Frenchgardenhouse

Quick Breakfast

2008-07-25T10:20:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post today, to let you know I haven't forgotten about you all! It's such a busy time around here, just while the Christmas Items are arriving, so are the summer visitors! This weekend we will be happy to see my cousin from Europe, his wife and four children. They spent a month (!) here in the states, on vacation. Still deciding what to feed all of them....making shopping list along side the computer.

This morning I quickly made one of my favorite summer breakfasts, and ate in the garden. Our local markets have such beautiful Blackberries right now, ripe and so sweet. To make this delicious treat for yourself, just wash berries, place in bowl (I use my Cafe~au~lait bowls) Put some yoghurt in your little blender if you use the Bullet ( otherwise just mix together with a spoon) add some frozen Orange Juice Concentrate, mix well, and pour over the berries. So good, and good for you, too!

This was most likely the only ten minutes for relaxing I will get today. You know how it is when you have company, suddenly your cat knocks over something, you notice the kitchen floor really should be cleaned again, and dust seems to have multiplied overnight! So I will be marketing, cleaning and just generally sprucing up before they come.

The view in the garden, I love this old wheelbarrow planted with Ivy and Society Garlic. Sadly, the bottom has rusted out, so one of these days I'm expecting the whole thing to fall apart. But it's charming, and does a great job disguising a part of the lawn that just will not grow for some mysterious reason!

I leave you with this photograph of my Gingko, the biggest tree in our neighborhood. It is huge. This is for Nancy and Barbara, who wanted to know how big Gingko's really get. HUGE! This tree really belongs in a park, not our smallish California garden. But it's such a great tree, we would never get rid of it. Happy weekend, hope you have some beautiful weather to enjoy your own little piece of paradise.

Power Shopping

2008-07-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

After Two Days of Intense Buying, the ride is over. I know most of you think going to the Gift Shows and Market is the "fun" part of this job, and truthfully, it is. But it's also hard work, aching feet, glazed over eyes that burn (too much product to take in in one swoop, and so many colors all at once!), heart pounding while you charge hundreds (read thousands!) of dollars of merchandise on your credit card, or make orders with promise to pay on delivery or within 30 to 60 days.

These days, it seems that everyone wants to open a shop of their own. Either "for real" in a brick and mortar, or online. Because it seems so much fun! Until after the first few months, all of a sudden all the friends and people they know don't come back in, and there they are, with merchandise and no customers. Having a shop is W O R K, and it's a real business, too. It's less about pretty displays, being a "shopowner" and talking to customers and more about crunching the numbers, studying, learning, and just walking on a tightrope for years, until one year (hopefully) you feel less like a circus performer and things start to make sense.

Not meaning to scare you off here, just the facts, M'am. This year's market was much smaller, but I did manage to add a few more wonderful lines for fall and holiday. I concentrated on quality, beautiful product, things that will last. I am so glad that I can always get someone else to come with me, no matter how well you plan, an extra pair of eyes, and another brain at the end of the day (!) is a good thing. This year besides Karen Eileen, I had my pregnant girl with me. (she was a trooper)

Being an almost Grandmama made my eyes light up with excitement at some of the baby lines. Let's just say that the Mommy to-be had to be stern with me. She put her foot down a few times (the MTB) and mostly I obeyed. I ordered a darling line of baby clothes, that I just love. Hope you all will too. Think Mink for Babies. And little ears. And I did order bears, and a few huge Holiday ones, despite the shaking of the head of the MTB.

I was able to find two exciting new lines of Jewelry, you asked, I listened! I think you will love these as much as I do. They are timeless, romantic, vintage and modern all in one.

This collection is the perfect blending of Antique with Modern. Nice chunky chains, and made by the artist here in the USA, which I love!

This is such a gorgeous piece, with Freshwater Pearls, so elegant.

Then there is this fabulous Necklace, made with Sterling Chain, Freshwater Pearls and an antique Art Nouveau Brooch the designer found in Paris. One~of~a~kind. There will be more of these fabulous pieces coming, this designer/artist is local (California) and I just love her pieces. Unique, and timeless, with lots of French inspiration. She shops the Paris Fleamarkets for some of her accent pieces, so a perfect fit for Frenchgardenhouse!

Okay, hope you are having a good day so far. I am going to have to work hard today to make room for all the new merchandise, in a few days Christmas is arriving....and I want to make sure there is enough space for all the glittering goodness.

Off to Market

2008-07-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

I want to wish you all a happy, fun weekend! I will be off to market in Los Angeles, with Karen Eileen. Hopefully finding just the perfect last few things for fall and holiday. The bulk of it was ordered in January, and we have been working hard making room for the new merchandise.

It's always a thrill to see what's new, there's a certain "buzz" at market I love. I will be placing orders for Spring and Easter at these shows. (crazy, isn't it?)

I'm leaving my Beau in charge of the little FrenchGardenHouse, so be good! :)

Lovely Summer Breaks

2008-07-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

"She was so thankful for the softness of her lavender~fragrant bed, and so delighted with the lovely freshness of her chintz~hung room. As she lay upon her pillows, she could see the boughs of the trees, and hear the chatter of darting starlings. When her morning tea was brought, it seemed like nectar to her."-Frances Hodgson Burnett from Emily Fox-Seton

sigh, this is the world I really long for, on these beautiful summer days. You know, the white curtains billowing in the wind, a lovely room in a French Manor, a sweet maid from the local village who cheerfully brings you a cup of tea and draws your bath. After breakfast, perhaps a stroll to the village, shopping for a new bonnet, visiting with friends later in the garden...okay, so I most likely read too many romance novels in my life.

In reality my days start with coffee in the office once I'm dressed, answering emails and phone calls and everything else that has to do with FrenchGardenHouse.com. Later my day could include meetings, appointments with Antique Dealers, Auctions, shopping trips, photo shoots etc etc. It seems that every day is crazy busy, which I love! I do, however, try hard to take ten minutes in my day to steal away to a favorite corner of the garden and enjoy a restful cup of tea (or iced tea if it's really really hot) in the garden on these summer days. The birds sing, and everything just smells so wonderful out there, and I try to relax and take it all in.

Today I went in the garden, my little Edme (by Wedgwood) teacup in hand (my all time favorite, there's something about the color of creamware and the shape of that cup, making it perfect) and sat on the little cement bench next to the fragrant Rose Geranium. I took two of my antique books with me (late 1800's) and wanted to share some of the exquisite chromolithographs with you.

Both were printed somewhere in the late 1880's, and so stunningly beautiful, the flower prints are still as fresh and crisp and color-laden as the day they were printed. Illustrated and "poems arranged by" Susie Barstow Skelding. Please enlarge these, they are stunning!

This first book is called Flowers from Dell and Bower. When I purchased it sight unseen at an auction, I was a little disappointed by the condition, the pages are loose here and there. But never mind, this made it the perfect "keeper" for me to enjoy.

No one could illustrate flowers like those Victorian Ladies. Every little leaf, every petal has been carefully laid down on the paper, so that it's almost like looking through a magnifying glass.

Violets were particularly loved by the Victorians, street side vendors sold little bunches of violets to "gentlemen who wanted to impress their lady."

The other book is entitled Flowers from Hill and Dale. It is in much better condition, with only one of the illustrations loose.

I love each illustration, and the poetry is so very beautiful, and Victorian! I can imagine young ladies dressed in their summer "whites" sitting on lawn chairs reading out loud to each other on summer evenings.

Sweet Peas

and the Morning Glory so dreaded by my English neighbor!

I hope you've enjoyed my little ten minute break from work with me. A good cup of tea is just what I need in the afternoon when I'm getting a little "waning energy", and looking at something beautiful is just the thing to carry me through the rest of the work day!

My good friend Karen Eileen is having a give away. She is giving away a gorgeous bottle with a Heart Milagro, in celebration of her 100th post. Go over and visit, and enter your name. You will love her as much as I do, I'm sure!

My Little Jewels

2008-07-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

I hope you are not bored with my garden pics...I have to show off my "girls"...we have so many Hydrangeas in our garden. Our huge Gingko Tree shades so much of our garden in summer that they are the perfect plant. And I love them. love them. This is a current favorite. Oh, I hope you are not going to ask the name of it, I don't know! Most of the smaller plants I buy at Trader Joe's, have them in our home, and once they are done blooming, they get potted up by Mr. FGH and put in the garden.

I think I can honestly say I never met a Hydrangea I didn't like! I love them when they first bloom. I love them when they change over to their Fall colors. And I love them dried. We have big bunches of them on the top of our Silver Cabinet in our living room. The White ones especially, turn that great Chartreuse Green before Fall. And when they dry, they have that color. When they get really old, they turn shabby Cream, just perfect.

Another potted wonder, this time in Blue. To have the Hydrangeas stay blue, you can buy special Plant Food. Or, you can try this old time method and bury a rusty nail in the pot, or in the soil in your garden near your Hydrangea Bushes. Hydrangeas like morning sun. And lots of water, sometimes in the hot summer, ours are wilted, but a good drink and the evening cool will get them back to normal again.

Sometimes, these plants surprise you. This is a huge potted Hydrangea I received one year for Mother's Day. It was all White. And gorgeous. Now, five years later, surprise! (and no special food nor rusty nails, either) it has turned this beautiful Lavender Blue color, and what's more, each flower is a slightly different shade. They are a bit strange, but still beautiful. I'm sure that perfect gardeners or Hydrangea collectors might not appreciate that, but I do!

Same plant, see how the colors are all different?

Another TJ's special ~ these are called "star" Hydrangeas. I love them. The flowers are like little stars, and this is a different kind of plant, a Lace Cap. It has huge heads, with tiny little blue flowers, and then at the very edges, little White Starlike flowers.

Pink! It's a lovely one, and here you can see that this one is just starting to bloom. The hydrangeas all bloom at different times. They are supposed to have a "season" but ours pretty much bloom according to how much sun they get, and when they feel like it. :)

This is one I would love to have, it's called Macrophylla Opal. I don't think it works in my zone. But if you are in zone 5-8 S / 5-8 W, you can buy one here and let me know how it does.

Petal Play

2008-07-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

This morning, very early (well, 7:30 which is early for me in the summertime!) I went out into the garden to pick a few little flowers. Right now, it seems all the Lavender, Purple and Blue flowers are blooming all at once. I get a charge from flowers, I never grow tired of them. And I'm always looking for new and different ways to display them. Just a few flowers is enough to liven up your whole home, and make it smile.

Part of a collection of Trophy Urn Blanks (meant to be overplated with Copper or Silver) I bought long ago, these two make the perfect container for my mini arrangements. I put an empty plastic yoghurt cup in the larger one, to hold the water, as that one doesn't hold water very well. But I love how the dull Grey looks with the Lavenders, Purples and Pinks, don't you?

It doesn't have to be a big display, even this tiny little urn, filled with a small Hydrangea bloom, will be perfect next to your bed, or in your bathroom to greet you at the beginning of the day! I like to have a tiny bouquet like this at the sink in the kitchen, too. Makes dishes much more pleasant to do.

Make sure you change the water every day for these petit bouquets. Cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife, and plunge in the water right away. This way your bouquet will last as long as it possibly can in the summer heat! Shown above: Hydrangeas, a Stainless Steel Rose, Lavenders, Eden Rose, one twining Morning Glory, and a few white Trumpet Vine Flowers (which won't last long at all but I love them!)

A flowerless room is a soulless room, to my way of thinking;

but even one solitary little vase of a living flower may redeem it.

Vita Sackville-West

Bake in Love

2008-07-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

Around here, there are little signs that someone is in love! My youngest girl is baking up a storm. So far it has been Snickerdoodles, other kinds of cookies, and now this cake....a lush, oh my gosh it's chocolate cake! (recipe to follow)

At least now I know that one of the things I told her she actually listened to: "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" So far, it seems to be working. Not only is she beautiful, smart and funny, she can BAKE. What guy wouldn't be smitten by her?

sssshhhh...don't tell I borrowed her cake (while she was at work and it was in my fridge) for this little photo shoot for you. And stuck that little French Flag in the middle (I smoothed the frosting back out so no one was the wiser, just you guys) And took just a tiny little shaving of frosting off to taste. (don't think we got any, nope, this one was delivered to the guy's house right away after this secret photo session) She said it was the best chocolate cake she had ever made. So here is her recipe, the secret ingredient is mayonaise...yep, that's what makes the cake luscious and moist. (never mind that on other occasions she looks at mayonaise like it's poison, oh, MOM, how could you eat that?? It's pure fat!)

Boyfriend Chocolate Cake:

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1-/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup mayonaise
1 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Sift flour, cocoa, soda & salt. Cream together sugar, mayonaise, water & vanilla. Add dry sifted ingredients and blend well. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Frosting

1 stick butter
2/3 cup Hershey's Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Melt butter (microwave) and stir in cocoa, alternate adding powdered sugar & milk, beating until it has a spreading consistancy. If needed, add a small amount of milk. Stir in vanilla.

Makes 2 cups frosting. Frost chocolate cake, put on your Mom's plate (I want that back, btw!) and carefully drive it in your car over to boyfriend's house. Expect to be proposed to. Or asked when the next bakery delight will arrive, and become a favorite of roommates.

Weekly Favorites

2008-07-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Finally back in stock ~ these darling French Café au Lait Bowls and Plates, just perfect if you like a little Pastel to your French Chic!

Perfect to start every day with a smile, this makes a wonderful set with the matching Plate. Brings a touch of France to your table, and reminds you of the adventures you had in Paris! (or will have when you go)

I love the Robin's Egg Blue/Aqua color, too. Okay, a few for me, a few for you on these.

The Summer Beach Theme finds are flying out as fast as I can put them in! I know a lot of you love the Beach Cottage look. Just thought I would share this quite unusual vintage Shell Piece with you. Made long ago (ca 1940's) it is perfect for holding letters on your desk. I bought it a few years back from a wonderful beach~front estate, where literally everything was made of shells.

Not inexpensive, but I wanted to show you this exquisite little sewing aid, since you don't see these around every day. This fabulous antique Needle Case, ca. late 1800's, early 1900's, has a stunning Lady Portrait in Celluloid on the cover. Made for the Kirkby Beard & Co., and English Firm "purveyors to the Queen" of "sharps" (needles) pins and other sewing implements.

How wonderful is that? Best part is that no one ever pricked the aqua foil inside with any of the "sharps".

This sweet little dress ensemble was lovingly hand made by a doting grandmama or aunt for a baby. It seems to have been never worn, or perhaps worn once for a christening, which is a shame, it's so very cute! Perfect embroidery, perfect lace edges, and the most delicate ever batiste...this is a treasure. The embroidery work on these pieces is amazing.

Last, although we sell quite a lot of antique lighting, we have never had something like this piece. She is a Wax Half-Doll Lamp, with the most beautiful clothing. These lamps were called "Boudoir Lamps" meant to be used in a Lady's Boudoir.

Her gown is made of Light Blue French Silk Ribbons, with handmade Lace in between. French Ribbon Rosette Trim in Pink and Light Blue on the sides of her gown, and the very front. She is in such wonderful condition, her tiny fingers are still intact. Usually when I find these pieces, their fingers are gone, and the wax has chipped and melted on the faces, not this girl, she is in wonderful condition for her age! (made ca 1920's)

Gracious Lace

2008-07-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing brings me more joy, and a connection to women so long ago, than hand made lace. Once, long ago, young girls learned how to embroider, sew by hand, and make lace, with precise tiny stitches. They were taught to make their own Trousseau (the personal possessions of a bride usually including clothes, accessories, and household linens and wares )

Fine linens lend a touch of elegance and soothing to your home. If you have ever felt the "hand" of these exquisite linens, you know what I mean. You can still find antique and vintage linens at antique shows, antique stores, and estate sales. I try to buy those that are not damaged, or stained, but a little seam that needs to be sewn closed is sometimes what makes a piece more afforable, so if you are handy with a needle, it's a good thing.

Don't be afraid to use your beautiful linens. I machine wash linen and damask tablecloths in cold or warm water, on the gentle cycle. It is usually not a good idea to put them in the dryer, that's what damages the old linens. But if it is a very sturdy damask tablecloth, I put them in the gentle cycle. Delicate linens such as the ones I have shown here, with Lace and Drawnwork, need to be hand washed. I iron these lovelies myself, using a little lavender water in a spray bottle.

Tips for antique and vintage Linens:

* Gently rub brown spots with Biz, and soak. Or use Oxy~clean to soak, I have been amazed at the results sometimes when soaking a spotted or "aged" cloth or napkin.

* Iron Embroidered Monogrammed pieces from the back. I put a clean white terrycloth towel underneath, for extra protection, and to keep the embroidery from becoming "flat". I gently mist each linen piece with my lavender water, then roll it up into a little "sausage" and place on the end of the ironing board, like my Grandmother used to do. By the time I unroll the piece for ironing, it is just slightly moist, making it much easier to iron the wrinkles out. (yes, it's a labor of love. I know some of you love to iron, I don't really, but I do love my linens!)

* I store large tablecloths on hangers, over a rolled up terrycloth towel. Once in a while, I roll delicate Lace pieces rather than folding, folds tend to weaken the fabric over time. Expensive or special pieces (your grandmother's lace tablecloth etc.) should be stored in acid~free paper.

* There are several great stain removal products on the market, or you can make your own. Always test on an inconspicuous place first.

Stain removal recipe: 1/2 cup peroxide

1 teaspoon household ammonia

Mix, and blot several times on the fabric. Use white vinegar to stop the process. When the spot is out, wash the piece carefully. Line dry.

Garden Breakfast

2008-07-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

After a busy and so fun few days, it's so nice to be relaxing in the garden. This morning, we had our favorite Pancakes. I am allergic to flour (sigh...no bread!) but this Pancake is the perfect alternative, and it's oh so good!

Oatmeal Pancake

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese

4 egg whites

1tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Whirl all ingredients in a blender til smooth. (we use the Bullet!)

Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray, add batter, and cook on medium heat until both sides are lightly browned.

This baby gives you 28 g of protein, at 288 calories. We top with fruit, a little splenda, and sometimes on very special occasions like today, with some whipped cream. It's delicious!

Eating a leisurely breakfast on the patio, I had the time to really look at the garden. It is at its best right now, almost in that "eek, it's overgrown stage" but not quite.

Our Eden Roses are still blooming away, they have done so well this year, probably because it has been quite a bit hotter than we are used to here by the beach. They are twining all around the patio overhang, so beautiful and romantic!

I love all the Lavenders, this year we planted a huge cement urn full of them, and they are doing so well, lots of those fragrant, purple and lavender flowers, they are a favorite of bees and humming birds, so the urn has plenty of visitors each day!

This used to be the herb garden, Mr. FGH has tried a few new things (not really in love with them myself) so now it is a little overgrown. Somewhere in there, are the herbs. The little cherub bird bath is hiding in there, somewhere. Luckily the birds can still find it, and they are busy taking a bath each afternoon before they retire for the evening.

The Morning Glory in full swing. A busy place as bees, butterflies and humming birds all love to come and drink nectar from these stunning blue blossoms! (my back fence neighbor hates this vine, it does go everywhere, and fast!)

A beautiful Geranium, I have an old ladder (I took it out of someone's trash 20 years ago!) on one side of the patio, and I just use it to display seasonal pots of color. This geranium is a favorite, it looks a bit more pink than in real life, it's a great peach~pink color.

The Ferns are such great colors. The one above is your regular, garden variety fern, the new leaves have that gorgeous Chartreuse Green color we all so love!

This rabbit's foot fern was here when we bought the house. They are interesting, with furry parts that do indeed look like a rabbit's foot!

Looking at the back fence, you can see the Bouganville. (also hated by my back fence neighbor!) The color is fabulous, but this one is about to get a really good haircut, it tends to take over. And it has the sharpest ever thorns! yikes.

You can't beat the hot pink color, though! It really perks up the garden, and will bloom late into the summer, when most of the other plants are kind of at their end. Hope you had a fun and happy holiday weekend!

Best Buys

2008-07-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some the things I couldn't pass up at the Flea Market. Even though it's a "flea" there are plenty of beautiful, high quality treasures to be found. Like the Czechoslovakian Cut Glass (& Pink) Perfume Bottles that I took home with me. Not inexpensive, but not one chip, and these are getting harder to find. So after asking what the best price would be, I gladly paid the dealer, knowing that this was the best deal I would get anywhere. You will always pay more for perfect pieces, but they are worth it.

Once these were unpacked, I locked onto these babies. How pretty are they? They are metal, and painted in the softest, most beautiful vintage colors. Some are Clips to hold your mail or lettres d'amour, while others are the sweetest Name Card Holders for your next elegant Tea or Luncheon. I enquired what the best price would be for all of them, and a happy deal was struck. Love these. Sometimes if you offer to buy all of whatever~it~is, you get a better deal.

What's not to love about this Victorian Pink & Gilded Gift Cup? Perfect condition, perfect color for my palette, perfect price. smiles. Asked if there were any more like this one hiding anywhere, but alas, she was an only. If you really love something and you may want to buy more, it's always a good idea to ask. Sometimes vendors only put out one at a time, and may have a beautiful twin or sister hiding in a newspaper somewhere!

This time there seemed to be an abundance of Victorian Porcelain. Both the really expensive kind, and the somewhat less expensive, such as the sweet little Cake Plate above. Great image of a Victorian Lady, Pink, Roses, it doesn't get any better than that! I asked about the sisters, and was able to buy four. There actually were more, but some of them were not very clear. Often this type of porcelain transferware from the late 1800's early 1900's weren't made with very exacting standards, so be sure if you do buy multiples, that you check out each and every piece yourself.

This is a Cabinet Plate, much more expensive, and of better quality. The old, antique plates featuring Children are quite highly collected. This one has three Children, even better! I think this is Robin Hood. Love this piece, was able to get it at a slightly more "friendly" price after talking to the dealer for a while. (back to"it helps to be nice") Most dealers know what they have, so be sure to not insult them by pointing out each and every little scratch, I'm sure you wouldn't do that, but I'm always amazed by the littany of complaints potential buyers sometimes make regarding a piece they want to buy. The dealer will give you a better price, or not. If you harrass them, it's not going to make the price any better, sometimes it goes up!

A sweet Victorian Child's "Gift" Cup. These were sold to be given as gifts to little children for holidays, birthdays, or for being the top student. Sweet, no chips, no cracks (perfect matters if you are going to resell, for myself sometimes a chip is okay) added to the growing collection of Porcelain in my cart! This reminds me to tell you to bring a few old towels, and maybe some bubblewrap in your cart. Most vendors of breakables will wrap for you, but some will be out of bubblewrap. So I try to throw some bath towels and bubblewrap in the bottom of the cart to protect my new babies.

The strange thing about Flea Markets is that often, it seems that a certain kind of item is everywhere! Sometimes, it seems that almost every vendor has to die for Millinery Flowers and Lace. Other times, it's wonderful Bark Cloth, or Baby Items. This time, it was Porcelain! I couldn't pass up the Antique Limoges Chocolate Pot either. Beautiful, finding the cups would have been a real coup, but this one pot will do very nicely. Again, this is a pricey piece, but totally worth it. Love the soft colors, the shape, and the fact that hot chocolate was served in here.

Finally, I will show you something I bought that I loved, although it is not at all related in any way to anything else in my cart that day. This old, old Sea Sprite painting. From the early 1900's, painted on the antique Academy Board, by an amateur. Mr. FGH raised his eyebrows when I put her and another (less clothed) painting in the cart, but there is something sweet about this girl and her friend. I love the old Beach Cottage Look, so in the summertime am drawn to anything with shells, or beach themed. Still in my palette, it's old enough, these were not terribly expensive, so I bought them. I don't know what my point is here, just that sometimes you will find something that doesn't really "go" with everything else, but for some strange reason you love it. If it's afforable, and you love it, I say buy it! You can always find a spot for it at home somewhere, right?

More Flea

2008-07-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some of the rest of the shots of the Long Beach Fleamarket. There is so much to see! If you have never, or rarely, been to any kind of fleamarket, please don't buy anything right away if it's really expensive. (Unless it's to die for, you LOVE it, and you've always wanted one!) There are a lot of wonderful looking items out there, at various price points. Once you have looked around, or been to a few fleamarkets, you will know what I mean. You will develop a "certain sense" about things. Some things are too good to be true.

Like this great looking column. Looks fabulous. The vendor told me it was antique, from France. It was pretty easy to see, though, that it was made not too long ago, of composite. Those same vendors that are so hard working, and get up before it's human to do so, well, some of them aren't exactly known for a) telling the truth or b) knowing about the things they sell. Most vendors are honest, knowlegeable and delight in sharing what they know about their wares. There are a few whose noses grow as the day gets longer. But you will be able to tell who those are.

I loved these Seltzer Bottles! For some reason I didn't buy any, probably because I was too busy taking the perfect shot for all of you. :) Or maybe they were priced way too high. Either way, there are many people who collect these. This is how you used to make "Egg Cream Soda's" long ago. They are a great decorative item, and actually quite avidly collected.

Once in awhile you can find beautifully hand~made things at a flea market. Like in this booth, this girl has the prettiest, well~made Lavender Sachets. They are just outstandingly beautiful, and she does a great display, too!

Here is one of the things I love, but try not to buy. Silver. This dealer always shows me if she has a piece of wonderful, unusual Silver for me. I have a lot. That's the only reason I don't buy it. These days, it has to be Victorian, and really, really gorgeous for me to plunk down any cash for Silver. We are more than well~equipped chez moi in the Silver Department. So much so, that some of my pieces have to be released from their storage to be used in different ways.

I really loved these huge Urns. But they were way too expensive, even for this "oh, it's for my business" girl. (okay, so once in a while I use that as an excuse!) They are not all that old. This is one area that is very dicey, Garden Antiques. I would only buy things like this from a vendor I trusted, and respected, like this dealer. It's very easy to stick a pair of newish iron Urns in the back yard for a few months, let them rust a bit, and call them "antique"...

I still love all the White Painted Furniture. This piece with the wire fronts was so very cute, loved the metal topped little table on the left, too. But I don't have room, and don't sell that, so pass.

More of those fabulous Bottles. Hopefully next time this vendor will be there, these really are amazingly wonderful, and pretty darn cheap at $3.00 to $5.00 each.

These are Vintage Fenton Perfume Bottles. They are very pretty. I rarely buy glass, although I did buy a pair of Pink Perfume Bottles, which I will show you in a later post. I didn't buy any of these either. pass. They were in perfect condition, though, and well priced.

A sweet Portrait Cabinet Plate. This was an "almost" ~ she is quite beautiful. Priced to sell, but I passed her up any way. The minute I put her down, someone else took her, so she has a new home, don't worry!

These Glass Pulls are mostly new. But look at those candy colors! If you have a dresser or cabinets to dress up, this is the place to look for these vintage or vintage looking drawer and door pulls. (write how many you need in that little notebook!)

There are boxes and boxes of serious Rhinestone Bling here. Pins, Bracelets, Earrings, you name it. I would love to sift through these one time, but my lovely assistant, Mr. FGH, gets a glazed and panicked look in his eyes when I stop here. So I don't.

Some vendors specialize in a theme. Like Roses ~ my favorite. This vendor has everything from Rose Dishes, to Rose Hankies to Rose Books. Love her booth. Didn't buy anything this time.

I also love the booths that sort of don't have a theme. Like this one. This vendor sets up an interesting display each month, using whatever colors and things she has. One month she may have primary colors, like this above, the next month she might bring all pastels. I probably should have asked about the large metal basket, but I think I might still have one or two in storage. (hoping Mr. FGH doesn't read this!)

Loved these vintage Metal Lanterns, how great would these be on posts in your garden? Not too old, probably mid-century, and I would replace that gold glass, but these would make a great statement. Even though they are not too old, expect to pay a bit for these, as they are huge. Totally worth it if you have "the vision."

Linens are in abundance at all flea markets. I look for drop~dead gorgeous, and there can't be any holes, or stains. A tiny spot is okay, if the cloth is really old, or the colors and theme are extremely desirable. (Think Pink Roses, Barkcloth, Cherries, Pansies etc.)

There were quite a few Mannequins. These are all pretty new, so I didn't buy any. But if you wanted to paint them, any one of these girls would be quite lovely, and you should be able to buy one for under $50.00.

Vintage Paper Nut Cups. Sigh. This is one of my ultimate weaknesses. Vintage and Antique Paper. If there had been more of the Pink ones, they would be piled up on my desk in my office, right now. Yellow is not a color I can sell, or love, personally. It is not in my color "palette"~ that is one thing that is very helpful, to know what your color palette is. This rules out many wonderful things that you want to, but should not, buy.

These vintage French Style Chairs are in my color pallete. But I don't need them, and they would need extensive repair and upholstery. If I needed them, I would have bought them, though. They were amazingly comfortable!

These Wicker Purses were so cute! If the fruits were Velvet instead of Plastic, they might have gone home with me. Or if they were Red and Pink Velvet Strawberries. But not Plastic. Sorry.

I took this photo to show how savvy this vendor is! It was a boiling hot day. He sold inexpensive Hats and Parasols. By the time I left a few hours later, almost all the hats and quite a few parasols had sold. :)

I love vintage Religous Artifacts. This dealer always has a bunch from Mexico. Once in a while he has some real antique ones. This is an area of collecting (and buying) very much like the Garden Antiques. You have to either love it, or know what it is to pay the big bucks. This dealer has fair prices, and he will tell you truthfully about each item, and I always stop in to see what's new.

A sweet Chair, loved the Pink Petit Point upholstery. My guess is no one bought her yet by the time I took her photo because she is rather "angular", and those tacks. Poor thing, she can't help it she is not more curvy. Hope someone still loved her enough to take her home.

ack! More of that Vintage Ephemera (paper) I love. Great Brides and Grooms, mid-century, so not old enough for me, but very very cute! If I were having any kind of Wedding Shower this year I would have bought these.

There are racks and racks of Vintage Clothes. I pulled this vintage 1950's Prom Dress out of the rack to take her photo. She is still amazing, no? Every single Light Blue Tulle piece was in place. Love this! But I already have a Lavender one hanging off a peg rack in my office. So had to pass. Not without a twinge, though.

A few spaces I passed, but liked enough to share with you. I didn't even really give more than a flash~look to these, although this vendor artfully displayed everything. Not really my palette, though, and not old enough.

These vintage Metal Chairs are not even close to anything I want, buy or usually am drawn to. But I loved these! I am sure that these were snapped up by a young couple who are really into Mid-Century for their home.

A pair of large Cherubs. Cherubs are one of things on my "always" list, but these, though cute, are not old enough, and composite. (Okay, I'll admit it, I'm a cherub snob) I bet these were sold though, because if you wanted to paint these white, or not, they make a great statement in your home or garden.

Okay, that's it for today. Next time, I'll show off a few things I bought. In the meantime, I wish you a very happy July 4th weekend! I'm going to be on a backyard vacation for the next few days.

ps. I met four people who read this blog last Sunday. It's so fun to meet all of you! :)

Let's Go to the Flea Market!

2008-06-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

I think flea markets are the most fun, but also the most challenging places to hunt treasure, because they offer such a huge variety of "finds" in one place. Some flea markets are beautiful, filled with outstanding stalls where the merchandise is exquisitely displayed. (Marburger, Farm Chicks etc.) this often means that the prices are higher, too.

The Flea Markets around here tend to be the "unload the truck on the pavement" kind of markets. Due to the weather in California (and yes, it does rain and the Markets are still "on" in heavy pouring rain!) they are a monthly event. If you wanted to, you could visit a different Flea Market each weekend. (I used to do that, but luckily now I can sleep in a few weeks!)

These shots are from the Long Beach Flea Market, it was one of their bi~annual "Fifth Sunday" Markets. Sometimes these are fabulous, drawing sellers that don't usually sell in Long Beach. (think shop owners looking to liquidate their stock before the Gift Shows start, or before they go on some of their buying trips for new merchandise)

Shopping at Flea Markets is fun, but it also takes some "know how". Here are some of the things I have learned over the years. Hopefully this will encourage some of you to start going to some of the flea markets in your area.

1. Go Early. Unlike in France, where the Flea Market Stall Holders will make you wait while they drink their Cafe~au~lait til 9 or 10, it's a good thing to come early. I usually don't go too early, because before 7:00am most spaces are not set up. But I see plenty of well~known shop owners or dealers carting out big pieces of wonderful furniture. So if you want to buy a great big hutch, table or other large piece of furniture, early is good.

2. Take plenty of Cash. I usually take at least $500. in cash, but then I shop for my business. You may want to make a budget, and take enough cash for that. Tuck in one or two checks, just in case you see the piece of your dreams, and you just spent your last dime. This really surprised me at first, but many dealers take checks, if they have to. (or if they know you) I wear a leather wallet, it has long straps and hangs around my neck. This way I don't worry about losing my money, and it's always easily accessible. Get a fanny pack or something else, something that will help you keep your money on you.

3. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Forget your wonderful fashion sense, and wear comfortable clothing and especially shoes. Take a sweater or jacket, it's cold in the morning, but can heat up quite fast, so dress in layers. Don't dress too nicely, either! Skip the designer clothes and bling, you want to mix in with the crowd, and not scream "Oh, raise the prices! raise the prices!" because you look like you are made of money. :) Take sunblock, a hat and sunglasses if it will be sunny.

4. Take water, and a high-protein snack. All that shopping may make you thirsty, and hungry. For the most part in the US. the only refreshments on hand are hot dogs, coffee, soda and doughnuts. (Long Beach has pretzels) so you will be thankful you brought along almonds, or a protein bar, and a bottle of water. I personally don't do this. I know it's bad. But I take literally one or two sips of coffee before I go, and eat a string cheese or something. I don't buy soda's or drink huge amounts of water. I don't really want to break my "stride" and visit the bathrooms, which are often not the prettiest thing I've ever seen, so I rarely eat or drink at the Markets.

5. Take a small notebook or pad. Small is fine, and a pen or pencil. This way you can write down some things. What you paid for a certain item. An address or website (or blog!) a dealer may tell you about. An idea for using something in a creative way you saw. And, if you buy something large, a vendor will keep it for you til the end, but make sure you take clear and descriptive notes about where your item is. The last thing you want to do at the end of the day is run through aisles and aisles looking for your fabulous thing you bought, but can't find anymore!

6. Be Nice. It sounds like this is a no~brainer. But I often flinch at what I hear people say to vendors. They work hard gathering up all their items to sell to you. They get up before 3:00am most often, get in their trucks, and stand in line at 4:00am to get in the flea market to set up. By the time it's 10:00am they are tired. Please don't ask them if they will take $3.00 for an item they have priced at $30.00. I have been tempted to throttle customers myself for being down right rude. Most dealers price their items with some negotiating room. I usually decide for myself what a certain item is worth to me before I ask "What is your best price?" smile. In time, figuring out a fair asking price will become second nature to you. If I think the price is already a "steal" I don't ask. Many of the vendors will give me a better price, just because they know me, and I always try to shop with them. And I smile, and stay polite. It should be a joyful win~win transaction. If it's too much (and believe me, there are vendors out there who charge higher prices than I see in most of the tony Antique Stores around here!) say "Thank you!" and move on.

7. Take your tools. A measuring tape, a magnet, and a magnifying glass are all great to take along. If you know the measurements of your walls (put in your little notebook!) you can measure the huge cabinet to see if it will work for you. The magnifying glass is always great to check out marks, and look for chips, and hairline cracks on porcelain pieces. (I also always feel porcelain and glass with my fingertips for breaks and chips) The magnet will not stick to: Brass, Bronze, Copper, Sterling, and Gold. (a magnet will stick slightly to some Sterling, but not like it will stick to Silver Plate!) I take a cart. It's almost a must, it holds your things, your arms won't fall off carrying your fabulous finds around all morning. If you are a ditz like me, bring an assistant. I have to take Mr. FGH. He is in charge of the cart. (The few times he leaves the cart with me, I leave it somewhere because I have spotted the next treasure.)

( This chair was a steal at $20.00, but it needed lots of work, and MR. FGH didn't love it!:)

8. Buy what you LOVE. Know what you need, and be strict with yourself. If you haven't gone to many flea markets, you will find a ton of things you LOVE. Be selective. But when you do find something you love, hold it in your hand. Or put your hand on it if it's big. Possession is 9/10th of the law, at the flea, it's 100%. Don't put the item down until you are sure you aren't going to buy it. Believe me, once you look interested, all of a sudden three other people want it. If you ponder too long, or let go of the item, someone else will buy it. And if you find something you totally love, the price is right, you have no idea what to do with it but you absolutely must have it... ignore the being strict with yourself and buy it anyway! :)

HAVE FUN! And forgive yourself if you make mistakes. (you saw the thingie of your dreams, and you let it get away) I still do that. Just looking at my photographs this morning makes me realize I should have bought some of the beautiful aqua bottles. I forgive myself, I accept my imperfections, so should you. Next time...more shots of the Flea Market, and maybe some of the things I bought.

Favorite Spritzer

2008-06-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

It's been so very, very hot around here. Summer time is in full swing! Thank goodness we have an ocean breeze, other wise I'm sure we would all wilt. Because we live by the ocean, almost no one has airconditioning, so days like this will find me in the yard, under the shade of the gingko tree if at all possible. This is the perfect time to make a refreshing Spritzer. I love making these, they are so easy, and you can have them with wine, or without. The glasses are due back at FrenchGardenHouse.com mid July! (they sell out quickly, aren't they so cute?)

To make this refresher Pomegranate Spritzer, I just add about half a (large) bottle of Pomegranate Juice to one bottle of sweet white wine, such as a Riesling, or you can use a sparkling white wine, too. Squeeze in a little Lime Juice, and add a little touch of sugar, if you like it a little sweet. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon!

Another of my favorites is a Lime Mint Spritzer. Stir together one bottle of white wine (Riesling), 1/2 cup Lime Simple Syrup (see below), 1/2 cup mint from the garden, 1 cup Sprite, and 1 cup sparkling water. So yummy! You can skip the wine and just add more Sprite if you would like a non~alcholic drink (which I mostly make).

Lime Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup Sugar
3/4cup lime zest

In a med. saucepan over med-high heat, bring the water, sugar and lime zest to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes, strain thru a sieve. Let the syrup cool before you use it. (I don't strain it all that well, I don't mind the little green shredded Lime in the drinks) This is fabulous!

Happy weekend! Hope you enjoy the weather, and have a few relaxing moments to enjoy a cool drink with your family and friends. I'll be going to a wonderful fleamarket on Sunday, so hopefully I won't be too excited about all the treasures to forget to take pictures....I know you so enjoy seeing them. (It's just that I'm a klutz, I can't even remember my own cart. Thank goodness MR. FGH goes with me, whenever he leaves me in charge of the cart for a few minutes, I loose it. I just get so carried away with all the great finds, I have tunnel vision!)ack.

My apologies to Heather, she has almost the exact same post, using the same glasses, even!! eek. She was first. way first. But I can honestly say I hadn't seen her post before I wrote this one. This just goes to show that like minded people think alike. And she is pretty darn nice company to be in. Sorry Heather.

Bits & Pieces

2008-06-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

There are a few places around here that are populated by little bits & pieces, lots of doll heads, arms and legs, little parts of someone, that lost their way. Once I see them, I can't help it, they have to come home with me. Maybe some day they will be "found" by their other parts, but until then, I let them happily play with some of their friends that are still complete.

The doll on the right is wrapped tightly in a well, umm, she calls it a dress, but it's really a brown strip of rags. She's really old, from the mid 1800's. The minute I spotted her in her Couture Gown, I knew she was meant for me. (to the horror of my shopping partner) She has just a few hairs plastered over the front of her head (like the Donald) but to me she is a beauty. Her friend in the Carriage made of old tin cans is in her underwear! (no rags for her, she prefers the au naturel look) They are out on a stroll with a few German antique Sheep, one who broke her nose, but I still love her. (no it doesn't hurt)

Here they are playing games in the Victorian Baby Cups with a pair of legs. The broken nose sheep is really on her best behavior since she hasn't eaten the piece of chocolate cake (yet), although I think the little sheep is about to swipe a few sugar cubes out of the sugar pot. sigh. It's tough keeping the sheep in line, but they do add such charm, and the dolls really like their company (not neccessarily at tea time)