Ooh Paris How I love Thee

Bonjour mes amis!

I greet you from the bustleing city of Paris, two days into our world adventure. I am sorry that I can't post any pictures as of yet but hopefully soon I will be able to.

We arrived yesterday at 8 in the morning and did not stop until 3 in the afternoon! The most unfortunate part of the trip is getting adjusted to the time zone. You must stay awake as long/late as possible in order to get on track.

So in order to stay alert and engaged we jumped into the tourist scene. First we found our hotel and dropped off our backpacks. Then we wandered rue de clers and its markets for a good "petit dejeuner" only to make the mistake of buying gross croque monsieurs ( ham and cheese sandwich) from a street vendor. We are not returning there.

The one redeeming quality of these sandwiches was that they were eaten in front of the Eiffel Tower....which managed to up their anty by only a smidge.

After our breakfast we wandered under the Eiffel Tower, on across the Seine, and to Trocadero.  I got to show Red the fountain I wallowed in back in high school when I was an au-pair---it was the hottest summer on record! He laughed when I described all the Parisennes laying on the banks of this fountain and playing in the water cannons as if it were a public pool. But I tell you this was a neccessary thing at that time! I also showed Red the apartment I lived in with the family I lived with. It was incredible walking that street again and realizing that 9 years have passsed.
We went on from there to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysses, taking our time to people watch, and for me, fashion watch. ( No worries ladies--I will do a post on fashion in Paris to cover all that is to be said)

Riding the metro has been as easy as it is reknown to be. However, there have been quite a bit more musical performers on the trains than I remembered there being. Ask Red whenever you see him and I imagine He will be able to recreate the experience for you with a tune he has had stuck in his head since yesterday morning. It is quite funny. My favorite musician was an older man who played the accordian in the typical French style. He matched his timing to the speed of the train making you feel as if you were flying down a dark tunnel with a mad accordian tuned to every zig and zag. Heart racing I tell you.

After we snuck in a little nap we ventured out again, headed for Notre Dame. Notre Dame is stunning at all times of day; but it is magical in the early evening as the sky is turning deep blue and the moon and venus is settling into place. We off-handedly decided to wander inside just to catch a look at night and stumbled into a full mass! The music alone was unbelieveable. We sat soaking it in. God gains glory from it all.

After being rejuvenated by the sound of music (ah-ah-ahhhhhh) (anyone?) we got lost in the Latin quarter still managing to miss the main street. The Latin quarter is one of the oldest sections of town and is also home to the Sorbonne (university) and other schools. It is heavy on the student demographic but is an awesome area to explore. Attempt numero 2 will occur tonight.

We found a small street cafe and got a decent meal for a great price then headed home to crash. Our 9 o'clock bedtime was perfect.

Today we slept in until 8 and then wandered through the markets to pick up some fruit and snacks. We've spent the day traipsing through the streets of Paris visiting Monte-marte, eating delicious Vietnamese food in China town and relaxed in the Luxenbourg gardens in front of the senate.

It was a perfect day....I must go---I think the hotel is wanting their laptop back. I will write again soon!

A bientot

From the Plains to the Mountains

I had never driven across Kansas before. I had never been creeped out by massive wind farms before. I had  never driven through a canyon with crazy snow and ice before.

Before our most recent road trip, I had been living life safely on the edge of the Mississippi; far, far, away from any thoughts of eternal plains, energy farms, and mountains.

But now.

But now, I am changed for forever. No really. This isn't meant to be as dramatic as it sounds. But I am changed.

Red and I just returned from a sweet road trip with our friends Jackie and Micah. Jackie's family lives out in Colorado about 2 hours west of Denver in Glenwood Springs. (Not to be confused with paradise...)

No doubt, Red and I jumped on the opportunity to meet her family and to get away into the mountains. The  drive's terrain was invigorating...You hear everyone complain about driving through the plains and despising it, oh but friends!--it is beautiful!

As we drove across this vast expanse, I couldn't help but be reminded of the beach. Odd I know. No ocean for miles--and I think of the beach. But it was something about the swaying of the tall golden grasses that reminded me of dunes and the richness of the blue sky that reminded me of the depths of the sea.

I looked out my window and felt as if inspiration roams freely across this land; that if I could throw myself into it's thralls then I would be changed. Perhaps I would double in size to take up space or perhaps I would grow smaller to better experience God's delirious creation. But yes, changed.

As we drew closer to Denver we began to saw the Rockies push out of the horizon as if they had to stake their claim. There is no denying their stature---why they think they would be pushed around, is beyond me...but..

How these mountains shock your system is undeniable. I had only visited CO once before. It was with Red for his high school friend's wedding and it was summer time. Winter is a completely different experience.

These mountains, ruddy with red earth, Aspens, and craggy rocks jut to the sky suddenly and with out remorse. As we weaved through the valleys and canyons and held our breath dangerously long through tunnels burrowed in the mountains' bellies, a whole new world came to life. It swirled with snow. We slid with ice. White took over for red and we entered into what I like to refer to as: Narnia. (spoken with a fabulous British accent.)

It was enchanting:

The foray into the canyon took an hour longer than expected. But, alas, we arrived at Jackie's home. Blown away by the beautiful drive, thankful to make it there safely, and starving for potato soup--we jumped out of the car eager.

The snow still falling:

I think the one of our party most excited to arrive was Hunter, Jackie and Micah's adorable pup:

Stay tuned for the rest of this trip--it's only just begun...

Mexico lives here!

Yep. You read that title correct. And, no..I'm not trying to be smart or witty.

Instead, I am about to divulge to you a small piece of heaven. (ok, that may be taking it too far--but it was a pretty cool experience.)

An attention grabbing title, eh?

A few weeks ago between the gorging of Thanksgiving and the cheer of Christmas, my friend Nicole and I ventured down to the Lemp District--the area known for Cherokee Street, Antique Row, and.... a dense population of Hispanics...resulting in an abundance of taquerias and tiendas.

Nicole, who has a background in Southwestern cuisine (green sauce, red sauce, or christmas, anybody?)--was extremely excited to test these grounds. What deliciousness we were sure to encounter!!

(I must admit that Mexican food is basically at the top of my "favorites" list--and this expedition was an answer for my heart's desire.)

We decided to eat at a restaurant (ehem, titled: Mexico lives here!!) with outdoor seating---tucked away through the back of a store.

Buy a pinata, find special ingredients for your newest
enchilada recipe, or try a candy you've never had.

We meandered up and down the aisles then came to the grocery/lunch counter section. Check out the massive amount of horchata they had!

Horchata is one of Red's favorite drink---an interesting combination of "rice milk", sugar, cinnamon, and spices.

Te horchata is on the left. I am unsure of what is
on the right.

We turned the corner and were warmly greeted and seated outside on the covered patio...walking out, we passed a single man with a table overflowing with food---the fajitas and the undeniable star.

Nicole and I eyed each other--each it seemed with the beginning of a choice already made...

We poured over our menus taking in all of the familiar and un-familiar choices laid before us. It seemed that neither of us could stop thinking about our neighbor's fajitas--their sweet sizzle singing  in our ears.

We decided our best option was to split some chicken and steak fajitas and to get a Gordita. Please attempt to not salivate on your computer:

Ah-mazing.

Here is a close up of the life-changing Gordita:

Its a thin corn cake sandwich filled with steak, guacamole,
 lettuce, cheese,  and pico de gallo. Yum.

My friends--we filled ourselves to the point of bursting--and I still took home enough fajitas to eat for lunch the next day.

The Gordita--again, was life-changing--and the fajitas were fresh, smoky, and delicious with out the deluging effect of "fajita seasoning".

Friends, if you desire a taste of Mexico--then Mexico lives here! is an excellent place to visit. You forget you are in St. Louis and are instead absorbed in an adventure.

An adventure that enlists you to take pictures with men painted on walls:

The faceless man.

Go ring in the New Year my friends!

Ps. I couldn't find any contact information for this restaurant.(A good sign!!) If you are interested in going, simply go to Cherokee Row, St. Louis--and drive down that road. It is on Cherokee.

Creative Haven on The Hill

Stunning.

As it is the week before Christmas--life has been a madhouse.

However, as crazy as the times are, it was a sweet delight to have my sister-in-law Michelle visit St. Louis with her younger sister Megan.

Whenever someone comes to visit, I strive to expose them to an area of St. Louis they may not typically visit if they came knowing no one here...

With this in mind (and considering that Michelle and Megan specifically requested we spend some time on "The Hill"..they are part Italian, mind you...) we ended their short visit with a morning of Italian goodness.

With only a little time to explore, we meandered the streets pretending as if it weren't cold and horribly misty. We relaxed at Shaw's coffee, meandered through Viviano's grocery, browsed another speciality food shop looking for boxed tomatoes (not to be found)...and then...

found a haven for all things creative and beautiful. By this I mean-- SKIF International. Home to both SKIF and jipisiboho.

You are asking--what is this?!

This fabulous studio/shop, located at 2008 Marconi, is a warehouse filled to the brim with unique finds.

The jipsiboho element is a feast for your eyes:

jenny b. of jipsiboho, made these chairs from deconstructed
sweaters...and the wall decor: old books.

jenny b. specialized in interior design, styling, art direction, staging, props and sets, wardrobe, and events. The moment we walked in, jenny shared her passion for art and design. You could feel it emanating from her as she explained different pieces she had made and some of her inspiration.

She even grabbed her favorite Japanese magazine to show me her vision for her digital magazine she is laying the foundation for.

Here are more of her products:

This couch makes me happy. Perfect for a reading nook in a child's room...or
as a prop in a photo-shoot...or in a boutique. OK--or in my tree house I'll have
one day.
Love love.

A genius inspiration board.

And my favorite:

Imagine this over our sick new couch. yes.
Only $150.

Jenny B.'s distinctively charming style is the perfect compliment to SKIF's organic rawness. The clothing  they create here at the St. Louis studio--is beautiful.

Designed to drape and compliment the body, their pieces are appropriate for all people in all walks of life.

There are shirts, pants, tunics, vests, dresses...really anything you can imagine. They also will work with you if you'd like a piece made with a different yarn or with slight variances such as sleeve length.

While you shop, the studio is buzzing with clothing being made as well as other unique woven/sewn goods.

A rug being made from "trash"..or remnants
from other clothing being made.

A quilt being made from fabric remnants.

Nina, the owner of SKIF, had her desk set up so she could view the show room, her hospitality evident. Their website even offers a guest house if you are interested in coming to stay there and learn more about their business---or just to shop!

Michelle, Megan, and I spend the bulk of our time on The Hill at SKIF. It was such an education to discover this place in the middle of St. Louis. No longer must I brave the mall for Anthropologie--I can now go to a quaint Italian neighborhood and shop a local store with the same degree of creative of inspiration.

It pays to shop local, doesn't it?

I must say that after leaving the studio, my desire to be creative had quadrupled. I was raking my brain for every way possible to be paid to do my passions.

Though I am still deliberating about what exactly my passions are--I did come up with one way I could do this--

I am a professional estate "saler"... and by this I mean, I love love love bargain hunting for random things at people's massive garage sales (or really anywhere, for that matter.) Perhaps I could turn this into a professional treasure hunter for those who need treasure?

'Tis a thought.

So, since my own creativity is at a standstill, go, and support our local creatives. Their work is outstanding.

SKIF INTERNATIONAL

2008 Marconi

St. Louis, MO 63110

www.skifo.com

Nina

314.773.4401

jipsiboho

2008 Marconi

St. Louis, MO 63110

www.jipisiboho.com

jenny b.

314.303.5499

Deals for our New Home

It's been a few weeks---since I've had internet because---

We MOVED!

No worries. We are still in lovely St. Louis--but simply closer in.

We are officially living in U-City--home to Blueberry hill, Dewey's Pizza, and Jilly's cupcakes.

I can also officially walk to Starbucks whenever I get the urge.

I have to say that it is a complete change--but a complete blessing all at the same time.

We actually found this place the weekend of our stay-cation--and moved in a week later!! (then waited another week for cable/internet--sheesh)

It has been awesome as we begin to actually feather our nest. I've been estate saleing like nobody's business and been spending hours on craigslist (at Starbucks, of course) hoping to find a long lost treasure that someone else doesn't need any longer.

And friends, my search has been well worth it.

Check 'em out:

Find numero uno:

Our Mad Men-esque dresser from craigslist made into our tv console. Red will be removing
that top center drawer and drilling a hole in the back for cables. Handy. $250 for 2 of these babies.

Find numero dos:

Large leather chair for large man. Check. $2000 chair for $365. Thank you estate
sale #1.

Find numero tres:

6 seated heavy wood dining table from craigslist. Needs a little love but will
look fabulous after the table is gray and the chairs are french gray..meaning
blue. $140 yes.

Find numero quatro:

Sweet outdoor beverage cart and adorable bronzy birds.
Gracias Estate Sale #2
$20

Find numero cinco:

Wait! Those aren't for the apartment, they're for me!
$5

These babies are Fryes...and yes I paid $5 for them. My friend Kara and I were admiring an old desk in the back room of a basement at an Estate Sale and looked down and saw these sweet boots. Size 8, they were perfect for me (Kara wears a 9) and so I grabbed them up and paid for them with an awestruck look on my face.

After a little wash and polish--they are good as new. Yes ma'am.

A small aside: Kara and I had the craziest estate sale experience of our life. At the estate sale I got the small beverage cart and birds at, they handed out numbers into the afternoon!! And then it was at least a half mile hike to and from your car to the house. They had police running interference, and the neighbors were not happy. Crazy--but worth it just to see inside the home...and to get my beverage cart.

I will be posting more as this new apt comes along--and as I explore my new neighborhood. There is lots to do and see!