Congratulations Are In Order...

Yesterday was the Marine Corps Birthday, and today is Veteran's Day, so it's a perfect time to write about someone special in my life... my little brother, Col. Jeff Haynes.

He has served our country for 25 years with honor, dignity, and the upmost integrity. We as a family are very proud of him, and thankful for his service.

It is with mixed emotions that he has chosen to retire this month. He, his awesome and talented wife Lori, along with their three kids, are saying goodbye to military life. They have had some wonderful times, along with many tough times. It has not been easy moving every few years, getting the kids situated, and setting up house. Lori is a master at making a house a home, literally, in a day or two.

There is so much I could say about Jeff and his awesome service, but I've decided just to post some random pictures of him over the years, with a little Frenchness tucked in, as always!

These are all fun type photos. I don't mean in anyway to diminish the seriousness of the job at hand... protecting our country!!!!!!

With my oldest daughter, right after Jeff graduated Officer Candidate School.

My husband, with our daughter, and the gifts Jeff got her for Christmas!!!!!!

Commissioning ceremony in Austin, TX, with our parents, 1985.

His beautiful, awesome, and talented wife Lori.

In Iraq.

Passing out treats to the Iraqi children.

This was a very dangerous place to be.

This is funny, and not planned. Every single soldier in this photo has a cell phone in his hand, or is reaching for one!!!!

Jeff served alongside French troops in Afghanistan.

More French troops. Jeff is in the very middle of them.

Here is a group of soldiers, just hanging out.

So, Jeff, I salute you! You've shown incredible strength and bravery over the years. I know you will miss the Marines, but as I've heard a few times over the past few days,

"Once a Marine, always a Marine."

Good luck to you and Lori, as you adjust to civilian life. Enjoy your new place in the Texas Hill Country. Relax, kick back, and save us a seat, as you watch the sunset from your backyard. We'll be out to visit, shortly!

I love you!

Teri

A Challenge for November

Here is a picture of my bedside table in Paris recently.

I brought the top two books with me, and bought the Julia Child Cookbook at the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore in Paris. Yes, I paid WAY more than I just saw it for at Costco, but surely it will have special cooking powers because I bought it in France... right???

The special powers I need it to have, is the ability for it to get up and cook a meal all by itself~ yes, I had dreams and thoughts of all the meals I would cook from this book when I got home... and... well... Scott is still waiting! My personal goal is to roast a PERFECT chicken, like we have when in Paris.

We did go by the E. Dehillerin cookware store, and I bought 4 tiny tart pans, and a deal for getting the juice out of lemons...I'm such a devoted cook, I don't even know what it's called (my mother and my daughter are wonderful cooks but I missed that gene somehow).

A few days later, do you notice a slight change in my beside table when I returned from London?

This magazine was FABULOUS. Even though I didn't know 90% of the people they were talking about, I felt like I was a part of royalty as I read about their weddings and parties.

I'm focusing on books and reading today, because my blog friend Simply Colette and I, have taken a challenge at nanowrimo.org, to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November!!!!

I'm telling you all this, to keep me going. I love a challenge, but I usually start strong, and lose steam. I have written 12,600 words, and to be on track, I need to get to 15,000 by tonight. I've never written a piece of fiction in my life, and it's REALLY hard to do. The sub-genre I've chosen is historical fiction.

My main character???? MARIE ANTOINETTE. That's all I'm saying...stay tuned.

I was going to write and write when I was in Paris this year, but for some reason, I didn't write a thing! Here I am in a restaurant, all poised to write.... suffice it to say, I didn't get very far.

I'm hoping the pressure of writing a novel in 30 days, will at least get me going.

So I'm off to enter Marie's world. I will squeeze in a very special post later this week...just waiting for a few photos.

Teri

P.S. As you watch this video, notice when this store was established. Doesn't that give you chills??? It was opened only 27 years after Marie Antoinette met her fate. Oh- the sense of history in Paris is just awesome! The lighting is weird in this video, but I hope you get a sense of the fabulousness of all the copper pots!

Paris Purses #2

In my four years of traveling to Paris, I realized the other day, that I've bought 5 purses on my journeys. I guess purses are my souvenir of choice. I never planned it that way...it just happened. Not once did I get on the airplane in Florida, and think,

"I wonder what fabulous purse I will get this year?"

No... never... not even once... but it's happened, every year, none-the-less.

Here's my purse story from year two. It was the BIG one. The most UNEXPECTED. The one I agonized over with no less than THREE trips to the flagship Louis Vuitton store in 2 days. Here's how it happened...

Scott and I were sitting in our favorite "watering hole" (...I'm so Texan) on the Champs Elysees, having wine and coffee, and the hours were passing unnoticed. I enjoyed so much watching the people pass, and the adorable, sweet waiters...

We had been sitting here awhile...it was about 5pm, and we had at least 3 hours until civilized people in Paris eat, so Scott asked me what I would like to do until dinner.

Don't ask me why but the most unexpected, unpremeditated words came out of my mouth... "I would like to find the Louis Vuitton store, and buy a purse." As I said the words, I expected Scott to choke on his Merlot... but no, all he said was..."Ok."

Now, I feel there are two things I must fill you in on...

1. At this point Scott had no idea what LV purses cost...actually, neither did I.

2. I had refused to buy a black patent-leather purse in TJ Maxx a few days before we left, because I thought it was too much money...$35.

The year before (2006), almost to the day, we had walked past this exact same LV store, and there were guards at the door in perfectly tailored suits, so we dare not go in. This time, feeling much braver, we went right up to the front, where to our surprise, the sinister looking guard opened the door wide and said with a SMILE... "Bienvenue!" (welcome!). Oh... the feeling of belonging ;). If you look closely at the second picture, you can see two guards, right in the doorway.

We looked around and I watched Scott's expression as he saw the prices, and watched his brain calculate from euro to USD, and to my surprise, he didn't act like it was any big deal. I won't get into it, but it took three more trips to this store, and a stop at Dior, Chanel, and Gucci, before I made my final decision 2 days later. I knew it would be my only designer purse for the rest of my life, so I had to make the perfect choice. I can't say Scott was thrilled with the back and forth shopping, but he went along with it...and mind you, a trip to our local mall for him is considered pure torture...

When we finally made the purchase a few days later, it was evening, and the place was packed! The Japanese love LV, and they seem to have endless amounts of cash for purchasing, and Yen was flying around like there was no tomorrow. We waited while our saleslady took Scott's passport and Visa to the register area. It was extremely hot in the store. It was freezing outside, and the heat was cranked. About 2 minutes went by, and Scott looked at me and said...and I quote..."You'd think when a man is spending this much money, they'd offer him something to drink."

At that exact moment, our saleslady returned, and told us that it would be a few more minutes, and would we like to sit in the holding area, and have a glass of Champagne.

Scott looked at me and smiled and said, "Now that's what I'm talking about!" You would've had to be there... and know my husband... but that one line was so funny!!!!

Anyway... here is a picture of me in the store that night, and a picture of my purse. I loved it then, and I love it now, and every time I carry it, it brings a smile to my face. It's a fun, special memory of my favorite city (and store) in the world...

In fun!

~Teri

Paris in Real Time

As I said in my previous post, I was seriously considering quitting my blog...

I have to say, that I have had a very difficult time entering back into my day to day life, since I got back from Paris in Sept. To be honest, a lot of it has to do with the economy, and all the "stuff" going on in Washington. On the one hand, I need to stop watching the news, on the other, I feel like I have to know what's going on...

Not telling you which way I lean... it just seems like a big ole- mess, no matter which side of the aisle you are on.

I've been a little depressed, and I promised myself that my blog would never bring anyone down, so I've chosen to post very little since I returned. Then Post-Modern Jen sent me a blog award. I was so excited! It perked me up, and helped me decide to keep on for a while.

I have a million Parisian blogs up my sleeve... but some of them deal with minutia... (the small, precise, or trivial details of something). My husband says minutia is my favorite subject, and his worst nightmare. Ahhhh... the difference between men and women.

So anyway, here's the award. Thanks so much Post Modern Jen. I really needed this.

Jen called it a Heartfelt Award. I wanted to pass it on to some of my favorite blogs.

Simply Colette

A Tale of Two Cities

The Flying Bee

LuLu & Co

The Beautiful Life

Bonjour Madame

Faded Plains

So ladies, pass this award along to some of your favorite blogs, link them, and let them know they've received it by commenting to them.

To everyone else, please give these blogs a click... they are awesome, and they inspire me day by day.

Here's another little piece of "Paris in Real Time"...

minutia if you will...

Scott didn't actually roast that chicken... we bought it...LOL.

Also, we've eaten in our apartments a few times over the years, so I have no idea why I said that...but we had never gone to this much trouble, as in figuring out how the oven worked to heat up the chicken, setting a nice table, lighting a candle, etc. Usually it was just a sandwich or bread and cheese. This was a very nice dinner and a special evening.

Almost makes me cry... I miss it.

Au revoir,

Teri

A Halloween Treat

Halloween... just the word brings back warm memories of childhood. You know...a big pillowcase for candy, homemade costumes, or just a 50 cent plastic mask from the dime store. My personal favorite was my Batman mask. I think I made my little brother go as Robin. Our entire costume consisted of the plastic mask, and a towel around our necks fastened with clothes pins, for our capes. Remember how hot those masks were? Am I totally dating myself here? Remember when your mom made you wear a coat over your costume? You cried and complained... never mind that it was in the 40's outside.

We love Halloween at my house. It's so much fun to dress up all crazy, eat candy corn until we are sick, see the adorable children walking up and down our street, piping scary music out into the front yard... it's just plain ole' fun. On Saturday night, friends will come over and we'll light the fire pit, and sit around the pool and talk.

So how can I make my Paris blog about Halloween? Never fear, I always have something Parisian up my sleeve... In 2006, on our first trip to Paris, we were there on Halloween night. We didn't see any trick or treaters, other than one family dressed up on the metro... and they were speaking English! But I did take a few shots that year, and this past year, that reminded me of Halloween things...

A cemetery in Montmartre. Notice the cats. Wouldn't want to be here at night.

There's a real live Guillotine in this bar. It's the last surviving one in France.

Not so scary pumpkins!

The Disney Store on the Champs Elysees.

Moving back now to my house for Halloween. As you come in the front door, this "scary" scene greets you in the entry.

So have a wonderful wacky weekend. I know I haven't been blogging much. I've had "blog-block"... I think it's similar to writer's block, which I have as well!

I'm worried too much about writing the "perfect post" or too worried about trying to figure out what people want to read. I was even thinking of quitting.

Then, today, I got an unexpected blog award. It was like a sign. I think I'll keep going, at least for now! I'm still reading all your blogs, and dreaming of mine being as heart-felt or interesting. I guess I'll just stick to being myself... afterall... it's all I got!

~Teri

P.S. Thanks to my dad for taking pics of my Halloween Village. He made it look so good!

"Paris in Real Time"

Sometimes...

it's really nice...

just to do nothing...

I'm in slow motion because my body and mind are in shock over not having a "to-do" list constantly running around in my brain...also, we have visited The Louvre no less than 6 times over the years...it's fantastic!

This video brings back the memory of such a wonderful day. The French really enjoy their city, and their green spaces.

I hope to incorporate more times like this in my life...

I'm beginning in about an hour, when I pull up to my favorite beach...all alone... just to read and enjoy God's awesome creation. I'm afraid I overlook it, most of the time.

Hope you find a few moments this weekend to relax. As for us, we are off to Disney, and I can promise you we will be in "go" mode... LOL.

Have a magical weekend...

Teri

Paris Purses #1

Huge Hurry...

This will be a quick blog, because my to-do list is long and tedious.

Last week shoes, this week purses...

I told you I struck out at the Flea Market outside of Paris... I just wasn't prepared to pay the prices, or the transportation costs to get stuff home. Plus, it rained, and the vendors were really slow opening their booths. BUT... I did go vintage shopping. I looked some places up online, and Bonjour Madame clued me in to quite a few in the Palais Royal.... but again, over the budget. I never realized a vintage Chanel bag would cost more than a new one!

Here's my favorite shop. Sorry I don't remember the name of it, but you can't miss it when you are in Paris. Just roam around the perimeter of the Palais Royal until you find it. Rachel Zoe showed the shop next door to this one on her Paris episode. I was excited when I saw it, and I feel certain she shopped here as well.

I fell in love with the orange Birkin Bag... at least that's what I think it was. I did not pull it off the shelf to look (it was in the front window). For some reason, I couldn't get that purse off my mind...

A few days later, Scott and I somehow ended up getting off the metro in the basement of a huge department store. In trying to find our way out, we came across an area devoted to Longchamp bags. They were much more reasonable, and when I saw this orange one, I had to have it!

What do you think? Did I do okay?? The funny thing is, I like to fade into the background. Once I saw this picture I realized I look like "Purse with Girl" instead of "Girl with Purse." This purse is not as big as it looks, but I am very petite, height wise. I felt better when my most fashionable friend said, "That orange purse takes your outfit to the next level..." Still not sure about that, but I do love it.

Scott was so generous, he bought me another Longchamp purse that day, that I'll show you later. It's much, much, more understated.

~Teri

P.S. Had to tell you... buying that purse in Paris instead of the U.S. saved me over $100, even with the exchange rate. I love a good V.A.T. refund!!!

Paris Shoe Shopping

Hey girls... will blog about my weekend when I get my pics downloaded.

For now, you will have to make do with a little bit of Paris shopping...

So you know how I told you the best things in Paris are accidental? The day I found this shoe store was so not planned. We were wandering around trying to find the Le Whif store, and we came across this cool passageway, and in it were some cool shops. At the end of the row, well, I found something quite exciting. The coolest shoe shop ever!

Before you watch these videos, let me just say, I have the most generous husband alive, and I rarely take him up on his offers of fabulousness. I have no idea what comes over him in Paris, but he is willing to buy me anything. I've taken him up on it a few times, but usually I just smile and appreciate the offer!

Here we go...

Now, between this video and the next one, Scott told me to go inside and look around. He wasn't joking!!!!!!! He would've bought me a pair, and I could tell he was kinda disappointed I didn't take him up on it. I will admit, late that night in bed, I was having a moment of regret, but NOTHING like the regret I would've felt when my Visa bill arrived...back in Florida...with 90 degree heat and tons of rain...not the place for suede boots I must admit! I seem to imply in the video that the only reason I didn't get the boots, was that they were too tall. I hope you know me better than that by now.

So this was my exciting moment in glamorous shoe land. Hope you enjoyed it.

Getting my flip-flops on to run some lunch money up to my daughter's school... oh the fabulous life I lead ;) ...

Teri

Favorite Thing

If I had to choose ONE thing...

that was my absolute favorite thing...

about this last trip...

it would be this...

hanging out for hours in Jardin du Luxembourg...

Have a great weekend. We are off to Austin for a BIG CELEBRATION.

Fill you in later,

Teri

Oh... almost forgot. If you have not seen the latest episode of Rachel Zoe, find it and watch it. She's in Paris... need I say more? The city looks amazing, the fashion shows are awesome, and it's overall a really great show if you are "into" Paris. She goes into a vintage shop at the Palais Royal, and I was JUST IN THAT SHOP. I couldn't afford anything, but it was fantastic! I have pics of the shop that is next door, and I will blog about it soon. SO COOL...

Fashion Alert!!!

Good morning~

I'm still in my Paris hangover... which is a good thing!

Just a week ago, I was walking the streets, and paying close attention to something, just for my blog girls. Can you guess what it was?

It was the FASHION.

An interesting thing happened on this trip. We didn't do the touristy things at all, other than the Eiffel, so I had more mental downtime to soak in the "real scene" if you get my drift. Fashion in Paris has always seemed strange to me. Yes, I've seen it all on the Champs Elysees, but there I didn't see the fashion I wanted to see. I wanted to see what the basic French women wore, their everyday outfits.

This year, when we changed neighborhoods, I was rewarded. We went from the bohemian section of Montmartre (18th arrondissement... zip code if you will) to the very nice area of the Latin Quarter (6th arrondissement). Here, I was surrounded by high school and college students, and families. I got an eyefull!

The teenage girls were dressed very casual, but oh-so pulled together. I loved watching them daily. At lunch time, you could barely walk through the streets, and sandwiches in the shops disappeared in moments. Students were everywhere!!! We learned... if you want a sandwich for the park, get it by 11am, or no dice...

But I digress...

Here are the fashion trends I saw over and over again, just incase you are interested... These were seen not only on the teenagers, but women in their 30's as well, and some trends on older women...

*tight leggings worn as pants

*scarves, scarves, scarves

*leather bomber jackets

*ballet flats absolutely everywhere

*long sweaters, belted at the waist

*long, straight hair

*tunic tops

*crazy big leather handbags

*flat heeled boots

*straight-leg jeans

Scott mentioned to me how many more beautiful women he noticed on this trip... so I feel it my duty to inform you, the men are GORGEOUS. They all wear these really narrow, pointy shoes, and... I don't know... it just works! They almost all wear a NICE button down shirt, carefully ironed and tucked in, with a blazer, or really nice coat. There is obvious care taken when getting ready for the day.

Now for the bad news. I did notice, that the number one reason I feel all these people wore their clothes so well, and looked so chic, was...well... their thinness. I have to say, no spare tire or muffin top makes a person look better in their clothes.

Hey... I'm just keeping it real... (and yes, I'm working on those original pounds I wanted to lose, for this very reason).

Here are a few outfits I wore, having nothing to do with Paris fashion... it's just what I had. Some days were more daring than others... I'm sure you'll notice when I stepped out of my box (see top photo of this blogpost). Results were mixed! My cashmere sweaters were the perfect thing most days, but on hotter days, just a t-shirt, scarf, and jeans were it.

This scarf later ended up on my head in a rainstorm!

I could shoot myself for not taking pics of shop windows, but it was just too embarrassing. I also didn't think it appropriate to take pictures of teenager girls without their knowledge, and I wasn't about to ask. Take my word for it... it was all just too fabulous!

Eating yogurt now, after walking this morning!

Teri

Bonjour Mes Amis!

Good Morning Friends~

Hope you are having a wonderful Friday, and are looking forward to a great weekend. We sure are, even though we are still playing catch-up. Yard mowing, flower bed weeding, pool algae... in Florida this stuff is year round! No break in the winter...but we don't shovel snow either!

Today is Metro Day. The metro in Paris has served Scott and I well over the past four years. We absolutely love it, and have only been lost once... this trip! Days later we realized we were at the correct stop all along, we just went out the wrong sortie (exit) and ended up on an unfamiliar street. That's what we get for changing apartments, and being in a unfamiliar neighborhood at midnight...

It's all good though. We think the metro is a masterful achievement, and if I lived in Paris, I doubt seriously I would ever own a car. I would take the metro during the week, and if I wanted to get out of town...I would take the train. I only missed my car a few times, like when I was SMASHED against people that have a different idea of hygiene than me, but that was rare, and only during the afternoon rush hour(s).

Here are a few shots I took. The music down there is incredible, and I grabbed my camera a few times to document it. I usually just walk right by these musicians, sometimes throwing a few euro in their box, but I'm so glad I took a few seconds to get it on tape.

Remember, these videos are VERY unprofessional, and I was being jostled sometimes in the crowd, AND I was trying to video discreetly...didn't want to look like a tourist! Needless to say as you watch this, I failed miserably at being discreet, but I sincerely hope you enjoy a peek... (and I don't have time to edit, nor a desire to learn how right now...so bear with me).

So that's it for today. Hope these aren't too tedious to watch :) .

Have a wonderful weekend.

Your part-time Parisian/American friend~

Teri