Can you believe this?

I can't believe it's today: Harajuku mini for Target.  When I realized it is today, I thought should head over to the nearest Target.  Hopefully there's still a lot of items left.  I know a lot of fans like me will be in line...

The Streets of Paris

Again a very late post.  These pictures were taken back in May 2011- Springtime in Paris.  It was a great weather overall the 4 days we were there, warm during the day and a bit chilly at night.

Walking the streets of Paris, I can't help but be amazed of the culture, the food (and desserts - of course my favorite is the macarons), historic architecture of all the city sights, cobble stoned streets and even the Mercedes Benz taxis.  haha.  It may be too that it was my first time in Europe so everything was a welcome change to me.  Let me share a few pictures of the great sights that we took while walking around the city.

Right in front of the Eiffel Tower

In Montmarte, The famous Moulin Rouge

Taken behind the Opera House

Grand Marnier Opera House

Crossing the Avenues de Champs Elyssees

Again along Champs Elysees with the Famous Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Tropmphe du Carousell in front of the Louvre Museum

The Famous and most visited Museum in the World- The Louvre Museum, houses the Famous Mona Lisa

In Front of the Great Notre Dame Cathedral

Hope you guys enjoyed viewing our personal pictures as much as I enjoy looking back at them and reminiscing our trip :)

The Majestic Chateau de Versailles

This is a very late post about our trip to Versailles, the home of the French Monarchy in the 1600-1700s right before they were forced to return to Paris during the French Revolution.
We initially planned on getting there early (as advised by our friends who had been there) as it takes about 45 minutes to and hour to get there from Paris.  But guess what? it took us almost 3 hours for the trip. We knew we had to take the RER to Versailles but we missed the RER train from the metro that we were supposed to take and mistakenly took the wrong train.  This train was also going the Versailles but that train stop or station is not the one right across from the Chateau.  This would be a 10 minute walk from the station to the Chateau.  But we were hesistant getting lost in the streets not knowing where to go so our best bet was take the train back again.  So when we realized our mistake, we got off at this station (I couldn't even remember where) and had to take a train going back.  To cut the long story short, we did get to Versailles but by the time we got there, it was almost 1 pm and we were hungry.  Good thing there was a McDonalds right in front of the train station. (Mc Donalds was our safe bet when it comes to food while we were in London and Paris.  You know what you're getting.  I love the Mc Donalds in Europe, very hip, modern, eclectic and contemporary in their interiors unlike here in the US, the interior are still in the 1980s).

Once you enter the Palace, you will be given a mobile phone type where on you will enter the number ib the right hand side of each area.  The voice over or narrator will discuss the history in each of the staterooms( such as where french royalty used to entertain in the evening after dinner), paintings, different furnitures and  statues.

Here are some pictures I took of the Chateau and it's Grandeur Palace and Gardens

The Train Station in Versailles

The Entrance Gate

Never seen one like this before

Can you believe the massive detail on this ceiling?

Inside one of the apartments couldn't even remember which one, with it's old century furniture

The Garden, this couple might be honeymooners too

The Lantona Fountain

The Siyth Parterre

The back part of the Palace as you enter the Garden

Walking around the enormous garden

To think that Marie Antoinette had lived and walked in the apartments and the gardens hundreds of years ago blows me away.  I had to pinch myself several times as I can't believe I am walking around the Chateau.  This has been one of the most memorable places I've traveled to and wished my kids would get to travel here someday to learn and see a piece of French History.

Happy Halloween

To most people, this could be the most important and exciting holiday of the year.  I've seen some over the top decors online and after much thought.  I decided to go cheap this year and will wait for the post Halloween sale for next year.  So I made the Happy Halloween banner using paper rosettes and purchased a couple of ribbons at Walmart and this is what I came up with:

Just grabbed my orange pillows from the living room and patio furniture

Thought I'd make use of my daughter's pre-school art work

The hanging bat was also my daughter's art work

Assorted candy corn from Walmart

 

Cute Pumpkins also from Walmart

Happy Halloween. Enjoy your kid's treat. :) and stay safe!!

Kidz Block Party

That's where we will be this Halloween. And look who I found on their website (under pictures) when I checked to confirm the date and start of the block party.

Courtesy of the Kidz Block Party website,  taken Halloween last year

What are your plans this Halloween?  I'm still working on my decors and hopefully make it in time.  I am looking forward to the post Halloween sale.

Versace for H&M

This one got me really excited and can't wait for November 17 when Versace launches it's line at H&M worldwide.  Too bad I have to work that day but was wondering if there'll be enough pieces by the time I get to the store.  After missing Missoni for Target and Lanvin for H&M (although I don't think they launched this here in the West Coast), I knew I have to get my hands on this one.  Hehe.

I read that most of the items were from the Versace archives and recent collection.  Donatella really did a great job on this one.  Here are my few favorites:  (Photos courtesy of Forbes.com)

Disco Diva

My Favorite Fuschia Gold Studded Dress

Versace's trademark in leopard print and Greek patterns

The accessories are stunning as well..  Love love the studded belts and purses.  I'm sure there will be a long line on this one.  I'm hoping it won't be the same incident as Target's with launching their Missoni line last month..  I'm counting the days..

Knotts Berry Farm

We took the kids Trick or Treating at Knotts Berry Farm today. It's my first time back since almost 20 years ago.  I can't help but notice all of the Halloween Decorations around the theme park.  It is Camp Spooky for kids during the day on weekends and Knotts Scary Farm in the evenings during Halloween Season.  Here are some inspiring photos I took and could be probably us it to design our fireplace in time for Halloween.  I'm hoping I still have enough time with it being one week away.

We ate at the Spurs Chop HOuse which was a Barbecue Buffet included in our admission so I was mostly able to take pictures only during lunch.  Wish I could've taken more pictures outdoors as there were a lot of Halloween decor inspiration outdoors.