3 ans

  

 

 

Today we had a bit of an old school-style birthday celebration, for a modern day little girl. A handmade doll's house by mamy Odette (my mum), complete with bone-fide 1970s Playmobil that had been stored in the attic for years and have come out in perfect nick; a cake modelled on a St Michael 1980s classic; and pass the parcel played to a soundtrack of La Danse des Canards (The Birdie Song). Joyeux Anniversaire to our beautiful daughter, Ellie Rose.

Vacances Françaises

 

All images via vacancesfrancaises.com

 

 

If you're anything like me, you will always come back from a French holiday with at least one little reminder of that great getaway. For me this summer, it was the orange notebook I use for work.

 The guys behind Vacances Françaises are good, very good. Not only do their products remind me of wonderful visits to various parts of France throughout my life, but they conjure up childhood memories and times spent with my late grandparents. You can tell there is a lot of thought and genuine love behind this new venture. This lot have created a veritable box of little madeleines de Proust. Followers of Pas Mal will know I am a real supporter of 100% Made in France products of all kinds. And guess what? Vacances Françaises only deal in the real French deal.

 Have a wander round this lovely site and treat yourself to a few bits of nostalgia, make some new discoveries and check out the great gift ideas. I will be starting my Christmas present hinting soon...

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We are trying hard to settle back into life in Edinburgh after a restful fortnight in the Languedoc-Roussillon, but it has been a week of heightened emotions. It began with our daughter entering the unknown world of the crèche and with it, formal education. This was closely followed by a reunion with a friend I had not seen in 25 years, with our chiIdren. I also came runner-up in a photo/story competition for Plumo (black and battered shoe entry, above).  And then, whilst on a bus and stuck at a red light, I saw a young man on a bike crying. It broke my heart. I am matching the highs and lows of the week with some great French music heard on that great and recent, though somewhat distant, holiday away.

Video via You Tube: Les Rita Mitsouko - Marcia Baila

Video via You Tube: Serge Gainsbourg - La Javanaise

games we played

Remember these from when you were little? Once you had made the origami-like contraption, it might keep you amused for ages, telling fortunes and the like. This one is lying on the diningroom table today, with colours written in French. Nice wee thing, which is either on its way to, or from a French lesson.