A “killer” tote bag

During my recent trip to the Washington DC area, I was browsing in a hair salon waiting area. A shelf full of colorful, alligator-type textured hand clutches caught my eye.

In looking closer, I was shocked at the tag displayed with the bags and really couldn’t believe my eyes!

Why in the world would something like this be on the market & who, in their right mind, would buy one?   Anyone have any thoughts?

Wintery Weather

Cold, ice, & snow – oh my!

Sure, it gets cold in winter months on the French Riviera, but ice and snowy conditions are very rare.  During my recent visit to the Washington D.C. area, there was a winter storm affecting the East coast, and sure enough, I experienced an ice storm, followed by snow accumulations of about 10-12 inches.  Nice to look at, but definitely not the nice/NICE weather I’m used to. Beautiful to look at, but happy to be back home to warmer temps!

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What’s on your bookshelf?

The music featured in this book series video composed by my French father-in-law, who even wrote lyrics based on my book, Solitary Desire – One Woman’s Journey to France. I am touched by his thoughtfulness and gesture of love.

Ebooks & paperbacks available on Amazon and Smashwords

Fête des Roses

Held every year in May, this rose celebration is fun, festive, and of course, smells lovely! Enjoy Colle-sur-Loup, to stroll the flower-filled streets and enjoy the sights and sounds of the day (decorated antique car show, street performers, vendor stands, and lunch)!

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Washington D.C.

Photos from my recent trip to the U.S. capital, showing the diversity and beauty of this city!

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American Café & Bistro

During my latest visit to the U.S., I came across a recently opened bistro/café in Fairfax, VA.  You know, the typical mom & pop-type shop with friendly and efficient service.  I was drawn to the all-American table & chairs, wall decorations/signs, and especially the salt & pepper shakers!   And oh, yes – the cappuccino was delicious.  CHARMING – don’t you think?

Restaurants in THUIR

While in this charming town, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, I ate at a local neighborhood café for lunch and at a more upscale restaurant for dinner: good food and excellent service at both (just in case you venture this way, but bring your GPS!) See why HERE

1. Le Café Bleu (lunch):

Menu

Gambas flambees a l’Armagnac

Salade au poulet et roquefort

2. La Patio Catalan (dinner):

Interior

Lobster soup

Salade frisee

Salad and sardines

Fruit crumble and ice cream

Hotel Grimaldi

The Grimaldi Hotel has re-opened, following its renovation and new management – a sort of German/French family endeavor.  I was graciously given a tour of the hotel’s rooms and the ‘penthouse’ suite, with its panoramic view and terrace – a true “nid d’aigle.”  I recently ate dinner at the restaurant of this hotel, located in the medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes-sur-Mer. The food was delicious, the ambiance warm and welcoming, and I especially like the classic decor of the restaurant, which fits in well with the overall village look.  Ideally situated on the village’s main square, which has been renovated as well. (Before/during/after photos here), this charming hotel is worth a visit – to stay and/or dine !

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Versailles – A Word Search

 Find the capitalized names below in the letters box:

Robert de COTTE            Jean-Baptiste LULLY                    Jean RACINE

PLACE D’ARMES            Jules Hardouin-MANSART         RICHELIEU

GRAND CANAL             MARIE ANTOINETTE            Hubert ROBERT

JEU DE PAUME            Cardinal MAZARIN                   TRIANON

MENAGERIE             Mme de MAINTENON                COLBERT

LA FRONDE              Mme de MONTESPAN                 LOUIS

Charles LE BRUN     Mme de POMPADOUR               MOLIERE

André LE NOTRE            François d’ORBAY                  ORANGERIE

Louis LE VAU            François BOUCHER                   MARBRE

Bernard de JUSSIEU

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