French and American homes look similar enough on the surface. They have front doors, a roof, windows, a kitchen. You…
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A French chocolate shop visit (VIDEO)
If you’re into French sweets and culture, you’re in for a literal treat. If you’re new here, I’ve been doing some behind-the-scenes style videos including a bakery series that went viral, as I develop the direction of my channel. In that same vein, I decided to reach out to a local chocolate shop so here’s my French chocolate making video.
My favorite French eating habit
You don’t have to go to France to know that the French take mealtime seriously. From seeking out quality ingredients…
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Let’s talk about electric tea kettles
Then I moved to France and was introduced to la bouilloire and oh, how I love it. Is the electric tea kettle the best kitchen invention ever? I’d argue oui. Let’s talk about electric tea kettles in France and all the electric kettle uses.
My latest over on YouTube
How’s it going? I’m popping in today to say a quick hello and to share my latest French culture videos on YouTube with you. My YouTube channel is all about everyday French life and beyond and I cover French language tutorials, travel, and what it’s like as a foreigner in France (not Paris!).
Do you tip in France? Must-know facts about tipping in France (don’t do it!)
Any American living in France will notice that tipping in France is different than what they’re used to. Do you tip in France and for what services and how much do you tip in France? The entire culture is different so of course that applies to tipping in France as well. Let’s take a closer look at France tipping culture.
Tips for visiting a winery in France
France is known for its wine, so if you find yourself at a winery sipping up a bit of culture, you’ll want to read on. To make the most of your visit, keep my tips for visiting a winery in France in mind.
Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate life more?
One of my readers left a comment that got me thinking. Julie wrote, “What is it about France that allows us to slow down and really appreciate the smaller things in life? I find I get excited about things that I wouldn’t even give a second thought to at home and I find myself doing things I wouldn’t think possible.” Why does France allow us to slow down and appreciate the small things? Or does it? Will a move abroad make you enjoy life more? Should it?
French market day shopping essentials (FB Live replay)
A morning walking around a French marché is time well spent. Whether you’re in a big city or a small…
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My first Facebook live: A stroll through a Maine-et-Loire town (REPLAY)
Happy Friday! Just checking in toady to share my FIRST France Facebook Live broadcast with you. I went for a walk yesterday around a town here in the Maine-et-Loire department of France. We popped by a wine shop, women’s clothing store, bakery, and a few more places. To my surprise, everyone wanted to keep going so the broadcast lasted 90 minutes!
French workplace greetings: Bise, handshake, other?
Tom’s here to tell us about French workplace greetings and how they might differ from what you’re used to in the office at home. Or maybe not. Let’s get to it…
Respecting the culture and doing the right thing
Most of the time, respecting the culture and doing the right thing are one and the same. Other times, it’s not so clear. As a foreigner, it’s hard to always know if you’re doing the right thing and if the way you’ve lived you life up until now counts in the same way it did back home.
A book review: Pancakes in Paris by Craig Carlson
Pancakes in Paris tells us the story of how the American-style diner in the City of Light became a roaring success one pancake at a time. And what a story it is…
5 Fun stories you might have missed
Looking for some good French culture stories? If you’re new here, you might have missed these stories that have made their home way back in my blog’s archives. So pour yourself a beverage and cozy up….
When living abroad turns you into a model foreigner
I’ve been living in France now for over 5 years, and little by little, it’s been changing me. These changes have crept up on me, and now looking back, I’ve noticed some distinct areas where living abroad has molded me into a model foreigner. Why is this the case and how did it happen?
Quick French lesson: Les aoûtiens
Every now and then, the French language tickles me when I come across a fun-to-pronounce word or a word that’s just delightful to my ear. The other day, Tom and I were watching a news problem when les aoûtiens flashed across the screen. Not knowing what the word meant but having an idea from the context, my ears perked up.
How living in France has changed my life for the better
Everything is constantly changing around us, including the people. Our environment factors in to how we adapt and evolve and sometimes it’s for the best. I’ve been in France now for 5 years and life in France has changed my life for the better in ways big and small. French culture, language learning and more have made me a more open person.
Pass the bread, please. That’s not “bread”!
I’m surprised this funny exchange about French bread took 5 years to happen. At first, I wasn’t sure if it…
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7 Little things that still confuse me about life in France
When I moved to France, there are all kinds of everyday things that confuse me. I felt like my adult self was tossed back to infancy in some ways. From French culture, to the language to general know-how, moving to France as a foreigner can be pretty confusing.
Questions French people ask me… all the time!
Depending on how long you’ve been in France and who you socialize with, French people have probably asked you some strange questions. And a bunch of normal ones as well. Here are the top questions French people ask me.