Hey there friends! How was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was spent in the company of your loved ones...and with plenty of delicious homemade food.

We took a break from our busy schedule to head up to Big Bear with our extended family. It was a great way to unplug. And the weather was absolutely amazing! Some of my highlights were: Gathering apples from an abandoned tree. Making The Man's favorite Sweet Potato Casserole. Teaching one of my sisters how to make gravy. Antique shopping with another sister...found a silver & turquoise bracelet that I love! Played rounds and rounds of Yahtzee with some serious folks. (Got a Double Yahtzee and won!) Had a much needed coffee break with my sister and brother-in-law at this place. Hit every thrift store in Big Bear..bought nothing. But still fun. Scored a giant bag of free pinecones for a craft project. And spent lots of time in front of a wood burning stove. All in all, it was the perfect holiday!

Although May Day isn't celebrated here as widely as it is in Europe, I still think it's one of the sweetest holidays. The tradition of leaving a basket of flowers and treats on your neighbors door reminds me of simpler times, when neighbors actually knew one another. And did you know, historians say, if they catch you in the act, they must give you a kiss!

So...we bought property in a beautiful citrus grove. After searching for about two years to find another house, we've decided to build our own custom home. It's just now starting to sink in that this adventure is really happening and we're looking forward to all the hard (but rewarding) work ahead. And in sharing our journey with you.

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.