Day 20

    Wow day 20,
     Hi, Bonjour, Ciao (thought it was goodbye but it is hello)weird!

     So after going to bed at 5 am I slept until noon, yes I did!!!! and you know what? It felt good. I really didn't have any plans today. I usually plan the day before but I just didn't feel like it. So I got up, got dressed, and headed out. Joseph said that I looked very French last night so today I decided I would pretend I lived here. So I got on the metro, now knowing I wouldn't get lost because living here and all I have the metro down. So off I went on the RER B, got off at Chatelet les Halles and transferred to line 1 and got off at Bastille! Voila I was now at Bastille Market. Remember I went there the first Sunday I was here? Now I was back, canvas shopping bag in tow. I am a local now you know? I bought some souvenirs, bread, olives (I love the olives here) and a beret, Picture coming up in a bit!  Aren't those olives amazing.?Everything is like that here. I spent a couple hours there, looking, tasting and just enjoying the place that I love. It has been really freezing here and today was no exception.

     I left the market and decided I would do something I said I was going to do before I left home.... and that is walk to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Last time I was here I had small fracture in my ankle from a volleyball injury. (Such a jock I am) So I took the elevator lift up. So I got on another metro, connected and found my way to the Eiffel Tower. Quite difficult to miss I must add. Here is what I saw when I turned a corner after having lunch. Oh yes and I am sporting my new beret. I was freezing!!!

     I got to the ticket booth and bought my ticket for my hike up to the top. Whew! You think you are in good shape until you start walking up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I warmed up in a hurry and that kept me going. Today was a clear day, making it an ideal time to do this. It was beautiful at the top. And being that it is January and freezing there weren't that many people there. Always a bright side. I did have to take the beret off as I was warming up to the point of over heating. The views were beautiful and it felt so good to just take it all in.

   I made my way down and was really happy that I did this, I definitely burned off the cafe mocha that I enjoyed at lunch, oh did I mention I had 2? Absolute deliciousness!!!! is that even a word?

  I decided I would walk part of the way back and saw the most beautiful views of the Eiffel tower I have ever seen. I took my time in awe of what I was looking at.

      I had a really nice day and decided I would make my way back to the hotel and enjoy my olives with a glass of wine for dinner. Which I did and now I am relaxed writing my blog and thinking of all of you.

    When I got back I had a message from Helen saying that she will be joining me tomorrow on the train to Brussels. We have a slight change that we will work out in the morning and that is I have had many people tell me to go to Bruges instead. I was told it's Belgium's version of Venice. So we will try and do both!!!!

                Take care and I wish you all well,

                          Avec amour, Laura

Thought for the day:

You can search forever to find what you are looking for and never find it.... Because you already have it....

I did it....

Day 19

     Hi Everyone,
     I just couldn't blog about my day yesterday but will do it now with a heavy heart.
     I had a lot on my schedule yesterday, a class at Le Cordon Bleu and Dinner with Joseph and Vicki, they invited me to their friends house for dinner. I didn't want to do anything but stay curled up in bed, but on the other hand I didn't want to be alone. So I got up and went to class. When I got there a few people asked if I was ok, because it was clear I wasn't. But I sat down and listened to the 3 1/2 hour demonstration. It was good because I was able to be distracted for a while, then we went in the kitchen to do the practical part of the class.The Chef was great and his personality was exactly what I needed. Sweet, caring and patient:) So I made Duck Breast, Jus and the most incredible tasting potato, lardon, onion and mushroom dish EVER!

     I came back to my room after class to put my food in the fridge and  I broke open the potato dish (that's how I knew how good it was) I was going to bring it to dinner but it never made it. I ate the entire thing.
   I looked like hell (admit it you see the pic) so I went to get my hair trimmed and blown out (my hair dryer hasn't worked since I've been here) I  walked until I found a spot that felt right and I did. It was a little salon that was owned by 3 sisters, they reminded me of me and my sisters:) They spoke a little English and the French words that I knew got us by and it was nice.
     I called Meghan on the walk back to the hotel and hearing her voice broke my heart. Please send prayers everyone to Steve's children.
    I got ready and got on the Metro to Joseph and Vicki's, hoping I wouldn't seem as sad as I felt. I got there and they picked me up at the station and we drove to their friends house. It was on an Island on the Seine River. Their friends were so nice Susan and Remy hosted the dinner and Susan made a delicious dinner and had to do a lot of running around to make it happen. She made Blanquette de Veau (veal in white sauce) and a beautiful salad, a cheese course (still not a fan but I try) and a Galette des Rois for dessert. This dessert is only available at this time of year and it represents a celebration of the three wise men. There is a little prize in the cake (called a Feve) and a king and queen are chosen. We also had the best ice cream and sorbet I have ever had and of course Champagne and various wines.

    The other guests at dinner were Adrian, Richard, Eric and Sarah (Joseph and Vicki's children) and Sebastien and Christian (Susan and Remy's Children) It was a really nice night and I am so grateful to have been invited.

     Dinner was finished at 1:30 am and Vicki and Joseph were kind enough to drive me back to my hotel. They are wonderful people and I can't wait to reciprocate their kindness. I hope they will make it to Long Beach this summer so that I can introduce them to my friends and family.

     I ended up going to sleep at 5 am, I have no sense of time here. I guess that is a good thing.

One more thing... Vicki asked me how I come up with the "Thought of the day" well I come up with them 90% of the time when I am walking, then I jot it down. They just pop in my head, but keep in mind I have an incredible amount of alone time to think.... As for the quotes of the day, they are quotes that I have heard from other people or have read. Voila, there you have it.

                                             Thanks for reading and I love you all,
                                                                                              Laura

Thought for the day:

Sometimes you are lost and you have no idea where you are.... Sometimes you are lost and know exactly where you are.

The Duck Dish We Made In Class

                                                                              

A Sad Day

Hi Everyone,
     This posting comes from a sad heart. I am writing this from my soul, from the depths of my feelings and the spot in my heart that few have touched. You don't even have to read it. I just need to write it. As I would say, all of you that know me, with the exception of a few, know of Steve Fink.The world has lost someone very special and my life would not be what it is without  me knowing Steve. He showed me what true love is.
     I met him 17 years ago. We became friends at first sight, it was a friendship that was always different. When I went through my divorce he was there for me and when he went through his I was there for him, we were each others support system, our friendship grew into a deep love. We shared everything, we knew everything about each other and what we had was different. We had a connection together that was spiritual, emotional and physical. People come into your life for reason and I am grateful that Steve came into mine.
We started PSC together, I knew nothing about the business, Steve knew everything. We worked for months getting our Deli opened, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, fixing, painting , putting in countertops and cleaning some more. I remember thinking "I sure hope he can cook" and cook he could do, that first roast beef that came out of the oven and into my mouth was unbelievable. We even had a special snack that we named a number 7, which consisted of a thinly sliced piece of roast beef, mayonaise (only best foods) and a 1/4 of a dill pickle, everything was rolled in the roast beef. So good! We organized Thanksgiving dinner, for the homeless (or so we thought) it soon became the place to come for Thanksgiving, we had homeless, firemen, family, friends, policemen, customers, people who didn't have families, you guessed it.... anyone who wanted to come. Steve worked at the speed of sound, he was a machine. Everyone that knows him loves him. He loved to feed people.
     The last time I saw Steve was on New Years Eve ( 2 months ago) We had a great talk and it was so good to see him, but although unsaid we both knew. He said something to me I will never forget "I love you in this lifetime" Those words will be with me forever. He gave me a ring years ago and I wear it everyday and have since he gave it to me. I didn't wear it on this trip because I didn't want to risk anything happening to it. When I showed him and told him that I wear it everyday, his response was "You know the ring you had made for me? I have worn it everyday" Time can pass, things can happen, but love is love.
Steve I will miss you dearly , but you are with me always and I know that your dad and Jacque were waiting with open arms and for that I can smile. My heart and prayers go out to Meghan, Katie, Nicole and Jon, I love you.
                 Laura

Thought for the day:
Life is not short, it is just unpredictable and can change in a moment.
Say "I love you"

Day 18

HELLO AMERICA!!!!
     How is everyone today? This has been the first day I felt a bit under the weather. So I took all of my natural homeopathic concoctions so hopefully tomorrow I will be like new again. But right now I can say I have felt better.
     I went to L'Ecritoire (my little cafe) this morning and booked some of the hotels I will be staying at in Italy. So far I am booked in Milan from 2/12-2/15, Florence from 2/19-3/2 and Rome from 3/2-3/8 I realize there are a couple of gaps and I will figure it out I just felt I needed to know where I was going. I treated myself with Starwood points and am staying at the St. Regis Grand in Rome, it looked absolutely beautiful and that will be a nice way to end my time in Italy. Then back to Paris for 2 days and then home just in time for my little Whitney's 24th birthday!!!! I wouldn't miss it for anything. I love my kids soooo much! They are the loves of my life:) and my inspirations to be the best I can be.

     I had another class today at Le Cordon Bleu, I was (and Helen) was as well, dissapointed in our class because it was very similar, too similar to the class we took on Wednesday. So they said they would work something out for us. This is me saying "Oh well, practice makes perfect right?" We made the best of it and as always had a good time together.
    On the way back I stopped by the train ticket office and booked a train to go to Brussels on Monday for the day. It's an hour and half away and I have heard it is a fun place to go. So I will definitely report back about my day there. I think it will be a lot of fun. Helen may join, she is figuring out her schedule.
   So it's pretty funny I feel like The Bee Movie when I am deciding what to wear. Here is me talking "Hmmm what should I wear today? Black and gray, black and gray, black and gray, gray and black? Yes, gray and black that will be a nice change." I know I am not into wearing a lot of color but I am feeling like I need to incorperate some ASAP!
     Oh yes there is something else as well that I keep forgetting to share... This hotel does not have Fashion TV, I really miss it, I was getting quite addicted. I think my walk is a bit off as I haven't practiced! ha !So it's CNN 24/7 when I am in the room. I need a little Fashion TV!!!!
     Another thing I have noticed.... I see people kissing all over the place here, I now know why they call Paris the city of Looooove. Being the one not kissing I am getting sick of it LOL. Just kidding I think it's pretty cute actually.

     I hope everyone is having an outstanding day as mine is coming to a close and yours is just getting going.
     I have class all day tomorrow so I will write to you later.
    Sending my love and "kisses" from Paris,
                                                         Laura
Treats from today....

Thought for the day:
You know, when life gives you lemons you can make lemonade or you could make Lemon Souffle, the choices are endless. The important thing is you always have a choice.

Day 17

Bonsoir,
     Hello out there.... It's kind of weird writing and not really knowing who is reading it.
     I have enclosed this picture of my family. It was taken the night before I left at my Bon Voyage dinner at Flemmings. I realized I hadn't posted it. In case you don't know from the left is Whitney, Landon, Danielle, Me, Jason and Lauren. Yes, I consider the entire group "My Family" Our closeness means everything to me and I look forward to my welcome home dinner. It might be Mexican food because I am already craving it.

     Today was so much fun Helen, Kate and I met at the Anvers metro station and headed to Montmartre, where Sacre-Coeur is which translates to Sacred Heart. It is a beautiful basilica and the views are the best in Paris. Sacre-Coeur is in the background of the picture of Kate, Helen and I. Montmartre is also where all the artists gather trying to draw your picture. I didn't feel like I needed a 16x20 painting of myself at home so I passed on that:) There was a lot of incredible art and it is a really cute, eclectic area. We walked around and decided to have lunch, five hours and 2 bottles of wine later we concluded our lunch. Lunch was delicious and the company so much fun. Once again I didn't feel the after affects of the wine. Maybe just a bit :) A great thing about taking a long lunch is that we missed the pouring rain outside, that we were completely unaware of. It is so nice to have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends from all over the world. As I told you in a previous blog Helen is from Austarlia and Kate is from London but is now living in Paris for the next 3 years with her husband who got transfered here.
   It was dark when we finished lunch:) so we walked around a little longer and then headed to our metro stations. I am getting really good navigating around Paris these days. Helen and I rode part of the way back together, of course there is a picture to follow. Do we look a bit tipsy? I swear we were fine.
     So I came back to the hotel, took a nice hot shower to warm up and turned on Breakfast at Tiffany (I broke down and bought a couple of dvd's) Oh yes, I also had another mini photo session and am enclosing a picture of me in my room. You may not recognize me because I am not wearing a black coat!!!!ha and the cute little pillow on the bed is mine and it says " La vie est belle" (Life is beautiful) perfect don't you think?

    Tomorrow, I have another class "Mini Desserts" that should be good, I wish I could share the goodness with all of you. Helen is also in the class!
     I hope you are all having a good day and I look forward to writing to you again.
     Jusqu'a la prochaine fois (until next time)
    Amour toujours (love always),
                     Laura

Thought for the day:
Family are the best friends you will ever have...
Your true best friends become your family...

                       

Day 16

Bonjour and Hello to all,
     Today was my busiest school day yet. I have to tell you, I joined a club today that I didn't think I would ever belong to. The very elite club is "I walked 5 miles in the bitter cold to school" club!!!! oh yes it's true. Ten frozen toes later I arrived. Another first I don't think I need to repeat:) The good news in all this is that I didn't get lost or I would have joined the "I walked 10 miles in the bitter cold" club. and probably wouldn't be around to write about it. I did see a lot of interesting spots on the way and that is always good.

    I had a class on Winter Treats, we made the French version of Hot Chocolate, Madeleines, and Pate a Choux Puffs with Nib Sugar (delicious) I ate about 10! Then the Chef who I knew from previous classes invited Helen and I to sit in on his Chef's Secret class which was a tribute to Julia Child. It was great and the menu was amazing. Lamb w/a wine and current sauce, pureed fava beans, sole with a wonderul white sauce and a pear and almond cream tarte. I learned quite a bit and it was so nice of him to let us join.
     I have enclosed a picture of Helen, Chef and I and then one of our small class, starting from the left, Paula (from No.Cal), Me, Helen (Australia), Bianca (Spain) and of Course Chef Patrik Caals.

These are the simple and simply delicious puffs, When I said I ate 10, the were my dinner, with a glass of wine of course!!!! Another reason to walk for miles:)
  Well I am off to meet Helen and Kate for lunch and to Montmartre to explore.
  So I will write again Later.
  Love to everyone and I miss you all. VOILA!!!

 Au Revoir,
Avec amour, Laura

Quote of the day:
"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you are absolutely right"

15th Day

     Bonjour from the first day of SNOW I have had. I thought it felt colder than usual when I started out on my multi mile walk this morning. I'm not sure if you can see the snow but trust me it was coming down. What fun:) I swear my face was litterally frozen I am not kidding. I couldn't even believe it, doesn't the line go "springtime in Paris?" I have never heard of "wintertime snow in Paris"

     I met Vicki and Bobbi at the Musee Jacquemart Andre, it is obviously a museum, but also has a wonderful restaurant as well. We had a really nice lunch and talked about anything and everything. They are such nice women and it was such a treat for me to spend the afternoon with them. We had a bottle of wine with lunch and I didn't even feel tipsy. Uh Oh!!!!Vicki has invited me to another dinner party this Saturday night (dinner parties are big here:) and I happily accepted. Fortunately I have another class on Saturday so I will be bringing my delights to the party.  
     After lunch Vicki and Bobbi had to get back to their homes and children so I spent the next few hours at the museum which was so interesting. It was in a mansion and it was the private home of Edward Andre who was a bankers son. (Seems like a good job to have to me) It was absolutely beautiful, filled with art work and amazing furnishings. I couldn't believe how many paintings, sculptures and artifacts that this man and his wife had. I really would like to have a few things from there.

    After I finished at the Musee I started walking back to the Metro (which was really far) and got sidetracked by a few stores. I went into a bookstore to buy... what else a cookbook in French and when I purchased it the saleswomen gave me another one. That was so sweet, now I have two cookbooks from France. Then I passed by this incredible bath store and saw this bathtub that I would love someday, of course I enclosed a picture because you have to put out there what you want....right? I hope you can see the writing around the bathtub. I love it. Remember the pink and black desk? Well I guess they have two stores in Paris and I found the other one by accident. I went in and was again just so excited to see that desk, but the highlight this time was I got talking to the saleman about the La Cornue's. They are beauties. He was excited that I had one and was telling me all the places in California to get accessories. That was fun. I also am enclosing a picture of my excitement. I bet when I said I was sidetracked by stores you thought clothing right? Well you are right I did find a couple of things, two cute dresses, but actually I just love looking in all of the fixture, cooking and furniture stores. I love the style.
     One more funny story before I close for tonight.... So in all the rooms I have had here there are like 20X magnifying mirrors in the bathroom and I have noticed I have a lot of little blond hair on my upper lip, so I decided to get something to get rid of it. So I went to the drug store and found these Nair wax strips. The instructions were in French but I thought I could figure it out so I bought them. (no picture of this by the way:) and (I have never done this before) So anyway I got back to my room and started to figure it out and realized I needed to translate. So I got my Iphone translator out and proceeded to translate. I put the strip on, pressed gently, did not heat and pulled off against the hair growth OMG is there a need for pain like that???? It reminded me of the Biore strips that Lauren, Whitney and I had bought and had to soak our noses to get them off. Since I did half of my upper lip I was not very excited to do the other half but I painfully did it. Probably not something I ever need to do again:)
     I guess that is all for today except for VOILA my new favorite word!!!! Write to you tomorrow.
     Avec amour my dear dear friends and family,

                                                                 Laura        

                                                       Thought for the day:
Life is a lot like bangs. It goes through an awkward time and then it looks better than ever!
   
    

2 Weeks

Bonsoir, (good evening)

     I am trying to practice my french.
     Well I started my morning thinking I would try and stay on a path so I wouldn't get lost. But what happens is I see something that catches my eye and off I go.... "Oh Well"...that's my new motto:)
     Everywhere you look in Paris there is beauty, my eyes dart back and forth trying to take it all in. It is just unbelievable to me.
     I have been on a quest to find this certain shoe that I have seen on people and I like. I found them the other day but they were at this incredible little store that handmade all of their shoes. They were 475. euro so I passed on them. However, today while still on the lookout I found very similar ones that weren't handmade but they were made in Italy and they were 100. euro and 50% off. So the rest is history:) While I was in the store there was this cute little french women (probably 65-70) trying on heeled boots. She was so cute. Well anyway I was trying on a heeled pair of the shoe as well and thats when she started breaking out in french, I told her that I didn't understand and then in this sweet english accent she said " Those are perfect you must get them." So of course I did. Two pairs of shoes later I was back dropping them off to my room and once again on my way!!!
     I went to Notre-Dame actually I went in, took a picture and walked out. Thinking I had already been there a few years ago and just wanted to see it again, but as I walked out I thought I should have said a prayer. So back in I went, aplogized to G_d and prayed. A little Jewish girl praying in Notre-Dame, I knew that G-d was listening. I was so happy that I went back in.
     Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you.... I was aked out on not 1 date today but 2. Yes that's correct. I guess I am looking more like I belong. lol  I havent decided if I will go yet. That is pending:)

     It also looks like I may have to find another box, I don't know what happens, it just seems like I accumulate things. Who knew???
I bought my train ticket to Turino, Italy today, I leave Paris on February 7th, it's a 5 hour train ride and I leave at 7:45 am. I am going to start researching cooking classes in Florence, I will be there mid February, I haven't planned that far out yet:) Does that surprise anyone?

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!

I have so much to be grateful for... and I am...

I am having lunch tomorrow with Vicki and Bobbi (Bobbi was at dinner Saturday night) so I am looking forward to that. I will report back. We are going to a cute little place that Vicki loves.
            I hope all is well, talk to you tomorrow!
                                 Au revoir,
                                               Love,
                                                 Laura 
                                 
                                       Thought for the day:
                            When you feel like you are lost,
                      change it up and feel like you are found

     

Day 13 "Moving Day"

Bonjour from my last morning at The Westin Paris,
Well here I am getting ready to checkout of my home for the past 12 days.I haven't been moving very fast today, I think it may have something to do with my wine tasting last night. So this is my last photo shoot in room 4034. So funny, it is only something you would do in the privacy of your own self:)
 I think I packed really well, this is all I have... Of course you did see the box I sent home:)
Goodbye Westin.... Hello....Grand Hotel Saint Michael

Here is my new place for the next 2 weeks. It took me a couple of hours to get use to my new spot as it is quite different from the Westin. The area is a lot more low key and less, shall I say swanky. The hotel is really cute it is a small Boutique Hotel and the room is pretty eclectic. Recently remodeled everything is new and clean, which is always good. Tiny very tiny. But I like it. It's funny how I appreiciate the small things in my new location, like the outlets are in convenient locations (by the bed, in the bathroom) so nice, and there is free Wi Fi, which is truly a gift, at 12 euros an hour at the Westin life is good! Even a coffee pot with coffee and tea... Oh happy day... I haven't ventured out much as it was really cold and rainy today so I just took a small walk. I was really sad to be leaving my little

"Le Royal Opera" mouseatouille as well, but I have found my new spot, it is behind and to the left of me in the picture. It is such a quaint little place and the staff is really friendly, they even have free Wi Fi (you can tell that is a big deal here). lol !So tomorrow I will go on my adventure walk to see exactly where I am at and to find the metro station that will lead me to my love and who knows what else I will find but you can be sure I will share.

Well kids, friends and family I am going to call it a night as I am really tired. I love and miss you all.

Until tomorrow,

Avec amour,

Laura

Quote for the day:

"Fear knocked on the door, Faith answered it and no one was there"

Day 12

Hi Everyone,

I am blogging for Saturday January 23rd. 

So I went to see my love today, as wonderful as I last remembered Le Cordon Bleu just has a way of making me so happy. I feel like I am home when I am with him:) I took a Petit Four Class and it was great fun, I made Pate a Choux (what eclair dough is made of) I have made this many times, although the technique I was taught today was a bit different, then made Puff Pastry (better known as butter heaven), Cheese Straws, Tomato Confit Tarts, Pissaladiere (a delicious sauteed onion delight) and Eclairs filled with chocolate pastry cream. The tastes of these foods are simply amazing. It's difficult to explain, please just let me make them for you. it would be my utmost pleasure. I had a full day and met knew people and connected with people I have had in other classes as well. These classes have been a great way to meet people and so nice that we all have the love of food in common. Helen, my new friend is from Australia and is here for three months taking classes, she is a caterer back home and is here fine tuning her skills. We are going to have drinks after class this Wednesday.
Tonight I had dinner with my friends Vicki and Joseph, they invited me to go to a dinner party with their friends.I took the metro out to where they live and of course overshot my station and Vicki came to retrieve me. Some things never change:) Of course I have enclosed a photograph of all my new friends, there were 11 of us at dinner and it was an absolutely wonderful night. Everyone was so warm and friendly and it was a nice mix of people. Kelly made a delicious meal and is such a sweet person. I brought all of the goodies I made in class and it was nice for me to see everyone enjoy them. Vicki made Tiramisu for dessert and it was great! There was so much food, apperitif's, appetizers, entree, a cheese and salad course and dessert. I almost forgot to mention all the wine. There were wines for every course and I had to try them all. The night really got me excited to come home and start having more dinner parties. So get ready!!! One of the couple's even drove me back to Paris so I didn't have to take the metro so late at night. Landon, I thought of you and how you would be very happy that I wasn't on the train at 1:00 am.
I loved my day and I love Paris!!!!
Au Revoir my friends.
Until next time...

Chef Laura

Thought for the day....
Gut feelings are never wrong, it's all about trusting yourself.

Day 11 and still going strong

Hi Everyone,
     Can you believe that this is day 11? In a way it seems longer and then not.
Well this morning started out well, I packed a box (well I have been accumulating you see) and today was the day to mail it home, I thought it was a good idea beacause I am changing hotels on Sunday and I really trust all my friends at the conceirge desk. We are pretty tight:) I think they secretly watch out for me.In a good way! So I did enclose a picture because I was waiting for the porter to come and bring it downstairs and I had time to kill so I decided to have a photo shoot:) The things you do when you are alone!!! So I was getting pretty into it, you see the only thing on TV here  is CNBC, CNN, ESPN (sorry but no) and Fashion TV. Well I am up on all the world events, unfortunately I know about the stock market and President Obama's decision on the banks investing policies (see I have been listening) but my heart is focused on Fashion TV. I now practice the walk (in the privacy of my own room of course) bought a few headbands that.... you know... the models wear ...and really have a heads up on fashion from 2000-2010. So back to my photo shoot, it was quite fun. I actually did mail a lot home that I brought as well, I am really trying to travel light. I also promise you that I have worn different things everyday, I look at the pictures and I look identical in everyone. Sorry it's under the coat that changes.

     I ventured out once again, today in pursuit for Christian Louboutin's flagship store, oh I found it all right in all it's glory. What a beautiful sight. Happy to report, no new purchases there. I have to show a little restraint:) But a picture none the less. What I did find as I continued on my adventure was this amazing (yes, I think I was more excited to find this then Christian, well maybe) Materiel De Cuisine store named
 E Dehillerin and ok I did break down and buy a couple of things there... I just had too. I walked for hours and discovered some really eclectic areas that were a lot of fun. Just a low key day. It was nice.

     Tomorrow will be a busy day as I have class at Le Cordon Bleu from 8:30-3:30 it's on Petit Fours or cocktail nibbles. I am looking forward to it. Then tomorrow night I have dinner plans. My friends Vicki and Joseph invited me to go to a dinner party with them, so off I will be on the metro to their home. My first social event while in Paris. Erica is really nice girl I met in a class at Le Cordon Bleu and we are planning to get together next week, so look at me I am making friends:)
     I can't wait to show you pictures of what I make tomorrow and it will be fun for me to bring them to Joseph and Vicki's.
    I miss all of you and think about you all the time, Thank you for all of your love and support while I am having the experience of a lifetime!!!!
   Avec Amour,
                       Laura

Thought For The Day:
How many times is something right before you ,but you are facing the other way? Turn around if things aren't going your way. See what happens:)

Day 10 Paris

Hello once again from The Royal Opera,

Yesterday was a bit hectic sorry about not getting to blog. Those of you that know me well, as most who are reading this do, you know that when I get something in my head it does not go away .... So yesterday, being the second rainy day I've had since being in Paris, I got a great idea to go and try to find this store that I had seen a really cute desk in the window the day I got here from the inside of the taxi. I knew the street name was  Boulevard Marsherbes , What a start don't you think? Well I headed out in the freezing rain and found the street! Oh happy day! As I walked and walked and walked some more, I would say 4 miles, I kid you not, I was so frustrated and my positive feelings about finding my desk were fading. The Streets here in Paris are interesting, for no reason whatsoever the street name changes (no I had not been drinking) then when you find your way back to the street there is a roundabout (I still confused at the traffic circle in Long Beach) so now you are getting the picture, I am cold, hungry, walking and still no desk.  I had had enough, I had given up. (I got in a taxi, sad and feeling like I wasted so much time and was heading back toward the hotel, when 10 euros later, as I was looking out the window, there was the desk. I gave the driver the money and hopped out so fast. There it was, the little beauty, the little beauty I am going to recreate when I get home. I guess I had zigged when I should have zagged. And to my surprise the store was a dealer of Le Cornue, so I got to see all the new stoves and the such and it made my day. I thought that I could not bare to share my little beauty but being the giver I am I have enclosed the Photo! Isn't it soooo cute? Worth the effort I can assure you.

I also had another class yesterday, Chef's Secrets, it was a demonstration class taught by the chef and translated in English! Wow! I seriously can not wait to make all of you this amazing food that I am learning about. The Chef made Scallops in an Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce with Sauteed Endive in Pastry Cones. Of course I shared with you the pic. As well as Prime Rib cooked in a salt dough (a bit more complicated than that) with Potato Rounds fried in oil, then again in butter with bacon lardons. Ooh la la with a Bernaise Sauce like none I have ever made. Everyone got plates of the dishes and wine which was quite delightful! I am a lightweight so of course I felt a bit tipsy:) I know I've said it before but Le Cordon Bleu is out of this world
Hard to believe I know but my sense of direction is getting a lot better, today I walked to a store to pick up a new SD memory card for my camera (long story) and decided I could find my way to The Royal Opera without backtracking . I found it and was very happy. Three people actually asked me for directions yesterday and I knew how to tell them where to go:)
I  miss all of you very much and it is strange to be alone all the time, but I am having a great time and finding new adventures everyday.
Hate to tell you this but I just saw a little mouse walk up and grab a piece of lettuce off the floor. It reminded me of Ratatouille. Well Mouseatouille. Oh well I will be back.
Sending lots of love to all of you and hope you are all happy and healthy.
     Also, I love that I have followers, it's so much fun for me to read your comments and know you are out there. Sign up to follow it's fun:)

     Avec amour,
                       Laura

Quote for the day ....
"Be what you want the world to see"

Day 8 in Paris

Bonjour again from my temporary home:)

As you can see from the picture it is still very cold here in Paris, however thank goodness I was prepared. As for the other photograph, just an example of a market. Quite different than Ralph's or Albertsons I can assure you, but so much more fun.

I went to a different market yesterday "Marche aux Duces" I had read that it was very interesting and the largest in Paris. So what the heck of course I had to venture out and check it out. To say the least it made downtown LA look like South Coast Plaza. It was in a scary area and it was just altogether weird. When the cab driver told me in French to be careful and keep my bag close to my body I didn't have to speak French to understand what he was saying. I made sure where to catch a taxi back and off I was on my adventure. I did purchase some copper measuring cups (very nice) and was kissed by a Frenchmen, not the Frenchmen I had in mind by the way, so off I was back to my comfort zone Champs Elysees, so I thought, too touristy for me so I walked back to Le Opera District where I am staying and quite enjoy. I did go shopping and bought a few things, I better watch out or I will be back sooner than I wanted. Come to find out January is the big sale or "soldes" month. (See how quickly I am picking up French :) I couldn't let myself miss out on all the fun and I am thinking I have more research to do.

I also went to the Academie Nationale de Musique, what a gorgeous place that is. There was a little concert performing outside and it was really nice. Music is everywhere here I have seen many performers on the streets and it is relaxing to listen to them.

I hope everyone is doing well, I miss and send my love to all.

Au Revoir,

Laura

Bonjour

   Bonjour Everyone,
   I have to start by telling all of you when I got back to my hotel last night cake and tart in hand (yes they made it safely) I thought about giving them directly to some of the hotel employees, but instead decided to take them up with me to the room. So I stuck my finger first into the chocolate ganache cake and for a moment thought I had died and gone to heaven, that is until I stuck my finger into the orange cream tart, then I knew I had died and gone to heaven. Seriously two of the best desserts I have ever had in my life. And the best news.... I made them !!!!!and will make them again for you!!!!!!
    Today I went to this really incredible paris market called the Bastille Market. They had everything a culinarian would love and look for. I have added a pic:)
     I was going to go shopping today...the first time by the way, however all the stores are closed on Sunday. There is always tomorrow.
     I have booked another hotel for my extended stay in Paris, it seems as though I had the deal of the century where I'm at, although I think it will be fun to change it up a bit and stay somewhere new. I will staying on the Left Bank, (Danielle) Landon's girlfriend said that was one of her and her moms favorite areas. So thanks Danielle:) I have also decided where I am going next....Turino, Italy... Why you might ask? Well I just did some research and it sounded like somewhere I needed to go. I leave Paris on February 7 staying in Turino until the 11th.
    Well I am going to go stroll the streets of Paris and see what I can find.

    Au Revoir for now,
                               Laura
Thought for the day...
When really on your own, you realize that you make your own happiness, others just enhance it... Choose to be happy!!!!!