Paris Year-End Review 2015

Via @MilenaGuideParis – Metro sign in Winter

I wish I could live an Instagram life. I’ve become more addicted to the app of late. Not because I’m a great photographer, I’m not. I do love posting like everyone else does but I also actually really enjoying liking, looking through my feed, and commenting when inspired. I have discovered the #repost app which has changed my life…ok well not actually but when I don’t have a photo that’s up to snuff, I use repost to show something or someone whose work I enjoy. So I’ve decided to give you my Paris Year in Review 2015 with a little help from Instagram.

Dior store-front via @ParisianlyYours on Instagram

A look back at 2015, it was a wonderful and terrifying year. Obviously the event in Paris that shouts at us to pay attention to it is most certainly the attacks of 11/13/15 which we won’t soon forget. The families of the loved ones lost will never ever be able to erase this horrid day. This is perhaps the most important and moving video from that moment and something that we can all learn from.

In order to go on and create flowers out of ashes I feel we must pay attention to all the positive things and the incredible beauty that surrounds us. On a rainy day like today, Instagram is great for that.

A rainy day in Paris posted by @VuTheara on Instagram

The Official Paris Tripism Bureau posted this photo below. Like the man in the video states we have to get up and shed our fears and our anger, wake up from our nap and play just like everyday – so why not enjoy a beautiful breakfast at Carette?

breakfast at Carette via @ParisJetaime

Christmas in Paris is indeed something to behold and they are putting on the show just like they always do.

Christmas tree via @ParisPerfectRentals on Instagram

@mrgx_tw took this vaguely London-looking shot

I just love this carrousel, it was one of our kid’s favorite things to do in summer and at Xmas in Paris via @mrgx_tw

For me personally, I was over the moon to get to paid to spend 3 months “researching” the best bars and cocktails in the city of light during January, February and March of this year for my book Paris Cocktails which was released in September, now on its 2nd printing already I’m proud to say.

My book at Bespoke cocktail bar, where we held our first of many book parties around the world. photo via @LeahsTravels

This book was obviously great fun to do and includes 100 cocktail recipes as well as 100 bars in Paris and Francophile bars beyond Paris. It has taken me to many places to meet fellow Francophiles, I’ve enjoyed immensely the numerous book parties and luckily they are just getting started. We’ve got a bunch coming up on the west coast in 2016, see the schedule here.

This is Debi Lily of A Perfect Event in Chicago who threw a simply gorgeous party for me & the book!

Thanks to my job which is all thanks to you my dear readers, I was able to enjoy some ridiculously good meals in Paris this fall with my hubby whilst on an extended stay. Read the reviews here.

There were some stupendous French meals ate this fall, this is Chez Julien not far from our apartment – a gorgeous looking place but not one on the very top of my list.

This past June I tagged along when the French Tripism Bureau, Atout France asked me to go on a cycling trip to the Midi-Pyrenees. The conversation went something like this. Hello, Doni would you like to go on a press cycling trip with us to the Midi-Pyrenees and the Aveyron? Answer: Only if its completely flat. Enter the electric bike and voilà I was off and cycling! See my pics and read about my journey here.

French blue + cycle with electricity!

Thankfully we were able to spend some time at our home near Bordeaux both in the winter and fall – buts its never enough.

One of the ground floor bedrooms with Van Gogh like color!

As for Girls’ Guide to Paris, we launched a new apartment rental business. We’ve got a rental sale going on now. Book now through 1/30/16 for travel anytime in 2016 and receive 10% off any week’s rental or more. I’m so excited about the chic, romantic apartments we’ve handpicked all in very central areas and many with superb views or terraces. Every rental comes with a free orientation trip of the neighborhood and a GG2P GO-Card, which together would be valued at $200 plus your savings with our special deal of up to $600, traveling to Paris in 2016 is getting more and more affordable. Email booking(at)girlsguidetoparis.com for more information.

This apartment has 4 bedrooms, 2 floors and is an actual house in Paris in the 1st arr. Its huge!

These were some of 2015 highlights for me, I hope there were a basket-full for you. I wish each and everyone of you a pinch of Paris glitter and a sparkling, healthy and safe New Year.

Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd all decked out by @Parisianlyyours