I wanted to hear from other foreigners in France about what they've found to be the easiest and hardest parts of living in France long term. Here are the responses I got from the Oui In France community on social media. ... Read More about Foreigners in France reveal the easiest and hardest parts of life abroad
What a Charente River cruise vacation is like
Earlier this month, Tom, my in-laws, Dagny, and I spent a week on a boat cruising along the Charente River in southwest France. It's our third self-drive boating vacation with Nicols and is a relaxing, fun way to spend time with friends and family. A boating trip like this shows you France's smaller ... Read More about What a Charente River cruise vacation is like
Monday Mishmash 9/21/20
If you’ve been reading Oui in France for years, this Monday Mishmash post might feel like a blast from the past. It's a conversational roundup-style post where I’d update you on happenings around here, share some fun links and let you know about anything else going on. But I stopped writing Monday ... Read More about Monday Mishmash 9/21/20
Defeated at the doctor and a lesson
I had an appointment at the GP a couple of weeks ago which went terribly. I saw a male doctor in his 50s who I had seen once before. When I arrived at his office, I was happy, smiling, and self-assured. When I left 20 minutes later, I was frustrated, defeated, and in tears. His bedside manner was ... Read More about Defeated at the doctor and a lesson
Les Mills On Demand review: My thoughts on the popular exercise app
I first discovered Les Mills group fitness classes at my suburban New Jersey YMCA in college and became a fast fan of BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT, the only two Les Mills classes they offered at the time. Since then, I've done Les Mills classes on and off for over a decade -- including at my gym in ... Read More about Les Mills On Demand review: My thoughts on the popular exercise app
Souvenirs from France: A look at back-to-school supplies
C'est la rentrée! It's back-to-school time in France! The first day back for all public schools nationwide is Tuesday, September 1, and along with that comes school supplies shopping. Let's take a look at what school supplies French kids need before they head back to class in a week or so. P.S. If ... Read More about Souvenirs from France: A look at back-to-school supplies
Quick French Lesson: Is chèvre goat cheese or a goat?
Some of the most interesting and fun(ny) posts on my blog have come from just living life -- usually conversations with my French husband Tom (who has his own column called Ask Tom Tuesdays). Many of my learning experiences have come from going about my day, talking to people, and observing all ... Read More about Quick French Lesson: Is chèvre goat cheese or a goat?
Rothy’s alternative: Giesswein flats made from recycled water bottles
Five years ago, if you told me that super fashionable, comfortable flats made of recycled water bottles existed, I wouldn't have believed you. Plastic jelly sandals of my youth would have popped into my head. But now, there are two brands that make gorgeous flats from recycled ocean plastic that you ... Read More about Rothy’s alternative: Giesswein flats made from recycled water bottles
5 Fun things for Friday
Happy Friday, tout le monde! I can't believe it's already mid-August. Where the heck did 2020 go? I want a do-over. It's been quiet over here... Tom and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary earlier this week, we managed to make it through the heat wave, and are looking forward to a family trip ... Read More about 5 Fun things for Friday
When wearing a mask was strange
About a year ago, I was in the organic grocery store Biocoop when a frail woman passed by wearing a surgical mask. This was well before COVID-19, at a time when seeing someone with a mask at a supermarket was unusual. A young child with his mother spotted the masked woman, pointed, and loudly asked ... Read More about When wearing a mask was strange