Traveling to Paris with Children

Happy Friday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend in store.

Today, I am linking up with other bloggers posting on France - Simply Irresistible! I decided to post on traveling to Paris with children, because I've done it! I'll share the obvious highlights and a couple of secret tips. 

Traveling with children can have its challenges (and rewards) no matter how near or far you are traveling. But, toss in a foreign language and jet lag and you have a whole other set of issues to contend with. But, having traveled to Paris with my then 5 and 8 year old....there is no city more welcoming to children. Come on....I'll show you how we did it.

First, we rented an apartment. On the Left Bank. Rue du Four via Elite Destination Homes. I just checked the rates and there is no way that's what we paid...so if you seriously want to rent an apartment, ask for their best rate. The apartment sleeps 6 and has an amazing location. And, a concierge. Seriously.....such an amazing way to travel as a family.

The lines to see the Eiffel Tower really are long, unless you get there early. Make a reservation for lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants there and you get to use a special elevator and cut the lines. 

The hot chocolate at Angelina's is reknown...but the pastries are what caught my eye!

A trip to the Louvre is a must in Paris. But, it's huge. How in the world do you navigate it...much less with children? Enter Paris Muse. The company is comprised of scholars and teachers who love and live in Paris. They offer intimate, walking tours through all of the cities museums, but have a fantastic tour of the Louvre geared toward children and their parents. The tour is designed as a treasure hunt and keeps even young children engaged while learning. I highly recommend this experience....it was a highlight for our entire family.

After a tour and lunch at Cafe Marly (next door to the Lourve), walk through the Jardin des Tuileries and let you little folks take a spin on the carousel. Ride along if the child inside you wants to come out and play!

As a general rule, we tried to do our major sight seeing during the morning and after lunch we enjoyed one of the many beautiful parks and let the boys just be kids, run around, play on a playground or captain toy boats.

Over 850 years old, the architecture, gargoyles and rose window of Notre Dame are a delight for young minds.

Hemingway, Sarte and Picasso....all patronized Cafe de Flore. My boys just enjoyed their hot chocolate.

One of the unexpected highlights of Paris is Musee Rodin. Part home, part gallery, part gardens....this was one of our favorite museums to visit. I had to appreciate my 5 year old's willingness to pose alongside world renown statuary.

One thing I've learned is that children truly are adaptable....to time changes, to unusual food and to new experiences. What a thrill to see Paris through their eyes.

To see more about Paris and other delightful aspects of France, visit Castles, Crowns and Cottages!

Traveling to London - Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley

Our family will be traveling to London this summer, so I have been gathering tips from friends, researching websites and planning our itinerary. One of the things that I'm looking forward to is a proper British afternoon tea! 

There are many wonderful hotels that host afternoon tea. But, as a lover of fashion, I simply must experience the Pret-a-Portea at The Berkeley Hotel. Inspired by the current season's fashions, cakes and pastries resemble what's coming down the catwalk. Here's a look at the Spring/Summer 2013 menu! Manola Blahnik's slingback, Tory Burch's violet bikini and Jason Wu's leopard hatbox look as delicious and stylish!

What do you think....cat walk or cake walk? Have you been to London? Do you have a favorite place for tea or any restaurant recommendations?

Moody Monday Blues

Do you get the Monday blues? 

Sometimes it's hard to get going after a weekend of activities and fun. But, with these warmer, sunnier days, I find it a little easier to get into the swing of things. Today, I thought I'd share my latest "moody blues", inspired by the beach photos below, taken several summers ago. The photos are hung vertically in my family room, which opens directly off of our kitchen. I thought they would make a soothing color palette. Sea, sand and sky. 

We were able to recover the sofa we've had for 11 years....it definitely pays to buy well the first time around. The pillows, however, are all new. Subtle colors with loads of texture.

We kept the soothing feel going with swivel chairs on either side of the fireplace. Love these for their comfort, as well their greek key trim!

Now, if I could just spend the day there with a good book! Wishing you a restful week in your favorite spot! Where would that be?

Tulips in Bloom

This truly is my favorite time of year. Not only is my own yard blooming....so is everyone else's. Every time I turn the corner in my neighborhood, I notice another blooming tree or flower that I hadn't seen before. I think it's Spring's way of making up for what seemed like an eternal winter.

Luckily, my tulips seem to always coincide with Mother's Day weekend. Here is how they looked earlier this week....in the morning and then right before sunset. New this year is a hit of yellow. 

What do you have planned for Mother's Day weekend? Wishing you beautiful bouquets, whether from your garden or delivered to your door!