What you need to know about Paris

What you need to know going to Paris:

Do not wear open toe shoes. This is a very dirty city.
If it rains buy an umbrella. It rains a lot in Paris and we get 1 week in August usually were it get in the 90 - 95 degrees.

There is no AC pretty much anywhere...

Take your time to figure out the subway system and it takes a long time to go anywhere.

It's OK to get lost. Parisian get lost all the time.

You can get a week pass for the subway in Paris where you can get on the subway as many times as you want. It's cheaper than to use 1 ticket each time you go in. Bring 1 passport picture to use for your pass card.

Parisians wear a lot of black and dark colors.

Do not wear short shorts. Not sanitary with the subway and seating everywhere...

There is a lot of nice people in Paris and they will help you.

Do not jump to catch the subway at the last minute. You could get stuck in the doors and it pinches hard. Although there is always some nice natives like me to help you out and open the doors for you if you get stuck...I have done it many times.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

By Isabelle Thornton

Coconut lavender oil DIY

Coconut oil is used in the French Islands so I used it growing up. I used the Monoi version with gardenia flowers in it. But you can actually buy coconut oil and make your own scents. My favorites homemade ones are Lavender, rose for the body and face as they are calming. I love vanilla in summer and in the sun.

The list of the many ways I use coconut oil:

-In my hair after the shower, it protects and makes my hair shiny and healthy. 

-As a end repair solution on your hair.

-I use waterproof eye liner and a little bit of coconut oil will remove it like magic. Great makeup remover.

-A tablespoon in the bath water.

-As emergency diaper rash ointment.

-On my hands and body. 

-In the sun it keeps your hair protected and your skin nourished. -Great to protect your hair from chlorine in the pool.

-Great for cooking. replace oil or butter by coconut oil

Coconut lavender oil

Small glass jars. I got mine for $4 at walmart for a set of 4

1/2 cup Organic coconut oil

1 drop Lavender organic essential extract oil. 

Stems of Lavender.

In a bowl add 1 drop of lavender oil to 1/2 cup coconut oil and stir well, fill your jar. Add a small stem of lavender to the side.

Because this oil is used on the face only one drop of lavender is sufficient, for body and bath, you can use 2 or 3 drops.

Side note: Use rose organic essential extract oil and a vanilla bean for the other versions.

I love tags with gifts so I made this printable tag of coconut lavender oil pic in case you want to give it away as a gift at a party or for your friends. This is great for VT also (little gifts when visiting teaching a friend for church ). Just click copy and paste. Print it and make a hole with a puncher. Tie it with a ribbon or twine. For personal use only

7 Creative Ways to Enjoy France Even If You Are Not There Physically

The French have always been a fascinating people with a rich history. It is not surprising that many would like to have more experience with French culture. Here are seven creative ways to connect with the rich French culture:

1. Eat French Food- One of the best ways to connect with the French culture is by sampling their delicious food. Crepes are a French food that can be eating for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, depending on what they are filled with. They are much like a thin pancake and can be filled with anything from eggs to chocolate. Other popular and delicious French foods are Foie Gras, Brie Cheese, Cassoulet, and of course their assortment of delicious French breads.

2. Watch French Movies- French movies are a great way to connect with the French culture in a stimulating way. There are many classic French films that would still provide great entertainment today. Some examples of great French movies are Amélie, Breathless, The 400 Blows, Jules and Jim, The City of Lost Children, La Haine, and many more great films that would connect you to French culture.

3. Learn to Speak French- An important part of French culture is obviously their language. It is said to be one of the languages of love and is beautiful when it comes off the tongue. If you are still in school it would benefit you to take advantage of any classes that your school offers pertaining to France, and specifically the French language. If you are not in school there is still the option of French classes at a local community college. There are also many "teach yourself at home" options, which are normally on tape. This option would appeal to those with heavy schedules and little free time.

4. Read French Novels- After learning the French language, you may be looking for a way to put your new-found knowledge to good use. Reading a French novel is the perfect outlet for this new skill of yours. Some popular French novels are The Count of Monte Cristo, The Little Prince, Madame Bovary, The Stranger, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and many more titles.

5. Research French History- It has been said that One cannot have a future without understanding their past. The French have a rich and interesting history that is still present in France today. It would benefit anyone who is interested in France to verse themselves in French history. One particular form of French history that is still a large part of present-day France is their art.

6. Plan Your Dream Trip To France- If you are interested in enjoying France without being there physically, it is likely that you aspire to visit the beautiful country someday. A way to follow that dream is to start planning your dream French vacation now. Even if you are not at a place in your life where it would make sense to take a trip to France, it would still give you the opportunity to research French attractions that you would like to take part in when you can actually make it to France.

7. Hang a Picture of the Eiffel Tower In Your Home- The Eiffel Tower is probably the most iconic representation of the country of France. Having an image of this incredibly famous landmark in your home can give you a little slice of France from the comfort of your own home.

Author Jason Harter enjoys traveling and blogging. He is a contributing writer for travelinsurance.org.

After school French snack or Nutella tartine

Nutella tartine is an open face sandwich. Very favorite in France.

This is a pretty tour d'Eiffel plate. I got it a long time ago.

I got the glasses because they have the shape of the Bonne Maman preserve's jar. Apricot there. Yum!

Do you have a favorite after school snack?

French party on Monday

Witch tea party and French cookies i grew up eating in France

I made this very easy tea party for the kids. I wanted them to know some of the cookies i grew up eating in France.

Joining the Witch party at Frosted Petunias

They can't wait...Playing already...

We had lots of cookies and cupcakes from the store.

I used some fabric for the center of the table. Easy.

The cupcakes have witches' hats

We had hot coco. It is getting cooler here...

Black and white Toile China

Here are the cookies from my childhood:

LU. Pim's

World table. Rasberry tartlette

Milano melts. Dark classic creme.

Happy Halloween!

X men first class review

I used to read the X men comic books when i was a kid. I even made wings out of card board and somehow attached them to my back. I daydreamed i was Angel. I would run around with my wings outside...I wish i was a kid again.

X men first class was the best of the X men movies. It is that good! 

The characters's backgrounds are very fun...You should see it. Fun.

We ate at Blue Fish restaurant for sushi.

Super good! I love Sushi.

And i love fish eggs...It is a delicacy in France. We eat them at Christmas on toasts.

I always ask for extra eggs on my sushi. 

Moroccan Fashion and Amber Shaw Photography

I spent 1 month in Tunisia when i was 19 years old, with my friend Leila and her family. We were mostly at Raf Raf beach...Few days in Tunis. The Capital. Tunisia is an Arabic Country in north Africa. 

France's fashion is very much inspired by the Arabic fashion. It is called Moroccan fashion. I love this Maxi dress and pretty embroidered shirt. From finding this outfit to a photo shoot...

Romwe ring Win it HERE

Vintage shirt

Vintage skirt

Fioni sandals

Amber Shaw Photography

What Countries inspire you?

Linked to Between naps on the porch

Craft.O.mania

French Country party invitations

This picture is from the Graphic Fairy. I played with it on Photoshop.

Used the bandage erasing tool. Erased the print and replaced it by my text.

Then printed them in wallet sizes.

Chose the color of blank card stock.

Then i chose 2 different fabrics. A tassel.

Fringe the gingham fabric with scissors.

I added a button and cut the back with my jewelry pliers.

Glued it all together. You can hot glue it too. It is faster. I used a small glue gun.

You can also place the tassel on the bottom to make a mark page.

Put a hole on the top and pretty ribbon for a tag.

French Country living Party !

The party links are on my bar.

French Promotion and treasures

Nothing like French treasures to make me happy ! Don't you like this tray and Eiffel tower cups !

They are available at French Bleu vintage.

She has a collection of French treasures to die for !

This heavy duty, extra large and beautiful French shopping bag is free with any $30.00 purchase from FrenchBleuVintage !

Log cake from the Fairy party tutorial

The Fairy Log cake recipe...In France, we make a log cake every Christmas for the Christmas eve diner...It is a classic and there is many recipes for it. Here is one of mine...

Log ice cream cake

1/4 tsp salt,

3 eggs,

1/2 cup Aguave nectar or 1 c sugar,

2/3 cup fruit sauce (2 small already prepared sauce cups),

3/4 cup flour,

1tsp baking soda,

Ice cream for filling (chocolate here),

I used Country berries..

My own eggs...


Beat all ingredients together, pour in a pan with edges...line with parchment paper...

Cook, oven 375 degrees until a little golden...

Cover with a clean cloth...

Roll...and let cool...

Unwrap roll..
Get ice cream (chocolate here) out of the freezer , let it melt enough to be workable...Spread some on roll. do not spread when roll is hot!

Roll and place it back in Freezer...

When frozen enough, cut the ends at an angle...

Place one end on the top of roll...

Spread chocolate icing....line it with fork...

Put it back in freezer...


Pink Mushrooms meringue

4 egg white,
Pinch of salt,
1/2 cup Aguave nectar or 1 cup sugar,
1 tsp strawberry extract,
red food colorant
White icing to link pieces.


Beat egg white until forming hard picks..

Fold in sugar, strawberry extract and red colorant till pink...
Pipe in...with round end, make flat hats and little mounts for body..
Cook 225 degrees, on parchment paper until hard to the touch but not too brown....

Let it cool,
 Attach with icing...Keep in air tight container but not fridge or freezer...

Got flowers and butterflies from dollar store...washed them...cut the flowers out...

Before serving assemble mushrooms and flowers....triangle pattern in grouping of 3 flowers, 1 mushroom and 1 butterflies...
Pink and green sprinkles ...
Make sure it is not too frozen when serving LOL.

THIS IS SO GOOD!!!
ENJOY!
HAPPY WEEK-END
Frenchy

To view the Fairy party, click here