The Girl Who Cried Nutella

Hello readers,

Remember when we were all young, vibrant, and felt we could take on anything? My memory of that special time is still there, albeit quickly fading. The project of opening a creperie never seemed easy in my mind, but the more I try to forge forward, the more discouraged I become. There is so much investment: primarily, time, hope, and money. There's a lot to lose, primarily, money. It makes me sad to hear all the support and encouragement, when all I want to do is run back to Paris, put a pillow over my head, and never think about any business venture in the States again. Yes, I think it's time I admit it: I miss Paris, and I'm lazy. No, not lazy, I just can't help the feeling of defeat at the moment I face a little up-hill struggle. I have two items today that I need to complete if I actually want this thing to happen (insurance and heat source). The problem is, I don't know how badly I want it! And what's even scarier: I don't know how bad I want anything! Mehhhhhhhhhh...

I wish I had a jar of Nutella lying around...

April 7th

Was Martin's Birthday. So here are some pictures. Guests included Adelaide, her cousin Claire, and our beloved Cella.

Flight Update

Just spoke the the airline: Charles de Gaulle is open and operating at 50% today (not really sure what that means...only half of the doors are open?), which means that things are looking better for me to be able to leave on Friday. Yesterday was beautiful here in Lyon, but today it looks a bit grey. I am also currently reading My Antonia--very good.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Ok I know I know, I'm being a bit of a baby waahn waahn (Kate's terminology, not mine). But seriously, one of the most frustrating things in the world is to have travel plans ruined. More specifically, it's hard to have something taken away from you that you were really looking forward to. So there, I admit it, I was looking forward to going home! So sue me! But, just as Bryan says, it's important to always look on the bright side of life. A huge crepe supporter and fellow Franco-American Thomas loved this song, so I'm dedicating this to him. And it's really true, because of le volcan, I am now relaxing in Lyon, spending some time with my beloved French family. And it really is lucky because who knows when I would have had the chance to see them again.

The French have a saying: Du bien avec le mal : some good with the bad. So buck up, kid. And remember, to always loo.... Ok, I'm sparing you of that obvious one. Scheduled departure: nine am Friday 23 April...

Arthur Russell - That's Us/Wild Combination

I am hanging out Chez McDo killing time until four pm when I find out if Charles de Gaulle is closed tomorrow (note to future self: because of the Icelantic volcano). So in the meantime, I am going to share with everyone what I think is the greatest love song. And just a damn cool jam. Mmm jam...




Oh ya, the dude is also from Iowa!!

To My Friend Martin

He doesn't read this blog, but he's a great friend of mine and a French culture Superfan. I'll miss him lots. I am hoping that he'll be in the States at least one Saturday before the Farmer's Market ends.





We have spent the past four months in Paris together, often drinking wine, talking about his French love life, my American dreams, and the francaphone grammar. Adieu mon ami!

The Beginning to A Wonderful Future

La Creperie dates are as followed : June 5, June 12, June 19, July 3, July 10, Aug 21, October 9, October 23



EAT CREPES

One more to the list

Add Nanett Lepore to the list: born in Youngstown, Ohio. Booya.

And we did it again...

I'm tellin' ya, us Iowans (either full-blood or not) really know our stuff when it comes to design. My father is opening up a lifestyle care store in the East Village of Des Moines, so today, while scoping out the EV's site, I came across the page of Dornink Courturier. Some of the stuff is a little iffy, and the celebs listed under "celeb sightings" included only Shaun Johnson (yawn) and Lolo Jones (TRHS alumn is cool I guess), but the majority of the bridal wear is really stunning. Modern but still traditional. Check out this one:



ME LIKE! But if you check out some of the other dresses, you'll notice that the models have really nasty "Iowa Hair." This includes piecy highlists, choppy ends, and caramel skin with blue eyes and thin eyebrows--very unnatural and not the least bit attractive! Oh well. If they buy a crepe from me this summer, I'll forgive them. BTW I'm looking forward to a summer hangin' around the EV. I hope that summer proves, well, summery.

This has nothing to do with crepes

Or much of anything really. But I like this picture. I was prompted to search Garrison Keillor as I brainstormed for an essay about the death of storytelling.



photo courtesy of: this site here

And this girl!

Add her to the list of fashionable Midwesterners:

Iowa Teen makes Prom Dress from Gum Wrapper

From Huffington Post:

GARNER, Iowa — An Iowa teen is all bubbly over her one-of-a-kind high school prom dress she made out of gum wrappers. Elizabeth Rasmuson made her dress – and matching vest for her date – out of blue and white wrappers from Wrigley's "5 gum." The high school junior says she got the idea after hearing about someone making a dress out of duct tape.

She and her boyfriend began collecting gum wrappers last August. Rasmuson says she quit counting after 200.

Since the wrappers break easily, Rasmuson finished her dress with a vinyl top coat.

see more here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/12/elizabeth-rasmuson-gum-wr_n_534850.html

Midwest Fashion

So, we're not the most fashion-forward of people, us Midwesterns. We're more about practicality--budget, body, boys (yes, that's right, as a Feminist I will admit that sometimes I dress to impress the men, though more often than not, it's to impress other girls). But that doesn't mean that a stylish one amongst us doesn't exist. In fact, many of us do. Thankoon Panchigul of Thankoon is from Omaha and has family in Des Moines. Cynthia Rowley is from Barrington, IL, aka, generic Chicago suburb #8637. Macy's has it's corporate headquarters in Ohio. I mean, we've got a lot goin' on for us. And of course, the sheer power of Mrs Obama's shoulders has skyrocketed Midwestern (specifically Chicago) fashion to the forefront. I can't help but wonder if she'll ever sport a number from this mark:

Agga B. I could see Mrs Obama in one of these frocks: modern while still approachable and feminine. Upon reading more about the brand, I found that it is apart of a Chicago design/fashion coalition and sanctuary called Creative Lounge Chicago. It appears to be an "artist-in-residency" program for Chicago fashion that includes lectures, workshops, seminars (etc etc) sponsored by the Toyota Coalition group. COOL.

Crepes+Booze

Yes, there is a God. A former classmate of mine from the University of Iowa sent me an epicurious.com recipe that hearkens to the Julia Child/Jacques Pepin recipe recently featured on this blog. This time, the crepe gateau includes Grand Marnier to resemble the infamous Crepe Suzette. And sorry Julia, but alcohol and sweets (think: rhum cake) beats out fruit preserves any day.



photo courtesy of: epicurious.com

Summahhhhh

Spring has officiall sprung in the city of sullen faces and furrowed brows. It's truly amazing how much the sun can change people. I may sound like a broken record, but it's true! I will be home in less than twelve days and honestly, the sun here in Paris is only reminding me of how wonderful the Iowa April sun will feel and how lucky I am to have that opportunity quickly approaching. I am currently spring/summer job hunting in hopes to keep my hands and mind busy this summer while earning a bit of cash. Now, back to the rather endless search for a crepe griddle.

Ah!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

We just received word when our first Saturday at this year's Des Moines Farmer's Market will be...(cue trumpets...)

dun dun da da: JUNE FIFTH

Can't wait!

And in other news, I am working with an amazing student/graphic designer from Drake University in Des Moines named Olivia Lansing. She was refered to me by a mutual friend of my stepmother's. I highly encourage everyone to check out her site/portfolio.