Minnesota – Francois et Moi

Spring Style in the Loop

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:19:45 +0000

Typically you’ll find me behind the lens, rather than in front of it, but every once in awhile it’s fun to mix up the handmade posts with a lifestyle one here and there. I LOVE making things, but now that the weather is warming up, I just want to get outside and explore Minneapolis. We moved to the North Loop in October last year, just as Winter was also moving in, so I’m excited to explore the Neighborhood in all its warm-weather glory. On Saturday we moseyed over to the Farmer’s Market, so I’m sharing my spring style weekend wear with you guys. I hope you had a fantastic weekend–they always go too fast, don’t they? First and foremost, I’m really digging espadrilles for spring and summer. Often I don’t like ankle ties because they can cut into your ankles, but the ties on these babies (find them here!) are a twill cotton and they’re actually quite comfortable, so they’re great for strolling around the farmer’s market. If your mission is to stock up on fresh, local produce for the week, then a big bag to corral it all is essential. Otherwise, the vendors give you plastic bags for each […]

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A Fitger’s Affair

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 13:00:39 +0000

This past weekend Ken and I stopped in at Fitger’s while in Duluth for an obligatory (ha!) growler exchange at the Brewhouse. (Have you tried their Apricot Wheat Beer? It’s crazy good.) On our way out of the complex, we passed through the courtyard where we held our wedding reception 2 years prior and saw there was another wedding reception underway that evening. It brought back such fun memories of that night, so I thought I’d post a few photos and share our experience in case anyone is considering tying the knot in Duluth. Just over two years ago, we held our wedding reception at The Fitger‘s Brewery Courtyard which overlooks the great Lake Superior, and the idea was to host a classic and elegant dinner party–not too fussy and overdone. Instead, focusing on simple elements to set a relaxed, but thoughtful tone. The Brewery’s distressed exterior brick created the perfect backdrop, while oversized cafe lights dressed the Courtyard providing an ambient glow as the sun went down. We were concerned that the weather might not cooperate, but it was a beautiful Duluth evening–no wind or misquitoes to speak of. We really lucked out! During the cocktail hour we served Fitger‘s Brewhouse pints, grapefruit mojitos, and a mix of antipasti hors d’oeuvres. Ice cream cones were scooped from a vintage ice cream vendor cart while […]

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North Town Bound

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 13:00:38 +0000

A very happy Friday to you! What do you have on the books for the next few days? Ken and I are heading north to my hometown, Duluth, MN for a weekend with family on Lake Superior. Did you guys hear Duluth recently won Outdoor Magazine’s Best Towns 2014 Contest? Located on a hill overlooking the largest freshwater lake (by surface area) in the world, Duluth’s water sports, hiking trails and beautiful views are endless! And speaking of outdoor activities, Grandma’s Marathon, an annual road race along Scenic Route 61 which draws runners from all over the globe, takes place this weekend. If you’re looking for a fun, summer activity, join us in heading up to Duluth to cheer on the runners followed by a micro-brew pint at Fitger’s Brewhouse! #duluthisacoolcity Whatever you decide to do, make it a great summer weekend! Photos by Eric Lundgren, wedding photographer extraordinaire!

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Snow Day!

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 13:50:13 +0000

Growing up in northern Minnesota, I have fantastic “snow day” memories from childhood. In their earliest form, snow days could be summed up in bib snowpants, Sorels, snow angels, sledding parties, marshmallow adorned hot cocoa, and the liberating feeling that you had the whole. day. off. from school to play and play and play some more. In anticipation of the laughable amounts of snow that would inevitably “shut down” our brave city several days every winter, our school district’s calendar year was always a few days longer, than schools to the south of us, to account for such weather related cancelations. And though we used the term “shut down,” we hardly let extreme weather stop us from getting out and reveling in our transformed city’s fresh snowfall. Now that I’m older and have moved away, snow days are fewer and far between, so Ken and I make a concerted effort to enjoy the snow when we can, especially on the weekends. Last Sunday, it snowed all day, so we decided to hit our neighborhood ski hill to enjoy the snowfall and get our “ski legs” back for our annual Lutsen ski trip later this winter. To wrap up all this snow […]

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Fur Lusting

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 14:11:14 +0000

Winter’s falling temps have me, more so than ever, pining for a cozy (faux) fur wrap to keep warm in as we attempt to embrace the frigidness. Here are some furry favorites on my radar: 1. Charlie Coyote Faux Fur Scarf, 2. Miss Iny Fur Collar, 3. Silver Fox Fur Collar, 4. Ulrica Faux Fur Scarf, 5. Alesund Cowl, 6. Lavish Collar Top Photo via Style Trove.

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Winter Bucket List

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:55:14 +0000

Here in Minnesota, our winters can sometimes start to drone on. 6+ months of short, gloomy days and frigid temps really start to take their toll once the Holiday glow subsides. In preparation for the winter drudgery ahead, I’ve made a list of things I’d like to accomplish during the winter months in hopes that it will help keep my spirits up over the long haul. Below is the list so far. What’s on your to-do list this winter? Plan the details of our Spring trip abroad! Take swing dancing lessons. Learn how to make Norwegian Krumkake for Christmas. Take a ski weekend away in Lutsen, MN. Plan a spa day. Go snowshoeing after (or during) a good snowfall. Make a wool felt ball rug. Have an impromptu sledding party. Go ice skating at Rice Park in St. Paul. Learn how to make croissants from scratch via Craftsy. Go to the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

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Technicolor Fall

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 13:16:03 +0000

In an attempt to relish the fleeting days of fall, I thought I’d stroll back in time slightly and share the engagement shoot we did with Eric Lundgren at the Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden two years ago. Looking back through these photos makes me really glad we decided to have engagement pictures taken, as we were on the fence at the time. It’s just so nice having casual, candid photos to help us remember that time in our life. Happy weekending everybody! Midway through the shoot, we made our way up onto the Walker Bridge and “stumbled” upon 4 words composed in sticker letters which read, “Erin I love you!” You can also check out the shoot featured on Minnesota Bride. Sources: Location: Walker Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis Photographer: Eric Lundgren My Dress: Custom Necklace: Retrospect Designs Shoes: Guess

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