love lockdown

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My Valentine’s Day surprise began as a planned part of my Paris itinerary. I would have been returning from my trip now, but as I mentioned…bigger things took precedent (hooray). So, I enlisted the help of my good friend Lindsey, who was so incredibly kind and sweet to make this dream a reality. In Paris, the Pont Des Arts bridge is a well known spot to profess your love, attach a love lock, and cast the key into the Seine, for eternity! Many a romantic has left a lock, as you will see…

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There was a time in May 2010 when the authorities decided to crack down on this lovely gesture, and overnight the locks were gone. However, the romantics could not be stopped – locks soon covered the bridge once more. Being a hopeless romantic, this was something I had to do. After learning I would not be there to do it myself, I had the custom engraved lock shipped to Lindsey. On a sunny (freezing) day, she attached our lock, threw away the key, and took these photos!

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So…this is my (public) valentine to my hubby…a tribute to our love now resides in Paris. In the city of love, over the beautiful Seine, and under the watchful eye of Notre Dame. Years from now, we may find ourselves there again, but regardless of whether we do…I love you…je t’aime…pour toujours.

*UPDATE 2014*

Had I known the damage the locks were doing to the historic bridge, I would not have done this. Recently, a portion of the bridge collapsed under the weight. Don’t fret – there are many other ways to profess your love in Paris!

 

snow makes me happy!

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There is snow in the forecast, and I’m getting excited! Growing up in the north, I spent countless hours playing in the snow, sledding, building snow forts…you name it, I did it. I’ve realized snow represents so much more to me…mainly a happy childhood. I am so excited to be living back in the north. I love snow…and I am happy. I can’t wait to play in the snow with our children…it seems that’s when we get to relive a bit of our own childhood. I’m excited for what’s to come!

beauty routine…

 

 

Beauty-routine

This post is inspired by my friend Kayla, who recently shared her beauty routine…and now it's my turn! I call myself high maintenance (jokingly), but my beauty routine is fairly simple. I've been using many of these products since I was a teenager, and I'm proud to say my good habits (i.e. SPF daily) started early. So, voila…my favorite products and routine!


Face:

*I've used Cetaphil since I was a teenager, and it cleanses without irritating my sensitive skin.

*My grandmother used Oil of Olay and always reminded me to wear SPF everyday!

*I splurged on this "miracle cream" a few years ago, and now I'm hooked, in winter especially.

*My Mom has always used this Clinique makeup remover, and I've never found one I like better.

 

Hair:

*I recently switched from Redken to Moroccon Oil, and I love the scent & shine!

*The only other hair product I use is hairspray, currently Pureology.

 

Body:

*A daily luxury for me is cleansing with Yves Delorme Provence bar soap…deee-licious!

*As soon as I get out of the shower I moisturize with Jergens-all over, every day.

*Lately I've been using Mama Mio Tummy Rub, to try and prevent pregnancy stretch marks!

*I don't wear much perfume, but I have a few favorites, including Tocca's Florence. 

 

Face (Make-up):

*With very fair, almost translucent skin, Cleu de Peau concealer is worth every penny.

*I feel naked without mascara, it's weird…my preference is Chanel.

*Out of my many glosses & lipsticks, my go to is Kiehl's tinted moisturizer.


crêpe day!

 

 

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Hello February! One of my favorite "holidays" is this month…La Chandeleur, the French version of Groundhog Day. Falling on February 2nd, it is also referred to as crêpe day! It happens to be a Catholic holiday, but most treat it as a fun future predictor, involving a coin and crêpe flipping. If you're feeling lucky, find the details here. Not that any of us need an excuse to eat a savory crêpe…but if you need a reason, use this one! That is me above, about to enjoy my very first one…ever. In Paris, in Saint- Germain, right next to the stand where I purchased it. It was a spontaneous moment forever captured on film, and I am thankful to have it. The Nutella goodness has "stuck" with me, and I am officially addicted to both the dreamy hazelnut spread and the thin layers of wheat is wrapped in. Vive le crêpe!