I know, it's October. Already. September just whizzed right by although I was kept busy with job interviews, which is why this space has been neglected. I had neither the time nor the headspace to be completely honest and I'm a bit nervous as I sit here writing because I feel out of practice...So I thought I would ease back into the blogging schedule with some of my favourites from September.
Herb Lester Associates: Looking for the Usual and Unusual
I first discovered Herb Lester when Prêt a Voyager gave me a copy of their Paris Small Shops map, which she wrote for them. I fell immediately for the design and the concept - the guides pay attention to "off the beaten track" spots within cities whilst also saving some time for the better known places. Instead of overloading you with facts about a place, Herb Lester maps allow you to scratch beneath the surface of the destination you have chosen to explore. They came across my photo (see above) on Instagram and kindly asked if they could send me some of their maps. I chose Copenhagen, Edinburgh and San Francisco, destinations that are at the top of my current travel list.
I recently decided to invest in a make-up lesson and it was a toss up between Bobbi Brown and MAC. Ultimately I went for the former because I have some French girlfriends who have used Bobbi products for their wedding make-up and they both looked absolutely stunning. I also knew from previously using their foundation that they have a wide range of shades for every type of skin colour. The lesson costs 75 euros for 45 minutes, but if you buy make-up with a value of 75 euros or more afterwards, you don't have to pay for the lesson. I found an excellent purple lipstick, which I can wear both during the day or at night, and discovered the wonders of long-wear eye-cream sticks. Finally, this creamy concealer kitis my new secret weapon.
Jamaica Inn, Daphne Du Maurier
I purchased a beautiful copy of this book in Cornwall during a "summer" holiday with my sister and Flora. The August weather was cold and rainy, but we had a blast nonetheless. To fight the homesickness when I came back to Paris, I made sure to read this book once it was dark and I could hear rain hitting the windows (dramatic much?). Jamaica Inn is a frightening novel, set around Bodmin Moor, with a kick-ass 23 year old female, called Mary Yellan, narrating events for us. Du Maurier does not shy away from the reality of being a woman at the time: domestic abuse, threats of gang rape and being at the beck and call of the man of the household are all covered. The final twist that comes at the end is truly chilling as you realise it has crept up on you throughout the novel. I immediately went out and bought "My Cousin Rebecca" and look forward to re-reading Jamaica Inn.
Guy Griffin opened Café Oberkampf at the end of July and the new addition has quickly found its way into the heart of Parisian coffee lovers. Located on a quiet street, the café serves both sweet and savoury fare, such as granola, avocado toast and shakshuka. On the weekend you may even be lucky enough to sample one of Frank's delicious cake creations. I always seem to run into someone I know when I pay a visit, here's looking at you Lindsey, and it was recently the backdrop to a very happy reunion with Danielle and Lorelei : ) Do pay a visit and have a chat with Guy, one of the friendliest guys on the planet. Beans courtesy of Coutume Café.
I'll have more favourites to share with you next month - October has been good to me so far with a trip to Amsterdam, new freelance writing opportunities and more eating my way around Paris. Over and out.
Lou xxx