Category Archives: local love

signs of sanctuary (part deux)

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We just got the keys to our new home in Philadelphia (yay), and this beauty welcomed us in her full spring glory. I’m obsessed and have photographed it from every window that faces it! I can’t wait to share more of the house soon but right now we’re surrounded by boxes and chaos and have to dig ourselves out of that first. It’s exciting (and anxiety inducing) to be back in “civilization” but the fact that we have a yard and a mature garden makes the adjustment so much less stressful. Every time I look at this tree (or any of the blooms), I exhale. We have a new sanctuary, and we hope to enjoy it for quite some time. For more blossoms and a few sneak peeks, check out the “new house” Stories highlight on Instagram!

snow days are the best days

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Snow days are the best days…especially in our family! I’ve been quiet here on the blog (although active on social), as we’ve been savoring the season. I grew up in the Northeast and so many of my childhood memories are connected to the fluffy white stuff that falls from the sky and turns the world into a magical wonderland. My parents used to have to literally drag me inside after hours in the snow with a chapped face, nearly blue lips, and snow-filled boots. After a few decent winter storms, the “big one” came along a few weeks ago here in the Poconos, and gifted us with over thirty inches (yes, 30″). It started the day before and then got super heavy overnight…we woke up in Narnia and it was breathtakingly beautiful…

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autumn at the lake

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Autumn at the lake is giving me life right now. As soon as October arrived in the mountains, the gorgeous crisp fall temperatures came with it. It didn’t take long for the breathtaking color to develop, and we’re spending our days savoring it. We’ve been living here since early March and there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not overwhelmed with gratitude. We’ve settled into the mountain life and feel quite at ease with it, to be honest. Being surrounded by nature is so therapeutic amidst the chaos of the world, and it’s amazing what a walk in the woods can do for your mental health (we take a LOT of walks, ha). I’m at peace with where we are, and the uncertainty of where we’re going next – which is not something I’ve been able to say before. Just being alive and healthy is enough right now, truly. There are days when I feel guilt for not being as productive as usual, but you know what? It is OK! Give yourself the space and time you need to process everything going on…because it’s a lot. I saw a post on social media the other day that said, “there’s never been a time when you haven’t made it through”, and that really resonated. I’m going to be ok…we’re going to be ok. Breathe.

bon weekend

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Bon week-end and happy Francophile Friday mes amis! Le Dîner en Blanc is on the horizon (in Philadelphia and many other cities), and I’ve rounded up some info and my archived posts on the subject. The dinner with friends that began in Paris over 30 years ago has become an international sensation, and is a highlight of summer for me. Sadly, we’ll be missing this years festivities due to coinciding vacation dates, but we hope to be back in 2019. You can read about our experiences below, and learn more about the dîner en blanc inspired tablescape you see above (styled by moi). Wherever you are in the world, if you attend the magical evening, I do hope you’ll tag #thefrancophiles and share your experience!

BON WEEKEND

terrain en blanc

dîner en blanc philadelphia

dîner en blanc inspiration board

our dîner en blanc experience on steller

the “secret dinner in white” 30th anniversary