SHOP LIKE A BOSS
SHOP LIKE A CHEF
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Louvre, Musée de l'Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries and more. Yes, go. However, if you love to cook and throw yourself at gorgeous things found only in Paris, don’t miss E.Dellerin Paris. It’s where chefs go for whatever they need, and they carry accoutrements found in the most well-appointed residential kitchens. If you must have a wire whisk small enough for your two year-old, you can get the identical item big enough for Shrek. Whatever they have, they carry it in the smallest and largest sizes because for every task, the right tool exists. I went there so many times in one year, that they started welcoming me like they do the real chefs chasing Michelin stars (by yelling "Chef!) and they gave me a teeny tiny knife sharpening steel as a key chain. That sucker works and would put out an eye. I bet Ina has one.
EUROPEAN DEPARTMENT STORES ARE THE BEST
Galleries Lafayette is the best department store in the world, with a smidge of competition from Berlin’s KaDeWe and Stockmann in Helsinki, well, you will just die. The picture is just the cosmetics, perfume, and hair accessories department. It’s the size of a circular football field and offers every price point. If you can manage to make your way to linens, be prepared for every single option under the sun in every color imaginable. It’s just n-o-t done in the States. As wonderful as it is, the street vendors just outside are pretty dang cool, too. KaDeWe, being German, offers fashion, but you should see their office section. Every manner of writing instrument and precision tools required at a desk is available. Stockmann is steeped in Scandinavian design and the kitchenwares are incredible. It took me 20 minuters to decide which carafe I wanted because it was offered in 20 sizes. It made me question my sanity.
Galleries Lafayette is celebrating 130 years. Next time you land, head to their spa for anti-jet lag relaxing experience and infra-red saunas.
Harrod’s in London, while familiar to many, and amazing, like the other stores, specialize in presenting their culture along with the goods. Bone china, porcelain cups, kitchen wares and, OMG, the silver department covered centuries. I bought the Louis Vuitton Noe bag in London, and it ended up saving our buns at Heathrow when we were told we had too many bags. While that’s not possible in my world, the security disagrees. We were told to combine our stuff into two bags. My son began to panic that he might lose his brand new Mac but, like in the Apollo 13 movie, I dumped everything out and said we have five minutes to get THAT into THIS — the Noe bag. That Noe bag was like stuffing camel humps. Designed to hold six magnums of Veuve Cliquot, it nearly had room leftover for a used VW bug. Anyway, worth-every-penny.
RESOURCES
INTERIORS / HOUSEWARES
http://eshop.e-dehillerin.fr/
https://westontable.com/
https://www.shopterrain.com/
https://shopboxhill.com/
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/
http://www.allwrappedup-gifts.com/
http://www.smartyhadaparty.com/
https://www.lonestarwesterndecor.com/scvali.html
https://www.stillmeadowpottery.com/category/Specialty-Items-Open-Stock-24
https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/
https://www.vandykes.com
https://www.sandiegohardware.com/
Hello Tushy (bidet)
Bloomingdales Housewares
DECOR / EXTERIOR
https://www.outwater.com/trim-fast-self-adhesive-mouldings/
https://www.curvemakers.com/
https://acuriolattice.com/
https://patiolane.com/
https://outdoorlivingyourway.com/
Smoking in Paris in front of Louis Vuitton flagship store
Taking the Staten Island Ferry
WEARABLES
https://www.scoutbags.com/
https://www.girlfriend.com/
https://www.rainraps.com/
LISTEN UP!
Radio Garden (world radio stations)
Qualifying for a SCUBA license in Jamaica