desktop fleurish | printemps

desktop-fleurish-printemps

April has arrived, and with it, allergies spring, or printemps in French. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than April in Paris, honestly…and I’ll be back there in two weeks, squeal! Admittedly, it also gets me excited to go shopping – and here’s a tip: the Printemps department store has the most amazing view up top! Seriously – it’s one of the best vantage points in all of Paris. The lovely desktop/phone/iPad wallpaper you see above was designed and penned by the talented Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio. Each month we’re highlighting a French word or phrase, and printemps just felt right for April…we hope you agree! Allow me to suggest a glass of Sancerre, paired with this song, as you refresh your desktop.

simple desktop | calendar desktop

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

bon weekend

parisplayforblog

 

I’m not sure I’ve ever been so thankful for a weekend..this week has been a doozy, with both me and the kids being sick (hence the lack of posts). We are finally feeling better, and I have my voice back, even if I sound like a lifelong smoker. I’ve been missing Paris fiercely lately (more than the usual), probably because I’m reaching the end of my content from last year (still streeetching that out). The kids haven’t stopped talking about our trip since the day we returned, and we’ve been keeping the memories fresh in a number of ways. I’m so thankful they loved it so much, and look forward to the day we can go back with them. Since I’m always planning for Paris, here are a few links to inspire some serious wanderlust.

BON WEEKEND!

french for paris

kid-friendly paris

paris via hyperlapse

paris through another lens

how to spend 36 hours in paris

desktop fleurish | bonne chance

desktop-fleurish-bonne-chance

Well hello March! I can’t help but think of luck and chance with the upcoming holiday this month…blame it on my Irish heritage. This new series, a collaboration with Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio, has been popular – thank you for your support! Each month we’re highlighting a French word or phrase, and for March we chose bonne chance. Interestingly enough, the French also consider it bad luck to say this in certain situations, such as before a performance. In that instance, many simply say merde or je te dis merde which is more like “break a leg”. While having the word merde on your desktop would certainly be interesting and a possible conversation starter with your office mates, I figured you might appreciate this one a bit more. Isn’t Lindsey’s work beautiful?! Download both versions below, if you’re feeling lucky!

simple desktop | calendar desktop

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

ladurée with kids – nyc edition

laduree-soho-winter-garden

 

As I’ve said many times, I never miss an opportunity to go to Ladurée when in NYC. I most often find myself at the Soho location since it’s one of my favorite neighborhoods, and they have such ample, beautiful dining spaces. I couldn’t wait to give the kids another experience – having been fortunate enough to experience the flagship in Paris, they knew they were in for a treat. As soon as Henry + Marie heard the words Ladurée + macarons, they were giddy with anticipation (as was I, bien sur). I was equally thrilled to dine in the (recently) winterized outdoor garden, flooded with natural light….the kind that photographers dream of and seek out, especially in this often dreary season. I got a bit snap happy, it was so dreamy!

 

laduree-with-kids

laduree-crayons

marie-coloring

 

I’m such a sucker for anything with a Ladurée logo on it, and we were all pretty excited about these exclusive little coloring books + crayons. It really helped keep the kids entertained while waiting for our tea + treats, which in turn makes for a more enjoyable time for mommy + daddy! We ordered tea for us (marie antoinette pour moi, melange for my mr. fleurishing), hot chocolate for the kids, and of course, macarons. We were pleasantly surprised when we also received their latest pastry creation, the honey tart. It’s a limited edition treat that certainly gets you in the mood for spring.

 

laduree-tablescape

laduree-honey-tart

 

I must admit that even though Marie was born an old soul, she still shocks us at times with her maturity and grace. She was very excited to use a big girl teacup, and while we were a bit apprehensive about it (hello potential hot chocolate disaster), she handled it like a pro. Henry was more interested in the macarons of course, especially his precious green pistachio ones (as evidenced below and in this video). Many thanks to Ladurée for having us, we had such a lovely time!

 

marie-with-hot-chocolate

marie-drinking

henry-with-macaron

 

this post is sponsored by ladurée…as always, all words + opinions are my own.