Category Archives: lovely links

freshly picked review + giveaway!

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Henry and Marie are big fans of Freshly Picked moccasins–its pretty much all they wear (as you may have noticed). So when I got the offer to do to a review + giveaway, I jumped at the chance to share the moccasin love! If you’re not familiar with the brand, let me fill you in. Susan Peterson founded the company in 2009, when she created moccs for her son Gus out of scrap leather. She has grown the now incredibly successful business (did you catch her on Shark Tank?!) from a mere $200, and is an inspiration to me as a small business owner. They are so thoughtfully designed…buttery soft leather for comfort, a soft sole to assist walking, a snug fit so they won’t come off, and of course, the most stylish colors!

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café loustic

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At the recommendation of my good friend Lindsey (who I turn to for all Paris food recs), I paid a visit to one of her favorite cafés, Loustic. Situated on a charming side street in the Marais, the vibrant, vintage café sign is the unmistakable marker of this hidden gem. Fun fact – after chatting with owner Channa Galhenage, he told me the idea for the signage came to him in a dream (think Elvis in Vegas), and was handcrafted in Tennessee! The chic + cozy boutique café serves up roasts from Belgian coffee mecca Caffènation in espresso, filter and chemex variations. In addition, the menu has been thoughtfully curated with selections from Emperor Norton + The Kale Project (shout out to my girl Kristen). I chose the chai tea latte (which I heard was amazing), and seriously–it was incredible. I’ve had dreams about it. Accompanied by a delicious quiche, I lingered there for quite some time, planning my next stop, chatting with Channa, and absorbing the atmosphere. I was smitten with the interiors, by hip designer Dorothee Meilichzon (known for her bold use of patterns), and I’m officially a fan. The Hermés wallpaper had me at hello. This haven for locals is a strong presence in the hot Paris coffee scene, and is my favorite out of the few I visited. Be sure to include it in your itinerary!

 Loustic | 40 rue Chapon 75003 Paris 

the paris journal

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If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you most likely know I’m a big fan of anything Nichole + Evan Robertson do. I first discovered their talents via the blogosphere, back when Nichole was known as “Little Brown Pen“, and we developed an online friendship. Fast forward a few years, and the husband and wife team have combined their talents into the studio and blog, Obvious State. As a devout francophile, I’ve devoured just about everything they’ve put their minds to, mainly, their photography, stories, and illustrations. Their latest endeavor, The Paris Journal, takes you on both a narrative and visual journey through Paris–it’s amazing. You can pre-order a signed copy of the printed book here, and the e-book becomes available tomorrow. If you need a francophile fix immediately, click here for a sneak peek!

bon weekend

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We’re having such gorgeous spring weather here in Pennsylvania that most of our week has been spent outdoors…I hope it’s lovely where you are! I still have so much to share from my trip to France (I don’t want to overwhelm you with all of it at once) so I’ll be sharing more soon! In the meantime, my friend Ashley wrote a lovely post about meeting each other, and our time together in Paris. It is so special to connect in person with friends you’ve known online for years, isn’t it? This community of ours is really special, which (to slyly segue) also happens to be the message I love most from the American Blogger film. Yes, I watched it. There is a lot of controversy surrounding it (some I agree with, some I don’t), but what I do know is that I like the big picture message director Christopher Wiegand focused on. As bloggers, sharing our lives publicly, we constantly make ourselves vulnerable to intense criticism (and praise), but in doing so we are building a community, forging new friendships, and trying to better understand and interpret life. Whether or not you do so publicly, that’s really what we’re all here for, don’t you think? If you’ve seen the film I’d love to hear your thoughts (you really can’t judge it from the trailer alone). Here’s a link to it, along with a few other links for your weekend…

BON WEEKEND!

american blogger

apps that make you wiser

this video makes me miss the French countryside

biz ladies: top 3 questions to ask when planning your website

 

my paris apartment

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Deciding to stay in an apartment vs. a hotel was an easy decision for me–I wanted to live like a local. Having learned of Haven in Paris many years ago, I instantly began browsing their rentals after securing my flights. I really wanted a place that was central, had character, and was situated in a residential area. I fell in love with this chic and cozy little apartment in the Marais, beautifully decorated and loaded with amenities. Upon arrival a lovely greeter ran through all the practical points, shared a few local tips, and handed me the keys! That was a true pinch me moment, as I’ve always dreamed of living in Paris. Staying in an apartment is one way to make that dream a reality, even if only for a week!

 

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Having a kitchen (and a stocked one at that) is a major perk of renting, and although I mostly ate out (hello Paris), I made the most of the french press in the mornings, with the bells of the nearby St. Gervais Church bringing me much joy. With so many comforts of home (washer/dryer, laptop, fluffy feather bed), I felt at ease, even on my own. Having never traveled alone internationally before, that feeling was very freeing, and empowering. In the evenings I would catch up with social media, fine tune my plans for the next day, and most importantly…FaceTime with my family. My apartment truly was a haven, and I’m so grateful for the experience. It was unlike any I’ve had before, in the best way!

 

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If you’re the type of traveler who wants to be immersed in the culture, I highly recommend renting. Even if it’s a bit out of your comfort zone, I promise you the experience will enrich your journey. The team of Haven in Paris was so attentive throughout the entire process, from booking to my return home, and the service they provided exceeded my expectations. When we travel internationally as a family, we will definitely be renting (already eyeing all of their family friendly apartments)! Visit the Haven in Paris site to see all of their listings + their blog for great tips inspiration for your travels!

 *this post is sponsored by Haven in Paris…all words and opinions are my own*

*images via Haven in Paris and myself*