PARIS: The city of lights, love and Laduree

As I touched down in Char De Gaulle I already knew I was in love. Paris is just a place that you already fall in love with before visiting. Me and my love decided about two months ago that we wanted to take a vacation to this glamorous city, so my excitement was at an all time high once we arrived. The weather was chilly in the beginning and got sunnier throughout the trip. Something about this place was so magical. I don't know if it was the history, the fashion or the food but everything was magnifique. With my boyfriend's sister living in the outskirts of Paris and only a 30 min drive away we were just close enough to the city to commute daily. On the first day we got there we were so jet lagged that we had to catch some Zzzs in order to reboot. At night we had Shabbat dinner with the fam and then headed to the Champs Elysees to experience Paris after hours. After taking some pics by the Arc De Triomphe we headed to my all time favorite, Laudree. 

If your not familiar with Laudree, here's a quick recap. They invented the perfection of a dessert, which is known today as the French Macaron. Thankfully they finally just opened their first one in Miami Beach on Lincoln Rd. the day I left to Paris. 

On Saturday we roamed the Parisian streets with bf's sis and her french hubby who gave us little history bits about all the famous landmarks. We then had a traditional French lunch at the tiniest restaurant ever and headed to the Eiffel Tower. So little did we know the lines are like an hour long just to buy tickets to head to the top. In true Israeli fashion we found a shortcut and 90 euros later made it up to the top in less than 10 minutes.  The view was absolutely breathtaking. 

That night one of bf's best friends was also in town with his girlfriend and we met up at Hotel Costes for dinner and drinks. Dinner was phenomenal, I had the most glorious truffle risotto that I am still dreaming about. After dinner we asked a bunch of locals what club we should go to and most recommended, Titty Twister. We were all pleasantly surprised how good the music was and enjoyed the atmosphere that differed from Miami's usual vibe. 

On Sunday we decided to take the car and explore Paris on our own. We started our touristy tour with the The Louvre. The museum was gorgeous inside and out. We took a look at Mona and looked around a little more. We then headed to Notre Dame and experinced all of its gothic beauty. There was two important French staples I was not willing to leave Paris without and that included a red beret and a lock on the lock bridge. Clearly I managed to get both.

 

 

Monday we went to a huge shopping mall near where we were staying and we had to sleep early because we had a train to London at 5 a.m. London was an adventure by itself and that needs a post dedicated soley to London. We got back Wednesday morning and were exhausted by the "adventure" so we hung out around the house and at night we headed to Moulin Rouge! 

Moulin Rouge has to be one of my favorite movies ever. Although in Paris the three most popular cabaret shows are Moulin Rouge, Lido and Crazy Horse and we had to decide which one we wanted to go to. I decided to stick with the classic and we got tickets to see the show and sip champagne. I probably haven't mentioned but bf is quite the picky eater and after viewing the prefix menu I knew we were better off grabbing dinner after the 9 o' clock show. The show was fabulous and the setting was so classic. Little tables surrounded the stage and it was intimate setting with only about 200 people in the audience. Unfortunately pictures are prohibited but I snuck a little one in between, I know I'm such a rebel. 

Thursday was spent in the beautiful Chateau de Versailles. We got there mid-afternoon and decide to start off with the Garden because there were less peeps. I would definitely recommend renting golf carts like we did because there is so much to see and walking can get exhausting. We ate at the cutest little restaurant nestled in between one of the gardens. Unfortunately the food was not as appealing. We continued to Marie Antoinette's house and finally to the Palace. Everything looked like it was straight out of a movie. Everything was laced in gold and I literally want to recreate the kings manor in my future humble abode, it was gorge. 

After a long day in Versailles we headed to dinner at La Cantine with the sis& her hubby. 

 

Friday we slept in and I spent the afternoon helping sis cook for Shabbat dinner. After bf finally woke up we headed to do a little last minute shopping because we were heading to Amsterdam Saturday and Sunday. Amsterdam too deserves its own post so stay tuned. Here is the bf with his newest niece, the cutest and sweetest, Elibelle.

Overall Paris was everything I thought it would be and more. It was so nice spending time with family and seeing new places with my love.  I will definitely be visiting the city of love and lights again very soon.  


Au Revior 
xX 
G 

Nice is Just a Place in France

Bonjour readers!
Currently I am enjoying my European vaycay, but couldn't stay away from The Other Best Friend for too long.  En route to Paris I read this entertaining  book called  Nice is Just a Place in France by The Betches. I think it's a sheer necessity for every girl to read this book. I'm not condoning all of the behavior in this book but it is hilarious! It teaches a girl how to talk, party, look and act like a betch. "How to Win At Basically Everything" is the books catch phrase and it's written by the creators of Betches Love This. Check out their website and buy the book you won't regret it.

Au revoir future Betches full posts from my Paris, London and Amsterdam adventures will be posted as soon as I make it onto U.S of A soil.

Xx
G

Dating Your Significant Other

Whether your together 10 years, 4 months, or 6 days, dating your significant other does not get an expiration date. Obviously the dynamic of the dates you go on change through out the relationship, but it is so important to keep the momentum going.

A lot of us in relationships know that sex is an important aspect and in my opinion going on dates is just as important. When you live with your s.o, yes you see each other everyday, but in my situation it's not for a long periods of time. Between work and school we maybe see each other for an hour in the morning and a few hours at night. Weekends are usually our time we spend together. Since I work every Saturday night, we make saturday breakfast/lunch our weekly date. Most of the time we try new restaurants because I am a yelp addict/ foodie. Of course if you have the time through out the week,  set a side a special night were you go and do something. It doesn't have to be at an uber expensive restaurant or something extravagant, but it's a important to get out of the house and enjoy each others company. Some people are under the impression that relationships get boring. It is up to you to spice things up. Get dressed up and go do the things that made you fall in love with each other in the first place.


xX G 

Fave Five: Birchbox

Well if you haven't heard of BirchBox this is going to be a perfect introduction. For my birthday last year my best friend bought me a three month subscription and ever since then I've been hooked. Every month they send you 5 travel size samples and you can buy all of the full size products at their website, which is super convenient. Since my subscription ran out a few months back I now have their $10 a month subscription that is linked to my credit card. It's super fun to get introduced to new products I probably never would have tried. Since I've been getting samples for the past 7 months, I chose some of my favorite items to share with you. Birchbox is such a perfect gift for anyone, they even have Birchbox for men. If you are ever trying to think of something new to gift your man, here is your answer. 

1. Davines This Is a Sea Salt Spray - Full Size $27.00
If your looking for those sexy beach waves you usually get from spending the day beachside, you must try this product. I put it on after I get out of the shower tousle my hair a little bit and ta-da! I am all about low-matience for my hair so I love that I can just spray some on and go. 

2. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Nettle - Full Size $19.50

Speaking about being low-matience with my hair, there nothing I love more than a good dry shampoo. I've tried other ones like Tresemme, but this one definitely works a lot better. I have long and thick hair so I try to wash it every other day and this product lets me get another day in, still keeping my hair looking fresh to death. 

3. Laura Mercier Lip Glace - Full Size $25.00

I'm usually not a gloss girl, matte lipsticks are my weakness. Laura Mercier has managed to change my mind about lip gloss. This awesome shade is called Opal and it keeps my lips moisturized for long periods of time. The color isn't to shiny which is usually my ish with gloss.  

4. Beauty Protector - Full Size $21.95

Seriously it's like crack for hair. It has this sweet coconut smell thats is absolutely amazing. It made my hair so shiny and soft, definitely worth buying a full bottle of this gem!

5. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish - Full Size $21.50 cloth sold separately

The best thing that has ever happened to my face, period. I'm not sure if it's the hot cloth or the cleanser, but every time I use this my skin glows! I don't use this everyday because I haven't bought the full size version yet. I definitely recommend this product it's one of my new faves! 

Bonus : Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Full Size- $21.00  

If you have lashes like mine that refuse to curl and just stand straight, this here is your saving grace. All you have to do is layer your lashes with this awesome stuff before you apply your mascara. It helps the mascara stick better and gives your eyelashes the extra oomph they need.   

If your interested in checking out Birchbox for yourself or to gift click the link below! 
https://www.birchbox.com/invite/d7sfz 



XX 
G 

Fave Five: The Brunch Club

Sundays = Brunch Days incase you weren't aware. There's nothing like beautiful south Florida weather, bottomless mimosas, and great company. I brunch frequently and wanted to share some of my favorite spots around town. 

1. Foxy Brown - Must try eats: Doughnut Holes with cereal milk, Green Fries, S'more Waffles, Hanger Steak Hash 

Brunch Booze fave: Watermelon Mimosa 

2. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar - Must try eats: Mama's Chicken Biscuit, Big Ol' Waffles, Mac & Cheese, Llewelyn's Fine Fried Chicken

Brunch Booze fave: Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade 

3. Tap 42 - Must try eats: White Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes, The Drunken Goat, Hangover Part Tres, "Old School" French Toast

Brunch Booze fave: Unlimited Mimosas, need I say more? 

4. Steak 954 - Must try eats: Mushroom, White Cheddar, Roasted Tomato Omelet, Dulce de Leche French Toast, Strawberry crumb Pop Tart, Short Rib Potato Pancake 

Brunch Booze fave: Peach Bellini 

5. Morgans - Must try eats: Voluptuous Grilled Cheese, Chocolate Dipped Waffles, Veggie Frittata, Beignets  

Brunch Booze fave: Wisteria  


Wether it's you and your boo or ladies day out, brunch is always a good idea.

Happy Brunching  xx G 

Fave Five: Online Shopping

Each Week I will be bringing you five of my favorite things. 

There is nothing better than coming home to a package of new clothes! This week is my obsession with online shopping and some of my favorite websites. 

1. Brandy Melville - boho chic/flower child/bad ass wear at its finest. Found this gem about 3 years ago in Los Angeles and have been obsessed ever since. Miami doesn't have a store yet but since most items are one size fits all, buying stuff from their online store is super easy. 

2. Gypsum Style - One of my newer discoveries, Gypsum Style is still a smaller and lesser known online boutique. They have an awesome collection of different bodysuits which are made from good quality fabrics. Just got my first package recently and really happy with my items! 

3. Sabo Skirt- Australia based Sabo Skirt has everything from the perfect date night dress to the sexiest playsuit for girls night. Sizes seem to run a little differently than U.S of A sizes so definitely check out the size chart. There is a $10 flat international shipping fee so bulk up those shopping carts with lots of goodies. 

4. She Inside - If your into fashion blogs you'll recognize many of their clothes on She Inside. If you live in a colder state, you can find an array of fashionable coats that don't break the bank. Items are shipped from China so you can expect longer delivery dates. 

5. asos - U.K's largest online store has just about anything you want and desperately need. For those of us who appreciate London fashion, this website will be your new favorite go-to. U.S students even get a 25% discount before Feb 13, make some moves people! 

Do you have any awesome online shopping websites? Please share in the comment section, me and the rest of the readers would appreciate some undiscovered online boutiques.

Happy Shopping, XX G 

V_Day Part Deux

Lovers and Friends, Valentine's Day is in one week and what kind of other best friend would I be if I didn't help you find ways to celebrate the day?

Not matter where your relationship status stands, V-day to me is about celebrating LOVE.

Single- If you find yourself sans a significant other on this day, don't fret! Girlfriends are literally the next best or the best thing.  Get dressed up and go out and get drinks and dinner with the gals! If your feeling like staying away from all the craziness that will be going on at restaurants, stay home and have a Pinterest pot luck. Let everyone know that admission will be one champagne bottle and yummy creation they find online. Last year I planned a V-day dinner party with my cousins and I was in charge of desserts. 

I brought along Fruit Heart Kabobs, so yummy, easy, festive and obviously healthy! 
For step-by-step directions go here.












Taken- This is the one dedicated day for your romance imagination to run wild. It's not about how much you spend on your other half but how much thought you put into making them feel special! Last year me and my cousins planned a dinner party for us and our lovers. It was 4 couples with ample amounts of food, good wine, and great company. It was a super fun and low-key idea that I definitely recommend. If your looking for a more intimate evening that doesn't involve being rushed through your dinner at a restaurant, IPic Movie Theater (one of my ultimate faves) is doing a special Valentine's day date that includes dinner and a movie at their high-end cinema. 

One of my Bfs showed me this super cute idea to do for your lover.










Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours, 

XX. G 



Here's a Valentine's Day treat for all my TOBF readers: use the code VDAYFREE  here to make a free card for your valentine. (offer ends 02.10) 

Thanks MamaChitChat for the code for my readers, lots of love!