reflections on 2019 + beyond

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This year exceeded my expectations in many ways, along with some curveballs along the way. While I haven’t had ample time to reflect on the past year, I spent the holidays going through images and revisiting favorite moments. Out of the many thousands of images I captured in 2019, this one is certainly a standout (we used it for our holiday card), and represents a source of pride. Giving our children the gift of travel and cultural experiences is priceless, and when I look back over any of our years, it’s those memories that stand out the most. Returning to France as a family was such a highlight (recap coming soon, yikes)! I don’t want to forget our other family travels, which were equally precious: we visited family in Charlotte, explored England for the first time, celebrated Henry + Marie’s 7th birthday in NYC (and found ourselves in the city a few more times), and had an incredible summer vacation in New Hampshire.

I had considered writing a decade in review, but whoa…that is too daunting of a task and overwhelming for me. My head is still spinning from the past ten years: I moved four times, started a blog, battled mysterious health issues, bought a house, became a mother of two at once, grew my business, lost a furry baby, sold a home, struggled financially, dealt with anxiety, depression, and marital issues, got political, brought a big idea to life, got diagnosed with cancer, homeschooled my children, cared for aging parents, celebrated ten years of marriage, turned 40, and welcomed a new furry baby. These years have been some of the most unforgettable, challenging, and exquisite of my life…it may take a lifetime to adequately reflect upon them. I wish you all a happy new decade and new year…here’s to a mindful and joyous 2020!

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.

a beautiful day in brooklyn

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We decided it was time for another family adventure in Brooklyn, to include our new furry family member, Winni! I haven’t formally introduced her here, but you can see more on my Instagram highlights. The weather was gorgeous the day after my event, so we crossed the bridge over to Brooklyn and paid a visit to one of our favorite spots, Jane’s Carousel. It had been a while since we visited…take a look at the Steller story I created in 2015 – they were so little!! After a few turns on the carousel we walked along the waterfront, witnessed a proposal, visited our favorite playground, and had a few belly laughs over Winni trying to chase pigeons. She’s a great little traveler and we can’t wait for more family adventures!

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!

harry + hermione

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We started reading Harry Potter together for homeschool earlier this year and the kids immediately identified with the characters…specifically Harry and Hermione (no surprise there). They actually share many traits with those two, so it seemed a perfect fit. As a special treat while abroad this summer, we surprised them with a stop at Platform 9 3/4 in London, where they each chose a wand! It was only natural that they went all in for Halloween, and of course we had to get our new furry baby in on the action. The cutest little furry Gryffindor pupil you ever did see! Our neighborhood bike path provided the perfect backdrop for our photoshoot before heading out to trick-or-treat. Cue the leaves!

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