Interior Designs Photo: Vicki Archer

Showing posts with label Vicki Archer. Show all posts

French Essence: My French Life

<blockquote>   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE5ibzaTYI/AAAAAAAA-V0/j3UK5mTsWeM/s1600-h/image126.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="654" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE5lkUE_CI/AAAAAAAA-V8/DGhERlh8Hsc/image_thumb43.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="949"></a> Mas de Bernard – the centuries old country farmhouse in Provence that author Vicki Archer completely restored.  Above, a dining table hides under the vine covered pergola.   The house is so wide, it’s hard to get it all in one photograph:  the façade continues to the direct left – seen in the next picture!   <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE5n2syhLI/AAAAAAAA-WE/pUKD5YtGG54/s1600-h/image131.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="605" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE5qN0rCtI/AAAAAAAA-WM/5YTfYaPlw18/image_thumb46.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="764"></a> Another view of  Mas de Bernard:   here the photograph shows how this rough stone faced building connects to the smooth faced façade of the photo above.   New Years Day 2011 has come and gone, and hopefully everyone settled in for the weekend!  I know we were feeling cozy here in Houston around the fireplace.  Thinking of something to start the new year with, I came up with the newest Skirted Roundtable interview with author Vicki Archer of  the <a href="http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/">French Essence blog</a>.   I first heard about Vicki and her fabulous life a few  years ago from the Australian blogger <a href="http://www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com">Absolutely Beautiful Things</a>.  I then ordered her book, My French Life, and wrote about it back in 2009.   Vicki’s first book was followed up last year with her latest - French Essence.   Both books are filled with the exquisitely beautiful photographs of Vicki’s friend <a href="http://www.carlacoulson.com/">Carla Coulson</a> (most of the photos shown today are by Carla.)   I was thrilled to have Vicki on the Skirted Roundtable if only to have the chance to show you some photographs of her fabulous house!  Vicki lives a life that most of us can only dream about.  Born in Australia, her husband and three children were living in Sydney when they took a vacation to Provence in 1999.  A quick visit to see a decrepit farmhouse totally changed her life.   The 17th century house, Mas de Bernard, stands on 50 acres and was once an fruit farm.   But when Vicki first saw it, it was a complete wreck.  The house had been added onto over the centuries and parts of the farmhouse are estimated to be over 500 years old.   Vicki immediately fell in a trance when she first saw the property and without much thought, it was quickly purchased.   She can not explain the intense attraction except to say it was love at first sight.  Indeed, she can not logically explain what made her decide to totally uproot her life – all for a run down farm, but this is exactly what she did.  After buying Mas de Bernard, the family next moved from Australia to London in order to be closer to France.   It took three years before the restoration was complete enough so that the family could even move in.   Today, they still technically live in London where her husband works, but holidays and summers are spent in Saint-Remy-de-Provence.  The change in their lives has been profound.  The family did not even speak French when they became farm owners, though since, they have learned the romantic language.  Vicki’s three children have now left the nest and she spends even more time in France.  Today, the property is a successful, working olive farm.  Their olive trees are a major concern – along with her helpers, Vicki picks the olives herself, a back-breaking process that takes up to a month to complete.  How many of us have ever dreamed of following our hearts and picking up roots?   It’s amazing to think that Vicki with 3 young children and a husband, moved halfway across the world – all for the love of a run down farmhouse.    This is her story – as told to the Skirted Roundtable.                                 <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE5tGdPeCI/AAAAAAAA-WY/uC3v-_xexXg/s1600-h/image32.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="597" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE5vjLWs8I/AAAAAAAA-Wg/OO3DXHPng0E/image_thumb22.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="801"></a> In a winter snow, the house looks magical.   Le Coup de Foudre – Vicki’s motto:  The thunderbolt or being struck by a love at first sight.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0X5OG5PKpd_5SFOFdUo_ZsYldszJVNImDU0DmBa3sN0B9uTyfrAmqH4mSYZOwic1GtOqVb1eGiZRqx-U3cVsIGdCwpxR1Y1CGF2NsbaqOq8kYGTNCRyrv6TXR9i9NogSJ90rG1yBg0I6/s1600-h/image134.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="698" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE50gv5deI/AAAAAAAA-W8/cRlV2OUkSNY/image_thumb49.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="563"></a> A concrete river, or rill, runs from the house down to a fountain.      <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE53VZc-wI/AAAAAAAA-XE/QXIP8f1guDE/s1600-h/image139.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="654" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPQ8ASjXqz2gl2K8d34GG0UwEnqg-9HlM2YAlSU9xH9K9WM_LYpzrZ-GkN2BjHtl0EAPFJpFzq6Sjb9lZBBQs29RMTXz8-I3hiNETDeOyxOaLQwQTNKyRabwecGHoY33-F6p87zVxf6mh/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="949"></a> The concrete river, or rill, ends in a circular pond.   The property is surrounded by the picturesque Alpilles mountain range.  Beyond the lavender garden are the olive trees.               <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE595GSq8I/AAAAAAAA-XY/bhWIGjJvQi8/s1600-h/image165.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="688" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6BEPbE7I/AAAAAAAA-Xg/hkdRmYvBiGA/image_thumb71.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> Here, next to the flowering garden is the front entrance to Mas de Bernard.       <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6DyN4AdI/AAAAAAAA-Xo/DgCnDjAcVL0/s1600-h/image151.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk7PATODId_jeHWCgsGKutHs0WHT4-Uq0xQbXy-SncTHiyFLfGmtkGrW12TXxc31NaiBwMSbXxxSm1mxKEhsBTDHpBf-cFBprlbU1y6WTQIo6N-mZJtwqmLqqr8lwscuLWFXarjBM9Aya/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="566"></a> The front doors, framed in roses, urns, and lanterns.        <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6IshgMwI/AAAAAAAA-YE/I5x9ioXYUZ8/s1600-h/image153.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZFznmwtv40c0a4raK6IzCyo35X09WZLEb_OCHbCudNbgD7hIvbqDtAcjnE_60pY-mYnk5jN-9HdS9YOB6Vd8U418_rFXL8ebpw2R013h9TNf17nVgVAxWHFATx-nhuHDyZvQ6LK7haj2/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="532"></a> Inside, the stone stairs are dressed for Christmas.   Simple votives rest underneath a gorgeous gilt antique mirror.         <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6PETh0iI/AAAAAAAA-Yc/KVZ6u8XtiwI/s1600-h/image155.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6TfTcnYI/AAAAAAAA-Ys/wM9F1ZmGZh4/image_thumb61.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> Vicki’s living room has been through many different arrangements.  An early picture shows the beautiful doors and staircase in the back, flanked with contemporary bookcases.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6Xj_XlFI/AAAAAAAA-Y0/b52JyzArLh8/s1600-h/image158.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6asBzBJI/AAAAAAAA-Y8/62yOYIiLfEM/image_thumb64.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="643"></a> The blog Absolutely Beautiful Things showed this view of Vicki’s living room – with matching sofas.   Today the room looks entirely different.  I love how Vicki is just like all of us – always rearranging things.       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6eacZsZI/AAAAAAAA-ZI/C9zpGUaK2Pg/s1600-h/image159.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="654" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6hC8-RfI/AAAAAAAA-ZQ/Gxl9tTbiI0k/image_thumb65.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="949"></a> Here is the living room restyled with the silk striped sofa and two chairs and yellow ottomans.   The matching mirrors flanking the fabulous fireplace are a constant, as are the matching glass coffee tables.  Notice the stone floors and the ceiling beams (seen in the mirrors.)   What a fabulous room!                                                                                                                    <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6iMzcWRI/AAAAAAAA-ZY/XMDtZN8HUSI/s1600-h/vickiarcher24.jpg"><img alt="vickiarcher2" border="0" height="423" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6ivX7ClI/AAAAAAAA-Zg/jCsk1ixzCFc/vickiarcher2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="vickiarcher2" width="604"></a>Redesigned again, here the gateleg table is moved into the fireplace area and the two chairs are separated.   The contemporary painting has been removed and lamps are added onto the side tables.  I love this arrangement – especially with the gilded candlesticks and canon balls.   So beautiful.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAxZ1CRa1sxYWI3pIPbHbz6kSvJHTb2R9_hnoWkpU6F_GglDI9Mxw-7W9QSH_C7Lo2A8LzQ4hI3w79t7OAk10TsRliEXFzaTr-haIYYbKFcjSz0Y8ClLjsPeo8NArxsfOtLJfWd7jLp2l/s1600-h/image162.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgip9dEKy9dPzfqz7CmJAld0301bRMf3FuCxo3kjqIo6YMOvN3jI-jnJjqfPzbMBOBSnPBtweUJN77CFuMh_ddyG5TocpSlRlg-Gxg4dLK0Y-YPJGRsbz5osjRXmw6K90a1Sb1vcZMRl6iG/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> Vicki recently showed this picture of her Christmas decorations.  And wow – things have really changed again!  The oriental rug is gone in favor of this monochromatic one.   The furniture has been recovered with a cream colored fabric.  There is now a contemporary print above the fireplace.  All the creams really make such a difference.  It just looks so beautiful.    Also, I had never realized that there was this fabulous steel window/door in the room.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPXUCTnjQ9RAHx5H1r3nPjOLm5Ziq25nJgoS0A5JOUWEMzL6Ms2FoHWbDP2bRruS0jbkw7aO2HlLKo-URrOcxkuM7qJT3NnryMnTcZN11ewksCjIF6HrqvLFd1dm56eok9xBsuWQihhrz/s1600-h/image164.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6wfN2KBI/AAAAAAAA-aM/PrHyfXRHJsI/image_thumb70.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="580"></a> In this photograph, Vicki shows her trio of Martini tables sitting next to one of the newly recovered chairs.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6x5FlD_I/AAAAAAAA-aU/_J1-fhtxwQk/s1600-h/image167.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6zA_tjRI/AAAAAAAA-ak/0sNTjF4Eu8I/image_thumb73.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="323"></a> The dining room – here terracotta tiles cover the floor.   I love how all the rooms have such great fireplaces.    <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE628Ke_pI/AAAAAAAA-a0/jp8RyCcsN-0/s1600-h/image169.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="727" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y9xX2LVp0gpGxxAAVQ8wQQpajHRsGfv-0oVYGrM8j_LnoajYAkDDfqpAgUhrElRWcOLuVwzmbZwBIMtjHUNdiVt9oOxltW-bgbb4bjT6o1bdSMTnVDhrn_pzfGyWRpXdEm42RDXqoASL/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> Vicki’s kitchen has a extra long, fabulous table in the middle of the room.  Notice the cabinetry.   There are no upper ones either!   The groined ceiling is especially wonderful.  Can you imagine cooking in this room??  I think even I would love to cook here!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE68x_sNWI/AAAAAAAA-bI/kj5Wo8VmSzQ/s1600-h/image171.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE6_IjgsxI/AAAAAAAA-bY/twRPnX83naA/image_thumb77.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="478"></a> Looking the other way towards the cabinet.     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7BRH4cOI/AAAAAAAA-bg/d_7peMi-6DU/s1600-h/image172.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7DqUpijI/AAAAAAAA-bo/PLGuL39dIIw/image_thumb78.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="514"></a> A stone eutility sink is perfect for gardening.   Love this!       <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7Fs7HD_I/AAAAAAAA-b0/L5LQSwYWNRU/s1600-h/image176.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUkMVYSgb6LwpBWo2mzmykU6IOIeSJ1OzRfsSwp1JXUzjlMozLzaalRsMUAwrfXbEw_lkHWb79Gn3FHWHUlu1sKQ04UngXJ_J2wvicEIWd0DeqLhFTvmpdvQCeSonGievtq-KLPwsBWk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="644"></a> This bedroom has an antique French headboard, covered in Bennison.  Sigh.   That side table, the mirror, the lampshade!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7JX1KttI/AAAAAAAA-cE/m0WZxKaIkrA/s1600-h/image174.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7NBXSH4I/AAAAAAAA-cU/bWx0jctD87c/image_thumb80.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="754"></a> A close up look at the same room.  Notice the urn in the niche, instead of shelves – love that idea.         <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7N63rtII/AAAAAAAA-cc/-idxVbkSorQ/s1600-h/image5.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7ObJcyGI/AAAAAAAA-ck/rGa1E98zziE/image_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="323"></a> A peek at the master bedroom with its fabulous headboard and duvet.   Unreal!       <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7Qc2wsNI/AAAAAAAA-c0/l4vXFimixfM/s1600-h/image7.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7TNj0tgI/AAAAAAAA-dE/6lQqXeuZmS8/image_thumb4.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="576"></a> Here is a close up of the same room.   Vicki has such great style.  I could be very happy waking up in this room each morning!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePo5chXD3bUR99zudxGg99BDE-6k9pbSyYd5aJxQIrRG-Aj6Id4MvfXKee4b7xWrN0j0VAR5Bb1__9yV8AIokDRNlIrTTPnWaSgD2i6XLPK_iOFB46yp3uJamBCW7JeIEAnB7Y4LXoHto/s1600-h/image8.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPYBeB7bfzQ9Sd3GmpFJdPBfPJbsIdHWe3eonbM3wBkrVttgzCkCd5eIJ3hJ5ft6B_UOElJPoNHReZV5UUdEvm21rDcYDzf2ZhCMEG6j_vFoyDWJb4cUhrq9CP0d5qnwuakaZyWpyUbmf/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="644"></a> My favorite:  her daughter’s bedroom with an antique bed with its original damask fabric and bedspread.   I adore the chair and the night table too.   Perfection!!!!       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7akLkjXI/AAAAAAAA-dk/tQDEArg96HQ/s1600-h/image11.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7edAokoI/AAAAAAAA-ds/p3vLCOsaO8Q/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> Outside:  Vicki took this picture one morning.  Here a table is set up next to the rill.               <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7hKxCAHI/AAAAAAAA-d4/PmnZ1c-RQqs/s1600-h/image16.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="473" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7jWc-VAI/AAAAAAAA-eI/uHs0PFb29Fc/image_thumb13.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="704"></a> Snowy white upholstery covers these day beds set up on the terrace.   Such beautiful landscaping.       <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7mVyC83I/AAAAAAAA-ec/ydQnFtt2okc/s1600-h/image43.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="752" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7pxy3ojI/AAAAAAAA-ek/uzSd-TWwjLk/image_thumb26.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1003"></a> And the same terrace set up for a party for Vicki’s daughter.      <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7tBP2pyI/AAAAAAAA-ew/mdJBUwbTImk/s1600-h/image17.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="534" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7vvkUKdI/AAAAAAAA-e4/R1JG50nGB2o/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="841"></a> I love this picture:   the daybeds are styled for an afternoon party.   Soooo cute!!!     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE7zjvVytI/AAAAAAAA-fI/ubGrjXjO16w/s1600-h/image39%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeieaWbQ3_YcXyBzvmDa-At4Io_Tvs9l-4eR21J74uMGIyigjzFnT5YSGC7Qf_Nj_bcwFU0BNJjiFKH4fEadPWlqhH2vWYOr7AJofJMgrCJg-_VLo5fO8zyXrpWwJgPVkpyIR3PSAuBY42/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> A rose covered pergola.   <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE78CowLKI/AAAAAAAA-fc/SCcDndDujrI/s1600-h/image19.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8AXZDalI/AAAAAAAA-fk/WTblDPLNp1E/image_thumb16.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> Next to the pond, more styled daybed seating.   Notice the hammock at the back corner.  So dreamy.    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVlipbHeATKI0yV5aImntISmW1cjyQO-WBxLwmsabPM2JAw297urEtu5KfFnFGF3dGaYOI8CfRU2Q8WKXebr_UrtChV9dCsQGS7mUzUazGp0jUJ5GliGW2GcRHTHGB_ZIcx9_aHzWtIfR/s1600-h/image20.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="737" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8G-HUnvI/AAAAAAAA-f4/E4KZ2bUOiMI/image_thumb17.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> A view of the mountains and an old stone house on the property.   Too beautiful!  I’m not sure I could ever leave and go back to England.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8KgyFpyI/AAAAAAAA-gA/0eC_3jDZSbU/s1600-h/image21.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVzYkNO1z3ju22kLKUviBICz95kYDDxQM5lUKlyKS_4QZNi2I19zfopUR4VsF2cbcJ_GQoew0QtPQDYLfyfgtku3tl6UbAt0ZS3aXkYbHTX17gJ9WPhn0mI2-GrNLMbb-nS6QibVa_cI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="1028"></a> The lavender garden with the olive trees in back.   Carla Coulson is such a great photographer.   How would you like this to be your view out your windows??  Can you imagine???  Wow.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8RtlZ21I/AAAAAAAA-gk/Akmgo-M0esk/s1600-h/image27.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="705" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8T_zErcI/AAAAAAAA-gw/95R8S1CEsxc/image_thumb20.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="563"></a> The very same view in winter:  olive tree orchard is in the back; the lavender garden, and pruned plane trees in the front.  Even in the dead of winter, the view is still spectacular.     <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8VWrtEJI/AAAAAAAA-g4/x8uJy7fa0OQ/s1600-h/image46.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8WoWMJDI/AAAAAAAA-hA/XPEscNC-D3A/image_thumb29.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="564"></a> Here’s the photographer, Carla Coulson walking with her Italian groom to their Parisian wedding.  I love how fashionable she looks here – including the shoes and leopard hat.  Tres chic.  To read her blog and see her web site, go <a href="http://www.carlacoulson.com/">HERE</a>.      <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8YXR6FlI/AAAAAAAA-hI/CwqnVAMsoDo/s1600-h/image133.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="638" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8aLn9w9I/AAAAAAAA-hQ/QJTggIidoFo/image_thumb48.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="483"></a> Vicki’s first book:  My French Life.   All photographs by Carla Coulson.   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8bqRxO3I/AAAAAAAA-hY/XFXhsQoyW7A/s1600-h/image132.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="422" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8cdY0QAI/AAAAAAAA-hg/v8YMDVKBCwU/image_thumb47.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="300"></a> And her newest book, French Essence, again with photographs by Carla Coulson.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIefs2s9QVNcvl5qI9wdq0oKqmcs9zVTK8fQpm59kidnW8XpVbd6NdgJ1FenLAYXQ7AKj5V4Ej8xPIMXYToVqWcVljn3gexKUbeYJED60za4KFUffrAYsl-XULaxFuo58dtVXwx2YTjm0/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/TSE8epXxT0I/AAAAAAAA-h0/XHM8AfygwQo/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" width="364"></a> To listen to the new Skirted Roundtable with Vicki Archer, please go <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/12/vicki-archer-of-french-essence-joins-us.html">HERE</a>.     To purchase either of Vicki’s books, just click on the title you want below:   <div align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Mm0dsdQ%2BL._SL160_.jpg"> </td> <td valign="top">       <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-French-Life-Vicki-Archer/dp/0670018775%3FSubscriptionId%3D0JTCV5ZMHMF7ZYTXGFR2%26tag%3Dcotedetexa-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0670018775">My French Life</a>           </td></tr></tbody></table></div>   <div align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51up7C6yxuL._SL160_.jpg"> </td> <td valign="top"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/French-Essence-Ambience-Beauty-Provence/dp/0670022276%3FSubscriptionId%3D0JTCV5ZMHMF7ZYTXGFR2%26tag%3Dcotedetexa-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0670022276">French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence</a> </td></tr></tbody></table></div>     To go to the Skirted Roundtable interview with Vicki, go <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2010/12/vicki-archer-of-french-essence-joins-us.html">HERE.</a>    AND, here’s wishing all of you and yours a happy, safe and healthy 2011!!!!!!!     </blockquote>

French Essence: My French Life

Mas de Bernard – the centuries old country farmhouse in Provence that author Vicki Archer completely restored. Above, a dining table h...

7:03 PM

Dreaming of My So-Called French Life

Is spring really here?  Really, is it for sure spring yet?    It has been such a cold winter for Houston and everyone is so tired of it.  I know it can’t compare to what those in the north have to suffer through, (and suffer you must surely do!)  but still, this winter it was actually cold here – and for a long time.   Most winters, we have spells where you can wear T-shirts around during the day, but that didn’t happen this year.    And yes, while  I do consider anything lower than 65 degrees to be freezing – it’s all in what you are used to.     March is usually when we start wearing our summer clothes in Houston, but not this year.   And how about this – every time you think winter is truly over and you pack up all those sweaters and fleece, isn’t it always sure to bring on that one last cold front?  This summer when we will all be miserable and complaining, I know I’ll regret saying this, but – I’m so ready for hot weather!!!  My flowers are freshly planted and we’re holding out hope that our <a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/05/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do.html">huge oak tree</a> is going to make it, but it looks like we have to wait another year or two to be absolutely certain.   I planted a ton of caladiums last week and I can’t wait for them to peek out of the ground and unfurl their huge elephant-like ears!    Do they have caladiums in France?   I wish I had a French garden, with a row of plane trees growing outside a bastide made of limestone with light blue shutters.  And there would be lots of lavender and tall, cypress trees, and gravel paths lined with box.   One of my favorite blogs to read and dream about is Vicki Archer’s <a href="http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/">French Essence</a>.  Vicki is from Australia, but she now divides her time between London and her house in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the poor girl.   In Provence, where she and her family grow olive trees, Vickie wrote the book “My French <a href="http://www.hearthoroscopes.com">Life</a>”  all about her experience of falling in love with a French ruin and turning it into this:   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OOZG5eRI/AAAAAAAAXRw/c01DepgriYY/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="605" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2ORXIYJCI/AAAAAAAAXR4/N_e5ZDiJl2Y/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="797" /></a> Vicki Archer’s house in Provence with its tiled roof and blue shutters and pergola surrounded by flowers.  “Mas de Berard” Vicki calls it, I call it a dream.   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OT1w735I/AAAAAAAAXSA/HVTfvqAjx8Y/s1600-h/image%5B34%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="597" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OWqu4kXI/AAAAAAAAXSM/DCZQ5PP-nYg/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="777" /></a> Vicki’s terrace where they take drinks and dine – how gorgeous is this?   Vickie’s book “My French Life” has inspired me to think of writing about MY life.  After all – it’s just as glamorous.  Working titles are “Being Born in Galena Park Didn’t Hold Me Back.”   (Yes, I spent the first year of my life in that booming metropolis, Galena Park, near the stinky Houston Ship Channel.)  Or how about this title  “A Life Divided: Houston and South Padre Island.”    Wait, I have a few better ones:  “A  Grocer’s Daughter, a Landman’s Wife,  A Shopping Fool’s Mother.”    hmmmm – doesn’t quite have the same ring as “My French Life.”    OK, try this one:    “From Secretary to Interior Designer to Blogger – A Road Never Taken”   or  “Pretending A Spec House’s Backyard in Texas is a Lavender Farm in Provence.”    My favorite though is “My So-Called French Life.”     I’ll let you know the final  title when the publisher calls. So, I don’t actually live Vicki Archer’s life (that’s for sure!) but I can dream, can’t I?   A psychiatrist once told me that when you get down or get the blues, you should imagine you’ve won the lottery and what you would do with it.    I hate to sound so superficial, but sometimes it works.  OK, let’s play.   What would it be like to move my family to Provence and tend to this garden?   It’s available!!!   “Le Dream:” <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OYf2zm4I/AAAAAAAAXSU/WEMer1PQpRQ/s1600-h/image%5B30%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="598" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2Oarf4HyI/AAAAAAAAXSc/hYPAJQhipw4/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="801" /></a> Every morning I would get my bicycle out and ride down this gravel road to the village bakery for fresh hot coffee and a croissant.   If I can move to Provence, do I still need to cook?   <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OcyhH2WI/AAAAAAAAXSk/_b3_yYQHh5s/s1600-h/image%5B39%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OfhRwkII/AAAAAAAAXSs/7_n0Q7SczAU/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a> I’d come back laden with the daily papers and bakery goodies and have my butler Pascal ring that bell on top of the bastide to wake up my lazy  family (some things never change.)   We’d eat the pastries and drink the coffee and read the paper sitting outside under the umbrella.   Pascal’s wife Charlotte would whip up lunch for us to eat here too.        <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK06EUYsU62NWKfrhHq-k4_aiAKGLj3-LPSw8XMaVizenNMaQ9EJH7Hc5YGL49ozhImmlXF8wT_ZwwdP-u4Kh7N1e3fIIuCZmoHKNZ229G61AdKHvjkhx7mNrbaAK_qymkLoF7ixhr71c/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OktdDgEI/AAAAAAAAXTA/ecwA6E_xr5Q/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="804" /></a> After breakfast, Pascal would set up a little bistro table with a chair for me to blog away on, right under the shade (we’d have wi-fi, of course.)  All the while my dog Georgie would be swimming in the pond and Sammie Jo would bark at the squirrels (do they have squirrels in Provence?)  Ben would head back upstairs to his bedroom, at the front, right, to sleep the morning away (probably nursing a migraine) and occasionally he’d wave at me down on the gravel terrace.  Elisabeth would be gone – driving into town for a bit of shopping!   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLumwKTkRywGKgAA9bz9cJ8-KuCMZQgPPf6YRN0RjURFV0i3sWRGfknoLeRzMLcojHiO5is0DtbaGvlnccv0itVby6jAwCX7vOdmtJ52p2jl1ang5C9iPLyBATfC57v22KhGk1fZEFQHwi/s1600-h/image%5B43%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISCU72xj9Q3gq-hnqO_AM-axnZQGsQZ18-e6RHKtrJ4tKofwdemLNiVG08Iy7cIswhh65sPott3ePUOnDZQ_T9dCEbKf4gLy47wEQGZBqLkX5Swh0I9alGYat0xrYNcMzF4M2Vlbw_2Ku/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="634" /></a> After lunch, Ben and I would go to the ruins for swimming under the hot summer sun.     <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2Op_HAA0I/AAAAAAAAXTY/1kxErm8Nuxo/s1600-h/image%5B44%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="601" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2Osf1x7NI/AAAAAAAAXTg/0iDkABQAjI0/image_thumb%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="803" /></a> After the swim,  we would go back upstairs to change out of our wet clothes and shower for an early evening.   We’d wait for Lizzy to come home and then we’d watch the Purple Martins fly into their cute little house.  Or is that a dovecote?    OK, we’d wait for the doves to come fly back.     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKn_gUzfubdwYWf84KeBi-0gQ_RqcNfW1uKBcYB_XV_EP88rkjrsfkLNsYe-xG-rUSPQo-kJNk4pAfXwmznSFpTKwiftmin1B6qdCRlKhQzLBHxs8NvC1_7YccstkG2DAUEwvPeNlQQYR/s1600-h/image%5B45%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="605" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2OxbH4lHI/AAAAAAAAXT0/cPYN3-sFo_4/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="801" /></a>  Before dinner, we’d take a leisurely stroll through the  gardens, taking the time to actually smell the roses.        <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2Ozm8dEfI/AAAAAAAAXT8/54Fi58VkCuA/s1600-h/image%5B41%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="602" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2O2eaavYI/AAAAAAAAXUE/qVBolM3b17A/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="797" /></a>  And dinner would be set up here, with a white table cloth and lantern light, watching the sun set over the mountain range.    Maybe, just maybe we’d have a glass of wine for the occasion.    And then, it’s back to the house for a quiet night in, watching a few good oldies on DVD.       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS5pLPPnj3euaDOsLs6xySQS8NOXN8MYwjy277DIc_D29TBpZGHZFBUnl5KkEV91lzWQxqxLgXO9idxiyHosrs4Y9I4haheMhbv5FYYRjKRga1XdpAgimxQgOsTNReH8IvSLdALmPIi8/s1600-h/image%5B46%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="609" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t8-Y4w1UKrc/Sc2O8v_gc9I/AAAAAAAAXUU/pVihkM2_fnk/image_thumb%5B22%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="image" width="800" /></a> Just to wake up and do it all over again!    I hope your weekend is filled with wonderful dreams that one day might just come true!    To read Vicki Archer’s “My French Life” go <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-French-Life-Vicki-Archer/dp/0670018775/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238204324&sr=8-1#">here</a>.   To read Cote de Texas’ “My So-Called French Life" go <a href="cotedetexas.blogspot.com">here</a>.

Dreaming of My So-Called French Life

Is spring really here? Really, is it for sure spring yet? It has been such a cold winter for Houston and everyone is so tired of it. I ...

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