La Douce France

Hi there,

One day late with my post but for a very good reason. I only just got of the plane from France. Every year for the past three years, for me, the end of summer is marked by one last week at the French Rivièra- La Côte d'Azur.

I usually stay at Sainte-Maxime, a rustic and Provencal village. This is mostly a relaxing vacation, some wandering around the town, lying on the beach or by the pool reading books and -my absolute favorite- watching the boats in the harbor.

The trip also has to include a day visit to Saint-Tropez. Swooning over the yachts and window shopping at Balmain, Chanel, Dior, Céline and just about any other high-fashion brand you can imagine. One thing I would like to say, never -and I really mean never- try to go to Saint-Tropez by car, I will take you for ever! A great alternative are the "Bateaux Verts", it's like a water taxi and has stops in different villages nearby Saint-Tropez or you could just take your own boat- if you happen to be so lucky.

Now since pictures say more than words....

 Our little piece of infinity

 Saint-Tropez streets

 Saint-Tropez light house

 Lunch at Dior at Saint-Tropez

 Saint-Tropez streets

 Saint-Tropez harbor

 Sainte-Maxime Harbor

 Sainte-Maxime Harbor

 Port Grimaud

 Port Grimaud

 Flower ice cream at Saint-Maxime

Sainte-Maxime harbor at night

Hope you got a bit of the holiday feeling too now, wherever you might be. Have you ever been to the French Rivièra- la Côte d'Azur or would you like to go? What marks the end of summer for you?

Be a Socialite

Going out it is easier to just talk to your friends while meeting new people can be such fun. I'll give you three tips on how to behave at a social mixer, a dinner party or just about any other event with lots of new people.

1. A Gin and Tonic Please.

The bar is thè place to be. Everyone has to get a drink at some point during the evening, so take your time when ordering your drink. However, this does not mean you have to be drinking all the time. Know your limits so that you won't make a fool of yourself. Also, remember to hold your drink in your left hand so you can shake hands with your free right hand.

2.How Many Shoes Do You Have?

Don't be afraid to ask a rather "surprising" question. Ask what the worst haircut is they ever had, what their favorite travelling destination is, or why not ask about their shoes? People will feel more special when you ask about personal experiences and it also provides you with an interesting talking topic.

3.Excuse Me, I Have To Go Freshen Up.

Can't wait to get away from a boring conversation? Excuse yourself and go to the restroom. Make sure you actually go to the restroom before talking to someone new. Otherwise, the other person might get the feeling you were just running away. Besides, waiting in line for the restroom can be a great place to talk with some other, new people.

Using these tips you'll be the person everyone wants to talk to and the one everyone will remember for the right reasons - not for spilling red whine all over the hostess's white carpet. I hope these tips can be of some use to you.