Category Archives: personal essays

french 75 cocktail

french-75-cocktail

 

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

courtney apple photography

santé!

goody goody gift swap

goody-goody-gift-swap

 

If I made a list of all the reasons why I love social media, it would be…very long, ha. However-I would be sure that the Goody Goody Gift Swap was on it! It’s a holiday giftswap for creatives-pairing random individuals from around the world…taking us out of our electronic realm for a bit.  I discovered it via instagram in November and signed up immediately to participate. As “plugged in” as we all are, some good old fashioned mail is refreshing…don’t you agree?! I made a new friend in Wisconsin, and sent the present above to her. I can’t wait to find out what she thinks, and to receive mine-FUN! Many thanks to Jenna Cantagallo for the brilliant concept! Who knows…we could be swap mates next year!

thank you Erin Ellis for the (partial) use of your beautifully designed logo!

happy for this moment

16-months-old

marie-leaves

marie

henry-leaves

“

“Be happy for this moment, for this moment is your life” – Omar Khayyam

I’m sitting outside in the crisp fall air, watching my children run carefree through crunchy leaves, under sunny skies in our backyard. Seeing them find joy in simple pleasures, and in nature, reminds me to pause and do the same. I know that these moments…these are the ones that will replay in our minds as we age, they will be remembered as the best days of our lives. I’m so thankful to be conscious of this. Autumn is a season of transformation, as is life. I find extreme bliss and melancholy simultaneously this time of year. Time is fleeting-be thankful, and be happy for the moments.

fresh ink

roman-numeral-tattoo

 

In case you missed it on instagram, here it is-my first tattoo! On my thirty-fourth birthday, I inked Marie + Henry’s birthdate. As much as I share publicly, I find it a bit unnerving to publish this, as it is so very personal. For me, this represents so much besides the day both of my children were born. It reminds me of what I am capable of-the strength of my body and mind, the love for my husband that created life, and the day my world was forever changed. It is a declaration of love and strength. Mr. fleurishing was by my side of course, and got the same exact tattoo on his arm in a different spot (a pretty hot date night if you ask me). My experience was wonderful (and pretty painless), and the healing process is almost complete-it has since scarred, shed, and settled into my skin. Forever a part of me…as are my children.

peace in the poconos

lake-naomi-canoeing

lake-naomi-poconos

 

I took quite a few photos during my weekend in the Poconos, but keep coming back to these…this is my breathing space. Can we all just take a moment and collectively exhale? My lovely hosts Chanee + her husband suggested we canoe to dinner and I jumped at the idea, being the lake lover that I am. We were met afterwards with this beautiful and serene setting. It’s incredible how much peace nature can provide…canoeing, kayaking, and a long walk really helped to clear my mind (not to mention the wine and girl talk). The mountains were thankfully still rich with fall color,  and the air was delightfully crisp. I couldn’t help but imagine our family spending time there, creating memories like the ones I hold so dear of my childhood. Even though I am now slightly obsessed with looking at Poconos real estate, I returned home feeling refreshed + grateful. How lucky I am to be greeted with these smiling faces, and have so much love under one roof.