liberté

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Yesterday was spent savoring the dusting of snow we received here in Philadelphia…the first at our new home. I noticed this singular and striking red rose in our garden…it captivated me. It had apparently been blooming due to the unseasonably warm temperatures we’ve had recently, and then suddenly–winter arrived. The more I stared at it, the more I related to it, and realized the poignant message from nature. A love letter if you will, for 2022. May we ALL find a way to bloom, grow, and embrace the beauty around us, despite the heavy burdens so many of us bear.

My word for this year is liberté, which means freedom in French. Freedom from self-doubt, from the stories I’ve kept buried inside me for too long, from childhood trauma, and more. Freedom to rediscover myself again – after ten years of motherhood I’ve forgotten so much about the woman I used to be, and I’m anxious to meet her again. Freedom to finally acknowledge and embrace parts of myself that I’ve kept hidden (from myself and others). To dust off the weight (both literally and figuratively), and just… flourish fleurish. Bright and bold, despite the cold. Let’s persevere…together!

our first philly christmas

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The first holiday in our Philadelphia home got off to a great start. We usually cut down a tree but this year we kept it simple and found a local spot that had trees fresh from a farm (we’ll be giving it to goats when it comes down). I wanted to honor the age of our home with 1920s inspired decor and wrapping, and focused on Art Deco vibes. I used mostly vintage items as accents, ribbon I’ve had for years, but did purchase some handmade paper (we’ve carefully saved each piece so that we can repurpose it next year, which is a small way we can reduce our waste). We added this special ornament to our collection, in honor of our first city christmas. We had exciting plans, but 2021 was getting ready to test us in a big way.

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gift guide for francophiles

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This gift guide is for the Francophiles in your life (hopefully there are many). May this list inspire your holiday shopping and perhaps even a little something for yourself! For a list of favorite French-inspired books (there are simply too many to narrow down), look no further than this dedicated bookshop.org page. Their site helps support authors and independent bookstores, which is more important than ever. Happy shopping and merci mille fois for supporting @thefrancophiles!

1.  this set of puzzles by French artist Nathalie Lété for Vilac is perfect for les enfants.

2.  a gluten-free (lol) homage to the emblematic bread of France in pen form…so fun!

3.  limited edition holiday candles (speckled with real gold) by an iconic French brand.

4.  ultrawashable felt pens for the littles designed in the coolest Parisian studio. 

5.  for the culinary Francophile, this cast iron “la cuisine” sign would make a great gift.

6.  this French icon celebrated 60 years with a limited edition design for les bébés.

7.  colorful whimsy for your holiday designed by Nathalie Lété for Anthropologie. 

8.  just say “yes” to this nylon and mesh trucker hat – the perfect unisex accessory.

9.  achic + sturdy cotton canvas “Palais Royal” tote by a Paris-meets-Tokyo brand. 

10. customize this bestselling lip balm for a luxe gift, wrapped to Parisian perfection.

11. save 15% on a subscription to France-Amérique magazine with code: COUCOUFA

12. this ten-volume collection of Hemingway is super luxe ($$$) but wow…le swoon.

13. only Parisian artist Marin Montagut could make such a perfectly French décanteur!

14. this classic stoneware mug is the perfect addition to any Francophile’s kitchen.

15. made in France, this olive-oil based bath bar comes in a a cool vintage box.

16. a pictureque Parisian holiday scene is featured on this deluxe set of cards.

17. hands down (pun intended) this cream is one of the best…made in France, bien sûr.

18. a cheery gingham coin clutch for the “bon vivant” in your life…perhaps it’s you?!

*this guide includes affiliate links…thank you et merci for supporting this work*

the greatest gift

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“There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself.” – Hannah Gadsby, Nanette

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Today is my 42nd birthday, and I’m celebrating the fact that I finally feel ready to share a personal trauma after (many) years of learning and growth. Trigger warning: domestic abuse. At age seventeen, I had an intoxicating romance with an older man, and soon after we moved in together. I was seeking to escape my turbulent home life, but (in hindsight) ended up essentially trading one trauma for another. Before too long, I was living with a stranger. Having become an empath due to a complicated childhood, I gave so much energy trying to help heal that person, while it was me who needed it most.

I spent ten years – TEN! in that co-dependent relationship, enduring soul-crushing emotional abuse as well as being physically hurt and threatened. I lost friends that tried to warn me and pushed anyone away who told me it was toxic. Thankfully an amazing therapist encouraged me to attend a CoDA (co-dependents anonymous) meeting, and the wealth of knowledge and support I received there changed my life. After a few months of attendance, I summoned all of my courage to end the relationship, and began the journey of acknowledging that I was worthy–of so much more.

There are too many people who silently suffer abuse, fear for their lives, or never get the chance to speak out. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and I’m sharing my story so that others might feel seen, and take that next step. Time most certainly does not heal all wounds, but I’ve reached an age where I can look back without fear. In the process of healing myself, I’ve only become more unique and resilient – like the Japanese art of Kintsugi where they repair pottery with gold – my “scars” are my strength, and I’m celebrating the fact that I feel stronger than ever…it’s the greatest gift.

in search of sunshine

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Lately I’ve been in search of sunshine…metaphorically speaking. I know I’m not alone, and that many of us are struggling with our health right now, both mentally and physically. My anxiety levels are most definitely at an all-time high. We’re only mid-pandemic, our children can’t get vaccinated yet (and half of the country won’t), climate change is happening right before our eyes, and I realized that breaks from news and activism are necessary. It’s a lot…for anyone. I’ve been struggling with a (new + scary) health issue, juggling work and homeschool as always, and managing our household. In the event you’re also feeling overwhelmed (umm…who isn’t these days), I’m sharing some of my favorite therapeutic Instagram accounts. I created a collection within the app where I save the most inspiring posts to revisit when I’m in need of a boost, which I highly recommend. These accounts either offer direct rays of sunshine, or will help guide you on your path towards them. Feel free to comment with your go-to inspirational Insta accounts…sending love to you all! xo, Susan

@jamievaron @morganharpernichols @newhappyco @yasminecheyenne @keeleyshawart @nytherapist @lizandmollie @thejeffreymarsh @adamgrant @cleowade @__nitch @moonandcheeze @charliemackesy @bradmontague @alex_elle