What would the New Year be without a fresh start, some lofty goals, and a new French-themed calendar?
I have never been much for day planners and calendars – they always seem so wonderful at first, but then my interest in them fades after a month or two. However, with 6 trips planned in the next 5 months, I thought that this might be the year I would actually need a calendar for more than a month.
The Perfect Calendar
I started searching for my ideal calendar/planner in late December, hoping I could find one small enough to fit in my purse, but not too bulky with unnecessary pages and tabs. I wanted a calendar with big squares to write in my daily plans – plain and simple. But I also wanted one that reflected my interests, including my love for travel and Europe. Then voila! While roaming around the French Women Don’t Get Fat site, I learned that the book’s author, Mireille Guiliano, also had a calendar based on her popular book series. Of course, I was intrigued. I have always been fascinated by Guiliano’s books and the whole concept of French living. So naturally, when presented with the possibility of having a calendar/planner that reflected this interest, I ordered it without hesitation.
A Fresh and French Start to 2010
The French Women for All Seasons 2010 Engagement Calendar, arrived on my doorstep last week. I wasted no time opening the package and quickly thumbed through each month listed in the book. I instantly fell in love with this book! There are so many things that I like about it, including:
What I like…
- Easy Flipping – The calendar is spiral bound, making it easy for page turning.
- Keeping the Theme – The calendar has the same feel as her books, with calming colors and fun illustrations. As you can see, it’s almost too pretty to write in!
- French Lessons – It offers abridged lessons in French phrases – I just wish they would have included how to pronounce them!
- Monthly Recipes – The books also includes monthly recipes to correspond with the seasons, which I hope will inspire me to cook a little more each time I open my calendar!
Although I am very happy with the book, I do see a few caveats – mostly related to personal preference.
What I’d change…
- The Test of Time – The book seems to be made from quality materials and is fairly sturdy. However, I’m not sure if it will hold up the entire year. I’m extremely busy – hence the need for a calendar – and would have preferred a harder cover. The current cover is just a little thicker than a regular paperback book.
- Out With the Old Recipes – I would like to have seen different recipes included in the book and not just those that were previously published in Guiliano’s other books. After all, it is a NEW year.
- On That Note – Finally, although there is a note section in the back of the book, it would have been nice to include a notes section within each month.
Overall, this is a great addition to Guiliano’s French Women series and a très chic way of starting off the new year on a French note!
Ciao!
Is there a 2011 French Women For All Seasons Engagement Calendar?