Friday, October 28, 2011

French Recipe Friday

French Recipe Friday


Mouth watering deliciousness... Coq au Vin... in its simplest terms is chicken in red wine sauce with vegetables... although that doesn't do this dish justice!

Coq au Vin is a very classic and traditional French recipe, there are a ton of ways to prepare it, but today I found a recipe for those of you who don't have time to spend the entire day in the kitchen preparing... I like to call it Speedy Coq au Vin!

My mouth is watering just thinking about it.... go ahead, try it!!

Bon Apetit!


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Paris Is Always A Good Idea

Paris Is Always A Good Idea

I love Audrey Hepburn and the way she wore a little black dress and made it one of the most iconic fashion staples of the twentieth century. It is still a timeless wardrobe essential. Although you can trace the mystique of this little chameleon to the 1920’s and Coco Chanel and a more pragmatic direction through the 60’s... to Dior’s more dangerous appeal, it wasn’t until Ms. Hepburn wore it in Breakfast at Tiffany’s that the LBD came into it’s own.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my go to movies….whether I’m sad, frustrated, in a great mood, looking for inspiration, fashion or otherwise, it just works for me.

Not surprisingly, I love little black dresses too. I have my everyday little black dress, my special occasion little black dress, the get out of my way little black dress, the maybe so maybe not so innocent little one….it goes on for a while. Parisian women have learned how to take the LBD and spin it for all occasions. I’ve taken a lesson from them and from one of my favorite actresses and done the same.

So ladies, I began this little entry with one of her quotes and will end it with one as well….

“I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.”



www.cjshoppingtours.com

Monday, October 24, 2011

Fashion Thoughts

Fashion Thoughts

When I buy fashion magazines, I not only look at the obvious...fashion... but I love reading the articles that they choose to put in each month.

The November issue of Elle has a great article written by "Fashion know it all" Anne Slowey about her experience in fashion, relationship with her mother, obsession with her appearance, and her complete transformation once she gives birth to her first child... I'm sure many of you can relate! I was simply captivated from page to page... some things I could relate to, some I found completely ridiculous... but all in all I thought very well written.

Slowey explains "...to me, getting dressed is a creative act of imagining all of life's complex pleasures at the beginning of every day. The best of fashion- the joy of endless possibilities, choices, and attitudes of expression- is what has made me tick for more than 20 years in the business..."

Such a great quote!

What does fashion mean to you?


Friday, October 21, 2011

French Recipe Friday

French Recipe Friday


What better way to start the weekend then with a French Recipe! Today our focus is on Profiteroles... mmmm DELICIOUS!

If you've never had one, never heard of them, or have no idea what I am talking about... then take a look at this video and learn how to make them yourself! Wow your guests this weekend with an amazing dessert that will be SURE to knock their socks off!

Bon Apetit!


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fall Handbags

Fall Handbags


Looking for the perfect handbag, but need a little nudge in the right direction? Watch this quick video to get some ideas!

What I love about style and fashion is that you can make it your OWN. See a great bag, but can't afford it... NO PROBLEM! Pick the best qualities about the bag and find one similar at a much cheaper price.

There are tons of bargain websites now...outlets...department stores... you name it and you can find a place to purchase your dream bag at an affordable price!

My go to style is across the body... BUT with arm straps to make it versatile... what's yours?


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Travel Tip Tuesday

Travel Tip Tuesday

How many of you hear about friends who always get hotel upgrades and yet it still hasn't happened to you! What gives??

I stumbled upon this handy little article that should help you score a room upgrade the next time you travel... at least take a shot, what could you lose!









Friday, October 14, 2011

Anti-Aging Products

Anti-Aging Products

We’re back now and working on some new exciting additions to CJ Tours! We’ll be introducing them petit a petit, slowly slowly as they say in Paris.

For now though, I’d like to tell you a little about the news in skin care... Mary Anne attended a very prestigious conference while in Paris and learned about the LATEST developments from Switzerland, Germany, France and more... they are always ahead of the curve when it comes to Skin care.

She is totally immersed in her research of the most cutting edge, but natural skin care and anti-aging products as well as systems available globally. There is something coming soon from Switzerland that will blow our current options for beautiful faces right out of the water!

We all know the myriad of choices for potions and lotions as well as the injectables and fillers. The options that I am talking about are not just alternatives but work to regenerate and rejuvenate as well! Formidable!

More importantly, we have the connection right in our own backyard to a dynamic physician team, trained here and in Germany, who have formulated their own products. The products, as we have learned are formulated with technology and ultra pure ingredients similar to the Swiss innovators, but with a little something extra that made our European friends stand up and take notice.

The entire system will be available soon and we of course will keep you totally posted so that you can be the first to start purchasing!

Patientez!

A tres bientot


www.cjshoppingtours.com

Thursday, October 13, 2011

French Recipe Thursday

French Recipe Thursday


How to make crepes! My absolute FAVORITE thing when I go to Paris is getting a crepe Nutella... my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!

For those of you who have never had a crepe you are seriously missing out! You can have a dessert crepe... with nutella, sugar, fruit, a combination of all three. A lunch crepe... my favorite comes with ham and cheese. Or really whatever comes to mind! They are delicious, easy to make, and definitely a French staple... ENJOY!


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fresh Fall Looks

Fresh Fall Looks

It's that time of year again... time to start pulling out the boots, spandex, jeans, and layers... it's Fall! One of the prettiest times of year, as the leaves begin to change colors and you are left surrounded by fields of greens, reds, yellows, and oranges... stunning!

One thing we noticed while in Paris is that Red and Green are back... thank goodness! I am a huge fan of colors and nothing excites me more than seeing cities filled with clothes other than black! Even if black is your color... you can always accessorize with a red or green scarf or even a nice piece of jewelry...let your imagination run wild!

While browsing the web, I found this handy little guide for 5 quick fall outfits that will be sure to catch people's eye...go ahead, take a look!


White...mismatching...edgy layering...ladylike sexy...and girly with a twist... LOVELY! Happy Fall :)


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Travel Tip Tuesday

Travel Tip Tuesday

If you've never been to Paris for the holidays... you are truly missing something special.

The Champs-Elysee sparkling all around you as you stroll towards the beautifully decorated shops and sample the luscious holiday treats... the department store windows, the unique wrapping when you buy a little present for that special someone or yourself, and the magic in the air...is just simply not to be missed.

Normally you think this would be one of the most expensive times to go... well this time you are wrong! There is a little Fare-War going on right now started by the Star Alliance carriers. It is fully expected that British Airways and others will quickly follow. But these bargains are just TOO good to pass up.

If you are an American Express holder contact your concierge or Cook travel, if not and you prefer to go through an agent get to one now, or go directly to the Star Alliance partners and start booking.

And don't forget when you are there, Pere Noel is very forgiving at Christmas...Have a blast!


Friday, October 7, 2011

On Voyage!

On Voyage!

We are traveling until Monday... the blog will return then :)

In the meantime... when you are flying, don't forget to stay hydrated, take your travel moisturizer, pack light, and either keep those limbs moving or take your baby aspirin! Bon voyage et bon weekend!




Thursday, October 6, 2011

Paris Department Stores

Paris Department Stores

Should you...or shouldn't you?

Paris shopping covers a lot of territory. You can map out your boutique route, your Houte-Couture route, or your flea markets...that doesn't even take into account unique accessories and perfume made just for you!

If you have the time OR if you come to Paris often, then you should do all of those things. If you answered no to those two questions...the Paris department stores are your answer.

BHV for unique household accessories...it's jewelry for your kitchen cabinets, living room, lamps, and bedroom door pulls. Trust me on this one... go there. Metro hotel de ville.

Le Bon Marche- Chanel, Dior, Prada, Dries Van Noten, Balthazar, and on and on... PLUS the best selection of Wolford in one place that you will need for every season. Men or women, you will come out dressed, accessorized, smelling and feeling beautiful... fully equipped to take Paris by storm. Metro Sevres-Babylon.

Galeries Lafayette-they have everything, plus the most incredible selection of prepared foods as well as food gifts in any one place. Shop for yourself, friends, every holiday and birthday imaginable...it's all there. Metro Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette

The above three are speed shopping at its best...Enjoy mes amis (my friends)!









Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Parisian Dinner

Parisian Dinner

For some reason, despite all the amazing choices for food in Paris, I have been CRAVING Asian. Two nights ago we decided to try the Parisian delivery experience and ordered sushi online... we were so dead from working non stop we couldn't even make it out the door for dinner!

The sushi delivery was QUITE an experience... it took 3 attempts online, and several phone calls to ensure them that we really weren't going to pick it up, we actually did want it delivered. All in all though they could not have been nicer... and if you find yourself exhausted in Paris and unable to get out the door and eat, try Sushi Shop. Their food is tres bon!

Tonight I decided I couldn't live without one of my favorite meals in Paris, it's not particularly fancy, not particularly Parisian, but it IS particularly good! We took our tired little feet straight to Wok where I had the most delicious nems (sort of a like a crispy little spring roll) ever and practiced my new French while ordering all the little spices and sauce ingredients for my personally chosen bowl of heaven just for me... mmmm

My favorite part is watching them prepare it right before my eyes... see for yourself!

Now off to practice my French...

Bon Appetit!







Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Paris Jewelry


Paris Jewelry

We have figured out a way to bring Paris... to.... YOU! Along the way we always find unique pieces in each of our destinations, Paris, Florence, Galicia... and decided why not share them with everyone!

Take a look at the products section of our page and discover your own piece of heaven unique to our many destinations. Each of our pieces takes us back to a certain time and place... feel free to join us and get lost in the memory...