A spectacular blooming Japanese Cherry Blossom in all it's glory, bowing gracefully, reminding us of all the beauty we are surrounded with on this Earth Day. This is what we are fighting to save and preserve. Please do your part more than your share to protect such wonders of nature for generations to come.
Need I say more?
Tell me, what changes are you making in the quest to Go Green on this Earth Day?
Anne in Oxfordshire gave me a Chatty Blog Award. Imagine that? Me, a talkative person? Sheesh, I guess she knows me all to well!! Yeah, I guess I like to chat it up a bit!! I also have chatted via email with many people I have met through my blog. I really enjoy responding to all the comments left on my blog, getting to know new people from all walks of life and have made some great friends here just from chatting!!
So, my fellow chatters, I pass this Good Chat Blog Award onto....
Bleeding Espresso
Jessica in Rome
Rochambeau
Some Pink FlowersLet's all chat happy!!
In the last few weeks several situations have occurred that frankly, makes me question the Airline industry here is the US.
It started a few weeks ago with Southwest Airlines. Many of their planes had to be grounded for not performing required inspections. Seems that they may have conspired with their buddies over at the FAA, who decided they didn't need to inspect their planes for cracks in the fuselage. Are these airlines and our government just a little too chummy?
Next up are American and Delta, who grounded planes and canceled hundreds of flights due to wiring concerns.
Not to be excluded is United. Seems they may have missed some maintenance checks as well, so they grounded about 30 planes.
Newer discount carrier Skybus announced that they are closing up shop. Oh, and passengers who have purchased tickets aren't necessarily getting their money back. They need to contact their credit card companies. This one really hits home for me because Skybus was helping to fuel growth at my local airport, Stewart International.
Tonight I am watching CNN and they announce that yet again American Airlines is disrupting service. AA is canceling hundreds of flights to inspect their MD-80 fleet. Again.
Oh come on already!
Canceling flights for inspections? I don't understand this concept. Shouldn't someone be managing this inspection process? Shouldn't there be a way to schedule a plane for an inspection without disrupting service, without canceling flights that people have already paid for and have planned vacations or business trips around?
I know, it would take someone with a plan, someone with intelligence. A stroke of genius. A college degree. I know it is asking alot, but this isn't rocket science or brain surgery. Or is it?
What are your thoughts on this? Does this affect which airline you fly with? Does this scare you? Are you considering not flying or taking a vacation because of this poor mismanagement? Is the FAA doing all that they can to protect us in the air?
Ok, now it's your turn to weigh in!
Two new blog buddies I met at The Ultimate Blog Party have tagged me for memes. Linda from Milanese Masala, tagged me for a 7 facts about yourself meme. I have done this one before, so you can read more about me here and here, but I still came up with another 7 things. My life really doesn't seem that interesting, but here goes...
1. I love roller coasters and amusement parks!
2. I dislocated my elbow when I was 9 years old. And yes, I still remember how much it hurt :(
3. I have never tried Sushi. Don't know why really.
4. I used to Square Dance. Yep, do-ce-do, petticoat and all!
5. I have an obsession with scarves. I have a serious collection...maybe 30 or more!
6. I came in second place at a Karaoke contest. I guess I have some pipes.
7. My first trip to Paris was a 10 day solo trip. It was a scary and exciting adventure, but it was also one of the best things I have ever done!
Since, this one has been around for a while, I am only going to tag a few folks that I think haven't done it yet. So, Shawn, Joe and TACE..this ones coming your way!
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And then Not Trying for a Boy tagged me for another meme. I just love the name of her blog! Here is the Q & A.
What I was doing 10 years ago: I was living in Northern California, working for Gold's Gym.
Five things on my to-do list today:
1. mail my sisters birthday card. (her b-day is Thursday)
2. do my homework from our Italian class last night
3. watch Barack Obama's speech
4. finalize our Easter plans
5. do a blog post (well, one outta five ain't bad)
Snacks I enjoy:
Chips n' salsa, greek yogurt and fresh berries, a homemade smoothie, peanut butter or nutella on just about anything!
Things I would you do if I was a Billionaire:
That's easy. First, I would scream. Loudly. Then I would faint. When I came to, I would pay off all my debt and give my parents some dough for all the help they have given me over the years. Then I would purchase 2 villas. One in Provence and one in Tuscany. I would proceed to the best flea markets and antique shops in both France and Italy and spend the rest of the year decorating said villas. I would spend each year going back and forth between the two, open them both as Bed and Breakfasts and eventually write a book about the whole experience. Uh, do you think I have thought about this just a little over the years. Naaa.
Three of my bad habits:
1. spending too much time on the computer
2. not proofreading my blog enough..before I hit publish
3. piling random *stuff* on my kitchen table, the catch-all.
Five places I have lived:
Long Island, NY
Seymour, CT
Clinton Corners, NY
Walnut Creek, CA
Poughkeepsie, NY
Five jobs I have had.
NY State Park Police Dispatcher
Receptionist in a Dermatologist's Office
Sales Consultant for several Gym's
Store Manager for Kids 'R' Us.
Supervisor for GAP distribution center
and finally...five people I'd like to get to know better. Consider yourself tagged.
1. Erin at the Olive Notes...because she is living my dream.
2. Mental Mosaic...because I love the name of her blog.
3. Anne in Oxfordshire..because she's a sweetheart.
4. Joanne at Frutto della Passione because she's all about Italy and food.
5. Milanese Masala because she tagged me for the first one, so right back attcha.
I really don't get into Politics that much, either in my daily life or on the blog, until this year. This year something has changed. I credit that to Obama. As you can see...I proudly display my support for him on my blog, with a badge.
I am not going to get into a big debate today about the candidates, the issues or why I favor Obama over everyone else, but I thought I would give you a chance to look at two recent video endorsements that have surfaced for each democratic candidate.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the videos, the candidates and the issues.
Jack Nicholson for Hillary
We are the Ones... by will.i.am
Photo courtesy of Yahoo
Such a talent, you were special. Taken way too young, a mere 28. Gone from this earth too soon. So much to offer, you were just getting started. I am sure your best was yet to come, but how fortunate we are to have had the chance to witness your obvious gift, your craft. It was your calling. You will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Your spirit will live on in your movies. And we will celebrate your life by watching them.
Verse from the Lyrics of "Only the Good Die Young", Billy Joel:
They say there's a heaven for those who will wait,
Some say it's better but I say it ain't
I'd rather laugh with the sinners, than cry with the saints
the sinner's are much more fun...
You know only the good die young.
I would like to give a shout out to some new blogging friends that I have made recently. Whether just starting out or old timers, they are new friends to me and folks that deserve a little love. (Don't we all).
Angie, who is a loyal reader of mine and shares my passion for Paris, wrote to me and told me that I had inspired her to start her own blog. I can't even begin to tell you how that made me feel. Words can't even describe it. It is so nice to be told you are inspiring. You can check out her latest trip on her new blog, My life Today.
Smokeybones, (I love that name) is a retired Navy man and he started a blog full of world cultural do's and dont's. Great tips for traveling somewhere unfamiliar.
Janie over at Panini Girl, shares my passion for Italy, cooking and all things Italian. Visit her for pictures, stories and lots of Italian cookin'.
And last but not least, Geggie. Her blog is called So... what else, what else, what else? How clever. She kinda talks about everything, and she is funny. She is currently running a contest (you know how I love contests) over at her blog. A nice little pay it forward ditty, with Burt's Bees products and a $25 donation to the charity of your choice. How cool is that? Head on over and check it out. And if you do, please tell her I sent you!
Happy Reading!
Thanks for your questions. Though some of them were answered through email, I will share the posted questions with you.
Sognatrice wants to know "If you were teleported to Italy right this second, what's the first thing you would do?"
Well, I would seek out the closest outdoor table at a cafe and order a cappuccino. Next stop would have to be for gelato and then I would be meeting up with you!
Laume asked me when I suggest visiting Paris and why?
Well Laume, there is really never a bad time to visit! I suppose there can be. I would never recommend summer. Generally it is way too hot and the city practically shuts down due to French vacations..so you don't get that same French feeling. Each season has its own perks. Personally,I think Spring is my favorite time to go and it makes for a good first visit. Everything is so green. Fall is also comfortable, the leaves are turning and there is a vibrant feel to the city as Parisians coming back from holiday, energized and ready to begin life again, otherwise known as Rentre. Though I have not been there yet to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, I would not rule it out for a second. The lack of daylight would not bother me. There are lots of things to do in the dark . Save your museums visits for after sundown and make the most of the daylight. There are some decent deals to be had, Paris is all decked out in Holiday decor and there is something very romantic about a few flakes of falling snow melting on my nose while strolling along the Seine. As I have learned, don't attempt to plan the perfect trip to Paris based on the weather! You'll never win!
And my fellow Italian lover, well, no, not THAT kind of Italian lover...I mean lover of all things Italian. Whew, that was close! Anyway, fellow blogger MaryAnn tagged me for a *Four Meme* asking me to tell you some things about myself...so it fits rights in! Now that is what I call a lead in...
1. What four jobs have I had?
Good thing this is only a 4 Meme...we could go on and on here otherwise. I have been:
Sales/Membership Consultant for a gym
Store Manager for Kids 'R' Us
Police Dispatcher for the NYS Park Police
Receptionist/Office Manager in a Doctors Office
2. Four places I have lived?
Long Island, New York
Hudson Valley, New York
Seymour and Manchester, Connecticut
Walnut Creek, California...(familiar Laume?)
3. Four places I have been on Holiday?
Hmm, other than the obvious Italy and France....
Key West, Florida
Martinique
Booth Bay Harbour, Maine
Virginia Beach, Virginia
4. Four favorite foods?
Cheese
Wine(is that a food? Made from grapes, so yes!)
Potatoes
Chocolate & Coffee..it's a tie!
5. Four places I'd rather be?
Tuscany, learning Italian and making a life for myself
Paris, visiting my friend Anne
Provence/Cote d'Azur, antiquing and flea marketing with Corey and Melanie
Traveling Europe on assignment as a journalist for a Travel Magazine!
Yes, I am sure the answers about places I'd rather be come in a shocking turn of events. Enjoying myself in France or Italy. Sometimes I can be so predictable.
I am tagging some new friends that came to my party on this one. Melanie, Constance, Stephanie, Lidy and Melissa. I look forward to getting to know you better though your answers!
That's enough fun for a while. We will be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow...I think a visit to the Eiffel Tower may be in order.
Photos: Piazza San Marco, Venice and Luxembourg Gardens, Paris
Well, lately a few readers have been asking me some questions. I thought it may be fun (yeah, here we go with the *fun* again) to do a post where you ask me questions. I have seen these meme's where you get tagged and have to tell a certain number of things abut yourself that nobody knows...but I thought I'd like to do something very different. I'd rather tell you something that you want to know. Plus, we have some new readers here from the recent *party* we had...so this might give them an opportunity to get to know me a little better! (Careful what you wish for)
So, that being said....this is what I am proposing. Ask me anything. Really, anything. No holds barred. Travel related, product related, food related, France or Italy related, even personal questions are fine (within reason...remember that what happens in Paris, stays in Paris). I'm not giving Dr. Ruth advice here, so please...none of those questions, keep it clean!
And to get us started....
1. Pam asked me about the Caudalie products that I had talked about in my last post. She wanted to know if it was affordable and if she can find it in the US? She also asked what are my favorite things to buy from Europe and take back with me.
I wouldn't really say it is *affordable*. For me, it is the results aspect that makes me buy it! I can certainly go to CVS and by Neutrogeana or Olay, which is affordable, but I don't see any results. So, I am wasting my money. I would rather spend more money, but see the results. I can whole heartedly say that I see results...even after only just 1 month with Caudalie. And it is not loaded with chemicals..and it smells good. What I will say, is that even with the Euro vs Dollar ratio right now, it is still going to be most affordable for your daughter to pick it up in France for you when she visits.
2. Is it available in the US?
Sure! You can find Caudalie at Sephora, and at flagship Bath and Body Works stores. That is a great place to *test* the products. I like to feel before I buy. That said, I would not buy it there. When not in Europe to buy, I go to the on-line retailers. Le Guide Sante offers the best on-line price, but shipping is a set price and it is steep. It only makes sense if you are going to buy alot, that way the per item shipping price doesn't seem as bad.
The other place I like is SkinStore. Prices are the same as say Sephora, but they offer free shipping, no minimum purchase, to anywhere in the US. Right now they have a deal through the end of the year, where you can sign up for auto-ship and get 20% anything you buy..and that 20% gets locked in for all future purchases for that item, which makes this my favorite option! So, that means that the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (which smells intoxicating and I swear by it!), which is normally $78, would be $62.40 now and each time it ships to you, if you buy it on auto-ship...and it gets delivered to your door each time, for free! You can bet your bippie that I am signed up for this program!!!
You can also search on Ebay. I find an occasional good deal. I get quite a few small sample sizes on Ebay, which I use for traveling.
3. What are your favorite things to bring back?
Uh, hmmm, you mean other than beauty products? I am also a fan of buying scarves. French women wear scarves, so they can be found everywhere. I actually have a favorite store where I love to buy them. I'll do a post on that later.
Food is another favorite. Fleur de Sel is so much cheaper in France, so I stock up on that. I like to bring back wine, olive oil and ceramics from Italy. I am also an avid flea market shopper, so I think my favorite things to bring back are little antique treasures!! I also love to bring back pictures and stories....to share with all of you!!
Thanks for asking Pam and sparking the idea! I hope I answered your questions. And now it is your turn. Let the questions fly! I'll do my best to answer all of 'em. If there is something you are just dying to ask....please do!
C'mon gals....don't be shy...
Well, here it is. My Oprah moment. I like to read..and to get others to read. This is the only thing that Oprah and I have in common. Well, other than that yo-yo weight thing. Oh yeah and the fact that we would both get kicked out of Hermes in Paris. The difference here..she attempts to shop at Hermes, where as I would could never. Uh, back to Reading. Right. Reading. I am passionate about recommending books, sharing books, talking about books. Old and new, fiction and non, memoirs, paperbacks and hardcovers, cookbooks, murder mysteries, true crime, coffee table books, home decor, even a romance novel or two have graced my tired eyes, only to smack me square in the forehead as I fool myself into thinking I can stay awake, just to the next chapter. I force myself to get in even 2 or 3 pages at the end of a long day, which (you do the math) can mean it takes me months just to finish a book. But I persevere. Why? Quite simply, because I love to read!
This is how The Sisterhood of the Traveling Books got started. Shelly and Jessica substituted books for pants and came up with the great idea of a starting a book club where each member donates a book from their shelf, sends it to the next reader in line on the sign up list, and so-on and so-on. The concept offers members the opportunity to read great books without having to spend a fortune on new books, just pennies on the cost of postage. It also makes available books in English that may otherwise be unattainable for ex-pats or books that are out of print and unavailable in certain parts of the globe.
I put myself on the list when I first read about it for "At Home in Rome", the book that started it all. Since then, I have donated two books of my own to the cause and I look forward to getting books more books in the mail that have been read, signed and discussed by readers before me. I guess it's a kind of virtual book club!
So, if you are interested, dust off a book on your shelf and click here to apply for membership.
Happy Reading! Oh, and eat your heart out Oprah.
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