Moody Walks

Here is a little something that you might not know about me: I find gloomy and rainy days incredibly romantic and utterly calming. I don’t know if it’s the overall quieter vibe of the city or the fact that every time we’ve been to Paris, it was raining: but as soon as the skies get all grey and gloomy, I start daydreaming about Paris. Strolling in the dark with the charming street lights guiding the way, soft jazz music playing in the little passing alleys and trench coats that even look super snazzy wet.

Lovelies, hope that those Parisian photos add a bit of magic to your Tuesday! Planning a trip to the city of light anytime soon? Have you been there already? xo

P.S: All things Paris!
P.P.S: Oh la la...Paris, 1962.

(Photos via/by The Glorious Journey, Lillies & Lace & Irene Suchocki)

Silent World

Palac de l'Opera, Paris, France.

Place de la Concorde, Paris, France.

Cour Carrée du Louvre, Paris, France.

Place Montparnasse, Paris, France.

Columbus Circle, NYC.

Time Square, NYC.

Madison Square, NYC.

Sixth Avenue, NYC.

Xizhimen Ring Road, Beijing, China.

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China.

How incredibly eerie and thought-provoking are those photographs? With this project entitled 'Silent World', Lucie and Simon shot some of the world's busiest and most recognizable cities like New York, Paris or Beijing. The only difference is that they removed the whole civilization from each shot besides one or two people to create the illusion of a lonely and vacated world where the architecture plays the main focus. It's so bizarre to see Time Square or Place de la Concorde in Paris all empty and lonely. (This project totally reminds me of the Will Smith movie, I Am Legend, did you see it?). xo

P.S: More of the amazing NYC and the romantic Paris.
P.P.S: NYC - night & day.

(via Because I'm Addicted)

Green Wall in Paris

Crikey, when I thought that Paris couldn’t possibly get any cooler, I saw this building and my head started spinning. This 'living wall' is a part of the office wing of the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. The designer's goal was to allow both the plants and the building to live in harmony with one another. I’ve always dreamed of living in a flat building covered in ivy. Somehow that seems totally romantic to me.

Fun fact: did you know that Paris is incredibly eco-friendly? They are 10th on the list of greenest European cities. Impressive, isn’t it? Also, I read that a living wall like that improves the air quality immensely. Go Paris! xo

P.S: Here is a great NY Times article on eco-Paris and here is another awesome Parisian green wall.
P.P.S: A super snazzy GIVEAWAY Wednesday is coming up!

(Top photo by Lucas Dolega via NY Times, Inhabitat, Greening Beauty, Treehugger, Anthesis)

Yoga in Paris

Do you do yoga? I've done it before but somehow life got in the way of it. I remember enjoying it but feeling incredibly awkward at first when I couldn't really follow all the postures and movements. Then my friend said that the beauty of yoga is that your brain has to take a back seat and trust your body to guide it. I love that!

Those photographs are from a stunning Parisian yoga studio where Kia Naddermier is the teacher. Just looking at them makes me want to start yoga again. What’s your experience with yoga? Do you have a favourite type? How do you stay in shape? xo

P.S: Switch off.

(via 16 House)

Parisian Greenmarket

Lovelies, how would you fancy spending an afternoon picking up your fresh dose of vitamins down the Rue Montorgueil in Paris? Those photos by Sydney totally put me in the mood for a spring Parisian getaway. Just imagine snacking on your favourite seasonal fruits while skipping around in your ballerinas, stocking up on delicious veggies and treating yourself to a bunch of beautifully blooming flowers. Want to join in? Wouldn't that be fun? Do you like green markets or local street markets? xo

P.S: Also, the NYC greenmarket.
P.P.S: More all things Paris!

(Photos by Sydney Low)

Paris Daydreaming

Loves, fancy taking a Paris trip with me today? We could take an afternoon stroll down the romantic alleys of Montmartre, stop for a nutella crêpe in one of the pretty cafés, dance to street musicians playing jazz and spend the evening drinking wine while getting lost in the beauty of this magical place. J’adore! Are you in? See you there:) xo

P.S: Also, Paris, 1962.
P.P.S: This proves that Paris is equally magical even in the rain.

(The dreamy photos of Paris by Yanick)

Travel fantasy: Haven in Paris

Have you seen the beautiful Parisian apartments from Haven in Paris? On vacation, I love staying in apartments versus hotels, since you feel like an insider (and can pretend that you live there:). You could have adventures around town, eat stinky cheeses on your balcony, have dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, then read books and curl up in your own comfy bed. Who's in?!

P.S. Look at the views from the windows, yowza!
Bonus for Cup of Jo readers: Get 20% off most Haven in Paris rentals if you visit this January or February by mentioning CUP OF JO.

Travel fantasy: Haven in Paris

Have you seen the beautiful Parisian apartments from Haven in Paris? On vacation, I love staying in apartments versus hotels, since you feel like an insider (and can pretend that you live there:). You could have adventures around town, eat stinky cheeses on your balcony, have dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, then read books and curl up in your own comfy bed. Who's in?!

P.S. Look at the views from the windows, yowza!
Bonus for Cup of Jo readers: Get 20% off most Haven in Paris rentals if you visit this January or February by mentioning CUP OF JO.

Beekeeping Parisian Style

This older gentelman became one of the world's most famous beekeepers and it all happened by a chance. Jean Paucton who is a former prop assistant for the l'Opéra National de Paris had a hobby of beekeeping. He even took a class on the subject to perfect the craft. He started small on his Parisian balcony but after countless complaints from the neighbours he decided to move his hives somewhere else. Luckily, his former employer, the Palais Garnier allowed Jean to use their roof as his honey-making space. The rest is history. After many Parisian newspaper features he went global and now you can buy a jar of Parisian made honey for a small fortune. Isn't that a sweet story? xo

P:S: The New York Times wrote a great article about Jean back in the day.
P.P.S: Also, chilling Parisian style:)

(via A Lovely Being)

Progressive Dinner Parisian Style

The other day Jordan posted about her recent dinner party and I can't stop thinking about it. It's a totally genius take on the old-school type of entertaining, but with a fun twist of flat-hopping between the meals. Each host makes one course and as Jordan says the whole scenario change feels like an adventure of sorts that you embark onto with a group of friends.

Of course it doesn't hurt that their location was Paris. Also, in the end of the night they all walked across the street to watch the sparkling Eiffel Tower for a bit. Aww…so romantic, don’t you think? (Here are some of her great tips on how to throw a progressive dinner yourself). Lovelies, have you participated in something like that before? Would you? xo

P.S: Also,  "Outstanding in the Field" dinner party and Dîner en Blanc in Paris.
P.P.S: Tips and tricks to a perfect dinner party.