Living Euro Style

The 4 Cs. Chic, Cute, Comfy and Casual

2010-09-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

This summer in Los Angeles has been unusually cool. We've had a very mellow summer. My typical summer wardrobe needed some versatility.

One piece that I recently added to my wardrobe is from Anthropologie. The "Craft and Creation" blouse is great for layering with a cute cardi. I initially bought the blouse to wear with jeans out on a weekend get-a-way to Disneyland. We were staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel to finish off our summer and I wanted to be the 4 Cs. What are the 4 Cs? Chic, cute, comfy and casual.

The weather had dramatically cooled down and it was a mere 72 degrees. This blouse/tee turned out to be perfect. I paired it with a soft printed cardi that contrasted the colors in the blouse along with my jeans and sandals. It was a comfortable piece to wear at a theme park all day, yet still added a bit of style in contrast with a plain t-shirt. When the event calls for wearing jeans, you need not return to your Junior High School days when girls wore T-shirts with phrases on them. We're all big girls now, and this is how a woman wears a t-shirt.

Upon returning home I needed another outfit for an evening out to dinner with friends on the following weekend. I then paired the "Craft and Creation" blouse with a grey and white striped skirt that was already in my wardrobe. I found the 4 Cs skirt in the South of France last spring. I adore this skirt. It's easy to wear and lined in cotton. What a gem!

It happened to be that by the following weekend the summer temperatures had returned and it was 98 degrees. The blouse held true to the reason for purchase, the 4 Cs. I ended up loving this outfit. I received many compliments by strangers on the street. What a great purchase!

Adding pieces to my wardrobe that are versatile enough to wear with jeans and skirts is just another day in my European Style Life.

Shabby Chic Clothes Pins by Parlene

2010-09-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Click here to shop

It is a well known fact that most European homes and apartments do not have a clothes dryer. After staying in France for five weeks we found creative methods and places to hang our clothes. Literally, all over the apartment. On the stairs, over chairs, over doors, the bed railings, well you get the idea.

The upside to this experience was that the explosion of clothing in the house challenged my creativity. I began to think that if my unmentionables must be displayed all over the house, why not add some flair?

Decorative clothes pins are the answer! Now, when clothes have to be hung inside the house or apartment, I can enjoy shabby chic decorated clothes pins. Hmmm. Maybe I will look forward to the laundry circus each week after all. But alas, I live in California and I DO have a dryer! C'est magnifique! Even so, I have items that I never put into the dryer.

These cute and practical clothes pins actually have multiple uses.

Just to name a few...

Notes

Photos

Closing treat bags (ie. cookies, coffee, bon bon et cafe etc.)

Hanging lingerie

Seating Card Holders

Party Favors

Save the Date cards

Bridal gifts

File organization

Office Decoration

Hanging my lingerie with shabby chic clothes pins is just another day in my European Style Life.

Click here to view decorative clothes pins.

Aloha Hawaii

2010-04-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

I thought that I was doomed to spend the entire summer in Los Angeles after being laid-off from my job. I was certain that the only vacation we would be taking this summer would be a day at the beach. As things have turned out, we are going to Hawaii in June. I am absolutely thrilled to be going anywhere this year. With a little tax refund, one free ticket using our airline miles and a great Hawaii offer that popped up we couldn't resist.

While I normally write about how I am completely enamored with Europe, I am really getting into the Hawaiian mood. This will be our first trip to Hawaii. I have been reading books about Hawaii and listening to Hawaiian music to put me in the right frame of mind. I am ready to sit on the beach and drink a Mai Tai with a flower in my hair. Ah, I can hear the music and feel the ocean breeze.

We will be visiting Honolulu and Kauai. From all the research that I've done Hawaii looks gorgeous! I can't wait to experience the Hawaiian culture and cuisine. Hawaii is calling me...

Navy Blue Zooey Deschanel Inspired Cotton Dress (Size 10, 12, 14 Euro size 38, 40, 42) FREE SHIPPING

2010-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

We all know that there are two things that Zooey Deschanel loves. The color blue and cotton. (Besides "her long dark hair and how easily she could cut it off and feel nothing.") You've seen her commercials for cotton, they are adorable.

This lovely little cotton a-line frock is navy blue with plenty of details. The first are the lovely buttons in the front with faux pockets. The buttons make a second appearance at the back of the dress for added detail and dimension to the dress that accent the waist line. Wear this frock to work with a little cardigan, go strapless on a night out, or wear the straps up. This dress is made of a thick sturdy cotton. There are many choices for you to dress up or dress down this perfect little navy dress. Not to mention you can wear it with tights and boots in the winter. Please email parleneparis@sbcglobal.net with any questions.

* New
* A-line
* invisible side zipper
* structured dress
* detailed buttons in the front and the back
* front and back pleats
* US size 10, 12,14

* Euro size 38, 40, 42
* wear it as a strapless dress or with straps
* 99% cotton* 1% spandex

Dress only. Other pictured items are for visual purposes only.
Merci.

Anthropologie Allihop Ruffle Cotton Women's Jacket Size Large Free US Shipping by Parlene on Etsy

2010-03-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

I love this jacket because it is a neutral color with so many possibilities. With femininity in each thoughtful detail this jacket has a little ruffled puff sleeve and a ruffle at the waist. Detail buttons at the back waist flatter the narrowest part of your body. So feminine and sweet with a delicate collar. Imagine this sweet jacket with jeans, dresses and skirts. You can wear the most casual top and then add comfortable sophistication with this jacket. It is cotton so it moves with you. Say goodbye to restrictive jackets. Cotton and light just in time for spring and cool summer nights.

* Like New
* Store: Anthropologie
* Label: Allihop* Retail $118
* Size Large
* Ruffles

* Button front
* Underarm to underarm 21.5 inches

* Shoulder to hem 22 inches
* 3/4 inch sleeves
* 100% cotton

Jacket only. Other pictured items are for visual purposes only.
Merci.

Ralph Lauren Blue Cannes Dress US Size 12 Euro Size 40 Free US Shipping

2010-03-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

This lovely frock by Ralph Lauren is definitely an eye catcher. To start, the shade of blue is magnificent. The v-neck in the front and the dramatic " v " in the back give this dress a little more than everyday sophistication. You could also wear it with a cami underneath if you choose. A lovely tie cinches the waist and adds a bit of flare to the dress. The necklace is also available for sale at the time of the listing for $30. Please email me if you are interested in the necklace. parleneparis@sbcglobal.net

* New
* Brand: Ralph Lauren * Retail $134 (tags attached)
* Pull over styling
* US size 12; Euro size 40
* bust 20 inches
* waist to waist 17 inches
* waist to hem 31 inches long
* hips free
* 95% polyester
* 5% spandex
Dress only. Other pictured items are for visionary purposes only. Merci.

Stepping Out Grey Wool Dress Size 8 Euro Size 36 Free US Shipping

2010-03-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

This lovely frock is the creme de la creme of dresses. First, it is completely lined in soft pink. "You had me at hello". I love cute lining. Next, the dress has side pockets, also lined in pink. It just gets better with beautiful detail buttons in the front (extra buttons attached). A soft little sash adds some sass to the grey dress. Not to be forgotten are the adorable pleats in the front. Pair this frock with any cardigan sweater or cute little blouse underneath. It's perfect for work and for play

* New
* Brand: Rosasen
* Retail $128
* side pockets
* fully lined in soft pink
* Detail buttons (extra buttons attached)
* US size 8; Euro size 36
* bust 18.5 inches
* waist to waist 16 inches
* shoulder to hem 37 inches long
* hips 22 inches
* measured flat
* 65% wool
* 35% viscose
Dress only. Other pictured items are for visual purposes only.
Merci.

Garden Flower Yellow and Green Dress US size 16, Euro size 44 US FREE Shipping by Parlene

2010-03-27T17:45:00.000-07:00

This retro styled frock is perfect for any spring or summertime event. And even if you don't have an event to attend, it is just perfect for riding your bicycle, strolling, farmer's markets and all your other favorite summer time activities.You can dress it up with pearls and wear it to a wedding or wear with with sandals and wear it to brunch. This dress will definitely be a head turner. So vibrant and so chic.
* Like New
* Store: Macy's
* Retail $118
* invisible back zipper
* pleated waist detail
* US size 16; Euro size 44
* bust 22 inches
* waist to waist 18.5 inches
* waist to hem 29 inches long
* hips free (full skirt)
* fully lined
* 100% cotton
* measured flat
Dress only. Other pictured items are for visual purposes only.
Merci.

E C I Black and Pink Silk Vintage Styled Dress and Cardigan 2 piece Size 14, Euro Size 42 FREE US Shipping by Parlene

2010-03-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

This beautiful 2 piece vintage styled garment is the perfect dress for attending weddings in the spring and summer or going out for tea or anything else during the season. So sweet with all the feminine touches you could ask for. First, the dress is a soft pink with little black polka dots. The dress is enhanced with a black sash. The coordinating cardigan sweater has a little pink crystal beading on the trim of the sweater. The collar, sleeves and body of the cardigan sparkle with sheer delight and beauty. 2 pieces, one great price.

DRESS:
* Slightly used
* Store: Macy's
* Brand - E C I
* Retail $128.00
* invisible side zipper (minimal fray, see photo)
* fully lined
* US size 14; Euro size 42
* shoulder to hem 42 inches
* underarm to underarm 22 inches
* waist to waist 18 inches
* measured flat
* hips 27 inches flared skirt
* 100% silk

CARDIGAN SWEATER:
* Mint Condition
* Store: Macy's
* Brand - E C I
* Part of 2 piece set
* bead work on matching cardigan
* US size 14; Euro size 42
* shoulder to hem 23 inches
* underarm to underarm 22 inches
* measured flat
* 75% silk
* 22% nylon
* 3% spandex

Dress only. Other pictured items are for visual purposes only.
Merci.

free shipping

Anthropologie Fei Purple Floral Silk Tunic Blouse US Size 14 Euro Size 42 FREE US Shipping $35.00 by Parlene

2010-03-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Just looking at this silk blouse you know it is something special. It has a unique mixture of patterns more commonly seen in European garments. Every shade of spring and summer is in this blouse. Beautiful hues of pink, purple, green and orange make this blouse stand out from the crowd. Pair this with capris, shorts or jeans so cute and stylish.
* Like new
* Store: Anthropologie
* Label: Fei
* Retail $118
* Pleated detail in the front* Pull over styling
* Sleeve with slight puff
* Purple accent buttons
* US Size 14 Euro Size 42* Underarm to underarm 21 inches
* Shoulder to hem 28.5 inches
* Waist 16 inches (elastic detail stretches past 16 inches)* 100% silk
* measured flat
* Free US shipping
Blouse only. Other pictured items are for visual purposes only.
Merci.

Anthropologie, the Cure for the Common Cold?

2010-03-16T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have been sick for the past 5 days. I am fed up with staying at home especially during this beautiful weather we are having in Southern California. It is 80 degrees and sunny outside. So beautiful. I went to the doctor yesterday and found out I have a sinus infection. So now I have my antibiotics and I am hoping to be better in a few days.

After leaving the doctor's office yesterday I could not bear the idea of returning back home. I decided to make a "quick stop" at Anthropologie. The store called me last Friday to let me know that a blouse that I had inquired about had come in and they were holding it for me. I asked them to hold the blouse until Monday because I was very sick and could not leave the house. They kindly agreed.

So on my way I went to Anthro as I like to call it among friends. Never mind the fact that I had no make-up on and had thrown on a pair of jeans (with an Anthro blouse of course) and a news boy cap to hide the fact that I had not fixed my hair. Normally, I go into Anthro only looking my best. But I thought, "I'll just run in and buy the blouse on hold and run out". I was hoping to go unnoticed....and then it happened, just as it always does.

I spotted the cutest little skirt that I had my eye on while browsing online. So I picked up the skirt and walked around the store a bit more. Then I was noticed by the Anthro girls who know me preposterously too well. "What a cute skirt" she remarked. I agreed with her and then went right into apologizing for my appearance and explained that I only looked this way because I was sick. I received kind remarks of sympathy and was offered a dressing room to be started.

The next thing that happened is all together nonsensical and splendid. My ever so helpful Anthro girl started to show me new things that had just arrived. She showed me skirts and blouses and told me that she was in "outfit making mode" today. In between all of this browsing around the store I was sneezing, blowing my nose and trying to manage holding items in my hand at the same time while using my "Shazam" feature on my iphone. Because, as you know, Anthro plays great music. Thanks to "Shazam" I can detect the name, artist, album title etc. and it stores it on my indispensable iphone.

So there I went into the dressing room to try on multiple outfits. I had to remind myself to look past the fact that I had not a drip of make-up on and just focus on the look of the clothes. To my surprise the blouse that I entered the store for was "not handsome enough to tempt me" as Mr. Darcy would say. During this time I was brought more clothes by my Anthro helper. I don't recall how many items were in my dressing room at that point, but the clothes were overflowing. I moved onto the other outfits. Voila! A match was made.

I left the store feeling rather rejuvenated. I have not had this much energy in 5 days! I was thrilled at the idea that I would be wearing my new outfit soon on a sunny clear day. I dreamed that this weekend the weather would be just as lovely as today and I would wear my new skirt while riding our Vespa with my husband. I imagined the handbag and shoes that I would pair with the outfit. I visualized myself feeling vigorous (sans my sinus infection) and wearing make-up again! And this has led me to a scientific conclusion. Anthropologie CAN cure a cold!!! Thank you Anthro girls! Or, maybe it is my antibiotics? Nah, it's Anthro shopping, it cures everything.

Finding a fabulous outfit on an unexpected day is just another day in my European Style Life.

Vintage and Retro - ModCloth.com

2010-02-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

I can think of several occasions when I have been watching a movie such as "The Notebook" or "500 Days of Summer" and being in love with the wardrobe. I would see all the pretty dresses that had such style and flare and think to myself "I'll never own of those". Where do you even begin to try to find such clothes?

Yes, you can make it your life's mission to rummage through thrift shops and garage sales or hope one day grandma will remember a treasure trunk in the attic full of her old classic dresses. But realistically, it takes a lot of work and time to find retro clothes. And when you do find them, is it the right size? Blah.

Worry no more. I have stumbled onto a website where all they sell is retro style and true vintage clothing and accessories! My heart skipped a beat when I found this site as I was playing around on Polyvore.com

The website is called Mod Cloth. There were so many beautiful things to choose from. Adorable little dresses, handbags and of course HATS! It was love at first site. I spent hours navigating the web site. Clicking here, looking there. And to my delight there was a wide variety of sizes available.

The first thing I ordered was a Vespa bag. I had purchased my first one in Paris and paid a pretty little European penny for it too. The Vespa bags are made in Italy and I thought it would be near impossible to find another one outside of Europe. To my surprise, I located one on ModCloth.com.

With so many things items to choose from it is hours of fun and temptation. Enjoy!

Coffee Bliss with Nespresso Citiz + Milk Review

2010-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

The Nespresso Citiz + Milk is an automatic and programmable single cup machine. It has dedicated space for coffee preparation and an integrated milk frothing device to prepare cappuccinos and lattes. The Nespresso maker is made in Italy and assembled in Switzerland. Sold! Well, that's all I need to know! I purchased my Nespresso maker 4 weeks ago through Bloomingdales.com and since then I have not purchased one cup of coffee outside the home. Not to say that I never will again, but that is how satisfied I am with my Nespresso maker. Satisfied is probably not a good descriptive word, it is more like coffee bliss.

For all the yearning I have for Europe, this is one thing that soothes the pain of being at home. Those cold rainy days when I dream of sitting at a cafe in Paris, I can appease myself by sipping on my delectable coffee right in my living room.

I also enjoy serving my fancy coffee and espresso to my dinner guests as well as my overnight guests. With nice presentation the coffee creates a feeling of warmth and indulgence. I delight in watching my guests take their first sip always with a look of disbelief. Particularly guests who have been to Europe are surprised with how similar the taste mimics their favorite cafe in their preferred European city.

Enjoying an intense cup of coffee, espresso or a latte at home is just another day in my European Style Life.

Some of my favorite coffee flavors are:

Chestnut Cream (seasonal)

The unique aromas of chestnut cream coat the mellow flavour of the Livanto Grand Cru. A delicate marriage, infused with the flavours of autumn.

Apricot (seasonal)

The juiciness and sweetness of sun-ripened apricots, give a fresh and silky flavour to the Livanto Grand Cru. A sensory marriage that brings a sunny touch to the heart of winter.

Arpeggio

Arpeggio receives its distinctive character and full body from a blend of Central and South American Arabicas. The long roasting develops each origin to produce an intense bouquet, combining roasted, woody, and cocoa notes.

Roma

A subtle balance between strength, depth and finesse, Roma is distinguished by its woody and roasted notes. Central and South American Arabicas combined with Robusta are lightly roasted to preserve the delicate aroma of the blend. Roma is the ideal coffee for those looking for an espresso that is short, but mild.

Cosi

A blend of East African, Central and South American Arabicas, lightly roasted to preserve the fragile citrus note, creates the personality of Cosi. Its light body helps reveal a refreshing lemony note.

Decaffeinato Intenso

Decaffeinato Intenso is a strong espresso with a dense body and subtle notes of cocoa and toasted cereals. The marriage of South American Arabicas with a touch of Robusta undergoes a short, intense roast, which intensifies the flavours, and highlights the strength of the blend.

Vivalto Lungo

A complex yet balanced marriage between South American Arabicas cultivated at high altitude, such as “Cerrado” from Brazil, and an East African Arabica. Vivalto Lungo combines roasted and subtle floral notes. Split roasting of the beans enhances the character of each origin.

Finezzo Lungo

This light and thirst-quenching Lungo expresses a floral bouquet of jasmine, orange blossom and bergamot. A lightly roasted blend of floral East African Arabicas and aromatic Arabicas from South and Central America, Finezzo Lungo is lifted by a touch of acidity.

Dutch Cuisine - Zuurkool Stampot Recipe

2010-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we visited some friends who recently moved to Las Vegas. The husband is Dutch and his wife is American. Experiencing hospitality in a European household is quite different from any other experience. We were treated to many tasty meals, baked goods and of course, spectacular wine.

One dish that stood out in our mind was Zuurkool Stampot, a traditional winter Dutch meal. Our taste buds sang with joy as we tried this dish for the first time. We simply could not return home without the recipe.

After being home for one day I had to give it a try. We enjoyed eating Zuurkool Stampot in our own cozy home on a rainy winter evening. It is funny to think that my first Dutch meal reminds me of my time spent with this lovely couple in Las Vegas. I hope you enjoy this recipe contributed by our dear Dutch friend who as a child used to make this dish with his mother in Holland. He has quite the reputation for being a fast potato peeler!

I am very pleased to be able to say that I know how to cook a Dutch dish. Enjoying a warm European meal on a cold rainy day is just another day in my European Style Life. Bon Appetite!

Zuurkool Stampot

3 Lb potatoes

1 36oz jar of Sauerkraut

1 Lb Bacon

2 packages of Kielbasa Sausage

Boil the potatoes until they are soft enough to mash. Mash the potatoes and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the cooked bacon and the bacon grease left over from cooking along with the Sauerkraut and 2 table spoons of butter. You may add milk into the potatoes if you'd like. Cut the Kielbasa into large pieces and warm in a pan on the stove until brown.

Note: When cooking the bacon remove it from the heat or oven before the bacon becomes crispy.

Serves 4

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff

2009-12-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading the book entitled "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" by Richard Carlson, PH.D. Within the first 10 minutes of the book I had many "ah-ha" moments. This book is now my latest obsession of putting good habits into practice.

As I read the book over a period of 3 weeks I began talking about it constantly. I was astonished to learn that many of my friends had already read the book years ago. To my surprise, I had never heard anyone talk about the book in conversation. Until one day, I called a friend asking her for advice on purchasing a few books as gifts. She immediately suggested this book to me and also suggested that I purchase a copy for myself. I took her suggestion and have not stopped talking about the book since. I find this book so useful that I feel I obliged to pass on it's logical value.

There are multiple chapters in the book that proved to have practical guidance. It would be difficult and too long to list all the chapters that I found helpful, so I will name two to tempt you:

Chapter 89 "If Someone Throws You the Ball, You Don't Have to Catch It".

This is particularly difficult for me because I am someone who really enjoys helping others. I have friends and family who rely on me to help them in various ways and I like to feel needed. However, I am a firm believer that if you take a task or problem on, you do not have the right to complain about it.

This chapter really hit home with practical advice. To quote directly from the book it says "Remembering that you don't have to catch the ball is a very effective way to reduce the stress in your life. Even something terribly simple like answering your phone when you're really too busy to talk is a form of catching the ball. By answering the phone, you are willingly taking part in an interaction that you may not have the time, energy or mind-set for at the present time. By simply not answering the phone, you are taking responsibility for your own peace of mind. The same idea applies to being insulted or criticized. When someone throws an idea or comment in your direction, you can catch it and feel hurt, or you can drop it and go on with your day".

Powerful stuff, right? I can think back on numerous occasions when I really should not have answered my phone but felt obligated to for a variety of reasons. Well, what may have followed after that was requests or demands of my time. It is far more logical to be humble and know your limits. As this book teaches, "life is not an emergency".

Chapter 90 "One More Passing Show".

"Every experience you have ever had is over. Every thought you've ever had, started and finished. Every emotion and mood you've experienced has been replaced by another. You've been happy, sad, jealous, depressed, angry, in love, shamed, proud, and every other conceivable human feeling. Where did they all go? The answer is, no one really knows. All we know is that, eventually, everything disappears into nothingness. Welcoming this truth into your life is the beginning of a liberating adventure."

I especially liked this chapter because it is very easy to focus on emotions when you are a person with feelings of empathy and are sensitive to the feelings of others around you. Yet, everything has a beginning and and end. It is the same thought of "This too shall pass". Once you realize that you aren't destined to suffer from the blues forever, you might be able to sit back and relax when they come. And when you are feeling blissful and carefree, enjoy the moment to the fullest. For it will surely be followed by disappointment or sadness. As the book reminds us, it is just life happening. The quicker you accept all the emotions life has to offer--accomplishments and disappointments--the easier the bad experiences will pass and the good ones will be appreciated.

I also appreciated that this book is made up of 100 short chapters of about 2 pages each. This is great quick reading meaning that you can enjoy the book in small doses. You don't have to read it cover to cover in one week. Take your time, enjoy and let the information sink in. After all, rushing to finish the book would be a contradiction to the title of the book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff". Enjoy!

Paris Apartment in Los Angeles - Bathroom

2009-12-12T19:19:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite styles of decor is Shabby Chic. I am drawn to how it ties together old country with a bit of French elegance and the use of "distressed" items. The soft tones of pastels that are used in Shabby Chic rooms remind me of the days of Versailles when Marie Antoinette herself redecorated her apartments with pastel blues and pinks.

The bathroom is painted "Windwood Spring" (by Behr Premium Plus Paint) with "Shortbread" (from Dunn Edwards) for the trim. I forgot to take "before" pictures of the bathroom, so you will just have to take my word that it is quite an improvement.

We purchased the shower curtain from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Interestingly, Bed, Bath and Beyond has a few choices should you decide to decorate your bathroom with a French theme. I like the shower curtain because it reminds me of something that I would find at my favorite store Anthropologie. At Anthropologie you can find all sorts of cute items to decorate with--that is, if you are not shopping for clothes of course. I further enhanced my bathroom by creating my own French themed ribbon for decorating boxes and hanging pictures.

I was very fortunate when I made a trip to Ross and found the most beautiful Shabby Chic Chandelier wall art. It matches perfect with the bathroom and brought the whole concept together. What are the odds that I would find these pictures with the exact colors that I was looking for? I struck gold!

I am enjoying my new bathroom. It feels very tranquil and fresh. It is soft, pleasant and welcoming. Enjoying my Paris Apartment (sigh, in Los Angeles) is just another day in my European Style Life.

Paris Apartment in Los Angeles - Kitchen

2009-12-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

When we went to Europe earlier this year we spent 3 weeks in the South of France. I had visited the south before, but this time we experienced something truly different. We stayed with friends in Bordeaux and were able to experience the daily life of the people. The friends we stayed with lived in houses and apartments that were gorgeous. Not expensive or over done, but simply lovely.

We fell in love with the decor and culture of the south and so it was easy to decide to bring a little of it into our home here in Los Angeles. Again, we used Dunn Edwards paint. The kitchen is painted "Apricot Glow" with "Whisper" for the cabinets and trim.

I am thrilled that while the Eiffel Tower is not outside my window, I can see the Eiffel Tower each time I am washing the dishes. How is that for fantastic?

From our previous trips to Europe we brought back table linens that work well with our new South of France decor. I love mixing the yellow with the different shades of blue and red. We even found a few wall accents that say "Bordeaux"!

Our dishes -a wedding present- match our new decor. In addition, our Eiffel Tower wine glasses -a 1o year anniversary present- bring our French dream to life.

Being surrounded by hues of yellow, blue and red is just another day in my European Style Life.

My Paris Apartment in Los Angeles - Living Room

2009-12-11T15:57:00.001-08:00

I may not have an apartment in Paris, but that certainly will not stop me from having a Paris Apartment. Having a Paris apartment is a state of mind in my opinion. And I can tell you that I am definitely in a European frame of mind. I recently redecorated my living room, kitchen and bathroom. Now, my little home reflects my European day dreams.

I love the look of my "new" apartment. My "apartment" actually is not an apartment but more of a back house. I took inspiration from a few of my favorite decorating styles and some helpful hints from my sister's apartment. Selecting colors for paint is nearly half the battle. My brother-in-law helped me pick out some colors via telephone and email. Viola! We were ready to get started.

We used paint by Dunn Edwards. The living room is painted "Teracotta Sand" with "Shortbread" for the trim.

It took 2 days with the help of my mother to paint the living room and kitchen. And then I painted the bathroom on my own on another day. It was an exhausting experience. With a few trips to Home Depot, Target, Marshall's, Ross and Bed, Bath and Beyond I am happy I painted and even happier that it is over!

I simply adore my extra large art work of not only the Eiffel Tower, but of the city of Paris. In this picture you can see the Seine and it's beautiful bridges. I can't tell you how many times I am watching TV and end up drifting off and gazing at my beautiful picture of Paris. Maybe this view of Paris is not right outside my window, but it will have to do for now.

We even added 2 clocks to our wall for a total of 3. We keep track of the time in Paris, Los Angeles and Tokyo. At any given moment we are aware of the time of day for the Parisians.

Gazing into the distance at the lights of Paris is just another day in my European Style Life. In Los Angeles that is.

Parlene Loves Paris

2009-11-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

"I love Paris, why, oh why, do I love Pairs?" These are part of the lyrics to the song "I Love Paris" que nous savons bien. As I take time to reflect on my recent trip to Europe back in April of this year, I realize that it was only 6 months ago that I was in my favorite city in the world, Paris.

Many things around me have changed since then and I realized that it was time to bring a little more Frenchiness back into my life. My husband agreed with me and so we picked up this little dream to add to our French decorated home. I may not be able to go to Paris tomorrow, but I can bring Paris to me tonight. We fell in love with this framed photo we found at Ikea. This motif was photographed by Jean-Marc Charles.

With this simple addition to our home we found ourselves staring longingly at the photo on our wall. We remembered when the view was real and within our grasp. In the spring, on our last night in Paris my husband promised to bring me back to France. We cuddled up on a bench and admired the Eiffel Tower from afar and heard the sounds of Paris. We lingered for about an hour and then walked the long way back to our hotel. A perfect night and a perfect end to our 5 weeks in Europe.

Back at home, after my husband hung the photo on the wall I lit a candle and put on a compilation CD of my favorite French songs which I created myself. Sitting in my living room, staring at the Eiffel Tower on my wall is just another day in my European Style Life.

The Not So Boring Basic Skirt

2009-11-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

For several months I have been searching for a grey skirt. I am not sure if it is only because the season has changed, but this year I have been drawn to grey more than usual. And it seems to be that towards the end of summer into autumn and heading into winter I have been wearing a lot of navy blue and grey together. It is a great color pairing. Maybe it is a bit classic, but I like the two colors together.

I had been searching for quite some time for a basic grey skirt. One that can be thrown on at a moments notice with any cardigan and one that could be dressed up with a nice blazer or turtle neck as well. To my delight I found this great skirt at an affordable price of $19.99 on sale at JcPenney. It comes in three colors: black, grey and chocolate herrin.

The skirt has a flattering fit with a surprise pleat-back detailing at the middle bottom in the back. I immediately thought about how cute this would look with boots when I saw the pleating!

I decided to get the skirt in black and grey (if only there was charcoal grey too). And I am considering going back or ordering online the chocolate one too. Adding basic pieces to my wardrobe is just another day in my European Style Life.

Parlene On Etsy

2009-11-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

"What is that girl up to now?" This is a question that I hear many of my friends ask. As one friend put it "She goes from idea to execution in 0.3 seconds". So what is Parlene up to now? Stay tuned for my new shop that I will be opening on Etsy. Where else would it be?

Oh yes, you may be wondering, "What type of shop will it be?" Well for that my dear, you will have to stay tuned. Don't forget to sign up to follow my blog so you can be notified about my new shop updates and be eligible for my free shop give-a-way when my new shop opens.

Parlene On Etsy

Shabby Chic Pillows on Etsy

2009-11-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are familiar with my Etsy shop and who enjoy reading my blog you know that I have a fondness for things with European flavor and all things French. This love led me to Sa-Sea Boutique where you can find cute French themed pillows for your home. I am a fan of the decor Shabby Chic. It has a very soft feel to it and favors European style.

These Chandelier and Paris Hotel pillows are my favorite in the collection. These would look great in a Shabby Chic room and can add much to your theme for a Paris bedroom. FYI, Sa Sea Boutique is offering a buy 2 get one free sale! Shopping handmade items on Etsy is just another day in my European Style Life.

This Week on Etsy...Italia Craft

2009-10-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

It's official, I am a victim of the bad economy. I was laid-off from my job 4 weeks ago. It is still taking me a while to get used to the idea of not working, but I realize I have time to put some ideas into action.

One thing that I have wanted to do for some time is feature Etsy shops that I adore on my blog. And now here we are with my first pick. Of course, it had to be something European. I have selected Italia Craft. What I personally find interesting about Italia Craft is the style and prints of wallets, lap top cases and more. I am sure you will appreciate the unique style as I do.

Italia Craft has been open since December, 2006 and appears to have quite a following. All items are handmade in Italy. If that is not impressive I am not sure what is. Finding good buys is just another day in my European Style Life.

Winner of the European Style Fashion Contest

2009-10-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

It is my pleasure to announce that the winner of the 2009 European Style Fashion Contest is Audrey Young of San Diego, California!

Thank you all for participating in the contest. Above is the fashion collage that Audrey submitted as her take on European fashion. Please check back periodically for further contests.

Rainy Days with Pride and Prejudice

2009-10-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first rain of the season here in Southern California. I had been looking forward to this event for several weeks. I was temporarily satisfied last week when I took a one week trip to the east coast and experienced rain.

Now that autumn has officially started and we are experiencing the season, there is something to be said for sitting in the comfort of your own living room, listening to the rainfall outside and enjoying a cup of tea. I increased my rainy day experience by watching the 2005 version of "Pride and Prejudice". I find it difficult to believe that the movie opened four years ago!

While watching the movie I engaged in other activities such as laundry and checking email. That is really half the fun of watching a movie you know so well. You can get up and do other things and listen to the movie around the house and then scurry back for your favorite scenes.

I like the part where Lydia Bennet has returned home after her patched up marriage to Wickham. I enjoy watching her behave in such a ridiculous fashion. Her sister, Elizabeth Bennet looks at her and her new husband with contempt. As Lydia throws her dishonorable marriage in the face of her unmarried sisters you can not help but be delighted that you know soon Jane and Elizabeth Bennet will marry for love. And it just happens to be that their future husbands Mr. Bingley and Mr.

Darcy are filthy rich. It is amusing to watch Lydia make a fool of herself.

One of my favorite things to

do while watching Jane Austin movies is to match the characters with people I know. It is a fun game to play as you realize that decades may pass, but people and personalities stay the same. Everyone has a Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins in their life. If you are fortunate, you end up with Mr. Darcy. And hopefully you can avoid conversations in the middle of the night with Lady Catherine de Bourg. If not, remember Elizabeth Bennet who respectfully threw her out of her house (another one of my favorite scenes). I admire her when she says: "You have insulted me in every possible way, and can now have nothing further to say. I must ask you to leave immediately." Only a woman with true grace can tell someone off in such style.

It seems that I can watch Jane Austin movies all day when it is raining outside. I believe I will watch "Emma" next. Watching a Jane Austin movie on a cold rainy day is just another day in my European Style Life.

Temple City Fall Festival Street Faire 2009

2009-09-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

This year's Fall Festival in Temple City is promising to be the best ever! As in years past, Branché Boutique has used the Fall Festival to launch new products and this year will be no different.

After much success with the French Market Sale in August, Branché Boutique has been working hard to unveil the winter collection for the Fall Festival.

Please see the location below. For questions or details, please post a comment and I will respond. We hope to see you there!

FALL FESTIVAL

Branché Boutique

Saturday, October 17, 2009

10:00am to 4:00pm

9701 East Las Tunas Drive

Temple City, California 91780

(Near Pasadena and Arcadia)

The Return of the Parisians, "Le rentree"

2009-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

King Louis XVI once declared "Is it a revolt"? No! It is "Le rentree"! Everyone knows that Europeans and specifically Parisians go on holiday for several weeks if not the entire summer. When the Parisians return from their holiday in September there is a new bustle in the air. With the enthusiasm of children returning to school and the reopening of open air markets, the gusto of Parisian life fills the air.

The return or “Le rentree” adds much to the general excitement of the life in Paris. It is an opportunity to have a fresh start and enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of everyday life as the Parisians know it . Click on the link and indulge your senses as you take pleasure in the sounds of Paris during “Le rentree”. The article is hosted by Eleanor Beardsley and entitled “France Marks Return From Vacation In 'Rentree'”. Vous êtes juilletistes ou aoûtien?

European Style Fashion Contest

2009-09-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

It is here! The first ever Living Euro Style Fashion Contest. It’s just like paper dolls except that you can dress yourself, your friends and share your sense of European style. In your favorite fashion magazine there are always great pages filled with dresses, skirts, belts, bags, shoes, etc. and they all look so beautiful put together like a work of art. Now you can create your own! The website for creating the montage is Polyvore.com. It is incredibly addicting as you search for the perfect skirt to go with the perfect hat and ultra trendy bag! Oh yes, don't forget the scarf! Have fun and be creative.

Creating a montage takes from 15-20 minutes. Please see the rules below and start shopping and pasting! The deadline for submission is October 15, 2009. Please send an email with any questions. You may view my fashion montage on my homepage under “How To Dress Like A European Woman”. Americans learning to dress like Europeans is just another day in my European Style Life.

Contest Rules:
1. Winner will be chosen at the discretion of the author of this website on the merits of the most unique, stylish and European inspired.
2. Participant agrees to have fashion montage posted on my website and to be used any way deemed appropriate.
3. Entries will be received from September 9, 2009 to October 15, 2009. Entry submissions must be submitted by email to parleneparis@sbcglobal.net and must include full name, mailing address and email address.
4. Entries should include at least one listing from my personal website, Branché Boutique by Parlene. It need not be a wearable item. This may require uploading photos. (Click on the link for instructions.) If you have a difficult time uploading photos, you may submit an entry without using an item from my Etsy site. It's all in good fun!
5. Entries must be created using Polyvore format.
6. One Starbucks gift card valued at $20 will be awarded to the winner within 2 weeks of the announced winner. The winner will be notified by email. The prize will be mailed via USPS. Participant may not request a monetary value of the prize. The monetary value of the prize is less than one cent.

The Bank Dance and 500 Days of Summer

2009-09-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Still can't get enough of 500 Days of Summer and those swanky frocks? Well, neither can I! I am as hooked on this movie and soundtrack as I was when I saw Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst. Ah, but I bet you didn't know there was a "Bank Dance". Well, only us who are down with 80's music and skinny ties know about this one...Enjoy. Simply click the play button.

The Bank Dance from "500 Days of Summer"

Retro Chic and The Perfect Dress

2009-09-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

It happens every once in a long while, you buy a dress that you absolutely fall in love with. This is no everyday occurrence. In fact, it probably is not an annual occurrence either. It usually happens on an unexpected shopping day. It might be a bright sunny day or a perfectly dowdy day.

In my case, it was neither. It was a smokey day in Los Angeles due to all the fires. I decided to pop my head into my favorite shop, Anthropologie and “just look around”. With one deep breath I walked into my happy place. A shop filled with beautiful clothes and who always burns the same scented candle which I have at home.

There it was hanging in all its glory, a beautiful silk dress in my favorite classic color, navy blue. I quickly searched to see if they had carried it in my size. Voila! They had my size. I was promptly asked if I would like a dressing room to be started. Mais bien sur! (Click on the photos to find out where to buy these clothes.)

What attracted me to this dress was that it reminded me of a dress that I once owned when I was 19 years old. It was a silk navy blue dress with little cream flowers that had a little belt around the waist (just as this one does). My new dress is not truly similar in style, but it took me back to the time that I wore my little navy blue dress on my first date with the man who I am married to.

I remember so clearly as if it were last week. I got ready for our first date one night in February 1996 and slipped into my navy silk dress which I had bought on sale at Banana Republic. We went to listen to big band music at a restaurant in Long Beach, California. I am not even sure if the restaurant is still there. As I tried on this pictured dress in the dressing room it took me back to that lovely night; how I felt, how he smelled, and the thrill of holding hands for the first time. And even then, just as he does now, he wore a Pollo shirt with Docker pants. I remember feeling so feminine as he led me to the dance floor in my vintage styled navy dress that I paired with black Mary Janes. What a great night it was.

Trying on the new dress, I stayed in the dressing room for 30 minutes admiring the dress that was soon to be mine. And I thought of the comment my hubby made to me recently after watching the movie “500 Days of Summer”. My hubby told me that her style reminds him of my style and that the clothes she wears in the movie he can picture me wearing. Retro Chic is the name of this fashion style that I adore. It is not easy to find this type of clothing, but when I do, it is one of those days where shopping meets bliss. Finding a dress that is worthy of love is just another day in my European Style Life.

Reaching the Front Page of Etsy

2009-07-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

More great news regarding Etsy, I was featured on the Front Page of Etsy on Monday, July 27th! This is a great accomplishment! I am very excited about this triumph as it is nearly impossible to reach the Front Page of Etsy. I’ve heard about it, I’ve dreamed about it and now I can talk about it. Please join my celebration of making it to the Front Page and post links to your favorite Etsy items in the comments field. Thanks and have a GrEtsy day! To view my item on the Front Page please click here. This link will take you to the home page of Etsy where you will see my item for the entire day. To view items from my boutique click here.

1st Annual French Market Accessory Sale South Pasadena, Los Angeles Area

2009-07-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

1st Annual Branché Open House SALE!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

8:00am-4:00pm

185 Hampden Terrace Alhambra, CA 91801

Click here to get a mini sneak peek!

Grab a girlfriend and pop in for accessory shopping! Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Cocktail Hats, Fascinators, Headbands, French themed items and MORE! Prices starting at $5.00.

Sound of Music Train Station Dance in Belgium

2009-07-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

This video was made in Antwerp, Belgium Central Train Station on March 23 2009. With no warning to the people passing through the station at 8:00 am a recording of Julie Andrews singing 'Do, Re, Mi' begins to play on the public address system. As amused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear from the crowd and from station entrances. The result is an amazing performance pulled together after just two rehearsals!

"It was a publicity stunt for a reality show, but that doesn't seem to bother anyone, they just like it for what it is: a really cool, well shot video, that lets average people express their joy and talent and make those around them happy for a brief period. The producers chose the exact right song: one that harkens back to our childhoods."

Click HERE to view the performance in the train station!

Los Angeles Etsyians on Etsy

2009-07-07T21:05:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate enough to make it into an Etsy treasury! Actually, this is my second time. It is a little exciting considering that I have an Open House Sale (click to get the details) coming up on August 1, 2009. I hope that this new treasury will turn people on to my shop. Oui, you can French shop online. I am working hard to keep my shop so Ooh La La. If you have any items that you'd like to see more of, please post a comment.

YMI Jeans, Cocktail Hats, Fascinators and Everything French

2009-06-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Recently my handmade hair accessories were featured on YMIJeans.com. I am thrilled to have my creations showcased on a trendy site. Thanks YMI! To read the story click here. To check out my Branché Boutique click here.

Don't forget about the 1st Annual Branché French Market Open House SALE!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
8:00am-4:00pm
185 Hampden Terrace
Alhambra, CA 91801

To preview the Branché Boutique SALE click here.

French Market Open House Accessory Sale Los Angeles, Pasadena Area

2009-06-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

"I may not live in France yet, but that will not stop me from having a French Market."

1st Annual Branché French Market Open House SALE!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

8:00am-4:00pm

185 Hampden Terrace

Alhambra, CA 91801

Preview Sale (click here)

Grab a girlfriend and pop in for accessory and French themed shopping!

Prices starting at $5.00.
Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Cocktail Hats, Fascinators, Headbands, Home Decor and MORE!

Le Supermarché

2009-04-27T09:54:00.001-07:00

Spending five weeks in Europe gave me ample opportunity to go grocery shopping. I was able to live my dream of walking to the grocery store in Europe and of walking home carrying glorious cheeses and yogurts among other novelty items.

Once I purchased my reusable sacs I was ready to hit the stores. I carried my reusable sacs with me in my purse so that I was ready at any moment. I successfully carried out an everyday European task and shopped with the locals at open air markets, Carrefour and Auchan. I was even able to resolve a discrepancy at the grocery store when I was charged for an item I did not purchase. I promptly received a reimbursement and an apology. Not bad for a foreigner eh?

Going to the grocery in France is more of a pleasure than a chore. To start, in France the grocery store is called “Le Supermarché”. It already sounds like you are going some place fabulous just by saying it with your best French accent.

When you enter le supermarché you are surrounded by sights and scents that are brilliant yet unfamiliar. You stroll down aisle after aisle of wonderful foods. It is difficult to resist touching and picking up everything that catches your eye. It is like a carnival for your senses.

I was especially smitten when I arrived at the tea aisle. There were teas from different parts of Europe and flavors that you can not purchase in the United States. It was confusing to know just how many boxes would fit into my suitcase. So, I did what any other girl would do. I loaded up my cart and worried about how to fit it into my suitcase later.

Actually living my dream of going to le supermarché in France is just another day in my European Style Life.

Shopping In Paris

2009-03-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Today the weather was great! It was a brisk 50 degrees and sunny in Paris. All the Parisians were out to play and enjoy the warm sun. We enjoyed walking on the Boulevard Haussman. We have been to Paris 3 times before but have never visited the Gallerie LaFayette. It is a shopping paradise.

Les Gallerie LaFayette has everything your heart could desire, but with prices that will give you a heart attack. Fortunately for us, we happened to be here during their annual 3 day sale. Most sales or "solde" do not happen until the summer time in Paris. But as we were here during their "3J" we were able to indulge in an otherwise "tres cher" shopping area.

I enjoyed trying on (not purchasing) a beautiful hat that was priced at 300 euro. C'est tres jolie, mais tres cher. But I had fun trying it on anyway. Even the shoes at a reduced price were 100-355 euro on sale! I've never seen such beautiful things! It made for great "window shopping".

Enjoying a sunny day window shopping in Paris is just another day in my European style life.

Just Another Day In Paris

2009-03-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the opportunity to do something that I'd always dreamed about: walking to the marché in Paris to buy fresh bread and wine. Oui, after a long day around the city I walked to the marché wearing a dress, coat, scarf and hat. Just like the Parisians. The bread was fresh and hot to my delightful surprise. The thought did occur to me to take a picture in the marché with the baguette, but that would have totally given me away as an american. So, I do not have a photo of this momentous event. I have only these written words and my memory of an everyday event in Paris that is not so everyday in my life. Walking to the marché in Paris is just another day in my European style life.

Our First Day In Paris

2009-03-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

After a long 11 hour flight, all one can hope to do is try to get over jet lag. So far so good. I actually felt less than beaten up by the flight this time. Perhaps it was because there were so many great movies on our flight that I did not even miss our DVD player that we mistakenly forgot at home. That is not to say that I did not miss watching French Kiss and Ratatouille on board as I had planned. C'est la vie. With Air France's selection of American and French films, the time pretty much "flew" by.

I think I might have slept on the plane for two hours. When I woke up we only had 2 1/2 hours before landing in my favorite city in the world, Paris. Upon arrival we checked into our hotel where we promtly went to sleep for a solid four hours. Next, we exited the hotel and walked around looking for a place to have a much anticipated sandwich. Mmmmmm, French bread. You could have put cardboard in the middle of the sandwich and I would not have noticed. It's been so long since I've had true French bread. Delicious! Simple, mais delicieux!

Alors, now I am ready to head back to my beautiful hotel room, watch some French TV (French spoken at the rate of le TGV) and have the sweetest dreams that one can only have in Paris. Bon nuit!

Europe Travel Essentials

2009-03-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Traveling to Europe makes any girl happy. But recently, I was able to find a bit more happiness when I was given a Kate Spade Cosmetic Case as a departing gift. Whimsical navy blue polka dots decorate my new favorite traveling accessory. Kate Spade possesses the savoir-faire and gives bountiful pockets that are beautifully lined with contrasting stripes in navy blue. Far too cute to be hidden away in my carry-on, I am conspiring a way to make my traveling cosmetic case a part of my on-flight outfit.

Generously included with my cosmetic case were some Europe essentials. One of the items is a traveling favorite of mine, Leg Lifts by Origins has saved my tired legs and feet many times. Now, whenever I travel to Europe I take along the undoubtedly needed Leg Lifts. After returning to my hotel after a long day of sight seeing and museum strolling, Leg Lifts does the trick. This amazing product includes invigorating Menthol, Cypress, Peppermint and Cedar wood. Ah, feel the cool tingle!

All of these lovely gifts are assisting me in getting one step closer to boarding my Air France flight. Kate Spade bag? Check! Leg Lifts? Check! Passport? Check!

Air France, Non-stop Los Angeles to Paris

2009-03-03T12:08:00.001-08:00

In just 12 days from now when I take my Air France non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Paris it will be exactly 2 years to the day from my last trip to Europe. It feels like an eternity. I long to see the Eiffel Tower from above as the plane begins to make the descent. I yearn to hear the flight attendant say “Welcome to Paris”. I ache to be greeted with “Bonjour Madame” and to say “Merci” at every opportunity. But alas, I must suffer through an 11 hour flight first.

It’s a small price to pay if it get’s me France. I do, however, enjoy flying on Air France for a few different reasons. The first reason is that as soon as you get to the airport, no matter what city you live in, you start your European experience. From the moment you enter the Air France terminal you are surrounded by Europeans. You can quickly begin to speak French as soon you reach the ticket counter and continue using French with the flight attendants on the plane. Not to mention the ever so fashionable female flight attendants that leave you wondering, “where can I pick up one of those darling little navy blue suits with an accenting scarf”?

Another reason is the food on Air France. We know all too well that airplane food is nothing to write home about, but on Air France you definitely are served a better meal. Usually, you are served French yogurt, bread and cheese along with other French food items. And of course, on international flights the wine is offered at no cost. Voila! Free French wine. What a great way to start your vacation.

I can’t hide my enthusiasm when we are dropped off at the airport by friends or family when they ask “Which terminal are you flying out of”? I ardently respond with a contented smile and respond “Air France, please”. Air France, non-stop Los Angeles to Paris will be departing shortly.

Packing for Europe - Wardrobe Hysteria

2009-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

Packing for Europe is not to be taken lightly. I leave for Europe in 18 days. I can visualize myself sitting in a café sipping coffee and eating a croissant wearing a beret. But, how many berets should a girl pack is the question.

Packing has always been a challenge for me. Especially since I am naturally an organizer, I like to be prepared for every possible situation. This state of wardrobe hysteria has led me to over pack on my last 3 trips to Europe. I absolutely refuse to allow this to happen again. I have limited myself to a rolling duffle bag and a maximum weight of 30 pounds.

The last time we traveled we were slammed with fees because our luggage weighed too much. Our luggage of course was filled with wine bottles, perfume bottles and other things that we had acquired while traveling around in Europe. But this time, I am determined to get the upper hand on the new airline weight restrictions.

I have told my friends that before I pay another luggage fee, I will wear all my clothes on the plane and tie my shoes around my neck as a scarf. I am reminded of Joey from “Friends” who wanted to get even with Chandler so he wore all of Chandler’s clothes. As Joey so nicely stated "Could I be wearing any more clothes"? Joey was not wearing clothing to avoid a luggage weight fee (though that does seem like something Joey would do) it's a great idea all the same.

Using my strength of being prepared and organized, I created a spreadsheet of clothing and made sure that the items I am taking allow me several uses. I have my items narrowed down to

3 dresses

3 skirts

2 pairs of pants

7 sweaters and blouses, how else can I “mix and match”?

3 pairs of shoes

3 berets

Packing for a nearly 5 week trip is no easy task. I’d like to hear your ideas on how you pack for extended trips.

Walking to the Grocery Store

2009-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I did something that I have never done before in California…I walked to the grocery store. As part of my effort to reach 10,000 steps per day, I decided to get two things done at once. After being at work all day and making my efforts to get in my 10,000, I needed just a couple more thousand to reach my goal. So, I headed off to the grocery store on foot. The photo doesn't really convey my trip to the grocery store. But in my idealistic life in Europe, I'd wear this type of outfit to the marché as I walk my dog named "Fifi".

This outing had to be one of those little trips to the grocery store where I would not need to pick up many heavy items. It all worked out. As I used by “Visez Vert” reusable canvas bag that has the Eiffel Tower on it, I felt like a true European as I carried home fresh bread and veggies.

After I arrived at home, I made dinner, cleaned up and started making hats. I may not live in Europe yet, but walking to the grocery store and making hats after dinner is just another day in my European Style Life.

Daily Excercise

2009-02-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Click here for fun with Pooh!

In this day and age every person I know is on a non-stop routine that leaves little time for anything but necessities. So I decided to put exercising near the top of my list and make it a priority. I have finally begun an exercise program that seems to be feasible for me.

As I enter week 3 of my new routine, I wonder why it took me so long to make this commitment to myself. I now exercise 4 times a week for 3o minutes. In addition, my daily goal is to take 10,000 steps. This totals up to 3.5 miles per day. This is no easy task since I work in an office and stare at a computer all day long.

I am now more aware of getting up and moving around. I use every opportunity as a way to help me reach my 10,000 step daily goal. I purchased a pedometer for $9.99 which helps me track steps taken, calories burned and miles walked. It's fascinating.

Getting a daily dose of exercise is just another day in my European Style Life.

Countdown To Europe

2009-01-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

I may get teased by my friends who are better traveled than I am. But, I don’t care. I can’t help but to be excited about my upcoming trip to Europe. I am counting down the days until I take my 4th flight across the big ocean. I must wait 66 days more until my big day arrives.

Yes, that’s right. My friends who are more “well traveled” than I am have either lived in Europe or have visited Europe numerous times. All this experience with culture makes me the “inexperienced” one.

In my mind Europe is still the beautiful place where I am happiest at my core. I’ve been to major cities in the US like New York, San Francisco, Miami etc. and I’ve had my share of the Caribbean. But it is the European cities that claim my heart and I give it willingly. If I ever had the opportunity to live there, I'd jump at it. With my eyes open of course.

What I am the most enthusiastic about is being able to blog from Europe. This will be a new experience for me. Usually, I take a travel journal along with me and write down thoughts as I am experiencing them. And those thoughts are just for me to enjoy. And now, on this upcoming trip in March I will be able to blog as our trip progresses and share our adventures with all those who want to follow us through our journey in Europe.

The journey starts March 16, 2009, just 66 days away.

Having A Paris Day in California

2008-11-26T11:04:00.000-08:00

Paris in all seasons is an amazing city. I have never seen Paris with snow before, but I imagine it’s breathtaking as the Parisians stroll the streets that are already so picturesque. For now, while I am still in Los Angeles, awaiting my flight to Paris in the spring, I listen to the rain and enjoy the cloudy days that whisk me away to the sights and sounds of Paris.

I love the sound of rain hitting metal railings. I adore the scent of fresh rain on the walkway. I welcome the little chill that you get when you adjust your scarf. All of these senses take me to a place that is only possible to experience in Europe. I generally visit Europe during the spring and so I benefit from the few last rainfalls of the year. What could be better that sitting in a Paris café sipping coffee while a great down pour occurs outside? Yes, when one visits Paris, one must have rain.

Suggestion: For a real Paris feel listen to the song called “Azure-Té” by Karrin Allyson. I am listening to the song as I write this article.

Preparing For France

2008-11-18T13:28:00.001-08:00

In preparation for my upcoming trip to France, I am trying to incorporate aspects of French life into my already Frenchie Life. I started by setting the table with my table linens from Provence.

I wonder how the rest of the world prepares themselves for their trips to France. I'd love to hear how you personally prepare yourself for that flight across the ocean.

Totally Jackie O. Wool Coat for $44.99

2008-10-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

I love this coat. It’s so cute and completely Jackie O. who was known to possess an innate sense of style and elegance. It's called a "coat" on the website, but it is more like a jacket or blazer in my opinion.

This ¾ sleeve Wool Coat by Mossimo at Target is very well tailored and the lining is adorable. Pair this with your favorite little black dress, black skirt or even jeans and voila! Sophistication. I adored the coat with jeans and a newsboy cap. The coat is so versatile you can find many ways to wear it. My first time wearing the coat out I wore it over a black dress and it resembled the look of a suit, yet more stylish and chic. Did I mention the adorable side pockets?

This coat comes in yellow, black, ivory, red, green and a mellow plaid with small traces of yellow. I purchased both the plaid and black coat. The plaid is timeless as is the cut of the jacket so it’s well worth your $44.99 as it will never go out of style. I am rather impressed with the last two pieces that I have purchased from Target (said with a French accent).

Sharing shopping secrets with friends is just another day in a European Style Life.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2008-10-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

This easy and tasty Chicken Tortilla Soup will bring comfort and warmth to the stomach. A simple recipe and a slow cooker will be a winner for anybody with a busy schedule. Just put all the ingredients in your slow cooker and leave the work behind you. Coming home to a delicious aroma and a warm bowl of soup is just another day in a European Style Life.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 pound of uncooked chicken (breasts or thighs)

1 (15 ounces) can of whole peeled tomatoes (mash or chop)

1 (16 ounces) can of enchilada sauce (I prefer Las Palmas)

1 bunch of celery

2 (4 ounces) can of chopped green chile peppers

1 medium onion chopped

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 (49 ounces) can of chicken broth

3 teaspoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper

1 tablespoon of oregano

4 bay leafs

2 (10 ounces) packages of frozen corn

1 bunch of chopped cilantro

1 avocado (your choice to add)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into the slow cooker.

2. Stir in the salt, chili powder and pepper.

3. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.

4. Garnish with avocado, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese and lime if desired.

The Little Black Travel Dress for $24.99

2008-09-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Every girl needs a "little black dress" in her wardrobe. And I was fortunate enough to come across a great dress at a great price. I feel it is my obligation as a female to pass on this great buy. So here it is, the secret to my success.

I have been searching for classic pieces to add to my armoire. In particular, I am searching for clothing that is warm and easily packable (little or no ironing required) in preparation for my trip to France in Spring 2009. I was more than delighted when I found this dress at Target that suited all my criteria.

The dress by Merona is called "Pleat Scoop Neck Ponte Ebony Dress". It retails for $24.99 and you certainly get a lot of bang for your buck. The dress is classic and has many possibilities of dressing it up for evening or pulling it out of your closet when you don't know what to wear to work. It is a knit dress made of Rayon, Spandex, and Polyester. No need to send this dress to the cleaners, it is hand-washable. Fit to flatter, this A-line dress can easily go from day to night with the proper accessories. For chic affordable accessories visit Branché Boutique.

I was pleased to add this classic dress to my wardrobe and even happier when I realized it also came in gray. I fancy myself wearing this dress with either a black or other colored beret, a long necklace, black tights and black boots with a cardigan of choice. This dress will travel well and will be interchangeable for a day of shopping or an evening out to dinner.

Finding a classic dress and adding chic accessories is just another day in my European Style Life.

Audrey's Signature Salad

2008-09-07T19:02:00.001-07:00

There is nothing more refreshing to the mind and the body than knowing that you are eating something that is good for you. Eating healthy need not be a bore. I truly enjoy eating salads, though salads can begin to feel a bit of the same-old-same. Try this salad and salad dressing for a new way to enjoy those necessary greens.

This salad recipe was given to me by my friend Audrey. She has been known to make salad dressings that are better than anything I could ever purchase. Eating healthy and sharing recipes with friends is just another day in a European Style Life.

Salad Dressing

1/4 cup of Olive Oil

1 tablespoon of Dijon Musturad (Honey Dijon works too)

1 tablespoon of White Balsamic Vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste.

Combine ingredients and stir.

Audrey's Signature Salad

Mixed Greens

1/2 Cucumber (sliced)

1 Bunch of radishes (chopped or sliced)

1/4 Red onion (chopped or sliced)

1 Avocado (cut into cubes or slices)

Add salad dressing amount according to taste and toss.

Autumn - A time for Berets and Boots

2008-08-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am starting to feel like summer is winding down and I look forward to the subtle breezes of autumn. I had my first autumn moment yesterday evening. It was a brisk 69 degrees in the evening. My husband and I had just finished dinner in Pasadena and we were strolling down Lake Avenue. There was a quick silence from the busy avenue and a gentle breeze as the sun was setting. That was enough to send me into a longing for autumn.

My article may be a bit premature as we are at the end of August, but I am truly done with summer and in a hurry to get to fall. One of my favorite things about fall besides cooking and making the house warm and cozy is the clothes.

As I mentioned, we were walking on Lake Avenue where one of my favorite shops is located, Anthropologie. The autumn feel along with their signature scented candles that you can smell half way down the block lured me into the store.

Here is a look at my first autumn purchase. I am imagining that I will wear this skirt with black boots, a black or yellow sweater (already in my closet), a black beret (double check, already in my closet) and red lipstick! Voila. Wearing berets and boots in the fall is just another day in my European Style Life.

Summer Festin, Le Festin

2008-08-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

I sit listening to the lyrics of "Le Festin" by Camille as I write this article. My favorite part is when she talks about setting the table.

La fete va enfin commencer

Sortez les bouteilles; finis les ennuis

Je dresse la table, de ma nouvelle vie

Je suis heureux a l'idee de ce nouveau destin

Une vie a me cacher et puis libre enfin

Le festin est sur mon chemin

Setting the table is how one sets the atmosphere for a "Summer Festin". I chose a simple yellow table cloth and a petite bouquet of wild flowers to set the mood of summer time in the South of France. If I was living in the South of France, this is what my party "festin" would look like.

I made the occasion simple, yet inviting. I had typical summer food such as, BBQ ribs and chicken, pasta salad, potato salad etc. I took advantage of the Yellow Watermelon since it matched my color scheme. I placed the yellow watermelon on the tables as a before dinner treat. A simple menu for a backyard "Summer Festin" set the tone for comfort and relaxation.

Adding more to the atmosphere was a well thought out play list on my ipod. Summer time songs and upbeat music put my guests in the mood for a jovial summer time evening. To mention a few, my playlist included songs from the Beach Boys, Bob Marley, Feist, and Madeleine Peyroux. Petite twinkle lights gave a subtle touch of summer evening whimsy.

At the end of the evening I passed out petite "goodie" bags that had the Eiffel Tower on them. The bags were filled with a variety of candy. Friends talked and laughed and enjoyed the coolness of the summer's night air.

A simplistic evening, a well dressed table, great music, good food and friends is just another day in my European Style Life.

McDonald's Ice Coffee - Sugar Free and 0 Calories

2008-07-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

With gas prices continuously going up many of us are revaluating our everyday purchases. I wonder, do I really need that $4.00 Ice Coffee? Is it worth driving out of my way to get one? The simple answer is “yes”! Here is an economical way to get your java fix. After sampling two “fast food” options for Ice Coffee, here is what I found.

I decided to try the Ice Coffee at McDonalds after receiving a coupon in the mail for a free Ice Coffee. While I normally stay away from fast food restaurants, who can resist the opportunity to try a new product for free? So off I went to the nearest McDonalds on my way to work. I had four choices and two different sizes to choose from. Flavors are regular, hazelnut, vanilla, and sugar free vanilla. Sizes are medium (16oz) and large (20oz). I selected the medium sugar free vanilla Ice Coffee. McDonald's medium Ice Coffee goes for $1.89. Not a bad bargain.

Now comes the most important part, the taste test. Straw in and first taste...Yum! Delightful. Love at first sip. And since I chose the sugar free vanilla, my Ice Coffee has zero calories. Another win! Voila, finally an affordable cup of coffee with great taste.

I later decided to try the rival’s Ice Coffee at Jack-in-the-Box. They sell their small coffee for $1.79 (12oz) and $1.99 (16oz). I figured that if McDonalds could get it right then there is no reason why Jack-in-the-Box couldn’t get it right either. So again I tried another fast food Ice Coffee as I passed over the local Starbucks.

I received my Ice Coffee and took my first sip. Wow, this was far from good. I asked the employee for 5 creams and 1 equal. I arrived at work and attempted to “fix” my coffee. First, I added in the cream and then ½ a packet of Equal. Yikes! Still terrible. Determined not to waste my money I tried adding flavored creamer. No improvement. The Ice Coffee was still bitter. I reached the conclusion that my $1.79 was not worth the trouble and dumped it out. Another lesson learned.

All in all, I recommend the Ice Coffee from McDonalds. It is a lot of bang for your buck. Also, I enjoyed the drink so much that I decided to bring in a few extra for my co-workers, priced at $1.89, I can afford to do that. They too love the Ice Coffee. Enjoying “Ice Coffee” on a hot summer day is maybe one of the least common things that I could do in a European Style Life. But who am I fooling? I am American and I love ice!

How To Plan A Housewarming Party

2008-06-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

When it comes to organizing a Housewarming Party the key to a job well done is personalizing the party. We decided to go with the theme of "All Things Audrey". The significance of an "All Things Audrey" theme is not easily defined. Yet, we managed to narrow it down to some fundamental characteristics of our friend, Audrey.

First, we decided upon a menu. Knowing that it would be a hot day we kept the food light and simple. Roasted and BBQ chicken, a variety of croissant sandwiches, pasta salad, beet salad and Tivoli salad. http://parleneparis.blogspot.com/2008/03/tivoli-salad.html

Several weeks in advance I ordered a handmade greeting card from my favorite vendor, Toya's Designs. I have been ordering cards from her for the past few years and have never been disappointed. In fact, she seems to come up with unique ideas that continue to amaze me. I merely tell her what I would like the card to say ("Audrey in Alhambra") and Toya does the rest of the work. The above card was the end result. It was perfect! toyasdesigns.etsy.com

There we were in 103 degree weather on a Sunday afternoon when our guests began to arrive. Our first order of business was to serve cold drinks. We purchased some clear plastic cups and decorative flower straws to create a similar atmosphere of a smoothie bar. We guided our guests to refreshing appetizers such as chilled grapes, cheese & crackers, fresh watermelon and cool dips & chips.

We then started to pull the theme together by announcing our first treat. We handed a special little envelope to our guests. Each petite envelope contained an item directly related to Audrey. Inside was one of her favorite things, tea. Audrey is particularly fond of London and so we used "English Teatime" tea bags with a special printed message enclosed in the envelope. The envelope was closed with a seal with her initial of the letter "A". Our guests were taken by the idea of receiving a gift at party instead of only giving a gift.

Later we passed out decorative cards with Audrey's first initial in the corner. We asked our guests to write on the card a personal message to Audrey. It could be clever or funny. Long or short. The idea was to leave Audrey with a personal note that she could reflect upon afterward.

Next, we performed in "All Things Audrey" Theatre. Since Audrey is a great admirer of Jane Austin, we performed scenes from Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Emma. We also played on Audrey's Japanese culture and had a skit in Japanese.

After the "All Things Audrey" Theatre we passed out a second gift to our guests. We gave petite bottles of Japanese Cherry Blossom shower gel. This little gift is clearly directly related to our guest of honor and continues to carry the theme.

We moved along to the anticipated event of opening the presents. While we "oohed and awed" at the gifts we served dessert. Beautiful and delicious little cupcakes from Audrey's favorite Cup-cakery, Dots Cupakes is located in Pasadena. We added in the extra touch of cute little butterfly cupcake toppers that we ordered online. www.dotscupcakes.com

When the last bow had been untied and the last ribbon had been cut, we offered our guests one last treat. In the spirit of giving, we truly wanted to thank our guests for showing love and support to our friend. We handed out one last "thank you" gift. Wrapped with ribbon and containing a thank you card, each guest received a bag of homemade cookies. The enclosure read, "Thank you for helping us turn Audrey's house into a warm and cozy home". This extra little gesture added the final element of tenderness and gentility, much like Audrey.

As if there had not been enough surprises for one evening, we surprised Audrey with one final surprise. Weeks before the event we asked each guest to contribute a recipe in order for us to create a personal recipe book. We all contributed a favorite recipe and compiled quite the collection for Audrey. Not only was this a useful gift but it is also a great keepsake.

For my gift to Audrey I decided to get personal again. I found an adorable apron and matching oven-mitts. I took the apron to a local embroidery shop and had her name embroidered on the apron. Voila! A personal gift. I also found a book (knowing that Audrey loves to read) that went with the theme of the party and had the perfect title. The title of the book was "What Would Audrey Do?" The book is based on the life of Audrey Hepburn. It matched the theme of the party so well, I couldn't resist.

With a lovely evening coming to an end, we happily passed out our little bags of cookies and thanked everyone for coming. We were delighted with the outcome of over a month worth of planning. Audrey was elated. Our guests departed feeling appreciated and we, the organizers, were content and overjoyed by observing everyone enjoying themselves tremendously.

The party dwindled down to about 8 guests and we retreated to Audrey's deck. We were satisfied when we contemplated the events of the evening. We tailored the House Warming party with specific features of Audrey's personality and everybody went home with a sense of warmth and friendship. When planning an event using a few personalized elements goes a long way. Personalization shows how much you really know your friends. Hosting a successful party for a good friend is just another day in a European Style Life.

Go Green, Go Chic!

2008-06-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Everybody seems to be participating in the “Go Green” project these days. I decided to get a piece of the action and do my small part. Additionally, c’est tres Parisian to use tote bags for grocery shopping instead of plastic bags. In Paris the grocery store will charge you for taking your groceries home in their plastic bags. So the majority of Parisians are obliged to bring their own reusable sacs or totes. After seeing specialty stores selling their own reusable bags (many of which are not cute) I decided to try to find my own cutesy bag.

I am happy to say that I found an adorable shop on Etsy.com (where I sell my handcrafted jewelry http://www.parlene.etsy.com/). This shop is called Paris Chic Boutique. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5491239 They offer many French items for the home as well as greeting cards, gift tags and other handcrafted items. I ordered the “Visez Vert” tote. This chic tote flaunts the Eiffel Tower. I hope you find your special way to express yourself when choosing to “Go Green”. Using tote bags to carry your groceries home is just another day in a European Style Life.

Le week-end avec Nadine et les filles

2008-06-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye to a good friend is never easy. We decided to give Nadine a proper send off to her new home in Haiti. First we started by planning a weekend away with 5 of Nadine’s friends (though she has many). We selected Palm Springs as our destination because of it’s locality and imposed relaxation.

While searching for a hotel where we could feel pampered we also wanted a lot of bang for our buck. We chose the Embassy Suites Spa Hotel in La Quinta (15 minutes from Palm Springs). Our suite included full cooked to order breakfast each morning and a complimentary Happy Hour in the evening.
We had many events planned for Nadine and a weekend full of surprises.

First we ate lunch at Chez Philippe http://www.chezphilippeps.com where we surprised each girl with personalized tote bags filled with lots of goodies. Each tote bag contained decadent treats such as Lavender Crabtree and Evelyn hand cream, Japanese silk fans, monogrammed Anthropologie tea cups, vintage luggage tags, comfy flip-flops, Branché handmade crystal necklaces www.parlene.etsy.com and a relaxing eye mask. Quelle surprise!

We rested up a bit in our suite and gave Nadine her second surprise. Each girl took one letter from Nadine’s name and wrote a personal message to her on the back of the letter. We posted these up in the suite. When Nadine took down each letter we read our personal note to her. But remember, I said that there were only 5 of us and there are 6 letters in Nadine’s name. Who was the last letter from? Encore, quelle surprise!

The last letter in her name was a guest appearance by Alheli all the way from Switzerland! As you can imagine the laughter roared and the tears rolled. Nadine was completely touched by this gesture of sincere expressions.

Later that evening we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Piero’s. We spent time reminiscing and laughing at stories we recounted during our years of friendship. www.pierosacquapazza.com

The next morning we awoke to a delicious breakfast where we all gathered in the hotel restaurant for more feminine bonding.

We really did need that cup of coffee since we stayed up all night talking.

Next, we headed over to the city for some leisurely shopping. We found an adorable Chocolate Café where we further surprised Nadine with gifts from Tea Forte. All of these surprises were adding to the excitement of the weekend and Nadine was overjoyed. She is the type of person that is a pure joy to do things for because she truly appreciates even the smallest gesture. www.teaforte.com

Our weekend was truly relaxing. We stayed in one night and took advantage of the swimming pool. We ordered Chinese food and enjoyed each other’s company. All in all we had an amazing weekend filled with memories to help us with our separation of Nadine. It is times like these that we will reflect on for all things to come in the future.

One of my favorite moments of the weekend was when we were driving and listening to our Hotter Than Haiti soundtrack (combined songs from each of us). We all sang along and serenaded Nadine with the song Kind and Generous by Natalie Merchant. This song depicts the very essence of how we all feel towards Nadine. Spending time with friends and saying goodbye as one moves to another country is just another day in a European Style Life.

Kind and Generous Lyrics

You've been so kind and generous,I don't know how you keep on giving

For your kindness I'm in debt to you For your selflessness, my admiration For everything you've done, you know I'm bound, I'm bound to thank you for it....

Na Na na na na na na na na nana na na

You've been so kind and generous, I don't know how you keep on giving. For your kindness I'm in debt to you

And I never could have come this far without you

For everything you've done, you know I'm bound, I'm bound to thank you for it....

Na Na na na na na na na na nana na na na na

Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave with love and tenderness, I wanna thank you I want to thank you for your generosity, the love and the honesty that you gave me

I want to thank you, show my gratitude, my love and my respect for you,I wanna thank you

Oh I want to thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you...

Helpful Housewarming Hints

2008-06-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

In about 3 weeks Deanna and I will be hosting a Housewarming party for a dear friend Audrey. With as much event planning as I have done in the past, this is actually my first time hosting a Housewarming party.

While most of the elements of the party remain a surprise for our friend, I’d like to open a forum of ideas that others have used. After the party I will post a write-up on how I conducted my first Housewarming party.

Additionally, Audrey, needs a little help to get ready for her party. With the party only being three weeks away she still does not know what she’s going to wear. Notice the poll on the right side bar and vote to help Audrey to look her best for her party. Audrey has great sense of style so she can pull any one of these looks right out of her closet. Please feel free to submit any comments below. Hosting parties and planning the perfect outfit is just another day in a European Style Life.

Hotter Than Haiti Hilarious Highlights

2008-05-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Our “Hotter Than Haiti” weekend in honor of Nadine was a complete success. We had a blast in Palm Springs! We planned many surprises for the girls and for Nadine.We will miss our Nadine dearly, but boy do we know how to send her off!

Here are a few highlights until I can compose a better summary of our weekend in Palm Springs.

Attendees: Nadine, Vicki, Evy, and Deanna
Organizers: Audrey and Parlene

Delicious and Nutritious

2008-04-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and so is the season for fresh fruit. Take a closer look at what some of your favorite fruits can do for you besides offer a delicious treat. Eating a fresh bowl of fruit is just another day in a European style life.

Blueberries – Blueberries not only have a lot of flavor but are also loaded with antioxidants and nutrients and are low in calories. Blueberries are in season May through October but can usually be purchased throughout the year depending on where you live. They are high in Vitamin C, Manganese and Dietary Fiber.

HINT: Blueberries are the sweetest after being left out in room temperature.

Raspberries – A mixture of sweet and tart are these magenta little gems of flavor. Raspberries are high in Manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 and Dietary Fiber. They are in season June through October. Raspberries possess almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes.

HINT: Raspberries taste great in Greek Style Honey Yogurt (I like the Trader Joe's brand) with a little drizzle of honey.

Strawberries – Deep in color and flavor, strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are high in Vitamin C, Manganese, Dietary Fiber, and Potassium and are low in calories. Strawberries are in season April through July, though likely available year round. In addition to strawberries that are cultivated, there are also varieties that grow wild. Wild strawberries are much smaller in size, but supply a more intense flavor.

Pineapple – Exceptionally juicy and a little tangy is the tropical pineapple. They are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin B6. The season for pineapples is March through June. The fruit closer to the base of the pineapple has more sugar content and has a sweeter taste and softer texture.

It’s the time of year when our favorite fruits are in season. Enjoy fresh fruit on warm sunny days and a happier, healthier way of life. And for a bit of decadence, why not add fresh fruit to your favorite ice cream? If you have recipes that include fruit, please share them in the comments section of this article.

Did I leave my heart in San Francisco?

2008-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

I sit listening to the song by Tony Bennett entitled"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" searching for inspiration to describe my sentiments on the "city by the bay". I found San Francisco to be another busy city with people’s aim to get here and there. While not completely smitten by the city, I found pleasure in the surrounding areas. I solicited advice from friends before leaving on my trip so that I could be “in the know” about Frisco's hotspots. That was one of the wisest things that I could have done. Along with my Insight Guide book on San Francisco I sought out to enjoy what some have called a romantic city.

I enjoyed the obvious tourist sights such as Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach and the like. I also challenged myself to find my own special interests apart from what I’ve been told. Here is a look at what I enjoyed.

Sausalito – I enjoyed the beach town of Sausalito and found it to be tranquil and charming. It is just far enough away from the city to be in another world. A slower pace and less crowded, Sausalito has mom-and-pop-owned restaurants (although disturbingly there is a Starbucks) and shops. We took advice from friends and hit the restaurant simply named “Hamburgers”. We ordered a cheeseburger, which is served with cheese from Finland. This hamburger was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. No trip to Sausalito can be complete without a stop at this burger joint. The line was out the door but orders came fast. This burger alone made the town of Sausalito a winner with us.

Golden Gate Park – Seeking more refuge from the busy city we sought out quiet spots in the Golden Gate Park. We walked around small ponds and took advantage of the photo opportunities in the Japanese Gardens. Since we thrive on beautiful parks and botanical gardens our day in the park was a Frisco highlight.

Cable Cars – Our first experience on a cable car came near the end of our trip. I am glad that we saved something that we had been in anticipation of for the end of our vacation. Jumping onto a crowded cable car and holding onto the side railing was one of the moments where we were able to appreciate and enjoy the character and history of this crowded city. Going up and down the steep hills of Frisco on this unique form of transit is one of the most exhilarating of ways to view the city.

Dining Out – One can spend years trying to visit all the restaurants and cafes in Frisco. There are a few restaurants that stand out in our mind as being the type of dining experience that you would expect in San Francisco.

Chouchou

400 Dewey Boulevard

San Francisco, CA 94116

415.242.0960
http://www.chouchousf.com/index.htm

You will feel like you just walked into a Paris café when you enter Chouchou, with a twist of San Francisco sophistication that is. You will be greeted by a former Parisian in the typical French fashion, with a kiss on both cheeks. The menu has your appetite holding its breath until the food arrives at your table. All the senses are touched at Chouchou. We started with a spinach asparagus soup puree and a cheese plate. Holding on for the main course I had the Grilled Angus Flank Steak. Other guests in our party had the Baked Vegetarian Manicotti “Provencale” and the Duck Leg Confit. Each dinner was delicious-as we all tasted each others dinner. I would definitely return to this petite trendy restaurant, it satisfies both your craving for gourmet food and for France.

Panta Rei

431 Columbus Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94133

415.591.0900

http://www.pantareirestaurant.com/

This ultra chic Italian restaurant in North Beach is the place to be seen at night. We however opted for a quiet lunch. We loved our dish, penne pasta filled with gorgonzola in a tomato sauce and fresh basil. Mama Mia! The service was quick and friendly with a little bit of Italian warmth.

The Crepe House

429 Gough Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

415.863.2422

http://www.thecrepehouse.com/

With three locations in Frisco it’s hard to miss the Crepe House. It is warm and cozy with a relaxing atmosphere and great prices. The Crepe House offers plenty of choices besides crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were directed here by frequent visitors to the bay area and were pleased to enjoy yet another quaint café. The portions were generous and tasty.

Understanding San Francisco

After contemplating my first experience in San Francisco I’ve reached the conclusion that it is a truly unique city among those in California. It differs greatly from Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego and other beach cities in California.I enjoyed the diversity of Frisco and the endless dining options. I took in with ease my bay view from my hotel room. While I wasn’t inspired to poetry I am happy to have seen a part of California I have never seen before.

I confess that San Francisco did not steal my heart (apologies to Tony Bennett). My heart still belongs to Europe and more specifically France.What can I say? Enjoying a view, eating great food and exploring an unknown city is just another day in a European style life.

The Art of Hospitality

2008-03-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

An art that has nearly been lost is the art of hospitality. People lead very hectic lives and hospitality often ends up at the bottom of our “to do” list. In a time past, there was a certain excitement that took over the mood of the house during the anticipation of a guest’s arrival. Preparation might start several days before the “lookout” began. And when the time came, all the household including the servants would line up outside for a formal welcoming.

The art of hospitality is one that I truly enjoy indulging in. We’ve had guests from various parts of the world stay in our humble home. Yet, we’ve learned how to make even the most foreign of guests feel right at home. Here are my suggestions on how to provide superior hospitality on the occasion of overnight guests.

Have a welcome message. – I like to do this by using a decorative chalkboard in our guest room/office. I write on the board the guest’s name and what I plan to serve for breakfast in the morning. If your guest speaks another language other than your own, write out the message in their native language. HINT: You can look it up on the internet.

Plan out the details. – Is your guest from a foreign country? Why not search out some food items that are from your guest’s country and make them readily available for snacks. If your computer is password protected be sure to leave them the password. Make sure your guest has their own key.

Subtle touches. – Little luxuries go a long way with overnight guests. Think of yourself as the owner of a Bed and Breakfast. Provide travel size bottles of lotion and fancy soap. Perhaps giving a small welcome basket upon their arrival with some of their personal favorite items. If you are not sure what that might be, gourmet food items always do the trick. Example: wine, crackers, cookies, olives or fresh fruit. Fresh flowers add warmth to the room.

Be the first to rise in the morning. – Even if it is a mere 15 minutes before your guests rise much can be done. You can start the coffee and throw in a fresh batch of muffins or cookies into the oven. What a lovely way to wake up in the morning! Now, immediately after your guests wake they can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and something to nibble on while breakfast is cooking or as they prepare to leave for the day’s activities.

Accessible Delectable. – It’s likely that you will do some special grocery shopping prior to guest’s arrival. You may ask your guest in advance of any food allergies or special likes and dislikes. Since you’ve gone through all the trouble and expense of having special food items, leave them out in eyes view for your guests to enjoy. Communicate to your guests that they are welcome to help themselves to whatever they need.

Sweet Dreams. – While your guests are enjoying breakfast discreetly enter their room and make their bed for them. In the evening, turn down the covers and add a small piece of chocolate on their pillows. Sprinkle pure lavender oil on thier pillow cases and offer a cup of hot tea before bedtime. Be sure to have an ample tea selection.

Coat or Sweater? – Your guests will be grateful if you print out a 10 day forecast for them. Leave it in an obvious place for them to see. If you can, email the forecast to them prior to their departure from their home for practical packing purposes.

What to do? – Prior to your guest’s arrival think of and be ready to provide a list options of places to go and places to eat. For places to eat, keep in mind all your local favorites and a wide variety of cuisine. Knowing where to shop to get all the best deals is always welcomed information.

Home Cooked Meals. – It may be difficult to coordinate the guest’s schedule of sightseeing with your daily routine but it’s worth a try. It may be possible with good planning to prepare dinner for your guests. A special meal and a nice bottle of wine will be appreciated as you spare them from another restaurant meal. This may also provide the opportunity for your guests to meet your friends.

Warm and Cozy. – Look for ways to make your guest feel at home. Making sure the temperature is right, have extra pillows, a soft blanket and anything else you can think of that is personal. The more personalized the visit the quicker you will see them get comfortable enough to put their feet up.

All your efforts will be appreciated and memorable. Your guests will feel as if they had visited a 5 star resort. They will long to return for another visit and will brag about your hospitality to all their friends. In the end, both the guest and host benefit. Even if it is their first time staying in your home, they leave your home as old friends. Offering warm hospitality is just another day in a European style life.

What are your favorite ways to express hospitality? Post a comment for all to enjoy.

Anniversary Dress-up

2008-03-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Each year I am completely enthusiastic about our anniversary. Saturday, March 22 is my 11th wedding anniversary. We are going to a special fondue lunch at a French restaurant and I am unsure what to wear. I happen to have two new dresses in my closet which I have been saving for the right moment. The weather will be 80 degrees and sunny. Which dress would you suggest?

Take the poll (right side bar or post a comment. I will post a picture of me wearing the winning dress. FYI, the dress that’s shown in white I actually bought in a seasonal yellow. Sharing fashion advise is just another day in a European style life.

Tivoli Salad

2008-03-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

We came up with the idea of “Salad Day” at work (an attempt to get away from cakes and cookies). This challenged all to bring a variety of salads that would sustain us until dinner. With 12 ladies participating this was a challenge. I however resorted to my salad that I am famous for with friends and family (and now my co-workers), the Tivoli Salad.

Perfect for a spring day and filled with your favorite seasonal fruits it's like a party in your mouth. Eating a fresh salad on a warm sunny day is just another day in a European style life.

Tivoli Salad

Mixed Greens
1 ½ cup of chopped red apples or pears
1 ½ cup of sliced strawberries
½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of crumbled gorgonzola
½ cup of candied pecan pieces
Raspberry Vinegarette Dressing

Combine all ingredients together. Add in the dressing in small portions and toss the salad. You can also add chicken to the salad.

Identity Crisis

2008-02-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

I think it is interesting that there are millions of people everyday ordering coffee at local coffee houses, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee and Coffee Bean. Many of these places choose to get personal with their customers by calling out coffee orders using the customer’s name.

My name (Parlene—that’s right, with a “P”, it’s not a typo) being far from common is always botched. On a boring day I might just order my coffee and croissant and use the name D-arlene. Nothing too complicated. But on those days when I’m feeling pretty good I like to try names that are a bit bold. I’ve tried a variety of names. Everything from London to Paris to Madeleine. I like to use European cities as different names from time to time. Other times I use my friend’s names, even if they are standing right next to me.

It occurred to me that I may not be alone in my quest for unique and exotic names. I am taking a guess that about 75% of people don’t use their real names when placing orders or whatever it may be that beckons giving a name.

I once was very surprised when a friend who calls herself “shy” boldly gave the name “Lola”! The next time you enter a coffee bar and declare your name, think of something foreign or zany. And when your fascinating name is called out, walk tall and proud!

I’m interested in hearing what names people are inventing for themselves. Leave a comment on my blog and give your real name and your favorite fake name to use. Thanks for sharing.

Corsica, France By Becky Dolman

2008-02-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

We arrived on the island of Corsica in the month of December for a three month stay. During the winter it can be very cold here, it even snowed! We thought, "Hey! We are supposed to be in the Mediterranean!” But when the clouds parted and we took our first stroll around the city, it was oneof the most beautiful sites we have ever seen!

The city is overlooked by a huge fortress built four or five centuries ago. I enjoy walking around town taking in the picturesque view. There is only one main shopping street called Boulevard Wilson. The town is quite small (5,000 people) so one easily meets friends on the street or in the grocery store. The Corsican custom here is to kiss when friends meet each other. Even the men kiss each other with two kisses – one on each cheek. It was strange for my husband Edwin when he had his first "public kiss". We were at the grocerystore and he came across two friends and they gave their two customary kisses. I have to say it’s a bit unusual for me also to see my husband receive a kiss on the cheek. A few weeks later Edwin played soccer and he was the last to arrive. Every player greeted him with the two kisses and then played a competitive game of soccer! Bizarre but so cute at the same time!

We eat all the typical French food. Especially the Corsican cuisine, such as the local wine, cheese and Charcuterie. Corsicans even have French Corsican Cola! My French cooking is not that great yet. I’ve had a hard time understanding the recipes. I was starting to get a bad reputation with my cooking but I redeemed myself with American Chocolate Cookies and Carrot Cake (which most Corsicans have never tried) Everybody is crazy for them!

I also had to change my name. In the states I go by “Becky”. I am now Rebecca. Apparently my name sounds too close to “bequille” – the French word for “crutch”.

The Corsicans are incredibly nice and generous. We have received as gifts homemade brioche, fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit, homemade jam, and oranges from an orchard from the 14th century! A few friends even surprised us with a surprise anniversary party after only 2 weeks on the island. The party was complete with decorations, food (quiche of course!) champagne and presents. My husband even had tears in his eyes!

Mais bien sur (but of course), I love France! We buy everything French from the Provence scented toilet paper to the Ratatouille Kleenex picture boxes. VIVE LA FRANCE!! Even though we are only here for three months, all these experiences have taught us how to live another day in a European style life.

By Rebecca “Becky” Dolman
France Correspondent

Chili Recipe

2008-01-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if Chili can be considered haute cuisine, but it sure is comfort food that can keep any man happy. Try this Chili recipe for cold days, game days or the Super Bowl. Coming home to a warm homemade dinner is just another day in a Euro style life.

Chili Chili

2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey (browned and drained)

1 large onion, chopped

1 large can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, with liquid

1 can (8 ounces) tomato puree

1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, with liquid

1 can of black beans, without liquid

2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies, with liquid

1/2 cup of water

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

2 tablespoons of chili powder (or more if you like it spicy)

2 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce (or add individually to servings when done)

salt and pepper to taste.

Combine all ingredients in greased 4 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high 2-3 hours or on low heat 4-6 hours. Serve in bread bowls or serve with tortilla chips or cornbread. Makes 10-12 servings.

Garnish with sour cream, chives and grated cheddar cheese.

Are you a Branché girl?

2008-01-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

Branché means trendy in French. Branché is also the name of my jewelry collection. There are a lot of trendy girls out there strutting their Branché jewelry. If you are one of them, I'd love to hear all about how you wear your jewelry, where you wear it and compliments you've received from wearing it. You can also include comments and suggestions for new styles and pieces you'd like to see. Click on the link marked "comments".

Visit http://www.parlene.etsy.com/ to see more of my jewelry collection and you too can say "Oui, I am a Branché girl!" Naming necklaces after people is one of my favorite things to do. And who knows, maybe the next Branché neckalce will be named after you!

Lake Arrowhead, California

2008-01-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

There are times when a weekend get-a-way is all you need to get a little R&R. We decided to head for the mountains and enjoy nature. Lake Arrowhead is about an hour and a half from Los Angeles and about half hour from Big Bear Lake.

We selected a Bed & Breakfast in Lake Arrowhead called the Storybook Inn. This small B&B has 10 rooms all themed after storybooks. One highlight is their spectacular views because of their location on "the rim of the world". The house was built in the 1940's and later was converted into a B&B. While the house could use a little TLC, we found our room to be quite comfortable. Breakfast in the morning includes eggs, sausage, toast, fruit and other breakfast items. The Storybook Inn generously offers evening hospitality with your choice of complimentary wine or soft drinks. You may also choose to have your complimentary beverage at dinner in their restaurant.

Of particular interest is the restaurant located on the premises called Eligio's. Open Wednesday-Sunday, Eligio's offers Italian cuisine and an Italian chef from the north of Italy. We ate dinner there each night during our stay and were not disappointed. Prices range from $14-$25 per plate and all entrees come with soup or salad. We received above expected friendly service offered by the chef's wife and daughter. The restaurant is popular among locals not only for the fantastic cuisine but also for the view of "the rim of the world". Be sure to make reservations and request a table with a view.

The B&B along with great food and an amazing view make for a romantic weekend without putting much thought into it. Whether you are going skiing for a day or staying the weekend, be sure to stop by Eligio's for a wonderful dinning experience. Maybe it's not the Swiss Alps but with a delicious Italian dinner, it's just another day in a Euro style life.

Toscana Soup Recipe

2008-01-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Nothing can bring comfort to the soul like a great bowl of soup on a cold rainy day or to ease symptoms of the flu. Try this simple recipe for a healthy and comforting dinner. If you try the soup recipe, I'd enjoy hearing your comments. Please post them for all to enjoy!

Toscana Soup

1lb uncooked Hot Italian sausage links (note: the spicier the sausage, the better the soup. You can also use turkey sausage.)

1/2 chopped onion

8 strips of bacon diced

2 garlic cloves minced

4 c water (or replace with all chicken stock)

2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth

3 cups potatoes

3 cups sliced spinach or kale

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

Remove sausage casing. Cook sausages fully. Drain. Cut into bite-size pieces. Saute onion and bacon until onion is tender. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute so that garlic doesn't get bitter.-add water, broth, and potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 min or until potatoes are tender. Add sausage, spinach (or kale), and cream to soup; heat through but do not boil. Yield: 3 quarts

Colmar, France

2008-01-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

France has much to offer to the experienced tourist. While the city of Paris remains one of my favorite places in France to visit, I hope to introduce my readers to various parts of France that are not so commonly known. Or if they are known, they are rarely visited because they are away from the major cities.

One city takes the cake on European charm, Colmar, France. About 30 minutes from Strasbourg is this little city referred to as Petite Venise because of it's narrow canals resembling Venice. It is also the capital of Alsatian wine.

Colmar became an imperial town in the 1200's. During the Thirty Years' War, the city was taken by Sweden in 1632 and had possession of it until 1634. The city was conquered by France under Louis XIV in 1697.

Colmar seems just the place to escape the busy city life or hectic schedule of the tourist traveling from one city to the next. One can take in the sights, go wine tasting and take a boat ride down a canal. You can also purchase handcrafted goods from the local artisans of this region.

Colmar is the place where tourists go to experience old Europe. It is a very unique city in the sense that it is greatly German influenced. One of the best times to visit Colmar is during December during their Light Festival. The entire town is lit up with twinkle lights. This adds to a nostalgic feel and to the village's storybook charm.

Whether it's your first time to Europe or yet another stamp in your passport, take the time to visit this storybook romantic city of lights and tiny canals. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to write the next folk tale to last centuries.

Marie Antoinette

2007-12-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

There is something to be said for a historical figure's love of fashion to be remembered centuries later. Marie Antoinette is such a person.

Kirsten Dunst playing Marie Antoinette in the movie directed by Sophia Coppola based on the book written by Antonia Fraser. While this article is more about the movie than the book, I've read all 458 glorious pages of this book. And I still haven't had my fill of this captivating historical figure. I highly recommend the book, you won't be able to put it down, and when you do it will be because you are in flight on your way to France to visit Versailles!

The more I've read about Marie Antoinette, the more I feel that she is France's most misunderstood monarch. However tragic her life was and how it ended, she was the Queen who rocked-out Versailles in her fashion forward wardrobe. Maybe it is the worst case of "retail therapy" ever recorded, but to us fashion lovers, we can appreciate her passion for fashion. While we enjoy this modern rendition of the life story of the doomed Queen of France by the talented Sophia Coppola, let us enjoy the variety of senses that Sophia uses to lure us to this movie, namely, sight and sound.

Filmed on location in Versailles, the costumes match the historical surroundings and also mix into the modern music Sophia chose to use. The soundtrack is nothing short of genius. I listened to the CD daily for 10 months straight. I encourage you to sample listen to it and then purchase it on itunes. One of my favorite songs on the CD is "The Melody Of A Fallen Tree" by Windsor For The Derby. Which I am listening to as I write this article.

The movie received harsh criticism from some critics, but how often do we listen to them anyway? Sophia Coppola used her wildest imagination to form a masterpiece of a historically accurate film that would appeal to a younger generation. Using modern music to tell her story of the clueless Queen worked magically. At the perfect moment, Sophia switches to classical or period music, it's hardly noticeable and adds much to the feel of the movie. I can't imagine this movie without each song that is seemingly hand picked by Sophia.

The costumes leave nothing to be desired. Beautiful use of color, fabric and texture makes this movie a feast for your eyes. Each costume is walking you through the changes the Queen is going through. As the years pass in Versailles, you see the Queen's style change and you understand her fashion choices. At times flamboyant and at other times meek an natural.

Marie Antoinette was criticized among her friends and family and most frequently by her mother, hundred of miles away in Austria. She longed to please her husband and her mother. It seemed near impossible as the political movement was heading straight for a then unseen revolution.

She was home sick and in a foreign country much different from the royal court where she was raised. She gave of herself to charities and to her children, always wanting to be a supportive wife. Marie Antoinette regarded the last 5 years of her life spent in prison, as her happiest. In prison is where she found what she was always searching for, time alone with her husband and children.

Read the book, watch the movie and listen to the soundtrack. Each will leave you wanting more of the opulent French court during the reign of Marie Antoinette. In the end of it all, you too will feel empathy for the young Queen who fell into the French Revolution. You will be astounded by the courage and brave actions of the infamous Marie Antoinette.

Our Roman Holiday

2007-12-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

After returning home from vacationing in Italy, my husband Freddie and I made a decision. We decided to look at ways of life that most Europeans have in common. One thing we noticed in Italy and France is how commonplace if not prevalent scooters are. Since we live in Southern California where the weather is agreeable most of the time, we contemplated purchasing a scooter. But not just any scooter. Our theme is a European life. So naturally we decided to purchase a Vespa.

We came to this decision because Vespas are made in Italy and they have a vintage look like the kind you see in the movie 'Roman Holiday' with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Imported directly from Italy, our Vespa (which we nicknamed "Scootie") added much to our European life in Los Angeles. Besides the obvious great things about owning a Vespa is the fact that you will save a lot of money on gas. A Vespa gets a little over 60 miles to the gallon. The gas tank holds 2 gallons. So the cost to fill up the tank is anywhere between $6.00-$6.75. It makes absolute sense why most Europeans use scooters for transportation. Their price of gas is at least double what we are paying in the US.

When we first purchased the Vespa, which is now my husband's main mode of transportation, he worked 10 minutes away from home. He was filling up the gas tank once or twice a month. Now he works in Santa Monica, CA (about a 1 hour commute, 5o miles roundtrip each day). He now spends about $48 per month on gasoline. Not a bad deal when you compare it to the price of putting gas into a car or SUV. It's great for quick trips around town or going to busy places around LA where it's difficult to find parking.

Enough with the logical reasoning. We adore our Vespa. I generally will put on a skirt when riding with my husband. Hey, if the European girls can do it, why can't I? That's one of things I admired when I saw people on their scooters in Europe. Especially in Italy, everybody was so nicely dressed, girls wearing their stilettos and skirts or dresses and the men were wearing their suits and ties on their way to work. Can you imagine it?!

Well, now my husband is that guy on a Vespa wearing his suit and tie on his way to work. Mama Mia! And from time to time I am that girl on the back of a Vespa holding on with excitement. Just another way to continue living a European life.

How To Be European in the US

2007-12-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my fun list of ways to immerse European lifestyle into your daily routine in the United States. I'd like to hear your ideas of how to live Euro style. Post a comment if you so feel inclined.

1.Act nonchalant about things you really enjoy.
2.Go for a short walk in the afternoon.
3. Say “ooh la la” instead of “wow”.
4. Watch American movies with French subtitles.
5. Say “ah-hah” when someone says something interesting.
6. Pucker your lips, raise your shoulders and shake your head slightly when someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to.
7. Own a scooter.
8. Own a copy of the soundtrack from “Amelie”.
9. Drink wine with lunch and dinner.
10. Greet your friends with a kiss on each cheek.
11. Answer your phone by saying “salut”.
12. Eat fresh fruit as a snack.
13. Sit at a restaurant for 3 hours during dinner and always order coffee at the end.
14. Walk to a nearby store and buy a baguette and fresh flowers.
15. Use regular sugar in your coffee and not Equal or Sweet N Low
16. Set the table even if you are only having cereal and toast.
17. Ride your bicycle in a cute outfit, preferably a skirt or a dress if you’re a girl.
18. Eat your fries using a fork with mayonnaise instead of ketchup.
19. Always wear high heels with your jeans if you are a girl.
20. Go to museums and botanical gardens on Saturdays and Sundays dressed as if you were going out to a nice dinner.
21. Drink water out of a wine glass.
22. Do not use ice in your drinks (even in the summer).
23. Do not use deodorant.
24. Eat and enjoy stinky cheese.
25. Ask for “Coke Light” instead of “Diet Coke”.
26. When ordering at a restaurant start your order by saying “I’ll take….”
27. Do not talk loudly on your cell phone.
28. Love soccer.
29. Hate Lance Armstrong.
30. Listen to French music instead of American.
31. You’ve visited Versailles but have never been to the White House.
32. Ride the metro, ride your bike or walk more than you use your car.
33. Have multiple hats and scarves in your closet.
34. Know the words to “La Vie En Rose”.
35. Always have at least one Paris metro ticket or coin in your wallet at all times.
36. Have an ample supply of Nutella in the cupboard.
37. Use the phrase “C’est la vie” liberally.
38. Name your dog “Fi Fi”.
39. Have friends that live in France and other parts of Europe.
40. Call your friends by their would be names in French.
41. Check the weather in Paris frequently.
42. Know more about the French Revolution than you do about the American Revolution.
43. Have at least two Eiffel Towers in your house.

44. Visit a Farmer's Market at least once a month, if not every week.

Paris Always Sizzles

2007-11-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

I might be a self proclaimed authority on Paris, but in reality my insight on Paris is very well researched. While I am no Samantha Brown, I have a unique insight into this chic city. I've been there 3 times (working on 4). I am constantly in search of new things to do, and yet, there are things on my "Must See" list, even though I've done them before. Here is my list of "Must See". This is no list of typical stops highlighted on a map, rather a list of what my daily life would include, should I live there un jour. My favorite places would be too difficult to number in order of importance so pay no attention to the place they hold on my list. They are all places deemed worthy by the locals.

SALON DE THE

Café Angelina
226, rue de Rivoli 1st Arrondissement
75001 Paris
Ile-de-FranceFrance
+33-01-42608200

This cafe has been in place since the 1900's. The decor says it all. Immediately when you enter you feel transformed into the days of yesterday. This salon de thé (tea) is actually known for their chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). The best way to describe it is a melted bar of chocolate, but richer and thicker. It comes in a small pitcher. One can never hope to finish it, it's very rich and decadent. But oh so delicious! Stop in for chocolat chaud and a pastry. HINT: They also have wonderful macaroons. Prices range from 5-15 euro.

Grevi Firenze

1, Place Alphonse Deville
75006 Paris

No trip to Paris could ever be complete without a trip to this hat store. I simply adore hats and wear them all the time. By chance I happened across this store. Just like a dream, I bought a beautiful hat in Paris. Not to burst my own bubble, but these hats are made in Italy. There are only two stores in the world. One in Florence, Italy and one in Paris, France. That is what makes this store so unique. Imagine only two stores in the world and I stumbled across one of them! With so many hats to choose from, one could go broke in this store. Hats for all occasions, chic and casual Grevi will make any girl crazy for hats if they aren't already. Even if you don't buy one, it's fun to go in and look and try them on. I actually can not think of a better souvenir. This store excels in customer service and pretty packaging. In the US, it's very difficult to find great hats. This store really is a treat! Did I mention I have two Grevi hats? Prices range from 50-150 euro. It's worth every euro cent!

Au Pied de Cochon

6, Rue Coquillière75001

Paris, France
+33 1 40 13 03 81

Au Pied de Cochon (meaning the foot of the pig). I can't take any credit for this find. This restaurant was recommended to me by my friends who used to live in Paris. I have to say, this is the place where I truly had the best meal that I've ever eaten in my life. I can't imagine anything that could surpass it. I ordered the braised lamb and finished off with Crème brûlée. One great thing about this bistro is that you can make a reservation right from your home online. Prices range from 15-40 euro. They do have a set menu for 19 euro which includes three courses. You will not be disappointed.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a public park. Parisians gather here on Sundays to relax and enjoy life amidst a busy city. Do not, however, underestimate what happens at this jardin. It is a live fashion show. Even the Parisian children are dressed to the nines. Women strut in their high heels and big sunglasses and men are equally dressed. I admire the way the French use every occasion to parade their wardrobe.

This park is perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of old Paris, both intentional and unintentional. Great for relaxation, photographs and people-watching. If the French dress like this when they go to the park, what do they wear when they go out to a nice dinner?

Style To The Nines

2007-11-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

Style and fashion are a trademark of femininity. A certain thought process happens on any given morning when we pick out our clothes and how we want to present ourselves to the world. For instance, maybe you are going on an interview and you head straight for your two piece suit. Going on a first date? Instinctively you head for your little black dress. Meeting your future in-laws? The cardigan sweater with the a pearl necklace is fail safe.

But maybe you are having one of those days where you wake up in the morning feeling just blah? Possibly for no good reason. And you just know it's going to take everything out of you to get through the day. Well, that was me today.

I was already running late for work so I went to my default wrap dress which doesn't need to be ironed. It always looks great and it's comfortable. I was going to opt out of my usual make-up routine. Instead, here I was, knowing that the day ahead would be long and hard. And I decided to fake it until I could make it. What this means is I had to put on a full face of make-up.

Despite feeling horrible and wanting to crawl back into bed even though I had already hit the snooze button 3 times. I knew that I would have to look fabulous just to pull through the day even if I didn't feel fabulous.

I hope the next three steps can aid you in getting through your next "Blah Day".

1. Go Glamorous. It's okay to go to work with the "smokey eye" look. I used Sketch eye shadow by Mac along with Goldmine (for contrast) and Orb under my brow for highlighting, all products of Mac.

2. Don't leave the house without lip gloss. I decided to go with Ornamental also by Mac.

3. Wear your pretty dress. Yeah, the pretty dress that you hang ever so carefully in the back of your closet. Pull it out and wear it like it's Saturday night. Even if it is only Tuesday.

Remember the scene from Breakfast At Tiffany's where Audrey Hepburn is forced to rush out of the house at a moments notice? She goes from pj's to positively glamorous in about 5 minutes. She is looking for her shoes underneath the bed and throws on a black dress, a fabulous black hat and big sunglasses. Not to underestimate the fact that she is after all, well, Audrey Hepburn, but you get the idea.

So the next time you wake up feeling "blah" think glamorous and go for it!!!

Branché Jewelry

2007-11-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

In Europe I observed a dramatic difference in style and fashion. On various trips to France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary I noticed a change in style from one country to the next.

I developed a fondness for each country's individual sense of fashion and wanted to share it at home in the states. Using semi-precious stones mined in Italy, Africa, Russia, Canada, Brazil etc., I capture the essence of Branche. 99% of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind.

My aim is to incorporate my personal style with European fashion and couture.Creating fashion forward jewelry is my passion. Inspired by European fashion I create pieces that will rock-out any wardrobe. You can visit my website at http://www.parlene.etsy.com/

Having A Paris Day

2007-11-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

It is all too often that I have days where I yearn for Paris. Today is one of them. It started off this morning when I woke up and the air was filled with fog. Much like a day in Paris, it was overcast. I immediately felt the presence of Paris. I put on one of my favorite self-made French cds and I was gone. It's the song called "Le Festin" by Camille. It doesn't get more French than that with "Le Festin". I suggest you sample listen to this song on itunes.

When I arrived at work I immediately checked the Air France website to see if the tickets RT to CDG were on sale. If you are a Paris lover comme moi, you'd know that CDG is the main airport in Paris called Charles De Gualle.

I adore the way Gwyneth Paltrow looks wearing a yellow coat with red lipstick in Paris. I liked it so much, I had to go out and buy a yellow coat for myself. In the movie, "View From The Top", Gwyneth goes to Paris and is sitting on a bench on the Seine wearing a black beret with a yellow coat and red lipstick. It doesn't get much better than that.

Paris will have to wait for now, I was there only 7 months ago! I am interested in hearing about your Paris/Europe days. What are they like? How do you satisfy your urge for Europe?