I like to believe I have an “inner French girl”. One who appreciates quality, adores fine dining, treasures time alone and seeks out the best in every aspect of life. My inner French girl yearns to be indulged. I’ll bet yours does, too.
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Indulge Your Inner French Girl
A number of years ago I was introduced to the book, Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl and was immediately captivated. The notion of an “inner French girl” resonated with me and the author does a fine job unlocking the mystery of the quintessential French girl.
If, like me, you feel the stirrings of an inner French girl it’s time to embrace her and indulge her deepest desires.
- Meals
The French girl desires delicious, well-prepared, nutritious meals served with a bit of style. Instead of thinking of cooking as simply another daily chore, elevate it to a French-inspired ritual. Don an apron, turn on some music, pour a glass of wine and prepare dinner with love and intention. Then enjoy every mouthful at an attractively set table, hopefully with loved ones.
- Clothing
Style is important to the French girl and it seems to come naturally to her. With a bit of study, trial and error, you can also create a carefully curated wardrobe that suits you and your lifestyle. Weed out the ill-fitting, out-of-style, and past-their-prime clothes from your closet. Add a couple of quality items each season as you can afford it and keep everything in excellent repair.
- Hair and Makeup
Though she always looks great, the French girl rarely looks overdone. Her skin is flawless and her hair is shiny. She doesn’t need lots of makeup or an elaborate hairstyle to look beautiful. Take a page from her book and focus on skincare and maintaining healthy hair. Indulge in some French skin care products or a rich and moisturizing hair treatment to use once a week.
- Perfume
No discussion of the French is complete without mentioning perfume. I’ve worn French perfume daily since junior high and cannot imagine not doing so. Take the time to find your signature scent and wear it daily.
- The mind
The French girl isn’t just another pretty face. Mais, non! The French value a keen intellect, as well. Read widely. Study topics which interest you. Subscribe to a well-respected newspaper or two and read them daily. Engage with a wide variety of people and viewpoints.
- Home
Make your home a sanctuary and respite from a world that often conspires to steal our peace. The French girl’s home is intimate and intensely personal. Take the time to clean and declutter on a regular basis. Add unique touches that speak to your soul. Never mind what the latest shelter magazines or HGTV home shows are promoting this season. Your home should be an expression of YOU. Save up for that antique crystal chandelier for your bathroom. You deserve it.
- Protect your privacy
It’s wonderful to be open and generous, traits Americans known for. But at the same time you don’t have to share any more of yourself than you are comfortable with. Practice discretion and maintain a bit of mystery. Your inner French girl will appreciate it.
- Authenticity
More than anything else, the French girl is simply herself. Honor your preferences and desires. Be honest with others and especially with yourself. Give yourself permission to march to your own beat.
These are just a few of the many ways to indulge our inner French girl. Which one(s) most resonate with YOU?
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I wouldn’t have ever thought of myself as having an “inner French girl” at all, but some of those are definitely things I could happily embrace. Especially the ones about making cooking and eating more of a pleasure than a chore – which I’ve been doing a lot more since becoming vegan – and the parts about mind, home, and authentisity.
As for makeup: I never really saw much point in it – other than a bit of an obsession for nail polish at one point in my teens, but it was more because I liked making my nails be bright colours than anything, and I’d change it so often my room smelled of nail polish remover almost constantly for a while there – and can’t wear most kinds anyhow, because I get a nasty reaction (it’s happened even with stuff that’s meant to be non-allergenic). I do use a nicely scented moisturizer regularly though…
I love your content and shared it to my blog’s Facebook group. I am a follower now too! Great concept and interesting content.
I do most of these things. I wear a lot of makeup but in natural colors. I am an older woman and I like to look nice. Besides, I feel that my “made up” face is the real me because it is how I choose to look. I like a classic almost preppy look most of the time.
I like the part about your “made up face” being the real you. I feel the same way. I don’t wear a lot of makeup but it makes me feel like “me”.