Montmartre – Fête des Vendanges

Did you know that there’s a small vineyard in Paris? It’s in the most charming quartier of Paris (in my opinion), Montmartre.

Every October, the grapes are harvested, and while they’re at it, they throw a big party for an entire weekend. I decided to check it out on a whim, and found it to be so worth the crowds and the hike up the hill! Tons of food stands are set up around Sacré Coeur selling artesianal cheese, dozens of types of sausage, all varieties of regional wines, and even some ethnic food. My friends and I bought a HUGE bottle of homemade Sangria for 5 euro, which we split among ourselves, and I enjoyed a sausage in a baguette topped with grilled onions and peppers. We found a nice little spot on the steps in front of the basilica, ate our delicious meal, and then watched the firework show! I think it’s so great that drinking a few glasses of wine “in the streets” is perfectly acceptable here, it makes having a great time with friends that much easier.

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Transitioning – Late Nights and Soirées

As I’m debating whether or not I want to spend 50 Euros on a one-day pass to Pitchfork music festival, I decided to compose a blog post on last weekend. It was a weekend full of much social-butterlying (I just made up that word), which is quite a refreshing change from all the sight-seeing I’ve been doing for the past month and a half. It’s like I’m actually living here now, not just visiting. About time! Since I am, in fact, living here.

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Live it.

Normally, when I see or read things that have the message: Life life to the fullest, I simply roll my eyes and move on to something more interesting and less cliché.

However, lately I’ve been in such a carpe diem type of mood. Being in Paris probably has something to do with it. All major life changes are at first, extremely difficult, and later on, flip to the other extreme and become wonderfully fun, inspiring, fresh, and exciting.

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Of Fringe and Funks

It’s that time again: Time to cut some fringe over my forehead. I’ve been feeling so underwhelmed with my hair, but now that it’s starting to grow out quite long again, I think fringe would take it to the next level. Whenever I’ve worn my bangs down, I always feel so much cooler, more mysterious, and just prettier in general. Also, changing hairstyles always gives me a little boost in confidence.

And speaking of feeling good, I’ve been feeling pretty darn good lately, despite one speed bump that’s got me feeling sad at sporadic moments throughout the days. However, I think I’ve discovered the secret formula – no, not for Krabby Patties – but for getting out of a sadness or anxiety-induced funk. It is as follows:

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Learning to be Lonely

As I was driving home alone, thinking about a loved one that I can’t spend time with at the moment, I started feeling really lonely. I then realized that I’ll feel ten times more lonely in Paris, and my stomach dropped. Foreign country. friends, family, and boyfriend out of reach. I guess that part of it hasn’t really hit me until now, and I’ve always considered myself quite independent.

If I’m going to embrace Paris %100, I need to learn to accept loneliness. There’s no getting around feeling sad, alone, and fearful – but what I can do is not let them consume me.

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Lazy Afternoon

Here are some Instagrams of what I did on my day off:

Tried on my new clothing purchases, and planned some outfits for Paris. The lip color is Red Velvet – Loving it for fall! I want to plan outfits, take pictures of each outift, and then be able to reference the photos if I’m feeling uninspired with what to wear one day. I think it’s a splendid idea!

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