Margot Austin

I'm the kind of person who likes to visit grocery stores and drug stores when I travel just to see package designs. Love this. If the packaging is particularly good then I might buy something -- no matter what the product is. Some of my fave pretty packaging destinations are Marks & Spencer (especially the boxes of Scottish porridge), Harvey Nichols Food Hall, Ladurée (natch! especially the Boîte Bouledogue), Muji (London, Paris, New York), Côté Bastide Paris, Mario Badescu. Of course liquor stores are another great source. I have the most gorgeous bottle of Absinthe that I bought as a prop for a shoot. And last week I found the prettiest bottle EVER -- Sayuri Sake. And last but not least -- love the cans of pear and apple soda I spotted at IKEA recently. The design reminds me of Enzo Mari's La Mela and La Pera.

Bonne Maman wall light, The Collection

A lot on the go right now and half my head is frozen from a dental appointment, so for today, just this: When hubs and I were in Paris in Sept 2008 for Maison & Objet I got hooked on Bonne Maman Fig jam. So glad I can get it here -- so flipping delish. Imagine my delight when I found this beaut of a sconce light -- made from an empty jam jar and a recycled coffee filter. I have a real affection for this little lovely.

peace out. Need pain killers and apple sauce....

Some days aren't as good as others. This has been one of those not as good ones. When one is surrounded by words like murder, assault, cheating, lies, suicide and sickness, one can sometimes feel the weight of the world -- and the world is heavy. But a taste of Paris and some magnificent cherry blossoms help a little.

source: the cherry blossom girl