Walking to the Grocery Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.