent it exudes.

On my Wish List ~
Trianon

Cire Trudon ~ I recently discovered the world of Cire Trudon candles and to say I'm beyond excited is an understatement. These candles are known for the quality of their wax, which is made from rice, soy and copra (coconut kernal). It burns cleanly, doesn't drip, lasts a long time, is biodegradable and is particularly well suited to carrying pigment and scent. The glass containers used for the scented candles are hand made in Vinci, Italy.

G. Lalo Stationary ~ There are many luxury brands of writing stationary to choose from, but few have a history that dates back almost 400 years. I have started using G. Lalo Verge de France stationary and whether using a ball point pen or my fountain pen, both glide magically across the page with ease. Lavender and champagne are my choice colours in size 5 3/4 X 8 1/2 ~ perfect for short notes and letters.

On my wish List ~
"Versailles" Collection 

Originating in Paris in 1919, G. Lalo quickly rose to be 'de rigueur' for social stationery in Paris and in the royal courts across Europe with its handcrafted stationery. Two aspects of G. Lalo stationery contribute to its fame: the quality of its papers and the elegance of its presentation. A paper is selected and allowed to bear G. Lalo's exclusive watermark only after exacting examination of its texture, weight, finish and color.

Verge paper has the look and feel of handmade paper. It even has the grid of parallel translucent lines ("vergeures") made as the paper was laid to dry. These grids are very helpful as guides for handwriting. Verge paper was made by hand in huge vats, and today, G. Lalo makes the same paper according to traditional methods but with modern techniques.

On my Wish List ~
The Butterfly

Lampe Berger ~ To cleanse and fragrance the air in our home we use various scents from Lampe Berger depending on season and the rooms. Paris Chic is a favourite for spring and summer , throughout the main living areas. For the kitchen I love Almond Pear or Orange Cinnamon; when cooking a delicious meal So Neutral is a great option (especially when cooking fish dishes) - removes odors without adding fragrance. To freshen up the air in the bedrooms (most important when it's winter and windows are rarely open) Lavender fields is our choice.The first Lampe Berger lamp was created in 1898 by Maurice Berger, a pharmacy dispenser, to purify the air in hospital wards.

Hot Water Bottle ~ on cold winter nights who doesn't enjoy the warmth created by an old fashion tradition ... the hot water bottle? Instead of just having the plastic touch your feet ... why not up the comfy factor with a cashmere hot water bottle cover. These are from Restoration Hardware, but you can easily find them in most shops that carry the standard hot water bottle. I have seen them also in Alpaca , wool, faux fur, and velvet.

WHAT ARE YOUR LITTLE AFFORDABLE LUXURIES?

Sharing this post with:  A Return to Loveliness Tuesday ~  My Simple Country Life for The Country Homemaker Hop ;Katherine of Katherine’s Corner for Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop; Kathy of A Delightsome Life for Home and Garden Thursday;Sheri at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home; Courtney of French Country Cottage for Feather Your Nest Friday; At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday; Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. ~  What Inspires Me Friday

Getting my Joie de Vivre Back ~Part one

Trying to re-discover your passion for life or your creativity ~ 

to say it can be overwhelming, would

certainly be an understatement. Making it worse is often the chaotic, treadmill we find our every day lives on.

Perhaps ... we can learn a little from those who have mastered the Joie de Vivre .

Take time to think, and reflect on your thoughts...

Even a bird needs a quiet place to think.

Treat yourself to the small things in life that really bring a smile to your face.

Take inspiration from those who are passionate about their creativity.

AND are doing it!!

Look back in time to the those who came before us and followed their passion, their dreams...

Remember asking for a little guidance .... believing and having faith goes a very long way.

Find your inner child. Children are fearless, and adventurous... 

take a chance.

Even the tiniest of God's creatures ~ will teach us , nothing is impossible!

Put your heart and soul into it and you too can get out of the cage your in!

I have taken the past week ... to pause and observe, those who seem to have figured out the "secret" to Joie de Vivre  ... can you guess where I have been doing my research?

joining ...