(photo source) In the last decade, Americans have been outdone by the French in weight loss, relationships, style, and child-rearing. Now, the one thing that Americans seemed to do better than the French (and most countries), may be slipping to second-best. Fast food, once shunned by the Continue reading
10 September 2013 
Rules of Mushroom Engagement
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(photo source) In late August through the end of September, the French take to the country in search of the elusive truffle and its sister the mushroom. It is also during this time that Americans take to the country searching for their own culinary treasure - orchards full of apples Continue reading
27 May 2013 
Germany Voted Most Popular Country
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(photo source) In a survey of over 26,000 people around the world, Germany was seen as the most popular country. When asked to rank 16 countries (excluding their own country), 59% of respondents ranked Germany positively. Some analysts believe the positive rating is due to Germany's strong Continue reading
10 December 2012 
12 Months of Teapots
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(photo source) After nearly four years of sharing my quaint musings, most of you know how much I adore teacups and teapots. Over the years, I have learned that many of my readers and friends also share this interest. So for all of you tea totalers and collectors, here's something to add to your Continue reading
19 November 2012 
A True French Bistro in the Heart of Chicago
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As a travel and food writer, I often eat at new restaurants in Chicago and other major cities around the US. Every once in a while, I come across a restaurant where I am torn when writing my review. When you have a fantastic restaurant experience, sometimes you can't help but tell everyone you know. Continue reading
11 October 2012 
Seasonal Cooking With Seasons 52
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One of the hallmark traits of a French girl is her love of cooking with the seasons. In Winter, she will savor her potatoes and parsnips in casseroles; Spring, she prepares lovely soups with peas or asparagus; the Summer, she may focus on tomatoes, peppers, and juicy fruits; and in the Fall, she Continue reading
13 August 2012 
Canadian Adventure Day 2: Bonjour, Montreal!
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Bonjour from Montreal! As part of my Canadian vacation, we stopped in Montreal for two days for a true French experience outside of France. After checking into the lovely Hotel Le Crystal (big rooms and great location), our first stop in this French Canadian city was Old Port in Old Montreal. In Old Continue reading
9 July 2012 
Travel Insights from the New York Times
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(photo source) Each week, I look forward to reading the many travel articles on the New York Times web site. From the Frugal Traveler - who shares tips on how to travel on a budget, to 36 Hours - an hour by hour guide on what to explore in popular cities if you are limited on time, the travel Continue reading
Queen Elizabeth II and Her Diamond Jubilee
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(Photo source) This weekend, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee with 60 years as Queen and Head of State of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealths. At 86 years old, the Queen has celebrated numerous accomplishments and reached significant milestones, Continue reading
19 April 2012 
A Very Nespresso Birthday
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Last weekend, my husband treated me to an overnight in city for my birthday. After checking into the Hotel Palomar (a fantastic boutique hotel in Chicago), we headed to Bloomingdale's Home Store to view its Nespresso products. As I walked through the doors, I was completely surprised and nearly Continue reading
Kissing the Blarney Stone
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(photo source) When I travel abroad, I try to limit the number of predictable tourist sites I visit. However, sometimes, tourist sites can give us some of the best experiences - and possibly a few tall tales to tell. A few years ago when I was in Ireland, I opted for a "touristy" side trip to Continue reading
20 February 2012 
Mardis Gras Around the World
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(photo source) Whether it's colorful beads, King Cake, or overindulgence - there are signs of Mardi Gras everywhere. Although in the US, Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans, countries all over the world celebrate this pre-Lenten festival, only by a different name. Other notable Mardi Gras Continue reading
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