Cassis, France - located on the Mediterranean coast - was our last stop during our side trip to Provence. Cassis is located about 30 minutes Southeast of Marseille, another port village in the South of France. But where Marseille is a large, gritty, commercial port, Cassis remains a small, colorful Continue reading
20 February 2012 
Mardis Gras Around the World
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(photo source) Whether it's colorful beads, King Cake, or overindulgence - there are signs of Mardi Gras everywhere. Although in the US, Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, countries all over the world celebrate this pre-Lenten festival, only by a different name. Other notable Mardi Gras Continue reading
18 August 2011 
Spain and the Second Breakfast
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While in Barcelona a few years back, I remember ordering breakfast from a quaint but bustling cafe on one of the city's main streets. It was full of business professionals and young adults grabbing un cafe and a quick breakfast, which was, amazingly, churros dipped in chocolate. Up to this point, Continue reading
1 August 2011 
12 Ideas for a European Staycation
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(photo source) Have you ever wished you could experience Europe or even a different country, without the excessive expense or time away from work? With one month to go until the unofficial end of summer, why not plan a few European-like experiences right in your own area - a European Staycation Continue reading
14 February 2011 
The Language of Love
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(photo source) Valentine's Day may be coming to a close, but it's never too late to tell the one you love just how much he/she means to you. Here are five very impressive ways to say just that! 5 Ways to Say I Love You French - Je t'aime Spanish - Te amo Italian - Ti amo German - Ich Continue reading
15 November 2010 
Simple Mediterranean Recipes from Cooking Light
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(photo source) From hummus to feta and olives to orzo, Mediterranean food is one of my favorite cuisines to eat. We all know by now that the Mediterranean diet is thought to be one of the healthiest in the world - which is a big reason why I like it. However, Mediterranean food is also extremely Continue reading
11 November 2010 
The Flirtatious Spanish Women
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(photo source) Spain may be known for Gaudi, tapas, and the flamenco, but the once Franco-repressed country now has a new title to boast about. A recent survey by social networking site Badoo found that Spanish women are the most flirtatious in the world. Badoo surveyed 90 million users in 240 Continue reading
23 September 2010 
Is She French? Check Her Nightstand!
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(Photo source) How can you tell the difference between an American woman and a French woman? Aside from the accent, just look on her nightstand. If a woman has more than 3 facial creams in her bathroom or on her nightstand, she may very well be French, or at least be very in touch with her inner Continue reading
2 September 2010 
Getting Cheeky With Europe’s Customary Kiss
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(Photo Source) Last week, an acquaintance from Italy was visiting my office. I have met Gianni through work functions many times over the course of 9 years. Whenever I see him, he greets me in the same manner - Oh Bella, it's been too long - he says in his broken English and then proceeds to give Continue reading
5 August 2010 
The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing…
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(Photo Source) A few years ago when Scott and I were traveling around Europe, we had the extreme delight of spending a week in and around Barcelona, an area known as Catalunya. On our last evening in the city, just before dusk, Scott and I were wandering the streets. We were taking in the last few Continue reading
29 July 2010 
Laver's Law of Fashion
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(Photo source) When Scott and I went to London a few years ago, we were fortunate enough to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum. I remember it was our last day in Europe and we had walked around London all day long wanting to soak in every last bit of history. We happened upon the V&A by Continue reading
14 June 2010 
World Cup for Novices
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(Photo Source) Barely in it’s first week, the World Cup has taken the world by storm. Everywhere I look, it’s World Cup this and World Cup that. While at my local Chicago Starbucks this morning, I even spotted a man wearing a FIFA soccer jersey. That is saying quite a lot coming from a city that Continue reading
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