Paris is for Lovers

Relationship problems? Go to Paris. Need to bring back the romance in your relationship? Go to Paris. Looking for love? Go to Paris. I am convinced that the city of love could make a gay fall in love with a straight and the other way around. It's that romantic, yes. Everywhere you turn people are kissing...parks, bridges, the metro, sidewalks, cafes, bathroom lines...everywhere. The city oozes romance, you feel it the minute you step out of your airport cab and you can not escape being swept up in the midst of it all. It's the most romantic place...ever.

Being in Paris with the person you love is, in the simplest form, a treat. I do understand that a trip to Paris is not realistic for all people (It's not for me!) but I promise, with all of my hopeless romantic heart, that it will be worth all the energy and effort put into saving enough money to make this dream become reality. Listed below are my suggestions of what to do while in the city of love.

1. Montmartre-Love. Love. Love. Take the steep steps up to this magical little section of the city. The streets are filled with artists, vendors, and people, both tourists and locals, many of who are standing outside of quaint bars having a mid day drink. While you are up there, walk around Sacre Coeur...there is a small park with a beautiful view of the city on the backside.

2. Cafe Lunch- Enjoy an extra long lunch (complete with wine) on the patio of any one of the city's cafes. Don't forget to wrap up lunch with a cigarette (why not, it's Paris!) and an espresso.

3. Luxembourg Park-Busy and beautiful, take a stroll through this park that is filled with people reading, writing, and relaxing. Children line up to purchase ice cream from vendors, teenagers play frisbee and soak up the sun with friends, and lovers lay in the grass. Partake in the action or observe while passing through...either way, it's a must.

4. The Latin Quarter-Quintessential Paris with it's quaint streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and shops. This charming part of the city is one of my favorites and has a constant buzz at all hours of the day. Once my boyfriend left town I changed hotels and stayed here for a week. I roamed the streets night and day, falling in love with the city each and every time.

5. Pere -Lachaise Cemetery-I came here once I was by myself in Paris. If you find old cemeteries to be enchanting and beautiful, this is the perfect place to wonder alone. It's almost entirely shaded by large trees and the grave stones date back hundreds of years. Turn on your music and get lost in your thoughts and in the maze of dated beauty.

6. Eiffel Tower- My boyfriend informed me that were were not going to the Eiffel Tower because it was "SO touristy". I found this to be absolutely hilarious. I quickly brought him back to reality and made him realize that he was not quite the local he thought he was after spending a whopping 10 days there. I did not care to take the time (since we only had a couple of days) to go up in the tower, but wanted to get there to do a quick couple of pictures that would go on my bookshelf. Paris pictures are forever and a picture or thirty three with the ET in the background is without question, a must.

7. Ile de la Cite- The birth place of the city, this small island is situated in the middle of Paris and is home to Notre-Dame Cathedral. The most memorable part of the trip was sitting on the bank of the Seine with my boyfriend, sharing a bottle of wine and a cheese sandwich, while watching the river boat cruises pass by slowly. It was a perfect hour and a half that we sat there and talked about how amazing it was that we were there sharing that moment together. A true "thank you God" moment. Head to the tip of the island and you will find a small shop that sells bottles of wine (twist off and they supply the cups) and snacks **Suggestion-If you are with your lover, bring a metal lock. At the top of the stairs there is a bridge where people write or etch their names and the date on a lock, secure it to the bridge, and throw the key in the river (ugh, isn't that SO romantic?!).

8. Hemingway Bar, Ritz Carlton- Paris is all about indulgence and extravagance. One of the big indulgences during our time in the city was heading to the Ritz after a romantic dinner and having drinks at the Hemingway Bar, where Hemingway spent a great deal of his time while in Paris. We sat in the cozy, intimate bar and talked about our trip while sipping $45 dirty martinis. Ridiculous? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. The Ritz Carlton Paris is one of the most famous hotels in the world and to have the opportunity to be there and spend time in the most famous bar in Paris is a definite must...especially if you, like dream world Brittany, enjoy putting on a dress and heels and pretending for a couple of hours that you can afford a standard guest room that costs around $1000 a night. Oui, Oui!

Paris is love and love is Paris, so go. Follow my list of suggestions and there is no doubt that you will leave in a cloud of love. What happens after Paris? There are no guarantees, but the romance is worth the risk so soak it up and have a little too much champagne along the way!

*Suggestion-Always be sure to get a couple solo shots with the Eiffel Tower. Remember, you are on an absolute love high in Paris and when you get home reality does settle in and things may not work out. You will always want a Paris picture for your bookshelf, so out of respect for your future spouse, get some sans the lover.

BG on a Wednesday Night

Yesterday morning I woke up in my dress and heels, on a mattress with no sheets, which was in a loft with no furniture. I thought those days were over and it was a rough reminder that I am no longer 20 years old. No, I was not in a crack den. The apartment belongs to a friend's boyfriend who moved in the day before he left for Nepal where he is currently (see what a difference a little explaining can do??). The upside of the morning was stopping for breakfast at Rooster. Service was slow, but the food (breakfast #7) and my chai tea latte were amazing. It was everything this girl's body and soul needed...besides a long soak in the tub and some sleep, which came very shortly after.

Good Evening...

Wedding- My one and only sister is getting married on October 1st. This is a very big deal and I am very nervous. I am nervous, not because I have a problem speaking in front of crowds, but because I am an incredibly emotional person.

*Side note- A highly recommended therapist once said to me, "Brittany, you are very emotional and that means you are probably a very good sexual partner". I was 17 years old, had just come from tennis practice, and had never been to a therapist. He also told me I had nice legs. That was my first and last time with him or any other therapist at that...besides our family therapist but that's a story in itself.

Wedding continued- My nervousness for this wedding stems from the fact that not only am I very emotional, but so is my sister, mother, father (most emo of all), aunt, uncle (big tough guy, total basket case), both grandmothers, and all great aunts. Needless to say, I come from a family of emotionally charged people and I've got to get ahold of mine before my big, shining moment! MOH Mission: Find a way to drain the ducts.

Option one: Drink a lot of champagne- Could make me even more emo...too risky.

Option two: Take a Valium- Could make me emo-less...no go on the V.

Option three: Fake Laryngitis-9th grade, World History, Doc Holiday...first oral presentation ever. Throw in some popular junior and senior guys and you've got one intimidated young lady. About to vomit, I approached Doc's desk and informed (whispered) to him that I, for some reason, had lost my voice?! CLEARLY he would understand that I was unable to give my oral presentation that day and postpone it until next period. Did he? No. What did he do? He took my report from my hand and, as I was sure going to rip it up, went over to the podium and read my entire 6 page report to the class. That afternoon Doc Holiday gave me a whole new confidence that I took and still run with. Lesson Learned: If you believe you can get away with something, chances are you will. However, can not pull this at my sister's wedding. Ironically, one of the guys I was so nervous to speak in front of will be in the audience. Full circle, people.

Everyone keeps telling me that if I recite my speech over and over again that the speech will just become words and the tears will stop, but every single time I say it in my head I start to cry....every...single...time. In my car, in cabs, on planes, in the mirror, in the bath, in the kitchen, in my bed...everywhere. I wrote my speech on my flight to Paris (Yes that felt glamorous to say) and I was literally sobbing (actual noises) while typing it out. I am ninety three percent positive the woman next to me thought that I was writing my fiances' eulogy (no, I am not engaged, but it was that intense).

Final Decision: Going eau natural. No booze, no pills, no faux illness. Natural is better and even if it takes me a box of tissues and some pride (ugly crier). Cheers!

Rapunzel's Room

If you know me, you know that I love my things. I love to be surrounded by my books, pictures, candles...all of it. Since I travel so much, any time spent at home is absolutely precious and I spend lots of it in my cozy bedroom. It's on the fourth floor of a very old building that used to be a schoolhouse in the 1800's. I have a little corner room which is, by far, the coziest room I have ever lived in and I am absolutely in love with it. Upon my arrival next week I have a project that I am so very excited to get started on...a beautiful vanity. A place where I can display my jewelry, perfume, makeup, and also get ready for evenings out on the town. I am thinking all things antique...table, seat, mirror, and lamp. As usual, my inspiration for the room is Anthropology...the soft femininity of shabby chic decor is just so romantic, soft, and inviting. Come, Tuesday I will be perusing Antique Row, Cherokee Street in Saint Louis, and am beyond excited to search for the perfect pieces to put together this special addition to Rapunzel's Room.

An Eye On the Sky

And, I'm back. Forgive me for my absence, I got a little wrapped up in a world I often visit and occasionally forget to leave....but I'm officially grounded and it feels nice. A quick peek into my little world these past few months...

Home- I survived my 68 day tour of the island of Curacao. The following I will never again take for granted: My bed, Starbucks, family happy hour, cloudy days, having a kitchen, my car, Target, trees (non palm), fall/winter clothing, and soup...big pots of soup (especially making it).

Paris- I could never insult my trip by simply including it in an entry, Paris deserves its very own...more to come on the trip of love.

San Francisco- This magical place has not left my heart nor my mind since last October. I fell in love, left, and will be making my way back. I mean, a city where a girl (or a boy) can wear leggings, boots and scarves almost all year?! Heaven! I envision a charming, shabby chic, cozy apartment (I've looked on Craigslist, realistically I would be in a rat den), market Saturday's prancing around town, picking up groceries, and taking pictures with my serious, photography girl camera that I will get this year for Christmas (*Mom/Dad Nikon d300s*), outdoor concerts, and wine country Sundays! Ugh...die, die, die at the thought of it and will be reborn when life in SF is no longer a dream, but my very own Anthropology-esque reality!

St. Lucia-Call me Caribbean Queen, because I am back! Four weeks here and nine in Curacao mean this little lady has spent THIRTEEN weeks on the beach JUST this year. If I don't see the Sun, sand, or a strawberry daiquiri for the the next twenty, you will not hear a complaint from me! (I will be home on Sunday, I will be home on Sunday, I will be home on Sunday)

Wedding- My big sister is getting married on October 1st. This is a huge deal because:

1. She is my only sister.
2. I am the MOH (Maid of Honor, daaaaa...I googled it about a year ago)
3. This is probably the one and only time I will be an MOH (Little bit bratty/Little bit flakey)
4. I have not been in a wedding since my big debut as a flower girl at the age of five. I was stunning.
5. Speech. Speech. Speech. This has been on my mind since the age of thirteen when I was informed that all MOH's give a speech.

Just to emphasize, this wedding is a very big deal (in my world). I will keep you posted.

Lastly...

Fall. Is. Coming.

Lavender Dreams

I'm rarely home. I don't mean that figuratively, in the past year I have spent over 240 evenings in hotel rooms and while they were all very nice, they never quite captured the comfortable feeling of home. I quickly figured out that it's up to me to create my own unique living space out of each hotel room I visit.

Here are some of the things that I never leave home without...

1. Ugg slippers- It doesn't matter if it's the Ritz Carlton, my tootsies touch the hotel room floor as often as my tongue does.

2. Lavender candles- They smell sensational and soften the room, creating a calm and cozy oasis which is so often needed while working long days on the road.

3. Eye blinders- I've been an advocate since the age of 12 and have gone through the cute (Limited Too), the high tech (Sharper Image), the sexy (Victoria's Secret), the sassy (Aria Spa...RIP my absolute favorites...left them on a plane), and am now back to using my old, ugly yet comfortable and reliable blinders (Walgreens roughly 8 years ago) but I won't be needing them much longer because I am thrilled to share that I have found a website that has replicas of the eye blinders in the picture above (Holly Golightly -Breakfast at Tiffany's) and I am currently on the wait list to get some (eek!) pretty blinders= better beauty rest and sweet dreams!!

4. Framed pictures-Everyone has pictures in their bedroom, so why wouldn't I have them in my hotel room? Being on the road can have it's lonely moments and seeing the faces of those I love reminds me of who I have to get home to! (I upload and have printed at Walgreens/Purchase clear, plastic frames from Walmart for only $1.00) **Programs over two weeks**

5. Wine opener-A glass of wine while soaking in a bathtub full of hot water and bubbles is the only way I can unwind both mentally and physically after a 17 hour work day...I finally learned to pack one after wasting money and precious "me" time on transportation to the closest gas stations/grocery stores/Walgreens.

6. HB (Head Blanket)- I have this cream, fuzzy blanket that I sleep with every single night. It's an amazing fluff of love that I start out snuggling in between my cheek and the pillow, but end up literally wrapping my entire head/face with it while asleep. ***ONLY USED WHEN SLEEPING ALONE*** ( Same as when you wear your not so sexy, beyond comfortable, super worn in jams....always...alone).

7. Personal computer- I always travel with both my work and personal laptop. It's a total drag lugging around two computers through airports constantly, but well worth it. For me, my computer is an extension of my life....it houses all of my pictures, my web cam, and most importantly, my music.

8. Nail set/Polish-A gel mani lasts me three weeks at the most and resort spa mani/pedis can be super pricey (Not worthy while my social life is on pause) so while on long programs I do my own nails. You learn, trust me.

It's currently 10:49 PM on the island of Curacao and as I write this I am laying in bed on my 64th night in this hotel room. I'm listening to Adele and about to blow out the lavender candle on the bedside table that has been lit for well over three hours. Before I do, I'll glance once more at the picture beside it (My family on the night of my sister's engagement), I'll then grab my HB and hope to drift off to a very sweet place I've been missing, a place I call home...sweet dreams!

April Showers Bring Sassy Outfits

Most people despise the rain. I on the other hand, LOVE it. To me, there is nothing cozier than looking out the window and seeing dark, ominous clouds lurking overhead. I then pray to the rain gods to open the sky and let it pour. Besides feeling cozy when the weather is dark and dreary there is one other reason I have a love for spring showers...and fall showers...and summer showers...and winter snow, okay so any precipitation...I love it because I get to bring out my beloved Hunters!

Whether I am headed to an art fair, a festival, market, or a concert, I use any excuse to wear my boots (Just to clarify when I actually have plans I prefer the downpour to take place while I am getting ready so that when I leave the house it's not raining, but just wet enough to justify the fact that I am wearing rain boots). I always pair the rugged boots with a feminine item such as a floral print dress or a flowy peasant top. As much as I love all things pretty, I am not an overly girly dresser. You can find me in a lace dress with ballet flats never, but always with something much grittier such as distressed cowboy boots or Frye motorcylce boots. Also good to know... Hunters can be paired with almost anything (No floor length dresses please). I have worn them with leggings and a long sleeve flannel shirt in the winter, tiny denim shorts, a white tee, and a Cardinals hat at a baseball game, a super short lace dress to the Napa/Sonoma Food and Wine Festival and many other ways...they are my go-to boots that look cute with absolutely everything. So bring on the April showers! You can find me prancing around town in my wellies, jumping in a puddle or two along the way.

***If this happens to be a dry spring and you are longing to wear the boots just say, "Thank GOD the weather turned out nice! So happy it didn't rain after all." It works every time, I swear.***

A Dose of Sass...

Just like you shouldn't wait for an occasion to open a bottle of champagne, you shouldn't wait for a run in with some money or a rich man to pamper yourself and your surroundings. Every lady deserves a little luxury and this bathroom, while simple, becomes a sassy sanctuary once adorned with a chic chandelier.

So Long Simple Life!

Week nine on the island is approaching and here is a list of the things for which my heart aches the very most...

1. My family and friends-Die, die, DIE at the thought of an evening perched on a barstool at one of the high tops at Barcelona with the leading ladies in my life gossiping over goat cheese/marinara and sangria...so soon!
2. My boyfriend-Can not wait to see mon amour.
3. Red wine- Vodka and water goes better with the warm island temps...I am very much looking forward to a glass (bottle) of cab upon arrival.
4. My bedroom-My books, pictures, purses, candles, jewelry, and of course my dreamy bed... Oh how I miss Rapunzel's room.
5. My nail salon-Love getting mani/pedis with a girlfriend...otherwise my impatience gets the best of me. Need to look into BYOB (Bring your own bubbly) salons in my area. This two month girlfriend catch up will call for much more than a cold Diet Coke.
6. Starbucks-Grande skinny vanilla latte, extra hot please... Starbucks will be the second thing I do once I arrive in Miami (Turning on my phone will be first...more than likely upon descent).
7. My esthetician Judith-No one else comes near me with wax. Her work is magic and we have a much needed date two days after my arrival, although I am actually starting to get the 80's supermodel bushy brow look that was in a few falls ago...damn.
8. My beloved Chloe perfume-I save it for sexy dates with my beau.
9. My fall/winter wardrobe-After wearing sassy summer dresses and sandals for eight weeks, I am over summer clothes. Is it fall yet? I need another London summer packed with cool days and gray skies...true love.
10. High heels-If I had brought a pair, I would be walking around my room in them daily. The Ann Taylor kitten heels, which I packed for work, just don't give me the same satisfaction as a pair of 6 inch pumps.
11. My Phone-How I have gone 18 weeks sans my cell phone in just 9 months is beyond me.
12. Cooking-One of the things I enjoy the most when I have the luxury of being in a real kitchen (Not often). I can not wait to pour a glass of red, turn on some Ray (LaMontagne), and get lost in my thoughts while preparing a scrumptious meal...heaven.

Soooooo I am officially 58 days in with only 10 to go....I dream nightly of putting on a LBD paired with black opaque tights, black patent leather pumps, and accessories galore. I can't wait to actually style my hair and apply makeup...dark eyes and nude, glossy lips oh my! And for once in my life I am looking forward to spending a lengthy amount of time getting ready for an evening out on the town! This girl has had more than her fill of beach babe au naturel and is ready for some beyond generous, overly girly glamour!

Island Bird

A little over two months ago I found out my next trip was going to be a long one... really long... long as in nine weeks on the Caribbean island of Curacao which is just off the Venezuelan coast. To say I cried is an understatement and here is why...


1. I don't like the Sun (It makes me hot)
2. I don't like the sand (It makes me dirty)
3. I don't like to lay out (I get bored)

What on EARTH was I supposed to do on an island for NINE weeks?! Seven weeks in London was a long time and at least London offers museums, markets, theatre, and shopping! This is a girl who prefers city streets to beaches, clouds to sun, cool air to warm, dresses and heels to coverups and sandals, dirty martinis to pina coladas, cute sassy clutches to big beach bags, oh my gosh... how would I survive?!

So basically that's what was running through my head an entire month before I made my way south. If I did not change my way of thinking, this trip was going to be the end of me and possibly my beautiful career as a world traveler! I knew something had to change and unfortunately it was not going to be the Sun and sand, it had to be me.

I decided to ask friends and family for some suggestions on ways I could spend my time on the island and here is what they came up with...

1. Work out-Done and done. After not working out for years I have finally gotten back into it. While sexy R&B blasts in my ears I imagine myself looking tight and toned in sexy lingerie (Don't judge until you have tried it and for those of you who can not get motivated by listening to Celine Dion like my mother, try some R. Kelly...trust)
2. Collect Seashells-Tried gathering some shells the first day I was here and fell...got angry...went to my room. Maybe another time on a more shell collecting friendly beach.
3. Read-Got a Kindle for convenience while traveling...I love my Kate Spade Kindle case a little bit more than the Kindle itself...it's true.
4. Sell Treasure Maps-I should find all the hidden (And non hidden) beach bars on the island, make a beach bar pub crawl, design it to look like a super old treasure map (Beach bars are definitely treasures), and sell them to all the tourists...best idea ever!!
5. Learn to speak the native language-The native language is Papiamentu and Danki Dushi (Love it!), which means "Thank you sweetheart", is as much as I plan on taking back to the US with me.
6. Learn to knit and play bridge-My sister suggested this and I don't know whether I am more disappointed in her or personally insulted.

So I've been here a little over a month now and I must say...I'm reeeeally warming up to island life. I've gotten myself into a routine of working out, reading...a lot, swimming and snorkling, I went cliff jumping (Huge!), and even sip on the occasional banana daiquiri (Yums!). With my sun kissed look, there is no need for makeup. I still wear dresses, but have swapped the heels for cowboy boots and I watch the sunset almost every evening from my beyond beautiful balcony. This city loving lady has met the island girl within and is soaking up every minute of this beach bum life and a little sun along the way!