A little Q&A

Well, lately a few readers have been asking me some questions. I thought it may be fun (yeah, here we go with the *fun* again) to do a post where you ask me questions. I have seen these meme’s where you get tagged and have to tell a certain number of things abut yourself that nobody knows…but I thought I’d like to do something very different. I’d rather tell you something that you want to know. Plus, we have some new readers here from the recent *party* we had…so this might give them an opportunity to get to know me a little better! (Careful what you wish for)

So, that being said….this is what I am proposing. Ask me anything. Really, anything. No holds barred. Travel related, product related, food related, France or Italy related, even personal questions are fine (within reason…remember that what happens in Paris, stays in Paris). I’m not giving Dr. Ruth advice here, so please…none of those questions, keep it clean!

And to get us started….

1. Pam asked me about the Caudalie products that I had talked about in my last post. She wanted to know if it was affordable and if she can find it in the US? She also asked what are my favorite things to buy from Europe and take back with me.

I wouldn’t really say it is *affordable*. For me, it is the results aspect that makes me buy it! I can certainly go to CVS and by Neutrogeana or Olay, which is affordable, but I don’t see any results. So, I am wasting my money. I would rather spend more money, but see the results. I can whole heartedly say that I see results…even after only just 1 month with Caudalie. And it is not loaded with chemicals..and it smells good. What I will say, is that even with the Euro vs Dollar ratio right now, it is still going to be most affordable for your daughter to pick it up in France for you when she visits.

2. Is it available in the US?

Sure! You can find Caudalie at Sephora, and at flagship Bath and Body Works stores. That is a great place to *test* the products. I like to feel before I buy. That said, I would not buy it there. When not in Europe to buy, I go to the on-line retailers. Le Guide Sante offers the best on-line price, but shipping is a set price and it is steep. It only makes sense if you are going to buy alot, that way the per item shipping price doesn’t seem as bad.

The other place I like is SkinStore. Prices are the same as say Sephora, but they offer free shipping, no minimum purchase, to anywhere in the US. Right now they have a deal through the end of the year, where you can sign up for auto-ship and get 20% anything you buy..and that 20% gets locked in for all future purchases for that item, which makes this my favorite option! So, that means that the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (which smells intoxicating and I swear by it!), which is normally $78, would be $62.40 now and each time it ships to you, if you buy it on auto-ship…and it gets delivered to your door each time, for free! You can bet your bippie that I am signed up for this program!!!

You can also search on Ebay. I find an occasional good deal. I get quite a few small sample sizes on Ebay, which I use for traveling.

3. What are your favorite things to bring back?

Uh, hmmm, you mean other than beauty products? I am also a fan of buying scarves. French women wear scarves, so they can be found everywhere. I actually have a favorite store where I love to buy them. I’ll do a post on that later.

Food is another favorite. Fleur de Sel is so much cheaper in France, so I stock up on that. I like to bring back wine, olive oil and ceramics from Italy. I am also an avid flea market shopper, so I think my favorite things to bring back are little antique treasures!! I also love to bring back pictures and stories….to share with all of you!!

Thanks for asking Pam and sparking the idea! I hope I answered your questions. And now it is your turn. Let the questions fly! I’ll do my best to answer all of ‘em. If there is something you are just dying to ask….please do!

C’mon gals….don’t be shy…

Maryann@FindingLaDolceVita
November 11th, 2007
I had already named you in a “four meme” before I read this. haha Yeah..I know.
__________________________________________
Named me? Ohhh, I must go take a look! I’ll play along anyway…..
xoxo
Robin

tongue in cheek
November 12th, 2007
Fleur de Sel…
Have you tried lavender salt?
It is wonderful!
__________________________________________
No Corey, I have not. Maybe you can introduce me to it when I come! I love lavender in general. Can’t get enough of the stuff!!!!
xoxox
Robin

Laume
November 12th, 2007
Okay, I have a question. I read your “About” and see I had the same experience as you did. I was happy gallivanting about the U.S. until I went to Europe for the first time last year and fell in love with, well, every place we went, but most particularly I fell in love with Paris. Completely unexpected. I was there for a week in late May. I’d like to go back and I’d like to avoid the crowds and expense of the summer season but I don’t know there’s enough daylight to justify going over in winter. When do you suggest visiting and why? Also, where in northern California did you live? Just curious if we’ve ever “crossed paths”.

sognatrice
November 13th, 2007
If you were teleported to Italy right this second, what’s the first thing you would do?

Chouzy
November 14th, 2007
Robin, I was wondering which restaurant in Paris you would choose if you were given a free dinner for two.
______________________________________________
Oh Chouzy-
That is one loaded question girl! It would be a toss-up between L’Atlelier Joel Robuchon or Pre Catalan. Of course there is La Tour D’Argent simply for the view! I could go on and on…..Chouzy, you can’t make me pick just one! That is cruel and unusual punishment
xoxo
Robin

Chouzy
November 14th, 2007
I had a feeling it would be a tough question, Robin. But let’s face it, I harder choice would be something like having to choose between your darling Chris and your precious Maddie, right? LOL
Kisses,
Chouzy
______________________________________________
Chouzy….
It depends on the day LOL!
xoxox
Robin