Femme De Montmartre

Welcome 2012!

2011-12-31T08:24:00.002+11:00

image; galerie montmartre

Happy New Year! I wish you and your loved ones all the best for 2012!

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, thank you for enjoying Galerie Montmartre and all we have to offer. Femme De M is a wonderful addition to my life, and our business, I have lovely plans for it next year....and actually time to devote to it now that the Petits are growing up.

So, I'm going to sign off for 2011 and come back in February feeling refreshed and ready for a new year, full of promise; knowing all the new developments will fall into place and that 2012 will be a year of positive change.

xxx

Galerie Montmartre's Annual Sale

2011-12-29T08:04:00.004+11:00

image; shopvaganza.com

Yes, it's that time of year in Australia when retail stores drastically reduce their prices. Galmont certainly don't want to miss out on all the fun. We have reduced the price of every single small and medium vintage advertising poster. And, if you've had your eye on a large vintage poster, we ask you to 'make an offer' between now and Dec 31st, see if we can all come to a happy compromise.

If you are in the Fitzroy vacinity, please drop by and say hello. Of course, we will also honour all email enquiries for our Interstate and International friends. Oooh, yeah, let's spread the original vintage poster love, people!!

Galerie Montmartre - Original Vintage Posters

197B Brunswick St. (enter via Moor St)

Fitzroy, 3065

Tues - Sun 10 - 5pm.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:57:00.004+11:00

image; galerie montmartre

Thank you for taking the time out to read this sporadically posted blog!

I am looking forward to a relaxing few days.

I wish you & your people a wonderful holiday season xxx

Christmas Decoration Envy...

2011-12-22T22:12:00.005+11:00

image; jane hall - salvation jane

Yes, I have it. Yes, I'm that shallow.

If I knew exactly where Jane lived (we live in same postcode, I believe....or nearby neighbourhood anyway) then this may be the first time I'd ever steal anything!

I can so see this knitted nativity scene in Chez La Femme.

Salvation Jane has been a very welcome addition to the blogosphere in 2011 - in my humble opinion - go check it out here. Stylish, colourful, funny, irreverant; worth browsing.

Aggghhh!!

2011-12-13T12:18:00.008+11:00

image; ari seth cohen

Ok, so I feel just slightly overwhelmed this festive season....and here was I bragging in November about getting ahead this Christmas. My mind is a little skewhiff at the moment, with the demands of life, but that's fine. I just think of this glorious 100 year old (yes, I said 100 year old) beauty found on the Advanced Style blog.

I love what Ari Seth Cohen does - honestly, my heart swells with every image; beautiful, lively creatures in their so-called 'twilight years' - glorious! Inspires me to embrace change, live a full life and rock it until you can't rock it anymore. x

The Design Files Open House

2011-12-03T10:23:00.004+11:00

image; shelley t...who was delighted to see three of our posters in such esteemed company on art wall of kid's bedroom

If you are a Melbournite, you have two days to get down to Lucy's Open House. I know you know about it, a Pop-Up Shop like no other in Fitzroy. Superbly curated. Stunning choice of Australian crafted and retailed goodies for sale, including vintage and contemporary (oooh, part of an exciting launch at Galmont in early 2012) posters from Galerie Montmartre...of course! Even if you are not in the running to buy, there's never a reason not to be inspired. And believe me, you will be inspired!

40 Little Napier St.

Fitzroy, Vic 3065

10 - 5pm Sat/Sun

Oh Serge, you've done it again!

2011-11-29T17:12:00.005+11:00

image; www.sergebloch.net/blog

I've blogged about my love for the supremely talented French illustrator Serge Bloch here and here and now take a peek at what he's created for Time Magazine. I love Monsieur Bloch's outlook on life; his 'simplicity' says so much. Always.

Ramblings of a Lapsed Cmas Card Writer featuring Raven & Lamb

2011-11-10T14:06:00.006+11:00

I've actually allowed my head to start thinking of the holiday season...Christmas to be more precise. I know, I'm in shock as well, I actually have room in my brain to consider the occasion and how I'm going to spend it and with whom....and that very important detail to the interior-decorating wannabe like my good-self...how I'll style up Chez La Femme!

When I was a people-pleaser of the worst kind (forgotten yourself in the process kind, that is), Christmas for me was all about Christmas cards. I'd spend hours writing cards with enormous, personalised messages on each ensuring they were posted by the self imposed December deadline. I still love them, I love receiving them, but no longer have the time or the real desire to send them. That phase is officially over. These days I reach out during the year to my people and catch them up on my life...and what a debarcle it is! However, if I was the Christmas card writing person I once was, I'd be using these beauties from Raven and Lamb. I love what this team do.

Balmain 'Evasion'

2011-11-07T16:43:00.004+11:00

image; michelle belle for galerie montmartre

The Balmain Art Fair is finished for another year, lots of happy people taking home lots of beautiful art for their walls.

This little guy got alot of attention this weekend. A beautiful 1960's poster, typically cheeky and kitsch. The play on words between French and English had me smiling - majority of people read the words 'Tele-Evasion', used their knowledge of English to think that the French were speaking of the 'invasion' of TV or the way technology 'evades' our life. When the French adjective 'Evasion' is to 'escape'...so close, yet so far! And there endeth today's French lesson!!

Nevertheless, I've loved my little 'Evasion' to Balmain this weekend - no better way to work and play than in a lovely urban port-side hub. Hit the road back to Melbourne very soon. x

La Femme Hits the Road...

2011-11-04T12:41:00.005+11:00

image; www.willowfrank.com

...all the way to beautiful Balmain (for my American beauties, that's a 10 hour drive to the next State) for their annual Arts and Craft Show.

Sure, not exactly road tripping in the style shown here by Hilary Walker. In fact, I hired a car that is quite literally bigger than the inner city cottage I live in - yes, exaggeration, you should know I'm prone to them by now. Trust me, it's a big car though and I made it! I always feel a sense of achievement as I pull up to a destination after an all day drive, everything in tact, vintage posters ready to be shown to a new audience who will all say similar things - "Oh my God, these are beautiful!" - "but they look too new to be vintage" - "so where do you source them?" - "how many were printed?"- "how do I choose from all these?" - "do you have a website?" - "how did you get started?" I'll smile and happily answer every question and introduce a new group of devotees to this fascinating medium. Lots of fun!

Hope to see you here, if you are Sydneysider;

The Balmain Arts & Craft Show

2 Eaton St.

Balmain, NSW.

Sat Nov 5th; 9 - 5pm

Sun Nov 6th; 10 - 4pm.

Et Le Champion Est...

2011-11-01T18:51:00.006+11:00

Loterie Nationale Tranche Speciale, 1937, Derouet

image; galerie montmartre

I think I may be the only Melbournian...or one of the very few...who doesn't really care for the major Australian horse racing event, The Melbourne Cup. Don't get me wrong, the chance to dress up and drink champagne all day is definitely appealing, but unless I can do it in true style (that is a corporate marquee) then I'd rather do something else....and yes, I am that shallow! Nope, this girl was at the movies (watching Woody Allen's 'Paris at Midnight', of course!) as the 'race that stops a nation' was run. How ironic then to hear that the winning horse, Dunaden, was French trained and the jockey's name was Christophe Lemaire. Felicitations!

Springtime Happiness - Ode to Melbourne

2011-09-05T09:23:00.005+10:00

thanks for the image nine.msn

Honestly Melbourne, you have turned on some goodness today.

Everything seems so much do-able when the sun is out...

...today you really do feel like the World's Most Liveable City!

Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree...

2011-08-30T13:24:00.003+10:00

image; cidre doux c.1950 by Jean Colin Rondet available Galerie Montmartre

...in fact, since swapping from my trusty old PC to this beautiful Apple computer, I haven't posted a thing! I don't know what I'm doing - I thought it was meant to be user friendly. I get pinpricks for photographs and can't seem to work out how to drag an image from one place to another. And all the bits and bobs I had saved on the (trusty old) PC obviously are unable to be retrieved, cause that is just the way the month of August has rolled. It's been a little on the hideous side.

But no more complaints - bring on Spring! Let's get this blog back on her feet again!!

xxx

July? Really??!

2011-07-10T20:27:00.004+10:00

image; via shannon fricke

So that would make it over a month since I last posted...good grief.

This last month has raced by, it seems that appointments have been the 'rigour de jour'; neurology unit, scans, physio, social worker, occupational & speech therapist reports, even a sneaky race to the emergency department (alot fun that night!), school meetings (Petit is a genius, what can i say?!), school holidays and add to that the fact that we are all currently being counselled within an inch of our lives - Things have never been crazier, yet somehow becoming clearer. Changes are afoot, my friends!

But at the end of the day, I know. I truly know, that everything is going to be ok...
...it's time to relax and breathe. x

Jane Foster's Paris

2011-06-06T20:10:00.002+10:00

image via Jane Foster

I never tire of Jane Foster's art and I never tire of Paris - so this beautiful print is a win-win as far as I'm concerned.
Have a great week, folks. x

Happy Friday - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

2011-05-27T16:50:00.004+10:00

image; michelle belle for galerie montmartre

Is she not gorgeous?!! Our latest delicious little creature here at Galmont, part of our extensive (soon-to-be ultra extensive - soooo excited!) range of 50's and 60's vintage posters.

And thanks to Michelle Belle, I finally have my beautiful new header (so if you have Femme De M in google reader, please jump out and have a quick look) with some more of my favourite poster girls...of course, I've given them all names. I'll introduce them next week.

But for now, enjoy your weekend, I'm getting out to enjoy some music and get lost in the rhythm, oh yes, I am!

xxx

The Lucky Country

2011-05-24T10:44:00.004+10:00

image; clever marisa over at creative thursday

I've been thinking about this alot, so I'm going to say it aloud.

If you were going to get sick, struck down by something horrendous like say.....oh, I don't know, a grade 5 brain haemmorage (spelling??!!) also known as arteriovenous malformation....then Australia is the place to do it!

It's been 11 months now, since l'Homme collapsed and lost the use of his left-handside, he also has a speech condition called aphasia and works harder than anyone I know to get back to the life he once lived. He was in hospital for almost five months, has daily speech, physio, occupational and hydro therapies.

And what has all this cost? Try a mere $240.00 for a foot brace and $10.00 a week since February of this year....seriously.

As I walked with Petit-Petit around our museum yesterday and watched him marvel at the Australian animals, I noticed what a funny looking lot they are; it made me think about the unique and beautiful place Australia is to live. Of course, I then related it back to my own little part of Oz and what's going on and how although everything has changed, it's not great and really quite cruel, there is always small mercies to be gleaned.

The fact that L'Homme can take his time getting better, with all the experts at his finger tips, at next to no cost is one such mercy and one I think bears mentioning.

Loving the Land Downunder today!

Anderson Children - la femme la likes!

2011-05-12T12:08:00.000+10:00

images; jeremy veitch photography

Our web guy, Andy, is legendary to us. He does things behind the scenes, makes stuff really user friendly and talks to us about the techie stuff in lay person's terms. And he happens to be a friend first, so we love him before we even talk the work bits.

Anyway, Andy's beautiful Mama is one creative girl. When I saw the website to her newest venture 'Anderson Children', I just knew I had to share it. Having two boys means that it is Testosterone City around this place, not much in the way of feminine - altho Petit did say he thought I was 'so beautiful....I like the way your bottom moves"; and I did feel like Sophia Loren for the briefest of seconds - does that count?! So, it was no surprise that I delighted in every image on the website, cause these dresses are just so damn pretty. And beautifully styled and photographed too. Don't you think? I love the names of each garment and although I haven't seen them up close, I can just tell that the attention to detail would be exquisite.

This is one classy little enterprise. Well done, Paula!

It's Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T09:25:00.004+10:00

image; galerie montmartre

Have a happy one, whatever you do, whoever you spend it with...

The Petits and I are having a family lunch, then going to watch a friend's band play at a local pub. It'll be lovely.

xxx

Hat's Beautiful!

2011-05-04T10:44:00.004+10:00

'lemon drop'

'fawning around'

'ripping raspberry'

'tall & turquoise'

'lilac twist'

'redalicious; sometimes referred to as roxanne'

'chartreusey chantoosey'

So yes, there was a wedding last week of a very rich well-to-do boy who married a reasonably wealthy girl and maybe they'll live happily ever after; as Princes and Princesses (or in this case Dukes and Duchesses) are supposed to. It was beautiful, Kate looked amazing and Will looked like the cat that got the cream.

But the thing I always ask on any royal occasion is 'What has the Queen got on her head today?' In my opinion, her hats are the bee's knees, they are incredible works of art perched on her little cranium for, mostly, one occasion only.

At the nuptials of her Grandson on Friday, QE2 did not let me down. And she's 85 years old, for crying out loud???! Amazing.

If I had a hat collection as vast as her's I'd have a name for every single one of them.

Let's hear it for the Queen's Hats!

images; 1. violetpeacock.com 2.strangepersons.com 3.photographytips.com.au 4.huffingtonpost.com 5. theroyalforums.com 6. moneyville.com 7. phasesof the noon.wordpress.com

Happy Friday - I Do!

2011-04-29T10:49:00.006+10:00

image; stephan t for galerie montmartre

So apparently there's a couple of Brits getting married today...

image; via tea for joy

....I hope it all goes swimmingly!

See you next week, folks, have a wonderful weekend. x

Wedding? Did Someone Say Wedding?

2011-04-28T09:41:00.004+10:00

image; daily imprint

There is only one thing about tomorrow's Royal Wedding that interests me - what is the lovely Kate Middleton going to wear?

'A garment can transcend, giving it a soul. I translate fabrics into soft and romantic silhouettes using natural fabrics...'

Akira Isogawa - Australian Fashion Royalty

Easter Break Update

2011-04-26T08:59:00.007+10:00

image; famille summerbelle

Hello lovelies, I've managed to carve out some time for myself over the past five days. Spent some time alone - blissful with a capital 'b' & the first time I've had any extended time alone, ever in my whole entire life.....so nuts, will be chasing that a little more, I can tell you - then the T-Tribe travelled to the home of a friend with a gazillion dollar view. (If you don't have a friend that has such a thing, I'd strongly suggest you find one!)

The Petits ran around like crazy on the craggy shore as L'Homme looked on from the house above. I was told I was a 'relaxed' Mum, given the fact that one kid was climbing rocks dangerously close to the ocean (complete with his own narrative about catching abelone) and the other kid was dive bombing from a 2 metre rock into the water below.

I just loved their care-free attitudes despite the chaos that is around them - I celebrated for a second that they are going to be ok.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-21T16:14:00.004+10:00

image via betty jo at lino forest....i love her little collections & bits & bobs!

We are moving into our Easter weekend here in Australia....the country literally comes to a standstill for a few days. I will definitely be indulging in some relaxation and rejuvenation.

A break is never a bad thing to this Femme, I can tell you! x

A L'Homme Update - Turn the Frown Upside Down

2011-04-18T07:00:00.004+10:00

Have been hanging to use this image since finding it on the Inside Out blog a gazillion months ago. You see, I have a thing about Botox - a thing against it, that is. Give me one drink too many and listen to me jump on my soapbox, have a little bit of a rant, wonder aloud if the Petits will bring alien looking friends home in the future, why anyone would want to wipe out their life experiences and ability to respond to life with a proper frown or smile with a needle and a bit of horse tranquiliser, for crying out loud (?!!!)....oh yes, i'm not into it.

However, this morning I am taking L'Homme back to the hospital - good old rehab centre where he spent almost five months of his life in 2010 - to receive of all things Botox! Granted, it's in his calve muscles, but it appears Sharon Stone was right when she referred to it as 'medicine'. That's the next treatment to get L'Homme's body moving again.

So, time to swallow my pride and do the right thing by the T-Tribe.

I may even get off my high horse for a while...

Have a wonderful week!

Light it up!

2011-04-11T21:14:00.003+10:00

image; via the magnificent diversion project

Ooooohhhhh the Leo in me jumps to attention with images like this - beautiful candle light, roaring fire...given the blustery weather Melbourne has been dealing with this is a sight for my sore (Fire-sign) eyes. Gorgeous!

Sweet Relief!

2011-04-03T22:15:00.004+10:00

image; stephan t for galmont

Wow, we built it and you came! Thank you to everyone who jumped on the website, checked out our vintage poster collection, advertised or blogged about our weekend flea market (hello Lucy & Kimberlee xx), came into the gallery and....of course, bought a little something. The response was enormous and I'm chuffed to say the least.

Galerie Montmartre Flea Market Sale!

2011-04-01T21:43:00.004+11:00

Basically, what this teensy tiny little advertisement is telling you to do is get down to Galerie Montmartre (197B Brunswick St, enter Moor St Fitzroy 3065) this Saturday and Sunday - or get on the website and enjoy the 10% off store wide.

Michelle Belle and I have been setting up tables and zhooshing the retail space to include vintage posters and contemporary exhibition posters at the crazy price points of $20, $40 and $60! Some beautiful, interesting, unique images - all original, not a repro in sight!

It's time to welcome April with a lovely sale....come and find something wonderful.

Have a fabulous weekend. x

A bit of bedroom fun

2011-03-30T05:34:00.005+11:00

image; unknown....sorry, must've collected it during a stressful time (!!)

Well, Petit's bedroom improvements are in their final stages and while it will look nothing like the room above, I think this is a cute space - slightly frou, frou (ie. soft furnishings) but with a bit of edge (eames chair and orange shelving). Also, I love me a built in bed, that's next on the agenda. I'm getting before and after shots ready for your perusal and really loooking forward to sharing them with you.

The Worst Blogger Ever...

2011-03-21T20:43:00.004+11:00

image; available via www.galmont.com.au

....that would be me!

I know the rules, I know what works in the bloggation stakes; -consistency, interesting topics, a bit of style, humour, pretty pictures, unique voice, commenting, enjoying the blogging creativity of others...and I have been failing dismally on all fronts...! I realise, I really do.

So, thank you for bearing with me - as I write there are 64 lovely public followers - I am so grateful to you each. You have followed this blog when really, there's not been much to follow!!

Life is a little nuts, to say the least. L'Homme learns to walk and talk and reach a level of independance again, which means I am left to do everything else. No complaints, that's life, that is the hand that this household has been dealt and we're getting on with it. Honestly, what other choice do we have?!

In the coming days, I'll add a story or two of interest. You can see the Expedit shelf that I put together all by myself! And how I have made a few adjustments to Petit's room. I'll start talking about Galerie Montmartre and some of the developments that are going on there. I'll get it together and I'll really enjoy it....and we'll get the wheels of Femme de M turning again.

Love to you all. x

Ikea, you finally got me...

2011-03-08T21:28:00.005+11:00

via sfgirlbybay

via thedecorpad

Well, it looks like I am now one of those 25% of people in the world who owns one of the top four Ikea items - Expedit shelving. Petit's room, while gorgeous in colour and style, is a storage nightmare. Being slightly time poor (I know, who isn't, right?!), I haven't been able to get to any of my favourite places to find something unique. So, after many months of cringing everytime I went near that bedroom, I caved, drove the few short miles to Ikea (with a man friend to get the thing in the back of the car - yes, I caved there too...) picked up the Expedit shelving and look forward to setting it up - quickly.

Before and after shots to be taken....I keep promising, but they'll happen, I swear. x

Hello Autumn!

2011-03-01T10:11:00.004+11:00

www.sxc.hu

I really love this season, and I know most Melbournites are busy lamenting the lack of summer weather this year, but for me, Autumn is always welcome...besides March usually provides some scorching hot days.

In my beautiful part of the world Autumn heralds in three events that I adore;
- Food and Wine Festival;
- start of the Australian Rules Football season;
- International Comedy Festival.

Love it. x

Happy Birthday L'Homme

2011-02-23T11:26:00.005+11:00

We are so glad you are here to celebrate another birthday, ST!

The past eight months have taught me so much (again, archived in June 2010, if you are new to Femme D M). I'm still learning. But the above 'manifesto' - that I think I read on the Shelter blog (apologies, if I'm incorrect) - means more to me than ever nowadays. I have always sought a passionate existence, but now, I have no choice. There is no time to waste, every day has to be felt, even the yukky bits. And believe me, I am feeling them. I'm not about to ask why, instead, I'll use these experiences and all this unexpected change to study what I want in life and take baby steps towards getting there.

Today is a day really worth celebrating.

'The life and love we create...

2011-02-14T06:00:00.002+11:00

lanvin stamp via fabulously french many moons ago

...is the life and love we live'. Leo Buscaglia

Happy Valentine's Day, my lovely creatives. xxx

It was a very good day!

2011-02-08T10:01:00.003+11:00

petit's first day of school 7th of Feb 2011

And when he turned to me and said, "Mum, can you go now?" I could've kissed his confident, eager, innocent, beautiful little face - it was music to my ears knowing that the little bloke was going to be OK and ready to take on this newest adventure.

Relief doesn't even describe it.

A new chapter has begun.

Yet Another New Start...

2011-02-07T05:54:00.004+11:00

image; sensingarchitecture.com

I've been awake since 5:00am, can't sleep, Petit starts school today. A brand new chapter in the lives of the T-Tribe....as if we haven't had our share of new beginnings in the last 7 or so months! But we are more than ready, I'm ready. Petit is soooo ready. Today will be a very good day.

Victoria Mason Jewellery - Truly Original

2011-02-03T10:40:00.010+11:00

beautiful & original, handmade by victoria mason

the bodgy, crappy copy made in bulk by god knows who

An unexpected joy of owning Galerie Montmartre is the tons of creative and inspiring business women I have met. Shopgirls rule in Fitzroy, we work hard and play even harder! I have been so fortunate to be part of a 'network' (gaggle, more like it!) of gorgeous women who, when our schedules allow, get together for food, drinks and chats....and funnily enough, business talk is the last thing on our agenda.

One of the great talents amongst us is jeweller, Victoria Mason. I love her adorable, quirky jewellery and passion for her craft. I sit on her website and smile at her cleverness. And obviously I am not the only one who finds her pieces enjoyable, because she has been ripped off with a less-than copy of her measuring tape necklace. I'm not quite sure how these people sleep at night, stealing the ideas of others with meagre offerings of shoddy quality items - they haven't been the ones dreaming up the whimsy, sketching, developing an idea and creating. They simply peruse websites and take from the blood, sweat and tears of others.

Well, bugger that ASOS, you have been sprung; I think you are pathetic.

Please visit lovely Victoria's site and see what a real talent produces to make us look even cuter(!)...there might be something very special that you could buy to show your support.

(BTW, Vic has no idea I have put this little post together.)

* And to another lovely creative, Crayon Chick, thanks for the mention in your blog recently. x

A Pinch and A Punch - Hello February!

2011-02-01T22:31:00.004+11:00

image via www.spreadshirt.com

The first of the month - gotta love it! I've only just made it in Oz time, but my American beauties and European lovelies are about to get stuck into their February.
I finally have my laptop difficulties sorted which already has improved my life ten-fold (despite just getting back from holiday yesterday!) and have begun to envisage the year with enthusiasm. A spontaneous girl by nature, I've reluctantly given in to the fact that routine is what will make my life a little easier for 2011. Petit starts school and Petit-Petit starts pre-school, L'Homme is back at rehab on a regular basis and hopefully I will be able to go about whipping Galerie Montmartre into a beautiful, unique and creative shape along with a little side development that I will let you in on a bit further down the track.
Thank you for joining me, so looking forward to sharing what's going on in the Femme D M world and catching up on your bloggy news - have missed you. x

Welcome 2011!

2010-12-31T13:12:00.005+11:00

image; the washington post

2010 you were as lame as any year could be and quite frankly, I am glad to see the back of you.

2011, you are so welcome, I embrace you, I will bask in the newness of you and I will walk into you with confidence knowing you will not throw Galerie Montmartre the curve ball we endured last year. (archived in June/July 2010 if you are unsure what I am talking about)

If I was to tell you what I have learned these past twelve months, you'd still be reading into 2012 - and who has time for that anyway?! But the number one lesson, for me, has been when push comes to shove, I am surrounded by people who can step up - Team Galmont, for example, have been unstoppable, as have my family and friends - and the number two lesson is the love of people can carry you through anything. Really, it can.

I actually feel invincible as a result of the events of the past six months, not without it's overwhelming moments or those times when I want to run miles and miles like Forrest Gump....I still just might, you never know! But to have walked through a crisis and kept going, growing our little family and business and still have my head on my shoulders and my heart on my sleeve. Well, I'm going to pat myself on the back for that one!!

So my new year's resolution? Continue to seek out people and situations that feed my soul....and quietly continue my mission of weeding out the nutbags can hang around.

Nothing less will do. Life is too short.

Happy New Year my beautiful bloggators, I wish you a fabulous new year full of fun times and wonderful people. I look forward to being back in blogland from February 2011.

X Femme de M

Oh dear!

2010-12-11T15:00:00.002+11:00

Lovely people, please forgive my absence.
My laptop has stopped working at the busiest time of year for Galmont...and Chez Trbuhovich.
So my sporadic blogging has come to a halt! Not for long, I'm hoping to leave at least one soppy end of year message...

Missing you and all that is Blogland; hope things are going well for each of you.

Femme de M xxx

Giving Thanks

2010-11-26T12:41:00.008+11:00

image; www.slowdownfast.com

I give thanks that I can still get up every day and live a full life, mostly with a smile, despite 2010 being the year of upheaval on every level.

Although I miss life as I knew it, L'Homme's brain haemmorage (back in June - if you are new to Femme D M, blog entries are archived) and the resulting fallout, has taught me alot. I was never one to take life forgranted, but suddenly colours are brighter, moments are more magical and I have a b.s metre that rivals all others!

Our Petits are a source of joy...when they are not having a go at each other. And our family/friend/Galmont/wider community network are extraordinary. I have new friendships that are adding greatly to my life and solidifying old ones. I feel very fortunate.

And so, when all my North American Beauties, are spending the next four days eating and drinking and celebrating; I will do the same here in Melbourne, in my own quiet (oh hang on, this is me we're talking about, maybe not so quiet...!) way. I will remember all the things that are important and all the wonderful parts of life that I have to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving, lovely ones. x

*thank you to creative women's circle for the little feature on me and my galerie montmartre world over here*

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-15T08:00:00.000+11:00

image; chez trbuhovich...just ignore the computer bag, teensy bowl of lemons & petit's toys at back door; shelley t

Love walking in and looking around at all the bits and pieces that make up my life....and I finally had another chance to do that late on Thursday night after hooning it down that highway between Sydney and Melbourne.

While I was away - and had space in my brain to actually do some thinking - I worked out the next things to get started on at Chez Trbuhovich....kissing these hideous orange coloured floorboards goodbye & saying hello to high gloss white ones; putting a slim shelf above the Penfolds mirror to complete the dining room wall, and painting the entire exterior (Dulux Whisper White, Dulux Domino for part trim & Fire Engine Red Door - colour to be found) in time for Christmas. And see those bentwood chairs ($100.00 for five at NYC flea market!), I am in the process of painting 4 black and 1 yellow....will look amazing once the floors are done.

Road Trip

2010-11-11T07:48:00.002+11:00

image; galerie montmartre

I'm really hoping the part arrives for my car today so I can drive back to the T-Tribe and Galerie Montmartre. I've had a wonderful break, but I think I am needed back home in Melbourne....I'm sure both my family and Team Galmont are missing being ordered around. Besides, Chez Trbuhovich is in need of further decorating before the end of the year.

Balmain has my heart...

2010-11-09T15:21:00.004+11:00

...which is just as well, really. As I am forced to stay here a little longer, my wonderful car decided to snap it's shock absorber, so it is currently getting a little tlc at the local mechanics.

So, I might get just hang on my favourite park bench, down the road, and continue to look at this view...

images; shelley t

Guess Where I Am...

2010-11-05T10:21:00.003+11:00

image found here

....yeah, the picture gives it away. I have come to beautiful Sydney to work at the Balmain Art Fair, which is always such a lovely way to pass the time. Hoping to see some familiar faces and get to know some new people. This year will be different, as L'Homme is usually working here as well and I am sure there will be people asking where he is.
But I am happy to explain the turn of events in the world of Galerie Montmartre.
So if you are in the Balmain area, please drop by and say hi. And of course, it is business as usual in good old Melbourne town.
I'll be sure to take some dodgy photos on my I-phone and catch you up with my weekend!

Giddy Up Horsey!

2010-11-01T08:00:00.000+11:00

image; loterie nationale grand prix de paris, paul colin, 1966 available at galerie montmartre

It's that time in Melbourne again when that one horse race basically stops a nation. So strange to me, but then, I'm not a betting girl. I love an excuse to show a vintage poster, though, and the wonderful Paul Colin (go to our website if you want to know more about this revered French posterist) produced this dynamic horse racing piece in 1966. I love it's vibrancy and movement; so talented.

Anyway, good luck to all the punters out there - enjoy the Spring Racing Carnival!

A Spooky Weekend...

2010-10-29T08:00:00.000+11:00

We don't really do Halloween in Australia, although it is slowly creeping into our calendars. But, I can't let October 31 go by without acknowledging the fact that I had some of the best nights of my life on this very date while living in the U.S...hmmm, which memory will I share? The limo full of friends - dressed as naughty maids (umm, yes, that would be me), nurses, rednecks, dracula etc. -going from one party to the next in NYC or wandering the San Francisco streets dressed as Catwoman? Maybe sitting at a Greenwich village bar alone at 9pm 'just for one drink', befriending strangers and not returning home until 7am?!

So many great times - that's the best part of memories, no one can take them away and they get better over time!

So Happy Halloween to my American beauties and to the rest of us, have a great weekend. x

Serge Bloch Stamps

2010-10-28T13:35:00.003+11:00

image; www.sergebloch.net/blog/

You may remember my post about Serge Bloch's illustrations here. Well, it seems that my clever little friend (why I am assuming this guy is small in stature is beyond me....!) has been at it again, creating stamps for his French companions to enjoy.

I love his work so much, rings every bell within me, as a lover of letter writing (not that I have done any these past months), would love nothing more than to stick these beauties on the front of an envelope!

Happy Birthday Lucy!

2010-10-26T15:31:00.004+11:00

image; i have absolutely no idea as to where this came from, but even without people sitting at the table, it looks like just the kinda party i'd love to attend! dim the lights, put on the music and bring out the champagne!

Oh, what the heck....she is great at letting people know about Melbourne's fabulous design community, but when it comes to details about her good self, she is a little shy. I am not about to give away all that makes up Lucy Feagins, but I want to wish her a happy birthday. She is a generous, caring, loving little soul who deserves a big shout-out for her skills in the friendship sphere.

i love the girl.

Wishing you a fabulous year, Ms Design Files - keep inspiring!

xxx

Dear Interior Gods and Goddesses...

2010-10-21T10:41:00.004+11:00

image via you are my fave...i think

....I currently have bedroom storage issues, have taken to lining clothes neatly along the floor at the moment...getting everything up and into a locker would work. If we could un-shimmy this one a bit, it would be darn near perfect.

Free Falling

2010-10-14T14:34:00.005+11:00

images; shelley t & her obvious i-phone photography skills (!)

I am absolutely intrigued with the art that was commissioned on the side of a home in my Mum and Dad's street recently. I love it in an artistic sense, but emotionally, it really resonates with me.

It will forever be linked to this time in my life of massive upheaval and personal challenge. I see something different whenever I walk by; sometimes it is the colours; sometimes it is the thought of flying, feeling free, feeling powerful, flying away, managing the impossible, watching myself from above....it's all there for me in this beautiful free falling form.

I'll get around to finding out a little more about the art in time, for now, I am just grateful that it is gracing a beautiful inner-suburban neighbourhood with its presence.

Sartorialist Love

2010-10-12T11:06:00.003+11:00

Once again I am going through my online photos, tidying files and just generally seeing what I have and why. I noticed that I had a few pics from The Sartorialist that rang my bells when I looked at them. So here they are, with an explanation of why I saved them...

1. The pic above was taken on 13th st in NYC, the very street I lived in for 3 yrs (btwn A & B - East Village). I can't say I know this bloke, but I suddenly got a tinge of Manhattan love and longing when I saw his beautifully happy face.

2. All about the style, people. The way you wear something. This look is quite different to mine, I wouldn't be wearing heels like this around Brunswick st, that's for sure. But the chicness, the long, lush hair, the big sunglasses, the way this woman carries herself takes my breath away. And the handbag is divine.

3. Again, how chic. Oooo I love me some capri pants and flats, sleeveless shirts....mmmm. I love the thought of riding a bike...but never do it (!) and short hair cuts rock, as far as I'm concerned. Can't remember where this was taken, but I was immediately transported to Paris.

4. This is what I aspire to in a throw-it-together and look amazing kind of sense. The confidence just oozes from this woman, doesn't it? How beautiful is she? How beautiful is this image?! Red is my favourite colour and this coat is so perfectly cut. If I had legs like this, I'd be showing them too.

Strong!

2010-10-08T08:00:00.000+11:00

image; loterie nationale sports, derouet/lesacq, 1939; galerie montmartre

That's the word that l'homme is using to describe how he feels at the moment. It would seem that the rehab team feel the same, as he is making his way home within a week...a couple of day trips, an overnight stay and then he is back living at Chez Trbuhovich - all being well - from October the 15th to begin the next chapter of this adventure.

Yet again, things are going to change, how we will deal with it is anyone's guess, to be honest. We'll give it a red-hot go though, there is no stopping the T-Tribe, that's for sure.

Peace friends, have a great weekend. x

The Power of Black and White

2010-10-06T09:44:00.000+11:00

image found here

Good grief, it's Wednesday already.....really?! Maybe I am still celebrating the Collingwood Magpies thrashing of StKilda Saints (sorry, Captain....x) over the weekend. Or maybe, and far more like it, I am finding myself behind the eight-ball in all areas of my life....and it is spilling into this blog. One thing is for sure, despite the many grey areas of my life at the moment, the following things are as clear as black and white; the Petits are priority, Galmont is humming along, L'Homme continues to astound and the support of loved ones keeps us going. Thank you. x

The Weekend in Black and White

2010-10-01T08:00:00.000+10:00

all images; available at galerie montmartre...photographed by team galmont

So, if you live in the Central & Southwest of Australia, there is a little game that is played called Australian Rules Football (AFL) and in sports-mad Melbourne, this little game absolutely dominates...for about 8 months of the year....even though the season only goes for 6 months.

Well, the Grand Poobah Prize of the AFL season and the reason all these sweaty men run around chasing and kicking a ball every weekend for 26 weeks is to make it to the Grand Final - which was played last week in front of 100016 people.

The teams who made the GF this year were Collingwood (L'Homme's and the Petit's team - a fabulous neighbourhood right next to Fitzroy) & St. Kilda (other side of the river....L'Homme gets the shakes if he wanders that far!). Well, anyway - they DREW. Yes, a draw, so on Saturday we do it all again. Our family will be dressed in their team colours of black and white, heading to a Fitzroy pub with 30 of our nearest and dearest; screaming at the TV, begging the 'Pies to win the flag.

In honour of this most rivetting event (!) - I found some vintage posters from our collection donning my favourite colour (non-colour?!) combination...

Have a great weekend, everyone.....and GO THE MIGHTY MAGPIES! (said on behalf of L'Homme who hasn't quite added this to his ever-growing vocab yet!)

Spring Cleaning

2010-09-30T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; arts menagers roses, francis bernard, c 1950's; michelle belle for galerie montmartre

Oh yes, that would be me; Femme de M to the rescue, saving the ensuite (that's master bath for my American beauties) from becoming another storage space, saving under the sink from becoming a mass of unused products and saving the bathroom from the clutter of out of date moisturisers and make up that hasn't seen the light of day since the 90's.

I am a woman on a mission, people - dusting, wiping, lifting, sorting, disposing, reusing. This mood doesn't strike often, but when it does, no one is safe; even vacuumed the fluff off Petit-Petit's knees this morning...

A Family Update

2010-09-13T06:00:00.000+10:00

image; l'homme & petit-petit, sept 5 2010

I thought it was time to update you all on the lives of the T-Tribe since that fateful June day when L'Homme suffered a massive brain bleed and hung on for dear life - if you are new to Femme De M and unsure what I am talking about, you can get a clearer picture here and here and here.

The most wonderful development is that L'Homme buzzed through the doors of Galerie Montmartre last week and it was one big cry-fest!! Even our beautiful neighbours, Rachel and Pat, the talented architectural duo who head up KennedyNolan - ran over from across the road to join in the celebration. I am trying really hard not to be sentimental, so you have to just trust me when I say he was ultra happy to be back. As I looked at ST sitting in his wheelchair in the middle of our vast retail space, taking in everything he has dreamed up and created, I realised that the time having him back working at Galmont isn't really that far away. In all honesty, he could start doing a few bits and pieces next week...but of course, that won't happen, because regaining his mental and physical strength at rehab is so much more important.

Having said that, L'Homme is now walking....with one assistant and a walking stick; he cooked our family dinner on Friday night (welcome back Stef the Chef, I say!); he is well ahead of schedule in relation to when he comes home; he now has movement in every previously paralysed part of his body and the words are tumbling out of his mouth. His mannerisms, intelligence and humour are all intact. In other words, he is an absolute miracle, and there is nothing to do but be grateful that although L'Homme was born with this hideous unknown ticking time bomb in his brain, he was also born with a stronger will to live. I know he will do whatever it takes to make a full recovery.

I'm usually fairly private when it comes to personal images on the blog, but I have made an exception here. This was taken a week ago, on Father's Day, somehow - despite my pathetic, haphazard ways with a camera - I captured a tender moment. I tear up everytime I look at it, because I know our story could've - actually, according to statistics, should've - been so different. I have no idea what 'the end' will look like, the beginning was certainly very ordinary, but this middle bit of the story is pretty exciting.

I'll be taking a week's blog break, as I take a couple of days out for myself (hello NSW coastline!) and then prepare our home for L'Homme's imminent arrival!!

Thanks again for your love and support, means so much. x

Michelle Belle Tumbles 6 - The Orange Vote

2010-09-08T15:23:00.006+10:00

image; bally dancer by fix-masseau, c.1980's; stephan t for galerie montmartre

So, our country finally has a Prime Minister due to a hung parliament.....after two weeks speculation and political negotiating. As us Aussies were all wondering who our leader was going to be, Michelle Belle decides to dedicate a week's worth of posts to that most divisive of colours, Orange. I chose this, as it seems the most pertinent picture given Australia's flame-haired PM.

Over to Galmont's Asst Extraordinaire;

What would an ‘orange’ week be without an ode to the carrot top? I don’t know how I could have made it to Thursday without mentioning it! Especially as our current prime minister/maybe next prime minister/maybe leader of the opposition/maybe-who-knows-what-she’ll-be-next is a ginger herself.
But surely there is no better looking auburn beauty than this, our very own Bally Dancer. Bending down to tie her dancing shoes, this little red is a stunner. Soft colours, graceful stance, legs up-to-there… this little red sure has my vote!

Springing Further into the Week

2010-09-06T22:50:00.003+10:00

image; sfgirlbybay

A blossom by any other name would not smell as sweet - God, how I love them. Another Spring image for you to enjoy, while I'm on a roll...

Springing into the Week!

2010-09-05T22:19:00.003+10:00

image; the style files

A beautiful image - yes, still cleaning up my computer files! - that reminds me of spring. Is there a human being on the planet who doesn't enjoy this season? Honestly, is there?!

Have a wonderful week. Looking forward to catching up on some blog reading, some further Chez Trbuhovich projects....that is, I plan them and others do them....and a day closer to L'Homme being home.

Hey Dad, it's Friday!

2010-09-03T08:32:00.006+10:00

all images; original vintage posters photographed by us & available at galerie montmartre

This post is dedicated to L'Homme in honour of Father's Day which Australians celebrate on Sunday.

The Petits have one heck of a role model when it comes to how to be a man, how to be a loving citizen, how to face every challenge head on with humour, grace and bare-knuckled tenacity. He doesn't always get it right but isn't too proud to admit his wrongs. He can't build a thing to save himself, knows nothing about mechanical matters and tidiness or organisation are not high on his list of priorities.

But he cooks like a pro, throws himself into parenting and housework, loves participating in sports, runs a business with integrity and he dances like....ummm, well, he dances. He has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He is a great storyteller, loves a joke, wine, fine dining or hanging at the local cafe. He could mix it with the pauper or the Queen - possessing that rare combination of street smarts and academic know-how. He has created a great community of friends who are as loyal as any people could be.

This is to all the good guys out there - and especially to our good guy, Stephan T.

The man's a champion and that's all there is to it.

Michelle Belle Tumbles 5 - Spring

2010-09-01T09:37:00.006+10:00

image; bundesbahn, andrian, 1961; michelle belle for galerie montmartre

On the first day of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere, this post from our tumbling assistant, Michelle Belle, seems quite fitting. Not so much a lesson in vintage poster art, more an ode to this wonderful, wonderful season. New beginnings and all that, makes sense given the Galmont story over the past two months with L'Homme taken so very ill....but now on his way back home in a month or so to start life afresh with us all - Welcome Spring!

With a beautiful image like this, who wouldn’t want to “Travel in the Springtime with the German Federal Railroad”. All the signs of Spring are here. Blue skies, blossoming flowers, tweeting birdies. Which reminds me of a little ditty my dad loves to sing at this time of year….
The spring has sprung, the grass is riz
I wonder where the birdies is?
The bird is on the wing
But that’s absurd
I always thought the wing was on the bird!

And That was the Week That Was...

2010-08-31T08:27:00.005+10:00

image; unknown...sorry...

....Good Grief, where did it go?!

Pardon my sporadic blogging nature of late, there have been many positive developments in rehab-land which has meant that I have been needed at the hospital far more.

Today L'Homme's occupational therapist comes to look at Chez Trbuhovich to see what modifications will be needed before he comes home. A very exciting step indeed. Yes, it is a long road, but I can't help thinking how different this story could've been...

Kate James, who we have worked with in the past and has since become a dear friend (don't you love when that happens?) wrote a beautiful blog post over the weekend regarding our situation - her take on it. You can read it here.

Wishing you a wonderful week, thanks for your love and support; I feel surrounded by it.

So fortunate.

Guest Post; Michelle Belle Tumbles 4

2010-08-25T14:13:00.003+10:00

Derouet and Fromentier, Jus D’Orange, printed c. 1960; stephan t for galerie montmartre
So, MB has decided that the colour orange is the focus on our tumblr blog this week. She thinks it's a little indecisive....just like our country's voting efforts, where we all dashed off to the polls this last Saturday and still don't know who will be leading our country!

Time for some vitamin C to get us moving....take it over from here Ms. Belle...

An orange juice in the morning… a day full of spirit and vigour. Yes please! This fellow springs straight from his bed to his Jus D’Orange, no time to even change from his striped pyjamas.
Edgard Derouet (1905-2001) and Paul Fromentier (1914-1981) teamed up to create a number of poster designs in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. And what a team they made! The contrast in colour, the movement, and the ORANGE-ness of the juicy orange…. BEAUTIFUL!

Group Hug

2010-08-24T09:20:00.008+10:00

I am currently cleaning up my laptop, freeing it from the virtual pictures I gather. I don't know what your criteria is for saving an image, mine is simple, if I look twice and swoon a little then 'bang', into the files it goes. So, as a result, I have stacks of pictures completely unrelated.

However, I have noticed that I love images of similar things grouped together. Everytime I'd come across a picture of like-items in a group - during my 'clean up' session - I'd let out a deep sigh! I'm a bit nuts like that...here is a tiny sample.

images; 1. galmont; 2. here; 3. here; 4. here; 5. here; 6. here; 7. here; 8. here; 9. here; 10. here

Marvellous Monday!

2010-08-23T11:16:00.006+10:00

image; jeunesse au plein air - la sauterelle by herve morvan, 1973; michelle belle for galmont

What a difference a sleep-in and a sunny morning can make....also rereading beautiful birthday facebook messages and putting away birthday gifts can't hurt....
I think spring is on it's way in old Melbourne town. So exciting!
How beautiful is this vintage poster, one of a series we have at Galerie Montmartre, encouraging children to get out in the fresh air? Hope you get a chance to do this today, wherever you are - have a great week. x

ZZZzzzzz....Party is Over

2010-08-20T09:08:00.005+10:00

image; une nuit by bernard villemot, 1973; stephan t for galerie montmartre

It's sleepy Friday, people! This old girl kicked up her heels yesterday to celebrate another year of life and is feeling a tiny bit lethargic as a result.
I overindulged. I was spoilt rotten. I ate and drank like I was never going to do either again! I partied with friends. I got home very late to find chocolate cupcakes, flowers and cards waiting for me. I really felt like a very fortunate woman.
An extra lovely surprise came early in the morning - L'Homme sang to me over the phone, word-perfect, and in a completely recognisable voice. That was my birthday gift right there; a perfect way to start the day.....so obviously I needed to get out and celebrate and I did it in style, you would've been proud!!
So not much happening here, but Michelle Belle our Assistant Extraordinaire has posted my favourite (and final) of her guest blogging posts over at The Design Files - do have a look, it's all about the French obsession with advertising and how many of their products are depicted in our vintage posters. The photos are magnifique!

A million thank yous for my birthday greetings; I say it time and again, I love this blogging life.

Have a great weekend, friends, I'll see you next week. x

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-08-19T08:00:00.001+10:00

It's my birthday today! Being a feisty Leo means birthdays are usually week long celebrations, but of course, this year is slightly different. I'm not entirely sure what to expect...

....usually there is the opening of gifts, of which the Petits are very able and enthusiastic assistants. Then I take the day off and do whatever I want (ie. wandering Melbourne CBD alone and indulging my taste for the finer things in life - ahem, supposedly another Leo trait) meeting L'Homme at a fancy restaurant for dinner and one champagne too many. Oh yes, I love me a birthday, even though I'm racking up the years!

Obviously there is a chance the day could be a bit sad, because L'Homme is fighting his way out of rehab and is unable to join in the festivities. But I am doing what I can to celebrate - that's what we both want. It's important to me that I don't try anything new, I'd rather wait for l'Homme to get better.

So, one of my BFF's is taking half a day from her extremely important job to join me for lunch at Bistro Vue (we had our work Christmas party there last year and I've snuck back for lunch one other time!) ....and then she'll accompany me on indulging in a couple of new birthday purchases (not sure what I'll buy myself yet), before we head to the hospital and get l'Homme to sing Happy Birthday!

Then my gorgeous Brother who happens to be one of my favourite people to spend time with and L'Homme's BFF - they knew each other before I knew him - will join me for dinner (after I've spent some time with the Petits) at the phenomenal Collingwood eatery Gigibaba. The food is exquisite and I have had a hankering for the pommegranite salad and peppered steak since the first time I had it sometime last year.

Then I'm inviting all the lovely women in my life to head to Panama Dining Room in my beloved Fitzroy for a drink or nine before hobbling home.

All things considered, it sounds pretty perfect to me.

images found; 1. unknown...sorry 2. here 3. here 4. here 5. here 6. here

Michelle Belle's Guest Posterama!

2010-08-18T08:00:00.001+10:00

image; galerie fricker, paul colin (hand signed), 1971; stephan t for galerie montmartre

Not only is Michelle Belle, our assistant extraordinaire, guest blogging on The Design Files all week - be sure to check out her out over there today...it's a tiny taste of vicarious retail therapy - but every Wednesday I include one of her posts from our Tumblr site. Quite frankly, this blog has turned into way too much of what la Femme is into, so we started another one that is authored by the Gen Y Wonder which is totally vintage poster focused and I love it!

Today's post is about two creative talents in two very different fields, both divinely determined and talented during one of my favourite eras.

One of the masters of Art Deco graphic design, Paul Colin (1892-1985) produced over 1900 posters, plus hundreds of book covers, theater sets and costumes. Inspired by Cubism and Surrealism, his designs were perfectly suited to the Jazz Age. Bold colours, geometric shapes and caricatured figures practically dance of the page.
Colin is best known for his work for La Revue Negre, a French troupe of musicians and performers, including the then little known Josephine Baker. Together they took Paris by storm, Josephine with her sensational ‘banana dance’, Colin with his colourful lithographic posters celebrating the energy and allure of this bewitching woman.
Using an image designed for La Revue Negre in 1925, this exhibition poster is seductive, sexy and simply irresistible. Jazz singers in the front, Baker swinging those famous hips up the back, we can only imagine the visual impact of a room of such designs. And oh to be there, among the glitz and glamor of the Jazz Age. I can tell you, I would be dancing the Charleston till the wee hours on the streets of gay 1920s Paris.

Serge Bloch Genius

2010-08-17T08:00:00.001+10:00

image found here

image found boston.com

image found amazon books

muddy photo one taken on the i-phone late at night (!) but too important for me to leave out;

the text that accompanies it says 'i can't wait....to play with my kids'

muddy photo number two says 'i can't wait....to show them the world' - you'll get there l'homme

When Petit-Petit was born 2 and a half years ago, he was given a book which I fell crazy in love with. It was the kind of thing I wished I'd written such was its simplicity, creativity and power. Over the last eight weeks, I have been drawn to books, texts and illustrations that inspire me and leave me feeling that there is hope. So, of course, I turned to my little friend 'I Can't Wait' by Serge Bloch and Davide Cali. Each page has one line of text, a pen illustration and a red tapestry thread used in a variety of ways - a bow, an umbilical cord, a frilly collar, blood in an IV drip, a scarf; you get the picture. This little book had me smiling, crying and knowing that everything is OK with the world. So I was so thrilled that this talented illustrator has a blog that can feed me beautiful images on a regular basis and help me feel good about the world and the way it turns.

Michelle Belle continues to guest post over at The Design Files, please go and check it out. Today we are seeing the tiny arrondisement known as Montmartre through the eyes of our Gen Y wonder.

Delightful Monday - Michelle Belle on The Design Files

2010-08-16T08:00:00.007+10:00

image; the lipton, anon, c1960's; michelle belle for galerie montmartre

Another week is upon us, what better way to spoil yourself than grabbing a cuppa, heading across to The Design Files to read the guest posts that Michelle Belle, our assistant extraordinaire has written? You will gain an insight into her recent trip with L'Homme to Paris; every day this week Michelle Belle's excitement as she discovers a new city and more about the magical world of vintage poster collecting will be on offer. 'Delightful' was the first term that came to mind when reading her musings, I'm sure you'll find the same.

I welcome every day at the moment, as that brings us one day closer to L'Homme's homecoming! So, have a great week everyone, be sure to pop back and see what this Femme is up to. x

PS. Lucy's intro and account of our situation is beautiful, I'd encourage you to read it here...

Walk Right Into This Mess

2010-08-12T08:00:00.000+10:00

images; shelley t and stephan t

-pls note, the letters m-e-s-s are the first letters of our names...i love that it spells the word 'mess', cause that's life to a 't', wouldn't you say?!

If there's one thing that L'Homme is brilliant at, it is returning from trips away (whether it be a day one or an overseas extravaganza) with gifts for all. This particular Paris trip - yes, the poor doll....off to Paris every single year in search of beautiful paper goodness (!) - he was soooo excited to bring these pedestrian lights home. L'Homme thinks that the French pedestrian lights have attitude! As I can't take them to his current digs ie. rehab ward, I thought he'd want us to enjoy them at home, so I put them in our living room along with some other sentimental bits.

It was only as I was downloading the photos I'd taken (not particularly well, I might add, still getting used to the new i-phone, another gift from L'Homme; btw, he has intimated that he'd like to have his with him at hospital, despite not yet having the ability to say or text much!) that I discovered some photos he had taken back in 2006 of the French pedestrian lights to show me how cool he thought they were. Uncanny...

The little vignette needed some colour, so I grabbed one of my fave vintage vases which hold some vintage fabric flowers handmade made by the wonderful Pene Durston (I pass by her beautiful store every day on my way to and from the rehab unit) and given to me by a very dear friend when we were in the throes of 'will-l'Homme-make-it-through?' mode back in June.

Here's a little close-up so you can see how clever Pen is, I love her creativity. I love that these live in Chez Trbuhovich and remind me of a significant life event for our family.

And here am I trying to get artistic with my photography and failing miserably...

It should be noted that the little green 'go-bloke' was leaning on the wall temporarily, cause he is a bit unsteady on his feet...which is tempting for a 2 year old Petit...but I actually like him being back there, so that's where he'll stay. In other words, he's not going anywhere - boom, boom!

Guest Post; Michelle Belle Tumbles 3

2010-08-11T11:57:00.004+10:00

image; Michel Quarez, Quarez Affiches printed 2009

I'm so proud of our little assistant extraordinaire, this blog she is writing is exceptional in it's content, knowledge and personality. Today Michelle Belle tells us about a posterist who we adore at Galerie Montmartre; he's a true contemporary poster artist.

Ahem, while the French continue to respect this medium, then I will always have a job...

Read on to learn of the modern master;

Just to prove to you this whole poster thing ain’t a thing of the past, today I want to show you a newie. The French still take great pleasure in the the design, production and practice of great poster art. Le Boss always bangs on about how even today there are posters all over Paris, and a recent trip there proved him right. In the metro, on bus shelters, in specially designed light boxes on the street, on walls, on buses, small format pamphlets etc, etc, etc. EVERYWHERE. The French still respect the poster. And the French still love their own poster artists.
Case in point: Michel Quarez. His style is unmistakably modern. Graffiti-style lines, bright fluro colours, kids in backwards caps and high-top sneakers. From gay rights to football, tourism to theater, Quarez has applied his unmistakable brush to it all. With posters from the 1990s to today, this is a thoroughly modern poster artist.
This poster was created for the 2009-10 retrospective exhibition at the Bibliotheque Forney in Paris. Another gallery devoted to posters, you can check out the exhibition on you tube. Damn lucky those Parisians are. Beautiful posters everywhere!

Oversize Art

2010-08-10T08:00:00.002+10:00

When it comes to oversized art, I am a total convert; the larger the work the wider my smile! Nice big, whopping, brash artworks make such a statement, in my opinion - check out this tiny sample of oversize art-loving rooms which have caught my eye in blogland over the past couple of weeks.

images; (1) delikatissen; (2) la maison boheme; (3) a perfect grey; (4) the design files

Charlie Pickering and the Big Tie

2010-08-09T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; big tie, rouille, c.1950; michelle belle for galmont

Charlie Pickering is an Australian comedian, author and television presenter. Here he is sitting in one of the rooms of his home with a delicious vintage poster looking pretty spiffy behind him. Hmmm, wonder where that came from?!!

I thought it looked gorgeous on the front of the Home supplement in the weekend Herald-Sun. Always such a pleasant surprise to see one of our beauties in the press.

Chez Trbuhovich Facelift - Ice, Ice Baby

2010-08-05T10:28:00.010+10:00

There's a very strong possibility L'Homme will be living back at Chez Trbuhovich in about eight weeks - his rehabilitation after 'the incident' is going better than expected. All of a sudden I have a deadline, and quite frankly I feel no different than I did in the final weeks of pregnancy with that overwhelming feeling that if I don't get some things done around the house soon, they may not get done for a long time. So I am pressing ahead with some of the ideas that L'Homme and I talked about before June 22nd.
The bedroom, however, was never something on our 'facelift' agenda. You could say this is happening on a whim - how I make most decisions in my life!

My love for ice blue began back when I moved Petit out of the nursery and into his own room with the imminent arrival of Petit-Petit. I was as surprised as anyone when I chose a stroller for my then-toddler in that very colour. And then I wanted his bedroom wall colour to look like a clear blue day - that awesome blue that happens in Northern CA nine months of the year and here in Melbourne in Spring. Well folks, let me tell you - I nailed it! And everytime I go into that room, I never get tired of that decision.

The colour I had chosen for our bedroom, however, was starting to get a little old. The feeling of change has been sneaking up on me. It was also out of sync with the rest of the house. Then I saw it...

....right there in the circles of our gorgeous roman blind, which will remain, because I chose the Jane Churchill fabric on a yet another whim and it cost an arm and a leg!! So, I ran down to Porter's paints with my swatch and said, "that colour, right there - the ice blue" can you custom make that, but a shade paler?" Then I called Dave the handyman and booked him in.

And he is painting as I blog.

So I nearly fell off my chair when flipping through the latest Inside Out - with a glorious front cover, I might add - and found this page dedicated to ice blue tones. I thought, "Femme, you might have lots going on in your life right now, but boy do you have your finger on the decorating pulse...." OK, maybe my self-talk wasn't that grandiose, but I did give myself a teensy pat on the back!

Our bed has always been the biggest disappointment in our room. It's hideous. I held onto this picture as an inspiration with every intention of having our friend, Gordon (who happens to be the uber-talented partner of this gorgeous girl) custom-make a white one in the future....along with some other bits of furniture.

Then in the June Living Etc mag I noticed this bed, so - you guessed it - I ran down to Ikea and ordered it as an alternative to the ugly excuse for a bed we currently have.

I am so excited by this development, it is a budget-friendly, efficient facelift which fits into my life right at this minute. L'Homme will spend many weeks recovering in this little room, so I want to ensure it is somewhere worth hanging out.

Of course, there will be before and after shots a-plenty next week, can hardly wait!

images; 1 & 2. chez trbuhovich by lucy feagins;

3 lovingly scanned by my good self!

4. inside out mag, styling by vanessa colyer tay;

5. unknown - sorry;

6. living etc mag

Guest Post; Michelle Belle Tumbles 2

2010-08-04T13:39:00.005+10:00

image; agis punsch, buhler; 1949 by stephan t for galmont

Our assistant extraordinaire is on tumblr, every week I share one of her posts, because she is clever and insightful and loves vintage poster art...and gives away a little something of the Galerie Montmartre culture at the same time!

When it gets cold outside, I go for tea. For me there is nothing better than wrapping my hands around a big, hot mug of strong, milky tea. No teacup, no saucer, no fancy flavours, just a simple teabag of black tea in a sizable mug is super. Everyone at Galmont has their favourite warmer-upper. Shelley T, she goes for a steaming hot chocolate, Le Boss a short black with one sugar, Sir James a creamy latte, Lady Diane a strong latte, no sugar required (she’s sweet enough).

And how about this towering polar bear here? Why, he goes for Agis Punch, with Vitamin C of course. If anyone knows about warming it must be our arctic friends, and boy does this steaming glass look good. You can just see his little paws just itching to reach out for his fix. No head colds for him this winter.

Fritz Buhler (1909 - 1963) was one of the leading poster artists of Switzerland from the 30s to the 60s, the director of his own graphic design studio in Basel and creator of many successful advertising campaigns. Most importantly, he was a founding father of the Aliance Graphique Internationale, an association of the world’s leading graphic artists and designers that was begun in 1951 and continues today. So from a clear headed artist to a clear headed furry mammal, let us raise our mug, tea cup, thermos, latte glasse and jumbo take-awayand say ‘Sante!’ to the hot drink this Winter.

Galerie Montmartre in Living Etc!

2010-08-02T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; bergasol by villemot; living etc, june 2010; photo by prue ruscoe; styling by andrea millar

You all know my love for Britain's Living Etc mag....(I described it back in March as - 'my most beloved, most anticipated, most can't-believe-how-many-creative-people-there-are-out-there-check-out-how-they-live magazine'). Quite frankly, there is not one thing I dislike about it. So to see our beautiful posters in all their glory on the walls of the Paddington home of Simon and Paris in the June issue was soooooo exciting - I liken the feeling to what it must be for a vocal performer to hear 'themself' on the radio!

Such a shame they got our website incorrect - they got the Montmartre bit, just forgot the Galerie word at the front. But it takes alot more than that to bring me down. To be honest, Living Etc usually try to find the UK equivalent to products for their readers; so I was thrilled they even got half our name correct! I know where S & P got them (and now you do too) and that's enough for me.

For more images check here....and thanks to Jules for giving me the head's up before I'd had a chance to go through my copy.

Have a great week, everyone. x

Fabulous Friday

2010-07-30T15:27:00.003+10:00

image; michelle belle for galmont - sketchy details at this stage, but she is vintage and she is our's!

OK friends, time to call it a day. It's been the hive of activity here at Galmont....lots and lots and lots of new posters to be photographed and put onto our website.

Just check out this little beauty! Is she not fabulous?!

And something else pretty wonderful, L'Homme said the Petit's names today - unprompted. Yes, so great - he is making his way home to us, I just know it!

Have a great weekend, see you next week. x

Dear Interior Gods and Goddesses...

2010-07-29T08:00:00.001+10:00

image; via delikattisen

...I bloody love this! That womb-like chill zone with the odd pop of colour looking out to the brightness of the dining area. I can imagine, having eaten my fill at the dinner party and one wine too many (that's a given), I would lay on the couch and drift off to sleep under that glossy ceiling with the sounds of my friends chatting away whilst opening another bottle of wine...

Michelle Belle Tumbles 1

2010-07-28T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; Gardez la France Propre by Raymond Savignac, 1982. 117 X 160cms.

Today is the first of our tumblr series written by Michelle Belle. And as we all have L'Homme on our minds, I thought it was fitting that we started with a post regarding him and one of our favourite French poster artists.

MB has really got into the tumbling life, posting every week day....puts this Femme to shame...

Anyway, enjoy!

On a recent trip to Paris, Le Boss spotted this poster and had to have it. A devout Savignac fan, it was one he had not yet had in the gallery. Sacre bleu! How could this happen? A purchase was obligatory. This humorous image embodies all that made Savignac the master of the French advertising poster from the late 1940s right up until his death in 2002. A clever image, abundant colour, minimal text and a uniquely kooky sense of humor all come together to produce a poster that is both distinctly French and instantly memorable.
Check out this terrific image above. The national symbol of France, le coq (chicken) is imploring the poor little porc (pig) to ‘Gardez La France Propre’, to keep France clean. Only Savignac could take an appeal from the National Agency of Waste Disposal to the French people to look after their country and inject it with such lightheartedness and humor.
So from the streets of France in 1982 to the walls of Galerie Montmartre in 2010, we have another wonderful Savignac poster in our collection. Bravo Le Boss, BRAVO!

My 200th Post x

2010-07-26T14:24:00.004+10:00

Never a truer word said, Ms Hepburn....

I have saved this glorious quote from the internet at least four times. It obviously meant something every time I read it, so I clicked that save button forgetting I had done it previously; But today - l'Homme's first day of full rehab - it has more meaning than ever.

Thanks for being my bloggy buddies, I love this blogging life - here's to 200 more posts. x

image; apologies for not knowing or acknowledging the original source, if anyone knows, i would be extremely grateful

Happy Friday!

2010-07-23T16:14:00.007+10:00

It is indeed a very happy day - l'Homme's off to rehab - another step towards his recovery. Everyone tells me it is a tough time, but I can't see it could be much tougher than being in an intensive care unit with your life hanging in the balance.

ST is one fighter, he has the heart of a lion, a steely will and so much resilience; quite frankly he could've written a book before this recent event, but that's another story for another day...

The support and love we have received both virtual and tangible this past month has been extraordinary, really incredible and we are so grateful; it has carried us straight into this newest chapter of our lives. Thank you!

So, Michelle Belle and I are celebrating, tweeting and tumbling and blogging our happiness.

Galmont is definitely open for business - Tuesday to Sunday. I am here four days a week now - Wednesday to Friday and Sundays; you'll know me, I'm the one that knows a fair bit about the posters and prettying up the place but has no clue how to do anything when it comes to the invoicing, the packing, the systems etc...I call on my helpful team for all those incidental matters!!!

Wishing you a great weekend, I'll see you next week for some regular cyber-love. x

We'll Tumble For Ya!

2010-07-21T16:07:00.005+10:00

image; michelle belle for galerie montmartre

It has been all systems go here at Galmont despite the personal and professional upheaval that occurred on June 22nd. Our doors have remained open and vintage poster lovers from far and wide have come. Yes, L'Homme (who incidentally is now on the short list for rehab, clearly making inroads!!) has much to be proud of, but something he should really be thrilled about is the way our gorgeous little assistant, Michelle Belle, has stepped up and grabbed hold of her opportunity to truly shine. She is gleaming with efficiency, knowledge and expertise.

We have been working at getting a new blog together, one that highlights a little less of what Femme de M likes and a little more Galerie Montmartre - Vintage Original Poster - based. So I thought we'd grab hold of that Gen Y enthusiasm and give Michelle Belle her own blogging guernsey and what a fine job she's doing. To remind you of how clever she is, I'll be re-posting a tumblr post every Wednesday here at Femme de M.

So if you are a lover of vintage poster art, Galerie Montmartre or a spy (we know you're out there!!), then time to jump on board the latest addition to the Galmont Cyber Funfest.

Yes indeed friends, we'll tumble for ya - galeriemontmartre(dot)tumblr(dot)com.

And check out the snippet below, Michelle Belle's loyalty knows no bounds, to the point where the very first week of setting up Galmont's brand new tumblr site, she devoted all five posts to L'Homme himself!

Co-owner, director and all round big cheese at Galerie Montmartre is Stephan Trbuhovich, aka Le Boss. He has the knowledge, the passion and the energy that has turned Galerie Montmartre into the superbly successful poster gallery it is today.....And whilst he does not have the singing voice, the dance moves or the funny jokes he might believe, what he does have is in spades is a tremendous ability to find exceptional posters. On a recent buying trip to France, I was lucky enough to see ‘the eye’ (as he sometimes refers to himself) in action. And you know what, this bloke, he knows his stuff. So, in honor of Le Boss, his personal favourites are the week one theme. These are the posters that got Le Boss all a flutter in France….

Family Reunion

2010-07-14T10:33:00.004+10:00

image; via seesaw...a blog that i love, love, love!

Today L'Homme will be reunited with his boys, our gorgeous Petits, 3 weeks after the incident that changed our lives.

As always, I ask that you spare us all a thought today. I am sure it will be a beautiful, emotional moment; one that I know will spur L'Homme to continue fighting to be home with us - strong in mind, body and spirit.

He is well worth the wait, by the way!

xxx

Please Think of Us - Pt.2

2010-07-08T21:40:00.003+10:00

It was exactly two weeks today that I shared with you our family crisis. A situation that has rocked this little family to its core and quite frankly, I was as raw as any one human can be dealing with the news that their partner is not likely to make it when I wrote that post.

The last 17 days have been a blur of hospital waiting rooms, meetings with doctors, the terms 'brain spikes', 'trachiotomy', 'pneumonia', 'elevated temperatures', 'sedation' and 'blood pressure', agonising decisions, intensive care units, shock, grief and despair. Of loving embraces, care and support, soothing handholding, gentle conversations, willing and praying and digging deep, the terms 'strong and healthy', 'excellent vitals', 'stabilising' and 'a real fighter'.
And through it all Stephan T, my beloved l'Homme, has hung on for dear life; has somehow found the resilience to stay alive and get himself to the Special Care Unit to face the next chapter of this new battle. It has been mindblowing to everyone from medicos to family, friends and acquaintances. The truth is, ST was never expected to make it through the first 48 hours, the bleed to his brain was so immense.

Not only is he here, but he is about one month ahead of where any expert thought he would be. The man is unstoppable! It is a miracle happening in front of our very eyes. Of course, there is a long way to go, but right now, from where I sit I know everything will eventually be OK.

I want to thank you so much for your support, I knew sharing this with the blogworld was going to help me make sense of it all and get some much needed love from unexpected places. You haven't let me down.

many thanks - shelley t - femme de m

xxx

Please Think of Us - Family Crisis

2010-06-25T08:49:00.003+10:00

My sweet friends,

This is a very difficult post to write. The morning I posted about recharging my batteries and looking forward to the rest of the year; I found my beloved l'Homme collapsed in our hallway. He has had a massive bleed to his brain and is in intensive care in a critical condition. This is a freak of nature thing. And it has been horrendous. I am so sorry you have to hear this way.
I have incredible support, the Petits are absolutely fine.
I have been posting updates on my facebook page, if you would like to befriend me to watch our progress as a family, you are very welcome.
Michelle Belle has decided she will continue running Galerie Montmartre, however, we will be closed on Sundays along with the Mondays. She feels it is her way to contribute and she is so very capable.
I need you to send us positive thoughts, as shiny and positive as you can. l'Homme has a will of steel, he is still with us and that is a good thing.
Thank you for reading, thank you for your love. I know this will be a very large shock to you. This is an enormous shock to everyone who knows our family, you don't expect a beautiful, strong, healthy man to have such a thing happen. L'Homme has had the best two months of his life, and I feel so happy knowing that his days leading to this tragic event were the happiest, most exciting of his life.
I will not be posting for a little while, but have every intention of being back in blogland in the future.

With much love and hope...

Shelley T - Femme de M

xxx

Let's hear it for...

2010-06-22T08:00:00.002+10:00

image; dd hosiery by gadoud, c. 1950 - michelle belle for galerie montmartre

....well, when I said I would see you on Tuesday, I didn't exactly say which Tuesday it would be!

I did something pretty indulgent last week.

I ran away from home, on my own and stayed away for two whole nights. I didn't speak to another person for a total of 24hours before dabbling in a tiny bit of retail therapy in beautiful Melbourne (oh sweet city of mine, how I adore you!). I also took myself to a gorgeous and renowned French bistro for lunch - Steak au Poivre and Chocolate Souffle washed down with a glass of Shiraz. Seriously indulgent. And it worked! As every hour went by I could feel myself thinking clearly again, the creative juices began flowing, my enthusiasm for everything returned full throttle. And now, here I am, on the second shortest day of the year (yes, I got to hear a little of what was happening in the Southern Hemisphere too!!) ready for a fabulous second half of the year.

So, let's hear it for running away from home and recharging those batteries!

Let the Madness Begin!

2010-06-11T14:58:00.004+10:00

image; Bienvenue au Monde, Quarez, 1998; stephan t for galerie montmartre

The World Cup that is. I realise it is neither 1998 or being played in France, but I love this poster. I am a little bit interested in the World Cup, we're not a huge soccer (football) playing nation but we know what we're doing when it comes to fielding talented good sorts - check out our Captain for a start!

Worth mentioning is our assortment of vintage and retro World Cup posters at Galmont, they make fantastic gifts for the football mad people in your lives - check out our website under the Sports and Entertainment category.

And a teensy bit of gossip....if you are watching the action from the U.K, the follow up show (some sort of comedy panel thing?) is hosted by my Cousin. No joke. Not a word of a lie. I don't usually talk about what he is up to, but JC seems to be everywhere right now and he has created some hilarious British TV moments recently. So proud of him.

Off to enjoy a long weekend, including disappearing for 48hours all on my lonesome...have not done any such thing since the Petits were born, but think it is high time!! What are your plans?

See you Tuesday.

xxx

'Do You Love Colour....

2010-06-10T08:00:00.000+10:00

....but Hate the Commitment?'

Today Houzz ran an article called 'Colour Without Commitment' where they showed a number of ideas as to how you could put colour into your home without committing to a whole room. Of course, what better way is there to do that than with a vintage poster? I'm sure you were thinking the same thing!!

If you need a bit of oomph without committing to a whole room painted in a particular colour pallette, there is no better way than a big, brassy, brash, bold vintage poster. (Yes, the converted is preaching!) I realise there is the financial commitment, but when you figure that your gem not only brings you colourful joy but will at the very least hold it's value it is a win-win all round in my opinion.

I chose a selection of beauties to tempt you...

A Happy Home Indeed!

2010-06-09T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; belinda g for the happy home blog

I can't believe it has taken me this long to show you the mini hallway makeover Belinda Graham created on her blog The Happy Home. This Mother, Wife, writer, journalist and all around fun girl somehow manages to find time to blog about her home projects - of which this is one. (Actually, I am always asking her how she finds time to do the actual home projects!)

And not only am I showing you because she uses one of my very favourite combinations - black and white stripes - but on her little gallery wall (close your eyes, Rockin Raina!!!) she has included a vintage mini poster; the gorgeous point of purchase sale piece for Parapluie Revel by Leonetto Cappiello from 1922....truly vintage....which she found through Galmont.

I love the way she has simply pegged it onto her wall.

Good job, B!

Dear Exterior Gods and Goddesses...

2010-06-08T08:00:00.001+10:00

....when I get get my beach-house, I would like to welcome my guests from this deck...

...and scrub their backs in this shower!

Yours with an open mind...

Femme de M x

images; bolig magazine

L'Homme is Home!

2010-06-07T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; chosen to represent my joy at having l'homme back!

Aurore by Cappiello, c.1930; stephan t for galmont

And he arrived back with vintage posters galore and so many wonderful stories and the odd gift for the Petit's and moi from wonderful Paris.
Due to the jetlag, our schedules have been completely different, meaning that L'Homme has been working at Galmont from 4:00am, coming home to be with the Petits during the mad breakfast rush and then going back to the retail space....crashing on the couch before 7:00pm. I'm sure we'll have a conversation within the next few days (!) - then I can pass on every bit of information to you, dear readers. Can't wait to share some French goodness with you all.

Fun on Friday

2010-06-04T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; the sartorialist

I think Galmont have just found their newest employee, will have a word with L'Homme when he gets back from France.....I've needed a personal assistant for quite sometime now....

Have a great weekend, friends. Thanks for dropping by, always so good to have your company.

So Welcome Winter!

2010-06-03T08:00:00.000+10:00

-image; via sfgirlbybay

Melbourne Winters never get this cold, but I love this image. When I think of Winter I think of reading, chocolate, red wine, soup, hats, boots, dinner parties and conversation. So bring on the colder weather, this Femme is ready!

Farewell Autumn 2010

2010-06-02T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; via design sponge

We said goodbye to Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere yesterday; I love this season so much, I thought I'd show one more Fall image to prolong it's beauty just one day longer!

Dear Interior Gods and Goddesses...

2010-06-01T08:00:00.001+10:00

image; via houzz

...not having a shot at anyone, but this coffee table would look far more at home in Chez Trbuhovich. Mmm hmmm, just saying.

Yours always,

Femme de M

Inside Out Interview

2010-05-31T08:00:00.000+10:00

It is such an honour to have the creatives over at Inside Out be a little interested in what you are up to. So I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to answer five questions about

Galerie Montmartre and the thrill of vintage poster art. Pop on over here and you might learn something new...

Thanks to Lee Tran - Deputy Chief Sub-Editor.

Ducky Love

2010-05-28T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; mirka and lavablaine, captain kk

I leave you this week with a gorgeous image of delightful Mirka enjoying her new mini vintage poster. Mirka's Mama, Captain kk, is one cool blogger. She is also kind and thoughtful. When she commented about the image I used at Easter time on this blog, I knew that it had to go home with her. So I organised for that to happen - Captain tells the story here...

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

Total Balance et Moi

2010-05-26T08:00:00.000+10:00

image; le rouge baiser, gruau, c1950; michelle belle for galmont

Someone thought me worthy enough of a little interview, but of course, I talk too much.....so what should be a little interview has turned into something slightly bigger! Anyway, you can pop over to Kate's blog and see what I am talking about right here.

A quick background, Kate is Kate James, business and life coach, meditation teacher and owner of Total Balance, now a beautiful friend. L'Homme and I sought out her assistance at a hectic time in our lives to keep our business on track...

I love Kate's blog, it is always a calm haven in amongst all the fun and stuff in my google reader.