francophile gift guide – mother’s day edition

May 3 2019

As a devout Francophile and mother, I can honestly say that I would be thrilled to receive any of the items on this list! I always enjoy curating French-inspired gift guides, and this one is dedicated to les mamans, but of course can serve as inspiration for any special female or friend in your life. If you’re not already, be sure to join @thefrancophiles community for all things French. Mother’s Day is around the corner on both continents…happy shopping mes amis!

1. this luxe new Cire Trudon beeswax candle was created in honor of bees and is dedicated to saving the species.

2. 100% of net proceeds from this chic “I love you Mom” tee by Clare V. benefits Every Mother Counts.

3. inspired by French body care + handcrafted in Seattle, French Girl Organics fleur de rose facial polish is a luxe treat.

4. treat Mom to hashtag rosé all day with this 3 pc. bento box of rosé-infused gummies from Sugarfina!

5. Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is longer-lasting than a bouquet and is an elegant tour of the city in the spring.

6. this porcelain “maman adorée” mug by émoi émoi is sure to make her smile every time she picks it up.

7. a clever take on the French national motto, this sturdy + chic Clare V. tote also benefits Every Mother Counts.

8. the famous nutty chocolate chip cookies from Maman bakery are now available for shipping nationwide!

9. made in France, this L’Occitane shea butter kit is a lovely collaboration with Rifle Paper Co.

10. the illustrations of Garance Doré are perfect for any Francophile femme…this “XO” poster would be a thoughtful gift.

bon weekend

February 16 2019

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image c/o The Hive Studio (a letter she beautifully calligraphed for me)

I blinked and it’s February, yikes! January was all about holiday recovery and personal health (both physical and mental). I did a deep dive into some of my favorite podcasts, newsletters and Instagram accounts, and found quite a bit of inspiration. Narrowing your focus is imperative, as there is so much goodness to be found these days – it’s overwhelming! I’m sharing a of them few here in the hopes you might also enjoy them…each of these people have impacted me with their words. In addition, I stumbled upon this truth bomb the other day, and it was just what I needed to hear. I would love to know what you’re reading/listening to/inspired by these days…please enlighten me in the comments!

BON WEEKEND

(instagram) cleo wade + jamie varon + mindfulmft

(podcast) jen gotch is ok…sometimes

(newsletter) friday letters by jamie varon

(book) first we make the beast beautiful by sarah wilson

my instagram life – year in review

December 27 2018

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I’m very particular about what I post on social media these days, and have slowed down everywhere. With that being said, most of what I do is still on Instagram, and when I look back at the images I’ve shared this year, I feel joy and pride. Joy for all the beautiful moments we’ve had and the love I feel, and pride in my work. It takes a lot of effort to document our life the way that I do, but it hardly ever feels like work – I still love it. I’ve linked to some of my favorites below, and I’m humbled by the support and love I received this year especially. 2019 will be epic for me personally – I’ll be turning 40 (!), will be celebrating ten years of marriage (!), and have moving and travel plans. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

for the children…the “french coat”…nyc fav…spring in dc

our loft…protect kids not guns…mothers day love…reflection

savoring summer…bliss in the berkshires…exploration…birthday love

twins…forward motion…pressing pause…xmas magic

francophile gift guide – book edition

December 10 2018

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Since my Francophile gift guide was such a big hit last year, I’m bringing it back but with a twist – books! With so many amazing French-inspired book releases this year, it was quite hard to narrow it down to eleven, but these are some of my personal favorites. Full disclosure: a few of these authors are friends, and a few of these books were gifted, but this post is not sponsored. For more gifting inspiration for the Francophiles in your life, check out the Francophiles Pinterest boards, and please do follow along over @thefrancophiles…more to come in 2019! Happy shopping mes amis!

1. this Parisian Chic journal by French icon Ines de la Fressange is ideal for the writer or traveler in your life.

2. the debut cookbook by The Cook’s Atelier is so stunning – I’ve gifted it twice already this year!

3. a set of two chic passport pocket notebooks by Rifle Paper Co., for your next French adventure.

4. Women of Singular Beauty is a richly personal book of photographs that capture the essence of CHANEL.

5. for the Francophile mamas and kids, In the French Kitchen with Kids by Mardi Michels brings everyone to the table.

6. Tasting Paris is the latest from Clotilde Dusoulier and will surely transport you (and your taste buds) to Paris.

7. for the serious Francophile wishing to understand modern Paris, The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta is a must-read.

8. Paris in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is an elegant photographic tour of the city during its most beautiful season.

9. for design lovers, Maison: Parisian Chic at Home features fifteen homes infused with French style.

10. perfectly pocket-sized, Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide is cleverly illustrated by Jessie Kanelos Weiner.

11. just released, Apéritif: Cocktail Hour the French Way by Rebekah Peppler is a celebration of cocktails and culture.

summer in the berkshires

August 31 2018

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I’m not sure I love any place more than New England in the summer. Ok ok, maybe France at any time of year, but I digress. If you follow me on social, you might know that our summer got a jumpstart thanks to a leak in our apartment that required us to vacate for repairs. After getting over the initial shock and frustration, and thanking our lucky stars for having great insurance (shout out to USAA), we decided to make the best of our “vacatetion”. With only a week to make arrangements, I did a deep dive into Airbnb and was thrilled to find a dreamy cottage in the heart of the Berkshires. Stretching along the western border of Massachusetts and bordering the Hudson Valley, Vermont and Connecticut, it’s a perfect setting for adventure. Well worth the drive up from Pennsylvania – we exhaled the moment we arrived.

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