Travels, Paris, Love, Champaign, Bistros, Bohemians

Me and my babe flew to Paris on Valentine's Day 2014, and we stayed in a beautiful studio at Canal Saint-Martin district filled with cute coffeeshops, boutiques and bistros. Found the place through Airbnb-service, and I think I will use Airbnb from now on, when ever it is possible! 

Photo by www.terryvickphotography.com

Our first night we ended up wandering in the area, and just to try our luck, we tried to get a table from Le Verre Volé. No chance. Another recommended place, Philou, was also super packed. So a quick bagel and glass of wine at the corner bistro later, we found ourselves in a taxi on our way to the heart of city. Our driver pointed out all sorts of major attractions, and I was just a big happy smileyface. Terry wanted to take pictures of Eiffel Tower, so we were dropped off there. We walked around the area, had dessert and wine, and then to "our Paris home" to get some sleep.

Saturday started with a Cafe au lait & grocery shopping at our neighborhood, then Terry taking pictures by the Louvre, then some tourist bus riding to get the overall picture of the city. We had quick lunch in a cute bar and then a quick pitstop to Belleville, where we tried to find some 2nd hand shopping. After that I wanted to see Pompidou center and get all artsy. Then wine pitstop, hotel Belleville and around Notre Dame... Goodness! Next it was Ponte de something with more pictures and Champs Elysee. Then we were both done for the day. What a busy day in Paris!

Photo by www.terryvickphotography.com

Sunday we chilled and wandered to Le Petit Marche des Enfants Rouges. On the way we were pulled into a local OneStepGallery, and met awesome people there! After tasty lunch at the market we did another second hand shopping tour, at Free'P'Star boutiques. Those boutiques are teeny tiny, but have some pretty cool stuff: leather bags for 10-20 euros etc.

After lunch and shopping we conquered Montmartre, which was so pretty. Standing outside Sacre Coeur and admiring the views, I felt so lucky. I L-O-V-E travels!!

After seeing the famous Moulin Rouge we had dinner at un Zèbre à Montmartre, and it was plain, tasty, easy, simple, good bistro food. I had fish, Terry had duck. We shared an entrée and dessert and a bottle of wine - total came to around 60 euros. Not bad. We also met the cutest couple, a scottish man and parisienne lady in their 70's, who had met on a cruise to Brazil. I was moved and touched by their lovestory <3

Monday was time to go home. We had time to have tasty breakfast at Holybelly, and their pancakes are soooo goood. Next time for brunch: try pairing pancakes with chopped almonds, pomme grenades and caramel sauce... mmmmmmhhhh!! Goood.

Paris, I love you, had such wonderful time.
Au revoir, see you next time!
- Laura

Kotikonsteja kipeän kurkun lievittämiseen / amazing hot toti recipe

This weekend I took my boyfriend skiing for the first time ever! I think last time for me must have been 20 years ago. We rented gear from Paloheinä,  and woosch wooscchh, we were on tracks. I hated it for the first 30 minutes, but after we got to totally deserted fields and it was nice amd quiey, I found the joy again.

Today my gluteus maximus are hurting and throat is little sore, and I am coughing. I am not very active, so my body must be shocked from all the exercise... I found a great relief from hot toti! Here is my amazing recipe

- hot water
- cane sugar
- lemon juice
- fresh ginger
- honey
- green tea
- limoncello

Make green tea, season to taste with honey and cane sugar. Add slices of fresh ginger, to own liking. Season with fresh lemon juice. Add limoncello liquor and enjoy!!