Win A Magical Makeover

copyright Carla Coulson

After living a stressful London life and the kids had grown up and left home, the time was right for me to follow my dream of being a freelance writer and PR. Mr B and I re-located from the suburbs of London to the depths of the French countryside and I swopped suits and heels for jeans and wellies.

I have spent the winter wrapped up in layers of thermals and now with the arrival of spring, I feel like a chrysalis emerging blinking into the sunlight....but what to wear??

Now one of my favourite bloggers and inspirational photographer Carla Coulson is offering a makeover and photo shoot in Paris, the city of lights. The glamour, the romance....ooh how I would love to win the opportunity to feel bien dans sa peau "good in my skin" for once. And... the prize is even more exciting because you get to share the experience with a friend, sister, daughter.

To enter like Carla on Facebook or click on the link below http://carlacoulson.com/2012/03/win-a-portrait-shoot-and-make-over-in-paris-or-sydney.html

Flower Therapy

My most productive working from home days are the ones where I stick to an office routine.  An early start sitting at my desk, dressed, dog walked and dishwasher unloaded...ready to go. 

One of the joys of working from home in the depths of rural France is that I have beautiful countryside right on my doorstep.  If I need a quick break I just step outside and drink in the view.  Arriving back at my desk refreshed and invigorated. 

I take time out during lunch break to get away from the computer and telephone and go for another dog walk or do a simple but satisfying project like plant window boxes.  I found these pretty Pacquettes, red daisies, that happen to match my shutters and front door.  

Family Ties

February half term was spent in Cornwall, south west England.  We organized a family reunion, there was 15 of us aged from 4 years up to 70 something.  We rented two cottages on a farm with goats, chickens and ducks.  The farm was in a wooded valley with a tiny train station up the lane.   Our family travelled, from South London, Sussex, Wales, Yorkshire, Somerset and France for the get together.

The farm had lots to keep everyone amused and with the seaside just 10 minutes away and the lure of Cornish icecreams and delicious pasties – everyone was happy.

It was a lot of work and a bit of an effort to get there but it was definitely worth it. We all had a great time, it was lovely to be together even if for a short time.  Although phone calls, emails and SKYPE are good for keeping in touch nothing beats a hug or three!!

So if you are thinking of getting together with relatives or friends, and the weeks and the months are rushing by……put a date in the diary and just DO IT!!

Deep Freeze Summer Makes Winter Warmer

 Snow on the ground and temperatures way, way below zero and we are reaping  the rewards of last year’s harvest.  Last summer we picked windfall apples, hedgerow blackberries and from our garden and friends’ gardens, beetroots, runner- beans, carrots, cherries, raspberries, rhubarb, pears, tomatoes and herbs.   It was a few weeks of hard graft, picking, peeling, chopping, parboiling and freezing but – it was so worth it.

We have a freezer full of ready to use fruit and vegetables – healthy and economical convenience food!   Jars of jams and chutneys made great Christmas presents and we still have some left for ourselves.   Cakes, dinner and desserts are never a problem.  And when I lift the lid off the frozen parsley, mint and basil leaves they release beautiful memories of a gorgeous hot summer’s day.

Top Freezing Tips

Pick only the best of the crop and then wash and pat the leaves or fruit dry. 

Then spread out on a tray or baking sheet in the freezer.   Tomatoes can be frozen like this and they are great for home- made passata, soups or stews.

When completely frozen store in a plastic container in the freezer.

For apples, pears, runner beans, carrots, etc – wash first, core and peel, blanche in boiling water for two minutes, then cool.  Slice into bite sized pieces, drain and place in freezer bags in serving sized portions.  Remove air, seal, label and freeze.  

Do you freeze fruit and vegs?  I would love to hear how you get on.

Flippin' Great



traditional French crepes

Pancake Day, or Le Chandeleur is a catholic religious festival here in France.  Le Chandeleur celebrates 40 days since Jesus was born and his first visit to the Temple to be baptised.

Well, lots of French festivals go hand in hand with delicious food and Le Chandeleur is no exception.  Anytime is a great excuse for crepes.  Wafer thin and sweet or savoury  - naughty dripping with Nutella or a healthy option with fresh fruit. 

In the old days, eggs were stored during winter in a large earthenware pot in the dark under layers of salt.  Any eggs that were left over were used up at Le Chandeleur to make way for the new, fresh ones. 

And if you hold the pan in your left hand and hold a coin in your right hand, and successfully flip the crepe, you will have good luck for the rest of the year.

So get flippin'.



A Cold Snap

Yesterday, the snow arrived, just about 10cms but it covered everything.   The road was soon clear and the day went on as planned. We met new friends who made the hour's drive from the top of the parc to come and see us for the afternoon.  They said the roads were OK but pretty icy through the forests near us.

Today, the first of February and the snow is still here but it has got much, much colder.  The post lady told me it was -6! No wonder the dog didn't want to go out first thing.  Mr B has spent all day trying to keep the fires well stocked.  I spent the day working from the kitchen table - the warmest room in the house.

We went for a very brisk walk after lunch.  The sun was shining but the wind chill took our breath away.

Back indoors, and back to work at the kitchen table.  I was getting colder and colder and thought I could hear the wind roaring upstairs.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  Our bedroom window had been blown wide open from behind the shutters.  The wind was so strong that Mr B had to nail the windows shut.  The bedroom is still cold.

I think I might sleep down in the kitchen tonight!

Let's Dance, Morvandiaux style

photographed at Chateau Chinon Fete 15 August

After a couple of weeks of fog, and a couple of snow showers I am pining for some sunshine and summer days.   That’s why I was so happy when I found a clip of a traditional Morvandelle dance on YouTube.  It reminds me of the fetes, parties and dances that take place in villages all over Le Morvan during the summer.

The dancing couple above are wearing traditional Morvandiaux costume.  The man is wearing clothes worn by a Galvacher, an ancient carter.  Les Galvachers left their villages in May of every year for at least six months to find work.  They “hired” their carts pulled by Charollais cattle for heavy duty haulage work.  Charollais cattle, the local beef cattle, are capable of pulling several tons of timber.

There is Les Galvachers museum at Anost, a pretty town surrounded by steep forest-covered hills.  Anost also hosts the Festival de la Vielle (Hurdy Gurdy Festival) every August.  Well worth a visit to listen and dance to the traditional foot tapping music mixed with musical influences from around the world.

The YouTube clip shows  accordions, hurdy gurdies, vielles and French bagpipes, cornemuses, accompanying La Sauteriotte, a folk dancing group at the Fete de la Myrtille in Glux en Glenne.  A popular dance called the Bourre´e includes quick, skipping steps and some versions even include a run.  The dancers wear wooden clogs, or sabots which emphasise the sounds, a  bit like the idea of tap dancing. 

Traditional hand made clogs can be seen being made at Goloux shop and clog making museum and a shop in the shadows of Saint-Pere, Vezelay.  

As the sky outside darkens heralding more snow….it is good to think back to those summer days full of music, brightly coloured skirts whirling and dancing.