Today happened to be one of those absolutely perfect days when I was once again reminded why I love this city so. Adam and I left our apartment in St. Paul in the early afternoon with little to no agenda. We simply wanted to taste great food (without guilt or question), wander aimlessly on foot (today I wore MUCH MORE comfy shoes!), and to soak in every last crevice of the city we had time to cover before and even after dark.

We wandered throughout the Marais stopping for lunch (twice!) once at Petite Fer a Cheval, and again at my favorite spot Le Rendez Vous des Amis (the corner where these two restaurants meet is still one of my most beloved spots in all of Paris – where Rue Saint-Croix de la Bretonnerie and Rue Vielle du Temple cross). Topping our list of must eats today? Hot chocolates (full fat milk of course!), a croque madam (with spicy yellow mustard) & pommes-frites – all being consumed with endless groans and expressions of delight. After lunch we window shopped for what felt like days (I finally nabbed a bottle of my favorite rose scented perfume & drooled over the most perfect dresses at Comptoir des Cotonniers and ballet flats at Repetto) continuously taking in all of the beauty that each turn and twist of road had to offer.

Throughout just a few short hours, we ate two cream puffs, split a croissant from Poilane, shared the best nutella crepe of our lives (we laughed endlessly while watching the most animated French man working his magic on the most authentic crepes I’ve ever seen at Marché des Enfants Rouges), shared another croissant (this one filled with almond goodness and coated in a thin frosting!) and all the while breathed in city views from atop the Arc De Triomphe, and cuddled close to shield off from the cool weather. We finished the day with a simple and quiet dinner near Canal Saint-Martin and headed then back to our apartment (chocolate in hand) for a couple glasses of wine before bed.

Perfect day in Paris to say the least.

We spent the day visiting some highly recommended spots of some dear friends of mine (thank you sweet Grant, Tiffany and Anna for all the great recommendations!). And although I’ve been to Paris a handful of times before, it’s always so much fun to explore new areas, especially those recommended by friends who love the city you’re in as much as you do! This sweet little floral shop was certainly a prime example. The second we rounded the corner on Rue De La Grange Aux Belles I knew it had to be the place Anna had recommended – its charm just oozing onto the sidewalk. I left with a ‘not yet blossomed’ pink peony, and a huge smile on my face. It’s always so wonderful to see other small businesses flourishing and loving what they do and the gentlemen who run this shop are such an inspiration. Another example of this occurred during lunch today. Grant sent us to the most adorable lunch spot (Joli Deli) where the service AND ambiance were just as delightful as the amazing baguette sandwiches. The rich and creamy cheesecake that topped off our delicious lunch made our visit all the more worthwhile. If you’re visiting Paris in the near future, put this one atop your list.

Even with rain persisting on throughout much of the day, we continued to forgo the metro and instead rode bikes to and from wherever we went (I’m telling ya…it’s the ONLY way to see Paris!). Some of our other favorite stops of the day were Merci (although I’ve been here before, I can’t get enough of this place, leaving once again with a whole plethora of new props – who the heck knows how I’m gonna get them all home!) and finished off the day with dinner and lots of wine for me and beer for Adam at Frenchie. Although it’s practically impossible to get into Frenchie for a full dinner, their wine bar across the street appeared just as delightful and the food was outta this world. The cheese and wine pairing will definitely be one of my favorite aspects of this trip – never-mind I haven’t consumed that much cheese in nearly four months, every last bite on the plate was divine! This is a MUST VISIT spot while in Paris for sure!

*Oh and if you ever get a chance to visit Bleuet Coquelicot for your own flower bundle, make sure to stop by the coffee shop two doors down named : Ten Belles - cute logo + cute coffee – what’s not to like?! Thanks for the rec Tiffany!

We slept in until noon without apology, leisurely dressed in clothing appropriate for summer temperatures, and basked in the sunny beauty of the city throughout the afternoon and evening. We napped on the grass of the Jardin Des Tuileries (correction – Adam napped, I lounged), munched on baguettes filled to the brim with fresh and enticing ingredients, took in 360 degree city views atop the Galleries Lafayette, ate gelato…twice!, and enjoyed the presence of each others company under the watchful eye of the Eiffel Tower. Attempting all at once to also avoid the crowds, yet capture memories using my new wide picture instax camera.

We rode bikes all day long, until our legs could take no more and ended the night with beer, margaritas and mexican food at one of my favorite spots in the Marais. As I brush my teeth and head for bed I can’t help but notice the rosy color of my sun-kissed skin and appreciate all the happiness that today brought us. This city continues to thrill me.

My favorite way to spend an afternoon in Paris? With a carafe of rose, a side of pommes frites & ketchup and the perfect cafe spot to people watch. Adam and I spent the majority of the day shopping, riding bikes (got “pulled over” by two bike police today which was fun!), soaking up the sun, all the while gorging on macarons and croissants (the chocolate pistachio ones from Laduree are the BEST!). We ended the night with wine out of baby bottles and cheese fondue with our friends Nicole and Nate in Montmartre. The day couldn’t have been more sweet.

I’ve officially been on the planet for one thousand five hundred and sixty-five weeks. Sunday marked my 30th and I woke up feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. I spent the weekend in Nashville, Tennessee living out my dream as a stylist and yesterday Adam and I hopped on a flight to my favorite city in the world. I feel so thankful for the many blessings in my life, and I absolutely cannot imagine a better way to ring in the next decade.

For the next seven days (for week 1565 of my life) I’ve decided to share one photo a day that I feel best encompasses what happened on that day. This first week of my thirties already feels quite epic, and I couldn’t imagine a better (or more simple way) to celebrate the beauty and blessings in my life.

Thank you to everyone for the sweet birthday wishes this past weekend. Your love was palpable.

Ever since I rounded the corner on 26 I always kind of dreaded turning thirty. I questioned whether at that point all the fun would be behind me and if it’d just be one long dark hole from there on out (I know – seriously dramatic!). But as the clock struck midnight last night, and while I danced and clapped myself away to my very first honky-tonk in Nashville, Tennessee, I happily and wholeheartedly welcomed my next decade with deep pride and a large smile.

As the cheerful and lively music engulfed my ears & shuffled my feet, I took a moment to reflect on what thirty meant. What this next decade of my life will hold and how fortunate I am to be where I am at this point in my life. For the past year I’ve quizzed my wiser, always seemingly more at ease older friends, many of whom expressed steadfast satisfaction with their thirties. I have come to imagine that these next 10 years of my life with be filled with more of all the best things in life : love, confidence, deep friendship, honesty and resolution.

I’m spending my birthday today in Nashville working, but none of today will feel like work at all. Rather it will feel as though I’m celebrating the work that has created the life I lead today. As I set tonight’s dinner table for an upcoming issue of one of my favorite publications, I’ll have the pleasure of engaging in the things that make me most happy : meeting & making new friends, experiencing new places, laughing and enjoying the simple pleasures of life with my husband, and creating without restriction or apology. I can’t wait to see what this next decade holds, and I’m so thankful to celebrate my birthday with the love and company of wonderful people and my best friend.

Oh and a special thank you to sweet Anna. Your upbeat, forthcoming and genuine personality has been such a joy to be around this weekend. I feel as though our meeting couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

I’m back with another course from our spring inspired Fortunate Feast! This dish was probably both mine and Adam’s favorite of the evening. Watching Seth so masterfully fry up that beautiful yoked egg and gently place it atop the pancetta wrapped asparagus was such a treat! Oh and the taste…OH the taste!!! SO SO amazing! I don’t usually fancy eggs sunny side up (in all honesty the runny yolk has always freaked me out a bit) but this dish was beyond. A runny yolk is my new best friend. Really – the flavors were inspiring, and I couldn’t help but plead for a second serving after licking my first plate clean.

This dish would be the perfect course for a dinner party with friends…so easy and so pretty plated. The touch of parmesan on top makes this dish all the more appealing and yummy! You’ve gotta try this one!

 FF Collective : {photography : Monica Hines | food and recipe development : Seth Hines | styling and art direction : Jenn Elliott Blake | custom graphics & titles : Amy Moore

This week officially marks the last of my twenties. On Sunday I turn thirty. Woah.

I’ll be celebrating this monumental birthday with a week chock full of travel, work and love. This past weekend I spent time in Colorado with my family and dear friend Emma (pics coming soon!); today and tomorrow I will be spending time packing, sourcing props and gathering my thoughts in Seattle; Thursday I head to Nashville (first time ever!) for an exciting opportunity with Anthology Magazine; and next Monday I leave Nashville with my love for a birthday celebration in my favorite city in the world. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better way to ring in the next decade of my life if I tried! Feeling so overwhelmingly blessed this week.

MON – Denver, Colorado

TUES | WED – Seattle, Washington

THURS | FRI | SAT | SUN – Nashville, Tennessee

MON … 30th – Paris, France

I plan to document all of my travels this week via my instagram feed (of course!) and will have a photo series ongoing next week to celebrate the first week of my thirties and our time in Paris. Stay tuned!

Remember that post and promo video earlier in the week about Clyde Oak? Well I’m bursting with excitement to share some additional images with you today from behind the scenes of the lookbook shoot. Working with this team was a dream come true and such an honor. I consider every last one of these people (that means YOU Megan, Mike, Grant, & Corey!) to not only be true, good friends, but also members of my creative family. I can’t even begin to explain how much it means to have people who trust & believe in your talents, allow you to do your thing and want you to be a part of their journey. It’s life changing actually.

As I mentioned earlier, I believe in everything this brand stands for, and I cannot wait to start my own Clyde Oak garden soon! Be sure to check out Clyde Oak’s amazing shop here! I nabbed myself the White Whale trio earlier this week…can’t wait until it arrives!

art direction, logo, & photography credit : wild measure | styling : jenn elliott blake & jonathan grant.

For years I’ve suppressed the inner ‘bohemian hippie goddess’ within me that has secretly been dying to attend Coachella. Last night while we brushed teeth and got ready for bed, I lazily swung my (way too long, need a haircut, hasn’t been combed in 3 days) hair from side to side in percussion to imaginary indie rock beats, my hands raised expressing the signs of peace, and proclaimed my desire to wear fringed shorts, a large brimmed hat and moccasins to Coachella someday. Adam’s only response? “What’s that.”

Good grief. I guess I’ll be daydreaming of flower child head crowns, celebrity sightings & 90 degree temperatures alone this weekend.

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