We just got back from an appointment at the prefecture to get our visas extended. It took 4.5 hours (3 of which were spent standing out in the cold with kids!) For the most part we haven’t had to deal with too much bureaucracy while we’ve been here but when we do it’s as frustrating as any rumor you’ve heard of. When it happens I head to a bakery to choose a delicious pastry and then go near the Seine to eat it. It’s a good reminder of what I am fighting for. We spent part of this week touring the villages and chateaus in the Loire Valley. It was so beautiful! I’ll post pictures next week. I hope you have a nice weekend! I’ll be packing for my trip to Alt Summit!
I also write for Babble.com. Here are my posts this week.
Gasp! Did you see the new Jason Wu collection at Target. I want to own all of it!
Seven jackets that are 50% off.
The most beautiful blocks ever. Period.
A sweet Valentine DIY
A surprising perk to being a mom.
Cool preppy crib line.
The New Diplomats Wife
January 13, 2012
mais oui, those frenchies make you earn your keep! but after a visit stateside to the social security office last week, we’re not much better. looking forward to meeting you at ALT!
Kimberly
January 13, 2012
Oh, how much longer are you all staying? I am excited to see that the fun Parisian adventure won’t end soon.
Emily
January 13, 2012
Hi Jordan!
Long-time reading of your blog. My husband and I will be in Europe for 34 days, beginning May 1. Part of our trip, we have set aside 7 nights for France, though we are being realistic that the 7 nights will be exclusive to Paris. I would LOVE for some recommendations, sample itinerary, ANYTHING. I would love to know your must-see’s, your favorites, and things to do that would help a person there a short time “feel” Paris (or France).
Happy New Year to your and yours. I look forward to your book!
Emily
Alyssa
January 13, 2012
Keep fighting the good fight for croissants and chocolate! Happy to hear that you and your family get to continue the adventure a bit longer 🙂
Sarah K.
January 13, 2012
Isn’t Chambord fantastic? The exterior is gorgeous to me, and that staircase is so cool. I can’t wait to see your pictures!
Union Tom
January 13, 2012
Happy Weekend! Make mine a 3-Day here in the U.S. in honor of Martin Luther King Jr
katie m
January 13, 2012
What beautiful little valentines! Have a great weekend!
Kate xo
collectandcreate.com
apricots+silk
January 13, 2012
I think it’s amazing that you’re living in France! Such a bold and beautiful thing.
Sounds like a beautiful week. I long to live in Paris someday when I’m older.
I hope you have a beautiful weekend!
xxx
Marie
January 13, 2012
What a beautiful photo. I agree…those delicious pastries can fade any worry. 🙂
http://www.happypaperplace.com/
Mariela
January 13, 2012
Lovely photo, have a great weekend!.
Brigette
January 13, 2012
Wow, his collection for Target is amazing! Buying asap!
Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark!
January 14, 2012
Have a great weekend, looking forward to seeing the photos from your trips!
Catalina
January 14, 2012
oooooooooooooooooh!!! I live relatively close to this castle 🙂
lovely photo!
French Cannes Cannes
January 14, 2012
I feel your pain! The bakery + Seine combo is a GREAT idea…you need some incentive to stand in that line right? I think my personal best is 8 hours including some crying (but I never had to do it with kids – I can’t even imagine). Bravo for braving the French red tape! It always feels like such an accomplishment! bon weekend!
Kathryn
January 14, 2012
I’m glad you’re having an amazing time! That is a gorgeous photograph…
XoXo Kathryn
http://lacoquettedelamode.wordpress.com/
Melissa
January 15, 2012
Have fun on your trip! Btw, love the blocks, Valentine cards, and baby kicks. Adorable!
Maria @ CheekyPinkTulip
January 15, 2012
Ooooh, how lovely. I’d be so fat if I lived in Paris. Oh, the pastries, the bread and cheese.
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
dannelle@nestenterprises
January 15, 2012
sounds like DreamY BlisS…
http://nestenterprises.typepad.com
Béa
January 16, 2012
Queueing outside in the cold? aïe….. reminds me of us when we applied for a visa for the US on a freezing winter years ago and had to wait for so long on the pavement. brrrr.
Anyway, have a safe flight!
Jessica
January 16, 2012
Hi Jordan–which castle is this? Are there any villages in the Loire valley you’d recommend in particular? Thanks!
Kate
January 18, 2012
I hear you on European bureaucracies! We’ve been here in Germany for two years now and it seems like whenever we have to get anything done, it requires four trips in order to have all the things they don’t tell you you need until you arrive without it. Good for you for extending your stay! I couldn’t imagine going back to the US at this point, I love living in Europe so much!
Beautiful shot of Chambord! I remember visiting Chenonceau on my first trip to France on a high school exchange and being enchanted with the beauty and history that’s over here. Aren’t we lucky for living just around the corner from gems like these? 🙂
karen
January 19, 2012
Ah, bureaucracy! It’s the same when we have applied for american visas. And we’ve managed to do it twice during the winter months. And getting in to an ameican embassy is way worse than any airport security screening. But as you say, it’s worth it in the end!
sobrina
January 22, 2012
gorgeous picture!! i can’t wait to read about alt summit 🙂