live in the now

Posted on May 1, 2012 by fabdestin

I love this article listing 30 things every woman should know before 30.
In the meantime, live for today.

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florida sun

Posted on May 1, 2012 by fabdestin

This was me before going to Florida – knowing that I will see my one and only Kristie!

Look how excited I am! I was really going to Florida for work, but I was able to squeeze in a few days with my girl, oh, and HP. We magically got upgraded to a five star hotel! Can you imagine our luck? That kind of stuff only happens to fabulous people (winkwink). The Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando was absolutely beautiful! The pools and hot tubs were amazing, although the food was very overpriced and the little shop for take away food was very poorly managed.

Our first thing on the agenda was take the shuttle to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, to check out Harry Potter World! To say I was like a little kid in a candy store would be too literal to be a metaphor. I was running around Honeydukes screaming with delight at the novelties that fell out of the pages of the book. Zonkos even had extendable ears!

One of my favorite parts was waiting for the ride and walking through Hogwarts. They built Hogwarts so incredibly realistically, it was almost more fun waiting for the ride than going on it! If you grew up reading Harry Potter like me, I would highly advise a trip to Universal. I am not a theme park lover, and I had a great day with Kristie. We also had lunch in Mythos, which is definitely worth the wait for an awesome lunch spot. The food is delicious and it’s worth the money to get out of the heat and relax for a few hours.

After a tiring day, these girls had only about enough energy to lounge in our robes and drink red wine before falling asleep at 9PM. While we didn’t party, we did spend Sunday morning getting some sun and saying our last goodbyes. The weekend went by so quickly! I will miss ma cherie :) Luckily she is moving to DC in the fall!

I was off to the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed in for a conference. For an amazing treat, stay at the JW Mariott in Orlando. It had the best food, pool, and service I’ve ever experienced!

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Philly Donut Pilgrimage

Posted on February 25, 2012 by fabdestin

So the sixth month mark is coming up on my new job, I’ve been living in the city for two months now, and what do I have to show for myself?

Philadellphia City HallCity Hall at NightEl VezMargs and guac at El Vez

Mummers Parade PhiladelphiaThe Mummers Day Parade

I’ve been doing everything everybody else has been doing for a  long time. I am just a little late to be doing it. Exploring Frankford Hall in Northern Liberties, old city classics like Eulogy Belgian Tavern, pretending I am French in Rittenhouse Square’s Parc, and NY day brunch at Sabrina’s in Fairmount has all been really fun and I am finally starting to get a good feel for the city.

This morning, I did something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but never gathered the strength. I jogged to Federal Donuts for breakfast. After reading about it on blogs, local papers, and even (GASP) the NYT,  it became a realistic connundrum: how do I make it to Federal Donuts before they run out of donuts? With no car, no bike, and no willpower to get up early, the options were seemingly desolate. Then, I used Googlemaps last night to confirm that Federal Donuts is exactly 1.5 miles away from my apartment, making it a clean 3 mile Saturday morning jog (and a clearly counteractive activity).

Let me tell you, this was the cutest little donut shop I’ve ever seen. In the adorable neighborhood near 2nd and Washington, the sweet lady who served me was wearing skinny jeans and had those hipster red lips. Ignore the fact that I was sweating, wearing my workout gear, and in line for a donut. I took an immediate bite and the “cake” exploded in my mouth with buttery, creamy, textury goodness while the spices were sweet yet not overwhelming. The willpower I then used to stop eating and continue jogging was unfathomable, even now as I write this. Luckily, it was packaged in the most charming way that I kept my form tight and managed to make it to my front door and brew some coffee.

Federal DonutsI asked for the Apollonia, and it did not disappoint. A mixture of mocha, orange blossom, and some kind of cinnamon spice -  I loved it! Way better than any donut I’ve ever had. Now, should I jog back for fried chicken tonight?

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gift guide: books

Posted on December 2, 2011 by fabdestin

I love to read, ‘yo! Here are the books every girl should ask for this year! (My top 5 of 2011).

1.) Let the Great World Spin, by Colum Mc Cann

Wonderfully written, intertwining stories, captivating, inspiring, Irish lads, perfect for a lost soul.

2.) BossyPants, by Tina Fey

This book made me laugh so much because just about every embarassing thing that happened to Tina growing up happened to me. It’s so nice to hear that even very successful women have gotten hearts broken and worked at the front desk of the YMCA. Every bossy girl needs a hero like Tina Fey.

3.) The House of God, Dr. Samuel Shem

Recommended to me by a future med student, this book manipulated words to form imagery I never thought was possible, and at times almost unbearable. I also learned never to go to the hospital in July.

4.) Something Blue, Emily Giffen

This was not a good book. This was a book you don’t want to admit you’re reading, because it’s frivolous and trashy (but I was smiling and giggling and enjoying it anyway).

5.) Ken Follett, The Fall of Giants

Even after I lived in the city where the  majority of the first world war took place, I couldn’t soak up one bit of historical information until I came across this rare gem: a period romance that somehow connects the life of a Welsch miner with a Russian princess with a German military officer. Ask me any trivia question about the Battle of Somme and I’ll tell you it’s where Billy almost lost hope he would reunite with the Wendy in London.

What do you think? The traveler would ask for these on the Kindle, but I still haven’t given up my library card! Any recs for 2012? Another question – how does Amazon always know what I want???

Bonus: Diane VonFurstenberg talks about travel as a lifestyle from Anne.

“If you pack lightly, you live lightly” – DVF

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Brooklyn

Posted on November 16, 2011 by fabdestin

I have been trying to extend my traveling beyond the east coast. But with limited days off, there is only so many places a girl on the budget in the northeast can go! Then I thought, why not go on vacation in Brooklyn? My aunt thought I was crazy, but I’d never been: if Miranda Hobbes is good enough for Brooklyn, so am I.

First on the agenda: eat chocolate. Simple enough, right? After arriving in the adorable Park Slope neighborhood, my hostess and I went out for dessert! Only the closest of female friends can go out for dessert, split something, and still feel confident in our sexualities. The Chocolate Room is one of those sweet New York restaurants that fit so much ambiance into a tiny little room. Not to mention, delicious.

The next day we scooped up some baked goods at Blue Sky bakery (yet another adorable, delicious, only-in-new-york-atmosphere-y place), and off we went to the market at Grand Army plaza. Let me just say that I could not stop staring at…everyone. Is it because I live in the suburbs? I saw a woman…with a full grown Santa beard…buying apples.

Strange clientele at the market did not distract from the beautiful fall day in Prospect park. We walked and hung out in the sun for a while before we realized that it was time to fulfill our cheese destiny. That’s right. Brooklyn Larder - THE cheese store in Brooklyn. Not only did they have Chaorce, one of my favorite cheeses ever, but they let us try as much as we wanted, and gave us adorable little pitches each time, like, “this is gruyere’s sassy little sister”. The sales people there study cheese in college ! This is not a joke.

Saturday ended with a visit to Williamsburg, the “hipster” part of town. I wasn’t too intimidated by said “hipsters”, although I did wear my “JLo” look to offset any feeling of displacement (the Bronx is close enough!). Plus I got a kick out of my favorite couple wearing the same outfit…”by accident”.

Have you been to Brooklyn? Did you love it as much as I did?

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Friendz.

Posted on November 7, 2011 by fabdestin

So I’m still not in France. What gives? I’ve been wearing my scarves around town, drinking expresso and talking to myself in French but nothing seems to change. I started a 9-5  job, live at home, and my dreams of countryside living become more and more distant.

What I have found so interesting during my transition back to the states is friendships. The best friends I had before I went to France are still my best friends. We may not talk everyday, every week, or even every month. But when we see each other, it’s like no time has passed at all.

This is completly opposite of the French way. In France, friendship is like a prestigious elementary school club where you have to wear friendship bracelets and become blood brothers before engaging in any kind of serious relations. If you don’t hear from your friend after two weeks, something is up. Live on the other side of the world? Doesn’t matter. Your friends are like your brothers and sisters.

I have more friends than the average French person – but are they superficial relationships? How many friends does the average person need or have? Can you be close friends with someone that lives on the other side of the world?

While I am transitioning, I came to realize that I don’t know what system is better. What I do know is that there is no better therapy than a night out with your friends, and that there is a little French wanna be is still dreaming away in philadelphia.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

labor day weekend

Posted on September 7, 2011 by fabdestin

Long walks from Georgetown to Glover Park make up for froyo and pastry consumption, right?

Please note, when I finally get around to visiting the National Cathedral (ran out of time during my 4 year stint), it was closed because of the earthquake.

I missed my friends. I missed cooking and dancing with them.

It feels like just yesterday I was posting about Memorial Day from Verdun. Now the summer is over?

from verdun, paris, scotland, ireland, philly, and jersey, it was one sweet summer :)

 

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dc travel guide

Posted on September 5, 2011 by fabdestin

One of my favorite cities in the US is our capital, Washington D.C. I was lucky enough to go to college in this town, so I have insider secrets for budget travel that Rick Steves does not! I just got back from a lovely visit, but thought I would share my guide with you as well.

My Favorite Things to do in DC

- Rent a bike and ride to all of the monuments. There are several companies that do this, the one I used was right outside of Union Station called Bike and Roll. New to DC is Capitol Bikeshare ! Similar to the Velib in Paris, you can return the bikes to different stations in the city. It is too much walking to see all the monuments on foot (the “mall” where the monuments and museums are has no restaurants and no transportation. Be sure to pack water and snacks.).

- Take a ride up the Washington Monument. Beautiful views of the city, make sure you ask the attendant in the elevator to stop on some floors, because built into the inside of the walls are jewels sent to the United States from other countries. Tickets are free, but you have to get there really early to reserve a ticket. You can reserve a ticket for a small fee in advance online (note: hopefully they’ll reopen – it was damaged by the earthquake).

- Have a drink at the W hotel. Expensive, but fun for a drink or a treat for dessert if you have a late lunch or something. Looks right over the White House and has a gorgeous view.

- Visit the Lincoln Memorial at night. Breathtaking.

- Sculpture Gardens. In the winter, go ice skating. In the spring, walk through the Cherry Blossoms. In the summer, listen to free jazz on Fridays. In the fall, watch the leaves turn.

Best Museums

-Smithsonian – American History (judy garland’s red slippers, first ladies’ dresses, julia child’s replica kitchen, FREE) and Air and Space (not my favorite but guys love it, games and such, FREE).

-Independent – Spy Museum (interactive history of spies in America, located in Chinatown, $2o bucks) also the Newseum (history of press in the US, $20 bucks), and the moving Holocaust Memorial Museum. Also, it you are on the mall and hungry, go to the American Indian museum for lunch! or else.

Good Eats

-Chinatown/Penn Quarter

7th street in Chinatown/Penn Quarter is a mecca for good eats. I have gotten family and friends hooked on Matchbox,  and for a step up try Jaleo or La Tasca. Staple is Ellas down the road on 9th and F – another cheap eat loved by all. For a drink after a long day head to Fado for the perfect Irish pint. 7th street is walking distance from the national mall (15 minutes if you are by the National Gallery of Art), next to the National Portrait Gallery.

-Dupont

Bistrot du Coin is hands down my favorite restaurant in DC, probably because it is a portal to France. The ambiance is hauntingly similar to an actual French bistrot, not to mention the mouthwatering fare. My friends and I love Alero, an authentic and tasty Mexican restaurant perfect for a lively night. No contest – the pad thai at Thai Phoon wins best in DC hands down (although Thai X-ing gives it a run for its money on Florida Ave).

-Georgetown

The best pizza place in DC is called Pizza Paradiso, locations in Dupont or Georgetown. Pricy, but among the list of best Italian food I’ve ever eaten is Paparazzi and across the street at Filomena. The perfect special occasion treat. Amazing enough that you might eat a few servings worth of leftovers your roommate left in the fridge after a night out on the town. Woops. French pastry lovers unite! Get your favorite treats at Pain Quotidien (excellent brunch menu), Kafe Leopold, or walk up Wisonsin to Patisserie Poupon. For non Frenchie sweets, you can go mainstream and wait in line at  Georgetown Cupcake, or you can get the best cupcakes in DC at Baked and Wired. Go here! Finally, after hot yoga a trip to Sweet Green for my fav froyo is healthy reward. Happy Hours at Rugby Café are the best.

 Enjoy your visit

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confessions of an ex-expat

Posted on August 31, 2011 by fabdestin

I watch the news in French from my podcasts every morning

I’m not exotic anymore :(

I have yet to find people that think my baking is extra-special

I talk to myself in French

I haven’t done the bise in over a month

I was excited to visit my sister in rural PA because I missed cows.

bring back the cows.

In other news, I made a video to cheer myself up.

Posted in la vie est belle | Tagged , | 15 Comments

blissful july days in Paris

Posted on August 30, 2011 by fabdestin

I had a few days to soak in in Paris before inevitably leaving France. The weather was therapeutic, spending my final few days in very good company. I crossed some things off my “to do” list in Paris. One of them was seeing the La Grande Mosquée de Paris, the largest mosque in France. The gardens were tranquil and the architecture amazing. It also had a charming little café with sweets and mint tea, taking me right back to Marrakesh. Afterwards we headed to the Jardin des Plantes, a huge botanical garden which makes for a lovely afternoon stroll, and not to mention, completely free! There was nothing left to do then hang our legs over the Seine, watching the tourists glide by in their boats.

I also ate at some pretty amazing restaurants. After my day strolling around the 5th, I met some friends at Tribeca on Rue Cler. I love going to the markets on Rue Cler during the daytime, and the ambiance still exists at night. This is a perfect spot to eat on a budget – lots of delicious Italian staples with the classical Parisian terrasse for people watching. Plus, it is right around the corner from the Champ de Mars, so after dinner we settled down to wait for the Eiffel Tower to sparkle. Still never gets old.

On the 4th of July, I joined some fellow Americans for Aunt Jemima’s maple syrup and pancakes at Breakfast in America in the Marais. Of course, what followed was the most strange and mildy mortifying events of my life – us homesick expats took mimosas and freeze pops to Place des Vosges, and toasted while singing the national anthem. Needless to say, we were subject to much speculation and even photographs from French witnesses.

I also went to a Lindsey recommended café in the 10th, and had a fun time exploring that neighborhood which I know so little about. Afterwards ambled through the neighborhood, crossing another thing off my Paris list – I finally saw Jim Morrison’s grave in Paris’ most famous cemetery.

Jeanne A is an épicerie that serves as a little bistrot as well. The male only staff with crisp white aprons had me thinking of one thing – the movie Ratatouille. That didn’t help when I saw a little mouse run by my table! Luckily, not even the mice could turn me off to my delicious peppery gazpacho followed by melt-in-your-mouth gratin potatoes and pork. French people make the best potatoes gratin (can you say butter and cream?).

My favorite moment in my stay in Paris was the 14 juillet. While we know it as Bastille day, anyone who has not been to Paris during this time must book a ticket for the 2012 festivities right now. It starts off the night before, when all firehouses host a charity party. We headed out to Canal St. Martin, a beautiful spot to celebrate France! The music was amazing, and we even made it home early enough to catch the parade the next day on the Champs Elysée. Finally, the day ends with magnificent concert and fireworks display on the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower. This years theme was American showtunes :) Fate.

My heart broke as I got into my shuttle in the 13th and made my way to Roissy airport. Why must my stay end? As my French teacher once told me, “don’t worry, France will call you back”. She was right once, let’s only hope she is right again.

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