Sunday Wandering

Paris is a city where it doesn't matter what the weather is doing, it's just always beautiful. Even without the blue skies and sunshine, the buildings still stand tall, bearing the rain as they have for centuries. The river still glimmers, the Tower still sparkles. Paris is never gloomy, it's merely different. I felt a strange comfort walking around in the misty cold rain today. It was as if the city was saying, "Don't worry, I've seen it all before, and I will protect you."







The clouds and puddles make the architecture stand out in a different way. It's been a long time since I've wandered around a city with my camera in hand, just taking in the surroundings. Even so, it was only a matter of time before I began seeing it all in a different way, as if the lens of my camera was calling to me to snap this angle or capture that moment. It's the sort of thing I used to feel all the time when I was living in Belgium. That shift in perspective was oh so welcome. It's the feeling of raw creativity and the desire to grab hold of the beauty all around you and translate it onto an image. I love that feeling and I love the art that comes from it.







It's crazy to me how comfortable I feel here in Paris. There are parts of this city that I know so well, despite only having been here a few times before, and not for very long. However, today, walking along the Seine, with Notre Dame right across the river, it felt so familiar and welcoming. It hasn't even been two weeks since I arrived, but it already feels like home here. Sure, there are things that are still daunting, like the constant striving to speak better French and the overwhelming desire to make the Parisians believe I'm not a tourist (THAT struggle is real), but I don't feel at all out of place in this city. I feel that this is where I'm meant to be.







Today's quest was really to find a good Sunday marché, which led me to a couple different areas of the city, and lots of wandering. I never ended up finding the one I was looking for, but I did stumble upon a great one towards the end of the afternoon, and I also finally made it to Shakespeare and Co! You guys. If you ever come to Paris, DO NOT skip this one! I've been in lots of bookstores. If you know me at all, you know how much I love books (and how much of a problem that is for my wallet). This was one of the coolest, quirkiest bookstores I've ever been in. I'd heard about it several times from many different people, but I had no idea what to expect. I definitely didn't think it would be as cozy as it is! Although it's actually quite large, it feels very intimate because 1) the sheer volume of books that surrounds you at all times, and 2) each of the rooms that makes up the shop is actually quite small, especially with all the people in there. There are lots of little nooks all over the place with lumpy old couches where you can recline with a book, and upstairs is their collection of old books, not to be purchased, but perused there in their library. Just about all the books they carry are in English, and everyone there was speaking English first. I can tell you now, I just know I'll be spending a good bit of my time in that shop. Just being there today, I almost cried several times out of sheer overwhelming joy and comfort. It's a haven. You aren't allowed to take pictures in there, which is why I don't have any of those for you guys, but trust me. I can't believe it took me so long to get there, but now I can't wait to go back! I did purchase one book: "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Because I just had to.







The rest of my time was spent wandering down little alleys and side streets, photographing huge beautiful old doors, and spending a few more euros here and there on antique books, piled high by the vendors at the outdoor marché at Place St Michel. My day was wrapped up sitting in my tiny little apartment, wrapped in my comforter with a takeout pizza and a glass of rosé, because it's a rainy Sunday and what else do you do on rainy Sunday evenings?

Where do you like to wander? Have you ever seen Paris in the rain?

My Tiny Corner of Paris

WOW I can't believe I've been here for over a week already! But also, it feels like I've been here for so much longer. I've been meaning to get on here and update everyone, because I've been getting so many questions via Instagram about where I'm staying and what it's like so far! Plus, last time I was living abroad, I found that keeping my blog was a really great way to document the year and keep track of all the ups and downs and twists and turns! It's always fun looking back on those posts to see how I felt at any given time. Of course, I was also 18 years old at the time, so that makes a big difference, too! It's kind of like looking back through your diaries. There are some things you remember so vividly, others you'd forgotten entirely, and still others that you can't believe were such a big deal at the time. Regardless, it's cool to look back though your own eyes, but at a different stage of your life.







ANYWAY. I arrived in Paris last Tuesday, so I've been here about 9 days. I'm living just west of the actual city of Paris in a town called Neuilly-Sur-Seine. Even though I'm not *technically* in Paris proper, I'm so close I might as well be! It only takes me about fifteen minutes to walk to the Arc de Triomphe, which is at the end of the famed Champs Elysées. From there, the entire city is at my fingertips! Every morning, when I walk to the train, I can see the top portion of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It's absolutely unreal. Sometimes I feel like I'm floating in a dream, like this can't possibly be real life. But it is and I'm here and it's amazing!









So. Neuilly. It's a really lovely town, and pretty much an extension of Paris. The buildings are all that beautiful, old, classically French architecture. You know, the kind you see in those mass produced prints that you can buy at HomeGoods and Target. Except here, it isn't mass produced, and it's real life! This town has some hustle and bustle, but still feels homey and suburban, to an extent. There are kids rolling along on their skateboards or scooters up and down the sidewalks, lots of little shops selling houseplants or antiques or produce, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. One thing is for sure: the people here have money. You can feel it just walking down the streets and looking up at the residential buildings. Then you see the massive, beautiful schools and there's no doubt. Plus, any time I tell anyone where I'm living, the first thing they always say is "Wow, you're so lucky! That's where the rich people live!" It's true, I do feel very lucky to be here!







A lot of people ask me if the program is providing our housing. Unfortunately not, so we are each responsible for finding our own accommodations for the year. Again, I definitely lucked out. I found my housing before even arriving in Paris, which I suppose is pretty uncommon. I have an arrangement with a family here in Neuilly, where I am essentially nannying for them in exchange for my apartment, which is just three floors above theirs! It's a tiny little studio, but it's so charming and has everything I need, along with a stellar view! I recently found out that these small spaces on the top floors of buildings like this were probably maids' quarters way back when the buildings were constructed. Mine does have it's own bathroom and a little kitchen, complete with a small fridge, microwave and hotplate. It's super simple, but I absolutely love it!







The family is just wonderful. The two parents and three children are all so kind and very welcoming! In the afternoons, I go and pick the youngest one up from school, help her with her homework, and accompany her to her theatre and dance classes (a girl after my own heart!). I speak English with them, so that they can practice and improve their speaking skills. Sometimes I have meals with all of them, which is always a treat! While I am so happy to become a sort of part of the family, it's really nice to be able to have my own space, as well. I had host families when I was an exchange student, and at 26 years old, I am so glad to be able to be autonomous while living in Paris!







Sometimes I really can't believe I'm here. I am so happy to be in Paris, living out this crazy dream. I've fallen in love with this city a couple times before, and I have a feeling I'm about to do it all over again. I am so grateful God brought me here and has had my back as I adjust and settle in. He really is so good! Well, I have so much more to tell you all and I will be writing again soon! Have you lived abroad before? How did it feel at first?

Recommit in February!

How are we already three days into February? I thought 2017 flew by, but it seems like 2018 is going to move just as quickly! As we enter into this second month of the year, I'm sure I'm not the only one reflecting on my New Year's Resolutions, and where I stand in my progress. Obviously, we all know there is nothing magical about January 1st. We don't just enter into the New Year and miraculously have our lives all figured out. For some people, though, the Beginning is a great motivator to make some changes! After that beginning, though, we have to make the conscious decision to stick to our guns and achieve our goals. This February, I encourage you to take another look at the resolutions you set for yourself, and recommit to them!

One of my goals was to get this blog back up and running. While I obviously have done that, I'm going to recommit to my content, and give it some more of my attention. This blog is both an outlet and an inspiration for my creativity! I have found that since I decided to make 2018 my Personal Renaissance, I have done quite a bit more writing, which has brought some clarity to my life. A lot of it is very close personal stuff that maybe one day I will share. For now, though, this is my platform for public writing, inspiring, and connecting. I hope that in the coming weeks, you find something that speaks to you!

Over this weekend, I challenge you to take a good hard look at what you want to accomplish this year. Maybe your intentions or circumstances have changed. Maybe you need something else out of your life right now than you'd anticipated. There's nothing wrong with adjusting your goals as your life changes. Be real with yourself, and push yourself towards those goals! I know I will. If you need an accountability partner, go out and get one! And remember, I'm always here for you, whatever you need. What are your current goals? How was January for you? How are you going to make even bigger strides from here on out? Let's inspire each other!

The Perfect Handmade Gift!

As the holidays are approaching, I'm sure we're all thinking about what we are going to give to the important people in our lives as gifts. I, personally, always find it difficult finding the perfect little gift to give to those people who are not quite family but still special to me. This easy handmade gift is the answer!

I'm a huge believer in handmade gifts. I think they really show people that you care to take the time to make them something special. There's a reason we gave our parents drawings and clay sculptures when we were kids. Those gifts meant something we put part of ourselves into it. They mean so much more.



I made these heart-shaped hand warmers two Christmases ago for my friends and a few of my instructors. They are super simple to make, don't take too long, and are budget friendly. Plus, they help you get rid of all the craft scraps laying around your house. All you need is two scraps of fabric (6-inch by 6-inch squares are plenty), a needle and thread, and some rice. I like to add little embellishments to mine as well.

Here's what you do:

* First, decide how big you want your hand warmer to be, and trim down the fabric if you need. Then, with the two pieces back to back, cut out your heart. The cute part about these is the lack of uniformity, so don't be nervous!
* Next, double thread your needle and knot the end. Pick a matching thread, and enjoy the fact that it shows through. If you want to get really creative, try using ribbon or twine to sew your two pieces together. With the two pieces still back to back (pattern sides facing out), stitch all the way around the heart, leaving a small opening somewhere so that you can still fill it. Again, don't be scared! TIP: I found that I can just leave the needle dangling while I fill the heart so that I don't have to worry about so many knots and loose threads at the end.
* The next step is to fill your heart with rice. This is the part that heats up and serves as a mini heating pad. I would recommend using a funnel for this part. Fill it so that it's full, but the grains still have room to move.
* Finish sewing up the gap. Tie off the thread and trim the ends.
* If you wish, add an embellishment! I'm a fan of using ribbons to make bows and attaching buttons, but get creative!
* To use it, put it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to warm the rice. Then it can be used as a hand warmer or a mini heating pad.



There you have it! The easiest handmade gift that shows you took enough time to show that person how much they mean to you. Of course, if you really don't feel like taking that time, they are available on my Etsy shop!

Loving Study Abroad

Today is Labor Day, yes, but it is also something much more special than that. Today, we sent my sister off to Ireland for her study abroad program! Since I completed mine a little over two years ago (whaaaaat?!) I have been pretty obsessed with getting the word out there and promoting foreign exchange and study abroad programs (by the way, the photos in this post are from my year abroad). I really think that going to a new country to live, learn, and enjoy a new culture is something from which we can all benefit. It is such an eye opening experience and shows you how much there is out there if you just look past your own backyard. The benefits are endless. Obviously, there is the fact of traveling to some place new and seeing all of the beautiful things that the rest of the world has to offer. Of course, there is the chance to hear a new language and participate in a different culture.





But then if you scratch below the surface, there is more. There is a chance to not only see other cultures in action, but to learn them. To learn that language and speak it every day. To eat the local food every day as if it was your daily college Ramen noodles. To make friends and spend time with those people every day as if they were your family. That is where the true magic lies. Pretty soon, you develop not only an appreciation for this new life that you have discovered, but you find a new appreciation for the one you put on the shelf for a while. You begin to realize why your culture is the way it is and why this different way of life works, too. It is an amazing feeling.



As a study abroad student, you immerse yourself. You learn all of the nooks and crannies of your town because you desire nothing more than to be a local. You go to every bar so you can choose your favorite. You get to know the people that work at the sandwich shop down the street. You open a bank account. You have a bus pass. You're not just visiting, you're building a life. And believe it or not, you're making connections that will last a lifetime. You still get to do all those great touristy things, too! Except you get to do them more than once, and you become an expert. Pretty soon, you're the one guiding the tourists!





What may be the coolest thing about it, though, is what you learn about the human race. The fact is that there will be a language barrier at firs, but you'll soon find that it doesn't matter. The humanity in people overrides it and you find yourself laughing with someone and you don't even know why. You have conversation half in broken English, half in broken French, but somehow, you communicate. You pull out every charade, every sound, every strategy you can think of to talk to someone. In the end, it pays off. You have a family, a group of friends, a best friend. Those are the things you never forget.





It's so much more than croissants and pizza. It's so much more than towers and bridges. It's so much more than mountains and beaches. It's experiences and relationships. It's learning about other people and learning about yourself. It's about taking advantage of every opportunity and living life to the fullest. It's about using your mind and your skills to their full potential. It's about becoming the biggest, best version of you.



I'm so proud of my little sister. I hope she has the best time over there and comes home with a suitcase full of memories and stories to share.

If you are interested in following along on her adventure, she has a blog too: USA to UCD. Check it out!

I'm On Bloglovin!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin



I finally decided to get on Bloglovin! I think it's time that I give myself the option to get a bigger audience base and to put myself out there a little bit more. With my last blog, The Belgium Blogger, I gathered my followers by chance. Facebook helped a little bit, but overall, my followers just seemed to pop up out of nowhere. It was the best feeling to see someone who I didn't know decide to follow my little blog and join my little humble corner of the internet.

This time, I would really like my blog to gain some attention. I know that this is obviously every single blogger's wish. Everyone wants people to like them and to be a part of their blogs. Obviously we all have personal reasons to blog, whether it be for the catharsis of writing or to gain some new friends, but in the end, the feeling of being liked and wanted appeals to the human nature. We want to reach people and affect them. Those of us who have the courage to put ourselves out there in the vast world of the internet don't always do it easily. Knowing that people everywhere, all over the world, have access to a little piece of our lives (and for some a pretty big piece) can be a little scary.

I haven't been promoting my blog very much up until now. Now, I am proud of the work I have done and I'm ready to let some people in! I know my blog is still just a baby, but I want to nurture it and help it to grow! So go ahead and pop on over to Bloglovin and give me a follow. Keep up with me, and tell your friends! And to those of you who do check my humble little page daily, thank you :) Follow my blog with Bloglovin

My Blogging Story

The truth is... I'm not that much of a newbie blogger. I've actually been blogging for quite a long time! My blogging story starts about three years ago, when I was getting ready to embark on the biggest adventure of my life to date: my foreign exchange.



I was getting ready to go to Belgium and thought, hey, this is the perfect time to start a blog! It ended up being fairly successful, considering I didn't know about half of my followers and still continue to get hits on the page, even though I haven't posted in about two years. I was a diligent blogger back then; I hardly ever missed a day. When I did skip posting, I caught my readers up for every day I missed. My blog was full of adventures, stories, jokes, emotions, feelings, accomplishments, revelations, clever and very poignant writing. I was on fire.








P.S. I really enjoy flashbacks so don't be surprised to find more of where this came from!

Then, my exchange ended and I went back to every day life. I came back to the States and started a new blog. The problem was that my every day life wasn't that exciting. Not nearly exciting enough to write about daily. I tried time and time again to start another new blog with another new theme but they never took off because I was not passionate about them. Even when I went off on other adventures, such as my Disney College Program or when I was considering studying abroad in Italy, I never re-found that drive to blog like I did when I was overseas.

So what? You may ask. Not everyone has to be a blogger. Some of us can be readers, followers, or just not care at all. The thing was that I wanted to be a blogger. I envied those people who could find release and an outlet through blogging. I don't know why, but there is something so fascinating to me about the beautiful, put-together, well-written blog. I have seen many of them and I keep up with them and follow these people's lives. For some reason, I want to be followed, too. I want to be a part of this vast cyber community that covers everything from food to fashion to photography and beyond!

So I rolled up my sleeves and told myself, this is it. This time, you're going to do it right. The first thing I had to do was choose something that was so important to me that I would physically need to blog about it. I found that I am passionate about so many things that it was practically impossible to choose just one. I decided to just do it all. It would all be tied together by overlying philosophy: everything I do in life, I do with class. And Classy Emma was born. Whether it be cooking, crafting, exercising, shopping, whatever, I do it with class.



And here we are! A fun blog with things for people with many interests to enjoy. I hope you'll continue to stand by me along the way. And invite some friends while you're at it ;)

Welcome!

Hello, readers, and welcome to Classy Emma!



Let's start with the basics. Obviously, my name is Emma. I was an avid blogger a couple years back when I travelled to Belgium for my foreign exchange year but since then blogging has pretty much fallen off of my radar. I would really like to get back into it by starting this fun blog about things I love, like food, fitness, travel, and fashion! I also like to throw in posts about crafting, photography and other blog-y girly things.

A little bit about me... I'm an actress, dancer, singer, photographer, traveller, writer, reader, crafter, baker, candlestick maker... Kidding, just seeing if you were paying attention ;) But really, I have many interests. Mainly, I am a performer. I am in school right now studying theatre, french, and dance! I am bilingual so for all you frenchies out there, bonjour et bienvenue! I've gotten pretty passionate about my health recently as well. I am also proud to say that I am a Walt Disney cast member, working in entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. With all this school, work and healthy stuff, life has become pretty hectic and I have fallen away from the other things I love to do, like cooking, crafting, writing, photography, etc. I'm hoping this blog can help me come back to all the joys of life!

Oh, and yes, I have a boyfriend. He's awesome, and his name is Steve Martin. I'm not making that up. This is us.



This is an everything blog. Expect a wide variety of posts, from Outfits of the Day to inspirational writings to stories about my adventures as an actress or traveller! You can always be sure that they will be classy :)