Category Archives: lovely links

gift guide for the francophiles

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Tis’ the season for gifting, and this gift guide is for all of my fellow Francophiles! If you’re a regular reader, then you know that I have a deep love for all things French. I always enjoy creating these guides – and while I always include brands that I know and love, I often discover something completely new to me! I’ve created quite a few frenchy gift guides over the years…you can see them all here. For those of you that are signed up for @thefrancophiles newsletter, you received a special one in your inbox today. In the event you’re not subscribed, you can see it here (a gift from me to you). xo, Susan

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1.   Clare V. and Sugar Paper teamed up to create this 2020 planner, with French phrases + words plus a snazzy look.

2.  designed by a father/daughter duo, this necklace is a great way for your little one to show their love for the city.

3.   ooh la la, little ones will love this sweet rattle beautifully crafted from soft organic knitted cotton.

4.   this gift set brings together five iconic diptyque scents in miniature form, long-lasting and made in France.

5.   a brilliant quote by French novelist Marcel Proust adorns this ceramic mug by Obvious State.

6.  this heavyweight linen pillow featuring les trois couleurs is hand silk-screened in Brooklyn.

7.   this French cookbook glass ornament would be a cute gift for a foodie…Julia Child would approve, no doubt.

8.  a play on the relationship between two French words makes this Clare V. sweatshirt both cheeky + chic.

9.   what could be more perfect than a handmade, France-shaped cutting board?! hashtag hostess gift.

10. you can’t go wrong with this beloved print by French illustrator, photographer and fashion blogger, Garance Doré.

11. this passport holder is so fly, customs officials won’t even notice your smuggled macarons.

12. a limited-edition collection of nourishing shea butter L’Occitane favorites, presented in a festive box.

you’re invited!

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November is off to an exciting start – I finally launched @thefrancophiles newsletter after many months of planning! Subscribe here to receive a monthly French fix delivered to your inbox, complete with: events, interviews, favorite reads and products, a playlist and more. In addition, I am thrilled to announce that I’m hosting a shopping event in NYC with one of my absolute favorite brands, Clare V. – an independent French-inspired line designed by Clare Vivier. It’s a big brand now that somehow still feels small, in the best of ways. Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping, buy that bag you’ve been coveting (at 20% off), and enjoy wine + treats from Maman. I hope you’ll join me if you’re in (or around) NYC!

historic hudson

Hasbrouck House in the fall

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The weekend before my fortieth, I was joined by my bestie Angie for a weekend adventure in the Hudson Valley. I’m so lucky to have a friend that says “yes” without hesitation to the idea of a girls trip and is game for whatever my heart desires (love you Ang). We drove up together, had the most beautiful weather, and even caught some early fall color. I’d been wanting to stay at Hasbrouck House for some time, and we managed to snag the one + only “friend suite” on the estate (it’s geared towards couples and is super romantic if that’s what you’re looking for). Despite our lack of romance (although no shortage of love), the 18th century mansion was the perfect backdrop for exploring the area, and the accommodations were both chic and cozy. The staff is welcoming and goes out of their way to make sure your stay is relaxed (not sponsored, just sharing the love). We had a great time wandering around, and I’m sharing our itinerary!

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packing for london + paris

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I can’t believe we leave for London + Paris in a few days! The suitcases are out and I’m deep into the process of packing for myself and the kids. We’re using only carry-ons, so I’m doing my best to figure out our outfits ahead of time and limit extras. Both of our Airbnb’s have a washer/dryer which makes things so much easier – I highly recommend renting if you’re traveling with children. I’ve actually never traveled to Europe in the summer, so I’m having to approach this a little differently. Since London is much farther north, the temperatures are still quite mild and even chilly at times, which I’m thankful for! Of course, rain is inevitable – finding the perfect packable raincoat (that is also chic) has been a challenge. Since I feel like rain boots are essential for this trip I’m going to wear them on the plane, but you could also opt for packable boots. As far as clothes go, I always stick to the classics and mix in one or two more trendy items – I don’t have the Veja sneakers yet but plan on buying them there at a much better price! I always pack my foldable/expandable Longchamp tote for any extras that we pick up along the way and might need to check on the return trip. All the items shown are linked below, as well as my other packing posts which I hope can be helpful to you when travel planning!

my other packing for paris posts: one | two | three (kids version) | four

striped shirt | graphic tee | button-down shirt | trench coat | tulle dot dress | linen dress | distressed skinny jeans | boyfriend jeans | rain boots | sneakers | nude flats | camera travel tote | crossbody bag | sunglasses | leopard clutch purse

bon (mother’s day) weekend

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I savor the simple treasures that Mother’s Day brings with it…the handmade cards, the extra hugs and kisses, and sure – French toast in bed doesn’t hurt either. This Mother’s Day weekend, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite posts with you. Some have been bookmarked since pregnancy, some only recently discovered. I’m always seeking inspiration, so please feel free to share a link (or two, or three) in the comments. Now let’s just pretend for a moment we have time to relax, enjoy our cup of coffee (or glass of wine), and read all these, shall we?! Seriously though, I wish you a weekend of whatever feels luxurious to you: going to the bathroom alone, a spa day, brunch with your family, a night alone in a hotel room with room service and Netflix (I’ll be watching this)…you name it. Whatever it is, you deserve it mama.

BON WEEKEND

this poem and essay brought beautiful tears to my eyes…don’t shrink

what changes us – a thoughtful look at motherhood via one of my favorite female-focused blogs

a birth story of sorts – a moving essay on motherhood and adoption

breakfast in bed with a side of revolution, please: mother’s day reconsidered

the identity crisis of motherhood…(it doesn’t have to be a crisis)

for those that struggle with this holiday: mother’s day adjacent things to do this weekend

mom, maman, mamá: 13 stories of motherhood from around the world

a list + links to some of my favorite mamas to follow can be found here