Let the planning (or eating) begin!

September is still the target for departing for a year in Paris. It's time to figure out those fun things like: Can I access my bank while in Paris without exorbitant fees? What type of Visa do I need? What's a safe, reasonable & charming neighborhood to live in?

Researching is great, but food is better ;) So my future Paris flatmate and I began our evening by familiarizing ourselves with a French dish that altered the lifestyle of Julia Childs. Dinner: Sole Meuniere, roasted potatoes and a simple salad with Parmesan & a vinaigrette (with shallots, yum!). Research never tasted so good! (The Sole Meuniere is a simple, elegant dish that tastes amazing--I highly recommend.)

So many details to figure out, but if French cooking accompanies them then il sera bon.

Summer's almost here, right?

These Sam Edelman sandal's beat out the adorable Franco Sarto's (bottom). Yesterday was their first day "on the job" and I love them! Comfortable, easy to walk in and totally cute :)

"Spring" Favs

Yesterday, we spotted snowflakes so I'm a little unclear if Spring is actually here? I've learned my lesson after a couple mornings walking out the door assuming it would be...well, Spring! Brrr!!! Too early to get rid of the winter wool coats. Enough complaining :)

Above are a few of my favorite items that I'll continue to incorporate into my styling this Spring.

Look #1
-Love the boots by Apepazza (@Endless)--they go with everything.
-Love the brown tweed coat (it magically finds it's way into an outfit nearly every week) from Anthropologie, sold out.
-Most of my scarves were for winter use, so I was delighted to find the purple & green silk scarf (yes, from Anthro, sold out. I'm wearing it now!).
-You can't see it well, but the gray top underneath is a fantastic tank from Anthro. It has a really flattering fit, even on those "fat days".

Look #2
-The bright yellow purse (@Anthro) just makes me smile. This will be great for summer!
-The plaid dress has great pockets & adds a different color pallet then I tend to have in my wardrobe. It's also from my favorite store ;)
-The belt is from H&M, one of the best places to get basic pieces and fun accessories. Nearly helps me justify my Anthro visits.

Look #3
-The jacket is from Anthro. Love that it's short-sleeved, has a great texture and that beautiful pink lining.
-It's hard to see, but the LBD is a hand-me-down from my Aunt (who has fantastic taste in clothing). Perfect fit & a soft, almost suede, feel.

Mmm.... Food

The last 3-4 weeks I've spent nearly every evening cooking. It's that OCD part of me that just remembered how fun it is to make delicious dishes ;) I'm hooked & I can't stop. Here's a couple dishes I made:


(Left: Ratatouille before cooking, Right: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower)

I'm working on my French cooking skills, though I haven't pulled our Julia Child's cookbook (yet!). "French Women Don't Get Fat" has fantastic, simple recipes and I also like "The Paris Cookbook" (great Parmesan bread).

Now to focus on learning French!