Monthly Archives: December 2014

Old Guys Rule- La règle de vieux mecs

My old guy has just gone off to his last computer trouble shoot of 2014. On his way home tonight he will pick up some logs (it’s very, very cold here) and try and track down a bottle of Blanquette … Continue reading

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Christmas leftovers with a distinctly French twist

Not the prettiest looking plate ( I am no food stylist) but the second best dinner this festive season. The answer to the question “what do we make with all these left-overs? I can barely shut the fridge door?!”  is … Continue reading

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Joyeux Noel & Happy Christmas

Well, what are you all doing today? Celebrating quietly? Partying noisily? In an over-indulged stupor in front of the tv? For me, this Christmas has come at the end of a year of life-changing shocks and tough, tough times; tougher … Continue reading

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France | 4 Comments

The Thursday Three- beyond the candelabra

Mmmm……..maybe should have dusted first? Housework way down on list again; note to self, must do some before Christmas. I bought these 19th c patinated metal candelabra for French village house because they are going into quite a simple and … Continue reading

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Episode 94- Hidden historic details #2- Beams and roof timbers

Regular readers  will recall that half our house (the bit that isn’t the barn) is supported by three huge beams,which clearly received only the most cursory attention between being trees and holding our hybrid hovel up. 1) The rather beautiful … Continue reading

Posted in Renovation and restoration diary- France, What we did, how we did it and what we used | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Aging/antiquing fabrics – l’aspect des tissus anciens

If, like me, you have been searching for something specific for your house for AGES and either you can’t get the colours you want, or the price of a genuine period piece would pay one of your utility bills…………..there are … Continue reading

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The Thursday Three- Rocking a bit of Rococo in the round

There is something about round frames that appeals to me . Maybe because they evoke period interiors with fading fabrics, family treasures  and hand carved furniture. Another place and another time. I bought this French Rococo inspired frame on ebay … Continue reading

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The Thursday Three- satin and dragons

How about these chic oriental lounging pyjamas and fluffy trimmed slippers? All in silk satin with dragon embroidery; and they pack away into a little satin suitcase! I would happily wear these if I could get into them, obviously designed … Continue reading

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