I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
I simply cannot contain my excitement about the upcoming Garance Doré + Rifle Paper Co. collaboration! With Garance’s well known aesthetic as fashion illustrator + photographer, and Rifle Paper’s craftmanship and attention to detail, it’s a perfect pairing. Launching next week in Paris at Colette, the line was recently presented at the NY NOW gift show and includes cards, calendars, social stationary, phone cases, and more! Keep an eye out in March-it’s gonna be HOT.
image via garance doré
Let the countdown begin-only 30 days until I set foot on French soil again…eeek!!
You guys, this is what my desk looks like while planning for Paris. Ha…honestly it’s not that much of a stretch. Thank goodness for evernote, pinterest, and google maps. Most of my travel inspiration resides in the digital world now, although I do still (and will always) reference my collection of magazines and books. Even though I’ve explored much of the city over the years, my wish list for this trip is very long…and I’ll forever be discovering it. I’m so grateful for the connections I’ve made via social media, and the amazing blogs I’ve discovered, rich with travel inspiration. So, this weekend I’m leaving you with some links to inspire your francophile adventures…and you can check out my full list of favorites here.
BON WEEKEND!
obvious state + the paris journal
lost in cheeseland + her AFAR Paris guide
Le réveillon is an intimate dinner we host every New Year’s Eve, and it is a special tradition for my family. The word “réveillon” means awakening, and I’ve always loved the concept. It’s an old French custom experiencing a resurgence-in the States for instance, you can’t escape it if visiting New Orleans during the holidays. Regardless of how you ring in the New Year, I hope to inspire your event! I was honored to have our fête featured on Camille Styles-check it out here!
wishing you all a happy new year!!
a huge MERCI to the talented Courtney Apple for capturing the evening so beautifully
more thanks to…Brandywine View Antiques, Lindsey Buck, Sullivan Owen, TOPS Malibu, West Elm
With the holidays upon us, it’s the perfect time to share one of my favorite cocktails! The “French 75”, also known as the “Soixante Quinze”, is a classic + vibrant champagne cocktail. There are many theories as to it’s origins, and much debate over gin vs. brandy, but we know the recipe was first recorded in 1930. The name refers to the power of the drink, which was allegedly created by a World War 1 fighter pilot-saying it felt like being on the “receiving end of a French 75mm howitzer artillery piece”! It does pack a punch…you are forewarned-and as always, drink responsibly please. Personally, I like to think of it as elegantly potent, and anything that was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway is a favorite of mine.
combine base spirit, lemon juice + syrup in a shaker with ice; shake for 10-15 seconds
strain into a flute or coupe glass and top with champagne
santé!