When I was a little, my mother and I would spend our evenings on the couch, bonding over episodes of Murder She Wrote and coloring in coloring books. Jessica Fletcher’s superlative investigative skills and keen insight always had me dreaming of becoming a savvy sleuth writer and my mother’s precision with a crayon inspired me to refine my creative skills and become an artist. I have become neither. Given my inability to color within the lines and the slim chances of becoming a cute crime-fighting writer, I moved onto other life aspirations.

Still, I have always been interested in creative activities, specifically Martha Stewart-type do-it-yourself projects. Lacking all forms of craftiness, I’m in awe of those equipped with the skill and imagination to bring their ideas to life. One of these people is Jordan Ferney of the blog Oh Happy Day.

Originally a San Francisco-based letterpress printer and party planner, Jordan realized that what she loved most about the job was the creative process; developing original ideas. So five years ago she created a blog and began posting party inspiration and DIY projects which subsequently led to a position as a daily contributor on the parentings and kids site Babble among other writing gigs.

More than just an extremely talented crafter, Jordan is also a Francophile and has channeled her appreciation and love for all things French in her work. In the beginning of 2011, she went one step further and made the leap to Paris where she now lives with her husband (an oil painter!) and their two children. She documents every new corner and discovery with infectious, wide-eyed amazement and, in turn, makes me see Paris with clear eyes again. Some of her favorites….

Describe what you love about France in three words.
Food, new, old.

What is the most striking similarity and difference between Paris and your previous home, San Francisco?
There are a lot of similarities. San Francisco has a lot of character and people place a lot of value on good food and art. San Fran has great specialty stores too but I wish they had them in every neighborhood, like Paris does.

Favorite kids shop in Paris?
I’ve only been to five or so and I’ve loved them all but I think my favorite is BonTon. I even want the bedding and kids clothing, they’re gorgeous!

Most pleasant surprise in France?
The bread! I’d heard it was good but I didn’t expect it to be that good.

In what ways can people incorporate French design elements into their homes?
It probably depends on the style of the person but I especially love and recommend French Industrial Design*. I like when things are made of steel. We have some Tolix chairs and they’re very sturdy and kid-friendly. Now I’m saving my pennies for a 5-armed Jieldé lamp!

Favorite French dessert?
I’m not picky, I’ll take one of each!

Thanks Jordan! Keep an eye out on Oh Happy Day, it’s about to get a face lift. Follow her tweets and if you’re craftier than me, let me know how you make out with her DIY projects!


*See Jordan’s post HERE on decorating her Paris apartment, including a bit more on French Industrial Design!

{All photos courtesy of Jordan Ferney}