Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. It is one in which we pause for a moment to celebrate and reflect on what it is we appreciate and love in our lives.
We are spending Thanksgiving week in Paris. I am writing this from a tiny, stereotypically Parisian apartment we rented on the Ile St. Louis. We will be spending the actual holiday in Reims, starting with a 10am champagne tasting at Ruinart. Believe me: I am incredibly thankful for this experience.
On this day of reflection, I am sharing what else I am grateful for this year. I would love for you to share what it is you're grateful for in 2014. Please post in the comments section
The New York Times briefly mentioned this app produced by Le Pavillon des Lettres in Sunday's Travel section. I was immediately interested. I know the hotel well and thought it would do a good job with a digital offering.
I had no idea how thorough it would be. I have paid for Parisian guide apps that aren't nearly as extensive.
The app has the obligatory hotel information and the weather. Let's be honest, at the end of the day, it's a marketing tool.
It also had timely suggestions for events going on in the city. This past Sunday it featured Chinese New Year's celebrations.
It offers fun itineraries for Paris with children featuring various shows and parks like Le Jardin d'Acclimation. Here are my two cents on what to do in Paris with children.
It also suggested a Golden Age itinerary that can have you experiencing Parisian life like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald did in the 1920's.
This isn't necessarily groundbreaking stuff but it's packaged well, offers a quality offline map and features stunning photography.
If anything, it's a great diversion for times when you're craving a trip across the pond. Which for me right now, is about once a day.
It's Paris reimagined! Love this Hermès scarf from Octave Marsal that debuted in 2019. La Cite Cavaliere is funky, surprising and gorgeous. You could spend hours looking at it and still not see everything.
I prefer buying scarves secondhand as I enjoy the hunt. The important thing to note when buying scarves secondhand is to buy from someone you trust or a company that guarantees the authenticity of an item. Some of my favorites places that do that are Fashionphile, The Real Real, The Luxury Closet.
The Cafe Phase - a kickstart, lasting 8-10 days which includes plenty of liquids
The Bistro Phase - a 2-3 week period in which you consume fiber and protein-rich meals
The Gourmet Phase - the longterm phase you maintain until you reach your ideal weight.
The main tenets of his diet are simple:
Quality, not quantity - meaning smaller portions of food. No supersizing.
Savor your food and avoid mindless eating. A meal is a ritual in which to celebrate, not chow down at your desk. I have a bad habit of doing this.
Don't deprive - skip a salad if you don't love it! Instead eat a smaller portion of something you love rather than a large salad you'll hate consuming.
I tend to lose weight when I visit France (and any other foreign country, for that matter). But what's interesting when I visit France is that I indulge. Granted, we usually walk about five or more miles a day but there isn't one bit of restraint. We eat cheese, drink wine, eat desserts, macarons and sumptuous, multi-course meals. Here's the thing: the portions are small and the ingredients are fresh.
Here is a typical Parisian vacation diet, in pictures.
Breakfast
I visited Eric Kayser every morning to pick up pastries.
This was my daily breakfast which is a departure from my normal routine of a green smoothie, oatmeal or toast and peanut butter. We would get four pastries: one for me, my husband, my daughter and one to share. Notice how these aren't huge.
Lunch
Lunch at Ma Cocotte
This was a normal lunch. We would usually also have salad and dessert....and a few more glasses of wine.
Dinner
The final meal of the day was either one of two things: a blowout dinner or not much at all.
Dinner at Maxim's
Dessert at Maxim's
Treating my daughter like a queen!
We celebrated my birthday in 2013 at Maxim's at around 10pm one evening. Sure it's touristy but it was a wonderful experience.
Crepes, cheese, champagne and fruit for dinner
On other nights, after having a large lunch we would eat a smaller dinner featuring what you see above. The thing about dinners in Paris is that there is no late night snacking, something I struggle with at home. Once the kitchen is closed, it's closed. No more food after dinner.
The ubiquitous bottle of wine
We had wine at almost every meal. Generally a bottle split between the two of us.
Oreos! Mon dieu!
Don't think the French are perfect. Look what I found at the grocery store...processed food!
The Takeaway The Parisian Diet isn't a new concept. It's one that most nutrition experts advocate: eat real food, smaller portions of it, be mindful when you eat and enjoy your food.
Whether in Paris or not, that's something most of us can do every day.
What foreign eating principles do you like? I love the Mediterranean approach to eating. Please share your favorite foreign diet concept in the comments section.
I rarely buy luxury designer goods brand new and at their full retail price, except when it's an item I will likely sell in the future such as my Louis Vuitton Neverfull (you can read all about that here). I am a consignment-shopping queen because it's a great way to purchase investment-quality designer pieces at a lower price.
In fact, I scout consignment stores when I travel which led to my discovery of an amazing vintage store in Paris, as well as the better-known Didier Ludot. In Montecito recently, I fell in love with Mattie and Me consignment store (and a Pucci coat that was out of my price range).
Authentic Luxury Consignment Retailers
For those times when we're homebound, there is a treasure trove of online luxury consignment shops that sell guaranteed authentic items for less. The "guaranteed authentic" thing is a big deal. These resellers stake their reputation on authenticity and will refund your money if an item is not genuine.
Each of the following reseller's offer an authenticity guarantee. Many times the pieces are brand new.
Fashionphile - probably my favorite. They also have a retail locations in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. It's a designer-lover's dream. I recently bought a Louis Vuitton Insolite walletfrom them, replacing the one I had stolen. I have consigned a few items on their site, too.
Heritage Auction House - the Dallas-based auction house has a Tuesday night luxury accessories auction with some great stuff. You will pay a hefty 25% buyer's premium.
The sites are constantly updated so there is always something new to browse. I like to call it virtual window-shopping. If you see something you adore, you should hop on it because once it's gone...it could be gone. I recently missed out on a Hermes scarf(I REALLY wanted this one, too...it was a Paris rooftop scarf) I was coveting on Fashionphile.
A word on ebay. You can always scout the online auction site. I have even sold some items on there. At the end of the day, especially when it comes to designer accessories, it's a beating. There is a ton of fake merchandise on there.
If you're in the mood to pick up that investment piece for a bit less, buying on consignment from a retailer that guarantees authenticity is the way to go, in my book. These pieces generally last for decades and, if you buy at the right price, you can sometimes make money on them if you decide to consign or resell them.
Scroll Through For Some Of My Favorite Luxe For Less Finds
Napa Valley with kids is a lot easier than you might think. Here's the thing: you need a good attitude about the trip. There will be pivots and, likely, cancellations. Flexibility is key to surviving Napa Valley with kids.
Taking a selfie, before it was cool, at Parc de la Cuitadella during a solo trip to Barcelona in 2008
Travel is one of the few things you spend money on that makes you richer. It's a shame to limit your travel with friends and loved one. While there's incredible joy of experiencing a city or travel experience with a partner, traveling solo opens up an entirely new world.
La Perdera, Barcelona
The great thing about going it alone is that you can do absolutely whatever you want. Want to sleep till noon and have a theme-park dinner at 10pm in the Tivoli Gardens? No problem. Plan to spend all day on the Mediterranean Sea? You can. Want to sit at that cafe right off the Seine River and people watch in Paris for two hours, you can and no one will complain. There is no one to tell you can't. It's the ultimate freedom.
You also meet the most fascinating people. I had dinner with the actual Pep, of Barcelona's famed Cal Pep restaurant one night. He was busy but spent time with during dinner at his magnificent restaurant explaining the dishes in broken English while I mangled my responses in terrible Spanish.
From Balcony at Les Ombres
I've lived in Guam, vacationed in Tel Aviv, run a half marathon in Jerusalem and jetted to Barcelona and Paris all solo. I've also spent way too much time on the road for work by myself. There are safety precautions every women traveling solo should consider. Here are five top tips for your next adventure. While these are primarily focused on international travel, these tips work for any destination.
5 Travel Tips For Women Traveling Solo
Keep Your Purse Close and CLOSED
When strolling solo through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter or gawking at the Eiffel Tower, you'll be alone in a sea of people. First and foremost, keep your purse closed and tucked securely under your arm. I don't bring a big backpack, for many reasons, but from a safety perspective, it's impractical. A pickpocket or thief can grab something out of one of those zipper pockets even if it's securely closed with safety pin or other attachment. I carry a nice mid-size crossbody bag, nothing too big or too small, and keep it closed at all times. Barrington Gifts Stadium Crossbody bag or GiGi New York's Madison Crossbody are great for touring a city. Don't Carry Your Entire Wallet
Tallin, Estonia
Bring a small cardholder to hold your essentials: one credit card, ID and some local currency. I usually don't exchange currency prior to departure. I have an international ATM card that charges significantly less fees and commissions when changing money so I generally get local currency through an ATM. I also use a credit card that doesn't charge international exchange fees which, again, saves money.
With your small card case, if you do have the unfortunate luck of getting something stolen lifted, at least not everything is gone. Carry just one card and some cash for the day. Don't Wear a Ton of Jewelry When traveling overseas or traveling solo, wear the less expensive jewelry. I have a great big shell ring, some silver pieces and beaded necklaces that I bring. None of the good stones or really nice watches. With a lot of sparkles on your hands or ears, you will stick out like a sore thumb and in a bad way. You will attract attention of potential pickpockets, gypsies or others who might think you a good candidate to rob, attack or do something even worse. Don't do it. It's just not worth it.
Dress Appropriately
I learned this the hard way. I was walking through Jerusalem's Old City and got terribly lost. I was wearing an outfit that, honestly, was pretty conservative for me: a long-sleeved knit top, denim skirt and closed-toe shoes. Having my legs exposed as I was unknowingly walking towards the Muslim Quarter was the mistake of a lifetime. I had men sneering at me and hurling words I didn't understand. It took a sweet 12-year-old boy to clue me in.
"You must stop," he said.
"I'm just trying to get out of here," I replied.
"No," he responds. "You are not Muslim. That is the Muslim Quarter. You are not allowed."
Light bulb moment. Message understood.
Walking back to my hotel, I got more awful comments thrown my way by a variety of men. It was really one of the most uncomfortable experiences I've ever had. The rest of the trip, it was jeans and long-sleeved shirts.
Take a moment to understand the cultural expectations of the city you're visiting. If it is expected that women cover their shoulders, legs and face, you should comply. If you want to make a statement, don't visit the city or the site. You made the choice to go there, wear the appropriate clothing and there shouldn't be an issue. RELATED: Ritz Carlton Tel Aviv Review
Don't Let Them Know You're Solo
Part of the fun of traveling solo is that you meet a variety of people and end up chatting with some lovely folks. Some, though, not so lovely. Don't let them know you're alone. If some inquiring mind asks you why you're eating alone, or hiking by yourself, just say you're visiting your dad or that your brother is back at the hotel. My father actually lives in Israel and spent a few days of my time there with me. He didn't have the stamina to run around with me all day, so I would be alone most of the time. The "dad at the hotel line" worked quite a bit for me when dealing with those guys.
What About You?
Are you a solo traveler? Is there a place you're dying to visit by yourself? I would love to explore Rome solo. Have a question about visiting a city solo? Email me.
That was how I started my sportscasts at 6pm and 10pm at KUAM Island News for six months in 1996 as the Sports Director of the tiny NBC affiliate. It's the typical greeting for Guam residents and natives, called Chamorros.
When I tell people that my first, full-time on-air job right out of college was on the U.S. territory located below Asia and above Australia there is always an immediate double take followed by questions.
Years on-camera wearing a face full of anchor spackle has taught me a few tricks. Talk to any television reporter or anchor (male or female) and he or she will have a tip or two you can use.
My friend and CBS11 colleague, Tracy Kornet, does a wonderful applying makeup in a way that is natural yet strong enough to withstand the harsh high-definition TV lights. We actually had a wonderful makeup artist at our station for a while who taught us a number of secrets I'll share in the future.
Tracy and I found a moment on Thursday to gab about a few of our fabulous new makeup finds. I'm talking things we wouldn't dare consider going on-camera (or out on the town, in my case) without wearing. Interestingly enough, it's mostly about starting with a good foundation, literally, to keep your makeup in place.
Made by the legendary French skincare company, (which is now available at Target!) this lip balm is a honey-based product that truly does moisturize. Even better? You don't have to continually reapply like you do with Carmex or other lip balms.
I bought this in Paris last November for about €12 or ($13.23 at the current exchange). It retails for $19 in the US but is worth it, IMO.
With the indulgent holiday season up on us, a number of my friends are planning juice fasts to "get rid of the toxins" they consumed in November and December. Heck, after having wine at just about every meal in Paris, Lord knows my liver needs a break.
I love a good juice fast as much as the next person. It can help you drop a few pounds quickly and are a good way to get a large amount of nutrients efficiently. I have a green juice three of four times a week. As for the whole "ridding our bodies of toxins" thing, I am not so sure. Scientists have repeatedly said that a quality, produce-heavy diet does the job.
Dr. Linda Lee, the Director of John Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center in Maryland, tells the Wall Street Journal that the term "cleanse" is nothing more than a marketing tool and there is no science to prove that fasting cleanses the system.
That marketing is working. Sales of "superpremium juice" was more than $1.4 billion in 2013, up from $1 billion in 2010.
This is a situation in which you need to do what works for you. Will your body be free of the damage caused by a month-long feast of champagne, cheese, steak and indulgent desserts with a 10-day cleanse in January? Probably not. Will you drop a few pounds? Likely. Will that make you feel better about yourself? If so, go for it but be smart and do your homework.
Finding Juice Fasts That Work For You
There are a TON of juice fasts to choose from. I have done the Blueprint Cleanse, Suja Juiceand a variety of my own. Prepared fasts are expensive which is why I enjoy making my own juice. That, however, can be labor intensive and messy. Gilt City always has sales on juice fasts. They're currently offering deals on American Juice CompanyandOui Juice. Bliss is also offering the Joule Body Cleanse, which I have done in the past, too.
I use a Breville Juicer and make my own recipes adapted from a variety of books I have read over the years. The 3-Day Cleanse is a good one.
Are you a juicer? Are there any juice fasts you swear by and love?
Part of the fun of travel is eating. I believe that you can learn so much about a foreign culture by simply popping into bar, ordering a local drink and appetizers and chatting up the bartender and patrons next to you. Those are truly some of my best memories.
Banana Nutella Crepes/image via Wikimedia
Some of those memories are made with some of the world's most fattening foods. I would live on Nutella and banana crepes if I could. This is a calorie nightmare though: Two tablespoons of Nutella is 200 calories (110 calories from fat), the crepe itself is fry-cooked batter and usually topped with whipped cream. At least there's some fruit, right? I'm going with that.
Paris, 2010
Not a sweet fan? Try gruyere crepes like the ones I had in Montmartre one night. I died and went to food heaven.
Other fattening travel foodgasms I've had? The expected, like a typical breakfast of Churros dunked in jello-thick chocolate in Spain. The most random? A cheese-wrapped hot dog (or polser as they're called in Denmark) stuffed in a bun from a street vendor in Copenhagen. Don't judge. It was fabulous.
How about Khachapuri from Georgia? It's a bowl of bread stuffed with melted cheese, topped with an egg and a large pat of butter. It actually looks pretty good.
Aligot/Image via Wikimedia
If you're in France, you MUST try Aligot. It's a mashed potato dish with butter, cream, garlic and melted cheese whipped together in gorgeous thick dish. Don't ask about the calories. Just don't.
Jalebi/Image via Wikimedia
Jalebi - this is a deep-fried dough that is soaked in a sugary syrup. Eh, not so much.
Deep Fried Mars Bar/Image via Wikimedia
Perhaps the lamest one on the list? A Deep-Fried Mars Bar from Scotland. Please....that's just an appetizer at the State Fair of Texas.
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in May. There are three phases to the diet:
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