What's in Your Sauna

What's in Your Sauna

There’s a great deal of talk now about the benefits of saunas….steam and infrared heat, even Dr. Oz is weighing in on the benefits.

I’ve tried them both and like them for different reasons. I won’t tell you my favorite as we have one at home and I can’t tell you how much I love it…but check out these links and try them out yourself. Most full service gyms have either a steam sauna or a hot coal sauna or a dry sauna ….some gyms/health spas have the far infrared light saunas.

Of course, always check with your doctor before trying anything new but read a little about it before you do!!! The claims are not ours but we formed our own opinions from research and trying….you might do the same and enjoy!!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauna

http://www.hightechhealth.com/html/sauna_main.htm

http://www.saunarelaxation.com/category/sauna-health

http://www.the-infrared-sauna-effect.com/sauna-vs-steam-room.html

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Shopping Tour Guides

Shopping Tour Guides

Meet the Guide! Get acquainted with our guides before booking your trip! This week we are featuring Ellie... take a look at what she has to say!

"Paris... What's not to love about Paris!! The city is full of life, great shopping, and incredible food. Shopping in Paris is a dream come true. The French have such an amazing style, and the shops are so unique. I love fashion and I am able to find such great clothing and accessories here. Moving to Paris gave me the opportunity to learn a new language and discover a new culture. Working for CJ tours is such a pleasure. I am able to meet new people, discover new boutiques, and do what I do best shop!"

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Versace for H&M

Versace for H&M

Yes Please! For those of you who LOVE Versace but can't afford it... it's your lucky day! As many people have been anticipating... Versace presented their line for H&M last night to a packed house in New York City.

According to the New York Times, Women's fashion section... "The collection, studded with gold medallions and covered in loud, tropical prints, gave a respectful nod to Versace’s 1980s self while simultaneously clocking a lot of what’s trending now, namely dynamic prints, minibags, head scarves, chokers and flouro pastels." Click the link below to see more pictures and read more about the line!

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/photos-of-the-moment-versace-for-hm/?ref=fashion

The collection will be available in select stores on Nov 19th... start counting down!

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Travel Tip Tuesday

Travel Tip Tuesday

You have to see it to believe it...

You hear things through the grapevine and of course who's to know what's real and what's fake... well after many years of testing this theory, it's safe to see this works!

For an unknown reason to me... if you have the answer PLEASE share I would be delighted to know... if you book a flight on Tuesday night it's always cheaper! I am sure you are thinking... this lady is crazy! But trust me I have tested this time and time again and each time it has proved to be correct.

So I dare you to take the challenge... look at flights tonight and then look again tomorrow and you will see no deals and an increase in price... or try Monday night and then look again Tuesday... no matter what it's always the same!

Safe Travels!

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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

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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!

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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!

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/839819/five-fall-outfits-we-love

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

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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!

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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!

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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)!

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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!

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Fashion Tip Friday!

Fashion Tip Friday!

What better way to go into the weekend, but with a fashion tip...coming to you, all the way from Paris!

I love fashion and one of my favorite things to do while in Paris, is to people watch... looking at the newest trends that haven't quite hit the states, and peruse the stores soaking in what will soon be the IT pieces in America.

The US has seen a lot of this already... but I have noticed that there is one item ALL over the place... if you guessed leather then you are CORRECT. I am not just talking leather jackets here... but leather trimmed pants, shirts, dresses, coats, boots... you name it, leather has touched it!

If you want to do as the Parisians do, my suggestion is to go LEATHER.

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Paris Sights

Paris Sights

Alas, we arrived safely yesterday, survived our first day... barely...successfully made it through the second, AND got a lot accomplished... SCORE!

Break time at the apartment and all of a sudden I heard loud music coming through my window...hmm I wonder what that could be? I peaked outside the balcony and to my complete and utter astonishment the wonderfully loud noises (that sounded as if they were coming from a band of 50) were coming from two men on opposite sides of the street... not only was it just TWO men but they were "talking" back and forth to each other through their music, as if they were having their own little conversation! I was mesmerized.

Naturally, I couldn't help but take a video...so hopefully you enjoy this as much as I did!

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Paris Today!

Paris Today!

Still packing of course, I find that each trip I never seem to be fully packed until the last minute...hey, at least I get it done!

Looking forward to the crepes, shopping, FRENCH of course, and learning the newest techniques from France and Switzerland for keeping yourself young...more to come on this of course!

Stay tuned for my daily updates :)

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Paris, Here We Come

Paris, Here We Come

Tomorrow we leave again for Paris! For once, I am going to take my own advice and PACK LIGHT! I have checked the weather and decided to bring an assortment of jeans (black, bright blue, green, and red), a few tops, scarves, accessories, and two pairs of shoes. I am forcing myself not to pack anymore and to leave plenty of room. I have my camera all set to take TONS of pics and videos and let everyone experience Paris the way we do!

Off to pack...

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Buyer Beware

Buyer Beware

I am getting ready for my next visit to Paris, HOORAY! I am also shopping here at home for an upcoming formal event…because clearly I need more clothes...

Just as you have to know where you are shopping and what you are buying when you are in Paris, I learned that the same thing applies here in the good old USA when bargain hunting.

I just recently bought a beautiful pair of designer jeans at TJ’s… the price tag said $59.98 and the retail price was over 200 bucks… SCORE. I looked even closer and saw the actual tag was still on the pants… wait for it… 375 dollars, DOUBLE SCORE! Great bargain!

I continued on and looked at some D&G items, $599... original suggested retail price over $800, at first glance it looks like this is yet, another great deal! But wait...what's this...the actual label price was 450 euro...well how many dollars is that? About $633.. that my friends is NOT such a great bargain, only 34 dollars off, no thank you! They tricked me!!

Moral of the story- when shopping, ALWAYS look, try, and ask before you buy, no matter where you are! TJ’s new runway section is great IF you know what you are doing…

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Paris Scarves

Paris Scarves

There are a ton of different ways to wear a scarf... long, short, wrap around once, a few times, tie it a knot, twisted... the list is endless.

The last time I went to Paris, I stumbled upon the most GORGEOUS Christian Dior vintage scarf... I am talking TO. DIE. FOR. I was immediately drawn to it. I ran, literally, over to where it was displayed and before I even picked it up, I knew I had to have it.

Hmph... as I lifted it up, it was much bigger than I had anticipated and wasn't sitting properly on my neck... what is a girl to do!

ALAS! After going back and forth with the lovely sales person for what seemed like a decade, I finally figured out a way to make it work. Just because it's a scarf, doesn't mean you have to wear it around your neck... no I don't mean wear it as a shirt or skirt or dress...though this does work in some instances, if the scarf is big enough of course... BUT I will use it as decoration!

Now I am sure you are probably thinking "hello, is she crazy??!?!" but I found this gorgeous frame, had the scarf pressed to get out wrinkles and creases, and it now hangs beautifully in my bedroom...Voilaaaa!

I could not be happier about my purchase!

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The Perfect Paris Purse

The Perfect Paris Purse

I am not a huge "purse person," if I could I would spend all my money on clothes and jewelry. I have my staple purses of course- brown, black, big, small... options that go with just about everything. Well recently my staple black purse has reached its end...tear... and I desperately needed something to take it's place.

To my complete and utter surprise I discovered the most FABULOUS designer with the most unique, fashionable, and PRACTICAL bags I have ever seen... I know when are those words EVER in the same sentence when describing bags... um never!

For starters the purse comes with a built in wallet... don't believe me? Take a look!

Still not convinced that this is one of the

greatest bags you've ever seen? Not only does it come with a built in wallet.... but it expands for the day time...

And shrinks again for night time... Wow, perfection!

There are different styles, different colors, different designs, different sizes, you name it she's got it! All bags have the option of becoming bigger, smaller, longer, shorter, and most have built in wallets that can be removed if desired. I am HOOKED!

Maybe I am a purse person after all....

If you want to see more, just join us for a trip and discover more of these hidden treasures!

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Jet Lag

Jet Lag

Possibly the most frustrating thing in the world to deal with. I am going to Paris to enjoy myself, why must I have to worry about physically holding my eyes open so I don't fall asleep while walking....

ALAS my friends, I found a trick that seems to work just perfectly for my non-stop trips back and forth. At first I was a bit weary of the suggestion, but now I swear by it! It's easy and simple...ready for it?

...Stay awake for the entire first day! That's it! Nothing to it! Well, in reality that first day when you get off the plane all you want to do is fall in bed, close your eyes, and sleep the day away, but I assure you... if you stay awake by the end of the day your bed will be the most comfortable place in the world.

I passed my secret along to a friend who tried it out this past Spring...he barely made it through that first day... you don't believe me? His response to "Bonjour" (hello) was "Thank You." Clearly he was not all there, BUT the rest of his trip he was alert and in the correct time zone... and looking back that first day was well worth it!

Next time you are in Paris, I dare you to try my trick...

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Where Did You Find That!

Where Did You Find That!

A group of us took a trip after we graduated college to Paris for a week. Some of us had been a few times, studied abroad there, and some had never been before. We did the typical touristy thing and went to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and various other attractions, but because I had been so many times I decided to take us on a few adventures....

After a night out, we decided to venture around the 7th (Paris is split into arrondissements, also known as sections, 20 to be exact) and find a vintage shop that I had been told great things about. We mapped out our route and figured it should only take about 5 minutes to walk there... needless to say, 45 minutes later we still weren't there...everyone was beginning to lose faith.

Finally, my purse obsessed friend spotted a vintage Louis that SHE of all people had never seen before... this seriously must be a one of a kind. We stopped in and instantly she told us she must have it... ding ding SOLD! We grabbed her after her first purchase and ran out before she continued buying the store...

At this point, it had been over a hour, we were hungry, lost, and confused...then in front of us we spotted a street with a few shops- let's go! I confidently stated that this was my plan all along! (psshh little did they know) After taking 5 steps, we stumbled upon possibly the smallest store known to man, with more stuffed in it than a Thanksgiving Turkey. It was there that I spotted my vintage Celine gold circle necklace, worn by old celebs and restored... I was in heaven. An hour later and 3 bags each, we left feeling happy, satisfied, and accomplished. Not EVEN a huge dent in our wallets, SCORE! Little somethings for ourselves and gifts galore for our families... I would have to say, GREAT SUCCESS and lesson learned- walking the streets of Paris until you are lost, hungry, and delirious is the only way to find that special something ;)

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