Paris...maybe one day...

I dream of going to Paris....

In the meantime I aspire to the French way of cooking...simple fresh and using what is in season.
There are many wondeful books on French cooking and I have my favourites...

Ina Garten and her husband love Paris and have an apartment there,
she has such a passion for food and I adore her enthusiasm for life itself.
I watched her cooking show religiously when it was on the Food Network
her home in the Hamptons was "to die for!"

This book gives insight into the philosophy of French life and cooking

there are a few recipes

but it is more of a how to book.

Aspiring to be stylish here...

A colourful romp through French Markets and Fishmongers

by the creative and talented author Joanne Harris

richly illustrated

with easy to follow directions

some of the ingredients are not found locally

so substitutions are required.

I follow and read many books and blogs on France and the French way of life.

I am adopting some French habits

and dreaming of Paris.

This pursuit has lead to some changes...

I have focused more on my skincare, 

I am indulging in facials more frequently

I do a spa facial every few months and an at home one every month.

I use the exfoliating Bio Gommage by Physiodermie followed by the Burt's Bees Clay Pore Refining Masque and then finish by dabbing on Dr. Hauschka's lavender oil.

This takes about 30 minutes 

 I relax with a cup of herbal tea

when I have finished.

I have rethought the use of makeup too

I now use lightly tinted Dr. H foundation, 

eye liner to draw attention to my eyes

 mascara and 

lipstick or gloss in a berry shade

as I am keeping things on the light side I felt I could add a bit of colour on my lips.

I am dressing simply and as a result acquiring less.

I am paring down the wardrobe 

the local Hospice Thrift shop has been receiving my cast offs!

I am using accessories to add interest and colour;

Hermes scarves

sterling bangles

 layers of pearls

vintage brooches and pins

(but not all at once!)

I now choose garments with a critical eye

I study the construction

the seaming, 

the details

the cut

the fabric

the weight of the cloth

does it flatter?

will it last?

do I love it?

does it reflect the image that I want to convey?

I am by no means "there" yet

I am so enjoying the foray into the French Way...

if you have any fabulous French bloggers or books to assist me in my quest please let me know.

 (The French themed blogs that I follow can be seen on my sidebar at the bottom.)

Merci beaucoup!