Travel Tuesdays {A Passport Series}...

I am gearing up for my last getaway before baby comes.  It makes me excited and a little sad that this will be my final adventure before I become responsible for another human being.  I think it is really setting in how much life is going to change- how there will be so much more to think about before I just jet away on a trip.  It complicates things but in the best way ever.

So in preparation for my trip I am sharing with you some of my favorite kind of clothes to travel in.  My airplane attire is usually chic and comfortable.  Layers are important because while it might be warm outside it could be cold on the plane or at your destination.  I never wear heels while traveling.  Flats are a girls best friend for running to catch flights {yes I have had to do that so I come prepared!}.  Another must have is a cute little carry on bag for all the essentials {magazines, lip balm, lotion, water, and gum for the take off and landing}.

 All Images via H&M

See?  You don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  Cute boots, a slouchy sweater, and chic bag are a travelin' girls must haves. Just remember to show up to the right airport {fun fact:  United doesn't fly out of Midway in Chicago just O'hare which is a good 30-40 minutes away depending on which cabbie you get}.

Travel Tuesdays {A Passport Series}...

Do you ever wish you could go to New York City but then think remind yourself how expensive everything is and how you couldn't possibly afford to visit?

Well I am here to tell you that you can't afford not to visit New York City.  Let me tell you how we do it on the cheap...it's a little hotel called The Colonial House Inn.  It is seriously the best kept secret in NYC.  I am almost afraid to blog about it because you people are gonna tell other people and I don't want to many people finding out!

Our room the last time 'round was only $160 a night...now if you are from the Midwest you are thinking "only" $160?  That is about $40 dollars cheaper then the cheapest hotel you are going to find on Priceline or Hotels.com in Manhattan.  And those are not going to be nice hotels with down comforters and amazingly clean rooms and bathrooms.

The secret to the cheapness is this...we had to share a bathroom that was in the hallway.  Now, not everyone is willing to do this but they are nice, clean bathrooms and we had no trouble getting in.  It's not like there is a huge line and it makes you late and your whole day has to revolve around bathroom schedules.  Our room was also very small but who cares we barely spend any time at all in that room.

Colonial House Inn is located in Chelsea, an awesome neighborhood of Manhattan, literally 1 block away from the #4 subway line that connects you to everything.  It is also a block away from the Chelsea Market and there were amazing restaurants every where you turn around.  Not to mention it is on a quiet side street so you don't have to listen to crazy traffic as you drift to sleep at night.

view from our room...

The hotel staff are all friendly and there is internet in the lower level, PLUS a roof top deck for sunning yourself and getting fresh city air. Added benefits include being in a brownstone so you get that whole "You've Got Mail" New Yorker experience.  By the way, if sharing a bathroom skeeves you out, they do offer other rooms with bathrooms included for more money.  All of the rooms are different but very charming. Try it out!  New York City is a must see.  My husband had to be dragged kicking and screaming there but he cannot wait to go back and this sweet little hotel secret is one reason why {Ryan likes things things inexpensive}

Travel Tuesday {A Passport Series}...

Last October my whole immediate family took a little weekend trip to Saugatuck Michigan.  It is one of my favorite places to get away to.  We started going when my dad was working up there one summer restoring an old cabin for a client.

It is a fantastic area to sneak away to with a quaint downtown, art galleries, and tons of antique stores.  Not only is the downtown charming but so was the lodging.  We stayed at the wonderful Timber Bluff in Lily's Cottage.

Not only do you have your own private beach just across the street but each cottage is different, lovingly furnished with cozy beds, fireplaces, vintage table clothes, a fully stocked kitchens, and funky art.  It is the ultimate cottage getaway of my dreams.

But to stay in one of these lovely cottages you have to act fast.  They book almost a year ahead.  We know the owner, he was been one of my dad's clients for years.  Remember that cottage my dad restored?  He owns it too- here is what it looks like now...

You can stay there too it's called Helmer House. Check out the website- it has a photo gallery to give you the whole affect.  But here is my own little photo gallery of Timber Bluff- the following is the private deck and beach...

The beach is private and there are only 6 cabins total at Timber Bluff.  So it's very quiet and relaxing.  There is wood to build a bonfire and chairs to relax.  There are dunes and quiet a few stairs to climb down to get to the beach but you cannot beat the view.  Take your coffee down in the morning and enjoy listening to the sound of the waves of Lake Michigan.

I am telling you check out Saugatuck, Michigan.  There is something for everyone from an old fashion ice cream parlor and fudge factory to art galleries, hiking, and sailing.  It's beautiful in the spring, the summers are warm and the evenings are cool, and the fall colors are amazing!  You cannot go wrong.  It is ideal for family retreats or a romantic getaway with that someone you love.

Our family has many wonderful memories and we plan on making many more!

Travel Tuesdays {Paris Flea Markets}...

My favorite day in Paris we spent at Les Puces {direct translation- the fleas}.  There is nothing like a Parisian flea market.  There is no junk- only treasures can be found.  Come prepared for sticker shock- remember this stuff is a lot older then American antiques and collectibles.  The dealers aren't kidding around-  be careful when touching things, there are very valuable things around and some of the vendors can be touchy about it. 

There is a real spirit of community among the vendors.  A lot of them congregate together in little groups, drinking a wine or watching a show together.  They are a hard to read bunch and not ones to be messed with!  There was a great article about Paris in National Geographic {the travel one} about Paris and there were pictures of some of the vendors and I saw those ladies when we were there!  I bet they have been there for years!  Ryan snapped this pic below- I am prowling for good finds...

There are a couple of flea markets in Paris.  We haven't seen the others {yet!} but we spent a full day almost at Les Puces de Saint-Owen at the Porte de Clignancourt.  We took Metro line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt.  Follow the crowds, it's not hard to miss at all.  If you  head towards McDonalds then you know you are going the wrong way.  And do not have coffee at McDonalds...it is not good.

The neighborhood outside the market is not the best, so hug your purses a little closer and tell your men to watch their wallets.  We didn't have any problems except for me needing to buy breakfast for little homeless children outside of McDonalds while Ryan was getting money from the ATM.  They will be looking for you Americans, so remember what I told you about maybe trying to dress a little more European- it will help!  I promise. Or just pretend you don't speak English - another great tip.  They know Americans are suckers.  I am sorry but you know it's true!  Put some sad images in front of us and play a little Sarah Mclachlan and we are putty in your hands!

The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9-6.  It gets really busy in the afternoon but there are no early bird deals.  These are old, expensive things so don't come hoping to find the steal of the century, come early to beat the crowds {and at certain times of the year- heat}.  These dealers know their stuff and what it is worth so it's hard to haggle.  I did pick up some odds and ends.  Like vintage French postcards for one euro a piece.

The stalls, which are more like little tiny shops, are full to the brim of interesting things and fabulous displays.  Everything from furniture to old science equipment.  There is something here for everyone but perhaps my most favorite part was the market to your left as you are making your way to the antique markets.  It is full of new clothing, shoes, and handbags.  It was pure heaven.  I could have brought back an entire suitcase full of shoes {I brought back 4 pairs! bring an empty suitcase with you for souviners}.  You could get two pairs of flats for twenty euros!  The style of the clothing is very european so it is a great place to get a little Parisian chicness on the cheap.  People ask me all the time where I got my boots...Paris baby!

So here is what you need to remember about Les Puces:

*dress comfy there will be lots of walking

*eat here: Le Soleil, 109 av. Michelet, St-Ouen tel. 01-40-10-08-08-

*bring cash- watch your purses and wallets!

*you don't have to get there early to get deals, just to beat the crowds

It was the best day of our honeymoon.  I could have easily come back the next day and stayed for 7 more hours!  It was crowded but we were lucky and had amazing weather!  So we were happy just to stroll slowly along just taking it all in.  

There are little flea markets all over Paris and I would love to see more.  The next time we go, we will buy a big piece for our house.  There was just too much to decide from and we didn't plan on spending a whole lot of money that day so we were unprepared!  But in case you are worried that you are going to find an amazing piece but have no way to get it back home- don't worry the vendors deal with that all the time.  They will help you ship it and get it through customs.  

Next Tuesday will be our final Parisian Travel Tuesday. Look for a recap on all of my best French tips {i love puns!} and maybe a little giveaway {French vintage postcards anyone???}