More than stuffed animals, Gugus are creatures that come straight out of Fanny and Fabien's imagination. In their Burgundy workshop on the banks of the Nièvre canal, they make these funny and eco-responsible characters with four hands! Les Gugus is the story of the meeting between two artists: Fanny, the illustrator and Fabien, the cabinetmaker-decorator. Each pursues his career on his own until the birth of their son in 2015, when they decide to pool their know-how and begin to create together funny creatures with a dreamlike universe. To tell the truth, a sketch of the Gugus already existed in Fanny's imagination. They lived in the form of a drawing, when the young woman decorated structures for sick children in hospitals. Already, the children marveled at these fantastic "animals" and told him of their desire to own them "for real". The idea caught on and resurfaced with motherhood and the desire to give their son a home-made soft toy in organic fabric. Fabien, the visual artist, will help him to realize this project and to create the characters in volume. The story of the Gugus officially began in 2019. The couple trained in sewing then, from their country workshop located in the charming village of Châtel-Censoir in Yonne, they sourced soft and organic materials with indisputable traceability. They refine the world of Gugus, create a collection of characters, and after obtaining the necessary certifications and approvals, the adventure begins. More than just stuffed animals, the Gugus tell a real story. A legend and a meticulous cartography of the individuals exist... The Gugus would have been discovered in the 18th century by a little girl who then established a very precise census of each of them. As proof, each Gugus is sold with its "gugussier", a sort of identity card for the character. They are called Gros Navet, Pousse Toujours, P'titpousse or Portepax and are part of the Timimi, Petit or Grand Gugus family... This happy world evolves in a touching chimerical universe whose story and the adventures are told in pretty books... The Gugus are retailed in many shops in France and abroad. You can find them among others at: Avignon cqfd La Réunion ticazbébé Vence latelierfrançais lesgugus I instagram @lesgugus picture credit © les gugus

Camille Meire shapes pretty little rattles in natural wood at a very reasonable price. From her workshop in Dunkerque in the North of France, she handles wood with lightness and poetry to create the very first baby toy. KMR is for Camille Meire, and Childwood is a subtle pun that translates both the words childhood and wood into English. Her brand perfectly evokes the philosophy of the young woman; Camille loves simplicity, naturalness and her Instagram account perfectly reveals this universe. This professional cabinetmaker created her very first rattle for her little boy César, and faced with the demand of those around her, she decided to devote herself to this activity full time. After some trial and error, the very first models were born in 2020. From her workshop in the city center of Dunkerque, accompanied by her faithful dog, she shapes by hand the small toys in beech wood from an eco-managed forest in Isere. The rattles have no varnish, are certified to CE standards and are sold in pretty little linen pouches. She declines the models according to her desires and according to the seasons: small birds, apples, flowers... always soft and poetic models. Buying a KMR Childwood rattle also means contributing to the preservation of natural areas. Indeed, proof of her involvement in ecology and her integrity, Camille donates 10 cents on each of her sales to the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels des Hauts-de-France, a non-governmental organization that manages and promotes natural heritage. News Camille will present a limited series in 2023 in collaboration with illustrator Charlotte Priou. The rattles will be colored with natural pigments presenting no risk for the little ones. Our selection Rattle Maple, 12,00€ Rattle Tutti Frutti, 12,00€ KMR Childwood is retailed in 140 stores. You can find her creations in particular on these pretty (e)shops: Dax boam Nancy unoiseausurunfil Bordeaux coutumestore Lille mouflette.design Les Gets tetesderadis Beauvais bercailbeauvais Vincennnes trompette-store . kmrchildwood I instagram @kmr.childwood

Carrés Sauvages is an organic artisanal chocolate made in France from exceptional cocoa beans. An emotional chocolate whose flavors are renewed according to the seasons and collaborations. Carrés Sauvages x Mastic Lifestyle invite you to win the trio of winter flavors... Carrés Sauvages is an exceptional chocolate, raw and organic, which combines well-being and gastronomy. Each bar is made entirely by hand in France, a rare process practiced by only 5% of chocolate makers in the country, a guarantee of product quality. The cocoa bean is worked at low temperature in order to preserve its richness in nutrients and its flavors are enhanced by whole sugars with a low glycemic index. Its creator, Laure Mannessier left nothing to chance. Its brand is anchored in a sustainable and social approach that uses only organic, fair trade, traceable raw materials, respecting seasonality. Its packaging is made of 100% recycled paper printed with vegetable ink, and its inner packaging is made of biodegradable and home compostable wood pulp. « I wanted to do myself good by biting into a square of chocolate. To know that each ingredient brought me its energy. To ensure traceability and transparency in favor of an ethical and sustainable sector. To know its history. To consume raw chocolate, without refined sugar, virtuous, as we find few in France. Through Carrés Sauvages, I want to rediscover this exciting fruit that is cocoa and offer a well-being vision of chocolate without compromising on pleasure.r. » Laure Mannessier In addition to its classic range, Carrés Sauvages offers every season, new bars in collaborations with well-eating or well-being brands: Combeau, Anataé, Nourée, Neptune Elements, Chic des Plantes or Maison Loüno. are among the guests who mixed their flavors and specialties with the chocolate maker's subtle cocoa. Also, the Muses collection offers unique bars whose taste and case are taken from the personality of guests who inspire Laure Mannessier. Carrés Sauvages x Mastic Lifestyle This winter, Carrés Sauvages is publishing a trio of plates that will satisfy our taste buds and boost our good mood. It will be composed of the creations: Grand Cru 85% Pecan Tonka, a vegetable milk tablet with mashed cashew nuts, pecan nuts and tonka bean Crunchy, 75% dark chocolate with sobacha topping and currants As Christmas is almost here and we want to spoil you, Carrés Sauvages and Mastic are offering you the chance to win these 3 new tablets. Head over to both Instagram accounts for a chance to win the prize! Start of the competition Friday December 9 from 6:00 p.m. until Sunday December 11, 2022. The name of the lucky winner will be announced Monday December 12, 2022. Good luck! carres-sauvages I instagram @carressauvages picture credits © camille chamignon © manon guillard

More than a hair care brand, Davines is one of the pioneers of ethical and committed cosmetics that places life at the heart of its concept. Its products respect nature as a whole, from the earth to Human. From their beautiful village in northern Italy, in collaboration with the Rodale Institute and the Slow Food Foundation, they support Italian organic artisans and growers who maintain plant varieties at risk of extinction which then enter into the composition of their products. Davines thus participates in the protection of Mediterranean biodiversity and offers its users healthy and original treatments. The Story Founded by the Bollati family in 1983 in Parma, Italy, Davines was originally a research and manufacturing laboratory for luxury products, intended for major cosmetics companies around the world. After about ten years, the managers decided to create their own range dedicated to professionals at first, then to the general public. The company's policy has always been focused on quality and durability. In 2016, the multinational established in 90 countries is labeled "B corp". The headquarters of the company is a splendid village whose architecture is inspired by traditional Italian rural houses. It extends over several hectares which include the offices, the research laboratory, a greenhouse as well as a magnificent botanical garden, made up of an experimental scientific vegetable garden and an arboretum. The whole is eco-designed and supplied with green energy. No single-use plastic is allowed within the company! Davines makes it a point of honor to only offer body and hair care guaranteed to be sulphate and paraben free. The product formulas contain high percentages of rapidly biodegradable ingredients of natural origin in order to minimize their impact on the environment. Essential Haircare Caper, yellow melon, tomato, red celery, olive, almond, buckwheat, lentil seeds... this is not the recipe for a good little Italian dish but components from the Essential Haircare range. The uniqueness of the line lies in its ingredients, all from organic farms spread throughout Italy. For this, Davines has collaborated with the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity, which technically and financially supports more than 10,000 small producers so that they can continue to produce rare and/or endangered endemic Mediterranean plants. The objective is multiple: to preserve Mediterranean biodiversity, to revive the economy of the territories and to maintain local craft traditions. Each family of the Essential Haircare range contains a specific active ingredient from a Slow Food Presidio behind which there is the story, the face and the name of the person who cultivated it carefully and with passion. Product packaging is also at the heart of the brand's concerns. Essential Haircare bottles are made with a minimal amount of plastic, essential for the proper preservation of the formulas contained. The packaging is made of plant-based plastic intended for food use and is fully recyclable. To offset its CO₂ emissions, Davines collaborates with Ethiotrees, a social and environmental project that works for the reforestation of the Tembien Highlands nature reserves in Ethiopia. We Sustain Beauty The brand's first "Manifesto" product launched in 2022, the We Stand / for regeneration shampoo-shower comes from regenerative organic farming. This gentle cleanser is formulated with Activits ingredients sourced from regenerative organic Slow Food farms. It is made from grapes from the Cunial vineyard and green anise extract from Mr Corradetti's farm. Davines redistributes a share of each sale and up to €50,000 to the Rodale Institute and Slow Food International to support their work in regenerative organic farming and biodiversity. "At Davines, we believe that the balance between beauty and sustainability, a concept we call "sustainable beauty", can improve life and the world around us." Davide Bollati, Président We tested Momo range We love the texture, the delicate fruity smell of melon and the size of this moisturizing shampoo. Its foam is light and pleasant, it nourishes dry or dehydrated hair. It can be completed with the conditioner and the potion which provide additional hydration to the hair. We Stand / for regeneration shower shampoo We love this product that leaves both skin soft and hair shiny and silky. We feel that its pH is not aggressive and that the skin is well protected. It gives off a light smell that leaves a "clean" feeling. We like its compact size and its practical 2-in-1 composition to carry. Our selection Shampoo Momo 20,50€ Conditioner Nounou 34,00€ Shampoo bar Dede 18,60€ Shower shampoo We Stand / for Regeneration16,00€ davines I instagram @davinesfrance pictures credit © davines

It is useful, beautiful and eco-designed in France. The Shield Compact air purifier is the new pearl for our homes. This small high-performance object with graphic lines, brings a mountain atmosphere to our interior. By a patented process, it purifies the ambient air thus protecting the health of the whole family and relieving allergy sufferers. Our favorite Home Detox! In our special Home Detox article, we mentioned air purifiers as an essential element in improving our indoor comfort. Among them, there is one that we love above all! On the one hand, it is undeniably effective and its remarkable design makes it a decorative object in its own right. And, to complete the whole, it is eco-designed from sustainable and recyclable materials in Rezé near Nantes. The JVD company has patented the Shield purifier which comes in two versions; a tall model that lends itself more to professional spaces and a compact and mobile version for the home. On your bedside table, in the baby's room, on your desk, in your living room or to eliminate bad smells from your kitchen, it is the essential object if you are looking for the healthiest air possible. This real bubble of pure air certified NF B44-200 (the most demanding standard in terms of air purification) eliminates more than 95% of allergenic particles and up to 99% of pollutants present in the air. Using an active oxygenation and photocatalysis process, a technology developed and patented by JVD, the Shield Compact mixes, neutralizes and then mineralizes the contaminants present in the house, which it then rejects in the form of ultra-healthy air. This makes it an ally of choice in sensitive and allergic homes, and to preserve the air quality of children who spend a lot of time on the floor, where most pollutants and microparticles accumulate. Also, the Shield Compact offers a "fast-track" mode that quickly captures bad odors and helps keep your home clean. "Shield by JVD purifiers are effective against pollutants, contaminants, allergens and odors in the air." Its ultra-light weight makes it easy to move from room to room as needed. It comes with its carrying bag in a small recycled cardboard box. Its start-up is very simple: plug it in, make sure it is well positioned forward (to properly capture the air at the back), touch its button and the Smart Mineralization process begins. After a few minutes, we feel very clearly that the air around us is different, the room smells fresh. In addition to being useful for our health, it brings a decorative touch to the house. Designed by star designer Rami Fischler, it looks like an ultra-graphic speaker and fits in wherever you put it. Available in a range of subtle colors evoking raw nature, its aluminum shell and its diamond-shaped ventilation make it a real gem. Shield Compact, 490,00€ In this winter period when viruses proliferate and the upcoming arrival of spring and its share of allergies, an air purifier is a powerful ally even if its price is high. But it is a very beautiful object and solid workmanship guaranteed for 3 years and repairable for 10 years. An investment that preserves our health and that of our children. It's priceless... The Shield Compact is the IT TECH' that all city dwellers should absolutely have at home! shield I instagram @shield_by_jvd

Valentine Rosi Mistou shares her life between a ceramic workshop in her house in Perche and a position as artistic director in her Parisian agency Yvonne Club. Her daily life oscillates between two opposing lifestyles that she manages to reconcile in perfect balance. Portrait of a designer who sees life in double... with her very sharp eye.. Valentine's life fits perfectly into the theory of yin and yang. Its existence is built around two opposing concepts in which she finds an ideal agreement. On the one hand, a position as artistic director in the twirling world of fashion in Paris, on the other, the quiet manufacture of ceramics in her studio in Le Perche; asphalt versus forest, design versus production, teamwork versus solo work. On one side a bubbling and very rich world, on the other side calm and anchoring. We can say that she has the art of mastering dualities to perfection, and yet, despite this certain balance, the balance tends to tip gently for the call of nature. The small family plans to reverse their daily life and settle permanently in the green in order to offer their son the serenity and beauty that country life offers. Interview Valentine, can you tell us about your background? "I grew up in Cergy-Pontoise in the suburb of Paris where I already shared my life between the city and the forest. As a student, I followed the Textile-color material and surface course at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris.Then, I became a consultant in fashion collection development then gradually, and by chance encounters, I became an artistic director. Since 2016, I have been working with my friend and associate Nastasia Brame in our Yvonne Club design studio." You thrive fully in your work as an artistic director in Paris, why did you need to settle in the countryside part-time? "The birth of my little boy Orso in 2019 was a real trigger. I realized that I had to offer him an alternative to outings in the square and scooter rides on the asphalt in the middle of the fumes from the exhaust pipes. My partner and I therefore took steps to escape this ultra-urban life as much as possible. It turns out that Orso is a dreamy child, a poet, who likes to pick up berries, collect leaves and live in nature. The countryside also allows me to create ceramics, a passion I have had since the age of seven. I was able to install an oven in an outbuilding of the house. The country house brings joy and serenity to the whole family." Why did you choose Le Perche? "We arrived in Perche completely by chance. When we decided to buy a house in the countryside, we had no specific region in mind. We drew a circle at most two hours' drive from the epicenter of Paris "We visited different properties in different regions without feeling any real emotion. When we entered this house in Perche, love at first sight was immediate despite its relative state of disrepair..." How do you benefit from your rural life? What are the drawbacks? "I see a lot of positive points. First of all, I love the landscape here, which I find very beautiful; it is preserved and very well maintained. Then, the Normandy climate suits me perfectly. I hate the heat, I I'm a girl of the forest!I like freshness and humid atmospheres. Another key point! We were extremely well received and we made lots of local friends in a very short time. The inhabitants of the region strongly encourage the installation of Parisians whom they call "Les Accourus"! These undoubtedly energize the region by creating wealth and jobs. Everyone lives in harmony. Also, I marvel at the simple and wholesome pleasures the countryside offers; we are going to do our shopping on foot to the neighboring farm, we take beautiful walks, everyone is friendly... but above all, I am ecstatic in front of the surprises that the garden offers me: a hidden peony that is blooming here, blooming wild flowers there... The only downside I can think of is having to go back to Paris! We plan to settle in the Perche full time as soon as our son returns to school. For now, I only see advantages to living in the countryside. We will see what are the more restrictive aspects when we are settled permanently." What do you like the most in your house? "I adore the huge oak tree which sits majestically in the garden. It is magnificent. We set up large tables under its branches, day and night." Your favorite "Percheron" address that you recommend to Mastic readers? The region is full of nice addresses... I particularly recommend Chez Nous Campagne, a concept store located in a bucolic setting. The place brings together a tea room, a flea market and a guest house. It is a place out of time where it is good to stroll." Which Instagram accounts inspire you? "I like the graphic universe of après-ski quite close to my work as artistic director. I like the fashion universe of améliepichard and the Californian shop bode. On the campaign and creation side, the country accounts of farmandfolk and atelierneeltjegeurtsen, accessories by emma.bruschi and staging in natural ocher shades by arielealasko all perfectly illustrate my conception of contemporary country lifestyle." Informations Ceramics Valentine applies her knowledge of pattern and color to her designs. She creates unique decorative objects. Rosi Mistou's ceramics are on sale at Brutal Ceramics and at Argile from June 02, 2022. Instagram @rosi-mistou Yvonne Club Yvonne club is a creative studio founded by Nastassia Brame and Valentine Rosi Mistou. The duo provides artistic direction for fashion brands from design to production. yvonneclub crédit photos © rosi mistou

Elise has decided to leave Paris and travel around France with Joe her little dog. On board the van that she has completely moved into, she travels through the countryside and the small villages of France that she illustrates in her travel diaries. Thirteen years in Paris and the lock-down will have ended up persuading Elise Enjalbert to drop everything. The young woman, reckless and with a strong temperament, decided to change her life! Not knowing where to go, she fitted out a truck herself to go crisscrossing France in search of the ideal place where she will put her suitcases... and her brushes. Because yes, Elise is a painter and illustrator. And the new "vanlifeuse" has found an original way to satisfy her passion: sketching and immortalizing the landscapes she crosses aboard her rolling house. A new bohemian life that officially started last April! Interview Elise, can you tell us about your background? " I was born in the North of France then, when I was 15, I moved to Toulouse. After studying graphic design and visual communication in Paris, I worked for ten years as a freelance graphic designer and as an artistic director in Parisian agencies, while continuing to draw and paint on the side. With each holiday, the return to the capital was very difficult to live with. The lock-down will have been a real deliverance for me. Perched on the small balcony of my studio overlooking the Canal de l'Ourcq, this forced confinement allowed me to fully reconnect with drawing and to feel the happiness that this art gives me. I was in a constant state of inspiration which reminded me of my youth in Toulouse and which immersed me in the same feeling of fullness that one can feel on vacation. It was a real revelation! I wanted to live like this: feel like I was on permanent leave and draw full time. So I had to leave Paris, but where to go...?" How did you come up with the idea of vanlife? " So I decided to leave at all costs. Not knowing where to put my suitcases, the idea of wandering around to find the place "of my dreams" seemed like a good option. A friend of mine lives in a truck, that's what inspired me. The only downside is that I didn't have a driver's license. Ah! Ah!... I first bought a truck that I fitted out entirely on my own (I'm very manual and I had already experienced the layout of my studio) then I passed the driver's test...not without difficulties! Ah! Ah! " Have you worked out a precise itinerary? " After fitting out the truck in my parents' garden in Toulouse, my father took me to a friend's house in the Perche where I passed my driving license...for the third time! And I succeeded! The official starting point was therefore the Perche. My goal was to reach the Pyrenees in June, stopping with friends along the way. I spent the summer in the mountains, from Ariège to the Basque country. I'm going to reach the ocean then go up the coast. I would like to spend the fall in Corsica. I will see the rest of the itinerary later." What are the benefits of your road trip so far? " It's amazing to see a new horizon every morning! This new way of life brings an invaluable sense of freedom. Also, this experience leaves room for the unpredictable and opens up endless possibilities." What are the "cons"? " Paradoxically, I am someone who likes routine. So I'm a little unsettled by this new rhythm. I try to establish a regular schedule in my shift. The financial side is a bit complicated as well. You have to think carefully about your economic model to pay fixed costs and deal with unforeseen events. For example, the increase in the price of gasoline can impact travel. I simply live with the minimum. I have created an online gallery where you can buy my works. This allows you to add more. But in this adventure, it's not the money that counts but the feeling of freedom!" Who are your artistic mentors? " I like the classics in terms of composition, especially the meaning used by William Bouguereau. Otherwise, I like the "all the modern clique" from the end of the 19th century, from neo and post-impressionism, from the School of Paris, etc.: I like their work on texture and their concept of breaking the codes of representation. My models of inspiration are Suzanne Valadon and Matisse." Which Instagram accounts inspire you? " I follow the accounts of claradebray and beya_rebai, my fellow illustrators with whom I share this close link between nature and creativity. On the art side, I follow vinnabegin and ineslongevial for their compositions and their colors. I also like the accounts of solo vanlife illustrators roammates and jaazzzzzie. On the decoration side, I like the account of karolejosefabonnet whose journey can be followed, from his vanlife to his installation in a tiny house. I also like the accounts of vanbuild360 and tinyhousetalk for the self-made DIY inspirations of vans and tiny houses." Informations Online gallery elise-enjalbert I instagram @eliseenjalbert crédit photos © elise enjalbert

Winter vacation starts today. For those lacking inspiration and/or in need of nature, the Stay Wild book from Gestalten editions will satisfy your glamping desires. The book transports you through the most remote places in Europe and in wild and picturesque shelters, for a tourism with a low carbon footprint and to improve its connection with nature. The life of Robinson in 256 pages... Its catchphrase is unequivocal: "Leave town and get away from it all!" Published by Gestalten, Stay Wild: Cabins, Rural Getaways, and Sublime Solitude takes you on a journey of peace and quiet. This beautifully illustrated book presents a collection of cabins, huts, caravans, tents and other little havens to escape cities and digital life. A book that allows the mind to escape through its selection of unique places, and a source of inspiration for your next vacation or your future residence. A round hut in Cornwall, a tiny house and its small lake in Périgord, a perched hut in Norway, a design igloo in Finland, a mirror hut in Sweden... the book takes you on a tour of Europe of picturesque places through the countryside, mountains and seaside. All decorative styles are represented, from the colorful yurt to the refined architect's hut. But all the hideouts share one characteristic: a breathtaking view of the wild nature and untouched by any other habitation that surrounds them. Our favorite goes to the adorable gypsy caravans of an English farm in Devon, installed in the middle of a meadow where hens, cows and sheep frolic and where you share your meal in the open air while the fire camp wavers. A small paradise where to take your family for an unforgettable vacation. Stay Wild, Gestalten 39,90€ gestalten picture credit © gestalten

Swan Scalabre and her husband will not have waited for lockdown to change their lives. In 2016, the two Parisians and their daughters left the capital to settle in the South-West, between Gers and Tarn-et-Garonne. Swan then reconnects with her first love and devotes herself to painting, while Gaëtan decides to open a village grocery store. Seven years later, the family lives happy days in their countryside to the rhythm of the seasons and the inspirations. Swan is partly inspired by her daily life to lay pastoral miniatures and portraits of women on wood frames that seem to emerge from another era. After a rich and eclectic city life, the young woman and her husband decided to leave Paris to offer their daughters Céleste and Astrée a healthy and peaceful Lifestyle. Since 2016, everyone has flourished in this rural setting without ever missing the city. Swan tells us about her journey and reveals her daily life, between creation and rurality. A universe tinged with bucolic poetry, perhaps inspired by her first name Swan, straight from Tchaïkovski ballet. Interview Swan, can you tell us about your life until you moved to Occitania? "I was born in Aix-en-Provence where I lived for a very short time. My parents lived a bohemian life there, but we went to live in Paris when I was very young. I attended all my schooling there and studied at the Beaux-Arts with Annette Messager and Tony Brown. I was lucky enough to be able to continue my course at Los Angeles CalArts and then to Bejing. Back in France, I did not embrace a purely artistic career at all. I first worked as an artistic director in fashion. Then, I had the opportunity to work for Canal+, where I hosted a show called "CANAILLE+". I designed and presented green DIY subjects (before time!) for children. I then shared my creations and tips to adults on the channel MAISON+." How was born the desire to leave this Parisian life to settle in the countryside? " After the birth of our two daughters, my husband and I began to experience nature cravings. The 2015 Paris terrorist attacks were the catalyst for this great change. We wanted to provide a safer environment for our children who were then 4 and 8 years old. In three weeks, we packed up! We chose Gers because we had family there." Can you describe your house to us? What is your favorite room? " We fell in love with this typically Gascon house just before lockdown. We loved its authenticity, its square architecture and its large wooded lot. It was in a state of abandonment and we had to redo everything with the help of local craftsmen: the installation of custom-made wooden windows, the installation of an insert, the upgrading of electricity. ... all the joys of renovating a country house. It is decorated with a mixture of both classic and warm antique furniture and various works of art. Of course, the studio is my favorite room. It's sort of my boudoir, an intimate cocoon where you are asked to knock before entering, and where animals are not allowed to come! I spend long hours there. I like its waves, its organization, its smells and its view of the park." Can you describe your neo-country routine to us? " In the morning, I take the girls to school, which is half an hour's drive from home. We chose this establishment and the journey is not at all a problem because it allows me to admire the sunrise and the sublime landscapes. The first morning light is also a source of inspiration for my painting of the day. When I get home from school, I relight the fire, I take care of the animals, I make myself a coffee and then I settle in the studio where I paint all day while listening to music or a podcast. I then have lunch with my husband and then I go back to painting until it's time to pick up the girls from school. On our return, a second day begins: taking care of homework, preparing dinner but also chopping wood with my husband... a simple and rural life!" What are the advantages and disadvantages of your life in the countryside? " We traded stress, traffic jams and pollution for calm and greenery! We have space and plenty of animals. In the morning before going to school, the girls fetch fresh eggs from the chicken coop. It's amazing! Furthermore, we are not at all isolated. The Internet is a real luxury that allows me to exhibit and sell my paintings all over the world from my village! And the area is filled with people from all walks of life. For now, I don't see any downsides to this lifestyle; we will see the management of the girls' studies when the time comes. On the health side, we make appointments with specialists in a big city if necessary! Before our departure, everyone warned us against the winter test! It's been seven years since we left Paris and winter is absolutely no problem! We have no regrets to have left on the contrary. We are happy to have offered this living environment to our children!" What are your favorite Gers addresses that you recommend to Mastic readers? " In Lectoure, my favorite addresses are the thrift store La Divine Comédie to hunt for clothes, decorative objects and furniture, and the concept store and coffee shop Galerie Nationale where you can find fashion items, especially kimonos. On the food side, I like the Racine restaurant and the organic bread from La Ferme de Malaubric. In Saint Clar, I like the Croq la Vie concept store, which is both a tea room and a fashion and decoration boutique. I like the Musée de l’Ecole Publique located in a magnificent bastide; the museum houses a collection of school and educational materials staged in an authentic scenography. And of course, I recommend my husband's two grocery stores - Monsieur l'Epicier - located in each of the villages." Which Instagram accounts inspire you? " I really like decoration and architecture accounts. In particular, I like the Lifestyle concept store @lamaisonjaune_sault which brings together a decoration boutique and an art gallery in Provence. I am also the very nice account @deco-for-curious which mixes furniture and old paintings, @the.real.maggie.sheperd source of very British classic inspiration and the account of the interior designer Nikki Renshaw which gathers its sources inspiration on his account @englisheccentrichome. I am also @lamanufactureroyaledelectoure where I organized an exhibition last weekend. News Spring 2023: exhibition in New-York July 2023: Galerie de l'Arcade in Saint Clar August 2023: Galerie l'Oeil du Prince in Biarritz swannscalabre @swanscalabre picture credits © swan scalabre

Its name is Artichoke and has a generous pine cone shape. The PH Artichoke pendant lamp, designed in 1958 by Poul Henningsen, is one of the most iconic lights of the 20th century. Still produced by the famous Danish manufacturer Louis Poulsen, it crosses the ages without ever going out of style.. The Story Poul Henningsen imagined the PH Artichoke pendant lamp in 1958 for the Langelinie Pavilion, a modernist restaurant in Copenhagen where you can still admire it. His design was inspired by the glass suspension Septima, an intricately refined seven glass shades, the prototype of which he presented in 1928 at the Danish Museum of Decorative Arts. The designer dresses the Artichoke with carefully arranged metal slats with a copper finish on the outside and pink on the inside, an ingenious process ensuring uniform and indirect diffusion of light. Whatever the angle of view, the suspension diffuses a soft and pleasant light, an obsession of the designer who sought to recreate the characteristic light of oil lamps. A masterpiece of ingenuity and design, the suspension structure is made with twelve steel arches. On this structure, Poul Henningsen placed 72 sheets of copper, and six blades on each row. Each level being staggered in relation to the previous one, the 72 sheets can cover each other. This design allows for the proper spread of light without ever being dazzled. « PH Artichoke is still partially assembled by hand to guarantee a high level of quality. » PH Artichoke is still partially assembled by hand today to guarantee a high level of quality. Over time, versions in brushed and polished steel, brass and white and black metal have been added to the catalog. These continue to underline the versatility and timeless silhouette of the suspension. Specifications Retailed in France at Silvera Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) Poul Henningsen, born in Copenhagen in September 1894, is the "illegitimate" son of Danish actress Agnes Henningsen and writer Carl Ewald. He grew up in a modernist and intellectual environment. He studied at the Technical School in Frederiksberg, Denmark, from 1911 to 1914, then at the Technical University of Copenhagen from 1914 to 1917, without ever graduating in architecture. Independent, he began a journalistic career, tried his hand at literary criticism and even tried the cinematographic adventure before the Second World War. He oriented himself towards traditional functionalist architecture, but ended up devoting himself almost exclusively to lighting, an activity from which he would draw his glory. He signs all his creations with his initials - and his nickname - PH and all of his works have been exclusively manufactured by the Danish company Louis Poulsen since 1924. louispoulsen picture credit © louis poulsen