francophile gift guide

francophilegiftguide

 

If you’re reading this blog post, you most likely have many Francophile friends to shop for – this gift guide is for you! My passion for all things French is well known (and was the inspiration for starting this blog, after all) and I stand behind each one of these selections. I either own them or covet them myself (ahem Santa), so you can feel confident about any and all of them! Also, if you’re not already, be sure to follow @thefrancophiles for the best French-inspired moments, places, and people. I may be a bit biased, but I might also be right (wink). Happy shopping mes amis! 

 

1.   explore the city of light through the eyes of bibliophiles with these literary Paris postcards by Obvious State.

2.   nobody does mustard better than Maille, and this “mustards on tap” gift set is perfect for the holidays.

3.   for the glam girl in your life, this maxi palette by French icon Sonia Rykiel for Lancôme should do the trick!

4.   what could be more perfect than a handmade, France-shaped cutting board?! hashtag hostess gift.

5.   inspired by French body care + handcrafted in Seattle, anything from French Girl Organics is a treat.

6.   coloring books are both fun and relaxing – the Paris Street Style is a great choice.

7.   exhale and escape with the Secret Paris coloring book – even better when paired with pencils!

8.   this festive candle from Diptyque is filled with the incredible scent of a lush, pine-laden forest.

9.   pour les enfants or the sweet littles in your life…look no further than this all-natural croissant shaped teether!

10. no holiday cheese board is complete without a Laguiole cheese knives – get the party started!

11.  for the older tots, the Paris pop-out set by Petit Collage is what little Francophiles dreams are made of.

desktop fleurish | prêt á voyager

desktopfleurish

July tends to be a time of travel for so many of us, which is why the term Prêt á Voyager, or “ready to travel”, comes to mind. The lovely (free) wallpaper you see above was designed and penned by Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio (who never ceases to amaze me with her talents). Each month we highlight a French word or phrase, and I’ll be honest – it’s been a challenge to choose something that represents an entire month (obviously Bastille Day is almost upon us, so that was tempting). I hope July is filled with excitement and relaxation for you…happy travels! Download the FREE designs here:

simple desktop | calendar desktop

please note that these designs are for personal use only + not available for commercial usage.

desktop fleurish | été

desktop-fleurish-ete

Summer has arrived, and is making it’s presence very known here on the East Coast. Spring temperatures had been lingering (which I was delighted about) but we’ve had 90 degree days (aka hibernation weather for us) the past week. However, as much as I dislike extreme heat, there is so much to love about this season. For me, happiness can be found in a crisp rosé, fresh strawberries, and ice cream (it seems my summertime joy revolves around eating + drinking). Été means summer in French, and I always associate the color green with this time of year, with everything looking so lush after the spring rain. Lindsey Buck created another inspiring wallpaper for June, so welcome summer on your desktop!

simple desktop | calendar desktop

please note that these designs are for personal use only + not available for commercial usage.

french for paris

blossoms-in-paris

 

The blossoms are blooming here in Pennsylvania, despite Mother Nature being very confused (it’s currently 45 degrees). From what I’m seeing on my friends snapchats and images, the blooms are beginning in Paris, and I’m hoping to see them in ten days, eek! I’m crazy busy getting both home + work life in order before I go, but right now I’m making time to review my French. As you may have seen in my French is Beautiful series, I’ve been studying and improving thanks to (my friend + tutor) Carrie Anne James. Even after years of speaking French, I always review and refresh my knowledge before a trip. Speaking the language (even at a basic level) shows respect, makes things easier, and therefore, more enjoyable.

The French for Paris audio program covers all the basics for navigating and enjoying Paris, and while it’s quite comprehensive, it’s not overwhelming. Carrie Anne teaches you to improvise in conversation, not just imitate, as well as offering cultural tips to help you understand why certain things are said (or not). There are also some fun extras, like the “traveling with kids” bonus lesson, which I’m honored to have inspired! Also included in the course is a guide to Carrie’s favorite places in Paris, which I’ve devoured. While all of her program offerings are amazing (see them here), if you have plans to travel to Paris (and France in general), this one’s for you. Tell her I sent you…merci à tous!

image courtesy of Ashley Ludaescher Photography

*my tutoring is c/o French is Beautiful…these words + opinions are my own*

desktop fleurish | printemps

desktop-fleurish-printemps

April has arrived, and with it, allergies spring, or printemps in French. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than April in Paris, honestly…and I’ll be back there in two weeks, squeal! Admittedly, it also gets me excited to go shopping – and here’s a tip: the Printemps department store has the most amazing view up top! Seriously – it’s one of the best vantage points in all of Paris. The lovely desktop/phone/iPad wallpaper you see above was designed and penned by the talented Lindsey Buck of The Hive Studio. Each month we’re highlighting a French word or phrase, and printemps just felt right for April…we hope you agree! Allow me to suggest a glass of Sancerre, paired with this song, as you refresh your desktop.

simple desktop | calendar desktop

please note that these designs are for personal use only + not available for commercial usage.