Cottage & Countryside Living

Bonjour Summer! (l’ete)

The one thing about Normandy weather is that it is a temperate climate. What does that mean? It’s means the temperatures year round are moderate-kind of like the “Goldielocks” places to live because of the weather. So when the last few days became crazy hot (in the 90’s), it was a bit of a shock to the land, the house and frankly us. Those really hot New England summers were what we were happy to get away from. Well the last 48 hrs had us buying multiple fans and an air conditioner which really isn’t the same here just to keep cool. It meant all work stopped in the flower field by 11am because it was just too difficult to breathe in the heat (and no breeze whatsoever). Shutters were closed but the windows open to release all the warm air in the house. And since we couldn’t be outside, indoor projects started to get done.

After a small snafu with the floor paint (the sent the wrong color), the correct paint arrived and the process of painting the salon floors has begun. First they needed to be swept, then vacuumed, then washed, then swiffered, then primed and only then we could paint. Yes..it is a bit extreme going from bright white tiles to dark grey ones but we are both ok with that. The darker color will hide the dirt a bit better (we live in the countryside) and it actually is making the space a bit cozier. It works really well with our marble fireplace too. I also managed to get all the wallpaper down, did majority of the wall repair (one spot left) and got most of the walls primed. We finally picked a color so I’ll ordering the paint this week (fingers crossed the right one gets sent). A new rug has been ordered (I’ll link it below in Sunday Saves) and now I am on the hunt for the necessary furniture- side table, coffee table. I managed to score a beautiful vintage chandelier, a lamp and some artwork that I plan to use in the salon.

My vintage finds for this week

Once everything is painted and the molding up (still debating about that), I can start working on the details like missing furniture that we need, accent pieces, curtains, greenery etc. The goal is to create a cozy salon that we can welcome guests into and also snuggle up and watch a movie or a read book and enjoy the view.

Of course who else turns their ovens on during a heat wave? Moi bien sur. But is is nearing the end of cherry season here in Normandie and I had to get in one last cherry clafoutis while the cherries are at their best. What is a clafoutis? It’s a baked fruit custard- a year round staple but it’s when the fruits are in season that they are the best. Traditionally it is cherry but I have had ones with strawberries & rhubarb, blueberry, pear, plum. Basically any fruit works that doesn’t release too much liquid. My go-to recipe is from Audrey at Pardon Your French. My only substitution is I use a whole vanilla bean instead of extract and I sprinkle 2 T of vanilla sugar on the top for crunch. I definitely add in the kirsch (cherry brandy).

Well we have a busy week ahead. We have lots of deliveries happening (oil, a rental farm mower, and a sofa), the final 2 dahlia rows to get in and 2 more annual rows to seed. Then can work on the irises & peonies, getting the poly tunnel ordered, continuing on the salon makeover and heading over to the cottage to style it for new pictures for the website. Also need to start to map out our bedroom which is the next room we will be working on.

Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead. Stay cool!

à bientôt

Jenna

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Sunday Saves

Things that caught my eye this week:

• I ordered the Adeline Rug for the salon from Ruggable. They are having a HUGE sale right now. Take 15% off your order using code: FLASH. For my EU followers, the sale is buy 2 or more rugs, get 10% off just click the link in your cart.

• The Case for Using a Tablecloth Daily (Plus How to Select the Right One) via AD. I honestly used a tablecloth at the cottage everyday mostly because the table itself is kind of blah. But I can really get behind creating the scene or mood for your meals, time to dig out all my favorite tablecloths.

• Sadly I am missing the Newport Flower Show this year. Last year, my Instagram friend Sandra Sigman of @lesfleursviasandra debuted her new book French Blooms there. If you are obsessed with flowers, vintage and well Paris…this book is for you!

• This neck fan that I got on Amazon was my savior at the farm last year and I dug though many boxes to find it to use these past few days. I cannot recommend it enough!

• As I have been starting to create our own potager garden here at the farmhouse, I am consistently looking at inspiration on Pinterest. This link caught my eye: How to Create the Perfect French Potager Garden

• How to Frenchify Your Summer via Everyday Parisian Rebecca always has some great tips & ideas and she also has a new book coming out! Preorder it here (arrives just in time for the holidays!)

• How to Add DIY Wall Molding That Looks Luxe—Even If You’re Renting I am so back and forth about molding in the salon this article is somewhat helping me solve my issue :)

• The eternal appeal of blue and white schemes via Homes & Gardens UK. I am REALLY considering the blue tub when we remodel the upstairs bathroom.

• 7 Gorgeous Geranium Varieties That Add a Ton of Garden Charm All through the villages here you will see window boxes and pots filled with geraniums. The French love them.

• 72 best picnic recipes that are easy to make and take with you This should just about cover everyday for the whole summer LOL