a hip haven in paris

paris-montmartre-apartment-rent

 

This was my view for a week in Paris, and I have good news for you – it can be yours too. Renting an apartment is, in my opinion, the best way to experience a city. Having worked with Haven in Paris before and loving the experience, I reached out to them again for this trip. I have them to thank for my new obsession with Montmartre, which I got to know intimately while staying there. I had always heard about the unique vibe, and boy did I feel it – it’s palpable. The first thing I did after checking in (and being kindly greeted) was wander charming side streets and discover new perspectives of Paris. I’m getting ahead of myself though, as I’ll be sharing a neighborhood tour separately, soon. First, let me give you a tour of the apartment, which is classic yet modern, spacious yet cozy, and just like the neighborhood…very hip.

 

haven-in-paris-balcony

breakfast-on-paris-balcony

petit-dej

 

While the interiors are beautiful and thoughtfully curated, the balcony beckons you. Every morning I found myself there in a somewhat meditative state, saying good morning to the city. The rooftops of Paris are so iconic and beautiful…I could have just sat and stared at this view all day. With the Invalides, Roue de Paris, and the tip of the Arc de Triomphe in plain sight, it’s breathtaking! Located on a quiet street (but close enough to the buzz and heartbeat of the 18th), you can watch as residents lovingly hang their clothes to dry, listen as children laugh and play in a school courtyard, and the bells of the local church announce the hour. It’s a quick walk to the local market for fresh fruit, and the boulangerie for croissants and a warm, crisp baguette – is there anything better?! Ok maybe the butter…maybe the salty, creamy, butter is the best part. Ugh, that’s like choosing your favorite child, I can’t do it. Le petit dej with a view…#yesplease. Click through for more!

 

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desktop fleurish | plein de vie

desktop-fleurish-pleindevie

It seems May is a busy month for most of us…and the term plein de vie comes to mind, which is a feminine phrase meaning “full of life” or “lively”. That can be interpreted in so many ways, but to me, this month is very full of life, with spring in full bloom and Mother’s Day. My life is certainly more lively thanks to my children, to whom I gave life. See what I mean? The term can have different (and very significant) meanings to everyone. This beautiful design by Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio is also full of life, don’t you think? Every month she pens a beautiful new desktop download highlighting a French word or phrase…you can see all the designs here. I hope your May is filled with joy + life!

simple desktop | calendar desktop

please note that these designs are for personal use only + not available for commercial usage.

the tower and a tease

eiffel-tower-trocadero-steps

 

I’m back mes amis, coucou! My trip to Paris was such a whirlwind, whew – I’m still catching my breath. It was an exhilarating and exhausting eight days, but worth every second. I missed my family fiercely (it’s the longest I’ve ever been away from them), but returned home refreshed and excited! Soon I’ll be sharing posts about my adventures, my apartment in Montmartre, and more. But for now…I have a very special announcement to share with you! While I can’t reveal it fully just yet, I’ll soon be launching a new venture that has been in the works for some time now (and on my brain for even longer). I’m honored and thrilled to be joined by and collaborating with my incredibly talented friends and fellow Francophiles, Kirsten Alana + Lindsey Tramuta. We cannot wait to share our news with you…stay tuned!!

packing for paris

packing-for-paris-in-the-spring

 

It’s that time again…t-minus three days until I leave for Paris, and the suitcase is out! This time, however, I’m going to attempt to only use a carry-on…key word being attempt. I’m a chronic overpacker, so this will be a challenge (follow along on snapchat:hutchsusan if you wish…I’ll be sharing my packing process there, and it could get comical). While April in Paris is one of the most beautiful times of year there (or anywhere), it can also be the most fickle. One moment the sun is shining and the next, you’re ducking for cover in a passages. Layering is always a great idea when traveling, as are comfortable shoes. I tend to avoid trends and stick to the classics – you can’t go wrong. This is my fourth packing for paris guide…I’ve linked the previous ones below, along with all the details for these items. I think it goes without saying that this packing guide applies to many different locales…I hope you find it helpful. Happy travels et bon voyage!

my other packing for paris posts: one | two | three (kids version) 

cashmere sweater | white oxford | striped tee | wool hat | trench coat | denim shirt dress | black midi skirt | skinny jeans | bootcut jeans | leopard purse | sunglasses | scarf | expandable pliage | camera bag | nude flats | white sneakers | booties

french for paris

blossoms-in-paris

 

The blossoms are blooming here in Pennsylvania, despite Mother Nature being very confused (it’s currently 45 degrees). From what I’m seeing on my friends snapchats and images, the blooms are beginning in Paris, and I’m hoping to see them in ten days, eek! I’m crazy busy getting both home + work life in order before I go, but right now I’m making time to review my French. As you may have seen in my French is Beautiful series, I’ve been studying and improving thanks to (my friend + tutor) Carrie Anne James. Even after years of speaking French, I always review and refresh my knowledge before a trip. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) shows respect, makes things easier, and therefore, more enjoyable.

The French for Paris audio program covers all the basics for navigating and enjoying Paris, and while it’s quite comprehensive, it’s not overwhelming. Carrie Anne teaches you to improvise in conversation, not just imitate, as well as offering cultural tips to help you understand why certain things are said (or not). There are also some fun extras, like the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson, which I’m honored to have inspired! Also included in the course is a guide to Carrie’s favorite places in Paris, which I’ve devoured. While all of her program offerings are amazing (see them here), if you have plans to travel to Paris (and France in general), this one’s for you. Tell her I sent you…merci à tous!

image courtesy of Ashley Ludaescher Photography

*my tutoring is c/o French is Beautiful…these words + opinions are my own*