During my blogging break I spent several weeks at our cottage in New Zealand
(click on the pics for a larger view)
(click on the pics for a larger view)
doing this
on walls
and furniture
When we visit again this chest of drawers needs a lot more attention, it was a case of 'slip, slop, slap' this time to make a quick improvement so that it's okay enough to be used. (During our absence a young couple with be house-sitting.)
But it wasn't all work and no play.
A fun highlight was a visit to Akaroa,
a French settlement about 2 hours drive from Christchurch.
The main reason for taking the trip to Akaroa was to visit a
French shop that my sister had told me I'd love
La Folie Jolie
Alas to my great disappointment it was closed!!
I couldn't believe it.
The only day it's closed is Tuesday, the day we chose to visit.
Next time I'm going somewhere special I'll be sure to check their opening hours first!
(You can visit La Folie Jolie online here.)
As always the end of our holiday came all to soon.
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| Flying over Farewell Spit (Tuhuroa), a narrow sand spit at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand, en route to Auckland to catch our flight back to Sydney. |
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16 comments:
How disappointing not to be able to visit that lovely lovely shop! Love your decorating and all your vintage things. This wee house has a nice feel to it.
It's almost as nice to paint furniture in 1-1 as painting in 1-12. It's just not as fast and more difficult if you regret your choice of colors. We also have a cottage and here I have painted almost everything.
Nice to get inside your cottage and nice to see something from a very different place than Denmark.
It gives a little exit desire!!!
Hugs
Wyrna
me alegro mucho de que hayas disfrutado de unos dias de vacaciones
besitos
Mari
You make me extremely and exceedingly envious. I love Akaroa but haven't made it back there in years...
Hey Norma,
trotz Allem... man erholt sich und hat viel Freizeit im Urlaub.... und das ist wichtig. Es geht einem gut und man kommt erholt zurück.
Ganz liebe Grüße an Dich
PuNo / Monika
It looks like it was a wonderful holiday, even if you did paint!
I visited the shop link - hope you get to visit next time - it looks wonderful!
~ Zuzu
Dear Norma, it's just so wonderful to have you back. Your cottage is so charming and I must say I absolutely love the blue you have chosen for the cabinet in your kitchen. That is a lovely dresser you have painted from green to white. I like the wave pattern at the bottom. And that charming antique store, La Jolie Folie, if I remember correctly, what a marvelous place. I saw many things that I would like for myself if I ever went there. Alas, I know that I won't since I do not travel, only in my mind. Welcome back!
Welcome back, Norma! Your cottage in New Zealand is so charming. At least the day was sunny and beautiful when you tried to visit the shop. I'm looking forward to seeing your latest mini project once you get settled back in. Take care! xo Jennifer
Norma, glad you had time at the cottage, even if it was a working trip! And Akaroa's one of my fave places.
And I hope you waved from the plane as you passed over Golden Bay :D
Your cottage is super cute. It's always disappointing when you want to go to a shop and its closed :( Hopefully next time you visit you will see inside.
I think painting can be quite relaxing in a way and it makes you feel good. What a shame the store was closed, I don't know how many times that has happened to me, you can look forward to it next trip. Your cottage looks much more hidden by greenery than I remember from previous pics, a great getaway.
You know Norma, I WILL try and visit you here :):). It's such a lovely little house. You have done a great job!
I remember when I was in NZ more than 10 years back, there were hardly any places to shop. I would have love to see a place like La Folie Jolie.
Hi Norma,
Had to do a bit of catching up with your blog. First: I love the little French attic, but also Lamina's drawings!
Second: even if you look up the opening hours, it can go wrong. We had the a few years ago: finally we were so close to Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, that we could visit it. It still was a long drive, but it was a big wish of me. But when we arrived, it was closed for renovation! They just hadn't mentioned that on their website, because only a few visitors come in January! Like the castle doesn't stand in the middle of nowhere!
Hoping for more atticks to come!
Marit
Is this the little summer place with the outside spider loo, and the rickety stairs-cum-ladder ... it's wonderful, as are your painted pieces. Love it all ... so charming!
I love Akaroa, it is one of my favourite places in NZ. I often speak of it to my partner who is French. Note after 6 years of living in France I still think in Kiwi fashion, unlike the French who think before doing anything.....
à trés bientot, Leeann x
Your cottage is in a lovely setting and inside looks so welcoming Norma. How very disappointing that that fascinating shop was closed, I do hope you get another chance to visit soon. Hugs Sandra
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