Tag Archives: Travel

Culture, Fashion, Travel

Dam(n), I love Amsterdam!

Although I’ve been before, I was ready to explore and experience Amsterdam once again.  I left Paris to experience a new city…especially as most Parisians are on vacation anyway… and I didn’t come to Paris to hang out with Americans.

I must say that the driving, even the walking around in Amsterdam is complete insanity.  Bikes everywhere.  Cars everywhere.  Shouting from bikers… A gazillion accidents waiting to happen!!

Though this place is truly unique.  From their edgy style to the incredible cuisine.  Sadly, from my little suitcase, I was ill-prepared for the fashion sense in this city.  No sandals, except for me and a family of tourist.  Mostly converse.  Dark colors predominantly. Seattle hipster vibe.  Had shorts on….complete Ridiculousness.  Clearly,  my packing has failed me.  Perhaps it’s so I can further justify purchases I make!!  It is an emergency you see.  A girl can’t freeze in the middle of summer when there are plenty of enticing opportunities to expand upon my wardrobe!!
For a traditional mall girl, there is something truly dynamic about street side fashion.  There is inspiration everywhere.  Not your perfectly manicured shopping centers, splattering ads throughout.  Just the incredible architecture and unique dynamic this city offers.
For me, fashion is everywhere. I love to seek it out while I stroll around aimlessly, through these foreign streets.  I explore random alleys with my handbag and an open mind, open to the experience. To see. To be inspired.

 

Travel

Parisians, n’est sont pas ici…so off to Monet’s garden, I go!

August is certainly an interesting time to be in Paris.  Summer heat, sunshine blazing and yet, only Americans to be found.  Not the real Paris I came to experience.  I had been forewarned that Parisians vacation during the month of August.  Though I truly had no idea they took off for the entire month.  This makes me love this country even more…as they honor and cherish their time away, time to relax, reoup and enjoy with family and friends!  Especially since I’ve recently resigned from my job to do the exact same.  To take time for me, to enjoy this thing we call life!  Novel concept.

So today, I decided to explore beyond Paris to seek out new inspiration in this fabulous country of France!  Today, I am experiencing the incredibly beautiful and well maintained gardens and home of Claude Monet, en Giverny.   For anyone who loves art, especially that of Monet, this place is not to be missed.  Come to think of it, you don’t even have to be an art aficionado to enjoy the beauty and splendor of this site.  It is massive and offers some of the most unique and colorful mix of plants and landscape I’ve ever seen.  If only I could bottle up the wonderful aroma that exists here!   Or bring home the sweet, baby hummingbirds that zip all around these gardens.  It truly is heaven on earth.  So for now, I’m going to enjoy my life amongst le fleurs et sous le soleil!

Bonne Journee, mes amis!

Life

Treasure Trove…and Luxe alike…

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Marche aux puces,  Saint-Ouen on a Sunday afternoon.

Designer finds and uniqueness extraordinaire.  Guaranteed to be a feast for your eyes, with offerings ranging from very pricey and tres jolie chandeliers to vintage Chanel pieces that are in pristine condition.  And might I add, way better than bringing home yet an eiffel tower keychain!

Although most items are simply to be adored, as although I’d love to bring home a historic chaise lounge or gigantic chandelier, I’m not sure that will fit within my suitcase.  However, Paris is known for it’s open air and antique markets that are not to be missed.

If you enjoy museums, unique art and creative displays, this is certainly where you can get your fix.  Especially when most stores are closed on Sunday….and even more so in August when most Parisians pack up for a more coastal locale.  So head out of the city, to indulge your senses….do some antiquing…and fill your soul, just be careful not to empty your wallet while doing so!

The best things in life are free, the second best are very expensive.  – Coco Chanel

 

Life

Insatiable desire for Adventure….

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Being raised in simpleton Amish Country, I always knew there was more to life out there than simply living my entire existence in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.   And as soon as I got my drivers license, I was out adventuring.  Always!  I would literally drive four hours just to go to the beach for a day, only to turn around and return that night, yet another four hours.  I’d take road trips to anywhere I could go to ensure I was home at night.  After all, I was still a teenager, driving around some rather large and sometimes a bit sketchy cities  (Philly, DC, Baltimore) solo!   Though this for me, was only the beginning of my exploration.

I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact that I was from Amish country or for the fact that I had a grandfather that traveled the globe continually for his career.   As we always had National Geographics and unique momentos from some of the most obscure places across the world, throughout our house.  Either way, I knew that I was being  driven to experience the world for as long as I can recall.

During college, I had the opportunity to study abroad- in Plymouth, England.  Upon my return, it was quite apparent that Lancaster (although I am quite thankful for my upbringing there) was no longer serving me.  So, off I went- packed up my Volkswagen Cabrio and headed to the West Coast.  Landed in Newport Beach and was floored by all the beauty and abundance that surrounded me.  After 7 lovely years, I decided to change it up once again and headed south to San Diego in hopes of setting some permanent roots for me to call “home!”

San Diego, although superb, tends to be one of the most transient towns, certainly on the west coast.  From its military presence,  to the limited larger corporations, this gorgeous place I still call home, may be more of a layover for life for me. There is something very special about San Diego. That small town feel of a place that offers 70 miles of spectacular (and unique) beaches and a locale that’s so beautiful you dream to make it your own.

Though for now, it was time, yet again, to venture out into the world to experience new cultures, new people and in hopes of further learning a new….and ohhhh so beautiful language, French.  Although I certainly miss San Diego, especially  during these summer months, I trust that this was a calling for me to come and experience something new.  And thus far, Paris has certainly not disappointed.

So today I begin, another adventure, within this foreign place, in hopes of creating yet another location I can call “home.”  Because as they say, Home is Where the Heart is…and for now, my heart is here and happy.

Life

From Flood…to France!

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Here I sit, flooded carpet, cut-out dry wall,  dehumidifier set at a balmy 105 degrees….damaged condo all around.  This is it.  This is the last message needed to send me on my way.

For months, I’ve been seeing signs to head to Paris, though to be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention.  Why would I?  I don’t know a soul in Paris, barely speak le Francais….why would I uproot my life and leave behind my entire network of family, friends and colleagues to head somewhere where I know no one?  Good Question.

The only answer I could find is simply…to Live!  Seems like a good enough answer for me.  Not to mention the signs were becoming ever so present that my friends asked if I needed to be beat across the head by a baguette before I pack up and go!  As for me, I’d much rather indulge in a scrumptious baguette than be beat on the head by it….so with that, I decided to pack it up for Pareeee!