Here at PumpjackPiddlewick we want to bring back certain items that used to be part of every day households but have gone out of fashion. We want to bring them back into fashion.

You know that phrase, ‘in my day… ‘? I have forever tried to not fall into the trap of harking back to something. And I can honestly say I don’t say ‘in my day’. That would make me feel sincerely old. Which I am not. Yet. However, I have reachedContinue Reading

What makes vintage eyeglasses special? Their longevity, style and sustainability. We delve into the why's here at PumpjackPiddlewick

I started researching vintage eyeglasses purely by accident. I came across a pair of pince nez in a case at a vide grenier (French version of yard or car boot sale). One of the lenses was missing, but the glasses and particularly its case were really interesting. I liked theContinue Reading

When in France, visiting a vide grenier is a must. It's the French form of a flea market, car boot sale, yard sale, except the whole village participates. We delve into the delights here at PumpjackPiddlewick

Like many people, I love to visit garage sales (in USA), car boot sales (in UK) or flea markets. Here in France they are called a ‘vide grenier’. It literally translates as ’empty attic’. But what makes them different then the American or UK counterpart is that the whole townContinue Reading

Laguiole is probably the most famous brand for cutlery in France. But why is that? What makes it special we ask here at PumpjackPiddlewick

I came across Laguiole fairly early on living in France. It’s sort of hard not to as it is a very common, yet sought after brand. It is synonymous with quality and durability. And it’s little bee symbol is just so darn cute. But What Is It? Laguiole is notContinue Reading

Why is Vintage special? I give 7 reasons why to go vintage at PumpjackPiddlewick

I am very into old stuff. I simply love vintage and antiques. Always have done. But why, what’s so special about them, you may ask? I have heard, or overheard, sometimes that some people don’t like the idea of buying what others have owned, worn or used. Now if thatContinue Reading