Journal

Welcome to the So ParisLux archive. Here you’ll find every blog post—from travel guides and hidden gems to art, photography, culture, and personal stories. Browse the latest posts below or search to discover something new.

With love and light, always.
Jessica aka “Hopeje”

Be kind to yourself

If you had to give one life-changing tip, what would it be? It’s harder than you think! We are used to push and demand more of ourselves ! Try to be as kind as yourself as you are to others! And if you are not kind to others thank change that as well. 😘 Jess

Sunday, 26 July 2026!

Time in Amsterdam became much more than a family visit. It was a journey through history, resilience, community, and hope—reminding me that while we cannot change the past, we can choose how we carry it forward, rebuild, and bring more light into the world. 🤍

Trust the Flow

Learning to trust the flow of life means letting go of the need to control every detail and staying connected to what truly matters: our values, purpose, our people and the bigger picture. Often, the unexpected becomes part of the journey.

5 July 2026 – A Little Space

As our children grow, parenting quietly changes too. This week I reflect on family, summer, finding a little space to breathe after years of raising children, and the joy of watching them become more independent as they discover their own paths. Happy 250th birthday to the United States of America. 🇺🇸🌿

Hup hup horray Hup

Almost July already! This week was about firsts, laughter, and slowing down: my first live football match after 22 years of marriage, the incredible energy of the Dutch Orange Army, a much-needed break, and rediscovering the world through my artist’s eyes… plus one unexpected victory—a pair of pants! 🤣

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Summary

Complaining. Comparing. Feeling. And ultimately — trusting.

Because in a single week, life can hold everything — what breaks the heart, what limits us, what lifts us, what finally comes through.

Life holds a portrait — sometimes visible to all, sometimes only to oneself.

And somewhere between what is seen, what is felt, and…

Sunday March 1st 2026

A week balancing art, family, community, and reflection — from honoring women’s legacy in Coconut Grove to preparing upcoming artist talks at MIFA. As Women’s Month begins, this moment feels like a reminder that art and humanity remain deeply connected.

Finding Calm in Motion

A week between cities and responsibilities, creativity and family, exhaustion and gratitude. From Vegas to LA to Miami, from exhibitions to Shabbat, from lists to sunsets—learning to slow down, prioritize, and trust the rhythm of life. One step at a time, with faith, love, and perseverance.

Where Art, Motherhood, and Trust Meet

From planes to galleries, school runs to solo shows, and Amsterdam to Miami to Las Vegas — a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life in motion. Between art, motherhood, community work, and personal growth, this post celebrates the beautiful chaos, the invisible reality behind creative success, and the courage it takes to trust your path while juggling…

This Sunday, January 18, 2026

A week lived at full speed—long days, full responsibility, and the need to pause and recover—unfolds alongside major professional milestones and a world in turmoil. This reflection moves between the intimate and the global, celebrating resilience, faith, and quiet courage, while embracing the idea that growth, like art and life, takes time, care, and patience.

The countdown is palpable.

Last Sunday of the year. While my IG reached almost half a million views in the past 90 days, it’s here, on the blog, that I slow down and say what doesn’t fit in a caption. This space asks a bit more effort — and I believe effort deserves something extra. So if you’re here,…

Be the light

Even in the deepest darkness, light exists. It is up to us to look for it — and to help it grow. Darkness feeds on fear, violence, silence, and cowardice. Light grows through courage, compassion, action, and love. To all of us, let’s find a way today — and from this day forward — to…

What Mayci Neeley’s Book Reminded Me About Humanity, Womanhood, Motherhood, Courage, and Truth — and What Women Have in Common, Wherever They Come From

I finally finished Mayci Neeley’s book — one I had preordered months before it even came out. What began as a tough read, filled with pain and uncomfortable truths, slowly unfolded into something deeply meaningful.

Womanhood, Motherhood — in all its forms — is a universal language. No matter where we come from, we share…

Shana Tova Oumetouka Year 5786

As we step into 5786 — a reminder that even in dark times, we are not victims but creators of light. Like Sarah’s laughter and Isaac’s name, we carry the power to shift perspective, to act step by step, and to transform pain into hope. Teshuva is about who we choose to become, and miracles…

OMG it’s Monday

Wishing you all a happy Labor Day if in the USA! A certain feel of Sunday for us! For all others, come down European, you do have tones of holidays compared to the U.S. 😉 For the rest of the world I can’t say. Check out my IG @ Jessica de Vreeze or my profile…

What is Normal, What is Happy

These past weeks flew by—ten precious days gliding with my family before September’s whirlwind begins. Between kids leaving for college, Rocky turning 12, and me learning to balance stillness with a tornado-paced life, I’ve been reorganizing, reading, and finding small anchors of joy. One of them: I’ve just restocked my Etsy shop 🌿 My tote…

Silent or not!

It’s surreal. Every single J@wish person I follow has posted about the h@ostages. How could we not? And yet… from everyone else? Silence. I scroll through stories—clothes, food, furniture— but not a word. I keep hearing: “Don’t post about this. It’ll hurt your art. Your visibility. Your sales.” But this isn’t political. It’s human. The…

These Past 7 Days: From Shelters to Skylines, Plenitude and the Invisible Thread of Time By Jessica de Vreeze

happy 4th of July, celebrate and protect Freedom. In just one week, my family and I journeyed from shelters—and the beaches—of Israel to the skylines of Miami, passing through Jordan, Dubai, Paris, and NYC. We left with heavy hearts and returned reinforced and grateful, full of love, and resilience.

I share what it meant to…

Between Sirens and Super Dad Cake

Being in Israel these past 11 days has stirred something deep in me. Between the sirens and the strength of the people by day and night, we are witnessing a reality that is both hard and inspiring. Family meals, Shabbat tables, birthday cakes, and homemade wine remind us that even under threat, life insists on…

The Multifaceted Role of a Small Business Owner: Responsibilities and Considerations

In the exciting world of entrepreneurship, especially in art, small business owners like artists face diverse responsibilities. They must excel in strategic planning, financial management, operations, marketing, customer service, human resources, and administrative tasks. By mastering these areas, artists can drive growth and success in their entrepreneurial journey. Stay tuned for more insightful tips!

What Strikes you?

In French you would say: Qu’est ce qui vous saute aux yeux? What do you see first? We want to read the word that comes up first in the comment, it will also give you a message. What do you need the most right now? What do you need to know, what you see first…

Walking into the Week

To find balance in a constantly evolving world is equilibrist act that needs constant readjustments. Well now how does your week look like? What are your priorities? Your dreams? Your hopes? How do you organize yourself? Do you manage to take care of yourself as well ? Indeed we are all the cornerstone of our…

Freedom Train and Justice

I have decided to publish in one post a couple of post published by me on IG and FB. Today we are 26 April 2021. On 21 April 2021 my sister called me from LA and ask me if I heard about Sarah’s Halimi and the French Cour de Cassation decision (Supreme Court). She asks…

Make some calls

In this confinement time, some of us are alone at home, some of us are not able to get their basic needs, grosseries or else. You don’t need to physically visit people to be present Remember that you are only one call away, As long as post are still runnings you can also mail letters…

What is Freedom ?

I would like to share some reflections with you. Yesterday, I decided to do a temporary new hair style and have my hair braided, 5 of them in total with gold thread and a little ring on the top. I was excited and happy. When I was a teenager, and most of my life, I…

Who wants to travel to remote and exciting destinations ?

With an expert photographer, that will introduce you to local life, journalistic life style, and a chance to perfect your photographic skills. Please meet Bruce Byers and Camera Odysseys and their Worldwide Photographic Workshops. “Our destinations are remote and exciting. But that’s not the only reason we’re fascinated with them. They’re also some of the most extraordinary…

Happy New Year 2018

New Year, new opportunities, new moments to live, new things to discover. Remember your past as it makes who you are, learn from it grow, and start again. I wish you all many good surprises and to make your dreams come true. Try you might be surprised. Best wishes to you all and thank you…

Monday’s Mood Board ! 

Thoughts: 1: step by step  2: I need to get on a detox and try some abs  3: or if I dare the cold : 🏃  4: looking forward to my “Bowie”‘s bag. By JennijaneParis ( photo credit @jennijaneparis for the bag) 5: wishing you all a great start of the day. Open your eyes…

HUMAN 

HUMAN by Yann Arthus-Bertrand A Very intense Movie, full of Life love and émotion. The vision of a man and a team of people Who Journey brought them all around the world To interview and therefore bring and Share Their Freedom of speech To people Who Would Not be Heard beyond borders, continent, To form…

My favorite Mexican restaurant “high cuisine” in NYC : Toloache by Julian Medina / Meilleur restaurant Mexican de NYC haute cuisine à ne pas manquer 

Do you some time recall And dream of past flavors, a taste, a dish, a meal, And more… Since I Have tried Julian Medina’s tacos ceviche, And more, I can’t stop thinking about the next occasion to Have one more. Each bite Is so refined and balanced, it s never too much, and still not…

Happy 4th of July From Amsterdam 

We love climbing Up these letters… When suddenly We see 2 lovely women spreading the American flag in front of the “I Am Amsterdam” Letters. Happy 4th of July to you too we said… Decided to share that nice image with you… Enjoy the 4 of July everywhere ❤️ Nice meeting You Alice And Mallorie…

Oh my oh my… Fast is not enough !

Challenge !  Novelty! Pushing yourself ! Moving forward! And more… That is how I feel. Fast is not enough to describe the rythme We are living at. New York could be a definition of the “fast” I ld like to describe. New York is full, fast, new, engaging, opportune, young, never ending, sleepless…  When your…

Wouah 3 years! Time flies…

I am happy … 3 years  have passed since I started this adventure, sharing places, ideas, images, and keeping memories through these blog’s pages. Thank you for following me and my adventures…. see you soon for more ….à bientôt…. Bisous ! ( kisses ) Jessica   Just for you: My top 3 posts in 2016:…

Mood board of this past week in NYC! 

   Weather : complete craziness from hat/coat/gloves to no jacket at all! Bikes day for sunny days! Dogs: Huge dogs! St Bernard of 1 years old! Versus our 2 years old frieze stabij!  And a one year old Maltese name Crousty!  The launch of doggychef! In NYC and Brooklyn! Very NYC style…Doggychef Instagram    Well…

Happy Sunday – Joyeux dimanche.

   Even nicer if you include music.  This is totally my State of mind! The weekly photo challenge matched completely my intended Sunday post!  Some inspiration: To play anywhere and in any circumstances ( pour jouer en toutes circonstances) With your drumkit  Check out Obilab innovation great sound and eco friendly ( made in EU, invented in Paris)

Ev Bessar

Life brings you surprises and presents when you believe in it. Ev Bessar, is one of these priceless presents life grants you when you are not expecting them. I met Ev, almost two years ago, at first I was striked by her presence, she is one of these persons that carries a warm energy around…

Cake and Coffee or Tea and more 

One Address at a Time : New York City, if you happen to be in Upper East side, take the Time to pause and Enjoy quality Time and delighting bites at Harbs! A Japanese and elegant coffee / tea and cake … And more … They got me at “poulet ratatouille” I am an unconditional…

Happy new year 

Let s keep this sweet 16 January boost us into a good new year… Fresh start, the cold is back, winter here we go. But let s go backward …. Rewind to Italy … And its gentle sun, colors and saveurs!:        Milan / Malpensa         Asti / Montemagno    On the road from…

My heart goes to Paris, Beyrouth, Mumbai, New York, Jerusalem, Sydney, Nigeria, Boston and all places where people were unfairly and without honor ripped of their lives!

   My heart goes to the victims and their families and friends…. They are all part of us. We should stand as one and keep them in our memory! Facing these horrible images, words, much to hard to understand, my 5 Years old asked me what to Do with these mean people. I explained my…

Nook : 

Let s learn at least a new word everyday. And try to understand it… Funny words I knew and rediscovered : Hoof: sabot ! The horny part of the foot of an animal Ex of a horse/ sheep … Nook : this one totally new for me! Had to check it out : on reverso:…

Yom kippour on 4 Times zone 

Just a little note ! Actuality is a lot about refugee and migrant ! I m not going to compare ourselves with people going through this hard and horrible time.  War and terror should not be wished for any one. So why do I speak about them? Maybe because my family has since the 16…

50 km 

This year’ich (6 June 2014/6August 2015 ) in numbers: Finally 50 km running ( not much but still!) 3 continents 1 TornM. 3 kids 1 dog More than 3 285 000 steps and some of them, made carrying or pushing! 7 transatlantic flights (both Ways always) 3 continental flights  1 transcontinental flights  In total 22 flights 4…

Choices 

 Life is full of choices! Some are made for you, some are made by you. Always tough to choose, tho a privilege! Always a great challenge for me. Life brought me more choices to be made and a way to realize you’re not losing if you are not having it all. As you have it,…

Facial Massage

If you pass by Dublin, or live in Dublin I recommand That spa! A great discovery. We came from all around the world, and gathered in Dublin for a bachelorette! We had the best time in Dublin, and at the Nautilus! Great people, great massages, great product, great waiting ! We loved it all

So Paris 

today I can say Paris is the most beautiful City on The World. Even Tho Bordeaux is Not far behind… A sneak peek à vol d oiseaux.                      Dream your life, and live your dreams!

Random Paris! Just Because!

                     More on Paris all around my blog and some direct easy Links: Oh Paris! Part I Tocadéro and the Latin neighborghood | so parislux ! https://soparislux.com/oh-paris-part-i-tocadero-and-the-latin-neighborghood/ Parcs, garden in Paris France | so parislux ! https://soparislux.com/2014/05/09/parcs-garden-in-paris-france/ P.s: Pensée pour mon Emy! Ma pellé! DJ! Val! Jennijane ! Betchabout et spoon! Ma GMG! Et les…

Pensée à Florence Arthaud, rencontré un jour au détour d une fleur !

Voguer à l infini,Fabriquer des rêves, Là où peu osent s aventurer de peur de s’égarer et de rater; Périr dans un tourbillon d’air, et non dans la mer; Comprendre l’incompréhensible,Rationaliser les rêves, Ne ferait qu’immobiliser le miracle fait réalité par une poignée de passionnés se donnant corps et âmes à leur quête, Préservant le rêve, la…

Steven Meisel, Free exhibition, New York City

This week I luckily red a post on this splendid exhibit of Steven Meisel, at Philipps’ offices, 450 Park av, Nyc. The info was given, by the blog “almost Free nyc” : http://almostfreenyc.com/2015/02/01/fashion-meets-social-change-steven-meisel-exhibit-at-phillips-nyc/ Happy,I was, to be able to break out “the daily schedule” and walk in. I’m sharing with you some of the picture,…

Paris! End of terror attacks! Threat on the Jewish community and synagogue tonight! Streets empty!

January 9, 2015 A great thank you to the french police force ! My sympathie and sadness to the hostages victims in the hyper kosher market ! To Charlie’s herbo victim as well! We should all be Charlie! Defend freedom and respect of others! One against religious and political fundamentalists and obscurantist! Some pictures of…

Life!

In a split second! And yet in a life time ! This past days, my head is going through many thoughts! So many things, I will save some for others posts! I had to say good bye to my grand mother, and yet she ll remain with me forever! While we were gathering to say…

Twinkle! Weekly photo challenge.

Twinkle Makes me directly think of the song “twinkle twinkle little star”, of my first daughter, and of the first book I bought her in Harrods London! Funny combination! The Photo I’m choosing to show you was taken during a burlesque show in New York City. I liked to put in light, the person enlighting…

more in the archive… it will be for you to discover later