Modern Elegance

As you can probably guess based on our previous blog posts as well as the array of fun merchandise in the French Charmed boutique, we love all things vintage and shabby chic. We've focused our whole lives on it, practically! However, with that being said, we absolutely cannot resist the magic of pure, unadulterated elegance, like these rooms designed by Occa Home. You know, the kind of chic frillery at which husbands everywhere roll their eyes and say, "Is that really necessary?" But as we all know, it's not necessary. It's absolutely necessary!

Monochromatic Christmas: Blue

I know there’s something nostalgic about multi-colored, flashing and in-your-face Christmas décor, but despite the memories associated with the look, I’ve always preferred a more peaceful, monochromatic holiday feel myself. I’ve done several different one or two-pallate trees over the years (I’d post photos, but most of them were taken far before I got a digital camera, and I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m the type who has boxes and boxes full of undeveloped film rolls)! Anyway, for some reason, I’m finding myself very attracted and pulled toward blue Christmas décor this year. Maybe it’s because I’ve been quite a stress-basket for months, and there’s something simple, clean and soothing about this look? Nonetheless, I’m hoping to find the time to decorate this year, and if I do, you can bet I’ll be taking my cue from these photos. If you’re not feeling the blue look, don’t fret: I’ll be posting several different monochromatic looks organized by color over the next several days. And I’ll include an idea in each color for your tree, wreath, stockings, table setting, gift wrap, decorations and even a party drink recipe to match! Just call it an early holiday present from me to you! xoxo

Tinsel Bellini

2 oz. HPNOTIQ
1 oz. limoncello
1 oz. Champagne
Splash of lime juice

Rim the Champagne flute with a light coat of sugar. Pour chilled HPNOTIQ, limoncello, and Champagne into the champagne flute. Add a splash of lime juice.

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: SouthernLiving.com, CountryLiving.com, AGiftWrappedLife.com, CountryLiving.com, TheArtfulLifestyle.blogspot.com, MyHomeIdeas.com, MarieClaire.com

Daffodils Are Up!

My Daffodils are up and spreading spring cheer! Seems a bit soon, but you will not find me complaining. I am so ready for warm weather and all of the gardening work that comes along with it! I already had my garden spot tilled up on the 28th of February. Next week I will be ordering up the seeds, picking up lumber for a few more raised beds, and most important of all, getting together the honey-do list for my man! He is so good at dealing with the irrigation/sprinkling part of this business. Me, I would just turn on the old oscillator, and let'er rip! My plants appreciate (as do I) Tommy's gentler approach, evident in the yields. I do have one major issue with spiders. I do not like spiders. They have a place here, just not in my garden! I have grown my veggies organically for years as we all know what chemicals can do. But for the past two years, the spiders (cat face, black widows and the regular garden variety) have taken over. To the point, I kid you not, that even the neighbors refuse to pick the veggies from the vine! If any of you have a suggestion on how to manage these tiny pests, I would love to hear from you. Well, off I go to the Gurney's catalog to shop. Have a splendid week!

My first Daffodil of the year.

Victorian Eastlake Settee and Chairs

Bonjour!

I finally saved up enough change to get my 1860's Victorian 3 piece Suite recovered! I sent the pieces off to the upholsterer the first part of December. I was so excited when he called to tell me it was finished! The pieces had a fairly nice fabric to begin with, but the purple color did not go with anything in our home. We have a decidedly "Hemingway" eclectic decor. So, after purchasing some wildly fabulous Cheetah Fabric from Ballard Designs, I couldn't resist using it on this Suite. I was thrilled when it was delivered a few nights ago! Below you can see the Before & After pics of my perfect pieces.

Before

After

I just LOVE how they all turned out!

Next month I am sending a 1930's Channel Back chair to the upholsterer. I'll share some of those pics just as soon as it is finished ~ Au Revoir!

Our Sunrise

Happy Sunday! We had the most beautiful sunrise today. Try as I may, I could not capture the full extent of such beauty in my camera lens. This is my best shot. Thought I should share it with you anyway. This truly is a magnificent Universe! Blessings ~ R.