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WEIGH IN: Wednesday Reality Check wk 39

25/9/2013

 
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Ohhh la vache!!!  Has it been a week already?! Seems like just yesterday I posted an update. 
And you? Have you had a productive week? Are eating well? Are you taking care of yourselves? I hope so! I have said it before and I will say it again, 
Life is too short to eat bad food! 
Shall we get down to brass tacks... 

Last week: 140
This week: 139

I added a little bit of fruit and yogurt this week to add a bit of variety (fromage blanc actually, I added half a ripe peach, sprinkled on some cinnamon and a packet of stevia.. Peaches and cream, ya'll!!! It was heavenly!)  I also started taking multivitamins and starting lifting free weights earilier in the month, but not everyday, heck not every other day, ok, ok, once a week! (if that!) Again, I attempt not to do too much, well because, one... I'm lazy, perhaps I should start saying I'm patient or zen, yes, I prefer the sound of that much better... and two, I have nothing but time, even though it seems to be moving faster than usual! Can you believe it will be Christmas in three months!!!! THREE MONTHS! 

Here is you and yours! Have a great week and EAT WELL! 

Ohhh The Mystery! 

23/9/2013

 
PictureWhat's her story?!
Hello everyone! 

I recently watched a Ted Talk with the director JJ Abrams. 
In case you don't know who he is, well he is famous for the TV show, Lost (never seen it) and some other big name pictures, such as Star Trek and Mission Impossible 3. I loaded his Ted Talk below. 
Abrams speaks fast, (like he snorted caffeine before he took the stage) so you may (or may not) have to adjust to his syle of communication. 

Why am I bringing this up? Well, one huge cultural difference I have noticed between the French and Americans is their willingness to disclose personal information. The Americans throw it all out there. Am I guilty of it? Of course, just read my blog. The French, on the other hand, are more reserved. 


In fact, there is a French proverb from the author Florian (Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian actually) who wrote: Pour vivre heureux, vivons cachés: "In order to live happily, live hidden" The French abide by this simple rule. I understand this now and attempt to live by it, however my blog here does shed some light on my parts of my private life, just enough though!


Florian, and to a certain extent, Abrams, both talk about creating a little mystery! It is what keeps people interested! All the best fables, fairytales, stories, shows do! So, why not take Florian and Abrams' advice -- Be the Mystery! That could go for everything in your life -- personally, your family, professionally.... Always keep them guessing, darling! 

It is what the French and more recently JJ have taught me! ENJOY! 

WEIGH IN: Wednesday Reality Check wk 38

18/9/2013

 
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Hey Everybody! You treating yourselves well? You eating well?

As for me... I am well and am exercising, however before you start rolling your eyes, please know that I am very lazy and attempt to do the minimum with maximum results. 

Obviously, I live in la la land, or as I like to say Ohh la la land, but living overseas does have it advantages waist wise. Why? 
Well, first, my mode of transportation is leg powered, I either bike or walk as fast as my short legs can take me, and by fast, I mean, not at all. I don't like to break a sweat and attempt not to be run over by those crazy French drivers! This also means that even when I just want to sit and veg out in front of my computer, having a sweet puppy and athletic husband quickly put me in my place.
My puppy needs exercise, sometimes I can almost hear her saying, "Walk me fat ass, YOU could use the exercise!"

I am currently weighing in at 140 pounds (63.5 kg) which puts me in the overweight category for my height. (According to my BMI or body mass index.) I consider being overweight good news. Why? Because, not so long ago, my BMI was in the morbidly obese category. I have to admit, I still feel as if I weigh 215 pounds, even though the scale and my clothes reflect a different story. Strange how that works. I still have about 25 pounds to lose overall, however, one pound at a time. 
One pound at a time.

Have a great week everyone! And remember, life is too short to eat bad food!

Friday the 13th... a brief French history lesson! 

13/9/2013

 

King Philip.... more like King Jason in a hockey mask! 

Picturecue Jason slasher music...
We all remember Jason from the slasher franchise, Friday the 13th. 
Come to think of it, I have NEVER camped by a lake or stayed in a cabin by the woods. 
So, why am I bringing this up?
We all know Friday the 13th is unlucky, but do you know why? 

Well, let's take a look at French history because this is where it commenced. By the way, just know everything ended badly because of human desires: power, greed and money. 

It is best to start at the beginning with the Knights Templars. They were this legendary elite fighting army  of knights and lords  or "warrior monks" formed during the Christian Crusades to combat Islam. Renowned as a fighting force for 200 years, by the 1300s the order had grown so rich and powerful (they were the first to establish a banking system and in fact, were more bankers than warriors) they became a threat to kings and popes alike. 


According to the book  Tales of the Knights Templar by Katharine Kurtz:

On October 13, 1307, a day so infamous that Friday the 13th would become a synonym for ill fortune, officers of King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests in a well-coordinated dawn raid that left several thousand Templars — knights, sergeants, priests, and serving brethren — in chains, charged with heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. None of these charges was ever proven, even in France — and the Order was found innocent elsewhere — but in the seven years following the arrests, hundreds of Templars suffered excruciating tortures intended to force "confessions," and more than a hundred died under torture or were executed by burning at the stake.

By the way, King Philip IV of France was in deep debt to the Knights Templar, so in his logic, getting rid of the Knights Templar disolves the debt. I suppose human lives are worth less than money.

But wait, it gets better... you see  in 1314, Philip had the last Master of the Templars, Jacques de Molay burned at the stake after a 7 year imprisonment, along with 3 other high level Templars. They were suppose to receive life imprisonment after having confessed to their crimes, but like any good drama, de Molay and Geoffroi de Charney stood up for themselves in court. They exclaimed that they were only guilty of betraying their Order to save their own lives and the charges brought against the Order were fictitious, for it was holy and pure. They went on to say that their confessions false.

When word of this came to the King, obviously he was seething and ordered them burned that same day. As the Templars slowly burned to death, they refused all offers of pardon for retraction and beared the agony with composure. They earned the reputation of martyrs among the people, who reverently collected their ashes as holy relics.

According to legend, de Molay cursed both Philip (the King) and Clement V (the pope) from the flames, saying that he would summon them before God’s Tribunal within a year. It just so happened, both King and Pope died within the next year.

It seems The Templars’ curse extended beyond Philip IV. The throne passed rapidly through Philip’s sons, who all failed to produce male heirs and by 1328, the King Philip IV blood line was extinguished. The throne passed to House Valois.








Fun with Food... What I eat!

8/9/2013

 

I LOVE FOOD!

Ohhh Happy Day everyday! How is it going in your neck of the woods?
Shall we talk about food? My favorite subject, of course!  
Like any gourmand, I like to eat and eat well. 
I can even talk about food, while eating food!
Recently, a very handsome Frenchman, paid me the highest compliment stating, "You are so French now!" 
Merci beaucoup, monsieur! 

Call it obsession OR call it as I see it.
I am simply paying close attention to how I treat and take care of myself! 
This is my body, my temple. 
It would be disrespectful to the Gods if I didn't take care of the gift they bestowed upon me!
Can I get an Amen!??! 
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That said, I wanted to give you an idea of some of the delicious meals I have recently made 
and have enjoyed immensely! 
I have found several recipes online from several low carb websites, such as 
SugarfreeSheila, 
Linda's Low Carb Kitchen, 
and I Breathe, I'm Hungry! 
Since I love food so much, shall we... indulge? 
PictureFRIED CHICKEN
This to-die-for fried chicken recipe comes from the lovely Sheila! 
I have never met her, however she kind of reminds me
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilie Clark from my favorite book and TV series, A Song of Fire and Ice, Game of Thrones. 
I consider my low carb book and Sheila's website my bibles.
I am constantly reading and rereading them for knowledge, motivation and ideas. Thank you Sheila! 

However, I digress.. I am a southern girl at heart, and Mama NEEDS her fried chicken! I have posted this recipe in the past, so quit being lazy and peruse my blog for some hidden treasures, some food for thought and of course, recipes! You'd be happy you did! 

Right, fried chicken...
 I also dipped the chicken in homemade ranch dressing (sour cream with a Hidden Valley Ranch Dips packet) and enjoyed it immensely with my green salad. 
Needless to say, I was in fat girl heaven! Truth is, I love eating richly, all the while I'm losing weight! I mean, Bonnnnjouuurrrrr! 
Why didn't I listen to Dr. Atkins and Sheila YEARS ago? Oh yeah, because I was dumb! Well, honey chil... Not NO MORE! 

PictureBEEF STIR-FRY
This is a stir fry I made with leftover veggies. It is simply extra lean ground beef, one clove of garlic, some onion, red bell pepper, and green beans. A little salt, a little pepper, and let us not forget the aged white cheddar cheese! Simple and delishhhh! It reminded me of my favorite Thai dish, sans coconut milk and red spice. Hmmm, might have to check the carb count on coconut milk or recreate it somehow.... 

By the way,  I haven't had cheddar cheese for close to three years. Why? Well, France didn't sell it! I can hear those snobby Frenchies now, "Stupid Anglo-Saxon with their bad cheese!!" 
In fact, I only found it a month ago, that is when it popped up in my local market! I was so happy, I nearly fainted! 


PictureBROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
Broccoli and Cheese soup! Yes, please! This is beyond tasty and so easy to make, I promise you'd kick yourself for not making this dish sooner! I made this for dinner earlier in the week and whoooaaaa Nelly was it tasty! 
Obviously you need FRESH broccoli, half a bouillon (chicken) cube, one or two cloves of garlic and maybe a quarter of a whole onion, minced. 
Adjust the servings for your family. I made the soup for 2 people.
IMPORTANT: Your broccoli  MUST look as if they are relaxing in a jacuzzi! Do not use too much water!

First, cut them into small little trees and with the onion, garlic and cube, allow it all to boil for about 8-10 minutes or until they are tender. Next, transfer to a blender (or hand mixer) and blitz until it is to the soup consistancy you enjoy. Add a little salt, a little pepper, a pat of butter, a pat of sour cream, and top off with cheese! 
PERFECTION! I like to eat my soup in mugs, it makes me feel as if I have a better handle on it! hahhaha, get it?!!

PictureFRESH OYSTERS
Fresh oysters! Yes, please! 

I love mine with just a squirt of lemon and eating them right out of the halfshell! 
In a previous post, I mentioned that oysters are a Sunday French tradition, but don't ask me why. I asked the sweet husband and he simply said, "Why not!"
I love them, LOVE THEM! 
I love their milk, their freshness, their saltiness, their silkiness!
Seriously, I feel like Queen Cersei (Game of Thrones reference) when I eat them, especially with a cool glass of rosé or white wine! PARADISE!  
I could easily eat a dozen all by myself, however I usually am satisfied after eight! 


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Dirty Eggs with Bacon! 
If I have a long day planned, where I will be out in the city for the entire day, this is my go-to breakfast.
I can eat this and not be hungry again for SEVEN, yes, seven hours! First, I fry up some bacon, semi burnt, (my favorite) then cook the eggs (2) in the leftover bacon grease.
I then top it off with a little cheese. YUMMMMM! 
I call them dirty eggs, well, because they look dirty, and they are ohhhhhhh so tasty!!!! So tasty, in fact, you'd just want to slap somebody!

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Eggs Marinara! 
I use to sop this up with a fresh baguette, however, since deciding to lay off breads,  I went ahead and added an extra egg for a heartier meal. I make the marinara sauce first, using a pat of butter, tomatoes, I scoop out the seeds and inners, 1 clove of mined garlic and a quarter of a whole onion. I add Italian herbs and a little bit of tomato paste so it will thicken up nicely. I then allow the ingredients to meld together. When it smells heavenly, I add the eggs, cut the heat, and cover until they are cooked to my liking! 

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Chicken Salad.... 
Depending on the day, I either purchase a ready-made rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts. I am such a cavewomen when I have a rotisserie chicken in front of me....picking the flesh off the carcass to my fat-girl delight!!
The only thing missing is a bone through my nose. 
However, since moving to France, I have become, oh what's the word, civilized and thus, my chicken salad looks more like this. 
I add lots of pepper and even make my own salad dressings, either ranch or oily delishhh. (my name for it)
Oily Delishhh Ingredients: olive oil, white vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt, some pepper, and dusted parmesan cheese. I like the tanginess and zestiness of my homemade concoction! By the way, when cooking, I eyeball and taste, never measure, the amount of herbs, spices, and oils in my foods. I feel everyone has a good eye,  measure and taste for their personal preferences.

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Cucumber sandwiches...
In the past, my go-to junk food was chips and soda! Now, I have figured out a way to replace my unhealthy passion for something better. Of course, I eat cucumbers in my salad, however, if I am feeling peckish, which is few and far between, this is one of my go-to snackaroos! 
I make cucumber sandwiches! By the way, that is Philadelphia cream cheese in the center.
YUMMMMM! I feel so girly and pretty when I snack on these delish treats! 
I also make cucumber chips or crisps for you Brits. (not pictured) It is simply sliced cucumbers, then I  add a copius amount of fresh-squeezed lime on top and sprinkle with sea salt.  I chase it with Perrier sparkling water to give me the carbonation high I use to get with soda! 


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Tuna in Avocado Boats! 
I need to add more fish to my diet. I love anchovies (with fresh lemon squeezed on top) and sardines, of course I love salmon, who doesn't?! By the way, I only eat FRESH anchoives and sardines, hardly ever canned. What I do eat canned is tuna, because it is just easier and truth be told, I'm lazy! 
I only add dijon mustard à la ancienne (its a French thing, it has mustard seeds in it) and mayo, pepper and a squeeze of lemon or lime, and place it inside the avocado pit and eat with a spoon! Yummmm.... creamy! I added a side salad topped with leftover bacon, cherry tomatoes, and for the dressing, I used oily delishhh!  (recipe is located above, under chicken salad) 

I hope I have given you some food for thought! 

Thank you again to Sheila, Linda and the I breathe, I'm hungry websites 
for the wealth of information and for your time and dedication. 
I do so appreciate it, all of you ladies are class-acts. 

As I have said before and will again: LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO EAT BAD FOOD! 
Might as well get thin while eating off the fat of the land!
Also, I will not be posting a Weigh in: Wednesday Reality Check for this week, instead it will be posted on the Sept. 18th.

Take care of yourselves 
and 
Bon Appétit!

The Wonderous World of Books! 

6/9/2013

 

Classy Ladies and Books I am Reading, Have Read, & Will Read!!

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Hello there! 

I love my friends. I am so fortunate to have been able to meet a really great group of INTELLIGENT, CREATIVE and DOWN TO EARTH women that I can truly be myself around, who do not judge me or use my faults against me, and above all, who love me, just as I am! (squee!) 
I wish the same for you. So, why am I getting all sentimental and gooey? Well, like every intelligent, creative, down to earth woman, she reads. 

One of my class act lady-friends recently lent this book to me, stating:
"I think you will enjoy it, Jen!" She was right. I loved it. In fact, I have sprinkled a Churchill quote into my everyday venacular because of this book: "KPO!" Which stands for "Keep Plodding On!" However, after doing some research, one of his secretaries overheard, "Keep Buggering On!" Nonetheless, good advice, old chap!
My favorite Churchill quote is "If you are going through hell, keep going!" 
About the book... Her name is Maggie Hope, (American, of course!) who is as smart as a whip and has the classy chutzpuh that goes along with it! I believe it is a trilogy, but don't quote me. I enjoyed it and experienced all the emotions that went along with it. I am fortunate to have never experienced living through a war as the European people did. This book made me appreciate all the blessings I have and allowed me to understand the French and British even more. 
See what having intelligent, creative and down to earth friends do for you??!!   

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My other class act lady-friend of mine, donated this book to me. I am still in the process of reading it, I should be done with it today or tomorrow.
This book is charming and infuriating at the same time, much like the French! 
Honestly, I just adore it and it made me realize that I do not self-pamper myself enough. 
This book discusses the French mentality and the differences between the Brits and the Americans. Some of this I already knew, however I didn't know the motivation behind it. This sweet book enlightened me and is making me take a hard look in the mirror to improve my beauty regime. 
One of my favorite quotes in the book is, "Better to be dead than ugly." I laughed, then gave myself a manicure and pedicure. My mother use to always say that having a bad, forceful attitude is ugly and to always create an air of mystery about yourself. 
Growing up in Texas, I attended balls and cotillions, even was a debutante. At the time, I felt like a performing monkey in heels. Today, to be honest, I would LOVE to attend a masquerade ball! I miss it, but shhhhhh! Don't tell my mother! 
If you live outside of France, it may be difficult to comprehend some of the author's writing. My suggestion: find yourself a French lover and stat! 


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Again, another classy lady-friend allowed me to borrow this book. I will start reading it after I finish reading Impossibly French.
I love reading non-fiction books, especially dealing with historical events, cultural differences, and auto-biographies. Don't get me wrong, I love reading books (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter)  that can transport me to another time and place and that allow me to reflect and assist me in becoming a better person. 
As you may or may not know, I am a practicing modern witch, as were my grandparents, who were folk-healers, magical, and respected community leaders in a little Texas town. They believed in good ailmentation, meditation, healing with herbs and prayers, dancing, laughing and having huge Texas hoedowns! Turns out, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Another cool development is that my boss (she lent this book to me) is decendant from a falsely accused witch and therefore, hung. As we conversed, I said, she probably had a nice piece of property and the 'community leaders' wanted to get their grubby hands on it. She looked at me, gave me a sly (witchy) smile and said, "That's it." 
I am looking forward to reading this book. 

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Living in France, I constantly have to be on my toes. This is my adopted country, therefore I have be updated on what is going on in my community. C'est normal, as the French say. I will always be the odd person out and be discriminated because of it, that is just a fact. It sucks, but c'est comme ça! 
Therefore, to beat the Frenchies at their own game, one must be prepared. 

Please allow me to complain for a brief moment: I always have to be prepared. Always, always, ALL WAYS, ALWAYS! Ok, done. Thank you.

To do that, I read, I ask questions, I practice speaking French, I make observations.... in other words, monkey see, monkey do. 
Another class-act lady friend of mine allowed me to borrow this book as well. 
She said she learned a wealth of information and it helped her navigate the choppy waters known as the French. I plan on reading this after I finish Salem Possessed.
I know I will be enlightened and will add more secret ammo to my ever growing arsenal. 

And you? Read any good books lately? 
Personally, my favorite time of year is autumn. 
I love curling up with a mug of coffee or soup, a blanket, or my puppy and reading until I am too tired to continue.
Happy Reading! 

WEIGH IN: Wednesday Reality Check wk 36

4/9/2013

 
PictureResting at 145.
Hello everyone!! 
Are you eating well? Are you taking care of yourselves? Are you happy?
If you said yes to 2 out of the 3, then mazal tov! 

Recently, I decided that on the 30th of every month, I would have FAT DAYS, meaning I could eat what I want for the entire day. Pretty cool, huh! 

Just last week, my sweet husband and I were invited to an end of summer international apéro dînatoire. My mouth watered with just the anticiption of drinking champagne and fine wine and eating chocolate eclairs and cake! MIAM, YUM, NOM! 
I had a great time that evening, I spent quality time with great and loyal friends who make me smile, laugh and make me feel all gooey and yummy inside! 

At the beginning of the evening, I ate well, French food at its essence is very low carb, you have to pass on those heavenly baguettes obviously, (next fat day, maybe, with lots of butter and ham!) still their meals consist of lots of veggies, tapenades, olives, nuts, charcuterie, and cheese. Then (cue monster music) came dessert! Chocolate cake and eclairs (yes, please!) 
The foods (not the champagne and wine, my body knows the good stuff) I had been salivating over, turns out, made me sick! Damn you, chocolate cake!!!! My FAT DAYS turned into a FAT DAZE! :(
My belly was bloated and I returned home so uncomfortable and zombie like, that even the next day, I was still uncomfortable and miserable. Therefore, I have decided to hold off on FAT DAYS until further notice. 

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We celebrated three birthdays that evening! And.. that's the guilty cake that made me sick.
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Champagne for everybody!
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Good wine and Good Eats!
My extended French family. 
We laughed, danced, ate, listened to music, drank and made some wonderful memories! 
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Birthday boy received a new fishing pole!
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I bellydanced for the birthday boy, it was my gift to him!
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left to right: Three Frenchies and a Scot!
Ok, I digress... Let's get down to the nitty gritty shall we?! 
I decided to eat low carb at the beginning of August. 
It is unrealistic to believe that I will shed 25 pounds in one month, I know this, but hey, can a girl dream?!! 

I love food and I love eating well, so following this program is not only easy, I love the way it makes me feel! 
In other words, I eat like a FATTY, but I don't FEEL LIKE A FATTY!! 
My friends and my sweet husband have recently complimented my ever-tranforming body, even though the scale reflects a different story. Damn you scale! It is all good though. 
The truth is, my clothes are looser and I find I am able to be more physically active, like walking up 4 flights of steps without breaking a sweat or huffing and puffing! YAY! 


Therefore, I have decided to be stricter this coming month, plus add more exercise.
 The thing is, my body demands it! 
My body wakes me up early in the morning (I am NOT a morning person), my body tells me when she is hungry, my body signals me shake ass and get some exercise... it's a new and welcome sensation! 
I am listening to my body when she speaks to me -- I know it sounds bizarre, but there it is! 
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Dinner at FuXia in Quinconces in Bordeaux! 
As you can see, I am NOT starving.
I ordered veal topped with aged ham and mozzarella in a tomato cream sauce. 
I explained to the hostess privately (how very French of me) that I was paying attention to my eating habits. 
She gave me a curt nod of understanding (how very French of her!) and said that it wouldn't be a problem! 
LOVE IT! 
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Measurements 
January 2nd

Weight: 167 lbs -- 76 kilos
Bust: 38"
Waist: 34"
Hips: 44"
R Thigh: 27"
R Arm and Calf: 15"
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Measurements
September 4th
Weight: 145 lbs -- 66 kilos
Bust:36
Waist: 30"
Hips: 39
R Thigh: 24.5
R Arm: 14.5
R Calf: 15
Obviously, I am not a professional photographer. 
Today, I had to set my camera's timer and run into place, lucky for me, I didn't bust my head open! 
In my mind, I still look and feel like as if I am 215 pounds, which I know I am not, just can't shake it off as of yet.
Anyone have any ideas of how to think thin? Ha! If only it was that easy! 


Until next time... take care of yourselves, eat well and be happy! 

La Rentrée!! 

1/9/2013

 
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The beloved French series
Hello everyone! 
On Planet France, the Rentrée is a crazy time of the year for every single Frenchie! And yes, this now includes me.

La rentrée - or back to school time - is the busiest time of the year. People are returning from their summer vacations and are getting back in the swing of things. There are traffic jams, people are annoyed (more than usual), it seems every department and grocery store is packed, and there are more people out and about. The city is in hustle and bustle mode and to blend in with the natives, I too am caught up choatic magic of the new year!



Honestly, I love it! The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change color and fall, life seems more vibrant, the air more fragrant, and, of course, with the changing of the season, it also means FALL FOODS -- like mushroom and pumpkin and butternut squash soups! This is also the time of year that my sweet husband goes cèpe, pronounced Sep, (a type of mushroom) hunting! He comes home with bountiful amount and we eat like royality! 
I digress....   In France, the new year really begins in September, instead of January, (with the exception of the fiscal year, of course!) I know, I know, strange, huh, but it is like that! 

Alas, as today is the first Sunday of September, gearing up for the new year takes planning and organization and since everyone is well rested (including me), I am ready to start the new year off with a bang! 


So, here is to you and yours... I wish you a very happy, peaceful and stress free rentrée!! 

Mapping the French Mentality

1/9/2013

0 Comments

 

...​plus cute, fun and annoying French habits for everyone! Heehaw! 

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Hugs and Kisses...
The typical French greeting of two kisses, one mwah per cheek, is a reality. It's sweet, a sign of respect, and has its own set of rules that range from different regions around the country. 

In Bordeaux, we do the traditional two kiss greeting, again one kiss per cheek. Hugging is not required. In fact, let's just say that THE FRENCH DON'T HUG. Ok... they do but they don't. French people find this too personal, yet the French greeting of two kisses, well that is just fine! 
(Personally, I find it strange, but then again, foreigner in French translates to stranger=étranger.) I have hugged several members of my French family, you should see the awkward dance that ensues! I personally find it hilarious, they just don't know what to do, it is like we competing in a pop and lock-athon! In other words, kiss, don't hug a Frenchie! Just trust me on this. Oh another rule of thumb, when in Rome (France) do as the Romans (French).

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​Fashion...
Since living in France, I have noticed a big difference in how I dress. I put heels, lipstick and perfume on to walk my dog to the bakery. I wear a lot more dresses and pay special attention to what and how I eat. Why? Because I am taking care of myself. On Planet France, the French believe in the basic respect for taking care of oneself.  

Remember the book, French women Don't get Fat? 
By the way, French women on a whole are slim and dress in a fashion that accentuates them, however I have seen a few French fatties on the streets, but it is rare, and of course, I am one of them. But I digress, I purchased that book in the United States, and when I read it, I couldn't comprehend what she was talking about. The author paints a picture of experiencing France with all five senses. 

I lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. The only trees around I was allergic to, it was too hot to enjoy hiking or playing tennis, my city was too big to walk to the nearest grocery store without dying of heat stroke. Then, I moved to France. I reread her book and suddenly it made sense, because I experienced it. I'm not saying you need to move to France to dress better, although you will, I am saying you have to pay attention to how to accentuate your best self. This is what France has taught me. You know as well as I do that nothing beats the feeling of slipping on an outfit that makes you feel (fill in the blank) sexy, beautiful, stunning, radiant, glam, fierce, strong, etc! 

French fashion revolves around the sense of each woman. She dresses practically and in accordance to her personality without it being a sideshow, but a fashion show. Know the boundary.

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Food...
One of my former students, who visited the United States and witnessed Americans drinking soda with their meals, simply said this, "c'est ne pas très de la mode," meaning, its not very fashionable. Living in France, I have a saying: In the real world, I know! On Planet France, I understand. 

In that simple, yet profound statement, my student basically said, Americans have no respect. OK, you are probably wondering how I made that leap. Again, I speak Planet France. 

The French are very practical, so drinking soda with a meal, doesn't make any sense to them. Why? When you drink soda with your meal, the rush of sugar kills any flavor your food has. It is not only common sense, it is also disrespectful not to savor your food. It is also disrespectful to yourself, because by doing something as simple as drinking soda at mealtime, you are not taking care of yourself. Understand? 

What is also world renown is French food, therefore it is precious to them. You have to understand that this country has a reputation for demanding quality, from the very basics of human survival - eating and drinking. The French meal is itself an art form, a living art form. An experience. And everyday is an opportunity to experience something grand!

Isn't that dreamy? Don't get me wrong, reality must rear his ugly head, but when one expects and is experiencing life's pleasures, it places one in a different state of mind, so when s#it hits the fan, they are in a higher level of consciousness to accept it and move on. On the other hand, more and more fast food restaurants are popping up in France, and there have been some changes in eating habits due to a busy lifestyle, that's just the reality. However, the French are stubborn when it comes to tradition and ritual, therefore, quality food and presentation will always be a cultural identity.

Picture
To Flirt...
Ever hear of a French kiss? Every culture has their own idea of what is charming and seductive, however I feel the foundation of having a strong sense of self (and lots of mascara!) will catch anyone's eye. But, the French are famously world renowned and equipped in the romance/love-making department. Talk about a stereotype, huh! 

A whole country, world renowned for being lovers. They have a rep to protect! By the way, a French kiss is so-called because at the beginning of the 20th century the French had a reputation for more adventurous and passionate sex practices. On the other hand, to bag a Frenchie, also requires some skills in the art of flirting and body language. 

Sounds difficult? Nonsense! It is simple to do, just be your authentic self, and you will have lovers aplenty! 

That being said, a quick guideline on flirting 'the French way'. Due to personal observation and experience, French flirting is a quick glance where eye contact is established. That's it! But this is not an ordinary glance, oh no, it's as delicate and graceful as a butterfly flutter, and ends just as quickly. Easy-peasy, Ron Weasley! Understand? 

Don't worry, you already have the talent to pull this off, just be you! 

I hope I gave you some food for thought. Until next time, I thank you so much for reading. 
Questions/Comments? Let me know.  
xoxxox - Jennifer 

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    I am a 40-something year old American woman. Born in Texas, raised in Las Vegas!

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    Frenchified For Life

    Frenchified for Life

    is a fabulous little lifestyle blog about truly embracing French life! 
    ​My intent is to simply inspire you to create something unique and beautiful in your everyday life. The French have this wonderful and annoying habit of seeing the world through rose colored glasses, might as well learn something from them! 

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