The Gift of Inspiration

We don't get to choose when we want to be inspired. We may try, but the flow of it all may not be clear. So when inspiration does come it's a gift.

Your mind is instantly hit with a million thoughts.

I don't know about you, but I can't sleep and go crazy thinking.

I endlessly hunt, play, imagine and collect, so I can make sense of my thoughts in order to create.

Finally the color of soft pistache,vert and green tea inspired me.
So now I'm celebrating as I've completely opened my gift!

And my gift was to give Fanciful a "logo"

I fell in love with the color and knew it would stay with me forever. I wanted something that reminded me of Paris, something subtle and classy and something that would complement Fanciful. So this is what I got when I embraced my gift~

I'm so excited to have it done in time for the holidays and to wrap my fanciful creations with my new gifts!! My gifts of beautiful gift wrap, business cards and those extra touches that make it all so much more special. Also, A BIG Thank You to Mandy from A la Parisienne. She helped put everything together on my blog & Etsy and made it perfect!

My Moment with Laduree

My parents just got home from Paris and brought back some very special things...

As I opened my eyes and saw a Laduree box with my name on it, my mouth began to water.

It was that first bite of Rose' that instantly infused my mouth with a burst of remarkable flavor and textures. I couldn't resist and ate another.

My mind stopped for a moment and I just sat there in awe. I stared and the box, felt it's fine embossed details, while the sweet aroma filled the air. After my moment, I cried!
I cried with macaroon crumbs all over me.
Now I'm thinking I have issues! I've had Laduree specialities before, but they seem to get more and more special. What comforts me is that I can write about my moment and know there are many of you out there who relate. :)
~This Pistache Macaroon is for You~

~Unique Gift Holders~

This season I wanted to do something extra special. So I gathered some rare pink abalones and white scallop shells and created the most unique gift holder! They are so pretty with crushed diamond dust... I absolutely love these!

Here's how they work:
You pull back the French text paper, stuff candies, gift cards, money, jewelry, or anything you can fit! Then, remove the green seal and close it shut!
On the back is a decorative "Open Me" tag
for the special person who receives it.

Ohh I love these, and I love all they can do. They make the most perfect stocking stuffer, gift topper, or even placed on one's pillow. (My mom would always do that for me and it always made my heart smile when I came home to a card, a little present, or candies placed on my bed pillow, just because... I love you mom!)

~For more details click HERE~

The Power of Sharing~

A long long time ago Claudia from The Paris Apartment viewed this world through her own eyes and saw pieces of her passion in everything. Capturing things she was passionate about and made them "come alive" and shared her love with others. Back in 2006 when she begun blogging she compassionately expressed her travels to Paris, told all the viewers how she just loved old French perfume labels, old French handwritten letters, fresh peonies, heavenly blue skies, squeaking floors of an old building and my gosh, so much more... I'm sure so many of us can relate and see the beauty in this world as Claudia does. It's in the small things that are small to many but BIG to people like us.

I myself, have always admired Claudia's blog. When I visit I see a truly genuine person through the lines she writes and that has always brought me back to her blog. I did not know how powerful she was until my Mom (of French Blue & Co.) and I sat at lunch one day and my Mom said her google analytics went out the roof when Claudia mentioned my Moms website on her blog. Soon after, Claudia has opened the door for many and is now offering advertising on her blog. And, I am happy to say that I recently came on board with her and am managing the ads for her. :-) I am thrilled to help her out with this as she has built The Paris Apartment so well I admire her drive and passion towards her business.
The Paris Apartment has very reasonable rates! And it's a gorgeous place! For the last couple weeks Claudia and I have been cranking it out and I have found that there has been such positive feedback from the current business who advertise on her blog.
I have an ad and am ever so thankful Claudia shares a part of her blog with me.
Claudia's passion & friendship that she shares has opened a wide door for me - AND many - AND has helped my business grow! I hope you take this opportunity as I want to invite you to advertise on The Paris Apartment! Now, let's take a seat together and talk about it!

You can email me HERE :)
Oh I must not forget... all the pictures above are from The Paris Apartment's Blog, a long long time ago when it all began.

La Casa Pacifica

There are certain people you meet in your life that you know are special. I met Ninetta Herbert years back when we had Arbor. (Arbor was our family dream shop).
Ninetta is such a sophisticated and beautiful woman. I can talk to her for hours about details of papers, old antiques and festive tiny things. She and her husband live in the old Nixon estate in San Clemente, Ca. Some may know it as "La Casa Pacifica"

(The Spanish House)
Recently she requested a custom album to hold pictures of Nixon's China trip from 1972.
So, here it is!

We chose classy colors of Gold and Black...

My favorite part of making custom albums is knowing it's going to hold some unforgettable moments in a personal handmade album. This one not only moments, but History as well.

*I Now Offer Custom Albums~ Email me at fanciful.noel@ymail.com and we will go over details*

"Coco Before Chanel" - 15 More Days!

A few months back, Judith from Paris Atelier shared the exciting news of "Coco before Chanel" being released in France, and now it's finally our turn!
We have all been awaiting it's arrival~ Will be released in theaters on September 25th!
I thought the bio from last year was great, but I think this may be better!?

I've become a fan of Audrey Tautou who is playing as Coco, which makes me even more excited to see this movie.

If you have/haven't read Judith's post on this, go see or see again! It will get you even more excited along with more info on the movie and other great pictures!

Judith's Coco PostYes, I've got my favorite Trader Joes's popcorn stocked up and ready to pop in advance for the movie. It is OK to bring your own! This has the perfect buttery and salty combo you won't want the theatre yuk anymore. And even more, it's the perfect size, not too big or too small. That's why I pop one bag alllll for myself and never feel guilty. :)

~ Enjoy the Movie! ~

Special New Things...

New creations and new objects of art have finally been added! We have added a two new categories to French Blue & Co through Fanciful!

Special Occasions have always been close to my heart. I just love celebrations of any kind and feel it's important to share my ideas with others in hopes they can use my creations to make their day or someone elses a little more special!In the Special Occasion floor you will find sweet tokens, vintage party goodies and fine decoration designs for any special day!

And yes, there are many more one-of-a-kind signature pieces that I've been working on as well. The Signature floor will always carry my unique creations. I will always be adding more and to each floor as this is just the start!

Thanks for reading and would love to hear what you think!

xoxo