My French discovery (what I did on bloggy rehab weekend 2)

Hello, sweet PB friends, all 162 of you (welcome newbies!). My bloggy rehab is still (more or less) on track. I’m following 236 blogs (I added some interesting German ones yesterday but it’s still better than 532!). I hardly check my stats anymore. The computer was turned off for most of the weekend. This is my first post since Friday. On Saturday, Mr PB and the pixies attended a 5th birthday party all afternoon. That left me four whole hours to spend as I pleased. And, consistent with last weekend’s little success, I spent some more time alone to wander around this fair city.

So I went shopping (like any sane girl would). As soon as I walked in the door of Chez moi, I was transported. To Francophile heaven. So, how about we walk in together. Here’s the shopfront. Let’s open the front door.

Hmm, what can we see? Something whimsical for the wall, maybe?

Some tin boxes, silver dragonflies or a domed cake stand, maybe? Some dainty macarons would look a treat under that glass.

Maybe something for the wall?

Too touristy for you? Well, how about these fine-feathered friends, then, complete with wheels. Now they are seriously chic pull-along toys for littlies. I wonder if Sammy fancies one.

And then, over in the corner, you’ll find these beauties. Hmm, what’s not to like? The monogrammed cushion had me entranced. They’re made by the delightful proprietor, Karen. And to order, if I’d like. Squeal! I love the old pitchers (oh, and the ribbons!) and the wooden fleur-de-lis ornaments. Those jaunty cockerels are quite fetching too, don’t you think?

Here’s a close-up. I’m such a sucker for monogrammes. Hmm, I can see this working in navy…

Now just step to the left and feast your eyes on these pretties. I think a few of those tin hearts might wend their way to Planet Baby’s Christmas tree this year. Do you like the string balls, Deb?

I like this rustic looking notebook, tied with string. Maybe I could use that for my bloggy jottings. Do you want one?

What about these beauties, just around the corner? Couldn’t you just see them reclining lazily in a dish? You could stuff them with tissue paper like here or tie some ribbons around their stems. Easy peasy French style. A certain je ne sais pas. 

I’m quite taken by this elegant tin. What would you store in it? 

And how about these tin magnets. They’re quite fetching, don’t you think? I love their aged look.

And look over there – how about a vintage luggage tag for your next travels? Handmade by clever Karen.

So, PB friends, do you like what you see? It’s only a fraction of what’s on offer. There's also stationery, stickers, jewellery, riboons, scarves, linen - you name it, she has it. I could have bought every single thing in there. I spent at least an hour in there, taking photos – Karen graciously let me snap away for this post. She’s planning on getting a website up and running soon, maybe even with an online shop.

I had an interesting chat about how she started the business just over a year ago. She saw a (huge) gap in the Hobart market and went for it. She’s never travelled to France but hopes to visit next year. She sources most of her goodies online, through trade shows in Sydney and Melbourne and then makes the rest, consistent with the French ethos of running a ‘chez moi’ business. She monogrammes handtowels and face washers, hand stamps greeting cards, makes earrings, sews heart garlands and cushions – the list is endless. She is one seriously crafty lady. Oh, and a busy mum as well. I am seriously impressed. And the prices were extremely reasonable, to boot. Hmm, I think most of my Christmas shopping might just well take place here…

And well, a girl can’t go shopping without, well, buying something, can she? Here are the goodies which made their way home with me to Planet Baby. Starting with these two pretties. Aren’t they just darling?

I was most impressed at her gift wrapping, complete with hand stamped ribbon.

Inside was this gorgeous tin. It’s meant to house teabags but given I’m not a tea (or coffee) drinker, I’ll use it for something else. And, yes, for the eagle-eyed, it matched the letter holder I mentioned here.

And I couldn’t resist this little Cavallini & Co cardboard folder. I’m sure it will be just perfect for storing, well, something.

This sweet little postcard is frame-worthy, wouldn’t you say?

Now, I’m not a scrapbooker, but I think I’ll be able to put these Gallic papers to good use. Hmm.

So, was that fun? What takes your fancy? Would you like to visit there? Do tell. I’ve found another French shop which I’ll share with you soon. Yes, I’m a happy Francophile in this little place!