Restoring our chandelier ancien

We've been thinking of replacing our trés ancien chandelier that hangs so low in the middle of our lounge room (and occasionally whacks us over the head). But today I thought that rather than replacing the old beauty, perhaps it could just do with a small revamp. After all, it would be a shame to discard something which seems to be as old as the building itself. The brass and crystal needed some heavy duty polishing, the light sticks needed straightening and fixing and I couldn't stand the yellowing colour of the sticks. So out came the gloves, the spray and the paintbrush and I set to work. I polished each and every jewel and painted the sticks white, so that they blend more smoothly with the walls. I'm sure it's some sort of faux pas to paint an antique chandelier ... Nevertheless, I think it was necessary. Here are some photos of the improvement, however small. Bisous x

the old duck in need of repairs

tools for the project

half way through painting the sticks

sparkling crystals and white candlesticks

left over and broken crystals

the finished product

Le Puces de Saint Ouen

Oh yes, Le Puces de Saint Ouen - the biggest and most famous flea markets in Paris and the world (le puces literally means 'the fleas'). Scott and I took a trip out there on the weekend to see what all the fuss is about. Fuss? Mon dieu! The place is incredible and seriously huge, we spent hours there and really only scratched the surface. It's located just outside the northern periphery of Paris, near metro Porte de Clignancourt. From there, it's a short walk further north and before you know it, you're in the thick of traders and markets and wonderful vintage fleas! It's a place where antique collectors, designers and shop owners from around the world come in search of unique vintage furniture and accessories. There are several of these markets around Paris, but Saint Ouen is by far the largest, so I will need to return several times in order to do it justice. Here are some quick photos I took during our visit, as well as a detailed map and directions on how to get there, which may come in handy during your next Parisian visit. Bisous x

shoe lasts & letterpress. how great.

I really should have bought this chair

my lonely purchase. he needs a friend

It's difficult to find any clear or detailed instructions on how to get to these famous flea markets, so if you are ever interested in visiting Le Puces de Saint Ouen, just follow my lead - 

Le Puces de Saint Ouen - Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Paris.

1. Take metro line '4' to the last northern stop 'Porte de Clignancourt'

2. When you get out, orientate yourself - you should see a McDonalds directly across the road

3. Cross the road and spot the sign that says 'Le Puces' with a direction arrow

4. Follow the direction of the arrow north up the main road 'Av. de la Porte de Clignancourt'

5. Pass under the overpass / bridge, which has round circles on it

6. On your left, you will see Rue des Rosiers. Voila, the start of the fleas!

Remember to take cash or a cheque book, as there are only two ATMs and they get mighty busy!

map from metro Porte de Clignancourt to Rue des Rosiers

Candelaria - A Mexican Feast in Paris

We've heard a lot about the 3rd and 10th arrondissements lately, they seem to be areas in Paris that are full of interesting restaurants, innovative ideas and good simple food. So last night, Scott and I decided to jump the metro and check out these spots for ourselves. A few metro changes later, we popped up in the middle of the 3rd and strolled the streets to see what we could find. As usual, we were spoiled for choice, with restaurants and bars on every corner and down every lane - most serving up international dishes and with enticingly simple, eclectic decor. After a short walk, we found a tiny mexican restaurant, bursting at the seams (perhaps because it seated no more than 10 people), with diners spread across the bar and gulping down their fajitas at a small communal table at the entrance. It would be easy to walk straight past this place, dismissing it as a take away joint. It was simple but colourful and the food smelt amazing, so we decided to give it a go. We managed to find a seat at the only table, sat down, ordered a mix of everything on the short blackboard menu and waited for our food with a Mexican beer and tequila cocktail. Yummo. The food was fantastic and we woofed it down in no time! Afterwards we slipped through a nondescript door at the back (searching for les toilettes) and found a hidden bar, serving delicious and potent! cocktails. We stayed for a few & will return for more. x

Candelaria - 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris.

Market haul

I did a little bit of market trawling yesterday and found some fantastic textile / flea markets in the 18th arrondissement, called Marché Saint Pierre (and the surrounding streets). I spent a good couple of hours wandering the stalls, finding it trés difficult to narrow my choices to just 2 or 3 pieces. In the end I came away with a pretty good haul, at bargain prices! and am already looking forward to my next market discovery in this incredible city. I thought I'd do a little update on the house preparations, including some of my market buys and other bits and pieces, which are starting to find their way out of all the boxes! Lots of love, from the city of love. Bisous x

textile & rug haul. loveeee

new day bed - not quite complete, but getting there. home made cushions required

mirror image of the day bed and new rug

texture. texture. texture

beautiful wedding gifts finding their way out of the boxes

flea market finds

sneak peak at the reclaimed timber coat rack. more pics when it's good and ready

Les rues de Paris

We woke up early yesterday morning to enjoy a run through the quiet streets of Paris. We took a few different turns to normal and were pleasantly surprised to find many 'joggers' and cyclists out for their morning sessions along the Seine. Scott carried on for a few too many km's, so I headed home to get ready for our lazy saturday. We headed out again late morning, bought a couple of ah-maze-ing croissants, which seemed to evaporate before our eyes! and then stopped in at our favourite cafe for an indulgently expensive (but so very good) latte. On our way home, we wandered through the local food markets, which sell beautiful organic produce and everything under the sun. The markets are so colourful and have an abundance of stalls, selling bread, butter, meat, veges, pastries, flowers, herbs and spices, a million cheeses! and wonderfully fresh seafood. Délicieux! Here are some photos from our day out and about en Paris. Bisous x

morning stroll to coffee

cafe coutume

le marche

pomme de terre

 

queueing for frommage