my love for the French countryside and the sights and sounds are still very vivid.
For the time being, I incorporate as many French habits and French products into my daily routines.
French Soaps, candles, hand lotion, recipes, and books set in France and Paris keep the memories alive and I feel content.
Do you follow Sharon Santoni's blog My French Country Home?
Sharon is a busy lady...
besides keeping a lovely home and garden she has written a lovely book My Stylish French Girlfriends and another book will be available in August...
My French Country Home.
I love her first book and have preordered her second...
BUT this is not all that Sharon does...
she has created the sumptuous My Stylish French Box...
I splurged and subscribed...these French themed boxes arrive every few months and are filled with wonderful French gifts. Each box is wrapped in ribbon and the contents are carefully curated and packed with care.
The May box has a rose theme...
I unwrapped these items and took a photo...
a vintage spool with new blush pink velvet ribbon and a pair of scissors
soap
hand lotion and balm
a rose diffuser
slate tiles to use as labels for roses or cheeses
(or whatever you desire)
a hand made linen tote with a rose print on the front
perfect for shopping
I particularly like the hand "gelee" and I am keeping it handy beside the kitchen sink.
I look forward to trying the balm.
It's so nice to have a box delivered from France that is full of surprises.
I love how these special delivery boxes transport me back to the French country.
I remember those poppy filled fields near Auvillar
and the roses that clung to the stone buildings.
One day I hope to visit the lush lavender fields of Provence...
but until then I'll dream
and look forward to another one of Sharon's gift boxes.
BTW all opinions are mine...
I have received no benefits from this post other than to be happy with the contents of the box that I fully paid for!
Most of the readers here are polite and some are rather discourteous and rude...
So there you have it...
I must be
disgraceful
with no ethics
alas
this humble hostess is honest.
I am not ashamed...
The Humble Bungalow Garden is filled
with the scent of lilacs and muguet des bois.
Our garden roses have started blooming...
and if you did not already know, roses are my favourite flower.
Hope that you are having a great week.
XO
77 comments:
What a lovely gift to give yourself, Leslie. All the treats are so beautifully presented. Enjoy!
That box looks beautiful! One day I would like to indulge in a special box. Sharon must lead a truly lovely life.
I do read Sharon Santoni's blog. I wonder if you would enjoy Belgian Pearls? I also like that one! Interesting to decipher the style differences between French and Belgian. As far as Anonymous's angry comment goes: why all the outrage? Perhaps if she wasn't "anonymous" she may have been able to have a reasonable conversation and felt happier at the end of it. Someone needs to send her a lovely french gift box or show her some other kindness, perhaps.
Good grief, has it gotten to the point where a blogger can't mention anything they like without getting a bit of grief. This is really sad.
Love your description of the the contents, they sound lovely. What a delicious way to be reminded of France. I certainly hope that you continue to 'share' this with us.
I have Sharon's first book and am now sharing it with my daughter - it was a gift to myself for Christmas. I enjoyed it immensely. I didn't know that she was writing another one, it should be great also.
I don't understand your crazy commenters venom. If they were so upset they should stop reading and go annoy someone else.
I enjoyed seeing your treats. We could all use more loveliness in our life.
Julie
I'm so sorry that you have to read toxic comments-especially after sharing your joy and memories about France.
Isn't it funny how peace,joy and simple pleasures could provoke outburst of negatives?
Take care
Dottoressa
I enjoyed your description of the French box. Just lovely.
While I get tired of the ubiquity of sponsored posts, they exist because blogs are one way (like magazines) we find out about new things. I've happily discovered countless products because of blogs. There is nothing wrong about sharing your delight in something you bought.
While Normandy is lush, and Provence has its lavender, I am partial to my corner of the south of France, with its quaint villages, vineyards and mountains to the north and south.
What a wonderful gift to give yourself! Sharon is truly an amazing woman and she inspires me to no end.
May I mention something? The tote is a collaboration with my very talented friend, Jeanne Mckay Hartmann. The roses on it are from one of her original works - and if I am not mistaken it was a special commission from Sharon!
I loved seeing the treats here. Thank you for sharing and I am sorry that you received such nastiness.
xo
H
The French box is quite beautiful, and what a treat to receive. Every piece is something I too would love, and this one particularly appeals because of its pink/rose theme. What a sad person is Anon, posting such a comment. In fact, her work has the consequence of making me decide to go right on and subscribe to at least one box for myself! Thank you for sharing.
I find it rather sad, actually, that the anonymous poster is so distrusting and immediately ascribes to the basest theories. One of the things I love best about HHB is that you share your opinions and thoughts do not have sponsored links.
I have thought about the Stylish French Box and salivated over them, but know that I don't need to own the contents to appreciate them. When we were in Normandy last fall, I almost booked their cottage, but didn't have enough time to stay there for the minimum number of nights. Love her blog, loved reading her book.
What a lovely themed box. The colour of that ribbon is perfection!
It's been a gorgeous spring here in my garden, the lilacs are blooming and it looks like it's going to be a fine year for the peonies and roses. Our lily of the valley is just coming up now!
What a hateful and rude comment, these anonymous people can really ruin the good feeling of writing a blog... I'm happy you persevere with it. It does get difficult.
Take Care xx
Such a lovely way to love oneself! Surprise boxes are huge fun! How sad for the person that wrote that awful post. I never in a million years would have thought your posts to be sponsored. I very much appreciate your reviews of products that you try and the links are an added bonus, so I don't have to hunt & peck to find them myself. Thank you, Leslie, for your beautiful blog! You have brought me much joy over the past few years with your interesting posts. ❤
I am so sorry that your enthusiasm and eagerness to share your lovely box has drawn such an unpleasant comment! I follow Sharon's blog and for me, it's like visiting a beautiful Victoria magazine. People choose to subscribe or to buy products as they wish.
Why would anyone want to be so catty? And of course, made sure they were Anon. Sad, really.
I love your blog, don't comment often, although I do remember suggesting that you take your comfiest walking shoes to Paris! My personal splurge is on perfume, every day, my own little luxury!
HI Leslie
Beautiful box and I too splurged
but not through your blog!
and your description and your pictures make all the more enjoyable.
Sharon Santoni's blog is gorgeous in and of itself!
Your blog is always fun and interesting as well!!
Thanks for your writing.
We find out about things through reading blogs/the internet
that we would not otherwise!
so thanks again for that as well-books and thoughts of others, always interesting!
Mary S
Dear Hostess, you seem to me to be totally honest and very sweet, with a true wish to share your joy. But there are people that simply cannot believe that such people exist. Do not let them bring you down.
Helena
Beautiful post, as always there's grace and beauty in your presentation. Your integrity comes across loud and clear, you're consistent in presenting who you are, and in a very generous way. I look forward to your posts as a touchstone in that regard. Thank you so much! Debra in Austin
Thank you for sharing your surprise box with us. The contents look lovely.
What a waste of energy that poster has used.....really-why?
Well don't give it another thought. After a crazy windy night, it is beautiful out there! Enjoy!
Suz from Vancouver
The boxes are full of lovely things...and they remind me of France which has a special place in my heart.
Sharon is a very creative and talented woman. I love seeing her posts on her beautiful home in Normandy...her gardens are amazing too!
I must look into that blog...I seem to recall the name from other bloggers. Thank you for mentioning it to me.
Perhaps anon was having an "off day" and needed a safe place to vent.
People are unpredictable...and they often surprise us with their reactions.
Isn't that blush pink velvet ribbon sumptuous? I will use it to wrap gifts and perhaps some garden flowers. I am eager to for Sharon's new book which is supposed to be available in August.
Cultivating loveliness is one of Sharon's gifts...we can all invite beauty into our daily round. A single flower, a bar of scented soap, a cup of tea served in a pretty cup...oh I could go on and on...
Julie I hope there are some beautiful moments in your day.
There is peace and calm here despite the anonymous rant...
outbursts happen and we need to put them in perspective and behind us.
Another's unhappiness need not diminish nor tarnish the beauty that we embrace.
It's a lovely treat and so beautifully presented.
I rarely write using links anymore...and once in awhile I feel so passionate about something, like My Stylish French Box, that I want to share with my readers...as you can see not everyone believes that my post was not "sponsored"
Your pictures of the area in which you live remind me so much of the Garonne area in the Midi Pyrennes where I stayed in Auvillar...just loved the countryside so much! Your are most fortunate to live there...
Jeanne paints beautifully...I adore roses and her rose pictures speak to me!
The linen bag will come in handy for shopping and for now it is hanging by the front door where I can see and admire it.
Oh I do hope you will love the box Patricia. It is a luxurious treat and so much fun getting a surprise package in the mail all the way from France!
Normandy looks so beautiful...I would love to visit one day.
Her cottage looks heavenly as does her home...I am keen to receive the new book which is based on her Country Home. The book costs much less than the airfare so i will be content to visit vicariously!
Your garden must be wonderful Dani...those plants and flowers signify that Spring has Sprung and Summer is on its way! We had a fierce wind yesterday and many of the flowers have blown away...petals were whipping around the garden like raindrops. We will need to go out and do some clean up this weekend.
Take care,
XO
Thank you for your kind words...
I have been offered several sponsored posts and have refused each one.
Her blog is lovely and her home so charming...the gardens look enchanting and Yes I agree they are very much like Victoria magazine.
Those comfy shoes took me many many miles on the streets and boulevards in Paris and beyond...great advice!
What Perfume do you wear?
I hope that you are enjoying the contents of your box.
Hi - I love your blogs and also My French Country Home - read them before work every day! No one forces me to do select either and if I'm unhappy with a blog I just don't read it anymore. There's no need for such a rude post; sounds to me jealous -- so much easier to be happier and thankful there is a blog like yours that is informative for those of us who appreciate finding the beautiful side of everyday life! Keep them coming.
Hi Leslie,
What a lovely treat to look forward to every quarter. Do you read Corey Amaro's blog "Tongue In Cheek"? She also has an online brocante shop and sponsors brocante tours.
Such a lovely box of goodies! I'd love to sign up for these. May I suggest you stop mentioning whether you benefit from sharing? There is no shame in making money on a blog and since you are honest and mention you do not, it seems to inflame rude comments. It's really no ones concern but yours. Xx
Hello.
I always enjoy your posts.
please do not change one single thing about your blog..I loved seeing the "goodies" you received in the french box. thank you for sharing. and please do continue to share...Carolyn from Vancouver
OMGoodness ! Why are some people so venomous ? I, for one, absolutely love hearing about new products that bloggers have tried and really like. Whether it be skin care, makeup, hair products, a favorite scent or candle. I have tried many different products that I love now because a blog I read and enjoy has mentioned them. Never one time did I think that the blogger was gaining something ! Unbelievable the way some ladies think ! Please don't ever stop recommending a product you enjoy - I think I can safely say the vast majority of your readers love to hear this info. As for the others..... I just feel pity for them.
One more thing if you don't mind ! I think it's very interesting how people that leave cruel and unkind comments never have the nerve to sign their name. Kind of cowardly I would say. Our local paper won't publish a 'letter to the editor' if it isn't signed
I am so... sorry that toxic post came your way. I believe you are one of the more authentic bloggers out there; that is why I read you. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!
Helena I posted this anonymous comment to show what bloggers have to deal with on occasion and to make a point that I did not receive a gift box or a free book...I am simply sharing something that brings me joy.
I hope that I continue to earn your readership Debra.
It does give one pause to wonder what is behind the words of anonymous...
what is the motivation? Curious isn't it?
There were power outages and tress and limbs down all over the area...today the roads are a mess of leaves and branches.
Here's my two cents: I value your opinion and if you use and enjoy a product I like hearing about it. Providing links is only a courtesy so if someone is interested they can easily find the product, too. I hope you don't let negative comments stop you from sharing. I, for one, appreciate it. Just yesterday I bought the L'Oreal Peony Pink lipstick you recently recommended and I love it! I typically wear some version of pink and this lipstick is a different variation than my usual. Thanks so much.
Hi Laura, Its fun reading blogs from other countries and especially those whom we feel a connection with...I love seeing photos of beautiful homes and gardens like Sharon's.
Blogs have replaced my former magazine habit!
I do read Corey's blog and I would love to visit Provence where she has a couple of rental cottages...her tour would be a dream come true!
Perhaps you are right...
people will think whatever they want regardless of what I say.
Thank you Carolyn...did you lose power yesterday with the gale forced winds?
Our streets and gardens are a mess today...the oak trees took a beating.
I am sorry you have to endure such rude comments. I enjoy your blog and I have never felt you were pushing sales of anything. Please don't let anyone discourage you from writing your blog. It is one of my favorites. Carol
The majority of comments are polite and I receive emails behind the scenes from readers who have tried something that I have mentioned and are thrilled with it.
Its funny what riles certain people...
I allow anonymous comments but have been moderating them and will continue to do so.
I could have deleted the post and not given it any air time and will probably do so in the future as I have done in the past.
"Anonymous" needs to get a life (and some manners). You are the most charming hostess and you do not have endless plugs "buy me, buy me!" I love it when you share something that gives you great joy.
I love when people give their favorites and the links to buy them. I have found so many great products this way. Another sign of the meanness of the world today. Ugly comments mean ugly people
I love that Pink Peony lipstick! It goes with everything!
The links are a courtesy...and it is a service that I felt important should any reader want to do some research or explore further. The negative comments are anonymous so one has to take them with a grain of salt.
Gosh I would make the worst sales person on the planet as I feel awkward asking for money! When I canvassed the neighbourhood for cancer donations many years ago I felt quite stretched and have never done it again. Give me a job where I can make a difference that does not involve asking for funds!
I am not arm wrestling anyone to read this blog or to "buy into" my favourite things...its a hobby, and agreed it is light and fluffy, not earth shattering or particularly relevant...but there are a few who stop by and seem to enjoy reading it. It sounds to me like you may be one of the few who tune in when a new post is published and I thank you.
I am not sure that I would agree totally with you that ugly words mean ugly people....
we cannot really "know" the person behind the words. Life is complicated and we really cannot judge another without walking in their shoes...my heart goes out to those who suffer sadness and feel despair.
Anonymous must be a little pink with embarrassment after reading the reactions. It's a shame there was a rant about a lovely post with pretty items. You handled it graciously, as usual. I appreciate links, whether sponsored or not.
That ribbon is the prettiest pink I've seen in a long time. The person that gets the gift with that bow will be lucky.
It is funny as if you are a covert operation for a huge book ring LOL!!
Yes, I follow Sharon, and she is on my blog sidebar. Have followed her for years and best yet you tube her, I love her you tube mini movies.
As for sponcorships know one needs to hide a sponcorships we bloggers love to brag about who we are partnering with, and it's common for bloggers to make a purchase and love it so much that we often more then not to a post on where we made a purchase and how much we love it.
I just posted on BurlapLuxe Instagram to run and order your magazine from Evoke, it's a fabulous European inspired magazine.... Guess what? Was I teaming up with evoke? No not at all, just putting it out there as part of what I do as a blogger, who has been featured and also instagrams.
Let it roll off your back, some people just don't get this special bond we bloggers have with one another and how we love to spread some French inspiration.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
You are one of my very favorite people! I will read through your posts and many times revisit them again later.
It's a funny thing; I don't mind whether someone does (or doesn't) have affiliate links, but I do expect transparency on the issue. And then I am willing to accept that they are telling the truth on the matter.
The boxes are tempting. I suspect the August one will have something related to lavender, which makes it REALLY tempting. I'm about to plant a new lavender plant--our wet winters here in Oregon make it challenging (but not impossible) to grow lavender, and I'm giving it a go once again.
Love the box- will be saving my pennies to be able to receive my own. The negativity of that comment is startling, good for you to let it roll away from you! ( And with a sense of humour :) ) It is their issue not yours. Thank you for your beautiful blog!!
At the moment it's Eau d'Hadrien. I love lemony smells in the summer, and this has a mediterranean feel to it.
Greetings Hostess, you are a lady and anonymous dripping with venom is most certainly not! You are obviously not thin skinned as I am, I hate reading those nasties, they want to spoil the beauty in life for every one. I'm sure it is because of their own misery which they can't cope with.
I am grateful that you mention products, etc, you do the ground work and make it easy for us;)
Your blog of beauty and grace often makes my day, I love it!
Cheers, Marguerite
Please ignore the rude and unkind response. Thank you for sharing your French Country box. I so enjoy your blog and always look forward to reading it.
Teresa
The pink ribbon will inspire me to wrap something of beauty...
I will seek out a gift for someone special.
Gosh wouldn't that be funny?
"Under Cover Agent Hostess!"
I must look on your blog to read more about the Evoke magazine...I love finding fabulous things from other bloggers and appreciate the links they provide to make my search much faster.
Thank you!
Lavender is so fragrant and I adore the scent...I am drawn to lavender soaps, lotions and candles. Lavenders grow well here and there are so many varieties that there must be one that will thrive in your climate. Good luck!
I am enjoying your blog Paula.
I think that this particular "anonymous" is a man! I have a feeling that the commenter is disgusted with older "60 something women" who have decided to enjoy the hobby of writing a blog, especially one like mine that is more fluffy than serious.
Here is a different "anonymous" from Oregon! I love your blog -- the gorgeous photos of flowers and your area, the care you take for yourself and that you share with others; and on a personal note, I really appreciate your sharing your thoughts and feelings about the loss of your mother. I lost mine in March of this year, which has been very hard.
Your blog is one of my favorites and finding a new post creates a lovely moment or two in my day. Thank-you for sharing your life with us ��
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