wishing everyone a happy easter + joyeuses pâques!
bon weekend
Our passports are ready + waiting, our (airbnb) apartment is booked, and our suitcases will soon be emerging from the attic. We’re counting down the days until we leave for France, and what will be Henry + Marie’s first flight! Nothing like an 8-hour flight to break them in, eh?! Not nervous at all, nope (insert nervous teeth emoji here). Even though I’ve been researching and planning for this event since they were born, it is still very daunting, especially with twin toddlers. However – many of my favorite articles + posts prove that not only can it be done, but it can actually be enjoyable. I’m on a personal mission to prove that point. Until I do, and can share my own experience + advice, I thought I would share a few of my favorite resources from around the web. Have you flown with your kids? Tips + tricks are welcome!
BON WEEKEND!
the nod bookmobile is coming to philly!
Have you heard the news?! The Land of Nod just announced their partnership with Little Golden Books, and I couldn’t be more excited. The new collection includes an adorable range of products – unique gifts, bedding, decor, and of course…books! Little Golden Books are dear to my heart, as I have vivid memories of them as a child, and cannot wait to collect them for Henry + Marie. As part of their campaign, they’ve given the Nod Tour Bus a new look as a bookmobile, and it’s coming to Philadelphia! They will be making several stops in our area, which I’ve listed below…but you can also see the full list of states + stops (plus a cute little video) here. For every book purchased, Random House Children’s Books will donate one to Milk + Bookies…how awesome is that?! And psst…I’m going to be the special storyteller at the Baldwin’s Book Barn location (in West Chester)…I’m so honored + elated! I hope you’ll join the fun next month!
Friday, May 1 | Book Barn | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 | Nest | 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 2 | Sister Cities Park | 1 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 | Shane’s Candies | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 | Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse | 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
25 (random) things about me
Warning – this post is random, as are these facts. I’ve never done anything like this, with the exception of my very personal “things I’m afraid to tell you” post a few years ago. I thought it would be fun to share some (lesser known and lighter) facts about myself, and I’d love for you to play along in the comments!
1. I’ve wanted a Jeep Grand Wagoneer ever since seeing Funny Farm in 1988. That gold one above sits on my desk.
2. My (alcoholic) drink of choice is scotch (preferably Glenlivet), neat.
3. I’m not a cyclist, but am obsessed with watching the Tour de France. It’s my Superbowl.
4. Thanks to my husband I’ve become a coffee snob, but still add cream (oh the horror).
5. I always staple in the center…never the corner.
6. My first job was dressing up in an easter bunny costume (in 90 degree heat) + waving on the street. Good times.
7. I’m obsessed with the Sound of Music, and can reenact almost any scene (to include singing).
8. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher (my Mom was), and nerd out at teacher supply stores.
9. I like to pluck + pick things. I think I could have a very happy career as an esthetician.
10. As a kid I was a LEGO maniac, and had a room-sized town (ahem, only child).
11. I talk to animals…all animals. I’ve been known to embarrass my husband at aquariums.
12. When I ran track they called me Suzi-Q…the “Q” was for quick. Oh yeah.
13. I usually start packing a few weeks before a (big) trip. I’m already behind for our upcoming Paris trip, eek!
14. My kids and I have a lot of dance parties.
15. I once babysat a pig.
16. The least French thing about me is my aversion to (most) cheeses. Insert shame emoji.
17. I was born on the same day as Bonnie Parker + Julie Andrews.
18. When I was seven, I wanted to marry Michael Jackson. Joey from NKOTB was a close second.
19. My favorite muppet is Beaker.
20. I took ballroom classes for fun in my twenties, with a preference for samba.
21. Miniatures are my jam…dollhouses, mini-bar bottles, travel size things. It’s a problem.
22. I won a (national) poetry contest in highschool and was published.
23. Large open areas freak me out…grand staircases, stadiums, mall atriums, etcetera.
24. I love rap + hip-hop…especially old school stuff. Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, all the greats.
25. I have two tattoos…my first one was at the age of 34 (last year).
french is beautiful
“Il y a eu une modernité pour chaque peintre ancien. | Every ancient painter was once modern.”
Charles Baudelaire
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One of the things I love most about Paris is it’s history. However, I’m constantly in awe at how beautifully ultra-modern elements are married + juxtaposed with classical architecture. The best example I can think of is the Louvre…with the original structure (not including the original fortress) dating to the 16th century, and the 1989 addition of the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. While originally very controversial, it is now one of the most recognizable modern landmarks in Paris. I feel this is very representative of French, and any language, really. You must have an understanding and respect for the proper (formal) verbiage, but be able to weave in modern day elements. There have been numerous times when I’ve used “textbook” French, and suddenly, it’s as if I have an arrow sign above my head blinking “AMERICAN” in neon lights. For example, instead of using the classic je voudrais for “I would like”…using je vais prendre gives it a modern, casual update. Another example – instead of using nous for “we”, a more common (modern) usage is the word on. I’m learning that these seemingly small tweaks can make the difference between sounding like you just left high school and sounding like a pro. Merci mille fois, Carrie Anne James.
* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *