When Someone Needs Encouragment

Life has its way of making us detour from the course of travel, we all imagined it would be for us.  My dear friend, of over 17 years, is a phenomenal  writer and illustrator.  NO JOKE!  She actually has a plethora of her incredible works, hanging out with some dust bunny companions – in a dark box – lonely.

My intention with 200 Saturdays until Paris, is my journey of researching Paris, for my dream vacation.  To look for places to stay, things to do and ways to save money for that to happen. I have already met, in such a short time, some incredible people who have given me so much direction and support. 

My friend IS part of my journey.  She IS the light of my Saturdays. She has given me so much love and support over the years.    Recently, she lost her sister – her best friend.  Her sister was so young – passing just before her 50th birthday.  My friend has handled it better than I ever could, but her spirit is understandable broken.  My hope, is for her to have a vessel to share her passion for writing.  She hasn’t been writing – as she once did.  She isn’t excited to try to publish – as she once was.  If you met my bubbly, sweet and caring friend, you wouldn’t know the pain she feels, but I know the bond these 2 sister’s shared.

So along with my journey to Paris, I hope to share some of her works here.  Share some of her crafts, artwork, writings and have her guest post.  If I have to take a bottle of wine to her house, while she is crafting and take pictures – no problem.  If I have to sit on her porch and go through her works – while munching on some incredible appetizer she threw together in just minutes, (of course she is a marvelous cook too) then, that’s what I will have to do!!  I know she will be more than happy to guest post in her own time, but everyone needs encouragement.

We are all in this thing called life, TOGETHER, however long or short the time may be, we should support each other. There are so many terrible and sad things going on in the world. 

Who doesn’t need a little encouragement from time to time? 

Who doesn’t need to be picked back up and told YOU GOT THIS??

Would you be so kind and share some encouraging words for Audrey?

 And for us all?? 

Say a few kind and encouraging words to someone today! 

How to Earn ibotta Rebates

 

Some of you out there have asked the question, “Why 200 Saturdays until Paris?”  There are several answers to that question,  $$$$ being one of them.  I have started looking into different ways to make and save money to help with that situation.  One that I just started is downloading the app ibotta, to my phone.

Basically, you shop and earn rebates or cash back by scanning your receipt to your phone.

Here’s how it works:

Download the free app.

Set up an account.

Browse through the offers for your area.

Shop.

Unlock the rebates/cash back.

Scan your receipt – and product barcode -if needed.

Wait for it to be verified.

I tried it yesterday, after my husband picked up a few things at Publix.  (Isn’t he so sweet??? Swoon!)

I searched for products on the ibotta app that he just purchased.  Voilà!  Bananas had a .25 cash back,  I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I wanted to test this app out.  I followed the directions –  as provided above.  The app walks you through everything – as you are doing it.  It said the .25 was pending.  With in an hour the .25 cash back was in my ibotta account.  It worked!!  Here is the best part, if you have a verifiable rebate within a week of downloading the app, there is a $10.00 bonus.  I’ll take it!!! There are other ways to get bonuses too!

There is also shopping list.  You can add items to the list and the app will find the rebates  for you.

Then, once you have $20.00 in your account, you can request payment to your pay pal account or for gift cards.  I saw a few gift cards that would work for me, but I will probably just get the cold hard cash!

Has anyone out there tried this app yet? 

What are your thoughts about it?

I would love to hear your feedback on your experience with ibotta!

Look at that View

THIS is how they do yoga in Paris!  Wow!   I could do yoga there all day.  Thanks to @myloveforparis  for sharing this AMAZING picture!   Sign me up!!!

 

Birthday Celebration

To kick off the birth of this blog – 200 Saturdays until Paris  and the birth of moi, a celebration brunch seemed to be in order!  Our lovely brunch was at my favorite restaurant, of course  – Restaurant Orsay.

OOH La La!

Happy birthday to me! 

My husband, along with a couple of great friends treated me to a day of laughs and great conversation.  After several refreshing blood orange martinis and Orsay’s version of a Croque Madame – the dessert tower glided to our table. Macaroons, petite fours, crème brulée and mini-éclairs, all made in-house by their Pastry Chef.  I can honestly say they did NOT disappoint.  I am one lucky woman!

I have come across lists of the best restaurants to eat in Paris.  What is your favorite  French restaurant?  Or restaurant in Paris, that may not have made it to ‘The List’?  Favorite food?

   199 Saturdays until Paris!!

 

Make a Wish

Welcome to 200 Saturdays until Paris!

I am making my wish and believing it will come true!  200 Saturdays until Paris.  The countdown has begun – starting with this blog.  I hope to make a lifelong dream into a reality.  I am now gathering, researching and finding ways to maximize our Paris dream vacation.  Any tips on where to stay, eat or things to do – will be welcomed with open arms!

Merci Beaucoup!!

What is your DREAM vacation?  Has your dream come true?