One World One Heart 2011

This is the first time I've joined in One World One Heart, but as a completely new blogger two years ago, I found it a great way to begin to learn about and to 'meet' bloggers in this newfound blogland.So this February will begin my third year of blogging. If you are popping over as part of the OWOH event, welcome! Like many blogs, mine has become a patchwork of the different elements of my life:There's France, of course! We are a British family, living in the south of France. There's much to love about where we live, some puzzlement over cultural differences and expectations, a little frustration, and loads of excitement - I guess that my blog shows elements of all of that.

There's a love for vintage - French, British, American and worldwide heritage and memories.

There are memories of my family's past - the peacock Liberty print here belonged to my mum, who sadly died last year, and the fire fighter pyjamas were worn third and fourth-hand by both of our boys!

There are glimmers of silk and gold, in the beauty of nature, spirituality, faith and fine crafts.

And there's the desire to live a thrifty and non-consumerist life, for the good of the environment and our budget!

To show two sides of my blog, I have two elements in my gift for you this week. If one appeals more than the other, feel free to enter anyway, because I bet you'll be able to find someone you know (in person or in blogland) who would happily accept the other gift from you!

The first part of the gift is this copy of a French fashion newspaper, La Mode.

These beautiful ladies date from November 1898. Inside there are patterns, more fashions, and advertising. It's wonderful to look at, even if you don't read French! If you won it, I'd be perfectly happy for you to keep it as it is or to cut it up for crafts - either way, its beauty will be preserved.The second part of my gift to you is a modern French set of birthday candles. This reflects the family side of my blog - I think it would be fun to celebrate a family birthday in French, wherever you are in the world!So, please do enter and introduce yourself by leaving a comment, or, if we already know each other, do feel free to join in this little One World One Heart giveaway, and don't forget to spend some time this week visiting other OWOH bloggers in the same way!

I will announce the winner of these two gifts at the end of the OWOH event - February 17th. Please make sure that I'll be able to contact you by email if you are the winner!