not perfect but nice

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a wonderful,colour full! new start!

This year I hope to be braver with my colour choices:

Inspired to take on clever projects big and small:

And not be afraid to climb that staircase!
Success is not a doorway but a staircase.
So let's take one step at a time..............

Christmassy snippets from my home

2011-12-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

With all this pink thinking .....I fell for it and indulged my two girls/myself for two mini pink trees to decorate the landing in front of their bedrooms! Needless to say they love them :) Yes papa, girls need pink christmas trees!!

And then I fell upon this little christmas star.......the last one all alone on a shelf. How could I resist?

A liitle chalet settled at the foot of this huge "snowy " cake mountain!

And hand made gifts that will never arrive in Dublin on time :{ Sorry Andrew I didn't want to forget you)

Experimenting with my new ceramic paint pen....... I'll make portraits of the whole family on plates!!!!!

New Christmas tablescape.

Paper trees and jacinthes

Flower soon please and show all your white glory..........

I love the smell of jacinthes and once they've bloomed each year I plant them outside so now in the spring time I have quite a collection!! Love.

The end ................................................for now! :)

Think pink!

2011-12-15T02:04:00.000-08:00

Don't you think a pink christmas would be just dandy?!!

Loving those big furry floor cushions and that little munchkin. Wouldn't mind one of those!!

And who said you have to play it safe? Be daring and see the results are just inspiring. What do you think? I'd love to know. :)

Christmas workshop

2011-12-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

At the coffee shop this week-end we held our first adult workshop!

It was great fun. Everyone seemed pleased to have come and stayed an hour after it was over!

The theme was table art: how to prepare a festive table on a budget!

The first table presented had a natural vibe with linen tablecloths and little olive branches to mark places.

And a painted branch as a center piece. A simple idea that doesn't cost much but gives a poetique feel.

Next up a more traditional style with red and green but wth a simple leopard twist which modernises the look.

Unexpected but that's how I like it!

Making a flower arrangement with hedge finds and supermarket flowers is cost efficient and beautiful at the same time.

Mixing up old and new plates.

Next and last a "fun" table with gigerbread biscuits and the Christmas trees that we made earlier.

Christmas baubles scattered on the table. Easy, cheap and charmante.

2011-12-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

Making these stylised Christmas trees are so easy to make.

Made with old magazines(or books if you're brave enough).

It's a very simple fold technique. My daughters who are 11 and 8 years old loved making them.

You could leave them as are or spray paint and glitter them as we did whatever colour your going for this year

Cute in groups. Check out The happy home blog (actually it's called kidspot) but I found the link via her beautiful blog, for instructions and other christmas craft ideas!!

Pre-Christmas concert

2011-12-06T00:57:00.000-08:00

Total enthusiasm!!

There he is in action!

Madamoiselle is getting ready. This was her first ever concert.

Look at those rosey red cheeks! They betray her every time she is shy or embarresed or in this case totally stressed out.

She did a wonderful job. She only started in September and we are so proud of her.

Lots of memories to keep in our hearts.

Christmas decorating and winter cozy

2011-12-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

It's that cozy time of the year again. Cosy, that is if you happen to have a warm wood fire burning.

Last year at this time of the year I had a little taste of how horrible it is to be cold. Those of you living on the southern hémisphere are the lucky ones not to experience such low temperatures that we have here every year. For nearly one, whole day I was unable to get our fire going and I was wearing my coat inside and making survival trips to Ikea to keep warm! Finally a freind came to the rescue and it felt SO good to be warm again. I certainly don't envie people living on the streets in winter here in France, although really, there is no reason for anyone to be out in the cold here as the French infrastructure is excellent in providing shelter for those in need. I am very thankful for the warmth our wood stove gives us.

The christmas decorating has started here with these dramatique sort of gold leaves I picked up for a song. Big effect for little. I like that! Don't they look Kelly Wearstler worthy?

And here is a peak at our table scape with the last hydrangeas from our garden.
Now it's time for a early Christmas concert for the kids, more on that later!

Advent

2011-12-02T01:12:00.000-08:00

I can't beleive it's been nearly one month since I've posted! These last three months have just been crazy and with Christmas around the corner and my third son's birthday as well; things don't seem to be getting quieter!!

But I've decided I'm making the effort to post nearly every day this December.........will I succeed?
Here are a couple of photos of our advent calender I made with my girls last night. I know, I was late but better late than never ,right? Actually I was wondering if my kids are getting too old for this. To which "they" replied 'Mum you're never too old for sweets!' How true.

We simply wrapped five sweets (one for each) in different patterned paper (trusty Ikea) and hung them on twine. With a couple of reindeers (also Ikea) it was done! We didn't put numbers on each packet because they really are old enough to be counting!! Just for info, my kids are between 17 and 8years of age.

Our stag got a pair of "earings" for the festivities. He looks pretty cool, non?

Who could resist!

2011-11-07T00:41:00.001-08:00

The Ladurée Dream from Kluk Jeanovej on Vimeo.

Inspiration

2011-10-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

I was inspired today by Anna Spiro of ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL THINGS post concerning where does your inspiration come from and how important it is to be able to see it in the small things of life. Or the day to day images that go past our eyes which we don't take the time to look at and appreciate. This image is a day to day scene of my life and as I look at it I find inspiration; in the way the sweet peas fall and the teabag hanging out of the tea and the profile of my sons face. All ispiration. What is your inspiration today?

We're OPEN! Coffee shop 4

2011-10-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

How long have we been waiting for this moment!!!!

9 months is the gestational time for human babies. This baby saw the light also after 9 months of hard,hard work! But it was worth it and we have had such great reactions from everyone who enters.

Bad lighting I'm sorry. There's my beetroot, apple smoothie. It's delicious! Come and try!

Our art gallery wall has one of our local artists expositions for the next 3 weeks and then it wilml change. Changes the deco every month!

More photos to come.................

Hands and seahorses!

2011-07-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Look at these gorgeous hands I found at the flea market! I love 'em.

And meet Isaline the seahorse. !

Coffe shop 3

2011-06-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time for another coffee shop update! Look the tree trunk is partly up! We are getting there..;..;; yes!

The shelves behind the bar are now ready to be filled with cups and glasses of different sizes; as well as teapots and different cannisters!! There is so much to buy and ........find!

Here's a quick shot of the "atelier" (that is workshop in French) because that's one of the special things about the café is that we will be animating different workshops, craft, art, music, foreign languages as well as mid-week workshops for the kiddos! Notice the piano?

These doors were painstakingly restored and "glassed" by my husband (who is an excellent handy-man by the way.)They used to be church doors and cost 8 euros for one!

Another attraction of our café will be a mini-library where people can come and read while drinking their coffee or even borrow a book! We cut out the back of one of the shelves to frame the little window of the work room where all those noisy machinery like blenders and juicers will be kept and used. We want people to enjoy a peaceful interlude to their day and not have the impression of being on a construction site every time someone orders a smoothie.

sea shells and sand

2011-06-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

We don't live too far from the sea. Oh it's not the curaco blue Bahamas or even the Mediteranean emerald waters we visit, no we're talking about grey waters ,the Channel.

It doesn't bother us too much as the sea is beautiful whereever you are I guess. The horizon on the water is always dreamy for me.

Little Eve is sunning it out in a lime,flouresant, green tunique.......... That way I wouldn't lose her; I could see her far ,far away sometimes! She moves fast.

And look at this uber cool idea for the tooth fairy; more like the fallen teeth of our little people. ( found on the Mondocherry blog)

Wishing you all a great week-end. xx Iris.

Enjoying the salad?

2011-06-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this photo. I hope it makes you laugh out loud like I did. Laughter is medecine for the soul you know!! Look at that face.

The strawberry saga

2011-06-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

The picking.

The tasting.

The preparing........30kg!

The jamming.

The result.

All in all a great family day :)

Spotty cake?

2011-05-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl my mum used to make marble cake for us. We loved it , the way the colours mixed into the other.

Yesterday I thought I'd do the same hence the spotty cake. My kids thought it was funny, a dalmation cake!

On a grander note, look at these lovely Limoges cups I found for a steal. So cute and so small. My husband thinks they are for children to play with........ Oh, no way, they are for small doses of caffeine my dear!

Snippets

2011-05-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Pivoine is french for Peonie

2011-05-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

I love my Pivoine bushes in my garden and I love the Pivoine on my kitchen helper's jacket today!

She hates it and I nearly always have to bribe her to wear it!

Actioning a fine mix of flowery garments and frilly shirts is really not her style; malheureusement.

Meanwhile the bathroom is mellowing just lovely with the fine fragrance of real Pivoine blooms!

And I would say that this little bathroom is loving them. I do.

Have a lovely pivoiny day. xx Iris.

Rambling roses

2011-05-21T02:58:00.000-07:00

I love my rambling roses at this time of the year. Actually when I planted this one I expected white roses!

The olive tree suffered quite a lot from the cold winter we had. Poor thing. Looking quite skeletique.

They do go nicely with my pink chairs though.

Chantilly

2011-05-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we headed out to Paris. Only a two hour trip for us, this time to put our passports up to date with the new biometric standards. Two embassies later on the way home we "dropped" into Chantilly.

A lovely domaine which once housed the kings horses. The girls who are absolute horse lovers were wrapped. Only thing to visit the stables one has to fork out 13 euros; just to see some horses.

We told the girls this was definately not worth the money to which they responded " But they are Royal horses!"

On another note, when I first came to France I discovered that whipped cream was called Chantilly and so I assumed that it was first discovered in Chantilly and possibly dans le château!! I wouldn't mind some with my stawberries!

And finally a royal courtsey from principessa Eve Edelweiss herself :)

Pensées

2011-05-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's mothers' day in Australia but I live in France, it's not mothers day here!

But I'll take both days to celebrate being a mum. It's what I like doing the most! There's no job in the world that can compare!

Style files n° 1

2011-05-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Looking "hip" in a grey and white pin-striped tunic over striped leggings from Okaidi. Grey cardi and suede booties. Making it fun with hot pink scarf timmed with tiny pompoms also from Okaidi.

She don't look like she's havin' fun!!

The chairs

2011-05-02T01:53:00.000-07:00

Crocodile green,Gouave pink,Aubergine purple, Tangerine orange, Lemon acide yellow, Vespa blue,Rasberry red!

Coffee shop news 3

2011-04-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Finally a few photos of what HAS been accomplished in the "making of"!

The walls are up and painted. We used white,white for ceilings and two different shades of greige for the walls. Some people think it looks dull. But just wait for the fun colours to enter via chairs and artwork!
For now we have a cosy base with grey stained wooden flooring to continue the overall warm and fuzzy feel. This also enlargens the place being very narrow and long! For the counter we applied a cement finish which is not really how I thought it would be.

Restroom- we wanted a clean and simple feel in here with just a hint of "fantasy" with the mosaic,shell encrusted tiles all around the mirror. Still very much work in progress!

The workroom just off to the right of the bar where all the noisy machinery will be used.

This photo is really blurry (I apologise) the bench will be covered in an array of coloured cushions and the wall above will be our Art Gallery wall . We hope to have a monthly turnover of expositions of local artists. It will provide change and interest to the decoration of the place.

Rainbows

2011-04-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

'If you like the rainbows you have to put up with the rain!'

Author unknown

Well maybe with this kind of rainbow there's no need for rain.......... Just a thought.

Dreaming - as usual

2011-04-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't it said that great projects have resulted from a dream that someone somewhere had at one point?

Well then I should be a professional dreamer, oh yes , and how lovely when those dreams work out!

So keep on dreaming people you never do know what it may lead to.............. Wishing you all a lovely day, xx Iris.

Daisy chains and April sunshine

2011-04-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent a lovely relaxing day in the sun making daisy chains!

I've been making daisy chains as long as I can remember and it seems that April is the perfect time of the year to be doing that.

Something I've managed to pass on to my daughter . You know it's the simple things in life.................

Dreamy decor

2011-04-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

Likke being in an under water world............full of light and quiet, until the clients arrive that is!

Look at all those gold fish.

Getting there!

2011-04-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

The sign has gone up. We're nearly there.........! Things have been going very slowly with so many legal matters to deal with. Sigh. And panic - my camera broke down so I have not been able to take photos of the progess that IS happening on the interior. This photo was taken by my husband with his telephone :}
So we're looking onwards and forward to opening soon. I hope.

Bienvenue le Printemps!!

2011-03-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's officially spring and what beautiful weather we are having in France this week. So here's the perfect bouquet to welcome it in......... cute for bridesmaids too!

Coffee shop news 2

2011-03-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

Still playing around with ideas for the coffee shop!

Open shelving around our new Marzocco coffee machine hand made in Florence. Eric says they make the Best coffee machines in the world!! These are not it.

For the chairs we're going for the economical and ecological option of getting together a mix of old wooden chairs found here and there and unifying them in a selection of water based paint colours

Not sure about the wall colours yet although we do want to keep things light and airy but cosy too.

Nice wooden panelling might help with bringing in a warmth and cosy element. We want our customers to feel well and happy. Nature (in this case wood) usually does that right?

And then there's the "powder room" oh my, have we been spending time on this..........lots of formalities and restrictions happening here. We'll get there though! Going for clean and glamour here, with wall to wall rectangular tiles and shell (nacre) mosaic around the mirror area! And for the masculine side of the room, to balance it , we have chosen large wengé brown tiles for the floor. Lighting, as in the rest of the place will be soft and indirect.

This is another idea we looked at using the mis-matched chairs in one shade of colour but we voted out for fun colours.

One other aspect of our coffee shop will be our library corner with comfortable seating ,sofas etc.A place where people can drink a good coffee or whatever and pick up a book and relax...........and be 'alone.'

I'll be posting more about the coffee shop with real live photos as progress gets interesting so do keep tuned!

You can visit our coffee shop site here if you want to test your French! An English translation is still in progress :)

ooh la la

2011-02-24T07:55:00.002-08:00

Anybody else out there having a bad hair day?

Kids bookshelves

2011-02-18T00:42:00.000-08:00

Isn't this such a cool idea? These bookshelves are extremely accessible for children even the more younger ones. And the beauty of it is they are cheap and accessible. They are infact spice racks from Ikea!

Image 1--- Ministry of deco
Image 2 ---Domesticsimplicity

Check this out too if you're looking for a gift for your child. I found it really inspiring.
http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2010/11/26/35-gifts-your-children-will-never-forget/

Sea urchins and such

2011-02-17T00:28:00.000-08:00

Isn't this sea urchin lamp so beautiful. And that chair is just perfect for hiding away and reading a book.

Chevron power

2011-02-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's already Friday and that my last entry was on Monday!

Where, oh where did the time go? I have been enjoying a lot of your blog posts and I have neglected my own.........Please do forgive me seriously lousy photos :(

So what have I been doing? You may ask.
Apart from a lot of day dreaming and other essential tasks I have been ...........painting!

You know, when you have a thousand things on your hand that you need and should be doing , what do you do? Well if you're like me you get totally distracted and start wondering "How would that boring wall look like with zig zags on it? And then you take it one step further and you grab some paint, a paint brush and masking tape (which you disregard after realising this is going to take you too much time and decide to go free style!!) And you start painting that wall! Before you know it it's done!

Next I might try a rug and then maybe........... the world!!!!!

Have a fun week-end making your dreams become reality even if it is just a bit of chevron :) xx Iris.

2011-02-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

These chairs are so fun. given the classique form but unusual paint colour for the wood work and fabric.

I'm such a chicken with colour because I know it wont last long and in a week or two I'll want to change and make it more classique!

Which leads me to my chair........... I have had it hanging around in my studio for a while and finally got down to painting and replacing the aged fabric. I tossed around the idea of painting it red, or yellow or hot pink and why not? It would have been fun .......right? Why am I so indecisive?

So here she is. Classical but snazy! Hooray for zebra! That's my idea of safe fantasy :)

Just dreaming

2011-02-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

Wishing yo all a dreamy week-end. xx Iris

Colours

2011-02-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

Unusual colour for an old table and chairs all calmed down by grey as a backdrop. Fun!

Book marks I made with my girls as a momento for the baptism of my oldest son Zach this week-end. We cut strips of leather ( our old sofa) and with a permanent marker we drew different designs. Quick, original, fun and cheap!!!

Perfectly pink

2011-01-31T12:43:00.000-08:00

Pink anyone? I wish I was so daring to bring a pink couch into my home and would the 4 "boys" of the home ever sit on it? ;)

Needing yellow

2011-01-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been thinking I need yellow!

Yellow like the sun, like daffodils.................

So I've started adding here and there touches of moveable yellow. Both consciously and unconsciously.

Even the fruit is yellow!

And take a look at this gorgeous fabric from Beach Vintage So happy and even the price is a happy price!! I've been seriously looking for a place to put it in my home........ Maybe some cushions?

Mr Fox gets a makeover

2011-01-27T00:25:00.000-08:00

Well here he is with his new white coat

He looks quite nice like this , as if he was made out of stone or marble.

But I still think he would look kind of funky in a wildish colour, laquered pink or yellow or turquoise!

Here's a snapshot before I hit him with the white paint. What do you think? Would you have Mr Fox at your place?

Dark but nice

2011-01-25T06:16:00.000-08:00

This charcoal grey is quite stunning but would not be compatible with our northern skies which are often the same colour!

Image : Lisa Carney for Country Living 2010.

I like

2011-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

My new find for the coffee shop.

Looks arty and crafty and .....................actually compfortable!

Jess has been playing with a strange ball, I'm glad he didn't decide to use my new pouf!!!

Coffe shop news 1

2011-01-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we (l'autre estaminet, our new coffee shop) were asked to prepare a reception for an organisation

who were having a day long seminar in a nearby hall. Even though our coffee shop is still 'work in process' it was great to have the opportunity to make ourselves 'present'. We served excellent fair trade coffee from Guatamala and Rwanda.

Good quality coffee will be one of our major accents in the café

Each coffee was presented by our trained barrista aka: my husband!

We had to serve 300 people in a very short time during their pauses.

Another accent of ours is fresh fruit juices and smoothies. We didn't have the facilities to make smoothies on the spot but we did bring along our orange juicer!

People seemed to enjoy the quick pick me up and the novelty of watching 'their' juice being made for them before their very eyes.

Kilos and kilos of oranges! Total goodness......

I was in charge of the decoration. I found this tree in a local store and thought it would be perfect as we plan to build a life size tree in the middle of our coffee shop. This was just a glimpse of things to come!!

At the last minute I hit You tube to find out how to make these gorgeous pompoms I've been seeing all over blogland............and they are SOOOOOOOO easy to make. I think I'll make some more for our grand opening and why not a group for the girls bedroom?!!

And who is this well built stranger?

Twins

2011-01-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

Back packs for twin neices wanted the aunt of these twin two year olds.

Slip tie makes sure everything stays inside!!

I used a mix of fun girly prints and colours.

Lady bug for Louane and a butterfly for Anaelle, they live in Paris.

I hand embroidered their names.

Adjustable ribbon ties.

Just the right size for taking to the crêche and later to kinder. Even for sleepovers at nannas!!

Anna

2011-01-18T02:32:00.000-08:00

She likes to cook! Isn't that great someone to help in the kitchen. More than that, what she actually makes is simply yummy!

Here she is making little bite sized sauceage rolls for the "aperitif."

So simple to make. Just take simple frankfurters, cut them into bite sized pieces and wrap them up in philo pastry ribbons.

I didn't get any after shots, sorry. They do look nicer when the pastry has blown up and become flakey and buttery and all that is good for the taste buds but not for the hips!!

See you next year

2011-01-17T01:31:00.000-08:00

It's a wrap. Christmas is over!

All the decorations are finally packed up and ready for next year.

Actually it has been a week or two ago that these photos were taken . I've just been too sick with the flu to put them up.

So here we are turning the page and moving on through the new year that has well and truly started! January is such a tough month for me with all the festivities and work up towards christmas etc, when it's all finished all your left with is grey skies and cold temperatures.
I'm looking forward to next month and seeing the first snow bells peak through in my garden.................. Vive le printemps!

I love

2011-01-08T01:22:00.000-08:00

I love a bit of drama but when it comes down to it what I really LOVE is the simple and light Swedish style.

I love it's lightness, it's open and airiness, it's cosiness and ofcourse it's easy living.

This is an idea I'm keeping for Eves new bedroom . Yes I've got the moving around bug again!!!

The girl's share a room at the moment and as adolescence eases in it seems things are getting urgent in the space making departement (lots of screaming,scratching and hair pulling -why do girls do that?) Anyway watch this space for "the making of"!

It's time for a tea parties

2011-01-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

These are the exact words of my scrumptious little niece Poppy! She declared these words after seeing my girls setting up the "Twister" mat. She was obviously thinking "picnic blanket" having seen her mum and dad having more picnics than playing "Twister"!

I love these boxes and packaging. So bright and fun and what's even better the teas have really groovy names and even better they taste nice!

Kusmi teas were originally based in Russia (talking about before the révolution), don't think communist Russia but the romantique and splendide Russia of Tsars and princesses......... After the révolution Kusmi established itself in Paris and has been there ever since.

Now I'm enjoying a nice cup of "Love tea". Someone has to try and test the merchandise we are hoping to sell in our new coffee shop.............. It's hard work but someone has to do it!

Would you like to try? Leave a comment and I'll send out a teabag to the first five.

Envol

2011-01-04T02:23:00.000-08:00

Voila my newest painting. It's called "Envol" which means "Flight" in French!

It's a combination of potatoe stamping, gold leaf ,collage and simple brush stroke.

It represents a group of papillions flying towards the outer edge of the large frame.

Really the photos don't do it justice. The background is a golden colour.

Here and there I used a doily to print circular forms to give interest and more texture.

Motivation

2011-01-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

The transition into 2011 was made in a "Tropical mood" as I was craving some warmth after this freaky snow. I know that for many of you passing New Year in the cold is quite normal but you may remember I have my origins in the southern hemishere where we celebrate the end of year "happenings" outside!!
That's why I chose orchids and big (the biggest I could find) leaves to decorate the table for this year's party. 20 people at our place. The table runner is the sash of a very old kimono; which surprisingly came out without one stain........ My guests were well behaved apparently! Can you see that gorgeous wicker chair ? That will go in our new coffee shop (more on that to come) but I still have to paint it a nice fun colour.

We played it easy with a buffet style meal and open bar! It was simple to prepare and my great husband looked after the after-math.

Now a word of motivation to all of you and myself for a successful NewYear 2011!!
                                  I'm looking forward to hearing from YOU!

                 The secret of success is making your
     vocation your vacation. Autheur unknown

Party time!

2010-12-31T02:12:00.000-08:00

Every year, our primary school organises a student exchange for one week with a school in Germany. One year it's their turn and the next it's ours! We have always welcomed the German children into our home over the years (I say years because all of our five children have been or are still schooled there) but I have never had the courage to send them to Germany in an unknown family,so young , and not knowing the language. They are only 9 years of age, which seems to me very young for this kind of exchange.

Anyway we have always had a successful time with the German kids because my husband (who is Swiss) speaks perfect German so communication is no problem. Last year we welcomed a little girl called Selena who apparently so loved staying with us, that on a later visit with her parents to Paris they dropped by to say hi!!

So we could meet her parents and to cut a long story short we found out that her father was a Mars representative!!! My husband being the shy kind of person he is asked the man if he ever has samples?

Well what a surprise; two days before christmas and this in heavy snow, we received a huge box with the Mars logo all over it !!!! My kids eyes nearly fell out of their heads.

They had never seen so much chocolate gathered together in one place.........our place!
Needless to say that we have enjoyed chocolate everyday and that we have surely gained a few hundred grammes in all this feasting.............!

Global Warming

2010-12-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

As is the rest of Europe we are experiencing some nice white fluffy stuff coming from the sky.

Just in time for the school holidays and hopefully it will stay around for Christmas................

Perfect for snowball fights!

Christmas market

2010-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

Getting ready

2010-12-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the festivities!

Sarah can you see something new?

Pretty paperwhites cultivated with love by my youngest daughter Eve.

Happy preparations to you!

Mr Fox

2010-12-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

Meet Mr Fox.

My heart throb of the moment, maybe of bad taste but I like him. I saved him from a dark and dusty Antique shop for the meager price of 3 euros. The shop keeper obviously didn't like him and nobody in this house likes him......... except me.

Wouldn't he look great in a childs' room fable de la Fontaine style with gingham curtains and a cuckoo clock and why not a duck!

For now he serves as my mascott in my studio until I decide what colour to paint him maybe then "they " will like him. What colour would you paint him? Black, white, fuschia , turquoise..........

Been busy

2010-11-19T00:24:00.000-08:00

Working and eating macarones!!

Keeping promises

2010-11-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

I realise that you may be getting sick of seeing this zebra print rug.............but a promise is a promise and I did say i would show it to you in my sons bedroom!

Et voila! Here it is. It looks kind of grundgy,funky or whatever! Personally I think a simple cow hide would
be nicer or cooler!

What do you think? Better in the sitting, girls or boys room?

Zebra in situ

2010-11-05T03:21:00.000-07:00

Shown here in the tiny girls room. I think the girls would need some "glamourous" bedding to complete the look as from Ada and Darcys' beautiful on-line boutique!

I will post photos later on of the rug in my boys room soon. Keep a look out !

Mushrooms and zebra rug

2010-11-04T01:53:00.000-07:00

Now that October has passed and the leaves are seriously falling off the trees I'm starting to look inwards to bring a little somthing "je ne sais quoi " to my interior.

Yesterday I found this "faux" zebra rug not knowing really where to put it! I just knew that I liked it . I like zebra, I think it's chic without being vulgaire which I relate more to the so fashionable leopard pattern.

So here it is in my sitting room. Look tomorrow to see it in my sons bedroom for a cool young look or in my daughters room for a bit of glamour!!!

And look at these little cuties! Actually for the coffee shop we're working on. I thought they would be cute for our "little" customers as we want mums' to feel welcome with their children as well. Wishing you all a lovely day. xx .

Octoberfest day 29 and 30

2010-10-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here's my attempt on Autumn decorating.

I'm really not into Halloween. All that "scarying" and reveling in ugliness and darkness doesn't make me happy, although I might just carve a lantern out of the beautiful pumpkin I found!

A pretty lacey type of lantern.....

And my favourite tea of the moment from " Ladurée" one of my preferred Patisseries and places :)

Octoberfest day 28

2010-10-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

Look at these lovelies! Made by two sisters at who made it

Great for keeping jewlery on a pretty dressing table or bathroom :) J'AIME!!

Each one is unique, a piece of art really.

Octoberfest day 26 and 27!

2010-10-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was in Paris with my husband and a couple of freinds grabbing ideas for our new concept coffe shop we are planning on opening shortly ( more on that later).

It was a beautiful and perfect October day in Paris just how I love it.

No train strikes so the metro was working perfectly :) We ate breakfast on the Champs Elysée, lunch in the Latin quarter near the Sorbonne , stopped for tea at my favourite boutique for childrenswear Bonpoint and took the TGV back home.

The perfect day.

Octoberfest day 25

2010-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of a order I completed over the week-end.

Octoberfest day 23 and 24!

2010-10-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week-end!

Octoberfest day 22

2010-10-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

After being inspired by the tutorial on "My French Country home" I finally did it and made this exquisite Tarte Tatin. It's not as beautiful as hers but it was yummy! Try it you wont be dissapointed and it's really easy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmbQEQltOwM&feature=related Click here for one of my favourite songs.

Octoberfest day 21

2010-10-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

Jouyful mess in the Atelier de Beaumont alias my workshop!

The strong october sun has braved the bitter cold to shine through my windows.

What a difference that makes. Who else likes sunshine in the cold autumn?

Octoberfest day 20

2010-10-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

These cookies are yummy! If you like buttery, "melt in the mouth" biscuits these are for you. On the other hand if you are watching your weight or alllergique to butter , better stay away!

Here's the simplisme recipe.

Just add all ingredients and mix with your hands to create a moist and soft ball.

1 cup of muesli

1cup of sugar

, 1cup of plain flour

I egg

180g real butter (salted or un-salted)

1tsp vanilla essence

Once you have obtained a large ball divide into small balls and place on a baking tray and bake in moderate, pre-heated oven for@10 minutes!

Ready when golden. Voila c'est tout!

Octoberfest day 19

2010-10-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Time for a last outdoor party?

Octoberfest day 18

2010-10-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ok , voila in black! This is just one coat of black needs another. I do like it with colourful cushions or other chairs in wild colours. I don't know if it really has changed that much? I'm still not sure, so I'm going to leave it for now and see what in looks like in situ. Maybe grey?

Octoberfest day 17

2010-10-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

I've done it again I've managed to skip a day!! Here is a photo of a couch we picked up on saturday for our coffee/smoothie shop we've been working on for quite a while now!! Our house is slowly becoming a furinture depot. Anyway more on that later.

I wanted your advice about this because although I like the leather and the 'capitonnage' I'm not fond of the woodwork at least the colour which to my taste is old fashioned.
What I would like for you to do is to give me your advice on the colour I should paint the wood? I am pondering between black or some funky colour like fushia or turquoise to "modernise" it.

Please let me know your opinion, Im looking forward to hearing from you!

Octoberfest day 16

2010-10-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of photos of a travel blanket I recently completed for a customer.

The blanket is folded and enveloped in itself by a pocket on the back-side making it a pillow. Nifty gift!

Octoberfest day 15

2010-10-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Ok! So it's not a pumpkin as you were expecting! You know october = pumpkin. Well it does have the same colour really, and it's my "pumpkin" alias Zachary, my eldest, who rides it every day.

We're talking pumpkin power here!

Octoberfest day 14

2010-10-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

We've got the cosy blankie now we need a good coffee and as my husband would say "we've got the best coffee in town!"

The proof is in the tasting. Wishing you all a warm and cosy autumn evening by the fire!

Octoberfest day 13

2010-10-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

What happened to me yesterday , you may well ask! Wednesday is a day off ,that means kids activities!!! That means I put my taxi driver hat on and I stay in the car most of the day!!! :( Well it's all for them and I guess I'll be sad the day when they don't "need" me any more.

So today I'm putting up 2 posts......... I hope you'll take another look later on today. The 14th!

Today (I mean for yesterday) I wanted to talk about these charming granny square blankets or as some of you call them-- Afghans.

I found these in a flea market here in France and I do come across them quite frequently as for French these delightful things do not represent "Granny chic" but Granny old fashioned! The pastel coloured one has found a home in Spain but you can still grab the colourful one in my shop .

They'll keep you snug as a bug in a rug!

Octoberfest day 12

2010-10-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

When it gets cool outside my children start getting creative..........inside by the fire.

Nice and warm our wood fire takes the chill away although when it gets really cold the central heating needs to be on!

Last night we even roasted the chestnuts collected the other day on the top of the wood stove! Yummy. My favourite treat on walks in town is to stop at the street chestnut roaster and grab a little paper bag full. They taste great and pealing them warms up those frozen fingers!!

My son John says they taste like potatoe and hazlenuts and banana and chocoolate all rolled into one. Interesting.

Octoberfest day 11

2010-10-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

In October I'm being attracted to these earthy warm tones. Images of Abigail Ahern's beautiful London home.

Elle decor 2006Unknown!

Martha Stewart.

Octoberfest day 10

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Look at these

Octoberfest day 9

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Fruit of the vine. These are the last days to enjoy grapes! In France at this time of the year we talk wine!

I personally am quite happy with just the fruit . And it looks so pretty too!

And here's what we see on the opposite side of our house. Cows; when the kids were younger they were quite fascinated by them. Now it's just "normal".

I just realised that I haven't showed you around our little village; Beaumont.
I'll try and get some photos for you tommorrow or maybe Monday.

For now I'm wishing you a lovely sunfilled Sunday!

Octoberfest day 8

2010-10-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you think book shelves look so inviting.

Look at all those books!!!!! I wouldn't mind sitting here for a while.

Image1- Tracey Garet
Image2- Unknown,sorry

Octoberfest day 7

2010-10-07T01:16:00.000-07:00

Bathroom snippets in the Autumn light.

,

Octoberfest day 6

2010-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

I love to bloat on my faux fur cushions which I bring out at this time of the year. It's particularily nice here because of the large windows from which I can watch the garden..........

Octoberfest day 5

2010-10-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

When it gets to October I start drinking quite a lot of warm drinks. First of all because they warm my body up from the inside.

But there's a second reason and that is ; comfort. There really is nothing like curling up on the sofa with a good cup of hot tea while it's howling and raining out of doors.

Ofcourse this is all the more valuble when you have just come in from a blistering walk where all the pores on your face have been whipped to life by the horizontal rain and crisp air.

Having said all this I would still prefer basking under a coconut tree listening to the waves gently caressing fine white sand!

Octoberfest day 4

2010-10-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

Childrens art at home. This painting made by my children and freinds thrones in our family room.

An original piece of art and best of all I love the artists!

Octoberfest day 3

2010-10-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Autumn flowers from my garden :
                                                   Sunflowers in rusty red
                                                    Asters in mauve
                                                    Hydrangeas dusty pink and beige

And

Another Autumn outfit for Poppy!

Blazer and soft mohair skirt thrifted Cacherel.

Total cost 5 euros.

Octoberfest day 2

2010-10-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

A autumn outfit for my 2 year old neice Poppy.

Hat -made by me
Liberty shirt -thrifted
Grungy rocker kilt-thrifted
This outfit cost me less than 3 euros and I'm sure, with some pretty tights and boots she'll look a thousand!

Octoberfest

2010-10-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not talking about the beer party that takes place each year in Germany, Bavaria, Munich. I want to talk about my personal challenge of making every day of October a fest , a party to celebrate the beauty of Autumn (there IS more to October than beer!)

I always get a little melancholic at this time of the year; which is wrong because apart from the cold and the shorter days the land is becoming beautifully clad with bright and vibrant colours and there's much more to bring forth and celebrate!

That's why everyday I'll be bringing images of October....... I hope you'll enjoy it and be inspired.........to party!

So, Day 1 : Apples.

Have you ever seen an apple tree so heavily laden with fruit that it's branches touch the ground?

Splendide and bountyful at one gaze.

It means fruit, to 'munch' on, that you know are good for you and aren't going to make your hips grow.

It means yummy apple pies, or if you live in France exquisite apple tarts on a fine crust.

It means compotes(apple sauce), to be eaten during all of winter .

It means life, because when you've got food you've got life!

How precious is the simple apple.

Our apple trees this year were not so fruitful so I'm sorry I don't have a photo to show. I think it's due to a lack of bees...................................

P.S the bag is for sale on my etsy shoppe notperfectbutnice

Funky Fhursday!

2010-09-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

This image (sorry I don't have the source) reminds me of my sister Sarah. It's colourful, funky, classique and arty all rolled into one!

Wish

2010-09-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

I wish I was here.

Handmade with love

2010-09-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of bags I just made for one of my favourite clients. She comes from the south of France so everytime I see her I feel as though the sun is shining. It's nice to be in contact with people like that don't you think ?

Kitchen love

2010-09-27T01:42:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the blurry photo

I was doing some blog riding and came to find this image up top which reminded me of my own kitchen! The world is a small place!

Sorry i don't know the source of the first image :(

Fruity Friday

2010-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Happy week-end everyone!

Image 1 my own

Image 2 Vintagerose

It's official

2010-09-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here!

Today is officially day 1 of the cold, the wet, the windy,the foggy, the romantique, the mysterious, the cosy,

the beautiful season.

So let us celebrate! Tea anyone?

Tea set gifted by my husband.
Vintage Dutch.

Principessa

2010-09-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

Looking for a "real " princess dress for your little princess?

Have a look at my shop! Not Perfect But Nice

Don't miss out these are one offs!!

Fleurs

2010-09-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how flowers can brighten up your day!

It's the simple things in life that count.......

These were from dinner guests this week-end. Thankyou Nathalie and Manu!

Lenais

2010-09-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Meet Lenais! She's a rag doll made with a pattern that my very talented sister (RedPossum) developed. You can contact her if you wish to buy one in PDF form so there is little delay! Contact her on her blog redpossumgear.blogspot.com or on her shop.

You can make her in whatever colour you desire, skin and hair colour even the eyes. So cute and an original gift idea for your loved one.

I had a lot of fun creating her.......... and her "story".

Lenais is very fond of her bicycle and loves to ride down hills! She loves to eat toasted pink marshmallows by a bonfire on the beach. When she grows up she wants to be a baker!

Strawberries anyone?

2010-09-18T02:23:00.000-07:00

Look at these lovelies. Pure sugar!

They are soft sugar coated marshmallows in diguise............shhh!

Happy sweet week-end to everyone :)

New essence

2010-09-17T01:17:00.000-07:00

When it comes to perfume I'm a pretty stable kind of girl. I like it when a perfume an "odeur" becomes a signature of a person. You recognise instantly that a certain person has been or is present just by simple olfaction. I love that, being there without being there. The mystery, the romance,the memories that a smell can awaken.

So normally I wear Paris by YSL, it was the first perfume offered to me by my man,( now husband). We were living and met in Paris, our first memories were made in this city and every time I catch a wiff of "Paris" I get that warm fuzzy feeling.

But............every now and then I feel the urge to try something "new" , which brings me to the reason of this post!

Isn't this bottle just so charming? I fell for the daisy, my all time favourite flower, although I do like a lot of other flowers. The perfume is quite light and floral but not "heady". It's really nice and feels like summer.

Let's push those grey ,cold clouds away!!!!

Your turn!

2010-09-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

Good-morning!

After answering all those questions I have to tag 8 other bloggers!

Here they are :
                       A beach cottage
                       A refocused life
                       Red Possum
                       Bébé and Alice
                      Joys' Quilts
                     LuLu Carter
                     Absolutely beautiful things

Ok ,girls it's your turn! Just answer the questions in my prior post. Ofcourse you are free to play or not :)

Image: Atlanta Bartlet