What kind of things would you like to see me blog about?
What would you like to learn about antiques?
How often do you come back here and read the posts?
Thank you so much for reading this, and for any answers you may want to share with me. I so appreciate all of you readers, and really do want to make this a fun, informative place for you, a soft place to land, and a place where, with a cup of coffee or tea, you can escape for a few minutes and enjoy reading. For the next few days…we’re off on a small buying trip. Staying at a Winery overnight, and hopefully, in between the antiques and vineyards, I can refresh and recharge ~ and together we can figure out what could make this blog better, more FUN, and everything all of you deserve it to be! xo
ps. photo credits: 1. The queen of my garden, Eden.
2. Princess, and my next favorite Rose: French Lace
3. The corner of the Little FrenchGardenHouse.
If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.
31 Comments
I don’t know where to start. I wanted you to know that I went through a very difficult time last year, and reading your beautiful blog truly helped me through a very rough patch in my life. I could always count on your writing to encourage me, and your beautiful photographs to make me happy. So I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. {I’m much better now}
Through your blog and website, I can tell that you are truly a kind and caring person, someone who probably has a million friends. You certainly have a huge fan in me. Don’t change who you are, what you write, because you never know who you are touching in their life. Allison
Miss Lidy, I confess, I AM bedazzled by the glorious photos of your roses! Let’s start at the end. How often do I return to visit daily? More often than I would like to admit. I am always eager to read your replies, to check out the latest comments, and to see if I have missed anything. You’re probably thinking, “This woman needs to get a life!” That’s o.k.. Periodically, I have to check out the FGH, Lidy, to dream , to hope. Without dreams and hope life is pretty dreary at times. Now, you’re thinking,” This poor soul needs a therapist!” Nah! All your pieces from FGH have a story, a story of what it is, when it was used, how it was used–I find that fascinating. In addition you show us how to use it today. You often give us generous glimpses into your lifestyle, adding a personal elememt to this blog. It’s as though you invite us over to visit, and you are a most gracious hostess. You share your decorating style and ideas with us, your garden, your “puppy.” I am not sure what more anyone could ask . I feel that I have learned so much from you; not only how you put things together for a beautiful look, but I’ve learned how to better deal with people, potential customers for my little Etsy Shop ( if I ever get it going on a greater scale!). I see, now, how to draw people out, pull them into the conversation, and to stop worrying about what I am saying. Much the way you draw me into your blog and I start typing a mile a minute. Much the way you have pulled me in right now! (;D
As I have said before, you have a way of making others feel special, and of course, it is you who are the special one. Reading what is new from your blog is one of the most pleasant times of my day. I know, I know…please, Joyce, get a life!!
Found you via face book, not even sure if I have visited before but I hear you on the blog coming last on the busy list!!
I too will be interested to hear what readers are after, I also run an antique business and there doesnt seem to be enough hours in the day.
I do love blogs though! And your is beautiful, informative, and just a total treat to look at and read.
Alicia
Love your stuff. My style is more Medi-Contemporary. Our house is shellstone & stucco.. But I love to visit you, I use the pics for inspiration, like your garden bench. I think you are giving us exactly what we love, so just keep doing what you do so beautifully!
Lidy…I love your blog as it is! It’s YOU, the real deal and I love all that you write about. I can tell you really research your topics and I have learned a lot about antiques. We are all so busy, the best advice is to tailor your blog around your time…for example, plan to write a post every other Monday night. When you have a stretch of time you might even want to write them and autosave them to post on their own. Please…don’t stop writing your blog, remember, you were the one that got me started!!
XO,
Jane
I enjoy your blog because it is like sitting down with my favorite magazine. There is always something to give me ideas for decorating my home. I love the beautiful photos of your home and gardens. My blog is called Cozy Home Scenes, so anything concerning creating a home that is welcoming and comfortable appeals to me. ———- Shannon
Your beautiful pictures are often enough to inspire and bring joy. Don’t stretch yourself too much. Writing your blog should be an enjoyable experience and not an
‘Oh no, I have to do’ thought.
Lidy, You are doing everything right in my book… I thought that having an on-line store was going to be so much easier then a brick and mortar one. Well, it isn’t, I know! And then worrying that you need to Facebook, blog and tweet etc. to get your site out there.
Well I may get to spend most days in my Jammie’s but by no stretch of the amagination is this easier. I can’t even get opened again because I’m constantly questioning my websites look, I have bought 4 different site backgrounds trying to get it right, in the process of changing it again!! So I know your pain, but I also know and so admire your talent. You have the best “eye”, some of the best posts, and I always like that you only say a couple of times a week so I can easily catch up if I missed a few.
The one thing I know publications like Romantic Homes, ect. are missing is that we want to see entire rooms of fabulous decor, not cropped vignettes of a tabletop. We can’t learn how to decorate a room if we can’t get a whole picture of that room. And I know it’s harder to photograph, but it’s the one thing I love about certain blogs I can’t stop coming back too. Share your talent, teach us what you do, that I think makes for a blog that I’ll come back too regularly. Sorry for the rant but maybe it’s what I needed cause I feel better and ready to go and get back at it. I love what you do, and I love that you share it so very well, Tracy
Your honesty is greatly appreciated. I recently found your blog and I have to admit that the blog is my home page. Your posts are always inspiring, interesting, or both.
I personally think that reading less posts would be tolerable because of the quality content offered. Most of us are pretty busy so we can understand your dilemma. On the other hand, do what is right for you. The beauty offered on this blog might be tainted if you are unhappy and struggling to keep up. Blessings to you in all that you decide to do. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lidy,
I have followed your blog since the beginning. I have it on RSS feed. It’s the first one I look for when I sit down with a cup of Starbucks in the morning.
I love to read about the following things:
1. decorating
2.your garden
3. your antiques and how to take care of antiques
4. your dog
5.okay, pretty much all of what you write!!
Please don’t change a thing, its’ perfect just the way it is.
thank you from a grateful Cindy.
Tracy,
Thanks so much for taking the time to give me such detailed feedback! I so appreciate it, I’m really trying hard to write informative, interesting things for all of you to love, while balancing my very busy business, too. I love blogging and would never give it up.
Good luck on launching your website, just do it girl!! xo
Joyce, you truly are such a sweetheart. I am so happy to learn that you enjoy my writings and little “peeks” into our life {which is a normal, “everyone else has the same kind of life”}sometimes I think “wow, who on earth cares what we do or see or that we get a new dog?” and I thank you for reading and being so supportive!
Just always want to check in with all of you and see how it’s going, and I do feel like I’m neglecting my little blog a little. But I hopefully figure out how to do the blog better, and make it fun for all of you. And thank you for being bedazzled by my favorite roses, though I am certainly NOT the gardener in our family, I DO totally enjoy and love the many roses we have blooming in our smallish garden!
xoxo Lidy
Hi Alicia, and welcome to FrenchGardenHouse! It’s not that my blog comes last, it’s just like I run out of time each day {so I guess it DOES come last after all!} I do love blogging though, I have met the most wonderful women from all over the world through blogging, I wouldn’t trade that in for anything.
xo Lidy
Nancy,
Thank you! It’s a great compliment that even though your style is different from mine, that you still visit my blog and enjoy it. I actually love most styles of decorating, it all kind of depends on the kind of house you live in, don’t you think? I sometimes joke that if we ever bought a truly modern home, I could go clean, sparse and modern, but keep my home office or bedroom French romantic!
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to write and give me your feedback! xo Lidy
Jane, so very nice to hear from you! And thank you for your feedback, too. I love YOUR blog, it’s such a great place to visit and see what’s new with you, your family and your two homes. {lucky girl!} And yes, I am going to figure out when is the best time for me to write my blog, and maybe even make a shedule for that.
I won’t ever stop writing my blog, because I’d miss all my great blogfriends too much, like you!! xoxo Lidy
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for taking the time to write and give me your feedback. I am delighted to “meet” you, and have enjoyed reading some of your posts. The vegetarian recipes and gluten free ones are wonderful for me, as I have one vegetarian child and I need to stay gluten free, so thanks!
And your little Holly is adorable. I will try to focus a little more on those “home” posts, as those are the ones I actually love too. xo Lidy
Thanks so much, Carol. I think that helps greatly, knowing that sometimes a picture or two is a good post. I see some ladies that can knock out a huge post, with a million pictures, and I so love reading those, but there isn’t enough time in my day to do that on a regular basis.
I DO love my blog, and never think I “have” to, I just love checking in with all my readers to see what’s relevant and beloved by all of you! xo Lidy
Hi Mimi,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write about what it is you love about my blog. I’m not at all unhappy or struggling, it just seems like compared to my early days of blogging {I wrote every day, I spent hours reading and commenting on other blogs etc} I can’t devote as much time. But the fact that you still love it and enjoy it is so encouraging.
xoxo Lidy
I do miss some of your longer posts, but I understand that now that your business has grown you can’t be two people at once. Still, I miss a post a day, even if it’s just a picture.
I look forward to visiting your blog, so if you can’t post every day, pleease do a long post. I loved seeing your home in Romantic Homes Magazine, and I loved your table top articles in Cottages & Bungalows. Any chance of more of those table top articles coming in this year?
Allison, I am so glad that you are doing much better now. We all have times in our life that are tough to get through, and I am honored to have played even a tiny part in helping you through one of those tough times.
Thank you so much for writing, you have touched my heart. Wishing you only sunnier and happier days in the months to come! xo Lidy
Hi Cindy! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know what posts you do and would enjoy most. I’m going to try to focus more on the decorating posts in the future, because that’s what most of you love best. Thanks for being a reader……{and a great client, too!} xo Lidy
Sandra Yvette, thank you for your feedback. While I can’t promise a post a day, I will try my best to get better at blogging more frequently.
The tabletop features were so much fun to do. I’m not sure if there are any more in the future, that totally depends on the editors of the magazine! They might be able to tell you about their plans if you email them at beckett media.
xo Lidy
I am a new wife and mother, and I love reading your blog. I love to look at antiques, I love to see how you put things together. There are lots of blogs with decorating with more modern styles, but that is not what I love for my home. I want to have a home that is welcoming, a haven, just like you write on your site.
thanks for the tips, the photos and the information. I always learn when I read your posts, or am blown away by the beauty. It’s good to be able to escape a little here.
Lidy, I have the delightful honor to work with you professionally as editor of Beckett Lifestyle magazines–from Cottages & Bungalows and Romantic Homes to Victorian Homes and Yum–and, more importantly, to share our cherished friendship. I see how you touch people, just as you have touched me. You make intuitive, creative decisions and always think of others first. Keep doing what feels right–taking gorgeous, inspiring photos to share, sourcing the special wares you sell and sharing your heart. We love you for it all!
awwww, shucks, Miss Hillary! I thank you for that. YOU are a huge inspiration to me, and I cherish our friendship too. xoxoxo
Never change a thing, it’s perfect just as is. I live where it’s hard to find the kind of things I love and buy from you here. But coming to your website and blog is a treat for me, and often I have to order some little treat. I’ve never been disappointed, neither in your blog, or what I order from you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am a HUGE fan of your transparent writing, and you, and the beautiful things you find. Babs
Thanks, Stephanie. It is such fun to make your first home for your family, isn’t it? Even if it isn’t perfect {and trust me, mine is far from that} it can be welcoming and cozy, and perfect for you, your husband and your children. Loving your home and being happy there is a great place to be. I hope that you really enjoy where you live, and that you bloom where you are planted. xo Lidy
Dear Lidy,
For me blogging is like a journal. Don’t feel like you have to post every day or every other day, we will be there no matter when you post. That is what I was experiencing for a while, Lidy, and now I just write and share my creation when I am ready. Please do not change a thing, your blog posts are so inspiring to us. Ciao Rita
i agree w/most folks that have commented ~ your blog should be about what ever you love. Sometimes it’s cooking, gardening, creating, decorating – list can go on & on. Would love to have you share your gardens at Fishtail Cottage’s (Thursdays) garden party sometime? xoox, tracie
Hi Tracie, thanks for the visit. I love blogging, just wanted to be sure it wasn’t getting too stale, there’s always room for great feedback and re-invention, don’t you think so too? Love to visit your Thursday Garden Party soon. xo Lidy
I’m a fanatics off you’re picture and comments …