As anyone who knows me can tell you...I am French at heart. I love anything relating to this beautiful country, and spent several years studying the language in school {although a brush up would be more than necessary for me to converse with a francophone}. As of yet, I have not made it across the ocean...but I try to create a French ambiance all around me...and long to own a home filled with French antiques. In the meantime, I try to find small treasures that help bring this distinct style into my life {whilst sticking to a rather tight budget}. One particular source that I often travel to for inspiring French style and finds is my dear friend, Tracie's blog(s) and website {two of which I had the pleasure of designing with her}. Recently, she added some objets d'art to her site...and while I have been watching my wallet...I simply had to have one...
This stunningly beautiful Marie Antoinette vintage ink bottle, that I have affectionately named "My Petite Marie," was created with such care and attention to details. I knew that it would be beautiful and fit perfectly into my home, but I had no idea the gorgeous scent would waft through the air so lusciously! I wish I could capture it here for you to enjoy as well...it truly is amazing!
Thank you Tracie for sharing your beautiful creations with us to enjoy! Tracie also has a gift for sending out lovely packages...she included a special gift for me with my purchase...
She also threw in more of the wonderful French tea she sends me often...and included a special something from her pal, Zeke...to my Renoir...
{there were more...but Renoir already enjoyed them...}
In the past Tracie has blessed me with other beautiful French treasures...including this lovely religious statue...
And the beautiful mother-of-pearl opera glasses that I have shown on my blog before, were a purchase from her lovely shop, with which she also included a beautiful old French postcard...
I am sure that most of you have already found your way to Tracie's beautiful "world"...but if not...you must run...not walk...over there right now! You will not be disappointed...I promise.
Where you can find Tracie...
My Petite Maison {her petite shop filled with French treasures}
Blogs:
My Petite Maison {musings from her petite life}
Reverie My Petite Maison {her shop blog}
Till next time...
love the Marie Antoinette piece! very unique. I just finished a book on her a week ago and am still struck be her tragic life.
Oh and I took that design quiz on Sproost, it said i matched 0% what?! what does that mean? my hubby says it means i should let the dogs decorate our home instead :-/
have a good afternoon
Posted by: Lizzie | February 23, 2009 at 03:26 PM
Hi Alice,
Your photos are gorgeous. Merci de partager Marie. She looks beautiful and right at home with all your treasures. I knew you'd find just the right place for all your pieces. Any chance I could send you items and you could stage them for moi? Vous êtes un cher ami!
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | February 23, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Such beautiful pieces! Tracie does have many lovely things in her shop!! I really love Marie and the religious statue - so pretty!! Thanks for sharing your treasures!
Posted by: Jackie | February 23, 2009 at 04:13 PM
I have purchased a few things from Tracie as well and now that I see that lovely little Marie I think I need to stop back by. *S*
xo,
Lesley
Posted by: Lesley | February 23, 2009 at 05:00 PM
Thanks for the tip, those are lovely things!
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 23, 2009 at 05:19 PM
What a beautiful piece Alice and it fits perfectly in your home! And I must say...Your photography...once again you hit it out of the park girl! You have amazing skills!!
Blessings!
Posted by: Sandi | February 23, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Love the inspiration for the Easter season. Beautiful photos, nice work dear one!
Posted by: Heather W. | February 23, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Oh, I see my budget going right out the window with that sweet "petite Marie" calling my name! I love Tracie's blog and shop!
Robin
Posted by: RobinfromCA | February 24, 2009 at 01:20 AM
Tracie has an amazing shop and style. It all fits in wonderfully with your home.
Posted by: Andrea | February 24, 2009 at 09:36 AM
What beauties. I hope you get to make it over to Paris sometime soon. Maybe an anniversary trip for you and Josh. Now, wouldn't that be nice! :)
Posted by: Shana | February 24, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Bonjour chère Alice !
A new lovely photo's series !! Your Marie-Antoinette is really a gorgeous piece !
Friendly,
Béa
Posted by: lilidebretagne | February 24, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Just love the Marie ink bottle, I bet it looks just stunning in person. The opera glasses are beautiful....
By the way, What a sweet cherub.
Stephenie
Posted by: Stephenie | February 24, 2009 at 04:24 PM
What a wonderful Marie Antoinette piece you were able to get! Just love all your pictures.
Posted by: Sheila R | February 24, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Kiss from PARIS
Your " Marie Antoinette " is beautiful !!!
Posted by: Erika | February 25, 2009 at 02:10 AM
it's all so beautifull!! sorry, but I do live too far away, otherwise I would visit her shop to see it all...
Posted by: sylvia extra | February 25, 2009 at 09:00 AM
ohhh i am just drooling here !! love love everything !!
xoxo,
beth
Posted by: beth | February 25, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Good morning Alice... as usual, what a delight coming here... your blog, your photographs, music... oh lala I'm in France.... ;) and I really love your new blog banner, so sweet and chic.... you're amazing.... have to tell you also that of all the cottages portrayed during the years at "Cottage of the Month", yours is the prettier, the softer, the cozier... I love all the neutral tones and antiques and best of all, your lovely home decor is not overpowering like others... you have the perfect touch... and I love it, I could (and I actually do) spend hours looking at pics of your romantic home...
Blessings my dear.... make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!
Hugs cielo
Posted by: Cielo | February 25, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I just love those bottles that Tracie did. She is just as lovely as her shoppe...we will be going flea marketing together soon.
Your blog is just wonderful and I love your style...i visit sites that you have developed often.
Cathleen alyce
Posted by: Cathleen alyce | February 25, 2009 at 05:06 PM
What wonderful treasures, love them all!! Your blog is truly inspirational!
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | February 26, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Stopped in by way of Ruth's over at The Beautiful Life. I just wanted to say "Hi" and peak around ~ Everything is beautiful!
Have a great evening,
~ Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | February 26, 2009 at 03:01 PM
Hi Alice,
I discovered your blog a few weeks ago. It is absolutely lovely! Then I read TBL today and read your comment about 'comments' and realized that I hadn't left you a comment. So here it is! Beautiful blog, and you have a beautiful home.
I also have a blog and have some devoted readers, but not that many comments. I go through the same thing you mentioned. But in the end, you have to blog because you love it.
Hopefully, we will gain readers slowly but surely! I hope my blog gives others some pleasure, and I sure know it gives me great pleasure.
Best wishes,
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia Hill | February 26, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Nice photos................!!
Posted by: ewa-christine | February 27, 2009 at 03:30 AM
Bonjour Alice. Je suis très contente d'avoir découvert votre site via le BLOG de Nostalgia at stone House (Angleterre). J'aime beaucoup votre style!
Isabelle x
Posted by: Suzy's Vintage Attic | February 27, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Bonjour Alice. Je suis très contente d'avoir découvert votre site via Nostalgia at stone House (Angleterre). J'aime beaucoup votre style!
Isabelle x
Posted by: Suzy's Vintage Attic | February 27, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Alice, I just love Tracie. She is such a darling...thanks for showcasing her so beautifully! xo rachel
Posted by: Rachel Going | February 27, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Trois années - joyeux anniversaire Renoir!
Écorce~Zeke
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | February 27, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Your photographs are just lovely. Thanks for sharing your friends blog with us, she has lovely things. Such a treat to peek around and daydream. You both do such a great job! Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Nancy | February 28, 2009 at 07:43 PM
Tracie always has such great stuff. How lucky to get a Petite Marie! Blessings... Polly
Posted by: Polly | March 03, 2009 at 04:28 PM