Reims: Drinking Champagne in Champagne!

Day 2 started with breakfast in bed (sort of). Delicious croissants and baguettes,  along with fig yogurt which I could have sworn I would have hated but ended up loving filled us up and we were ready to start our day. We headed over to Reims Cathedral were in awe of the exterior until we saw the front..horrendous scaffolding obstructed the entire middle of the facade. Our disappointment dissapted quickly as soon as we entered. The soaring ceiling just left me in utter amazement with the stone vaults and beautiful stained glasd windows. We roamed around for a while, snapping away photos and just staring at the beauty of the church. Next we attempted to visit the art museum but like almost everything else in the town, it was closed til 2. We strolled fown to the basilica down a ways and were disappointed with how poorly kept the ourside was...until we went inside. It was just as beautiful,  if not more,  than the last. Though I think then lighting played a big role. We stopped for lunch on the way back, getting  myself a quiche,  and headed back to the square where the first church was. Nothing like a yummy meal with a beautiful view.
Since Reims is in the Champagne country of France, we naturally had to do a tour and tasting at one of the champagne houses. The first, Mumms which apparently is a big company in the champagne world was booked up so we hoped that the other house was available.  Lucky for us it was. While not as fancy,  this place seemed much less pretentious than the other. We did a tour and learned how they make champagne. Obviously the best part was after when we got to try some. We were even more pleased when we were given full glasses of the samples and not just a small taste. Of course you had the old snotty people who took a couple sips and wasted the deliciousness.
After purchasing some bottles for ourselves we went back to the cathedral square to get dinner. Since this is Europe we were too early for dinner and were "forced" to have a beer beforehand. Nothing like a delicious beer while staring at the beautiful scenery (which consisted of not only the church but the French men,  hehehe). Finally we were able to order food and had probably some of the best burgers and chicken sandwiches ever. Our waiter was so happy to hear that we spoke english...probably so he could practice his very good english.
Tomorrow we head back to Paris...so ready to experience the Parisian life!

The Amazing Race to France

As most of you know , my sister and I are on our big trip to France and today is day 1. It started out as a stressful day at work; a deadline the day of a big trip is no bueno. Well then I come to find Michelle's flight is delayed an hour and IF she arrived on time she only had 45 mins to get off the plane, get her luggage, change terminals and re check-in. I think I aged 10 years from that. I had already checked in but waited for her in her terminal to show her where we needed to go. she got in 10 mins early, her bag was the first to come out and made it to check in in plenty of time. THANK GOD!
Getting off the plane and through customs was a breeze. Who knew the French were so efficient! We caught a train to the main train which was going to take us to Reims. While we waited we had some chocolate croissants...DELICIOUS! The train was super comfy. Too comfy in that we kept nodding off. As we speed to Reims,  we passed by some beautiful countryside. I've learned that I need to pack lighter,  luggig a big suitcase and duffle sucks majorly. We dragged our stuff to the hostel, attempted to speak to the manager who spoke little French (we did it successfully though!) and passed out in our room. This is short and sweet as im ready to pass out again, so til tomorrow!
Au rvoir!

Any Spare Change For The Homeless?

Hello world! I know, I know, its been a while. Been busy with my new job and the most painful task of finding an apartment. Lets start with the good first, shall we?
So I'm currently on my 3rd week of the new job and absolutely love it! Unlike my last job where I just did all the drawings, I'm now learning all aspects of design. I was never as interested in the other part (furniture, finishes, fabrics, etc.) because I always associated that with the more "decorating" side of design. Those of you who I've had that scary talk with where I almost tear off your head with the difference between a decorator and a designer know what I mean. BUT when it comes to commercial design its not like that at all. Its all about the cheapest price and durability (but still has to look pretty ;) ). This project is a super huge hotel in Atlanta. Its a renovation so its going to be awesome to see a typical boring/ugly hotel transform into pure awesomeness.  Anyway, because of my France trip quickly approaching, my first deadline is a week sooner and its double the work than ive been used to! Its super scary but if you know me at all, it will get done one way or another. I just may be calling my office my new home for a few nights. And what a perfect segway into housing! Now for the not so nice part....
So apartment searching in New York City is probably one of the worst experiences of my life. Talk about a buzz kill. I thought my big increase in pay would help but not a chance! I was told by one broker I had a student budget...wow... And there are all sorts of protocol for how renting works which makes it that much more difficult. It essentially costs you AT LEAST 3xs your rent to move into a new place if you use a broker. And of course Craig's list is full of scams. Now I know why people resort to the things they do just to afford to live here...dont worry Ma, I won't! But seriously, it's the most ridiculous and depressing thing ever. So if you want to donate to the Valere's Homeless Fund or know someone who has space (in a non sketchy area...believe me, thats hard), holla at me!!! I can use any help I can get. Thankfully Im not in any rush BUT living with your grandmother longer than necessary is not ideal. I will say though, every time I get down because of this search and feel like I'm never going to find anything, I see the beautiful skyline that is New York City ot take a walk through Central Park and remember why I'm here. It's all worth it!