Paris, State of MindIn November 2016, Hubs and I will discover what river cruising is all about.  September last year, I was totally hooked when I stopped by the local AAA office.  I learned that the most popular way to experience Europe is by cruising rivers, so I booked a ten-day Seine River Cruise.  SInce that autumn date, I’ve been in a Paris, state of mind.

Paris, State of MindLast year, hubby and I celebrated our milestone birthdays with low-key celebrations.  This year, we decided we did not want to overlook the opportunity to commemorate our mutual benchmarks.

Paris, State of Mind
My BFF Cynthia and her hubby wanted to join us for the adventure with two extra days in Paris.  We even found a non-stop flight direct from Philly to the Charles De Gaulle Airport.  There are many promotional discounts when you book early.  We received a discount from AAA and Ama Waterways because we booked by September 30.

Paris, State of MindWhen viewing the Christmas windows in New York City in December, I couldn’t resist purchasing the late French empress of fashion, Diane Vreeland’s Smashing Brillant perfume, at Bergdorf Goodman.  Diana’s family is doing a fantastic job carrying on her legacy with an exclusive line of Diana Vreeland perfume from select retailers like Bergdorf Goodmans.

Location: Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York; Wearing: ASOS oversized coat, J. Crew wool dress, Clare V leather pouch and Nine West booties.
. Photos by Channing Hargrove.

I thought I would see Diana Vreeland showcased at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology exhibit titled “The Women of Harper’s Bazaar” on the noted columnist, but it ends on April 2.  However, I could dine at the French restaurant Rotisserie Georgette for brunch on Easter Sunday.

Diana Vreeland Smashingly Brilliant eau de parfum and book about her years at Harper'sBazaar.
Diana Vreeland’s Smashingly Brilliant Eau de Parfum and “Diana Vreeland, The Modern Women, The Bazaar Year 1936-1962” are books about her years at Harper’s Bazaar.

Not just in my conscious mind, the Paris state of mind continued with my February visit to the Met Museum exhibit of the French aristocrat, designer, fashion icon, and businesswoman Jacqueline De Ribes.

A pack of Jacqueline de Ribes notecards that I plan to frame.
A pack of Jacqueline De Ribes notecards was purchased at the Met that I plan to frame.

While in New York City that weekend, I selected the invitations for my daughter’s annual afternoon tea in April.  My favorite place for notecards and invitations is Papyrus.  What did I find?  The clerk was beneficial, but it was slim pickings for tea invites.  I found note cards with the delectable treat, macarons, c’est magnifique!

2016 Tea Settee
Papyrus macaron invited for Afternoon Tea with my antique Old Royal bone china cups on a tiered tea stand.

One cannot think of the City of Light without considering the iconic and majestic wrought iron lattice tower on the Champs de Mars. One of the most recognizable structures, the Eiffel Tower, opened on March 31, 1889, just in time to celebrate the Exposition Universelle 1889.

 

1889 photo of the Eiffel Tower being built for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, France.
This is a photo of the Eiffel Tower being built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, France. Construction started January 28, 1887, and was completed March 15, 1889. The opening date was March 31, 1889.

I have a yummy memory of discovering the Italian hazelnut spread Nutella in a crepe while standing around the Eiffel Tower in 2012, watching the long lines of visitors waiting to dine or take the elevator to the observation tower.  I know how to make Eiffel Tower dinner reservations before arriving in Paris.

My Paris selfie standing near the Eiffel Tower, August 2012.
My 2012 Paris selfie standing near the Eiffel Tower, August 2012.

The Eiffel Tower is not only a symbol of the city of Paris, but I’ve since developed a fascination with it. I started collecting Eiffel Towers and recently added an Eiffel Tower charm to my collection of Tiffany charms.

 

My silver Eiffel Tower with my Tiffany charm bracelet (it's hard to see the Eiffel Tower charm)
My silver Eiffel Tower with my Tiffany charm bracelet (it’s hard to see the Eiffel Tower charm)

Anyone else develop a travel passion?  A place you can visit again and yet again?  If yes, do share!

Have a fabulous week!

 

Siggy