Sometimes you need sunflowers (even virtual ones)

What a week. Seriously. You don't want to know. Whining is not good. So I won't.

But were good things too.

I live in southern France in RL (already good) and yesterday I was out in picture-book surroundings, including lavender and field upon field of sunflowers - which I love.  AND I found a milk churn at a flea market!

So here's a milk churn with sunflowers and some lavender.

Free. Right by the subscribo, here at Vent du Sud.  Even copiable.

If you sign up to the subscribo, you'll get news of a VERY special, er, "not-hunt" offer this week which will not only mean a great offer but a couple of lucky people are - I hope - going to win a BIG prize.

And still in sunflower and lavender mood, I wore this: it's the loveliest, swishiest summery dress that is perfect for dancing on hot summer evenings. It's from A la Folie, and comes with shoes and a sculpt bustier that I'm not wearing - it's also nice without. Name - "Ciel et Terre" - earth and sky. The fabric is just... yum.

Look.  Swish.

Come and dance any time at Vent du Sud, btw. A peaceful, summery bit of France, with Intan for couples and a dance floor... and sunflowers. Of course.

Fanning myself...

One of the things I love about living in southern France is the weather - but oh boy it's hot right now. I have two tips for coping when it's really sizzling - a spray of mineral water (take glasses off first, as I found out the hard way) and... a fan.

Fans are just so pretty. Spanish women turn them into an art form, too - a flick of the wrist can be coquettish or brazen, shy or cheerful.

So, come and see the really stunning fans made by Alain Papp (AC Creations) at Vent du Sud - they include a cute animation, and there is a whole series of them, to wear with anything from a ball gown to a cool linen sundress. Such a great idea! (And such a terrible photo, but that's nothing new, eh?).





And while you're visiting, check out Alain's stunning costumes: he has a superb eye for detail, and specialises in one-off, unique pieces on order (including Venetian carnival costumes - ask him early as they're works of art), wedding dresses, etc.



Yep, that's Alain (another terrible photo, I know).



Also, quick note: most of the 1L and free items on our market stand will soon be replaced. Come over before we move them - for instance there's a great flower arrangement, a mood lamp with lots of colour changes, sublimely textured pottery.

... and if you feel like cooling down, come and take a refreshing (virtual) dip, while I go listen to the (RL) cigales and concoct some more surprises at Vent du Sud!