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5 Days at Royal Ascot

June 18, 2012 by

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This year marks the 301st year of Royal Ascot, the most valuable and popular horse race meeting in Europe. From June 19 to June 23, over 30 races will take place and £4.5 million in prize money will be at stake. If you are not one of the 300,000 visitors expected to attend this year’s big event outside of London, try celebrating at home. Aside from sporting a fancy hat or fascinator, be sure to follow the new Royal Ascot dress code. You can also try a few of the most popular Royal Ascot refreshments … according to Ascot’s website, during the 5 days in 2011, Royal Ascot attendees consumed:

  • 58,727 bottles of Champagne
  • 110,936 glasses of Pimm’s
  • 156,656 draught pints of beer
  • 40,000 strawberry scones
  • 2,000 kilos of fresh lobsters
  • 52,500 local spears of asparagus
  • 3,300 punets of strawberries

For full racing schedules, runners and riders, style guide, and other information, check out the official Royal Ascot website.

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92 Days of Summer

May 24, 2012 by

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A French girl knows how important it is to have something to look forward to – especially in the summer. So, each year as Memorial Day approaches, I buy a calendar and start filling in all of the plans I have for the next 92 days (Memorial Day to Labor Day). And, in true French girl style, my summer calendar is practically full already! And what does this Bistro Chic girl have planned for summer 2012?

Take a look at what I’ll be doing….

Shopping at French Farmer’s Markets for fresh flowers, cheese, and preserves

  1. Listening to James Taylor (yes, that James Taylor!) live at Ravinia
  2. Attending a matinee of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel starring Dame Judi Dench
  3. Strolling around the Harbor and Fell’s Point in Baltimore, MD
  4. Deputing my new chapeau at the horse races
  5. Taking a road trip to Niagra Falls and Cape Code (clambake anyone?)

And those are just a few of the things I have planned.

How will you fill your summer calendar?

Ciao!

 

 

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Even Small Changes Can Improve Your Life

May 17, 2012 by

Like many of us, I have so many things I want to do – travel more, exercise more, eat better, read more….the list goes on and on. However, all of the things we want to do combined with all of the things we need to do can make us so overwhelmed that we become paralyzed and, as a result, fail to accomplish anything.

But who says we have to do everything? What if we just commit ourselves to doing one thing? One thing a month, one thing a week, or one thing a day – something that may make us feel better, look better, even live better.

A few months ago, I would regularly treat myself to Starbucks 4-5 times a week, spending at least $4 on each coffee drink. Not only was I consuming hundreds of empty calories, but I was spending way too much on coffee – and not out of pleasure, but out of mere habit.

After coming to this realization, I made a a conscious decision to limit my Starbucks spending (and rely on my lovely Nespresso!) to once a week. In return, I have been treating myself to beautiful flowers a la Trader Joe’s each week, spending no more than $10 on two bouquets.

Now, instead of consuming empty calories with no added pleasure, my house is full of wonderfully scented roses and brightly colored sunflowers that I enjoy while sipping my morning Nespresso.

What one thing will you change to make your life better?

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French Connection in Chicago

April 23, 2012 by

Not only did I have a very Nespresso birthday, but I also had a very French birthday! And you all know how I adore all things French.

Aside from tasting a very steamy Nespresso latte – which could be considered French, Italian, or European in general, I loved perusing the vintage-looking French-themed plates at Bloomingdale’s…

I also happened upon a quaint shop on State St – POSH – that sells eclectic housewares, including many finds from France, England, and across Europe (see first photo above). I was so overwhelmed by the selections that I couldn’t decide what to buy. I will surely be back and won’t be leaving empty-handed next time!

Window shopping was not my only “French” activity. I also enjoyed strolling along the city streets, taking in the very lovely views of Chicago’s Spring tulips….

…not to mention savoring a delicious French lunch and Mon Ami Gabi…

What a truly amazing birthday weekend! Next stop in the Bistro Chic itinerary…Disney World!

Ciao :-)

 

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A Very Nespresso Birthday

April 19, 2012 by

Last weekend, my husband treated me to an overnight in city for my birthday. After checking into the Hotel Palomar (a fantastic boutique hotel in Chicago), we headed to Bloomingdale’s Home Store to view its Nespresso products.

As I walked through the doors, I was completely surprised and nearly overwhelmed to see that Bloomie’s had a whole area dedicated to Nespresso, complete with a Nespresso Bar. Sidebar – If you are a Nespresso fan (or even an espresso fan) you will understand why I am dedicating a whole post to this subject. If you are not, this post will make no sense to you.

The store – which seems to be operated separately from Bloomingdale’s – is stocked with all of the Nespresso essentials – cups, saucers, espresso holders, chocolate, and oh yes – a wall of capsules! The store sold all of the typical capsule flavors available on the Nespresso website, and a few of the limited editions.

Hmmm, decisions, decisions (yes, that is the back of my head, having a lovely hair day). With soooo many capsule flavors to choose from, it was very hard to decide which flavor I would sample at the fully-stocked Nespresso bar. After making my way to the front of the line (which, not surprisingly, had quite a few Europeans), I captured the barista’s attention. She mentioned a new limited edition flavor – Naora, which has hints of blackcurrant and blueberry. Sold! After savoring the delicious new flavor as a latte, I ended up buying two sleeves of the little black raspberry colored capsules. Oh, and not to mention a very stylish and handy Nespresso capsule holder….

Happy Birthday to Me!

Ciao :-)

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