Thursday, November 26, 2009

Now on your Kindle!

Do you have a kindle? I have yet to get one but have heard glowing reviews from everyone who has one (it was even talked about on the skirted round table!). The benefits of space & environmental savings are obvious. Well, now blogs are available for subscription on the kindle and I've uploaded ArchitectDesign! It appears on the kindle similarly to reading a blog online: see last Saturday's post above.
The only complaints I've heard are that the kindle is still in b&w and most blogs (that I follow, including this one) are visual; color is important! Also, the larger sized device is both pricey and a little clunky. I'm still not sold completely on reading books on an electronic screen like this, I'm old school and LOVE books! I would love to hear what you think of it. Check out my blog on your kindle if you have one and let me know what you think!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Love Locks

The Pont des Artes or 'art bridge' (also known as the Passerelle), a pedestrian bridge which links the Louvre to the Institut de France, has become somewhat of an icon for couples in love in Paris.
Newly engaged couples attach a lock to the chain link sides of the 1802 cast iron bridge with their name engraved on it and drop the key into the Seine below. You don't have to be a genius to figure out what that signifies!
The side facing the Point Neuf (seen in the top photos) is the most popular for whatever reason -and no....Heather and I did not partake in this exercise (although we did take quite a few photos!).

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Crazy Gondola Bed

This cold and rainy night here in DC has me thinking cozy thoughts. This crazy oval bed in the Louvre would be just the spot for a cup of tea and a good book. I wonder what sort of room it was originally in: courtesan's bedroom perhaps?
The wallpaper panels in the background aren't too shabby either! Love the collection of French blue opaline glass in the display case behind too!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Marie Antoinette at Versailles

One of the most popular rooms at Versailles is the queen's bedroom, most famous for its' last queenly occupent, Marie Antoinette. Her bust is seen on the mantlepiece.Meant to impress, the room is also very personal and displays her love of everything floral.
The beautiful tapestried walls hide a jib or hidden door that leads to her private boudoir.The room faces the gardens, as do most rooms in the palace, and the shutters feature exquisite gilding.The palace is designed in enfilade style and there is a series of rooms devoted to her, all elegant (as seen below) but none as pretty as her bedroom.It was here where the angry mob descended looking to rape and kill her (The women's march on Versailles) and finding her missing, due to her quick escape to the King's bedroom, destroyed the room instead. Marie and Louis of course left Versailles after that to live out the revolution in Paris at the mob's demand and Marie never used her bedroom at Versailles again.