Start eating some green !

In this season, the vegetables and the fruits are full of sunshine.
The stalls of the market become a festival of colors.

In my basket, some striped green tomatoes, very original ; sweet peppers colored acid.
For the fragrance and the pleasure of decorating a rustic table : some branches of wild fennel gathered on the way.

I dedicate these images to the culinary blogs that delight me with each of my visits and I thank their authors for sharing with us their passion, their knowledge, and their inspirations.

Original article "Se mettre au vert !" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow

A bag of memories

Time is the journey.

A very favorite is this old bag full of history.
It sits in my hallway on a small stool to greet travelers and to welcome them.
I found it thanks to Kristin who, during my jaunt in Aix en Provence, took me to a small flea market near her home.

The details which make it unique and endearing: original initials written by hand, leather handles and straps, the old numbered travel label.

Original article "Une valise à mémoire" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow

Year-round flea market

As promised, some small treasures found at night in a flea market.
Indeed, we are lucky in Provence to have flea markets year round... the summer season brings night events to the calendar.


A pot of paint spilled on the old split board of the coat rack and of course, that is what attracted me.
One should not change this coat rack with its rusted coat hooks, except to fix its fleur-de-lys hooks; it found its place on a door in the courtyard.

An old glazed plate with amusing designs : Oak branches, in the shape of a birdhouse, frame a kitchen scene. A bird in flight and a bunch of carrots... ;-)

Some ancient books attracted me too.
What I always like is the more or less rounded spine that has lived.
Here they are fabric covered ; one of them has been written on with a feather quill pen.




Original article "Chiner toute l'année" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow

The lace brooch

Homework n° 1 : «The lace brooch»

Because it is summer in Provence, the sun is shining and the holidays are made for relaxation and amusement, let the afternoon fill me with joy.

To close the shutters to preserve the coolness of the stone walls of the house and indulge in a little nap on the radassier* or in the shade of a mulberry tree, rocked by the song of cicadas... a small ritual that is important not to neglect ; then to do some small holiday homework.


Today a small sewing exercise : a lace brooch :

• Take a simple piece of lace, bought in a drapery shop, thread with wire and gather to form a flower.
• In the middle, sew a small "flower" of two stacked buttons found in a secondhand store.
• On this, glue a small metal bird or another fantasy purchased from the "La Droguerie" store.
  

What a pleasure then, to pin it to a white tunic that is lightly scented by a pretty plaster rose from «Mathilde M».


Suddenly, I wish to take advantage of the end of the day, with sun shining on the isles of a flea market in the area, to find some small treasures which I will reveal to you soon !

(*) a Provençal settee or bench

Original article "La broche dentelle" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow

My summer sales

Here are my purchases found at “Interior's” which I arrange on the nursemaid’s chair that I recently mottled with my brushes.



Two boxes in wood, patined and stenciled in gray will soon receive my small selection of lime blossom tea and tea leaves from “Mariage Frères.”

A small, textured cup whose spiked form has seduced me with the perfume of herbal tea or the delicate tea of orange blossoms.

And I use this setting to thank Patricia for this beautiful heart of canvas ticking which she delicately made and so kindly offered.

Original article "Mes soldes d'été" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow

Holiday in Tuscany #2

In Tuscany, there is “Valdirose”, a cozy villa where we had a memorable stay.



“Valdirose” is a family villa of Irene and Giovanni, her father, both of whom are congenial.
The charming residence has been recently restored under the direction of Irene, who has a passion for design. So the villa is a delight for the eyes.



Located in the hills above a village near Florence, it offers a breathtaking view of that wonderful city.
I also invite your to discover the world of Irene at her own website.

Again, “Thank You,” to Irene, Giovanni and Paolo for their charming hospitality and not to forget, Graziella for the delicious cuisine.

Original article "Vacances en Toscane #2" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow

Holiday in Tuscany #1

From my holiday in Tuscany, at the end of June, I hold poignant memories, rich in emotion and happiness.
The landscape and architecture of the cities are amazing and the Italians, marvelous.

My very favorite of these images:
The Virgin and child of San Michele in Foro in Lucca, the city of 56 churches ;
And the view of the powerful, slender tower of Palazzo Vecchio through a quatrefoil in the bell tower of the church, Santa Maria Del Fiore, in Florence.

And also, a holiday full of charm in a guest house, which I will reveal to you very soon.

Original article "Vacances en Toscane #1" translated by Annie of The Bunny Bungalow