Local French Finds: Wisteria Antiques

Every once in a while you come across a spot so special you just have to share it with the world. Wisteria is one of those spots for me, and I think you, my fellow francophiles, will love it too!

I’ve lived in Santa Cruz County for most of my life and it wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I finally made it into the shop. It’s totally nondescript and the location is such that half the time you pass it going the opposite direction and there is no easy turn into the parking lot.

But when you do? It is absolument worth it.

Wisteria antiques gives me my French fix everytime, without fail :: à coup sûr. 

The paved path brings you into a courtyard with a small country house on the right. When you enter the house it is like stepping into a French country kitchen and I just love it!

Already there is so much to look at and explore. Over the years I have purchased some adorable red and white bowls and am always tempted by the bee glasses!

Every inch of space in the house is filled with tempting French knick knacks, linens, candles, artwork, furnishings, and books.

I would happily just move right in!

I mean, champagne in bed…who could resist?

Beyond the main house, there are two more buildings filled to the brim with larger pieces of furniture – armoires, settees, and the like. I love to take my time and thumb through every book, explore every nook, and daydream…

There is an aviary with doves and fountains, flowers, plants, shrubs, and bistro table sets to covet.

I often wish I could bring a picnic and sit outside for an afternoon, sketching or watercoloring. #notsuretheydletme

I highly recommend you stop by this delightful shop and oasis the next time you are in town – or passing through. It is worth the stop, for sure!

Wisteria Antiques is located at 5870 Soquel Drive in Soquel, California. It is easy to get to off of Highway 1. Call for hours and directions: 831.462.2900

Until next time :: jusqu’à la prochaine fois, 

 

 

Local French Finds: Petite Provence in Capitola

Located near Capitola Village in the seaside town of Capitola is one of my favorite French shops. Petite Provence manages to transport me to the South of France, if even for just a few moments.

Their bright outdoor display beckons you in…

 

Bonjour! Apre vous…

 

Upon entering you are not disappointed! The smell of lavande greets you as you enter the bright and festive shop.

I may have to go back and get the letters to spell out bienvenue for my entry way!

If you are looking for gifts for les enfants in your life, this is a good place to start!

I told the shopkeeper that if I worked there I would never actually bring home a paycheck, having spent all my earnings on things like these earrings, because one can never have too many Eiffel Towers around.

And these canisters would look très mignon sur mon comptoir #verycuteonmycountertop

And perhaps this for my front door. It’s a good sized one, not like mignon but trop petit one I have out front now.

With all this talk of le shopping I think I need to take a nap…off to bed!

Really, this is only a small sample of what they have to offer at Petite Provence. They are primarily known for their authentic French table linens in all sizes and patterns.

Owner Veronique Evenhouse is from the South of France and sources all of her linens from France, with the help of her maman who lives in Nice.

I strongly recommend that if you are in the area you stop by for a visit – you can fortify yourself with a stop at Gayle’s Bakery beforehand for un espresso et un kouign amann. #mynewfavoritepastry

jusqu’à la prochaine fois :: until next time, 

Jessica

 

Book Giveaway: Weekend in Paris

Win my copy of Weekend in Paris! :: Gagner ma copie de week-end à Paris!

I am not sure where I picked up this delightful book, but I am happy I did.

Weekend in Paris by Robyn Sisman was just the right dose of light, escapist fun I needed for a weekend at the lake.  I was sorry to hear that the author passed away just a few months ago. She has written similar sweet stories set in New York, London, and other jet-set locations.

This is literally a used copy (it was used when I got it and then it was on a 3 day camping trip with us!) but it is still fully functional!

I’ll be adding in un autre petit cadeau as well. I guarantee you will be happy with your gift!

Please help me spread the word, not only about the giveaway but also about my blog and Dreams in French Facebook page and don’t forget, you can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

To enter: either comment on this blog or comment on the Dreams in French Facebook page and tell me your favorite place to read.

Winners will be chosen at random on August 31st!

Merci et bonne chance!

 

Hello Old Friends :: Bonjour Vieux Amis

deux choses :: two things

1. WordPress says it has been FIVE MONTHS since my last post here.

How can that be true? I am ashamed! Please accept my deep apologies. Here I am asking you to follow on this fun francophile journey with me and then I just disappear.

Je suis vraiment désolé. 

I have been spending more time on my Dreams in French Facebook page, which you can like and follow here: https://www.facebook.com/dreamsinfrench/.

2. Coincidentally, as I signed in to write this post WordPress told me that I launched this page one year ago!

So not only do I say:

 

 

 

 

I also say:

Please stay tuned as I will begin to post again and get this blog up and running! I have so many fun French shops to share, bakeries and croissants to taste and review and books to give away!

Thank you for reading :: Merci d’avoir lu!

A bientôt,

Jessica

 

Bonjour! and a Book Giveaway

Bonjour! Ca va?

I know it has been ages since I have posted here. I have been focusing on other projects, such as my other blog vinegar and vanilla as well as writing a column for my local newspaper. The column is called The Creative Life  and is a delightful little column filled with interviews with writers, artists, and other creative types where we discuss their creative lives.

Speaking of delightful, have you read this book,  Paris in Love by Eloisa James? It is a sweet memoir of her family’s time spent in the City of Light and j’adore ça! 

I am cleaning out my bookshelves (a painful process, but I need to simplify) and came across several books that I put aside to give away here, on Dreams in French.

So here is your chance to get this perfect springtime read in your hands. Just leave a comment below and you will be entered into the drawing for this book! I will take all entries, toss them in un chapeau, et voila! Un gagnant :: a winner!

I will happily send the book to you if you are the winner!

Bonne chance! :: Good Luck!

Avec amour :: with love,

Jessica

Paris

I know Paris will regain it’s footing. I know we will return to the City of Light. I know good will prevail in our hearts and thus, the world.

Je sais :: I know

Avec amour et d’espérance :: With love and hope,

I want to live my dreams in French

I want to live my dreams

Do I dream in French? Oui.

And when I do I speak it well. Fluently.

I use it to buy fresh bread at the bakery :: la boulangerie. Warm, butter-filled pastries at la patisserie. Delicious and dreamy.

I have other dreams too.

One of them – you may guess – concerns writing.

La vie de l’écrivain :: the writer’s life.

I have written since I was a child. I wrote poetry in the shade of baby redwoods and composed ee cummings inspired poems. I paid more attention to the shape of the poem than the content.

I made up my own words. I was happy, content.

I have fallen in and out of love with my writing career over the years.

Poetry.

News reporting.

Magazine writing.

Press releases.

Marketing materials.

I published a book under a nome de plume last fall, and am currently writing the second book in the series.

My dream is to make a living as a writer. A simple living would be fine :: une vie simple serait bein. Très bien.

Et alors:: And so, I am making big changes, très grands changements,  in my life to see what I can do with more time to dedicate to my craft.

My art, my passion.

My dream in French. :: mon reve en français. 

Avec Amour,

Jessica