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.

The Little Black Travel Dress for $24.99

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

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.