Walking through a French flea market you will notice heaps of beautifully embroidered vintage and antique sheets, kitchen towels, and table napkins, in linen or cotton. Many with intricate monograms, embroidery, and detailing that is not seen that often anymore. So much to choose from! If you feel a bit intimidated, are tempted to take a plunge, but are unsure how to take care of these textiles, I will try to explain in this post how easy, and rewarding, it is! (I am concentrating more on linen fabric here, although a lot of the observations can be applied to almost any vintage textile.) At a flea market I sift through these lovely stacks, looking for the prettiest embroidery, and for possibilities for future use. I look for pieces in good to great condition for my clients at My French Maison, and for myself. I am not discouraged by a little hole here and there, or a few stains. If the rest of the piece is solid, it has many more years to give, and be treasured. It is an easy investment, because unlike silks, linen is very easy to take care of, and keeps on giving. Disclosure - I am no expert in vintage linen, but I know a good thing when we see it. I use linen torchons in my kitchen, and I love the feel of this cool fabric on my bed. However - why would anyone want to use old fabric sheets and towels, you might ask. It's easy to go to a shop and get a new set of perfectly good ones. To me, nothing modern rivals the quality, texture, and feel of antique and vintage fabric. Most of the time it was homespun, and is linen, which has been a fabric of choice in Europe for centuries. If you travel through French countryside and see a field of tiny light blue flowers, most likely it is flax plant blooming, to be harvested and made into fabric. Old linen usually has the beautiful off white hue, with variations in texture, but you can also find it in other hues - from white, through eggshell, ivory, to almost beige. Sometimes it was mixed with cotton (this is called "métis" cloth). It is sturdy, absorbent, and a true work horse. I use antique linen torchons in our kitchen and they are almost indestructible. How to take care of it? It is very easy, one just have to keep in mind a few things - old textiles do not like modern washing machines and dryers. Nor do they like being dry cleaned, which can actually do damage. It does not mean that you need to wash everything by hand! But it does mean, that it's better to set your spinning cycle on low, and to not to dry your linen towels and sheets in the dryer. The heat may damage the fibers. Linen loves to be air dried, especially in the hot sun, which has the disinfecting properties as well. If you like the look of pressed linen, a hot iron is OK. You may spray the fabric surface with water for an easier job and a smoother look. If there is embroidery, iron on the reverse side. I mentioned stains - and there will be some on these beautiful old sheets and napkins. Some of them can be gotten out, some of them won't budge... It is up to you if you can live with them, possibly by using them for a sewing or decorating project. To get the stains out avoid bleaching the old fabric. Use the natural products when possible, such as lemon juice. I heard that baking soda also works very well. It's better for the environment too! Here are a few tips on what to look for and how to take of vintage linen (which can be applied to vintage cotton as well): - when buying vintage linen at a flea market, unfold it completely and check for stains and holes, as well as general condition; consider if you can live with small imperfections (if there are any - sometimes linens were kept as dowry, and never used, and it means you are very lucky to have found something in unused condition!) - if the piece is in poor condition, but you love the embroidery, it can be cut up and used in a decorating project - made into cushions, for example - wash linen in a washing machine (or by hand, if you prefer), separately, with hot water - use a gentle detergent - line dry, or flat dry, if you prefer to tumble dry do it on a delicate setting - drying your linen sheets in the sun will brighten them - linen looks lovely with its natural creases not smoothed by an iron, but if you prefer a creaseless look, iron when the fabric is still damp; iron on the hottest setting and use a steam iron; after hang the items up until completely dry, before storing - storing your linen in a cool, dry, well ventilated space is best. Better not to store in plastic bags, linen loves to breath. And if you add lavender sachets in between the linen pieces, every time you open the armoire you will get a delicious whiff of aroma... I like organic lavender sachets from Provence, especially when they come form my favorite L'Auguste Provence. Enjoy your linen sheets, towels, and napkins - the fabric is easy to love, and only gets better with age!

It has been over five years for us already in beautiful France. And it took five years to find a place to call own own. At first we traveled around to get to know various regions better - Normandy, Provence, Alsace. The regions that we knew from previous travel to France as tourists, but now we were looking from a different angle. We were looking for a home. Then the pandemic happened... with numerous travel complications and "confinements". Two and a half years later and the real estate became scarce. The houses that were available before were bought out during the pandemic. The real estate prices increased. But we soldiered on. We narrowed our search to the Burgundy region. I combed through the internet daily. I looked for a small village with some shops accessible on foot. I wanted the charming elements of an old French house - the fireplaces, the beams, the tomettes... And enough land to have a garden. Some peace and quiet. What I saw was either a complete ruin, or a house that was changed so much that you could call it an advertisement for IKEA. The real estate listings rarely have good quality photography here. The images are blurry, the descriptions incomplete, and the calls to the agents were many times unanswered. After we travelled to see a few disappointing homes, one day I stumbled upon another listing. We just came back from vacation, our suitcases, still unpacked, cluttered the hallway. The images were hard to read, and the house was over three hours from Lyon, but I made a call and made an appointment to see it. I arrived at a small train station on a spring Saturday afternoon. There was noone around. The agent, who agreed to pick me up and show me the house, was almost a half hour late, making me think that I would have to turn around and come back to Lyon wasting the day. But she showed up, apologizing. The road was closed, and there was no cell phone reception where she was stuck. We drove among gentle hills, covered in "colza" (rapeseed) in yellow bloom. Part of the way the road was going under a cover of forest trees. This was the part of Burgundy we didn't venture to. A few kilometers to the west and you're out of the region. The road bent and followed a gentle slope down to a small village, with a church steeple making the first appearance. We stopped at the gate of a house just across it. I looked at the pretty house, with it's pleasant "cour" (front yard) covered in gravel, rows of windows with wooden shutters, and a tiled roof. Two elderly people came out to greet me, suddenly the language barrier didn't matter. As we walked through the rooms, and I saw the open doors onto the garden, I felt that I have arrived - the house seemed to say "welcome home". What happens next in our French adventure? This is an ongoing story, and the next chapter is coming soon! xoxo Joanna

It has been in the plans since we arrived in France - to find a place of our own. Then the pandemic came, and then we faced a changed real estate landscape that made finding our French maison complicated. But after a search that lasted almost a year, I am happy to tell you that we have bought "la plus jolie"country home ever! We will be leaving Lyon after five years of being in this big city. This fall will bring major changes to my family life. What does it mean for the boutique? Other than a change of scenery, My French Maison shop will continue. Moving is never easy, so there may be a pause in operation, or a delay in shipping time. I will try to keep these to a minimum. And after a while I may even be able to have a small space to welcome you by appointment if your travels take you to Burgundy, which is where I will be. Here is what will be happening - throughout the move my Etsy shop will remain open for you to browse and place orders, however there maybe some delays in shipping your orders. I will contact you right away if there is a need to extend delivery. If you don't want to encounter delays please place your orders before the end of October, before all my inventory is packed away. Before I pack, I would like to mention that if you'd like to purchase a few things at once, to be shipped together, we can negotiate :) drop me a note on Etsy with links to listings you love, and we can talk. I will have less to pack, , and you will enjoy some beautiful items to love, for less. All orders must be placed before the end of October! Follow me on Instagram at @myfrenchmaison to be up to date on the schedule. And you can always contact me on Etsy if you have any questions or concerns. And wish me luck! My family and I are very excited about this change in our lives. La vie est belle!

Before we settled in beautiful France a few years ago, we traveled here almost every year. And of course every time I had to do a little bit of shopping here. Usually done at the airport, because of the détaxe, my Longchamp pliage bag collection comes from those years. Beauty products, some Hermes scarves... There are a lot of iconic brands that will remind you of France, there is something for everyone and for every budget. And you don't have to splurge on Hermes or Chanel to keep memories alive. Recently I was making a trip to my home country, and I wanted to bring a little piece of France to my family and friends. I tried to select items that speak "France", and that are also not such an obvious choice. Many of them are smaller brands. You may call my selection an "insider's list" if you'd like! A bonus - most of these brands can ship to where you are, for you to have a piece of France whenever you like. Here is what I selected: 1- while champagne is very French, I chose to bring a few bottles of crémant to celebrate our reunion. Crémant is sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region, similar in taste to champagne, this rosé crémant came from Burgundy, but there are eight regions in France that make crémant sparkling wine. 2 - when I want to show a bit of the region has to offer, I choose samplers of local sweets in decorative boxes from one of the oldest "chocolateries" in Lyon - Voisin. This time I chose pralines (the Lyon version is pink, made out of sugar and crushed almonds), and quenelles (candy made from pralines and hazelnuts coated with a thin layer of white chocolate) to gift to family and friends. "Chocolat Voisin" has numerous boutiques in Lyon, and they also have a website https://www.chocolat-voisin.com/ 3 - Mariage Frères teas were another selection. The company has been making luxury teas since 1854. In many many flavors, known for their unparalleled aroma and taste, the teas come in elegant shiny black boxes and cans, with yellow labelling. www.mariagefreres.com 4 - Elegant lavender sachets from "L'Auguste Provence" - I was introduced to the company by a friend, and quickly became a fan. I love lavender and its aroma is synonymous with Provence. Each fragrant sachet comes in a little gift box, both are printed in the unique watercolor pattern from Provence. Such a beautiful gift! The company does not have a shop, but you can order on their website, and several shops around the world stock their products. www.laugusteprovence.com 5 - a beautiful cashmere shawl from Eric Bompard - another great French brand, with gorgeous cashmere sweaters and accessories in a myriad of colors and patterns. French ladies wait for the sales to stock up, invest in Bompard, as the styles are classic, and the quality amazing. www.ericbompard.com 6 - and of course a few flea market finds - for someone who I don't see often enough, I filled a flea market wicker basket with a couple of bottles of wine, Mariage Frères tea, lavender sachets, and sweets of course; I also found round ironstone ornaments made from chipped dishes, and used them as embellishments tying them off wine bottles, and around praline boxes. I think they will also be fabulous as Christmas ornaments. I found them at one of my favorite shops @tresorsdedadou (head over to Instagram, enter the name of the shop to see the amazing selection she has). 7 - a box of colorful macarons - this was a tricky request from my mother; they had to stay refrigerated, and since they have a short shelf life, I bought a box right before our trip, and kept them in a small fridge we always travel with in the car. They survived! I chose to purchase the macarons at Chocolats Pralus, a chocolaterie where the famous pink praline brioche was invented. www.chocolats-pralus.com 8 - French skincare - enough articles and blog posts were written about the amazing French pharmacy products, and I have to tell you it's all true. My favorite brands are Avene, Bioderma, and La Roche Posay. They are available in the USA, but as I understand, at higher prices. When in France, head over to any bigger pharmacy to stock up. Thank you reading this post! I hope it was fun, and will give you some ideas for bringing a bit of France home with you when you visit this beautiful country. Would you like to tell me what your favorite things are to bring from France? Please comment! A bientôt! To see the French flea market finds in my shop please visit: www.etsy.com/shop/myfrenchmaison

When is the best time to visit Lyon? If you can make it happen, it would be the time when magnolias are in bloom. Place des Celestins in Lyon is a quiet corner of La Presqu'ile, close to La Saône river, tucked away and sometimes overlooked by tourists. The italianate theatre building is a joy to look at (and if you have some time do book a tour, or take in a play). In warmer weather the restaurants and bistros around the place serve drinks and meals "à la terrace". Kids play on theatre steps summer or winter. Sometimes there is dancing. It's the time of year again, when the weather flirts with spring. It is playing with our feelings, playing with our hopes. We long for longer days and warmth of sunshine. This is when the two rows of white and pink magnolias in front of the theatre come into bloom. Encouraged by the warmer sun, little by little the blooms are coaxed from the fuzzy shells of the buds. And one morning, all of the sudden, I wake up to the fragrant bomb of ballerina like blossoms in front of the Theatre des Celestins where I am lucky to live. The sunny days that gave the promise of spring turn back to winter quickly, as they do every year, but the pink blooms of magnolias soldier on. And the cooler weather will make the flowers stay longer on their branches. When you're visiting Lyon, and are lucky to be here in late February or early March, take five minutes and stop by Theatre de Celestins and take in the fragrance of the magnolias in bloom. Theatre des Celestins, 4 rue Charles Dullin, 69002 Lyon

I could write about the farmers markets a lot! I think it was my first stop right after we moved to France. It wasn't a Chanel boutique, or Galeries Lafayette, but the market, the baker, and the butcher. That's where we get our veggies, fruits, meat, fromage... and of course flowers. That's where we discover local specialties - saucisson, little pastries and quiches. In the summer it's at the market where we find the sweetest tomatoes, and in winter a rainbow of root vegetables. When we lived in the United States of course there were farmers markets. But they were seen more as an entertainment. There were vendors with produce of course, but most shopping was done in supermarkets. In France fruit and vegetable markets are an integral part of this country's famed tradition of good eating, and is one of those French traditions that never went away. Visiting a farmers market here, even when on vacation, is as authentic an experience as one can wish to find. In our old neighbourhood in Lyon the market was held twice a week, always in the same place. Now we live close to the Saone, and are lucky to have Marche de Sainte-Antoine basically right under our noses, six days a week. The market schedules in Lyon can be found on the Mairie's (town halls's) website, for every district of the city. In France, markets are an integral part of the French culinary tradition, and a part of our life here. While we all go to a regular shop for many other household necessities, the farmers market guides us what to put on our tables to feed our families. The first visit at a French farmers market for a newcomer can be overwhelming - there is no line, everyone seems to be pushing through, and everyone speaks very fast French. And what food stall are you supposed to choose? But after a few times you learn that the vendors start recognizing you, you know where to get the best produce, and there are some unspoken rules who gets served first. In spite of what seems to be a frenetic pace, people are patient (one needs to choose the perfect head of lettuce!), tips on how to eat the freshest goat cheeses are shared (for me it is with lavender honey and a crispy baguette), and the recipes on how to poach salmon are received (in white wine and olive oil). It goes with everything one does here - you take your time. And if you're shopping for a few days ahead, make sure to let your vendor know. They will pick a perfect melon for today, and another one that will be ripe in a couple of days. For my family our local market is where nearly all the food comes from. The difference between the store bought, and the market bought in quality and taste is obvious. The additional bonus - we support the local famers and growers. We primarily buy from the same vendors, mostly "producteurs". We know that what we buy from them literally comes from their farm to our table. Everything is in season, fresh, ready to be enjoyed. Other than being the source of locally produced, fragrant, delicious food, the market is a feast for the eyes. Every season brings different delights. Now in the spring the bunches of crisp pink and white radishes, the bouquets of green grey artichokes, the pastel of the country eggs on wicker baskets, the rows of white goat cheeses... Even if you never had any artistic inclinations, these sights would make you grab a brush! All this bounty is offered against the background of Vieux Lyon with Cathedrale Saint Jean, and La Fourviere. Wherever you decide to visit in France, do stop by at a local farmers market. Enjoy! Bon appétit et a bientôt!

Where did it all begin? The popular story on how the name "bistro" originated says it came from the Russian word "bistro" or "quick", "fast". When the Russian army invaded France during the Napoleon wars, they used to shout "bistro" to demand faster service. The name stuck, and now we refer to Paris bars as "bistro" or "bistrot". Bistros were a lower class restaurants, where the French workers could gather, have a cheap meal and a drink. In the traditional bistro nowadays you can still find a zinc bar, and a menu written on a blackboard. While the drink offering is extensive, the menu is usually short (but so good!), and based around traditional French cuisine. From boeuf bourguignon, blanquette de veau, to a tarte Tatin and an île flottante. Simple food, wine from the region, an intimate, low key, laid back atmosphere - this is what a French bistro is about. Other than a for a full meal, people drop by for coffee, bien sûr! Served in a tiny porcelain cup, it gives you a permission to stay as long as you want. The cups and plates have either a brand of coffee printed on them, or the name of the establishment itself. Many times you also find the style as in the picture below, colored dark green, burgundy, yellow, or white, with a gold rim. Now I am coming to the part that will interest aficionados of highly collectible French bistro items. In the 19th century right up to 1950s coffee in French bistros was frequently served in thick porcelain cups called "brûlot". They are the traditional kind of cups that were used in French cafes all over France for many decades but sadly went out of fashion... Made of heavy porcelain so they could stand up to the constant abuse of handling and washing...and to keep the coffee hot. The name "brûlot" comes from the eponymous preparation of strong coffee on which a sugar sprinkled with brandy was flamed. The way they were treated in a fast paced life of a bistro made them prone to chips and breaks. Needless to say, nowadays they are rare and highly collectible. When I am at a flea market I always have my "feelers" out for them, and ask my friendly vendors to save me some when they come across them. The real rarity are the numbered saucers. They were used in old French bistros as a way of charging the drinker. The pile of dishes on their table were testament to how many drinks they'd had. The colors of the rim denoted the amount the drink cost. They are very difficult to come by these days, and are prized by collectors. In the country with rich culinary traditions and a strong cafe culture, the distinctions between brasseries, bistro, cafe, etc. is slightly blurry now. What hasn't changed is the outdoor seating in traditionally woven chairs, "terrasses" cropping up for lunch and dinner times almost everywhere, and the relaxed atmosphere of taking your time, alone or with friends, savoring every bite. So when you find yourself in France next time, bring your appetite with you. From restaurants, brasseries, bistros, to les bouchons, guingettes, cafés... It is really hard to have a bad meal in this country! But remember the mealtime hours. Déjeuner is a middle of the day meal, and is served between noon and three (make sure to be seated by 1 pm, or you may go away hungry...). Dinner is served from 7 or 8pm depending on the region. What to do in between? There is always "apéro", but it is a subject for a new blog post! And when you come by a flea market to try your luck - maybe you will find a brûlot to remind you of your French adventures? And if not, one of the virtual "shelves" (French bistro) in my online shop is dedicated to vintage bistro collectibles. A bientôt!

And by "lavender country" I mean Provence, bien sûr! We spent a few days in the area of the Alps-de-Haute-Provence, the most undiscovered region there. Its richness and beauty always surprises me, and takes my breath away. It is a bit different from Vaucluse, which is where we go most often - more wild and rugged. A paradise for hikers, bicyclists, and lovers of water sports with the Lac St Croix and Gorge du Verdon. It was also the part of Provence I saw 25 years ago, and fell in love with. It was my first time in France, Paris, and Provence... and I will never forget how overwhelmed I felt with beauty of it all. This time around it was the first time we were in Provence in the summer so we were able to see the lavender fields in bloom. The view is incomparable! Kilometers of purple fragrant flowers, dreamy... Next to them - big fields of sunflowers. This was our reward for going in summer, since we normally go to the south off-season, and never regretted it, because the region is truly magical in any time of year. So it was the first time we were in this part of Provence since that first time 25 years ago. I was a bit afraid there would be too many changes, but the beautiful vistas, small towns scattered among the hills, aromas of figs and lavender, friendly people - this luckily stayed the same. The stone houses still stand quiet and strong, the pale blue shutters closed against the heat of the day. The rhythm of the day is unchanged, the delicious food always delicious. So what do you do on a provençal vacation? It of course depends on who you are - ready to conquer the blue waters of Lac Saint Croix at the crack of dawn? Wonderful! But I encourage you to surrender to experience a different rhythm of day - the day unfolds slowly here. You wake up with the song of birds. The leisurely breakfast follows. Plans are made for the day over strong aromatic coffee (these can be deviated from easily, if one sees a charming vista or a small town one has to stop in a wander around). Unless you are swift and energetic (not us), you head out before the heat of the day. But it's not us... We take our time! You leave around 10 to get to your destination of the day. When you get there, it is just about time to sit down and eat. You find a charming bistro. The mid day meal will take about two hours. You sightsee some more, head back to your bed and breakfast, apartment, hotel... and have a siesta. Around five, when it may not be as hot, you go for a stroll among the lavender fields. You might have found some cheese or olives to have with wine for an apero... Around 7:30 you have drinks with your hosts, and dinner is served no earlier than 8 PM. You eat under the stars and never want to go home... So what to do and see in Alpes-de-Haute Provence? Here are some hints: - avoid the high season (which is summer, June through August). As lovely as it is, it is hot in the middle of the day, and crowded. It is vacation time for nearly everyone... As well as France shuts down in August and you may find some places not available to visit... All attractive sites - Lac de Ste-Croix, Moustier, Gorge du Verdon - will be crowded, and there will be difficulties in parking. Come in winter, spring, or fall - the sight of blooming almond trees in February is something to behold. - make sure you have a car to get around as the public transportation is not frequent, and most sites are accessible only by car (or bicycle if you're so inclined). Other necessities - sunscreen, water, and a hat. This is a dry, very sunny climate. It's easy to get a sunburn, and get dehydrated. I also bring a shawl or a light sweater. After the sun sets the temperature drops. - this is a rugged, rural part of Provence, so nature lovers, hikers, will be in paradise there; but there is something for everyone - the history and architecture buffs will delight in visiting medieval towns and castles; do spend an afternoon in Sisteron with its 13th century citadel. I also recommend the underground cathedral in Saint Martin de Pallieres. - take advantage of the culinary delights of the region - the olive oil, wine from small vineyards, honey... The food is fresh and local, no time for a dietary regime here! Don't forget to pick up a "sachet" of herbes de Provence and lavender to bring home. - lovers of faiance, beware! This region is known for pottery ateliers. Moustier-Ste-Marie is well known for its famous ceramics, and there is a museum devoted to the original Moustier ware. Another town with a museum and ceramic studios is Varages (in the Var). - the most charming town of our vacation - Cotignac (just next door, in the Var region of Provence)! If you only have time to see one small provencal town, put Cotignac on your itinerary. - where to stay? There is no shortage of boutique hotels, private apartments to rent, bed and breakfasts.... there is something for everyone. I almost never do it, but this time I have to mention the charming place we managed to find, and were very happy with. It is in a tiny village of Saint Laurent du Verdon, and is called La Colombiere du Chateau. www.lacombiereduchateau.com - there are many travel guides and online resources, but I find that local Office de Tourisme, and there is one in almost every town and village, is the best source of information. They have local maps and brochures, and can point you to the places that cannot be found in a guide book. Bon voyage!

Have you seen it too? August heat gave in quickly to September's cool mornings and early evenings. I have to admit that autumn is my favorite season, and I almost count the days to the end of August every year. Is it the child in me that always loved the get back to school moment on September 1st? The smell of new books, a row of newly sharpened pencils, a reunion with my school pals? So - welcome to early fall! Summer is always so short, it slips away quickly, every day a brief blink of sunny brightness. This year it was a blur for us, not punctuated by trips anywhere - this summer was spent in Lyon. We felt suspended in an uncertain situation of Covid-19 threat, listening to the news each day. We do thank our lucky stars we could visit les puces regularly and continue with our business. And we live in such a beautiful spot too! It's been a looong time since we were in school, now instead of rows of sharpened pencils we welcome stacks of cozy cashmere sweaters and comfy boots :) And for our home it's the blankets, long candle lit dinners, and many glasses of red wine. From summer's laid back casual mood we welcome fall's richness, and opulence. We are ready for the days to get shorter, the rains to draw in, the crisp morning air. We want our home to become a warm space, where we can safely be. We are wishing you a beautiful fall season! Do tell us what your fall rituals are, and how was your summer this year, by leaving a comment below. - by Joanna #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #frenchlife #autumndecor #latesummer

I love Provence, especially in the off-season, and especially the places that are not usually on the tourists' itinerary. Tired of the city's hustle and bustle, we packed a rental car, and headed to a little stone house we found on vrbo.com, near Mazan. All was what I wished for - the crisp air, the blue skies, the faded hues of the stone walls, olive trees, the quiet... We took small trips here and there, but the best time we had was just staying in our little rental house, under a walnut tree, with a glass of red wine, looking out onto the seemingly endless rows of vines... This is my idea of heaven! The fall was just starting to put her color here and there. We spotted it in the ivy covering the walls. There was some red and orange we saw in the vines, and on the trees. There was brilliant sunshine, a bit tricky, because some days one could not be warm without a coat, hat, and scarf. Sometimes we planned our days, sometimes we headed in a general direction and stumbled upon beautiful vistas, randomly discovering hilltop villages, little vineyards where we tasted local wine, but also places that were always on out list to see, such as the Senanque Abbey. We ate the delicious meals, drank the wines of the region, chatted with the local folks. Our dog wanted to hunt for the pigeons, squirrels, and rodents. We slept late, and avoided the news (not altogether, we did found out about the new curfew rules in Lyon...one cannot avoid reality forever). Now, back in Lyon, we're planning our next getaway, crossing the fingers, that we'll be able to travel. We hope you all - dear followers - are well and safe! - by Joanna #provence #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #travelsinfrance #autumntravel

We have had quite a long stretch of rainy days in Lyon. Rain, confinement, and a general trend of domesticity contributed to the decision to spend a cozy afternoon in the kitchen. I am by no means a "domestic goddess", and usually prefer to sample something delicious from one of our local patisseries. But I always have the necessary ingredients to throw together this very informal, "deconstructed", tarte aux fruits. I love the aroma of baking on a rainy day! This is a very easy tarte, it requires very few ingredients, and once you've made it once, you will see how easy it is to customize it. I use frozen dough for the crust (I always keep some in the freezer just in case), and any fruit that is in the kitchen (usually apples). As we don't like very sweet desserts, the grated lemon peel offsets the sweetness of the fruit and sugar very nicely. You will need: - frozen dough (I use the Picard brand of "pâtes brisées, pré-étalées, rouleaux, pur beurre" loosely translated as "shortcrust, pre-rolled, pure butter dough" - a few apples (for this tarte I also used a small bowl of frozen berries) - butter - sugar - grated lemon peel First take out your frozen dough a few hours before baking. For the fruit compote (or "sauce") that goes on the bottom of the tarte, peel, core, and cut 4-5 apples into little chunks. Place them in a small skillet, and pour some boiling water onto them, so they're just covered. Cook on low heat (stir often, don't let them burn!) until soft. While they cook add some sugar and grated lemon peel to taste. Peel, core and slice 3-4 apples - these will be for the top of the tarte. Toss them with sugar. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius (which is about 425 Fahrenheit). Schmear some butter on the bottom of a baking sheet or baking pan so the dough does not stick to it. Unfold the sheet of dough onto it. Spread the compote evenly over the dough, leaving about 2 cm around (0.4 inches). Fold the edge of the dough - this will prevent the compote from spilling over. Now I don't have a baking pan yet (you'd think that after two years in France my kitchen should be well equipped!), so I use a roasting pan (the kind to bake a chicken in), so my tarte is rather "deconstructed", with uneven edges folded over. Do what pleases you, you can get quite creative with that edge! Arrange apple slices on top of the compote with tiny dollops of butter among them if you wish. You may arrange the apples in any pattern you desire! Place the tart in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough starts getting slightly brown. Hint: the tarte is great warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side... Enjoy - Bon Appetit! (by Joanna) #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #tarteauxfruits

Depending where you live in France, you either have bunches of fresh flowers, or - not... In Lyon, we had not seen cut flowers in weeks until a few days ago, when I stumbled upon a teeny tiny farmers market (there were only two vendors), and I found buckets of lilacs and peonies for sale! I quickly bought two bouquets of these gorgeous pink peonies. I was so happy I almost floated back home! (keeping the safe distance from the others of course). So many people stared at my pink fragrant flowers, and two of them asked where did I get them? So many of us are missing fresh flowers this season! The peonies decorated our salon for a few days. Every time we passed by we inhaled the wonderful aroma. And one morning all we saw was a puddle of hot pink petals on the table... So the status quo is that we don't see fresh flowers this spring... Who knows when will be the next time? In the year of firsts, these days we cannot go the farmers market and buy bunches of blooms. This used to be so natural, and something we took for granted. So for the moment we are feasting our eyes on the flowers in art. These are not fragrant like the real deal, but at least they will not fade away. These vintage paintings are in the shop, and available (please make sure to read our delivery policy in the times on COVID-19...). You can see our vintage art collection HERE. We hope that all of you are safe and well and enjoying spring! (by Joanna) #frenchvintagedecor #shabbychicdecor #myfrenchmaison #howivintage #wheretofindme #frenchcountry #frenchantiques #collectedhome #notrevieauxpuces #eclectichomedecor #frenchfleamarket #passionforvintage #fleamarket #vintagehome #vintageart #collectingart