Passe à l'ombre

Twice a day I go for a long 'power' walk round our village, come rain or shine.

Stop watch in hand, I always follow the same route but of course, I notice something different every time.

Have I ever told you that I love looking round French cemetries? I find them quite beautiful, not at all depressing or sad. Look! I spied a wildflower growing out of the top of the stone entrance this morning; life proudly asserting itself.  It made me smile.

10 am, I'm hot. The entire village will be slipping into the shade soon.

Looks like Summer is finally here! 

Bonne journée!

Inspiration: Endless Summer

I know I've mentioned their work before, and many of you will already have seen a few of these images on pinterest, but I just can't get enough of these beautiful playthings designed by creative duo extraordinaire Fredericks & Mae.

Modern, graphic and eye-catching, these designs are everything I love. A serious shop crush if ever there was one!

High Five #73

 

I have come across a couple of interesting Lithuanian children's brands recently.

D.J.M Studio is one of them.

If you love soft, natural linen and beautiful handmade shoes (want!), 

this kids' shop could be for you.

Dianora is on Facebook and sells via etsy and her own bricks-and-mortar & online shop in Vilinius.

Simple Sunday

 Well, I hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Mr B and I went for a long walk through the salt marshes here in Petite Camargue.

I love everything about this place. 

Makeshift fishermen's huts, beautiful colours and textures.

It's wild.

And such a simple way of life.

Shop Watch: Mavis & Osborn

You know what, every so often I come across an exciting shop and deep down, because I strive to be original, I just want to keep it to myself! I have known about Tamzin Hawkins' promising new label for a while now. Although she's originally from New Zealand, she was lucky (I choose my words carefully here!) to spend four years near my home town in West Yorkshire, England. We've never met, but from the emails we've exchanged I kind of feel as if I know her, or at least that 'she gets' why I often miss Ilkley Moors. 

 Mavis & Osborn is now in its second season and business is going from strength to strength. Although Tamzin currently only sells online and in one shop in Wellington, New Zealand (Check out the Design Loft, it looks like my kinda place!), she is looking to send her range out to a few international stores next year (now's the time to  contact her if you're interested in stocking an upandcoming kiwi brand!).

Mavis & Osborn (her grandparents' names) - the local clothier caters for new borns up to 14 year olds but also offers a few select home accessories (love that leather & cotton travel bag!) and clothes for men and women. I can just tell I'd feel comfortable and stylish wearing the long dress in the second picture down. Other girls' favorites include this cape, tutu and reverse it vest, from the 13WinterWild collection (yes, out of season for us but 100% wool so never out of fashion), which I love.

One to look out for I think. Make sure you follow them here, here or here.

13WinterWild Collection illustrations by Joscha Van Deijk.

Making Room

A space of your own, what a luxury!

We're renovating and extending so that Savannah can finally have her own bedroom this summer. She's been sharing with Miles since we moved here, and up until now, it's worked out fine. However, Mademoiselle is going to "collège" soon and obviously wants a bit more privacy. Changes are afoot and I am eager to get out my paint brushes to decorate and transform our home!

I recently came across the Italian children's furniture brand Nidi and really like the clean, functional minimalism of their graphic line in particular. My two boys would love it. Perhaps they'd be more inclined to tidy up once in a while if they had a room as smart as that?

Talking of spaces, I was absolutely thrilled to win the Hive-Etsy tastemaker competition last week! Thanks to my ideal creative workspace pinboard I will be an Etsy Guest Pinner for one week in July. What an honour! I'll let you know more nearer the time!

Time Out

 Well, I was feeling so enthusiastic after last week's break until Saturday morning, when I realised we had no internet connection! A weekend of silence, gardening, washing, breakfast in bed on Sunday (a belated Mother's Day treat from Savannah), it's been lovely yes,  but still no web access today. I've had to come to Montpellier to find a café and have no idea when our connection will be up and running. Sigh!

I'll be back when I can!