my creative process

behind-the-scenes-blogger

 

Today I’m taking you behind the scenes here, as I was asked (ages ago) by my lovely friend Annie of Montgomery Fest to share. These are tough questions that I had to dig deep to answer, but I always enjoy introspection. Thank you again for inviting me to share Annie, and I’d like to pass the baton/nominate my friends Tristan, Lindsey, and Tania.

 

what are you working on?

In general, I’m focused on creating new + relevant content. I’ve also been working very hard on a few very exciting projects/brand collaborations that I can’t wait to share with you! In the very immediate sense, I’m getting ready to travel to France with my family, which involves a lot of organization + planning (which I revel in – no complaints here). However, in all honesty I did have a mini meltdown the other day due to my workload. It happens to the best of us!

how does your work differ from others of it’s genre?

While I feel both my interior design business and blog have a niche focus, ultimately, our own voices and talents are really what makes us all unique (as Annie so smartly said). My own experiences, voice + style sets me apart from others. I so often get comments from people who saw something French, gold, or stylish for children and they think of me. That tells me my brand must be fairly recognizable, and I’m doing something right. It makes me smile on the inside and out.

why do you write/create what you do?

I write and create simply because I have to. The motivation lies deep within my soul (cheesy, but true). I started this blog as a creative outlet, as so many do. We had just moved (from NC to PA), and I had ample time to pursue my passions during the transition. Ultimately, I was in search of community. I wanted to find and connect with other Francophiles, designers, and creatives (and now, mothers). This blog, and social media, opened the flood gates for connecting with incredibly talented + inspiring people, for which I am forever grateful.

how does your writing/creative process work?

My creative process is something I’m still figuring out, to be completely honest. I used to operate pretty freely, hardly ever scheduling content or planning ahead. Thankfully, the growth I’m experiencing has forced me to finally get serious about my editorial calendar. I’m planning at least one month out on a regular basis, and writing many posts in advance. It’s worth the effort ahead of time, as it eases my long-term stress. Since my posts include my own (amateur) photography 98% of the time, my writing is very often influenced by my images. Writing and creating content that others connect with is very fulfilling for me. Something that satisfies me creatively and hardly ever feels like work is such a gift.

bon weekend

traveling-with-kids

 

Our passports are ready + waiting, our (airbnb) apartment is booked, and our suitcases will soon be emerging from the attic. We’re counting down the days until we leave for France, and what will be Henry + Marie’s first flight! Nothing like an 8-hour flight to break them in, eh?! Not nervous at all, nope (insert nervous teeth emoji here). Even though I’ve been researching and planning for this event since they were born, it is still very daunting, especially with twin toddlers. However – many of my favorite articles + posts prove that not only can it be done, but it can actually be enjoyable. I’m on a personal mission to prove that point. Until I do, and can share my own experience + advice, I thought I would share a few of my favorite resources from around the web. Have you flown with your kids? Tips + tricks are welcome!

BON WEEKEND!

traveling with kids

tips for flying with kids

traveling with kids: air

20 tips for flying with kids

flying with a baby or toddler

the nod bookmobile is coming to philly!

land-of-nod-tour-bus

Have you heard the news?! The Land of Nod just announced their partnership with Little Golden Books, and I couldn’t be more excited. The new collection includes an adorable range of products – unique gifts, bedding, decor, and of course…books! Little Golden Books are dear to my heart, as I have vivid memories of them as a child, and cannot wait to collect them for Henry + Marie. As part of their campaign, they’ve given the Nod Tour Bus a new look as a bookmobile, and it’s coming to Philadelphia! They will be making several stops in our area, which I’ve listed below…but you can also see the full list of states + stops (plus a cute little video) here. For every book purchased, Random House Children’s Books will donate one to Milk + Bookies…how awesome is that?! And psst…I’m going to be the special storyteller at the Baldwin’s Book Barn location (in West Chester)…I’m so honored + elated! I hope you’ll join the fun next month!

 

Friday, May 1  |  Book Barn4 p.m. – 6  p.m.

Saturday, May 2  |  Nest | 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 2  | Sister Cities Park1 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 3 | Shane’s Candies11 a.m.- 1 p.m. 

Sunday, May 3  |  Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse2 p.m.- 4 p.m. 

proust q + a – c’est christine

christine-amorose

 

I’ve been eager to revive the Proust Q + A after a two-year hiatus, and Christine Amorose of C’est Christine is the perfect person to kick things off! While her blog name offers a hint of her Francophilia, don’t let that fool you – she is a seasoned world traveler. Thus far, she has managed to celebrate every birthday in her twenties in a new country!  A California girl at heart, she lives + works (quite happily) in NYC – Brooklyn to be exact. When she isn’t managing brand partnerships for Vimeo, she’s practicing or teaching yoga, exploring New York City, or planning her next getaway. In addition to instigating severe wanderlust, Christine has a charming way with words (as her header so aptly states), and her insightful and mature outlook on life inspire me. Her blog is one that I make time for on a regular basis, and highly recommend you do, too. A huge MERCI to Christine (and her energetic, beautiful self) for breathing new life into this series!

 

Your favourite virtue.

Kindness. It’s such a little thing that can make such a big difference. One of my favorite concepts is that kindness is a muscle, not a fixed trait: it’s something that can get stronger the more than you practice it!

Your idea of happiness.

A good book, a good coffee and a sunny day. I always think of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn when I think about happiness: “People always think that happiness is a faraway thing,” thought Francie, “something complicated and hard to get. Yet, what little things can make it up; a place of shelter when it rains – a cup of strong hot coffee when you’re blue; for a man, a cigarette for contentment; a book to read when you’re alone – just to be with someone you love. Those things make happiness.”

Your favourite colour and flower.

Bold turquoise, and tulips in any color.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. I can never resist something grand that I can’t do anywhere else in the world, like a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, Turkey or wakeboarding next to and rockclimbing on the ethereal limestone cliffs of Halong Bay in Vietnam or paragliding over Neuschwanstein Caslte in the Bavarian Alps.

Your biggest flaw.

Stressing out over things I can’t control, and letting that stress negatively affect the people around me.

Where would you like to live?

In a sunny house on the beach, or a restored brownstone in Brooklyn.

What is it that you most dislike?

Hypocrites.

How would you like to die?

Quickly and painlessly with no regrets, before I get too old to be a burden.

Your favourite qualities in friends.

A sense of humor, a love of adventure and, most importantly, a commitment to the act of friendship.

Your favourite motto.

Do the best you can, and then to hell with it.

 

christine’s links… instagram | twitterpinterest | facebook

**the proust q + a is a regular feature…check out the archives here**

foto rx

foto-rx

 

I will forever be grateful to social media for connecting me with so many amazing + talented people, many of whom have become close friends. Tristan of Besotted Brand is one of them, and though we’ve never met in person (a west coast trip is long overdue), I feel as if we have. I’m a frequent customer of her gorgeous shop, but I’m currently obsessed with her latest offering, so pardon me while I gush. Created by Tristan + Michelle, Foto Rx is a collection of Photoshop actions to assist with photo editing, saving time + taking your images to the next level! My Photoshop skills are fairly basic, but I do all of my photo editing there. I was worried this would be over my head or more than I needed, but was pleasantly surprised at how easy the actions were to download + begin using. With a few simple clicks, your images are transformed, and there is an action/cure for seemingly any issue you might encounter! Check out their YouTube channel for examples and tutorials…the actions are available for purchase on Etsy. You can also find an amazing collection of product photography resources on the Besotted blog. I cannot wait to dig into my archives and find more photos to fix!