cheers to life!

As this year comes to a close I think about all that I have seen, felt, experienced… and I feel very grateful. Ready to begin a fresh year, happily unaware of what it will bring. Rather than make a list of resolutions, as I have the habit of doing (needless to say that mastering the French language would be at the top of that list), I have decided not to write a list of what to do but rather, how to live. I have long ago decided that life is not meant to be lived with regrets, and this, the Top Five Regrets of the Dying only confirmed why. Wisdom indeed comes with age, and we can learn a thing or two from those who have lived. So I share these insights with those alive and well.

1. live a life true to yourself, not the life others expect of you (perhaps most important of all)

2. don’t work so hard (seems the French have this one figured out)

3. have the courage to express your feelings

4. stay in touch with your friends

5. let yourself be happy

Wishing you all a new year filled with less work, more time with friends and always, happiness!

I shall be celebrating Christmas in Monterosso and the New Year in Barcelona. Back in 2012…


weekend in the Loire

The Loire Valley is quickly becoming one of my most beloved areas of France. Ever since our first Loire by bike trip amidst the grand château earlier in the year. Last weekend we planned another Loire adventure, this one to the scenic village of Amboise, festive and calm in it’s off-season charm. A perfect escape from the pre-Christmas chaos of Paris.

We arrived to a scene reminiscent of a painting.

And there it was, the Château d’Amboise, nestled into the skyline, awaiting our arrival.

But first, a quaint village waiting to be explored. (Would we find a restaurant open? Barely.)

A tour of the Château d’Amboise, home to many of France’s nobility, proved a regal experience.

To say nothing of it’s grounds. Enchanting!

Our last day, guided by the sunshine we visited the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci, along with Mona Lisa, had spent the last four years of his life. It was here that we entered not simply the home but the mind of this genius. Within the château and it’s gardens are displayed many of da Vinci’s creations. I was struck by how advanced he was for his time. A painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, botanist, musician, writer… My Italian smiled proudly at the brilliance of one of his own.

It was an ideal weekend. Already we are planning the next trip… a château or two remain.

Marches de Noël

Every Christmas season I vow to find my way to the holiday markets all over the city and indulge in the mulled wines and assorted delicacies. Somehow, I get side-tracked and never make it, having thus far only found my way to the grand Christmas marche at La Défense. (Well worth the trip!) To prevent this from happening again, the well informed travel site AnyTrip.com has provided a list of the Marches de Noël in Paris. For those lucky enough to be living in the city of lights, take your pick!

Christmas Market at Champs-Elysées: November 19 – January 2
The Christmas Market on the most famous street in the city of Paris draws millions of visitors during the holiday season. This market stretches over a length of approximately 2 miles from the Arc of Triumph to the Place de la Concorde. On either side of the famed boulevard, you will find numerous chalet styled cottages that house many Christmas themed items such as hats, scarves, purses, jewelry, chocolates, arts and crafts and many others. This market is particularly popular for children as the popular La Grande Roue (Ferris Wheel) and other amusements rides are open at the Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), not far from the Place de la Concorde. The Paris Metro serves various portions of the Champs-Elysées so if you can’t walk the entire length, you can use the public transportation system.

Christmas Market at La Défense: November 23 – December 27 (Closed on Christmas Day)
The Christmas Market at the La Défense section of Paris, is the largest in the city, in terms of the number chalets. This Christmas Market offers live music, beautiful holiday themed artwork, plenty of good food and more arts and crafts. La Défense comprises a number of business and features the impressive Grande Arche, which is square shaped arch that is over 360 feet high. La Défense is easily visible from several miles away, due to its large collection of high-rise buildings.

Christmas Market at Trocadero December 8 to January 2
With the striking view of the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, the Christmas Market at Trocadero is among the best choices in Paris. The Palais du Trocadéro is the most prominent structure at Trocadero, which was completed for the 1878 World’s Fair. The palace now houses a number of museums, including the Museum of Monuments and the Maritime Museum. Along with the many chalet styled shops, which features arts and crafts, food and other Christmas related items, there is a very popular ice skating rink. At night, the rink offers an amazing view of the grandly illuminated Eiffel Tower.

Christmas Market at Saint-Sulpice December 11 to December 24
Saint-Sulpice, 
Paris’ 2nd largest church is the site of yet another popular Christmas market. Situated not far from the 2nd largest park in the city, the Jardin du Luxembourg, this smaller yet lively Christmas market offers all of the arts and crafts and the tasty foods you might find at the larger sites. There is also a Santa’s Village, which obviously is a top draw for the children. Saint-Sulpice houses one of the finest church organs in the city is aptly known as The Great Organ.

Christmas Market at Montparnasse Tower December 5 to December 30
Located at the front of the Gare Montparnasse (Montparnasse Train Station), this mid-sized Christmas market is known of its broad collection of French foods with Christmas flair. Because of its easy access from the train station, this market is one of most visited in the city. As with all of the other Christmas markets in the city, you’ll discover a number of interesting arts and crafts.

Thank you for the Christmas market inspiration AnyTrip!

As an additional bonus, cross the channel and win a winter trip to London! To enter, go to AnyTrip’s Facebook page and tell them what you and a friend would do on your perfect day in London. Winner chosen on Friday Dec 16th.

experiences of a lifetime

Today marks five years since my adventures around the world took flight. Still, it feels like yesterday. Sitting aboard a plane, tipsy from sake and high from anticipation, having just bid farewell to dear friends and family after several days of revelry at Miami’s Art Basel. I was about to embark on a journey of 13 months and countless experiences. First stop Buenos Aires. I often reflect upon those days, particularly when I’m not feeling inspired (even amidst the beauty of Paris), and find myself reliving these scenes… eternally grateful to call them my experiences.

Exploring Machu Picchu beneath a misty sky.

Bathing on the remote island of Fernando de Naronha in Brazil.

Sky-diving over the majestic landscape of Queenstown, New Zealand.

Driving along Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Admiring Jodhpur, the magnificent 'Blue City' of Rajasthan, India.

Catching a glimpse of the Taj Mahal.

A spiritual moment at the temple of Ta Prohm in Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Becoming fashionable in the city of tailors, Hoi An, Vietnam.

Two days floating on a junk boat in Halong Bay.

Meditating upon the Mekong in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Exlporing the rice fields of Ubud, Indonesia by motor bike.

Inhaling the grand view of Hong Kong.

Driving through the landscape near Lhasa, Tibet.

Climbing the Great Wall of China.

Finding tranquility amidst The Golden Pavilion of the Rokuon-Ji Temple in Kyoto.

A sunrise hot-air ballon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey.

 What are your most cherished experiences? (Have you lived them yet?)

 

learning to fly

A good friend once told me that running a business is much like raising a child. Among other things, a lot of patience and resilience is necessary. Given that she has a child and a successful business, I took these words to heart. Exactly one year later, my child has managed not only to walk but to fly! Certainly the most challenging and rewarding work I have done in my life, and only the beginning.

a girl and her bags by Prête Moi Paris

I have so much gratitude of the past 12 months to express… where to begin? Most noteworthy…

1. My assistant (aka my Italian) has been supportive since day one, always offering solid advice, and even criticism whenever necessary, constructive of course.

2. My network of friends and growing fans keeps me eternally grateful and inspired. Merci à tous!

3. I cannot even list the incredible press I have already received, including Marie Claire, Huffington Post Style, Do it in Paris, Luxsure Magazine… not to mention all the fabulous blog features.

4. Much like I love to travel, so do my bags. They are gaining an international presence, as far away as Malaysia and the Greek Isles. Be sure to enter my travel bag giveaway if you haven’t yet!

5. The French have taken a liking to my aesthetic and I am selling at Le Bon Marché. A great honor!

a little New York in Paris

What’s ahead in 2012 for kasia dietz handbags? Aside from designing new collections and continuing to work on many custom projects, I am always looking for ways to give back, as I did with my Japan fundraiser. In the upcoming months I’m collaborating with a UK company and British filmmaker Fiona Lloyd-Davies to raise awareness and aid abused women in the Congo. Here is a preview of the film and more about the project. A worth cause I am proud to be a part of.

I’m also planning many more handbag painting workshops since the first was a great success!

Lastly and very importantly, friend and bag fan Andi of Misadventures with Andi, is giving away a bag in support of small business owners. (There’s also an interview!) Thank you Andi!

 

foreign treasures

This weekend I went hunting. This time not for treasures at the Louvre but for antiques. Specifically a danish modern shelf unit to fit a television. (Yes, after over 2 years television-less we are ready. Mostly as a tool to aid in French of course, and the occasional Anglo film.) The marché aux Puces had made it’s biannual appearance on Rue de Bretagne and I gave in to temptation. How could I not, as it was just a few blocks away. So the adventures in the history of ‘other people’s treasures’ began.

In the end, did I find what I was looking for? No. But I did find what I wasn’t looking for. Hard to resist, especially when it’s a foreign treasure. I did return home content, but will be sure to peruse the next antiques market when it returns in May. Or perhaps find another before then…

If you are on your own French treasure hunt, here’s a list of antique markets in and around Paris.

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