FrenchBlue

I'm Not Doing So Good

2012-01-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hello my beautiful friends...

I just want to tell you,

I am sorry I have not been out to play for a while...

That I haven't visited you on your special page, where I love to be to find my sunshine.

I lost my voice.

It's been way too long.

I am tired.

It's hard to find the magic right now.

I feel small.

I ache.

The Dr. said I have whooping cough.

No medicine is helping.

So today I had a chest x-ray.

I am drinking lots & lots of

Steaming Hot

Peppermint Green Tea!

I have lots of love around me.

I am resting alot

trying to get better sooner than later~

Stay warm & healthly!

I miss you All!

fin

photos 1.& 4. uncommon grace typepad
2. google images.
3.Heidi Monner

Inside Astier de Villatte

2012-01-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

Inside the doors of

Astier de Villatte

in Paris...

The walls alone are art.

Musky, pale faded green chippy paint sits very long and hard on my mind

when I walk away.

The french windows are wavy, the lighting is dim.

Lithographs hang framed in gold, of course my favorite is the bug...

The lopsided white enameled grey clay pottery lines the walls

unevenly in the most perfect way!

Cire Trvdon candles sit under domes on top of crooked white platters

a white glazed clay heart centers the table and my heart.

The front window display is a simple little arrangement.

I am still not sure what these are.

An egg cover perhaps?

This aqua chandelier hangs here year after year

so eloquently,

so loved...

fin

all photos taken by

Janet Solomon

FrenchBlue-FrenchBlue blogspot

My Shining Star

2012-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Do you know I have a shinning star?

I do!

His name is Brandon!

33 years ago today my life changed forever...

I was given my first born.

A bright shining star,

my son!

Our days were filled with adventure, just the two of us.

We had to make something special out of nothing at all,

but we did it!

And always, we were together.

But then as we both grew,

we walked down different paths...

To be honest,

there were days I was so scared.

I worried if I would ever see my little star shine bright again.

Through prayer,

I believe he survived.

He found a beautiful little angel that has stood by his side

through it all.

Brandon & Megan

are the true meaning of

being

Happy & Healthy.

They have fun whatever they do as long as they are together.

Brandon is always there for his two sisters.

Their big brother pulls them up if they fall down

he always has a way of making them laugh.

Larry's smile is bigger now than ever before,

he is very proud to be Brandon's Dad!

Happy Birthday to my shining star,

to my crowned king,

my Brandon!

Here is a cake just for you!

I will be up later to have a rose & lavender soy smoothie with

boba!

{your new favorite!}

Brandon,

I am SO grateful everyday for the man you have become,

for the little boy that has always been there for me, you always gave me hope and taken care of me when I needed it,

even though I was your Mom...

Thank you for my very solid golden forever friend I have in YOU,

for always knowing the exact right thing to say...to us all.

And for being my first born baby and making me the proudest

Mom that ever is....

I Love you Brandon!

Meganbug too!

~ ~ ~

~Happy Birthday~

BRANDON

Muah Muah Muah's!

fin

photos:

9 & 10 google images

all others from french blue

To Sir With Love

2012-01-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

The funny thing is....

I had this song in my head all week!

It hasn't been there for a long long time...

So I thought I would get it out by sharing

with you!

~~To All With Love~~

fin

images

1. papier mache magazine

2,9, 10. kathy hackman hutchison Pinterest

3. simone at from bottom of the ironing basket

8. oscar de larent via sande chase at dust jacket attic

all others

google images

Your Smile

2012-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Has anyone told you yet that

2012

is going to be your

Golden Year?

Our year is going to be like a field of diamonds!!!

Your beautiful smiles will curve our world into pure gold

your hearts are already glowing!!

Our world will shower us with jewels,

like magic.

Happy Happy New Year

to all my

Darling Darling friends!!!

fin

All photos from my Kathy Hackman Hutchison

via Pinterest

Listen

2011-12-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

In the middle of all your glittering festivities, shopping,

gift wrapping,

holiday baking

tree trimming....

Give the simplest & greatest present to You!

Stop.

Listen to the silence.

Listen to yourself.

~You will hear such a beautiful song~

fin

photo 1 from Kathy Hackman Pinterest

photo 2 google images Rmol.org

Shop French Essence...noel....

2011-12-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you Vicki.....

for my Beautiful Glass Christmas Ornament of the Eiffel Tower!

It will forever remind me of

Paris

You!

It's not too late to

Shop French Essence....Noel

Here

for quality gifts hand picked by Vicki Archer that will warm someones

heart

~make someone smile ~

I Hope your Holidays are Sparkling all around You!

~
fin

Hello Christmas!

2011-12-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Christmas!

Hello world!

Hello friend.

Hello.

Hello Mr. Snowman.

Hello magic!

Bonjour Noel!

Hello Christmas Cookies!

Wishing all your journies through this season to be safe,

to be merry

to be very very bright

wherever you are, whatever you do

wherever your path may go.

fin

photo 1-6 Kathy Hackman Hutchison photo 7 tumblr photo 8 google images photo 9 Home

Knock Knock

2011-11-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

Knock knock...

Who's there?

"Your Baby Doll...

named Amy!"

then she said...

"I'm bringing a pArTy to your Frenchie Bleu world...

I just want to see you put that lavender oil on between your eyes again and I want to see your smile

Oh and I lost 20 something pounds!"

~And I know she'll be dressed all in pink~

And then she said,

"We'll make a little holiday magic"...

Then I said,

" 20 pounds!??! but can we maybe eat a cupcake?"

She said,

"Of course we can!"

So we promised we will walk.

Alot...

but after we unwrap a pretty present or maybe two!

She said mine is wrapped in white paper with silver stars

&
I wrapped hers in a pink bow with gold stars~

~Wishing all the magic possible to all my twinklie little stars~

fin

image 1,2, 3, 7 & 9 Kathy Hackman Hutchison

image 4 Shirley at Simply Chateau

image 5 Tumblr

image 6 Making Magique

image 8 Google Images

If I Could

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

I could...

I would make us a delicious Thanksgiving feast!

A banquet like you've never seen before!

I would set a table for us all to sit together so that we can see each other

face to face.

I imagine we would cheers our moment together

All. Day. Long....

I would bake us each an apple tart shaped like my heart.

To tell you each one... that I am Truly Grateful

For You, in my life.

Even though it is sometimes only words on a blog, it is your heart that speaks to me.

I know you are there. You take time. You care.

Thank you for being here!

Happy Thanksgiving

to each of you and may your day be filled with

as much Love as you always

Give.

fin

All photos from Kathy Hackman Hutchison via Pinterest

Thank you Kathy for all the beautiful images you share!

Just Sitting Here

2011-11-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Just sitting here planning our hOliDaY

I am getting SO excited!

It will be simple this year!

Less stuff, less fuss but

dusted

laced

with lots of magic!

Have a fun week planning all of your favorite things,

your special touches

recipe hunting too!

Hugs to all You Beautifuls!!!

fin

photo 1 Dust jacket

photo 3 Kathy Hackman Hutchison

photo 2 French Kissed

Dear Ashley

2011-11-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Ashley,

I first want to let you know that finding your unexpected gift this year was an experience I will never forget...

It was a very special kind of "prize" when I stumbled upon it, because I knew, this moment was going to be for you.

It was a precious journey for me.

Thank you!

I walked into a beautiful old church in Paris.

I was overwhelmed with emotion.

I could not help but think of my Dad.

Then,

I thought of your brother in pure silence under amazing huge grey arched ceilings and stone walls. The sun showered in like heaven through old wavy glass stained glass windows.

I walked slowly until I found Saint Christopher,

for you.

He stood on the left side, on a small alter all his own, holding a child in his arms.

Candles were burning for loved ones...

I lit one for your brother. I lit one for my Dad.

It was warm. It was peaceful.

There was a huge brilliant presence of being HOME.

I felt so small.

My heart felt bigger than words I can share with you.

I burned a Sainte Therese candle for your brother...

I knelt down and said a prayer.

I asked Saint Christopher to hold him close for you, always to keep him warm, happy and safe.

Our candles burned all night long...

I went back the next morning to bring yours home to you, though now empty you can add a candle to burn again.

Always remember....

Your brother is Here. He is There. He is Everywhere.

I promise you he is!

At the flea market in Nice I found your vintage religious souvenir.

statue de sel

A salt statue of Sainte Therese to sit by your candle.

Big Hugs

All my love to you sweet Ashley, stay strong.

Please send me your address to

Frenchbluue@cox.net

Janet

Ashleys comment:

I entered this amazing contest last year and will do so again today, although my desired treasure has yet to change. I have a little vignette in my home dedicated in memory of my brother whom I lost in November of '09', he was only 27 and I still can't get the grasp of my on-going life without him. If I am so lucky to win, I would love a religious figure of sorts, something old, something that tells a story...I am so thankful to enter this contest....Good luck to all who enter!!

Xoxoxo~Ashley

Ashley just sent me over pictures of her brother.

Jonathan William Casedy

Jonny

Jonny with his son...

Jonny fishing...

both were his Heaven on Earth.

fin

Le Grand Colbert

2011-11-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

I am Home!

My cup is filled and I am so content.

One of our first evenings in Paris was spent at

Le Grand Colbert.

It is one of my husbands favorite visits because of the warm setting and delicious food.

It is also special because it is the restaurant Diane Keaton mentions and ends up on her Birthday with Keanu Reeves & Jack in one of my favorite movies,

Somethings Gotta Give.

We are far from Jack & Diane but we were

so happy being here together.

After dinner we walked by the Grand Palais at night all lit up.

So stunning!

Then we walked across the bridge. The water was magical,

just like liquid gold.

Breathless.

Thank you all for you sweet wishes to me on my post,

Here, There & Everywhere.

Each one was so important to me.

I will be posting my winner soon!

fin

All photos taken by FrenchBlue, Janet & Larry Solomon

photo taken in Le Grand Colbert by the waiter.

Here There and Everywhere...

2011-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

I have learned that wherever you are....

There is a door.

A door that takes you to wherever you want to be.

It may be a place, a feeling or with a person.

It may be even with someone you loved, that you have lost~

I miss my Dad everyday.

So much so that I was forced to find a door with a bridge behind it that takes me to him.

My door has been shut very tight this year.

I allowed myself no room.

I felt like I was being buried alive. My husband noticed I was fading.

He came quietly to me and said...

"Let's go to France...

Please!

Let's go somewhere where everything makes sense to us...."

"Where there is a secret hole we fall into..."

"Where children are children.

Where they catch rings with wooden sticks on a carousel."

"Where you might find that very special little someone playing in the park after school again this year."

"Where we can't read the menus and we can have two hour lunches."

above photo Corey Amaro

"When we leave Paris we will go back to where the world feels balanced, perfect and right.

Let's call Jean Bernard and stay at the La Madone in the Renaissance!"

"You can stare for a long time at the linen drapes on those four hundred year old wooden floors again."

"We can drive through the villages in Provence. We will go on daily adventures.

maybe even get lost if we want to."

"We will see the leaves change color.

It will be cold.

We will walk and walk and walk...."

"We can go to out of the way flea markets & brocantes."

"Where we can find another unexpected treasure...

like things that don't matter to anyone else, but us."

"We can see and maybe even follow some of our favorite characters."

"We will go all the way to the ocean this year, to the Cote de Azur!

There are brocantes in Cannes & Nice. We'll stay in a hotel over the water in

Villefranche-sur-mer".

And so I said...

"ok"

And...

YES YES YES!

I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!

Amy said I must visit The Monaco Oceanographic Museum headed by Jacques Cousteau.

She said It is by far the most beautiful place she has visited in France!

Lobsters are as big as us! SeaShells! Sea life specimens! Huge old sea creature chandeliers!

I can't wait!

So!

My sweet friends....I have started packing today!

SO!

Tell me what YOU want me to bring back to YOU!

Because you know I love to give back to you!

This is will be my 4th annual Tell Me contest!

Tell me something very SPECIAL you are longing for from a brocante in France.

The first treasure I find on my journey that fits a wish will be my winner!

Rules:

It must fit in my suitcase.

Be descriptive.

Don't be shy.

Just Tell me.

Your wishes can be taken now through october by just leaving me a comment on this post!

Presents are little things that make us smile,
I know....
But the best treasure I have to share with you is...

We will walk through many doors in our lifetime.

Some doors we walk through are better than others.

Hard times or good times, married or single, travelers or not, rich or poor.
There is one door we walk through where it is all the same.
Everything is the same.

The sky is blue above us everywhere.

The earth is the earth and soil we walk on.

There is only one moon that looks down on us.

There is only one sun that warms us.

There is only ONE place to be no matter where we are.

That choice is yours.

Love exists and lives, it's a feeling that only we can make from inside of ourselves.
It is here, there and everywhere.

Au Revoir Mes Amis!!
~

XXX's

fin
~
photo 1 pinterest kathy hackman hutchison 2 lynn goldfinger photo 7 corey amaro photo 15, 16,17 google images. all other photos taken by janet solomon

Henri

2011-10-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

I call him

BIG BIG

O~N~E.

My husband calls him

Monsieur St. Honore'

{with his hopeful French accent}.

But his name is

Henri.

He is my daughter Jeanna's

Big Big

BIG LOVE!!

And Big Big Love thinks he is the only one privlaged to sit & squash granmma's favoirte ANKASA pillow!

XO's

fin

all photo taken by Janet Solomon at FrenchBlue

A Sweet Wedding Day

2011-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

May I proudly introduce to you Mr. & Mrs. Wojcicki!
I have been waiting to share so much more but I want the privilege to be Noel's.
She will be doing a wedding post at Fanciful with much more about this very special day.

It started out under clear blue skies and a breezy white canopy on the sand.

Noel sculpted her Big White Paper Roses to grace the tabletop~

Each guest at their place setting had a rose napkin ring with their name on it to take home with them.

Pink & white pearl candies were wrapped up in white tulle and tied with a white satin bow!

The cake was French Vanilla with Butter cream icing and topped with a combination of sugar magnolias and Noel's paper roses~

The name of the flowers chosen was "Blushing Bride". They reminded Noel of "little fairy skirts" with light green velvety leaves.

We toasted the beautiful bride and handsome groom with rose colored bubbles~

For those of you who know me, know that on this day, my cup was runneth over with Pride & Joy but most of all with
~Love~

Her precious Dad & I at each of their sides will support their love forever!

Thank you everyone for all your sweet wishes and darling emails~

Oxxx's
~
fin

A Time To Rest

2011-09-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

The newlyweds are resting now....

So am I....

Wedding photos coming soon!

Thank you all my beautiful friends for all your sincere & sweet messages to Noel & Moi!!

fin

photo from Kathy Hackman Hutchison Pinterst

Countdown

2011-09-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Just six more days....

Noel will be married!

I will have another son that I already love so much!

And Mike will have a Beautiful wife who will love him forever and ever!

Life is being so good to me:)

~~I am getting HUGE fluttery Butterflies~~

because I am So So Excited!!

I. Can. Not. Wait.

to share it

All with You!!

XO's

fin

Photo 2 google images & All other photos by Janet Solomon from FrenchBlue

N Is For Noel

2011-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my Noel on Friday afternoon!

All her girlfriends from her entire life and her favorite cousin gathered in the late afternoon at a small cafe called Zinc for some wine & appetizers.

Later the girls celebrated her last night out as a single little lady...

Before she marries the man that she loves~

Her sister & I filled white crepe paper nut cups with champagne bubble gumdrops, white dutch mints, a white rose clip for their hair & a dress up silver engagement ring for all the girls to wear!

Everyone took home their own mason jar with a fresh white rose!

It was fun to wrap for my beautiful bride to be...

with silky blush & white satin ribbons!

I have to share her Amazing smile with you...

Look how happy she is when she opened a gift from one of my sweetest friends Amydoll!

A vintage Hotel Del Coronado porcelain water pitcher!

Gold & White!

She is getting married on the sand at the Hotel Del~

Amy also sent her an old candle votive from a church in France with a vintage candle inside with the French writing on it. Here she was explaining to everyone what exactly was making her beam & glow so...
shhhhhhhhh...
{even more than the very pretty lacy lingerie her girlfriends picked out so carefully}

That's my girl...
I thought to myself proudly as her friends listened and looked on with so much intrigue but still were wondering her secret to make her smile So Big!

What is it about a special vintage piece that touches one like nothing else?

Or
do you think it is because someone sees You, loves You & really gets You and does something
Just To See You Smile This Big?
Or
Was it because all of us who love her, who could be here, gathered around to celebrate her?
I think it was all of the above~

I give you all my love this week my darling friends!

What vintage present would make you smile this BIG?

fin

A Raw Elegance Bellocq

2011-08-31T11:23:00.000-07:00

Peonies in your cup anyone?

There is something about raw organic tea that does magical things to my mind.

It draws me in. It continues to educate me.

There is so much to learn about the steeping and the blends.

Green. Black. White. Herbal. Oolongs. Pu-erhs.
~

Tea is a perfect opportunity for your body to

commune with our beautiful earth.
A ceremony one can do alone.

Hand mixed with ingredients like juniper berries
&
wildflowers.

The tea itself is a source of rare beauty.
~

All senses are filled when you walk into a tea atelier.
It is almost like a chemistry lab but one that has walls soaked with old English gardens in full bloom filled with wild flowers, roses, leaves, trees
&
herbs.

Can anything be more beautiful than this?
You must visit
Bellocq Tea Atelier.

Just wanted to say Hello to all my darling ones~

XO

fin

Her Hands.

2011-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Her hands have become a dream to me...

The kind of dream a mother would never imagine~

Noel
designed and handmade her own wedding invitations!

She didn't share one detail with me so it was an unexpected surprise the day I went to my mailbox!

It was one of those breathless moments that a Mom experiences~

She cut each label...

She tore and rounded each edge.....

She sculptured and curled her French cotton paper.

She tied the box with peony silk....

She wrapped it with English tulle... sprinkled it with dried peonies and sealed it with nothing less than absolute perfection.

It sat in my mailbox enveloped in pearly blanc gift wrap~

It shimmered, just like a diamond!

It whispered her name, dusted with her love....her magic... the pure essence of her, my baby daughter Noel...

I am so proud of her!

BIG Hugs to all of you, my precious friends!

XO's

~

fin

Custom Handmade Invitations available for YOUR special occasion at
Fanciful Designs

Image 1 Kathy Hackman Hutchison pinterest by Maryann Rizzo
All other images by Noel Solomon at Fanciful Designs.

Cake Tasting Time

2011-08-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

This mother has waited over nine thousand days and over three hundred months

for wedding cake tasting time!

Of course with my Noel it will be the most unusual experience.

Of course Noel is thinking of making her own wedding cake!
&
Of course guess Who gets to taste all of her sample cakes?
Moi!

Of course it will be the most delicious cake I will ever taste~

She's thinking perhaps a hint of rose to add a special touch~

Or pink champagne would be moist and most beautiful~

Or maybe she will bake a cherry blossom vanilla cake!

She wants it simple and to look something like this~

Or maybe like this!

I know whatever she creates will be
The. Most. Exquisite.
&
It will be baked with
All of Her Love~

XO's

fin

all photos from google images except.
photo 2 from Sue King Fisher

Some Things Never Change

2011-07-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's funny what you loved when you were little

is still so relevant to your life today.

One of my very most favorite movies when I was little was
Mary Poppins~

Truly because of this scene

this song that she sang~

It seems to be near me and in me always~

Today, I am still the same.
I Love Love Love watching someone feed the birds~
And one day in Paris,
I saw a little man bending over towards the bushes whistling to the birds!
That moment was priceless. I'll remember him always~

XO

fin

All photos from google images. Bottom photo is my own taken when in Paris.

My Dream

2011-07-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

My dream is to live in a very old church someday
with walls of plaster, stone or brick
&
floors of wood or concrete.

Under arches everywhere.

To feel the open doorways.

To feel the open ceilings.

To feel the simplicity.

To live in the juxtaposition of old & modern.

To feel the pure energy of the walls.

To hear the echos of church bells, the voices of Angels

warm wavy windows of light everywhere.

So.

Because I don't really think my dream never really will come true.

I have decided my home is my church.

I find peace here.

There are no arches, but the arches I live under are rounded. I try to roll off what is not important.

There are no big open ceilings & doorways,

but my opportunities have no ceiling and there is always a new doorway to walk through...

My walls are soaked with windows of light.

And I really do hear Angels sometimes.

I imagine the sound of church bells everyday in my mind

from a church on a hill in the South of France.

And it is this that keeps me going everyday.

Hugs Beautiful Angels!

XXOO's

fin

photo 1 Kathy Hackman from pinterest all other photos google images.

I Am

2011-07-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

I am loving these today!

And I am loving this today too!

~Always BIG hugs~

XO's

fin

both images from google

Sea Salt Ice Cream

2011-07-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

My flavor of the month is sea salt!

Sweet. Salty.

Sea salt Ice cream~

It taste just like summer!

It's like diving under a BIG blue wave, coming up with warm

sunshine on your face, then licking your lips laced with drops of saltwater.

A must for every human being in my opinion.

Soooooo.

So.

Yummy!

My favorite way to eat it is in a cone!

~I hope your summer is being good to you!
Hugs to all my little mermaids~

fin

photos 1 & 3 Kathy Hackman Pintrist. all other photos from google images.

Sweetness Today

2011-07-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Have a Perfectly Sweet Weekend!

Be Safe

Most of all Have Fun!!

Happy 4th!!!

fin

both photos from Flicker

Anyway

2011-06-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are transparent, misunderstood or not known even to those very close to you?

I do.

My big brother once told me....

"When you do good and it is not good enough,

do good anyway.

When people are unreasonable or selfish,

love them anyway.

What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight,

build anyway."

I listen to my brother.

I have built my whole life and my friendships with nothing but time, care and love.

But now I need to know...

When a close friend comes to me and says "I miss you"....
because she disappeared from my life, leaving me hurting, leaving me wondering, leaving me asking for way too long what is wrong. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting...now tells me it was all about her own made up demons...

Or
when a friend doesn't know anything about me or my life anymore, good or bad, because she so rarely asks about me but still wants more from me than I can give,

do I give it anyway?

Hugs to you all!

XO

fin

photo credit castles crowns & cottages & kathy hutchison from pinterest

Butterflies and Mondays

2011-06-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Butterflies & Mondays will inspire me always~

I send you all lots of Butterfly kisses today~

Thank you for always inspiring me!

xxx's

Do you know what a butterfly kiss is?

{It is to slowly close eyelashes together then open them again}

fin

photo google images

Here She Comes...

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

I can feel the summer wind.

The warm sand will bury my toes.

The gentle evening falls with warm soft winds...
I am grateful. I so love the air. I love the song of summer.
&
the scent of sweet jasmine in the salty crisp air~

Sending all my love to you today
Mon Aimes!

XOX's

fin

images 1. lisa golightly 2. google images. 3. style me pretty

A Fancy Grand Opening Giveway

2011-05-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

You must come see & come play with me!!
A Grand Opening and giveaway to a simple & fancy new shop!
I am So Proud.
My daughter Noel, just launched her new website

FancifulShop.com!!

Organic. Natural. Eco-friendly. Recycled. Handmade. Noel is an Artist.

~Her art floats & speaks softly to ones soul~

These Angel wings are the most whimsy & delicate wings I have ever seen. Worn & pure they look and feel as if they have fallen from a real Angel on her flight to heaven from a long time ago. They are reproduced from a favorite antique pair of mine from Europe with threads and dreams of the past.
FancifulShop is a paper art gallery with a very modern vintage twist.

Her simple paper covered crosses....

would be a beautiful wedding or baby gift~
They are a celebration!

Handmade paper surprise cones are filled with the most special little treats or they can be stuffed with your very own ideas & magic!

Many brides have carried her exquisite paper rose & peony wedding bouquets down the isle~

And there's even a little bit of vintage too!

To win a $75.00 gift certificate you may go visit Noel Here or if Blogger isn't working you may leave me a comment on this post. Also she will enter you 5 times if you blog the Grand opening of FancifulShop.com...just let us know in the comment.
There is something special here for everyone. Perfect unique one of a kind gifts or treat yourself to something tender & dear to your heart.
You may visit Noel's gallery, flower shop, studio for little ones, weddings & events Here!

XO's

And don't forget that at the end of the day....it always will end up

~into white~

Sooo Big Big Loves to all of you my darling friends!!

fin

photo 1 simpleblueprint all other photos fancifulshop.com

Pillow Talk

2011-05-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in pillow talk?

27 years ago today...
I married my best friend, my lover, my trainee, my teacher to all things I never knew, my planner, my tour guide, the father to my children, my partner on this earth and not on this earth~
Everyday, every single morning during our pillow talk we planned our dreams, built our life & still are happily ever after....

To have and to hold.
Forevermore.

XO's

Have A Beautiful Week my Precious Friends!!

fin

photo 1, the paris apartment, 2, debbie bell 3, kiss the groom

My Winner Sparkles!

2011-05-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

Finally.... Time to announce & celebrate my winner!As we all agree, the Royal Wedding was so much fun to watch~

I, like a fool sat alone all night sipping hot tea from 12:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
It was worth every minute to see Kate's BEAUTIFUL smile and all those hats!
( btw...THIS CAKE forced me to eat several buttercream cupcakes, one was royal wedding cake flavor with a picture of Kate & William on top!
Yes...i pretended I was there! )
Thank you all for coming to my scone & tea sleepover even if it was in my land of make believe~
My winner is most like a Princess herself. She works within her own royal world. She adds a special unforgotten grace within everything she does, to all who know her and to all that she touches~Congratulations to the my very beautiful friend Lisa!
You will know exactly what I mean when you visit her at

Lisa Golightly

~becasue she sparkles like a Queen to be someday~

Have a fun week my huckleberry friends!!

XO

fin

photo 1 tumblr, 2 & 4 google images, 3 such pretty things 5, lisa golightly blog banner

Lily

2011-05-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

We named her Lily because she loved being near our water pond. She sat on her nest as if it were a lily pad~Some of you may remember the nest she made in my chandelier in our courtyard. Lily came back to us to build another nest! I put out a few scraps for her hoping she may use them. And so she did! The pieces she chose were the most precious ones. A blush pink ribbon from a baptism coin used for a little French baby girl with her birthdate printed on it, Fev 1906 and a thread of old sequins from a pair of my Angel wings~

Lily soon laid her eggs in the nest made 100% of all natural and very fine French fibers~

I couldn't wait for these eggs to hatch~

When I photographed them, I noticed the eggs glowed! It must be the essence of life and the spirit of someone very Grand. I knew Lily was special and of course her eggs GLOW and of course this nest is unique and of course they were born on Easter Sunday!
Lily fed and nurtured them everyday. I started to notice every time I saw them they seemed hungry. I realized Lily was gone! She never came back... I hurried, I worried. I fed them nectar with an eye dropper. They recognized our voices and our touch. When Jeanna would come to them they picked up their tiny heads and nudged our finger. They struggled. They became weak. We lost the smallest baby a few days ago. We cried. Yesterday we said good-bye to the other little one. And so....we cried again.

Today before I buried them, I wrapped them in a blanket made of soft white flower petals with sweet fragrance. I placed white lilies over each of them in a nest~ I topped it with a white rose and placed it on a bed of another white rose, then sprinkled them with jasmine flowers . Such tender little ones, they were to us.
Good-bye littlest angels from God~

My gifts in this life are so simple. These babies took me to a place that matter so much to me. A world that I understand. A world that I love just like being home. It amazes me how small something can be, never made a sound, hardly moved, no eye contact but created the Biggest essence of Love in ones life. Life goes on and it always will, as will Love. It is constant and comes in all shapes and forms~

XO

fin

all photos by Janet Solomon - FrenchBlue

Huge Renovation Closing Sale!

2011-05-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

FrenchBlue & Co will be closing for a grand renovation!
Before we start, we're having a HUGE SALE that starts NOW!

ENTIRE shop 50% OFF!
Starting now through May 10th.

Our doors will be closed for remodeling on May 11th through this year.
Click Here to shop!

See you there!

P.S. The winner of Princess Kate's ring will be announced next week!!

Hugs to Every single One of You!

XOX's

fin

photos 1 Twig Hutchinson 2, Flamant Paris

Grab Your Royal PJ's

2011-04-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

My driver is on his way!! He will be at your door in ONE hour to pick you up!!!

Grab your best P.J's! Your invited to my Royal Wedding Sleepover~
Lynn has already taken care of your R.S.V.P. She has replied for us all at Lord Chamberloin's Office~ We will all take a ride through this special event together~
We'll have plenty of sparkling bubbles~~
Sande is bringing devils food cake & barbie dolls~ I have a special little treat just for you! Your very own ring just like Kate's straight from Paris France!! To win just tell me your ring size~

The winner will be drawn from this hat box~

I can't wait to see YOU!!!

In the morning I promise we'll have tea & scones~

XO's~

fin

photos: 1, martha stewart, 2, party ideas blogspot 3, paris hotel boutique 4, tim walker 5, a gift wrapped life 6, kiss the groom 7&8 google images.

For Your Easter Basket

2011-04-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

I found a few things this bunny wants to put in your Easter Basket this year~French Blue chocolate eggs!

A handful of fresh blue flowers~

A pretty Easter dress covered with a whisper of blue silk flower petals made just for you~

A Great Big Bunny Hug
From Me to You!

Happy Easter
to all my Darling Special Friends!!

Thank you each one for always filling my basket with so much of You~

Have a Beautiful Easter with all those
special somebunnies you Love!

XO's

fin

photo 1 martha stewart 2, all the best 3, little emma english home 4, tumblr.

Welcome Home

2011-04-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

A piece of earth your very own.

Where your milk & cookies still exist in every shape...

everyday~

Welcome Home my little one!!!

~~~

Have a Beautiful Weekend Everyone!

XO's

fin

photo 1 vintage rose brocante

Happy Birthday Beautiful One!!

2011-04-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday My Little Angel!!!

Your smile lights my world!

I wish your every dream to be real~

I wish you beautiful cupcakes today!

I wish one day you have will have your very own~

I wish you long bike rides~ I wish you days of your very own~ I wish you many many more special days with my Brandon! I wish you Always Know how much you are LOVED!!

God only knows the journey we have been on together...

I am SO PROUD OF YOU my beautiful little one that your wings have grown so strong~

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

Happy Bithday Meganbug!!!

Love,

your other mother forevermore

photo 1 imgspark, 4 call-me-cupcake 2, 8,9 frenchblue, 3,5,6,7 flicker

Here Comes The Sun

2011-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

Will you come with me...

just to be?

We'll drink the sun & soak our toes in the sand!

There's room for us all!

I wish wish so much we could...

because I would so love to see all your Beautiful smiling faces right now!

XOXO's

fin

photos 1 & 3 taken by Nelson Garrido photo 2 pretty stuff tumblr

An All New World

2011-03-31T09:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days a mother will always remember. I watched as a slow motion picture of a lifetime with my babygirl flash before me. I thought it was only yesterday that she was small. But yesterday was the day we went wedding dress shopping to become someones Beautiful Bride!

She has her own dreams of what this dress is to look like.

She has planned, laughed, shared & cried with her sweet forever friend Erin all about just how this dress shall look.

There were very few dresses tried on. To be exact, only three. Her beautiful sister Jeanna & Moi by her side.

As we studied and listened to her, we both knew she is not playing dress up anymore. She has become a beautiful woman of her very own. Noel knows exactly what she wants.

Simplicity, elegance, raw pure love...

for her & hers forevermore~

~~~

Creating An All New World of their very own!

The only gift a Mom can ever ask for!

Butterfly kisses with watery lashes to all my most darling friends!

XO's

fin

photos 1,2, kiss the groom photo 3, 8 goole images. 4,5,6 frenchblue 7, griege design,

Somebunny Wonderful

2011-03-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

I shared another day....

With somebunny very wonderful!

Time with Addy is priceless.

Thank you Lyss & Mark

for sharing your little somebody
so special,
so wonderful
&
so beautiful
with me!

I love you Addy!!!
~~~
Auntie Janet
~~

Sweet bunny hugs everybody!!
~

XOX's
~

fin

All photos taken by FrenchBlue

Buttercream

2011-03-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

There is something about

Buttercream

..that is always so inviting to me~

It makes me feel calm & content inside.

But at the same time...

it also makes me want to S~CrEaM inside!!

Have you ever had Buttercream

ice cream

with a Buttercream cupcake?
~~~

For some reason this week I am craving

Buttercream!!!

~~~ I believe it's because My Mom always had buttermints for every special occasion. If there were buttermints brought home to our house, I knew, something special is going to happen very soon!

I Hope your week is being good to you my sweet & special friends!!
~~
~
XO's

fin

~
photo credits

1 old world blog 2. paris apartment 3, this is glamours 5.eat drink chic 5.reception-wedding.com 4. & 6. google images

An Unexpected Surprise

2011-03-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

She observed. She came.

She built.

She sat.

I observed.

I waited.

She waited.

She sat and she waited some more...
&
I observed some more...

One day her superb motherhood became a BIG success! The eggs hatched! I couldn't even see their tiny heads for 2 weeks, they were so small.

They sat. They waited.

During her first few visits with me, my thoughts were....
I am going to have a hummingbird nest in my Chandelier!!!
I hang a chandelier outside of my window. It is turning lavender from sun and age. The patina is turning blue green from the salt air.
Life has such a way of handing you unexpected surprises~
It was not only watching a nest be built 6 inches from my eyes.
It was watching her work so hard collecting, she recycled warmth. She gathered dryer lent, feathers and even something blue! She sewed it all together! Watching her patience. Watching her nurture. Watching her teach these babies how to flutter their wings. Watching them grow was an unexpected surprise for me!
One day they all flew away... together, I believe.
I wonder if they are still so close. I wonder if they are safe. I wonder where they are living~

So today I DO have a nest in my favorite chandelier!!!
Today it is an empty nest.
Today I miss the little lives and the big lessons that one little
bird shared with me.
Today I miss the beautiful mess they
made ALL OVER my windows!
Another unexpected surprise are my thoughts today!!
~~~
~~

Wishing you all a special week!!!
~~
~
xxx's

fin

All photos by FrenchBlue

Cake Pops!

2011-03-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

Oh No!

~~~~Oh No!

Oh No!

Just when I thought I really had my head around

fresh squeezed
raw vegetable juice, fruit & all natural everything for my BIG treats....

My beloved Starbucks decides to GIVE AWAY
Cake Pops this weekend!!!
&
Birthday Cake Pops
on top of that!!
Oh No!
I am in big trouble!

~
They are SO GOOD!

Have a Fun Weekend
my darling friends!!!

XO's

fin

All photos from google images & photo 2 full circle

A Beautiful Little Bug

2011-03-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

Today was such a special day!

A beautiful little bug came over to visit~

Auntie Janet gave her a new set of Butterfly Wings~

She worked so hard....

She explored & she examined.

She wondered...
She wondered how in the world her beautiful cousin Noel made these pretty
Big White Paper Roses!!

Please don't fly away too fast our little little one...

One day I know you will....
and when that day comes, please never never forget...
You will always be,

Our Beautiful Little
Addy Bug~

Wishing you all a week of
Butterfly wings
&
Ladybugs!!!

XO's

fin

All photos taken by FrenchBlue

Yesterday

2011-03-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

It was just yesterday

a beautiful little pink bundle was handed to me~

Really it seems that way....but honestly, where does time go?
Today my angel turns 30!

May every single little & big
dream come true!

May every wish be yours forevermore!

H a p p y B i r t h d a y

to my

"Most Beautiful"

~ Jeanna~

Thank you little one

for the proud honor of being

Your Mom!

~~~

Muah's

~~~

fin

~~~

photo 1 tumblr, 2 anna inghardt, 3, dior-channel, 4 sweetart, 5 & 6 frenchblue

Today

2011-02-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

Today I want to paint all things pink.

Today I want to blow BIG BuBBles.

Today I won't be blue.

xxx's

fin

photo 1 AlisaBurke

photo 2 from A Gift Wrapped Life

Forever Making Magique

2011-02-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

She is forever...

looking for the magic~

From the moment she rises...

She's dreaming of ways to glitter our world...

around all the magic she sees.

Always in a bubble of smiles & miles of beauty

is our beautiful Haleigh from Santa Barbara, now living in Paris!
To glow, you can visit her at

~Making Magique~

Wishing everyone a very Magical weekend!!

XO
~~~
fin
~~
~all photos from Making Magique

Tomorrow

2011-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

For some reason I was waiting...

waiting for tomorrow...

Then I realized...

today is tomorrow!

~~~

Hello Hello Hello

my darling darling friends!!

~~~

I hope your week takes good care of you!

XO's

fin

~~~

photo 1 wabi & sabi, photo 2 skona hem

Have Yourself....

2011-02-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

Perfect

Valentines Day!

Indulge in LOVE in every way...

wherever you may be!

Ill be off making all you sweethearts some

snow hearts!

Happy Valentines Day
to all my special friends!

XO

fin

~~~

~
photo 1 this is glamorous, 2 martha stewart, 3 & 4 google images

It's Just Another Day

2011-02-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

It's just another day!

I will go through another door.

To walk another step beyond.

To see.

To stop.

To be.

To Love.

Wishing all you jewels a day to just be.

~~~

~

fin

photos
1 jose villa, 2 it's mary ruffle, 3 etsy the shoe generation, 4 home, 5 google, 6 joie de vivreets, 7 vintage rose tumbler

To Float

2011-02-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

To Float.....

Is a work of art~

Be Peaceful.

Float Away.

Have a most beautiful weekend
my sweet friends!
~~~
~~
XO's
~
~
fin
~~~

photo 1 Skona Hem 2, Ann Wood 3, google images

The Winner

2011-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Winner:
is one of my readers that wrote with no name...

someone who sees with a heart and walks with Angels everyday.

~~~

Anonymous said...

"As I sit here in tears reading this blog, and these responses, I am reminded of my loved ones that are no longer here that I feel are my Angels. I miss the so much sometimes even though I know they are close. Also I am reminded of when I lost my wings, and what a very long a strenuous journey it was for me to find them again. Thank you so much for the world you create, and sharing with us. Whoever wins these wings from this living breathing Angel will truly deserve them.-hebehimisa"

Whoever this special reader is please email me your name & mailing address to Frenchbluue@cox.net

My gift to you is to Thank You for sharing in this giveaway in

a most beautiful way...

To remind you to always know those dear dear Angels of yours are truly with you everyday.

And...

To congratulate You that you have found your wings to fly again~

These wings will remind you

of your own journey on this planet we call earth

and to never lose your wings again~

~~`

XO's

~~~

fin

photo 1 Such Pretty Things~photo 2 Rachel Ashwell

Playing With Angels Giveaway

2011-01-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

This pair of

White Feather Angel Wings

were worn in a

Christmas pageant in France by a little angel who lost her wings~

And

they are for One of You!

Why?
Because we play with angels~

Those who know me know that I adore wings~
Especially ones lost by little French angels...
I want to share with you two of my treasured Christmas presents.
The wings above were my gift from one of my dearest friends, Lynn.
They were brought back from France by her friend. She always knows just what I love~

Old gold gilt layered paper, like rose petals applied by hand, one by one just like fish scales.
Each has an old metal hook to attach to the back of the alter boy alb.
They are 100 yrs. old.
They were worn in church ceremonies.
I Adore them everyday.

These darling wings are from my sweet friend Amy.

She found them in Paris at the Clignancourt flea market!

There were 4, she bought 3, she kept 2,

she gave me 1!

They are from the late 19th Century.
Worn in Catholic Churches for Christmas Pageants.
Old grayish white gauzy linen,
hand sewn thread stitching
slightly tattered in all the right places
&
So so so beautiful.
I feel holy just touching them~
I Love them so much.

So you see.... When you are given something that touches your heart in a way you didn't even know your heart could be touched that way.
You realize it is a moment.
A moment of being blessed by an Angel.
A moment that the gift of receiving from a friend is understood. It is not about the gift. It is about being loved by your friend.
It is understood that our life is simply a playground
to play with Angels~
Thank you Lynn & Amy.

With all that being said.
There are no rules to win these wings.
Simply tell me....
about playing with your Angels or why you need this pair of lost angel wings~

An angel will be visiting me to read your stories & draw your name from a basket.

XO

fin

photos 1,2,3,4 taken by FrenchBlue photos 5,6 from Fanciful Designs

This One or That One?

2011-01-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

If you were asked to pick...

This One?
Or That One?
A CHANEL just for you!

Which one would it be?

Black or cream rain boots,

ballet flats...

pearl sunglasses...

Or....

A CHANEL Guitar?

~~~

Wishing you a perfect week

my darling friends!

xxx's

fin

All images Chanel

My Ticket to Ride

2011-01-14T09:20:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. Gosh.

It doesn't take much to get me going...

A simply beautiful book cover,

can very honestly be,

~my ticket to ride~

To get lost in a day dream~

Or maybe do a little time traveling~ To finally be inspired to imagine something new

that I may want to buy.To think about a possible change for a favorite corner. To look at something way too beautiful to eat...

and actually consider eating it~ Well....

maybe not all that really...

But to for sure walk with a little secret that makes me So happy,

even if it is just a beautiful pale pink book cover with a pretty black font~

XOXO's

fin

photos 1, 2, Candice Lesage Austens, 3 google images, 4 Cire Trvdon, 5 Madeleine Castaing book, 6 etsy Sweet Ambs, 7 Paris Atelier

Surprises by Fanciful

2011-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Come see what's new at

Fanciful Designs!

Handpainted by my daughter Noel on Canvas~

Also darling paper treasure cones!

Some are filled with a surprise!

Fun for a Birthday or Valentines Day~

Some are empty~
Perfect for a wedding gift
to put a handwritten note inside
&
a little something extra~

~Pom Poms~

~Paper~

~Ribbons~

Fancy That!!

To Visit Noel at her etsy shop
click Here!

Mauh's!

XOXO

fin

Forever on My Mind

2011-01-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Imprinted forever on my mind

are images of our visit to

the Renaissance apartment at the La Madone

in Apt, France~

Recently hung in the front entrance are these props from a Chanel Fashion Show!

Someone that lives in the building works for Chanel.

They were given to her as a gift after the show~

I was so excited!

The adventure of discovery outside of our new "home"

was a gift alone....

even if it was just for a glimpse of time

in my life.

The ceiling in the Master bedroom.
I starred. I dreamed. I loved.

The wavy glass doors from the kitchen to the porch.
The long old French linen panels
that hung on the 17th Century floor.
I could look at all day long~

The lighting down to the old stone wine cellar
was warm & so beautiful, it actually talked~

The Master bedroom,
as the rest of the apartment is
a perfect marriage between both owners. Jean Bernard & Nathalie are husband & wife.
A 17th Century gold canopy found by Jean Bernard.
It is draped with the perfect color lavender-grey
antique French linen that Nathalie designed and dyed herself.

An antique oil painting found by Nathalie hangs in the bedroom.

Nathalie has an authentic eye. Jean Bernard knows how to make it all happen. They restore, they work & they laugh together~

My sweet husband sits.

He sits thinking.

And I know what he is thinking about,

because he asked me,

"How am I going to get you back here?"

I answered only,

"very soon". Another lavender dyed linen by Nathalie.

She covered this chair, it haunts me daily with it's perfection of color

it's imperfection of beauty~

The small village steps from your door is

friendly & familiar.

It feels like Home.

My treasure.

My angel wings found in Apt.

I lost my heart that day.

It fell to the ground.

It stayed in a small village named Apt in Provence.

It sits in an apartment called

The Renaissance at the La Madone.

It is waiting for me there.

~~~

Thank you for always listening & letting me share with you~

Have a Beautiful week!!

fin

Image 7 image from LaMadone All other images taken by Janet & Larry Solomon

My Song is January

2011-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

My Song is January.

My celebration is January.

A palette of choices to be made.

A blank canvas to create new

and maybe recreate old.

A brand new world to See!

A brand new song to Hear~
~~~
~~
Have a week full of
Absolute Bliss
my most darling friends!
~~~
XO's
~~
fin
~
image 2 & 4 greige , image 3 flamant, image 1 &5 vintage rose garden doll

So Proud!

2010-12-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

He said....

Will You Marry Me?

She said...
YES YES YES!

Congratulations

Mike & Noel!

I know you will live
~Happily Ever After~
~~~
~~
~Forever Loving You BOTH

I am Always SO PROUD of YOU~
~
Mom
~
OX's

fin

Happy Christmas Morning!

2010-12-24T23:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas

Morning to

Everyone Everywhere!!

~~~

Muah!

fin

image from greige

It's Snowing Magic

2010-12-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Walking through this season...

I am happy.

I think about all my wishes

that have come true~

I also remember those I love that

are not with me.

I miss them.

I know that our hearts will always be one~

My Nephew Andrew

When I see my nephew growing so fast.

I know that fairytales are true,

I know that

it is snowing magic right

Now!

~~~

I send you all

Big Warm Hugs

Cups full of Magic!

~~~

fin

Photo 1,2 Wabi & Sabi

Photo 3 taken by My Sister Julie Miller

Cookie Dough Confession

2010-12-17T17:53:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember,

it was the cookie dough

that I really couldn't wait to eat!

Every year my Mom & I made our batch of

Frosted Christmas Sugar Cookies together~

The bowl of delicious DOUGH was honestly to me, too good to be true.

It was better than anything I ever ate.

The Thick, Creamy, Buttery, Vanilla,

sweet but not too sweet heavenly dough melted slowing in my mouth.

I Absolutely loved it...

Especially after my Mom made it pale green

for the Christmas Trees~

Shhhhhhhhh.........

Confession time is now and I promise I won't ever tell..

Did you like the dough or the cookie best?

Now it is the sprinkles on the green frosting

I love most~

Have an extra Bright weekend

my darling friends!!!

Hugs!

fin

photo 1 from Jacqueline at Home

photo 2 & 3 google images