People often ask me some version of, "So… does France feel like home now?" It’s a simple question on the surface so to move the conversation along, I usually just say something like, "Yes, I've been there a decade so it's home." But when I think about it, the real answer isn't so simple at all. ... Read More about When France feels like home (and when it doesn’t)
11 Quince designer handbag dupes (Polene, YSL, Prada, Loewe & more!)
If you’ve ever drooled over a classic designer handbag but couldn’t quite justify the four-figure price tag, you’re not alone. I bought my first designer bag when I got my first bonus at my sales job out of college (when the bag was still in the 3-figure range) and I still have that Louis Vuitton ... Read More about 11 Quince designer handbag dupes (Polene, YSL, Prada, Loewe & more!)
What the French taught me about enjoying life
When I first moved to France, I expected to learn about the culture, the language, history, and maybe a little about cheese and wine, of course. But what I didn’t expect was that France would slowly — and sometimes stubbornly — teach me about something bigger: how to enjoy life. And not in the ... Read More about What the French taught me about enjoying life
Why I wouldn’t retire in France as an American
When people think about retiring in France, the images that come to mind are often dreamy: long lunches on sunny terraces, leisurely strolls through charming villages, and endless glasses of wine or coffees at neighborhood cafés. It'll be a permanent vacation! I completely understand the appeal — ... Read More about Why I wouldn’t retire in France as an American
Where to buy canned pumpkin in France
If you’ve recently moved to France or if it's your first fall season here, you might be surprised to learn that canned pumpkin isn’t something you can grab off the shelf of every supermarket. In the U.S., especially in the fall, aisles seem to be overflowing with canned pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie ... Read More about Where to buy canned pumpkin in France
What I found in France that I didn’t know I was missing
When I first boarded that plane to France, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what I’d gain by moving there. Better pastries? Sure. The challenge of a new language? Definitely. A fun, new life with my husband? Heck yes. Weekend trips to quaint villages? Check, done! But what I didn’t ... Read More about What I found in France that I didn’t know I was missing
Is life in France as good as it looks?
This is not a post that's going to answer that question with a rose-colored glasses type of answer like, "No, life in France is even BETTER than it looks" and go on to list off a bunch of clichés about life here that are largely unhelpful. I can do better than that and you deserve a more thoughtful ... Read More about Is life in France as good as it looks?
School supplies French style: A look at back-to-school goodies in France
C'est la rentrée! It's back-to-school time in France! The first day back for students at all public schools nationwide is Monday, September 1, 2025, and along with that comes school supplies shopping. Let's take a look at what school supplies French kids need before they head back to class. P.S. ... Read More about School supplies French style: A look at back-to-school goodies in France
You can have native-level fluency and still sound like a foreigner
As a native English speaker who has worked in international environments and who started learning French as an adult, I'm very familiar with accents -- both my own and those of others. I’ve noticed an assumption that’s as frustrating as it is widespread: People often assume that someone’s accent is ... Read More about You can have native-level fluency and still sound like a foreigner
99 Things a tourist might see in the U.S. but not in France
Ready for a big ol' list? Here's a diverse and fascinating list of 100 things a tourist might see in the U.S. but not typically in France... spanning culture, food, habits, infrastructure, people, and everyday life. These differences are part of what makes traveling — and comparing cultures — so ... Read More about 99 Things a tourist might see in the U.S. but not in France
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