Thanks again for all the replies - ladies you have some beautiful hair sticks!!
I did it! I bought:
http://www.longlocks.com/magicalmone...air-sticks.htm
Whew - new record for money spent on a hair toy - and I though ficcares are expensive.
This will be our 4th trip to Paris - I just love it there, but we haven't been back in about four years, I'm really excited. (The dh works for an airline.) Yes Monet garden is definitely on the schedule this trip and I hope to take many pictures. I also want to visit the Rodan museum - ever since seeing "The Kiss" at the Atlanta High Museum I have loved his work. The High has had a special Louve exhibit this past year and has shown many wonderful works that have never left France before!
Anyway - I'm not going to feel guilty about this - I'm going to spend the next eight weeks practicing updos and get that Celtic Knot done!
PS I really think Monet was near sighted which is why all his painting are blurry - but then so am I!