Famous Things and Food

Woohoo!  Look at me!  Blogging two days in a row! 

I'm just excited to share some of my experiences and it helps me remember! 

Yesterday we woke up early since we had Louvre museum tickets for 9:30am.  

We had planned to find some pastries for breakfast at the "boulangerie" next door but when we opened our room door, there was a bag on the floor. 

It was packed with food and drink! I knew that this aparthotel didn't include any breakfast services so getting this morning delivery on our first day seemed like a perfect gift! 

I was so excited! Orange juice, croissants, baguette, many mini pots of jam, applesauce, two babybel rounds of cheese and tea and coffee. 

After our breakfast, we walked to the Louvre museum and saw famous things like the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo Da Vinci and the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace. 

Neither Kevin or I are art experts but we enjoyed the experience thanks to the helpful audio guide we rented. 

In the evening we went to the Eiffel Tower since we felt it was an important famous French attraction that we couldn't miss. We wanted to go at night so we could see it lit up.  I was also given explicit instructions from Chantal (the lady I stayed with during my French immersion program in Quebec) that I should send her a photo of myself and Kevin kissing at the Eiffel Tower. LOL

Relationship tip: it's okay to be corny and silly

It was magical seeing the twinkling lights!  

We also saw two rats when we were sitting on park benches waiting for the lighting of the tower.  Seeing rats was not magical at all. 

Now let's talk about food! 

When I travel, food is an important part of the experience. 

So far I've eaten mussels, burrata, 1 macaron (even though I wanted to eat 10 but they are kind of expensive) tarte fine avec carrottes et pommes and cheese fondue! 

Everything has been delicious! 

I loved the name of the fondue restaurant: 

Pain, Vin et Fromage (bread, wine, cheese)

One fun thing I've noticed is that I've had no problem with communication here.  Last time I came to Paris, it felt like none of the servers or staff wanted to speak to me in French even if I was speaking French to them. 

I have no idea what the difference is this time.  Maybe I'm just more confident? Maybe my accent has gotten better? (doubtful) Who knows?  But I'm enjoying it. 

I had such a great conversation with the manager at the fondue place.  It all started because the server asked if I was American.  I made sure he knew he was mistaken and that I was in fact Canadian. 

This led to a whole discussion with the manager around where I lived, and telling me they are opening a fondue restaurant in Montreal (yay!) and that he is going on vacation with his family soon.  It will be a road trip and he's excited to drive his new car.  It was his daughter who organized the whole itinerary (she's in her 3rd year of law school so she's very organized) 

Kevin has been trying his best to keep up and is spending the evenings watching "learn to speak french" social media reels. 

Relationship tip: always affirm your partner if they show even the slightest interest in your interests. 

:-)

I'm having a great time! 

It's great to make time for a little escapism! 

To all of you who have told me you don't have time to create and play with your stamps and paper...I say: make some for escapism! 

I make it easy for you with upcoming events where I do all the heavy lifting and you just create and enjoy! 

Here's an upcoming event I'm very excited about.  It's in collaboration with a little local market in my neighborhood so if you live local please register and join in! 

July 23^rd 8pm Craft & Sip Relax and unwind while crafting some handmade, easy to make cards.  Choose the kit of your choice when you arrive for the evening. Enjoy creating at the newest neighbourhood hub: Cornell Market. All supplies included along with a beverage of your choice.  $55 Space is limited.

Register HERE 

Thanks for dropping in! 

Any Orders $100 or more will receive the current month Product of the Month Tutorial Bundle FREE!  That's 12 written tutorials with step by step instructions and supply list

     

Shop online 24-7 or contact me to help you place your order

Need help shopping online? Watch this video HERE

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Ahh Paris

I know! It’s been forever since I blogged. When life is busy one must pick our priorities! 

My pace will be slowing down a bit since I’m on vacation in France for two weeks. 

I will probably mostly blog about our travels but will aim to mention a Stampin' product or tip and share a relationship tip too! (since it's an anniversary trip)

Kevin and I are taking this trip to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I may have gone a bit overboard in booking things but I did feel kind of let down being unable to travel for our 25th anniversary because of the pandemic. 

Also, since I am a tourist, I probably didn't understand a lot of things and booked more than strictly necessary. 

For example, I added on the option plus feature to our flights.  I thought it included a checked bag, seat selection and priority boarding.  I figured I was spending so much on the trip anyway, I wanted to make sure that Kevin and I sat together and I knew I would want one checked bag anyway. 

This makes sense right? 

Well, except when we went to check in, it turns out we were allowed 2 checked bags each.  Then I remembered typically transatlantic flights often include one checked bag.  Kevin and I agreed that there's no point being upset about money wasted because of our ignorance so instead I determined that I would be grateful and celebrate every privilege purchased and every experience enjoyed. (So that's my relationship tip for today: Don't bother rehashing or getting upset about things you can't change)

Please celebrate with me that our checked bags got special red stickers saying "priority handling".  We had no idea what this meant but we celebrated.  

Yesterday was a travel day.  The great thing about flying to Europe is that typically the flights are night flights so to me it feels like you're not wasting time because the time you'd be sleeping anyway, you're actually travelling and then you're arriving in the morning with a full day to explore. 

I haven't been to Paris in a few years and when I have gone, it's been with my friend Lee-Ann who is an expert European traveller because of her work.  As such, I was a little nervous about going just with Kevin but once we landed and got going, everything was fine and there was no need to worry. 

We stored out luggage and went out and about to explore until we were able to check into our "aparthotel"

This is lodging that is more like a mini apartment since there is a stove and full fridge and there's no frills (no daily housekeeping and no concierge service).  The company was very clear to explain everything to me so I knew what to expect and there were no surprises.  I was just super grateful that there was air conditioning! 

This was the "concierge" at the front when you first entered the building

. 

Here's a few of the photos from our walkabout yesterday! 

I'll try to share more while I'm on vacation! 

My stampin' tip for today: 

Take advantage of the Product of the month for July! 

Introducing Begonia Belle Stamp set! 

Get it for just $7 when your order is $100 or more! (make sure to add it to your cart before checking out) 

Any Orders $100 or more will receive the current month Product of the Month Bundle FREE!  That's 12 written tutorials! 

          

Shop online 24-7 or contact me to help you place your order

Need help shopping online? Watch this video HERE

Find out more about joining my Team S.T.I.C. stampers

Come visit me on Facebook!

Happy New Year!

Hello Friends!  This week has been a busy one getting back into routines and jumping back into work. 

I am so grateful for holiday moments with my kids and hubby and grateful for releaxed days when I could play in my craft room.  

Just thought I'd share some photos of things I've made recently and the fun from the Appreciation Event I held on January 1st. 

This was a card I made over the holidays and shared on a recent weekly live video using the Peaceful view stamp set

I thought it could work as a lunar new year card. 

Check out the video replay HERE

I also had so much fun making this cute decoration which is perfect to add a little valentine cheer in your space. 

You could also drop some photos in the squares and make it a family photo page too! 

This is one of the possible projects you can make at the next Crafty Kit and Cozy Sips Class at Rouge River Brewing Company. 

Why not plan ahead to come and enjoy an evening out? 

Here's all the details! 

Crafty Kit and Cozy Sips: Rouge River Brewery 50 Bullock Drive in Markham

Feb. 11th 6pm

Choose your option: 1)Create a cute valentine themed art piece perfect as a gift, keepsake or seasonal décor item. $55 2) Create 9 greeting cards perfect for bringing cheer to a friend or loved one during these dark winter days. $45 Enjoy creating in the relaxed vibe at Rouge River Brewery so invite a friend or date to share in the fun. All supplies included along with a drink ticket for the beverage of your choice. Space is limited. RSVP by Feb. 1st https://square.link/u/Ia7hB9y6

Here's the newest kit which you can purchase directly on my online store HERE or come out to the class and I'll have it ready for you! 

And we can't forget the fun from the recent appreciation event.  It was a great way to kick off the new catalogue too! 

The hidden golden ticket made an appearance and here's the lucky winner! 

And the claw machine was back and there was fun to be had in grabbing a little ball with little embellishments inside!

We can't forget the chips and other snacks! 

There was even a little hot chocolate bar! Of course I put all the toppings in mine! 

Something new this year: Fill a box for $50! Grab an empty box and fill it with whatever retired goodies you want off my table and get it all free when you place a min. $50 order per box! 

I am always planning fun and excitement for us to enjoy. 

Whether you live locally near Markham, Ontario, Canada or choose to participate long distance, there is something for you! 

Make sure to always check my upcoming classes at my linktree. 

https://linktr.ee/stampin4fun

I'll paste upcoming ones here for February!  You can register https://forms.gle/Bz5kozcGGLFSpx378

Crafty Kit and Cozy Sips: Rouge River Brewery 50 Bullock Drive in Markham

Feb. 11th 6pm

Choose your option: 1)Create a cute valentine themed art piece perfect as a gift, keepsake or seasonal décor item. $55 2) Create 9 greeting cards perfect for bringing cheer to a friend or loved one during these dark winter days. $45 Enjoy creating in the relaxed vibe at Rouge River Brewery so invite a friend or date to share in the fun. All supplies included along with a drink ticket for the beverage of your choice. Space is limited. RSVP by Feb. 1st

Gen & Jen Virtual Get Set for Spring Stamp Camp: Make 10 cards in this mega virtual stamp camp using the Lovely Blossoms Suite! You’ll love the cards you make with this stunning collection using the tutorials that will be emailed to you by Feb. 13th. You will receive a goodie bag, access to a facebook group party on Feb. 14th with games and bonus inspiration. The feature stamp set and dies are not included in the cost but can be added on for an additional cost if you wish. $82.  Add $20 if shipping required. RSVP by Jan 1st

Woolly Friends Class: Make 6 cards using the adorable Woolly Friends bundle.  The bundle is not included in the class fee so it’s recommended you purchase this feature set to complete the projects as recommended.  You’ll receive written tutorials by Feb. 14th so you can create whenever it’s convenient for you. Cost: $52 includes mini goodie bag.  Add $20 or shipping (or free shipping if you’ve paid for shipping for the Gen & Jen stamp camp)

Easter Basket Class: Make 6 cards using the adorable Easter Basket bundle.  The bundle is not included in the class fee so it’s recommended you purchase this feature set to complete the projects as recommended.  You’ll receive written tutorials by Feb. 14th so you can create whenever it’s convenient for you. Cost: $52 includes mini goodie bag.  Add $20 or shipping (or free shipping if you’ve paid for shipping for the Gen & Jen stamp camp)

Feb 28^th 10am Creating for Christ Make space to join in for this meaningful creative experience with Christ-centered projects, reflections and music.  It’s not too early to begin preparing our hearts for Easter! Project supplies and Small crafty goodie bag included. Cost: $49. Can’t attend in person?  Choose the Take it to go option. (Add $20 for direct shipping) RSVP by Feb. 1^st. 

March 3^rd 11am  Lunch Laugh and Craft Come enjoy creating 3 handmade cards in this relaxed and social environment at the local Swiss Chalet in Markham.  All supplies and instruction included.  Cost: $25 or free with an order (min. $30) at the class. Lunch purchase required and you will pay the restaurant for the meal of your choice. 

Thanks for dropping in! 

Shop online 24-7 or contact me to help you place your order

Need help shopping online? Watch this video HERE

Find out more about joining my Team S.T.I.C. stampers

Come visit me on Facebook!