Category Archives: francophilia

breakfast at parc

espresso

parc-restaurant-breakfast-menu

 

I always seek out bits and pieces of Paris, no matter where I am. Locally in Philadelphia, I get my Francophile fix at Parc. Overlooking the iconic Rittenhouse Square, you’re quickly transported the moment you step foot inside the door. Whether you’re seated inside on a cozy red leather banquette or among their numerous quaint bistro tables, you’re in for a treat. Offering an authentic French bistro experience, the atmosphere is just as French as the food. As you can imagine, when they reached out and invited me for breakfast, my answer was a swift and resounding “yes please”. In fact, Mr. Fleurishing and I decided to make it a belated Valentine’s day date in the city…click through to see our delicious déjeuner!

 

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desktop fleurish | coup de foudre

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Let’s begin the month with a beautiful new desktop fleurish, shall we? In case you missed it, I kicked off 2016 with a monthly desktop wallpaper series…a collaboration with Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio. I’m highlighting one of my favorite French phrases for February, although it applies year-round, in my opinion. Le coup de foudre figuratively means “love at first sight”, and represents feeling a sudden, intense passion (or getting struck by lightning, if we’re getting literal, ha). Passion comes in many forms…and I hope everyone experiences a coup de foudre at some point in their life–maybe a few, if you’re lucky. If anything, you should fall in love at first sight with these downloads…choose your preference!

simple desktop | calendar desktop

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

trouvé magazine

trouve-magazine

 

Having admired (and  purchased) Trouvé Magazine since it’s inception, it’s a thrill to see my name in Volume 04. Trouvé literally means “to find” in French (of course I love it), and the publication is dedicated to the creative lifestyle and those who live it. The latest issue is focused on discovering, defining, and celebrating the creative process, and the pages are filled with inspiration. You can see my mention on page twelve in the “creativity found” directory, in very good company. The magazine also kindly featured this photo on their Instagram feed. I suggest a follow, a purchase, and a read!

desktop fleurish | réveillon

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New year, new blog series! I’m kicking off 2016 with a monthly desktop download series I’m calling “desktop fleurish”…see what I did there? A collaboration with my talented artist/calligrapher friend Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio, she’ll be hand-lettering a beautiful French word for your desktop each month. First up is the word réveillon, which means “awakening” in French – the perfect sentiment for the start of a new year, don’t you think? It’s always been a favorite word/concept of mine, and it also happens to be a New Year’s tradition we celebrate each year. This particular download (including two versions of the design) is exclusive to newsletter subscribers, as a thank you to those already subscribed, and to entice you to sign-up if you haven’t yet, of course! You can sign up via the box in my sidebar, or by clicking here.

happy new year + bonne année a tous!

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

french is beautiful

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“Aucun pays ne profite aussi bien de la vie sur terre que la France.

No country does life on earth better than the French.”

Blackpoodles

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The author of this quote is unknown except for their pseudonym, but no matter – the message is poignant, and so very true. I’m deviating from my usual focus on language in this series, in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. While many others have eloquently articulated their feelings on this subject better than my writing abilities would ever allow, I simply cannot remain silent. It’s no secret that France has my heart, and Paris is at the beating center of it. It hurts me deeply to see the French people, and the city, suffering so. And yet, while hearts are heavy, the messages and displays of strength, resilience, and hope shine brightly through the darkness. The city of Paris has a Latin motto: fluctuat nec mergitur, which translates to “tossed by the water but not sunk”. We have all felt the waves, around the globe. As “blackpoodles” stated so beautifully, “Paris, we love you. We cry for you. We know you will laugh again, and sing again, and make love, and heal, because loving life is your essence. The forces of darkness will ebb. They will lose. They always do.” Thank you Paris, for sharing your strength with the world. Take comfort knowing that we stand with you.

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *