Reader Questions Answered

It’s been a while since my last Q and A so I thought I would round up the latest reader questions I have received lately. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions you would like to ask me or shoot me an email.

Do you have a future Paris trip planned?

I don’t have anything booked yet.. but I am hoping by Fall of 2021 it will be safe to return. I keep looking at flights and hotels to book something so I have something to look forward to. Fall or Christmas is my goal.

Do you still recommend the Fuji camera for walking around?

I love my Fujix100f. I bought it a few years ago and it really is great for walking around. The price has dropped dramatically and I know there are newer ones out of the market. If I did it again, I might look into an option that has more lenses. The one I have has only one lens that works with the body. The files are huge and it is a powerful small camera for walking around Paris or your own neighborhood.

When do you think your 2021 calendar will be back in stock?

It is sold out and I won’t be doing a restock due to printer minimums. The cost is too high. I will start presale in September for the 2022 calendar.

How am I doing through all that is happening? Sending hugs.

Thank you! I have had a few messages asking how I am doing. 2020 was hard and I really miss my family. I had some time to pause at the end of the year and everything hit me at once. My coping strategy is to keep busy and make plans for the future. I keep booking trips for Florida in hope that I will be able to see my family.

Do you have a background in the creative industry or was this all self-taught?

I had no intentions of becoming a blogger! I fell into it after moving back to Chicago after living in Paris and traveling. I missed Paris and it seemed like a great idea to write a blog. I had NO idea how much work went into it. But I also had no idea how much I would love it. I am self-taught with all of the business, blogging, and photography. It has been all about trial and error. I made so many mistakes in the first couple of years and I still do, but I learn from them to make me stronger and better.

Thank you so much for your passion for all things Paris! It is my daily mood lifter.

Thank you! I think we have gotten through this pandemic together. You all give me life.

Could you share the link to your coffee table?

Yes, it is from West Elm and I have had it for 5 years and it is still holding up great.

What inspired you to live a French life??

I spent a few years in Paris off and on from 2013-2015. I loved the lifestyle and when I moved back to Chicago it is what I missed the most. The little things about the way the French dress, eat, and shop. The blog was a way to recreate that lifestyle at home.

Diet?

Currently, I eat everything but all in moderation! I love salads, pasta, and sushi. I put olive oil and lemon on pretty much anything and everything.

What kind of dance do you do? How have you been dancing during COVID?

I dance with Dance Forever remotely by Zoom from my bedroom every morning. I took some time off when work got really busy at the end of 2020 but I am back in my routine and love it. You can do it too!

Any favorite France/Paris bloggers?

Rue Rodier has good content for outfit inspiration and interior decor. The Secrets of Audrey and Lost in Cheeseland

Where did you purchase your mirror?

The mirror is from Anthropologie. It is a medium-sized mirror.

I am sure this has been asked many times but do you plan to ever move to France?

I would love to move back at some point. Right now, I love being a quick plane ride away from my family as my niece and nephew are little and my parents are still alive. I would love to move to France or Italy in my next chapter even if it is only for a few years.

Do you have any book recommendations about Paris?

I have so many favorite books about Paris. They are all on the blog here!

How good is your French?

It isn’t perfect. I am so shy when it comes to speaking. I have been doing Duolingo to practice for almost 150 days! I am planning on continuing it until I am back in Paris.

Outside of Paris, where have you been in France that you want to go back to?

I loved the South of France with my family a few years ago. I would love to go back. I spent some time in Aix en Provence and I would love to explore more of that region.

Favorite French wine?

I will take a crisp, fruity Sauvignon Blanc on a Parisian terrace any day

Favorite French restaurant and bakery in Chicago?

La Fournette is my go to for a baguette. I love the croissants at Phlour!

Favorite country besides France?

Italy hands down. I fell in love with travel in Italy and studied abroad in Florence. It will always be my first love.

Do you like black and white or color photography better?

Tough question! I learned black and white film photography when I was in high school. I loved the process of developing an image from start to finish. I think black and white is so classic and timeless and can hold so much of a story more than color. I have been shooting digital in color since 2010. I honestly love them both for different reasons.

How old are you? And what is your biggest regret in life so far?

I am 38 almost 39. My biggest regret, I have two. One is not getting out of bad relationships sooner. When they were falling apart I kept holding on when I shouldn’t have.

Spending more time with my grandma and keeping our letters. We wrote back and forth while I lived in Italy and she just lost my grandpa. She was healing while I was growing and seeing the world for the first time. We were best friends. When I got home she asked if I wanted the letters I sent and I said no. I wish I still had everything she wrote to me.

Where do you look for fashion inspiration?

I am a classic girl all the way. Movies, magazines, and TV. I love people-watching in Paris and seeing trends and bringing them home. I like to think if it is trendy in Paris now, I can invest in it. The fashion trends move from Europe to the US and will be around for a few years.

Favorite meal to eat in Paris?

A baguette and salted butter or cheese would make the happiest right now. When my family came to visit, we bought a roast chicken from the market and potatoes and we loved it. It was simple and delicious. My sister still talks about it. The other thing I would happily eat in Paris is a pizza or pasta from any of the Big Mamma restaurants.

What is the last book I read?

I am currently reading Mistress at the Ritz

Where do you do most of your French shopping?

Sezane. I love it and the pieces are investments that can be carried over for a few seasons.

How do you stay motivated?

I think as creative, things come in waves. There are weeks at a time where ideas come to like running water. I can’t keep up! There are other times when I feel like a dry well and I just can’t get inspired. A trip to Paris helps (or a change of scenery) I take a lot of notes when I have my creative phases so when I am not feeling it, I will refer back and that will usually trigger an idea. I don’t know how to stop! It is one of my biggest weaknesses.

Favorite memory and favorite place of Paris?

Spending time with my family in Paris. Emma’s first trip! Sharing a place I love so much with the people I love always makes for good memories. My first Paris apartment was special. I didn’t know anyone and I arrived in Paris completely alone. I grew so much from that experience and I spent a lot of time by myself. I didn’t have cell service or use google maps so walking around Paris felt so quiet and disconnected. I loved that the most.

Since you are quarantining by yourself isn’t it safe to see your family?

This was a hard question since it is a sensitive subject. I miss my family so much and I haven’t seen them in over a year. My dad is in Ohio and the rest of my immediate family is in Florida. I would have to jump on a plane to get to Florida and that isn’t a risk we are willing to take right now. I know everyone has their own opinions, but this is a decision we have made together. When it is safe, I know it will be the biggest and best reunion. Staying safe and healthy right now is our top priority.