Hello Lovelies.
In my research this month on “How To Be French,” I found some rather interesting articles worth sharing.
1. 10 Eating Rules French Children Know (But Americans Don’t), from Mind Body Green. By Rebeca Plantier.
If there’s anything this author has discovered is that her children know how to be French better than she does.
This was one of the most interesting articles I read this past week. It really makes you rethink how you eat, how much you eat and what you eat. For instance, instead of grazing throughout the day (like most Americans do), it’s important to eat three meals a day. You want to be hungry when you approach each meal so that each meal will be a complete pleasure.
After reading this article, I decided to make lunch the heaviest meal of the day and eat lighter in the evening (like a salad or a soup).
I will say that taking the advice from this article, I approach each meal differently, savoring each bite with pleasure.
2. 44 Classic French Meals You Need to Try Before You Die, from Buzzfeed. By Marie Telling.
Consider this your French food bucket list.
I’ve been sharing this list with my foodie friends. We’ve been salivating over the pictures.
Don’t be dismayed if you love French food, go through the list and realize you’ve probably only had a handful of these dishes. Imagine this list as showing you the possibilities of enjoyment you can add to enhance your life. I’m making it my mission to either try these dishes at a restaurant or learn to make them this year.
3. 12 Fashion Secrets to Steal From French Women, from Stylecaster. By Leah Bourne.
For those who want to build a Fantasy Wardrobe, I highly recommend starting here (we’ll discuss this topic further this month on the blog). While French women appear to have the best taste in fashion, it looks like the way they build their wardrobe is all about class and common sense.
They very rarely wear trendy clothes. They never wear stilettos. They invest in neutral colors. They buy qualitative clothing, which means buying more expensive clothing (which also means owning less clothing). This is not about having a lot of clothing (like us Americans who amass a rather large collection of clothing).
I’ve noticed there are a large number of French women carrying around an Hermès Birkin bag. Believe it or not, this article explains how it is possible for them to own a bag that costs between 4-6 figures (i.e. the down payment on a house, or in some cases, the cost of an entire house). [Forbes did an article on how you can buy your first Birkin.]
Simply put, they wait and save for that investment piece.
This article will make you rethink how you’ve crafted your own wardrobe.
4. 7 Secrets to Decorating Like the French, from Domaine. By Julia Millay Walsh.
French homes always appear so posh, put together, and elegant. This article explains how you can get the French decor at home.
5. French Women Don’t Get Fat, by Mireille Guiliano.
This is on my list of books to read. The author of this bestseller is currently in the NYC area talking to a group of French loving New Yorkers about the French life. Like the first article listed in this post, Guiliano goes into more detail on how French women eat and live. They’re thin, eat these incredible meals, eat carbs (and chocolate), yet they stay incredibly slim. How is it possible?
It’s not about depriving yourself, it’s about embracing the finer things in life and ENJOYING THEM.
On Sunday, I’ll dive more into living that positive mindset.
6. FAVORITE BLOGGER: French Country Cottage.
This is one of my favorite sites to be inspired on how to decorate the home. The styling and pictures are just absolutely gorgeous! I recommend following this site. I’ve been following it for years. Make sure to also follow her on social media.