les marquis de ladurée

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**February 2017 UPDATE: this space is now dedicated entirely to macarons**

I recently had the honor and thrill of photographing Les Marquis de Ladurée in Paris. Dedicated entirely to chocolate, this boutique is unique to Paris. As a lover of all things Ladurée, my expectations were high, and Les Marquis did not disappoint. From the logo, to the interiors, to the chocolate…I died and went to Francophile heaven. This exclusive boutique is the passion project of Mr. David Holder, the Chairman of Ladurée. He wanted to create a special home for chocolat within the brand, while maintaining the Ladurée standards of beauty and taste. The dedication to exceptional ingredients from around the world, combined with and artisanal production, is quite impressive. Well done, sir.

 

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desktop fleurish | été

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Summer has arrived, and is making it’s presence very known here on the East Coast. Spring temperatures had been lingering (which I was delighted about) but we’ve had 90 degree days (aka hibernation weather for us) the past week. However, as much as I dislike extreme heat, there is so much to love about this season. For me, happiness can be found in a crisp rosé, fresh strawberries, and ice cream (it seems my summertime joy revolves around eating + drinking). Été means summer in French, and I always associate the color green with this time of year, with everything looking so lush after the spring rain. Lindsey Buck created another inspiring wallpaper for June, so welcome summer on your desktop!

simple desktop | calendar desktop

please note that these designs are for personal use only + not available for commercial usage.

bon weekend

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Time has been standing a bit still for me, as you may have noticed by my absence here (and elsewhere). My mother has been ill and in the hospital, forcing us all to slow down and face issues we weren’t expecting to deal with quite yet. While she is now home and in recovery, it was a big health scare (and will continue to be for the time being). The situation is requiring some life changes, for all of us, and I’ve been re-evaluating my priorities. When dealing with big picture issues, many things fade into the background…in the scheme of life, they’re just not important. With that being said, I will be blogging as much as possible, but I want to thank you in advance for your patience + understanding. I hope you have a fabulous long holiday weekend with loved ones, and in the event you have time to read, here are some things that have inspired me lately. At the very least, stop to smell some roses…or in this case, some Japanese snowball viburnums.

BON WEEKEND!

go for a wander

rethinking silence

making meaning in the middle

the inconsistent consistency of life

amazing words on loss and life (discovered via design*sponge)

café kitsuné paris

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Palais Royal ranks among my top five favorite places in Paris (as well as being a favorite of Henry + Marie’s), so this one is an automatic win for me. Situated (more like hidden) along the beautiful historic arcades and gardens, Café Kitsuné could probably serve Folgers and I’d still be happy (ok fine, that’s a bit of an exaggeration). Many people rave about their matcha latte, and their sorbets in the summer. The interior is minimalist and efficient, and not meant for lingering…there is a standing bar where you can quickly down an espresso or noisette (or photograph your latte before heading outside, as I did).  If you plan to stroll the gardens (ahem, you’re not allowed to visit Paris without doing so), start your day here and enjoy your drink from their garden seating, which begs for both fountain and people watching.

 

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make a wish

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It’s been a long time since I’ve written about motherhood, and it’s often because I have so much to say that I don’t even know where to begin. Almost four years later, I’m still wrapping my mind around the fact that I’m a mother of twins! Becoming a mother (and going from zero to two) has been both a disorienting and enlightening experience for me–my life has changed in every way possible. In fact, the first time I remember truly feeling like an adult was when I first held my children. My priorities have shifted, my marriage has been stretched and challenged, and I’ve grown exponentially.  Marie and Henry have already taught me more about life than I ever could have imagined – you just have to look for the lessons, as they often hide in the most unexpected places. They are just as much my teachers as I am theirs.

I’m making a wish this Mother’s Day. My wish is that I will create more time for myself, and in turn, be a better person, mother, wife, and daughter. Lately I’ve been spread too thin, and it’s taken a toll on me personally, as well as many of my relationships, including the one with my children. Our identities can be so quickly muddled in the midst of motherhood (this post speaks exactly to that point and moved me to tears). I need to demonstrate to both of my children (especially Marie who may someday find herself in my position), that maintaining and continuing to redefine your individuality is crucial. I feel like my wish is a bit ambitious, but certainly attainable. I have one more wish, and that is that you, my dear reader, have a meaningful and merry Mother’s Day weekend (should it apply). What would you like to wish for?

happy mother’s day