French Inspired Summer Reading...

Welcome to my first post on the French Cupboard blog...I am so glad you have stopped by...

When summer arrives, one of my favorite things to do, is finally taking time to read some of the books that I have been meaning to get to. I bring them along with me to the beach or beside the pool, or while spending an afternoon outside on the porch. And on those really hot days...inside with the central air blowing...

I am delighted to be here sharing some French inspired books that you may want to add to your list for reading this summer...

For those of you {like me} who dream of moving to the South of France...spending time in Provence...and learning what it is really like to be an American living in France...here are some picks for you...

Words in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

Chasing Matisse: A Year in France Living My Dream by James Morgan

And for the die hard Marie fans...some that you may enjoy...

Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Frasier

Queen of Fashion by Carlone Weber

The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette

A peek inside the delightful Private Realm...it is overflowing with beautiful photos and insight into Marie's world...

The one that I hope to get to this summer...

A recent addition to my "decorating" library {while more flipped through than read per say} is Thrifty Chic, which is filled with wonderful tips and ideas for creating a chicly decorated home on a budget...

This book is filled with inspiring photos and decorating ideas...

And of course, these days no home is complete without the ever inspiring Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine. While this magazine is sought in the States for it's eye candy appeal rather than the articles {it's in Danish}...you will surely gain inspiration and have the cares of the day soothed away by the enticing homes and photographs shared here...

I hope that all of you find some time to pick up a good book {or magazine} and get inspired this summer...

{All of the above mentioned books are available online...many for reasonable prices on Amazon.com; Jeanne d'Arc Living is available through select online retailers including Raised in Cotton and Enchanted Treasures}

What's on your reading list for the summer ahead?

Till next time...

Visit me at:

http://www.paintedwhite.com/

and my personal blog:

Thoughts from Alice W.

A tour of the Red Bench

RED BENCH ANTIQUES
Silverton, Oregon
by
Marionberry Cottage

One of my favorite "never disappoint" antique malls is located in the small quaint city of Silverton Oregon. On a recent Saturday, I remembered to throw in my camera, so I could share with you this wonderful place where you can find every kind of cottage style

upon arrival, soft comfy overstuffed rose chairs beckon that this is a comfortable and inviting place to shop

A good time to drool over the fab collection of depression glass displayed artfully in crisp white cabinets. The collection of wall art with beautiful roses was incredible!

On to the next "room" we step back into time with country cottage style. This reminds me so much of my grandparents farm and the things they cherished.

on to the next, I could play dress up here!
What a wonderful collection vintage apparel.

*giggle*
Anyone who knows me all too well, knows that
this is a destination stop for me-
I am crazy, passionate and obsessed with old linens!

Imagine my delight as I enter this tucked away alcove of vintage treasures~
and my DH says uh oh, we are gonna be here a while....

After I finally drug myself out of the linen closet with an arm load,
I decided I could just move into this romantic pink room!
I stayed in here quite a spell too...

A light and bright room overlooking the river below, I fell in love with this pretty pink roses bench. I think it might be an inspiration to create my own!

A place for vintage kiddy treasures...I actualy saw a doll clothes carrier just like my daughter owned--guess at 29 her items are vintage now too!

And last but not least, this French European inspired room was a delight to visit with the rich colors of that decorating style. I hated to leave, but DH had enough after over an hour. It was time to move on. I decided the next time I return, it will be when I am by myself!

I hope you enjoyed this fun tour as much as I did. When you get a chance, stop by my website to see just how much I do enjoy the cottage style and my love for recreating and repurposing yesterdays treasures into tomorrows heirlooms!

Debbi
Marionberry Cottage

Vintage Letters from France

I recently purchased French letters circa 1941 from a fun etsy shop in Bordeux, France, called
Coucoubouh,
which ended up being a great addition to my "all things French" in my shop VintageScraps.etsy.com. Here's some of the fun you can have, all made from vintage French wine labels, a 1960's Paris fashion magazine, and the letters. C'est tres jolie!

Vintage French

These pics are all from a store called South of Market, specializing in French antiques and amazingly unique accessories, located in Charleston. I'm fairly certain I went from admiration to coveting in 3 seconds flat! Enjoy the feast, and if you need more, visit www.southofmarket.biz. (Locations at Atlanta and Virginia Highland as well)






And congratulations to Margaret Cloud, winner of the giveaway from Vintage Scraps! Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and left such nice comments :)