Ride Like The Wind

When I think of Paris, I think of romance. When I think of romance, I think of horseback riding. But can all three go together? Unbelievable, yet oh-so-true! Just 20 minutes outside of the city via metro line 7 lies Equivil, a riding center with over 50 horses which offers after-work riding lessons! The perfect date, if you ask me. But be prepared to speak fluent French, as lessons are unfortunately not offered in English. Meanwhile, if you're not lucky enough to be trotting in Paris, how about picking up this lovely bridle hook? As you slip off your coat for the day, you'll be reminded of how good it must feel to ride through French fields on a gorgeous four-legged beast with your lover beside you! xoxo

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: citified.blogspot.com, weheartit.com

Screen Gem

With the hype of Hollywood having taken over at global proportions, it's often forgotten that Paris was the true birthplace of cinema. Not only did the first moving images via the Magic Lantern of the 17th century become a craze in the City of Lights, film notables like the Lumière brothers showed some of the world’s first movies in the city. And guess what? Thomas Edison based his cinematoscope (the first movie camera) on prototypes debuted by Frenchman Etienne-Jules Marey at the 1889 World’s Fair! Hollywood has taken center stage since then, but why not pay homage to the original cinematic stomping grounds with a little movie break? We suggest paying a visit to the Latin Quarter's Le Champo, a cinema built in 1938 that is today known for its retrospectives on directors like Woody Allen, Stanley Kubrick and Claude Chabrol. And who knows: Maybe you'll meet a fellow moviegoer who sweeps you off your feet and entrances you with a romantic weekend that rivals those seen on the silver screen!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: about.com, blogs.whatsontv.co.au

Paris Pink

Paris is wonderful in and of itself, but it's even more fabulous when it's done in pink! Here's how we'd do a perfectly pink day in Paris.

Waking up is good. But waking up with someone you love? Even better.

Time for breakfast! How about some yummy croissants from a boulangerie?

Nothing beats a morning walk through side streets, and it's a great way to get the imagination flowing.

Have those euros ready? Because there's plenty of shopping to do!

Feeling hungry again. How about lunch at a cafe with a glass of rose, which is said to have originated in Bordeaux?

Oh! A flower shop! Must stop here...

Those blooms were such a reminder: Lauderee has a cherry blossom macaroon, and they'd make perfect souvenirs.

French book stores are so romantic. Let's read a poem or two...

Time for dinner. How about a feast complete with a wine tasting at O Chateau!

Darling, we must take in some ballet at the Opera National de Paris.

What a delightful yet exhausting day! Time to rest at Hotel du Parc so we can do it all again tomorrow!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: parishotelboutique.com, weheartit.com, chocolateandcroissants.blogspot.com, etsy.com, olivejuicechicago.blogspot.com, thetravelyear.com, thenational.ae, herbgirl1.blogspot.com, ifionlydoonethingthisweek.files.wordpress.com, priscillamaeetal.blogspot.com, flickr.com, hannahdays.wordpress.com, designlinesltd.com, o-chateau.com, massivemacaque.blogspot.com, massivemacaque.blogspot.com, thevisualvamp.blogspot.com, hotelduparcparis.com, hotelduparcparis.com

Message In A Bottle

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a few words can create quite a picture. I just made that up, so excuse me a second while I pat myself on the back and call my mom to brag... Okay, I've returned. And now I can express what I really meant to say in the first place: Items that convey lovely sentiments are at the top of the heap in my book. I couldn't help but keep one of these French Charmed pillow covers for myself, and I've fallen in love with this gorgeous Parisian bottle necklace. Both, I dare say, have left me nearly speechless.

Queen Of Hearts

The rush of the holidays is over, but without even the shortest moment to take a breather, I've found myself knee-deep in Valentine's Day. Or maybe a more proper way to put it would be I'm already head over heels for Valentine's Day? Either way, matters of the heart have taken center stage, and I for one, am a big believer that it's never too early to start planning something special for the ones you love. "If only," you may be thinking, "It were as easy as waving a crystal wand." Well alas, my dears, it just may be if you decide to bring this magical wonder into your lives! We definitely wish it upon you.

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: vintageidie.typepad.com, flickr.com, etsy.com, mycutecrush.tumblr.com, weheartit.com, gorgeouscompany.wordpress.com, blog.hostelbookers.com

Home Away From Home

Aaaaahhhh, French Charmers, it's one of those days again where it's all I can do to not book an impromptu trip to Paris and throw it all on my nearly maxed out credit card. You only live once, right? Sigh. Tell that to my dog, who'd probably starve if I did a crazy thing like that. But to satiate my ridiculous thoughts of blowing caution to the wind without actually doing so, I love to look at different hotels throughout Paris. One I've always wanted to stay in is L'Hotel, which is actually one of the most famous in the city. It has that old-fashioned French charm that just screams romance, and it even used to be the home of Oscar Wilde! Tres chic.