Chateaux decor designs

I am a big fan of Chateaux-related TV, and in recent years, there have been programs on British TV celebrating these wonderful French Chateaux and the lives of the people renovating them back to splendour.

Their inspiration comes from many sources, but I have on sale a book which shows many floral designs that can be freely used for wall decor such as wallpaper or murals, or even can be used for wrapping paper and grettings cards.

The flower designs are SO elegant, using design elements of the 18th and 19th centuries - take a little peek, and if you would like further information, it is listed here: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/681722470 on my Etsy shop LaCravate.

Books for sale

Hi everyone!  After closing my bookshop last month, I've decided to re-open now that clarification from La Poste means that books can definitely be posted, albeit perhaps a little slower than usual.  The lockdown is continuing in France for some time, and I have had a few people ask me for books.  So, my shop on Etsy https:// www.etsy.com/shop/LaCravate is now open again for business, on a small scale though for now.

I'm not sure if I will re-open the vintage shop Vintage Maison as everything must go through the small slot of the post box and of course, it's a bit difficult to post a hat or a large jug!

I hope everyone is finding lots to do and keeping busy, but the most important thing is to stay home, and stay safe!

Covid-19

I've decided in these uncertain times to temporarily close my shops. It seems a bit frivolous to continue, when people are losing their jobs and businesses, struggling in empty shops to provide for themselves and families, and fearful for their health and that of their loved ones.

As a family, we know what pneumonia can do, and even though we have been instructed by President Macron to stay at home, we were already self-isolating to protect each other, especially my dear OH who has underlying health problems. He has suffered three major bouts of chest infection this year, and I am determined he will NOT suffer Covid-19 if I have anything to do with it!

So, please, everyone stay safe, stay at home, stay well.

Blonde boudoir beauty

I recently found a boudoir doll in my secret little stock room - I had wrapped her up so carefully that I had forgotten I had her!

She is so typically a 1920s French boudoir doll - a poupée de salon - and what a blonde beauty!  Her pretty necklace and headband co-ordinate with her pink dress - she has little white bloomers underneath.  She really is in lovely condition albeit a little wear on her nose, but all her fingers and eyelashes etc are still there, and her feet are finished off in little silver painted shoes.

It's a bit of a wretch to put her up for sale if I'm honest, but I have had her for some years, and I can't keep everything!  She's on my Etsy shop - see the sidebar for more information.   Anyway, here she is:

Bonjour! Long time, no speak...

Bonjour to all - so sorry I haven't blogged for a while, but family illness and lots of other stuff kept me away from the blog.

I am still selling my vintage items, although only just ticking over due to time etc.  I do have to make up my mind whether to continue here in France, or retire completely when I take my UK state pension.  I have had to wait longer than I anticipated as a young woman, as I had expected to get it when I hit 60, but of course that was extended twice.  Now, I'm due to get it when I am 66.  In the meantime, I am carrying on as usual!

We recently visited Brantome on market day.  It was beautifully sunny, although still a little cold, but we wandered round the town and took a few piccies for you - I loved the two metal sculptures - and I hope you like them.

Hannah Hauxwell

Sadly, Hannah Hauxwell has died aged 91. Marvellous woman, the inspiration to many in the farming or small holding world. The oldies amongst us may remember the TV program 'Too Long A Winter' describing her life in the Dales, and of course her books. Not sure if it is on YouTube but worth a search.

BBC Look North (Yks) on Twitter

“Hannah Hauxwell who led a solitary life in the Dales has died, aged 91. https://t.co/YaUeBl210o”

TWITTER.COM

Antique Medical book from 1802

sorry, now sold.
Back in 1802, what was happening?  Well the Treaty of Amiens was signed between France and England, William Wordsworth, walking with his sister Dorothy, spied a row of golden daffodils and was inspired to write a poem,  and Mme Tussaud's first opened an exhibition of wax figures.

The other interesting thing was that this little book on health was published in Paris.

I just love it!  With medical advice for all manner of illnesses, children's problems, and midwifery. with remedies and little questions and discussions on all things to do with the health of 'the People'.  It even discusses 'Charlatans' which I take to believe is a quack doctor

It's up for sale at £25 to include world-wide economic postage - I reckon a bit of a bargain when the dreaded lurgey strikes:  you'll be able to look up a quick remedy - if you can read in French!