to Paris and back

If you know me, or you've been reading for some time, you know that the restaurants I choose to dine at are typically thought through far in advance, and our recent trip to Paris and Italy was no exception.  Upon deciding we would first touch down in Paris, I immediately started looking for where I'd like to dine. Luckily, Bon Appetit had just published their Paris-focused mag, and I scoured the pages like it was my job.  I decided that Chez Georges, for its romantic history of being the hang-out to Julia Child was a good place to start.  So after a full day of travel, we indulged in the Parisian comfort food at the Chez Georges bistro.

Which of course, was a magical experience.  Something I've learned about myself with dining is when there is an additional story behind the meal, chef, or restaurant, the experience can turn from great to magical.  Imagining Julia slurping up escargot, having boisterous conversation in the tight booths, and clinking wine glasses full of Bordeaux, elevated my experience to this level. (And as a side note, if you've not yet seen the movie Julie & Julia, I highly recommend it ~ such a fun story about both blogging and cooking!)

And so, when we landed back in Chicago I must admit I was a bit reticent that I would never be able to experience French cooking the way I did at Chez Georges, at least without another trip back to Paris.  But then I entered Bistro Voltaire.

And on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I was teleported back to Paris. Just stepping inside, greeted by a thickly accented Frenchman, I knew we were in for a treat.  The checkered floor, wine red booths, and tin ceiling embodied the ambiance of the bistros in Paris to perfection.  

via

Service was as friendly as they come, and invited us to try the oeuf en cocotte, which includes eggs, mushrooms, crème fraiche, and porcini truffle mousse, and a little fairy dust to make it magic.  We then moved on to the escargot, with the scallops and duck as our mains.  I savored each bite, the plan of having a light dinner the day before Thanksgiving long abandoned.

And perhaps the best part? Bistro Voltaire is now offering a 3-course menu on Mondays for just $27.  I just found Paris all over again... in my own backyard.

Bistro Voltaire
226 W Chicago Ave
312-265-0911

the little black bag

See by Chloe

In celebration of landing my new job, I wanted to choose a couple of ways to celebrate.  I've come to learn it's SO important we celebrate life's milestones.  Celebration allows you to "stop and smell the roses" so to speak, and keeps you motivated to move forward.  In a world where people can seem to spend money like it grows on trees, I like the idea of a very thoughtful and well-planned purchase as a reward for hard work.

So that is why I have been delaying the purchase of a new black handbag for two years.  Could I have gone out sooner and purchased a bag for myself?  Sure.  But there was something so enticing about having it be out there, the dangling carrot, to keep me going.  When I found out I landed the new gig, I practically skipped on over to Nordstrom where I knew the exact bag I wanted.  My salesgirl had to pull it out of the back stock on my request, and eventually ended up also buying it for herself!

And the second celebration to myself is a spa party coming up soon with champaign and desserts... Just good quality girl time. 

How do you reward yourself?  Do you revel in the anticipation?  Do you like to have small rewards more frequently or a big dangling carrot you wait ages for?

Where have I been?

Arc de Triomphe, Paris ~ an appropriate symbol for entering a new chapter, don't you think?

Where have I been you ask?  A lot has been going on in this neck of the woods.  Allow me to fill you in, as I truly feel this is a new chapter in my life and I'd like to get reacquainted.

For starters, I have landed a new job opportunity!  This involved a lot of networking, job searching, and decision making.  I've spent the past 8 years at the same company, though in various positions.  It was a hard decision, but time for a change, and I am SO thrilled for this next venture.  The next few weeks will be busy as I wrap up my old job and transition to my new.

I've also spent the past several months diving deeper into myself with a life coach.  She is Phenomenal with a capital "P".  She has given me the gift of truly knowing myself, what drives me, and how to maintain compassion towards myself, so that I can give that understanding back to others.  Through this time, I have read many helpful books, filled an entire journal with my aspirations (and taken action on them!), and talked to friends and family on a deeper level.  I have more clarity on my life's purpose than ever before, and feel a new sense of motivation and energy for life.  It's wonderful.

And through this time, the husband and I also took an amazing trip to Paris and Italy.  It couldn't have come at a better time ~ it gave us the chance to unwind and just really sink in to enjoying life together.  We went to Paris, Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, then back to Paris.  I really can't pick a favorite, as each destination had its unique local flavor and... food.  We ate a LOT. In fact, I feel a post on Italian food coming up very soon in the future... :)

So enough about me, how about you?  How have you all been doing?  I'd love for you to say hi in the comments below, or through email, and we can pick up where we left off.  Or if you're new here, that's great too!  I'd love to hear from each of you!