A Few Of My Favourite Things

A few of my favourite Things

Pale pink rosy napkin rings. I've had them for years but I still love them.

Glass Domes are another favourite, I use them for food covering and displaying little nests or a simple pile of antique lace.

This milk jug was given to me by my Grandmother. When I was
not even tall enough to see over the bench tops in her kitchen, I would watch her make frothy strawberry milkshakes in it.
She would let me use a special spiral straw that I would just adore using and I'd watch the milkshake slowly rise up through the twists and turns of the straw. It was my favourite thing to do when I visited.

and by far my most favourite thing in the world is being a MUM !

I hope you all enjoyed visiting FRENCH BLUE AND PEACHY PINK this week. I have certainly enjoyed your company. Thankyou for your lovely emails and comments. I love hearing from you all.

NEXT WEEK I have a special story on FERNWOOD HIGH TEA. It is a magical place where I visit for high tea in the garden. There will be gorgeous fashions, delicious cakes and pretty flowers.
and don't miss another of my lead up to Christmas specials where I will share another Christmas creation.
So enjoy your weekend and ALWAYS REMEMBER.....to take time to smell the roses. Life is too short to miss the beauty that surrounds us.
                                               xo

Dance As Though No one Is Watching

Dance As Though No one is watching.......

AND That is just what these very special people did one very fabulously, amazing night.

Today I bring you a very talented group of performers. They are 'ENCORE ON STAGE'.  They are a group of people of all ages who have a range of different intellectual and physical disabilities. They have performed in the USA in Disneyland and for numerous community concerts. They are an inspiration to all who have been so lucky to see them.  Every single one of them is a star in their own right and the carers who teach them their dances and are their friends are stars as well........
                                           AND
           THEY DANCE AS IF NO ONE IS WATCHING.

(I apologise for the poor quality photos as my camera doesn't perform too well in the dark.)

The very lovely Laura looking as gorgeous as she always does !

Isn't she precious !  She thought she was a true Rock and roll star !  and you know what.....SHE WAS !!  you go girl !!

My gorgeous brother 3rd from the left

Belly dancing beauty.

This beauty I have known since she was a toddler. She always has a huge big hug for me and has the biggest heart in the world.

Doesn't his smile light up your day !

To my brother Scott,

I am so very proud of you and your dancing.

May you always dance as though no one is watching.

Lots of Love

Sis

xo

May Angels Wrap Their Wings Around You

Sometimes in one's life we fall into a dark hole......

That dark hole is a very lonely place .......it seems like the world is against you. It feels like every thorn in the world is in your side.

When these moments arrive REMEMBER and KNOW, that angels walk beside us every day.

They are silent beings who hold our hearts tenderly in their hands. They are the silent words in our head that tell us not to cross the road when it is not safe. 

They are the breeze that sweeps past you when you could swear that someone just passed by.

They are the invisible touch on your shoulder and when you turn around there is nobody there.

They have been with you from the beginning and they will be there to embrace you when it is your time to depart

They are sometimes living creatures who come in the form of a friend.
They are sometimes a Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle or even a child.

They are sacred beings to be acknowledged and thanked.
Their grace, wisdom and love keep us safe..........BUT.......
occasionally when the world goes crazy and sorrow and negativity arise....it is then, that the angels will tenderly hold your hand, walk beside you and wipe away your tears. You are NEVER alone in this world.
  .................................................................................


Dear friend of mine....(you know who you are).  I want you to know that happiness always shines in the face of adversity. Love will ALWAYS win over hate. Twinkling stars will always outshine a dark night. Find the goodness that is everywhere in this world and let it defeat the negativity. Do not let the darkness win your fight !
                                           
I would like to gift you a gift....
Beyond the clouds of darkness  I have a special place that I have visited before. It lies in a beautiful garden in the back of my mind. I walk up the front path of a beautiful country house and as I look into the house, you can see straight through into the back garden. It is in this garden that you find a little seat.

It is sitting on a cobblestone path and surrounded by rambling roses and centuries old fruit trees.  It is in a sunny position and is warm and safe. 

I will lend you this safe place to go to when times are tough.  Close your eyes and think of it and you will be there in an instant.  Spend a few moments there, gather your thoughts and remind yourself that you are strong and can win this fight.  The door into this place is always open to friends.........

BE STRONG and always know that you are loved. 

                                 Blessings and friendship

                                            Melanie

                                                 xo

Christmas Feature No.1.....French Blue Christmas Bird

Each week on FRENCH BLUE AND PEACHY PINK I will be bringing you something beautiful to inspire you for your Christmas/Holiday  decorating.

Please visit and let your creative imagination run free.

Christmas Feature Story

Week No.1

It all began when I spotted this pretty French Blue birdie....

He was the perfect shade of French Blue and I could just see him sitting ever so happily among the branches of our Christmas tree this year.

So I found some pretty cream antique lace.
Some crystals off an old discarded chandelier
A sweet little Robin's nest from my friends tree
A beautiful yellow cockatoo feather from my Grandparents garden
A beautiful antique light shade I once found at an antique store
AND some CREATIVE SPIRIT.....

AND I LET MY MIND RUN FREE
                  AND SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL HAPPENED....

and I think the result is quite beautiful !

Each week on FRENCH BLUE AND PEACHY PINK I will be bringing you something beautiful to inspire you for your Christmas/Holiday  decorating.

Please visit and let your creative imagination run free.

Have a beautiful day and thankyou for visiting
     FRENCH BLUE AND PEACHY PINK
                               XO

Introducing 'A Touch Of Tuscany'

Introducing 'A TOUCH OF TUSCANY'

'A TOUCH OF TUSCANY' is located in the hustling community of Hamilton, NSW Australia.   It is full of beautiful French inspired home wares and furniture. The lovely owner Nicole Curran has quite the flair for all things gorgeous and has created a little piece of girl heaven in her store.  You will find beautiful pieces of quality furniture, French settees, glassware, linen, towels, jewellery, clothing........the list is endless.

http://www.touchoftuscany.com.au/

and my personal favourite

The  Laura Ashley gumboots.....I love these !!!

They come with a coordinating kneeling pad and the prettiest basket for all of your gardening utilities.

I can see these happy little gumboots at the back door of my house next to my gardening bench......I might have to speak to Santa !

http://www.touchoftuscany.com.au/

'A TOUCH OF TUSCANY'

I love their range of hand creams, room sprays,candles and soaps.

A huge big French cupboard is packed to the brim of colourful bottles. The only thing left to decide is which one to buy........

http://www.touchoftuscany.com.au/

I love the stunning display of turquoise and white china. A must have for any pretty French inspired kitchen or dining room. Teamed with the lovely linens that "A Touch Of Tuscany' sells it would create a beautiful display.

http://www.touchoftuscany.com.au/

Working Bee....This Weekend....Be There !

Working Bee....our place....this weekend !

I have an absolute tonne of things to do.  Where to start is the question ?

I have white chairs that are just a little bit too chippy and shabby, so they need to be washed and painted.

I have a pair of single beds that also need to be stripped, sanded and painted.

I'd love to move some furniture around and give our home a fresh look.....you know how you just need a change ?

I'm sure my husband will be glad to go back to work on Monday !  He kind of likes to hide from me when I get into this 'Lets have a working bee mode !'   

I have a pair of these divine iron pedestal and urns at the front door of our home. When I bought them they were white with touches of rusty. Now they are just plain old rusty !!   Time for a lick of paint.  I have heard that if you paint the iron with a special mixture and then rub yogurt all over it then the iron will turn all mossy and gorgeous looking. Can anybody send me any tips about this ?
 I saw it on a television program years ago and I'd love to try it.

Next week on French Blue and Peachy Pink
I will bring you a beautiful new home wares store full to the brim of gorgeous goodies.
I will begin a countdown to Christmas. I will dedicate one day each week to share a Christmas craft, decorations, stories, recipes and other lovely bits and bots with you all.
Can't wait to see you all then !

                       ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND
                                           xo

An Afternoon Amongst The Roses

Eye candy for the soul.......

My first flush of 'Seduction' roses for the Spring. They are blooming happily away in a sunny corner of my garden.  I thought they were so pretty I wanted to share !   xo

Antique Victorian Fan

Look what I found whilst antique shopping......gorgeous bone,lady's fan with tortoiseshell handle. LOVE ! 

Once Upon another lifetime.......I am sure I was a lady in Victorian times.  I am so in love with that era !   Swishy long, lacey petticoats, beautiful dresses, lace high necked collars and gorgeous gloves.  Sipping tea out of dainty china teacups and strolling down a sunny street with a pretty silk parasol.  
Yes I know ,I am a hopeless romantic !

French Blue Finds

French Blue finds at Shabby Sheilas......

http://www.shabbysheilas.com/

Loving the wire hurricane lamp !   Absolutely perfect for an outdoor entertaining area on a Warm Summer night

Shabby Sheilas signature BLISS AT HOME range is now available in this gorgeous natural colour with french blue rose design. 

Pretty In Pink.....A Shabby Sweet Place To Rest

So as promised I bring you some gorgeous inspiration from 'Shabby Sheilas'.  I adore this big, white armchair. It has removable slipcovers, is made with good sturdy linen fabric and is available in either plain white or natural with a fresh indigo stripe running through the middle. I love slipcovers !  I have four children who sometimes have grubby little fingers and two cats who leave their fur on our white sofa's.  Thank goodness for slipcovers, they can easily be removed, soaked in the washing machine and come up as good as new.  Family and friends told me I was crazy to choose white but I find them great and I would buy white again in a heartbeat whenever I buy a new sofa.
http://www.shabbysheilas.com/

I am loving this mossy green clock.....a very sweet way to wake up in the morning!

A happy display of pink tulips gives instant room colour.

and

A tin of beautiful cards is a must have for any lady's desk. I always keep a box of cards and pretty wrapping paper to have at hand for the next birthday approaching. 

All of these pretty in pink pieces of gorgeousness are available from

SHABBY SHEILAS

visit their online store

or their wonderful store in Hamilton, NSW Australia

http://www.shabbysheilas.com/