Later, this week, I'm headed to NYC with a few girlfriends to celebrate my birthday and take in the beauty of the city during the holidays. I've been looking forward to it for months. Finally, travel for pleasure! We have a long list of places to visit...unique shops, markets and antique stores...mostly locally owned, brick & mortars to support.

I know you probably thought I was done with the Paris posts. Me too, but I realized I never shared the flea market with you. How could I forget? We all love the flea market! So I thought I'd share a few tips and a short little video for you...

With this being our first trip to Paris, we felt obliged to visit the famous Laudree for a box or two..or three of their macarons and confections. I must admit, I loved their packaging and gorgeous shop more than the macarons. Except for the Caramel Sea Salt. That macaron is in a league all it's own.

After we settled into our apartment the first thing we did was head to the market for provisions and fresh flowers to make our nest cozy. We had our priorities straight, non? But I must confess...I took an obscene amount of flower images during our stay. So many that my daughter would automatically stop before me at any flower shop because she knew I was going to take more.

How can one resist such loveliness?

With Paris being known as the city of romance, it comes as no surprise that lovers from around the world would want to secure their love pact while visiting. They have done so by the thousands with their locks of love strewn across the bridges of the Seine River.

The gardens and parks of Paris are the jewels of the city. They are filled with gorgeous fountains, tree lined paths, manicured lawns and park benches scattered throughout encouraging you to sit, relax and take in the beauty.