Flashback to 2011

On the eve of 2014, I was sorting through some photos of one of my Parisian excursions, which included un diner at my friend Erica's fabulous apartment. I couldn't help but sigh at the sheer Frenchness of it all.

Though it's now been over a year since I've been to my beloved city, there are so many great memories and moments to uncover.

And so many more to look forward to.

Wherever you are, here's to a New Year filled with beauty, inspiration, good friends and food, and, with a little luck, adventures in Paris.

Joyeux Noel, Mes Amis

Wishing you all a season filled with happiness, magic and many, many sweet things.

I'll be taking it easy with Christmas cookies, family, books, House of Cards and my man. Couldn't be happier! Merry Christmas!

The Gift of Kasia Dietz Handbags

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

My lovely and amazing friend Kasia Dietz turned her fashion sensibilities and artistic talents into a stylish bag-making business several years ago, and she’s been making handbags, totes and clutches ever since. A New Yorker-turned-Parisenne, her creations are inspired by her mom, her travels, and her love and passion for all things beautiful.

Bonne fetes!

The Gift of AXL Brand

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

Can a baby be modern, and still be adorable? Yes, if you dress your wee one in my friend Ryan Lafrenz’s line called AXL. 100% organic cotton. 100% smart design. 100% irresistible and cool. Start your babes on the right foot.

Bonne fetes!

The Gift of Mastering the Art of French Eating

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

Ann Mah was a fellow expat I met my second year in Paris. Smart, thoughtful and with wicked food appreciation and knowledge, I liked her immediately. This past September, she followed up her debut novel with the beautiful and delicious Mastering the Art of French Eating. A gift that will be devoured.

  
Bonnes fetes!

The Gift of Will

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

 

Who doesn’t love a good feel-good movie? My old love Zack Anderson co-created the movie Will, which is about the sweetest boy who sets off from England to Turkey (by way of Paris, bien sur!) after his dad unexpectedly dies right before they’re to see the Liverpool Champions League Final. Hankies sold separately.

Bonnes fetes!

The Gift of Seymour

‘Tis the season to be merry. To help others. For giving gifts. All these things, and more. Alas, it’s also an opportunity for me to celebrate my friends with exceptional and creative talents. This week, I’ll be sharing the works of five friends who are wonderfully gifted in their own unique ways… and whose own creations make great gifts for others.

Mel, my dearest friend from Paris, created Seymour nearly three years ago to help people explore and cultivate their creativity (a gift we should all bestow upon ourselves, actually). This season, she’s put forth a series of limited-edition and co-branded gifts—a Gem Remedy bracelet, a leatherbound Handcrafted Sciences notebook and a hand-painted jacket—that are guaranteed to be the most inspired items you’ll find.

Bonnes fetes!

What more do you need?

London is lovely at the holidays

I was lucky enough to spend a few days in London for work last week. 

While I didn’t have any food adventures, I did my fair share of ogling.

But the best part about being there was the Christmas decorations. 

I hope you're enjoying the holiday spirit wherever in the world you are!

A funny thing happened to my brain this Vegan Monday

It just farted out. I had oatmeal for breakfast and opted for almond milk in my coffee, not half & half. I mindfully avoided meat and dairy at Whole Foods’ salad bar today and snacked on almonds in the afternoon. But when it came to preparing dinner, it was like I didn’t speak English.

I had bought some prepared butternut squash soup at Whole Foods for dinner and read the ingredients list as I heated it up. It included cream but it just didn’t even register. Nor did the word “vegan” even enter my radar as I was frying up sage to garnish the soup… in butter. Scary how dementia seems to strike no matter what the age. Just as well. Andrew made chocolate-peppermint cookies that are calling my name.

Lessons in grace

I woke up this morning in London, turned on EuroNews and saw silent footage of Mandela’s first steps as a free man. It took a minute to realize why they were showing this. Then I guessed, flipped to CNN, and saw the news.

I’ve since been watching footage, listening to commentators, eyes filling with tears again and again. What a man. What a life. What an inspiration. RIP, Mandela.