Everyone usually has someone that inspires them creatively…whether it is decorating, cooking, crafting….creating in general.
Maybe you have someone that you look up to for their wisdom or advice.
Many women love Oprah. I mean LOVE Oprah.
I am not one of those girls. No thanks. I don't watch her show and if she has a book recommendation I run the other way.
Many women love Martha. Too perfect for me….at least on the surface. I don't change my curtains with the seasons or change my slip covers very often either.
When I make a butternut squash soup I buy my squash already pureed….gasp….from William Sonoma. I have made it completely from scratch and it tastes the same. I like many of her ideas, but I am not drawn to her.
There are few people that really embody the look and feeling that I admire so much.
That leads to me sharing who I admire creatively.
I am a huge fan of Kaari Meng of French General.
I love that she collects (and sells) vintage beads and French fabrics.
Her books are good for my soul!
Beautiful ideas that truly reflect a specific vintage style that I adore.
Whenever I receive an order from her shop I feel like it is Christmas…because she cares that it is wrapped as a gift when you receive it.
I just got these items in the mail and I have been oohing and ahhhing over them. Treasures to me. I can't wait to use them and make something special. Her things inspire my creativity and everything is pure eye candy.
About two weeks ago I was on Kaari's website and I saw that she was hosting a trip to the South of France…..yes, girls….heaven!!!!
I immediately covered the screen (to hide the cost) and asked my husband to come to the computer. Before revealing the price I told him I would do ANYTHING to go. Then I realized that she had no more vacancies left. I cried. Yes, I did. I was hoping at that moment that my period was right around the corner….but no it wasn't and I am just crazy. I would like to point out that I was not bawling or anything. Just wanted to clarify. My husband did look at me a little strange.
I then started reading to him the itinerary. He stopped me and said, "Jeanne, this trip is perfect for you. You have to email Kaari and and ask if there is a waiting list. We will figure everything out so you can go."
I couldn't believe it! I emailed Kaari right away and she let me know that she might be doing a trip again in the fall.
Girls…I am talking French chateau, flea markets and crafting with vintage treasures. It would be a miracle if I am able to go in the summer because it is completely booked but I am saving already for the fall trip.
I don't even care that I won't know anyone else on the trip. It is so me! I know I will make fabulous friends once I get there. Think of the things I would miss out on if I always had to wait for someone to do it with me. If you don't know Kaari, her site or her shop I know you will have the best time perusing through her shop. This is a girl that loves vintage finds like no one else I know.
count me in!!
that is incredibly awesome!! i am so happy for you. really and truly happy.
yes, her things are inspiring-i’ve checked out several of her books and love them.
you are an inspiration to me! i mean it.
have a great weekend jeanne.
chasity
I love French General too (my husband takes little orders from me when he’s on business in L.A.) It looks and sounds like the trip of a lifetime, Jeanne! Just amazing! Absolutely, you must go! BTW, good husband you have there. Can I live vicariously through you?!! I would SO love to go on that trip, but with my life-threatening food allergy, it’s very difficult for me to go on trips like that, hence our farmhouse (however, I did get to live in Paris for three years before the allergy developed, so it’s not so bad).
oh my gosh, how awesome would that be?? I cannot imagine doing something like that, but you would be so creatively FULL when you got back!!!
The flight would make me chicken out, but oh my gosh… how FUN!!! Jealous.
I love French General too!! She’s is amazing and inspiring – I love to just sit and look at those lovely books and feel happy! I looked at that trip too and in LA this last weekend someone was saying it was all booked. It is a dream trip – completely!! I would LOVE it!! What a sweetie of a husband you have – it makes all the difference when they “get” you and are supportive!!
i am soooo excited for you!!!
oh my gosh jeanne – i have goosebumps. how wonderful for you. my fingers are crossed for you. how perfect. what a sweet husband to realize that this trip is you!! i hope you get to go.
Did you say there is a fall trip, too? That one sounds even more heavenly! Think of the crisp air, the changing leaves, sipping hot cafe au lait! (are you feeling better about maybe having to wait?). 🙂
If there is a fall version of the trip — I just might start saving for it!
You are so sweet, Jeanne. Your reaction to this trip sounds so much like mine when I walked into The Paris Market in Savannah. I saw everything I love embodied in one space. Overwhelming.
Keep us all posted!
Ruth
How exciting!!!! You will have so much fun! Have a great weekend!
Jeanne
I have been begging my husband to go on that trip….I emailed her as well a few weeks ago…If a fall trip comes along count me in…we were also wondering if we could plan our own??? Just a thought?? It sounds like the time of my life too. I am with you on the Oprah and Martha thing, too commercial for me.
Let me know your thoughts….I really really want to go!
Janet
i would love love to go france, a girls dream come true , and Kaari always knows how to find the best vintage treasures !!! i went to her store french general in october – her store is amazing – i went CRAZY to say the least there she has the most amazing vintage finds , i have begun using them in my jewelry although i would rather just hoard them – LOL – anyways its guaranteed to be fantastic !!
xo,
beth
How lovely – thank you for sharing your special resource! I am so happy you get to go to France – very exciting!
oh my jeanne!!!
that is just incredible
yeah for you!!!
beautiful post too
signed….another non-oprah watcher, wink!
Thank you Jeanne for stopping by to see me! I just loved this story of you trying to go on this French trip & I so hope it works out for you. I’ve been to France & it is a wonderful place, as is Italy. Really hope it works out. Your blog is so pretty, btw! Hope you’ll come back to see me again.
I too love Kaari. It is heaven to sit and flip through her books and dream~ I hope you make the trip!
Bristol
I love your blog it is so pretty and I am going to have to check on French General. Thanks for visiting me too!
Stacy
What a beautiful blog you have! I’m so glad to have found you – you have impeccable taste!! It sounds like a wonderful trip – expect a detailed report!
It sounds like your husband is a gem. I hope it all works out beautifully for you and you are able to go! You deserve it. I’ll be living through you that week! Sounds like an amazing trip!
Girl, you must find a way to go!! Your husband is awsome to support you in this!…if you do go please take lots and lots of photos and document so we can live through your adventures! looks like some of the girls above feel the same way about this trip, how fun would it be to meet some of them in France!! fingers crossed for you…
I couldn’t agree more with your Oprah, Martha comments….!! We are such kindred spirits…LOVE the bag!!! 🙂 xo
P.S. I spent 6 weeks in the south of france when I graduated college….unfortunately it was before I was into ‘treasures’. However – it is one of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH. I am so jealous – and will pray that you make it there….!!! xoxo
I have that book too. It’s one of my favorites for a quick pick me up.
AND did you know she is coming out with fabric soon! We have been devotees of hers for a long time. Her store is a lovely place to visit. We did well with her things in our shop. She is talented and I agree with you. LOVed this post.
k & d too
I am so happy there will be a fall trip for you! What a BLAST!