How to be Parisian (wherever you are)

I know that I mentioned the books that I’m reading this fall, but my discovery of How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are, by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas, somehow trumped that list (I’ll get back on track soon!). I couldn’t help but wonder what these four accomplished ladies had to say about what it really means to be a Parisienne, including how to dress, entertain, go on dates, and have fun. Plus, the book had a promise: it’s funny! So far, I love it, and find many parts that are worth repeating to friends, family, coworkers, boyfriends. 🙂 For example, the book’s guide to the city’s signature colors, all defined by it’s culture. I’ll explain…

This bright orangey red is reminiscent of seats in a movie theater in Paris (and if you ask me some of the pretty café tables that brighten up a rainy day).

Going to Ladurée? You’ll definitely spot this subtle, yet eye-catching hue. According to les femmes parisiennes (aka, the authors of this book), it’s the color of a rose-flavored macaron. 🙂
But of course, this rich and decadent shade defines French color at it’s best. It’s the shade of a tall glass of Bordeaux, n’est-ce pas?

There are tons more cheeky color definitions where these came from, but what a brilliant idea to create a palette to describe such a unique place. In fact, the reds and greens and blues and yellows and pinks are one of the first things I think of when reminiscing about my travels there.

What are you reading right now?

PS: Another French book I read and loved.


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The best medicine when you’re sick

Last week, I was sick with a flu/head cold/virus—the worst! But I found the perfect get well cure: Harney & Sons tea. The bodega near my apartment sells it by the tin, so I stocked up on a few different types…
Their Peppermint Herbal blend was the perfect antidote. I drank it piping hot from my treasured Friends mug and felt my sinuses clear with every sip. To up the impact, I added 1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon. It was delicious and such a warm and comforting treat while I was curled up on the couch.
Even better: How to use the pretty tin now that I’ve gone through all the tea! Such a sweet idea, right? 

Do you have any get-well-quick tricks for when you’re sick?

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Change the weather

Talk about a weather change this weekend! On Saturday morning, it was pouring rain, 70 degrees and humid, but by Sunday, it was blustery and cool. October really has arrived. Instead of busting out a wool sweater, my new uniform for fall is plaid. Last year, I wore this gingham top from J.Crew into the ground (see it again here); this year, I’ve replaced it with a cozy blue flannel number, also from J.Crew. Paired with black or blue jeans (or even a leather skirt), it’s my new go-to!

How about you? What do you throw on to warm up when the weather starts to turn?

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The weekend is here!

Happy weekend, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I’m excited for a bit of R&R after fighting a head cold this week. Need to rest up for my upcoming trip! Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead filled with relaxation and fun. Here, to get the weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

After seeing this, I can’t stop thinking about this.

Hilarious.

Transforming the Meatpacking District. Wow.

Can’t believe I got to see this ship up close. (We passed right by it when we went fishing here!)

A fourth ‘before’ film? Ethan, don’t tease!

I think you’re fancy. 

OMG, this dress.

My next movie pick.

Ben Affleck can’t compete with Frozen.

Daydreaming about travel.

The moment I met Derek Jeter (watch for me at about the 1:10 mark!).

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Everything By My Side

Over the weekend, Matt “surprised” me and his sister and brother-in-law with an only-in-New York experience: Performance art. The installation is called “Everything By My Side”—or as the New York Times’ referred to it, pillow-talk theater, courtesy of acclaimed Buenes Aires artist Fernando Rubio. 

Here’s how it works: You arrive over at Pier 45 on the Hudson River at your ticketed time slot, walk past all the New Yorkers sunbathing on the pier and then climb into bed with an actress spouting dream-like sequences for 15 minutes or less. To be honest, it was rather calming. You check your bag and phone with the “host,” take your shoes off and kick back. After I got over the initial awkwardness, it was easy to let my mind wander.

The part that threw me was remembering the instructions for when you’re supposed to exit the bed (the dream whisperer will let you know with a few soft-spoken words). I began to feel nervous I missed it when I suddenly heard my cue: “I’ll see you soon.”

As I mentioned before, only in New York!