Caring,sharing, every little thing that we are wearing...

These are two of my most talented blogging "sisters". I am saying this not because they both nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger award at the same time, but I was very honored by the fact that both of their blogs are ones that I admire.

Here they are: Ruth from "The Beautiful Life" on the left and Jermaine from "French-Kissed" on the right. Or is it the other way around?????

So, this award asks its nominees to reveal 7 things about themselves that readers don't already know. To some it will be like Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize...OOPs! Did I get political??Don't worry my political affiliations are like Switzerland......Below I will reveal, in no particular order, my kids.......

Mick, My "Blue Dog" Heeler. He is a Gem..



Mattie the Border Collie Protector of all things at the abode with Murphy in the background. See the look on his face? He has done SOMETHING. He is denying it already.



This is how he looks when he doesn't want you to know what he's done. They are all rescue dogs
I don't know if we rescued them or the other way around but this character thinks he is "Entitled". And he is stinky. Even after a bath.




The ever Regal, Maize, tester of all things just washed. A Princess. We call her the amazing Maize Maizer. Also a rescue cat.

This is the bane of my existance, our Parrot "Mojito"

He can be like Dr Jeckyll or Mr Hyde. But he is the best at saying things you don't know he's listening to. Like "You know what???" And you answer him "NO WHAT"? He answers " crap".

Wonder where he heard that???? This is a creature we PAID for!!! AND we're getting more crap from him than anyone!!!

My Husband Peter (Robespierre) bakes fabulous tarts. This is a Fig and Pecan tart he surprised me with......Note the presentation.....


I also love to cook. I ran the cooking school at the one of the Williams Sonoma stores in Southern California when it wasn't so huge. I also had some formal training at Orange Coast College. Peter is the baker. He is patient. I like more immediate gratification.

Here is a toast for the two lovely ladies that "got what I do" and for all the bloggers that support each other.

I run a business so I try to keep up with all the new blogs but I am nominating the ones I am familiar with, so what if some have been nominated before.....Maybe we'll find out more...

Terry Symington of the Countrypolitan a talented and professional designer.

Leigh Chandler of Papillion Linens who makes fabulous product and has great taste.

Ann Williams of Hill Country House she is so sweet and encouraging.

Annie Sitton of The Bunny Bungalow a great photographer and art lover.

Michelle of Petit Coterie who works like a dog launching her new business.

LeeAnn of Fabulously French who makes us look forward to Friday Flowers.

Geneva Smith who is totally a right winger politico not into interior design but is a hysterical writer. I don't necessarily agree with all she writes but it is riot....She is The Mayor of Chappell Hill Blog. (a village respecting chickens)

Introducing Arte Italica at Beadboard

I don't do to many "Shop Blogs"but recently we were able to acquire a beautiful line of Italian tabletop called Arte Italica. The reason I chose it is pictured above, a new line of white dinnerware with gray dressmaker details called Bella Bianca.

In addition to the scalloped dishes with ribbon like swirls there are coordinated pieces of Bella Bianca flatware above.

The stemware for the Bella Bianca is equally as beautiful shown on a hallmarked pewter tray.

This is another one of my favorites, ceramic mixed with hallmarked pewter beaded rims called Perlina....

The coordinating flatware. See the maker's marks to the lower right...

These are just four of the numerous choices of charger/platters offered from a swirled taupe glass called Splendore to a contemporary "croc" pattern...

The pewter looks more curvy and European, not like Colonial stylings of pewter, but more feminine and more detailed.

Part of the Tuscan collection, clean lines... I wouldn't mind having my mornings start like this.......

There are also beautiful accoutrements to adorn your holiday table. I just love the candlelabra.

AND FINALLY, A COMPANY THAT MAKES DECENT SIZE TRAYS THAT ARE GORGEOUS!

We are thrilled to be able to offer Arte to our customers, it will mix in with so much of what people already have. It is all there, highly stylized, glass, ceramics, barware, pewter, flatware, and stemware. AND, for xmas, beautifully boxed gifts in chocolate linen-like gift boxes. To see more of Arte Italica go here.

OOPS! Almost forgot I love this LINO (Italian for Linen) like the Perlina but they actually took linen fabric and pressed it into the bisque creating a linen pattern on the plate......Who needs bone china anymore????And I'm sorry but this coffee mug is sexy.....

Villa Gallici: Elegance in the Provencal Tradition

The best hotel memory for Robespierre and I was a short stay in a Gem of of a hotel in Aix en Provence, the Villa Gallici. I had cut out a picture from the cover of Cote Sud as it had just opened in 1992. Now, a member of Relais and Chateaux, it's traditions of luxury, exemplary service and provencial design continues to wow visitors...

The entrance is understated and elegant with blue painted French doors ready to welcome. As you enter, the subtle scent of fresh lavender embraces you. It is in the air, throughout the hotel...

One of the sideboards always ready to serve.......Look at the autumnal gold leaves and the birds...

Breakfast on the terrace of Villa Gallici. No detail is missed for the comfort of the guests such as putting throws out on chairs on a brisk morning, and the baskets of fresh baked croissants.....

The abundance of fresh flowers rest in the fountain before being cut and arranged for the hotel.




The terrace set for dinner, you can smell the herbs and flowers.




I don't know about you but I don't trust that statue.... I think the waiter is in trouble here. Doesn't that savory pastry look incredible?????? Ok, I'll have one bite. Maybe two. Or more..maybe. Where are those people anyway? Especially with the chilled champagne ready! Let me sit there!!!!! This gentleman's efforts should not go unappreciated!!!

This is my favorite room in the hotel a Petite Lounge with the trompe l'oeil on the walls of the garlands......... More throws, and I love the yellow.....



The restaurant Clos de La Violette, superb fare by renowned chef Jean Marc Banzo, who has been a key player in this whole venue since the beginning, insuring it's success.


Ok tell me this is not the most gorgeous bathroom........Just look and imagine...


One of the guestrooms, and that is not wallpaper it is fabric....

One of the other guestrooms... OOPS! Are they giving away designer handbags???? This looks very much like the new Toile Peacock Alley is doing called Toulouse... I might have to rethink putting that in the shop......Maybe with an ivory matelasse coverlet?

The draperies in the hotel warrant a mention, they are classically made with contrasting fabric and flannel interlining. We would be happy to be ensconced here..... After running around the Cours Mirabeau all day we might just opt for Room Service.

Bonne Idee. Our door is the last on the right... Merci Monsieur. Bon Soir.

For further information on the Villa Gallici click here.

Round Top: The Big Guns

Fall in this area is beautiful... This is a glimpse of the stand in Brenham when you are going back to Houston.......

Marburger Farm : Paul Smith Antiques Dallas. They have the real thing and they have reproduction pieces... Both are stunning.....

Beautiful vignette,Marburger Paul Smith......

A great wall piece, offered by 2 Lucys out of Houston.....There was one at access we featured in an earlier blog that was 10 ft wide. This is still stunning at 5 ft.

A slipcover from I think..... J Hill they were across from Magnolia Pearl. Do the buttons detatch so they can be washed? They were on a ladder back chair....Hmmmm.

The Bedding........

Great French Books from French Influence in Atlanta. These are NOT from China. These are the real deal.... Now being offered at Beadboard.....

I just love birdcages.....

A little cabinet with a crown.....

On to Big Red Barn and Bobo's Intriguing Objets....

Their merchandising was superb. Note all the wooden kitchen implements on a stand. OOH they look like an few of mine but mine are in a crock of sorts. ( but it is Juliska )...

Another vignette from Bobo....

These are maps hung above the other antiques.... I love old sea charts as they are usually blue and grey........

And what is this? An old piece from Drexel Heritage. A Dresser. Found in a garage and painted. From the Europa Collection...I snagged it from a place that sells JUNK. Robespierre and I painted it with the new paint from Behr ultra Premium Plus. We will be using as a buffet in our Retro California, Belgian Texi French House......

Thanks to the girls who walked the fields with me. Bunny Bungalow, Hill Country House, & Cote de Texas ( she suffered it well ), kinda. These venues are what you make of them... Also you need to be prepared for any weather. But if you persevere, you will not only come home with some things you treasure but you will meet some incredible people along the way......THAT is what it is all about.........

Posting Pink: A La Francais..

In an effort to raise awareness of Breast Cancer month, Mrs Blandings has asked the blog world to "Post Pink" today Oct 1st.

In honor of my Aunt Maryanne and one of our customers who is currently undergoing chemo battling this disease here is some of my favorite Pink Pics. Above a bouquet of Peonies from Fleuriste Pascal Mutel, Paris.

The beautiful Hot Pink Faux Floral displays of Herve Gambs.



The Spring 2009 window at Sonia Rykiel, on St Germain.


One of the Tiffany-Like mini window displays at Maison Objet, Paris.

Our best to you Ms. PM. XOXO