Anti-Aging Secrets of French Women

(Photo source)

French women are known to age gracefully; some may say they never seem to age at all. But how do they manage to remain beautiful and ageless despite the stressors of life, not to mention Father Time? Books and magazines have chronicled this mystery of the never-aging French woman, but her secret is more attainable than you think.

A recent article simplifies a French woman’s anti-aging ability, noting that she follows a few key principles:

A French woman…

  • Pampers herself – From long showers to hot bubble baths – from head to toe, she doesn’t miss one luxurious spot.
  • Remains confident – Whether or not she is really seen as beautiful by others, she truly believes that she is strong, unique, and beautiful.
  • Has style – Instead of fad fashions that come and go with the seasons, she invests in timeless pieces that are always in style.
  • Embraces her age – A French woman may seem to prolong the aging process (as seen by her outward appearance), but she also welcomes the beauty and wisdom that age brings.
  • Walks – Forgoing the gym and home equipment, a French woman exercises in the most natural way possible – she simply walks nearly everywhere she goes.
  • Watches her weight – Although she is not known to “diet”, a French woman does control her portion sizes, rarely snacking and never eating to excess.
  • Experiences a life of love  - From family, to friends, to significant others, she surrounds herself with people she loves and who love her in return.

Simply put….French women take care of themselves, starting at a young age, nurturing their bodies, spirit, and their self-esteem.

What is your anti-aging secret?

 

French Guest Soaps for the Holidays

(Pottery Barn Photo)

Attending a holiday party this year? Keep in mind that, more often than not, it is polite to bring a small hostess gift. Although a nice bottle of chardonnay is always classy, it is not always the ideal gift for someone who is very particular about his/her wines; someone who does not drink wine at all; or, in my case, a themed wine-tasting party where the wine is provided by the host.

In these cases, opting for a simple, classic gift can prove the better choice, ie fresh flowers, a decorative pillar candle, or festive cocktail napkins (cloth, please!). And, if you’re feeling rather saucy, you can even try to match your gift to the theme of the party (with the exception of wine!) and/or the interests of your host(s). For instance, I will be attending an International Wine Tasting Holiday Party in December, where guests are asked to bring a photo of a destination they’ve been or one they’d like to go (so many choices!). As you might have guessed, the party hosts are not only wine lovers, but they are also world travelers who, in fact, just visited France this Spring. So what does one fellow world traveler and wine lover get for another of the same breed?

Why French guest soaps from Pottery Barn! To be more specific, the triple-milled soaps are part of the collection by Gianna Rose Atelier Bonne Nuit and resemble small pillows imprinted with Bonjour on one side and Bonne Nuit on the other. How’s that for a little pillow talk?

Very classic, very charming, and, of course, very (French) chic. Voila!

5 Eurochic Fashion Finds for Fall

(photo source)

For the last few months, I have anticipated each issue of the new monthly online magazine – Matchbook. I am enamored with the editors’ beautiful photos, remarkable fashion sense, quirky writing style, and plenty of Eurochic finds for my Franchophile/Europhile personality. September’s issue has a particularly large selection of eye-candy. Let’s take a look at a few of my Eurochic favorites for the Fall:

5 Eurochic Finds for Fall (courtesy of Matchbook Magazine)

  1. Argyle Socks (pg 16) – I can  honestly say that I have never owned a pair of argyle socks. Yet, just seeing these fun stockings (in 7 different colors no less) makes me want to buy a dozen pairs and a brand new pair of Wellies to go with them!
  2. Oversized Sunglasses (pg 19) – The House of Harlow sunglasses are divine! It may be the end of summer, but a girl can always use a new pair of glam shades.
  3. French Poodles (pg 21) – I rarely come across something at Anthropologie that I don’t like and I especially adore these cute French poodle bookends.
  4. Kate Spade City Lights Skirt (pg 22) – So Madmen-esque it’s nearly a crime and, now that  you mention it, so is the price! But a girl can dream, can’t she?
  5. Leopard Print Scarf (pg 70)- An animal print scarf surely completes a French chic wardrobe…purrrfect, ooh la la!

Ciao!

 

I Love Paris with Bath and Body Works

(photo source)

For those of you who love Paris and bath/body creams – now is your chance to enjoy the best of both worlds! Bath and Body Works is launching a new Signature Collection fragrance – Paris Amour, which is a dreamy blend of French tulips, apple blossoms and sparkling pink champagne, inspired by a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris.

If that’s not enough, BBW is also hosting an I Love Paris Event in local stores. Here are the details

I Love Paris with Bath and Body Works

Date: August 13

Time: 11am – 4pm

Location: All participating Bath and Body Stores around the country

What to Expect:

- Learn how the NEW Paris Amour fragrance was created
- Enter for a chance to win a romantic Paris getaway for 2
- Vote on our next Signature scent
- Exclusive offers & FREE GIFT with any Signature Collection purchase

See you there. Ciao!

A Bistro Chic Star is Born

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For those of you who do not know, this Bistro Chic’s day job sometimes requires her to be behind the camera – a video camera – directing/producing videos. Hence the reason I travel as much as I do.

Last week, during yet another cross country video shoot in Denver, my role as producer changed. This time, I found myself in front of the camera, not behind it! As you can see in the above photo, I was given the full star treatment with a hair and makeup artist, then promptly put under hot lights for 6 hours. Of course, I didn’t let my few minutes of stardom go to my head. Still, I have to admit, I could seriously get used to this attention!

Off to Baltimore today for 3 days. Fell’s Point here I come!

Ciao

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