sister store shenanigans ...

our store assistant, Rebekah Carey McNall, is doing a "stage" (stahj, fr.) ...which is somewhat akin to a work exchange program with our sister store, The Bohemians in Brantôme, France (the southwest region). This will likely be a program we introduce more formally each year.

As part of the program Rebekah structured and proposed, she will be designing four distinctly different window displays while in France. The shop has very unique, hand-forged windows lining the front of the store...these are about 8" panes of glass that are 6' or so tall. There are two dozen of these ... many of which are the original old wavy glass ... lovely to behold and they fill the space with beautiful morning light.

For her first installation, Rebekah chose a bird theme.. (knowing proprietaire Kim Mancha's love for all things oiseau!)...she wanted to arrive prepared to complete a window 'toutes-de-suite' and the ethereal, tissue-light birds that she pre-cut and tucked into here valise were just the ticket.

The birds flock around openings left in each window ... creating a spotlight effect on the mannequins posed in each window.

We think the result is very pretty and very, very 'printemps'! do you agree?

treasure hunting!

Johnelle and Kim have been wandering the french countryside in search of petite treasures for Mignonne. We have been lucky with beautiful weather just about the entire first week of her visit.

Johnelle is heading up to Paris today and will spend a week with friends before returning for several more days in Brantôme.

We've knocked around vide-greniers in Bourdeilles and brocantes in Perigueux and Brantôme. There are so many amazing things to see and appreciate ... every variety you could imagine.

Meanwhile, Mignonne is in good hands and has abbreviated hours for the month of September:

Wednesdays and Thursdays 3pm to 7pm

Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 7pm

Bon Voyage to Kimberlee!

I'm leaving for my big French adventure! I depart early Saturday morning for Brantôme, a quaint village in the Dordogne know as the "Venice of the Perigord". Brantôme is less than an hour drive from Bordeaux and is located in an area rich with history and beauty.

With its "gastronomique" specialities, (foie gras, truffles, duck), the Dordogne is where foodies can savor the experience of fabulous cuisine and culinary delights. The region also boasts some wonderful outdoor activities such as biking, horse riding, kayaking, camping, fishing and generall appreciation of the natural beauty. The heart of mankind, Lascaux Caves, are a short ride away.

I am SO looking forward to enjoying the pleasures of a simpler life and the chance to escape from the stress and bustle of urban living and corporate pursuits. Hopefully I will find time to stroll through some of the old villages and visit the markets full of smells and sights most of us have thought long ago disappeared. My life will be anything but quiet, however, with my long list of many projects, including fixing up a 17c stone house, exploring my own new village, greatly improving my French, spending time expanding Mignonne's online shopping capabilities and writing the Je Suis Mignonne blog as well as my own personal blog ... and very importantly, searching for treasures to send back to Mignonne.

Not only is the region known for its gastronomique qualities, but it is teeming with brocantes and hidden treasures just awaiting discovery. Johnelle and I are very excited to have this opportunity to bring a splash of France directly to our customers in Old Oakland.

Wish me a big bonne chance!