Travels in France Part Deux: The Town of Orange

Quick trip-recap round two!

On the way to Orange, we saw beautiful fields of sunflowers everywhere! I really wanted to get out and frolic around (or at least pick a few), but we had a full day ahead of us.

This is a field of lavendar in the distance... I loved seeing people just walking around the towns with a big bunch of it tied up in their baskets next to their daily baguette and a little box of fresh eggs.

The corner of a big crumbling theatre that we saw in Orange. I love how the bright white sky makes it look sort of heavenly.

The inside of the theatre was so ornate and in surprisingly good condition for being at least 1800 years old! They still use it for productions today!

This miniature little Arc du Triomphe was situated in a little park just on the outskirts of town. It was amazing to see such incredible structures pop up so often on our journeys around the country.

My Mom-in-law and I inspecting a lunch menu through the plants.

The sidewalk cafe where we finally ended up eating... just look at the colors of those buildings!

365 Days of Smiles

Smiling for our first Christmas card.

At this very same time, exactly 365 days ago, I was spending my morning with friends and family for the last time as a single girl.

I had no idea what life would be like from that evening on. All I knew is that I was preparing to marry my best friend, the man who makes my life sparkle (boy, does it sparkle!) and gives everything I do a deeper meaning and purpose.

Smiling during our wedding kiss.

Thinking back on our wedding day, I realize how blessed we were to be completely surrounded by those who love us so... our "water buffaloes." In my mind, no part of the day could have gone any better, and I relive it in my head more often than I care to admit.

Smiling on the dance floor.

Everyone says that the first year you are married is the hardest, and let me tell you...

It. Was. Hard.

But, it was hard because of circumstances beyond our control - not each other.

Smiling at a restaurant at the base of a volcano.

And if this will be the most difficult year together? Then I think the fact that I would be willing to live it over and over again, as long as it meant being together, is definitely a good sign.

We have made it through this first year, and even though it has been the most difficult-tearful-torn-up-lonely-aching-physically-painful year of my life, my relationship with G has been what has pulled me through it alive. Not just alive, but with a giggle and a smile.

He makes me glow.

Smiling in a waterfall at the Tabacon Hot Springs.

G, the smile that you put on my face is worth millions to me.

The security and love that I feel when you wrap your arms around me? Worth gajillions.

I love us, and I love my life with you, and I wouldn't trade it for all the money (or shoes) in the world.

Smiling in Avignon.

I love you with all of my great big happy heart. Feliz Aniversario, mi amor!

Jessie's Piperlime Pick of the Week is BACK!

Whew, seems like it's been awhile since my last pick, and I had no idea how much I missed online shopping while I was gone. (I know, I know, why miss that when you can do the real thing?! I'm weird.)

I was very pleased to see that two very cute pairs of Chie Miharas made it to the Piperlime Limetag Sale, but unfortunately NEITHER in my size.... *insert pout face here*

Chie Mihara Vespa - SALE 199.99 (Sz. 10 only)

Dar. Ling. Any shoe named after the coolest scooter around is probably going to be pretty darn cute. No, it's cuter than cute. It's downright saucy. When I first saw these, I sat starting for more minutes than I'd like to admit, trying to decide if it was worth 200 hundred dollars to try and make them fit my very close size 9 1/2 feet.

I'm telling you, the cream detailing and the stacked heel are calling my naaaame.

Chie Mihara Chiwawa - SALE $189.99 (Sz. 7 & 7 1/2 only)

Now, some would say these shoes are a little on the bright side.

But, I LIKE BRIGHT, I do!

Plus, you knoooooooow how I can rarely resist a t-strap. I think even a colorphobe could work these babies paired with some really dark matchstick jeans... be daring, my friends! I know you can do it!

*Stay tuned for a few more France pictures this afternoon, and next week, I'll show you one of the most outrageous fashion items I've ever purchased! How's THAT for a teaser!

Grenoble

I hate to be one of those people that invites a bunch of friends over for a dinner party and then makes them sit through a three hour power point presentation on their FAAAHbulous trip. BUT, since this is my bloggety blog and I can do what I want, AND since you are free to come and go as you please with out having to worry about being a rude dinner guest.... I will proceed with posting my 58074 pictures from France (just kidding... there are only, like, 792).

Our trip began with a train ride from the Paris airport to the darling city of Grenoble. It is situated at the base of the French Alps, and has just the beauty and charm that I was hoping for!

I must have taken a zillion pictures of windows/flower boxes/pretty shutters and this one was one of my favorites... the best part was the view of the Rhone River and the Alps!

We really wanted to take those gondolas up to the restaurant in the mountains, but since it was a Sunday night, they had closed early. :(

We saw sooo many castles! This one was gorgeous over looking the river and the city streets.

It was a dreary day for viewing mountain tops, but I still took a picture of this big one looming over the city.

We came across the coolest little cafe that had set up a bunch of big screen TVs outside with their tables, so that their customers could watch the European Cup (Soccer). The Spain fans were quite abundant, and that night we fell asleep to people screaming "Espana!" from the streets. One of the biggest challenges of being in France was not being able to speak the language, and every time we heard or met Spanish speakers, we had this overwhelming sense of relief that we could actually communicate with somebody!

Said Spaniards.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand most importantly (drum roll, please)...
The Beginning of the Ice Cream Cone Adventures - Cafe Au Lait.

Pschitt

This French bottle of limonade was the pschitt!

At a sidewalk cafe in the city of Nimes

Hee hee hahahahahahahahahahh...

Yes, I am a twelve year old stuck in a twenty three year old's body.

Past Presents Shop

The center photo is of a set of 4 vintage plates I have for sale at my Etsy store

Mermer over at Past Presents Shop is a girl after my own heart... she blogs about vintage accessories, apparel, and homewares, and just last week, she featured something from Lucky Stone Vintage on her blog!

I'm so glad she contacted me to let me know, because I can already tell that her site is going to become one of my new daily reads.

Thanks for the mention, Mermer, and keep up the great blogging!

I'm Back!

G and I in Grenoble, at the base of the French Alps

It's great to be home!

France was absolutely fantastic and I've got tons of stories and pictures to share from our adventures!

For now, I am trying to survive a serious case of jet lag (and trying to get used to the beginning of a very long 21 days, which you can read about here), so I'm off to go take a little after-work-nap.

Here are some highlights of the trip to quench your curiosity...

10 cities in France visited
9 really strong cups of cafe au lait (at least)
8 naked ladies (well they were topless anyway)
7 crepes with nutella (and occasionally banana)
6 times getting really lost
5 hundred photos
4 in-laws
3 hours on the Eiffel Tower
2 boxes of Laduree macaroons
and
1 gelato cone (with two scoops) EVERY night

Now if that doesn't sound like an awesome vacation, then I don't know what does!

See you cool cats tomorrow!