And the Winner Is....

Moi!

This is what I wanted to save until today to share with you.

Last week, I entered the Valentines Day giveaway on another très fab blog, parisian party, and I won! All I had to do was post a comment saying why I love Paris. I am thankful it was a random drawing and not based on my way with words. Anyway, Kim Petyt (the super nice blogger) is mailing my prize, "Paris in Love" by photographer Alison Harris. Pretty exciting, huh? Kim also said the nicest thing on her blog, "I hope that winning this book is a good sign that Mary will soon get her wish and return to the city of her dreams."  This sentence gave me the sensation of fireworks inside, and I'm still sparkling.

And speaking of books, Kim's own book will be out March 1st, but you can pre-order it now on Amazon.com. It is highly unlikely that I will ever get married again, but I'm dying to see inside!

We had an interesting discussion in my french class about the do's and don'ts of getting married in France. While we're at it,  my friend, Marcia is a wedding/event planner here in Austin, and she posts the most fabulous "weddingy" things on her Facebook page, Le Fete Chic.

Okay, I think that's about it for this Valentine Eve. May you be covered in le chocolat and pétales de rose tomorrow. That really doesn't sound as good as it did in my head. You know what I mean.

Happy Valentine's Day tout le monde!

beaucoup bisous ~

In the Shadow of a Pancake

Boy, time sure flies when you're obsessed with all things française. Saint Valentin is but two days away! But before we get all mushy, let's backtrack.

Did you know that our Groundhog Day is France's La Chandeleur, or eat as many crepes as you can day? Well you do now. We harass hibernating groundhogs, the french eat crepes. I choose to eat crepes over disturbing poor groundhogs any day. My classmate Lisele and I took full advantage by celebrating after class at Le Cafe Crepe. It was très délicieux!

Le Cafe Crepe - Nutella with strawberries

My French Neighbor

Now we can move forward. I've been adding more and more Paris blogs, sites, etc. to my repertoire.  There is simply not enough time to read everything! I'm going to share one now, and I'll save some for later. One of my new favorites is My French Neighbor. Check out their site and "Like" their Facebook page while you're at it.




Okay, one more, Paris Zig Zag. For Valentine's Day, or any day for that matter, check out the ten  most romantic places in Paris.

Museum of Romantic Life

I have a couple more things to share, but I'm going to wait until Valentine's Day. I have des devoirs françaises to finish! 

We never did get mushy.

à bientôt ~

Is this the year?...

...that my dream of moving to Paris finally comes true? I really, really, and really hope so. Either one of these apartments would suit me, unrealistic as they may be. You never know, it could happen.

I told you about my new ami français in my last post. His name is Francis, and we finally skyped  on New Year's Day. It was so fun, and also made me realize that I have a long way to go before I can communicate in french somewhat coherently. My being so nervous didn't help either. Tomorrow we are skyping again, and I am determined to do better. I've been practicing the phrases that I find most difficile.

Tomorrow is the Epiphany, and of course the French celebrate with a luscious (and labor intensive) "cake". Francis relayed l'histoire to me, and even sent me a recipe for galette!  I shall now share both with you:
(remember that there is a translate button to your right)



"Vous allez sûrement manger une galette des Rois début janvier. Mais est-ce que vous vous souvenez d'où vient la tradition ?
Retour sur l'histoire de la Galette des Rois.

Aujourd'hui, la tradition de la galette des Rois est bien plus culinaire que religieuse. Comment a-t-elle évolué avant d'en arriver à placer le petit dernier de la famille sous la table ?

L'histoire de la galette des Rois :
L'histoire de la galette des Rois remonte à l'Antiquité romaine. Pendant la fête païenne des saturnales, un roi était désigné parmi les jeunes soldats. L'heureux élu pouvait alors commander à manger tout ce qui lui faisait envie. Cette tradition a évolué au cours des siècles, prenant place le jour de l'Epiphanie, soit le 6 janvier. L'Epiphanie est une fête chrétienne, le 6 janvier, on fête la présentation de Jésus aux Rois Mages.

Le principe de la galette des Rois aujourd'hui :
Qu'on aime ou pas la galette des Rois, on prend plaisir à se réunir en famille juste pour le rituel qui va avoir lieu. Le plus jeune enfant de la famille se cache sous la table pour attribuer les parts à tous les membres présents. Chacun déguste ensuite sa part du gâteau et celui qui trouve la fève est le roi ou la reine du jour. L'élu choisit un roi ou une reine et lui remet la couronne.

D'où vient la fève dans la galette des rois ?
Avant 1875, la fève symbolisait une pièce de monnaie. Depuis, elle a été remplacé par une fève en porcelaine. Petit, qui n'a pas commencé une collection de fèves ? Il faut reconnaître qu'elles sont de plus en plus jolies. Les pâtissiers s'amusent à être toujours plus originaux ! Et toujours pour notre plus grand plaisir !

Toute l'équipede Plurielles.fr vous souhaite une bonne galette des Rois ! Vive le roi et vive la reine !"

My professeur de français told us how much she liked galette, but she never mentioned the hidden bean, nor being crowned King or Queen for the day. Fun and yummy goodness all in one!

Recette de la galette des rois par olivier Berté by Coulisses-du-Chef

Don't laugh, but I am going to attempt to make une galette.

bonne année - à bientôt ~

Three Days Late (trois jours de retard)

Happy three days after Christmas or Joyeux Noël trois jours après.

I'm pretty sure no french person ever uttered these words. Have you noticed that I'm pretty sure about a lot of things? But this I know, the French are all about manners and decorum. In the unlikely event that one forgot to wish another a Joyeux Noël, the apologies would fly in a frenzy de la passion.

I regret that I have had too many irons in the fire to post something before Christmas, but alas, c'est vrai.  What has been stealing my time you ask? As most of you know, I have a pet sitting business, Your Place or Mine (shameless advertising). It gets quite crazy at this time of the year, yet I can't seem to say no. This year, I was forced to turn down two clients, though it pained me to do so.

Back to Paris - This is the first time in its history that an ice skating rink has been set up at the La Grand Palais. This is one link on which you must click. The photos are incredible.  I'm still trying to find time to try out the ice skating rink at Whole Foods in Austin.

La Grande Palais - Paris

Whole Foods - Austin

Other fun french news - I've been talking (actually writing) to a real live Frenchman who lives just outside of Paris. I shan't reveal his name, but c'est très français.  There is usually only a small window in which to "talk" due to the seven hour time difference.  He writes to me mostly in English, and I to him in French.  The idea is to correct one another's mistakes thus helping us learn each other's respective language.

The French are on a much later schedule than we are, so that helps a bit. My french class does not resume until January 19th, so this is excellent practice and will keep me from forgetting everything I've learned so far. And get this - he sent me a voice message. What a delightful surprise! At first, I only understood every fourth word, but it sounded incredible. I've listened to it numerous times. Yes, I sent him one as well. It only took me twelve takes to get it right. It's fun having a French friend!

Anyway, that's what's been going on in my fabulously french focused world. I hope your holidays have been filled with wondrous delights. Speaking of, here are some delightful images..

Trail of Lights - Austin

Zilker tree - Austin

La Grande Roue de Paris

Notre Dame - Paris

bonne année tout le monde! happy new year everyone!  

GlouGlou

Hope everyone had a lovely le Jour de Merci Donnant. Literal translation: Day of Thanks Giving. 

Just wanted to share this fab photo, courtesy of the French Embassy in the US. I don't recall seeing a more impressive dinde (turkey) than this fancy feathered fellow. To be honest, I haven't seen many turkeys.

Did you figure out what glouglou means? Hint: The turkey says....

bonne nuit ~

Poppy Day

photo by Eric Tennin - Paris Daily Photo 

Today is Veteran's Day here in the U.S., a federal holiday honoring armed service veterans. It coincides with  Remembrance Day or poppy day as it's called in England and other commonwealth countries, as the poppy is used to commemorate the day. France does not have this tradition, but here is a drawing by artist Fred le Chevalier found in Paris. It may not be a poppy, but let's pretend that it is.  

Note: The Germans signed the Armistice  November 11th at 11:00 in l918.

photo by Laura Skelding

To commemorate Veterans Day in southwest Austin, students at St. Gabriel's Catholic School are planting flags. This year, the 3,000 flags will be on display honoring the U.S. service members who are currently living in Texas. When the display is completed, it will represent over 1.7 million veterans currently residing in Texas.

I love this photo.

à bientot ~

Zombies in Paris

I thought I'd show you what Parisians are doing this Halloween. Seems they are getting into the spirit of the holiday. My teacher, Madame Didnee, told us that France didn't much participate in Halloween in years past. Can you believe Paris Zombies still manage to look fabulous? I can.

I threw in another scary tidbit from another part of Europe. I can't get it out of my mind, so I'm attempting to embed it in yours. ;-} (that's my attempt at an evil, I'm just kidding smile.)


translation below
L’occasion annuelle de venir  trimbaler vos carcasses faisandées à l’air libre dans les rues de Paris approche ! Combien de zombies répondront à l’appel ?Vous étiez environ 2000 l’année dernière, est-ce que le nombre de morts désireux de marcher fièrement dans les rues de Paris continuera de croître ? Des stands de maquillages gratuits, animés par des maquilleuses et maquilleurs professionnels et amateurs seront à la disposition des « manifestants », même si vos propres créations sont plus que bienvenues ! La séance de maquillage se déroulera devant le dernier bar avant la fin du monde Avenue victoria à partir de 14h (le long du théâtre du châtelet). 

Remember, French doesn't always translate wellCalling all you other corpses, the date of the Zombie Walk this year is formally arrested October 13! annual opportunity to come lugging your faisandées carcasses in the open air in the streets of Paris near! zombies How to answer the call? You were about 2,000 last year, Is that the number of deaths willing to walk proudly in the streets of Paris continue to grow?Of stands makeup free makeup and led by professional makeup artists and amateurs will be available to the "protesters", even if your own are more than welcome! The make-up session will be held before the last bar before the end of the world Victoria Avenue from 14h (along the Châtelet Theatre)

 Paris Zombie Walk 2012



How to transform yourself into a Zombie

Tutorial d'un zombie by QRM_production


Now for  the Brits
The final episode of Doctor Who was weeks ago, but every time I see a statue around town, I'm afraid to look away. Trust me,The Weeping Angels are seriously scary. I'm not the only one who thinks they're creepy, see for yourself -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0XvSKupIQ4 

Lovely while you're looking at them.....

...fretfully frightening when you look away

I think we're going to see a lot of this type of costume here in Austin.

scary - effrayant

ghost - fantôme

candy - bonbons

Happy Halloween and à bientot ~

Squash or Stomp?

The French say *squash. We say stomp. Sounds about right; stomp seems to have violent undertones (in my opinion). Anyway, get this - a couple of weeks ago in Paris, the grape harvesting party of Mélac was held in the 11th arrondissement. And I do mean party! The restaurant set up 500 tables - c'est beaucoup! Food was plentiful, and the wine festally flowed. Besides sausage, ham, and cheese, seems that Parisians are quite keen on Aligot (ah-lee-go), which is made from mashed potatoes blended with butter, crème fraiche, crushed garlic, and melted cheese. After reading recipes, I'm quite keen on it aussi, and just might attempt to make it. I even found one for Aligot and Bacon Pizza! Back to the party. Kids get to squash the newly harvested grapes into giant buckets. I suppose adults can squash, as well. Wonder if the trottoirs (sidewalks) of Paris are covered in purple footprints...

photo by Eric Tennin  http://www.parisdailyphoto.com

photo by Eric Tennin  http://www.parisdailyphoto.com

In Austin, Water 2 Wine, a local winery, will be the place to be for a grape stompin' good time this weekend! I wonder if I can find anyone to go with me.. I shall be in the mood to smash some grapes come Friday. There will be merry music, awesome appetizers, and wonderful wine of course. The stomp and 2 t-shirts are free if you buy a batch of their premier wine. Batch? Is that the proper term? Doesn't really sound very wine-like to me. You can even put your footprints on the t-shirts!  Ooh! Les t-shirts avec mes empreintes pourpre (purple footprints) will make fantastic Christmas gifts.

http://www.water2wine.com/southaustin

Do you see what I see in the background?

* Squash it is.
écrase - crush, smash, mash, squash, run over
rembarrer - squash
se serrer - squeeze, squash, pack
s'empiler - squash
réussir à faire rentrer - squash

Santé!

What's Your Idea of Romance?

Let’s see, what is the most romantic thing to do in Austin ? I don't have romance on my mind too much these days, alas, I am très single. Also, I think one tends to take things for granted in the city in which they live. Personally, watching the bats emerge from the Congress Ave. Bridge, flying down the bank of the river at dusk is terribly romantic.

Elegance and romance, a combination magnifique!

The Driskill Hotel was built in 1886, and is quite romantic. And it's haunted!  Seems the older the building, the more romantic, d'accord? There are some who believe that the Driskill is among the most haunted hotels in the United States. The ghost stories about the hotel include the story of a young girl playing with a ball, a jilted bride and the cigar smoking original owner. I know what you're thinking, when is she going to talk about Paris? In two more pictures...

I like that the Driskill sits smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin.

There are many different room styles, all romantic, but this one speaks to me.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Now for Paris - how in the world can I narrow it down? I could go on for days, but I shan't.

You could be standing almost anywhere in Paris, and romance would ooze from the cobblestones. There is always a spectacular view of something magnificent. Imagine you're strolling along the Seine in the evening, the full moon's reflection on the water and the only sounds you hear are of the booksellers packing up for the night. Wait til you see what follows, I hit the jackpot when I stumbled across this romantical jewel.

   
Are your romantic ideas coming up short? Then you must check out this Paris based company http://www.justfortwo.fr/fr/29-nouveautes . They specialize in romantic (seriously romantic) getaways, among other things, for couples in love.

Paris Under the Stars

Is this the dreamiest hotel room you've ever seen?  Talk about seventh heaven!. I would certainly have a hard time checking out of this floating universe. Maybe that's the idea. So much for stashing the room service guy under the bed.

Just For Two doesn't just book you a room, the suite is just one of the components. There are many surprises included, such as best seats in the Secret Square Cabaret, aphrodisiac dinner or pleasure game kit (all that if you want to get into details)....

Route 66

Now to make your dreams come true. For Parisians dreaming of visiting Texas, check out "Route 66". It is a part of a bigger idea "Just your Dream" (cute video). In this concept, the couple describes their dreams and desired experiences and the Just For Two private concierge organizes it all for them. It can be a fully customized trip to the States, from the Northeast to the Southwest, taking a historical "Mother Road". You can have a Cadillac, a private driver, you can stop in each state, and they can even organize the activities in each of the places you stop. It is a long journey, but it gives an opportunity to experience the "American Dream" and visit many places at once. Remember, it is a fully customized experience, so you can imagine it however you want and voila - your dream becomes a reality.
       
J'adore cette piscine de rêve. I adore this swimming pool. Imagine the view of Paris from here!

Midnight Swim

vive la romance!

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What Are Hot Parisians To Do?

Once again an entire month has passed since my last post. How does this happen?
More importantly, this is the last day de Paris Plages- bummer! I am so disappointed and I'm not even there. Wonder why les plages are only open for one month? What do they do with all that sand? Where are all the beach chairs stored? Are all des Plagistes now unemployed?  I need to know the answer to these questions (and more). Maybe a lovely Parisian will read this, and be compelled to answer my questions. Maybe Eric Tenin would consider providing some insight. He beat me to this blog topic, but only because he is seven hours ahead!

Holy Vache - it is expected to reach 100 degrees in Paris today! I'm pretty sure they do not use vache (cow) in this context.

Paris Plages 2012 Crédits: Sophie Robichon / Mairie de Paris

How très Parisian! When is the last time you (Americans) witnessed this activity on the beach? I'm going to guess... never

Paris Plages 2012. Crédits : Clémentine Roche / Mairie de Paris 

As you may or may not know, most Parisians leave en vacances during the month of August. The French Austin dwellers do the same! This is why we're having such a long break before the start of our next French class. My teacher is in Toulouse as we speak. I am vert (green) with envy. Again, vert is not used this way. Maybe I should spend some time looking up des phrases françaises to use in circumstances such as these.

Stay cool et bonne semaine!

Bastille Day continued...

Alanna perusing auction items

Here, are some photos from the Bastille Day fête last night at the French Legation Museum. They are not the best quality, in fact, they are quite pas bien. I decided to share them anyway. The weather was much more tolerable than in years past; the clouds saved us from heat stroke. However, the band did end a bit early due to the lightening headed our way. We didn't get to sing La Marseillaise - quel dommage!


My classmate, Alanna joined me, as did my friend, Nicole.  Un bon temps a été pour tous!

Nicole

Hoopin'

The Alliance Française d'Austin

Christine Albert French Show

 chat français sympathique (friendly French cat)

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Joyeux 14 juillet!

My favorite holiday is here! What I wouldn't give to be in Paris this weekend. The feux d'artifice (fireworks) are utterly incredible. Every year is a different musical genre, this year is disco! They have even hoisted a giant disco ball underneath the Eiffel Tower.


Everyone can watch the fireworks via live web cam here. Around 3:30 - 4:00 cst should be about right. It doesn't get dark in Paris until 10:30!

As I am scrambling to finish my devoirs de français, I'll trust you to follow the links and read up on the Bastille Day activities in Paris.  Wait until you see the playlist of disco classics! You may as well refresh your memory on the French Revolution while you're at it.

"The City of Paris has given this year to the company and holiday lights, the design of the fireworks of July 14 dedicated to disco. An exceptional evening that promises to fever invite with a fireworks explosive neon colors , dazzling lights and installing a giant mirror ball of 7.5 m "the mistress of the Eiffel Tower" and 1200 mirrors , created by artist Michel de Broin!

A unique show where everyone can dance and sing the greatest hits disco domestic and international, on the Champ de Mars transformed for the occasion into a huge nightclub cheerful, friendly and feverish."  (Google translation,not mine)

Bastille Day is the French National Day which is celebrated on 14 July of each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic, French officials and foreign guests.

Place de la Bastille - Photograph by Getty Images

Vive la France!

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