Thank you for your overwhelming response to the new look French Essence… I was so touched by your comments, and so appreciative of the sentiments behind them. It is a delicate balance to change a well established format and I was mindful of that old saying… ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’… If you have been reading me a while you will know that I love change, rush to embrace it for the most part and adore mixing life up a little. Do I take on more than I can handle? Undoubtedly… but this new site will enable us to explore more, create more and experience more together…
I wanted to introduce you to some new features on the vickiarcher.com site…
I have included a PORTFOLIO page on my navigation bar and the images are a selection of those that I style for a photo image library. They were shot in and around my home by photographer Carla Coulson… I am sorry but they can’t be copied or pinned as they are exclusive to living4media… If you are interested in the images, the details are on the PORTFOLIO page…
The ABOUT page will tell you all about why I am so enamoured with France… The BOOKS will explain why I can’t help writing about France… The BLOG LIST… is where you will find my favourite friends and the SHOP is a wonderful and easy place to find all those French things I endlessly talk about…
I have created some CATEGORIES on the right hand side… all our previous chat is in there if you would like to refer back to anything…
Finding me on Facebook and Twitter or Pinterest is so easy now… the symbols are at the top of the page on the right hand side.. one click and you will be there… If you would like to share my content there is a ‘share’ button at the end of each post on the site…
I am really excited about MY DAILY CLICK… It is a brand new format and there is a different way to see it. If you would like to receive MY DAILY CLICK you will need to sign into the box on the top right hand side of the vickiarcher.com site and subscribe. MY DAILY CLICK is a small musing from me to you most days… ‘extra thoughts, words and images… to captivate, to charm, to amuse’…
If you would like to subscribe to my regular blog posts there is another box further down on the home page where you can enter your email address… Existing subscribers have been automatically transferred, so you should continue to receive your blog posts as always… if you would like to receive MY DAILY CLICK you will need to subscribe to that separately…
That’s it for the details… I hope it is clear… please feel free to contact me if you have any problems or questions…
The giveaway goes on until next week ( all my absolute true loves for making like feel French…) please leave me a comment, join up to MY DAILY CLICK and subscribe to French Essence if you haven’t already… The more times I hear, the more times you are entered. Thank you for the tweets and the re-tweets… the likes and the shares… keep them coming…
And from me… a million times thank you for your enthusiasm and support… it is the best feeling in the world… xv
P.S I have now moved URL so if you would like to add French Essence to, or update your blog roll… my new address is http://www.vickiarcher.com… Thank you…
image – exclusive property of living4media
photography – carla coulson styling – vicki archer
;)
Just looking around your new site…so inspiring!
xoxo
ps those roses are divine.
Vickie,
Thank you for this beautiful website. I am going to learn French again because of you!
Vicki, I am absolutely blown away by your new blog image. Its visually stunning and so very professional and I haven’t seen another that even comes close. You can be justly proud of it. Woohoo.
Judy
Did those flowers smell as good as they look?! Love the new look – especially the gorgoeus portfolio page.
x
Hi vicki, forgot to mention reading your books- especially the latest one- I’d love to read that… While I eat the chockies, by candlelight wrapped up in those gorgeous sheets and smelling divine!! Yep that would be pretty great.xxCorrina.
If I’m that lucky to win, the whole Hong Kong will know about it
forgot to mention … I always admire your pink roses. Thank you for another image of them!
Just joined up for your ‘daily click’
These flowers make me SWOON! What a gorgeous array of pinks to brighten up a grey morning. Congratulations on the new site!
Love the photos on your blog and how you share your refined sense of style. I love forward to a little bit of France from you weekly. The new look is très chic.
I’m sort of of the “leave well enough alone” school of thought and sure did think your blog was more than “well enough”, but you blew my socks off with this new design. It feels like a mini-vaca just visiting you!
Linda @ A Toile Tale
Just joined your Daily Click.
Hi Vicki,
I just discovered your site…and I love it! It brings together so many things that I love including a particular perspective on life, on beauty, on love…during the last few years, I have lost my connection to many of these things that had given me so much pleasure in the past…thanks for reconnecting me with these things…it really has been wonderful. Thanks again!
Vicki, the redesign is lovely. And those gorgeous pink pivoines,, wow!
Thanks for sharing all that is French with me! I always need my fix and I’m glad I’ve found you and your site and your books!!
Signed up for the Daily Shenanigans!
I still can not get over how beautiful your new site is. I bet you anything that some folks will want to change theirs now too…
And the photo of the roses is insanely beautiful. I just want to go to sleep in that pile of perfume…
Vicki…this is big news and I am loving it! I have toyed with the idea myself of switching over when I get blogger issues..but so far have managed and things are under control! Love the new look, so elegant. I am going to go back now to yesterdays post, haven’t been in blogland a whole lot this week and missed it terribly!
Vicki…just came back from your portfolio…SPECTACULAR my friend!!!!
Hi Vicki – congrats on your new site – despite the fact I loved the old – Scary as it may be, sometimes we need to embrace change and the new site is fabulous. Roses are a great way to take you from one joy to another. You dont have to answer this, but as a new blogger in this world of cyber space I am curious and keen to learn more, have you moved to a new fromat ie from blogger to who… wordpress? google? or some new format that I am yet to learn about?? I think your time and committment to your site is amazing. Again congrats.
Vicki,
It’s nice to be able to enjoy more of all things French through your links. Almost like a library when looking for a little bit of France while living in California!
Karen
I adore receiving your daily news, love your beautiful photographs and your snippets of life. …. I am an Italy fan, living in beautiful Venice, but sometimes I get the yearning for France. I spent a short time in Provence and loved it. Most of all I would like to be able to write like you, appreciate your book recommendations and your beautiful outlook on life.
Vicki;
I am signing up for the daily click right now, really I don’t know how you do it all and do it all so well, it’s quite impressive. How do I access those threads you used to have on the old site like your favorite scents, favorite whatever? I could not find those yesterday.. thank you! Noelle
Noelle,
If you look through the categories… You will see the posts… They are most probably in ‘Girl Talk’ and the image will probably prompt your memory. xv
love your new look…very very chic indeedy
Love your blog and look forward to it on a regular basis. You bring France to me and I love all things french. As a designer Louis XVI is my favorite design. Elegant it is but the rustic finds elegance in my soul. What can I say I love it all. Thank you for your French delivery to Kentucky
Had only bookmarked your blog about a month ago but the redesign is charming. Best of luck.
Vicki,
I so look forward to reading your blog daily…you truly do inspire me. One thought leads to another and before I know it I’m up and at it with some project or idea I’ve got planted in my head…thanks to you. One of your blog posts inspired my recent purchase of an antique french vanity table, and I can’t thank you enough for the simple pleasure this has added to my day. I enjoy seeing my perfumes, jewelry, photos displayed in such a beautiful way…certainly has added a little FANCY to my day…and that to me is priceless, my friend! I also occasionally purchase your ideas from Amazon, including your books My French Life and French Essence.
Thank you Vicki : )
Love the new site + Congratulations are in order for you, VA! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
You have done a great job on your website, Vicki. Tweeted today, and subscribed.
Happy Wednesday.
Teresa
xoxo
Vicki, I subscribe to your blog and it is my daily treat. I should have mentioned that your new changes now allow me to view your pictures on your posts when I check up on it off of secure Internet connections. So I’m very happy with your new format.. I subscribe because I went to France once and fell in love with it. So your writings are my connection to those memories. I won your French Essence book from a blogger, Angie Muresan. I love the photos and descriptions of your country home there. Perhaps your next book can compile your beautiful photos and descriptions of Paris
All the best, Ruth
Dear Vicki..congratulations on your success to date and no doubt into the future. From the little blog that I have, I know the amount of time, creativity, thinking and effort that you would put into your blog…so you deserve all your well-earned success. Your blog speaks with a kind heart….and passion! A bientot.
…traveling to Provence tomorrow with Kit Glosen group (blog – Chic Provence)… hoping to meet you !!! LOVE, LOVE the new graphics.
I just signed up for the Daily Click…can’t wait for the daily inspiration only you can share!
I loooove your photos. They are such inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing your home, life and thoughts. I love your books. I would love to see if you could offer shopping baskets with leathers handles? Do French women really go to markets with these beautiful creations? I have never been to France, but it is my dream. Thank you for everything?
I have been meaning to take a photo of a pink roses arbor for a week, but did I do it? No! Did I post it? No! I can barely remember the camera, take the photo, unload it and post it…but you are an inspiration..do you drink wheat grass juice or red bull?!
Vicki, Beautiful, inspiring and the “Essence” of life! Congratulations on the new website. I signed up for everything, I don’t want to miss a moment of French Essence! Hugs!
Have to say I love the website – very inspirational – I’ve just started blogging and it’s so nice to see such a fantastic site!!
Gorgeous flowers Vicki and your new look is fabulous! I need to check out the giveaway!
leslie
wow, I can not believe the amount of comments you received yesterday
that is to say : what an example you are for me little blogger
wish you continued success
anni
Vicki, I’ve just finished “That Woman” and am lusting after more information about this famous couple. Once I saw W/E, and in it I think Madonna focused on the wrong woman, I have become obsessed to know more of Wallis. The book makes me feel so sad for them as it appears the Duke didn’t have any idea he would not be allowed to live in England when he abdicated. I’ve already received “Paris Stories” and began reading last night. Very very well done, my friend. And, what an incredible number of comments you received yesteraday, and I don’t think it has a thing to do with the wonderful giveaways…you are adored…
What a lovely blog~
I can see that you have put a lot into planning your new look!
What an inspiration you are to all of us to reach for the stars!
Thank you~
The old roses are spectacular! And I love the use of the beautiful script interspersed throughout the blog – so elegant. I just signed up for the daily click; I always have enjoyed that section of your blog. As I was making the bed this morning, I could just visualize those beautiful antique sheets in my room…hope lives eternal!
Thank you, dear Vicki, for the clarifications and reminders…I can’t wait to start exploring everything, this is so fun and exciting!
Bon journee!
xoxo,
- Irina
Everything looks lovely … at least you’re still on my Blogger Dashboard, which is great. Some site I have had to leave because I want all my blogs in one place, not in my inbox. I love everything about the new site, and have always loved the “products” … still loving Serge’s Oranger .. xo
Vicki – I am so glad to see you protecting your images. I love pinterest as much as the next person, but for those who make photography and image making their life’s work, it can be a bit disconcerting. I hope that your request will be honored.
the new site looks wonderful!!!!
Beautiful photo, Vicki – lovely.
The new site looks great – it was worth waiting for!
I’m loving the new look. I was a bit sad to hear that you were changing the look, but you know what? This just goes to show that we should all step out of our comfort zone, you’ve inspired me.
Much love from Aotearoa.
Vicki,
The new look is quite simply stunning…such a delicious treat for the soul.
Merci for the beautiful inspiration, all around.
Monique
Love the new site Vicki – French Essence is my guilty pleasure at work…. I just can’t resist peeping. My husband and I are lovers of all things French and we just love your photo’s, articles and stories.
With love Dianne
Absolutely gorgeous flowwers Vicki…I bet the perfume was lovely too
Lesley
xx
Congratulations on your new website! It’s a great new look. I’ve been browsing your portfolio and love the images, especially the photo with the candle, hairbrush and Lalique crystal perfume bottle. So pretty and serene. I always look forward to your posts.
Deborah
Vicki your new site is beautiful and very easy to read!
Like you, I do love change, and you have done it up just right! I will enjoy looking around!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I absolutely love the new website and those roses are just beautiful. Can you tell me which ones are they? I would love to see if I can get them here in Perth, Australia. I enjoy the Daily Click and look forward to the inspiration everyday. Thank you, Elizabeth
Elisabeth… the roses are called Pierre de Ronsard… xv
“SYABAS! ” or WELL DONE! as we say it in Malaysia and “TERIMA KASIH “i.e. THANK YOU for the essence of ‘C’est la vie!’ Luv your new image ! Am sharing you with all my pals! God bless!
Dear Vicki, I believe you’re familiar with my site: http://lavenroseramblings.blogspot.com where I discuss home decor, books, needlework and only beautiful crafts…reminding me of all things Paris! :] I also have a very bookish site under A Bookish Libraria, so I don’t want to confuse you with this sign in.
I just stopped by, really, to thank you for following me, and to tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts and seeing the lovely pics you choose. You and I are soul mates. I love France. When I lived in Europe and could go anywhere…I chose Paris every time. Thanks again for all you do to make my world beautiful these days. I’ve entered your giveaway. Thank you. Deborah
Your site has given me so much pleasure. I have forwarded links to friends, and have returned to some of your pages again and again. There are so many lovely-nesses I have enjoyed. I think immediately of your kitchen and garden, your living room of books, your preparation for various holidays, and some essays, especially the “dans sa peau” series and your first times in France when the children were young and you rented a house.
So many pleasures to thank you for.
Brava for embracing change as well.
Vicki, I am now subscribed to your Daily Click. I was wondering if you ever give tours in France for those following your blog. I believe I saw a post where you gave some of your favorites. Just wondering if you have delved into the area of tours of your favorite Parisian and Provencal haunts.
Your site is just lovely and the photos of your home are amazing. Can’t wait to read and see more. G.x
Your renovated blog is lovely! And, those flowers — swoon!
Love this post, the new Blog is everything & more. Congratulations on all the hard work. Easy to navigate, wonderful to read. An even better way to start my day!
Lavinia
x
lovely post, I’ll be here a while going through all the links…
You have always been on my blog roll, I would love it if I was on yours http://camdesign-interiors.blogspot.ca/
so funny no one goes on my blog, I have had a give away for weeks that finishes May 19 and so far only 1 comment… lol
Regards, CarolAnn
So pretty. Your pictures of flowers always leave me longing for my very own garden. A garden where my little girls can pick me little bouquets and place them all over the house.
I’m having a “I want to be in France” day. I’m there with your blog, thank you!
I subscribed to MY DAILY CLICK!
Fabulous roses and I know they are fragrant! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Vicki
I am an avid reader of My French Country Home. A link on the website brought me to your new blog site. It looks like my kind of blog. I love the French lifestyle. I recently came back from my honeymoon in Paris, I just want to fly back and experience so much more.
I will be back.
Cheers from Australia
Ooh, it’s a splendid makeover, Vicki – bravo! Am off to have an explore…J x
Hi Vicki, I just got back from Paris, my very first trip. I used your various suggestions, as a guide to the city.I visited the Annick Goutal shop, and stocked up. I went to different sites. I had wonderful meals in cafes.I drank lovely teas, and shopped at open air markets. Now, with your makeover, I am discovering even more. Love the new format, and the introduction to more things french. Thank you. Continued success. lizziebr@gentropy.org
Can your blog get any more delicious? I think not. Now where’s my passport, I’m coming to soak up that French Essence …
Vicki, your blog is a visual escape.
I adored your Paris in black & white & posted it on my site as well.
I follow your Daily Click – always a lovely surprise in my inbox.
I am sharing French essence on my FB page; http://www.facebook.com/redeventdesign
Congratulations on the new website. I love the clean, elegant look you have created.
Oh Vickie, As usual I wake up each morning to an image that helps me get up each day with a sense of belonging and connectedness in this world. The beauty in your art sings to my soul. Thank you for sharing your gift.
I confess! I’m a Vicki wannabe. You are awesome!!
Vicki, your new look says it all- the essence of the French!
Boucoup d’informations! Formidable! And pretty darned beautiful!
Yummy!
xoxo, Chris
I’m so happy to wake up everyday to your blog. It’s the next best thing to being in Paris. What a wonderful gift my friend shared with me!!
Thank you.
Carol Ann Liebman
Boca Raton, FL
I love getting your Daily Clicks-such beautiful pictures. Thank you.