Aging Gracefully ~ How the French Woman Does It

March 14, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 15 Comments

I recently ran into someone I had known years ago and didn’t recognize her. At all. She had had so much cosmetic surgery that she truly was unrecognizable…and not in a good way, I’m sorry to say. As I was driving home later I was thinking about the aging process and how we view it here in America.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

Perhaps it’s because we are inundated with Hollywood images but as a nation we are obsessed with youth. We are constantly bombarded with images of women (why is it mostly women?) who look a good 10, 15, even 20 years younger than their age. I can’t imagine the pressure most actresses face so I’m in no way judging those who have opted for cosmetic surgery.

In fact, I don’t judge “regular women” who make that choice either. We all want to look our best and anything that helps us feel better about ourselves is fine, as far as I’m concerned. I started going gray in my 20s so I’ve been coloring my hair for years. And while I admire my friends who have made peace with their gray hair, I’m not there yet. And I might never be. There’s a good chance that I’ll be that 70 year old lady with her monthly appointment to get her hair colored. Heck, I might even opt for purple highlights once in awhile.

So what does it mean to age gracefully? How do we learn to accept those inevitable changes as we grow older?

What? Were you expecting an answer from me? I don’t really know but I’ve been thinking about it.

I find myself looking at older women I admire to see how they are doing it. There are a couple of good examples in my own family. My mom and her sister are both in their 70s yet no one thinks of them as “old”. Neither one colors their gray hair and they both have been sun worshippers all their lives. I do hope I have inherited their good genes because I think they both look beautiful.

While these thoughts were rattling around in my head I happened to see this article:

6 Things French Women Can Teach Us About Aging Gracefully

Let’s take a look at those “6 Things”, shall we?

1) Women of all ages can be the sensual love interests — and not just the matronly grandmothers — in popular movies.

This is something I would LOVE to see more of. I absolutely adore the movie, Something’s Gotta Give for just this reason. (Well, and that gorgeous beach house.) Diane Keaton is one of those rare American actresses who serves as a great example of aging gracefully sans cosmetic surgery. She has written a book about beauty and aging and I will definitely be reading this one.

2) Less is best when it comes to makeup — but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on skincare.

I’ve always opted for a more natural makeup look and I’ve become more serious about skincare in recent years. Fortunately I’ve never been a smoker and because I sunburn so easily I have avoided tanning beds and excessive sun exposure all my life. There’s one in my favor!

3) Sex should continue to be important.

The article goes on to say that while only 60% of American women over 50 remain sexually active, over 90% of French women do. I don’t know if either of those statistics are accurate (only 60%?) but I certainly know which group I’d rather be in.

4) Having just a handful of clothing items that fit perfectly is a lot better than having a whole closet full of items that aren’t all that great.

This is something I need to work on. I don’t buy a lot of clothes…in fact, David often tells me I should buy more. I’m just not much of a shopper and in all honesty, I keep putting it off “until I lose weight”. But I’ve been saying that for years. Maybe it’s time to invest in a few perfect items.

5) Walking is the best exercise.

Get yourself a Fitbit and start moving.

6) What you eat — and how much you eat — are of vital importance.

Something David and I have noticed is that when I serve dinner in courses, as the French tend to do, we actually eat less. By slowing down the whole dining experience you allow time for your brain to get the signal that you’ve had enough. I also find that a glass of wine with my meal adds to the enjoyment and again, extends the length of our mealtime. We’ve been doing this on Friday nights but I need to work on making it a nightly practice.

How to Eat Like the French

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One thing not mentioned in this particular article is the role men play in all this. I’ve heard that French men have an appreciation for older women that isn’t quite as common here in America. Or perhaps they are just more open about it. I’ve never been to France but I will say that in New Orleans I’ve experienced some of that. I’ve even overheard men there talking about how they genuinely prefer women who are no longer ingenues. Maybe it’s the French influence at play there, too. I do know that it’s a lot easier to feel good about getting older when in the company of people who think you still have something to offer.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about aging gracefully. Leave me a comment.

How to Eat Like the French

July 22, 2016 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

The French are well-known for their delicious food AND for low obesity and coronary heart disease rates – the so-called French Paradox. It seems rather unbelievable that a nation which reveres food and wine would also have a population with an obesity rate FAR below that of the United States. But it’s true. Perhaps we should learn to eat like the French.

There are a number of contributing factors for what seems like magic:

Three meals a day with little or no snacking
High quality foods with enough fat to provide satiety
Meals eaten slowly and savored
Lots of walking

I had the opportunity to experience this when David and I visited Paris a couple of years ago. Our hotel provided a simple, help-yourself breakfast each morning. A small buffet with fresh fruit, yogurt, mild cheeses, juice, coffee and tea was set up in the basement dining area. A server brought a basket of fresh breads to each table. I was very happy to be able to start my day with a cup of tea and a freshly baked croissant.

Lunch and dinner were more than just meals, they were events. Leisurely, delicious events complete with wine. Let’s take a look at:

How to Eat Like the French

Petit Déjeuner (breakfast)

This is one of the reasons I love the French. A typical French breakfast consists of some variation on the “tea and toast” or “coffee and bread” theme. Cafe au lait/tea/hot chocolate and a tartine/croissant are considered an adequate breakfast in France. None of this “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” nonsense. I’m a life-long breakfast hater. Tea or coffee and a delicious croissant? These are my people.

Déjeuner (lunch)

The French actually take time to eat a leisurely lunch and in fact, for many it’s a three-course meal. We enjoyed several two-hour lunches with a bottle of wine while in Paris and I’m convinced the world would be a better place if we all did this.

Most restaurants offer a three-course lunch including starter, main course and dessert. We never could manage to eat much of a dinner after one of these lunches. Some days we ate our heavier meal at night so lunch was something simple, yet delicious, like a Croque Monsieur and small salad. Leave it to the French to be able to take bread, cheese and ham and turn them into something totally scrumptious.

Le Goûter (afternoon snack)

The French do not, as a rule, indulge in mindless snacking. Three regular meals are the order of the day. There is an exception, however. Le Goûter is a snack served primarily to children at about 4:30 in the afternoon. Their school day is long and dinner is late – around 8 or 8:30 p.m (another reason I love the French; I just can’t get used to eating dinner at 5:30 or 6 p.m.). Le Goûter helps bridge that gap. And guess what it usually consists of? Squares of chocolate in a chunk of baguette! Again…I love these people. Adults will often take a break for a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry or other treat, too.

Dîner (dinner)

Dinner is a leisurely, multi-course affair, eaten “à table” (at the table). Typical courses include:

Apéritif – light alcoholic drink and perhaps something like nuts, olives or crackers to stimulate the appetite
Appetizer – soup is a common choice for this course
Main course – some type of meat, potatoes, vegetable (I just want to say here that I have no idea why but the potatoes we had in France were out of this world!)
Cheese and dessert

If lunch was a large, multi-course affair dinner may be lighter but will still likely be served in a couple of separate courses. And it will, of course be eaten at a leisurely pace seated at the table with the whole family.

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David and I adored Paris and the food was a huge part of that. I think we should all learn to eat like the French.

Links:

What do French people eat for breakfast?

What is a Traditional French Breakfast

What do Parisians eat for lunch?

5 Things We Can Learn About Lunch From the French

What is Goûter? It’s tea-time, kids!

Where All Paris Can Be Found, Indulging in the Afternoon

Eating Like the French No. 3 – À table: A Week of French Dinners

What Do French People Eat?

French Women Don’t Get Fat

This is an affiliate link. If you purchase via this link, I receive a portion of the purchase price. Thank you for supporting Life With Dee!

Lessons From Madame Chic ~ A Book Review: Part 1

May 20, 2016 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

I have a thing for books about French-inspired living. I just adore reading about how the French live and learning how to incorporate a bit of that joie de vivre into my own life.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

One of the best books I’ve read on this topic recently is Lessons From Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris by Jennifer L. Scott. I’ve long been a fan of Ms. Scott’s blog and YouTube channel, “The Daily Connoisseur” so I’m not sure why it took me so long to get around to reading this book. I zipped through it pretty quickly and knew immediately that I should review it here for you, my readers.

Lessons From Madame Chic: Part 1

The book is divided into three parts:

Part 1: Diet and Exercise

Part 2: Style and Beauty

Part 3: How to Live Well

I’m going to review the book in four posts because there is a lot of material to cover.

Post 1: Chapters 1-3

Post 2: Chapters 4-9

Post 3: Chapters 10-13

Post 4: Chapters 14-20

Lessons From Madame Chic

So let’s get started.

Introduction:

The author, Jennifer L. Scott, spent six months in Paris as a foreign exchange student in 2001. She left behind the casual lifestyle of Southern California to live with a family she refers to as “Famille Chic” in order to preserve their privacy. Madame Chic and her family lived in a beautiful Parisian apartment decorated with antiques. Everything about this family was formal – their manners, dress, daily routines – and very French.

Part 1 covers diet and exercise. It’s no secret that French women tend to be much slimmer than their American counterparts. It seems counterintuitive considering the French penchant for wine, cheese, rich sauces, and croissants. However, it isn’t magic. The typical French woman stays slim for several reasons.

Chapter 1: Snacking Is So Not Chic

The author begins this chapter with a little story about her first night at the home of Famille Chic. Late that night, a bit hungry and in search of a midnight snack, she discovers that the French don’t snack. Instead, they eat at mealtimes, sitting at a table and enjoying the experience. You’ll rarely see a French person walking down the street eating or drinking something. Food is almost an obsession with the French and as such, they believe it deserves the respect of proper mealtimes. Besides, mindless snacking isn’t chic.

Chapter 2: Deprive Yourself Not

The French may not snack but they DO enjoy their food. With a passion. Rather than following strict diets which forbid whole categories of foods like so many popular American diets, the French believe in moderation. They may have their delicious, buttery croissants but those are usually a special treat on the weekends, not an everyday breakfast choice. Those rich cheeses? Served in tiny slivers.

When my husband and I went to Paris we found that while portion sizes were much smaller than in America, the meals were completely satisfying. Meals were served in courses and often took an hour or more to eat. By taking our time, eating slowly and enjoying a glass or two of wine with our food, we left the table comfortably satiated and feeling pretty happy about life.

Chapter 3: Exercise Is A Part Of Life, Not A Chore

I wish I’d had a pedometer when we went to Paris. We walked a LOT. And that’s one of the ways the French stay in shape. Rather than getting all sweaty at a gym or running in those ghastly shoes, the typical French woman is striding through the streets, often in high heels, as she goes about her daily life. Daily shopping for food, buildings without elevators, visiting friends or running errands on foot…the French lifestyle is an active one. This is an approach I am working to incorporate into my own life. Because really, sweating is just not chic.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this book review series, probably next Friday!

Update:

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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Pining For Paris

February 5, 2016 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

I do believe our trip to Paris in 2014 has spoiled me for life. As the old song goes, “How Ya Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree?)”. Don’t get me wrong – I do love my life here on “Apple Tree Farm” in rural Oklahoma. But once in awhile I find myself longing for Paris.

What I love about Paris

The architecture:

Some of the most gorgeous buildings in the world are in Paris. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco…Paris has fine examples of all these architectural styles. One of the first things we did in Paris was take a tour bus all over the city. Not only did this provide us a good overview of the city layout but it allowed us great views of the glorious architecture.

The History:

The city simply oozes history. Everywhere you turn there is another famous site. From Notre Dame to Les Deux Magots, one of Hemingway‘s favorite haunts, Paris is rich in historical sites.

Sidewalk cafes:

It sounds like a cliché but Parisians really do sip wine or espresso at sidewalk cafes all over the city. I’m a people-watcher so this suited me perfectly.

Beautifully dressed people:

One of the best parts about people-watching in Paris is that everyone is so chic and beautifully dressed. We saw two year olds with scarves tossed artfully around their tiny necks. Young men rode motorcycles wearing sport coats and leather dress shoes. Even the elderly were stylish. I recall a man, at least in his 70s, wearing dark red slacks, heavy knitted sweater, scarf and hat worn at a jaunty angle. He needed a cane to help steady him but that didn’t prevent him from being every bit as fashionable as the rest of the Parisians strolling by.

Museums:

This is one of the reasons I must go back. We were only there a week, minus two days in London, so the only museum we went to was the Louvre. We spent hours in line so we didn’t get to spend much time inside. I’d love to visit other museums on our next trip.

Good manners:

The French have a reputation for being rude but we didn’t encounter that at all. Everyone was polite and extremely well-mannered. And the children were remarkably well-behaved.

Wine:

France is justifiably famous for wine. I had heard that a glass of wine was cheaper than a Coke and that turned out to be true. We drank wine with all our lunches and dinners. Most of the time we just ordered a glass of the house wine and it was always excellent. We have been on a hunt for similar wines ever since our return.

Food:

No list of Parisian attributes would be complete without the mention of food. I’d read all about how wonderful French food is, of course, but mere words cannot do it justice. Even something as simple as roasted potatoes was sheer perfection. Without exception, everything we ate there was delicious. Even the escargot, despite the fact I turned out to be allergic to them.

In addition to the delicious food, I was absolutely delighted by French restaurants in general. Eating in most American restaurants is source of annoyance to me because I usually feel rushed. I’m a slow eater and I cannot tell you how often servers start asking if we want dessert when I still have half my main course on my plate. David eats faster so they usually swoop in and remove his plate as soon as he sets his fork down leaving me to finish alone. But there was none of that in Paris. When you are seated in a French restaurant that table is yours for the night if you so desire.

Some of my fondest memories of Paris are the three-course dinners we enjoyed along with a shared bottle of wine in perfect peace. Oh, and the bread! Just give me a glass of French wine and a loaf of French bread and I am utterly content.

I told David I was writing a post about Paris and asked him what he liked best. I knew he loved the food and wine but his answer surprised me a little bit. He thought for a moment and he said his favorite things were sitting in the beautiful churches and walking the streets…with me. Isn’t that sweet?

Have you been to Paris? If so, I’d love to hear what you liked best. Leave me a comment and we’ll reminisce together.

French Friday ~ New Orleans

October 9, 2015 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

Over 34 years ago David and I took our first trip to New Orleans. It was our honeymoon and I chose the destination because it was within reasonable driving distance and I had a vague notion that there was a French influence in the city. I had taken French in junior high and high school and had been a Francophile for years. There was no way we could afford a trip to Paris so New Orleans seemed like a good option.

I instantly fell in love with the city. Looking out over the French Quarter from the observation deck of the Royal Orleans, I felt as though I had been transported to another country. It wasn’t Paris. But it sure wasn’t Oklahoma, either.

Settled by the French in 1780, the Gallic influence is evident in food, language, festivals, architecture, and music. Until 1830, most of the residents still spoke French. Like France, New Orleans is predominantly Catholic and that permeates the culture. There is a decided lack of puritanical influence.

The French were Catholic, not Protestant like the founders of most other New World settlements which eventually became American cities. The French Catholic did not share the unremittingly severe, sober view of life with the New England Puritans, for one. While religious, the French Catholics also enjoyed good food and sensual pleasures. Mardi Gras, the most famous and raucous of New Orleans festivals, is a Catholic holiday after all. And in French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” – a time of indulgence before the self-imposed austerity of Lent. The tension between the sacred and profane, the joyous and the mournful (as with jazz funerals, for example), has long formed an essential part of the Crescent City’s character. (source: New Orleans Official Guide)

We are on our way to New Orleans today and to say I’m excited would be an understatement. David and I have both been working like crazy lately and we need a break. Desperately. I need music, delicious food and wine, visits with friends, streetcar rides, people watching, an hour or two by the river, naps and most of all – time alone with David.

Posts here on Life With Dee will be a little on the light side for the next 10 days. I do have some written and scheduled to post during our vacation and I might write a short post or two while I’m there. But I probably won’t have a post every day. And while I do hope to have at least a few interesting articles and such to share each day on the Life With Dee Facebook page, it won’t be quite the usual quantity and I may not be able to respond to comments very often. If you aren’t already following me on Twitter and Instagram this would be a good time to do so. There will surely be interesting things to tweet about and I always take a lot of pictures while I’m there. However, I’m not going to be online as much as usual for I intend to be fully present and soak up our experiences in New Orleans. I need this. So much.

French Friday ~ The Paris Letters

October 2, 2015 By Deanna Piercy Leave a Comment

This was delivered to my house yesterday:

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Paris Letters by Janice McLeod

How much money does it take to quit your job?

“Exhausted and on the verge of burnout, Janice poses this questions to herself as she doodles on a notepad at her desk. Surprisingly, the answer isn’t as daunting as she expected. With a little math and a lot of determination, Janice cuts back, saves up, and buys herself two years of freedom in Europe.

A few days into her stop in Paris, Janice meets Christophe, the cute butcher down the street-who doesn’t speak English. Through a combination of sign language and franglais, they embark on a whirlwind Paris romance. She soon realizes that she can never return to the world of twelve-hour workdays and greasy corporate lingo. But her dwindling savings force her to find a way to fund her dreams again. So Janice turns to her three loves-words, art, and Christophe-to figure out a way to make her happily-ever-after in Paris last forever.”

Sounds right up my alley. Have any of you read it? Stay tuned for a book review. I’ve got another couple of books going right now but this is next on my list!

French Friday ~ 10 Francophile Pages

September 25, 2015 By Deanna Piercy Leave a Comment

I follow a number of Francophile pages on Facebook and since I didn’t get around to writing anything else for “French Friday” I decided to share some of my favorites.

Do you follow any I’ve missed? I’m also always on the lookout for Francophile blogs, too, so share your favorites in the comments, s’il vous plait.

French Friday ~ “Forever Chic” (ch. 9)

September 18, 2015 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

Well, here we are – the final chapter.

Enduring Enchantments

Charm, Grace, Wit, and More

Essence of Beauty:

For the French, that old cliché that beauty is more than skin deep holds true. Femininity, poise and intelligence are vital components of a French woman’s appeal.

The Legacy of the Salon:

Intellectual stimulation has been much valued throughout French history. Frenchwomen of the past were renowned for their salons – gatherings of intellectuals, writers, artists and bon vivants strictly for the purpose of stimulating interesting conversation.

The Power of Conversation:

The ability to converse intelligently on a variety of topics is a skill much admired by the French. This shouldn’t be a surprise in a country where philosophy is a required course in high school.

The Irresistible Power of Charm:

Some people seem to be born with natural charm or charisma but the author believes that anyone can learn to be charming. Impeccable manners, the giving of sincere compliments, being a good listener, intelligence, curiosity and kindness are among the traits that make a woman charming.

Epilogue:

Includes an extensive list of things the author has learned as a result of her time in France. Here are a few:

More isn’t necessarily more.
Keep a few secrets.
Wear perfume every day, just because.
Organization conquers stress and chaos.
Conversation need not be a lost art.
Rethink lingerie.
A woman can never own too many scarves.
Discipline will set you free

And that, mes amis, is the end. I enjoyed this book and found a lot of good information in it. There is a reason French women have a reputation for being chic – they simply are.

You can read my reviews of previous chapters by clicking on the links below:

Chapter 1: The Allure of La Femme Française d’un Certain Âge

Chapter 2: Skin Care

Chapter 3: Makeup

Chapter 4: Hair Rules
Chapter 5: Le Régime
Chapter 6: Exercise

Chapter 7: The Closet

Chapter 8: Accessories

Would you be interested in me reviewing another book for French Fridays? I have several (okay, dozens and dozens) of French inspired books in my Amazon wish list. Take a look and let me know which one you would like me to review.

French Friday ~ “Forever Chic” (Ch. 8)

September 11, 2015 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

It occurred to me that I never finished the chapter-by-chapter review of the book, Forever Chic. I did 7 out of 9 chapters and it seems rather silly to not finish. So here goes:

Chapter 8
The Essential Accessory Arsenal

Every Woman’s Necessary Accoutrements

The French woman tends to purchase simple, good quality basics and wear them for many years. Her wardrobe is generally small, too. So what is her secret to always looking chic? Why, accessories, of course. A small collection of basics in neutral, solid colors comes alive with the addition of jewelry (real or costume), a striking bag, colorful shoes or the ubiquitous scarf. Yes, it’s true. French women DO wear scarves. Often.

Hats: Sadly, not as popular as I might like, hats don’t play a huge role in the French woman’s accessorizing. They do make an appearance during cold weather and weddings, however.
Bags: The important rule is that the bag never matches the shoes. While some French women save for and treasure an expensive bag such as the famous Birkin, many more choose something unique…something one isn’t likely to see anyone else carrying.
Shoes: The French woman of un certain age may still wear high heels but only if she can still walk properly in them. Or she may wear more comfortable shoes in the car and change into stilettos just as she steps out on her way to a party. For daily wear she will likely choose ballerina flats, a low-heeled boot or a pretty pair of sandals. “Sensible” shoes don’t have to be dowdy.
Jewelry: The most personal of accessories, a French woman’s jewelry is often a sentimental piece or a family heirloom. Staples include pearls (often given on the 16th birthday), gold bangles, hoop earrings, gold and silver chains and simple diamond earrings. She isn’t opposed to unique pieces of quality costume jewelry, either.
Belts: As the French woman ages, a slightly thickened waistline is not a reason to stop wearing belts. She simply wears them a bit differently – looser, lower and over a layer rather than tightly cinched around the waist.
Scarves: These most versatile of accessories are where French women are truly in their element. When we were in Paris last fall we couldn’t help but notice that virtually everyone was wearing a scarf. Nothing dresses up a simple outfit quite like a beautiful scarf.
Lingerie: No discussion of French accessories would be complete with mentioning lingerie. Even if no one else is likely to see it, the French woman loves to wear beautiful lingerie. And always in matching sets.
Nail polish: Yes, nail polish can be an accessory. It’s a simple and inexpensive touch, accessible even for those with limited financial resources.

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You can read my reviews of previous chapters by clicking on the links below:

Chapter 1: The Allure of La Femme Française d’un Certain Âge

Chapter 2: Skin Care

Chapter 3: Makeup

Chapter 4: Hair Rules
Chapter 5: Le Régime
Chapter 6: Exercise

Chapter 7: The Closet

French Friday ~ Living the Good Life

August 28, 2015 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

I have no idea where my interest in France came from but I do know why I’ve maintained my passion for it. There’s just something about the French way of life which speaks to my soul. I’ve read about it for years and finally experienced it for myself this past fall when we took our first trip to Paris. Notice how I said “first trip”. I am determined it won’t be my last.

Here are a few of the reasons I admire the French way of life:

Appearance – The French are known round the world for their personal style and this reputation is well-deserved. David and I spent many an hour sitting in cafés people watching. I’ve since heard David tell many friends that the Parisians are the most beautiful people he’s ever seen – even the men. It’s hard to explain just how they manage to look so stylish but I the stereotypical scarf is certainly part of it. Almost everyone we saw was wearing one. There is something adorable about a two-year-old with an expertly knotted scarf. And the elderly men managed to look quite debonair in their well-fitted clothes, a scarf casually tossed around the neck and perhaps a hat or fancy cane. No one looked overdressed or fussy…just casually attractive.
Appreciation for simple pleasures – A tiny cup of espresso sipped slowly at a sidewalk café, strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg, watching the boats on the Seine, walking arm-in-arm with one’s lover, three-hour lunches…these are things which make life pleasurable.
Conversation – I don’t think I ever saw anyone staring at their phone in a Parisian restaurant. Rather, everyone seemed to be engaged in enthusiastic conversation. The French do seem to enjoy engaging discussions.
Priorities – Few of us can have everything, no matter where we live. The key to a life well-lived is to make deliberate choices. The French seem to have a knack for this. The average French person lives in a smaller home or apartment than the average American. They have fewer clothes and in general, less “stuff”. But they tend to choose quality over quantity. The French also value time spent actually living. As a nation they have decided that fewer hours spent working each week and taking a month of vacation each year are important and they guard their rights with passion. And strikes.
Food and Wine – France is justifiably famous for their cuisine and wines. From the flaky breakfast croissant to the perfect potatoes served with dinner, everything we ate in Paris was delicious. And the bread! Oh, my goodness. It was sheer perfection. The wine was wonderful, too. A glass of table wine is cheaper than a soft drink and so much better. We indulged in a glass with each lunch and shared a bottle with our dinners. There is truly not much better than a three-course meal and a bottle of wine shared with the love of one’s life in a Parisian restaurant.

I miss Paris almost every day but I’m working on bringing a bit of the French way of life into ours. And I’m dreaming of our next trip!