Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to learn how to surf. The Disney Channel original movies Johnny Tsunami or Rip Girls released in my pre-teen years were my sources of inspiration. I loved the ocean and was pretty good at boogie boarding, but I wanted to do more. Well, fast-forward twenty-one years, and … Continue reading Surfs Up in Lisbon
With a little bit of freedom and a full tank of gas, we were off to explore more of the country we have lived in for over a year. The curfew in France moved to 9:00 pm, outdoor dining had just reopened, and we had a long three-day weekend ahead of us. Our destination? The … Continue reading Pink Salt Flats in the Camargue
If there's one thing for sure, the French enjoy their holidays. Particularly in May. It feels like France has a holiday every other week in May, and maybe that's because it does. There's May Day (Labor Day) on May 1, WWII Victory Day on May 8, Ascension Day on May 13, Whit Monday on May 24, … Continue reading Faire Le Pont: Long Weekend in Barcelona
The long-awaited opening of terraces arrived in France on Wednesday, May 19. Restaurants and bars that are lucky enough to have an outdoor space reopened precisely 203 days after closing for the second lockdown in October. Previously a ghost town, our neighborhood is starting to feel alive again. In the days leading up to the … Continue reading Enjoying the Terraces in France
Hello, friends. It's been a while. My time in the garden city of Augusta, GA, has come to an end as I took an extended break as an expat. I safely arrived back in Lyon at the beginning of May. I was warmly welcomed by Jordan, who was waiting at the airport with a beautiful pink and white … Continue reading Life in the Garden City: Augusta, GA
Happy Easter and Joyeuse Pâques! My Easter update this year looks eerily similar to the one I posted last year. This time last year, France announced the extension of the first lockdown to May 11. Today, the entire country officially enters the third lockdown until May 2. It's hard to comprehend what is happening in France, … Continue reading Easter Update 2021
Spring has arrived! As flowers start to open and bloom, we hoped this would be a symbol for France to reduce the restrictions and start reopening too. But France had the opposite in mind. France has officially entered the third lockdown starting this weekend to try and combat COVID. The British variant is rampant, and production delays … Continue reading Taking A Break As Expats
What does a "normal" day in France look like for us? We rise with the sun at 7:00 am and pour a fresh cup of coffee (cold brew for Jordan). I put my glasses on and turn on my dual-screen monitors; the workday has officially begun. The morning flies by quickly as I catch up … Continue reading Finding Freedom in the French Alps
Can you believe it? This weekend marks one year since we started our expat journey in France. So what has it been like as an American living in France for one year? Scary, challenging, exciting, and delicious are the first words that come to our minds. According to Jordan, "fortunately, I've been able to mask my emotions." … Continue reading Living in France for a Year
French macarons are one of the most widely recognized items alongside croissants, berets, and baguettes. I’ve always loved eating them but recently enjoyed making them. These colorful pastries are perfectly smooth on top with raised feet, a chewy bite, and a decadent filling. But were they always this picture-perfect? Let’s explore the history and origin … Continue reading The History of French Macarons
