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If the temperature reaches 35 degrees today, it will be a miracle of epic proportions. When given the choice to explore the city before my 10:30 class or return for another cup of coffee and check my email, I will choose the later, every single time.

Everyone has bad days now and then, but I am convinced that bloggers have twice as many: bad days in the real world and bad days online. There are times when I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of blogs, especially ones of mediocre quality. This shouldn't be an issue for me, except that it is--more times than not, these pages have thousands of followers, double-digit blog comments, yet they lack any original content. I recognize that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but the world only needs one CupcakesandCashmere, and she's doing just fine. 

So when I checked into Twitter, I was intrigued to find a post from @problogger concerning blog content. Author Jeff Goins doesn't know me, we don't talk, but I'm absolutely certain he wrote this post for me. I won't bore you with the entire article, just a few specific quotes that spoke to me. 

"In a world full of choices, the way you stand out is not by adding to the noise, but by exposing your own uniqueness."

His words are so concise: anyone and their mother can link up to the latest 'popular' blog of the day and share their Instagram pictures, their favorite pins, favorite photos stolen from Tumblr...but after a while, you're clicking through the same 100 ideas. That's not to say I don't love those same ideas, because I usually do. 

"When you write for everyone, you write for no one."

At the beginning of my blogging experience it was too easy to get caught up in the numbers: page views, subscribers, comments. This quickly added another dimension to blogging: writing to gain followers. Sure, I've joined a link-up or two, but I've been disappointed more times than I can count: I've read the same blog hundreds, maybe thousands of times. Do not be mistaken, I adore Pinterest and spend hours on Tumblr, but I try not to use them as fillers for my blog. My hope is to use this particular space for my own creations and ideas.

Finding blog ideas will be just as difficult as before, and experimenting with my writing style (and spelling errors, sorry Mom) won't change, but I have found a new source of reassurance when I stumble upon another cookie-cutter blog. Or maybe this newfound sense of individualism is just another consequence of being an only child. Who knows?

xoxo.


Read Jeff Goin's entire article, "If You Want to Write to a Larger Audience, Be More Specific," here. Even if you aren't a blogger, you can admire his writing style and organization. 




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Paris offers many new and exciting experiences at every turn, most often involving chocolate, bread, or wine. The best days, of course, involve all three.

After a few weeks of indulging in the gastronomic pleasures of my new city: pâte, camembert, and  healthy amounts of Nutella, I'm coming to realize both the physical and psychological consequences that come with unhealthy eating. Today begins a new regime, a return to conscientious habits and a new pledge to be healthy.

The Cravings Chart is nothing new, yet this specific chart sparked my interest after being featured repeatedly on many of the online sites I visit. This version is so fridge-friendly: it is simple to understand, easy to read and offers multiple solutions for the cravings I experience on any given day.

In the spirit of healthy eating, it is important to recognize the difference between what you think you want, versus what your body needs.




For those with more specific cravings, it may be beneficial to meet with a nutritionist who can guide you in the right direction, but seeing as my days are full of temptation from chocolates and generally fatty foods, this chart is the perfect tool to combat the dangerous decadence of Paris. 

xox,
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If you haven't been following my crazed tweets or Facebook posts lately, you may not know that I've been without Internet access, my computer, or telephone since Sunday. With all my spare time, I decided to trim my bangs, inspired by the amazing French styles I saw outside the Chanel show on Tuesday. (More about that, later.)




I'm pretty pleased with the results, and now am confident that I have echoed at least, 95% of the sentiments in this video. Sh*t Fashion Girls Say. Like with all great things, (Marcel the Shell, I'm looking at you), there is a sequel that is arguable better than the original. Whatever you do, watch this one first. 20€ says you'll become o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d.



xoxo,


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I haven't been as organized as I'd like to be, and as a result, my posts have been a bit off, timing-wise. Life in Paris requires a sense of organization and sense of time-management that hasn't been required of me since, well, ever. In the spirit of getting back on track & staying up to date, I've compiled a weekly round-up of things that have happened! 

-Week 2 of les soldes were quite a success. I branched out into the home decor stores nearby and began the nesting phase of My Big Move to Paris. 

-Finally scored a copy French Vogue {see below} and ordered a year-long subscription. Ah, commitment.

-Earned my cultural status as a French citizen this week, after battling my second case of winter-time gastro. It only took me two weeks after arriving in Paris, like last time, to catch the disease that has reached epidemic-levels in Paris. At least I'm not alone...




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The second week of les soldes resulted in much more practical purchases that are definitely a sign that I have reached the nesting phase of moving into my new apartment! With things being so affordable, it's easier to convince myself to spend money on trivial home decorations; they're such a quick and easy way to improve my mood. Plus pretty things are, like, so totally awesome. 

This display at the Repetto store on Blvd Victor Hugo is by far my favorite yet!


In terms of space, my Parisian studio is only a bit bigger than my bedroom at home. Living in a small space has been quite manageable, due to the fact that I have more floor space than before thanks to my lofted bed, and because I've been making good use of overhead storage and more efficient shelving and closet spaces. One major thing I was missing, however, was adequate lighting: there was only one florescent bulb hanging overhead. 

It will sound a bit high-maintenance, but I really hate overhead lighting. Not only is it harsh and unflattering, I find it impossible to go more than 5 minutes without getting a headache. In the spirit of studio living, I decided to pull from a few college-era decorating tips, including the choice in college lighting-on-a-budget: Christmas Lights. I was able to find three strands of fairy lights, as they're called in Europe, at a small craft store on the basement level of a mini-mall nearby. (Ten euros says that is the most ridiculous sentence you will have read all day.) 





They were put best to use wrapped around the frame of my loft bed, eventually draped in tufts along the underside of my bed. Not only do they illuminate my space (all the better to write my blog posts!) but they reflect in the glass of my window, which combined with the lights of the Eiffel Tower, create a lovely reflection in my mirror. 

'

The bare wood floors of my apartment can be so cold on my feet, so I snagged a pair of super cute and soft slippers from my beloved Accesorize store (above, right), to add to my otherwise tough and aggressive shoe collection.


Accessorize hit my hometown mall when I was in the 5th grade--without a doubt, I was their best customer. Fortunately for my mom's credit card, their East Coast run didn't last very long, and I soon went into mourning. Finding one now and again makes my heart skip a beat, and I revert back to my pre-pubescent self. 


French Sephora stores are much better than their American counterparts, and for good reason: their flagship store opened here in the '70s. It's no surprise the French do cosmetics better than anyone else: enter Sephora's body baume/butter in two delicious flavors, chocolate praline, and citron meringue. There is a rumor that the creme brûlée scent is still on shelves in the lesser-frequented branches, so my hunt continues.

xox,

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Besides being able to continue on with my games in Words With Friends, having my iPhone in Paris means I can continue to snap semi-decent photos and instagram them!

The weather here is rainy and cold, but our weekly delivery of groceries, livraison domicile, included a lovely bunch of bright orange clementines. Storing them in a repurposed wooden basket makes it all the more charming.

xox,

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This little serving tray is the perfect spot for my keys, spare change and other silly little things. Plus a fun fact: my father shares the same name.


Assorted pictures, magazine tear-outs and an eiffel-tower jewelry organizer make my walls a bit more fun. Extra cardboard was the perfect canvas for a hand-drawn sign, inspired by a lovely set of mugs. 


A set of heart-shaped glasses are a fun souvenir from a nightclub and perfectly compliment a gifted picture frame of high school friends. 

xox,

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The winter sales in Paris have been on for about a week now. Here's what I've bought.




The black printed design on this skirt is so lovely, and the gathered waistband is fun. 


Nothing is more French than stripes and Lacoste! This polo is a man's size small and is the perfect oversized top to throw over a pair of skinny jeans. 


At only 10 euros, it was a steal. 


Black suede wedge boots. 


 Pointy toe red flats with gold studded details. 


Tuxedo-style blazer. 


I love the notched collar and satin accents of this blazer, it really makes it a special piece.


xox,

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Perhaps spending my days with five children is rubbing off on me because I've started only buying foods that either taste delicious, or have funny packaging. (I am 8 years old, and that's perfectly fine with me.)  Enter my beloved Monoprix. 

Anyone who has eaten with me knows of my love of Mexican food and that my preferred condiment is guacamole. I can't get enough of the stuff, so I gorged myself on it before I left, not knowing when I would find it again. Luckily I found it at the local market and promptly devoured the entire container.


"On adore votre sens de l'houmous" : We love your sense of hummus (ie: humour).

"On a toujours besoin d'un bon avocat" : We always need a good lawyer/avocado.
In French, avocat can refer to either a lawyer (ie: advocate), or an avocado. I like both meanings.

Always on the search for funny foods, and I know Paris will not disappoint!


xox,

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Wednesday marked the beginning of the winter sales in Paris which will last until the 14th of February. Discounts start off around 20-50% off most fall-winter merchandise in an attempt to make room for the new collections, and rumor has it that prices will drop significantly as the sales draw to a close. I've only bought one item which will remain a secret for a bit longer. For now, I give you a glimpse into one of the major shopping routes near my apartment: Rue Victor Hugo. As if the French were unaware of les soldes, each storefront has a uniquely designed sign, ranging from simple to sparkly! 







My favorite? It's a toss-up between the free-standing letters spotted behind the window of a children's toy store, and the gothic lettering and border of the last window.

xox,

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It's about been a little over a week since I've arrived in Paris (and successful avoided grocery shopping) until today. Hunger pains and a barren fridge forced to me to finally go to my local Franprix to pick up my groceries for the week. (While it is quite iconic and traditional to think that the French do very specialized shopping every day or two, the realities of the 21st century force most Parisians to make weekly trips to the supermarket, just like the rest of us! Blame it on a busy schedule: grocery stores are much more convenient and affordable, and Paris is expensive.) 

Settling in to my apartment has taken a bit longer than I expected, but finally I feel back on track and am planning on returning to my frequent schedule of posting. Fear not friends, I'm back with more interesting and fashionable posts than ever before! 

Eating gluten-free in the land of bread has been easier than I anticipated, and I've been able to enjoy most traditional French foods. Here's a peek into how I'm living here in Paris. 

GPOY insanely-awesome view-edition.


1. Saint Louis cane sugar. The only real sugar I'll ever eat: it's delicious, widely available and has an easy-to-pour spout.

2. L'or espresso instant coffee cups. Trust the French to make expresso even easier. With no instruction manual, it took me longer than I'd care to admit  to figure out how to use these cups with my expresson machine, but now we're BFF. Plus, they've got the Clooney seal of approval. 

3. La moutarde de Dijon. I've yet to find any of my favorite hot sauces in Paris, so in the mean time I'll defer to the unofficial condiment of France: dijon mustard. This one comes in a adorable glass container printed with animal cartoons which I plan on recycling as a drinking glass once I'm done! 

4. Nutella. There is no other.

5. Pâté de campagne et du foie. It's best if you pretend to not know what you're actually eating, but I will never, ever, not love pâté. Forget what you've heard, the less expensive, the more delicious. 

6. Des oeufs. This classic breakfast staple is both cheap and protein-rich, and thus very necessary for busy days running around the City of Lights.

7. Le vin rosé. Oh, trivia nights. Forget drinking white or red, I love rosé for fun nights with friends. I don't pretend to be a wine connaisseur, often I opt for the bottle with the loveliest label.  
8. Coca Light. Once a betch, always a betch: we love our Diet Coke. Something about the name (and speaking in an accent) makes asking for Coca Light a bit more chic than asking for its' American counterpart. Plus, being an au pair to five children calls for as many caffeinated drinks as possible!

9. Perrier. It's my preferred brand of d'eau gazeuse and makes the perfect reusable water bottle to tote around the city during long days.

10. Galletes de riz. Living in the land of bread is really difficult due to my gluten-intolerance, but rice cakes are the perfect way to enjoy everything the Parisians usually eat on baguettes. 

11. Riz. The quickest and easiest carb to pepare. Cheap eats mean more shopping money.

12. Confiture Bonne Maman Myrtilles Sauvages. The original French jam with the adorable checkered lid is sold in every supermarché here, just as it should be.

13. Camembert de Normandie. French cheese is the best.

14. Pointe de Brie. No fridge is complete without a bit of brie.

15. La Yaourt Grecque. The closest I can find to my beloved Fage yogurt is this variety, which will have to do until I can get my hands on a thicker version.

16. Allumettes nature. My roommate introduced me to these when we lived in the 18eme last year and I've loved them ever since. Essentially raw bacon bits, they add flavor to every dish and cook up quickly: I like them best in my otherwise boring scrambled eggs!


Les soldes have begun and I am frantically preparing a plan of attack, so until I post again, Ã  bientôt!


xox,

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Happy Monday to all! This post is about a week too late, but c'est la vie. Last week I was boarding an airplane solo (after having a difficult and mildly destructive time with airport security), and heading back to the land of pastries and fashion!


step one: get past security, but forget to take out your laptop before screening. exchange words with a TSA agent who takes your carry-on bag for examination, but manages to smash your ceramic travel mug instead. tears ensue.


step two: break out your coloring book, it's time to get down to business! surprise announcement: dinner will be served on this flight. dang-a-lang, nothing calms my nerves like a free dinner. 



step three: check out the in-flight entertainment. skip straight ahead to "new releases" and marvel over how many Ryan Gosling films are available. well played, Air France. 


step four: wake up semi-rested and snap a photo before landing. 


 step five: get off the plane! you've arrived!


I've flown just a handful of times in life, but I have to say that this trip was the most difficult: I boarded the flight alone, upset, and very nervous. Sleeping on planes is always a struggle for me, and this time was no different, yet I managed to survive, thanks to a generous and well-prepared care package!

xox,


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I've been in Paris for only 4 days, but have finally settled into a comfortable routine of managing my au pair duties, exploring the city during my free time, and taking language classes at a school nearby. This weekend will mark the first 48 hours I will have all to myself, and I could not be happier!

Keeping in touch with my loved ones back home has been easier than expected: I am lucky enough to have wired phone in my room and complementary calls to the US, which makes life much more enjoyable is Skype is acting up, or if something immediate comes up.

Everyone has been asking about my life here, mostly my apartment, so I'm posting a few photos of what I encounter on my daily walk. (This is not everything, by far, but enough to start off with.)


Step one: walk across your giant courtyard to the old-school elevator and head down to the lobby, also referred to as "RC" (rez-de-chaussee).


During my three-block walk to the apartment of my family, I pass so many lovely buildings including this one (pictured above) which seems to be a bit out of place in the city, looking more like a chateau in the country. 


In the 16eme arrondissement, there are many lovely apartment buildings, the bend is the road creates an optical illusion that is somewhat reminiscent a scene from Inception. 



Part of the joy of living in Paris is having delicious 'brasseries' on almost every corner. Subtle signs of the underlying class system can be seen here: there is an architectural hierarchy in residential buildings, with the most expensive and luxurious spaces at the top. Even in the cold winter, there are plants on almost every windowsill, which adds to the charm of this photo. By far, this is my favorite building in my neighborhood. 


The studio in which I live is quite small by American standards: the entire apartment is almost equal in size to my bedroom at home. {However, the loft bed, mirrors and collapsable furniture make it quite a manageable space.} The best motivation to get out and begin my day comes from my amazing view.


xox,

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about me.

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the (almost) daily posts on style, inspiration and design from a parisian-in-training.

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