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NOTRE NID

Finally, a few photos of our nest just northwest of Paris. We made the decision to move outside of the Paris limits last fall (for Parisians it’s a “big deal” believe it or not). Needless to say, we couldn’t be happier where we are, and in our little nest. Asnières is like a village, filled with families and buildings that look like those of Paris… and my commute is shorter to work than when I lived IN Paris. Bref.

As an expat in Paris having a nest is what grounds me. Really, though. This space we have made our own, that reflects so much of each of our lives really makes Paris even better for me. It’s filled with new memories, and the walls and shelves are adorned with older ones. Everything I have is here in France (a few specific things like my artwork when I was a kid, or my oboe and recital music books and orchestra shiww, a few knick knacks and maybe a quilt…). It’s a pretty crazy thing to think about, but I suppose after 6 1/2 years one’s life solidifies in that place.

Redecorating the place has been just the best time, really a true hoot, and we are loving having so much light compared to our last nest in the 16th. I think we’re set for a while. Much more unneeded thrifting to be done, as per usual…

 

LE CAFE CHEZ FONDATION

This place’s green coffee cups has become a staple of the Parisian coffee scene, I know. They are all over Instagram of expats and Parisians. Bref, but for a good reason, this little café is just right for a morning coffee, afternoon coffee and cake, coffee to go… just good coffee any way you like it.

My new thing is keeping my eyes peeled for places I’m able to go to before work. Believe it or not folks, a lot of “cute” or “trendy” or “cozy” places open at like 10am… which isn’t ideal for the workin’ girl! Luckily for me and anyone else with a full time job, Fondation is one of those open early places where you can start your day off right, opening at a whopping 9am!

Oh, and if you haven’t already, read Lindsey’s epic write up on coffee in Paris.

Fondation Café
16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003
Métro: Temple (3)

DATE NIGHT AT BLUE VALENTINE


This date was a special one, with mom when she was in town. I had seen so many dreamy photos of Blue Valentine and heard nothing but good things so I knew it was the perfect place to reserve a meal out with mom.

To be completely honest, everything on the menu looked tempting, but we both went with the chicken dish. The entrée included for lunch was absolutely to die for and I’m not sure I could really say what it is but it was a purée with an egg yolk baked at a very specific temperature or something and it was just unbelievable and gooey and magical. All of the dishes were presented beautifully, so gourmet. Mom was really impressed with the wine list, but I stuck with a beer. The space was perfect and modern and tasteful, with bricks and artwork and beautiful tables and chairs.

Blue Valentine
13 Rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011
Métro: Parmentier (3) ou Oberkampf (5/9)
Tél: (Reservations needed)

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN SANTA FE











While in Denver over the holidays, a weekend in Santa Fe was the perfect getaway within a getaway… entre filles. With my homegirls Liz and Caroline we made the trek due south for a mini 1-night road trip. Only 6 hours from Denver, one of the sources of my mom’s inspiration and taste and a place my bestie knew pretty darn well, believe it or not, I had never been. This entire post was prepared while listening to the song “Santa Fe” from my favorite musical, Rent, on repeat by the way. Ahem.

On the drive down we saw quite a bit of diverse landscapes: blue skies, a blizzard, icey mountain roads, South Park, the Collegiate Peaks covered with hats made of fog, lonely general stores that almost looked abandoned, the Great Sand Dunes from afar, the Colorado/New Mexico border…

Santa Fe is small but filled with history and traditions and it’s own vibe. The adobe buildings bring a whole completely, uniquely and utterly adorable look to the cityscape: one with more nature and for some reason a bit more of a cozy feeling. Something about it is just as charming as fuck. Many of the details were those that inspired my mom to decorate our home, so it all seemed awkwardly familiar. Having always seen my mom in her Native American jewelry as an Arizona-born gal, the local shops had windows filled with silver adorned with stones I somehow knew the name to. Alas, it was a fun experience, and our brief spin through the town still felt so worth it to me with two of my favorite gals on the planet.

Dragon Room @ The Pink Adobe // Restaurant & Bar // Cocktails out

Pasqual’s // Restaurant // Fancy New Mexican meal

The Plaza // Main square with local jewelers and shops

Tune up café // Café // Killer breakfast burrito