What To Wear Skiing

To say that I was nervous to go skiing was an understatement. However, if you look the part you can be the part. My first order of business before my trip – find the perfect outfit! I had been lusting over ski outfits for months and I knew there was one place that had it all – Saint Bernard. I found exactly what I was looking for! An outfit that was chic, not ordinary, and would stand the test of time. My favorite part of the look were my Erin Snow Slim Leg Ski pant (which are on sale). I literally had women stop me and ask where my pants were from! Each woman said she hated how baggy  her pants were and had been searching for a skinny pant. My husband was worried the pants wouldn’t be warm enough but his worries were unnecessary as the pants were extremely warm! They were perfect from the slopes to après ski! Not only were women on the slopes wanting to know about my pants but women at the Ritz also came up asking where my cute red pants were from!

If you need ski outfits or any type of ski gear I would recommend going to Saint Bernard now. Everything is on sale which makes it the perfect time to stock up. There is nothing worse than regretting not buying something on sale and then having to pay full price later.

Skiing

Outfit Details // Erin Snow Slim Leg Ski pant (on sale), Obermeyer ‘Bombshell’ jacket (on sale), Ray Ban Classic Aviator sunglasses, Ski Goggles (these are on sale)


Après Ski

Outfit Details // Erin Snow Slim Leg Ski pant (on sale), Obermeyer ‘Bombshell’ jacket (on sale), Sorel ‘Winter’ Carnival Boot (I love this pair and they are on major sale), Ray Ban Classic Aviator sunglasses

Packing List

1. Canada Goose Trillium jacket

2. Black Skinny Jeans

3. Heavy wool sweater (a solid color is best to mix and match)

4. Mitchie’s Matching Faux Fur earmuffs (on sale $26)

5. Ski Goggles (these are on sale) – Check out this page for even more options on sale

6. Erin Snow Slim Leg Ski pant (on sale)

7. Black sweater or Turtleneck

8. Obermeyer ‘Bombshell’ jacket (on sale)

9. Sorel ‘Winter’ Carnival Boot (I love this pair and they are on major sale)

10. Shoes for around the lodge – I love these Tods. They are light, easy to travel with and very comfortable (more color options here)

5 Days in Paris: The Complete Itinerary

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I can’t wait for you to enjoy one of my favorite cities. The magic, the romance, the beauty, and the history make it so so special!
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A few things –
1) ALWAYS make a reservation when eating out (especially dinner). It sounds weird but for most places they require one
2) I took the metro twice and it was the worst experience. Uber or taxi!!
3) It is difficult to get lost in paris if you stay near the Seine. It goes West to East and most things you want to see are not far from it
4) When at the Eiffel WATCH YOUR  BAGS!!!! There are serious pickpocketer’s. I watched someone try to pickpocket my father-in-law right in front of us!
5) Paris is known for its cocktail bars and coffeeshops – list at the bottom
6) Bring a lot of comfortable shoes and one pair of heels for night (if you even wear them). Everyone in the city is wearing comfortable flats!
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Here is an itinerary but feel free to substitute anything you want! I left some other options at the bottom 🙂
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Day 1
Breakfast – Claus – get there early
Taxi to Palais Royal – (this is the famous black and white pillars you see people standing on for photos).
Walk through the gardens to grab a coffee at Cafe Kitsuné – super cute and located in Palais Royal
From Palais Royal go to Le Louvre – I don’t recommend going inside but if you want to get there early or prepare for a long line)
From Louvre walk to the Tuileries Gardens  – stroll around them. They are beautiful! I recommend even grabbing a chair around the fountain and people watching as you finish your coffee
Walk across the Seine and shop the famous Saint Germain Boulevard (you can also go to visit the famous Bon Marche shopping)
Eat lunch on Saint Germain at Ralph’s (must make reservation) – get the ralph’s sample dessert! SO good
You can also eat lunch at Bistrot Vivienne – Delicious and historical spot
From Ralph’s or Bistrot Vivienne visit Musee d’Orsay (or another museum or you can walk the art studios in the 6th/6eme)
You can get a coffee or hot chocolate at the very famous Cafe de Flore (back on Saint Germain) or go back to hotel to rest
Have dinner and drinks at Hotel Costes (very “sceny” – sure to see a celeb or two). Definitely go to their bar inside after dinner. Must make reservation
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Day 2
Breakfast – Holybelly – no reservations so get there early
Walk (or taxi) to Alexander Bridge (depending on where you are staying you can walk along the seine or through the Tuileries garden). From here you can see the Petit and Grand Palais. I recommend seeing what exhibits they currently have going and attending one, one day. The Palais’ are gorgeous and usually they have a cool fashion exhibit (I saw the YSL one years before it came to the US).
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Grab a taxi to head to the Arc de Triomph – Go up top for 360 degree view of Paris or just stand in front and take a photo
From there you can walk (25 min.) or taxi to Le Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower). It is so big and gorgeous! Definitely a site to see but be sure to watch your bag and pockets. There are a TON of pickpocketer’s around this monument.
Walk (20 min.) or take a taxi to Hotel Peninsula for lunch on their rooftop (gorgeous views MUST make reservation)
Another amazing lunch spot – Restaurant Le Bois – Absolutely gorgeous decor, divine food and a favorite amongst locals
This is a gorgeous area so you can walk around after lunch (if you want a coffee go to Cafe Chic – just east of the Peninsula)
You can visit a museum or head to the hotel to rest
Dinner – River Cruise (this one) – I know what you are thinking, no way! But I had the same thoughts until my mother-in-law booked a really nice one and reserved the table at the very front. You get delicious food, wine, and amazing views of Paris!
Late night cocktails – options below (Le Bristol)
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Day 3
MONTMARTE
Taxi – Brunch at Hotel Particulier – you will love the inside.  It can be tricky to find so make sure to secure directions when you call for a reservation
Walk (9 min) to Sacré-Coeur – highest point in Paris with the most beautiful views
Walk around Montmarte and get lost in all the paintings of local artists.
Have a glass of Rosé at La Maison Rose (famous pink house you see in photos) – You will probably walk past Le Consulat – famous and very cute crepe place
You can go back to hotel and rest or go shopping
Dinner- option below
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Day 4
Breakfast at Rose Bakery (favorite of Isabel Marant) on Rue Debelleyme or my favorite in the Marais – Season (make reservation)
You are in the Le Marais area. This is a young area full of shopping, coffeeshops, and very cool people
Head to Merci – Famous store with a cute coffeeshop to the right. Great place to find souvenirs for people
After Merci – grab a coffee at the CUTEST coffeeshop ever – Boot Cafe!
From Boot this would be a good time to walk to Musee Picasso – Gorgeous building. If you’re not into this you can walk to La Place Des Vosges – beautiful park
Lunch – Chez Julien – the freshest food (make reservation)
From Vosges you can walk to Île de la Cité. You are now on the island
Be sure to get a view of the Conciergerie – it is stunning and reminds me of a Disney castle
From here you can visit the Notre Dame
After Notre Dame DEFINITELY get a glass of rosé at Au Vieux D’Arcole – IT IS STUNNING
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Head back to hotel
Dinner options below :
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte,
Le Cinq Mars
dessert and drinks Hotel Plaza Athenee (GORGEOUS exterior), or you can order the moose at Le Cinq Mars (it comes in a giant mixing bowl!
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Day 5
Easy morning
Breakfast – Either Cafe Breizh or Eggs & Co (very small American style breakfast)
Le Jardin du Luxembourg
Lunch – café restaurant Les Éditeurs -This is right by where I used to live so I ate here A LOT. The food is really good, the service is great, and the people watching is the best! Walk this cute area after eating – Saint Sulpice is one direction and Boulevard St. Germain is the other
Grab a taxi to visit Musee Rodin (absolutely stunning garden)
Easy afternoon of shopping or resting
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OTHER OPTIONS
Coffeeshops- I highly recommend visiting a few of these! They are all so cool! Here is a post I did on my favorites – http://sothentheysay.com/tag/paris-coffee-shop/ – add Lily of the Valley – so cute in the Marais!
Add Hotel Le Bristol – so so good!!! Voted Best cocktails in Paris! Don’t order off the menu, just tell them what you want and they will make the best drink you’ve ever had!
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Food (other than what is above)
Seasons – Lunch
Klay saint sauveur – sinople – Dinner – super cool decor – need reservation
Au Vieux D’Arcole – Gorgeous in Spring with wisteria climbing up. Also very old and very famous – dinner or rosé
Le Bonaparte – one of my favorite bistros!!! Right by Cafe de Flore And Deux Magots
Deux Magots – Very famous – lunch or dinner
Bread and Rose– delicious bakery – Breakfast or lunch
Eggs & co. – American style breakfast
L’Avant Comptoir– very famous – can be tough to get in to eat – just have wine
Le Fouquet – VERY famous, a little dark but much history
Les Antiquaires – Good bistro right across from the Louvre
Ze Kitchen Galerie – Right across the street from where I lived. Very modern and very good ($$$)
Le Hibou – Really food and one of my favorite areas
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To Do
Passage du Grand Cerf
Versailles – Take the RER train
Giverny – Home of Monet and the inspiration of his water garden paintings
Buly 1803 – This is my favorite place to get skincare. Last year I literally took a trip to Paris to restock after running out. Buy their skin oil and they will hand calligraphy your name and date right on the box.
Galeries Lafayette – Go to the rooftop! You can get a coffee there and enjoy a Birdseye view of the city
Pont Neuf – Cool to walk – on the tip of the Island. I love to grab a bottle of Rosé and read here.
Place Dauphne (right across from Pont Neuf) – Cute square – go for dinner as there are a few restaurants and is very quiet
Place Vendrome – This is where Coco Chanel’s lived. You can get a photo of the beautiful “Chanel” blue door
Avenue Montaigne – GORGEOUS street of luxury shopping
Goyard– Their flagship store and full of history. Ask to see King Edward VIII trunk
Le Plongeoir – cafe located INSIDE Hermes
Musée Nissim de Camondo – A real home of a 1900’s aristocrats family
Silencio – Club – can be hard to get into but fun!!
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Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Antelope Canyon

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You have decided you want to visit Antelope Canyon, now what?

  • When do I book? If you want to do a photography tour, the sooner the better. They fill up FAST! If you are wanting to just do a normal tour, you can book a few weeks out or show up day of. If you show up day of you might have to wait until the next tour is available. I recommend going ahead and reserving a spot regardless of which tour you choose.
  • Which Canyon do you want to visit? There are basically four main canyons which make up Antelope – Upper, Lower, Owl, and Rattlesnake.
    • Upper Canyon (photos pictured are from Upper canyon) – by far the most popular canyon amongst travelers. It is the deepest canyon with wide bases that display the very famous ‘Light Beams” (visit in the summer months by 12pm to witness them). Most photos you have seen of Antelope are taken here but be prepared to deal with loads of other tourists. Navajo nation does a good job of timing different tours but you are sure to run into other groups during the time.
    • Lower Canyon – Much tighter spaces and famous for its abstract photography moments. Be prepared to climb ladders and be in tight spaces. Lower Canyon has far fewer tourists than upper canyon and most tours are cheaper too.
    • Owl Canyon – Famous for its Great Horned Owl spotting. You are also sure to be in awe of the purple, pink, and blue swirls in the walls created by 250 million years of water rainwater erosion. This tour is very intimate so be prepared to whisper as you taken in your surroundings.
    • Rattlesnake Canyon – One of the most challenging canyons to navigate. You will be climbing up and down ladders and navigating very tight spaces. People love the colors and intimacy of this canyon.
  • Which Tour Company do you use? It can be very confusing to figure out which tour is best for you. They all seem to offer the same thing but with extremely different pricing and time slots. After a ton of research I went with Antelope Canyon Tours and was really pleased. Before booking them I had a lot of questions and called regularly. They seem a bit gruff on the phone but after being there I realize that is because they deal with a lot of tourists and their attitudes daily. It is run 100% like a business, no fluff or feelings involved.
  • What is the difference between the photography tour and a regular tour? Beyond the price tag of these two tours, a lot is different! If you have a DSLR camera and a tripod (you can rent one ahead of time from the tour company for $30) definitely do the photography tour. With the regular tour they are rushing you through to stay on a timeline. You don’t have time to set up your shot as you are made to keep up with your group leader. It is only for those who want to “see it with their eyes.” The photography tour, which is what I did, is a completely different experience. They stop tours so you have the canyon to yourself and are ensured to snap the perfect photo. They also set you up in all the famous spots so you can get that photo which brought you to Antelope Canyon to begin with. You are not rushed during this process and it makes the entire tour so much more enjoyable.
  • What do you need to bring? 
    • I recommend bringing a scarf to tie around your face. You take an open air jeep to the canyon and the winds can pick up quickly once you are there so wearing a scarf will definitely help keep it out of your nose
    • A bottle of water – this is necessary in the summer as it can get pretty hot. However, don’t drink it too fast as there are no restrooms at the canyon
    • Comfortable shoes for navigating through the sands in the canyon
    • A plastic bag and rubber bands for protecting your camera from the sand
  • What is not necessary? They will NOT let you bring a bag or backpack in the canyon. So whatever you need, must fit in your pockets or in a small fannypack. Do not be surprised if you get turned away if you have more than this. They must remain strict on this rule to protect the canyon
  • Words of Advice? Go to the bathroom before you pull up to the tour company. There is a small store before turning on to their street and I highly recommend using their facilitates. Otherwise, it is porta potty at the tour company

I hope I answered all of your questions but if not, please don’t hesitate to reach out by commenting below or sending an e-mail!

 

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