Frenchie Style

In the states I think we obsess over french style (I know I'm guilty too) although on my recent trip I have to say I was less than impressed, It was strange to see sooooo many girls in Paris wearing the same 3 staples, almost like a uniform. Of course, I'm also on the look out for a great leather moto, converse really are practical for those cobble stones, and I bought a Longchamp bag while I was there...so what do I know HA

but what happened to personal style?

Homecoming

Such a good trip, here's the break down.

Berlin: Flew into Berlin, grabbed a cab and met my bestie and her husband at our beautiful hotel (hotel Elba) in the swank Charlottenburg neighborhood. We drank, walked, walked some more. I battled a sinus infection for most of the trip, but it still didn't keep me away from trips to the wall, museums, hip cafes, walks along the canals, markets and delicious korean food (no currywurst for me)
Dijon: Quicky flight from Berlin to Paris to grab the car and drive to Dijon. I have to admit my first few days in Dijon were spent in bed trying to recover. My friends did an awesome job wining and dining me back to health, all the macaroons, chocolates, and cakes helped too.  Then I was ready to venture out, and when I did I have to say I fell in love with Dijon. Terribly picturesque, totally walkable, far more relaxed than Paris, and cozy times 10. Seems like mi amiga isn't moving anytime soon, so I'm thrilled that there will be more trips to Dijon in the future.
Beaune: The great thing about Dijon is all the little day trips. Tons and tons of even quainter (is that a word) quiet tiny towns and castles ready and waiting to be explored. We drove through the Cote D'Or wine country (including the Maison Louis Jadot vinyards, home to one of my fav wines) and ended up in Beaune, warmed up with a little cafe au lait and explored the old hospital and narrow cobble stone streets.
Fontenay & Semur en Auxois: Were also little day trips from Dijon. We visited the Abbey of Fontenay explored the BEAUTIFUL grounds, gathered tons of inspiration for my backyard make over, I can't wait to come back and do some hiking in the surrounding forest.  On the way home we stopped in Semur en Auxois, and really that little pic up there doesn't do it justice. A beautiful medieval walled city on top of a hill.
Paris: I feel like I've already said so much about Paris, but this trip was different. Dianne and I made some pretty bold statements about not doing anything touristy, yet we still ended up at all the major landmarks, and even at Trocodero waiting for the Eiffel Tower to start sparkling. The difference was this time we wern't on a schedule, no pressure...If we didn't make it to the Chanel exhibit, oh well. We mostly ate street food, and just hung out which felt amazing since we live over 4,000 miles and 7 times zones away.  I feel like the highlight was seeing all the craziness at Galeries Lafayette plus its hidden treasure, and doing a macaroon tasting between Pierre Herme, and Laduree and lounging almost all day in the Luxembourg Gardens just talking.

What I love about Paris

    Even though Montpellier and the south of France is really where my heart is, I do love Paris. 

Aside from speaking French (which I never get to do in Chicago) I love how the eiffel tower sparkles right when they light it up at night, even when I know it's coming it still takes my breath away...cheesy I know.

I love the shade of blue from la sainte chapelle, it's electric burn your eyeballs blue, and the glow really makes my day.

I love the catacombs, seems weird to say, but it was one of the best spooky dates I've ever been on.

I love the roses at the Musee Rodin they're as big as your face in the spring, the gardens in general are just amazing, so peaceful.

CREPES! the first few times I was in Paris I ate nothing but crepes, switching it up between Nutella, and fromage, now I can actually afford a cafe, but i do love me some crepes.

All the gift wrapping, seriously almost everything you buy can be wrapped free of charge, even if it's a cadeaux for your self! really this pic does not do the Parisians any justice, they take their time to make the best bows-(curly cue's and everything).

One final note about why I love France in general:
the fact that you go there and eat the most amazing deserts, pain au chocolate every morning with a glass of sugary Orangina, loads of the best cheeses and bread bread bread...

and ...

come home 15 pounds lighter.

vive la France!

Spring Cleaning/Shopping

I've tried to stick to my January budget for as long as I can especially since I'm doing alot of traveling this year....but spring has sprung.
I just need to add a few springy staples: Ankle pants, flowy tops, sunnies, scarves, and I really can't wait to slip into some shoes, after the months and months of boots.

Wisdom

I had my wisdom teeth pulled last friday, and I found this little tooth charm to commemorate the event HA.

I took the above pic right after surgery, no swelling or bruising, hurray

Bathroom

So I've finally made some decisions on this lil bathroom remodel project we have slotted for this summer.


Thanks pinterest.

I'm going with seafoam on the walls, marble in the shower, slate on the floor


Can't wait to see how it turns out.



Vanity and mirror are on the cheap from IKEA,


Slate tile from Home Depot


In the shower I'm going with marble subway tile, I thought of doing a herring bone pattern, yikes, I think I may just go with a vertical pattern since we're doing this step ourselves.


and of course the biggest splurge of the whole project are the School house Electric sconces.


I love how they look 1 on each side.

Ready Set Pack

Well it probably seems like I just got back from Mexico, but it certainly doesn't feel that way.  In my mind Mexico is light years away. I think the freezing temps in Chicago right now are giving me amnesia, and the gray skies are making me a bit blue.
I can't wait for Spring temps, and spring trips. I think I mentioned before but I'm heading to Europe to visit my bestie of 25 years, woah that's a long time. She's currently living in Dijon, but we're meting in Berlin. I've never been to Deutschland, so I'm super excited.

Here's what I'm packing, we have no idea what the temps will be like so layers layers layers I guess

*My fav anorak perfect for inbetween weather *vintage lil fur hat * chartreuse fauxbans * black moto pants *Just ordered these Chinese Laundry booties, we'll see how comfy they are *

I'll also be making stops in Dijon, and Paris more to come!