Monday Moods: I feel... ruined.

This morning has been full of exploring

the ancient Roman ruins in Arles.

We have climbed the steps of the ampi-theatre

that used to host gladiators & wild beasts

and today is the meeting place of bulls & matadors....

We have sang on the stage

that once welcomed ancient performers

and today hosts famous celebrities....

And now?

I'm taking another cue from the Romans

and am headed into to take a hot bath.

If you are visiting Arles,

you can visit both the ampi-theatre & theatre for €5...

plus, you are surrounded by French restaurants.

Nothing about that combination can ruin your day!

*If you visit during the warmer months, 

you'll have a good chance of seeing a bull-fighting event in the stadium

(a favorite sport of Arlesiennes)

or catch a performance or classic movie in the theatre.

*All images original to Aspiring Kennedy

Rise To The Occasion

Bienvenue

to my favorite restaurant,

Rise No. 1

This Dallas restaurant specializes, 

nay- divinely creates,

souffles for every range of the palette.

With "savory souffles" of

 jambon et fromage, southwestern chicken,

creamed spinach, lobster, truffle infused wild mushroom....

to their list of"sweet souffles" of 

Praline Pecan, Chocolate, Grand Marnier, Bread Pudding, & Raspberry....

... you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for.

{Or surprise yourself with one of Chef Sharif' Brahmi's latest inspirations.}

Oh, and did I mention they have an amazing wine list?

This table has the best view in the house- the kitchen at work.

Think more Provence, less Paris...

J'adore this place.

When you go, look for Sharif Brahmi
 {head chef & co-owner of Rise No. 1}....

and his sweet daughter, Tara, the manager.

Between those two, a bottle of wine, and a few rounds of souffles-

I can only promise you a night that is...

say.... magnifique?

Rise No. 1

Inwood Village

5360 West Lovers Lane

No. 220

Dallas, Texas 75209

telelphone: 214.366.9900

*images via

I love Fabian Foo's sepia scenes from Europe.

So many quiet perfect moments captured behind the lens.

They almost make me feel like I am walking the streets of Barcelona...

... or taking in the Parisian city scape atop Monte Marte...

... or perhaps that I have decided to weekend in Provence...

...he even transports me to lustful escapades of days gone by....

Moment of truth: how many of us have shown Europe a little too much skin?

I have had my "riviera inspired" summer wardrobes from college days.

Oh, our mothers would die!

(Thanks for the quick get away, Fabian.)