Welcome to my blog!!

I finally took the leap into blogland!! I have admired and followed many wonderful blogs from equally wonderful gals (and guys) for a while and have been inspired to start my own (with a little help from my dear friend and business partner, Lisa - thank you!). I hope to share with you some of the many precious things in my life, be it family happenings, good times with friends, found vintage treasures, special collections or fun projects filling my days..!

I was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, and came to the United States in 1992 after I met my wonderful husband Mark, a Marine assigned to the American Embassy in Lisbon. Our military lives have taken us to set home in California, London, Rabat (Morocco) and finally Oregon. Having lived in eight different homes in just as many years was tough, but provided us with unique experiences and memories we are grateful for... We have 4 incredible children, ages 5 to 12, and feel very blessed!

In addition to my typical suburban soccer mom life, I have, for the past few years, been dealing vintage and vintage inspired finds and creations with my very dear friend Lisa (left, in the picture with me at the Oregon City Antique Faire). For us, our treasure hunting is our Great Escape and we have been having a blast! Our homes are a reflection of our passions (especially for roses!), and we both agree our dears husbands are pretty amazing for not minding!!

I named this blog Maison Douce, which means sweet home in French. I absolutely love the French language, as I was immersed in it from the age of three, having studied in a french school in Lisbon.

For me, there is nothing sweeter than a happy home, full of laughter, love (and chaos!). Small things make me happy, a hug from my children, a little love note from my sweet husband, a pink rose, a well loved barkcloth pillow, a call from a friend, a worn favorite book, and much, much more...!! I hope you will visit me often!