wishing everyone a happy easter + joyeuses pâques!
Category Archives: personal essays
25 (random) things about me
Warning – this post is random, as are these facts. I’ve never done anything like this, with the exception of my very personal “things I’m afraid to tell you” post a few years ago. I thought it would be fun to share some (lesser known and lighter) facts about myself, and I’d love for you to play along in the comments!
1. I’ve wanted a Jeep Grand Wagoneer ever since seeing Funny Farm in 1988. That gold one above sits on my desk.
2. My (alcoholic) drink of choice is scotch (preferably Glenlivet), neat.
3. I’m not a cyclist, but am obsessed with watching the Tour de France. It’s my Superbowl.
4. Thanks to my husband I’ve become a coffee snob, but still add cream (oh the horror).
5. I always staple in the center…never the corner.
6. My first job was dressing up in an easter bunny costume (in 90 degree heat) + waving on the street. Good times.
7. I’m obsessed with the Sound of Music, and can reenact almost any scene (to include singing).
8. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher (my Mom was), and nerd out at teacher supply stores.
9. I like to pluck + pick things. I think I could have a very happy career as an esthetician.
10. As a kid I was a LEGO maniac, and had a room-sized town (ahem, only child).
11. I talk to animals…all animals. I’ve been known to embarrass my husband at aquariums.
12. When I ran track they called me Suzi-Q…the “Q” was for quick. Oh yeah.
13. I usually start packing a few weeks before a (big) trip. I’m already behind for our upcoming Paris trip, eek!
14. My kids and I have a lot of dance parties.
15. I once babysat a pig.
16. The least French thing about me is my aversion to (most) cheeses. Insert shame emoji.
17. I was born on the same day as Bonnie Parker + Julie Andrews.
18. When I was seven, I wanted to marry Michael Jackson. Joey from NKOTB was a close second.
19. My favorite muppet is Beaker.
20. I took ballroom classes for fun in my twenties, with a preference for samba.
21. Miniatures are my jam…dollhouses, mini-bar bottles, travel size things. It’s a problem.
22. I won a (national) poetry contest in highschool and was published.
23. Large open areas freak me out…grand staircases, stadiums, mall atriums, etcetera.
24. I love rap + hip-hop…especially old school stuff. Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, all the greats.
25. I have two tattoos…my first one was at the age of 34 (last year).
a love note
Please pardon the delay – this thank you note is overdue. A huge MERCI to everyone who took the time to answer and provide feedback on my survey. Your opinions are of great value to me, and they help to solidify the direction of my blog. I have been feeling a strong pull back to my roots – primarily, more Francophile related content (which I’ve already begun implementing, as you may have noticed). Many of you requested more of my interior design work, and essays about motherhood – I’m so glad you did. Ask and you shall receive! Many of you also asked for more posts in general. That one is a tad tricky for me, but I’m doing my best to increase the frequency of posting. Without advertising (and minimal sponsored posts), I’m just not able to financially justify spending more time here. I have found myself putting more effort into social media, mainly, Instagram, as I have seen the most response + growth there. However, I have no intention of giving up this space, and have some exciting partnerships lined up for 2015 that will allow me to bring you some amazing content. Thank you again for your time, your interest, and support. Sending you all a big virtual hug. Bisous!
date nights
I’m sure this looks familiar, especially if you’re a parent. We have been terribly guilty of not making time for date nights in the past two years, and we’re making it a priority this year (and all years going forward, for that matter). We’ve been married for five, together for seven…and ok, maybe “the itch” is a real thing. As parents of twins, each year gets a bit easier as far as making time for ourselves and our marriage, but it’s still very difficult. It is a topic I’ve avoided discussing here, until now. The health + wellness of my relationship is of utmost importance to me, and I feel that journaling it here (as transparently as possible), will be cathartic + nurturing. Our goal is (at least) one date night a month, even if it’s a creative at-home date, like this one. We’ll be documenting them here in an effort to stay on track, and (hopefully) inspire others. Keeping romance alive in any long-term relationship takes work – what have you done to cultivate yours? Please share!
alt summit recap – part deux
I’ve finally regained enough energy to get into the nitty gritty of Altitude Summit with you, and share some tips + tricks I learned. This was my very first ALT (after 5 years of blogging – what took me so long?!) and I can tell you it is worth every penny. I could go on and on about the value–from the friends I made (or met in person for the first time, like the fabulous Tiffany Han shown above), to the friendships I solidified (like my amazing friend/roomie Jahje Ives), to the face-to-face with sponsors, the inspiring speeches + presentations, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. With so much talent and information packed into one incredible conference, it can be a bit overwhelming. I’m no expert – like I said, this was my first time attending, and most of this has been said before, but here are my top tips. Oh – be sure to shop inside the Grand America…the toy shop JouJou is incredible if you have children + La Bonne Vie is a lovely little patisserie! And, no…this is not a sponsored post (I wish). Whatever you do, find a way to experience ALT…you won’t regret it.
tip #1 preparation is key. do your homework, know the sponsors, and reach out prior to the conference.
tip #2 plan your wardrobe with precision – know what you’re wearing + when. the fashion is no joke people.
tip #3 arrive early, if possible…having time to acclimate and get in the zone helped me a great deal.
tip #4 HYDRATE. seriously y’all…it’s the desert. drink tons of water + moisturize!
tip #5 focus and learn…feel like a student again, and enjoy it. revel in your fresh notebooks + new knowledge.
tip #6 be super social (and I don’t mean virtually). attend as many parties, mini-parties, and get togethers as you can.
tip #7 work the camera….know what is successful for you in a photo booth situation. they are everywhere you turn.
tip #8 save your instagrams + tweets for after the day is done, whenever possible. allow yourself to be present.
tip #9 seek out solace. if you’re like me and are very auditory, I need quiet to think + process.
tip #10 begin your follow-up before leaving! sort through cards + make to do lists. the early bird gets the worm!