Women I admire, part deux

Every once in a while, someone comes along who is so inspiring to me - so admirable, that I want to share them with you. However, this time, I am quite certain that most of you have already met the object of my inspiration. Alas, for those of you who have not had the opportunity to read her blog, or even better, her book, it is time that you too are introduced.

You see, this woman of the world lives in a country that I simply adore visiting. She lives in a home that, if I didn't have a home I already adore, would be terribly envious of. She is graceful, she is generous, and she is incredibly wise when it comes to her views on living a full and rich life. She is living the dream~

The gorgeous Vicki Archer, author of the blog French Essence, as well as the book My French Life, is someone I admire greatly.

One thing that I truly appreciate about her is her knowledge of the French woman, and what it is that gives her an edge when it comes to beauty, grace, and elegance, not to mention her sense of confidence. Not only does Vicki understand it, but she is more than happy to share her thoughts on it for those of us who are happy to read and absorb it all.

She has written about it on her blog, and devotes an entire chapter of her book to the subject. I came across it last night while once again enjoying the gorgeous photos that the book offers (and let me tell you, if I didn't already want to live in France, this book would push me in that direction). In that one little chapter, Vicki captures what it is to be a woman in France. What it is to live in a country where beauty and self-confidence are understood, not over done, and so incredibly ingrained that it is a part of your soul. She shares the thought that it begins inside, with how French women see the world around them, what they value, and what true beauty really is. For this one reason, Vicki provides me with incredible inspiration.

And yet, that is not all she has to share! Vicki has also raised three beautiful children, is married to her handsome husband, with whom she shares a beautiful French farmhouse in the south of France. This French "Mas" has been lovingly restored, from it's beautiful stone exterior and lovely gardens surrounding it, to the classic French interior. What I wouldn't give for her stunning kitchen!

I read Vicki's blog each day - sometimes it offers stylish photos of fabulous fashion, sometimes sage advice. But the one thing it does is brings me closer to a country and a lifestyle that I aspire to live, here in my west coast farm house~

xx