BG leaves for college in 2 weeks. We both have mixed emotions. She found her roommate on FB. So far, they’re off to a good start. I’ve decided to pay her tuition in one lump sum. The thought of a new monthly bill makes my stomach turn. Once I pay her tuition and extracurricular expenses, she’s responsible for managing her own money and expenses for the rest of the year. I’m on Day 16, Level 2, of The 30 Day Shred. It’…  Read More →

My only child is now 18 and she will be heading off to college in a few weeks. I thought this would be a sad time for me – you know with the empty nest syndrome and all – but I’m actually excited.  Very excited.  Shoot, probably too excited! LOL  For the first time in my adult life, I feel that it’s ok to focus on ME.  Although I will be a mom for as long as I live, I have birthed and raised another person to be an... 

If you missed it, here’s a summary of our Paris vacation .  The summary outlines the transition of my dream vacation from a simple idea to planning and living a dream come true.  Now here is the damage and after effects. LOL When I booked our trip , I shared that I paid approximately $4,550, which included the following: Round trip airfare x 2 Round trip transportation from/to airport x 2 4 star hotel in Paris for 7 nights Bus tour,... 

I enjoyed Paris so much, I already know I’m going back…hopefully sooner rather than later.  Their culture fascinates me and there’s much to see and do! The next time I’m in Paris, I plan to: Stay in the Latin Quarter Go clubbing on Ave des Champs-Élysées See the show Moulin Rouge Visit Château de Versailles See a fashion show Spend an entire day exploring small …  Read More →

While traveling in Europe, I made a mental note of banks that I recognized.  Between Paris and London, I only saw HSBC, ING, and American Express.  I’m not really surprised because they seem to have the world on lock.  But here are a few banks that I didn’t recognize. I know Barclays is a global financial firm, but …  Read More →

October 2007 was the first time I mentioned my desire to vacation in Europe . January 2008 was the first time I specifically mentioned Paris, France and it became one of my goals in writing. It didn’t happen in 2008 for various reasons.  In hindsight, this was a good thing.  But it made the goal list again in January 2009 and I continued to save until the timing was right. July 2009 was the first time I mentioned the trip would be BabyGirl’s... 

View of Paris from the top of the Notre Dame Cathedral Today is our last day in Paris and I’m sad. I mean, really sad.  For the past week, I feel like I’ve been living a fantasy.  The sites, the food, the culture…wow! And my daughter celebrated her 18th birthday in Paris, France! *faint* This vacation has been absolutely amazing! Shortly, we will have french beignets, probably stroll the nearby residential neighborhood, and... 

Note to self – never ever allow your teenager to choose the planned activities while on vacation!  Good lawd, BG had me running all around the city!  Had I been wearing my Polar, I’m sure I burned over 5,000 calories. LOL We began our day strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries.  The gardens and parks in Paris are simply lovely!  After checking out the beautiful sculptures and grabbing an ice cream cone from the nearby carnival,... 

This is truly my dream vacation.  We’re doing and seeing things that we’ve only imagined. The days are really long – sun rises around 5:30-6 am and it doesn’t set until 10pm.  But most business hours are very short – 10am to 7pm. Boo! BabyGirl said “people are actually normal here, they just speak a different language.” LOL  For some reason, she expected French people to be strange and mean.  Our... 

Ma journée en images: Copyright  Read More →

First of all, let me just say one thing: I LOVE THIS PLACE Everyone I’ve encountered (so far) has been extremely nice. Who said the French don’t like Americans? Everyone speaks English, and if you ask nicely, they are happy to help. I see lots of brown people. Love it! Excluding the language barrier, Paris feels and looks just like NYC. Big city, huge melting pot, busting at the seems with people and cars, plenty of places to shop... 

Today, you will become of age in France.  Of all places, the beautiful Paris.  We will celebrate this milestone birthday with lunch at the Eiffel Tower, leisure strolls through quaint neighborhoods and shops, and whatever else your little heart desires.  I hope you enjoy this day and remember it for the rest of your life. And by the way…although you’re an adult now, you will ALWAYS be my baby. Mommy loves you! Copyright  Read More →

This trip has been in the making for over 2 years and it’s finally coming to fruition. I am so excited! We’re looking forward to THIS the most: Bon Jour! Copyright  Read More →

Hair – Soft Your Mother – Special Your Father – Deadbeat Fav Food – Soul Dream Last Night – None Fav Drink – Water What room are you in? – Bedroom Hobby – Exercise Fear – Mice Where were you last night? – Home Something that you aren’t – Quitter Muffins – Blueberry Wish List Item – Diamonds Where you grew up – Jerzee What you are wearing – PJs Your Pet – Fluffy Friends – Supportive Something you’re not... 

“Losing weight is 80% mental and 20% physical. Most people spend a great deal of time debating which diet is best and arguing the merits that distinguish one plan from another. Not enough time, however, is spent training the brain to take on one of life’s toughest journeys.” Dr. Ian Smith Copyright  Read More →