This happened on the metro in Paris

Looky here: a book post!

While I continue to try and edit my pictures from Paris (this weekend, I promise), I thought I'd do a book post, which I haven't done in like, forever. Exciting, right?

Right now I'm finishing up  I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie by Pamela Des Barres. It's the story of how she became a rock groupie in the 60s and 70s. It's pretty good, but her writing style isn't my favorite. I think she wrote the book based on her diaries from the time, which is fine, but the writing is a little too odd/personal/immature at times. But it's a fun look at a world that really doesn't exist anymore. Also, I totes think I would have been a groupie had a been alive back then. Maybe.







I also  read a couple of books (and started a few more) while I was on my trip, thanks to the Kindle I got for my birthday.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak takes place in Nazi Germany during WW2 and it's about a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who steals books, her relationship with her foster parents, the neighborhood, and the Jewish boxer hiding in her home. I'm not entirely sure how to explain it, but it's narrated by Death as he observes her life, as well as the happenings of the war. So far, it's really good!








I read a couple of cheesy thriller/mystery novels as well (perfect vacation books) that were quite a lot of fun.

Stealing Faces by Michael Prescott was a good one about a serial killer who peels off women's faces when he kills them as a trophy. In this book he finds out he is being followed by a woman who might know his secrets and try to stop him. I liked the book a lot because the author only revealed things gradually, such as where people came from, pasts, jobs, etc. It was definitely one of those books I raced through to find out the ending, and I was not disappointed. Highly recommend.

The List by JA Konrath was another cheesy thriller, this time involving a conspiracy about cloning and famous historical figures. I honestly can't say too much without revealing the entire plot, but it was fun. There were some really great fight/action scenes that were a lot of fun to read as well. This book was what kept me entertained and distracted on my flight from hell home from Paris when nothing else would. Definitely a good read!

Home Again Home Again

Happy New Year friends!

I've been back from Paris for almost a week now and the jet lag has finally worn off (I think). I'm getting back into the swing of things, getting back to work and getting ready for a move (more on this one later).

Paris was amazing. I was so, so sad to leave. But I took lots of pictures (and video) and I'm just getting everything organized and edited before I share them all, but I wanted to pop in and say hello.

I'm also working on redesigning my blog; I've already implemented a few minor changes, but I'm going to do more, even if it means learning some HTML to do it.

I hope you all had a lovely holiday and I look forward to getting back to blogging. I see some good things happening in 2012!

Also, how gorgeous is this?

Does that not make you smile uncontrollably? I do think there are few things in this world as beautiful as the Eiffel Tower at night.

Christmas in Paris

I know I said I was taking a break, but I just had to post about this. Because this is a big freaking deal (at least to me). So I 'm going to France (Paris) for Christmas. And I'm so happy my face hurts from smiling.

But first: a back story.

I don't know exactly when I became obsessed with France and French culture/art/history/food. I think I have to give my Grandma Jeanne some credit because we always used to watch A&E documentaries about art ("Breakfast with the Arts" anyone?), and I always remembered the French Impressionists. I still, even years later, after studying more art than I thought humanly possible, find my breath taken away by Water Lillies by Monet or The Ballet Rehearsal by Edgar Degas. I definitely think these created this romantic, artistic version of Paris that I carried around with me for years.

Then, freshman year of high school, I finally saw the movie the cemented my love for Paris and all things French: Amelie. Cliche, maybe. But I LOVED that movie. I saw it 4 times while it was in theaters and then bought it on DVD and the soundtrack (Yann Tiersen is AMAZING and this song is my favorite). Since then, I love just about any movie set in France or in French. Even if maybe it's not that good, I'll watch it, just to hear the language.

I majored in art history in college, and I studied a lot of French art and architecture, and despite practically drowning in it, I still love it. I want to learn everything and anything relating to this history of culture that country. I mean, really, it's SO fascinating. And I have always dreamed of living there...one day, right?

I got to go to France in high school, when I was fifteen. It was, and still is, probably my favorite trip I have ever taken. I was nervous because, what if it didn't live up to my expectations? Oh, but it did. It really did (The food! The art! The gardens!). I never wanted to leave and was sad when it was time to go home.

But, now, I'm going back. Finally, 8 years later. Tomorrow, to be exact. And I am so excited words cannot even describe it. This trip was a college graduation gift from my mom (the tickets) and it might be the best gift ever. Because not only is a trip to Paris, but I get to bring one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world: Jenny. She's just as obsessed with France as I am and I couldn't imagine a better person to take this trip with. We are going to eat lots of good food, check out some museums, and just wander the city we both love so much.

Even though it's Christmas, and we won't be spending it with out families, I have to say I think Christmas in Paris is pretty dang awesome. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas or Joyeux Noël!

Au revoir les amis, je vous verrai dans le Nouvel Année! 

A Little Note..

I've not blogged in almost a month. Wow. See, I really do like blogging but I've just been too busy actually living life to blog about it. There was my birthday last month, then Thanksgiving, and now Christmas and my trip to Paris are fast approaching. Between work and having a social life, blogging has taken a backseat...well more like it's in the trunk. I'm not going to stop blogging; I will start again, after the New Year. I'm going to think about what I want the blog to be, possibly even giving it a new name and look, because I'm not totally happy with it. So, peace out for now friends, I'm off to enjoy life!

A New TV Obsession

This is my new TV obsession

 I can't stop watching this, I've almost finished season two and it keeps getting better and better. And the new show, American Horror Story? Also SO GOOD.

I other news, I am very, very tired these days. I think I may be coming down with something and it also might be a side effect of some medication I'm taking. But either way, I've been going to sleep at 8:30pm every night. I'm a freakin' old lady. I hope this goes away soon.

Do you have any new TV obsessions? Tell me, tell me!

I just had to share this

You won't get it unless you know about this website, in particular, this post. I laughed forever after seeing this...so awesome.

Pinning Happiness

I haven't posted in TWO WHOLE WEEKS. I don't really know what was up with that. I guess I just didn't really have much to say. Also, I've just been exhausted between work/stupid editing class/social life/gym to come up with content for ze blog. But now I am back, with a vengeance! Since Wednesdays are "pinning" days from my much overused Pinterest account, and since it has been so long since I graced the blog land with my wonderful presence (joke people, a joke), I decided to do my "happy pictures." These are pics that for some reason put a smile on my face, are beautiful, funny, but of no real use (not outfit, home decor, or cooking inspiration), but could make a nice piece of artwork. Or something. You know.

Images via Pinterest

 What about you? have you found anything good on Pinterest that makes you happy or inspired? Link up in the comments!