Do not pass Go, do not collect $100, but immediately take yourself to the following link and be treated to a remarkable visual tour of the beautifully refurbished Grand Palais. It is an amazing 2 minutes of time well spent! The new website is fantastic.
Grandpalais.fr
Photo credit: bratan@flickr
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More than three centuries after being torn down by revolutionaries, wanting their king’s head, the gates at Versailles have been recreated in all their original splendor.
This past Monday, officials unveiled these beautiful golden gates that have been painstakingly replicated over the past two years, bringing back to life the Barouque artistry originally created by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect to Louis XIV. It was Hardouin-Mansart who was responsible for creating many of the significant buildings of this period that were meant to convey the king’s wealth and power.
At a cost of eight million dollars, generated by private donors which is rare in …read more
The news that gripped all of Paris this week was the passing of Yves Saint Laurent, a fashion icon, whose influence is perhaps second in revolutionizing women’s fashion to Coco Chanel. I cannot speak from experience as I am a bit too young to have sensed that change nor could I afford clothing designed by him. But each time I choose to wear pants to an evening event, I have him to thank. It was he who liberated women from the shackles of pantyhose and skirts 24/7. Forget the little black dress–Mr. Saint Laurent is at the …read more
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I found this video this morning and just had to share. Patricia and Walter Wells I do believe are my idols as they have done what so many of us only dream of doing–closing shop here in the states and take the daring step of creating a life overseas. These two have been most successful– Walter, working for the International Herald Tribune and Patricia becoming a wonderful chef, creating cooking schools both in Paris and Provence that are consistently sold out, in addition to publishing several successful cookbooks. Here’s a glimpse of this very inspiring couple.
Some additional information:
Americans …read more
My daughter, Taylor, introduced this video to me months ago and I “Stumbled-Upon” it today and was reminded of how magnificent it is. Since we are honoring Mom tomorrow (hint, hint) I thought I would post this as a tribute to beautiful women, moms and otherwise, throughout history.
If you are touring Paris and have become overwhelmed with museums, statues, historically significant art and architecture, which can easily happen, I have something that is still a feast for the eyes and you can leave the guidebooks in the hotel.
La Foire de Paris (The Paris Trade Fair) is a huge gathering of all things currently available to the French regarding home improvement, leisure and well-being and cultural passions all under one roof. It seems to me an odd mix, but the good news is, everyone in the family can get their needs met. Ladies, are you looking …read more
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Today we are back to Madame Guiliano’s Top 20 To Dos in the City of Lights. So far we are 2 for 2 she and I. Today makes it 3 for 3 as we journey along the banks of the Seine from the Pont Neuf and spend time browsing through the vintage books and magazines sold by the bouqinistes, who also stock an array of art prints and knick-knacks that are a bit touristy but fun. These vendors have been a fixture along the river since the 1500’s, initially pushing wheelbarrows filled with their goods and setting up shop on a …read more
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The world feels just a bit messed up right now but this should put a smile on your face. I could not listen to this song enough when it came out and was bummed that I wasn’t in the video. You are going to want to get up and boogie I know. Bad spiky hairstyles and funky dance moves forever! Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You UpUploaded by trashfan
Today is one of those days where what I am writing has nothing to do with Paris but is something that I really want to bring to your awareness–just in case you need to be made aware.
In 1994 the gentleman you see here, Jon Kabatt Zinn published, Wherever You Go, There You Are:Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. It’s a fascinating book that outlines a simple path on how to become more aware, attuned, mindful–whatever you want to call it to each moment in your life. Sort of opening yourself up to the “silence” inside your head instead of listening to all the …read more
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