New Year's Eve - a time to reflect on the previous year and welcome a brand new one. And what better way to toast to new and shiny year than with a bit of something sparkly? For French enthusiasts, such as yours truly, New Year's is the perfect time to indulge in a classic French treat - Continue reading
15 December 2014 
Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers
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(photo source) For those who know me, you know that I love espresso drinks. Not regular coffee drinks but the fancy kinds that more resemble a dessert than a beverage. But while in France, I had challenges finding espresso drinks similar to what I had in the US - unless I visited Starbucks. So, Continue reading
7 July 2014 
Bastille Day Celebrations in the US
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(photo source) July 4 may be over, but Bastille Day is just around the corner! Similar to America's Independence Day, Bastille Day - July 14 - celebrates France's national holiday, complete with fireworks, parties, and red, white, and blue decor. Although the most notable Bastille Day Continue reading
16 May 2014 
Mother’s Day Macarons
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While in downtown Chicago this weekend celebrating Mother's Day, I happened upon one of my favorite French pastry shops outside of France - Vanille Patisserie. (By the way, this charming little shop is a MUST if you enjoy a little taste of French heaven in the Windy City.) While I debated the Continue reading
17 March 2014 
Guinness and Chocolate
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Nothing says St. Patrick's Day like an Irish chocolate cake and a glass of Guinness Stout! Continue reading
9 March 2014 
Paris Makes Top 10 List for 2014
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(photo source) As if I needed another reason to visit France....late last year, Lonely Planet released it's Best in Travel: The Top Ten Cities to Visit in 2014, with Paris, France topping the list. The travel website bestowed the ranking, noting that the world's most beautiful city is now more Continue reading
10 February 2014 
Valentine’s Day With a French Twist
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(photo source) Valentine's Day is right around the corner. And whether you're celebrating with your true love, your family, or friends - why not put a French twist on the special day by serving a Paris-inspired drink? Take a look at these simply sweet and tasty French recipes: French Continue reading
31 December 2013 
Fairway Breakfasts
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I don't typically eat much for breakfast. A scone here or a Greek yogurt there, is what you'll find me eating on most mornings, and usually it's right before I have to rush off to work. However, for the last few mornings, I have enjoyed a long, leisurely buffet breakfast complete with fruit, Continue reading
23 December 2013 
Christmas Traditions from Around the World
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(photo source) For the last three years, my family and I have ventured into the downtown area of Chicago to experience the wonder of Christmas in the Windy City. This year, we visited such Chicago holiday favorites as the Christkindlmarket, the window displays at Macy's on State, and the Continue reading
16 December 2013 
French Lessons in Politeness
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(photo source) Bonjour! This weekend, I spent several hours rushing around town, trying to finalize my holiday shopping. And during my frenzied rush, I saw people of all kinds being polite to one another, but also saw a few not-so-nice behaviors. This reminded me of a sentiment I heard at a Continue reading
3 December 2013 
Traditional European Christmas Cookies
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(Linzer cookie: Photo Source) Bonjour! Throughout the winter holidays, sweets are plentiful at gatherings around the world, and many of these treats represent food traditions of years and cultures past. Even in the United States, Thanksgiving and Christmas get togethers are often celebrated with Continue reading
2 December 2013 
Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving
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(Photo source) Bonjour everyone!! I'm still tired from a wonderful Thanksgiving in Michigan - check back tomorrow for a trip around the world - Christmas cookie style! Continue reading
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