a morning on the farm

Dramatic skies, many colours and lots of brass rubbing this morning at Cragies Farm, just outside Edinburgh. Nothing much French here, except the 'Tour des Fermes', a sponsored cycle ride taking place over two days to six farm shops from South Queensferry to St Andrews and back again. Lovely idea.

catalog

Top images via cataloginteriors.com

 

 

 

Hark, we are into the 'bers; those months that herald the countdown to birthdays in our family, not to mention Christmas for an excited toddler. Having recently waved bye bye to summer (though was it ever really here this year?), almost as if by magic, the Autumn chill has arrived and on goes the heating.

 

Edinburgh born and bred, having left and come back again several times over the years, I periodically fall in and out of love with the city. It is beautiful and a great place to live quality of life-wise, but when I have just come back from a warm holiday away, am pining for France, or am feeling like the place has become a bit staid, Auld Reekie is, for a while, in my bad books. Then I meet someone new or spot some interesting looking venture that has recently popped up in town, be it a restaurant, gallery space or shop, and we are friends again.

 

A friend recently introduced me to Dixie, one half of the husband and wife team behind Catalog in Edinburgh's Stockbridge. The interior design business opened its doors in April 2012 and has come to join a host of complementary neighbours situated within walking distance of each other. Fast becoming the go-to area for interior design solutions and inspiration in the capital, this area of the city draws lovers of quality produce and goods of all kinds. 

 

It is reassuring to know that Catalog are doing their homework in keeping bang up to speed with current international trends, having in the last fortnight visited Paris Design Week 2012 and the London Design Festival 2012. The contemporary design store and consultancy is based in a beautiful Georgian building on St. Stephen Street (best known for its quirky antique shops, vintage clothing boutiques, restaurants and bars) and stocks a refreshing mix of modern furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories. And just in time for the change in season, currently in stock (with others due to arrive in store soon) is a variety of beautiful wool rugs by the French family-run textile company, Toutemonde Bochart. Some of their designs can be seen above. Keep an eye on Catalog's website as they are due to launch their online store soon.

 

 

 



vive les mariés!

 

 

 

My little brother got married.

Chris and Gemma nipped over the ocean in June and tied the knot at City Hall, New York, NY. Close family were in on the secret and we made sure they had some little bits and pieces from us to them on their wedding day, so they knew we were supporting their decision as a couple to do this alone, but most importantly that we were so happy for them both. We also knew there was an almighty party to be planned exactly three months later.

And that party took place on Friday night at the Royal Botanic Garden, in Edinburgh. Going back there under these circumstances was dreamlike, as my husband Sylvain and I were married there four years ago. The venue was perfect, the guests all on fine form and delighted to be brought together to mark this special occasion. Our daughter wore her new dress; the bride and groom had some snaps taken under a perfect rainbow; Gemma did all the flower arranging and made her real-fruit icing cupcakes, as only she can; and the mother-of-the-bride speech brought the house down. I made away with a few of the flower jars yesterday as we were tidying up the hall, now making a rather splendid display in our hall.

Well done again you two and Gemma, bienvenue dans la famille!