Posts Tagged ‘teena hughes’

Postcards from Paris December 2017

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

Welcome to Postcards from Paris December 2017!

How can it possibly be December? The past few weeks have flown by!

Hello hello — if you’re new to Postcards from Paris — WELCOME!

My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times over a period of about thirty years, and I love to go back once a year if possible, and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne again :-)

While I’m there, I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures.  I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.

Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!


Plus Size Woman Clothing with Teena HughesWant to meet up with me in Paris in July 2018??

I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo!

July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!

I’m deciding which Adventures I’ll host and will post online soon — if you’d like to meet up with me for an Adventure, I’d love to hear from you!

Please send a Comment below, or click the purple icon on the right of this screen — and mention PARIS 2018 –let me know which Adventures sound perfect for you — thank you. Can’t wait to meet you!


My 2018 Paris Calendar by Teena Hughes

My first 2018 Paris Calendar has launched!

So excited! 12 pages with a great photo for each month — grab your copy here >>

I plan to create another one with different photos too — so stay tuned!

And for my Postcards from Paris subscribers, I’m sending you a freebie one-page Calendar too!

With love from me and a huge thanks for following along on my Paris adventures ax Just check your email :-)

2018 Paris Calendar with Gargoyle - One Page thumbnail


2018 Diary featuring the Eiffel Tower and other Paris photosIntroducing the First Diary for A-Night-In-Paris.com — 2018 Diary

I’ve designed a 2018 Diary and I can’t wait to get my copy in the post!

  •  each double-page spread is one week
  • each week has at least one of my own Paris photos
  • extra information about the 20 Arrondissements
  • extra tips and information about Paris.

I’ll let you know as soon as it’s available in the next few days! Woohoo!

 


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Postcards from Paris December 2017 - RIVER SEINE

What’s happening in Paris in December?

  • The Christmas illuminations on the Champs-Elysées are always extraordinary at this time of year.
  • Have you heard of the Big Wheel which will be in the Place de la Concorde? It’s a must-visit at 70 metres high, with incredible views over Paris.

Need to do some shopping?

  • Check out the Christmas markets at Notre-Dame, Les Invalides and La Défense.
  • When it’s time to rest your weary feet, why not grab a coffee or a wine and a bite to eat in one of the surrounding cafes and bistros?
  • Taste some of the local and regional produce in the markets and find great gifts among the fabulous handcrafted piece.

Want to see some gorgeous Christmas window displays in Paris?

For a truly fabulous New Year’s Eve in Paris, head over to the Champs-Elysées on 31st December for the extravaganza light show!


Learning French:  Top 10 Words in French Everyday Slang (video)

Let me know which of these slang words you’re going to try :-)


Will you be in Paris in time for the Christmas Markets?

I’ve written about Christmas and the Yuletide season a few times, and I’d like to share these stories with you:

Things happening in Paris over the Holidays

What about New Year’s Eve in gai Paree?


Where to buy a pint of beer for 4 Euros or less in Paris?

 


Learning French: What happens in France for Christmas? (video)

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Learning French: How to wish someone Merry Christmas in French (video)

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From one of my favourite French singers – Julien (“Trudbol”) – first a song in English:

It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas (A Cappella Barbershop Quartet) – Julien Neel

and now one in French:

Cantique de Noël (Minuit Chrétiens – French O Holy Night) – Julien Neel

 

If you like Julien’s acapella music, you might like to hear more — if so, pop over to Trudbol’s Youtube Channel >>


Recent Posts you may have missed


I hope you enjoyed this edition of Postcards from Paris December 2017!

Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website,  or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.

Post a Comment below, send me an email, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot ! Talk soon!

Teena Signature

Teena


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Pop over and sign up so you don’t miss out!

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Postcards from Paris October 2017

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

Welcome to Postcards from Paris October 2017!

If you’re new to Postcards from Paris — WELCOME!

My name is Teena Hughes, I’m an Australian who has lived in Paris several times over a period of about thirty years, and I love to go back once a year if possible, and spend about six weeks feeling like a local Parisienne again :-)

While I’m there, I catch up with my friends I met there over twenty years ago, plus I host Adventures.  I’ve also written a couple of books about Paris, and I love this city more than any other.

Enjoy the little French tidbits I have for you today, and do get in touch if you’d like to chat or ask a question. Here we go!


My 2018 Paris Calendar by Teena Hughes

My first 2018 Paris Calendar has launched!

So excited! 12 pages with a great photo for each month — grab your copy here >>

I plan to create another one with different photos too — so stay tuned!

And for my Postcards from Paris subscribers, I’m sending you a freebie one-page Calendar too!

With love from me and a huge thanks for following along on my Paris adventures xxx Just check your email :-)

2018 Paris Calendar by Teena Hughes


What’s happening in Paris in October?

Le Salon du Chocolat, that’s what!

 


The words in the video translate to:

  • Le Salon du Chocolat c’est le plus grand evenement mondial dedie au chocolat et au cacao == The Chocolate Salon is the the largest world-wide event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa.
  • 500 participants, 60 pays = 600 attendees, 60 countries
  • 5 Jours de Show = 5 Days
  • 20 Robes en Chocolat = 20 Dresses made of chocolate
  • 100 Demos Par les Plus Grands Chefs = 100 Demonstrations by the Top Chefs
  • 12o Ateliers = 120 Studios
  • Le Salon du Chocolat Junior = the Junior Chocolate Salon
  • 28 Oct – 01 Nov Paris Porte de Versaille = 28 October to 01 November  at Porte de Versaille
  • Info & Tickets http://salon-du-chocolat.com

What else is on in October:

 


Will you be in Paris in time for the Christmas Markets?

I’ve written about Christmas and the Yuletide season a few times, and I’d like to share these stories with you:

Things happening in Paris over the Holidays

What about New Year’s Eve in gai Paree?


Le Loir Dans le Théière

Postcards from Paris October

My old-time favourite Tea House / Salon de The

Le Loir Dans le Théière
3 rue des Rosiers
75004 Paris

When I lived in Paris in the late 1980s, this became one of my favourite places, and I’ve heard that the name of this Tea Salon came from an unlucky dormouse which was thrown into a teapot during the Mad Hatter’s feast in Alice in Wonderland story.

Now in 2017, I still visit this gorgeous tea salon when I am in Paris each year, and I want to share it with you. This warm and cozy space is decorated with trinkets and knick knacks (odds and ends) and the aroma of the delicious gourmet cuisine (pies, large salads) wafts by and makes the mouth water.  Keep an eye out for the dozens of pastries which include the incredible lemon meringue pie and the chocolate fondant cake.

Come weekends, it’s hard to find a spot to sit as …

Read more >>


Recent Questions about Paris

Giovanna asks:  When is it summer in france?

I replied:

Hi there Giovanna,

The hottest temperatures in Paris are generally July and August (summer) with June and October almost as warm.

The coldest months are around November, December, January, February, March and April.

It’s hard to predict accurately as the weather can change from year to year.

Whenever you decide to visit, have a great time!

Bon Voyage!
Teena!

Question from Eshaana: 

Hi Teena I am planning to relocate from Geneva to Paris in September this year to study French full time.  I would love to start my orientation to Paris with your week-long silk painting course.  Please let me know the dates of the next courses in July/August with details of costs etc.   I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards
Eshaana

My reply:

Bonjour Eshaana!

How lovely to hear back from you.

I totally understand, and yes it would be great to meet in Paris for silk painting.

If you’re on my Paris newsletter list, you’ll be notified when I plan my next trip to Paris and will get other tips about the city I love.

If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s the link:

Have a fabulous week!

ciao ciao,

Teena

Question from Marion: 

Hi Teena. Are you still doing one day beginner silk painting? I’m a Canadian lady interested in a unique Paris experience.

My reply:

Hi Marion, lovely to hear from you!
I live in Australia, and travel to Paris each year for 6 weeks to host my Adventures. Unfortunately I won’t be there at the same time as you 😞 I do have online Courses though — I’m currently updating and adding some new ones in the next month or so, if you’d like to be notified please sign up at http://how-to-paint-on-silk.com/newsletter-sign-up.html — if you have any questions, please do let me know. And have a fantastic time in Paris!! Wish I could be there at the same time!
Bon voyage!
Teena

Recent Posts


Learning French

Here is another great video for you – let me know what you think!

“5 Weird French Expressions to Sound Like a Native”


and here is one of my favourite French singers – Trudbol:

For the lyrics in French and English, pop over to Trudbol’s Youtube Channel >>

 


I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris October 2017 today!

I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo! July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!

Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website,  or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.

Post a Comment below, or click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena Signature

Teena


Not on the Postcards from Paris Mailing list?

Pop over and sign up so you don’t miss out!

Sign up for Teena Hughes' Postcards from Paris Video Newsletter today!


Le Loir Dans le Theiere (favourite Tea Salon)

Le Loir Dans le Theiere Cafe / Restaurant

Postcards from Paris October - Le Loir Dans le Théière

My old-time favourite Tea House / Salon de The

Le Loir Dans le Theiere became one of my favourite places when I lived in Paris in the late 1980s, and I’ve heard that the name of this Tea Salon came from an unlucky dormouse which was thrown into a teapot during the Mad Hatter’s feast in Alice in Wonderland story.

THE DORMOUSE IN THE TEAPOT
3 rue des Rosiers – 75004 Paris
Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Le Loir Dans Le Theiere Cafe in Paris

 

 

Now in 2017, I still visit this gorgeous tea salon when I am in Paris each year, and I want to share it with you. This warm and cozy space is decorated with trinkets and knick knacks (odds and ends) and the aroma of the delicious gourmet cuisine (pies, large salads) wafts by and makes the mouth water.  Keep an eye out for the dozens of pastries which include the incredible lemon meringue pie and the chocolate fondant cake.

Come weekends, it’s hard to find a spot to sit as the place is filled with tourists who come for brunch. You may find yourself waiting for quite some time, so remember — you can’t make a Reservation, so come early (well before noon) or you may have to wait in the street.

I personally prefer this quaint corner during the week, when there are fewer tourists and crowds. Have fun – let me know if you check it out!

Le Loir Dans le Théière
3 rue des Rosiers
75004 Paris

See photos and more on their website:

Looking for other places to eat and drink, and enjoy Paris? Check out these pages:


I hope you enjoyed my “Le Loir Dans le Theiere” article!

I’m excited to tell you I’ve started planning my next trip to Paris – woohoo! July 2018 sounds like a great plan — can you meet me there? I’ve got my fingers’ crossed!

Let me know if you have any questions about Paris or my website,  or just want to share some tips about your trip to Paris.

There are ots of ways to get in touch — post a Comment below, send an email, click the little “Say Bonjour!” tab on the right side of the screen, or pop over to the Facebook page — I’d love to hear from you!

Ciao ciao for now, a bientot !

Teena signature

Teena


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Pop over and sign up so you don’t miss out!

Sign up for Teena Hughes' Postcards from Paris Video Newsletter today!


French breakfast in Australia with Teena Hughes

French breakfast in Australia with Teena Hughes

What do I wish I had more of right now?

French breakfast in Australia – being Frenchified for 15 minutes!

That’s right! Lots more of them!

More, “Petit dejeuner francais en Australie!”

When I lived in Paris (and when I’m there for my six-week visits almost every year, living like a Parisienne), I totally embrace what I consider to be the French breakfast lifestyle.

OK, it might not be what all local French folks do, but to me it’s quintessentially French, and I love my breakfasts.

Croissants and coffee.  GOOD coffee. EXCELLENT croissants.

Oh how I miss them!

Well I do make a fantastic cafe latte (and have done for years), but finding a FABULOUS croissant in Australia is not easy at all. Trust me, I’ve EATEN a lot of croissants, in fact a new “French” cafe opened near me recently and when I took a bite of the croissant, I was so disappointed. Full of air (hollow), no crunch outside, no flavour.

The best solution! A local FRENCH BAKER!

So when I found a fabulous French baker (who introduced himself in French as Steve) at my local Sunday markets in my little beachside village across from Moreton Bay, I was over the moon! So, so happy!

The croissants feel perfect!

They taste perfect!

Incroyable! Incredible!

So in the photo above, you can see the croissants I bought yesterday, which I heated in the oven this morning. The crunchy outside, the flaky outside pastry, the delicious interior – fantastique!

Steve’s secrets to the perfect French croissant:

  1. he’s French :-)
  2. the butter is French (essential!)
  3. the flour is French (essential!)
  4. he knows exactly how to make the perfect croissant.

So now I’m going to visit Steve on as many Sundays as I can in this little seaside village east of Brisbane (Australia), and buy some croissants so I can have at least ONE French breakfast in Australia each week.

What about you, have you found the perfect French food near where you live outside France? Let me know in the Comments below or pop over to the Facebook page to chat :-)

Ciao ciao for now! Talk soon,

Teena signature

 

Teena Hughes


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Pop over and sign up so you don’t miss out!

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French Festivals in Australia

  • https://lefestival.com.au – Brisbane
  • https://www.bonjourfrenchfestival.com.au – Gold Coast

Postcards from Paris March 2017

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

Today’s Postcards from Paris • March 2017

A quick hello to new subscribers!

It’s always so wonderful to receive email notifications when new folks sign up for news about Paris — here are just a few of the names:

  • Bennette, Laurie, Veronika,Nick, Chantal, Shona, Ida, Kathleen, Kathryn, Martin, Melinda, Debbie, and many more delightful souls interested in gai Paree!

If I haven’t mentioned your name, don’t despair! Please do send a message to keep in touch — I’d love to hear from you :-)


The weather is getting better, Paris is moving out of winter (“l’hiver”) and into spring (“printemps”) — a beautiful time of year!

What’s Up In Paris

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Paris Fashion Week 2017


 

Restaurants to check out

Frenchie To Go! Restaurant  /  Wine Bar  /  75002

Paris Cafe Cats - Postcards from Paris March

Le Café des Chats (The Cafe of Cats) /  75011

Are you missing your kitty cat while visiting Paris? Check out the cool cafe and pat a cat :-)

  • 9 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris
  • http://www.lecafedeschats.fr/acces/
  • ouvert du Mardi au Dimanche de 12h à 22h30 (le vendredi et le samedi jusqu’à 23H), sans réservation
  • open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 10:30pm (to 11pm on Friday and Saturday), without reservations

Who loves a Kebab?

When I lived in Paris the first time (for 3 years), I worked from 11am till 7pm, so I’d go out for drinks and dinner with workmates and friends after work.

Sometimes we’d forget dinner and just have a lot of fun over a lot of cocktails :-)

We’d definitely need to find something to eat late in the evening, and one of my favourite things was to find the best kebab in Paris! That was a long time ago, and now someone else has made a list of the current great places to grab a kebab — the page is in French, but I’ve translated the text at the top of the page for you:

Who did not wander the streets after a night of drinking, in search of a good kebab to mop up its excess alcohol? Obviously, they are far from all good … But here, in any case, is a small selection of kebab, falafel, dürüm — delicious and perfect to fill the empty hunger.

Pop over here to read more >>


Top 5 Films Showing Paris at its Best

“By projecting state-of-the-art English translations above the stage (the surtitles),
Theatre in Paris is the only company ​enabling visitors to experience celebrated French plays and musicals first-hand.” What a great idea! Check the website often to see what’s on and coming up.

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Paris Bars

Looking for non-French Bars?

Here is a list of five to work your way through — let me know what you think!

I haven’t been to any of these but I’ll certainly check them out when I next visit my friends in Paris:

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Postcards from Paris thumbnails

What’s On in Paris • Things to Do and See

 


 

Take your children to the puppet shows - there are a few around Paris

Will you be in Paris with Kids?

There are PLENTY of things to do in Paris with kids!

Here is a list of pages on this site to help you choose what to do first :-)

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That’s is for today — if you have any questions, please do let me know!

Enjoy Paris!

Teena Signature

Teena!


 

If you have time, pop over to the Facebook page for a chat:

Postcards from Paris miscellaneous photos


I hope you enjoyed Postcards from Paris March 2017!

Let me know if you find anything you’d like to share about Paris  – now that Spring has sprung (Printemps) there’ll be lots more events and things to do and see.

Ciao ciao for now,

Teena Signature

Teena


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Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!

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Paris Journal Notebook by Teena Hughes

My new Paris Journal Notebook has been published!

Paris Journal by Teena Hughes

Great news! Over the years I’ve had a few people contact me and ask about travel journals, and I’ve finally  published the first one, and I’m thrilled to bits!

C’est vachement fantastique! (That’s truly fantastic!)

In this first Paris Journal Notebook, the pages are formatted for Bullet Journal users who love tiny dots on the pages instead of lines.  The tiny dots help the users to sketch or write so that lines aren’t necessary.

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, or just love the thought of Paris, this Journal is a great way to make notes, add sketches, or use your Bullet Journal skills to turn this into a book you can add to over time and treasure.


It’s available on amazon right now if you’d like to check it out — click the book below and please do let me know if you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you!

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If you’d like to find out more about bullet journals, here’s a little video I found which might help explain it a bit.

What is a Bullet Journal?

Postcards from Paris 26 May 2015

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends of Postcards From Paris!

I thought I’d start off today’s edition with a HUGE welcome to my last few subscribers this month! Maybe you’re one of these folks? If you are, please do write back to me and say BONJOUR! I’d love to hear from you :-)

  1. Bonjour from Teena Hughes of Postcards from ParisTeri from San Diego, USA
  2. Stephen from Vancouver, Canada
  3. Rod from Cleveland, USA
  4. Victoria from Mcdonough, USA
  5. Jim from Mesa, USA
  6. MaKenzie from Bloomington, USA
  7. Paula from Benton, USA
  8. Linda from Pasadena, USA
  9. Robin from Perth, Australia
  10. Liz from Georgia, USA
  11. Lida from Houston, USA
  12. Jenifer from Sanford, US
  13. Craig from Paris
  14. Bettie from South Africa

I do hope you enjoy my little tips and stories about the city I love — I live in Australia and I try to get to Paris every year or two to fill my soul with the joie de vivre (joy of life) I feel whenever I’m in this extraordinary city!

Ways to Meet Me in Paris in September!

I’ve been totally revamping all the things I love to share when I’m in Paris:

  • Painting Workshops
  • Plus Size Fashion Adventures
  • Over 40’s Lazy Paris Adventure

and I’d love to share some new options — but I want to know if any of you think these might be of interest … just because I’d love to do these doesn’t mean anyone else would :-)

  • Stationery Lovers’ Adventure (there are some beautiful traditional pen and paper stores!)
  • Coffee Conversations in French — meet me for an hour and a half in a cafe with 3 other people and learn the right amount of French to survive in a cafe on your own :-)
  • Textile Tidbits Adventure — would you love to find some fabulous stores in Paris specialising in hand-made haberdashery (ribbon, beads, leather, twine, knitting needles, silk, felt)? The two stores we’ll visit have goodies from the 1890s to 1930s, a real feast for the eyes.

I will be finalising the dates and details within the next few days, so I will send a quick email to let you know all the “deets” (details). Can’t wait to be there – woohoo!

Learn French from a wonderful little French girl telling a story based on a mix of other fairy tales :-)

I just came across this video and I have to share — listening to French children is a great way to learn the language! Let me know what you think of this — I think it’s adorable!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RQMVKcNgFw

I’ll be in Paris in September 2015 – will you be there?

Textile Tasters in Paris with Teena Hughes of How-to-paint-on-silk.comLast edition I wrote:

I have been dreaming in French, and in my dreams I’m in Paris, and when I wake I am speaking or singing in French — what do you think that means?!!

You’re right!

It means I’m way overdue to visit the city where I’ve left my heart, and to where I return whenever possible, from the other side of the planet in Australia -)

and the great news is I have booked my Paris apartment and am finalising my flights this week to spend an entire month speaking French and dipping my croissant into my hot coffee!

What about you? What would you love to do in Paris? Send me a message, I’d love to hear!

  • I am finalising the pages for the Adventures I will be hosting, so do pop back and check this page (I’ll add a link HERE) and you can also follow the Facebook Postcards from Paris page too where I post updates >>

Here are some of the ways to do that:

  1. click the “Say bonjour to Teena” button which should appear down the right side of the web page — you can record your voice straight away — and some of you have already been using this, I love it!
  2. take a “selfie” video or photo with your phone or camera, then email it
  3. record a voice message on your phone, then email it
  4. email me on bonjour [at] a-night-in-paris [dot com]
  5. connect via Facebook, Twitter or my website.

If you do ANY of these things, I’d love to have your permission to share on my website, newsletter etc — if that’s not OK, let me know when you contact me :-)

So – what’s on in Paris in June 2015?

Postcards from Paris June 2015 Goutte d'Or en Fete

Excellent question! There is a ton of wonderful things to do in Paris in June each year, from jazz festivals, to fairs like the Foire St-Germain, and I’ll mention some of them here:

  1. 10-14th June — Goutte d’Or Music Festival
  2. 21st June — La Fete de La Musique #FDLM – read more in English >>
  3. 20th June – 14th July — Festival Chopin a Paris : Chopin Festival in Paris >>
  4. more things to do in June in Paris (and plan ahead for July!)

FESTIVAL-CHOPIN-2015_3072527867408385000

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fete-du-velo-2015-tousavelo

 

 

 Other news in Paris

The famous “love locks” which have appeared over the last few years are being removed from Paris’ centuries-old bridges, monuments, tourist attractions and other fences as the weight has become quite problematic, and placed some bridges under too much stress and strain.  Everyone has an opinion on it, but the bottom line is there is no area which has been created specifically for this type of romantic gesture.

Read more >>

Click the video below to play >>

What else can you do in Paris in June and July?

Have a picnic of course :-)

Buy a baguette, cheese, wine etc and go to one of the many beautiful parks in Paris.

Take a barge cruise UNDER Paris! I love this!

For an added adventure, take your picnic on a Barge Cruise — this is one of my all-time favourite things to do when I arrive, I get to relax for a couple of hours as I take in Paris and the outskirts from a barge, which also takes me on a magical journey BELOW Paris!

Oh you must try this if you’re there — it’s away from the madding tourist crowds and such a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon in the city I love.

I wrote more about it here :

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Postcards from Paris - other things to do

Other fab things to do:

Ready to try something really unusual?

How about brunch, lunch or dinner in someone’s home? This is a great idea which has been going on for decades and is a great way to meet Parisians and other adventurous travellers — check out the article I wrote about this a while back:

“How do I get to my hotel?”

One of the most common questions I hear is about transport from the airports and major train stations to accommodation. I always use the Paris Shuttle for $27 which I book in advance, and there are some other great choices too.

Facebook Updates

Do you use Facebook? You might like to check out my page and join in the conversation:

Have you enjoyed this Postcards from Paris?

Please do write and let me know :-)

Hopefully I’ll see you there in September!

A bientot (see you soon), and don’t forget I’ll be sending you a quick email when the new Adventures are online in the next few days!

Teena!

 

Book: Memories of Paris

My Memories of Paris by Teena Hughes

I’ve done it! I’ve created a book  — and it’s available on Kindle first!

This does not mean that you can’t read it if you don’t have a kindle — not at all!

Here’s a snapshot of one of the pages of my new Kindle book on my iPhone:

Memories of Paris Book on iPhone by Teena Hughes

It’s a short photo book with about 20 pages (with paintings of some things I love to do when I’m there), as my first foray into Kindle, and I’m quite pleased with how it turned out.

Now, getting back to Kindle – if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle App on your smart phone, and you can also download the Kindle Reader on either Macs or Windows PCs, so that’s easy! The quick video walks you through how to download the software.

You can read all Kindle books on your laptops and desktop computers — in fact that’s what I do as I don’t have a Kindle :-) OK — so what’s my book about? The truth of the matter is I love Paris, I used to live there, and every time I visit I take at least 1,000 photos and video clips. For my first Kindle book about Paris, I thought I might just make a small book with some of my favourite photos.

I got to thinking about that, and thought I’d like to do something slightly differently from everyone else — so I’ve made paintings from my original photos and I’m really pleased to share them with people who read my Kindle book.

Memories of Paris Book by Teena Hughes

Come walk with me through Paris, it’s about 20 pages long, I do hope you enjoy it.

Buy now at an incredibly low price – just for you!!

 

 

Where can I find coats in a hurry for winter in Paris?

Winter in Paris, drinking hot chocolate

One of my favourite pastimes in Paris – drinking hot chocolate in a cosy café on a winter’s day!

I recently received an email from a delightful lady named Kara – here is her question (“Where can I find coats in a hurry for winter in Paris?”), my answer, and her lovely response:

Hello Teena!

Lovely blog — thanks for posting so many tips! I’m writing because my husband received a rather abrupt (but happy!) job transfer to Paris and we are to move in two weeks. Since we’ve been living in the southern U.S. for a few years now, we no longer own coats and, furthermore, they’re very hard to find down here where it seldom drops below 15C or so degrees. I’ve tried ordering online, but with poor results.

With only two weeks to pull everything together, I’m getting nervous that we will just have to board the plane coatless and freeze on arrival. Which brings me to you–do you think it’s possible to find a U.S. size 14 coat somewhere in Paris? I’m just imagining department stores full of coats for skinny Parisian women without a stitch to spare for more rounded out shapes.

Merci for your help!  Peace, Kara

Teena’s Answer for winter in Paris

Kara, hello!!

First of all – have no fear!  You’re going to need thermal underwear for winter, so if you can find a place like DAMART locally or online, buy yourself leggings and a long-sleeve top to go under a shirt etc.  That will keep the winter chill away until you can find a coat.

I’ve just looked at the temps in Paris, and the highs are around 17-18 degrees Celcius for the next week, so not freezing, but getting cooler.

If you don’t have overcoats before you leave, you can definitely find them on arrival.
You no doubt have somewhere to stay as soon as you land, so if you DO find anything online, you can have it shipped to your accommodation for the day you arrive (if you don’t have time to get it delivered before you leave the USA).
You’re probably better off waiting till you get there before spending too much money, as you’ll have a wider selection and you’ll be able to try things on rather than impulse-buy online.
For plus-size coats, you’re in luck!  There are BEAUTIFUL fashions in Paris for plus-size beauties, and I host shopping tours to a lot of these stores in summer-time.
I have a list of plus size clothes on my website (it may be a year or two out of date, but it’s a start):

Have a look at Ulla Popken (one of my faves), a very reasonably priced store a block from the Galleries Lafayette, which always has a great selection of clothes:

Check out Jean-Marc Philippe with stores all over Paris:

To travel on the plane, wear a few layers with long sleeves, find yourself a large shawl or scarf you can drape around yourself, add a jaunty scarf around the neck, and you’ll be fine till you get to your accommodation and can go shopping.
OOOooohhhh what a lucky possum you are! You two will have the best fun, and I’d love to hear from you to see what you end up doing and buying.
Best of luck, keep an eye out for the word “SOLDES” which means ‘SALE!” twice a year (it is extremely regulated and all stores have sales at exactly the same time each year).

Ciao for now
Teena!!

Kara’s reply to winter in Paris

Hello Teena,

Thank you SO MUCH for your extraordinarily helpful email! My husband and I depart on Monday and I am still scrambling to find an overcoat, so really helped to put my mind at ease.

Upon your advice, I just bought some fleece-lined shirts and leggings (divine!), so I’ll be alright until I get to pop in to Ulla Popken or Jean-Marc Phillipe :) Your shopping tours sound like so much fun — I’ll see if I can get a few girlfriends to come visit over the summer and sign up with me!

Hope your move up the coast went well and that you love your new home. Thanks again for all your help! Take care.

Peace,
Kara

I was so pleased to be able to help Kara – if you have a question, please do let me know and I’ll do my best to answer it, just like this one about winter in Paris :-)

cheers

Teena

A-Night-in-Paris Store

A-Night-in-Paris Store with Unique Gifts by Teena Hughes

A-Night-in-Paris Store

I’m thrilled to announce that I have been designing drink coasters and cushion covers (and soon to be handbags, umbrellas, smartphone cases like iPhone, Android, Blackberry etc) and much more — all with a Paris theme, using my own handpainted designs and photos.

Please note that each item will be manufactured once the order is placed, and this can take 2-3 weeks before delivery.

I’m still working out the logistics so if something doesn’t make sense with the items or shipping etc, give me a yell, ok?

Items in the Store – woohoo!


 

Stay tuned for the smart-phone cases, toiletries bags, umbrellas and much more!!

To be notified of new products, please sign up for the Postcards From Paris Newsletter.

Cheers,
Teena

Les Mandibules restaurant in Paris 75011

Les Mandibules restaurant in Paris 75011

PLEASE NOTE: in Sept 2015 – New resto called “FACE B” is at this address

In July 2012, we found Les Mandibules restaurant in Paris whilst wandering around the 11th arrondissement, and I really wanted to check it out.

We were there relatively early at 7pm and were the only customers for a short while. The decor was super cool, old album covers, an old portable record player in the front window, Rolling Stones album in prime position. Lost of memorabilia around the place and great music on the sound system set the mood for a great evening.

Les Mandibules Restaurant window (image)

The Menu at les Mandibules restaurant

  • offered some delicious options and after choosing champagne as an aperitif, we decided on the duck and salmon for main courses.

Les Mandibules restaurant • Paris 75011 (image)

Please note that “Entrée” in French is the “starter” course (as it is in many other countries apart from USA).

Les Mandibules restaurant Duck & Salmon dishes (images)

The duck was served with thinly sliced carrots cooked with cumin, absolutely delicious.

The salmon was servcd with wild rice and looked fantastic.

 

Our dessert at Les Mandibules restaurant was profiteroles (image)

Our dessert of profiteroles was delicious – a small cup of chocolate was provided to pour over the profiteroles, which immediately hardened and provided plenty of crunch to go with the icecream inside the choux pastry.

If you find yourself anywhere near rue St Maur and rue St Ambroise, check out this delightful restaurant. The Patron was absolutely charming and quite a character, who ensured our visit was fabulous. (View the Where to Eat in Paris page and also the Famous French Food page.)

Prices:

  • champagne 12,0 euro per glass
  • entrées / starters 8,0 to 10,0 euro
  • mains 18,0 to 22,0 euro
  • desserts 8,0 to 9,0 euro

Map to les Mandibules restaurant

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Les Mandibules
5 rue Guillaume Bertrand
75011 Paris

Metro: St Ambroise / rue St Maur

 

 

A Deux Pas traditional French restaurant in Paris 75011

A Deux Pas traditional French restaurant in Paris 75011

Finding a traditional French restaurant in Paris is great!

On a drizzly evening when I was looking for something delicious for dinner, I wandered around a little quartier I wasn’t familiar with. There was a Lebanese restaurant and French bistrots, and then nestled  – almost hidden – between some shops I found A Deux Pas.

I shook the rain off the umbrella and stepped inside this cute little place. I was disappointed to see “Reservé” (“Reserved”) signs on the tables, but I asked if there was room for one more. When the lady told me that they had one table left I was really pleased, and got settled at the first small table just inside the door on the left.

After reading the menu I could certainly agree that this traditional French restaurant in Paris had some marvellous options, and as soon as I saw “it” I knew what I was going to order.

While I waited to place my order, I took in the cool artwork on the walls, and had a good look around. There were 5 small tables along each of the two available walls, and the whole place was about 10′ or 3 metres wide. Each table could accommodate two people, so a maximum of 20 people in the entire restaurant. At the end of the room was the cash register and an open window into the kitchen where I could see the Chef.

I decided not to have a starter course, as I didn’t want to fill up before my steak with Bernaise sauce arrived (filet de boeuf avec sauce Bernaise is one of my all-time favourites from when I lived in Paris). I asked the delightful owner to recommend a glass of red wine (I think it was Corbierre) and I settled back to savour the thought of my dinner about to be prepared in the kitchen. My tastebuds were salivating with anticipation :-)

Traditional French restaurant in Paris - amuse bouche (image)

 

The owner returned and placed a gorgeous little bowl in front of me, and said it was a little “amuse bouche” to prepare my mouth for the first course. It was a small amount of soft white cheese, almost like ricotta, with hot bacon pieces sprinkled on top. A drizzle of honey had been added which made this a delicious and very interesting little taste sensation – what a lovely gesture!

When my dinner arrived, it looked absolutely fabulous. And it tasted delicious!

Traditional French restaurant in Paris - best steak (image)

 

In fact I can remember the taste as I type this … the sign of an excellent meal. The filet de boeuf (fillet of steak) was resting in the centre of a platter, with a small bowl of Sauce Bernaise, and a larger bowl filled with small roasted potatoes drizzled with garlic and onion confit. Oh my! I’m in heaven :-)

The restaurant filled up very quickly with other diners, and I thoroughly enjoyed my little adventure here. I can highly recommend this restaurant if you’re in the area.

A Deux Pas
Traditional French restaurant in Paris
55 rue Saint Maur
75011 Paris

Ouvert du mardi au samedi midi et soir le dimanche midi / Open from Tuesday to Saturday lunch & dinner, & Sunday lunch
Réservations : 01 43 55 67 52

Metro: Rue St-Maur / St Ambroise

Prices:

  • wine approximately 4,50 euro per glass
  • main meals approximately 14,00 to 19,00 euro

You might also enjoy the Where to Eat in Paris page and also the Famous French Food page.

Map to this traditional French restaurant in Paris

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