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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Bois de Boulogne

Since the weather here in Paris has been so nice lately it has been a perfect opportunity to get out to some of the beautiful parks that Paris has to offer. So, last weekend my boyfriend and I walked over to Bois de Boulogne to spend a lovely afternoon in this huge park. Bois de Boulogne is located on the western side of Paris, and luckily we are able to walk there from where we live near the Eiffel Tower. There are canoes that you can rent to row along the river that runs through the middle of the park. You could rent a bike and ride on the paths through the wooded areas, walk around the parameter of the park and enjoy the nature or just sit and relax while eating an ice cream from one of the many vendors.

We decided to walk around the water and enjoy the nature away from the bustle of the city. We came upon these turtles sunbathing on a little log while about 10 other turtles relaxed nearby in the water.


As we walked further, we found these adorable baby swans!! The mother was close by watching her little ones while she bathed in the water.




More babies, this time little ducks were swimming past us in the water!


After walking a while we sat alongside the water and relaxed in the warm spring sunshine!


One of the many great things about Paris is the many parks that offer a little glimpse of nature while still being in the city. Hopefully the warm weather will stay around all summer so I can enjoy these beautiful parks in the sunshine!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Birthday at Laduree

Last month I was lucky to have my parents in town for my birthday! It was a beautiful April day, the sun was shining and we went to the Champs Elysee for a little shopping. Well, my mom and I went shopping and my dad went up the arc de triomphe for a little sight seeing. After buying a dress in Naf Naf and meeting back up with my dad, we headed over to the famous Laduree for birthday celebration cakes. Laduree is a luxury cake and pastry brand that is best known for making the best macarons in the world.

I was a little worried that we didn't have reservations, but we didn't have to wait long. We were directed upstairs through a little room with a fireplace to be placed at our table under a beautiful chandelier. The restaurant is beautiful separated into many different rooms and decorated in luxury wallpapers, and fancy chairs. I have gone to Laduree in the past, but only to buy macarons to take away. You may remember my last post about it here.

Trying to decide what to have is the main problem with Laduree. There are so many choices of pastries, cakes, macarons and tarts!

I finally decided on one that had raspberries and rose flavored cream. It was delicious!


My mom and I tried to eat them slowly and savor them, but they were just too good and ended up disappearing quickly from our plates.

What a fabulous way to spend a birthday in Paris!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Story of Isabella Blow

In the spirit of the Alexander McQueen Show at the Met I just finished reading "Blow By Blow." This is the story of Isabella Blow, McQueen's mentor and muse. Blow by Blow written by Tom Sykes and Isabella's husband Detmar who tells the interesting and tragic story of the fashion icon.

Isabella Blow was no stranger to the fashion world and was best friends with Alexander McQueen for years before business differences got in the way. She was also friends with Philip Treacy and was famous for wearing many of his outrageous hats. She was an assistant to Vogue's Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley before becoming Fashion Director at Tatler. Pictured below is Isabella with Alexander McQueen from a shoot for Vanity Fair. Also pictured is Isabella in one of Pilip Treacy's hats named "Arrows of Love."

Such an interesting person, I wish I could have met Isabella! I definitely recommend reading "Blow by Blow" to get an inside view of what it was like for Isabella in the world of fashion. Tragically Isabella suffered from depression and ended her life in 2007.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Famous Graves at Le Père Lachaise

Le Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris and is the final resting place for many famous people, therefore making it a bit of a tourist attraction. A couple of weeks ago, some friends and I set out to visit the cemetery. We bought a map at the entrance to be able to find the famous graves among the 105 acres of land. Once inside, we made our way over to perhaps the most visited grave, Jim Morrison. I had been to see it once before, and this time was just the same. The site was full of flowers, graffiti, candles and other items that fans have left behind.



There was a tree in front of the grave which was covered in writing from fans leaving their mark for Jim.

As we continued through the cemetery, we came across the grave of Oscar Wilde. The large grave stone was covered in graffiti with words for the late writer and poet.


Edith Piaf was one site that I had wanted to see. Edith's songs are just so "Parisian" to me that I remember playing "La Vie en Rose" as I was thinking of moving to France a few years ago.


Chopin's grave was also surrounded by tourists bringing flowers and taking pictures.


Other than the graves, Le Père Lachaise also offers a large park, beautiful gardens and lots of architecture. It was a nice outing on a sunny day with good friends!




Monday, May 9, 2011

Sparkling Studio

A busy day in my studio today! There are sparkles and beads everywhere as I am working on custom Swarovski cuff bracelets!



I also stopped by my supplier last week and got some beautiful new semi precious stones. Today's post just offers a little eye candy to help brighten your Monday!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

The Smallest Street in Paris

Rue du Chat qui Péche is considered the narrowest street in Paris at only 1.80m wide and 29m in length. It is in the 5th arrondissement, just near the Seine. I happened to find this miniature street just by chance while strolling around the Latin quarter with some friends.



The name Rue du Chat qui Péche means Street of the fishing cat and was named after a picture on a shop sign. It was built in 1540, and is a pedestrian only street. At the end of the small street is this cute graffiti of a cat being sheltered with an umbrella.


Just a cute little find in Paris that I though I would share!