Paris Flea Market and Jardin du Luxembourg

One of my favorite afternoons in Paris was spent strolling to the Jardin du Luxembourg. On the way, we stumbled upon a fabulous Paris Flea Market in the Saint Germain area. There were so many things I wanted to buy for my (pretend) swank apartment in the 16th Arrondissement--HA! There were beautiful antiques and pieces of art. There was furniture and a large assortment of vintage perfume bottles. It was lovely. This first photo is just me being silly outside the flea market. I mean, come on--when you see an oversized umbrella with lots of unnecessary chiffon adorning it--you must pose for a picture --right?

I was told this flea market is big by Parisian flea market standards. There were a lot of people and dogs there. Lots of cheek kissing and visiting. Everyone seemed to know everyone. This is me at the flea market swooning over all the wares.

After the flea market, we made our way to the Jardin du Luxembourg for some relaxation.

Luxembourg Garden is beautiful and huge. It is located on the Left Bank and it is where many Parisians go to exercise, or to just unwind and enjoy the greenery. There are beautiful grassy knolls, ponds surrounded by chairs for sketching , reading, kissing (so much kissing in Paris), and sleeping, as well as many gorgeous statues. It is like an outdoor gallery. We love it there.

This was a boy and girl who were practicing their juggling. They were quite good and after a while, they attracted quite a crowd.Some of the statues were adorned with modern art. It was part of a show at the Garden. I did not "get" some of the art, but it still looked cool, and I totally pretended like I "got" it.

If you have not been to Jardin du Luxembourg, I highly suggest you visit on your next trip to Paris. It is located on the Left Bank and there is no better place in Paris to relax and people watch.

Have a beautiful day!

(all photos property of ParisJasmal/MonkeyPosh LLC)

Institut de Beaute Guerlain-Paris

My favorite fragrance house in all of Paris is Guerlain. In fact, I joke with my friend (we will call said friend J. Alfred) that Guerlain is my church. It is where I worship. If only I were kidding.
The new Institut de Beaute' Guerlain is gorgeous. I have received 17 emails asking me what fragrances I bought, so I thought I would dedicate a whole post to Guerlain and the fragrances I could not leave Paris without.

Ahhh PHILTRE D'AMOUR......gorgeous. Stephanie at Guerlain in Paris told me this was a "boudoir" fragrance. Whatever--boudoir, kitchen or tool shed back behind the house--this one had me at Bon Jour. I love it. Very feminine and very smoldering. MEOW!


GUERLINADE is another fragrance I fell for . It is floral and soft and perfect for summer. Guerlinade is very light, yet can still get you noticed. So beautiful.

The third one I could not leave behind was IRIS GANACHE. I know that this is fragrance turns too sweet on some people, but on me it dries down to a gorgeous, soft skin scent. I adore it. In fact, I have worn it the most since returning home.

I was so happy to see the new Guerlain "Musee" after hearing so much about it. It really is all they say......and more. I loved so many things there, and would have brought home one of everything if I could.

Care to share your favorite Guerlain fragrances?

I will post my Serge Lutens love in another post.

Have a beautiful day!

Oh -and thanks to Ina for the correction!

(all photos property of Parisjasmal/MonkeyPosh L.L.C)

Home from Paris

Whoooo Hoooo! Paris is HOT in June.

I had never been to Paris in the dead of summer before, so I was not prepared for the heat, humidity and the crowded crowds of endless tourists and people and humans and folks all crowding into all the humid hoards and groups of neverending crowds. GAH

The trip was still fantastic.
I went nuts in the new Guerlain Musee -Beautiful. I got a Serge non export. I got to spend time with lovely people and friends.
I ate carbs from sun up till sun down. I have blisters and a few more freckles. I was jetlagged, dehydrated, tired, and in heaven.

Paris would be *perfect* it it had Diet Pepsi with ice. Beautiful ice. As soon as our plane landed in Chicago, I got the biggest Diet Pepsi I could find and I made sure it had LOTS of ice.

We stayed on the Left Bank this time and had a whole different experience than our times before.

I cannot get our 4 gig photo card to download into our dinosaur of a computer--so I cannot post the best pictures yet. As soon as we figure it out I will post.

I hope everyone had a splendid week.

Thanks for all the comments and e-mails.

(photo from PARISJASMAL/monkeyposh LLC 2007)

Bonsoir Mes Amis!

I am off on a much needed trip far far away from all the stresses in my real life. Going to Paris is like going to dreamland to me. It is surreal. Everything is so different and so lovely. Different and lovely is just what I need right now.

Even though I know my husband will complain the whole time about the food (HA) , I will be too busy smelling perfume and drinking cafe cremes to notice.

I know we will have a fabulous time. I hope to get lots of photos to share when I return.

Until then........

Au Revoir!

Have a beautiful week.

(photos from MonkeyPosh LLC)