Parisian Nights: Cozy Evenings and Natural Hair Adventures

Living in Paris is requiring me to navigate new routines including washing my hair in a tiny shower. This week has been a mix of exploring the city and settling into my cozy apartment. I'm starting to get more sleep here in Paris, which is great because back in Houston, early mornings were my norm. Here, my Parisian pied-à-terre (small apartment) offers a haven for relaxation.
Building a Nighttime Nest
My once-makeshift pillow situation (using couch cushions!) has been replaced with a plush pillow from what seems to be the Costco of France and fresh sheets. At night, I indulge in a self-care ritual with my favorite Clarins lotion, silk sleep bonnet, warm socks, and eye mask from Air France. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
French Lessons and Natural Hair Experiments
Mondays mean French class tests, and this week I'm aiming to pass it, so I can get to the next level! Last week's B felt a little lucky, but this time I'm well-prepared on verb conjugations and pronouns.

My hair has also been an experiment, normally when I travel I have my hair braided. But, I've been wearing it in a bun for the last two weeks (thanks Mielle edge control - I brought 5 of them with me). I recently got a keratin treatment in Houston for manageability, and while it's simplified my mornings, detangling has proven trickier than expected. YouTube tutorials have become my new best friend, teaching me gentler detangling techniques to prevent breakage.
Hairstyling Mishap! *Update*
Last night, I reached for my trusty American blow dryer from Pattern to style my hair. But then, panic struck! What if I plugged it in and caused a power surge, blacking out the entire building?
Hesitantly, I gave it a shot, starting on the lowest setting. To my surprise, it was way too powerful! Even on the "low" setting, it felt like a hurricane was blasting my hair. Then, a whiff of something burning sent shivers down my spine. Better safe than sorry, I unplugged it quickly. So, I had to improvise and twist my hair differently to speed up drying. Lesson learned: leave the American appliances at home next time!
Salon Adventures Await
A visit to a Parisian hair salon is on the horizon! Finding a stylist who works with natural hair and avoids harsh chemicals is a priority. I seriously can't wait to share my salon experience (and recommendations!) in a future post. I may have to find someone who speaks a bit of English, just so we don't get lost in translation - I don't want a relaxer mistaken for a keratin! 
Balancing Languages and Creativity
Being surrounded by French can be overwhelming at times. American shows on Netflix offer a comforting dose of English, but creating blog content and editing photos remain a priority. Consistency is key, and I'm already seeing positive results with my YouTube channel.

Signing Off for Now
Paris is proving to be a city of exploration and I don't want to rush any of it especially since I have plans to be here for almost two years in school. With a cozy space to unwind and a commitment to learning, I'm excited for what the future holds! Now, it's time to catch some Zzz's for another Parisian adventure tomorrow.