As you wander through the streets of Paris you will probably come across plenty of L’Occtaine Stores. The last time I was in Paris, I stopped into one and browsed about-partly because I was staying on Ile St. Louis where there was a store. It was easy to be wandering home in the evenings and stopping into the store. The store has its origins in Provence. They sell beauty creams and lotions along with scents indigenous to the region.
I never payed much attention to them when I was in Paris, as they have stores throughout the US. My philosophy was why bring home something that I can purchase at home. However in France you can purchase sprigs of lavender, which I always thought would be lovely.
Recently one of my friends invited me to stay with him at the Four Seasons hotel. (no not in Paris). The advantage of staying at a great hotel like the Four Seasons is that the have wonderful toiletries-the bathroom was stocked with l’Occitane beauty supplies. Here was my chance to sample their wares. My skin and nose loved them. My philosophy has subsequently changed about not stopping into a store you have at home. With the colder dry weather soon upon us it is time to stock up on some great hand creams. Whether you are in the US UK or France, visit L’Occitane and treat yourself. You will not be disappointed.

It’s all about Obama at dorothy’s gallery until the 17th of November and if you’re an American in Paris or among the many who are interested in the upcoming election, I highly recommend you check out "Barack Obama in Paris". French and American artists contributed to the exhibition and their paintings, installations, and sketches all comment on the current political situation, mostly with an obvious Obama bent- one work was a holographic panel lit from behind which, depending on how you looked at it, depicted the image of either Obama or Martin Luther King Jr. surrounded by a halo of light. Some of my favorite pieces included original sketches of New Yorker comics and the colorful collages of American imagery which, for the first time in a while, felt uplifting rather than embarrasing. Dorothy’s gallery provides a space for Obama art to shine, but also is a place for supporters to gather and refuel their "Yes We Can" energy.

Dorothy also has some debates planned, as well as a "soirée musicale" and some other events. Of course, if Obama is elected, Dorothy told me, there would be a party as well.

dorothy’s gallery 27 rue Keller 11eme

wednesday-saturday 13h-20h

sunday-tuesday 16h-20h

www.dorothysgallery.com

I was trying to think of something original to suggest for visitors to Paris. If you have seen all the major sites and shopped around a cooking class would be a delightful way to spend a morning, afternoon or evening. It is not so much that you will graduate a great chef as the whole experience. I found this class www.cooknwithclass.com on the internet that seems like it would be great fun.
From the forums that I read it appears that the participants have had a great time. Thin The reviews were great. I was hooked when they said that they have a class teaching you how to cook macaroons. Guests can sign up for market tours, dinner cooking classes-pastry cooking. Whatever class you decide to sign up for I know you will have fun.

Sarkovy arrived in the province of Quebec yesterday on official visit. While he was visiting he accepted an invitation by the soon to be former President George Bush. Given the current financial global crisis, Bush has invited leaders from around the world to attend a summit and address the global meltdown. Sarkovy will go to Washington to participate in this conference.
Realistically will anything occur-probably not. Do you think Bush cares-WHY –he has yet to cared. The French do not seem to be too confident in Sarkovy’s ability to make any realistic contributions to the conference that will alleviate the financial crunch we are all feeling.