I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
I’ve been busy with work lately, which means while mr. fleurishing watches the babies (nights and weekends), I am in the office with headphones on. Music is a major passion of mine, and I really should devote more posts to the subject. I listen to just about everything, but these are currently on repeat…
what are you listening to?
alabama shakes // boys and girls
fleetwood mac // peter green’s fleetwood
michael kiwanuka // home again
the lumineers // the lumineers
This past weekend we drove into the city for our favorite outdoor market, indoors! Clover Market can usually be found in Ardmore and showcases amazing local (and beyond) talent. Antiques, artisan crafts, vintage clothing, jewelry, and original artwork are amongst the bountiful offerings which make up the upscale bazaar. Founder Janet Long had the opportunity to bring the market to center city at the historic Armory, and she turned it up a notch with artist workshops, early access, and food trucks!
The early access VIP pass was such a great idea-the market is yours to devour while things are still fresh off the trucks! I ran into many friendly faces…first was my friend Chanee of Melongings. Her eco-friendly, handprinted textile designs and pillows make divine home accents. I spotted the spirited Jay McCarroll proudly showing his fun and funky fashion, and enjoyed chatting with him for a bit (billy even got a hug). Color, color, and more color pretty much sums up his booth…very fun textiles!
I’m a sucker for monochromatic goods, so naturally I was drawn to Mae’s Market booth, awash in neutrals. Made by Liddy really caught my eye and I brought home some lovely hand stamped envelopes, perfect for valentines. Spotted Horse Textiles, a favorite of mine (and many) is the place to find authentic vintage german and french grain sacks transformed into unique upholstered pieces.
Last but certainly not least, two more local favorites of mine…Fresh Vintage is the antiques shop that you almost don’t want to tell people about, to keep it all to yourself! It’s not an option though, as the word is out-I’m just glad that their shop is only a few minutes from where I live. Chairloom is quite well known and I always enjoy their latest projects and findings. Breathing new life into upholstered pieces, they are on trend with fabric options and ideas!
As you may have guessed, I highly recommend adding this event to your calendar. Bring the entire family (like we do)-furry babies are welcome and encouraged. Henry + Marie had sensory overload and enjoyed getting out but staying warm. Read more about Clover Market and future dates on their site!
Discovering Carin Olsson’s blog recently was a happy day for me. Paris in Four Months is filled with francophile delights, from the mundane to the magnificent. Her gorgeous photography first caught my eye…the “lèche vitrine” (window shopping) alone is such a treat. A Stockholm native, Carin will soon to be calling Paris home once again, and I’m excited to experience more through her lens. Be sure to follow her on Instagram for a daily dose of eye candy!
If not yourself, who would you be?
I would love to be Garance Doré or Jamie Beck for a couple of days, simply because I would love to learn so much more about what I love to do; photography (with a little bit of fashion).
What is your present state of mind?
A little bit low…the snow and the extreme cold have just arrived in Stockholm (where I’m currently located) and I’m just counting down the days until I can board the plane back to Paris.
Your favourite colour and flower.
I’m a sucker for anything in the tones of light powdery pink or beige but I also love to have bright orange, yellow and pink colours around me – those shades really make me happy. My favourite flowers are peonies. And hydrangeas.
Your idea of happiness.
Being around the people that I love (including our family pug Nixon) in a place where I feel stimulated, doing what I love to do. I would also prefer if the sun would shine as much as possible.
Your idea of misery.
Being without the people that I love, horrible diseases, cold weather and darkness.
Your favourite occupation.
Strolling around the streets of Paris, with the camera in my hand.
Where would you like to live?
Some place where I wouldn’t get bored… so preferably in a bigger city. I also think I could see myself living in different places during different times of the year. I can’t stand the winter and the cold and would love to be able to escape it.
Your favourite hero (or heroine) in fiction.
Indiana Jones, if he could be called a “hero”. I would love to go on all those adventures around the world, swing through the jungle, looking for treasures and historical items. Otherwise I’ll pick Batman.
Your favourite hero (or heroine) in real-life.
My mom. Just because she’s amazing in every possible way. She’s my role model and the person that I look up to. In my eyes she can do anything.
Your favourite motto.
Do what you love.
**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here**
watching: homeland (obsessed but who isn’t)?!
listening to: christmas music-bing is in heavy rotation
planning: to get back to the gym next week, eek!
thinking about: holiday visits from friends + family
reading: my favorite blogs when I have a free moment
making me happy: henry + marie, who delight me in new ways every day
thank you to Danielle for the post inspiration!
