Entertainment

Big Dog Donuts and Deli

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I have been in my hometown for the past couple of days to spend time with my mama, which has been great, and this morning when she had some commitments, a friend of mine and I drove to the coast to go to a donut store. YUP, 60 miles (each way) to get donuts. I mean, also to see the gorgeous drive and even better the Pacific Ocean. The Oregon Coast is one of those magical places that is a hidden gem — so so beautiful and different and exquisite. So even though our goal was to get donuts, we got to spend a little time on the beautiful Oregon Dunes to make it even MORE magical and memorable. But these donuts, HOLY DELICIOUSNESS, beyond good. Big Dog Donuts and Deli (even love the name).

 

They serve breakfast and are known for all their different breakfast burritos and sandwiches, but even MORE famous for their donuts.

Me in front — with a bakers dozen of donuts.

Cute sign.

My type of place with puns everywhere.

YOU KNOW IT.

Our selection that we drove home to Eugene with.

We stopped by my favorite spot along the Oregon Dunes.

Made some kissy faces.

lots of jumps. Walk along the water.  And then went home.

 

Made it home by noon. So much fun. So if you are in the Florence area (or in Eugene) — highly recommend the pit stop at Big Dog Donuts. Off tomorrow to see the kids at school for Parent’s Weekend and I CANNOT WAIT I AM SO EXCITED.

Chicago Marathon 2026 Recap

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25th marathon in the books. Not my fastest by a long shot, but one that I will walk away with lots of lessons. It was hot. Beyond hot. Humid. Excruciating so. And mentally, I knew from the minute I entered the race that this was not going to be my day to run fast. But I didn’t give up — when I wanted to, when I easily could have taken the easy route and done so — but instead, I ran with my heart, ALL HEART, and completed the race.

 

As usual, I left early on Saturday morning for Chicago.

Went straight to the expo — which was done extremely well and was so easy to go in and out. Took a whopping 10 minutes to get my number and leave.

As always, stayed at my dear friend’s apartment at the start of the race. Nothing makes me feel luckier and more loved than being in her presence.

We ate a slice of pizza at 2:30, which on year 11 of running this race, is what we ALWAYS do at 2:30 on the Saturday before.

The sunset was crazy. I almost dropped my phone off her balcony (62nd floor) to take this photo — but I had to do it — it was beyond stunning.

Our pre race meal. The same as always.

This was me at breakfast — and I think it shows the setting of the day. Big task at hand, all alone but myself to complete it.

Me running.

Lots of nike signs throughout (but unlike last year, about half as many — and yes, that is because Nike has lost so much money and is doing poorly right now).

My remains of the day, besides my cheesy lessons and take aways.

Guzzled down way too many of these. And also ended up drinking a beer at a sports bar which I have not done in a decade. Or more.

Went out to dinner with my hostess, walked almost 55K steps that day!

Saw some signs that I didn’t manage to see during the race itself.

The cute texts from my daughter (also got them from so many friends and family which mean the world to me. Thank you thank you to everyone who reached out — it meant so so much).

Smiling. Done. And yes, my skin on my stomach looks weird. Don’t look.

 

Ok, so what are my take aways besides not to give up and that I can do hard things? I am curious about my fear — l am so scared about hurting in the future and not finishing the race (I have never NOT finished a race) that I am scared and worry and consume all my thoughts with doubt. What if I didn’t have fear? If I believed that I could do, if I knew that I could do it? Not just in running — but in life. I am going to have to think about it for a long time — how to shift my perspective, how to believe in myself more, how to not be so scared and live in fear — because then, what would happen?

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Anyways, thanks so much for reading the recap. I know it is self promotion so I appreciate the time it takes to read and absorb it all. It was a hard marathon — a flipping very hard one. And I did it, so now, rest and relax, and time to start believing.

Chickn Legs Shorts

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If you are a runner then you probably know about Chickn Legs shorts. And if you don’t know about it (or know of a runner in your family), then now is the time to get in the know about this company. Chicken Legs is a running apparel company started in 2018 in Miami by two runners. They are known for short, fun, comfortable, and affordable distance running shorts. Most of the designs are totally wacky and crazy, but when you run a lot, it is fun to mix things up.

Some of the fun and wacky varieties sold. And you should see their Halloween options!

 

These shorts are the perfect lightweight fabric, have soft interior liners so you don’t accidentally show anything, and great comfortable waistbands. Although I have never purchased my own (at $35 per shorts, I am wondering why I have never bought them before! You can’t beat the price!), over the weekend, I was gifted a pair from my sister-from-another-mister a special pair for the Chicago Marathon.

 

Look at these fun and cute shorts! I love the thoughtfulness behind the gift and that it incorporates two things I love — running and the Chicago Marathon!

The waistband.

The liner.

On someone (and not me).

 

I can’t wait to wear these tomorrow on my run and show off my Chicago Marathon pride. To look at more of their shorts and options, go here. And as a gift recipient of them, I must say, they are a great gift!! So if you need a gift for a runner friend, then this will make them so happy!

Brown Sneakers

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Last month when I was in Paris, the number one fashion trend I saw was brown sneakers. Yep, every single woman was wearing some variation of a brown sneaker. Most of them were Adidas sneakers, but they literally were every type of brown sneaker.

 

So of course, I jumped on the band wagon of brown sneakers.

Love these so much. Obviously they are comfortable and easy to wear, but they go with every single outfit.

another look.

perfection.

 

These are the exact ones I got. But you can’t go wrong with brown sneakers and I love them all (and in comparison to all the prices of shoes these days, these are so inexpensive and affordable and I love the price point). I hope you are having a great week!

New Paris Tips

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So I have my usual Parisian haunts that I go to every single time I am there, but this time, I mixed things up a little and did a lot of different things. Here are some random places and things I loved last weekend!

 

1. Andy Warhol Exhibit

 

This exhibit is small and sweet, but loved every minute of it. And not too busy and you don’t need tickets far in advance. it is being shown until mid January so if you have the chance to go see before, highly recommend.

One of the many beautiful Warhols.

 

2. Luxembourg Gardens

 

I haven’t spent much time in the Luxembourg gardens, but now I want to. I want to go sit and read a book, drink a coffee, explore. It was one of the most beautiful parks I have ever been to and can’t wait to return.

Look at these insane dahlias. So beautiful.

 

3. Montmartre Cafe: La Bossue

 

Went to this cafe with a friend who lives in the area, and I loved every part of it. Not just the decor (because who doesn’t love this cheeky needlepoint with florals — so up my alley), but also the food and cafe were perfection. 10 out of 10.

Holy crap these both were unbelievable.

 

4. Pere Lachaise Cemetery

 

Never have I ever visited the most popular cemetery in Paris — filled with so many celebrities and stars. It was so crazy huge and big — a park! Spooky beautiful and great to visit.

Laughed at this graffiti that was on the wall of the cemetery — hell is real.

 

5. Space Invaders around Cemetery

 

I had never been to the 20eme arrondissement, so after visiting the cemetery, spent the afternoon doing the perimeter in search of space invaders. I found 27 that day!!! SO MANY I was so proud of myself. This store front was by far my favorite.

This is the cemetery.

This is me walking alone up and down the streets searching for the invaders.

 

6. Sound Bath

 

HANDS DOWN the best sound bath experience I have ever been to. Even if you are in town for just a short time, I recommend visiting this place and checking it out. Was incredible.

Not many tourists, as one can imagine. Loved every second.

 

7. Le Bon Marche

 

Coffee.

Of course have to always visit Le Bon Marche as it is my favorite store in the world. I love looking at the ceiling and seeing the current display. So much inspiration and beauty all in one place.

 

8. Concert at Notre Dame

 

It is impossible to go to Notre Dame inside these days since it reopened, but a friend got tickets to see inside and listen. Very relaxing and beautiful.

Loved this experience.

 

9. Art Outside

 

Art is everywhere. Especially in Paris. The moon, the Cartier billboard, the bridge. I love Paris so much.

Patriotic. Loved this.

 

10. Moroccan Restaurant

 

Moroccan food that was beautiful, delicious, off the beaten path.

A beautiful terrace outside, too.

 

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And there you have it! Some new finds and discoveries in Paris.

Biologique Recherche BioKiss

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My favorite self-care treatment in Paris is to go to the Biologique Recherche headquarters in Paris (in the 8eme) and get a facial. It is always my absolute favorite — not only does it make your skin glow and feel super relaxing, but the products are hands down the best AND….drumroll….a fraction of the cost when in Paris. I love all their products, but right now, I am especially in to the Biokiss — An antioxidant-rich balm. It is rich, luxurious, moisturizing, and the best of the best. I bought it in June and replenished now and CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IT.

 

First of all, even walking in to the spa feels like a destination, something special and extraordinary.

After the treatment, they always put their thoughts on what you should get and discuss it with you. I left with an eye cream, finishing mask, and my favorite lip stuff that I cannot live without.

THIS IS MADE OF DREAMS.

I can’t say enough about this. You need it for your lips. Best best best best ever.

Biokiss, the best of the best.

 

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So if you are like me and have dry lips (and am even drier in the winter), get this moisturizing balm and you will be happy. Promise.

Paris to Versailles (and back)

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Currently en route back from Paris to NYC (thank you plane wifi), and so much to write about….but first, have to share with you a run I did when in Paris — 20 miles. From Paris to Versailles and back. It was TOTALLY crazy, but so incredible and I am so so so happy that I did it. It took some more organization than I was used to because my cell service (especially the GPS) does not work so great. So I had to stare at a map for several hours to acquaint myself with the route. There were some points that were questionable (ie running over a freeway, or wondering if my cell phone batter was going to die, etc) but it was a highlight of my time and I would definitely recommend doing this.

 

I didn’t start taking pictures until I arrived at Versailles….kind of like a marathon….I never buy gear of the marathon until it is over. I didn’t want to take pictures of a failed route (and also needed to conserve my battery). So it was great when I arrived in Versailles and looked up and saw this space invader. Made me feel like I had won the lottery.

I ran on a Monday which is the day that Versailles is closed to the public — not that it mattered to me — but didn’t go past the gate.

Gate in all its glory.

TADA! I made it!!!!

SOOOOOO many hills believe it or not. And some were trails (once again, where I thought I had potential to get murdered)

Back home and done with the run.

20 miles complete. Yes, I finished at the 20 mile mark which meant it was not equal distance there and back. At one point I thought I could run another 3 miles — but for what?

So much walking after that it felt great on my legs and getting the lactic acid released.

 

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Apparently this route is popular on the weekends….but I was the only runner I saw on Monday (it was a Monday and not early). So fun, loved it. Can’t wait for more random run adventures like this. Hope you are having a great week! And more later with more on fun Parisian adventures.

 

Fall 2026 Running Playlist

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Fall running in the city is hectic and busy. There are SOOOOO many runners in the park that it is like playing a video game trying to weave between all the different runners. But it is also the best — nothing beats running in Fall weather in Central Park. And currently, here is my playlist for all my runs.

 

Running means stopping at my favorite bakery to get my almond croissant I love so much.

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Fall 2026 Running Playlist

New York  (Rufus Du Sol)
Translatlantic (ZHU)
Mabe (Fred Again)
Monopoly Man (AFROJACK)
Drug in Us (Mindchatter, Aaron Hibell)
Spirit Bird (Joris Vorn)
The World Slows Down (NOVEMBER KID)
WAY2U (Texture)
Let Go (Neon Tide)
Talking in our sleep (Cosmos Jones)
Closer (Adriatique, Emmit Fenn)
Is It Love (Above and Beyond, Matt Lange)
Monophobia (deadmau5, Rinzen)
Feel the Rush (Valentino)
Rise Slow (Kimo Sounds)
Keep Me Waiting (Ted Bear)
Spacer (Christoph)

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Hope you enjoy the playlist and it helps motivate you to run!

Things to do Fall 2026 in NYC

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There are so many fun activities to do in NYC during the fall: apple pick, bike rides in Central Park, see the leaves change at Storm King, drink coffee while walking down the West Side Highway, walk along the Highline, etc…here are more specific / unique to 2026 that I would like to do this season.

 

1. See Much Ado About Nothing

 

In all my research, THIS is the play to go to this fall. I am so excited to see it! Just need to figure it out and get to it! This is a colorful, exuberant play with two major stars and strong London reviews. The Broadway production will open October 31st.

 

 

2. Inter Alia on Broadway 

 

I absolutely loved Prima Facie from several years ago, so I am really really excited about this new play. I have no doubt that it will be just as incredible and impactful as Prima Facie.

 

3. Krasner and Pollack at the Met

 

Opens up on October 3rd at the Met and should be a great and different exhibit.

 

4. Taryn Simon at the Guggenheim

 

This exhibit opens up at the end of the week and should be a fun experience. this presentation will bring together never-before-seen photographs, text, videos, and sculptures into a singular, interactive installation filling the entire rotunda. It will mark the first monographic exhibition by a photography-based artist in the rotunda and the largest debut of new work ever staged at the Guggenheim.

 

5. A Champagne masterclass at Nine Orchard

 

Who wouldn’t want to try different champagnes and celebrate them? This sounds incredible.

 

6.  Broom Making Class

 

I love Tatter, I love crafting, and I love workshops. So taking a workshop of making a broom at Tatter seems like a dream come true. Definitely try it out if you have never before. This class is on November 16th from 11:00-3:30 pm. I have taken a basket weaving class there before and had the best experience.

 

7. Eat at Cote 550 

 

This restaurant is supposed to be the best with a group. COTE 550 opened in April 2026 at 550 Madison Avenue in Midtown. It’s a new location of the original COTE in Flatiron, which opened in 2017. The room feels like a night out: a blue-lit entrance, an underground dining room with a shallow central pool, and a DJ at the front bar every night.

 

8. Stuff your face at Frenzie in Brooklyn Heights

 

I love Pizza so so so much — it is my favorite food group, so reading about this new restaurant makes me so hungry and excited to try it!

 

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There you have it! My list of things to do this Fall. Anything else I should add to the list?

 

Currently Loving September 2026

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And just like that…..here we are mind September. This month has been a blur with a lot going on, but still trying to find some joy in all the places. And here is what I am loving.

 

1. US Open 

 

Nothing compares to the US Open. NOTHING. Day sessions, night sessions. They are all my absolute favorite part of the city in September. Can’t get enough.

 

2. Tennis Ball on Building 

 

Loved this glitter US Open ball in the sky on top of a building. Whimsical, fun, and celebrating all the magic of NYC.

 

3. Plaza Fountain

 

The fountain in front of the Plaza FINALLY opened and it has this very cute turtle with the water coming out of it. I love it so much. So cute.

 

4. New Dog Statues 

 

Aren’t these fun? I tried to get a picture of Stevie with these statue dogs and she wanted nothing to do with it.

 

5. New York Pizza

 

As an empty nester, I have been eating a lot of pizza. A LOT. And this pizza was delicious. Anyone have good meals when no kids are around?

 

6. 9/11 Memorial 

 

Went down to look at the 9/11 memorial, and ended up talking to a security guard for 20 minutes where he told me all these fun facts. It was a great hour just looking at the memorial and taking it all on. 25 years. Pretty insane.

 

7. Gloria Steinem’s House

 

Gloria apparently lived across the street from my son’s old school, Buckley. So when I went there to meet a friend to walk, it was so fun to see all the flowers and notes to Gloria. RIP.

 

8. Cute Reminder

 

Yes, so true. Forward is a pace.

 

9. View of Standard Hotel

 

Walked the Highline over the weekend and also went to the Whitney museum so looked out AT the highland after. Such a nice view. I love walking all over the city and seeing all the fun and different buildings. It was fun to see the Standard Hotel and remembered how when it first was built, how people would walk to the window naked. And sure enough, as I was looking the building, saw not one but TWO people naked staring out at the city. Gotta love NYC.

 

10. Madison Fare Frozen Yogurt

 

Nothing beats this frozen yogurt from Madison Fare. Especially the pistachio butter — holy cow — still dreaming of it.

 

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Also loved The Lioness, Central Park full of energy and vibrancy, the rush of school starting…..What are you loving right now?

 

Currently Loving August 2026 Part 2

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End of August brings up a lot of feelings — the dread of the new season, saying goodbye to summer — all are so hard for me. Trying to live in the present and enjoying the NOW and the CURRENT soooooo…here is what I am loving right this very second.

 

1. Summer meals

 

Doesn’t this plate of food just scream SUMMER? Everything was perfect. Fresh. Delicious. Local. Amazing.

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Ice Cream Cake Hack

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I know I did this post several years ago, but for new readers AND old readers, I decided it needed to be shared again! An easy ice cream cake hack — so easy, it’s totally cheating but so delicious and fun to make. All you need is ice cream sandwiches, homemade whipping cream, chocolate syrup, and some type of topping like crushed Oreos. And voila, ice cream sandwich cakes.

 

You line a baking vessel with wax paper, and then put the first layer of ice cream sandwiches. I bought mini ones so they were easy to fit in and didn’t need to be cut.

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Lavender Sachets

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Mid July, we went to the Lavender Festival on the McKenzie River. Loved every minute of being admit the natural beauty of Oregon fir trees and lavender bushes. We picked lavender to dry and just *NOW* made lavender sachets with it. (As you might have seen in this week’s earlier post about art projects this summer, it has been one we started but didn’t yet finish. Until now! Never too late….)

 

U-pick lavender is the best. I loved it even though I got stung by a bee on my thumb and complained about it for a week.

My bundle of lavender to dry.

Tusia had the hard part of embroidering flowers on a piece of plain fabric. She made four of them — they are all different and all so gorgeous and imaginative.

Then, I sewed them together, stuffing them and closing them tightly.

The purple stack.

Love all four! They are definitely NOT professional, but they are so fun and smell beyond good.

 

We all participated in it as a family activity, Cruzzie even sewed them on the sewing machine (until he lost steam). I am so excited to use these and have a little of Oregon back home in NYC!

Art Projects Summer 2026

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Summers in Oregon usually are packed with lots of outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, running, exploring) as well as arts and crafts. And this year, it has been no different. Here are the arts and craft projects I have been working on this summer

 

Straw Tray

 

From straw, I braided 6 meters worth of straw together — harder than it seemed and caused my fingers to ache. But, worth the pain.

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Currently Loving August 2026

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August is one of my least favorite months — it means that summer is almost over and I start having MAJOR anxiety about school starting back up and all the changes that will take place this year. I am trying to slow down and appreciate the moment, so here is what I am loving *RIGHT NOW*

 

1. Spider Man

 

We went to the Marvel movie on Saturday night — and believe it or not, not only did I stay awake (HUGE accomplishment), but I actually loved it. Highly recommend.

 

2. Tacovore

 

Oregon tacos are my favorite — especially from Tacovore — these two tacos were perfection and I cannot wait to go back and have more this week.

 

3. Bandit Racing Top

 

Race season is creeping up, and that means a lot of running. I purchased two new tank tops from Bandit and they are my absolute favorite. No bra needed, and they have lots of storage space and pockets. They are PERFECTION.

 

4. U-Pick Flowers

 

We picked 15 stems — and they cost 15 dollars! What a steal! And so beautiful….

 

5. Exploring the River

 

Stevie our city dog actually LOVES the life in Oregon filled with lots of hikes, adventures, and water to explore. She doesn’t swim in the river but she loves to put her feet in it and putter around. Nothing makes me happier than seeing her happy in the water.

 

6. Mr. Dumpling

 

The best dumpling restaurant in Oregon — hands down — and might be one of our ALL TIME favorite dumpling restaurants. All the dishes are incredible, prices are amazing, and the service (and owners) couldn’t be nicer. 5 stars.

 

7. Neighborhood Signs

 

Eugene is known for the runners and the running community, and this sign just makes me happy. Don’t give up.

 

8. Organic Natural Wine

 

Hippy dippy natural orange wine, sign me up!

 

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SLOW DOWN TIME!!!!! Summer, I love you!

Dried Peaches

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In Oregon, one of my favorite activities is to go to one of the hundreds of farms and pick fruit or veggies. And this past week, we went to a Peach farm — which is one of my favorite U-picks of the season (who doesn’t love peaches?). We collected 16 pounds of peaches — so we kept some fresh to have as snacks, made a peach galette, and dehydrated the rest.

 

Peaches galore.

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Axe Pancakes

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As mentioned earlier this week, last week I was in the Bay Area stuffing my face with the most delicious food, ingredients, and meals. And one of my FAVORITE things (I have yet to mention) was the breakfast — Axe Pancakes.

 

Currently only available in California (you can get them on Good Eggs in Bay Area, and in various stores in Southern California). You buy this big tub of pancake mix that is frozen and store it in the freezer until the night before you want to use it.

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Northern CA Favorite Dining

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Last week, I spent a couple days with my sister from another mister( aka my best friend), at her home in Northern California. We had the best time hanging 0ut and not doing much other than eating (our favorite pastime together). Here are some of my favorite meals we ate during my stay.

 

The two of us at Land’s End in northern CA looking at the Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge — HIGHLY recommend this walk / hike — truly gorgeous the entire 3.5 miles — from every step.

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Currently Loving July 2026

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I promise you soon that I will get back to normal posts versus currently loving, but I just have so much to share and it is easy to cram everything in and be a GOOD post, versus a short mediocre one 😉 So here is what I am currently loving in July — because wow, it is mid-July (I actually saw a sign that said a festival for June 2026 and I had to think if it was an old sign or we were still in June and it was upcoming….helllooooo summer)

 

1. ISDIN sunscreen 

 

Hands down my favorite new sunscreen. If you are in Europe, buy a lot and you will be happy. I read about it — and WOW is it good. Better than any other sunscreen I have ever tried.

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Currently Loving Cap Ferret Edition

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I have been in Cap Ferret (south west region of France) for the past two weeks and I have fallen in love. This place is unlike anywhere else I have been and I love every bit of it. Here are just some of the things that I love about it here.

 

1. Parasailing

 

SUCH a fun afternoon — we thought it was just going to be up and down, but it was a whole boat ride excursion and one of the highlights of the trip so far. The kids went up (I did not), and there were two other French families on the boat so it was fun to talk with them.

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Penny Linn

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Before the summer travels started, I made my way to the newest needlepoint store in New York City, Penny Linn. Located on the very very far west of Manhattan, it was an incredibly beautiful space filled with more fibers and threads that I have ever seen in my life! Very different than my usual go-to-needlepoint-stop Rita’s (which I will forever call home base and love), this shop was HUGE. Massive. It had thousands of canvases to browse and select from, although as an avid needlepointer, I wished there were larger scale canvases.  That said, of course, I left with two canvases that I LOVED and so many cool threads to use for them. So if you are in need of a new needlepoint store in the city, DEFINITELY suggest going. And if you want to shop from their online store, I also love that website!

 

Check them out! I love their matchbox selections — so trendy and cool.

I loved this pizza box and worked on it during my time in Paris.

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Favorite Things in Paris 2026

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OK, I know last week I did a “currently loving” and mentioned a lot of what I was loving in Paris, but there is so much to love, so here is another list of my favorite current things in Paris 2026.

 

 

1. Graffiti Tunnel 

 

Over half a mile long, this tunnel near the Tuileries is so fun to bike / run in. But you can’t be claustrophobic! I loved looking at the art as I ran by — so many talented street artists out there!

 

 

2. Biologique Recherche

 

Hands down my favorite facial in the world is at Biologique Recherche headquarters — unbelievable and a quarter of the prize than it would be in the USA.

 

 

3. Forte Forte

 

One day (during my time alone), I just went in and out of all the stores wandering and wandering. I love forte-forte as it is always one of my favorite brands. I fell in love with this crochet top, but alas, they didn’t have my size. But I loved everything in there even though I walked out empty handed.

 

 

4. Matisse Exhibit

 

Loved this bright and colorful exhibition at the Grand Palais filled with Matisse. I loved everything in there.

 

 

5. Assouline Bookstore

 

I loved this original location of the Assouline bookstore — each one of these books was beautiful and if I didn’t have to travel, I would have bought many!

 

 

6.  Bourse de Commerce

 

Fun exhibition about fog. I always love the building more than anything, though.

 

 

 

7. Sunsets

 

Dare I say that NO city or place has the same light and sunsets as Paris. I love every night there — the skies just light up and shine bright.

 

 

8. Frenchie restaurant

 

One of my favorite restaurants in the world — Frenchie. It is a tasting menu, and every dish was incredible. Our problem was that it was during the heat wave and the restaurant didn’t have AC so we were dying. DYING. But the food was unbelievable.

 

 

9. Ateliers des Lumières

 

A fun museum I always go to when in Paris that is less known that the other major ones. It is an interactive experience and felt amaaaaazing on the hot day.

 

 

10. The Ballet

 

Incredible. Loved every second. Did you know that the average age of the audience in Paris is 44 years old? Compare that to NYC where the average age is 66!!!! I loved this ballet — beautiful dancing and costumes.

 

11. Notre Dame at Dusk

 

This was taken at 10 pm. Yup, incredible. Everything about it.

 

12. Strawberries

 

Strawberries in the produce stores, yes please. Best strawberries in the world.

 

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Hope you have a lovely long weekend celebrating the 4th of July (to those in the US). We are in the southwest of France and loving every minute here.

Best Jambon Beurre in Paris

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Since I was alone in Paris, I had many things on my to-d0 list. One, was find the best Jambon-beurre sandwich in Paris. So I spent HOURS (yes, HOURS) researching and looking at where I could find this best sandwich.

 

Jambon beurre is ham and butter in French. It is a classic sandwich and one I love to eat more than any other sandwich. (picture of pig because of the ham).

 

So, I ended up at Le Parizot. AND HOLY COW (or should I say, holy pig), it was indeed the best sandwich I have ever ever ever eaten in my life.

 

A hole in the wall. Only one type of sandwich — jambon beurre. A choice of three different hams, 2 types of butter, and if you wanted additions (cheese, mustard, and relish).

 

There was a line — I waited almost 35 minutes — and it was worth every minute. Only one person was allowed in to the store at a time. And the employee would slice all the ham, cut the bread, slather the butter in front of you. Nothing was prepared in advance, all of it in front of you.

 

I asked him for what was the best — and he said the ham with the spices, add cheese and relish. So I did exactly what he said, and it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I dream of sandwiches like this. If you are in Paris, 100 percent go visit.

 

You must go. In the meantime, I would love to recreate this sandwich — but it was obviously the ingredients that made it so good. The ham was incredible, the butter, the relish, oh me oh my.

Space Invaders + Street Art Museum

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I have been following and “flashing” space invaders for the past two years and what fun it has been! It has been a great way to explore cities (especially when in France) and to always look up. Space invaders are created by a French artist “Invader” who has been putting up different mosaics in over 30 different countries. There are almost 5,000 of them, and thanks to an app, you can track them (“flash”) them and get credit for seeing them. It makes EVERYTHING that much more fun.

 

It is especially fun when traveling with the kids, because they are also determined to find them (truth be told, no one is as determined as me to find them, though).

I started off in Paris with 167 of them already found.

 

But after some research and investigation, I found that Invader had recently made 20 new mosaics in a part of Paris that I never been to — Villette. So I went there not once, but twice! The first time, I ran (9 miles there and back) to see the Daft Punk invader.

 

So cool. So happy.

My run.

Along the way, saw this invader (and the heart sticker) which obviously I loved.

The Philharmonic.

 

Tusia went to tennis camp in South of France for a week, and since I was alone in Paris, I made it my mission to find as many as possible. So one day, during the heat wave, I went BACK to La Villette, (by metro, and still was dying of heat).

 

He created all red and white ones in the area — and although there is a map that shows them — I didn’t have the map and so just walked around for hours. Apparently there are 20 of them — I only found 6. But I did see that there was an exhibit on Street Art, so of course I had to go.

Serendipitous! Street art exhibition when I was searching for street art.

Coolest building, loved the entire exhibit.

So many things to look at.

And of course they featured Invader!

More information on Invader.

 

All this to say, I loved searching for space invaders — it makes travel in Europe oh so fun. And I also loved the exhibition — so if you are in Paris this summer, go check it out!

Currently Loving June 2026 Part 2

Josie Girl Leave a Comment

OK so yes we made it to Paris and it was a big blur — lots of friends in town that made it so much fun as well as jam packed. There is so much to love here and I could post a million posts on what I love. So I am going to start with just a few right now from the first week and then come back with more! But here is what I am loving in Paris.

 

1. European Espresso

 

It tastes and hits differently in Europe. Love it so much.

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