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!
"These old buildings do not belong to us only, they belong to our forefathers and they will belong to our descendants unless we play them false. They are not in any sense our own property to do with as we like with them. We are only trustees for those that come after us."
William Morris
I have a new blog (and blogger) crush…it is a beautiful happy place, filled with great design, fun posts, and Paris! Sarah Livescault is the art director of Paper & Cup Design operations abroad, and has been writing blog posts from Paris, along with Minhee Cho who founded the company. The stationary and design company is based in New York and has recently launched a new website! Their products are fabulous, and the blog really is dreamy for design buffs and francophiles alike. With the posts written in both English and French, I’m finding it a great way to practice. Sarah infuses the blog with bits of her personal life (a newlywed!) and anecdotes of French living…I just can’t get enough. Merci encore Sarah!
What is your present state of mind?
It changes a lot depending on what I’m surrounded by (music, movies, weather, people…). It can be annoying, especially for my husband.
Your favourite colour and flower.
That’s a tricky one…I love the combination of black and white and I love love love peonies and orchids.
Your idea of happiness.
To love and to be loved.
Your idea of misery.
A lonely life with no family or friends.
Your favourite food & drink.
My mom’s food with a nice glass of wine!
Your biggest flaw.
I’m very stubborn!
Your favourite occupation.
Going to the movies with my hubby.
Your favourite qualities in friends.
Trust and honesty in good times and bad times.
Your favourite hero (or heroine) in fiction.
Peter Pan & Alice (in Wonderland)
Where would you like to live?
If I could, I would go back to New York…but can’t complain about Paris! I could reverse Gerturde Stein’s quotation: “France is my country, but New York is my hometown”.
**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here**
It's about time I shared an update with you in regards to the I'm a Giant challenge! My dollhouse is in quite the state of disrepair, as it has turned into a bit more reno that I initally imagined. It is a challenge for sure, and at times I have wished for a pint-sized carpenter who could do the work for me…(cute little mouse with a toolbelt)? However, in the meantime, I've been having a blast planning the decor, shopping, and scheming to rejuvenate some older pieces from my childhood. Almost everything you see above will be getting a new look! More to come…happy "dollhousing" (yes, it's a verb now).
Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods, or arrondissements. Each one has it's own unique feel and features, and I thought it would be interesting to gather some thoughts and favorites of those who have visited. I will be there again in February and hope to spend more time in the lesser known areas. Do you have a favorite, and why? Do you relate more to the left or right bank? Disclaimer-being a Libra, I cannot define myself as either a left or right bank girl…I love them both equally. ::wink::
*the map was designed by the lovely Anne, check out her Tour de France series*
wishing everyone a happy halloween!