March Madness

March 1, 2013 Photo of the day:
"March Madness"

I have a love/hate relationship with the month of March. Although February is brutal (this year seemed particularly so), the continuous blanket of clean white snow covers over some of the gloominess of a lingering winter. I enjoy the hearts and flowers, and celebrating La Chandeleur, Valentine's Day, my "Gotcha Day," and my birthday. We have a long weekend near the end of February, so the month is short and pleasant (like me ;-)

March, on the other hand, is a long, soggy, windy, messy, frankly ugly month in Wisconsin. Yet there is a glimmer of hope, a light at the end of that dark winter tunnel. So let's weigh the pros and cons:

I don't look forward to:
  • salty puddles and soggy lawns
  • wardrobe confusion (scarf & mittens? umbrella? shoes or boots?) 
  • dandelions and allergies
  • weekends spent spring cleaning: the yard, the house, the boat...
  • the malaise that sets in when it seems like spring will never come
And yet, somehow, one glorious afternoon when you least expect it, the wind is no longer biting and you feel that almost forgotten warmth of the sun!

I am really looking forward to:
  • longer days (Daylight's Saving's Time is only a week away)
  • March Madness (Go Marquette!)
  • the first day of Spring (March 20)
  • tree budding and birds singing (the first robin!)
  • crocus and tulips
  • returning to Paris at the end of the month
OK, I've convinced myself ...Welcome March!

I miss my shoes!

February 27, 2013 Photo of the day: "I miss my shoes!"

I am tired of wearing boots everyday.
Don't get me wrong, I really like my boots.
They are comfy and warm, 
and cute with skirts and tights.
They have been part of my uniform for months,
but I really miss my shoes:
Pumps...
Peep toes...
Wedges...
Kitten heels...
Boat shoes...
*SIGH*

Check out these beauties on my

Seriously, snow, please STOP!

Shopping in Paris

February 26, 2013 Photo of the day: "Shopping à Paris"

Thirty days from now, I will be on my way to Paris again! This time, I am taking a group of six 15-18 year old girls. We will be spending four days in Paris before taking the TGV to Avignon to tour Provence and the Côte d'Azur. Our 10-day tour will end in Nice and Monaco. This is a dream come true for my students, and I feel privileged to share the experience with them.  Last night, at our final meeting before the trip, I asked the girls what they would like to do during our first two free days in Paris before we meet the rest of our tour group. I suggested a boat cruise on the Seine, a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, an excursion to Versailles, and various cultural activities that are not included in their structured tour. Yet the overwhelming response was "We want to go shopping!" I'm not surprised! Imagine being a teenaged girl in this mecca of fashion and style. On previous trips, students have purchased prom dresses, outfits to be worn for senior pictures, hand bags, scarves, perfume, etc. The biggest complaint I have heard loud and clear is that there hasn't been enough time to shop. Well, ladies, this time prepare to shop 'til you drop!

Susan Swire Winkler's The Paris Shopping Companion is one of the most popular books in my classroom library. It includes detailed maps, tips, and ideas for shopping that fit anyone's budget. 

What are your favorite neighborhoods in Paris?

Do you prefer the posh Right Bank...

...or the trendy Left Bank?

I am sure that we will stroll along the Champs-Elysées and arcades of the Rue de Rivoli. We always visit the Hausmannian department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. I am ashamed to say that I have never been inside Le Bon Marché, Paris' oldest department store (definitely on my list). The girls might want to "faire la lèche-vitrines" ("lick the windows - window shop) in designer shops in the Faubourg St.-Honoré or the Place Vendôme. We might also visit the Marais or the Galerie Vivienne. If you have favorite neighborhoods or shops in Paris, we would love to hear your suggestions!

Love rocks!

February 25, 2013 Photo of the day:
"I got a rock!"

Remember when Charlie Brown and his friends went trick-or-treating and campared their loot? "I got 5 pieces of candy!" "I got a chocolate bar!" "I got a quarter!"... Charlie: "I got a rock."  Well, I ♥ rocks :)  While I love to travel, I don't collect a lot of trinkets. Photos, travel journals, and charms for my bracelet are perfect reminders of my adventures. I also like natural souvenirs: seashells, pressed flowers, leaves, and rocks. Yes, rocks!  I have collected heart-shaped stones from everywhere from Door County, Wisconsin to Omaha Beach in Normandy. 

Sunday Brunch

February 24, 2013 Photo of the day: 
"Bon appétit!"

Today, we had brunch at my favorite
French restaurant in Milwaukee,


The club house and dining room are beautiful

The view of Lake Michigan is breathtaking

The food is delicious!




Cheers! To a beautiful sunny Sunday!


The bistro is located in Lake Park
designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted 
who also designed New York's Central Park

Milwaukee's North Point Lighthouse

Milwaukee Water Tower

Milwaukee Art Museum