In Paris for the 23rd....

I am always happy in Paris to leave the driving to Charles who was born there. Especially around the Arc de Triomphe where only the bravest drivers venture into the unmarked lanes. Yikes!

Taking the TGV (High Speed Train) to Paris....

Zipping along at a few hundred miles an hour, it is delightful to see the French countryside, as we make our way to Paris. It is obvious that by now, Jake has said, Mom, no more pictures. Hmmmmm, we'll see.

French Demonstrations....

For the most part we were lucky and avoided the strikes, but caught this student strike in Nantes.

A Thanksgiving Dinner in Nantes...

Wherever you spent Thanksgiving, we hope it was with family and friends. We enjoyed a dinner out with Alysa's Northwestern friends Danny & Julia, who are also studying in Nantes.

France: It's All About the Food....

If you are expecting to see photos of beautiful rivers and cathedrals, it won't be here, because my camera is always pointed at the food. So many choices to find something to take to Alysa's host family who, according to Alysa, has made the all time most amazing dinner in honor of our visit.

An Evening with Alysa's Host Family...

How lucky that Alysa landed with a fabulous host family in Nantes, and with a mom who can COOK! Yes, that's Valerie in the left, who whipped up foie gras, ravioli with foie gras with a mache salad, and unfortunately for our waistlines, that's just the appetizer course. Followed by leg of lamb with potatoes au gratin. We all said no thank you to the cheese course which would have made a meal by itself, and fast forwarded to the flourless chocolate cake and homemade creme caramel.

Off for Thanksgiving...It's a Sign

We're off to spend Thanksgiving with Alysa who is studying in France for the semester, and couldn't be more excited that our Greenberg's turkey (that's www.gobblegobble.com) which was not confiscated in our carry-on, because it wouldn't be Thanksgiving (according to Alysa) without a Greenberg's smoked turkey. Our trip started on the right note, yep, that's gate 23 to Paris.

We LOVE American Girl....

...because their moms are soooooooo stylish. And who knows, they may someday be back for some Cathy Waterman. In November and December, we have a special present for American Girl dolls, celebrating the opening of American Girl at Galleria Dallas. Just bring your doll by the store for an introduction. Hope you can stop by.

Irene Neuwirth

It's a sparkling day here in Dallas, as we are enjoying Irene Neuwirth and her assistant Anastasia for a most glorious trunk show.
Our motto? Pile it on.

Another Welcome Visitor | Manak Couture

She's smart, pretty & talented, and we loved Pratima, designer of Manak Couture, stopping by our store to deliver our order (patience, it will be up soon). The diamond colors are eye-popping, and brings to mind an old saying: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, since her father has pioneered fancy cuts and colors of diamonds for decades.