Category Archives: francophilia

crêpe day!

 

 

Crepe-paris

 

Hello February! One of my favorite "holidays" is this month…La Chandeleur, the French version of Groundhog Day. Falling on February 2nd, it is also referred to as crêpe day! It happens to be a Catholic holiday, but most treat it as a fun future predictor, involving a coin and crêpe flipping. If you're feeling lucky, find the details here. Not that any of us need an excuse to eat a savory crêpe…but if you need a reason, use this one! That is me above, about to enjoy my very first one…ever. In Paris, in Saint- Germain, right next to the stand where I purchased it. It was a spontaneous moment forever captured on film, and I am thankful to have it. The Nutella goodness has "stuck" with me, and I am officially addicted to both the dreamy hazelnut spread and the thin layers of wheat is wrapped in. Vive le crêpe!

 

proust q & a…where is bryan?

bryan-pirolli

 

It continues to amaze me how small our world is…I was introduced (online) to Bryan Pirolli by our mutual friend, Lindsey. Bryan lives in Paris but is also a Philadelphia native, sharing that pa/paris connection that we all have! In addition to reading his blog, I learned just how much Bryan is involved in-he is one talented guy! I was flattered to help Bryan with the Philly launch of COLunching, another great venture he is involved in. Between his studies, travels, and freelance writing, he is one busy dude. It’s great to learn more about him via the Proust questionnaire…merci Bryan!

 

If not yourself, who would you be?

I’d be my dad so I could marvel at having such a fantastic son. Just kidding (kind of). But I’d love to be behind his eyes to see how I got this way.

What is your present state of mind?

I’m torn but resolute on a certain issue. Like, I made up my mind, but I’m not happy about it.

Your idea of happiness.

Easy. A chocolate ice cream-filled pool.

Your idea of misery.

A chocolate ice cream pool filled with children who just drank a lot of lemonade.

Your favourite food & drink.

Chocolate peanut butter ice cream, the kind with the ripples of salty peanut butter in it, and a good red wine. For drink, preferably a Loire or Burgundy. Finding the right wine to pair with the ice cream is a challenge…I don’t suggest it.

Where would you like to live?

At 22 I moved to the place that I now want to live, Paris, but I still dream of having a farm with an orchard for a backyard (apple or peach) and a small but well-chosen selection of livestock for petting, not eating.

Your favourite qualities in friends.

Easygoing, understanding, and selfless.

Your biggest flaw.

I’m naive, as most Pisces are, and I have a hard time saying no…

What gift from nature would you like to have?

I want radar so I can swoop like bats to catch bugs when I fly. Birds can’t swoop as well, because without the natural radar, there’s nothing to prevent them from swooping into the ground or an object.

Your favourite occupation.

Whale trainer. Or maybe a dolphin trainer, since dolphins are less temperamental and blood-thirsty than killer whales. Really, it’s all in the name. “Killer” whale? No one should have been surprised…

 

**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here** 

vive les soldes!

 

 

Les-soldes

 

Today marks the start of the biannual sales in France, known as "les soldes". They are government mandated, and the French take them very seriously. Considering they wait all year for these amazing prices, I don't blame them! I was originally going to be in Paris during the winter sales, and was really looking forward to some deals. Alas, this francophile will have to live vicariously through the tales of my friends abroad..but I do that anyway, happily. Happy shopping….Vive les soldes!

 

 image source

 

paris…le sigh.

 

 

Paris-sunset

 

I won't be seeing Paris in February…I made the tough decision to cancel my trip. I am disappointed, but know it's the right decision for my health, the babies, and everything we have going on. My brother and friends all understand, but I am bummed I won't be spending time with them. However, I have the beautiful memories of my last time there, and so much to look forward to this year. I will continue to share my francophilia here, of course, and look forward to the day we can travel with our children!

 

 

la mer de pianos…

 

 

La-mer-de-pianos

 

I discovered this video via my friends at Three Potato Four the other day, and feel compelled to share it! My grandfather started playing piano in his seventies, because he just decided he wanted to, which I thought was adorable. I learned a bit from him, and can play one or two simple songs. My Mom had always encouraged me to play, as I had "piano fingers", but I never really took a huge interest. However, I love the art of the instrument, and the beautiful music it can produce. This shop in Paris is about keeping the traditions alive, and giving life to older instruments. See the video here…I think it's fascinating!