As I explained this to the girls I work with, a girl from another department joined in on the conversation. As I spoke, she looked at me with an expression that can only be described as equal parts disbelief and disgust. “It’s actually really easy,” I said coaxingly, trying to convince her. I’m not sure why. “And there are so many advantages to having just a carry-on suitcase,” I continued.

“But … what do you WEAR?” she asked, her face unable to hide the distaste she felt at the idea of leaving favourite shoes, clothes and accessories behind. Ah. The vision in my mind started to crystallize. Most days of the week, she’s wobbling around the office on too-high-heels, looking like a deer that’s just learning to walk. I could see what type of traveler she was now, tottering along cobblestone sidewalks in a pair of four-inch stilettos. “You’d be surprised how much you can fit into a carry-on suitcase,” I said. (Why am I trying to convince this girl??)

She’s clearly had enough of the conversation and starts to walk (wobble) away. “Anyway, when I travel, I’m more interested in the experiences I’m having rather than what I’m wearing,” I can’t help saying as she walks by me.

All of this is to say, that it really can be done and it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your sense of style. I’m a girly-girl. I like my nice shoes and bags and while I can’t bring everything I’d like to, I thought I’d itemize everything that fit into this suitcase, for my two-week trip to India:

• 13 dresses
• 12 tops
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 4 skirts
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 3 belts
• 1 sweater
• 3 bikinis
• 1 pair of running shoes
• 1 pair of heels
• 2 pairs of flip flops
• 1 pair of ballet flats
• 1 evening bag
• 1 cross-body bag
• 1 shoulder bag

In addition to all of this, I’ve got an assortment of other odds and ends stuffed in there – India plug adapters, chargers for all of my tech toys, toiletries, hair accessories, a flat iron and two hair brushes. The key to fitting all the clothing lies in rolling each item into a tight, cylinder shape. You then lay everything side by side and when you’ve used up the width of your suitcase, you start stacking a second row on top. Rolling versus folding makes a BIG difference!

Everyone keeps telling me I need to create a video to show you exactly how you can fit everything you need into a carry-on suitcase. Stay tuned – I’ll try to do something soon!

Every time I visit Paris, it’s the same thing. My eyes grow wide as saucers and my jaw drags along the sidewalk. It would be helpful if I could have someone perpetually at my elbow, reminding me to breathe. That’s just how it is. That’s just how much I love Paris.

When my husband Johnny Jet and I arrived in Paris last month, we headed straight for our hotel, Hotel Verneuil, to drop off our bags and hit the streets. Hotel Verneuil is a lovely 17th-century building tucked away on a quiet side street (8, rue de Verneuil), located in the Saint-Germain des Près area of the city.

Hotel Verneuil is a clean, four-star, moderately priced boutique hotel. It’s quaint and oozes Parisian charm. It’s a bed and breakfast and has a cozy, homey feeling. When you walk in, you’ll find a welcoming reception area to your right and a shared living room for guests, complete with a library, a fireplace and a selection of alcoholic beverages to choose from. Of course, like me, you can always ask for tea, as well. Since the guest rooms are fairly small, this is a nice place to come and relax and it really does feel like a living room in a friend’s home, if not your own.

It’s unknown what this centuries-old building was used for over the years but after WWII, it was converted into a hotel. There are 26 rooms in total. As you walk up the rickety steps to yours, you may find yourself wondering if there’s something wrong with you or with the stairs. It’s the stairs. You should definitely watch your step when you’re going up or down. But the unevenness of the staircase just adds to the charm of this place, reminding visitors that this is an old structure, one with history and character.

As I’ve mentioned, the rooms are small. The room we stayed in surprised me when we first opened the door. Despite the traditional decor of the main floor, our room was bright and modern, with teal and tangerine-tinted accessories. Some of the rooms have a more understated look to them, as you can see from the photo above. The bathroom featured a mix of stone and tile, giving it a modern feel as well. The stand-up shower was the only thing that posed problems – though maybe it’s just me. Have you ever seen those European showers that don’t have doors? The water gets all over the floor and soaks the bath mat. I have yet to master showering in one of these showers without getting water everywhere! But that aside, the shower was great and I loved the L’Occitane bath products.

Included in the reasonable room rate are breakfast, free long distance phone calls (that’s unusual – and awesome!) and WiFi. Breakfast is served on the lower level in a sort of cellar or you can have it in your room. There’s a simple selection of fresh pastries (only in France does it seem acceptable to have baguette with Nutella for breakfast!), fruit, yogurt, eggs, etc.

Not only is Hotel Verneuil a great option in terms of cost and comfort but it’s also ideally situated in the heart of Paris. It’s within easy walking distance to The Louvre, the Seine, Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame and is just a half hour walk to the Latin Quarter. It’s also near cafes and shopping. Really, there’s everything you’ll need nearby. My husband and I walked and walked and walked and then walked some more but there’s no city in the world better for walking – with or without purpose – than Paris. The highlight of one of our long walks was leaving our lock of love on the Pont des Arts, along with the thousands of others that line this bridge of hopes and dreams. We hope to return some day, perhaps stay at Hotel Verneuil and walk the short distance from the hotel to visit our lock. I hope it will still be there!

If you’re looking for a moderately-priced, clean hotel with great service in a fab location, definitely consider Hotel Verneuil for your next visit to Paris.

Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian Baroque Sunglasses, $485, Sunglass Hut | Metallic Rim Sunglasses, $165, Tory Burch | Helene Sunglasses, $98, Banana Republic | Square Wrap Frame Sunglasses, $210, Ralph Lauren | Cordelia Sunglasses, $138, Kate Spade | Wanderer Sunnies, $60, Saturday

Which ones are your favourite?

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While we didn’t get a chance to peek inside the hotel, I checked out their website to see what the rooms at this 5-star luxury hotel are like. I love the soothing palette of this one-bedroom suite loft. The stripes add an understated nautical look and overall, the rooms seem to be minimalistic but serene.

Although we didn’t get to see the rooms first-hand, we did get to experience drinks on the Terrace at Elsa and dinner inside the bright and modern restaurant.

The terrace overlooks the shining waters of the Mediterranean and we sat down at dusk, beneath the last warm rays of the day’s sun. John doesn’t drink alcohol and I rarely do but the bartender whipped us up fresh fruit juice concoctions that hit the spot. We snacked on a variety of appetizers, including barbajuans (stuffed pastries that are a local favourite, originating in Monaco), while gazing out at the sea before us.

We moved inside to eat dinner at Elsa. It was a quiet Tuesday evening in there. But our private table for two was secluded and romantic and yes, offered a view of the Mediterranean. Fortunately, the view of the Riviera’s rugged cliffs sloping down to the sea below is something I could never tire of.

The menu is moderately priced, particularly by Monte Carlo standards. I ordered the braised ossobuco, served in a saffron strudel (29 euros) and my husband ordered the gold risotto, complete with a golden leaf garnish and grated mimolette cheese (26 euros). Chef Paolo Sari uses all organic and locally sourced ingredients in his delicious dishes, influenced by the foods of both the French and Italian Rivieras. Because of this, the menu changes seasonally, depending on what is fresh and in season. The website states that ‘respect for the seasons is key, resulting in specific menus for spring, summer and autumn.’ Based on my visit, this respect for eating fresh, local ingredients was apparent not only in the dishes we ate but in the passion of the chef, who came out to say hello.

Between the view and the food, Elsa at Monte Carlo Beach is a wonderful restaurant to try if you’re visiting Monte Carlo. You won’t be disappointed.

We flew Air France from Toronto to Paris to Nice. Upon landing, we boarded a helicopter for a seven-minute transfer from Nice to Monte Carlo. By car, the drive is about 30 minutes but the helicopter ride takes just a quarter of the time and provides sweeping views of Monaco and the Mediterranean on approach. The rugged cliffs of the French Riviera looming over the sea below make a wonderful welcome for wide-eyed travelers like me.

Hotel de Paris
From the heliport to our hotel was a short drive. We pulled up to the legendary 5-star Hotel de Paris and I had to step back a moment to take it all in. Situated along the shores of the Mediterranean, Hotel de Paris is imposing and elegant and ideally situated on the Place du Casino, across the street from the Monte Carlo Casino. The marble lobby is huge with crystal chandeliers and soaring columns. This is definitely a place to see and be seen. The thrill that something spectacular could happen at any moment is in the air, the sense that someone fabulous might glide right past you is ever-present. Because this is where they would be. Le Bar Americain (where I’ve heard Prince Albert and his family like to come from time to time) is immediately to your left when you enter the extraordinary lobby and if you stop in, be sure to try the ‘barbajuans’ – bite-sized appetizers stuffed with spinach and cheese and the like, that are local to the region.

Our room was luxurious with all the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. Louis XVI chairs and flat screen TVs collide in a perfect fusion of past and present.

Our room
Our room at Hotel de Paris was beautiful, spacious and charming. With a vista of the Mediterranean from our balcony made for two, I went to sleep each night dreaming dreams of sailing away on one of the yachts below. Packed like sardines into a tin can, the Monte Carlo Harbour is lined with yacht after yacht. On our walk of the city one day, my husband and I even stumbled upon one called ‘Nataly’ – the spelling wasn’t quite right, but I’m not one to complain. Anyway, I digress. Back to the rooms. Our room was luxurious with all the amenities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. Louis XVI chairs and flat screen TVs collide in a perfect fusion of past and present. The room had a sunny, seaside-inspired colour palette of sky blue and yellow, which combined to make our room bright and cheerful. My favourite part of the room was the heated floors in the bathroom. I appreciated the warm tiles underfoot whenever I walked in there. And the big tub, complete with La Prairie amenities, was lovely too.

Dining at Le Grill
Up on the 8th floor of Hotel de Paris, dining is a heavenly experience. Not just because of the divine decor and incredible menu. My husband and I took our seats at a quiet table for two that overlooked the Mediterranean. As if that wasn’t heavenly enough, shortly after our arrival, the ceiling of the restaurant began to slide open, revealing the heavens above. We sat under a canopy of night sky and stars and marveled at the beauty of it all. The canopy closed and opened throughout the night; I suspect because it was a bit too chilly to leave it open all evening. The food was incredible. The menu offers up Mediterranean-style gourmet cuisine; I had the lobster, which I highly recommend. For dessert, we tried the chocolate soufflé (soufflé seemed to be on every dessert menu we encountered in Monaco and France). The soufflé was delicious and enormous. One is more than enough to share between two.

The Spa: Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
The Thermes Marins Spa is a must-visit. My husband and I visited as soon as we arrived – the perfect antidote to our long, red-eye journey from Toronto to Monaco. The sprawling spa facility occupies four floors and specializes in seawater therapies. You may want to try the aquagym baths or the hydromassage for something a little different. My body wrap, followed by a massage was wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating, making the hours of travel slip away, invigorating me for the hours ahead of exploring Monte Carlo. After your treatment, enjoy a light and healthy lunch at L’Hirondelle restaurant on the premises. The lobster salad was delicious and the lemon tart was unnecessary (but delicious too!!) Of course, the restaurant is overlooking the Mediterranean and the Monte Carlo Harbour, too – but trust me, the view never gets old.

Hotel de Paris: Location, location, location
Our hotel was flanked by high-end shopping, especially along Avenue des Beaux-Arts, perhaps one of the most expensive and exclusive shopping locations in the world. Prada, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent, among countless others, tempt pedestrians with impossibly chic store windows.

Feeling lucky? Hotel de Paris is also directly across the street from the Monte Carlo Casino, which is a must-visit stop whether you’re the betting type or not. If you do plan to drop a few Euros on the roulette table or elsewhere in the casino, don’t forget to rub the knee of the statue of Louis XIV’s horse in the lobby of Hotel de Paris. The knee has been rubbed to a golden sheen by gamblers from around the globe, looking for a bit of good luck.

Monaco is perfectly situated between France and Italy. In just mere minutes, you can be in either country. So that’s what my husband and I did. One day, we had breakfast at the Hotel de Paris, took a 24-minute train ride to Ventimiglia, Italy for lunch and came back in time to have a wonderful dinner at Elsa at the Monte Carlo Beach, which is technically in France. Three meals, three countries, one day. Ah, Europe. Gotta love it!

Overall
Hotel de Paris was a delight in every way. The service, the location, the luxurious rooms and the exquisite food all combined with the natural beauty of the French Riviera to create an unforgettable experience.

I highlighted the Tod’s Driving Loafers as my favourite but sporting a hefty price tag of $425 a pair, they’re too rich for my wallet. But I just returned from Paris, where I stumbled upon a quaint little shoe shop called Fairmount on Rue du Bac. The store window lured me in with a beautiful display of candy-coloured loafers looking just like the Tod’s ones I like. I couldn’t resist popping in for a quick look.

Fairmount is a French boutique that sells men’s and women’s shoes, belts, scarves, purses and other small leather goods. But the loafers are what I had my eye on. They come in a vibrant rainbow of colours. At 140 euros a pair, they’re still not cheap but a far cry cheaper than the Tod’s driving loafers.

The Fairmount website ships to a small selection of countries in Europe so if you happen to live in Europe, you’re in luck. For those of us who don’t, make a note the next time you visit France!

The sweeping silk drapery caught my eye first, followed by the Louis XVI chairs in sumptuous fabrics.

Le Meurice
Le Meurice, sometimes called The Hotel of Kings is a five-star, luxury property that’s part of The Dorchester Collection. Founded in 1815, some consider it one of France’s great old hotels. It’s ideally situated near those must-see Parisian landmarks like the Louvre, the Opéra, Place de la Concorde and Place Vendôme, all of which are within walking distance of the hotel. From our room, we could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It’s not within walking distance, but it’s a short metro ride away. Looking out from our Juliet balcony at the Eiffel Tower, the busy streets of Paris below us – magnifique! The view at sunset was memorable to say the very least.

The Rooms at Le Meurice
The hotel has seven floors and 160 rooms. Each floor has its own style but all of the luxury rooms are reminiscent of the glamorous Louis XVI era. I said I was rendered speechless when I stepped into our room and that’s not even the slightest exaggeration. The room was the most beautiful hotel room I’d ever seen.

The sweeping silk drapery caught my eye first, followed by the Louis XVI chairs in sumptuous fabrics. Our room was capacious, with a separate living room, which would have been hotel room enough for me! But the living room provided a peaceful sanctuary to relax and indulge in the caramels that were waiting to tempt us. The muted colours in the bedroom were perfect for soothing travel-weary guests and I can attest to the fact that the room as a whole was sweet-dream-inducing. LOVED: The luxury bed linens, the period furniture, including a writing desk I was desperate to take home with me, and the spacious walk-in closet. And I would be remiss not to mention the Italian marble bathroom, which itself was a work of art. And when I say marble, I don’t mean marble countertops. To be clear, the whole bathroom was marble – walls, floors, tub, the works. Stunning.

Wandering around our room (it was indeed large enough to wander around), was like stepping back in time. The decor of the room was so beautifully reminiscent of an era gone by and yet still so luxurious and lovely by today’s standards. The design reflected a perfect convergence of past and present. Even the modern amenities like the digital flat-screen televisions and the iPod alarm clock were seamlessly integrated into the overall room design.

Dining at Le Meurice
For dinner, John and I ate off-property, opting to explore the city on foot and find a quaint place to eat – not hard to do in Paris. But for breakfast, we ate at the exquisite, luxurious Restaurant Le Meurice. Breakfast here is an occasion with a wonderful menu and an assortment of delightful and delectable French pastries that nearly makes the button pop off your pants just looking at them. Also on-property are Restaurant Dali (named after Salvador Dali who spent one month a year living at the hotel over a 30-year period) and Bar 228.

Le Meurice captured my heart and my imagination with its exquisite design and impossible beauty. It’s the kind of place you have to see and experience for yourself so if ever the opportunity arises, if ever you’re looking for a place to splurge, a place to celebrate a milestone, a place to live out a dream, this very well might be it.

1 Postcard Printed Dress | $105 | Monsoon

2 Oasis London Print Dress | $93.10 | Asos

3 Greeting Postcard Dress | $49.95 | Modcloth

4 Oasis Floral Postcard Dress | $79.80 | Asos

5 Picture Perfect Postcard Dress | $189 | Laura Ashley

6 Eiffel Tower Chiffon Dress | $17.80 | Forever 21

7 Sleeveless Paris Dress | $650 | Bergdorf Goodman

Testimony is presented from the viewpoints of all the characters in the book; someone different narrates each chapter. This is a common technique that I’ve read before many times but in this book, it felt contrived and worse, lazy. The story became disjointed because of this technique and in the end, I didn’t connect with any of the characters.

Testimony is about four high school students (three boys and one underage girl) who are filmed having sex in a dorm room. Once the tape is leaked, scandal follows. The lives of the students, teachers and parents are turned upside down. But the one thing that kept nagging at me, not sitting right with me: The constant focus on how the boys’ promising careers as basketball stars were in jeopardy because of their poor judgment, having sex with an underage girl. It was startlingly reminiscent of the firestorm that was ignited following CNN’s recent coverage of the Steubenville rape case. When the guilty verdict was handed down, CNN reporter Poppy Harlow lamented the fate of the two boys, lamented their damaged futures as football stars with barely a mention of the victim, a young 16-year-old girl who’d been raped. Shameful and disgusting, CNN. And I couldn’t help but feel the same nonchalance permeating the pages of Anita Shreve’s book, rendering it entirely distasteful to me. The bottom line: This isn’t your next beach read. Download something else. Like The Pilot’s Wife if you haven’t read it.

My rating: 1 out of 5