May

The smell of

May

I saw a reel on Instagram saying in May things... May be. May be not. May rain. May shine. May be great. May be not so great at all. May be just in time. May be too late.

I think I’ve already experienced it all—and it’s only the tenth (yes, late!) of May. And I’m definitely living out the seventh point: May be too late—especially for writing this newsletter, which was supposed to be here on the 1st.

But you see... I’ve become French. The 1st of May was a public holiday. Then I switched to being Latvian, as the 2nd is a holiday in Latvia too. The 3rd and 4th? Well, that was the weekend—who works then? A few days later, while preparing for a Burgundy masterclass and testing tens of recipes, it was already the 8th. And guess what? Another holiday. And for many, the 9th was one as well.

It rained and it shone during these days. It was and wasn’t. Some things were just in time, and others, totally too late. But one thing was and is certain: at the market I’ve just come back from, everything is right on time. Asparagus, peas, strawberries and raspberries, a few peaches and apricots, and herbs so fresh you’d think they were picked just moments before. And let’s hope that in each of our own little bits of chaos—and the much bigger one the world is going through—one thing remains constant: the market, with its seasonal abundance and joy waiting to be gathered.

Make

That dream come true
Book the most incredible experience

Have you ever read a book, seen in a movie, or seen on social media how someone sets the most adorable and divine French dinner table? How can someone whip up the most incredible French dishes with such ease that it is almost unbelievable, not only during festive seasons but all year long? Have you ever tried a light and airy chocolate or berry tart, wondering how the pastry can be so incredible, the same as admiring every bite of the salad someone has made for you? And then biting into that piece of succulent chicken, wishing you could make that. And have you ever dreamt of being in a place you have seen in a movie, wishing you could be one of those people eating on the terrace of that stunningly renovated French house, drinking wine, eating and laughing? I have good news for you. All of that and even more you will experience here in La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure, all you need is to book your place to make your dream come true. Discover and book

In the rhythm of the tide

Gâteau de Savoie

DAILY ROUTINE

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Travel

Paris. Coffee shops

I love french chic and traditional bistros, but when it comes to coffee, I like it is made perfect, and that is where these cafes step in. Discover

RECIPES

From simple appetisers and dinner dishes to easy-to-make cookies, tarts and more laborious cakes. But, mostly, all French and seasonal. Visit

HOME

From essentials like the softest and best-made duvets and cleaning materials to scents, candles, interior design accessories and all that makes your home the best place to live in. Visit

Drinks

One can pretend that a meal without wine is the best. But one can also be honest and say that it lacks that excitement of discovery. Some may say that coffee is the worst thing ever, exchanging it for tea or a chai latte, while others say that one cup of coffee is such a pleasure that it even times stops. And there is no right or wrong, as long as the product you use is made with respect, love and, preferably, a sustainable approach. Visit

BEAUTY

No matter the beauty rituals we have, we do have some. Some get by with a simple wash with soap. Some need four different products. Some crave an SPA visit every day, and some do not wish for anything annoying to their perfect, natural skin. I like to have a bit of everything, yet, as long as it is natural, clean and makes my mind and body happy. Visit