What to Do During Your First Time in Paris

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Paris, the City of Light, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. For first-time visitors to Paris, it can be overwhelming to decide what to see and do in this amazing city. Even on your first trip, you won’t be able to do everything that you want. That being said, don’t be afraid to do the touristy things. Their iconic and popular for a reason.

First time in Paris must-dos

Eiffel Tower in sepia. One of the most popular things to do during a first time in Paris.

Landmarks

  • The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Paris. You can take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Be sure to book your reservation in advance especially if you are looking to go all the way to the top. Even a month in advance the tickets to the top were sold out. We ended up buying tickets to the Summit through another route but it was much more expensive.
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: This beautiful gothic cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Although it was damaged in a fire in 2019, you can still admire its stunning architecture from the outside.
  • Sainte-Chapelle: This beautiful chapel is known for its stunning stained glass windows, which are some of the most beautiful in the world.
  • Arc du Triomphe: This historic monument is known for its iconic arch design and commemoration of French military victories. It stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and serves as a symbol of national pride and heritage. Although it is in the middle of a pretty busy roundabout, the views from the top rival the Eiffel Tower.
  • Statue de la Liberté Paris: If you didn’t know, now you do – yes, Paris has a Statue of Liberty. In fact, the French are the ones that gave us ours! You can see this historic landmark just outside of the limits of the Eiffel Tower on a little island in the Seine. Although you can walk up to it, you can also get a great view of it during a lunch or dinner cruise.
Beautiful altar in the Cathédrale Saint Louis des Invalides

Museums

  • The Louvre: The Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums and home to some of the most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs alike. But just keep in mind that this is an extremely large museum! It make take a couple of days to see it all.
  • Hôtel des Invalides: No it’s not a hotel. It’s a historic complex known for its stunning architecture and rich military history. It houses several museums, including the famous Musee de l’Armee.
  • Cathédrale Saint Louis des Invalides: This is a continuation of the Hotel des Invalides. The inside is breathtaking beautiful and serves as the final resting place of several French military leaders, including Napoleon Bonaparte. (pictured above)
  • Château de Versailles: Located about 30 minutes outside of the Paris city center, this palace is an iconic symbol of absolute monarchy and opulence. Its grand architecture, expansive gardens, and rich history showcase the splendor and extravagance of the French monarchy.
Jardin du Palais Royal is not to be missed during your first time in Paris. Especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom!

Gardens

  • Luxembourg Gardens: This beautiful park is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic. You can also rent a sailboat to float around the pond.
  • Jardin du Palais Royal: If you weren’t looking for this garden, odds are you won’t find it. The street that it’s on is known for all of its designer shopping. And if you end up going in March, you can even watch as the cherry blossoms start to bloom! It’s a fantastic spot for pictures. (pictured above)
  • Jardin des Tuileries: This garden is located just outside of the Louvre. It is a very popular spot for tourists and locals. There are plenty of ponds, statues, and chairs to enjoy a perfect day in Paris. You’ll often see families having picnics, people running in groups, and others just taking the day in with a good book or great conversations.

Places to wander

  • Montmartre: This historic neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, quaint streets, and stunning views of the city. Climb up the steps to the top of the hill to see the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It’s also where a few iconic scenes from Emily in Paris have taken place!
  • Île Saint-Louis: This island is located in the middle of the Seine River and is a great place to wander around and discover hidden gems like small shops, restaurants, and galleries.
  • The Catacombs of Paris: This underground network of tunnels and chambers is home to the remains of over six million people. It’s a unique and somewhat eerie experience that you won’t forget.
  • Canal Saint-Martin: This beautiful canal is a popular spot for picnics and boat rides. You can also explore the trendy boutiques and cafes that line the canal.
  • Rue Cler: This charming street is known for its open-air markets, bakeries, and cafes. It’s a great place to pick up some authentic French delicacies like cheese, wine, and pastries.

While you definitely don’t want to miss the top tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame, there are also some hidden gems that will make your first time in Paris unforgettable.

There are so many beautiful café storefronts to look out for during your first time in Paris. Le Recrutement is one of the most picturesque.

Hidden gems in Paris

Like any incredible destination, there are also some unique experiences that not everyone knows about. Here are a few hidden gems to add to your itinerary:

  • Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: This quirky museum is dedicated to hunting and nature and features some unusual exhibits, including a collection of taxidermy animals and antique hunting equipment.
  • The Père Lachaise Cemetery: This famous cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Édith Piaf.
  • The Paris Sewer Museum: This unusual museum takes you underground to explore the city’s sewer system, which played a major role in the city’s history.
  • The Musée des Arts et Métiers: This museum is dedicated to science and technology and features exhibits on everything from airplanes to clocks to robots.
  • The Palais de Tokyo: This contemporary art museum features cutting-edge exhibitions and installations. It’s a great place to discover new and emerging artists.
Try as many street side cafes during your first time in Paris

Best recommendations for your first time in Paris

  1. Buy a museum pass. There are so many museums that are door to door to one another. And if you prefer wandering versus a solidified itinerary, this will help you. While you walk around, if you stumble upon a museum, with your pass you can just walk right in. No need to worry about paying extra!
  2. Walk to your destinations. Many things are right next to each other. Plus traffic in Paris can get a little crazy. If your destination is within a three mile radius, I suggest walking. During my honeymoon, my husband and I walked a total of 53 miles during our one week there!
  3. Bring comfy shoes. I get it – Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world. But fashion and walking everywhere do not mix. Wear comfortable shoes so that you can stay out all day enjoying the city.
  4. Use the metro. This is another great and cheap option to get around the city. When coming back from Disneyland Paris, my husband and I took the 45 minute metro ride back in to the city. For both of us to ride was 10 euros.
  5. Try as many street-side cafes as possible. The food in Paris is incredible. My husband and I ate like royalty and our bill was nowhere near how much it would have cost in the US. Not to mention that my husband had the best burger of his life at one of these cafes. I had a bite and I can confirm – it was the best burger ever.
Woman enjoying the Palace of Versailles gardens in spring

Final thoughts for a first time in Paris

These are just a few suggestions for things to do during your first time in Paris. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time in this amazing city. I will say for our honeymoon though, we only planned to go to one place per day, and then the rest of the day was spent just finding things to do and see while we were out and about. Whether you stick to the top tourist attractions or venture off the beaten path to discover some hidden gems, your first-time experience in Paris is sure to be unforgettable!

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Jewelry

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As people become more environmentally aware, eco-friendly options have become more widely popular. And jewelry is no exception! Traditional designs may use precious metals and gemstones that have negative impacts on our surroundings. But there are plenty of easy ways to incorporate more sustainable accessories. And kudos to you for getting a head-start with this ultimate guide to sustainable jewelry.

Affiliate links are used in this blog.

Mining for gold and gemstones is not great for the environment due to the emissions from the equipment

1. The environmental harm of traditional jewelry production

Traditional jewelry production can have an immense environmental footprint. Mining of precious metals and gemstones often results in deforestation, water pollution and soil degradation. Even the production itself often generates large energy consumption that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Gold mining in particular is notoriously harmful to the environment. Firstly, mining emits mercury which is an extremely toxic element which has been shown to cause neurological damage. Furthermore, the large scale removal of soil and rock from nearby waterways contributes to erosion and sedimentation issues.

But good news! There is a great alternative to mining for precious stones. And that is by purchasing lab-created jewelry. Not only is it sustainable jewelry, but it is extremely cost efficient. For example, my lab created jewelry engagement ring is 2.5 karats and cost $1,700. And yes – the diamonds on my ring are REAL. They just weren’t mined from the ground.

A sustainable jewelry option is purchasing a ring with wood or bamboo in the middle

2. Simple swaps to reduce environmental impact

There are various easy changes you can make when shopping for jewelry to lessen its environmental impact. For example, choosing recycled or upcycled materials. Many eco-conscious jewelry brands now incorporate recycled metals and gems in their designs. This helps to reduce demand for newly mined resources.

One approach is to choose jewelry made of alternative materials. Wood and bamboo jewelry has become more widely popular due to their eco-friendliness and unique appearance. Both materials can also be replenished sustainably, reducing environmental impacts over time.

Ethically sourced diamonds make an excellent selection of eco-friendly jewelry. Gemstone mining may involve conflict zones or harmful practices that negatively impact both local communities and the environment. By selecting ethically sourced stones, you help to support responsible mining methods that protect both environmental health and labor standards.

Person cleaning ring. Cleaning your jewelry properly also has an environmental impact

3. Maintain your jewelry the right way

Once you’ve made the switch to ethically made jewelry pieces, it is crucial that they are cared for properly. This will extend their lifespan while decreasing wasteful replacement needs and costs. Below are tips for caring for sustainable jewelry properly.

1. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials

One essential step to protect sustainable jewelry is to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. For example, some cleaning solutions and soaps contain acids. Instead, opt for using a soft cloth and gentle soap when cleaning jewelry pieces made of materials like wood or delicate gemstones.

2. Store your jewelry properly

Proper jewelry storage can play an integral role in protecting its value. Store them somewhere dry and cool to avoid direct sunlight or extreme temperatures that might expose them, such as direct heat sources. This helps prevent discoloration or any potential damages to them.

Woman wearing sparkly jewelry. Sustainable jewelry doesn't mean that the jewelry isn't as valuable.

Conclusion on this guide to sustainable jewelry

By making simple adjustments and caring for your jewelry properly, you can lower the environmental impact and support sustainable practices within the jewelry industry. From choosing eco-conscious brands or materials like recycled brass to selecting ethically-sourced gemstones there are multiple options for sustainable choices when accessorizing.

By purchasing environmentally sustainable jewelry, you’re helping support responsible practices within the industry while decreasing your environmental footprint. Remember – small choices still make a significant impact. Pair this with other easy eco-friendly habits, and you’re well on your way to living a sustainable life! 

With some care and consideration, your jewelry could bring joy and beauty into your life for many years while simultaneously contributing towards a cleaner planet. So next time you add to your collection consider going green by choosing sustainable options instead!

Wondapop Mini Backpacks, Now Available at 707 Street!

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You’ve heard of Loungefly. Well, now making it’s grand appearance to Main Street USA, it’s the fabulous Wondapop mini backpacks! Now available at 707 Street, an exclusive retailer of Disney products! With their quirky design and vibrant colors, these are the perfect statement piece to elevate your Disney style.

Is Wondapop the same as Loungefly?

Wondapop is not the same as Loungefly. They are two different brands. But one thing that they share is their love for mini backpacks! And of course, Disney style. Loungefly’s have always been the staple piece to any Disney outfit. But Wondapop offers a refreshing alternative. These backpacks allow you to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd. And personally, I love the front pouch on the backpack. It definitely adds a different flare to these small but useful bags! Lastly, they are also made of faux leather just like Loungefly. This is great for keeping your belongings dry while you ride your favorite water ride or during a rainy day at Disney.

Mickey Mouse Sketch Mini Backpack
Mickey Mouse Mini Backpack
101 Dalmatians Wandapop bag available at 707 Street
101 Dalmatians Mini Backpack
Big Hero 6 Baymax bag
Big Hero Six Baymax Mini Backpack
Maleficent Mini Wandapop Backpack from 707 Street
Disney Villains Maleficent Mini Backpack

Where to get Wondapop mini backpacks

You can find Wondapop, Loungefly, and other exclusive bags at 707 Street. At 707 Street, you’ll find an incredible selection of bags, crossbodies, and wallets to suit your individual taste and personality. They currently have 25 Wondapop products available. And here’s hoping they add more because they are all so unique! With their high-quality craftsmanship, these backpacks are built to last and withstand your everyday adventures.

All products found at 707 Street showcase the brand’s commitment to quality and style. Made from durable materials, these backpacks are designed to withstand the demands of your daily routine. Whether you’re strolling through your favorite Disney park or doing errands, your Wondapop mini backpack will be your trusty companion.

Chip and Dale small backpack from 707 Street
Pastel Chip and Dale Mini Backpack
Ariel the Little Mermaid mini Wandapop backpack
The Little Mermaid Ariel Mini Backpack
Peter Pan bag available at 707 Street
Peter Pan Mini Backpack
Finding Nemo with Squirt backpack
Pixar Finding Nemo Mini Backpack

Head over to 707 Street and explore the enchanting world of Wondapop mini backpacks. With their eye-catching designs and exceptional quality, these backpacks are bound to become your new favorite accessory. Elevate your style, embrace your individuality, and let your Wondapop mini backpack be the talk of Main Street. And you can make it that final touch on the perfect Disney Bound. Visit 707 Street today and make a magical statement with Wondapop!

Top Ways to Plan for an Eco-Friendly Future

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When people think of the future, nowadays there is preference towards sustainability. “Let’s leave the planet better than we found it.” “If we aren’t careful, our world will look like how it looks in Wall-E.” Sure we have created amazing things. But in doing so, we have also created substantial damage to the environment. To try and offset this and bring on positive change, many people try to incorporate as many eco-friendly lifestyle changes into their lives as possible. If being more eco-friendly in 2023 is something that interests you, here are several top ways to plan for an eco-friendly future.

Consider and plan what you want your future to look like 

The best way to prepare for the future is to plan ahead. These plans can vary and come in many different shapes and sizes. Whether it’s as big as building and living in a house with renewable energy, or as simple as where you get your groceries from. Your plans can also be much farther in the future. You could even look as far ahead as planning a sustainable funeral and looking into alternatives such as biodegradable urns. Didn’t think that existed did you? Every aspect of our life (and afterlife) can be involved in our eco-friendly future planning.

Invest in products that will last a long time

Have you ever thought about how many different things that you use in a day? Whatever they may be, all of these products are designed and manufactured by a company to help you. The problem is that some of these products are not very eco-friendly. And worse, many of them aren’t designed to last a long time. Just take the latest iPhone as a great example! Ever notice how your phone starts to slow down after a couple of years? They want you to buy a new device. Even Tupperware has stains after a few uses.

For a lot of people, cutting out or removing many of these daily-used products is not doable. However there are still ways that you are looking to make a positive impact for the future. For almost every product you use regularly, there is a sustainable alternative. They are primarily designed to be repaired and re-used rather than replaced. You could also invest in higher quality products. Even though they are pricier, they are generally designed to last longer than cheaper products.

Purchase bamboo products

There are a lot of products that you didn’t know can be made from bamboo. The amount of bamboo-made products in my house would astound you! As one the most renewable resources in the world, switching to bamboo products instead of normal wood-based on cotton products can help tremendously! You can get bamboo clothes and bedding sheets from Cozy Earth (use the code DONNAGAIL40 for 40% off!). And a simple search on Amazon can bring up tons of bamboo products like toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes, drawer organizers, and so many more. If you’re looking for something for your house, odds are there is a bamboo alternative.

Easy and low-effort steps

When people talk about being eco-friendly there is a lot of stigma around making sacrifices. There’s even negativity around putting in hard work for things that may not even be noticeable for many years. However, there are small and easy low-effort steps you could take every now and then to help. If you own a garden one example could be to grow some native plants and trees. You can even just compost your food waste rather than send it to landfill. This way over the coming years you will have significantly reduced your waste footprint and improved your local wildlife habitat.

Your present and future are both entwined with one another. It is incredibly important to think about what you can do today to help tomorrow. Why not consider these top ways to plan for an eco-friendly future, and see if you can implement any of them into your life?

How to Develop Your Taste in Art

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Like wine, art is an acquired taste. Sure anyone can appreciate a great picture of the ocean or a painting of a Disney character. But how do you develop your taste in art when it’s something deeper? Art is an expressive form with the ability to transcend cultures and languages. Whether it be through paintings, sculptures, or photography. Although many appreciate art equally, others may remain indifferent or find it hard to comprehend. So let’s learn how one can broaden their tastes for creativity and appreciation through art!

Understanding the basics

In order to appreciate art, you have to learn its foundational elements. Understanding what makes an artwork great or a particular style or movement valuable can deepen your appreciation of them. You can easily do this just be learning more about a particular piece. What was the intent of the artist? Is it conveying a specific historical event? Are the colors or shapes symbolic? Start with color, shape, perspective, and composition before enrolling in an introductory art history course or reading books about art history. Once you comprehend these fundamental components, you will be able to appreciate even small details in any piece you see!

Tour museums and galleries

Exposing yourself to different art forms is key to expanding your palate, and visiting museums and galleries provides the ideal environment for this development. When attending exhibitions, take your time observing each work of art while reading up on its creator’s inspirations and intentions – seeing art in person brings it alive, sparking emotions you wouldn’t otherwise experience just seeing it online or in print form.

Discuss art with others

Art is subjective, and everyone perceives it differently. I know, what you’re thinking though. “I don’t want to be that art snob that wears fake glasses and a scarf.” Movies and TV shows definitely show a certain perception of the type of person who enjoys art. While some choose to really dive deep into the culture of art, you don’t have it. You could even just go to an art gallery with some friends and talk about which ones you like the most. Which ones you find the funnest, the most colorful, or the ones you would hang in your house. It doesn’t have to be all about discussing the “deeper meaning”. Furthermore, discussing it with others can broaden your horizons and help you see its value from various angles. You would be surprised by how you may start to perceive different pieces.

Develop your unique eye

The goal to develop your taste in art should be finding pieces that resonate with you. Whether that’s on an emotional level or just something that catches your eye visually. A key step toward this is to experiment with various styles, techniques, and themes until you discover your preferences. Even if these differ from what most consider as “good art.” Your personal preferences doesn’t have to be bound by popular opinion. And you shouldn’t have to explain yourself for liking certain things! Love what you love, take risks, and explore your style! Try different media, colors, and textures before investing in more expensive works of art. You can also buy wall art which provides the ideal platform to try pieces before investing in more expensive pieces!

Work on your own interior décor

Nothing will help train your eye and lock in your personal style than decorating your space! Whether that be a whole house or just your office area. Finding what you like can be daunting and possibly expensive. The goal here isn’t to buy a pricey piece right out the gate. Instead go to places like Target, Marshalls, Wayfair, or Amazon to shop. Start by buying things that aren’t expensive or large. From there you will be able to work your way up to more expensive or larger pieces. But nothing is worse than committing to a large piece that you end up having no place for. Or worse – nothing that compliments it. It will also help to bring reference pictures of the space you are decorating along with room measurements. This will not only help you stay within style criteria but also scale criteria.

Create your own art

Making art yourself is one of the best ways to expand your art appreciation. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative, taking some time out of your day to make something will deepen your appreciation of art. By understanding the process of creation, you’ll appreciate all of the efforts an artist puts into their artwork while understanding from their perspective and appreciating art from both perspectives. You can even create art to give to others as a gift. It’s thoughtful as well as personal!

Establishing your taste in art can be an enriching journey. By understanding its fundamentals, visiting museums, discussing it with others, and creating your own work of art, you will open new avenues of creativity and appreciation when it comes to art. Remember, there are no right answers or styles- it all comes down to personal taste! Pablo Picasso said, “Art was made for soul cleansing.” So as you explore it, keep in mind the basic elements while letting your perspective guide your appreciation.