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New Paris Tips

September 28, 2026Josie Girl 1 Comment

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.

Boarding School Drop Off x2

August 31, 2026Josie Girl Leave a Comment

So, this happened. Both kids are off to boarding school. Before I get too emotional (because all I have been doing is crying), I wanted to share the photos of the drop off. Oversharing, yes. But wanted to show you why I have been silent (packing, traveling, dropping off, more crying), here is what I have been up to.

The kids wanted to drive from Oregon to Ojai as it is less abrupt of an arrival, and they had a sh*t ton of stuff anyways. The halfway point was lucky in that it is in Northern CA where we got to stay with our best friends and have a home cooked meal and lots of laughs. Here is Tusia with some food that our host made. She is modern day Martha Stewart and everything she does is perfection.

Best friend Amers made the most incredible pork and slaw I have ever eaten in my life and I am dreaming of it now. I literally just texted her asking for the recipe. I need to share it with you all as soon as I get it (and try to make it).

Nice Northern California sky to send us on a family walk and get our legs moving before another day in the car.

Lots of laughs. I miss that smile and laugh so much, but not going to cry. Nope, not crying.

Lots of hills.

17 hours in the car and we made it to Ojai.

A box of goodies to eat at The Duchess.

This almond flour, vegan cake is my favorite thing in the store.

Took all day (Thursday) to set up Cruzzie’s room.

The outside of his dorm — looks and feels like a frat.

Palm trees never get old to me.

Friday was the big move in day for Tusia and it was super scary and brave and courageous and emotional and hard.

But we put her room together.

This is outside her room.

Dining hall with new friends.

Ojai tangerines are everywhere you look.

Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?

Wonder if Tusia is from NYC?

The outside of the dining hall (and beautiful clouds)

My beloveds.

There is a little nook for the freshman girls to watch the sunset. I love it so much.

Cried all night and day. But made it to the Parent Party for the 9th grade parents. It was held at the Turtle Conservancy.

They gave out glass hearts in Thacher colors — I took 2. Two kids, two hearts left there.

Beautiful scenery. Kept wondering if I was going to accidentally fall in to the pool though.

Delicious Mexican food.

Then headed out with some parents to the Ojai Valley Brewery and this is my newest favorite place. Had never been and can’t wait to go back!

All types of beers and wines on tap!

Cried myself to sleep and headed back to Oregon. Goodbye, Ojai, I love you. And most of all, the two most important people to me are in Ojai, so please be safe.

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Thanks for letting me share. And for those other parents with kids at school — I see you, I feel you, I am here.

Currently Loving July 2026

July 16, 2026Josie Girl Leave a Comment

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.