Paris {Day Four}

The gilded gates of the "Chateau Versailles"

The french-style gardens of the "Chateau Versailles"

Taking our own picture in the "Hall of Mirrors" at "Chateau Versailles"

A marble statue in the Gardens of the "Chateau Versailles"

Magnolia tree, in full bloom, in the garden of "Marie-Antoinette's Estate" ... It smelled lovely...

Another marble statue, in the gardens of "Marie-Antoinette's Estate"

The Queen's House in the Hamlet that Marie-Antoinette had built in the 1780's

After MUCH walking, we decided to take the Petite Train back to the "Chateau Versailles"

Paris {Day Three}

"The Louvre"... It's really hard to get a sense of how HUGE it is... This virtual tour will give you a bit of an idea... We saw a lot but not even close to everything! What an amazing place!

I had no idea how beautiful and ornate "The Louvre" is... Housed in what used to be a palace, just walking around the building was good enough for me!

My husband is a chess player and collector of chess sets... We were both in awe of this gilded chess set in "The Louvre"

Marble sculpture at "The Louvre"

A chandelier in the apartments of Napoleon the Third, "The Louvre"

"The Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes" at the "Chateau de Vincennes", castle of Charles V

Marble pillar in the "Chateau de Vincennes"

Paris {Day Two}

"Jardin des Tuileries"

On Wednesday morning, we visited the "Musee de l'Orangerie"... It's a small museum but it has two large oval rooms that house the eight panels of Monet's 'Waterlilies' (Which you can visit virtually online)... A huge and stunning work that took him over 30 years to complete... 

A close-up of Monet's 'Waterlilies'

Also at the "Musee de l'Orangerie", an original by Renoir

Eating lunch, overlooking the Eiffel Tower in the "Champs de Mars"

Yes Jess, we're actually there... 

"The Eiffel Tower"... We climbed all 688 steps with hundreds of other people around... And enjoyed the wonderful panoramic views of Paris... A lovely second day in this enchanting city!

Paris {Day One}

Our first Paris picnic in the gardens of our accommodations... We arrived in Paris before 11 am local time on Tuesday, April 14th after a VERY smooth trip! Needless to say, we were hungry!

The hidden gem, sourced out and arranged by my loving husband... "The Paris Oasis"

Everything is warm and green... And in bloom! Thrilling... 

"Sacre-Coeur Basilica" only moments from our guest house... The best views in Paris... Although the day was warm and hazy, it was still remarkable...

"The Eiffel Tower" off in the distance from the hills of Montmartre

"Montmatre Cemetery"

A gorgeous tree in bloom in the enchanting "Montmatre Cemetery"

Miss Dior Chérie...

In a Paris State of Mind...

"Pink Paris" Photograph from the shop of "Honey Tree"

"Marie Antionette French Paper Bundle" from the shop of "Dove Grey"

"Paris Romance Silk Bag" from the shop of "Shecological"

"Spring in Paris" Bracelet from the shop of "School of Charms"

"Vintage Inspired Paris Eiffel Tower Gift Tags" from the shop of "Seasonal Delights"

A Good, Good Friday...

"Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand

The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;

A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,

From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see

The very dying form of One who suffered there for me;

And from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess

The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;

Content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss,

My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross."

{Elizabeth C. Clephane}

Weekend Project {Enter a Giveaway}

Although it's only Thursday, the weekend starts now my friends! Tomorrow is a very important day for me... Good Friday... A day to remember the death of my Saviour on the cross... And to look ahead to His resurrection... So in light of thinking of better things tomorrow, I thought I'd pass along an 'easy' weekend project... 

Tomorrow, my friend Marilyn from "Passionista!" will be having a wonderful giveaway for a $25 gift certificate for my Etsy shop... You should enter... All the best!

Handmade Holiday: "Retrofied"

When it came time to think about traveling, I knew one of the most important things would be the bag I would use on a daily basis as we walked around the city... I have a large camera and I had no desire to carry a bulky (and ugly) camera case around... I was thrilled (after MUCH searching) to find the shop of "Retrofied"... I just adore the bright and vibrant prints as well as the excellent quality... I purchased the "Fall in Love" bag (pictured first) and couldn't be more thrilled with the size of the bag... It's sure to fit everything I will need in my carry-on as well for daily travel... Including my camera, a good book (Paris themed of course), money, passport, and all the little odds and ends that just might come in handy! Enjoy the shop...

Handmade Holiday: "The Laughing House"

In just under a week we'll be jetting off to sunny (hopefully) Paris... A romantic Christmas gift from my wonderful husband... Not long after receiving the news, I began my search for great items to keep everything in its place while traveling (Very important to me!)... One of the first shops I happened upon, and subsequently purchased from, was "The Laughing House"... Based out Singapore, it's a great mother and daughter team who create colourful and practical pouches and purses... The items are incredibly well made and shipped quickly... Enjoy!

An Evening With My Baby...