It has been a while, so I thought posting a summary of the last few months would be a nice way to catch up. Hope you have all been happy and well xxx
Spring started with a trip to the nursery. It is always lovely and fun to welcome the new season with flowers and plants.
Outdoor meals are one of the greatest joys of summer and I love to watch the sky going from light to dark blue just before the stars come out. The picture below was taken at 9 pm, it takes quite a while to get dark at the moment!
The newest addition to the MaiTai Collection bag insert family is "Trellis" by Designers Guild. It comes in two CWs: Bleu Royal/Emerald and Framboise/Petit Pois. Available
here
In May, I went to England for London Craft Week. I booked a room at Charlotte Street Hotel (also by Kit Kemp) instead of my usual favourite, Number Sixteen, as it was closer to the venues I had bookmarked to visit. My room had raspberry-red fabric-lined walls and beautiful, patterned fabrics throughout. I loved the red/pink and turquoise/teal color scheme—so soft, warm, happy and welcoming.
Charlotte Street Hotel drawing room
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I met up with Melissa White, and we had such a great time exploring various venues together. (I wrote about Melissa in quite a few previous posts, as she taught the frame-painting workshop a few years back, which subsequently unleashed my wall art creations. She also created the artwork for many of my beloved cushions, fabrics, and wallpapers by Kit Kemp, Andrew Martin, and GP&J Baker.)
My favorite craft demonstration was at Chelsea Textiles . They brought in one of their master embroiderers from India to give a demonstration on punch needle embroidery. I've never seen this technique in person, but I have often tried to figure out how the embroidery was done on the Chelsea Textile cushions I have (the first one is from 25 years back, but I've added quite a few since)!
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In the evening, we met at the John Smedley flagship store, where Melissa gave a talk about the floor-to-ceiling mural she created for the knitwear maker's 240th anniversary. Sections of the artwork were displayed in the windows and also featured on sweaters and a silk scarf. You can read more about the collaboration here.
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Spring and early summer were a peony feast; I only wish the season lasted longer.
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For May, I stitched a Lily of the Valley onto a natural linen napkin. I love how well it works with my dinner plate. Incidentally, the plate is one of Melissa's designs (Tall Trees for Kit Kemp)!
A couple of weeks ago, when walking the dogs, we had an amazing encounter: a tame wild boar mingling peacefully amongst white Camargue horses. I was later told that his mother had been killed by hunters and that he had adopted the horses as his family.
He came to say bonjour to Wiener and Roley
In early May, we went to the lovely Fontenille Hotel and Vineyard in the Luberon for my birthday. I discovered it when searching for a dog-friendly place not too far from us. It was a last-minute decision, as the weather forecast couldn't decide if it was going to rain or not. As it happens, it was a gorgeous day. The food was beautifully presented, and the grounds and views were just perfect!
While visiting a Tesla showroom, the boys took the opportunity to ride a cyberquad. Wiener looks as if he's getting impatient and trying to honk the horn to get me out of the way!
Last year, we had a couple of Wi-Fi outages, so we decided to go with Starlink because it provides direct internet from its own satellites. The dish arrived within days of ordering, and the set-up was incredibly quick and easy. The video below shows a test we did after unboxing; it was so cute to watch how the dish connects to its satellites. It is now mounted on the roof, and we've had perfect internet since. If you live in a remote or rural area, or if you don't have a strong cable or fibre connection, it is definitely worth checking out Starlink.
Morning light on my new Agapanthe border
The heads are absolutely enourmous!
Another lovely encounter on a walk ... a newborn foal with his mother. I posted this on Instagram on Mother's Day.
By now, the summer heat has arrived, and so we are having mostly salads or gazpachos in the evenings.
This year's lavender workshop was just as fun as the olive-themed one last year. I still have places available for both workshops in the autumn
here![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgF_x6q7zBKlcL7cYp2EQOFHcsIaCspgaDnB3je0aohrI0X_PZqyEt4bEpeYEQDLKmm5FufnAElfyzRB8_LG1X7yrzOwY7TWfIEK1NaeNEYuZGrzQ11g1Cz1DIr_sGyaFc5RiDZD2T36wZzcNfhE4iBZ8iPDaA1AWn1mRx_KyB7lYjwza8hw9kBoVoMGQ/w640-h636/Screenshot%202024-07-07%20at%2017.57.32.png)
I may not have mentioned it before, but I've been doing yoga for almost two years. I practise daily by myself and once a week with a teacher. I can't recommend it enough; it benefits your body and mind tremendously.
If you'd like to find out more about the people, places and products mentioned in this post, you can follow these links (as usual, they are not affiliated, sponsored or paid for)
in alphabetical order
So lovely to get an update and I hope there will be many more, soon, with enchanting photos and descriptive texts. Please don’t let there be such long pauses between posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely welcome back! The blog has changed quite a bit over the years and it is so lovely to know that it is still enjoyed. This means a lot; thanks so much ❤️ I will do my best to be more consistent in the future.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post filled with so many things of beauty. I love the animal pictures! #INSPIRATION❤️
DeleteI am so happy that you love the animal pictures as I love animals, too ❤️
DeleteMerci pour cette ravissante promenade dans des paysages de rêve! Les photos sont superbes! Toujours un plaisir de vous lire!
ReplyDeleteAnne
Merci pour votre gentil commentaire, chère Anne. Très belle soirée à vous.
DeleteWonderful post! Your photos were beautiful! The punch embroidery is very intriguing to me. I have done crewel and it is so similar, but looks like it goes much faster. Your tomato and basil salad is gorgeous! What did you use for the dressing? I am growing basil as well and made a dried tomato and basil pesto yesterday. Our summer climate is so similar to yours that I have been making similar meals. Please keep up your posts!
ReplyDeleteHi Glen, - thanks so much for the lovely comment; I am so happy that you enjoyed the post! You are right, the punch needle embroidery looks very similar to crewel. Apparently it is not that easy ... a lady at Chelsea Textiles told me they had offered their customers to participate in the past, but everyone just ended up with fabrics with a lot of holes. Your dried tomato pesto sounds delicious and growing basil is so rewarding and fun. For the tomato mozzarella salad I used olive oil and balsamic vinegar and some pesto (I made it more liquid by adding more olive oil to it). I then sprinkled it with salt and pepper and black sesame seeds. Have a happy summer and enjoy your lovely home-made meals!
DeleteIt's nice to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice of you to say, thank you very much!
DeleteWhat a lovely recap of your spring and beginning summer months! It’s so inspiring to see how much pleasure you take from your new passions and the punch embroidery is very fascinating to me. Keep it up und you‘ll soon have me try it myself! I love the agapanthus- planted one myself but without luck. The big bulbs are a delight! And so nice to follow Roley and Wiener on their adventures- that photo on the vehicle is hilarious! Be assured that your blog posts are highly appreciated, it’s a pleasure to read your well written text and background information. Thanks for bringing joy! Love, Katja
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, dearest Katja, for your warm and lovely response! I will definitely investigate the punch embroidery, although I also like the calmness of threading a needle through fabric.Gardening is definitely becoming more and more a passion. The agapanthus was a surprise success but I've also seen them thrive in England, so perhaps it's worth another try. Wiener and Roley send kisses, much love from all of us xx
DeleteRavie d'avoir de vos nouvelles à nouveau ! Florence de Carcassonne
ReplyDeleteJe vous remercie pour votre gentillesse, chère Florence.
DeleteIt is so lovely to hear from you again! I was amazed (and charmed) by how friendly the tame wild boar was with Roley and Wiener, as well as the horses. I always thought wild boars are vicious.
ReplyDeleteI am enchanted with your agapanthe hedge. Thank you for showing the close-up of the blossom -- so beautiful. This is not a plant I have heard of before.
I always savor your posts, which are such a rich combination of art, craft, scenery, lifestyle, food, and, of course, dachsunds! Thank you for sharing.
Dearest Cynthia, - it is so lovely to see you comment as I know you have been reading the blog for a long time. I do appreciate it so much; especially as the themes vary as time goes by. We do cross wild boars on our walks from time to time, but they are actually quite shy and just run away. The only time they are vicious is when they had babies. A mum would tear anything apart she perceives as a threat to her offspring. The agapanthe hedge will hopefully be twice the size next year! Warmest best wishes, and lots of tail-waggings from Wiener and Roley, Tai xx
DeleteBeautiful taste as always. The Lily of the Valley Napkin is gorgeous. I think you are enjoying much better weather than we are in Burgundy... Have a lovely summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comment, dear Poppy. I recognise your name from such a long time back. The napkin was actually very easy and quick to stitch; but so often simplicity is the key. Our weather so far has been cooler than usual (which is a blessing) but from now on it will be just relentless heat. I think you are better off in Burgundy! Have a wonderful summer too ☀️
DeleteDelighted to receive your e-mail. Agree with yr other followers that it had been too long since yr last post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Your comment proves that the blog format is not dead! I will improve.
DeleteMy goodness--so much is happening here! I breezed through your site yesterday, maybe, to see if anything was new, and today a new post! Full of flowers, wildlife, funny dogs, textiles and divine food. What's not to love? Well, maybe the heat!
ReplyDeleteDearest Greta, - here we are gathering at the swan's lake once more! You are absolutely right about the heat, but the dogs send their best tail wags regardless. Wishing you a most happy and beautiful summer, and see you soon again!
DeleteI always enjoys your posts! Sounds like a wonderful summer so far! Xxx
ReplyDeleteSo happy to know; thank you so much! Have a wonderful summer too!
DeleteLovely to see such grace and beauty at this time - it has done me good to look at lovely images full of life and joy.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that the post has done some good at this time, thanks so much for sharing!
DeleteIt’s always such a treat to receive your updates. I get such joy from reading them. I live in Perth, Western Australia, so it’s mid winter here at the moment but our climate is not dissimilar to yours. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind and lovely words. Spring will be with you in no time (I know I will be hankering for autumn as soon as the heat intensifies). Warmest wishes from France to Perth, and have a wonderful day too!
DeleteLovely update and gorgeous photos, as per usual!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Susan, for the lovely comment!
DeleteHow lovely to start a week with Tai’s wonderful sharing! Thrilled to learn something new and exciting and gorgeous! I so look forward to joining one of your workshops some day… <3 Until then, enjoy summer and keep your beautiful posts coming please! Cheers, Cecilia xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, darling Cecilia! It would be wonderful if it would work out, fingers crossed! We could do a custom workshop with the Lily of the Valley napkin and some of the elements of the other two. Enjoy a beautiful and happy summer, too! Much love xxx
DeleteThank you so much, it is incredibly calming and so beautiful to see!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Katerina
That is wonderful to know, thank you very much Katerina!
DeleteWe missed you! Enjoy summer and keep your posts please! They are a dose of beauty and good taste. Cheers from Cyprus!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the lovely welcome back! All the best from France to Cyprus!
DeleteAs always a source of inspiration and a symphony of colors and style. Thank you, dear Taina, for your update and for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course my heart beats for those wonderful horses!
Liebe Bettina, - thank you for the lovely comment. It is a reminder of the wonderful workshop day we had last year; it was so much fun. The horses were so sweet, I loved how everyone looked into the camera! Have a wonderful summer <3
DeleteSo lovely to see your beautiful photos and thank you for sharing them with us. Enjoy your summer X
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the lovely words, dear Gail. Have a wonderful summer too! x
DeleteYour beautiful photos and lovely life are an inspiration as I struggle through the cold and damp down here in south east Australia.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Your spring is just around the corner, hold on tight!
DeleteOh Tai what a glorious and happy post. Such a breathe of fresh air. Do please send some of those summer vibes up the the south coast of England where the season is being somewhat elusive. I had such a lovely time with you in London and I always learn something new. Thank you, as ever, for your scarf insights and inspiration. The (not so) wild boar story is delightful and practically a Walt Disney story! I have particular fondness for them since painting a mother and her piglet into a bespoke version of Tall Trees for a client. Hope to see you later this year. Que votre été soit rempli de parfums, de sons, de goûts et de visions exquis
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun to meet up with you in London; what a lovely time we had! How sweet the boar and piglet must look in their Tall Trees mythical home. Would love to see a picture if you have one. I've sent you rays of sunshine; and if you could send a little rain it would be wonderful. Have a most happy and beautiful summer and see you hopefully soon xxx
DeleteLove this post! Everything is so lovely! Can't wait to see new scarf posts! We all miss them! Enjoy the rest of your summer! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the lovely comment! Scarf posts will have to wait a while as the summer heat is upon us. Half of me is already looking forward to autumn ... Have a wonderful summer!
DeleteAlways enjoy your post and the beautiful and elegant photos and lifestyle you share. The pictures of the animals were so sweet and touching. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you enjoyed the post. The animal pictures are my favorites, too. ❤️
DeleteHi MaiTai,
ReplyDeleteI recently discovered your blog as I was looking for information on Hermès scarves. I got your app and absolutely love the knots and all the information it gives. It can't wait till the hotness of the Italian summer is gone and I can start wearing scarves again!
I also got a lot of inspiration from going through your blog with all the wonderful colours :) I really liked how you combine the scarves and necklaces. Would you have any recommendation where to get those gorgeous long necklaces?
Best, Elke
Hi Elke, - thank you for the lovely comment and a warm welcome to my blog! It is so nice to know how you discovered it, thanks so much for taking the time to share.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your question ... I used to source the stones for the necklaces and commission an artisan to make them, to be sold in my online shop. However, I stopped the line about four years ago and have no stock left, I am very sorry.
I hope that fresh and beautiful autumn weather will arrive in Italy soon and that you enjoy using the app. If you have the time, it would be wonderful if you could give it a rating and review ... these things matter so much. Thanks so much in advance!
Good morning,
Deletethanks for the very quick feedback! I'll continue my search :)
I gave a 5 star rating - very well deserved! I also wanted to let you know that subscribing to your blog keeps giving me error messages.
Have a lovely day, Elke
Good morning Elke, - thanks so much for the 5 star rating; that is so kind of you and much appreciated! Many thanks also for alerting me to the error messages. I just contacted the web developer and hope the issue will be fixed very soon (he might be on holiday this week, so hopefully be the end of next week at the latest). Have a lovely day too, Tai
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