le jardin Provençal

If the mid-winter doldrums have set in, and you are dreaming of a garden in Provence, this is the perfect time to head over to my lovely sponsor's site:  Authentic Provence. There you will go on un petit vacance while you wander through the gorgeous things Susan has brought back from France to America... just for you, cherie!

Everything I show you here, and much more is available. It is all authentically Provençal/French and hand-picked by Susan. She carries lots of architectural pieces, reclaimed wood and stone flooring, fireplace surrounds, iron furniture, chandeliers to die for... in short, lots of stunning things for your dream Provençal home.

Have fun planning your summer garden in Provence... or your own back yard?

There, don't you feel happier now?

***

Consider joining us in Provence... 

you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

nearly sold out!

Sunday Stroll..

Maybe it's because I grew up with four brothers... but I am a sucker for old, vintage-y automobiles. So when Chris and I were out walking Nicky Sunday I fell for this 1934 van.. every thing about it.. the Art Deco shape, Hercule Poirot era, that shape, the gorgeous turquoise color, and that patina! Right there, parked outside of the little breakfast cafe we frequent on weekends..

Don't you love these old vehicles?

and then... this is a design blog after all... we came across THIS incredible
turquoise lamp in the antique shop.. a commissioned work by Tiffany, it was made
to go with the Rookwood pottery base, circa 1900... if it looks good in my iPhone
photo, it was stunning in person... as were the desk accessories..
lamp:  $35,000...  a little more than our Sunday stroll budget
permitted!

more examples of gorgeous turquoise American pottery from
1900 - 1930's

Rookwood Pottery Factory, Cincinatti, 1907

***

Consider joining us in Provence... 

you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

nearly sold out!

Eat a Frog

On this Tuesday that feels like a 

Monday, after a lovely holiday yesterday, 

I'm off to eat frogs this morning:  

organize my taxes, pay my bills, 

answer overdue correspondence, 

bill clients, organize design library.... 

How about you?

Do you have any frogs to eat this morning?

***

Consider joining us in Provence... 

you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

we still have a couple of spaces left!

***

a la brocante Provençale!

Peeking into the far corners at the brocante at l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, you might find some wonderful treasures. That's just what we did and discovered Madame's wonderful little off the beaten path shop.... one of the joys of being in Provence is discovering these breathtaking little treasures. 

Come with us next time and see {and buy!} for yourself! Or stroll into her shop with me here now... and let me know how many of these little French treasures you would like to take home with you! As for me, the chandelier called my name... but also that mirror, those horse heads, that clock...

fantastic 19th century toilette set for a very fancy French lady!

the very charming Madame is proud of her beautiful shop full of gorgeous things

love the bookcase, the mirror and the color of the walls!

painted chest with those horse heads on the wall... love this! (sorry image quality
not so great, took these all with my iPhone!)

something about this mirror I love!

it wouldn't be a Provençal brocante without a religious statue.. and tis one of Mary is wonderful, large...

the chandelier that captured my heart if not my pocketbook!

***

Consider joining us in Provence... you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

we still have a couple of spaces left!

"I Wonder Have You Ever Thought....."

Since I suffer with ODD {Obsessive Downton Disorder}, I can only wonder if Matthew might have given Mary a sweet and tentative Valentine such as this circa 1922 one?

To all my wonderful readers, Happy Valentine's Day. 

Hold your loved ones close to your heart 

today and every day!  Bisous!

***

Consider joining us in Provence... you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

we still have a couple of spaces left!

PopUpHood: Old Oakland

Who knew? buried in the daily busy-ness of design work, blogging and general life across the Bay, I certainly never realized such a cool concept had emerged in Oakland.. California.. right under my nose!

We found ourselves at ground zero for Old Oakland's PopUpHood yesterday morning on business.. and having a little time to spare, we had breakfast and walked around this wonderful, conceptually excellent little quartier.  It's an incubator for creative businesses, and the neighborhood has been designed to keep the old buildings intact and enhance their 19th century elegance. After strolling through the block or two, I feel they have done an excellent job.

The brainchild of Sarah Filley & Alfonso Dominguez,  this brave new concept  of "social entrepreneurship, collective impact and creative placemaking" is a reaction to the sluggish and changing economic model in our country, and was launched in September 2011.  Even Warren Buffet's granddaughter is participating as a wonderful,  up and coming artist with her incubated shop Piper & John. 

Are there PopUpHoods where you live? I'd love to hear about them!

Stroll through with me!

source: The Bold Italic

source: The Bold Italic

Nicole Buffet (yes, that Buffet) in her shop
source: The Bold Italic

Friday morning Farmers' Market in Old Oakland's PopUpHood

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All of the beautiful art above is by the very talented artist,
Nicole Buffett  check out her amazing work!

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welcome to Ratto's Deli... don't you love those old emporiums from
the 19th Century with the soaring, mile-high ceilings and lots of
space for displaying their many delectables? that and tables
outside in the sun make Ratto's a great Old Oakland destination
since 1897 (definitely NOT a PopUp!)

Below are views of the street scene... very well preserved 19th C. buildings create a wonderful atmosphere for strolling, shopping and dining in the heart of the Old Oakland PopUpHood. We noticed several design and architecture firms, along with law and accounting firms among the retailing incubator. 

***

Consider joining us in Provence... you need this, cherie!

Download

more information about 

Chic Provence Design Tour 2013

we still have a couple of spaces left!