[ flea-ing in Paris ]

IT'S NO secret that one of my absolute favourite things is to go to flea markets, antique fairs, auctions, thrift stores and yard sales ~ most of which don't exist here in Dubai. So I wasn't going to pass up visiting the big Paris flea market, Les Puces Saint-Ouen.

We took the Metro up to the Porte de Clignancourt stop, walked past all the cheesy clothing stalls and arrived in heaven...

If you've never been, this place is HUGE. Filled with alleys of permanent little stalls overflowing with French goodness...

Here's a peek at some gorgeous eye-candy for you...

Even a stall named after my guy...

Time to refuel...

This is one market that could easily use a couple of days to get through. There were many areas that we had to pass right by due to time {and our feet were hurting and noses were cold}. I would recommend the Vernaison area and the Paul Bert area for sure and then add on the others if time permits.

So after this overload of vintage goodness, what did I buy?

Well, let's just say that anyone who lives in Paris is very lucky ~ just have it delivered and furnish your entire place in gorgeousness. I wasn't prepared to start shipping anything to Dubai so I only ended up picking a few small items {some other things I would have loved to go back to get, but neither one of us felt like navigating back through the stalls at the end of the day}. It was overwhelming and after a while I couldn't even think straight! And I had to consider ease of bringing home in my suitcase with airline weight limits.

So I came home with:

a vintage enamel house number...

an old metal sign stencil in my initial {to add to a gallery wall}...

a vintage French book with beautifully aged pages {perfect for crafting}...

and a vintage price sign from a French meat counter {perfect to frame with my other quirky kitchen art ~ the old milk bottle tops and potato sack tags}...

I know, they may not seem like mind-blowing purchases, but I had an amazing day. A bit cold to do in November ~ definitely better in warmer weather, especially for anyone who's not quite a diehard antiquer.

Stay tuned for the next instalment ~ the Paris Christmas Market and a wrap-up of miscellaneous Paris prettiness!

lisa

[ free amy butler holiday patterns ]

LOOKING TO do a bit of crafting before the holidays? Then head on over to Amy Butler to download some free pdf patterns!

Here's a sampling but there are others too!

Happy crafting!

lisa

[ my day so far ]

OK, REMEMBER when I was going on and on about missing fall? Well, for today, I take that back.

I decided to enjoy a lovely leisurely breakfast today on the terrace of my favourite place, Paul. The view overlooking the Burj Khalifa was beautiful...

After 6 months of sizzling heat, this is finally possible!

And check out this continental breakfast ~ baguette with jams, apricot pastry, latte and fresh squeezed oj....mmm carbs!

And how did I top off that wonderful breakfast experience? A bit of shopping of course!

I found these super comfy suede flats and decided to treat myself. After 4 years in rainy Ireland and not being able to wear suede, I can finally wear them without ruining them in the rain!

I love the neutral stone shade that will go with everything and the soles that are like running shoes.

How's your day panning out so far?

lisa

[ crazy about crochet ]

AREN'T THESE  pillowcases charming? I came across these at a lovely blog called rose hip and I was instantly smitten. The crocheted trim really adds the finishing touch to these pretty patterned pillowcases and would be equally as cute on some plain ones.

You can pick some up in Beata's Etsy shop here or try your hand at crocheting some of your own with this tutorial at You Go Girl.

I remember learning to crochet granny squares when I was a kid so this is probably something I could tackle. Do you crochet?

lisa

[ get your cable on ]

I WAS browsing around on Etsy and found the most adorable shop! Based in South Africa, Lynn Garrett of BiscuitScout, knits up the most amazing aran cable knit items for your home.

How about a chunky cable knit slipcover for your armchair? Or your IKEA ottoman?

If you're looking to add some fall coziness to your decor, a slipcover or throw from BiscuitScout may be just what you need.

I'm smitten. Have you found any fun Etsy shops lately?

lisa

[ a fab find, my painting and my console ~ for now ]

I WAS out browsing and came across this fantastic Jones & Sons jug. I immediately loved the burlap label and metal bands. So of course, I had to take it home. I thought it would be an interesting addition to my little collection of antique bottles.

I don't have a lot of display space in this apartment but I do have my console that has been crying out for a pretty display over it.

I decided to lean a painting I created a few years ago after our cruise trip to Venice.

I snapped this pic from the ship by zooming in as we passed by...

I loved how the photo became a bit grainy from zooming in so much and decided it would make an interesting painting.

After lots of intricate work, I think I managed to capture it quite well. Now, over my console, it adds a bit of colour and interest to a large blank wall...

My plan is still to create a large gallery wall on this wall but until then, this will do just fine {and it's nice to finally display my painting somewhere}.

Doesn't my new little jug look cute?

lisa

linking to A Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesday

[ the. cutest. thing. ever. ]

HAVE YOU EVER come across something so awesome that you just can't wait to blog about it?? Well, this weekend while we were out walking, we did...

If you're a knitter and are looking for a few supplies, then Winnie's Wool Wagon is here!

Whether it's wool you're looking for, a new pattern or some cute buttons to finish off your project, Winnie's got it in her adorable little truck. Just pop open the "canopy" and she's open for business!

Even the lights are adorned with little eyelashes!

Winnie's Wool Wagon officially wins my award for cutest thing ever. Can you imagine taking part in a craft fair with this little cutie? I want one.

lisa

[ familiar beauty ]

I RECENTLY came across the Etsy shop of Boston artist Leah Giberson and I was drawn to her stunning pieces depicting seemingly ordinary scenes. Her work, a combination of photography, painting and collage tends to include vacant streets, empty chairs, abandoned pools, ordinary houses and camper trailers, all familiar scenes that surround us everyday. I love how her use of shadow and the absence of people gives her work a quiet feel that some people may find lonely but I find quite serene and beautiful. Stop by her Etsy shop for more gorgeous examples of her work.

lisa