fleurishing

melongings...

 

 

I'd like to take a breather from babies for a moment, will you indulge me? You're probably breathing a sigh of relief, ha! I recently had the pleasure of visiting my friend Chanee Vijay, the owner and designer behind Melongings Studio. A recent transplant to Philadelphia from Charlotte, we discovered we have mutual friends and lived a few blocks from each other down south! Such a small, small world. Once set up in her new, beautiful studio here in Philly, I had the opportunity to take a tour of her historic home in Society Hill and see where her creative visions are brought to life! 

Chanee began her business in 2011 with the goal of creating beautiful, hand printed, organic textiles for the home. Each hand-pulled screenprint and blockprint is created with regard for our health, the environment and longevity. The elegant designs are unique, neutral, and compliment almost any decor...I personally love the shimmery metallics collection. Head over to her site to check out the latest and learn more about her fabulous company, and for local readers...welcome her to Philly! 

three is a magic number...

 

 

You know what they say...three is a magic number. As it turns out, it has been quite significant throughout my life, and especially incredible when it comes to our babies. The first two months were a lot of work, with minimal return for our efforts. We were in a sleep deprived stupor most of the time, and newborns mostly just eat, sleep, and poop. The three month mark was a major turning point, for us all. We are more comfortable in our new roles, and they are more at ease in general. All of a sudden, they have become little people! A boy and a girl with two very different personalities, smiles, and fascinations. A curiosity for everything-mommy's glasses, billy kisses, the sun through the trees, and just last week-each other. It is truly an honor to discover the world again through their eyes...their innocence and wonder is disarmingly beautiful. Three has been absolutely magical, and as much as I want to freeze it in time, I can't wait for what's to come. Four is already upon us...this week! 

check out this video I made to commemorate three!

 

red velvet...

 

 

 

It all started with the red velvet chair, inherited from my grandparents. Currently residing in the basement awaiting reupholstery, it was just waiting to be in the spotlight. Brought into the sun for a few days, it provided endless inspiration and the perfect backdrop to showcase some heart melting outfits. There is something so fun about dressing babies in adultlike clothing...we had a laugh thinking that they even looked "sexy". Marie is sassy in cheetah print, and Henry is sporting his sweet v-neck onesie and first pair of jeans. Billy was dying for some camera time, so he also got in on the red velvet action! 

proud of my country!

 

 

 

Such happy news this morning-America made the right choice! Our country will continue on it's path forward. I'm proud that our children were born during Obama's presidency, and feel confident for what the future holds for them. On a sidenote-I'm aware of the improper symbolism of an elephant here, but alas, I don't have a brass donkey. Elephants represent strength and wisdom, which is what this presidency is all about, in my opinion. So cheers to another four years...forward!! 

**check out the antiquated reasoning behind the elephant/donkey symbolism**

 

 

my instagram life...

 

 

my life via instagram...

thirty-three...three months...cider donuts

devilish smiles...finally a date night...baby toes

terrain table...how you doin...fall vista

big brother...sandy...skulls & ghosts

 

 

 

comforts...

 

 

This week has been dominated by news of devastation and struggle. Tough times remind us to appreciate what we have, and seek comfort in family, friends, and home. A warm meal shared with loved ones is more important than we realize on a daily basis. Take some time this weekend to appreciate small pleasures, get cozy, and devour some delicious comfort food...these recipes will get you started!

apple crisp

potato gratin

bacon + chipotle chili

 

 

first halloween...

 

 

 

 salt + pepper

Our little baby shakers! There is a double meaning as well, as mr. fleurishing and I have names that begin with s + p, and have always jokingly said we go together like salt and pepper. How appropriate for our mini-me's, right?! We hadn't planned on involving the babies in halloween this year, simply because they are only 3 months old. However, after seeing these costumes I couldn't resist. So we had fun dressing them up for photos and grammy & grampy, but we will not be trick or treating. Can you imagine-they don't even have teeth to decay. Wishing everyone a happy halloween!

 

**thinking of all those who took a hard hit and are recovering from the storm**

 

my monkey.

 

 

 

Storm getting you down? Look at this face.

Henry...aka my monkey.

 

peeks of paris...

 

 

 

 

pretty peeks of paris for your friday...bon weekend!

courtesy of bekka palmer

 

fall color...

 

 

 

I mentioned our area is currently experiencing peak fall color, and I wasn't kidding-see exhibit A above. I promise you this photo was not doctored in any way. A little bit of New England here in PA!