fleurishing

twin cuteness in utero!

 

 

 

One benefit of pregnancy concerns is extra ultrasounds, so we've got quite the collection of baby photos already! The babies each have their own placenta, which is great and most likely means they are fraternal. We will know more once we find out the genders (soon)...we can't wait. They are growing fast and doing fine despite my issues. This in utero cuteness happened this week...they were moving around quite a bit and then did this! I know it looks as if they are in the same space, but you just can't see the membrane which seperates them. The thought of them being so close is very special, and this demonstrates that for me, even if it was for a brief moment. We will always treasure this one especially!

 

 

sick days...

 

 

 

Well, I never made it to Boston...the train left without me, literally. I had no choice but to cancel my trip last minute, since I could barely walk by Friday morning. I will spare you the details and just say that my pregnancy side effects have been no fun. Believe me..I know they are ALL worth it and I am not alone, but...not fun. My amazing husband (who began in the medical field as a nurse and is still registered) took care of me all weekend long. I couldn't possibly be more thankful for the two men in my life...Billy knew I was hurting and cuddled even more than usual, which I didn't think was possible! Bear with me as I play catch up for a few days...I have a lot of work to do and my body is still healing. I'm sorry I don't have any fabulous Boston photos to share...but I have exciting things in the works!

 *update...still struggling with health, see this post on nesting*

boston bound!

 

 

 

I'm off to Massachusetts this weekend to visit my best friend and her family (4 children and Billy's best bud Tintin)! I'm taking the train to Boston, which I am quite excited about, and will be exploring the city and spending leisurely time in the lovely suburb where they live. I made a few trips there when I was younger (my Dad grew up there), but have not spent enough time exploring it as an adult. I intend to share some of my favorite spots when I return...they will be francophile focused, of course!

 Bon weekend!

 

 

shanna murray...

 

 

 

I am smitten with the illustrated decals and shop of Shanna Murray...on my wish list!

 

je t'aime mr. fleurishing...

 

 

My Valentine's Day surprise began as a planned part of my Paris itinerary. I would have been returning from my trip now, but as I mentioned...bigger things took precedent (hooray). So, I enlisted the help of my good friend Lindsey, who was so incredibly kind and sweet to make this dream a reality. In Paris, the Pont Des Arts bridge is a well known spot to profess your love to someone, attach a love lock for all eternity, and cast the key into the Seine! Many a romantic has left a lock, as you will see...

There was a time in May 2010 when the authorities decided to crack down on this lovely gesture, and overnight the locks were gone...tragic. However, the romantics could not be stopped, and locks began to fill the bridge once more! Being the hopeless romantic that I am, this was something I had to do. So after learning I would not be there to do it myself, I had the custom engraved lock shipped to Lindsey. On a sunny (freezing cold) day, she attached our lock, threw away the key, and took these beautiful photos!

So...this is my (public) valentine to my hubby...a tribute to our love now resides in Paris. In the city of love, over the beautiful Seine, and under the watchful eye of Notre Dame. Years from now, we may find ourselves there again, but regardless of whether we do...I love you...je t'aime...pour toujours.

 

just because...

 

 

 

A beautiful surprise from my amazing hubby...and the very talented sullivan owen!

 

snow makes me happy!

 

 

There is snow in the forecast, and I'm getting excited! Growing up in the north, I spent countless hours playing in the snow, sledding, building snow forts...you name it, I did it. I've realized snow represents so much more to me...mainly a happy childhood. I am so excited to be living back in the north. I love snow...and I am happy. I can't wait to play in the snow with our children...it seems that's when we get to relive a bit of our own childhood. I am so excited for what's to come!

beauty routine...

 

 

This post is inspired by my friend Kayla, who recently shared her beauty routine...and now it's my turn! I call myself high maintenance (jokingly), but my beauty routine is fairly simple. I've been using many of these products since I was a teenager, and I'm proud to say my good habits (i.e. SPF daily) started early. So, voila...my favorite products and routine!

Face:

*I've used Cetaphil since I was a teenager, and it cleanses without irritating my sensitive skin.

*My grandmother used Oil of Olay and always reminded me to wear SPF everyday!

*I splurged on this "miracle cream" a few years ago, and now I'm hooked, in winter especially.

*My Mom has always used this Clinique makeup remover, and I've never found one I like better.

 

Hair:

*I recently switched from Redken to Moroccon Oil, and I love the scent & shine!

*The only other hair product I use is hairspray, currently Pureology.

 

Body:

*A daily luxury for me is cleansing with Yves Delorme Provence bar soap...deee-licious!

*As soon as I get out of the shower I moisturize with Jergens-all over, every day.

*Lately I've been using Mama Mio Tummy Rub, to try and prevent pregnancy stretch marks!

*I don't wear much perfume, but I have a few favorites, including Tocca's Florence. 

 

Face (Make-up):

*With very fair, almost translucent skin, Cleu de Peau concealer is worth every penny.

*I feel naked without mascara, it's weird...my preference is Chanel.

*Out of my many glosses & lipsticks, my go to is Kiehl's tinted moisturizer.

crêpe day!

 

 

 

Hello February! One of my favorite "holidays" is this month...La Chandeleur, the French version of Groundhog Day. Falling on February 2nd, it is also referred to as crêpe day! It happens to be a Catholic holiday, but most treat it as a fun future predictor, involving a coin and crêpe flipping. If you're feeling lucky, find the details here. Not that any of us need an excuse to eat a savory crêpe...but if you need a reason, use this one! That is me above, about to enjoy my very first one...ever. In Paris, in Saint- Germain, right next to the stand where I purchased it. It was a spontaneous moment forever captured on film, and I am thankful to have it. The Nutella goodness has "stuck" with me, and I am officially addicted to both the dreamy hazelnut spread and the thin layers of wheat is wrapped in. Vive le crêpe!

 

the weekend...

 

 

 

We had such gorgeous (and unseasonable) weather this weekend! Although I'm quite the snow bunny, it's hard to complain when the sun is shining, and the air is brisk yet mild enough to not need a heavy coat. We got some household stuff done, but tried to get outside as much as possible. We took a country drive and ended up at a great antique store, discovering treasures...such as this giant chippendale chair! Billy just couldn't resist demonstrating the scale...he is so much fun to shop with!