At the Westin

Loving these quirky holiday decorations at the Westin Paris.

(And yes, I know the holidays are over, but I'm in denial.)

Happy New Year!

Edit: Apparently there were a few glitches with this post and the text was distorted for some people. I'm not sure what happened because it shows up fine on my screen, but hopefully this fixes the problem! If not, let me know and I'll try to figure it out :)


It's hard to believe we've come to the end of another year. I hope you all had a lovely holiday and are enjoying a much-needed break.

Normally I don't make New Year's resolutions but this year I am making one: get the most I possibly can out of my last month in Paris. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone, and there's so much more I want to do before I leave. So I'll see you next year for more adventures as I sprint to the finish line.

Happy New Year and here's to a great start to 2010!

(This is the giant ferris wheel at the end of the Champs Elysees at the Place de la Concorde. My mom and friends were here visiting over Christmas so I finally had an excuse to go on it! So awesome.)

Holiday Window Shopping

I love this time of year, but one thing I don't like is how it gets dark SO early now. I mean, really, 5 o'clock? The lack of daylight was really getting to me this weekend, so I decided to go somewhere with lots and lots of lights - the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores.

The famous holiday window displays at both of these stores were incredible. The sidewalks were packed with people crowding around the windows, trying to get a good look. Actually the whole area was pretty packed - the two stores are literally a block away from each other, and they're right behind the Opera Garnier so it's basically a tourist heaven. But there were lots of families, too, with tons of little kids staring in awe at the dancing toys and gingerbread men.

The Galeries Lafayette theme was "gourmet holidays" so there were lots of food-related things that of course made me really hungry (i.e. towers of macaroons and really elaborate things made out of chocolate).

 These people don't spare any details - right down to the sprinkle-covered eyelashes and nails.

Printemps was definitely my favorite, though. They had kind of a Russian-doll/enchanted forest thing going on, with amazing designer clothes thrown in. I went a little crazy with taking pictures, but there was just so much cool stuff to see.

I liked these funny little dancing guys.

This one is my favorite - how amazing is that tapestry-covered horse?

'Tis the season

It's officially the hoilday season in Paris as all the stores have begun putting out their decorations in full force.  I've heard that this time of year is one of the most magical times to be in the city. Here's some of what I'm looking forward to this Christmas:

Going ice-skating outside the Hôtel de Ville.

Eating a traditional bûche de Noël.

Seeing the holiday department store window displays here.

Going to one of the many Christmas markets around the city.

Finally going to chez Angelina for the legendary hot chocolate.