Sundays are sacred in Paris. Work is never discussed as this is time reserved for families, long relaxing brunches,  reading, quiet reflection, short naps and the art of just being.     Since most Parisians live in small apartments, as the weather permits, many flee their cramped quarters to head out into the sunshine and…

“I empower women one bottle of champagne at a time!” Cynthia Coutu, Founder of Delectabulles Paris, France   What is more French than champagne? WOMEN drinking champagne — in Paris.  At Cynthia Coutu’s Champagne Club for Women. Cynthia calls her business Delectabulles and it offers visitors a diverse array of classes, activities and even retreats where…

How did I find myself “French kissing” an Italian man I had just met in Rome? I knew that would get your attention. I was in my early sixties (so a few years ago) and no one was more surprised than me because I had been not been kissed in a very long time, let…

Where I come from people generally shake hands when they meet. French people “faire la bise.” Pronounced “fair la bees.”   The first time I went to France many many years ago,  I can remember being slightly alarmed when, after being introduced to someone for the very first time, they leaned into kiss me on…

Margaret Ann Gendreau from Vancouver, Canada, was the winner of my Giveaway Draw for the beautiful travel-themed pink and gray silk scarf from Green Scarf Boutique. This week her gift arrived in the mail and it wasn’t long before Margaret Ann was posing for pictures! It looks great on her doesn’t it?     Paris…

Don’t you love French bistro chairs?  They are such an integral part of the ambience of the imitable Parisian terrace. And you could spend days photographing them without seeing two restaurants that have the same ones.     HISTORY OF THE PARIS OUTDOOR TERRACE   The Parisian terrace first began when families offered food and…

But if she had, I know she would have felt right at home, because my mother embodied everything that Paris represents–grace, exquisite beauty, dignity and strength.     If my mother had lived beyond her 76 years, she would have been 94 this month. It is hard to believe that she has been gone from…

  I don’t cook much as you all know,  so attempting something as finicky as the classic Cheese soufflé felt like a tall order. However, one rainy and cold Sunday, when frankly even going out to a museum or having lunch in a cozy café seemed like too much effort, I decided to stay home and take…

  French Television shows are an entertaining way to experience select aspects of French life and culture that may not normally be on your radar. Here are My Top Three Picks for French TV shows or movies that are all available on Netflix. Call My Agent – TV Series Comedy  Or Dix pour cent as it called in…

  “We will rebuild Notre Dame, all of us together, even more beautiful than before.”  French President E. Macron   I have passed by Notre Dame in Paris more times than I can count, always on my way to somewhere else.  But, in truth, I have been inside the church only ONCE — more than…