mofa news 8

There is only one thing for it. I’m afraid someone is going to have to run an intervention. Yep, I’ve done it again. I’ve purchased (yet) another guide book. For Paris. A city I’ve travelled to more times than I can remember. Of course, in my own defence, I was always going to buy this book. I’ve admired its author Ines de la Fressange since the days when she was Karl Lagerfield’s muse. I loved her first book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide with its deep red cover. I bought it while on holiday in Queensland (in northern Australia) and I subsequently spent my time poolside immersed in Ines’ ideas on Parisian style. And it was through this first book that I was introduced to my favourite Serge Lutens product – a perfect, compact sized red lipstick! So when I learned that Ines had released a second book it was immediately on my wish list – despite the fact that it was a guide book! I held out until I located the printed version, which is a rarity for me these days. But I’m so glad I ...

Ok. So if you have been playing along at home, you’ll know that details on how French women groom their eyebrows were a little light on . But there is no way in the world that you can say the same for skin. It is extremely clear from everything you read or watch for on the subject that French girls and women take caring for their skin very seriously. And it appears that this attention to skin care begins at a very early age. After everything I’ve read, I can safely say that the French put far more weight in skincare than they do make-up. Or to consider it another way, they invest far more heavily in the canvas than they do the paint. A foray into any French pharmacy confirms this point. Every inch of space is taken up with lotions and potions aimed at ensuring skin is in top-notch condition. And make-up definitely plays second fiddle in a French pharmacy. But, while a variety of serums and creams certainly form part of the French woman’s skin grooming essentials, they also have a ...

Europe – and France in particular – holds such a fascination for so many people.  You rarely come across someone who doesn’t love travelling there. At the moment I have two of my staff (from my day job) heading to European destinations and another one who has just returned. With our own trip now a smidge over four weeks away, it’s unsurprising that we’ve had a fair bit of ‘travel talk’ in my workplace lately. From my perspective, it’s been interesting to understand how different people deal with their travel plans. Generally it seems most of us like to have about 80% of the trip locked down, leaving the remaining 20% for a bit of spontaneity. And the 80/20 approach appears to work. There is enough structure to ensure travellers have a fair idea of their budget or can book special events to avoid the disappointment of missing out and still have room in their itinerary to take any exciting travel opportunities that might come their way. Having said all that, I’m constantly surprised...

You can learn the easy way or the hard way. Personally, I’m always a fan of finding the easy way. People watching is one my very favourite things to do in France – and one of the simplest ways I’ve found to learn about the French people. Whether we are in the big cities or the smallest villages, I can – and do – spend hours everyday watching the locals go about their day. From my selected vantage point – usually a café or a bar – I can take in so much. I’m equally content watching women, men, children, waiters. And the dogs provide an ever passing stream of entertainment. In all honesty, I’m really not fussy about who makes up the passing parade. Via the very simple act of watching alone, I’ve learned so much. About the people, the culture and the way they live their lives. The Secrets Of French Women Now we all know that French women have a brand that’s hard to beat. They are renowned the world over for their ‘je ne sais quoi’ – that ‘special something’, that ‘I don’t know wha...

Before we get into today’s post, I just want to take a moment to recognise the Thanksgiving holiday and to send all of our U.S. readers some love. I hope you are enjoying a time of peace and togetherness. When you stop to think about it, there really is so much to be grateful for in the world. And speaking of grateful, I’m shooting another big ‘thank you’ to one of my favourite bloggers, the fabulous Sherry from  Save. Spend. Splurge   who joins us again with another glimpse into French culture. I really hope you are loving Sherry’s entertaining insights as much as I am. If you missed it, you can check out her first post right here . Today, Sherry is giving us an insiders view into the preparation that goes into a celebratory French style lunch. It’s safe to say that there is more than a little effort involved! Until next time – au revoir. Lunch – French Style We recently celebrated a close friend’s birthday and if you have never been to a Francophone affair, be prepared to marve...

Get to know the most famous châteaux in the heart of the Loire Valley. From their history, royal connections, what there is to see inside, and more. (As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn commissions on certain purchases. Please note, information provided is for entertainment purposes. See our disclosure policy for details.) If the Loire Valley is famous for one thing, it is the stunningly beautiful châteaux that dot the landscape. With its wide open spaces and beautiful forests, this is the area that French royals and nobilty flocked to during the Middle ages and Renaissance. Several châteaux were built in the area as royal residences for hunting and entertaining grand parties, and no expense was spared. Paris was deemed too noisy and crowded . That distance from Paris also meant that many of the Loire Valley châteaux were saved from destruction during the 1789 French Revolution , compared to some of their counterparts in big cities. Today, with the Loire Valley only about 2.5 h...