Approaching midnight

It’s here! As of midnight, my baby, Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate), will officially be born!

The past few weeks have been mind-blowingly hectic and I haven’t had proper time to think about this; to anticipate and relish and hold onto the excitement. But today I felt more and more giddy with every hour that passed. There were well wishes and plans coming together and everyone’s pre-ordered copies of the book have shipped. Some of my favorite quotes of the day:

“…If I may be so bold to say if eating sweets has you looking so young, then I will be indulging in desserts every night!” (My super sweet Sourcebooks publicist.)

“Tomorrow is the big day!!! Please wake up and pour yourself a big glass of champagne!” (My ever supportive, boozy and wise friend, Connie.)

It’s definitely going to be an interesting few months. Last week, I read a not so great review, which made me realize I better brace myself for criticism, both fair and bitchy. It just comes with the territory. But mostly, the support and enthusiasm so far has just been so exciting and rewarding that I’m already dying to do all of this again. I'm ready for Book #2!

But, for now, I’m going to try that relishing bit. To stop running around and just absorb and enjoy this moment and accomplishment. In just a couple of hours, my dream will be a proper reality. Amazing. Thank you for being part of this. Merci, mes amis. Bis! Bis! Bis!

Heavenly views

Look out the window…



… peek off the balcony…




… There’s nothing like sneaking a view in Paris.



(Even Milo agrees.)

My Vegan Mondays

Boy, do I have a lot to atone for this Monday. About four chocolate chip cookies, four cupcakes, five slices of cake and 80 handfuls of Swedish fish, malt balls, Haribo raspberries and other ridiculous penny candies in 36 hours. What can I say? It was my nephew's sixth birthday this weekend and we all were riding sugar highs. Why stop when you've sunk so low??

Morning
Granola with almond milk

Afternoon
Steamed veggies and fried potatoes
Granola bar
Raisins

Evening
Udon soup with kimchi
Licorice (just a little left over from the weekend's festivities...)

Happy Monday

Here's to a bright, cheeky, fun and unexpected week!

The cutest restaurant in New York CIty

It may be rare that I fall head over heels, but when I fall, I fall hard. Like with Buvette.

I've been lamenting the fact that I never go out for dinner the way I used to. For whatever reason(s), since returning from Paris I just don't have the opportunity, occasion or companions the way I once did. I fell for Buvette late last spring and had only had one repeat visit. But this morning, I had the lucky opportunity to have breakfast there. And my love is for real.

Nutella crepes...

They call these tartines, but never have I seen such fluffy-thick-soft bread. And the butter and marmalade on top?! Heaven.

Waffles buried under a cloud of whipped cream and fresh berries.

Et voila... tarte tatine. Sweet-savory, caramel-y tarte tatin. For breakfast. Pourquoi pas??

Not that there weren't other amazing little baked bits to choose from...



But I guess I need something new to try the next time I go back.

The brute had some softness

"There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris."
–Ernest Hemingway

Let’s hear it for books!

I obviously have books on the brain as of late. Paris, My Sweet (Sourcebooks) comes out in a mere 10 days. I’ve also been eating up Adam Gopnik’s The Table Comes First, am getting ready to dive into Jeffrey Eugenides’s The Marriage Plot, have been delighting in the U.S. printed version of Paris Versus New York and am anxiously awaiting some upcoming releases including The Little Paris Kitchen, Paris in Color, Apron Anxiety and Mastering the Art of French Eating. What can I say? I’m a book girl.

Naturally, I fell for this video when I discovered it (while reading a nice review of Paris, My Sweet on The Novel World). I just love the idea that books are alive. And that they have the power to make us feel alive.

What was the last book you read that made you feel alive?

10 easy reasons to love Paris