mes vacances de rêve

I have always longed to have a passport filled with stamps. I've envisioned an old fashioned suitcase covered in stickers ready at a moment's notice. While I have the old fashioned suitcases (I have a flea market obsession) they're collecting dust in our basement and I don't even have a passport.

Picking a dream vacation is in some ways difficult because I literally want to go everywhere. Being Italian, I've always wanted to go to Italy. I know as soon as I get there it will feel like home. But I'm also German and a couple other nationalities so I would want to visit those countries as well. I'd love to go on an African Safari, go to Mecca, go whale watching in Cabo. I want so see so many monuments and places! It's a wonder how I'll ever help choose somewhere to honeymoon ;)

Clearly, there are several places that would make for a dream vacation but one in particular holds a special place in my heart...

...Paris              

Within the past few years I have gone crazy for anything Parisian. I think it's so chic and glamorous and feminine. & having a reputation for being a writer's city, or an artist's city, I've always felt like a part of me belongs there... or at least has to visit. It's amazing how you can feel connected to a place you've never been. 

When I finished my undergrad this year my mom threw me a party and it was filled with the most wonderful people and energy and the party alone would have been enough. So, when she handed me an envelope I was surprised but appreciative because I figured it was a monetary gift (something a broke college grad always appreciates). Little did I know what it would contain...

I opened the card and instead of a check this little booklet she made fell out. 

She's cute :)

 When I flipped through the book each page had a different picture on it as a clue as to where we were going.

This is where I started crying saying "Mom... mom...." over and over haha

Excuse the water spots.. I set this on the counter before I took pictures..

Ahhh! I can't believe I'm going to be in Paris this coming year! & I get to go with one of the best women in my life who is giving me one of the best gifts ever. We've already started scouring the internet for hotels ;) Guess I'll be getting my passport after all.

Has anyone ever been?! I'd love any and all tips or recommendations you have! 

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Be sure to link up with Taylor, Helene & the rest of us for #Blogtober14!