The Markets of Ile Sur La Sorgue

When we travel to find treasures in France we like to go in the winter or early spring when the tourists are gone and you are surrounded by the locals. A little cold or rain doesn't deter us in the least.


The Sunday market offered goods of all kinds.  Locally made tapenades, honey from lavender and many more flowers, provencale' fabrics in tablecloths, duvets, napkins, seat covers and even vinylized yardage to make your own!  You know the foodstuff are fresh from local sources.  We found a trove of sweet smelling guest soaps and shared a chocolate croissant as we wandered through on our way to brocantes across the bridge.

Have you ever seen so many varieties??  The colors bowled us over.  We wish we dared to bring the olive oils back with us.

We only took one photo inside one of the shops since our bags were getting heavy and we had miles to go.  The colors with the red fire buckets on the whitewashed trestle table really sang to us.  Every stall had enchanting displays and you sort of hated to buy anything and ruin their  vignettes but we did! We then headed outside to the Sunday market where the locals pull up to the street beside the river and set up tables to sell their wares.  We meet some wonderful people and found some wonderful old finds.

                                                                               





We were sad to say good bye to this magical place but we were heading back to Paris to seek out more treasures and our cute driver was waiting.

We will be returning again and again I am sure in the years to come.                             

Duchess & Bird Travels Part 2

Did you figure out where we are?  This small enclave is known for their antiques.  We heard from dealers in Paris that they like to shop here, so voila'-off we went to see for ourselves!

As we rounded the corner we thought, Oh no this could be really bad!  But as we got closer to the place we were to stay we became enthralled with the entrance.  Remember we have not seen this place online or knew the owners as we were transferred to this spot.  But lo and behold!

The owners couldn't have been sweeter and we loved the climb to our suite.

Look at our wonderful room!  We quickly unpacked and set out to explore the area while it was still light.  We also made reservations in the restaurant within this small hotel.  The smells wafting up the stairs was making our mouths water!

I can't wait to show you what we found as we wandered through the town the next day!  Do you know where we are yet???

Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day to all of our friends, old, new, and yet-to-be.
We hope that your lives are filled with love.  Love of family, friends, your work, your hobbies and passions, your lives. 

In some parts of the country, winter is waning, and early spring flowers are trying to wake up from a long slumber.  In other parts, winter is still with us.  It is snowing here in Colorado as I write this.  But Spring is not far, and we are excited about new beginnings.  Duchess and Bird are planning to take a group of 4 women to Paris next year. They have never been, and we are eager to introduce them to our favorite shops, museums, restaurants, parks, flea markets, tearooms.  If you would like more information about our tours, we would love to hear from you.

We hope to make new friends as a result of two new ads we have coming out.  One is in the debut issue of Flea Market Style this month which we will be selling in the shop and the other will be in Romantic Homes magazine beginning in June.  Stop by, sign our guest book, browse our shop, or just share your thoughts with us.
We look forward to getting to know you.

Enjoy the final days of winter as you anticipate the arrival of spring.

Duchess & Bird Travels Part 1

Duchess and I boarded the TGV from Gare Lyon anticipating our trip south.  It was a cold and rainy day but we didn't have time to stop for a cup of tea at Train Bleu that morning.  On the trip to Avignon to meet Phillipe we wondered what treasures we would find in that little town.  We were a bit nervous as the hotel we were to stay had called and they decided to go to Africa but promised we would be pleased with the arrangements they made for us.  We were so disappointed but trusted they would not steer us wrong.  We were met by our friend and driven to the enchanting city at a perfect time- as the light was magical.

 

As we wandered down a small alley rolling our baggage, we were very concerned the accommodations would be iffy at best.  But the colors were drawing us in and relaxing us.  What was around the next corner? 

As we rounded the bend we came upon the town square with enticing cafes and shops with the majestic church in the center.  We decided to stop for tea before continuing to our quarters.  Have you guessed where we are yet?

January in Paris

After a snowstorm everyone came out to play.  These wonderful spheres are in the courtyard by the Palais Royale The snow didn't last more than day but it was certainly enjoyed by all!

While in Rouen we stumbled upon the Ceramics Museum filled with lovely china and porcelains.  It was their motor court that caught our imaginations.  The urn overflowing with flowers is actually glass.  The ice and snow on it made it shimmer through the glimpses of the sunshine.  The trellis on the garden wall was so magical we wanted to bring it home and build a folly to house them!

Everyone and everything was caught by surprise by the sudden snowstorm.  This climbing vine across from the apartment window made us think of the snow we add to our Christmas trees so soft and puffy. This just cascades down the side of the building and softens the hard edges.

Do look at Duchess & Bird to see new items being added daily!  Adieu!

Tales of a Decorator- Bette Davis style

This is just hysterical and goes to the public perception of what we do.  I'm just sorry the show never made it past the pilot...great interiors though, don't you think?


Please check out our new offerings- something for everyone!

Christmases Past

We love this week between the holidays as a time to reflect on the past year and those of many years ago. As I sat at the dining table my eyes rested on this antique etched glass hurricane filled with antique glass ornaments. Some are mine from my early youth, some are from my Aunt's tree of the 40's while others graced my family's tree of long ago. They are too fragile to hang on my tree along side the angels but they are so special to me I try and display them in an antique silver bowl or in this hurricane. I will loving put them away New Years Day while everyone watches the parade and games until they reemerge next year.

Every few years Bird adds a Christmas book to her collection that has touched her. This year "Madeline's Christmas" was added to commemorate the birth of our granddaughter. We reads the stories or leaf through them with our grandson just as we did with our boys. Of course, the "Polar Express" is there along with old time favorites such as Dickens. Perhaps it's time to find a large basket to hold them all next year. Ah the hunt is one!

Bird and Duchess wish you a Happy, Healthy and Loving 2010!
Bonne Annee!