our christmas

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Well, we finally did it – matching family pajamas! I wish you could see mine a bit more, but this is what you get from a timed photo, ha. Next year we’ll invest in a family photo shoot, as it’s been too long since we had a professional capture us as a family. We had a lovely, lazy Christmas, which is honestly still happening because we all got sick with colds the next day. But back to the big day – it all started with discovering Santa had enjoyed the scotch + pfeffernüsse we had left for him (see this post for more about that family tradition). The first presents they found were in their stocking – adorable, handmade teddy bears that give back. Nothing sponsored – I’m sharing the link because I love gifts that give back.

 

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santa express

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We might have to call 2016 the “year of the train” for us – we’re on a roll! This was our first experience at the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster – I think it’s going to be a new holiday tradition. One of their most popular events is the Santa Express Train, which has been happening since 1959! I couldn’t wait to give the kids the experience, and I was pretty excited myself, having never been on a vintage steam train. We had the pleasure of being pulled by the #90 locomotive, circa 1924, and rode in the passenger car #58, circa 1911. After geeking out over all the equipment (I have my Dad to thank for the interest), we boarded the train and anxiously awaited the arrival of Santa.

 

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sidebyside

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francophile gift guide

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If you’re reading this blog post, you most likely have many Francophile friends to shop for – this gift guide is for you! My passion for all things French is well known (and was the inspiration for starting this blog, after all) and I stand behind each one of these selections. I either own them or covet them myself (ahem Santa), so you can feel confident about any and all of them! Also, if you’re not already, be sure to follow @thefrancophiles for the best French-inspired moments, places, and people. I may be a bit biased, but I might also be right (wink). Happy shopping mes amis! 

 

1.   explore the city of light through the eyes of bibliophiles with these literary Paris postcards by Obvious State.

2.   nobody does mustard better than Maille, and this “mustards on tap” gift set is perfect for the holidays.

3.   for the glam girl in your life, this maxi palette by French icon Sonia Rykiel for Lancôme should do the trick!

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

5.   inspired by French body care + handcrafted in Seattle, anything from French Girl Organics is a treat.

6.   coloring books are both fun and relaxing – the Paris Street Style is a great choice.

7.   exhale and escape with the Secret Paris coloring book – even better when paired with pencils!

8.   this festive candle from Diptyque is filled with the incredible scent of a lush, pine-laden forest.

9.   pour les enfants or the sweet littles in your life…look no further than this all-natural croissant shaped teether!

10. no holiday cheese board is complete without a Laguiole cheese knives – get the party started!

11.  for the older tots, the Paris pop-out set by Petit Collage is what little Francophiles dreams are made of.

a christmas tradition

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Cutting our own Christmas tree has become quite the tradition for our family. I grew up cutting fresh, and have such happy and hilarious memories of the event – it’s incredibly nostalgic for me. Even though we’ve been doing it since before we welcomed Marie + Henry into our lives, it became so much more special with them in tow. It’s hard to believe this is our fourth year doing it as a family! They are just so big now, I can’t get over it. I mean, we let them both carry the saw this year – that speaks volumes. Their bond is truly unbreakable, their friendship and love so very precious.

 

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desktop fleurish | joyeuses fêtes

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Mes amis…it’s December, which means I can now officially say “happy holidays” or joyeuses fêtes! This wallpaper marks a year of desktop fleurish designs, and this one just might be my favorite. It’s been such a treat to collaborate with Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio – I hope you’ve enjoyed all of her designs. In case you don’t know, she has a lovely Etsy shop filled with beautiful art prints, cards, gift wrap and more, and is accepting custom orders for a few more days. Hashtag shop small, forever and always. Welcome the season by refreshing your desktop – download the (free) designs below!

simple desktop | calendar desktop

please note that these designs are for personal use only + not available for commercial usage.