I'm a college girl now...

Hello internet!

I'm hanging out at the Cistern and it's ABSOLUTELY beautiful outside!!! My classes ended at noon today and I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately so I ventured outside (I mean, with weather like this, how could I not??)

The Cistern 

So, a bit of a rundown of my first couple of weeks at the College of Charleston, because you know, I'm now a college student (woahhh!)

Every time someone asks me "What's your favorite thing about college so far?" my response, the independence. Honestly, I was pretty independent and mature than most people my age (it has it's pros and cons) so the transition wasn't that difficult for me. I mean, yeah, sometimes you feel so overwhelmed (kind of like now) and you want to run away from it all, but you just gotta stick through it. It's not so bad.

Considering that this is a food blog, I have to say, the food here is top notch! I have a few favs: Caviar & Bananas, Christophe's Chocolatier, Nirlep, etc.. There are some other  restaurants around too, like Husk, Hall's Chophouse, and Chez Nous (to name a few). Hopefully I'll be able to dine at more upscale places soon.

My favorite days of the week are Tuesdays & Thursdays because a) I don't have class until wayyyy later on into the day and b) I get to have some 'me' time & go to my fav coffee shops! Black Tap (lavender latte and pain au chocolat...uh hello!) and Kudu (no joke, it's right next to my dorm). It's so nice going early in the morning and being able to relax, sip, and listen to some music (& homework, of course).

I feel like I'm back in Paris when I go here...oui?

He's the best!!! Swoon...

As for friends, I've met some pretty awesome people. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because you know, it's a whole new school and city, but it's been good! That's the one thing I'm really proud of myself for doing, breaking out of my shell. And the benefit? I met a friend who has a kitchen!! Let me tell you, for a girl like me who lives and breathes cooking/baking, it's extremely frustrating when you find out your dorm is the ONLY dorm without a communal kitchen!! But maybe that's a good thing....

I can't say it enough, Charleston is a beautiful little city, and days like this, I am so grateful.

This is just an insight into my life here at the College and I can only imagine what is waiting for me in the future. College life is pretty great.


That's all for now!

Tschüss,

Brianna x

Just a Few Things I Want to Share....

So, I'm out-of-town right now babysitting for a while, and while the kiddo is watching a movie and I scroll though Pinterest and listen to Mat Kearney, I have the urge to pour some things out. Whether or not anyone reads my blog, it's just a good thing to do once in while. So, here goes nothin'!


Rambling:
Now that is JULY (where'd the time go?), I'll be going to college next month! Oui, you read right, August! I'm sort of nervous, yet really excited. It's a new, fresh start and I'm ready (I think) to start this chapter of my life. You know what's also weird? This will be the first time my sisters and I are going to different schools...in different states (triplets..)!!!! I always thought I was the one who was going to go to school the farthest away and my sisters would be close to home. Wrong. As a matter of fact, I'm the closest (an hour and a half away). I pretty much hated high school so I'm looking forward to these next four years at CofC!!

This is a tricky one: I love food (obviously) and I love to travel (who doesn't). But how do you combine the two into a career? I'm going to college because I feel the need to learn more info. But, on the other hand I want to go to culinary school somewhere or learn from some badass in France. How do I do both? Well, I'm pushing to study abroad sometime in my college career. I was actually looking today on my school's website and there are copious amounts of internships/volunteer/teaching opportunities. Pretty cool, right?

Ah, well since this one big rambling post, I want to share some of  random things make me really happy! I guess you could call this my "Verbal Pinterest Board"....
-France...well, this one is pretty self-explanatory. I went in April...fucking. loved. it
-Coldplay....Chris Maritn has the voice of an angel. No matter what I'm feeling, there's a song that represents it. Oh yeah, 'Yellow' & 'Clocks' will forever be my favorite songs.
-Mat Kearney- I was introduced my an old friend. His music makes me feel alive and well.
-John Mayer- I went to his concert back in December 2013. I know some people are not a fan, but I personally think he's got a kick ass voice.
-Dominique Ansel- I was in NY back in December and I convinced my sisters and my exchange student, Larissa, to wake up at 6 AM and take a cab to SoHo to stand in line for about 2 hours to get my little hands on a Cronut. We did it. I am so inspired by Monsieur Ansel. His incredible dedication and innovation for pastry has made me dig deeper and explore what the world of pastry has to offer. Words cannot simply express my love for his work! You are the man M. Ansel!
-Cute & chic party deco....like the stuff you see on Pinterest & Etsy. I don't why, but it makes me  really happy. But then I have an urge to make things like confetti balloons and mini banners.
-Yoga- this has been a big one for a while now but there's nothing quite like a moving & empowering class that just makes you feel grounded and at peace (and fearless!!!!!)
-Kinder- ever since I went to France, I've been hooked to these damn things. And the best part was that I was there during Easter and I got Kinder eggs. That's right, the chocolate hollow eggs with a prize inside. Beat that, nasty Peeps. (I heard they were illegal in the US....whaaaaat?!)

I went to a grocery store in France with my host family & just had to snap a picture. The French don't mess around when it comes to Easter chocolate.

-Vine- whenever I need a good laugh, this is my go to. Especially Jerome Jarre & Dr. Harley!
-Getting magazines in the mail.... there's nothing like coming home from school/work and seeing a nice glossy Bon Appetit or Food & Wine. I just love 'em.
-Chocolate Mousse.... I recently tried some salted caramel chocolate mousse from David Lebovitz's new book, My Paris Kitchen. I remember when I made it; it was just my sister and I, so I made a nice roast chicken followed by this sinful dessert. I can't say much about the mousse itself because you're gonna have to find out yourself. It's worth it, folks.

So, that pretty much concludes this post. I have a lot of things going on and boy, is it moving fast.

Be good & bonne nuit,
Brianna x

My Trip to Paris, My Friends, & My Future

Coucou everybody!

It's been quite some time since I've posted on here (I'm sorry!) but I've been up to some pretty awesome things.

...ok, where do I begin? Hm....

Well, I achieved one of my lifelong dreams & traveled to France. I still can't believe that I was able to go...it still seems like a dream. Have you ever felt that way?? Anyway, here's a bit of insight of what I did abroad in the land of cheese and chocolate ;)

-April 11: Arrived in Paris at 6am...did not sleep at all during the flight. (Note to self: do not watch the movie Taken while flying to Paris...) My group and I checked in the hotel & headed off for some breakfast. I spotted a little boulangerie where I bought my first pain au chocolat (it was pretty epic). Then, off to the Louvre. Man, was this place beautiful. Though, I'm not an art officiando, each piece of art was absolutely magnificent. I can't say much, so you're gonna have to see it for yourself! Oh, and I must add one thing; the employees at the Louvre...damn... those pointy shoes.

i saw this lovely display at one of the supermarkets. the french definitely don't mess around when it comes to chocolate

just strolling around the streets of paris

my host family picked up some pastries from a local bakery in Bléré, France

le nipo bistro in Paris

the streets of Loches

behind the notre dame on easter

so cliche, but i how cool is this?

notre dame on easter

the louvre. what beautiful architecture

the chocolate chaud from Bigot was pretty sinful

some comte i bought back in Loches and a baguette from a boulangerie in paris. i was leaving the next day, so i just sat in front of my hotel window, opened it, and enjoyed the few moments of my time in paris

If you would like to see some of the pictures from my trip, click here

And that was just only day 1, folks ^^^

To sum things up, I went to Paris for a few days, explored, ate, drank, & admired all that Paris had to offer. After Paris, the group and I took the TGV to Loches where I stayed with the lovely Baptista family & went to Saint Denis International School (shoutout to Mr. Webbs!--'spicy girls!'). Following, we headed back to Paris and hung out in Montmarte, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Notre Dame (on Easter, of course)! Of course, this tidbit does not do any justice, so you're gonna have to go to France and find out all the wonders yourself ;)


As for other BIG news....I graduated high school! I am so pleased to share that I'll be attending the College of Charleston this fall. Also, some of the best people I have ever met are leaving. This year, my school hosted a lot of exchange students and somehow or another, we all became the best of friends. It breaks my heart to see them go but I damn, how lucky was I that I was able to hang out with such amazing people? Larissa, Michael, Katy, Sophie, Dennis, Julia, Jil, Carmen, Karim, & Carmen #2 you each hold a special place in my heart.

It certainly has been an incredible year. With all the ups and downs, highs and lows, I wouldn't change it for the world. I am so excited to embark on this 'new' journey and be that much closer to achieving my dreams. I know that it's just the beginning and the best is yet to come. x

Pain au Chocolat and My Trip to Dominique Ansel Bakery

Coucou!  

    What a busy couple of months it's been! Over the past couple of months I had a great time testing (& tasting!) new recipes and I can't wait to share them with all of you.


   Ok, so back to business!
A couple of days ago I made some pretty badass croissants/pain au chocolat from Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery. I encourage you to break out your French butter, rolling pin, and flour, and patience (this is key…trust me, folks) because it will be soooooo worth it in the end.

Beautiful

 If you want the recipe, check out Bouchon Bakery. It is my go-to baking book!

Layers upon layers

Please refrain from licking the screen

Oh yeah!!!!!!!!! Last month I visited my family in New York, which meant a trip to Dominique Ansel Bakery. I still cannot believe I visited! You have no idea! This man is my inspiration! And yes, the 2 hour wait for the Cronut™ was so worth it. If you're ever in Soho, check out Mr. Ansel's place, s'il vous plait. 

We got there around 7 am. Soho is so charming in the morning

Larissa (my exchange student from Brazil) & I got some fresh (free!) madeleines while waiting in line
  

love, time, & dedication right there, you guys ^^^

Posted below are a few things I bought:

Gingerbread Pinecone + Cotton Soft Cheesecake (works of art)

Magic soufflé….made fresh to order!

Valrhona Chocolate & Champagne Cronut™ (what a beauty)

I had to….so damn delicious

 Visiting Dominique Ansel Bakery has been one of my dreams for a long, long time…

Oh yeah, next stop, Paris (in April!!!!) 

See ya soon,

Brianna x