But as far as I can tell, nobody has really paid attention to something quite unique Merci does: the way they use ‘found’ items to display their wares. Think Anthropologie, but then edgier. And hopefully inexpensive, so that more of the store’s revenues go to their philanthropic goals.

Their entrance has been photographed by hundreds – yesterday the car had old crates in it:

On a recent visit, a few things jump right out: crowds (in a boutigue, during the week, around 2 PM, usually a fairly quiet time). Languages (no less than 5 heard in the space of a few minutes) and the different way things are displayed.

Right by the door, awaiting being put to use, these circles held together with straps:

It was possibly going to be used in this side room. The people in here were busy folding up hundreds of brown boxes and stacking them like a brick wall

This was very cool – those pressed cardboard pallets, about 19 or 20 in all for the tallest stack, with a sheet of metal at the top

Notice the long line at the cash register in the back. The place was hopping.

The Annick Goutal perfume bar is always a draw. It’s tiled with old subway style tiles, and painted black. The lady with the sleeveless top and the winter coat made me feel cold – wasn’t she freezing?

On the way upstairs, shelving show random things. Some intriguing stools, some old books.

Here’s another stroke of genius. But if these are vintage I’d love to know where they found them!

Who says armoires have to touch the ground?

And probably the cheapest but cleverest idea of them all – put together with scraps of wood and small 1/4 section of logs, and randomly forming a great modern sculpture. Later in the day I saw something similar at Le Bon Marché. Wonder who copied who?

Here is the Merci version

and here is the Bon Marché version:

I want this door (It’s a poster!)

This is my favorite of them all. Old armoire doors, all different, attached to shelving. Random, seemingly. Some lit from within, so the light shines through the old glass doors. What a gorgeous way to create fun storage!

The merchandise is fun, funky and well priced, very reasonable really. Mostly new items, although they had a gorgeous officer’s mess picnic basket downstairs, in mint condition, with all the contents intact. I forgot to check the price but figure if I had to ask, I probably could not afford it…..

Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning “Coming’) is observed in many Western Christian Churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year begins on Advent Sunday.

The progression of the season is often marked with an Advent Calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25.

The origin of the Advent Calendar can be traced back to the 19th Century. Religious families made a chalk line on the door for every day in December until Christmas Eve.

The first known Advent Calendar which was made by handwork dates from 1851.

Other early styles were the Adventclock or the Advent candle – a candle for each of the 24 days until Christmas, like todays Advent wreath.

Sometimes little pictures were hang up on the wall – one for each day in December.

In 1902 a Christian Bookshop in Hamburg, Germany published a Christmas Clock which was very similar to that published 1922 by the St. Johannis printing company. (Dominik Wunderlin, lic. phil. Swizzerland).

1903 appears to be the year of the first printed Advent Calendar.

In 1904 an Advent Calendar was inserted in the newspaper “Neues Tagblatt Stuttgart” as a gift for their readers. In the early days, Bible verses would often replace the pictures behind the doors.

We know that Advent Calendars filled with Chocolate were already available in 1958.

Fabric permanent Advent calendars can be reused and filled with small treats, to even small symbolic items to help teach children the meaning of the time of year.

We are really in love with this product and everyone here takes their on every trip! Not just for the airplane, it’s great in the car, for children at daycare, for trips to grandma, and more! As featured in Oprah’s November O List! Take a snooze with this cozy 2 in 1 pillow + blanket set. Remove the blanket from zip storage pouch and inflate pillow. The zip pouch becomes your pillow case while you stay warm with your blanket.

Touch of Europe offers LUG Nap Sacks in all Colors!

Between amazing sites and cities, the always wonderful ambiance and charm and of course the food, we’re in a state of shock at being back home. But all is not lost. Just a few touches will help keep the trip memories alive.

1. Pasta ~ Mangia Mangia!

Pasta of course. And some wonderful sauces. I doctored a pot of our Pesto by simply adding in diced tomatoes and a little bit of half and half (about 1/4 cup, tomato quantity to taste, I used 3 for a regular jar of Pesto). Top with Parmesan and shredded arugula for a bit of a bite. Serve with chilled white wine. Delicious!

While in Cernobbio on lake Como, we had this amazing pasta sauce made with saffron, cream, tomatoes, a few small pieces of bacon (they used pancetta but bacon will work fine) and some walnuts. Also topped with arugula. Once I’ve experimented and come up with the right taste, I’ll post it here.

2. Grilled vegetables.

Vegetables always seem to taste better in Italy. Of course they usually do because they use seasonal vegetables and they aren’t as processed as what we find in the US. Strips of zucchini, eggplant, tomato, red peppers, slivers of potato. With a dash of olive oil and some coarse salt.

One thing they’ve started serving in several places (we had it in Rome, in Parma and in Varese, up North) is grilled radicchio lettuce. I thought it a bit strange but in fact it tastes quite a lot like Belgian Endive and since Endive is so expensive here, it seemed like a good alternative. I’ll try it next time.

Usually the vegetables come to the table either at room temperature or cold. And that is quite nice when the weather is as sweltering as it was in Rome.

3. Prosciutto, mozarella and more

Marinated mozarella, marinated mushrooms, finely sliced prosciutto, incredible salami and other cold cuts. Strong tastes prevent one from going overboard, everything in moderation. But all oh so good. Because we just can’t find the same bold flavors here, doctor what you find with good quality olive oil, coarse salt, fresh black pepper and lots of herbs. Marinate mushrooms in good balsamic vinegar. Use lemons and enjoy the tang!

4. Set the scene

For some reason it all tastes better when enjoyed outside under the stars. Candles create the right lighting. Citronella candles will help keep mosquitos away. A pretty table, set with simple linens and tableware. Comfortable chairs, some music (preferably Italian of course, but not a must). And just sitting there enjoying the evening and talking about the trip…. while sipping delicious coffee and dreaming of gelato.

Pictures soon….