Dark brunette with angelic eyes, her world is as poetic as her dimples are soft. Photographer, stylist and best-selling author, Audrey Fitzjohn returns to France to settle down with her pretty tribe after 10 years spent in New Zealand. Mother hen of Joséphine 8 months and Charles, 5 years, she lent herself to the game of our interview Mama Koala ♡
What kind of mom are you? Cool or slutty? Introduce yourself ;)
I'm Audrey, mother of Charles, 5 years old and Joséphine, 8 months old. I'm a not-so-cool mother hen, I'm very particular about certain principles: politeness and good behavior among others. But hey, I'm also a bit cool, it's often party time at our house, we like to turn up the music and we've passed on quite eclectic musical tastes to the children (those who follow me in stories on Instagram will understand)... Let's just say that they don't have a blast with nursery rhymes ;)
What are your 3 “must have” childcare accessories that you recommend to all future mothers?
The Studio Romeo baby carrier , one of the first things I bought when I got pregnant with Joséphine. I knew that if I wanted to make it at home with two kids, I would need to be able to carry Joséphine while keeping my hands free, and this has truly saved my life many times :)A Charlie Crane deckchair, aesthetic and very practical because it is suitable for infants.
AND YOUR ESSENTIALS FOR GOING ON A WALK?
A good stroller is an investment that is sometimes difficult to justify during pregnancy, but once the baby is here, you realize how essential a practical and comfortable stroller is. Combine it with the Studio Romeo baby carrier I just mentioned :)
A diaper bag, I am a fan of the Josefina brand for whom I work regularly. These are practical and beautiful bags, the quality is superb, you can add your monogram, I very often use mine as a handbag by the way.
BY THE WAY, WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO WALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
Paris, I love Paris so much! After 10 years in New Zealand, a very young country with very little historical architecture, I enjoy our Parisian walks with my family. Everything is beautiful, the parks, the monuments, the streets, you just have to look up to take in the view! My favorite route? The Tuileries starting from the Cour Carrée then crossing the Cour Napoléon, to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to finish in the Tuileries garden.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION?
We haven't travelled much in the last ten years because whenever we could we went back to France on holiday. However, I discovered Marrakech a few years ago and I really fell in love with this city that I found pleasant to visit with a child (Charles was 3 years old during this trip).Do you have any KID-FRIENDLY ADDRESSES OR TIPS to share in your area? And for those who would go to New Zealand?
In Paris, brunch at Margherita's in the 6th is really good, there are animators who do activities with the children, there is a play area, it is beautiful and comfortable. Otherwise we are very close to the Palace of Versailles which remains for me an exceptional activity to share with the children, if only for the gardens. The Gally farm is a charming place, the goat enclosure is accessible, you can cuddle them and there are many educational workshops where you can register the children. Further away there is the Gally harvest.
In New Zealand, it all depends on the city but generally speaking the country is extremely kid and family friendly, everything is very welcoming for families, cafes, playgrounds. Don't hesitate to go on an adventure with your children, rent a boat, discover the magnificent beaches and hikes in the bush.
WHAT ARE THE BLOGS YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE TO FOLLOW?
I read very few blogs unfortunately but I really like Parigote 's.
CREATORS, BRANDS, ARTISTS... WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Zoe De Las Cases, she has such good taste! Her houses are warm, I would love to crash there haha!Astier de Villatte, a true pioneer, who knew how to bring ceramic work up to date years ago and has since remained current and unique. He creates inhabited and timeless places for his shops, I am a total fan.
A CULT OBJECT ON YOUR DESK OR IN YOUR BAG?
A bullet journal (homemade, very simple), such a practical organizational technique.