Monday, November 30, 2020

The Top 10 Instagram Worthy Spots in Paris

Paris is the ultimate blogging and Instagram destination for anybody who appreciates beautiful scenery and amazing history! Plus let's not forget the fashion. I have put together this guide based on my time in Paris to help you get those amazing shots that will seriously improve your insta-game whether you are just traveling for fun or you want to post your adventures on your blog! 

1. The Louvre

 The Pyramid is an obvious choice for a great photo spot, but don’t forget the gorgeous  building itself. The Louvre may not be recognizable to all in this shot, but the amazing architecture still gave me a dreamy backdrop. You may want to stroll over and snap a few around the landscaping of The Carrousel Garden and The Tuileries too. 



Best time of day for photos:  The Louvre Pyramid with its lights is a bit more spectacular at dawn or dusk. It’s true, the Pyramid and the whole place is gorgeous any time of day, but early in the morning and after sunset, there will be fewer tourists to contend with. Also try a Tuesday since museums in Paris are closed. 


2. Palais Royal

How often can you say architecture inspired your look? The Palais Royal will give you so many options for poses and angles. Plus the resulting photos will pretty much all look like magazine covers.  

 

Best time of day for photos… going to have to go with as early as possible again. 




3. Eiffel Tower

This pink dress and the Eiffel Tower had me feeling like I was in a dream. What can you say about one of the most Insta-worthy places on Earth? Every angle and perspective is going to give you an opportunity for a great photo. Try shooting from Rue de l’Université for a great view. 

 

Best time of day. Seriouly any. But experimenting with different times of day and different types of weather/light is worthwhile if you have the time and opportunity. 



4. Place du Trocadero

 

Place du Trocadero gave me an amazing vantage point to get the Eiffel Tower over my shoulder. I could have taken in this view all day. The Trocadero is an area of Paris across the Siene from the Eiffel Tower. It’s about a 5 minute walk that is well worth it. Head to the stairs. 

 

That last hour before sunset or dawn will provide some great light. If you have the camera skills, try a few just after sunset as well. 

 



6. Hotel Plaza Athenee

 

My inner Audrey came out to play at the Hotel Plaza Athenee. The Eiffel Tower in the distance paired with a gorgeous balcony overlooking the fashionable Avenue Montaigne will have you living all the Devil Wears Prada dreams. You don’t have to be staying at this 5-star beauty to get a great shot. The outside is stunning enough to provide great photo ops. But the inside… the staircase, the breakfast room, the courtyard. There are almost no words to describe them. They are all breathtaking and will provide never-ending elegant backdrops. There are some suites with Eiffel Tower views that are unrivaled. 

 

Any time of day, but the light in the early morning and just before dusk is beautiful. Also, if you happen to get to stay in the winter there will be ice skating in the courtyard and lights twinkling if you get out there just before the sun goes down. 



7. Arc de Triomphe

No Paris photo tour is complete without a stop at the spectacular Arc de Triomphe. This massive structure is of course most identifiable from a bit of a distance as shown here, but I would recommend getting closer for some more creative shots as well. 

 

Any time of day, but you’ll have fewer people milling around at sunrise. 



8. Musee D'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay in the center of Paris on the banks of the Siene is the home of one tres Instagrammable clock. Go directly to the fifth floor to take a look at Paris through the clock. When you’re done gazing, it’s another fantastic spot to stop and pose. 

 

 

Early again! And head straight for the clock! 




9. Sacre Couer 

The view of Paris from the steps is breathtaking. There are so many picturesque views at Sacre Coeur, you’re going to want to try them all. From down by the carousel, to the top of the bascilica, I was literally surrounded by photo ops. Don’t forget your trick shot of the “sinking” house. 

 

Early, early, early. Or late… the lights of Paris just before dusk are gorgeous.  



 This most popular of all of the avenues in Paris is one with so many possibilities. If you can’t beat the heavy traffic, try to feature it in your background as part of the scene. Everywhere you look is another opportunity. 

 

You can try to shoot early, but the lights just before the sun goes down can be beautiful too.  


Where is your favorite spot in Paris to get amazing pictures? Have you visited any of these places? Tell me in the comments below!  

Saturday, November 28, 2020

Girls Weeknd Guide: My 22nd Birthday In Las Vegas

 I'm feelin 22! And this year for my birthday I decided to celebrate in Las Vegas where the party goes on all weekend long! Check out the link to this video of my stay at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas to see some of the highlights. 

I have written up some of my favorite spots from the weekend for you guys as a guide to the best places to celebrate in Las Vegas! Some of these places are great for a girls weekend or just a relaxing getaway too! Let me know if you have been to any of these places in the comments! I also included my styles for each day and night to give you some packing inspo for your next trip. Basically the only style tip you need to remember for Vegas is: Sequins are always in! 




Day 1: on my first day in town I arrived in the afternoon and checking into my hotel the Paris Las Vegas. I love this hotel because I enjoy all things french of course but also for the location! It was the perfect home base for my birthday weekend and has a great spot right on the strip. The hotel is super fun to stay at and honestly I could spend an entire weekend just exploring the property! To start with there is the Eiffel tower attraction complete with a delicious french restaurant on the third floor just like the real Eiffel tower in France! You  also can't miss the "Village Shops" a row of eateries and souvenir stores set on a very authentic recreation of a Parisian boulevard complete with cobblestone streets! My favorite place to grab a midday snack here is the Crepe store where you can order authentic French breakfast crepes made to order or some delicious sweet dessert crepes. After checking in, I headed over to the Fashion Show Mall where I did some birthday shopping and got a free gift box full of coupons and birthday goodies like a confetti shooter and colorful candles! I would definitely recommend stopping by because the fashion show mall is worth seeing while you are in town and the birthday box is a fun bonus if you are spending your special day in Vegas! 
Afterwards I headed off the strip for dinner to my favorite restaurant in Las Vegas called the... located in the Gold Coast Casino. This place serves the best prime rib and for my birthday they even gave me a special chocolate espresso cake for dessert which was to die for! If you love classic American cuisine this is the place you have to visit! 
Finally I finished my night with a drink on the strip from Gustav's bar back at the Paris enjoying the lights and amazing views of the city. 

My looks for Day 1
This was my casual outfit for shopping at the mall. I love this silver sequin skirt for a fun statement piece! 

Day 2: For my second day in town I did some more exploring of the Paris hotel and found this fun insta wall in the lobby for taking pictures! Then I headed over to the casino floor for a craps lesson. Here is a Vegas tip for you if you're over 21, if you go down to the casino floor early in the morning between 9-10am they sometimes offer free table lessons which can be a fun way to learn about the different types of games played in the casinos! After a relaxing morning I headed out to high tea at the Waldorf Astoria across the street from the Paris. This high tea comes with some stunning views as well because it is located at the top of the WA in the skybar lounge. This was a super fun birthday activity and a great excuse to get dressed up too! I loved the fancy tea cakes and they even brought me a glass of champagne for my birthday! 

After tea I walked back through the Crystal Shops to the Bellagio hotel. The Bellagio is a beautiful hotel with tons of amazing spots to explore but my favorite area is their botanical garden. Each season they change out the design and have a new theme for guests to enjoy. They build elaborate flower displays and sometimes they even move! It is something you can only find in Vegas and definitely worth visiting! This year's theme was Autumn Woods and they had the most beautiful little fairy house displays! 
 
Finally for my birthday dinner I headed over to Giada at the Cromwell. I was so excited to try this Italian restaurant by celebrity Chef Giada, and the food did not disappoint! Although the best part was the amazing views of the strip from the restaurant windows. You can even see the Bellagio's famous water fountain show from some tables!
I finished off my night at the Cosmopolitan hotel's Chandelier bar where I ordered an amazing Peach martini that honestly tasted like Peach ring candy! It was such a fun birthday experience and I loved the sparkly chandelier backdrop! 
My Day 2 Looks
I loved this gold sequin dress for my birthday look! It is a tea length dress which was perfect for my afternoon tea in the sky! I did my make up extra sparkly too for Vegas style and finished off using this golden Shiseido lipgloss which went perfectly with my outfit! 
  

  

Day 3: For my final day in Vegas I headed over to the Premium Outlets in the north end of the city. You know I can't pass up a good shopping opportunity and these outlets have some of the best name brands  and amazing prices! Some of my favorite stores where you can find some steals are Armani, Jimmy Choo, Saks Off Fifth and much more! I would recommend making this stop on your last day in town since it is a little out of the way but it is definitely worth it! 

My shopping day look
I loved wearing this sparkly purple Shiseido lipgloss to match my sweater and finishd off with a touch of sparkle wearing this tassle necklace from Kollectin.   

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Amazon Hosts A Virtual Skin Wellness Summit + Other Beauty News Updates


 This summer is all about the beauty industry as brands have found innovative ways to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Now more than ever products that promote at home self care and DIY beauty routines are in high demand. This weekend Amazon hosted their first ever virtual skin wellness summit featuring Zuri Hall and Catt Sadler as hosts. 

https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=19282306011

Other beauty brands and influencers have been producing some amazing virtual events for the makeup and skincare community throughout the summer. Shiseido has just announced their brand new brand ambassador Hunter Schafer. The Hollywood star is the perfect pick for Shiseido. Get her take on the new collab below 

“When I look at SHISEIDO, I see a level of artistic energy that is really unique. As someone who likes to be artistic with makeup, that was something that instantly attracted me to the brand. SHISEIDO is about more than trying to look pretty or appeal to a specific standard of beauty. SHISEIDO is parallel to art.” – Hunter Schafer

While normally in person beauty events would dominate the summer this year things are a little different and brands are finding new ways to connect with their audience online. Schafer is helping to connect her Gen Z fans who are digital natives, to the brand and has already shared some of her favorite products with us! I can't wait to see more from this partnership! 



Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Jason Aldean Will Give A Virtual Appearance On Late Night With Seth Meyers




 
Multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean takes his genre-blending sound to Late Night with Seth Meyers tonight (7/28 at 11:35P CT on NBC) with a virtual performance from his home outside of Nashville, TN of his Top 15 and climbing single "Got What I Got." The R&B infused track from his sixth consecutive No. One selling album 9 (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records) shows how a "power ballad meets clever fusion" (Dallas Observer) with "soft and upbeat production" (Billboard). "Got What I Got” has quickly resonate with fans, already boasting over 92 million streams and is available at all digital retailers here.

After almost 15 years at the top of his format, three-time ACM “Entertainer of the Year” Jason Aldean has seen trends come and go. He’s helped bring a few out of the shadows, like a Country-music Columbus making the mainstream’s first contact with hard rock (“Hicktown”), hip-hop (“Dirt Road Anthem”) and R&B (“Burnin’ It Down”). But after all that time, he continues to hold his ground making modern albums with an old-school soul—most recently with his ninth studio album, 9, which debuted at the top spot on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Notably, all seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified PLATINUM or Multi-PLATINUM by the RIAA, while bolstering 15 billion streams and more than 18 million albums sold as well as 23 radio chart-toppers. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com.
 

Sunday, July 19, 2020

CdM At Home: My Southern Glam Apartment Tour



I am so excited to share my new apartment tour with you guys! I decided to give my home decor an update since I was moving to VA and am totally embracing the southern theme in my new city!

Check out the video above to see how I updated my look using the same core pieces. You'll notice a lot of the same items from my last apartment but I also used some antiques and statement pieces to pull my look together. I especially love my new comforter from Wayfair.com for my bedroom.
I decided to change up my bedroom from a French bohemian style to a more southern glam theme and incorporated some more colors this time so I love the bright colors in the new comforter that really tie the room together.

During this crazy time where we are all staying at home I was inspired to update my home to reflect a space I wanted to spend time in. I decided to add a reading nook and I am actually in love with the space now that it is set up. I couldn't have done it without the help from DK travel who provided me these beautiful books to display. If you love this idea check out my tips below for creating a home library!
I decided to use my favorite books to display facing outward and then fill in the empty spaces with some of my other books. To make it visually interesting I stacked books underneath them as well.
I love using these travel books because they are beautiful to display and full of fun inspiration to read when I am looking to take a break from everyday life.
When lining up the other books I tried to put the same sized books next to eachother so it would look cohesive and the shelves were full.
I added in a few vases and decorative pieces as well to tie everything together. I love just taking a few minutes to sit in this space and read or just sip my tea in the morning. And the best part is you can make your library fit in whatever space you have whether you want it to be large or small!

I hope these tips were helpful! Thank you so much for reading and let me know if there are any additional pieces you want linked from this video!




Saturday, March 21, 2020

CerisesduMatin Corona Virus Update: Quarantine Self Care Survival Guide


This week has been a very difficult time for all of us with uncertainty for entrepreneurs and workers across all industries. I have seen tons of blog posts about how to fill our time during this mandatory stay at home period so I thought I would share some self care tips for you all today instead! Because managing our anxiety during this time is so important as well as keeping busy so instead of overloading you with more project ideas I've included some of my favorite products for chilling, relaxing, and taking a moment to do that self care we never have time for!

1. Watchworthy App

I love this app because it crates personalized recommendations for shows and movies to binge on. You can swipe left or right on shows you like and don't like. It's just like tinder and let's be honest we could all use a distraction from dating apps right now. It takes so much pressure off of picking the perfect TV option and makes binging on TV a super easy and stress free process! Check it out here Watchworthy.app


2. SHRD Protein Cream: Gold Deluxe


Celebs love the SHRD products! 

The ultimate indulgence this protein cream from Taiwanese haircare brand SHRD is the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself. The cream is 
a luxurious new leave-in treatment that combines gold leaf and deep-sea water sourced off the Eastern waters of Taiwan to provide essential nutrients to the hair and scalp. The SHRD brand are the experts in Taiwanese beauty and have just launched this exciting product in the US so don't hesitate to try it! You can order and find out more here https://shrd.us/

3. Completely Bare at home Wax Strips
These are a life saver in times like these. I know I am used to heading into the salon to get my eyebrows waxed regularly and would not want to show up to my virtual web hang outs and work meetings with crazy eyebrows! I am loving my Completely bare at home wax strips that are easy to use and give salon quality treatment! Don't forget to also apply the after care cream to avoid redness and remove all wax from your skin! https://completelybare.com/

4. Boscia Face Mask and lip surface repair


The Boscia mermaid cryogenic facemask is one of my personal favorites for making my skin look and feel brand new. You can check out all their face mask options for different skin types and skin goals on their website here https://www.boscia.com/shop/category.php?category=new

5. Watch Powerful U’s Award-Winning Documentary titled Perception: Seeing Is Not Believing.


This is a great time to practice self care for our body as well as our mind! There are some great documentaries and books that we can be reading to contribute to self improvement. I know for me I love feeling productive so reading or watching a documentary can be a great way to get your brain working! The award winning filmmaker James Purpura has just released a great documentary called Perception: Seeing is Not Believing. The film explores ways we can take control of our life and gain confidence. You can check out more on his Powerful U platforms! This film is FREE to watch all month long too!

Wishing you guys a good and healthy self quarantine period! One of my favorite ideas for staying connected during this time of social distancing is a virtual happy hour with friends so go ahead and throw on that face and hair mask and break out the wine! Let me know what some of your favorite self care routines are that are keeping you sane right now! 

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Festival Update: Stagecoach Postponed to October!



In the recent weeks many events have been postponed as new guidelines are issued and we start to cope with this evolving COVID19 situation. Stagecoach country music festival just announced that they will be postponing the Indio festival until October 23-25 2020.

I am so glad the festival is still going on and that all of the guests, staff, and artists will be able to perform safely in October so until then let's keep the party going in our homes! One of my favorite places to keep up with new country music releases is Spotify! Check out the Bootrax playlist by Boots on Stage it is one of my favorite tracks to throw on and is updated every month with the latest music! Listen at the link below! 



Saturday, January 11, 2020

Everything You Need to Know About NYE in Venice!



Venice is a crowd favorite for NYE fireworks in Europe and the show is definitely something to see. But it will take some planning if you're thinking of heading to the famous floating city for New Years. I spent NYE in Venice this year and after getting a great view of the fireworks and experiencing some amazing sights in the city I have put together my comprehensive guide for 3 days in Venice during NYE! I found some great information about attractions and top sightseeing spots in my DK travel guide "Top Ten European Cities".  I would definitely recommend this small and easy book for anyone planning to see multiple cities in Europe on the same trip! It makes information so easy to find in a pinch! 

Day 1
On my first day in the city I flew in and took an airport shuttle to the island. I then had to take a water taxi to my hotel near Basilica Saint Marco. The water taxi can definitely be expensive but it also doubles as a fun tour of the city! I arrived on the 30th the day before the fireworks. I checked into my hotel and then headed out to find some lunch because I love Italian food! I found pizza, pasta, and cannolies at a great restaurant right outside my hotel. Then I headed out to explore the city a bit. I walked down to St. Mark's square where the palace des Dosges and the basilica are located. I decided to visit the palace since the church was already closed in the evening. The palace stays open until 7pm and offers self guided tours where you can see the different room where the Venetian government operated. 

Day 2
On my second day I decided to get up early and take a water bus to the famous isalnd of Murano, where the glass museum is located. The waterbus is much cheaper than the taxi boats but it takes about an hour to get all the way to Murano. I spent a few hours on the small island and went to the glass museum which was open on NYE until 5pm! The palace and Basilica were also open on the 31st. The glass museum was definitely worth the trip and has amazing historical works of art made from glass dating back centuries. It also shows the process used to make Venetian glass which was super interesting to see! 
After returning to town I grabbed lunch at another amazing restaurant and then headed back to my hotel to get ready for dinner and the fireworks show. The fireworks don't start until 11:30pm but people usually start lining up around 10:30 or so. In Italy NYE is celebrated with a big feast and many restaurants will offer a special pre set menu with an array of gourmet options. However the price can range from 80-250 euros a plate and if you're planning on a big dinner you should definitely book in advance. If you're doing a more last minute trip like I was don't worry though! There are still many restaurants that have regular seating and plenty of space on NYE. I ended up at a cute little bistro situated right on the canal and ate a delicious plate of cheese raviolis while looking out at the water. I would recommend starting dinner around 7pm so that you have plenty of time to eat before making your way over to the square for fireworks. After dinner I wandered around and looked in a few boutiques for a bit before heading to the square. There was still plenty of space when I arrived. Venice gets pretty cold at night in January so depending on how good of a spot you want you may have to be prepared with warm clothes to stand outside for an hour before the fireworks actually start. 

Day 3
On my last full day in the city I decided to see the Basilica and checked out the major shopping streets in the city to do my souvenir shopping. Most of the major attractions are closed on New Years Day but the Basilica is still open. I even tried "Pasta to Go" and wandered along the canals eating my freshly made spaghetti from a carton. The trip was definitely a success and I found the city to be cery walkable which I enjoyed. Thanks for reading! 
Felice Anno Nuovo! 


Friday, January 3, 2020

Paris Travel Blog: Feminist Style in France



This Christmas I spent a week in Paris. The french capital city and the European capital of fashion, was full of unrest as French citizens have been organizing a massive strike throughout the month of December and at 30 days and counting this is the longest and most widespread strike in the history of France.
The beautiful boulevards were lit with sparkling lights and Christmas decorations adorned cafes and shop windows on the fashionable avenues around the city. I loved wandering through the old city streets and discovering new cafes and boutiques. I also made sure to stop by the many art museums including the Louvre and Musee Rodin. Since there were no metros and few city busses running due to the strike I had to Uber or walk everywhere. As I criss crossed the city going from the fashionable Saint Germain district to the historical Marais and all the way up to the bohemian Montmartre quarter I made sure to check out the styles in store windows as well as street fashions of the famously chic Parisian women. After a week in the city I started to notice a few trends.
One morning I was feeling particularly Parisian, and as I sat in my hotel lobby sipping a cafe au lait and reading my morning paper "Le Parisian" I spotted an article titled "Top words from 2019". The article covered words that represented the major events of the year and one in particular stood out to me "femicide" was listed in the article and defined as a form of gender based violence that has been on the rise around the world. The article stated that the word had been officially added to the French lexicon by the Academie Francaise (the regulating body that is in charge of the French language in France) this year. The article talked about the importance of giving a vocabulary to this discussion so that the problems can be named.
French feminism has always been a unique movement, and American feminists were often thought to be too severe in their attitudes and styles when it comes to the fight for social equality. But in recent years France has had to pass several laws criminalizing street harassment and cat calling because the problem has become so severe. In 2016 Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first female to be named Art Director of the famous and historical French fashion house Dior, made a statement in her runway debut with her "We should all be feminists" t-shirt.
The show coincided with the #metoo movement that swept across Twitter where women from around the world shared their stories of sexual harassment and assault.
The shirt became a cultural icon and was the most instagrammed moment of the show that season. Since then it's been spotted on several celebrities and social media stars in France and around the world and the message is clear. Feminism is not a bad word and it can take many forms.
On December 12th the #jaieteviolee hashtag was trending on Twitter in France where many women lamented the low conviction rate for perpetrators of sexual assault in France.
In Paris as the decade comes to a close the style on the street seemed to reflect this new attitude.The ever trendy young women of France have adopted the 90s grunge trend that has made a revival in the fashion world in recent years. They sport cargo pants or high waisted jeans and boots, and accessorize with heavy metal on belts and jewelry. Their fashion is on trend but even more than that it makes a statement. These women are going into the new decade with their eyes wide open. They know they will need to fight for their place and they are giving a voice to the struggle with their fashion statements.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Ultimate GiftGuide for the Travel Savvy Gal in Your Life!



This year is all about travel for me and I'm making it a mission to visit as many places as possible during my around the world adventure! In honor of all these travels I have decided to create a travel themed gift guide that includes all of my favorite travel products that are essential for a girl on the go!

1. Holland Valley Coffee
https://www.hollandvalleycoffee.com/
Every travel lover knows that between planes, trains, and long drives you're not getting much sleep on travel days no matter how comfortable the seats promise to be! That's why I love Holland Valley coffee because it is 50 percent stronger than other brands and makes waking up early after a long day of traveling that much easier!

2. Boscia Skincare Clear skin Mist
https://www.boscia.com/shop/product_detail.php?products_id=109
This refreshing mist is something I never leave home without because traveling can be really hard on your skin leaving it dry and tired! The clear skin mist is easy to spray on night or day and helps to keep any blemishes from cropping up as well as gives your skin a refreshing glow while you're on the go!

3. Joico Blondelife Shampoo and Conditioner

https://www.joico.com/blonde-life/
The Joico Blonde life haircare set is my favorite travel hair product because it always leaves my hair looking shiny, smooth, and easy to style!

4. Shiseido Under Eye Cream
This Shiseido under eye cream is a travel essential for me. I apply it day and night as part of my skincare routine no matter where I am because it keeps my eyes looking fresh the next morning and throughout the day no matter how little sleep I get! It reduces puffiness, under eye bags, and works to prevent wrinkles as well!

5. Boscia Skincare Konjac cleansing sponge
https://www.boscia.com/shop/product_detail.php?products_id=196&showonlytravelsize=0
This facial cleansing sponge from Boscia is the perfect travel companion to make washing your face easy and fast. It doesn't require any additional soap because the natural cleansing ingredients are already infused in the sponge! Just wet it down, wash, and go!

6. Kollectin Jewelry Statement Pieces

https://www.kollectin.com/
My Kollectin jewelry statement pieces are a travel essential for me because they easily glam up any outfit and give me the option to change up my look without packing too many clothes! Adding a statement necklace or a set of bracelets can change my whole look so no one notices I'm wearing the same thing twice in one week! Of course that leaves more room in my suitcase for shoes which I always tend to overpack on! You can check out my current pieces available in my Kollectin boutique on the app now!

Check out any of these products and trust me your jet setting friends will love you forever after finding one of these items in their stocking this year! Happy Holidays!