Category Archives: paris

le petit atelier de paris

le-petit-atelier-de-paris

 

After coveting the work of Le Petit Atelier de Paris for years, I finally had the chance to see their wares in person while in Paris. I kicked myself for never having made it to their boutique in the Marais before it closed, but was relieved to learn they sell online. Additionally, my good friend Jill had connected and met with owners and artists Stéphane + Jae, and put me in touch with them before our trip. They very generously offered to open up their studio for me, and I was lucky enough to see their offerings in person. What used to be their boutique is now a lovely guesthouse, but Stéphane (along with furry mascot Pompom) kindly met me there one afternoon to let me browse and learn more about their process.

 

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disneyland paris

disneyland-paris

mickey-ears

 

If you find yourself in France with children, you simply can’t miss Disneyland Paris! Located only 20 miles from the center of Paris, it makes for a fabulous day trip with the kids. With my brother and family joining us at our apartment a day earlier, we all hopped on the metro early Sunday morning, transferred to the RER, and found ourselves at the gates by opening time. It was an epic and exhausting day, but well worth the effort…the time with our family was worth the ticket price alone. Henry and Marie really earned those ears – they were troopers. Click through to see our adventures!

 

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french is beautiful

fleurishing-famille-paris

 

“There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of  a child. There are seven million.”

Walt Streightiff

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Were we really in Paris with our children, only a month ago?! It feels like it was a all a dream. I’m so thankful to have moments like these documented, thanks to my friend Ashley Ludaescher (still so many more incredible photos to share). Navigating a foreign country with children, especially toddlers, is challenging for sure. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) really makes things easier, and more enjoyable. Carrie Anne James was kind enough to include me in the development of her French for Paris course, and I’m honored to have inspired the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson. I think it goes without saying that I personally relied heavily on that portion of the program during our trip!

Since this was my first time traveling with my children to France, I wanted to be prepared with the proper terminology. Full disclosure – I didn’t know the word for stroller. There were many times when I found myself using phrases that were new to me, such as “excusez moi, est-ce que les pousettes sont permises?” (excuse me, are strollers allowed?). I located diapers, requested mild cheese, even spoke with other parents, in French – and it felt great. Do you have to speak French in order to travel there with your children? No – but I highly recommend it. You will get more respect, better treatment, and yes, even the elusive smile, from the Parisians. Henry et Marie even garnered a tickle or two (or three).

* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *

an anniversary in paris

anniversarykiss

anniversaryinparis

 

While in Paris, my husband got down on one knee and asked me to marry him…again. As luck would have it, our anniversary (exactly one month and six years ago today) coincided with our trip. I had made reservations at my favorite restaurant, arranged care for the kids with a friend, and imagined us on a romantic midnight stroll along the Seine after enjoying an amazing and memorable dinner. However, between jet lagged toddlers, exhaustion, and not wanting to beg for help, we made the decision to cancel our plans. Our reality was not to be ignored, even in the most romantic city in the world. We chuckled at the stark contrast of it all, compared to the romance and freedom we have known in earlier years. On our anniversary eve, we found ourselves with oven pizza and wine after the kids went to bed. And you know what I realized? Our reality, and our love, is so much richer, deeper, and beautiful, six years later. I live life (and created life) with my best friend. So, in the shadow of Notre Dame, surrounded by our children, I said yes. Again.

many thanks to ashley ludaescher for capturing this unscripted moment!

coiffeur bonton

henryatbonton

coiffeur-bonton

 

Yes, that’s right – I’m the obnoxious Mom talking about how her child got a haircut in Paris. I can’t even say that for myself! Ever since I first discovered the coiffeur inside the flagship Bonton, I knew that I had to make it happen. I waited until we arrived, and then called for an appointment. They accept walk-ins, but I wasn’t going to chance it (plus, that’s just not my style). My friend Ashley Ludaescher kindly met us there to capture the moment and hang out (we’re a fun bunch). Monsieur Franck (pictured above) was very welcoming, and immediately made us all feel at ease. After all, a haircut at Bonton can be a little intimidating! Henry not only felt comfortable, but he enjoyed himself – click through for more!

 

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