embroidered fabrics....oolala....

House Beautiful had a pretty section on embroidered fabrics this month.  I would love a pretty pillow adorned in any of these...maybe a few pillows?  Actually a couple chairs and a sofa with some lovely drapes would be wonderful....

(if I could cover my whole house in this, along with mr. french, b, and myself I would)

have a magical weekend...xo mrs. french

one barn two ways

I have a strong love/strongly dislike relationship with my polaroid. I am a perfectionist when it comes to certain things. If a photo of mine does not come out the way I want it the first time, I will take it again hoping for a better result. This is not a fantastic option when it comes to Polaroid photography...film is way too scarce and expensive. However, I can't stop myself. Which is why I turn to the diptych...victoria's lovely guest post got me thinking. I put 2 photos together, of the exact same thing and tada! a new way of looking at things. This barn in particular...I actually like them side by side better than when they stand on their own...

I also feel as if this justifies the use of film somehow (I am good at justifying things...hehe)...xo mrs. french

inspirational rug

one of the many things I love about my friend, Melissa's pretty blog is how she shares beautiful ensembles inspired by an image of something she truly loves...I have decided to give it a go...

I was immediately inspired by this image of this magnificent rug (I found it on one of my favorites, seesaw).

I have not been able to get it out of my head...I have decided to use etsy to profess this love...

~self portrait driving in Oregon by Matt Stephens

~sew crafty letterpress card by letterpress delicacies

~samara by pixie blossoms

~red fans loveseat by sprucehome

~children's bookpaper flower by TANGLe and FoLd

~fly away with me balloon edition by yellowgoat

~small scallop edge cake stand by whitney smith

~DAS necklace by munted kowhai

~color field by sarah giannobile

~chartreuse scallop mirror by uncommon

~vintage fabric and hemp envelope style pillow by enhabiten

~you're my favourite hello by joanna rudder

I hope this leaves you feeling festive...xo mrs. french

blissful inspiration...

~amalia chimera

national parks...blissful inspiration...sfgirlbybay...see you there...xo mrs. french

sundance cover

I love the cover of my latest sundance catalog...not sure I could pull off this look, but the photo makes me want to try....

I can't help but wonder if I am particulary drawn to this particular look due to my mountain excursion last week?  more Wyoming inspired goodness later this morning...blissful inspiration!

xo mrs. french

inmost light

victoria's photography is where fairytales come from...B and I could write a magical story about each and everyone.  She makes me want to throw all of my digital equipment away and shoot strictly with film.  Her shop, inmost light, is plumb full of photographs taken with vintage, film cameras.  I have always been a bit intimidated by film, but victoria has me rethinking that fear...the magic she musters inspires me in the most beautiful way.

a quote taken directly from her profile sums it up perfectly: "Miracles are rare in our real life, so I let them happen in my photographs more often."

I can't choose a favorite, it's impossible.  I remember back in the day when victoria contacted me regarding sponsorship...I took a peek at her shop and thought "she is just too good...", I am humbled by her skill.

If her photographs weren't inspirational enough, she makes jewelry...each piece taken directly from a fairytale victoria made...

xo mrs. french

my happy place: a sweet home on mount pleasant road

how can you feel anything but happy here...a breath of fresh air mixed with giddy color...love...

.

so grand, yet so attainable...does that make sense?  xo mrs. french

via light locations

the last of them...

a few more photographs from Jackson...my heart aches to go back...

xo mrs. french

so nice to be back...

I am back!  and goodness, I have a ridiculous amount of catching up to do.  I also need to take the time to thank my perfect guest bloggers...I became downright giddy when I read what they put together..."above and beyond" comes to mind....merci ladies....

The Frenches just returned from beautiful Jackson, Wyoming.  Most of the photos from my "scenes from the road" series were taken in Idaho on the way out (many of you got it right!).

Jackson has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Mr. French is ready to pack up the fam and move us out there.  Something to think about....

I am pretty sure my photographs could never do this magical place justice...more to come.  Have I mentioned how much I have missed all of you?  Well I have!  I will be back with more photos later today...xo mrs. french

traveling today...see you tomorrow...can't wait! xo mrs. french

Girl Crush...

Hi Joslyn from Simple Lovely here…so happy that Mrs. French had me while she’s off on her adventure!

I’ve always lived in a bit of a girl world…I grew up with two most excellent sisters and now have the pleasure of raising two rather delightful, spunky, fierce, lovely daughters.

When I imagine the type of women I “hope” my two girlies will grow up to be, my mind instantly goes to my girl crushes. I’m always enamored of the arty, interesting girls – the ones that seem brainy and fearless and have an interesting almost bookish sense of style -- think Sophia Coppola (above) or Ione Skye and Parker Posey. I thought it would be fun to share a roundup of my latest “crushes”… These ladies are pretty darn awesome, no?

So…who are your girl crushes?


Maryam -- stylist and shop owner...

Lauren -- vintage shop owner and seriously stylish lady...

Lisa -- one half of the brilliant fashion line Vena Cava...

Giovanna -- maybe the chicest woman in the world...(oh and also an Italian Vogue editor)

Geraldine -- French Vogue editor...

Sara -- stylist and magazine editor extraordinaire...

diptych love.

hello bliss readers! it's victoria of sfgirlbybay, happily stepping in for the lovely mrs. french while she enjoys an adventure away! i'm so honored to be here, and since mrs. french always shares such blissful inspiration on my blog every thursday, i thought i'd try and turn the tables and provide her readers with some photographic favorites of my own. i'm a big fan of the diptych - two photos combined, side by side, which i feel can sometimes tell a bit of a story. here's a few of my favorites from flickr.

rachel.am

mara magyarosi

strange and unprepared

Дядя Андрей

evidence photography

maddie j

alittlebitrandom

what_marty_sees

edsalkeld

and one from me! xo, from san francisco!

scenes from the road...part 2

Good evening friends! We are here, we made it and we are loving every minute of it...before I spill the beans and tell you where we are I have a few more road trip images to share...

come on give it your best shot...guess...I will try to pop in before the end of our journey to share. In the mean time how about the most amazing guest bloggers in the world? I vowed to stay away from the computer as much as possible on this little holiday...it has been way too hard with the pretty posts that have been going up on my bliss. see you soon...xo mrs. french

Inspired by Traci....

Hello dear Blissful readers!
Melissa,from Melissa loves, here... I am so honored and happy to be over here on Traci's beautiful bliss. Thank you for entrusting me to help take care of it while you are gone my friend. Traci is one of those people, that I have met in my blogland travels, that I instantly loved and felt a great kinship with. It is funny to me that we have never met....yet, I feel as if we have been friends forever (one of the lovely things about this community). I am inspired by Traci,her beautiful personality and her wonderful way of seeing things. So, I thought it was only appropriate that this guest post be about her and how some of that inspiration transpires.






















To me, that is one of Traci's signatures....the beautiful blues that float through her images. That it is a part of her lovely way of seeing things. I love the color blue so very much. All shades~ it's richness and depth, it's promise of hope and good things to come. Like a bright beautiful sky on a perfect spring day or a wonderful day at the beach. It is not surprising that Traci also adores the beach....So, inspired by her beautiful image above...I collected some things I thought she would like and that I would give her if I could. I hope you all like them and Traci, I hope you are having a glorious blue sky day, wherever you are.


























1~ A gorgeous ring that reminds me of the ocean here
2~ The perfect tablecloth(in my opinion) to grace Traci's table here
3~ one of my all time favorite scents( smells JUST like the beach) here
4~ a most gorgeous vase here
5~ a beautiful, beautiful pillow....here
6~ a sweet & blue little hippo here
7~ the perfect cup for her morning cup of tea or coffee here

xo
Melis

A Few Things from Bonbon

the pale whitish home of jewelry designer Maria Calderara

a set table; photo by Karen Mordechai of Sunday Suppers

paper-cut curtain by bugs and fishes by lupin

moss bath mat by La Chanh Nguyen

a sort of ballerina by ever-lasting sprout

a photo by barbara vidal

a tribal necklace from morocco; photo by Maryam

unidentified velvet sofa found on ffffound

(my room) seasons: shadow from bama

by annie kammerer butrus

newer wave spring/summer '10 bonbon peek (shameless plug)

Hello Bliss readers. I'm Deb from Bonbon Oiseau and the blog Your Destiny is Stone Golden. So wonderful to be here, over in Mrs. French's abode while she's on holiday...

The truth is, I've been inspired by Traci for a while now... somehow the things she is drawn to, the photos she takes, the way she curates, have worked their way slowly and often into my inspiration boards and work...she is a fantastic influence with her impeccable ethereal taste, her sweet sweet ways and of course her addictions (love her addictions)...I *heart* to come around to see what she's found.

my favorite traci from her blissful images shop

I must admit, I have teased her before about her love of pale white rooms and spotless spare homes, most likely because even my white towels won't stay clean for 5 minutes--(I am a dirty girl) and I always need color around me (else you can see the dirt)...so today, in honor of my friend and to thank her for her constant inspiration, I have decided to give the lovely home above to Traci (but she may have to move from Sweden to Italy). I 've thrown in a little splash of color here and there so she knows it's me, a few pieces of art, a few decorations, some baubles to wear for nights out, but you know...she can get rid of them if she wants...oh and the table is set so you all can come over for dinner next time I housesit...
oxo,
deb

scenes from the road...

hello friends...we are travelling...

there is something about a road trip. We are enjoying almost every moment of it...more to come. I wonder where we are going?...xo mrs. french

the frenches are on a road trip.....more soon...xo mrs. french

I heart Monday.

Hello! Whitney of Darling Dexter here! I'm so honored to be guest blogging on Bliss -- and most importantly contributing to the I heart Monday series. So, without further ado...

I hear this dress.

I heart this necklace.

I heart this photo.

I heart these shoes.

I heart this pitcher.

I heart this jewelry collection.

I heart these hair pins.

I hear this coaster.

I heart this wedding invitation.

I heart this bedroom nook.

I hear this brooch.

I heart this shoe.

I heart this dress.

I heart these earrings.

I heart this poster.

I hear this bag.

the backs of calypso

I love Calypso...airy, bohemian and timeless...I was struck by the beautiful backs in their summer collection...

take my word for it...each and everything is just as pretty from the front...I want it all and a lovely beach to go with it...xo mrs. french

skies are always prettier on vacation....xo mrs. french

blissful inspiration...

~buttonmoOn

peaceful...blissful inspiration...sfgirlbybay...see you there...xo mrs. french

the perfect afternoon snack....I love Saint Cupcake so darn much...xo mrs. french

james perse

It occurred to me today that I am not at all hard to figure out.  Regardless of what Mr. French says, I am a relatively uncomplicated gal.  I am on the quest for one thing simple/perfect.  This is my style, I want this for myself and my surroundings.  I have not achieved this yet, but I am working on it.

James Perse emobodies this.  Beautiful, well made, luscious to the touch...simple/perfect.  I had mentioned yesterday that my life is a bit hectic at the moment, which is perhaps why I am so longing for this today.  I would love nothing more than to empty my closet and replace it with what I have here.  I love the colors, the design and can almost feel it on my skin...(I am so very good at this transporting thing)...

while I am at it, I want to replace all of my furnishings with these...

I can't get over how much I love the James Perse furniture collection.  California is not that far away...I just need a truck, someone to help load and I could be on my way to Malibu to start my simple/perfect life.  

oh and there's a cruiser...I love my bike so much, so I would never trade it in, but I could always just add this little number to the collection in the garage...

there I go, getting all complicated again...I am not sure I am cut out for the simple/perfect lifestyle...it was a nice thought...xo mrs. french

(500) DAYS of SUMMER

I cannot remember the last time I was this excited to see a movie....xo mrs. french

my happy place: a solar powered beach shack

It is a bit hectic around the French residence today...which makes my happy place this week particularily inviting....

this sweet "shack" is located on the Isle of Wight in the UK.   I would love to grab a stack of books, my cameras, my boys and hunker down here for the remainder of the summer...sigh....................wow, I am in the midst of the most beautiful day dream. xo mrs. french

via apartment therapy

p.s.

come see me at deb's today too....I decided to share some of my tried and true favorites....

I heart Monday.

happy monday friends...I got carried away this week....so much to love...

I heart this clutch.

I heart this chair so much I could scream.

I heart this dress.

I heart this wall hanging.

I heart this sandal.

I heart these bowls (thank you deb).

I heart this scale/clock.

I heart this dress.

I heart these earrings.

I heart this bowl.

I heart this pouffe.

I heart this sweet chair.

I heart this dress too.

I heart this pillow so much.

I heart this side table.

I heart this birdie.

I heart this top.

I heart this wooden sign.

I heart these shoes.

xo mrs. french

pretty portland bicycles...

the mister and I are not a lot alike and a lot alike at the same time.  I have to admit I was the tiniest bit nervous when I asked him to post on my bliss.  I had no idea what he was going to post and was very relieved when I read it...free of profanity, pretty funny and surprisingly insightful...I agreed with almost everything on his list...especially the part about the comfortable silences in relationships and on a lighter note, the amazing custom bicycle builders in Portland.  

I will not pretend to know much about bikes and will come clean and tell you that I look at bicycles based on the "pretty" factor, which is why I love these Portland constructed  beauties...

~map bicycles

~vanilla bicycles

~sweet pea bicycles

functional works of art if you ask me...mr. french rarely does ask when it comes to bikes...but if you did...xo mrs. french

a home for pencils...

my pencils should be so lucky...loving this "dotted pencil cup" from bailey doesn't bark xo mrs. french

bloom's bloomers....

one of the sweetest things I have seen is awhile...

bloomers!  just look at them!  the sweetest, softest little bloomers...new from perwinklebloom...psst...there is also a summer sale in ms. tyler's shop...lucky us. xo mrs. french

b...b...b...

guess what b and I did yesterday....xo mrs. french

blissful inspiration...

~i am cookie

lovely locks...blissful inspiration...sfgirlbybay...see you there...xo mrs. french

my happy place: a room from a beatiful book

I became so inspired by the feminine interior posted earlier today that I had to find more...because of my ability to pack up my brain and move myself to surroundings other than my own I have quite the collection of design porn.  My current favorite is the Atlanta Bartlett book At Home in White.  A book so perfect I can barely handle it...which brings me to this image...

again completely feminine, clean lines, free of clutter and lots of marvelous white...a breath of fresh air!  

xo mrs. french

my happy place: a home in london

The logical me knows that a home cannot change ones appearance....however, I can't help but think that being surrounded by this would make me just a bit prettier...

sometimes it's nice to be feminine...xo mrs. french

via shootfactory

little birdie

etsy talented never ceases to amaze me...

such is the case with these lovely pieces by stephanie teague's pretty birdie...thank you ellie for the introduction!  xo mrs. french

I heart Tuesday.

I am right in the middle of a beautiful, festive summer...hope you are too....

I heart this teepee (via my sweet suzanne).

I heart alyson's new endeavor.

I heart this pedestal.

I heart this clutch (merci dearest melis).

I heart this "bather."

I heart these hangers.

I heart this tote (thank you ms. ez).

I heart this pendant.

I heart these sandals (I have them in red and they are perfect...relatively inexpensive and comfortable!).

I heart this dress.

I heart this canister.

I heart these sneaks.

I heart this necklace.

I heart this priceless book.

I heart this top.

I heart this pretty mug.

I heart these "buds."

xo mrs. french

I hope you all had a nice weekend...we are heading back to Portland today....see you in the morning! xo mrs. french

A hearty hello from Mr. French......

My darling bride was going to seek out a guest blogger for this post while we are away on a little weekend getaway, but I offered to fill in. She should have found someone else, as you can see from my work below
First off, no ee cummings from me; what I lack in artistic and literary ability I make up for with proper punctuation and syntax. Enough rambling!! I am a bit perplexed about what to do, as I fear coming off as a caveman. Which I am. So, here it goes; I will share with you some things I hold dear, and share with you some of the rules I live by (which all men should immediately adopt). I mostly refuse to use the term "I heart."

Rules to live by (things I "heart"):

1. Men should never wear designer jeans; denim should not cost more than $70, and should have no "fancy pocket" designs. This means Levi's for men, and nothing else. If you want to spend less on jeans, fine; it just means you don't care you look like a goof. If you spend more, it is because you do care, and think you look virile in jeans with flaps or thunderbirds on the pockets. You are very wrong.

Nice on the left. On the right, completely unacceptable.

Don't get me started on adults that wear professional sports team jerseys.

2. I don't like hard alcohol, except an occasional margarita (on the rocks, with salt). Anything stronger than beer or wine tastes like the inside of a shoe, and only serves to get you drunk. Once you move past 30, you don't need alcohol to make you feel good. I do love me some beer though! Here is where you find the best in Portland, which pretty much means the best in the world; check it out.

3. I don't care about clothes, but I am crazy about outerwear; I have about 20 jackets, and always want more.

4. Bikes- I am a total nut. In Portland, the number of custom bike builders is insane; they create art you can ride. I really don't like fixed gears, tall bikes, and penny farthings though; what are they trying to prove? If you like bikes, you must check out this; very funny.

5. Street food; I hate to say it, but I was way out in front on this; it seems to be all the rage now. If you are scared of street meat, consider this; with limited storage space, street vendors must use fresher ingredients. Ok, I made that part up, but it makes sense and could very well be true. I do know they operate under the same health code requirements. Seriously, a $1.25 taco? Who could say no to that?

My mouth is watering......

6. I am in the minority of American men in that I really like cats; why wouldn't you like an animal that doesn't "need" you all the time? Plus they seem cleaner than dogs. I like dogs as well, but not small dogs as a rule. Mutts are more my speed.

7. It is better to have one male friend that you would jump in front of a train for than 100 that you just enjoy hanging out with.

8. Since B was born, Christmas is a really, really, cool time of year. We adults lose our sense of wonder and children help us recapture it.

9. I can't tell you how much I like coffee; any time of day, any temperature. If you are in PDX, go to Ristretto.

10. I talk A LOT; in spite of this, the sign of a true soul mate is the ability to enjoy another's company without saying a word. I'm pretty sure I've found one. Maybe not as sure as South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, but close. I've never been to Argentina though.

11. I have a great idea for all the men that may read this; here is the world's most perfect man conversation to have; it involves a game called "When Animals Fight." The rules are as follows: pick two or more different creatures and a very specific scenario; e.g., a polar bear and a great white shark, fight to the death in 3 feet of water. Click here for the clear winner. The internet is full of rumors to the contrary, but they have no validity. Go at it. The only rule is you have to be able to clearly state your case. Hours can fly by when fully engaged, and the scenarios can get pretty crazy (great horned owl versus alley cat in a 12'x12' room with a dining room chair in the corner anyone?)

Enough. I hope all of you in the U.S. enjoy the holiday weekend.

Cheers,

K

megan and andy's wedding

I had mentioned awhile back that I had shot my first wedding.  I must admit, I was terrified.  I had never seen myself as a wedding photographer (still not so sure I do)...but after much thought, doubt, worry, and excitement I decided to dive in.

I have been working on the photographs in between summer obligations and have a ways to go before I am finished.  Megan and Andy (the cutest bride and groom ever) have been so patient and so generous as to let me share some of their photographs with you...

trust me...this is just the beginning.  xo mrs. french

p.s.

you definitely want to stop by tomorrow....bliss is hosting a very special guest.  Unlike anything I have ever done before...actually, I am a tiny bit scared....

blissful inspiration...

~mind body soul

I love strawberries...blissful inspiration on sfgirlbybay...xo mrs. french

zooey

oh goodness I do love her....zooey deschanel....

this little series is a perfect example of why that is.  I am pretty sure I have five to ten years (actually it's 7...I just peeked) on her but I want to be her when I grow up.

xo mrs. french

whitney found the ultimate zooey site....you will love ms. zooey even more after a visit.

a swedish series: part 2

I had posted previously about our travels to sweden...ha!  not really! mr. french and I are travelling vicariously through our dear friends kevin and scott.  they are about half way through a house exchage...and are staying in the stockholm area.

their emails and photos have been such a nice gift.  mr. french and I have now moved sweden to the top of our must-see list....

the colors, architecture, scenery, and of course those bicycles sealed the deal.  

xo mrs. french

tumbleweed show

last week I mentioned my little show at the loveliest of boutiques, tumbleweed....

I am so pleased with how it all came out...honestly, I do not think anything in this shop can look anything but pretty...the care and kindness that went into this show was truly flattering....thank you kara, susan and lesley.  you made my night.

this was also a blissful images first...I had never seen the photographs in my shop displayed so large on plywerk.  Kjell and the plywerk folks went above and beyond.

I love this city...full of creative, wonderful people that come together to help a gal's photography look just right..xo mrs. french