My Petite Maison

A Little Introduction & Flea Market Gardens Magazine

2012-02-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hello from Wine Country,

I was getting ready to make a lovely announcement when in the middle of my photo shoot here at My Petite Maison, our newly adopted cat (thanks to our daughter... ) decided she'd jump from her French foot stool in the other room and into my photos.

So, without further adieu, this is Pippi. Pippi Rose to be precise.

While we will never replace dear Buttercup, and would never want to, our daughter thought Mr. Giles needed a friend. Mr. Giles thinks differently, but... does like to eat his breakfast with Pippi but that is about it. Nevertheless, Pips is a sweet cat, reminds us a bit of our Gigi and is very quiet... she's trying hard to make friends here.

So this is how it went... I set things up and here she comes, guess it looks like an inviting place after all. Flowers, magazines, comfy blankets and pillows. Just what any cat would like, non?

So, I let her stay and worked around HER.

Aren't the roses pretty? From hubby last Friday from the grocery store. I told him not to buy them last week as they'd be marked way up because of Valentine's Day. He said he listened to me since he bought one dozen instead of the Friday usual of 2 dozen roses from the grocer. I really love these, pale roses, then the beautiful color on the edges of pretty pink. A little burst of color for our Maison.

Funny, but Pips likes to look up a lot. From what we understand, she was in a cage in a garage for 6 months or so. Bet she didn't realize there were lovely things to look at all around. We look at her and say she's looking up to Heaven & seeing Buttercup & sweet Zeke.

The cutest part is she has a heart for a nose... See?

Okay... Enough about Pips for the moment.

I am so happy to announce that My Petite Maison is featured in the beautiful gardening magazine, Flea Market Gardens, in their annual edition for 2012. I can't tell you how thrilled I was when Debra Wittrup, the Editor, contacted me asking about featuring our gardens and little gardening shack.

My Petite Maison featured in Flea Market Gardens Magazine 2012

A lot of hard work went into prepping our gardens and I'm so proud to say it was just the two of us. Me and my hubby, that's it... no gardener for the yard, no builder for the shack. Just US.

Have a dream and make it happen...

Little by little it will take shape!

Here's just a glimpse of the article... Our Mr. Giles made it into the magazine, sitting atop a My Petite Maison bistro chair, seems they're all the rage now.

Magazine Photography by Mark Lohman • Styled by Sunday Hendrickson

A very big thank you to Flea Market Gardens Magazine.

We hope you'll pick one up and be inspired as we've been... Can't wait to get out in the gardens and work away this Spring & Summer!

Little Pippi's Ears & Flea Market Gardens Magazine 2012 featuring My Petite Maison

All my best wishes for continuing to make YOUR dreams come true.

What are YOU currently working on?

I'm working on getting over these sinus issues this week and getting loads of new (antique & vintage) items photographed and stocked in the store in the next few weeks. Have lots to do and looking forward to it!

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Our Boutique

A Special Wish...

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

It may be cool and rainy here but we want to wish YOU a very cozy St. Valentine's Day and Week from My Petite Maison.

Old Radio • Pail of Roses • Paris Plates w/Petals • Shabby Lamp • French Rack • Sweet Passionfruit Tartlets

Let's make every day a day to say...

You are special to me

Love

You!

You are dear to my heart

LOVE • love • LOVE

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Vintage & Antique Weekend

2012-02-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Bits and pieces of our vintage and antiquing adventure weekend for My Petite Maison, the boutique and home...

It began with an early morning walk. I was thrilled our first stop would be right here in town so there wasn't the need to get up early on Saturday morning!

Local Church in town flying beautiful American Flag

Cutest little store called Me 2 U vintage in town that's fixed up like a

little cottage... Lots of cute items to see!

Love the way this photo turned out.. Don't forget to dream!

Another beautiful birdcage filled w/vintage goods

Next, we headed to an estate sale two towns over from ours which was AMAZING... I was fortunate to find many lovely items for the store that I'll place in the boutique soon!

It was a full day but I was so happy to know the next day, Sunday, we'd be heading to Alameda Antiques by the Bay to shop for the boutique and visit with friends.

I even managed to get all my goods together (cooler, clothes put out and backpack ready to go... with my husband's help, of course). I'm really not good at the planning ahead part of the treasure hunt, but am working on it as it made leaving the house early the next morning A LOT easier!!

For the next part of weekend, I'm just going to show lots of photos... hope you enjoy.

Up before the Sun!

Cherishing another day!

Love this booth, vintage dresses and an old radio playing vintage music!

Went by to say hello to friends Trinidad & Martin of Atelier de Campagne

From another dealer, a beautiful chair I can't stop thinking about...

Fell in love with this chair, but didn't purchase too $$$ for me, kind of wish I would've now...

Next stop, breakfast around 10 AM!

I ordered the Market pizza w/out bacon. My husband ordered the Margherita pizza.

One of the best pizzas I've ever had... even with those from Italy!!

A little more than two hours in... my cart was overly full and both my arms and my husband's arms were full of treasures from Alameda and lots of fantastic dealers' goods.

So, we made the trek (which was a long one) to the car. My husband never complains and carried very, very heavy objects all the way without the shuttle. We truly have a beautiful drive there and back home!

San Francisco Bay

The Marina with a cloud that looks like a bird... flying over!

But it's always good to get to our Sonoma County Line!

Well, that's it for February's trip antiquing. We were hoping to stop by Summer Cottage Antiques as well to see Michelle but were a little worn out and wanted to get home. We will be heading that way one weekend this month though, so I will share that visit in the future.

Vignette... flea market finds

It's time for me to get busy and wrap a few parcels today going to new, beautiful homes. I hope you have a wonderful week! I've included a photo of my little antique table from France with a vignette and my vintage flea market hat in the last shot... I love it!

My vintage Flea Market Hat :)

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Weekend Wishes

2012-02-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

From me and My Petite Maison this weekend...

My husband and I are gearing up for a BIG weekend of antiquing for my store, My Petite Maison. I am so fortunate that my husband doesn't mind missing the Super Bowl, as he's not a sports guy and loves to shop with me. My hubby loves to go people watching when we go antiquing. It's so neat that he's got friends that recognize him from our adventures, so while I shop, he can chat with a good friend and always... I take my time looking for treasures!

I wanted to show you a few of the items I'm so proud of that have recently found new beautiful homes. My clients and friends that shop My Petite Maison are truly very kind people and it comes through time and time again. You know who you are and I have to say thank you for making my job one of fun.

I truly do jump up and down (little jumps ;) when I find something that's on my list for clients & friends!!

Vintage plate from France

Little French Doll's Armoire

Charming French Table

French Religious Fragment

French Oyster Crate

Very Rare Terre de Fer Plate from Paris, France

There are many more items that have gone to such pleasant people!

I'm hoping to find many more treasures.... I think it may be a given since we know of four, yes 4 events we are going to attend this weekend. The only thing I believe we're going to run out of is time!

Don't worry, there are still lovely French, Nordic and Shabby style items in My Petite Maison's boutique. Like this

Madonna and Child (Vintage Piece)

Just click to view boutique goods from My Petite Maison

French Blanc (White) Jardiniere

I wanted to take a moment and say a little something personal and post here I'm thinking of my dad today and through this weekend while we're having a good time shopping away. Today, Friday is my dad's birthday and as always, I miss him a lot but carrying him and all his kindness in my heart.

I love you, Dad and know you're watching over Zeke - or maybe he's watching after you!

Many thanks to my dad for building me my first playhouse as a little girl. The decorating bug is still with me! Love, your Baby Blue Eyes

Me and my Dad ~ He hung the Moon!

So... what are your plans for the weekend. Are you watching the Super Bowl or taking advantage of the quietness somewhere else?

Whatever it is, enjoy!

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Pails of Romantic Fleurs & Delightful Nature

2012-01-26T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I've been working on new, loved projects for My Petite Maison and celebrating my birthday with family. What have you been up to?

Arm loads of fleurs, my desk at window

Yes... you see my new "Prairie Chair", inspired by Fifi, of course. It's loved and worn. I've had so many searches for Prairie Chairs (and bistro chairs) coming to my blog and store so I've decided to call my new find Prairie Chair at My Petite Maison.

I am in love with the flowers my husband gave me for my birthday. See them below?

This year, he simply gave me bunches and bunches of roses from our local grocer and I placed them in my French pails and old antique bottles. I love the hues of white and the tinge of very light green color against each other that mix in with the natural colors and pastels in our home.

Antique parfum bottle from France, old Chanel charms

As you can see, I took loads of photos. I love making vignettes all over the house.

Bits et Pieces.. especially our daughter's Mother of Pearl teething ring & my Dad's bible when he was in US service

Also, one day I was really just listening to the quiet and had the doves on my mind that wake me up each morning. We're blessed to have doves nest in our huge pine each year and their cooing is just lovely and calming, it really brings a sense of peace.

One

Two

So pretty...

THANK YOU • MERCI

I'd like to say thank you to everyone that entered the magazine giveaway of Romantic Country Magazine featuring our Wine Country home and antique goods from My Petite Maison, the boutique. And a very special thank you to all my old friends and the new ones I've met that have supported me so very kindly. My heart has been touched ~ Thank YOU.

Part of our feature in Romantic Country Magazine showcasing our romantic

flea market finds and Wine Country cottage. Spring, 2012.

Styled by Fifi O'Neill with Photography by Mark Lohman

Now, for the giveaway: The 2 names our daughter picked out of my French country hat are Barbara Jean & Sheila.

Please send me your info and I'll send them out to you.

I'm starting to stock a few new (very old) things in the boutique and am hoping to get more in maybe over the next couple of weeks. I have a huge project I'm working on next week and can't wait to share with you soon.... very, very excited!

See you soon...

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

My Petite Maison in Romantic Country Magazine, 2012

2012-01-04T22:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

As many of you know (yes, the lovely cat's out of the bag and in mail boxes and at newsstands everywhere) My Petite Maison is featured in the beautiful Romantic Country Magazine just out for Spring, 2012.

To say I'm over the Moon is an understatement for certain!

My Petite Maison (the house) featured, Spring 2012

I have long been a fan of the magazine, so filled with lovely inspiration for the soul.

My husband and I along with our beloved My Petite Maison pets Zeke, Giles and Buttercup were blessed to have my dear friend and the most talented lady in the world, Fifi O'Neill and photographer Mark Lohman visit our small cottage/maison in Wine Country last summer in July. It was a cool, summer day... the heat wave was a thing of the past and everything just fell into lovely, lovely place!

I have to include my very treasured photo of that day here with you again. I know, my dear friends, you will understand for so many reasons and I love you for it.

Favorite Photo • Zeke et Fifi • The Meeting of 2 Kind Souls

Here are a few low resolution photos I'd love to share with you of the Romantic Country Magazine feature.

My Petite Maison in Romantic Country Magazine, Spring 2012

My Petite Maison featured in Romantic Country Magazine, 2012

I know many of you already subscribe to the magazine but I wanted to mention that you can find this magazine in Northern California at Safeway & at Wal-Mart too if you're looking to pick a copy up at stores.

Also, I'm giving 2 copies of the magazine away here on my blog. Just leave a comment if you don't already receive the magazine and we'll send a copy to 2 people in the next couple of weeks... we'll have our daughter pick 2 names out of a French-Country hat (of course!).

I'd also like to mention, my friend Polly (Counting Your Blessings) is featured in the issue and another dear friend, Anne (Fiona and Twig) has her photography published in RC as well. Please go pay them a visit!

Lastly many thanks to Romantic Country Magazine and Editor, Mary Forsell for featuring our place of residence, My Petite Maison. We had the time of our lives the day of the photo shoot with Fifi and Mark, it won't be a day we'll soon forget... it lives in our mind and forever in our hearts!

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

My New Year's Wish for You

2011-12-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. I've noticed a lot of people coming to my blog, looking for New Years wishes for their friends and family members in the last week. I would tell you, speak from your very own heart!

Here are my New Year's Wishes for YOU:

May you always have something to warm you when it's cold

Sunrises to savor

The beauty of nature all around you...

The luxury of time to tell someone you care... even if it's but just a moment

A furry four-legged friend to share safety & love with and give them a good home

Of course, your hobbies & interests that make YOU what you are...

The beauty of reusing things... keep their beauty and memories alive in the heart

A safe haven, a place of beauty for reflection too...

Lots of endearing candle light

Many sunsets to enjoy too ;)

Never forget to look at the little things... you know, the details. That little piece, almost forgotten.

And always....

Yes always, most importantly... because none of these things are as beautiful when you're alone.

Someone to share it with...

with in love...

Be it true love or friendship...

And I so much wish you

from the heart

Love of life in everything you do!

All the best (and more) for you from My Petite Maison

~Good things are happening in 2012!

The Kindest Dog in the World

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Zeke overlooking My Petite Maison and Yardwork

Our hearts and minds are still trying to grasp that our beloved, Great Pyrenees, Zeke has left our little house, My Petite Maison.

Zeke overlooking gardening projects ª He didn't like to get dirty!

He left us Wednesday evening but we are so thankful he came to live with us in May of 2000.

More lonely than we ever thought possible here, but we are so thankful Zeke went on his terms, he was beautifully giving until the end... Waiting for us to go upstairs for the evening then laying down to peaceful sleep. He had a schedule and was a stickler with keeping to it.

Zeke and Buttercup in Yard

He never knew anything but kindness from our family, we gave him more love than we knew was possible to give another soul and loads of ciabatta from Mezzaluna Bakery (his favorite thing in the world, freshly baked bread).

Waiting for yard prep to be over!

WE knew nothing but kindness and love FROM Zeke. From the time he came home from Potter Valley on my lap, he knew he liked the finer things that Healdsburg had to offer or any place for that matter. He had "geek night" with my husband and had his own "nachos" made with rice crackers with just a tad of cheese on them and watched Star Trek or specials on the science channels (my daughter and I called it The Boring Channel to tease ;)

Mr Freckle Lip Sleeping

Zeke also knew a lot of late night decorating and occasionally he'd change up the pillows on our couches. We'd get up in the morning and the pillows had been switched around to other places which used to make us laugh.

ALWAYS a smile

The best thing is the LOVE, GIVING, KINDNESS of Zeke. We're thankful for 11 years of the best dog in the world.

We love you, sweet Zeke, Big Bear.

Paperwhites of the Season

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Wanted to show you a few of the paper whites I forced this holiday season.

I had planned on putting them throughout the house, but ended up putting most of them in one large zinc pail from my French flea market adventures. This pail had been sitting atop a shelf lonely all summer and it came to me that I could place four of the 7 plants I've forced in this pail. I love it filled with paper whites and Spanish moss.

So.... here are the photos, they've grown so tall. I wanted to get a photo or a few photos before they were gone.

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone that left me a comment either through my blog, Facebook or Twitter about Buttercup. I am happy she's home, just picked up her ashes this afternoon and she's with us watching over My Petite Maison in spirit. I will get around to thank each of you personally, but wanted to say it here too. THANK YOU.

So without further adieu... here are 4 of my paper whites in one place!

I have had the old pine cabinet in the background for over 20 years and have just moved it into my petite kitchen. I used to keep peach potpourri that I purchased with my dear friend Jeannette (by the arm loads in Los Altos when we worked nearby). After all these years, the cabinet still smells like fresh peaches with no potpourri at all. I love it! We have even caught Zeke sleeping with his head inside the cabinet a couple times which our family still laughs about... his loving the sweet smell of peaches!

Anyway, back to the cabinet and its look. I love the contrast of the vintage plate rack in white and aged patina of the pine from Europe... then when the sunlight comes in, it's just heavenly to me. Those are my colors, the 4 o'clock glow!

Never ever hurts to add a white candle, or three! See the wear on the cabinet? Lots of wax, lots of years. 200 from someone else, 20+ while we care for it here at My Petite Maison.

Have a great weekend, friends! We have yet to get our tree for Christmas... That is our plan for Saturday and think it will be the first time in many, many years it won't be a living tree. We can't seem to find one over a foot or 2 this year. Wish us luck • bonne chance!

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Good Bye Sweet Buttercup

2011-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is a hard one for me today. I truly feel like someone has ripped my heart out and I'll never be able to find it again.

Our sweet little Manx, Buttercup left My Petite Maison, yesterday... early morning. Haven't been able to walk outside the gate where she'd greet me each morning after my walk in town.

How do I do this? A post about a loving, small cat that adopted us 11 years ago and left us yesterday morning never complaining about anything.

I'm thankful for the 11 years of mornings and especially all the days she looked after Giles and tag teamed with Zeke not to let the "mean cats" in the neighborhood through our little gate. She never whined for food, she'd just come through the back and stare.

Buttercup et Giles

Her last days she spent sitting next to Zeke in the front room, just keeping warm.

Buttercup et Zeke

I'm thankful she was able to pass away here at home and over the years learned what the good life was, never having to worry about food or if someone would be anything but kind to her.

We will remember the love you gave us unconditionally and pass it on.

We love you Buttercup!

Happy Weekend Wishes

2011-12-02T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,

I can't believe the weekend is here again already, can you?

French-Nordic Treasures from My Petite Maison

I wanted to share a favorite French recipe for the weekend but the day got away from me with all the items on my list. I wanted to at least wish you a happy weekend!

French-Nordic Treasures from My Petite Maison

What are your plans for the weekend?

We're getting the house in order for Christmas decorating and attending Alameda, Antiques by the Bay (I can't believe it's that time again as well). I look forward to shopping for special items for my clients and I'm hoping to pick out a few Christmas items for family & friends too.

French-Nordic Treasures from My Petite Maison

Whatever you do for the weekend, enjoy yourself, I know I plan to as well!

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My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Heads Up • A Friend's Giveaway

2011-12-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Bonjour Friends!

Just a very quick post from me today. Have you heard about Tracie's Giveaway from Fishtail Cottage?

There's just today (Thursday) left to enter, so why not jump over and see what her great giveaway has to offer? There are many lovely items she's giving away from great bloggers and shop owners.

Also, Tracie is giving away one of My Petite Maison's Antique French Mercury Hearts (it's a real antique one too and perfect for the holiday season upon us!).

Tracie's Giveaway, Click HERE

I'll be back tomorrow to share a favorite French recipe of mine with you just in time for the weekend.

Have a great day!

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes

2011-11-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

Although a bit grainy... I snapped this photo tonight with my phone with the lights low and candles burning bright. The moment just felt cozy and right.

Cozy at My Petite Maison • One evening before Thanksgiving 2011

So much to be thankful for this year and as always, holding everyone dear to us in our hearts and giving thanks for every kind soul that's entered our lives... EVER.

May you have a beautiful day and holiday weekend with all you hold dear in your heart too!

Happy Thanksgiving from me & My Petite Maison!

Busy, Busy Week

2011-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

I wanted to do a quick post and say hello and mention that I've put some new things in the store at My Petite Maison from our recent 10 day... day trips around Wine Country.

Also, if you're visiting from Tracie's blog over at Fishtail Cottage, hello/bonjour and good to meet you!

If you're one of my followers, please make sure you go see

Tracie at Fishtail Cottage

She's giving away an

Antique French Mercury Heart from my store!!

I hope to have a lot more items in the store by week's end but as you know, it's that time of year and yes, the time's getting away from me!

Also, I was out vintage hunting today and found the sofa of my dreams.... Here's a photo of it in the store. We're going to pick it up tomorrow and I can hardly wait!

I really hope that they keep it safe for me until tomorrow and don't let anyone tear it up... Trying to think positive thoughts here but can't wait to get back over there tomorrow!

In case you're wondering... Here are just a few of the new (old) vintage French items in the store or soon to be added to the store:

Well, that's it for now. Did I mention I found LOADS of vintage treasures while out beaming about finding my sofa? Will try to get everything up by early next week, will certainly be working hard to get it accomplished this week!

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Bon Weekend from My Petite Maison

2011-11-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

We're back from our buying trip and have been taking photos all week while preparing to add new (to our store) lovely vintage, antique items of romance from France, The Netherlands, Italy and of course, the States too!

We're excited about it and will publish them in the store Monday... so excited about it here!

Until then...

Bon Weekend from My Petite Maison!

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Pumpkin Soup Recipe & Giveaway Winner

2011-10-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovely Friends,

I've finally taken a minute away from the busy-ness of this week to announce the giveaway winner here at My Petite Maison. Thank you for being patient with me!

My husband and I have planned day trips to antique hunt for the next 10 days starting this Friday and, of course... when you have plans, you get very busy and there's more to do than expected, right?

On that same note, I'd like to thank all my new customers & friends to My Petite Maison's store and to our new Facebook Fan Page too. Also, our repeat customers & friends mean THE WORLD to us and touch this petite heart!

THANK YOU • MERCI • GRAZIE

The winner of the giveaway is Mikey of Shabby French Cottage

Mikey, please email me your info and I'll get your Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine, Romantic Country Magazine, Antique Mercury Heart from My Petite Maison's store and Jeanne d'Arc Marseille tag to you.

Thank you for everyone that joined in here and also all the people that liked My Petite Maison on FB too!

Farmers Market • French Breakfast Radishes • Good Served w/Salted Butter

I wanted to post one of my very favorite soup recipes for you before we take off on our buying trip too. I've posted it before and people seem to love it as much as we do here...

I'm going to make it while we're here enjoying our day trips and in between trying some new gourmet restaurants in Wine Country. Here's the recipe:

Soupe de Potiron

(Pumpkin Soup)

3 c water

1 onion, diced

1/2 T sugar

2 tsp salt

10 ounce can pumpkin puree

(no flavor... just pumpkin)

1 c milk

salt & freshly ground pepper

creme fraiche (if desired)

Bring water, onion, sugar, salt to boil

Cover & simmer 10 min

Whisk in pumpkin & bring to boil

Simmer uncovered for 5 min, stirring constantly

Puree mixture in food processor or blender

until smooth

Pour back into saucepan and whisk in milk

Heat back to high simmer & season

with salt & pepper to taste

Serve with small dollop of creme fraiche

and light drizzle of olive oil if desired

Serves 4

Hope you give it a try & enjoy!

We're off to enjoy some lovely times here in Wine Country...

Searching for store goods,

Enjoying good food

and celebrating our anniversary!

I will post photos of beautiful things

on Twitter and Facebook

while we're out and about

and playing tourist all around

Wine Country.

Just a few goods

currently in My Petite Maison

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

It's a Wrap... Curried Chicken Salad w/Mangoes

2011-10-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

I want to share a great recipe that I've used for quite a few years now from the Epicurious site. Their food recipes are amazing. Do you go there for great recipes too?

I'm sharing the recipe for my favorite Curried Chicken Salad today in time for the weekend.

You can find the recipe HERE

I also love to replace the cashews with toasted almonds too,

and add roasted peanuts, as I did this time...

give it a try, your favorite nut of choice!

I also change it up and sometimes add the grapes

to the salad and also serve them "on the side"

What person doesn't like items

on the side? :)

Have a great weekend!

I'll be back to announce the winner of the magazine

and antique mercury heart giveaway

If you haven't entered already, the giveaway

is open until Saturday, Oct 22nd at Midnight

(see post below)

Back in the next few days...

as always,

Happiness to you!

New in Store • Palest of Pales, St. Therese

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

October is our Favorite Month Giveaway

2011-10-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

It's true....

October is one of our very favorite months in the year.
So we're having a giveaway to celebrate.

Short and sweet.

October days will be celebrated with birthdays & anniversaries here

at My Petite Maison

with much fun and love.

Our October Giveaway offers you:

Two of our favorite magazines: Jeanne d'Arc Living Autumn and Romantic Country Style, Winter 2011

A beautiful piece: True Vintage French Mercury Heart from our romantic French vintage store, My Petite Maison

Vintage French inspired tag from Jeanne d'Arc Living that's stamped Marseille (one of our favorite French cities where the best passionfruit gelato can be found and lovely French antique & vintage treasures too).

Just follow My Petite Maison's blog and like our Facebook Page in order to qualify.

That's it!

Giveaway runs now through October 22nd.

We're off to celebrate...

Bonne Chance • Good Luck!

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France
That Romance Your Home

Fall Soup Recipe from My Petite Maison

2011-10-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hello • Bonjour, Friends!


I wanted to share one of very favorite soup recipes now it's Fall and the weather is changing to cooler (for the moment) and we've had a bit of rain this week.

I don't know about you, but I've got the nesting bug big time this week. I am savoring this time of year and always have... it's a favorite time of year for moi!

I love October!

So.... here goes: My Petite Maison's recipe for Potato Cheese Soup with Fresh Dill from our tiny Paris Apartment sized kitchen! My husband, daughter and I have refined this recipe to the way WE like it... Right down to the types of potatoes, cheeses and herbes we care for the best!

We hope you will try and enjoy as much as we do. It's a tradition in our Maison.

Here's what you'll need... I've taken photos of everything to make it easier!

Everything we use is organic and is processed safely for vegetarians, even the cheese :)

3 medium sized potatoes partially peeled and quartered (we like it rustic & French country style)
3 carrots, sliced
5 T butter or margarine (we use Smart Balance)
1 good sized yellow onion, chopped coursely
1 1/2 cups grated very sharp cheddar cheese
(we use Collier's Welsh Cheddar from Great Britain)
1 1/2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese (we use Humboldt Gold from Eureka, CA)
5 1/2 cups vegetable broth (we use Better than Bouillion, organic veggie base and use 2 1/2 tsp added to 5 1/2 C water). It's an amazing base.
4 tbsp fresh dill
1 tsp Beau Monde seasoning (if you can't find Beau Monde, you could add a tiny dash of celery salt in its place)
Freshly crushed white peppercorns to taste
Optional: 1 crushed Thai Red Chili or a few red pepper flakes if you like a bit of a bite to your soups.

That's it! Here are the photos of the ingredients for you:

Our partially peeled 3 organic Yukon Gold potatoes

Better than Bouillion. Outstanding, organic. We use the vegetable base. My husband's a vegetarian and we started using it many years ago. Now, I would much rather have this than any kind of meat broth. Superior Touch does make all kinds though... I have tried the mushroom base and the seafood base as well and they are delicious too. You can find their product HERE (Better Than Bouillion).

Thai Bird Eye Chilies

A word of warning... Only add the Thai Bird Eye Chilies if you like

A LOT of bite.

We love peppers and chilies here. Did you know that eating chilies can help your mood?

It's true... endorphins. Stimulates them, like exercise... happy food!

Beau Monde is an excellent seasoning and contains bits of celery seed, salt & onion. It is amazing with dill. My French friend, Jeannette makes an outstanding dip with fresh dill with it... look for that recipe around Thanksgiving.

Next... can you say fromage? Cheese!!

Humboldt Gold is amazing. A cross between Cheddar and Monterey Jack

Collier's from Great Britain. Amazing! Add it to a piece of apple pie and you've got a happy marriage.

Yummy white peppercorns. We use lots of white pepper here and only freshly ground. I picked up the white peppercorn habit from my friends that own a French/Vietnamese restaurant in Los Altos many years ago. There's nothing quite like the crushed peppercorn and a ripe tomato meeting for the first time (in my opinion).

And the star of the show!

Fresh dill. I buy bunches of organic dill just to keep in the kitchen in a container of water. It makes the kitchen smell heavenly and lasts that way for days if we're having cool weather.

Now we can start our prep and since it's raining lightly, we open the door to enjoy!

This is my little work area which I love. By now, you know me... I'd rather be outdoors than indoors any time and this is where I prep when I cook here at My Petite Maison. I usually sit at a bistro chair or my little white French stool while the cats and Zeke watch. Whoops, I mean beg for food (Zeke actually doesn't beg, he always looks the opposite way but always knows when we're finished ~ smart guy!). We taught him early on that it pays not to beg.

Oh... I get so many requests about my French pot rack. Here's another photo, I'm sorry it's taken me this long to get it up for you!

Pot Rack • French Finds • Stickers courtesy of our daughter and friends... Love it!

Potato Cheese with Fresh Dill
Recipe Steps:

Melt butter in large soup pot
Add onion & carrots. Cook on medium heat covered for approx. 10 - 15 min. until veggies are soft.

Add veggie (or chicken) stock and add potatoes and bring to a boil. Next lower heat to medium and cook until potatoes are tender.

Lightly smash veggies within the broth with a potato masher (we like rustic French soups). You can use a food processor for this step, but it's just one more dirty dish to clean in the end and we like to avoid that with a French sized kitchen!

Add grated cheese and lower heat to low.

Once cheeses have melted and blended in within soup base, add Beau Monde seasoning, white pepper and chilies (if desired).

Stir in seasonings and add fresh dill. Remove from heat immediately and cover for 5 minutes to allow the dill flavor to be incorporated until soup.

That's it... serve with a crusty French bread and dip!

Potato Cheese Soup, Fresh Dill • Figues et Tomatoes from our Garden

What are you waiting for? It's time to enjoy.

And for the perfect Mediterranean dessert, try serving figues with a few toasted almonds ~ perfect!
I'm so pleased to have saved a

Noire de Barbentaine tree in the Summer of 2010 with our daughter and we're reaping the rewards!

Home Grown • Noire de Barbentaine Figues in French transferware

Lastly,

We'd love to announce some of the good news we've savored

in the last few months...

It's with great thanks • merci

Romantic Country Magazine

My Petite Maison is featured

in Winter 2011 in

The Blog Spot

Under

A Gathering of the Best Online Resources

We ARE Honored.

Us arriving early at Flea Market... searching goods for clients!

So... please visit with us here at our blog

and take a look at our store

specializing in French-Nordic Items

that speak of romance

There are a lot of new (old)

romantic French-Nordic goods!

Oyster Crate from France in the Store

and many more to come too.

My Petite Maison

Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France

Our Trip to Petaluma Antique Faire

2011-09-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Old McNear Building in Petaluma Lined with Trees

Last Sunday my husband and I took a drive up to The Petaluma Antique Faire.

After days of 100 degree weather, we woke up early Sunday morning to a light drizzle of rain here in Wine Country. The drive to Petaluma is just 40 minutes for us and we were excited for a short road trip and the chance to visit with our good friend, Michelle, the owner of Summer Cottage Antiques.

Doesn't look like much here with the gray skies but it was fantastic!

Okay... now for many photos and not a lot of text. Most people like to view the "field trip" on their own, so here we go...

When we found our parking space right next to the faire, my husband asked me "do you want to take the cart?" I almost said no... I don't know why but I said "we'd better take it just in case"... was I thinking people wouldn't shop on a gray day? Great dealers wouldn't show up on a gray day? Everyone showed up and very very happy about it too. I love shopping around happy people searching for treasures!

I am so glad we did take the cart on wheels! I found SO MANY things for our home and My Petite Maison, my shop. I was in 7th Heaven and the effect lasted all day... happiness!

These forks reminded me of a piece in Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine. Maybe not for my taste but I know it speaks to many people and it was such a lovely booth. The dealer took a lot of time in setting up her area in a beautiful way anyone would love.

A lovely French ladder... a bit chippy and quite darling. We have an amazing one in our home that I was able to purchase from our French neighbor, Charlotte, but this one was darling but quite pricey.

This booth (below) was amazing. You can tell the dealers that really put their spirit into their
goods, this was one and I wanted to move in even though they were just getting set up:

Grain sacks above and FOR A SONG...

and quite beautiful in every way.

Michelle's store... Summer Cottage Antiques

So very pretty is Summer Cottage Antiques. I hope to do a field trip just on the store alone... have so many photos I took inside but want to check with Michelle that it's okay to show shots from INSIDE the store as I know, the dealers there work so hard on their own special look.

Loved the little chippy cabinet above but the price was too high

for it was missing two drawers and quite fragile... but then again,

why am I still thinking about it?

I don't know about you, but part of the joy in traveling

to an event is in enjoying the food you can't get at home, non?

We had been talking about getting a bagel and smoothie for weeks

at Fruit in Motion...

Yes, that's my cart filled with treasures... they're already packed up, safe and secure... I have a thing about secure packaging and wrap items AS I BUY THEM, the dealers I know, realize that about me and are so kind about my obsession as they love their goods, of course, too!

Yummy bagels... worth obsessing about (period ;)

Choices and choices of fruit smoothies. As always... something with passionfruit, yes, always the same... be it in France, it's passionfruit or here in the States, my very favorite!

Petaluma Pete at his Piano

The best thing about walking to the car is strolling past every

beautiful old home along the way and imagining what they look

like inside with wonderful flea market finds stashed inside,

all the stories each tells about its owner finding them on a special day!

By now, you know... I love living in an old, old house with many creaks

and filling it with flea market finds!

It was a fantastic day!

I'll be stocking My Petite Maison all week and I almost can't believe

I'm saying this already but Alameda, Antiques by the Bay is this Sunday.

This year, the calendar has been filled every weekend with antique adventures.

It's truly been unbelievable all the wonderful goods in our own backyard.

See you next week and keep checking the store...

Stocking all week, My Petite Maison is FULL!

My Petite Maison

Time Worn • Time Loved Items

France & The Netherlands

Favorite Roses of the Moment & Wild Mushroom Couscous with Fresh Lemon Juice

2011-09-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and Happy Autumn/Fall everyone!

I wanted to take a moment and share my favorite reasonably priced roses of the moment. I've mentioned before that my husband brings me two dozen roses each Friday home to My Petite Maison.

The roses are very reasonably priced at our local grocery store at $14.99 for a bunch (sometimes they're on sale for 10.99 too and I love to get a few bunches). The roses I'm showing here are called "Timeless". They are beautiful pale pink as you can see. Now, I'm usually a white roses fan and I've loved that color flower back as long as I can remember. The Timeless roses are beautiful and not only look nice, they smell wonderful and perfume the whole room where I place them.

More shots of Timeless roses:

Sometimes I just love cutting them into little jars and glasses instead of leaving their long stems too:

I also wanted to take a moment and post one of the easiest recipes I make here at home for Wild Mushroom and Lemon Couscous. It's so simple and perfect for the hot days we've been having here in Wine Country.

Here are all the ingredients I use for this delicious dish:


Ingredients for Wild Mushroom & Lemon Couscous

Here's what you need:

2 T butter or margarine (I use Smart Balance)

plus extra 2T butter or margarine for couscous cooking

1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

1 shallot chopped finely

1 cup mushrooms sliced

1 clove garlic minced

1 cup couscous (uncooked)

1 1/4 c water

2 T lemon juice (fresh)

1/4 c Parmesan cheese

In sauté pan,

Melt butter over medium heat and add shallots, garlic and mushrooms

Cook approximately 2 minutes until tender

In medium size saucepan,

Add water, salt, 2 T Smart Balance or butter to boil

Add couscous, stir quickly then add mushroom mixture, stir mixture in,

cover and remove from heat.

Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.

When ready to serve, add a little extra lemon if desired

and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese

It's that easy!

Here's the dish finished... Don't forget the grated cheese at the end. It makes it even more delicious. Enjoy!

Don't forget the cheese and an extra squirt of fresh lemon juice.

Now, back to the beautiful roses...
I ended up placing them in the master bedroom, a few on each night stand.

I decided to take the photos with the dimly lit lamps on.... I love that romantic look.

Also love seeing the shadows dancing from the little pearls hanging from this lamp... All the little nuances the light adds in the afternoon.

Timeless Roses from grocery store

Finally, the last thing I'd like to do is show this beautiful blouse

my friend, Tausha of Simply Me

was so kind to send to me earlier in the Summer.

You probably know Tausha's blog, if not go visit,

it's beautiful and she does Shabby Chic like no one else

and is a kind-hearted soul too!

It's lovely and her kindness thrilled me.

Tausha presented it with this beautiful piece of her stash

tied in a bow with tag and wooden close pin that had yet

another darling bow on it as well.

Lace, lace and more lace...

So feminine, just the look I love!

That's it from me this Friday. I hope you get a chance to try the couscous recipe and to get some lovely fleurs in your home too. Things don't have to be difficult in cooking or expensive in decorating to make life a lot more enjoyable!

And speaking of inexpensive, do you keep empty jars that are pretty for your flower arranging too? It doesn't get easier than that for flower containers that are darling.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. There's a new restaurant open in town and Sunday is Petaluma Antiques Faire which I've attended for years. I'm looking forward to catching up with Michelle of Summer Cottage Antiques while there and doing some shopping for my store.

Have a great weekend... can't wait to share photos from our adventures this weekend.

My Petite Maison
Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France

Waiting for Fall Weather and Goods at My Petite Maison

2011-09-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I don't know about you, but I'm wanting to enjoy some crisp, Fall weather soon. We're still running our A/C here today but I hear tomorrow and Friday we're in for some cooler weather here in Wine Country. I can hardly wait to cozy up and enjoy cool or even cold walks with my husband throughout town while wearing lovely sweaters and such!

Bits & Pieces in My Petite Maison

I am so busy with my store these days. I apologize that I don't have time to update my blog on a regular basis right now. There are so many antique shows going on here in Northern California that I find myself attending one or two events every weekend and then running around like a crazy person throughout the week trying to get items cataloged and photographed for my shop... I think I may need to re-enroll in time management classes!

I wanted to take this opportunity to post a few new things that I've added to My Petite Maison in the last week here and to say hello/bonjour and let you know I've missed chatting with you here!

Old French Mercury Hearts (Very heavy)

Love these mercury hearts from France... Wanted to keep all of them all but all but ONE is off to a new beautiful home as of yesterday!

Antique Wire Trivet

Always a favorite... just out of Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine it seems!

Old French Oyster Crate • Pretty Patina!

Yes, an old French Oyster Crate with the perfect patina from years in the Mediterranean Sea. Perfect for magazines or anything really...

Vintage White Pie Safe from France

And this is one of my favorites. A darling little vintage French Pie Safe waiting to be filled with lovelies in a cute home/maison.

I do hope to be back to posting soon and sharing some of my favorite Fall recipes from here in Wine Country, California.

I want to take a moment to announce the winner of The Feminine Home - Where the Heart Is... it's Jo Jo from Jo Jo's Joys
(Jo Jo send me your mailing info., please ;)

And I thank everyone that entered with much appreciation ~ Merci!

My Petite Maison • Time Worn • Time Loved from France

Holiday Wishes from Wine Country

2011-09-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hello dear friends,

Old Mercury Glass Hearts from France in My Petite Maison's store

I wanted to take a moment from here at My Petite Maison to wish everyone here in the States a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and wish my dear friends overseas a happy weekend as well from here in Wine Country, California.

Fresh baked bread & white bean spread loaded with garlic • Photo My Petite Maison

I will be back early next week to announce the winner of the signed edition of The Feminine Home after spending time with family and attending Antiques by the Bay for the store. I hope to have many photos to share with you too.

Gray, silver, blanc jar with religious medallion

Enjoy your weekend, be safe and enjoy it with much love!

My Petite Maison

Time Worn • Time Loved Items from France that speak to your heart

Belle • Giveaway ~ Jo-Anne Coletti's The Feminine Home

2011-08-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Bonjour, sweet friends ~

I've been busy stocking my store My Petite Maison, treasure hunting for lovely French trinkets and enjoying this beautiful summer... I've found it's difficult to find the time to update my blog the last few months... How do people keep up with it all? Something's got to give, non? Plus, I want to keep in touch with my friends and what they are enjoying in life during these summer months. I have such good news to share with you today!

The fantastic news is.... I was speaking with my beautiful friend, Jo-Anne Coletti of

Vintage Rose Collection about her brand new magazine and I knew right away, I've got to make time for this wonderful chance to share such a lovely magazine here at my blog with friends of My Petite Maison!!

Oui... a giveaway... Pages of inspiration for certain and pages that will last a lifetime of inspiration.

Filled with ~ Home. Garden et Antiques!

I've included a few photographs from the pages of beauty for you to get an idea... a lovely impression so to speak ~ of Jo-Anne's eye and the Feminine Home she shares with us.

Please Note: All photos in this post are used with permission from the Author,
Jo-Anne Coletti, Copyright 2011.

Photo: Vintage Rose Collection

Cottons and velvets, crystal chandeliers and whitewashed walls, scrubbed wooden floors, simple furnishings and objects from the garden; these are the elements that make a romantic home.

Photo: Vintage Rose Collection

I know many, many of you are fans of Jo-Anne's artistry, many articles and features in major magazines and of her first magazine, The Feminine Home, Special Edition. I leave the Special Edition on my French coffee table and turn to it when I need a bit of inspiration in décor assistance!

In Jo-Anne's own words: THE FEMININE HOME-Where The Heart Is

Embraces the heart and soul of a woman. It is a singular place where loveliness resides and the language of romance and poetry lives; a home that coaxes an extraordinary life that is enduring, purposeful and distinctly feminine.

Photo: Vintage Rose Collection

Rooms are presented in noble sophistication that is rich in tradition, yet casually fashioned. It is pretty, not fussy, spiritual and earthy.

Now, if you would LOVE to have a copy of this enchanted publication (I ordered my copy already!), here are the rules:

You must follow this blog (please leave me a comment YOU DO)

And ~

For additional entries...

Like My Petite Maison's FB page

List my shop My Petite Maison as a favorite on Etsy

And thank you so much for all the people that already do!!!

Tweet out news of the giveaway and let me know via

@mypetitemaison that you do

And of course... Like Vintage Rose Collection's FB page

Please leave a separate comment for EACH.

I am brand new to Facebook and hope I've finally got my links correct...

fingers crossed here... and I need all the tips I can get too.

Photo: My Petite Maison

• Now... for the very best of ALL •

Jo-Anne will personally sign the magazine for the winner!

Giveaway runs through August 31st

But... if you simply can't wait until then...

you may order The Feminine Home - Where the Heart Is

RIGHT HERE at Jo-Anne's website

Bonne Chance • Good Luck!

Fifi O'Neill visits My Petite Maison

2011-07-21T14:31:00.000-07:00


Fifi in my petite kitchen

Bonjour friends,

I wanted to share a few more photos of Fifi O'Neill and
Mark Lohman visiting
My Petite Maison last week.

Most of you know... this has been a dream for me, for a very long time.

Fifi O'Neill & Mark Lohman upon arrival at My Petite Maison (I always wanted to say that! ;)

It was a full day here at My Petite Maison. Fifi and Mark work so well together, my husband and I were in awe of the way they so seamlessly work together while shooting the maison and jardins here. It was a dream come true for me and I can't thank them enough for looking past this old house's very time worn style and showing us & our animals a wonderful day of being in their company!

Zeke loved meeting Fifi. He knew she was an animal lover from the start! I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me that they finally met and Fifi could put the bark she's heard many times over the phone to the real "furbody". This is my FAVORITE photo, I will cherish it always.

Zeke et Fifi • This photo touches my heart

Special fleurs were delivered the day before the shoot... from my dear friend, Janet of the famous Shabbyfufu. Thank you so much, Janet. You know how much this was a dream of mine for years now! Zeke did not want to miss an opportunity to pose with them here:

Okay... not a lot more talk, just a few more photos of our day!

Checking out the side yard with bistro table

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this next photo... She truly is a darling soul (inside & out)

Fifi in our back yard among our plants & loved cats

Fifi O'Neill... how cute is her outfit?

I was so happy that our weather cooled down for their visit. We had been having a heat wave and I managed to get many things cleaned/ready in the morning but not so much in our afternoons filled with 100+ degree weather. My husband, daughter, her boyfriend and I had just 4 days of "normal" California weather (after they got off their full time jobs each day) before Fifi and Mark's visit.

Fifi at My Petite Maison

Dear Fifi, I love every touch you gave to My Petite Maison!

As so many of us know, a house no matter how well loved, needs many living props, flowers and plants to bring it to life... I would like to thank my dear friend, Barbara of Uniquely Chic for allowing us to use beautiful flowers and plants from her shop for this photo shoot.

You can see just a few of them here in the beautiful French market wicker basket I've had for years... There were truly armloads of flowers and plants to work with here! Thank you, Barb.

Here's one of Zeke trying to see what was happening out there...

After the photo shoot at My Petite Maison, Fifi and I drove over to Barb's for the book signing of Romantic Prairie Style where there were many people waiting to see Fifi. More on that soon!

I'll leave you with a beautiful photo of Fifi and Mark on the porch that I love, I know you will too!

Fifi O'Neill & Mark Lohman at My Petite Maison... "On the Porch"

Can't tell you how very happy my heart is...

It's Been a Happy Week!

2011-07-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, this has been a spectacular week at My Petite Maison!

We received a visit from Fifi & Mark which I'll be posting about next week...

I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a great weekend and post a couple photos
of the Maison in its current messy state... which I'm loving!

How about a coconut passionfruit macaron, or two?

Or maybe just some delightful café au lait... or both?!

Photo: My Petite Maison

I'm on Cloud 9 and we're all savoring the blessings of this week, hope you are savoring
the good things in life as well and I'm wishing you even more this weekend!

Happy Holiday Weekend Wishes

2011-06-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends!

Wanted to take a second away from my project to wish my friends in the States here a wonderful, beautiful and safe 4th of July weekend. My friend, Barbara at Uniquely Chic
sent me these fleurs for July 4th, aren't they patriotic? Love them to bits and I wanted
to share them with you.

Whatever your plans, enjoy your long summer days!

Special weekend wishes for my friends abroad too...

Let's all just enjoy life, take a cozy seat here with me for a moment and make some lovely times for our family friends!

Happiness to you,

Happy weekend and Happy 4th of July!

I will be back in a couple weeks.

Seawashed

2011-06-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Bonjour my sweet friends!

Seashells, memorial hearts, fleurs & French fragments

Since it's finally summer and I think many of us dream of the sea, wouldn't it be nice
to meet up with a new friend, or perhaps one many of you already know?

That would be Kerrie of Sea Cottage blog who is a most talented artist. I know first hand,
as I was fortunate to be sent one of Kerrie's beautiful note cards as a thank you when
she was the winner of one of my giveaways. Believe me, it was so beautiful that my
daughter that only takes some of my prettiest items, took it with her to her new apartment!

Sea shells, fleurs, memorial hearts, French fragments at My Petite Maison

Kerrie has just opened her Etsy shop named Seawashed and she is kindly having a
most beautiful giveaway.

Here's Kerrie's blog so you may jump over and see yourself and then enter her Etsy shop
from Sea Cottage.

Seawashed has such beautiful items. I quickly clicked on Kerrie's store link so she would
be a shop within My Petite Maison's Circle on Etsy. Seeing her work up close, and first-hand truly was the reason I knew her art work would fit in nicely with items I offer at my store.

Please, go pay Kerrie of Sea Cottage a visit and tell her Tracie at My Petite Maison sent you!

Wishing every one a beautiful week from here...

Shells, French fragments et fleurs at My Petite Maison

I'll be sharing a very thoughtful gift one of my blogger friends that many of you know sent me in the next couple of days too... Just have to get my back drop just right in this very busy Maison!

Happiness to you!

My Boutique just click
My Petite Maison

Scenes from a Flea Market {Alameda}

2011-06-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Oui... scenes from a most excellent flea market!

Our drive... beautiful, beautiful sky!

One we're so fortunate to be within a nice little drive here in Wine Country. All it takes is getting up (very early) and then remembering where we've parked the car!

I'm talking about Antiques by the Bay or Alameda Faire. It's truly a beautiful place to host a flea market, right on the Bay, with the skyline so pretty within view of San Francisco.

What a view to shop/treasure hunt by...

From my Instagram photos while there... love being able to do that w/my iPhone!

My only problem is there is so much to see and too little time!

Beautiful goods from Atelier de Campagne... always a favorite!

I could live in this booth and have brought many, many things home for My Petite Maison.
See my friend, Barbara from Uniquely Chic Floral & Home there looking for treasures?

Love this booth... one of the prettiest by far. Hope to find them in July!

We met this seller/dealer, Colette and her mom at the show. They were so nice!

I should have asked her more information but we were so busy getting around,

Colette, if you happen upon this post, send me your blog link and I'll post it.

So many treasures. Large & small. All wonderful treasures!

Shutters, crusty chandelier and plants.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this booth!

Fell in love with this little dog house, wish it was Zeke's size!

Irma's booth • Simply I. Molina

This is Irma's booth which is beautiful too. I could live there too. Irma's from Healdsburg, as I shared with Irma, my blog gets many hits with people looking for her and her business Simply I. Molina, she certainly has many fans/customers! I should have taken more photos of her booth. I'll try to remember next time for you!

Barbara & Jesus at Alameda Faire

Above, one of my very favorite photos from this trip...

My friend, Barbara and beautiful Jesus at the flea market!

Me, carrying many loved items!

I wish I had a larger cart...

Whoops, I mean car.

But it was time to load things up in the car.

Many thanks to my ever patient husband that sorted through

mine and Barb's items and carefully placed everything

in the car for the safe drive home while we chatted away

about what beautiful items we'd found.

Happiness to you!

Fifi O'Neill is Coming to Wine Country

2011-05-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to tell you how thrilled I am my dear friend, Fifi O'Neill is coming to

Wine Country in July. Did you hear all the jumping around? Certainly, oui?!

Fifi's Guest House from Romantic Prairie Style • Photo Mark Lohman

My very dear friend, Barbara of Uniquely Chic Floral and Home is hosting the event that's coming to this lovely place in which we share stories each day.... Healdsburg. We will soon see Fabulous Fifi grace it's gates!

I want to mention this to dear Barbara: You are most superb, for your hard work in making your store beautiful and realizing your dream and letting it soar. Now you're hosting a most spectacular event for so many to enjoy!!

The event has been planned for months... we've truly been flying on the wings of a dove to make it happen...

hush, hush...

Now let's run with it and let it be free! I truly think Barbara and I will be out late tonight shouting it to the roof tops.

So... are you going to join in with us? I know Delores will be there... who else?

Romantic Prairie Style ~ Photo: Mark Lohman

Counting the days....

Until July 13th to be exact!

Happiness to you,

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thoughts for the long weekend...

May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Old French Memorial War Remembrance Piece from WWI. A gift to my step-father.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

For You~
Wishing you a nice long weekend
take a moment to remember...
And give all your loved ones a big hug!

My dad (2nd from left) & trusted, good friends

Happiness to you,