Today I am grateful for postal workers who let a computer error be enough to release me from my duty to pay 69 euros in custom charges on this sweet gift from the sweetest family. Happy birthday me:)
Day 2
Today I used my French visa to get free museum access to the Louvre! I lose this privilege at the age of 26 so it's going to be a busy weekend of museum hopping with my birthday quickly approaching. Happy to be 25 for the time being.
Day 3
Today I rejoice in the day the Lord has made! I am thankful for sweet and adventurous friends who I adore. For the return of sunny spring days. And for wheels that allow us to escape the city for the green outdoors.
Day 4
This morning I got to move in ways that left me feeling energized and healthy! I am so happy to have found yoga in Paris.
Day 5
Today CeCe and I took a field trip to Jardin des Plantes. On a sunny spring day in May this place feels like heaven on earth. Wonderful nature, great museums around the garden, animal merry-go-round, and the zoo kept us at the peak of happiness all along.
Day 6
Today we celebrate life with chocolate cake! CeCe approached this baking activity without reservation and turned out a scrumptious desert.
Day 7
Today I am grateful for amazing displays of human creativity that speak to the incredibly artistic works of the God who created us. It was a treat to play with this quirky team.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
Day 8
Today I am stoked to have Tim along for this nanny's morning shenanigans around Sacre-Coeur with CeCe.
Day 9
Today Tim and I drove off the ferry at the Port of Dover ready for a London adventure. Oh, am I happy to be able to communicate with strangers once again!
Day 10
Today I am happy to be a tourist in one of the World's most magnificent cities. We started the day off with a performance at the National Theatre then left the South Bank to discover all the iconic buildings pictured above and then some.
Day 11
Today I am grateful for lucky accidents. In route to the National Gallery we stepped into the audience of a free concert by the London Symphony Orchestra at Trafalgar Square.
Day 12
Sunsets make for the perfect end to any day on the ocean. Here's a peak at the sunset in Brighton, England. This day trip was made possible by Tim's openness to drive in the UK (on the "wrong" side of the road). He's a good man!
Day 13
From visiting Dover Castle, a medieval castle founded in the 12th century, to crossing the English Channel on the Eurotunnel. Oh, how times have changed! All I can say is I'm happy to be a living in the 21st century. It took a mere 25 minutes to cross the channel. What?!
Day 14
The return of sunny warm weather made for a splendid day of sightseeing. This included climbing 704 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. I am happy to be doing all the tourist things after all.
Day 15
Today we celebrated the best of Parisian patisseries with iconic deserts and tea at the famous luxury tea room, Laduree. Nom nom nom.
Day 16
Today ended with a picnic and this spectacular view. A night with friends, food, wine, and entrepreneur/opportunists (men interrupting conversation to sell a rose, miniature Eiffel Tower souvenir, or cheap champagne) at the Eiffel Tower made for a memorable time.
Day 17
Today I am grateful for the Paris Charms and Secrets bike tour that had us zipping around Paris on electric bikes with Oliver, a historian and incredible story teller, as our guide. My love for this city just grew a little deeper!
Day 18
Today I am grateful to have an iPhone with data. Me and my bike would be lost all the time if it weren't for my fine pocket-size guide.
Day 19
Today I am celebrating the discovery of a quiet beautiful park so close to home CeCe and I can walk the whole route bringing along only the most important items, like the pale and shovel. I love finding these hidden treasures!
Day 20
This chocolate is a-mazeballs. I am thoroughly enjoying the many edible luxuries that are celebrated by Parisians, mainly because the quality is top-notch. My bag home is going to be weighted down with many of these little bars of delight, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, comte cheese, and a baguette for Simon Batenhorst. I'm looking forward to sharing!
Day 21
Today I'm grateful for rainy days. CeCe and I headed down to the local music store this morning and plugged into some familiar classics. Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" earned the look of approval pictured above.
Day 22
In Paris, nights out always begin with everyone meeting at a Metro Station. Tonight it was Cardinal Lemoine. On the metro I anxiously awaited hearing this stop pronounced over the loudspeaker as I had given it my best guess (fun game for Paris). In the end it was not "Cardinal Lemon" but I still smile when I see it.
Day 23
Today I am grateful to live in a city that takes a rainy Friday night and delivers the incredible free music that inspires a dance party under the stars.
Day 24
Today I got to celebrate a birthday! Which was done the best I know how with party hats, Ninkasi beer, and Skype time. Happy birthday, Tim!
Day 25
Today I am grateful for lovely friends who nudge me to catch the sunset while standing over the Seine. Even in Paris, it's still about the little things.
Day 26
Today I am happy to have discovered this place, Palais de Tokyo. Stepping into this creative space was quite an experience. I went from blown away to greatly inspired. To give you an idea of what I'm referring to, the exhibit pictured is made mainly of packing tape, old tires, styrofoam, paper, and furniture. The packing tape has been tightly wrapped around all the furniture and is used to suspend art randomly throughout. Meanwhile the tires have been stacked and used as dividers throughout the warehouse. And the styrofoam is simply another art medium which is available to anyone who cares to try their skill at sawing it into shape. As we walked through the rooms we came across a movie theater (pictured above) with a library of movies to choose from, a styrofoam workshop, a bar serving one beer on tap, a cafe with tire swings for seats, a performance stage equipped with mics and speakers for anyone and everyone, and multiple bonfires.
Day 27
Today I followed the lead of this sweet girl. She took us to the carousel at Sacre-Couer where this pretty horse was just waiting to be ridden.
Day 28
My balcony was a perfect perch for watching the filming of a movie on the iconic Monmartre stairs. I couldn't peel myself away.
Day 29
I am thankful that so many Frenchmen are in the candy business. Coming out of the Metro I'm met with this incredible variety of gummy candies. Yes, please!
Day 30
I don't know who was more pleased with these unique recumbent bikes, the kiddos or me. The front wheel is even steered with "reigns"! These bikes were available at Parc de Villette for a 5 minute duration and a small rental fee.
Day 31
Another sunny day meant another day at Parc de Villette, but this time for more than just a nice lawn for sprawling out and relaxing. Today they hosted the Villette Street Festival, claimed to be "A 100% Street Culture Event" and inspired by the hip hop movement.
Day 32
Parc de Bagatelle + We Love Green festival + Art, Music, Food, Green + Beautiful friends + LORDE
Day 33
Having a Velib membership on a sunny day is the best! Today I took a joy ride along Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine and back.
Day 34
Potable water sources are a rare find around Paris, so we don't waste a second when luck strikes.
Day 35
Today I soaked up a night of wonderful conversation and laughs with these lovelies. I am so grateful to have people with whom I get to share this amazing adventure with.
Day 36
The arrival of warm weather means dinner party + balcony time + dreaming up summer fun + rocky road cupcakes from scratch
Day 37
Today I am grateful for my neighborhood. Walking roads with unassumingly pretty things around every corner is one of my new favorite things.
Day 38
Buried beneath cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, creme fraiche, and lardons is my Farmer's Market find of the day...a creamy sweet potato. The best part is it's been imported from the US. Ha. I got a little taste of home today :)
Day 39
Today I had the chance to see a friend dance her heart out on this stage. I was left so inspired.
Day 40
Our day was made better with the lucky find of this skeleton key. We were also lucky that it opened no doors on the trek home.
Day 41
A mall in Paris looks something like Galaries Lafayette. Spectacular terrace + lots of pretty things + stain glass dome + free public restrooms (what?!)
Day 42
This salad is bliss. Totally worth 10 minutes of prep and a sore chopping wrist. Mango + peach + fresh lemon juice + garlic clove + stevia + paprika + fresh mint + sea salt + cucumber + carrot + lettuce + red pepper
Day 43
Simply adorbs!
Day 44
This day was made with taco night! Old El Paso provided tonight.
Day 45
After 2 weeks without coffee I am happy to have it back in my life. Sooooo happy.
Day 46
Today I joined friends at Chateau de Versailles for a beautiful hike on the perimeter of this massive estate. It was a perfect day!
Day 47
Happy Father's Day to my daddy-o! He makes me a richly blessed daughter.
Day 48
I am grateful for the song that this drummer brought to playtime on Sacre Coeur today.
Day 49
The World Cup is in full swing and the evidence is everywhere! One is reminded while walking along the Seine, climbing stairs, and (not pictured) the le football fans that overflow from the bar downstairs, No Problemo (ha, "big problemo" I think from bed when trying to get some Zzz s).
Day 50
Today Sigrid and I popped into the Fotoautomat at Palais de Tokyo. Despite not knowing when the pictures were being snapped, the shoot turned out a beautiful keepsake. Cheers to all photobooths everywhere.
Day 51
Back in May I received a very generous surprise pop-up book (personalized) from my talented sister Lydia B. It is Oh So beautiful. And reading it today, I do believe, there's nothing quite like home-made love!
Day 52
I am grateful to walk along-side this cutie pie as she flies down the metro tunnel making everyone break out a smile. Four words: I LOVE MY JOB.
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