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!
We had such gorgeous (and unseasonable) weather this weekend! Although I’m quite the snow bunny, it’s hard to complain when the sun is shining, and the air is brisk yet mild enough to not need a heavy coat. We got some household stuff done, but tried to get outside as much as possible. We took a country drive and ended up at a great antique store, discovering treasures…such as this giant chippendale chair! Billy just couldn’t resist demonstrating the scale…he is so much fun to shop with!
It continues to amaze me how small our world is…I was introduced (online) to Bryan Pirolli by our mutual friend, Lindsey. Bryan lives in Paris but is also a Philadelphia native, sharing that pa/paris connection that we all have! In addition to reading his blog, I learned just how much Bryan is involved in-he is one talented guy! I was flattered to help Bryan with the Philly launch of COLunching, another great venture he is involved in. Between his studies, travels, and freelance writing, he is one busy dude. It’s great to learn more about him via the Proust questionnaire…merci Bryan!
If not yourself, who would you be?
I’d be my dad so I could marvel at having such a fantastic son. Just kidding (kind of). But I’d love to be behind his eyes to see how I got this way.
What is your present state of mind?
I’m torn but resolute on a certain issue. Like, I made up my mind, but I’m not happy about it.
Your idea of happiness.
Easy. A chocolate ice cream-filled pool.
Your idea of misery.
A chocolate ice cream pool filled with children who just drank a lot of lemonade.
Your favourite food & drink.
Chocolate peanut butter ice cream, the kind with the ripples of salty peanut butter in it, and a good red wine. For drink, preferably a Loire or Burgundy. Finding the right wine to pair with the ice cream is a challenge…I don’t suggest it.
Where would you like to live?
At 22 I moved to the place that I now want to live, Paris, but I still dream of having a farm with an orchard for a backyard (apple or peach) and a small but well-chosen selection of livestock for petting, not eating.
Your favourite qualities in friends.
Easygoing, understanding, and selfless.
Your biggest flaw.
I’m naive, as most Pisces are, and I have a hard time saying no…
What gift from nature would you like to have?
I want radar so I can swoop like bats to catch bugs when I fly. Birds can’t swoop as well, because without the natural radar, there’s nothing to prevent them from swooping into the ground or an object.
Your favourite occupation.
Whale trainer. Or maybe a dolphin trainer, since dolphins are less temperamental and blood-thirsty than killer whales. Really, it’s all in the name. “Killer” whale? No one should have been surprised…
**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here**
This amazing holiday gift wrap idea is making the blog rounds, which doesn't surprise me because it is SO COOL. Shauna & Stephen of Something's Hiding in Here never cease to inspire me with their endless creativity. This project was featured in the Martha Stewart gift wrapping challenge, where you can vote for them and see other fun ideas as well. I intend to give this a try very soon…it won't make it under our tree this year, but it will be on my mind until I am able to give it a shot!
images courtesy of something's hiding in here
I finally dined at White Dog Cafe in Wayne, and it did not disappoint. I left feeling quite inspired by the decor actually, as each room in the restaurant has a different look. The very prominent, yet elegant dog theme runs throughout, down to the most delightful detail, such as paw prints imbedded in the restroom tile floor! Combined with farm fresh cuisine, it just might be my new favorite place.
Thursday night in Philly was full of pleasantries…time with friends, the inspiration that is the URBN headquarters, and crafting with Design*Sponge! It is flattering that Grace and her team chose to complete their crafting tour here, and a great crowd showed up in appreciation. Once we turned that pile of greenery into festive wreaths, we had photobooth fun with our friend Courtney Apple! Good times.