How was your week? Did you all have a lovely Valentines Day? Mine was spent at the hospital keeping a loved one company, we shared Ferrero Rocher Chocolates, conversation, a laugh or two, prayer, and some hopes for our futures. Valentines is about love, and my heart was where it needed to be - at the hospital, overflowing with support and comfort for my loved one.
With all the stress I've been under, I've been taking refuge by reading, Paris My Sweet, by Amy Thomas, while soaking in a warm bubble bath before bed each evening. Amy's story is about her love affair with the city of lights and her obsession with Parisian sweets.
"French macarons are delicate but persnickety. Firm but tender, shiny yet ridged, with ethereally shells and heavy middles, they're miniature studies of contrasts - and deliciousness." Amy Thomas, author of Paris My Sweet.
This quote has me thinking that people aren't very different from macarons. Aren't we all studies of contrasts? Shiny to the outside world, often with heavy insides, tender and sensitive, yet ridged from life? We may be delicate and fussy, but when we are stripped to our core, there is a beauty to be found. A deliciousness of flavors and emotions - a robust filling of love, realness, and human emotion which is a beautiful gift.
I decided to host a surprise giveaway for one reader to win a copy of Les Petits Macarons, by Kathryn Gordon and Anne E. Mcbride. This is a visually stunning book with how-to recipes and direction to creating flavorful, French confections.
Giveaway Requirements:
Simply leave a comment below to be automatically entered.
The giveaway is open internationally and is open to readers who follow Inspired via Google Friend Connect.
Tweet about the giveaway or follow Inspired on Pinterest for additional entries, (be sure to leave separate comments for each).
Winner will be chosen by Random. org.
Good luck, my Sweets! xoxo
Are you a fan of the macaron? What is your favorite flavor?
Good morning Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI adore the images you post. I'm glad your able to be there for your loved one. Praying for you.
Macarons are probably my favorite dessert, and its a tie between lemon and salted caramel as to which is my most favorite
Beautiful post, Debby!
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Things will get better.
Happy Weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
The photos are gorgeous, I would love to have a house like that!
ReplyDeleteFrancesca
francivusk at hotmail dot it
Huge fan of macaroons. Pistachio and vanilla are my faves. I am happy you are seeking refuge in a bubble bath and great book....those who don't read will never know the liberation of getting lost in a really great book. I hope things are looking up a little every day and sending a hug and my best wishes:)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that you were with a loved one sharing hope for the future...what better way is there to spend Valentine's Day!! I will have to add the book to my summer reading list. Or maybe even for spring break! Have a wonderful Friday!
ReplyDeleteOMG Put me in, now.
ReplyDeletePrecious, I have to run off to school yet again, but let me just say your photos are GORGOEUS, I am loving these colors for my own home, and I pray that your loved one will recover well. May the stresses dissipate in knowing that we are here for you, and you have so many family that love you!
Love always, Anita
Debby,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely analogy between people and macaroons.........summed up perfectly! Sounds as if you are dealing with your stresses in a good way - very best wishes for everything.
Shall seek out this book - sounds charming.
Sophia x
aaw Debby, you are so sweet! just like this book :)
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your loved one, Deb. If there is anything you need, please e-mail me!
ReplyDeletexo
Debbie you are always an inspiration, regardless of what life throws at you. It's this quality of yours that allows me to face my many trials with the same strength. I adore this book.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I really enjoyed reading this post Debby, you write so well. The book looks like a really good read.
ReplyDeleteHave a fab weekend Hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
The macaroons look spectacular. I have not had one.
ReplyDeleteThe first picture is so inviting.
Ah, the perfect gift for my niece who loves to bake!
ReplyDeleteLove macaroons...one of my favorites. Hope your loved one is OK!
ReplyDeleteI love the comaparison and your depth of thought. I always appreciate the little nuggets of truth from your blog. I hope whoever is ill feels better and has a full recovery. Try to have wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
So fun! I love macarons. I was recently reminiscing about my time in Paris and my visit to Laduree. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope that dark cloud passes soon. Glad you are where you are needed and hope things are getting better.
ReplyDeleteLove that book!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite macarons are pistachio and praline!
ReplyDeleteThe Occasional Indulgence
I hope your friend or family member is doing better, Debby. Sounds like a wonderful Valentine's day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet giveaway. I made french macarons for the first time last weekend. So yummy! Looking forward to trying to make more variations! xx
Follower on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteFollower on google friend!
ReplyDeleteLovely prize, thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletelovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com
I follow on gfc.
ReplyDeletelovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com
My friend just had a birthday and I told her that IF she were a pastry, she would most definitely be a pink french macaron. Not only because she's delicate on the outside with many complex layers inside and she loves pink, but she was once a ballerina. If baked properly, a macaron will have a 'frilly skirt' or tutu around it's middle. So, I surprised her with homemade macarons filled with fresh raspberry jam and rose buttercream on the inside and pink frilly skirts on the outside. Voila! I could put your book to good use because my friends come in a rainbow of bold and beautiful colors.
ReplyDeleteDebby, I keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a strong and compassionate woman. Such a very sweet and heartfelt post. And, how funny.....I was googling recipes late last night for macarons. I have been wanting to make them! I would love to win this book! The cover is scrumptious! Hang in there my dear and sending a hug to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Debby,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to do for your friend!
Hopefully the macaroons are easy to make because I would love to win that book!
My favorite flavor... hmmm, maybe strawberry or chocolate!
Thank you,
Olga
ombdesigns@gmail.com
Oh Debby, this looks like a most delicious book! I would be over the moon to win in the giveaway. I love reading your blog posts and have put this book title on my want list so that I can order it if I am not the lucky giveaway winner.
ReplyDeleteKristin
It is my delight Debby to follow you on Pinterest and watch your wonderful pins on your boards.
ReplyDeleteKristin
rockymountainbirder at gmail dot com
Debby,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a relaxing weekend. Hope all is getting better. Macaroons are so delicious, not sure I have the patience to make them, I hear they are a little more complex than you'd imagine.
Karen
Acabei de conhecer o seu blog e achei maravilhoso. Me visite:http://algodaotaodoce.blogspot.com.br/
ReplyDeleteSiga-me e pegue o meu selinho!!!
Obrigada.
Beijos Marie.
Macaroons are so beautiful! I have only had one and it was raspberry...heaven! I actually took a book out at the library about them. I think they would be so fun to make, someday. Thanks for the blog. It seems that through what it going on in your life, your faith is giving you a calm guidance. Be strong, this to shall pass.
ReplyDeletelovely photos. I found your beautiful blog through Pam ( over fifty feeling forty) Hugs
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lovely book with inciting recipes! Thanks for a chance!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and Pinterest pins!
ReplyDeleteGood morning beautiful. Hoping you have a great weekend. Anita
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always beautiful and sensitive. Keep keeping on! And thanks for such an easy way to enter your giveaway...........nothing to techy for those of us who just want to read our favorite blogs!!!
ReplyDeleteDotti
I love a classic macaron. Like Strawberry!
ReplyDeleteI must admit I'm a little jealous of who ever owns that great house, super classic and french and I have a serious weakness for TALL ceilings, I ADORE THEM! So glad I clicked on your comment that led me back to your blog, your posts' contents are info and image juicy so expect to be seeing some regular comments from me. I've just posted up my Day 1 outfit for London Fashion Week featuring G.V.G.V.'s runway baby blue fox fur stole, do tell what you think on the provoking piece and l hope it entertains ;)
ReplyDeletexx The Provoker
http://www.the-provoker.com/2013/02/baby-blues.html
Sweet! Count me in! xo
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I really need a new cookbook.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this cookbook! I've never had a macaron!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and the book!!!
ReplyDeletewould love to win!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable little book! I would love to add this to my collection!
ReplyDeleteI followed on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteoooh, I would love to win....
ReplyDeleteOMG!.....HOW sweet and wonderful is this Give Away:-)))*
ReplyDeleteI want,I want,I want to be a Happy winner....!!!
Thank you for share it and for the chance:-)))*
Hugs,
***Violetta***
Hi....I'am a follower on Pinterest too!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
***Violetta***
I love macaroons. Every time I go to Paris I go to a Japanese-French fusion patisserie... where they sell macha tea macaroons, and Asian citrus fruit varieties. Fabulous.
ReplyDelete