It’s been quite a weekend! And I’m coming off a legal high. Oh—it was a nice chill weekend. And it was great that my son Roman got to visit and Bonaparte’s daughter, her husband, and their daughter were all here for dinner on Saturday night.
But I did something. Bonaparte and I both did something.
The big “M”. We’re in it for good now!
We legalized our union. Yeah. That’s right. I’m now married to the Frenchman! For ten years I was living in sin. Now I’m living in deeper sin. Only kiddin’!
I was late for work on Friday because we signed all the documents. Was it eventful?
Yes. For us it was, but like I said to the woman in the Court Building who worked at the Marriage Bureau, “The first time around you spend a ton of money for the dress, the flowers, the reception. The second time around you want to make sure you have a great wig”.
The Bride wore the Riley wig by Freetress that was purchased on HairSoFly for $9.99!
Well, she loved what I said so much that we started talking wigs and I had to give her the names of all the online wig sites.
The Bride also wore her favorite J. Crew Schoolboy blazer, a J. Crew Factory Tee, AG Jeans and Repetto ballet flats–along with Longchamp bag!
In two weeks, I will be changing my name. Roman and I got into a conversation about that. He said he always wondered why I never changed my name back to my maiden name when I was divorced. I explained to him that the kids were still young and it would be weird if my last name was different. Then I told him that the time is right now. All the kids are out and on their own and I want to change my name.
I think the icing on the cake would have been if Jake and Oona were here–but their work schedules and their living so far away made it impossibe.
And so, I will be Mrs. Lartigue—but I think I just may go by Madame Bonaparte!
The beaming groom. I think it’s because he knows he’ll always be getting great French meals!
Next topic!
I cooked up a storm on Saturday because the weather was somewhat stormy.
Here’s a look at some of the goodies that I made.
A shortcrust for the lemon tart. I’ll tell you this was the best crust ever..
The Lemon Tarte after being taken from the oven. I dressed it with whipped cream flowers. We were enjoying ourselves so much that I forgot to take pics!
Peeled, cubed and pre-boiled potatoes. I sauteed them in duck fat.
Apples for the Calvados sauce and for the pork dish that I made…
Deviled eggs for appetizers. I put the yolk mixture in a pastry bag then later on piped the filling into the egg whites!
Madame Bonaparte will not ruin a wig while cooking. The bio hair will do!
The table is set. I keep a simple and basic table. The food is the focus.
How did I relax in between cooking time? Watching the game between University of Texas and University of Maryland. Jake graduated from Texas and Oona from Maryland. Either way, mommy was the winner. Sadly, my Longhorns lost.
Yesterday was a more relaxed day. My husband, my son Roman and I went to see the movie “Wind River” starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth. It was an intense drama about a murder on a Native American reservation. I highly recommend this movie. It had a great plot and was a decent thriller and it was based on a true story.
Looking for a good movie with an interesting story? Go see Wind River. It was excellent!
Back home we enjoyed another dinner with enjoyable conversation. Then watched another movie “The Accountant” starring Ben Affleck. It was another thriller and I’m not an Affleck fan but he was good. Anna Kendrick was very good too. She’s one of those actors that I was on the fence about but the more I watch her, the more adorable and talented she appears to me.
The Accountant was a very unusual movie, but nevertheless, I was at the edge of the sofa seat!
Today, this Monday of Labor Day, Roman and I headed off to the nearby outlet mall. His birthday was last week and I wanted to have him pick out some clothing—I also wanted to see what was being offered. J. Crew Factory was having a 50% off the entire store.
Roman, aka, Chilly, in younger days. I still wanted to get him clothing for his birthday!
I found two items for me at that 50% off sale. A small scarf, which is adorable and a gray cashmere pullover. AT $78.00 the 50% off was a great price.
This Parisian themed scarf was a great buy at $7.50. I’m into wearing scarfs as bracelets these days.
She told me everything except the cashmere was on sale. OK. So then why did J. Crew Factory have ads up the wazoo stating that the entire store was 50% off.
I was livid that this sweater was NOT 50% off. J. Crew Factory–do NOT advertise that the ENTIRE store of 50% off when it clearly is not. This is not good!
The sweater remained in the store. I’m sorry. As much as I loved and wanted the sweater, I’m not spending full price.
The bag was almost empty. Not cool J. Crew Factory!
And by the time we arrived home, it was time to drive my son to the Bolt Bus in Philly.
I was sad to see him go. But I was comforted by my husband and his comfort made everything ok.
It’s funny how a piece of paper can make your life more comfortable. And I had a conversation with Danièle not too long before she passed away. She told me the day she married Yves Robert, she became so much more comfortable with the relationship. I get that. And I wish Danièle was here now. She would have been thrilled.
I think Daniele would have been extremely happy to finally have me as her legal niece. I always consider her my Parisian Aunt!
And that was my weekend. How was yours?
Do you like my $19.50 Samala Wig by Janet Collection? I wore it yesterday. I like this one a lot!!!
The news of Walter Becker’s passing hit me hard this weekend. I’ve always been a huge Steely Dan fan and loved their music for many years. My favorite song was Dirty Work. Here you go.
So happy for you. and your Frenchman….you are such a warm and wonderful woman, you deserve all the happiness possible.
Thank you Nancy! I’m very happy right now!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Many CONGRATULATIONS and much happiness to you both! Your “new” husband looks overjoyed! 🥂😘😘
p.s….false advertising pisses me off!🙊
Thank you Rhonda. Yes. He is rather overjoyed!!! He’s been smiling all weekend. Oh don’t get me started on the false advertising. I’m really annoyed with J. Crew !!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Congratulations! Mr. and Mrs. Lartigue! What a wonderful surprise that you both “sealed the deal” to each other. The 10 year (sin) interview period seemed well worth it. Wishing you both many, many years of happiness – and trips to France! 🙂
Thank you Ann! LOL. The newest addition to the Lartigue family is a 62 year old American!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
How wonderful for you. Congratulations!
Merci Toni!! XXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I am so happy for you and Vincent… and your name will just roll off the tongue…may you have many years of happiness together!
Thank you Liz. I’m like the UN of last names now–from Irish to Polish to French. I’m a cultural delight!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO
I have already left a few days ago a message on Instagram but I must congratulate you on your blog where we first exchanged. Best wishes to the beautiful bride. Very happy for you Catherine. Je te souhaite du plaisir et bonheur en quantité industrielle avec ton Elegant French Man. You deserve to be love and happy! -Dominique
Ah, Dominique, Merci!! Thank you so much. I’m very comforted and happy. It’s a nice feeling!! OXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Enjoy this warm feeling! xoxo
Very happy for you both, so nice to hear wonderful news with all the sadness going on in the world lately! Love reading all your ventures and look forward to much more ! Felicitations aux deux belles personnes !
Thanks Rita. You know, this is the first weekend that my stomach hasn’t hurt me over the political garbage. Vincent calms me!!! Merci mon ami, encore merci! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congrats and happiness to both of you! Dirty Work is such a great song, I agree. Side note, I finally got on Instagram so I can show off my art and makeup, lol. Found you today and followed 🙂
Hi Lori. GREAT!!!!!! I’m going to find you and follow you on IG as soon as I get off the laptop. Dirty Work is one of my all time faves. And thank you so much for your Congrats. I was looking forward to your reply!!! XOXOXOXO
I love how you both just did it, no fanfare, and Bonaparte looks so happy! I really am happy for both of you!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Also, you could both change your last name to Bonaparte, just saying 😀
TeeHee!! Thanks Q. Yeah, I think Bonaparte would be fitting of both of us!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations! How fun. And Bonaparte looks beyond ecstatic. I’m curious, how did you two meet?
Thank you Nelson!! I reposted about how we met. I think you will like it!!! XOXOXOXO
CONGRATS!!!!!
The food looked awesome and of course you as usual!
Thank you Debe!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations – And yes, we’ll need to know how you met Bonaparte!
Thanks Marie. It’s been reposted!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Félicitations! 🙂 I’m a new follower, and I’ve been loving your posts. There’s always so much joy 🙂
Aya!! Merci!! OMG. You are a flaneuse too! That the only way to discover Paris is to be a flaneuse or a flaneur. I’m going to your blog right now!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Thanks so much!! 🙂 And yes, I agree, flaning about is the only way about Paris 😉
Congratulations from here in Australia, where we still don’t even have same sex marriage equality! Enjoy your new status ❤
Hey Bone. Don’t worry. Trump will make sure ANY kind of equality is banned in America. He’s destroyed us. XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Congrats! I’m upping my wig game, I wore two completely different ones this weekend. They are so fun! Love all of your outfits too!
Thanks!!! Oh…keep wearing those wigs–they are fun aren’t they??? OXOXOXO
CONGRATULATIONS MRS. BONAPARTE! You looked radiant for THE BIG LEGAL! What a way to start a weekend…non? I am so happy for you and look forward to seeing more of these French meals you will be cooking for the new husband. The apple dish looked delish and the Tablescape perfect. So happy for you!!!!
Hi Frida!!! Thank you so much!! I’m also happy that you appreciated that simple tablescape. I like the focus to be on the food. I’m not one for very fancy tablescapes–I just can’t do them well!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Best wishes for all the happiness in the world! So happy for both of you!
Thank you Elizabeth!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations to you both! You seem well suited to each other and I hope you have many years of good times ahead! We’ve been married for 41 years and have had our share of ups and downs ( is there a marriage that doesn’t?) Still I have known people who have lived common law for more years than many married couples ( my eighty year old aunt has been with her partner for over fifty years!) Regardless of how you commit, that comfort level is where the magic is…not in the fancy dresses, expensive celebrations or big ass diamond rings. I worry about some of these youngin’s,they put so much time, money and energy into THE DAY, fail to invest in knowing each other afterwards ( or even before) then bang they want to start a family and well…
Are you glad you waited? Do you think it has given you both more confidence in your relationship? Do I sound like one of those old priests that used to run the Catholic marriage courses??????LOL!
Best wishes, you are a stylish broad er, bride!
Hi Momcat! Yeah. I did the Catholic Mass the first time around with the dress, the bridesmaids, the reception. This time around it was simple–let’s just get married!! Much easier. Thank you for the well wishes!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
congratulations,all the best. This is so exciting. Did you both decide , now is the time?
Thanks Julie. Yeah. It was a good time to do it!!! OXOXOXOXO!!!!
What happy news! Wishing you nothing but bliss.
Thank you Marsha!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
So exciting! Best wishes to you and Bonaparte!!!
Thank you Renee!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!
Oh my goodness. I thought you were already married. I noticed what I thought was you wearing a wedding ring set. But congratulations to you both.
Hi Karen!! Oh. Yeah. I have been wearing a wedding band for two years–we finally got around to actually getting married!!!! Thank you so much!!! XOXOXOXO
Congratulations to you both! Madame Bonaparte and or Madame Lartigue both really suit you – very elegant
Thanks Juliet. Yes. The names are also quite chic–LOL!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Oh wow! CONGRATULATIONS!! And don’t you both look happy Madame Bonaparte/Lartigue – love it. And I also love the wonderful style of your wedding gear. Very best wishes to you and Bonaparte xxxx
Thanks Penny. Any more relaxed and I would have been in my pajamas!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Wow, Ouaouh! Congratulations. Félicitations sister! I am very happy for you, for you both by the way. Best choice ever your french man! And you were right to wait so long, marriage should not be like first meet, hop we marry so we do not live “in sin” (good God if you allow me this, living in sin…) and then … we divorce after the big large and expensive wedding. I saw it in Poland where one of my friend married very young at the church so they could have a child (and what is before, sorry, I do not know what I can write on your blog) and then divorced, still very young.
Your husband looks so very good and, well, happy, no more than that, proud and kind of .. relieved ? I am happy you had a great week end too with good food. You look beautiful as a newly wed (long hair does suit you much more that short), as ever, I should say, no need of fancy dress and all this white. And I like your orange shoes and bag. How do you feel now that you have a new paper in your wallet? Do you feel changed? I know it is an important step and I guess also your husband may feel good about that now (I mean being officially married).
I am born, bred and taught Catholic, still practising so I can understand you but well, I am french in a country where our motto is not “In God we trust”.
I wish you to be as happy as you may have been in the future and present.
Hi Eve. Thank you!! I actually do feel changed and in a good way. I feel more comfortable. I was also born and raised Catholic and am still a Catholic but I didn’t want any kind of religious ceremony because I”m divorced so I couldn’t have a church marriage anyway–it’s no big deal. We are both happy!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations. Bonaparte also looks very happy! Long life to you both!
Thank you Mary!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
You and Bonaparte look so happy in the pics. Your eyes simply sparkle. Congratulations! (My daughter also graduated from Maryland – Terps forever)!
Hi Alto!! Thank you so much!!!! TERPS–but boy those helmets are as ugly AF!!!! XOXOXOXO
Cathe, so delighted for you both! Congratulations on tying the knot! May you grow in love each day, and have many happy years together!
Thank you Kwel!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations! You both look very happy.
Thanks Anne!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Just adding my congratulations to you both. You and Vincent have never looked happier. There is a glow about you both. It is a pity that many young couples don’t realise that the marriage is much more important than the wedding. I suppose they are more influenced by their peers and keeping up with them. Your relationship has stood the test of time and will only get better. ❤️
Thank you Jenny–and that is so true–it is the marriage that counts!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Félicitations Monsieur et Madame Lartigue, I am so happy for the both of you. Look at Bonaparte, he’s beaming, he’s made a good catch. Your tarte citron looks amazing and I’m impressed with that apple peeling gizmo.
Your little scarf is sweet…I’d have left the cashmere too, bloody con artists!
xxx
Merci Fiona!!! Encore Merci!!! XXOXOXOXOXO!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Cathe, and Bonaparte, and baby Chippie, of course, as he is now you’re legal Dad! Food looks great and so do you and your Husband. xx Family pic a must taken with chippie please:) xxx
J–the kids already accuse Chippy of being the favored!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations Catherine! So interesting that you decided to tie the knot after ten years! My Bill and I have the ten years of sin in also, and honestly we feel so married! I love that you just went and did it though! Did you let your children know you were going to?
Hi Julie. Yeah. The kids knew and they knew it wasn’t an overblown “big deal” it was just the two of us getting married. The funny thing is that my daughter Oona and my stepdaughter, Claire both thought we had gotten secretly married a while ago. We didn’t. We’ll have a family dinner at Christmas time to celebrate!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
What a sneaky pair ! not a hint ! Monsieur Lartigue is the picture of the cat who has got the cream
( and the Tarte Limon ) Much, much happiness to you both . XX
Thank you Jilly!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations, how exciting!! I’m happy that that two of you are so happy!
Plus, ANOTHER post with a photo of Bonaparte – what a week it’s been!
Your dinner menu and dessert sounds yummy and looks wonderful. It was a good weekend for cooking, if you ask me.
Hi Bridget. That husband o’ mine better watch it or he’ll be a regular model in my blog!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Madame Bonaparte, I presume…Fabulous! Sending Much Happiness to you both!
Hey Jeanne. Yup!!! Madame Bonaparte..LOL!! Thank you!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Bonaparte! Sending you much love! xoxo
Thank you Paula!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Congrats on your marriage! By the way, I love your wedding outfit. You’re an inspiration and a trend setter.
Hi Cathi. Thank you!!! Oh..the outfit was what I’ve always wanted to wear for a second marriage!! LOL!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
In the South of France and just got wifi so as resting decided to see if I could find your blog on my phone. I am beyond thrilled to hear that you are now officially Mdme Bonaparte, especially as we are staying in Golfe Juan where B landed when he returned to France in 1815. Tomorrow we are going to Cannes for lunch at Gaston Gastounette so will drink to your happiness and many more years together. The legal bit does make you feel different. Susan D
Susan!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be able to hear that “clink” when you toast us!! OMG. Have a great lunch tomorrow. I’m sure you are enjoying some terrific weather!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I really like the wig you wore for the wedding…and congratulations.
Thank you so much!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations to Bonaparte, and all happiness to you! (I was taught that it was gauche to congratulate the bride, since it was assumed that she had not needed to woo and win the groom, but that it was proper to wish her happiness in her choice of accepting him.)
Thank you Marsha!! I LIKE that!!! A lot!!!! Thanks again!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Felicitation to both of you! Wishing you many years of happiness.
Thank you Sandra!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Well congratulations! May the future hold many, many magic surprises for you both! Blessings!
Thank you Lady Calen!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congrats!~ I always thought you two were married … The Mr. and I have been living in sin for over 10 years but I don’t think I will ever be a bride.
Hi Tami. Nope! I had the engagement ring and a wedding band but we decided to make it legal!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
That is absolutely wonderful!!! I am so happy for you both — may you have many, many happy years!
Thank you so much Elaine!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
HOW DID I MISS THIS?????!!!!!! OMGOODNESS!!!! CONGRATULATIONS MADAME BONAPARTE!!!!!!!! I truly think that is such a Beautiful thing to do – it is OFFICIAL!! Not that it wasn’t before, but something about having it all down in writing – on a legal document sort of thing DOES make a difference…to me anyway. SO GLAD YOU TOOK THE PLUNGE, MADAME BONAPARTE!!!! Your husband looked MIGHTY THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!!! BIG HUGSXOXOXOXOXOXOX
PS….any jewellery from the Monsieur?? 😉
Shakey!!!! Hi!!!! I’m so glad you visited!!! Thank you so much!! Yeah, I do feel much better with that little piece of paper. It’s funny. Oh–well, a few years back the Monsieur gave me a beautiful engagement ring–then a wedding band and I wore it way before we got married. It’s weird but when you are with someone for ten years and you are older it sounds odd to say “my boyfriend” or whatever. And when you’ve had an engagement ring for years it is equally as odd to keep referring to him as “my fiance” (remember sienfeld?) It’s much easier to say, my husband. LOL!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You both look beamingly happy! Best wishes for many more years of adventures in your “new” life together.
Lynn H
Hi Lynn!! Thank you so much!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Congratulations to both of you!!! And may you live many many happy years together!!
Madame Latigue sounds pretty awesome!
I kept my married name as well because of son, but kept my maiden one too. So a very very long last name…thought I might drop the divorced name but have decided to keep it, I know it’s annoying someone (mean chuckle to herself)
Hi Angelin. LOL. I know that chuckle all too well!!! My maiden name has actually become my middle name. it’s just weird because when the kids are young, they go through enough with a divorce of the parents so I figured it would be best to just keep the name. Now its time for a change!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Congratulations on making it official…….wonder how ‘different’ your adventures will be as Mrs. Bonaparte…😊😊😊😊
Linda. It could be like Lucy and Ricky–the francoamerican version!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I’m thinking reality show!!!! I’ll sign up to watch!!! 😄
Congrats, Madame B!
Now you’re really freaking me out: you are my same age isn’t your birthday in May as well?) and I too lived in sin for ten years! We finally legalized our union in Vegas. Yes, when liquor and a laptop come together, many arrangements can happen–lol! And though I didn’t have kids as you did, I didn’t change my name after the divorce from my first hubs, but did this time. So I get that! I love your new last name too. Anyway, what a cool way to spend the weekend!
Congrats again,
Nancy B.
Hi Nancy. I’m glad you get that too! Ten seems to be the magic number here. After ten years it was time to just do it. I’m sure we will be paying more taxes too but at this point–who cares!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!