Even Small Changes Can Improve Your Life

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?

Flavors of Disney World

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Bonjour! I recently returned from a trip to the happiest place on Earth…Disney World! You may wonder why I seem to make Disney an annual trip. Well, I like Disney for many reasons…including that it is quite a nostalgic place for me. I worked at Disney World over 10 years ago, in the Magic Kingdom, and it was at Disney where I met my husband. Sappy, I know.

Having traveled to Disney nearly every year since I worked there, I can honestly say that Disney World food is not high on my list, especially when this Bistro Chic girl lives near many, many fantastic Chicagoland restaurants. However on this trip, I was able to sample the culinary delights of Disney’s event/catering for a meeting I was attending. Not only was the food superb but the delivery of the food and drinks was exceptional….ie. a dreamy French macaron carefully embedded in a dainty teacup of green tea rice pudding. Oui Oui, Disney!

And, for the first time, I was fortunate enough to eat at the California Grill in the Contemporary, which delivered awesome views and amazing food, a la a cheese plate that was definitely worth a photo and writing home about.

Although most Disney cuisine is still less than stellar, compared to Chicago restaurants, it is still possible to find a few hidden and tasty gems in the World.

And on my next trip, I plan to find a few more :-)

Ciao!

French Connection in Chicago

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 :-)

 

A Very Nespresso Birthday

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 :-)

Le Chocolat

Although the Lenten season may be over, it’s never too late to watch the movie Chocolat. The movie is set in a small fictional and very Catholic town in France during Lent in what appears to be the late 1950′s. Staying true to its title, the movie centers around chocolate, its mysterious and magical qualities, and the amazing self-discipline it takes to not be captivated by the dark treat. During the movie, the leading female owns the new and forbidden chocolate shop that is as decadent in imagery as it is scent. Not only does the shop owner make all her own chocolate (an ancient Mayan recipe) but she spins a Mayan wheel that is said to stop on the image that reveals her customers’ favorite kind of chocolate.

I mention this movie and the synopsis now because two weeks ago I had the pleasure of eating at a little chocolate shop – Le Chocolat –  in Naperville, IL. Le Chocolat shared many elements from the chocolate shop in the movie. Aside from the name, the quaint shop also has a huge variety of homemade chocolates, an old fashioned counter with hightop chairs, and it even has an “ancient Mayan wheel”, which sadly is just for decoration.

When I walked into the little shop, I knew instantly that I wanted to buy something…eat something…anything, everything…because it all looked and smelled wonderful. Although I did not have the opportunity to spin the wheel, it didn’t matter – I already knew my favorite – hot chocolate and mini cupcakes! The cupcakes were delicious and the hot chocolate (triple chocolate to be exact) was some of the best, if not THE best, hot chocolate I’ve ever had in the US (Barcelona, you are still #1!).

Despite having consumed nearly 1,000 calories (I’m being somewhat dramatic) and being full to the brim with chocolate, I could not leave the shop without buying something to take home. I settled on white chocolate covered lemon shortbread balls with blueberries inside. Now if that doesn’t sound heavenly (and slightly Willy Wonka-esque), I don’t know what does.

Chocolate lemon balls in hand, I left Le Chocolat in slight sugar shock, but happy as can be. Although I intended to wait until I regained my appetite to try my new purchase, something compelled me to try them. Maybe it was because they were so pretty, or maybe it was sheer curiosity (lemon and chocolate?), or maybe because, no matter how full I am, there’s always room for Le Chocolat.