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PRASLINES A PARIS


I hope your weekends are all off to a good start. The past 10 days have been pretty intense with work on my end, but finally things are starting to calm down. As I munch on some praslines for my sanity, I had the urge to share this adorable shop here on the blog.

I discovered the Praslines de Mazet from my in-laws. As they live in Montargis (at that really awesome country house) and my father-in-law grew up one town over, every special occasion involved a little pastel-colored box from the local shop, Praslines de Mazet. With coffee, as a gift.. there always seemed to be a box or bowl around the house. I go gaga for their pistachio praslines. The shop in the town of Montargis (about an hour and a half from Paris) is stunning: the dark wood with stained glass, shelves filled with treats and bowls to grab a taste… I always thought it was the most charming little shop and loved getting loved ones gifts from there. Not to mention the precious packaging… oh la la.

It’s safe to say that ever since they opened their second shop in the heart of the Marais with the same codes of the original shop, sporting the Paris-Montargis on their yellow storefront, I get my Mazet fix a lot more often.

Praslines de Mazet
37 Rue des Archives, 75004
Tél:
Métro: Rambuteau (11)

 

in PARIS

BREAKFAST AT LADUREE

Breakfast is tough in Paris. Le sigh. They’ve got their boulangeries down pat, with a wealth of choices at the break of dawn…and I’m definitely not saying I don’t adore those, but what about sit in breakfast places, with savory or sweet? Somewhere that doesn’t just care about being cool that is just open early with yummy food for a quick pop in before work? After breakfasts out in the states over Christmas break, I realized how much Paris is lacking something in that area. Perhaps my American needs are too much for the Parisians. No but really. There are honestly only a handful of places where you can dine in get something other than a croissant before work in this town! Not to mention that ironically the new stuff opening is all in one area (cough, 11th) so unless you live or work in the 11th, it’s not worth the trek for that pre-work treat and espresso outing. I don’t want a 24euro too-huge-to-finish-brunch. I just want eggs or a breakfast burrito!

One thing that is nice though, is that there is always room at Ladurée. I’m not one who splurges often on things like macaroons (although, I do adore them!), but a simple breakfast at Ladurée is always cozy and spot on: 2 fried eggs, delicious tea, or french toast if you’re feeing crazy… (Just to be clear, don’t worry, their fried eggs don’t cost as much as their pastries). Plus, I’ve always been a fan of the boho chic and vintage atmosphere of Ladurée, topped with its pastel paneled teacups and silver teapots. Darling Hana met me at the Ladurée on the Champs for a breakfast one chilly morning. It was the perfect setting for a girly catch up. There’s always that perfect table for two if you’re going on a weekday before work.

If anyone knows anything about the coming of age of Parisian breakfast, do fill me in. Until then, excuse the quick rant, I’ll stick to my handful of spots that I know for sure has eggs or a yummy treat and that won’t be packed with people with beards in the AM with a huge wait. Still waiting on a legit bagel place.

ENDLESS

The atmosphere has been off in Paris. Filled with confusion and sometimes hatred. Hopefully it’s blowing over a little bit but I can’t help watching videos of talk show hosts on the topic of the horrible events that took place last week. Bref.

I feel awkwardly tired lately, even after all the fresh air I took in in Colorado, and the sense of feeling so small next to the mountains and the plains on southbound 285. Maybe it’s the fact my cat is in his “teenage” stage and is peeing on things and being somewhat insupportable. I’m sad to say that my schedule lately has given me less time to put up posts on here. Having a full time job and keeping a blog up isn’t the easiest task, I’m coming to find…..

This year I want to make sure I find the time. I want to make sure I see those who I deeply care about and spend time with them with open ears and concentration. It’s far too easy to let my mind wander. There are few places I’d like to travel to, nothing far, but places on my list. I have friends starting to get married, so this year I’ll get to go to a couple celebrations of love which makes me all fuzzy inside. I’m really for a whoppin’ 2015. I think it’ll be a good one.

in NOTES

SO LONG, 2014

2014 was a good year. Like all years, a year of transitions, but this one involved a particularly big one. This year I officially shook of my student status and got a big girl job. I started to brew my own beer. We adopted a kitten, darling Jefferson. My brother had a baby. We travelled to Turkey. We spent time with family and frequented our favorite places. We moved into a new apartment just outside the city limits and are loving our new nest. I got to spend the final days of the year in the Rocky Mountains.

This year went by so quickly, and filled with so much happiness, even though I did lose a couple of close friends to new cities. Notably these major changes and those listed above have modified my daily routine, habits and focus. I must say, I think most of my goals for 2014 did actually happen, which is pretty exciting. Now I’ve got to think about my goals for the coming year. The year is already rolling out with plans, and I must say I am pretty anxious. I hope your 2014 finished smoothly, and I wish you a very very happy 2015.