Travel Tip Tuesday

Travel Tip Tuesday

I just recently read about Spirit Airlines $9 Fare Club- they offer exclusive prices to these members for travel including fares as low as $2! YOWZA! I am sure there is some catch, as there always is with something that sounds THIS good... check out the article below for more information...

http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/is-club-worth-the-cost.html?id=2897446

You tell us... too good to be true??

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!

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Thanksgiving in Paris

Thanksgiving in Paris

Are you in Paris this year for Thanksgiving and worried about how to celebrate the holiday... don't fret, we found some helpful tips for those Americans overseas for the holiday!

Check out this link for more information http://www.venere.com/blog/celebrate-thanksgiving-paris/

OR visit our facebook page to find out EVEN MORE! www.facebook.com/CJTours

Happy Turkey Day!

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French Recipe

French Recipe

Enjoy! :)

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Fashion at a Glance

Fashion at a Glance

If you are like me, then some weeks you are sooo in your own world you miss everything that goes on around you. Well last week was one of those weeks... which now leaves me trying to catch up on what happened... in the next 5 minutes... hmph.

In trying to sift through my WWD's, I stumbled across "15 vital pieces of info you might have missed this week"... can we say PERFECT?!

Take a look and click stories that sound appealing to you... and skip over the rest that you can... well... leave for another day...

http://www.shefinds.com/2011/lets-review-15-vital-pieces-of-info-you-might-have-missed-this-week/#more-154701

Happy Reading!

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Bistros

Bistros

Do you love the new trendy Paris bistro or the iconic Paris staples? No matter what you choose, the Paris Bistro, for me, is one of my guiltiest pleasures…more about a state of mind. Brasseries are great for on the go but a lovely Bistro is where you go to bask in the French experience, breathe in the perfumes of well cooked food and a great glass of wine.

Travel and Leisure has showcased a few this past month, both iconic and chic. They are predicting great things for Septime in the 11^th arrondisment with its “farmer chic vibe” and “poetic…deliciousness”. As much as I have taken mental notes on this and other recommendations, I can’t always help myself from going back to a few favorites.

Chez l’Ami Jean is just around the corner from my resting place so you might say I go there for convenience sake…not true. Well maybe a wee little bit… but just thinking about the lingering meals with just the right wine and carefully packing dessert into the minutest of space left afterwards leaves me…well…not quite daintily drooling. Chez l’Ami Jean 27 rue Malar

I do venture out of the seventh though for one Bistro that really epitomizes the Bistro experience…. Bistro Paul Bert. The food, the atmosphere, the people, the food ….did I mention the food. All orchestrated by one of my heroes…I really like food, don’t I! Well, when in Paris who doesn’t.

Anyway, if you venture over to Paul Bert, one of our favorite shopping guides…Angela just might give you a wink and a smile and serve some of the best Bistro fare in Paris…at least according to me. Bistro Paul Bert 18 rue Paul Bert 11^th.

Bon appétit!

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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?

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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!

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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?

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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!

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_4841.html

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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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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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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...

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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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