Links & Things

Some fun & interesting things I wanted to share...

Balloons via Pinterest.

13 Productive Things To Do While Watching TV

Well said, sister... Gypsy Diaries & Moving On!

Have you heard? The CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge is back on!!

A chance to win 1 MILLION BUCKS, a Maserati, or a Vacation each week!

Something I've been very into for the past few years... and currently in the Top 1 % again for the 3rd consecutive challenge!

Say, "Swiss Cheese!" - Guide to Switzerland's Regional Cheeses. Mmm...

NaNoWriMo is coming up Nov 1st! Are you ready? I'm d-termined!

Happy Wednesday!

Moments of the Week

Snapshots Through the iPhone


Happy Weekend folks! It's been a super busy week but also very fun... from my favorite Vietnamese Pho in Reno to Mexican & Margaritas with my Mom in Grass Valley.

& tomorrow

I'm headed to the Candy Dance 

in Nevada's Oldest Town, Genoa! 

Can't wait to share it with you.

Country Fair

For the past few years I've been longing to go to the fair to take pictures for the blog.

Well... that and the corn dogs and cotton candy!

But I haven't made it in years, so imagine my surprise when Kitty was the first

to discover the flashing lights from the ferris wheel 

on Tuesday night from our bedroom window!

So, as I sit composing this post, we are enjoying the last night of the twinkling lights and the sounds of children screaming and laughing in the distance with the cool evening mountain breeze.

The scrambler always used to be my favorite ride...

here's a little clip for you!

What's your favorite part about the fair?

Tea Time

Good TEAS Wednesday
Teas of My Travels


When traveling I like to purchase non-traditional souvenirs, particularly for my kitchen. A couple years ago, the theme was Christmas ornaments, this time it was "teas-to-go" though I generally ordered hot chocolate at the actual locations for "research" purposes. I've been very excited to share my tea collection with you!

I found this darling chalkboard in Domme, France which has great artisan shops.

The British Teas: FORTNUM & MASON Trio: Royal Blend, Earl Grey Classic & Afternoon; HARRODS: Afternoon Loose Leaf Tea.

The French Collection: Secret d'Hilgarde tea from the Fortresse Royale du CHINON, my favorite tea strainer from Teavana, Honey from the Thursday Market in DOMME, & Tisane Relaxante from Chateau de VILLANDRY in Loire Valley. 

Teapot from Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

For more of my tea posts check out the Macaron Party & some of my favorite teas!


 Bon Appetea!

Hyde Park

Street Style


When people ask about my favorite part of my trip, it's too hard to narrow down. But I was the happiest was in London. Each day I took at least 30-60 minutes to just be out in the park. Sit and people watch. Lay down and stare up at the sky through trees. Each time was a completely different experience. On this day in April, it was the onset of warm sunny weather... one of those first days of spring where everyone flocks outside, showing skin, and lapping up sun rays in the hope of a blissful summer.

Do you remember how you spent your first days of spring?

In case you missed Water Walking in Hyde Park, check it out!

Have a good week!

Popcorn Days

Good Eats Wednesday


The good thing about blogging about food... everyone knows I love things for the kitchen! Even though it's a few weeks after Christmas, still going to share all things I received that will make the food portion of the blog that much better, like this adorable red popcorn popper by American Era with a butter warmer on top.

Other great kitchen gifts...

A Cuisinart 9-cup Food Processor.
A non-stick Calphalon pan.
Deluxe Popcorn Maker.
A lasagna trio pan.
Homemade blackberry jam and tomato raspberry jam from my Dad's garden.
Spices, vinegars, and sugars.
Gourmet Sea Salt & Pepper.
A gorgeous bamboo salt mill and walnut pepper mill.
The beautiful rolling pin and pie dish I bought myself!
Simply from Scratch book by Alicia Bessette.
A cannoli necklace from Bakery Bling on Etsy I won on a giveaway from NYC, Style & a Little Cannoli blog.


Here are some of my non-kitchen items: a diamond necklace and earring set from my grandmother, travel organizer, massagers, MyChelle skin care set, giftcards, and a Firewood candle by Henri Bendels = best scent ever!

Thanks to everyone for making it a special holiday!

xo,

nicolette

Follow Simply Colette on Facebook.

Gerbera Daisy

Just Because...


Nothing like finding a Gerbera Daisy in my purse this morning as I was leaving for work...

Thanks Love.

P.S. I had the most amazing creamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie at TGIFriday's last night!

Still thinking about it...

Are you following Simply Colette on Facebook yet?

Anthro-Therapy

My Neighbor

I've mentioned before that I work across the street from Anthropologie and sneak over there ever so often for a little break-time therapy. What better neighbor than one offering up this cozy chair I've been pining after for months...

Or artistic little vases like these for only $8...

They are so sweet to offer a perfume in my honor as well...

Did I ever mention my 'someday cottage' or 'loft' has rustic sanded floors like the ones at Anthropologie?

Even though I had a giftcard burning a whole in my pocket, sometimes I can never decide between a new adorable dress to go with the New Year's Resolution, or another darling apron...

or idyllic odds and ends like clocks, stationary, Volupsa candles, or books such as, "Things I Want My Daughter to Know" or "Happiness for Two".


Here is also a funny little clip I did for the blog when I bought my holiday ornaments and pie goodies last month, but I never posted it because my shirt was popping open! (ha... funny to laugh about it now).

Happy Tuesday!

Snow White

Happily Ever After


I received an email containing this photo from a relative in response to the Snow White post a few days ago. Thought it was too cute not to share...

Happy Tuesday!

World Cartoon Day

Snow White

When I worked at Disney, we choose our favorite character to be placed on our name tag. Mine was Belle from Beauty & The Beast, but I just realized when every Facebook friend updated their profile photo today that it was World Cartoon Day and how my holiday photo shoot resembled Snow White a little...

What character would you be?