A Trip to Versailles Palace
While planning my birthday trip to Paris, a tour of the Palace of Versailles was definitely on my must-do list! Our fantastic travel agent (Travel Designs by Judy) booked us a full-day, 8-hour excursion to the palace and it was a true bucket-list experience! To learn more about our experience using a travel agent AND our other Parisian experiences, please visit my blog post all about Le Cordon Bleu.
The Palace of Versailles is located in the city of Versailles, about 12 miles southwest of the Paris city center. Our travel agent arranged a private guide/driver throughout our stay in France so getting to Versailles from our Paris hotel was no problem.
A Quick History Lesson
Louis XIII originally commissioned Versailles as a hunting lodge in 1624. After taking the throne, his son, Louis XIV wanted to establish Versailles as the seat of the French government, meaning the Court of Versailles would reside there.
Between 1661 and 1715 the hunting lodge underwent major renovations to become one of the largest palaces in the world. The Palace of Versailles became the center of political power in France and a symbol of absolute monarchy.
Versailles: A Palace Fit For a King & Queen
The most well-known residents of The Palace of Versailles were King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Louis XVI was the last king of France. He ruled from 1774 until 1792 when the French Revolution stripped the King & Queen of their power and led to their beheadings.
After the French Revolution, the palace was in the hands of the new government and much of the remaining furnishing and artwork were sold or donated to the Louvre. The palace had been looted during the revolution and many of the artifacts had been destroyed.
In 1837 The Palace of Versailles was reopened as the Museum of the History of France. A major historic event took place in the palace in 1919. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, solidified the end of World War I and took place inside the Hall of Mirrors.
Visiting Versailles
We were fortunate to have a private tour guide during our visit to Versailles. Our tour guide was a native Parisian and he was so fantastic! His knowledge of the history of Versailles was incredible and he was so good, other visitors were asking HIM questions about the palace! An added bonus, we were able to skip the line to get inside the palace because our guide knew some key people!
The Palace of Versailles consists of four main areas:
- The Main Palace
- The Gardens & Park of Versailles
- The Estate of Trianon & the Queen’s Hamlet
- The Royal Stables
We were lucky enough to tour all of the areas of Versailles except the Royal Stables. During our visit in November, the stables were closed to the public.
There is so much to see and share about Versailles, I have limited this post to just the Palace. Be on the lookout for future posts about the Gardens, Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
Touring the Main Palace
The Palace of Versailles is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it truly must be seen to be believed! The Palace contains 2,300 rooms spread over almost 680,000 square feet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and have your phone/camera ready! The over-the-top opulence is going to leave you breathless I promise!
Highlights of Versailles Palace
The Royal Chapel – The Royal Chapel is where the court gathered every morning at 10 am for the King’s mass. It is two-story absolutely beautiful.
King’s State Apartments – The King’s State Apartments feature 7 elaborate rooms which include the Venus room, Diana room, Mars room, Mercury room (the room where Louis XIV coffin was on display after his death), the Apollo room (used as the throne room beginning in 1682), the War room, and the Peace room.
The Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is the most popular room in The Palace of Versailles. The 240-foot-long hall is lined with 17 arches and comprised of 357 small mirrors. The artwork lining the halls speaks to the history of France. The Hall of Mirrors served as a daily passageway between the King & Queens state apartments.
Final Thoughts
The Palace Of Versailles is a study of over-the-top opulence and I loved every minute of it! Be sure to include a day trip to Versailles on your Paris visit. If I’m fortunate enough to visit Paris in the spring, I’ll definitely come back to see the gardens of Versailles in bloom. I’d love to hear from any of you that may have visited Versailles, what was your favorite experience? Thanks for reading and I hope this post inspires you to visit The Palace of Versailles!
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Where Are My Jumpsuit Lovers??
Hey guys! Have you been searching for a flattering, comfortable, and oh-so-cute jumpsuit? Look no more because I’ve found just the right one! This ribbed jumpsuit from OQQ store on Amazon features a stylish square neck and long sleeves. It is available in multiple colors and there is also a sleeveless version. Best of all, this jumpsuit is machine washable.
I love how breathable the suit is and even though it is snug fitting, it is extremely comfortable. The material is thick so no worries about it being see through.
Though designed as a Yoga suit, I wore this jumpsuit on a cool spring evening on a movie date with the husband (we saw Evil Dead Rise if you’re wondering). The stretchy fabric of the jumpsuit kept me comfortable throughout the movie.
I just love the look of this jumpsuit! If you love the look too, please keep reading and I’ll tell you more about my outfit AND provide links to everything I have on.
Panda Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get the Jumpsuit Looks!
OQQ Ribbed Jumpsuit – As I mentioned in my Foxy Brown fashion post, I love the OQQ store on Amazon! I’ve purchased several different pieces and I’ve loved them all. The bodysuits are my runaway favorite but the ribbed jumpsuit is a close second. It gives such a flattering fit and at only $29.00, I’m sure you’ll love it too!
2021 Nike Dunks Low (Black & White) – Panda Dunks…enough said!
Slouch Socks – As a true 90’s kid, I wanted to add some slouch socks to my look and I think they paired well! I feel like the socks added a youthfully fun touch to the outfit. Amazon has a great color selection of slouch socks to choose from at affordable prices.
Telfar Large Shopping Bag – For my bag, I went with my large Telfar shopping bag. The Telfar was perfect for a movie date because I could easily stuff my jacket down inside and keep my hands free. Movie theaters are notoriously cold so I never go without a jacket. Telfars come is a rainbow of colors so if you don’t want basic black, they still have you covered.
Black Hoop Earrings – I kept the jewelry simple, just my gold name necklace and my favorite black hoops from Lovisa.
Thanks!
While you can never go wrong with a black and white look, this OQQ jumpsuit comes in a multitude of colors (if you want more color). I have the beige in both long sleeve and sleeveless and I’ve got my eye on the beautiful lavender next!
Thanks for reading and hopefully you’ll give this amazing jumpsuit a try. Please leave a comment to let me know if you’d like to see more style boards!
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Welcome to “The Rock”! Located just under 2 miles off the San Francisco waterfront is Alcatraz Island & Prison. The Federal prison was in operation from 1934 to 1963 and at the time it was the most feared federal penitentiary in the United States. The famous 1979 movie, Escape From Alcatraz (starring Clint Eastwood) is based on the true story of Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin and their 1962 escape from Alcatraz. Here is a clip of the movie if you are unfamiliar with it.
California Adventures
As I was planning my 40th birthday trip to California, there were certain spots I KNEW I wanted to visit (Napa Valley, for one) and others I just took a chance on. The Alcatraz Island visit was one of the chances and I’m so glad I took it; Alcatraz was one of the highlights of my California visit!
Getting to The Rock
I purchased my tickets for the Alcatraz in advance and I went with the Early Bird Tour. The Early Bird Tour is the first tour of the day to Alcatraz Island. We purchased our tickets directly through Alcatraz City Cruises. Please DON’T fall victim to scammers, purchase your tickets online through a reputable vendor! Tickets were $41.00 per person and the price includes the ferry ride to the island as well as the audio tour. With tickets in hand, my husband and I made our way to Pier 33 to wait for the ferry to Alcatraz!
The ride to Alcatraz was stunning, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge on the port side and views of the San Francisco city line on the starboard side. The ferry was open-air so to smell the sea and hear the birds was an exhilarating start to the tour!
As the prison came into view, it became obvious how it earned its nickname, The Rock. The island literally looks like a rock rising out of the sea! I can only imagine what the prisoners arriving at Alcatraz must have thought of their fate.
Locked Up
After landing at Alcatraz, we were greeted by the Alcatraz staff and they explained the history of the island, hidden treasures to look out for, and they explained how the tours would work, We were all free to explore the entire island on our own and the ferry back to San Francisco leaves every 45 minutes. We decided to visit inside the prison first and save the prison grounds for later.
Stepping inside Alcatraz was surreal, I personally was glad that I could leave any time I wanted, unlike the men who served hard times here! As I mentioned earlier, Alcatraz tours include an audio tour in the ticket price. We were issued hand-held audio devices that allowed us to learn about each area of the prison we visited. The audio tour was narrated by ex-inmates and guards personally. We toured cell blocks, solitary confinement, areas used by prison staff, the warden’s office, the dining hall, and the recreation area. The highlight for me was seeing the actual cells of the 3 prisoners who escaped! Seeing the tiny hole they escaped from was incredible.
Alcatraz, A Must-Visit For Any San Francisco Trip
A visit to San Franciso should definitely include a trip to Alcatraz. Alcatraz is suitable for families, couples, friend groups, or single folks too. In addition to the Early Bird and day tours, Alcatraz offers night tours as well; imagine walking through the abandoned cell block at night…spooky!
Have you visited Alcatraz Island before? What was your favorite experience at The Rock? Head to the contact me page with your comments and feedback, I love hearing from you all!
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The Hive Hotel, Wilmington, North Carolina
The Hive is a 15-room all-suite boutique hotel located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The property was built in 2019 and is located steps from downtown Wilmington, with shops, restaurants, and attractions all nearby. All 15 rooms are styled differently, with some rooms offering a city view and some featuring a terrace. Here are some of the nice features at the Hive:
- Self Check-In. We never had to stop by the front desk to check into our suite. Check-in was done online and we were sent our room information via text. It was super convenient!
- Full-size kitchens in every suite
- High-Speed Internet was available throughout the property
- Onsite laundry facilities
- Onsite fitness center
- Pet-friendly suites are available (for an additional fee and WITH approval)
- Off-street parking for an additional fee. The $19.00 per day parking fee was well worth it for us. The Hive has its own dedicated parking lot just across from the hotel.
- Quiet time for all suites from 10 pm to 7 am.
TikTok Made Me Do It!
How did I end up at the Hive? Once my husband and I decided to check out Wilmington on our days off, I immediately began my search for the best places to stay (and eat)! I turned to TikTok and I saw several recommendations for the Hive. Once I saw the prime location of the Hive, I knew it was the hotel for us! We wanted to be near Carolina Beach but not ON the beach and we definitely wanted to be within walking distance to lots of restaurant options. The Hive well located; it is only 16 miles from Carolina Beach, steps from tons of dining AND the beautiful River Walk is just up the street.
Just Book It…
If you’re looking for accommodations in Wilmington, strongly consider the Hive. The rooms are spacious and stylish, and the location is unbeatable! I’ve got a longer blog post coming, all about our adventures in Wilmington, but I wanted to do a quick spotlight on the Hive. If you’ve stayed at the Hive before, leave a comment and let me know about your experience!
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High on the Hog…
In 2021, Netflix aired a series called High on the Hog, How African American Cuisine Transformed America. The series is based on the 2011 book by historian and cookbook author Jessica B. Harris, “High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America”. Allow me to explain how the show led me to Monticello!
The 4 episode docuseries covers the roots of African American foods in Benin Africa, to the rice kingdoms of the Carolinas, then introduces us to the Founding Father’s enslaved Chefs (James Hemings & Hercules Posey), and finally ends with a Juneteenth feast in Texas. Netflix’s High on the Hog is led by author and chef, Stephen Satterfield. The show does a phenomenal job of shedding light on the history and celebration of African American food. Episode 3, Our Founding Chefs resonated and spoke to me deeply.
Our Founding Chefs
In the 3rd episode of High on the Hog, viewers are introduced to James Hemings and Hercules Posey. Hemings was the enslaved chef for Thomas Jefferson and Hercules, was the enslaved chef for George Washington. As this blog post is about my time at Monticello, we’ll focus on Hemings.
James Hemings came to Monticello at 9 years old with his family, which included his younger sister, Sally Hemings (who would later bear at least 6 of Jefferson’s children). James Hemings was the half-brother of Thomas Jefferson’s wife, Martha Jefferson; James Hemings and Martha Jefferson shared the same father.
At 19 years old, as the enslaved property of Jefferson, James Hemings traveled to France to begin an apprenticeship under French chefs. In France, Hemings learned classical French cooking techniques that he would later bring back to Monticello. Many of the dishes that Hemings mastered are current American favorites like French Fries, Ice Cream, and Mac & Cheese! We can credit enslaved Chef, James Hemings with popularizing these dishes at Monticello.
After many years of cooking for Jefferson, Hemings wants his freedom but is told by Jefferson he can only be free after he finds and trains a replacement chef. That replacement would be Hemings younger brother Peter. Imagine that proposition, your freedom in exchange for your brothers; truly heartbreaking. Hemings does indeed teach his brother to cook all of Jefferson’s favorites and earns his freedom. History can trace Hemings to Philadelphia and then Baltimore. We know that Hemings dies in Baltimore in 1801 but not much else is known about his life as a free man.
Thank you, James Hemings
As a restaurant owner, married to a black chef, I was deeply intrigued by the history of James Hemings (Hercules Posey as well) and how their recipes changed the face of American cuisine. They were the first celebrity chefs and up until High on the Hog, I had never heard of these men! I was eager to learn more. Hats off to High on the Hog for introducing me to the legacy of Hemings and Hercules.
An Opportunity Presents Itself…
Netflix’s High on the Hog aired in May of 2021. In August of 2021, my youngest daughter was narrowing down her college choices and doing college tours. UVA (founded by Thomas Jefferson), located in Charlottesville, Virginia was on her shortlist. College tours were being limited to half days during COVID times so, my family and I decided to book a tour of Monticello to make the most of our time in Charlottesville. It was an exciting prospect for me, an American history buff, and for my husband, who watched and loved the segments featuring Monticello Netflix! We both loved the idea of touring the kitchen at Monticello, to see firsthand where enslaved Chef Hemings perfected his dishes.
Arriving at Monticello
The first stop at Monticello is the visitor center. Inside the visitor center, you’ll view personal items of Jefferson and have the opportunity to watch a short film on the history of Monticello. To Monticello’s credit, they did not try and downplay the slavery aspect of Thomas Jefferson’s legacy. The welcome film discussed the history of slavery at Monticello just as much as it discussed Jefferson’s legacy as a Founding Father of America. The welcome center also features a small cafe and a gift shop. For a souvenir, I purchased a cookbook featuring the recipes of James Hemings!
After spending some time at the welcome center and gift shop, our shuttle bus arrived to take us up to Monticello. It was a short but scenic drive, and the atmosphere on the bus was somber. My family and I were trying to process how someone could achieve all that Jefferson did while enslaving masses of people. It’s difficult to understand, add to that we knew a tour of the Monticello slave quarters was on the way.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
The tour at Monticello was very intimate. Though there were lots of folks around, the tours are guided, limited to 45 minutes, and broken into small groups (about 12 folks). We were led from room to room, through Monticello, and we viewed Jefferson’s study, parlor, dining room, bedroom, and other areas. It was amazing to see the actual desk where he pinned the Declaration of Independence. It was equally amazing to see Jefferson’s parlor lined with the original 18th mirrors that hung in his day. Just imagine the stories these walls could tell!
One story our tour guide shared with us was how Marquis de Lafayette asked Jefferson how he could fight for liberty, equality, democracy, and freedom and still enslave hundreds of people. According to our tour guide, Jefferson responded “Their (slaves) time for freedom had not yet come.” Talk about outrage and heartbreak! I was speechless and I could only imagine MY ancestors toiling away under a man like Thomas Jefferson, in the very room I was standing in. Here is a clip of the story.
The guided tour ended with the entire group standing outside of Monticello, in the spot where many of Jefferson’s slaves were sold. Jefferson died deep in debt and his slaves were sold off to pay his debts. Try to picture families being torn apart and destroyed as mothers and fathers, sons and daughters were sold away, never to see each other again. Chilling, and it left MY family speechless. How do you reconcile such beautiful scenery with such monstrous actions? It’s been two years since our trip to Monticello and I still can’t answer that question.
Monticello, On Our Own
Once the 45-minute guided tour of Monticello ended, we were on our own to explore the grounds freely. Our first stop was the kitchen! It was incredible to stand in the kitchen James Hemings worked in hundreds of years ago. The actual stove and hearth are still standing and honestly, it felt like we were standing on sacred ground. The kitchen was just as we saw on Netflix’s High on the Hog! What a wonderful experience, it was the highlight of the tour for us and it really helped lighten our moods!
Sadly, the lighter mood was very short-lived. Immediately after leaving the kitchen, we were faced with touring the slave cabins. These cabins are not models or re-creations. These are the actual slave cabins from the 18th century. Stepping inside the tiny little cabin that a FAMILY would have shared sickened me. ESPECIALLY after having just viewed the opulence and splendor of Monticello. I was struggling to process the paradox of Thomas Jefferson, pursuer of liberty AND slave owner.
After such an emotional rollercoaster, my family and I were ready to bid Monticello farewell. We took a final view of the gardens with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains framing the background. All I could do was breathe in the mountain air and say a prayer for my ancestors who toiled for generations at Monticello.
Farewell, Monticello
As emotional as our time at Monticello was, I would recommend a visit there to EVERYONE. Regardless of your race, it is a location every American should try to visit. You’ll need to prepare yourself to face the two sides of Thomas Jefferson. Founding Father, inventor, “foodie”, and also a slave master to over 600 people. Make that make sense. It was a tough tour (emotionally) but I walked away grateful and inspired. Grateful for MY freedom and inspired by the opportunities I have that the folks buried on the ground I toured didn’t have.
I would love to hear from any of you that have toured Monticello and its grounds. How did the experience leave you feeling? Head over to the contact page to leave your comments!
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How does the color brown make you feel? Some of the key characteristics associated with brown in color psychology include strength and reliability, and it’s a color often associated with resilience, dependability, security, and safety. Personally, when I see brown I think of earthiness which makes me feel solid and secure. Some view brown as a “sad” color and may be hesitant to wear it. If you’re unsure about wearing brown, please allow me to share some of my personal style tips and suggestions to help you fall in love with the shade!
For starters, let us remember all the wonderful shades of brown! We’ve got beige, camel, tan, caramel, chocolate, coffee, and butterscotch…to name just a few! I like to use brown as my neutral so any of these brown shades pair well with other more vibrant colors!
If brown isn’t your go-to choice, how about starting with a brown accessory? Maybe a chic brown bag? Here are some photos I took on a recent trip to Wilmington, NC. I felt super confident in my look, and the star of the show was the brown (coffee to be exact) bodysuit I wore! I love how the brown looks against my deep skin tone! Notice that I’m only wearing 1 piece of brown clothing but it’s still the star of the show? Start there if you’re afraid of brown! If you like my look, please keep reading and I’ll tell you more about my outfit AND provide links to everything I have on.
Foxxxxxy Brown – A Style Board!
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get the Looks!
Good American Good Icon Cutout Jeans – I’m a huge fan of Good American, they fit me like a dream! Khloe has done an amazing job with her jeans, they are true to size and the size range is incredibly inclusive. Now…the jeans are expensive, but DON’T worry, they are ALWAYS having a sale. The Good Icon Cutout Jeans I’m wearing sell for $165.00 but I got them during an after-Christmas sale for $45.00! Don’t be deterred by the normal Good American price tag, just wait for the pair of jeans you love to go on sale! These bone-colored jeans pair well with all shades of brown,
YSL Sunset Medium Chain Handbag – YSL is my go-to handbag designer! To me, it gives the luxury look of a designer handbag without being over-the-top expensive like some brands. YSL is a timeless brand that just looks so dang stylish. I love the Sunset line and I opted for the medium size. The shade is blanc vintage and it’s the perfect neutral for me; this is my go-to non-black bag!
OQQ Ribbed Bodysuit – OQQ is a favorite Amazon store of mine. It’s technically athletic wear but I love the bodysuits! They are lightly compressed so they give you that snatched look without being uncomfortable and they come in multiple shades of brown. OQQ has a wide range of pieces. I’ve purchased bodysuits, 2 piece-coordinating sets, and jumpsuits. You’ll definitely see more style boards featuring OQQ pieces.
Nike Air Max Dawn – I won’t go so far as to call myself a sneakerhead, but I LOVE my sneakers. These Air Max are no exception! They are the perfect neutral, super affordable, and comfy. Follow the link to view the other color options.
Express Gold Hoop Earrings – I love gold jewelry to pair with my brown outfits. Actually, I love gold jewelry with all of my outfits! Express is my go-to for staple jewelry pieces. They always have the cutest classic-type jewelry; of course, I reached for my Express hoops to complete my Wilmington, NC Foxy Brown look!
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and hopefully you feel a tiny bit inspired to add more brown tones to your closet. Please leave a comment to let me know if you’d like to see more style boards!
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Food & Fun, Parisian Style
For my 41st birthday, I was fortunate enough to spend 2 weeks in France with my husband, 1 week in Paris, and 1 week in Nice. It was without a doubt the vacation of my dreams! I experienced so much culture in those 2 weeks, it forever changed my outlook on the world & life in general. You’ll definitely see more of my adventures in France as I get more posts up, but for now, let’s start with the personal cooking class I took at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris!
Since France was my first international trip, I definitely wanted to rely on the expertise of a travel agent, to ensure I had a wonderful European experience. I wanted a vacation that was full of activities and adventure, but that also allowed enough free time for my husband and me to explore France on our own. Enter Judy from Travel Designs by Judy!
Travel Designs by Judy
From our initial introductory phone call, I knew Judy was the right travel agent for me. She really listened to my wishes and helped craft a vacation that was straight from my dream board! As we were working out what I’d like to experience in France, Judy asked about my profession. When I told her that my husband and I owned a restaurant, she suggested taking a cooking class during our time in Paris. I was slightly hesitant at first because we spend so much time in a kitchen for a living. I was afraid a cooking class would feel like “work” and not a vacation. Boy, am I glad to be WRONG! I trusted Judy’s input and experience and went ahead with the cooking class on the Paris itinerary. Judy booked us a five-and-a-half-hour personal cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.
Founded in 1895 in Paris, Le Cordon Bleu is a leading global network of culinary arts and hospitality management institutes. Their state-of-the-art flagship campus in Paris is just past the Seine River and very close to the Eiffel Tower! Below is a video of our drive to the campus and a quick view of the beautiful facilities!
The Art of French Cuisine: Brittany
Cooking courses at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris are offered in small groups under the supervision of a Chef. Our course was focused on the cuisine of Brittany and we would be making a 3-course meal made of classic & traditional Breton recipes. Fun Fact…The courses are taught in French and consecutively translated into English by a translator. The French really helped us feel even more immersed in the culture!
Brittany is a peninsula in the northwest of France. Surrounded by the sea, Brittany offers a wide range of fresh seafood and fish. Brittany is also known as a producer of artichokes and cauliflower. The menu we would be preparing highlighted Brittany’s specialties and included:
Velvet crab soup with Camus artichoke & anchovy puree croutons
“Caribbean” scallops, with Colombo spice cauliflower
Brittany flan with apples and rum-macerated prunes
Let’s Get Cooking!
Upon our arrival at Le Cordon Bleu, we were immediately greeted and warmly welcomed by a staff member that knew Sidney was a Chef. The personal welcome made us feel like mini celebrities! I knew that my wonderful travel agent, Judy had mentioned to Le Cordon Bleu about us owning a restaurant and Sidney being a classically trained Chef. It was just one more reason I was glad I used Travel Designs by Judy!
Just before the cooking class began, Chef Rene Kerdranvat personally greeted Sidney and me and inquired about our restaurant back in Durham…more rock-star treatment! It was so funny watching the other class participants wonder who Sidney & I were and why we were being greeted by everyone, it was a fun start to the class!
Even though the cooking class itself was 5.5 hours, it flew by! By the time we did all of our prep, 2 hours had already passed and it was break time. Le Cordon Bleu has the most delightful cafe run by students inside the facility. During our break, I enjoyed some freshly baked pastries and a coffee like a true Parisian. Everything was freshly baked by the students and was fantastic!
After our break, we all headed back to the kitchen for more cooking under the guidance and direction of the Chef. The menu was complex and challenging (shelling and preparing fresh scallops is NOT easy) but luckily for me, my husband (the Chef) was right beside me and fixed all of the mistakes I made in the kitchen.
Please follow this link to view a video of us in action at Le Cordon Bleu!
Taste Test!
The cooking class was rounded off in style with a tasting of the dishes we prepared, served with a glass of wine that was specifically chosen to match the menu. We got to eat our meals alongside the other class participants, and it was a real bonding experience. Le Cordon Bleu keeps the class sizes small so there were only about 8 of us total. After spending 5 hours working in a kitchen together, we really got to know each other, and sharing the fruits of our labor together was nice. We met folks from Australia, London, and China and there were even some fellow Americans in class from Atlanta, GA!
All of our meals turned out fantastic, I regret not snapping photos of the final dishes! My favorite menu item was the velvet crab soup, aptly named because it was so creamy and smooth. I’m not typically a fan of artichokes but the puree we made under Chef Kerdranvat’s direction was delicious and was delightful on the croutons served with the soup. Chef Kerdranvat hails from Brittany so it was like an added bonus having our Chef Instruction be from the region the class was centered on, well done Le Cordon Bleu!
After dinner, we returned to the kitchen to say our goodbyes and thanks to Chef. I was amazed to see the goodies waiting at our kitchen stations! We had already received crisp white Le Cordon Bleu aprons, hats, and tea towels. Now there were large cooler bags for each of us to take home the dessert (Brittany Flan) we baked earlier in class! We also received certificates of completion and they were personally signed by Chef…the perfect Le Cordon Bleu souvenirs!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Paris and you are looking for a fun, non-traditional experience, consider taking a cooking course at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris! It was such a sophisticated yet approachable experience. I can’t recommend it enough, we loved our time at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris!
Our France vacation was a package price so in this instance I don’t have itemized costs to share with you.
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3 Sun-Filled Days in Key West, Florida
The February weather here in Durham, North Carolina can be very temperamental. One week may be sunny and mild, followed by a week of freezing temps! As I was planning a Valentine’s Day Getaway, I knew I wanted to visit a location that was sunny & warm, even in mid-February. Because the trip would only be 3 days, I had to rule out locations outside the US (next time, Turks & Caicos!). Where could I find beautiful weather in winter, a short travel distance away from NC, a locale with plenty of activities to do upon arrival, AND a romantic vibe? Key West Me, Please!
Key West was just a short 2-hour flight for us from RDU and was very affordable. 2 roundtrip tickets (booked through American Airlines) were roughly $350.00 per person. Our flight plans took us from RDU to Miami and from Miami to Key West. Immediately upon landing, I knew I had chosen the right location…the weather was amazing! Key West greeted us with a balmy 80 degrees! Nothing at all like the nippy 40-degree weather back in NC.
First Things First, Head to the Hotel
My husband, Sidney is typically in charge of selecting the accommodations when we travel and he has an excellent track record of picking winners! Key West was no different; he chose The Marker Resort, which is a beautiful 4-star harbor resort. The hotel is stunning and is located right on the waterfront of the Key West seaport, in Old Town Key West. The rooms were comfortable and well-appointed. In addition to looks, the hotel offered some great amenities such as complimentary daily breakfast, a welcome cocktail upon our arrival, and personalized concierge services to name a few! The Marker Resort, Key West is a definite must-stay for any visit to Key West.
There’s This Place…
After slipping into our ‘Keys wear, we were more than ready to get out and see Key West! The much-famed Duval Street was definitely the place to go for some on-foot sightseeing.
Duval Street is the main drag of downtown Key West. The street is only about a mile long, but boy is it vibrant! We really got to experience the character and personality of Key West on Duval Street.
Al-Fresco Dining, Key West Style
Our first Key West meal was at the popular al-fresco-style restaurant, Blue Heaven. The live music playing in the background, under the tropical canopy instantly made me feel the Key West vibe! Our meals were great, I went for the shrimp & grits with a thick slice of homemade banana nut bread on the side and Sidney opted for the pancake breakfast. While the food was good, the cocktails are what really knocked my socks off! The Margaritas were absolutely perfect. I wish I had saved room for dessert because the Blue Heaven mile-high key lime pie looked incredible, but I was just too full. Be sure to give Blue Heaven a try on your visit to Key West!
Key West Lighthouse
Now that our bellies were full from the satisfying meal at Blue Heaven, we were up for taking in more views. Since Key West is such a walkable destination, we skipped the rental car for this vacation (later I’ll tell you more about our golf cart rental) and did all our sightseeing on foot. Strolling from Blue Heaven led us right past the historic Key West Lighthouse. Constructed in 1825, the Lighthouse still stands today as a museum and landmark. The Lighthouse currently offers a guided tour of the tower and the Keeper’s Quarters. I only snapped pictures outside of the Lighthouse, we opted out of the guided tour. I would love to hear from any of you that may have toured the Key West Lighthouse before. You can head to my contact me page and tell me everything I missed at the Lighthouse!
The Old Man And The Sea
After snapping some pics at the Key West Lighthouse, I noticed the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum directly across the street! The museum was the residence of the world-famous author, Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. The museum is open daily for walk-in visits which feature a 30-minute guided tour. Tickets are only $18.00 per person and it’s a fun experience for fellow book lovers!
Southernmost Point
When you visit Key West, it is absolutely mandatory to visit and take a picture at the Southernmost Point of the continental US. Erected in 1983, the SMP landmark is just 90 miles from Cuba! It truly is one of Key West’s most iconic landmarks. Please prepare yourself for a line of visitors waiting to take photos at the landmark. I rushed and didn’t get the best shots of the landmark, but the memories of standing in front of the southernmost point of the US, with the Atlantic Ocean sparkling behind me, are really what I was after.
Calling All Key Lime Pie Lovers!
You didn’t think I would write an entire blog post about Key West and NOT mention key lime pie, did you? If you’ve never tried a slice before let me tell you all about it! Key lime pie is a sweet and creamy pie made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. Typically it has a graham cracker crust and some folks even like to add a meringue topping (I personally don’t need the meringue). The absolute requirement is the key lime juice. You CAN NOT make a true key lime pie without the juice of key limes. Key limes are similar to traditional limes but are sweeter and less tart; trust me, you can really taste the difference! It’s rumored that key lime pie was born in Key West, but there is no actual proof. Whether the rumor is true or not, the best key lime pie is definitely found here in Key West!
Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe
We sampled key lime pie all throughout Key West, but our hands-down favorite was the pie at Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe (try saying that 3 times fast). Not only does Kermits have the best key lime pie, but their shop also sells any and everything key lime related you can think of! Key lime juice, key lime salsa, key lime vinegar, key lime seasonings, key lime lotions, soaps, shampoos, and even key lime lip balm! I stuck with just the pie, but it was super fun browsing the shop. Be sure to follow the link above to see all that Kermits has to offer. *Pro tip, the key lime pie is available to order on their website, and they’ll ship it fresh to your door!
Fort Zachary Taylor Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Park is a 54-acre National Historic Landmark located in Key West. It’s just a short golf cart ride off Duval Street and it’s well worth checking out! We were able to stroll along the park with our Kermits Key Lime Pie in hand of course, and just enjoy nature. The park offers guided tours and is an excellent choice if Civil War history is your jam. Even if Fort Tours doesn’t exactly excite you, please check out the park anyway! It’s totally free to wander around, relax, and breathe in the tropical air. The Coast Guard ships also provide an excellent photo backdrop!
Mile Marker 0 – End of the Line
US1 Mile Marker 0 is the longest north-south route in the USA. US Route 1 gives you roughly 2,370 miles of road from Key West all the way to the Canadian Border, just outside of Maine! It’s a fun landmark to visit and it’s much easier to get some photos at than the Southernmost Point! Be sure to add Mile Marker 0 to your Key West to-do list!
Shades of Pink & Orange…The End of Our Keys Adventure
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration – Our final Key West experience was definitely one for the books. I’m on a mission to fill my camera roll with sunset photos and the famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration provided me with the most incredible sunset views! The Sunset Celebration is held nightly and it’s essentially a crowd of people gathering together to watch the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. We arrived 2 hours prior to sunset to grab a good viewing spot for the sunset. Mallory Square is filled with artists, food vendors, street performers, locals, and tourists. It’s crowded but not chaotic, everyone is there for the same reason, to watch the beautiful sunset. Watching the sun touch the waves was the most calming and rewarding way to end not only the day but our time in the Florida Keys.
No sun outlasts its sunset, but will rise again and bring the dawn.
Maya Angelou
Be sure to check out our newest post, all about our time at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris!
Napa Valley Wine Train
For my 40th birthday celebration, I knew exactly where I wanted to go, Napa Valley. While I had no doubts about the where I was unsure of the what. Would there be enough activities to do in Napa? Would my husband enjoy a vineyard vacation? Would there be any good food spots? Would I be able to wear some super cute outfits during my time in the wine country? YES, YES, YES & YES! Napa Valley checked off every item on my birthday trip wishlist and then some! The true highlight of my Napa visit was the incredible Napa Valley Wine Train.
All You Need to Know About The Wine Train
The Wine Train is a three-hour 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. It’s a beautifully scenic ride through the breathtaking Napa Valley wine country. The train itself features vintage Pullman rail cars as well as an open-air car (one of our wine tastings was held on the open-air car!). It was so exciting to experience the train ride, I felt as though I was living in the glory days of train travel!
The Napa Wine Train offers several different experiences, so depending on your preference, time limit, and budget, there are multiple experiences to choose from. Because it was my oh-so-special 40th birthday, I decided to splurge and go all out with the Full Day, Legacy Experience, and I DO NOT REGRET IT!
The Legacy Experience
Here is everything that is included in the Legacy Experience package:
- Full-day 6-hour adventure through Napa Valley including;
- 3 hours on the train through Napa Valley *Our trip departed at 10:15 am
- A welcome glass of sparkling wine
- 4-course wine country-inspired meal
- 1-hour vineyard tasting & photo opportunities at the Napa Valley Sign
- 1 hour each, tour and tasting at Charles Krug and V. Sattui Winery
The Famous Napa Valley Sign
Taking photos at the Napa Valley welcome sign was such a fun bonus and it’s included in the Legacy Experience! It was a great opportunity to meet other folks on the train and we had a blast taking photos!
Overall Experience
I would highly recommend the Napa Valley Wine Train. Every single staff member we interacted with was so pleasant and engaging. The staff somehow knew who was celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or other special occasion and went out of their way to make you feel special without it being juvenile or embarrassing (no staff off-key “Happy Birthday” songs). From the folks on the train to the families working at the wineries, everyone was simply amazing! All of the wine was incredible (stating the obvious here, it is NAPA after all) and I purchased a case of 2020 Gamay Rouge from the V. Sattui Winery. The vineyard offered a deep discount since we were guests of the Wine Train, and they shipped the case back for us to North Carolina at no additional charge!
Final Details
As I mentioned earlier, I selected the Leagacy Experience, and the tickets were $430.00 per person. After taxes and fees, the total cost for 2 tickets was $925.00. I purchased my tickets about 2 months before my departure and I’m glad I did. Seating is limited for the Legacy Experience and seats sell fast! Besides souvenirs and the cheesy “staged” photo we purchased aboard the Wine Train, there were no additional costs. Our meals & wine were all included in the ticket price.
If you’re looking for a classy but fun adventure in the beautiful wine country of Napa Valley, look no further than the Napa Valley Wine Train! Please let me know if you’ve experienced the Wine Train yourself or if you have questions about my experience!
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