national stationery show recap

national-stationary-show-recap

 

After many years of drooling from afar, I finally made it to the National Stationery Show! It takes place once a year in NYC, at the incredible Javits Center. I went solo, armed with a list of must-sees, and it was so awesome to meet some of my favorite paper people in person (say that 5 times fast)! I was also lucky enough to attend the fabulous Paper Party, hosted by Nole of Oh So Beautiful Paper, and wow – the stationery industry knows how to party. I mean, take a look at the invite! I’m so glad I finally made it to the show, and I hope to return next year, if only to say hello again to my favorites:

(in alphabetical order – not all pictured)

a heirloom | banquet workshop | belle + union | black heart letterpress | crow + canary | draw me a lion | ferme à papier | gingiber | gold teeth | hammerpress | hello lucky | ink meets paper | iron curtain press | moglea | one canoe two | redcap cards | rifle paper co. | sapling press | sugar paper la | sycamore street press | thimblepress | yellow owl workshop

FIVE + a giveaway!

FIVE

 

This week I’m celebrating my FIVE year blog anniversary!! I had no idea what would become of this space five years ago, but I’m amazed (and oh so grateful) for it’s growth and success. I still enjoy it immensely, and it (almost) never feels like work. Five is a big milestone, and I’m commemorating the occasion with a look back at my favorite posts, the addition of a newsletter, and a huge giveaway! As a thank you for your readership and support over the years, I’m giving away….drumroll…FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS! Five lucky winners will each receive $100 cash via PayPal! To enter, sign up for my newsletter (in the sidebar) and see my post on Instagram (for complete details). The contest ends May 28th at 9 AM EST. Thank you, as always, for joining me here  – it just wouldn’t be the same without you. Merci et bonne chance!

MY TOP FIVE FAVORITE POSTS

it began with a beret | my personal paris | a very special christmas | things I’m afraid to tell you | henry et marie

an anniversary in paris

anniversarykiss

anniversaryinparis

 

While in Paris, my husband got down on one knee and asked me to marry him…again. As luck would have it, our anniversary (exactly one month and six years ago today) coincided with our trip. I had made reservations at my favorite restaurant, arranged care for the kids with a friend, and imagined us on a romantic midnight stroll along the Seine after enjoying an amazing and memorable dinner. However, between jet lagged toddlers, exhaustion, and not wanting to beg for help, we made the decision to cancel our plans. Our reality was not to be ignored, even in the most romantic city in the world. We chuckled at the stark contrast of it all, compared to the romance and freedom we have known in earlier years. On our anniversary eve, we found ourselves with oven pizza and wine after the kids went to bed. And you know what I realized? Our reality, and our love, is so much richer, deeper, and beautiful, six years later. I live life (and created life) with my best friend. So, in the shadow of Notre Dame, surrounded by our children, I said yes. Again.

many thanks to ashley ludaescher for capturing this unscripted moment!

coiffeur bonton

henryatbonton

coiffeur-bonton

 

Yes, that’s right – I’m the obnoxious Mom talking about how her child got a haircut in Paris. I can’t even say that for myself! Ever since I first discovered the coiffeur inside the flagship Bonton, I knew that I had to make it happen. I waited until we arrived, and then called for an appointment. They accept walk-ins, but I wasn’t going to chance it (plus, that’s just not my style). My friend Ashley Ludaescher kindly met us there to capture the moment and hang out (we’re a fun bunch). Monsieur Franck (pictured above) was very welcoming, and immediately made us all feel at ease. After all, a haircut at Bonton can be a little intimidating! Henry not only felt comfortable, but he enjoyed himself – click through for more!

 

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south of brooklyn feature

south-of-brooklyn-feature

 

 

Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed by the talented husband/wife team, Dave and Jennifer Cooper. They are the power couple/creative minds behind the passion project South of Brooklyn, sharing the stories behind creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs – you guessed it – south of Brooklyn. While I wholeheartedly recognize Brooklyn as a bastion of cool, I’m also very proud to live in Philadelphia, which is also (in my opinion, and many others) having a “moment”. It’s very palpable here, and I’m thankful to be present to witness it, and dare I say, take part in it. I’m thrilled they asked me to talk about my family and francophilia, as they represent such a big chunk of my identity. It’s my first video feature (gulp) – many thanks to Jennifer and Dave for making it a comfortable (and fun) first experience. Check it out…

fleurishing: a french twist