Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A French Delight on the 5th Day of Holiday Giveaways and a Winner!



The 5th Holiday Giveaway is from a well known and loved blogger and author, Vicki Archer of French Essence!


Vicki has an amazing blog about all things French. Even a daily click of a special image that is meaningful to her and to her faithful readers all over the world!!

As an author Vicki has written two books, the 1st is My French Life




My French Life

A beautifully photographed romantic book about French style and culture—and making a new home in Provence
The synopsis on Amazon reads:

In 1999, Vicki Archer, with her husband and three children, made a lifelong dream a reality when she bought a seventeenth-century property in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. She spent three years lovingly restoring the farmhouse, bringing back to life the abandoned apple and pear orchards, and planting an olive grove of more than two thousand trees. In My French Life, Vicki shares an insider’s view of life in France— from its landscapes, delicious food, and scents to its charming people. And she offers an intimate portrait of what it’s like to adopt a new home on the other side of the globe. It’s a personal tale of taking risks, facing challenges, and the joyous experience of falling in love with all things French.

With lavish four-color photography that captures the essence of French style, My French Life is a book to cherish. It is the perfect gift for the holidays.

In her Second Book French Essence
She  returns with a breathtaking, full-color tour of the culture and style unique to Provence. 



French Essence
 
Again here Amazon describes that:

Ten years ago, Vicki Archer and her husband began restoring a seventeenth-century olive farm in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, resurrecting the ancient orchards and renovating the farmhouse. The story of Archer's dream come true is an enchanting one, captured on the pages of her debut book, My French Life. Now fully at home in this magnificent corner of the world, she brings us a guide for celebrating and re-creating Provençal ambiance. 


A lover of architecture, art, furniture, and décor, Archer knows that the best interiors are inspired by the heart as much as the mind. French Essence is designed to spark both, with gorgeous photographs of lush gardens, timeless interiors, hauntingly beautiful village lanes, and inspired aesthetic details. Sumptuous cuisine and charming shops are also essential features of the tour, giging all readers the chance to vicariously savor the sensuous pleasures and effortless chic of this region. Reminiscent of Frances Mayes's lavishly illustrated books, In Tuscany and Bringing Tuscany Home, Archer's captivating words and scenes open the doors of inspiration for all who cherish the French way of life.

Vicki says....
On French style...

I think I wrote it best when I said,

 I like to think that in France there is a sixth sense - a French sense... French sense is simple - it is chemistry, a magical mix of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures... As a nation France has chemistry, as individuals the French have spark.’
Thanks to Vicki's generosity, she has given  Two sets of Both of her books Valued at $80 a set! A  gift to Two,yes, Two fortunate winners of this Holiday Giveaway! 
The entrants must reside in the United States.

To enter simply Visit Vicki's Blog French Essence 
1) Go to her Shop French Essence Image in the right column
then come back and tell us what you love most in her shop.

I know I would love several of these mercury Glass Votives!!

2) Unless you want an extra entry for posting on your own site!
Thats right spread the love for the holidays!!

This Giveaway will end on December 17th  at Midnight EST

Now for the winner of the 30 inch  Princeton Pine Wreath strung with 100 lights from The Christmas Tree Market !
It is Amy of Maison Decor!
Congratulations Amy!! Do visit her wonderful blog!


Thank you to all for helping to make this such a fun event! We are  highlighting so many wonderful sponsors and bloggers! 

You still have lots of the giveaways to enter in the right column!

xoxo

Karena
Art by Karena

97 comments:

Laura Trevey said...

Hi Karena!

So glad you are doing well ~ thanks for stopping by and Happy Holidays!

xoxo

Simply LKJ said...

Love the pickle ornaments! We hide one for each of our daughters in our tree each year, when found they get to open their Christmas PJs on Christmas Eve.

Splendid Sass said...

Karena-
Vicki is such an inspiration. Her home is amazing and she loves life more than anyone I know. Not only that, she is the kindest person.
Her books are amazing.
Her shop is full of beautiful gifts. Her collection of ornaments are so beautiful.
Teresa
xoxo

Marthalynn said...

I love the Clear Glass Ornaments! So simple and beautiful.

Reading the synopsis of her books truly takes my breath away. What an amazing life. She sounds amazing and I would love to read all about her French adventures. Thanks for the giveaway!

marthalynn16 (aT) gmail (dot) com

Couture Carrie said...

Beautiful books!

xoxox,
CC

Amy Chalmers said...

Oh my gosh!! thanks so much Karena~I know I am going to love my new wreath for years to come!! Since I am feeling really lucky, enter me to win Vicki's book~I am a francophile so I would love to win this book~!!

Amy Chalmers said...

Ok, I went over to Vickis shop and I love the mercury votives too, but I really think the little bird ornaments are the sweetest!

Debby said...

I went to the blog and to the shop. I love the Thomas Kincaid house ornaments.

GB said...

I've been a long time reader of Vicki's blog and I would love to win her books!

I love her mercury glass inspired tealight holders. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Count me in too! I think I love her books best, actually!

French Basketeer.com said...

Bought French Essence last year but think I passed it along to L, so I would love to win a set of Vicki's books...funny, the lilac mercury glass votives were my pick from her store last week as I finalize my New Year's decor around that color!

Pigtown*Design said...

Haha! My new favourite thing... salted butter caramels in a gorgeous tin!

http://astore.amazon.com/wwwvickiarche-20/detail/B003NX8EYA

YUMMMMMMM!

henning love said...

wow what an excellent shop! i would really love the The French Laundry Cookbook by Thomas Keller. He is an amazing chef and I could recreate at least one of his dishes and it not be a fail then it would make me happy

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

How wonderful. I love the perfume section of her shop and I would love to smell Chanel #19 again its not always easy to find.

guildencrantz said...

So glad that these are being given away as a set because, after reading the description of both, I was afraid I'd have to choose! Well, I love the Root candles and The Way We Live Book, too.

Anonymous said...

I have been wanting that book "The Satoriolist".
I love art because of my trip to France.

Diana Mieczan said...

Hi, my dear. Hope you are having a wonderful day and her shop is stunning. I adore the festive red ornaments. Muah

24 Corners said...

I've been wanting to read and 'oogle' Vicki's books for so long...this is a fantastic giveaway!! Love her shop, and I loved the little mercury glass scalloped tealight holder...anything with a scallop sends me over the moon!
xo J~

Ps...Thanks for your kind comment about my mom Karina, it was very sweet. ♥

The enchanted home said...

Vicky is a class act and obviously one very talented lady!! I would LOVE to win this giveaway!! So happy to hear you are on the mend Karena thanks to you both for this wonderful opportunity!!

Sarah Klassen said...

Hello lovely friend,

Thank you for all of the comments and kind words... oh my, great giveaway indeed :)

Hope you are having a lovely week so far...

x
Sarah

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The magazines she has are all amazing but this really caught my eye...Darice 80-Piece Professional Art Set! Thanks for a sweet giveaway! ♥

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I don't think I get an extra entry for this comment so you can delete it my friend! But did you realize you have the giveaway ending on October 17th? I'm thinking this is not right! heehee! Hugs! ♥

Decor To Adore said...

Mrs. Archer has EXCELLENT taste in literature. As an author is is superb and her book pics~ well Coco Chanel and Cecil Beaton are tops on my MUST READ list.
Love the rose fragrance and Chanel mascara too. Too much loveliness to choose from. :)

Decor To Adore said...

I spread the word on the DTA Facebook page! :)

Teri said...

Lots of wonderful stuff over there but I think that I would have to go with her favorite choice for a camera as well: the Olympus PEN. Nice camera!

peggy braswell said...

So much to pick from -that Vicki is perfection!...the perfume shop please-anything Chanel!! Karena, Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

ShirleyC said...

I love the Old World Christmas Woody Wagon Glass Ornament #46019. it reminds me of one my family had when I was in high school.
I also love the Mercury Glass Votives.

I was wondering about the date of the giveaway - Oct. 17th?

Jules said...

Alas, alas Karena I do not live in the United States. Have read both books but do not own them, follow Vicki and love her writing so this is very, very sad. Thank you for your lovely words and for visiting xx

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I love the French ornaments. Both of these books sound so great. Thanks for telling us about them.

How is the recovery going?

Fondly,
Glenda

The Charm of Home said...

Wonderful giveaway! I also love the mercury glass votives with the flower motif.
Sherry

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I love all the mercury glass tealight holders, but in the silver colour. Thanks for the giveaway, and thanks for stopping by my blog.

Unknown said...

What a truly lovely give away!!!!

There are many, many tempting things in Vicky's French Essence shop, but I think b/c it's been raining here and a bit dreary, the Red Wellington Boots jumped right at me!!!

Fingers crossed, Karena!
xoxo Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

I love the selection of books Vicki offers on her site. They are lovely choices. Thank you for stopping by my blog today! I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this giveaway! I also signed up to follow you. You have a fabulous blog!

Lauren said...

I love the clear glass Christmas ornaments! And of course, I can never get enough of new design books.

Laura Casey Interiors said...

I love the glass peacock Christmas ornaments.
Laura

Linda Merrill said...

Love Vicki!! I'm with you Karena - the mercury votives in a mix of colors would be gorgeous!

Silvia C said...

Hi Karena!!! I love the multicolor glass reflector ornaments. They remind me of the ones my mom had in her Xmas tree when I was a little girl. Oh, so many good, sweet memories. Fun giveaway!!

Unknown said...

Hi Karena, what a lovely give-away. I adore Vicki, her home and blog are just exquisite. I love the classic books she's selling and would love to start collecting these for myself. I have seen her book here in Anthropologie and would love the chance to win a set!

xo Mary Jo

Trouvais said...

Hello Karena! What a great giveaway! I have both books...they are wonderful. Beautifully written and wonderful eye candy! Trish

xinex said...

Thanks for telling me about the giveaway. I visited Vicki's store and I like the luggage ornament. The mercury glass votives are pretty neat too....Christine

Acquired Objects said...

Hi Karena...I have French Essence and love it it. Well written and it offers up some beautiful eye candy!

I hope you're doing well!
Debra

Anonymous said...

How awesome! I already follow Vicki but I had no idea she had a shop. I love the little mercury candle votives. Her books make for such an incredible giveaway! Thank you so much for a chance to win and for giving me a heads up!! xo

Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

Oh the clear glass ornaments are so pretty! What a fun giveaway!!

La Petite Gallery said...

Vicky is just an awesome talented woman. She travels is a shop owner and has written a book.
Plus is answers comments and is a beautiful, kind person. Thanks for giving me a chance to say that..
Merry Christmas You all!!
yvonne

vicki archer said...

Thank you Karena for hosting this giveaway... I am so touched to be included in this festive season of yours.... Much love, Vicki xv

The Gastronomic Goddess said...

Beautiful books! Would love to win! Just looking through her shoppe fills me with longing - the Goutal perfumes, and also the Noel pour candle, and those gorgeous cashmere lounge pants have me pining away! And the Chanel lipstick...okay I want everything! :-) thanks for the entry and Merry Christmas!

Traci said...

I particularly like the gold votive cups/holders

karen - Simply Inspired said...

French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style...
by Vicki Archer
I visited and am smitten by Vicki's book...
thank you!
-xok.

Unknown said...

Karena,

You are so blessed to be a blessing and I'm very happy to know you are doing well this season. Wonderful giveaway I'd love to win the books by Vicki.

In visiting Vicki's store I liked the Reed & Barton Three French Hens Blown Glass, Christmas Ornaments.

Happy Wednesday!

Bette

traci zeller designs said...

What a wonderful giveaway. I love France and a I love books! I'm crazy for the Eiffel Tower ornament; I think I need to add it to my collection!!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Great giveaway! French Essence made my best book list last year.

Dovecote Decor said...

First, I want the purple votives as well, but so you know I really peaked around, I would take the asian figure Christmas ornaments.
Best,
Liz

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Karena ~
Thank you for stopping by my blog!!
Your giveaway is awesome!!

My Notting Hill said...

I had to smile when I saw the lobster ornament - my kids would love that! Love Vicki's blog, it's always a treat.

christina @greige and my sparrow said...

I love love her books! I really want the black umbrella... so so cute! It is going on my Christmas list...

Best,
christina
greige

michelle said...

Hi Karena! What wonderful giveaways you have going here, you are so sweet. I love any of the old world beachy ornaments that she has, they are so beautiful!
Thank you again and enjoy the season!
xoxo

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

wonderful giveaway! I love her mercury glass ornaments and my sons would LOVE the converse she also sells! :) xoxo

Anonymous said...

Love the silver mercury votives as I am trying to decorate in silver and white this year - just beautiful! Thanks, Maureen mb99999@yahoo.com

KimMalk said...

I really like the mercury glass candle holders, too. The 3-French hen ornament is darling.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oooh, I love the woody wagon ornament!
And I love Vicki!
And you!

MoonRae said...

First, congrats Amy!!
Besides those gorgeous Mercury Glass voltives, ohhhh the ornaments,the beautiful ornaments!!!There are some light pink teardrops that look like some we had years ago on the "Living Room" tree. There were 2 trees at my house,the kid's Santa tree and then my mother's fancy tree in the living room....thanks for the memories....
Happy Holidays Karena!!!!

Kare said...

Karena, What a great giveaway. I have to pick the camera Olympus Pen.

Karen

karlight52@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I've spent so much time exploring Vicki's incredible and divine temptations in her shop. After careful deliberation, I would have to say that any one of the beautiful baskets would have to be my favorite. The baskets transport me to a perfect picnic day in sunny Provence! Thank you for the opportunity to win and Merry Christmas to all!
soficobb2@yahoo.com

La Petite Gallery said...

Dear Karen,
Bottom line-------
(Santa)
I really want to win a book of Vickie's that would be so grand..wishing and wishing and wishing,,Hello--- hello?????

maria said...

Hi, I love the selection of books she has under Paris and Provence and also the bird ornaments for the tree as I have started my own collection. Thank you.

m_toruno@hotmail.com

Jacqui said...

So many choices but the glass Eiffel Tower brings a sparkle to my Christmas tree and transports me even momentarily to Paris. I lived 2 blocks away. Wonderful memories.
Kurt Adler 5-1/2-Inch Noble Gems Glass Eiffel Tower Ornament

Anonymous said...

What generous gifts! The pink paisel ornament would be my choice for my niece as she loved pink! For myself it would be the Eiffel Tower ornament as I love Paris (and France)!

CLG

Roberta said...

I'd have to say the Coco Chanel book.
I've been following Vicki's blog for years and would love to have her books.
Thanks!
Roberta

CMN said...

What do I love most in Vicki's shop? Umm... I think I love most that it is there! Is that a silly thing to say? I love seeing what she has chosen -- the variety, the style, the charm. There's so much to enjoy!

DolceDreams said...

What a fun fun week you are having Karena...or 12 days I should say! I love EVERYTHING in Vicki's shop, but was contemplating some of her glass ornaments the other day...in particular a red suitcase with "bonvoyage"...
Nathalie

hotlanta linda said...

Cristobal fragrance, hands down - hard to find!!! EVERYTHING is worthy of gifting!! :-)

Tricia said...

What a fabulous giveaway!! She has some gorgeous ornaments and mercury glass items in her shop. Thanks to one of Vicki's recent posts about French style, I purchased a chic black puffer coat for a recent trip. Love her style, her blog and would love to get my hands on one of her books.

Thanks and happy holidays to you!
xo~
T

Cynthia O'Brien said...

I love all the votives in so many lovely colors! Most of all I love that Vicki shares her life with such grace and style!!!
Thank you for the chance to win!
Cynthia Xx

Karen&Jack said...

Really do love the mercury glass votives-anything mercury glass!

kellys said...

I've been following French Essence for about a year now and find it absolutely enchanting, and I love both the gold and silver mercury glass tea light holders. Thanks for the chance to win those beautiful books!

Vickie H. said...

My, what a nice giveaway! I loved the pack of 6 fusion glass Geisha ornaments! Thank you for hosting, Karena!

Beth D. peddrbeth@aol.com said...

French Essence reminds me of my trip to Provence with my mother-love the Mercury glass Christmas ornaments and the french philosophy of living with less, but the most beautiful things you can afford and find! I'd love to have Vickie's books

Loves everything French said...

What fabulous clip on bird ornaments - but instead of using all of them for the tree, why not use one to clip a festive scarf around your neck? Or, clip one on the hat band of a simple hat. Love, love everything in the shop!

Anne said...

Wow! What a wonderful giveaway series...! I love the French Essence items, esp. the Christmas ornaments (bon voyage!) and the selection of Anick Goutal perfumes. I will definitely post about this on my blog, Bird/Like!

Darlene said...

Mercury glass for me! Love it.

And I love to check in every day and get my bit of France from French Essence!

Regards,
Darlene

Wanda said...

Love the mirrored Glass ornaments!!! Thanks for the opportunity to enter this lovely giveaway!!!
best regards,
Wanda

BonOrand said...

Love the "woody" ornament - for a surfer friend! please enter me in the giveaway,..would love to win, renee

di@cottage-wishes said...

Love the books, the blog and the shop. I love the mercury glass votives, so pretty. Thank you for this giveaway chance. Di

quintessence said...

What a wonderful giveaway! Just adore Vicki and her blog - she has great style a gift for the written word. I love just about everything but was particularly enchanted by the Parisian Pagoda Parasol!!

Karen T. said...

What a great giveaway! I love the peacock Christmas tree ornaments!

jkg4121@att.net

Amy said...

I love the Victorian Inspirations Red Quilted Glass Ball Christmas Ornaments. So classy!

Anonymous said...

The Humminbird ornament would look nice on my tree this year.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Karena,

What a wonderful and generous giveaway, so many beautiful gifts.
Have a great week

Hugs
Carolyn

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Oh my gosh, so many beautiful selections...how to choose. But I must say, the Nantucket Lightship Classic Front Handlebar Bike Basket
spoke to me loud and clear, so I might have to say that one.

Hugs,
Judy

Market Decor said...

Love the little egg ornaments - thanks!

La Dolfina said...

This 12 Days of yours rivals Ellen's :)
Fantastic!!!
Are you dancing yet?
That's what I want!!!!
Merry Christmas Karena!
XO

Goldie said...

Anything mercury glass, including the onraments! Love them all !!

debbie bailey said...

Any of her books I'd love to have and read. Hope I win!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Everything is gorgeous. I really like the silver mercury glass votive candle holder. Such a generous giveaway.

Pamela Jane said...

The Silver Mercury Glass Tealight Holders would look beautiful with my Finnish Iittala glassware, adding a shimmery glow to my table settings. How wonderful her books are, too!

Kay said...

the french hens are so cute

jhitomi said...

Love the glass red clip on birds.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com

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