happy, happy!

I love this photograph so much...I thought it the appropriate way to finish up my 2008.  The year that changed my life in so many ways...

~image courtesy of sweet paul

I hope your 2009 is your most magical year yet...thank you (the greatest understatement of the century)...

xo mrs. french

inspiration board

I have come to conclusion that perhaps all my blogging comrades have this mystical object called an "inspiration board."  Sadly, I do not.  Which is strange because I cannot tell you how many times a day I am inspired.  I am inspired by my surroundings...Oregon is a magical place.  I am inspired by all of you and by what you blog and/or create and I am inspired by photos.  I can't get enough.  I am completely addicted to flickr and we heart it.  I peruse these sites daily and often become so full of inspiration and loveliness that I feel as if I am ready to burst.  Rather than exploding I have decided to share them with you.  I am going to use this blog as my virtual inspiration board.  Why?  because it is fun to share and for selfish reasons, I need to get a handle on the crazy-beautiful ideas floating in my head...

these were taken by me...

these were taken by the photographers that cause that bursting sensation via we heart it (photo credits listed on my page)...

I hope I was able to make your day just a bit prettier...xo mrs. french

little friend

I have admired this little guy for too long...It took some quick clicking, but I did it...I finally was able to get a picture (after countless blurry attempts) this morning.  He (or she) has graced me with the prettiest little chirp since at least May...he is as beautiful as he sounds...night, night my dears...xo mrs. french

~for those of you who have been curious...this little birdie is a hummingbird...

a skona hem new year

I am finding it hard to believe 2008 is coming to an end.  Oh the dreams I had....dreams of a home with soft white walls, accents of warm wood, dreamy fireplaces, pops of color, and warm accessories.  I have decided to turn my discouragement into inspiration.  2009 is my year friends, I just know it.  The beautiful home I hope to create is still in my head, remarkably unchanged.  Now moving it from my skull to my not-so-inspired home is the challenge.  In order to keep my inspirational mind flowing I turn to my old friend Skona Hem...I immediately feel invigorated.  This is just too good to keep to myself.  I hope these photos from my favorite Swedish mag get your lovely head wheels a turning in 2009...

photos courtesy of skona hem~

...xxoo mrs. french

more hearts...I just had to.

more please...I heart these too, check out my regular Monday hearts in the post below...double hearts today friends! 

xo mrs. french

I heart this cardigan coat.

I heart hydrangea in the winter time in Portland.

I heart this funnel neck.

I heart this boot, mostly because it's bronze and would make me feel like a superhero.

I heart this lantern.

I heart this tunic.

....there.  I feel so much better...

I heart Monday.

Yay!  It's Monday and I'm back!!!  We had a lovely holiday at the French household...with very few photographs.  Mr. French inadvertently broke my sweet camera's lens while he was trying to "fix" it.  My only lens.  I promptly ordered a bigger and better version then the blizzards came...I got my hot little hands on that new lens only yesterday...a little ill about the whole situation...but more than plan on making up for it over the next week...b's sweet face is still there, and his excitement continues (he has yet to receive the memo that Christmas is over).  I hope you all had a delightful holiday as well and look forward to popping in to see for myself.  I hearts o' plenty my friends...

I heart this chair (via paulpincus on twitter).

I heart these trousers.

I heart this hat (via dooblehvay on twitter).

I heart this scarf.

I heart these plates.

I heart this "bell."

I heart these shoes.

I heart this desk.

I heart these knickers.

I heart this print.

I heart this sweater.

I heart this tote.

I heart these nesting bowls.

I heart this camera.

I heart these shoes too.

I heart these little sparrows.

I heart this tiny painting.

I heart this headband.

I heart this sweet little sofa.

I heart this shelf.  

...xo mrs. french

peace and warm wishes...

Hello dear, dear friends...I am signing off for a bit.  I will be back on Monday with stories and hopefully a few photos to boot.  Have the most magical holiday, love up your families, be safe and MERRY, MERRY!!!  

xxoo mrs. french

Sfgirlbybay/Bliss Holiday Photo Exchange.

The always ingenious Mrs. French had a most excellent idea that we exchange holiday photos this Christmas, and in a flash...I was in! I am most honored to share a few photos I found around my flickr faves, and San Francisco this holiday season (and some older ones that perhaps should have remained closeted). And, I can't wait to see what that talented Mrs. French posts on sfgirlbybay today.

I'll betcha she whoops my Christmas caboose! Thanks for having me, and the happiest of holidays to everyone. May you be among those you love, be merry and grateful for all you have this holiday season. And take lots of pictures! xo, Victoria (aka sfgirlbybay).

You can find the original versions all of

these images via my flickr faves.

Oh, and a very happy New Year, too!

tomorrow...

Merry, merry dear friends...I am so excited to announce a very special guest post Christmas Eve...Victoria and myself are going to do a little photo exchange...her here on bliss and me on sfgirlbybay.  I am excited to see her interpretation of this holiday season and share how I see it through pretty pictures...see you tomorrow...

xo mrs. french

oh and please head over to Scoutie Girl...the always fantastic amy asked me to partake in an interview...I warn you, it's word, I have said it before, I talk too much...amy thank you so much for the fun opportunity...

perfectly lovely...

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

That's it...I am going to teach b to speak French over the holiday break (in France...I wish)...

~thank you dear joslyn...this made my day.~

I heart Monday.

This is so late...I think I have lost all track of time (that's what happens when a city shuts down and agendas are out the window)....Better late than never right? xo mrs. french

I heart these lockets.

I heart this sweater.

I heart this knob.

I heart this dreamy canopy.

I heart this bracelet.

I heart this metal block mount.

I heart this coat...please go buy it so I don't have to.

I heart these scalloped bowls.

I heart this blouse.

I heart this sweet bag.

I heart this puff with birch feet (thank you jane, how did I manage without you).

I heart these boots (I heart jane for showing me how to get there).

I heart this cafetiere cozy.

b hearts this phone.

I heart this image so much (thank you my dearest Melissa).

I heart this face (for suzanne, she said it had been too long since she had seen his face).

it never does this here...until now...brrrrrrrrrr...xo

new addiction alert!

my friend nichole is really, really good at introducing me to things that suck up my time in the best way....so folks, I am all a twitter...like email on crack.  Come follow me, won't you?  

xo mrs. french

~photo credit here (yet another nichole addiction...)

too good...

oh this is just too good...head over to parkvogel right now for their final sale...before it's all gone....

buy yourself something nice for whatever holiday you celebrate...or just because mrs. french said it's ok...xo

...thanks for the reminder sweet jane.

happy un-holidays!

Ok so here's the deal...I am a fraud.  I have been trying to participate in the holiday season in all the traditional ways...the ways that have gotten me through my first 30 some years.  I, for some reason, thought that if I just kept on driving by lights, trimming trees, baking cookies, and all the other holiday falalalaing that I would slip into my typical, festive Christmas place.  Well folks it's not going to happen.  Christmas is less than a week away and I now know that no matter how many carols I listen to it is not going to be like it has been...it is going to be different....

my grandmother passed away and because of this I have become the quiet spectator; watching my friends with their families, I am watching b light up everytime he sees a santa or twinkly light, I am watching mr. french send off Christmas cards and I am quiet...I am taking it in for the first time.  This Christmas I am not my typical make-it-happen self..

.

and the thing I have come to notice is that it is beautiful from this point of view.  Perhaps this is one final gift from my grandmother; this lovely view.  I am not thinking about presents or festivities and I no longer feel the need to try. I think that next year it will be different.  It will be traditional, like it has been and I will be ready then...however, now I am content with the un-holiday I have created...

Which brings me to this beautiful "tree."  I was visiting sweet corine last night and stumbled upon this tree...so different than the pine number sitting in my front room...but so beautiful....xo

muntedkowhai giveaway winner!!!!!!!!!

and the winner is...

katie and/or annie of peacockenvy...not sure how you are going to work this one out dears.  Please email me with your address and I will be happy to pass it along to the talented tiffany.  This was way too fun...I am thinking I must do it again sooner than you think...xo

Creature

I am kind of dying over these photos...

I have always been a huge fan of the amazing Andrew Zuckerman.  However, my love has grown to new levels after paging through his new book Creature.  Animals in all there glory on a stark white background with nothing to obstruct your view.  On some pages I physically had a hard time pulling myself away...I felt as if I could see into the animal's soul...sounds all weird, I know, but trust me.  I am thinking I have missed the window to add this to my Christmas list, but maybe you could add it to yours....xo mrs. french

Dear Sofia,

Sofia, why oh why to you tempt me the way you do with your luscious cashmere.  I long for your throws on chilly days such as this.  For now, I will continue to admire your wares from afar...

with love (and a touch of sadness),

mrs. french

...for those of you who would like to snuggle these up close and personal Sofia cashmere is on Gilt Groupe today.  Oh and don't forget to check out the Sofia Cashmere website...xo

...don't forget to sign up for the muntedkowhai giveaway and my print giveaway on shutter sisters.

giveaway number 2...over at shutter sisters!!!

Merry, merry, happy, happy...and all that.  The festive giveaways continue...today the giveaway is over at my beloved Shutter Sisters.  Comment on my post featuring this photo here and be registered to win any two 8x10s in my shop...good luck sweet friends...

you may choose my new addition pink sticks (pictured right here).  I haven't fully been able to put my finger on it, but for some reason it is a personal favorite...no rhyme to my reason...xo

psst...are you registered for the muntedkowhai giveaway?  you should be for goodness sakes...

???

First of all friends I have made it to 200!!!  200 posts!  My 200th means good things for you...a couple giveaways to come later this week...

Now I have to show you these photos.  I love them, but find myself a bit disturbed and delighted at the same time...scroll down to see why this is.

Who took them?

It's Cooper the cat (in case there is some confusion...sadly, Cooper is not mine).  I am completely serious...read all about it here.

Oh and don't forget to enter my muntedkowhai giveaway below...so exciting around here my friends...xo

I heart Monday giveaway: Muntedkowhai

My first ever I heart Monday giveaway!!!!  How exciting is this??!!  A warm  "thank you" to the lovely Tiffany of one of my favorite etsy shops (and blogs too), Muntedkowhai.  She has generously offered one bliss reader one of her dreamy Admiral on Leave necklaces.  All you have to do is comment on this post and tell us which one of the 4 you like best and why (don't forget to leave an email address) by Friday the 19th at midnight (pacific time please).  

~see the rest of my Monday treasures below...xo

I heart Monday.

It is cold...brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...here in Portland.  This list is all about warmth..on the both the inside and the outside...xo

I heart these santas and this little boy.

I heart this necklace...if you heart it too you may want to come back this afternoon for a dreamy giveaway.

I heart this boot and have a feeling I may heart the other too.

I heart (actually am addicted to) these tacos.

 

I heart this teepee.

I heart these larger than life chalkboards (via the always impeccable joslyn).

I heart these perfectly stitched trees.

I heart this peaceful necklace.

I heart this scarf.

I heart this reindeer (and so does b).

I heart this coat.

I heart this sofa.

I heart this "bomber."

I heart this pretty notebook.

I heart this cardigan.

I heart this made with these.

I heart these shooties.

I heart this cosy bowl.

I heart these handwarmers.

I heart this work of art.

I heart this coat too.

I heart these slippers.

I heart this musical book.

I heart this button.

I heart these snuggly coasters.

the people you meet...

It is really no surprise that flickr is a wonderful source for inspiration and beautiful images...I am constantly amazed by the talent I am exposed to on one site...I could (and have spent) spend hours.  I have also been introduced to some of my favorite etsy artists on flickr...two of those are viv of dear dodo and kaitlyn sullivan...

Viv has 2 magical etsy shops that somehow transport me to unwritten fairy tales...where moth babies flutter and dodos still exist.  The first of the two, dear dodo, features paper cutting pieces and drawings...actually, paintings too.  Her pieces incorporate a variety of mediums that somehow come together to make something beautiful.  Her second shop,drawing room, is a delightful hodge podge of dreamy accessories, gifts and pretty things for your home.  

When I was little I used to close my eyes and press on my lids just enough to create beautiful blobs of color...I had forgotten about this until I stumbled into Kaitlyn's loveliness...Her work is like nothing I have ever seen, taking ink blots to a new level.  Each piece is outlined with intricate inks or stitch work details and color combinations that are either soft and lovely or vibrant and exciting...

pop into their shops and heart them for yourselves..

...xo mrs. french

umbrellas of my very own...

It's really no secret that I have a love affair with umbrellas...this is a bold statement coming from a gal who considers herself a bonified Portlander.  There is something so romantic about umbrellas...sigh...I am constantly running into the most beautiful photos of these loveliest of subjects...It was only a matter of time before I would attempt a few of my own.  Shortly after my umbrella posts Kyle of umbrellas.net contacted me about his splendid online umbrella shop (thank you Jena).  I was smitten...I knew I had found the subjects for my upcoming umbrella photos.  I chose 2 dreamy, black numbers...here are few pics from my little photo shoot...

it was everything I thought it would be...and more.  Thank you Kyle for finding me and letting my camera and myself admire your wares...I have a feeling there will be many more to come....xo

I heart UO...

Do you remember this?  Of course you don't I posted about it in October for goodness sake...anyway I finally feel as if it is safe to divulge...

+

=

blissful collaboration

Urban Outfitters will be producing my Paper Web photograph as one of their limited edition artist canvases...it will be out in March or April!!!!  I am so excited I can barely type..shaking and all that...

...so be on the lookout...and not to worry I will be posting about this plenty so there is no way I will let you forget...xo

the raffle of all raffles and a shop update

I have said it time an time again...I am constantly amazed by the stellar folks I have met in this wonderful world of blogging.  Deb is no exception.  She is an amazing jewelry designer, photographer, blogger and lucky me a friend. She also has a heart big enough to cover that beautiful city she lives in.  Which is why I am so honored to be part of her most recent act of goodwill.  A raffle that goes to benefit the Food Bank for New York City.  Tickets are $10 a piece and will be for sale until December 21st.  Proceeds go to feed those who need it most...primarily woman and children in NYC.  The winner of the raffle receives the gift basket of all gift baskets...take a gander here.  Artists, designers and bloggers have graciously donated their wares...check out the full list on Deb's blog.  There is a button below, click donate and get your tickets for the drawing..it's as easy as that!

I chose to donate 6 5x7 prints from my new pink and purple series in my shop (for you dearest Vana) see below...

Here are a few more of my favorites I have added to my etsy shop...

~winter dogwood

~chosen

~three persimmons in a bowl

~berries at sunset

~moody berries

i heart this Monday more than most...

I woke up this morning and it was almost like Christmas came early...I was like a giddy little girl putting this list together.  It is a tad long, but every item deserved a spot.  I had so much fun that I have a feeling there will be a few extra "i heart" lists thrown in between now and the big holiday...maybe even some themed additions?  I have so many little fun things up my sleeve...do you feel it?  Holiday sparkle is here...

I heart these gift tags.

I heart seet "janie's" coat.

I heart this "walk in the woods."

I heart these "leggings."

I heart this "slow dance."

I heart this robe.

I heart these crocs...yes I said "CROCS."

I heart this illustration.

I heart this sophisticated "cocktail hat."

I heart this "personal circle."

I heart this dress.

I heart these shoes that are destined to be mine. 

I just really heart her so much.

I heart my boyfriend's jeans.

I heart this fuzzy bunny.

I heart this sled...yippeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I heart this sparkliest of wreaths.

I heart this tiny town.

I heart these sweet deer.

I hear this chair...it reall haunts me....I want it so badly it hurts.

loomstate

Green fashion is something I hold near and dear.  Designers like loomstate make this love affair easy.  Beautiful, lusciously, soft clothing made from organic cotton, using "socially and environmentally responsible methods of production."  I already have an underlying feeling of guilt every time I buy clothes, for some reason purchasing cool clothing that loves momma earth makes me feel a wee bit less frivolous...mrs. french logic?

oh and a tidbit for you, loomstate is teaming up with Target to produce a lovely line of organic pieces in April...just in time for Earthday...I will be on the edge of my seat...xo

***please head over to read my interview at Stephanie Levy's a studio with a view...I had so much fun and love the fact that one of my favorite artists wanted to know something about me...

hi ya....

I'm back and I feel all wobbly and very behind...I have never had to tell someone goodbye forever before, I feel like I may have left a bit of my heart back in the Midwest, but realize that memories can be the most comforting things at times like these...

first I need to thank all my marvelous guest posters...I took very little time to blog, but stopped by to take in the brilliance that was going on at my little bliss...Joslyn's ability to always pick out just the perfect things, Suzanne's ability to make me feel warm and cosy no matter where I am, Melissa's way of choosing everything I can't believe I hadn't seen yet, Karey's way with words always gives me goosebumps and Joanna's way of making me want to relive one of the most magical moments in my life....you all outdid yourselves...thank you...xxoo

to the rest of you, I am so excited to get caught up...I have missed our correspondence and your bits of inspiration I take from you daily...I will get there...it may take a bit, but I am coming...

I am also so excited about the things I have planned for bliss during this holiday season...talent galore and hopefully some gift ideas to boot...also photos and family tidbits scattered in.  

Finally, shop updates.  I am adding a new crop of photos to my shop, so be on the lookout...feels good to be home with all of you, like a warm hug...

Joanna Goddard from Cup of Jo: All About Weddings

Hello, I'm Joanna Goddard from Cup of Jo (about design) and Smitten (about love and relationships). I adore Mrs. French, so I'm very honored to be posting here. It's nice to meet you!

I recently got engaged to this bearded man, and I've been daydreaming a lot about getting married. So I'd love to share a wedding-themed "I Heart" list with you today. I hope you like it! Here goes... xoxo

I heart photo-booth save-the-dates.

I heart hand-typed invitations.

I heart supermarket flowers.

I heart ban.do headbands.

I heart J. Crew dresses.

I heart yellow flats.

I heart Mick Jagger's rad white suit.

I heart passionate wedding kisses.

I heart simple wedding rings.

I heart buttons with the bride's and groom's faces.

I heart homemade wedding photos booths.

I heart professional wedding photo booths.

I heart cheap but good Recession Wine.

I heart peach, blueberry, cherry, strawberry-rhubarb, lemon and apple pie.

I heart British wedding hats.

I heart tandem bicycles.

I heart confetti.

I heart Maine honeymoons.

When it comes to weddings, what do you love? I'm so curious... Please come visit me anytime at Cup of Jo and Smitten. Thanks again, Mrs. French! Joanna xo

GUEST BLOGGER: karey m. from mackin ink

delightfully unexpected. the very definition of our mrs. french's i heart posts. each little find of the i-never-thought-of-this-but-now-i-can't-seem-to-think-of-anything-else variety.

funny, isn't it? as though anything she hearts turns to treasure. every monday. without fail.

but this is tuesday. and mrs. french won't return 'til tomorrow, so she's asked me {can you imagine?} to share my heart with you. a delightfully unexpected and much appreciated request, for sure.

presenting my first ever i heart list. karey m. hearts...gifts! wish me luck.

i heart this for a girl lost in love...



and these for the boy who's found her.



i heart this for a dreamer...



and these for a woman who's forgotten how to fly.



i heart this for our nice friends with the sweetest teeth...



and this for our three naughty girlies.



i heart this for date night out...



and this for date night in.



i heart this for someone who believes in magic...



and this for someone who needs a little.



i heart this for someone who loves to travel the world...



and this for someone who simply loves the world.



oh, you. thanks for making it to the end. i have to tell you, though...i don't know how mrs. french does it, monday after perfect monday. because these i heart lists? they're not so easy to assemble.

it isn't that i don't heart anything. it's just that i seem to heart everything.

especially especially mrs. french. who, thankfully, will return to her space wednesday. and who knows? maybe we can coerce her into a special edition of i heart...wednesdays. xoxo. karey m.

I heart Mondays with Mrs. French!

Hi sweet blissfulls!
Melissa from "Melissa loves" here!
I adore the monday posts over here in the lovely Mrs. French's neck o' the woods!
I consider it a great honor to be "hearting" in her stead whilst she is off on a last minute trip to visit family!
I sure hope you like my picks and happy Monday to you all!
Thank you for having me :)
xo
Melissa

1. I heart this little bunny



















2....and I heart this warm little tree!


















3 I heart this sweet elephant necklace so very much!





















4 I heart these simple and beautiful ornaments



















5 I heart these sweet, shiny and beautiful little earrings


















6 These gorgeous tags are just meant for hearting!

















7. I heart everything "hank" makes

















8.I heart this tee, don't give up, I sure won't!



















9. *sigh* I heart these beautiful brooches/belts















10. I heart this "gnarly" mirror !

















11 I heart this colorful dress, perfect for the holidays I think!



















12. I heart this little bird and the fact that he sings whenever someone walks by!

















13. I heart this beautiful pillow....

















14. I heart this nightlight so.....I think it is great for anyone to add a little whimsy to their lives!



















15 Heart, heart, heart these garlands all over the place and so happy they are being sold in the US now!



















16. I heart this painter with a passion....I believe I was introduced to her by the lovely Holly.


















17 I heart these shoes and think they are divine! I found them via the sweet Ez



















18 Heart these gorgeous earrings so much!






















19. I heart our new president and this cool poster!




















20 I heart wolves and this one is no exception!
















Thank you darling Tracy, whom I also heart!

Thank you for asking me to participate and hope everyone enjoyed my hearts!

xo

Melissa