I’m riding down Lincoln Road on my rental and I suddenly remember that now is the perfect time to pick up the Blackberry charger I forgot to pack. I’ve hijacked Anna’s charger on this trip and I’m sure she will soon notice that I’m holding it hostage. As I’m looking around, I barely notice that I’ve completely blocked the entire sidewalk and that there is man patiently waiting for me to move so he can walk by. But instead of getting angry, he asked me if I was lost and needed help. I smiled and remembered that I’m definitely not in New York right now.

Long story short, he thought I was asking for a pay phone and pointed me in this direction. It’s not what I wanted but it is exactly what I needed. Just a shot of kindness from a stranger and an old school phone booth that feels like it’s been plucked from an old PARISIENNE film. Charming, isn’t it?

The Chelsea Market is one of those places in New York that I can always escape to. This little gem is an indoor market on one entire city block right here in Chelsea. If you are a Francophile, this is near heaven. Everything from an enormous French wine selection to a very knowledgeable butcher. I spent an entire hour shopping for ingredients for the perfect impromptu cocktail party at my apartment this evening. I walked out with fresh bread, cheese and a gorgeous bottle of French wine. It was an extremely successful shopping trip to say the least.

A beautiful store filled with antiques, rugs and Moroccan tiles…

I have a theory that drinking Champagne is for every occasion, not just the special ones. And since I can’t really tell one bubbly from the next, I decided to do a little Champagne tasting at Pops for Champagne while in Chicago. This is my list of a few I sampled and recommend the next time you want to toast for absolutely no reason at all. Turns out that every Champagne has a personality of it’s own.

#5. Krug Grand Cuvée – Rich and full-bodied, toasty and complex.

#4. Louis Roederer Brut Premier – Sophisticated richness and a glossy finish.

#3. Henriot Brut Souverain – Bright and developed with an acute personality.

#2. Grosset Grande Réserve – Bold with restraint and purity, nearly perfect.

#1. Ferrari Perle’ 2002 – Complex and forward, yet sleek, skillful in it’s creation.

Pops for Champagne, 601 N State St, Chicago IL 60610

It’s true about French women keeping their beauty secrets just that. After begging, pleading, and with some friends, bribing… I was finally able to gather enough secret products from the French beauties in my life to pack with me on my PARISIENNE journey. Here are the Top 10 things that I tested in the last 10 days that have cleansed, toned, lifted, exfoliated and brightened my traveled skin. Think of me when you pack for your holiday. I did all of the testing for you.

MakeUp Forever So Divine

Biafine, $63.00

Guerlain, Skincare Travel Set, $49.00

Vichy Normaderm Astringent Toner, $16.00

Caudalie Gentle Cleanser, $26.00

Lancome Paris Exfoliant Fraichelle, $31.50

Cle de Peau Lip Treatment, $48.00

RoC Complete Lift Night Cream, $16.64

L’Occitane Brightening Smoothing Exfoliator, $8.00

YSL Parisienne Perfume, $39.00

Pot au Chocolat

Café Stella is a little bit of Paris tucked behind the red walls of historic Sunset Junction. I read that this was Silver Lake’s best kept secret but when we got there, the secret seemed to be out…and spreading! After a hilarious episode with the very dapper valet, we huddled together in the outdoor patio directly under the heat lamp (yes darlings, LA does get a bit chilly at night so pack accordingly) for our last LA meal. The problem was that I had no concept of time while on the West Coast and ate a pretty big meal before arriving to the restaurant. Oops. But this is moi and I always have room for Pot au Chocolat and a glass of Champers. The next time thou, I am coming very hungry. The Steak au Poivre looked amazing from afar.

Cafe Stella, 3932 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029

#1. Fleur de Sel is hand harvested salt that is both rare and expensive. And totally worth it!

While exploring the charming South Pasadena neighborhood, I was lured into a French market by the yummy selection of cheese, fresh bread, pates, and all of the fancy condiments. I’ve been eating French food for days now and I’m starting to finally identify the specific things that I need in my pantry at home so that I can stay PARISIENNE well after my journey. These are the 4 ingredients I’m taking home with me.

#2. Fancy Dijon Mustard. That plain yelllow stuff just doesn't come close to this.

#3. Swizzle Sticks to stir into piping hot coffee. Perfect for impressing your friends when you serve coffee at your place.

#4. French Lavender Honey Drops are so delicious in a cup of hot tea or eat it like candy like I do.