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Monday, October 1, 2012

I’M BACK FROM FRANCE!

What a way to kick off October!!!

It’s been almost a week since we returned home from France and to say it was the trip of a lifetime would be a huge understatement.  I am still on a “French” high from the trip.

I left this in Paris:

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And this:

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And came home to this in Kentucky:

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And this:

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But, the painting and the house being a total wreck is another story.


I took over a 1,000 photos between my camera, my I-phone, and my husband’s I-phone.  Yes, that’s right.  I took over a 1,000 pics!!!

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I am in no way an expert on French things but I am a starry-eyed American Francophile who has re-fallen (is this a word?) in love with France all over again.


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I had certain expectations of France. This trip did not disappoint. My bubble was not burst.  Indeed, my bubble has only gotten bigger.  In summary, the French are very classy and nice, the history and architecture are fascinating, and the food, well, the food is incredible.  Their attention to detail in everything is unsurpassed.  Their appreciation and enjoyment of life’s simple things is admirable.  


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What a view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe!


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An extraordinary highlight of the trip was our excursion to Normandy where we met up with Cat and her husband, Alain.  It was quite a treat to say the least.  I met Cat through blogging and you must give her a visit over at Sunday Brocantes.  She has the most incredible vintage French items in her Sunday Brocantes Etsy shop and she weaves charming stories of her life in France on her blog.  


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I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to actually meet her in person.  She is every bit as sweet and charming as I thought she would be.  She even had a lovely gift for me—a wonderful French scented candle from Secrets D’Apothicaire.  Thanks again, Cat!


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Tim and I took the train to Normandy on Sunday and spent the day touring Trouville, Deauville, and picturesque Honfleur that she mentions so much on her blog.  These are the quintessential seaside towns of France.  Tim and I had a wonderful time with Alain and Cat and we definitely want to go to Normandy again.


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Here are a couple sneak peek shots of what’s to come on LBE:

Treasures I found in Paris:

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Progress on the house:

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I can’t wait to share lots of stories and pics of my Paris adventure with you!  Also, stay tuned for my on-going house painting saga.  I’ll be needing some of your opinions. 

À bientôt!
Kim

Joining these great weekly parties:

Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Newbie Party and Newbie Graduates Party at Debbiedoo's Blogging and Blabbing
French Obsession Party at Le Chateau Des Fleurs

18 comments:

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Welcome back, Kim! I'm sure you had the trip of a lifetime; and you are more inspired than ever! I can't wait to see all of the great things you brought back!

Olive said...

Welcome Home Kim. I know you had such fun. So glad you took so many images to share. xo, olive

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Sounds like a blast. Welcome back. Can't wait to see more pics. Love the ones you shared here.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Welcome back, Kim!

Your pics already have me intrigued and I cannot WAIT for more!

You and your husband are adorable, and they painting is going to be awesome.

1000 pics? You get the award, lady!
Whoo hoo!!!!!

Hugs.

La Brocanteuse said...

Your excitement about France is contagious! And so it should be.welcome home and looking foward to hear more about your trip.
Painting looks good! - love from Afrique du Sud
Colette x

Debbiedoos said...

Oh how I love your photos. I would love to go to France. Your pictures are fabulous!!! Thanks for sharing.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Great pictures, Kim! It sounds like you had a fantastic time! Hope to hear more about it.

Rooms by Ann said...

Welcome back Kim. I can't wait to see more, I so want to go back to Paris.

A room with a view said...

Looks like you had an amazing trip and perfect timing with all the painting scheduled. It's been 4 years since I visited Paris and did not see enough - so much in and around the city to stimulate all the senses. Look forward to hearing all about your time there.

chateau chic said...

It was so fun to see you pictured on Cat's blog last week. I thought, "I know her." Sounds like you had a fabulous memorable time in france! Looking forward to seeing more pictures.
Mary Alice

Maria Elena said...

Welcome back, Kim! I know you guys had an excellent trip! I haven't been to Paris since 1985, so I am sure it has changed a lot but I know the wonderful people and the charm of one of the most beautiful places in the world, will never change. Can't wait to see the rest of your pictures!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Kim....Welcome Back!!!....Your pictures are amazing...i cannot imagine sitting out on that balcony enjoying the atmosphere and view of the city....and you looked so happy that you finally got to meet Cat...what a great resource of information for you too....I have never been there...on my bucket list....Chanel scarf?...gorgeous.. and that gorgeous wooden box...I am sure that we will see where you are placing that treasure...I am sure you were smiling from ear to ear every moment you were in France...It is no wonder the French are happy people...how can you not be in that beautiful country!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Welcome back, Kim! It looks like you had a wonderful time! Paris is a beautiful city, isn't it? And yes...the food...yum! Can't wait to see more!...hugs...Debbie

Cat @ Sunday Brocantes, France said...

I am still in awe of all you did while you were here! What a perfect trip you had!

The box is gorgeous--I want to see more pictures of it!

And all of the other 1000 pictures too! Start planning your next visit!

: ) xx, Cat

Unknown said...

You are so lucky! Featuring you on my blog. XO

Unknown said...

It seems that you have spent a good time in France! That's good that you went out of Paris. For the first time, this summer, we made a home swap with a family from Miami, Fl... They spent 10 days in the heart of Paris and they already emailed me to swap again soon ;)
I can't wait to see your pictures ;)

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

I loved this post! I too adore France and wish i could live there with a ton of money of course. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Please do come back and share more of your 1000 pics! http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

minnie swanborough said...


Hello Kim
I found your photo on Facebook, and thought I would peek at your blog...it's full of gorgeous French " stuff" ,and I love " the french stuff".
Hubby and I were supposed to be in France six weeks ago, but he fell seriously ill with his heart, and we had to cancel 4 days before we went. He was so upset.But we are so thankful this didn't happen on holiday, which it would have.
So we both looked at your lovely blog and photos ( by the way I would have taken a 1,000 pics as well !!), and hope we can get out there next year.
We are only in England so it's not a great voyage for us, but we are both hoping for better health very soon, so he can drive to France.
Vive Le France.
All the best from England
Minnie and Will

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