What Does This Windmill, Rolling Cart, and Olive Bucket Have In Common?

Did you guess what the windmill, rolling cart, and olive bucket have in common? 

They are all old, with obvious signs of wear. 

Are you drawn to timeworn treasures like I am? If you are, you probably agree that there's something comforting about these one-of-a-kind, imperfect finds from the past. They've got character and soul, and inspire creative backdrops for living. Use them as intended, or repurpose them in an unexpected way. Make them pop against more modern finishes, or blend them with other vintage decor. 

Books to Read or Give... {I think you'll LOVE these books!}

Okay, I am almost giddy just thinking about this post. First, let me say that I don't read as much as I should or would like. But, I have absolutely loved these books, and am happy to recommend them to you! I will give you a quick overview of each book and why I loved it below. And then, I'd love to hear your book recommendations in the comments below!

A Mini Escape to France (Part 2)

Last month, we hopped in our European rental car and drove from Barcelona to the little seaside village of Collioure, France...

A Mini Escape to France (Part One)

On our recent trip to Spain, we were able to take a couple of day trips into France. 

France! 

I have had a mild major obsession with France since I first visited Paris when I was twenty-one. I have been back to Paris a couple of times, but have always wanted to see the French countryside and smaller villages. 

So, we rented a car (for about a third of the price it would have cost for our family of five to take the train) in Barcelona and headed north to Carcassonne...

 We had just gotten across the French border when our youngest needed a potty break. And we're so glad he did! We parked at the rest stop, got out of the car and saw a fairytale-style fortress just down a dusty path.

I Heart France {Give-Away!}

The first time I visited Paris, I was in college. I kept looking for cameras following me - I felt like I was in a movie! :) I had never seen such architecture, art, history, fashion, cathedrals and cafes. I was so nervous that I was going to miss something, that I zipped through almost all of the "must-see" attractions the first 36 hours I was there! 

The second time I was in Paris was while I was working in aerospace. I was there to attend the Paris Air Show. I "had" to stay over the weekend because the airfare was cheaper that way. C'est la vie!

I savored some leisurely time at Cafe de Flore - observing that 'je ne sais quoi' that Parisians seem to have. A chocolate croissant and cafe au lait made the people watching all the sweeter. I was just taking one for the team. 
(So glad the company saved on the airfare! ;)

Then, when our oldest son Hudson was almost two and I was pregnant with our second son, Noah, I told my husband that Hudson and I would accompany him on a business trip to Montreal and Stockholm... IF we could squeeze Paris in between. 

I smile thinking back now. A pregnant lady and a toddler give new meaning to "business travel." He was probably wondering what the upside for him was! He was kind (and smart!) to never bring that up when he took us along.

I'll never forget Hudson running and playing in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower, wearing his little Paris t -shirt. It was a special time in Paris, walking along the Seine and visiting the Notre Dame, this time with my loves.

I've never been to the French countryside, but I dream of going. Until then, I love reading books about Americans who have moved to France. Their adventures and the differences in culture are always so entertaining. ;) 

When I came across two of my all-time favorite French reads, while perusing  a second-hand shop, I knew this give-away was meant to be! 

On Rue Tatin is a book about Susan Loomis' move to a picturesque town in Normandy, where she and her husband restored a dilapidated convent for their home, raised their children and now own and operate On Rue Tatin, a cooking school.

My Life In France is a wonderfully informative and charming story of Julia Child's time in France, which began in 1948. Her sheer joy of French living, closeness with her husband and passion to master (and teach) the art of French cooking shine through in this touching memoir.

So here's how to enter.... 

Please leave a comment about anything related to France. It may be something you enjoy - like a French food or decorating style, something you would like to see in France or a French book or movie you'd recommend! 

Once you comment, you're entered! 

One random winner be announced next Friday, February 21st. US residents only. 
The winner will be mailed On Rue Tatin and My Life In France.

Oh, I hope you win.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xo

Sharing with:
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Dwellings - The Heart of Your Home
Cozy Little House
Stone Gable
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Katherine's Corner
French Country Cottage