I've been a fan of Etsy for years (even have a small vintage shop!) and there's no shortage of unique sellers all over the globe. This roundup of French Etsy gifts features artisans actually in France, so join me in supporting small businesses this holiday season. Here are my favorite handmade ... Read More about My favorite French gifts on Etsy
Christmas care package ideas for friends who live abroad
Care packages.... the stuff expat dreams are made of. Really, a package from friends or family back home can turn my day right around. There's something about the comforts of home that have the ability to do that. Are you thinking of making someone's day? Not sure what to send in a Christmas care ... Read More about Christmas care package ideas for friends who live abroad
What the France lockdown is like this time around
France has been under a second nationwide lockdown since October 30 and there are some differences this time around. How's it going and what are the France lockdown rules? How have I personally been coping with it? Let's talk. ... Read More about What the France lockdown is like this time around
7 Self-care gift ideas for the craziest year ever
When we're stressed, self-care goes a long way to getting us feeling better, but what is self-care? It's about knowing what your body needs to feel its best. The WHO describes it like this: Self-Care is what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with ... Read More about 7 Self-care gift ideas for the craziest year ever
Living abroad stories: Sharing the pandemic’s silver lining
Doom and gloom has been the name of the game since March, so in an attempt to flip the script, I turned to Instagram. I wanted to put a positive spin on what seemed like a hopeless 2020 and a sea of negativity, so I asked my followers who live abroad to share anything positive that's come out of ... Read More about Living abroad stories: Sharing the pandemic’s silver lining
Monday Mishmash 10/26/20
Salut, quoi de neuf? We're back in curfew mode along with 50+ other departments. Inside by 9 p.m. is the new government order as of last week as virus cases continue to rise at an alarming rate -- 52,000 yesterday! How are things in your neck of the woods? ... Read More about Monday Mishmash 10/26/20
You are in control (my backstory)
Have you ever been at a job or stuck in the same routine and wondered what else was out there? Have you ever stepped back to look at your life and wondered, is this it? Back before I moved to France, I was working a corporate job in NYC and felt like my life wasn't as fulfilling as it should have ... Read More about You are in control (my backstory)
French Advent calendars 2020 for Christmas
As a kid, did you have an Advent calendar each year leading up to Christmas Day? Did you have enough willpower to only open one flap per day? I remember getting a paper Advent calendar from my church that wasn't too fancy, but these days, there's no shortage when it comes to Christmas Advent ... Read More about French Advent calendars 2020 for Christmas
Amboise winery spotlight: Montdomaine
Just a 5-min drive from Amboise is the Château de Montdomaine, a beautiful winery we visited on Saturday afternoon right in the heart of the Loire Valley. We were greeted by Louisa and her three friendly dogs out front and had a lovely time touring the property and tasting the wines. ... Read More about Amboise winery spotlight: Montdomaine
Getting it out on paper
I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear. — Joan Didion Did you keep a diary growing up? Do you journal? If so, are you old school with paper and pen or do you write digitally on a screen? ... Read More about Getting it out on paper