Weekend Edition

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Pelee Island OntarioIt certainly feels like summer out there this year. And not just a good Canadian summer. It’s the kind of weather that smacks you in the face when you step off the plane in Jamaica and makes you happy to be alive. It’s also the kind of weather that makes me thank the gods for air conditioning!

For this weekend edition I wanted to share some links with you that you might enjoy regardless of whether you are staying indoors or soaking up vitamin D in the great outdoors.

1. Summer is the perfect time to put away the guilt of not getting things done. It’s too hot, it’s too beautiful, it’s too wasteful to not take advantage of this glorious happy time of the year. If you want to learn the Art of Farniente (of doing nothing!) pop over to this post by Garance.

However, if your guilt of accomplishing nothing while lounging with a cold drink is too great, then pop over to this post and perfect your french before your next trip to Monaco! Bonne aventure!

2. It’s never to early to plan a trip to Paris. Even if that trip is in your 5 year plan. This “Summer in Paris” list can give you a heads up of what you can expect, and wet your appetite to keep saving those pennies!

3. And all of my London friends, don’t forget that Londonlicious starts today! Enjoy the summer and some good eats while supporting local businesses. Londonlicious runs from July 20 to August 12.

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Paris…Encore!

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Eiffel Tower, Paris, FranceI hardly need an excuse to hop on a plane headed to Paris. When the opportunity arose to visit one of the most beautiful cities in Europe for a second time in less then a year, well…the photos tell the story. And boy were there ever many photos. It has taken me a while to sift through all the images (and to deal with my feelings of coming back to earth after the best vacation EVER!).

Having already done three other posts on Paris, which you can find here, here, and here, I have decided to share images that best represent my favourite aspects of this trip. And you will surely notice all the food shots liberally sprinkled throughout. The boy and I truly indulged in a range of gastronomic delights. Enjoy!

Rooftops, Paris, France      Place des Voges, Paris, FrancePlace des Voges, Paris, FranceChantilly cream and strawberries      Coffee, Merci, Paris, FrancePamela Popo Exterior, Paris, FranceGraffiti, Paris, France      Falafel, L'As de Falafel, Paris, FranceLe Sevigne restaurant, Paris, FranceTango dancing along the Seine, Paris, FranceCafe Louis Phillipe, Paris, FranceSky, Paris, France      Cafe Louis Phillipe, Paris, FranceStreet crowds, Paris, France   Sunbathing along the Seine, Paris, France      Street, Paris, FranceShelves at Maison Plisson, Paris, FranceDeli counter at Maison Plisson, Paris, FranceBuildings in St Paul, Paris, FranceStreet art, Paris, France      Installation, Place des Voges, Paris, FranceArt Installation, Place des Voges, Paris, FranceMacarons, Paris, FranceFrench pastries, Paris, France   Eiffel Tower, Paris, France      Boule players, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FrancePony rides, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceAu Beurre Sale creperie, Paris, FranceRestaurant patio, Paris, FranceCafe tables, Paris, France      Crepes for lunch, Paris, FranceCrowds at Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceEiffel Tower, Paris, France      Spectators, Jardin de Luxembour, Paris, FranceBoule players, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceBee hives, Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris, FranceTuileries, Paris, France Conran Shop, Bon Marche, Paris, FranceThe Tuileries, Paris, FranceGarden, Petit Palais, Paris, France      Statue of a girl with a monkey, Petit Palais, Paris, FrancePalais Royal, Paris, FranceThe Tuileries, Paris, France      Duck confit with crisp potatoes, Cafe Hugo, Paris, FranceMaison Angelina, Paris, FranceCafe gourmand, Cafe Hugo, Paris, FrancePatio, Cafe Hugo, Paris, France      Cheeseburger and fries, Cafe Hugo, Paris, France  Cobblestones and Cappuccinos, Paris, FranceUntil next time Paris! À bientôt!

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Bonjour Paris Part 3

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Green chairs in Jardin du Luxembourg, ParisGreen spaces abound in cosmopolitan Paris. From tiny squares filled with laughing children, embracing couples, and tired tourists to sprawling parks dotted with iconic metal green chairs and their sunbathing occupants. Everyone has a favourite.

Two of the biggest and most famous happen to be Jardin du Luxembourg and the Tuileries Gardens. And I count these among my MUST stops while in Paris.

The first dates back to the 17th century and was constructed as a royal residence. The palace still stands as a crowning jewel of the park, but its real treasure are the beautiful fountains and statues sprinkled among the lawns and tree-lined alleys. It’s worth the hunt to find them all!

This is a place were real Parisians come to play and relax. Whether listening to live orchestra or pushing sailboats across a circular basin, it’s a little piece of heaven for old and young alike. I usually stop at the nearby Grand Epicerie to stock up on cheese (Comte is my current favourite), and baguette. And with those in hand I head for a quiet corner to put my feet up and watch the world go by. Listening to the orchestra in Jardin du Luxembourg, ParisPalace du Luxembourg, ParisWater basin with sail boats in Jardin du Luxembourg, ParisPalm tree in Jardin du Luxembourg, ParisFor a stroll along the dusty paths of the Tuileries Gardens you have to cross the river from the Left Bank. Or, post a lengthy museum visit, head straight out of the Louvre toward the masses of tourists swirling in front of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. The magnificent green gardens lie just beyond and provide some of the most memorable photo opportunities in Paris (the iconic Louvre Pyramid and the Eiffel Tower are only two of your background options)!

These gardens also began their existence as part of the royal residence of the French monarchy in the 17th century. The strewn green chairs, the reflective pools, and flower filled beds all appear very similar to the Jardin. But to me, the Tuileries have a more formal feeling. This is where you come to see and be seen. It’s not by chance that the manicured lawns and gravel alleys appear in photos during Paris Fashion Week every year and that many films have made use of the sprawling elegance of the area.

Chic shopping districts like Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Faubourg Saint-Honoré are only steps away. And  mouthwatering macarons from Ladurée or hot chocolate from Angelina’s are available to-go for an impromptu posh picnic on the grass. I’ve enjoyed my share during this trip.

So if your time in Paris is limited make sure to head for this fabulous green heart of the city. I guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for.Bridge to the Louvre Palace, ParisRoof and facade of the Louvre Palace, ParisWater sprinklers in the Tuileries Gardens, ParisView of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in the Tuileries Gardens, ParisAlley in the Tuileries Gardens, ParisGreen chairs in the Tuileries Gardens, Paris Pond with statue in the Tuileries Gardens, ParisCarrousel, ParisCaroussel at the Tuileries Gardens, ParisAnd I couldn’t leave off my travel blog without the image that sums up the city for me, the Eiffel Tower. I glimpsed it often while roaming around Paris, and each time I was filled with joy which reminded me that I was in my favourite place on earth!Eiffel Tower from the roof of Printemps, ParisThank you for coming along on this trip. I hope you have enjoyed it. Let me know what your favourite part was!

Bonjour Paris Part 1

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rooftops of Paris | Cobblestones and CappuccinosIt’s been about two weeks since my return from Paris, and I can’t believe I’m just getting around to sharing my beautiful adventure with all of you. My only excuse is a bad case of jet lag and the dreaded cold I seem to pick up every time I travel.

However, if you follow my Instagram or Twitter accounts, you would have gotten a preview of the amazing time I had. Although I’m excited to be home, Paris is a city that I absolutely adore and am always sad to leave behind. A city which can’t be summarized in a few paragraphs or pictures. It is a feeling. Something magical that surrounds you as you step onto the narrow cobblestone streets or the grand Haussmann boulevards. The romance of the people, the quiet cafes, the steady flow of the Seine and the clouds rolling by as you gaze out the window of a tiny studio apartment under the iconic rooftops of Paris.

Today I want to share with you two of my favourite neighbourhoods in Paris, the Marais and the 2nd arrondisment. As well as the gorgeous oasis of Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis in the middle of the Seine, the home of the world famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. I hope you fall in love as much as I have! Rooftops of Paris | Cobblestones and CappuccinosIvy covered building in Paris | Cobblestones and CappuccinosMeert Chocolatier ParisBistrot De L'Oulette ParisSteet signs in Marais District | ParisCreperie Suzette ParisCrepe Picasso, 3 cheese crepe at Creperie SuzetteArcades near Places des Vosges in ParisRelaxing at Place des Vosges in ParisMan and woman sitting on a bench in Places des Vosges | ParisMusee Carnavalet garden in ParisMusee Carnavalet building and garden in ParisRue des Petits Peres sign in ParisCafe front and flowers on the streets of ParisBicycles in the Marais, ParisEnjoying a gelato from Amorino in ParisStreet view of Le Brasserie de L'Ile Saint Louis in ParisScenic view of Ile Saint Louis and the Seine in ParisPeople sitting on the bank of the Seine | ParisBalcony detail in ParisView of the back of Notre Dame across the Seine | ParisExterior front of Notre Dame Cathedral in ParisSkyward view of the side of Notre Dame Cathedral in ParisCrowds gathered in front of Cathedral Notre Dame in ParisGreenery growing on the side of an apartment in ParisCouple relaxing on a bench in L'Ile Saint Louis in ParisFloor Mosaic at Galerie VivienneBrunch in ParisStreet view of Rue des Barres in ParisIn my next installment, I will be sharing two of my favourite markets in Paris…stay tuned!

Weekend Edition

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An assortment of colourful flowersSpring is here!!!! I’ve been waiting to say those three little words for what seems like EVER! And first day temperature didn’t disappoint either. As I walked outside at lunch time, I closed my eyes and turned my face to soak in the warm rays like a starved flower. Hope you’ve had a gorgeous day and now can sit back and enjoy these weekend links!

  • I came across the beautiful artwork of Jose Romussi through my web wanderings and completely fell in love with this series of art pieces that combine embroidery and photography. Absolutely stunning!
  • I’m not the only one revelling in the first signs of spring. Carin Olsson shares some dreamy glimpses of the season in Paris on her site.
  • Sometimes you come across the most amazing thing and you feel like sharing it with everybody because it is that insanely good! Well I’ve found the perfect savoury treat that’s become a weekend favourite at my house.