Also, thank you to everyone who has reached out over the past few months to offer their condolences. So much love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
SURVIVING THANKSGIVING
SURVIVING THANKSGIVING EBOOK
Surviving Thanksgiving
Just wanted to repost Ellie's Thanksgiving book since it's about that time and some may need and want it. Full of family stories, photos and recipes!
Also, thank you to everyone who has reached out over the past few months to offer their condolences. So much love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
SURVIVING THANKSGIVING
SURVIVING THANKSGIVING EBOOK
Also, thank you to everyone who has reached out over the past few months to offer their condolences. So much love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
SURVIVING THANKSGIVING
SURVIVING THANKSGIVING EBOOK
And So It Is Just Like You Said It Would Be
Eleanor Anne O’Connell Decret, fighter, writer, designer, inspiration, and most importantly, my mother, passed away two weeks ago. Despite her putting so much of her life on her blog to the public, she was a private person when the times got tough. There were ups and downs, and she shared most all of these moments but because of her humor, she never let anyone know when times got really bad. She passed away peacefully in her Montecito home, surrounded by loved ones on August 30th, 2016. (Someone also told me it is the same date Princess Diana died but Paris time. If true, this would have made her so morbidly happy) It is not up to me to give more details even though I know people want as much as they can get as her story is ending. I like to think it was just me that she was fighting to stay alive for, but I know it was a mixture of me and you -- all of you. She thrived on your comments and cards; cheering her up even in her darkest days. Some of you have been following her from the very beginning, all the way back in 2008 I think. She had always been a great writer and finally found an outlet where she was able to say whatever the fuck she wanted, with no repercussions as it was all hers. I am not a writer like she was, I don’t know how to write a touching tribute to her for all of you to read so I thought I could share some little bits about her that I don’t think she has written about (maybe she just deemed them unimportant, but now they all seem important).
Secretly her favorite restaurant was the French Market in Disneyland California. It the only place we eat when we go to Disneyland; she loved the buffet of French Dip Sandwiches and Mac and Cheese and an icy cold Coca Cola.
She once gave away my dog while I was at school. She said he was ugly (he was a Chihuahua, so fair enough).
But she also once surprised me with a new bike in our yard when I was at school.
Her favorite book was A Prayer for Owen Meany. (My aunt has had a copy of it for 6 years but still hasn't read it. )
When I was 16, I went to Times Square. Without an adult. And she found out. I had to wait inside TGIF’s until she personally escorted me home in a cab. That was the closest Ive been to death so far.
She loved a good theme. Most of my Christmas presents had a theme if I had expressed an interest in anything about a month before December. I took a painting class in 5th grade, and all my presents that year were art themed, the next year, horses.
Everyday after school we would go to Jamba Juice and we would split a chocolate cherry smoothie and a parmesan soft pretzel.
Her favorite holiday for decorating the house was Halloween. She would use tea to dye cloth and drape them all over the house. We had these skull lanterns that are still somewhere in storage, that lined our walk way up to our front door where she would only buy white or green-grey pumpkins. Hated it as a kid, think it looks amazing now and will never buy an orange pumpkin.
Her last meal was Taco Bell, so she died happy.
Her most embarrassing moment was when she ran into her ex French boyfriend in Paris, coming out of Zara covered in dog poop.
I know she would have loved Rob & Chyna on E! that came out a few days ago, if she had known it was premiering so soon, she would have hung on a little longer I think.
She used to steal Hydrangea’s from our neighbors, which Yolanda would then steal from us.
She wanted to be remembered as mother and when I asked her if there was anything else, she said no, that was the most important aspect of her life.
Somehow, even though she was just a head, she wrote a book. She left a great legacy of sharing her story with everyone who needed some inspiration. Especially for those when nothing seems to be going their way. I know all of you wanted her to keep fighting but the truth is, she was tired; we were all tired. She worked constantly on her book and now it has become a way for her to be forever with us through her story. We wanted to reopen the sale of my mom’s book, as I will not be able to keep up her blog to her high standards. She had a sense of humor that no one, not even Chelsea Handler could compete with. Her voice was so clear in her writings, sometimes too clear even. She had the ability to connect and automatically be loved by all even if she was insulting you, a truly unique trait of her. People just loved to be around her.
I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. It is truly remarkable seeing all this support from people all over the world. She is still here though, I can feel her haunting me sometimes.
The Journey Home
Well hello, surprise surprise, I'm still here.
It has been a long and not so easy transition back to the US, but let me back up… how did I even get here you ask? Three words: planes, trains, and automobiles. I remember years ago when Gracie and I were traveling around Europe via train for the summer...we had six suitcases, a giant Mac desktop computer for Gracie’s homeschooling, and a ten week old French bulldog puppy who wasn’t exactly potty trained yet, and my god, that summer was a nightmare. But now, looking back at what I just went through getting to the US, that summer with Gracie was a piece of cake. However, with the help of my friends, family and caregivers, I got back to Santa Barbara, California in one piece. Don't feel too bad for me, it was rather luxurious. My sister arrived to Paris July 25 to take me home. (Yes, I'm talking to her again). I wish I could have taken my three caregivers back with me but one of them does not have a passport, one of them has no travel visa and the other has political asylum in Paris. Trust me, the word “smuggling” crossed my mind, but I am probably in enough trouble with the Parisian Palliative Care Center
already. However, I did take them as far as I could, which was to the private airport in Marseille… but let's back up. On July 31, David put my two caregivers, my sister and me on the south bound train from Paris to Provence. It was a complete necessity that I spend 3 days in Provence so that I didn’t hate France forever and it worked. My sister, the caregivers and I were fortunate enough to stay at Romy and the Apricot’s beautiful villa in the South of France. If you don’t remember who they are...Click HERE.
Don't be too jealous… I still have ALS and someone still has to wipe my tushy everyday :). We arrived in Aix en Provence to my friend’s house on a perfect summer day. We were greeted with open hugs and kisses from everyone… my friends, their staff and the dog, Lupo. Five minutes later we were seated at the beautifully dressed lunch table shaded by a chestnut tree. Meal after meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner was complete perfection; from the table setting, the perfect ambiance to the painstakingly organized menu by their cook, Christina. My friends even brought their cook, Sao, from their other house near Italy to make her special pizza. Even though I can barely swallow, I had a few bites of those pizzas… I didn't care if I choked to death. If I choke to death in the South of France in a beautiful villa surrounded by my friends eating gourmet pizza.. so be it. I can think of worse ways to die.
Saturday at lunch, Romy put on her favorite song. It is a French song called “Eleanor” and the lyrics had us all balling our eyes out. I thought my sister was going to have a stroke. I think it was the first time my sister realized how much Romy and the Apricot and I love each other. You really cannot find better friends. It was very emotional in the very best way. I was so happy to have spent these few days talking and hanging out with my friends. I still officially hate France but the three days spent with them put a little BandAid on my bruised soul (more on that later).
On the third day we headed to the Marseille private airport to catch my flight back to the US. This didn't suck either. My friend G.P. graciously offered to fly me home on his plane, which happened to be a 727 private jet. G.P and I have been friends for years and he is one of the kindest most generous gentleman I have ever met in my life and he is not fucking obnoxious about it... he is soft spoken, humble, and a class act. I wouldn't be so gauche as to post photos of his plane but if you want to see it (you should) you can see the whole kit and caboodle in Architectural Digest, Click HERE. This was the most beautiful plane I have ever seen, decorated by the lovely Craig Wright who also happened to decorate my friend Diandra Douglas’ house in Spain and in Santa Barbara. Wanna see? Click HERE and HERE. Mr. Wright
also happens to be a true gentleman in every sense as well. Now, back to the plane… G.P gave my sister and I basically the back living room of his plane. Carmel covered leather seats, Ralph Lauren bedding, huge fur blankets, three course meals (tomato mozzarella basil salad, filet mignon with mashed potatoes and green beans, and chocolate cake for dessert) but that wasn't all... my sister had about 24 cups of tea served in an antique 1940’s Art Deco tea set, 14 candy bars, 17 bags of chips, 23 sticks of gum, and a gourmet breakfast to boot. The best part about the plane ride was that there were only 10 people on the plane and I knew everyone of them. So, it was like traveling with family except no one bothered me. Remember Chapter 19 of my book? They were on the plane and I was actually so happy to see them that I almost cried. Isn’t it funny how time heals everything? 12 hours later (which actually only felt like 3) we were back on American soil. If I could have kissed the tarmac I would have. I have never been so happy to see the Los Angeles smog in my entire life. I am finally home. I survived France.
I have so much to tell all of you but I have to go slow because my voice is almost gone. This is what I had in mind…. The next few blogs will be about why I left stupid France, why I moved back to my beloved Santa Barbara, my new house and the best news is that I have some more antique sales left in me! I think you all will really like the next sale. Thank you all for being patient with me… I am still on my last leg but I have so much to tell you...but it is just going to take me a little time.
● Something you don’t know about me? I shipped back to the US every single solitary card that all of you sent me. I am so appreciative of your kindness, your well wishes, and your friendship. Your cards mean everything to me...so thank you.
It has been a long and not so easy transition back to the US, but let me back up… how did I even get here you ask? Three words: planes, trains, and automobiles. I remember years ago when Gracie and I were traveling around Europe via train for the summer...we had six suitcases, a giant Mac desktop computer for Gracie’s homeschooling, and a ten week old French bulldog puppy who wasn’t exactly potty trained yet, and my god, that summer was a nightmare. But now, looking back at what I just went through getting to the US, that summer with Gracie was a piece of cake. However, with the help of my friends, family and caregivers, I got back to Santa Barbara, California in one piece. Don't feel too bad for me, it was rather luxurious. My sister arrived to Paris July 25 to take me home. (Yes, I'm talking to her again). I wish I could have taken my three caregivers back with me but one of them does not have a passport, one of them has no travel visa and the other has political asylum in Paris. Trust me, the word “smuggling” crossed my mind, but I am probably in enough trouble with the Parisian Palliative Care Center
already. However, I did take them as far as I could, which was to the private airport in Marseille… but let's back up. On July 31, David put my two caregivers, my sister and me on the south bound train from Paris to Provence. It was a complete necessity that I spend 3 days in Provence so that I didn’t hate France forever and it worked. My sister, the caregivers and I were fortunate enough to stay at Romy and the Apricot’s beautiful villa in the South of France. If you don’t remember who they are...Click HERE.
Don't be too jealous… I still have ALS and someone still has to wipe my tushy everyday :). We arrived in Aix en Provence to my friend’s house on a perfect summer day. We were greeted with open hugs and kisses from everyone… my friends, their staff and the dog, Lupo. Five minutes later we were seated at the beautifully dressed lunch table shaded by a chestnut tree. Meal after meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner was complete perfection; from the table setting, the perfect ambiance to the painstakingly organized menu by their cook, Christina. My friends even brought their cook, Sao, from their other house near Italy to make her special pizza. Even though I can barely swallow, I had a few bites of those pizzas… I didn't care if I choked to death. If I choke to death in the South of France in a beautiful villa surrounded by my friends eating gourmet pizza.. so be it. I can think of worse ways to die.
Saturday at lunch, Romy put on her favorite song. It is a French song called “Eleanor” and the lyrics had us all balling our eyes out. I thought my sister was going to have a stroke. I think it was the first time my sister realized how much Romy and the Apricot and I love each other. You really cannot find better friends. It was very emotional in the very best way. I was so happy to have spent these few days talking and hanging out with my friends. I still officially hate France but the three days spent with them put a little BandAid on my bruised soul (more on that later).
On the third day we headed to the Marseille private airport to catch my flight back to the US. This didn't suck either. My friend G.P. graciously offered to fly me home on his plane, which happened to be a 727 private jet. G.P and I have been friends for years and he is one of the kindest most generous gentleman I have ever met in my life and he is not fucking obnoxious about it... he is soft spoken, humble, and a class act. I wouldn't be so gauche as to post photos of his plane but if you want to see it (you should) you can see the whole kit and caboodle in Architectural Digest, Click HERE. This was the most beautiful plane I have ever seen, decorated by the lovely Craig Wright who also happened to decorate my friend Diandra Douglas’ house in Spain and in Santa Barbara. Wanna see? Click HERE and HERE. Mr. Wright
also happens to be a true gentleman in every sense as well. Now, back to the plane… G.P gave my sister and I basically the back living room of his plane. Carmel covered leather seats, Ralph Lauren bedding, huge fur blankets, three course meals (tomato mozzarella basil salad, filet mignon with mashed potatoes and green beans, and chocolate cake for dessert) but that wasn't all... my sister had about 24 cups of tea served in an antique 1940’s Art Deco tea set, 14 candy bars, 17 bags of chips, 23 sticks of gum, and a gourmet breakfast to boot. The best part about the plane ride was that there were only 10 people on the plane and I knew everyone of them. So, it was like traveling with family except no one bothered me. Remember Chapter 19 of my book? They were on the plane and I was actually so happy to see them that I almost cried. Isn’t it funny how time heals everything? 12 hours later (which actually only felt like 3) we were back on American soil. If I could have kissed the tarmac I would have. I have never been so happy to see the Los Angeles smog in my entire life. I am finally home. I survived France.
I have so much to tell all of you but I have to go slow because my voice is almost gone. This is what I had in mind…. The next few blogs will be about why I left stupid France, why I moved back to my beloved Santa Barbara, my new house and the best news is that I have some more antique sales left in me! I think you all will really like the next sale. Thank you all for being patient with me… I am still on my last leg but I have so much to tell you...but it is just going to take me a little time.
● Something you don’t know about me? I shipped back to the US every single solitary card that all of you sent me. I am so appreciative of your kindness, your well wishes, and your friendship. Your cards mean everything to me...so thank you.
Embracing My Inner Bedouin
You all must think I am crazy…going from Santa Barbara to Annecy to Paris to Provence back to Paris and now…back to Santa Barbara...with ALS. But guess what? I just want to go home and home to me is Santa Barbara. I am all packed and will depart France on Sunday the 31st and will be sleeping in my own bed in Santa Barbara Sunday night…the exact same place I left 3 years ago…the same address…the same place where I raised Gracie…my home. Who says you can’t go home again?
I will tell you all about it next
week when I am settled but until then, follow me on Instagram HERE for all the
details.
To all my friends in Santa
Barbara, come over…you know where I am. (Bring cocktails).
Cuz Ya Can't Take It With Ya... 50% Off Sale
It’s your lucky day!
I have a few
pieces left in the "French Style Category" on the shop and guess what? Since I
cannot take it all with me on the plane, I am offering it to you at HALF OFF!
I have to sell it all before I leave
July 31st so CLICK and SHOP!
Go HERE to shop!
These are great pieces at
phenomenal prices so don’t miss out! Everything you purchase will be shipped
before I leave!
The sale starts now!
Current Mood
Bonjour from Paris... Said with little enthusiasm. Everyone in Paris is gearing up for the big festivities for Bastille Day, July 14th, but I don’t give a shit because all I want to do is get back to the US and go to Taco Bell.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t
excited to leave this God forsaken city. All I can think about is California…I
even listened to a Norah Jones album yesterday, for God’s sake. Shoot me if I
start listening to Jack Johnson. I have big plans when I get back to the US but
for now let’s focus on getting me out of Paris.
I have a huge surprise for you on
Friday. You have to follow me on Instagram HERE to be the first in the know. If
you don’t “DO” Instagram, check the blog Friday for the surprise.
The Online Shop is Open!
The Shop is Open!
All of the new products are under the French Style category.
Remember, if something is sold out, just email me at: havesomedecorum@gmail.com and I will
order more for you.
All of your orders will be shipped this week before I leave for the Grand Ole USA (I leave France August 1st).
Our Last Tango in Paris
Well, my friends, as you know I
am leaving Paris. I am leaving happily but I will never forget everything that
I have seen, learned, explored and experienced… and I will bring all of this
back with me and it will remain with me throughout my life. Grace has one more
year left at college in Paris… don’t worry, the little brat/angel will be fine
without me until she graduates in May.
Over the next few weeks we will
discuss more about why I want to go home…no big deal but I think it will be
interesting to share with you as I am sure a lot of you have the same
sentiments. However, today I am still in Paris and we have some very exciting
news to discuss!
This will be my last Have Some
Decorum Home Shop sale from Paris and boy, is it going to be exciting. It all involves
a charming back story…
Let me start by saying that not
everything can be an antique, ya know! The French know this best… It is all
about an eclectic sensibility… combining the “vrai with the faux.” That is to
say, true design is incorporating the real with the reproduction and there is
no shame in that! A whole house of antiques is called a museum…not a home.
In Paris, there is a shop
dedicated to this design philosophy. The clever owner is dedicated beyond
belief to the craft of offering true French designs based on originals. Scouring
the country of France, the owner purchases all of the originals and takes them
back to his atelier, works with his craftsmen to replicate down to the exact
detail a new life for the pieces…and offers them to you.
The success of my shop, Circa, in
Santa Barbara was based on the same philosophy…to combine the old with the new.
And today, by the grace of God, I have been selected/vetted to offer the line
to you. Trust me, this was no easy feat and I have been working on it for
almost a year. None of these pieces that will be sold on the Have Some Decorum
Home Shop, Friday July 8, are available in the US. This is purely “a French
thing.”
All of the designs are based on
originals…at a fraction of the price…but have the same joie de vivre of the
French style.
I have selected 8 styles to start
with and we will grow from there…let’s take a look…
There is nothing more French than
a French barometer! Every detail is perfect down to the patina to the French
script. Purely decorative, this barometer would be perfect in any room of your
house.
You know how I love my French
herbiers and these do not disappoint! Sold as a set of 4, they are to die for.
My heart always lies with
chinoiserie but it is getting harder and harder to find the originals these
days so we are fortunate that I will have 2 different styles that will always
be available. A set of huge tea boxes that are so perfectly French chinoiserie,
you will never know that these are reproductions and who cares if they are…they
are fabulous. Secondly, we can never have enough chinoiserie boxes and now we
will never run out!
A set of brass snails! My
favorites! A perfect charming French decorative item that brings a sense of
French whimsy to any décor… In a bookshelf, on a coffee table, on a stack of
books, on the dining room table setting…anywhere!
You know all of those beautiful
blue and white chinoiserie vases? Well, now we have a place to put them…on
these perfection of perfection French gilt wall brackets! I have 2 sizes available.
Now, nothing says “French” like
lighting. The French have perfected the art of lighting. The first day that
this shipment of lamps arrived to our shop from France to Santa Barbara we sold
out of them in 15 minutes. You just can’t get this kind of French classicism in
regular ole America. I will have 2 styles available on the shop Friday. The
first is a charming electrified lantern that would be perfect on your desk,
your bedside table, even outdoors! The second style is the lamp that everyone
wants when they come to my apartment. A brass and glass lamp with an oval gold
shade. It is marvelous!
This is a very exciting sale and
everything will be shipped to you before I leave for America. After this sale,
our beloved little Gracie will take over the handling of these “French Style
Reproduction.” I will select the merchandise and Gracie will make sure it gets
to you within a weeks’ time. This month we have 8 styles but there will be so
many more added in the future…candelabras, mirrors, lamps and more decorative
items… We will never go without!
The sale starts Friday July 8,
2016 at exactly 10am Pacific Standard Time. I have just started with limited
quantities but if something is sold out that you had your heart set on, just
email me and I will order more for you.
This is super exciting because
all of the pieces are only available in France and on the Have Some Decorum
Home Shop!
Happy shopping!
