I already love the Golden Globes, but such delightful and inspiring news that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will be co-hosting this year! Whoever made that decision deserves a promotion—and a raise. These two funny ladies are my favorites — check out their comedic genius here.

Do you prefer the Oscars or the Globes? Other than Amy and Tina, who would be your dream host?

More Globes here, here and here.

(Image via Pinterest)

Over the weekend, I found myself on the Upper West Side — the weather was perfect, and I had no place to be. I stumbled into Westsider Books, a delightful used bookstore, where I planned to browse, not buy. But, while looking through the fiction titles, I came across Heartburn, the first-ever novel written by Nora Ephron, a woman whose writing style I will always admire and adore. The copy was pristine — whoever read and owned the book before treated it with care. I purchased it for a bargain rate and ventured over to Central Park to read. I’m hooked! And also happy to report that I was able to squeeze in another Saturday in the Park before the weather turns freezing cold. 🙂

What are you reading now? For lots of great book pics, check out Critics & Writers!

As far as creative business cards go, these definitely take the cake. Designed for stylist Brad Goreski (formerly of the Rachel Zoe project) by artist Sarah Drake, this calling card comes with a useful tip: step-by-step instructions for how to tie a bow tie.

Have you ever tried? It is much more challenging than I ever thought it could be—even when you watch instructional videos like this one. The trick is to really pay attention between steps 5 and 6.

What do you think of this idea? If you were adding a personal touch to your business card, what would it be?

(Images via Sarah Drake Design)

The weekend, my darling readers! After a week spent blogging about my travels to Ireland and Paris, I have to admit: one of the best things about vacation is coming home, especially to a city as amazing as New York. This weekend is filled with lots of only-in-New York things. Broadway, the ballet, and given the sunny forecast, hopefully some time spent in Central Park, too. What do you have planned? Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Ode to the little things.

I wish my bookshelves looked like this.

Reasons to love October.

Can someone buy me these lovely purple shoes? 🙂

How to be a tourist in Notting Hill.

Sunny vases.

I think I want a puppy. 

Oui, je t’aime Paris! (Plus: the city in Autumn.)

Fall salads I can’t wait to try.

Run away.

(Image via Note to Self) 

 

Whew, this post is a big one: Paris! Honestly, it was a challenge to select just a handful of pics to share. As I mentioned yesterday, this city was everything I hoped it would be and more. I had the most incredible time, filled with more pinch-me-this-is-out-of-a-movie moments than I can possible recount. The most important things about my trip:

Where to Eat
*Septime was the first meal I ate in Paris, and one of the best. A recommendation that came from Rachel Khoo, Matt and I snagged a reservation for lunch where we were blown away by the inventiveness of each dish. Septime is also the place that I learned about the quality of vegetables in France—our waiter explained it is the soil and the way they are harvested that makes the veggies much more flavorful than the States.
*Le Verre Volé near Canal Saint-Martin is where we spent our Saturday night, drinking plenty of red wine, and eating fresh, delicious fish. For those of you that know me, fish typically isn’t my thing, but when in Paris… I decided to leave everything I ordered up to the chef.
*Philou was hands down my favorite meal of our trip. This bistro—also by Canal Saint-Martin—was relaxed, romantic, and one-of-a-kind. If I lived in Paris, I would definitely make this a regular spot. Between the food and the service, it was absolutely lovely. Plus, check out the décor!

Where to Stay
*For this trip, we decided to rent an apartment through Airbnb. We stayed in Saint Germain des Pres, a gorgeous and picturesque neighborhood, with a great nightlife, too. It didn’t hurt that there were a few creperies on our block that stayed open late. I’d happily swap a late-night slice of pizza for a nutella crepe any day!

What to Do
*From the moment we arrived in Paris, Matt and I were on the go. We went to the Centre Pompideau and the Louvre, Ladurée for macarons, Luxembourg Gardens, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles and more. The best recommendation I can give is something we did the Sunday night before we left: a bike tour of Paris at night. We signed up through Fat Tire Bike Tours, which was a brilliant idea (way to go, Matt!). Riding through the streets of Paris for hours, it was breathtaking to see the city all lit up. After three hours, the tour ended with a river cruise on the Seine until midnight, ending in front of the Eiffel Tower as it sparkled against the night sky. It started pouring while we were on the water, but it only added to the experience. It was definitely a memorable night!

There you have it: Paris. Truthfully, there’s so much more to share. But this is a start—and hopefully the beginning of many regular trips back. 🙂

Have you been to Paris before? Check out details of my Ireland vacation here and here.