No matter how hard I try, I can't make today's image match today's word. Picture taken at Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris.
une lèvre (levr)
: lip
du bout des lèvres = half-heartedly
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronouce today's word, the expression, and this sentence: Download MP3 or Wav file
Elle a des lèvres expressives. She has expressive lips.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
On Thursday Smokey and I were feeling inspired to film another video. It would be a good way to take the mind off Friday's dermato appointment (bad news, the new year will begin with more stitches…), and so we threw our collective energies into demonstration—a cake demonstration!
I dusted off the dining room table before setting out all of the ingredients for the traditional French gâteau au yaourt. Jean-Marc happened to be passing by, and his unexpected appearance made me nervous.
"Ça va la star?" As soon as he saw the video set up he couldn't help but poke fun at the self-styled présentatrice. And it didn't help things to be caught wrestling our handicapped dog up onto the dining chair.
"Oui, ça va," I said casually, grabbing Smokey's slippery legs and heaving my furry cohost up onto the seat only for him to come tumbling down on me once again.
Jean-Marc shook his head.
Never mind what he thinks. I'm going ahead with my project! And so what if my husband's presence is unsettling, this is a good opportunity to learn to block out all outward distractions! …But first, I might put the outward distraction to work.
And so I had Jean-Marc hit the "record" button for me, seeing as it was several feet away from where I was sitting (admittedly on top of my cohost, should he slide off the set once again).
Jean-Marc did as I asked, only he couldn't help but try to frazzle me on his way out the door (stopping to wave at the camera and, in so doing, dispelling my concentration).
Never mind – just get on with it, I told myself. With the camera rolling, I grabbed the bottle of vegetable oil—as one would grab a baton—and I ran with it!
So much goes through the mind while the body tries to remain poised before a camera. As I cracked the eggs, their shells as stiff as my own exterior, I realized that seconds were elapsing without words. Say something! You've got to say something! I panicked.
"In France we have these beautiful brown eggs…."
After a bit more stammering I caught sight of my cohost, who was having a sudden attack of stage fright. Pausing to mollycoddle Smokey almost cost me the rest of my concentration, but soon we were back on track.
The video was finished before we knew it and I decided to go ahead and upload it for our Youtube subscribers, a modest number of viewers who might, if we were lucky, have a thing or two to say about my and Smokey's latest vlog effort.
But before uploading the clip, I stopped to review the footage and that's when I noticed how parts of it were unflattering. Specifically, there were a few "middle-aged moments" that made me cringe.
"There are some bad angles," I admitted to Jean-Marc. "I look a little old."
Jean-Marc smiled, "that's because you are old!"
His sourire broke the news to me softly, and though he was teasing I saw glimmers of truth and was surprised by the effect that truth had on me. I felt energized! No, I was not old, but I was no longer a young woman either. With this realization I could now begin to enjoy the freedom of not having to try to look like one.
"I'm posting the video!" I smiled and hurried to my room to upload it.
Only, once the video was live, it wasn't thinning skin or a slackening jaw that drew my attention, it was a bizarre puckering reflex that caught my eye. On viewing the footage I noticed how, every minute or so, my mouth would suddenly contort. I watched, amazed, as my lips screwed up and over to the side. It looked as if I were trying to suck something out from between my front teeth, something like chewing tobacco!
The ungraceful gesture taught me a thing or two about myself. One, no matter how much control we impose on our bodies to remain poised, there will always be a little unruly part of ourselves hell-bent on breaking free, and two, no more excuses about my bad French–with pucker lips like these, pronunciation ought to be a cinch.
Enjoy the video and thanks for your tips on how to improve!
The recipe for the yogurt cake is found here.
French Vocabulary
le dermato (dermatologue) = dermatologist
le gâteau au yaourt = yogurt cake
Ça va la star? = how's the starlet
la présentatrice = the show host
oui, ça va = yes, everything's fine
le sourire = smile
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To TIM SNIDER:
The professional approach (perfectionism) you are talking about to Kristi very often takes the heart out of matter. Think of that.
To all striving to look good at any age:
Ms. Tanaka face massage. Three parts. English over Japanese. Good bye aging. Hello to looking fit and radiant at any age.
https://www.google.com/#hl=en&tbo=d&sclient=psy-ab&q=youtube+tanaka+facial+massage&oq=youtube+tanaka&gs_l=hp.1.1.0l2j0i30l2.0.0.1.3166.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0.les%3B..0.0…1c.PdE7LaGW-ek&pbx=1&fp=1&bpcl=39314241&biw=1301&bih=929&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&cad=b
I enjoyed your video Kristen and having taught for close to 40 years, know that videotaping yourself as you have done here is brave. I think you presented the recipe in a fine way, which can be followed by anyone who wishes to make the yogurt cake. That includes me. You were very natural and beautiful.
Along with others above, i find the appalling comments of that one self-absorbed disagreable person not helpful. Quel con, as my French friends would say.
Hi Kristin,
I so enjoy your videos with Smokey. All teams have to have a straight man and that is Smokey. I think your video would make a great show on TV, especially with the family waltzing by every once in a while with comments. Eat your heart out Julia!
Sorry to hear that you will need stitches again. I will keep you in my prayers.
Oh, forgot to tell you and Jean Marc that everyone loved the wine I brought back from your vineyard last spring, especially my husband.
Kristi,
Everything was very good! You are not old at all, you look very young, and I mean it!
Smokey R. Dokey was a good boy.
I completely disagree with Tim Snider,”broadcast professional”. Keep on doing what you are doing.
Good luck with your upcoming procedures. I’ll pray for you. You will be fine.
Olga.
To Tim Snider: You have missed the whole spirit of this blog; the airwaves are clogged with the unwatchable detritus of “broadcast professionals” like you…Kristi’s video is natural and charming and you should learn from her! “Chain the dog” and “makes you look like a flake”???? You have officially identified yourself as a heartless, ignorant know-it-all. Keep your half-baked opinions to yourself!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for baking the yogurt cake on video for us to watch. Reading the recipe is different from watching someone combine the ingredients. It really helped!
Merci beaucoup
From what I can glean from the web, Tim Snider is an unemployed (oh, “self-employed” – EXCUSE ME ) chump who thinks his poop doesn’t stink cause he used to work for CNN. Well, why aren’t you working for CNN anymore, chump? Could it be that they got tired of dealing with an ascerbic jerk who had a third rate education and no talent? Go back into your hole, Snider, and let us enjoy the fresh and innocent Kristin as she is. We don’t need to see her packaged into some phony “Iron Chef” routine.
We love you and Smokey, Kristin. Don’t listen to this Hollywood wannabe. Those of us who know REAL professionals, know that people like Snider are just pathetic. He is not in L.A. and he is not in France. He is a nobody and we will not speak of him again. Say a prayer for him and continue to make us happy with your blog and videos of French life.
P.S. I am so glad to have this recipe to try. When I was an “au pair” many years ago on the Ile d’Oleron, my French “mother” made a similar cake with ripe cherries. She called it a “clafoutis.” Used the same method of measuring by the yogurt carton. I will have to try to make it soon. Thank you for sharing and for being your beautiful self!
@Ellen from Beverly Hills (and Kristin), I too Googled this Tim Snider. And indeed, he hasn’t worked in broadcasting since the end of 2007, and is now self-employed “managing properties.” (Apartment building super? Who knows.) Also, he lists only schools he has attended, no degrees conferred.
Kristin, I wouldn’t take his comments seriously. He sounds off, maybe a bit angry.
We all love your videos!
Our dear Kristi,
This video was absolutely WONDERFUL!!
Your written words are always so descriptive and give us the privilege of being included in your life; today’s blog made us feel like we’re having a cozy tete a tete, made only better by that heavenly torte!Smokey was so well behaved, and Jean-Marc’s saying hello made everything complete.
I don’t believe that you can not conquer any challenge you set your mind on.
You’re gorgeous,from inside to out.
Love, Natalia XO
I love the video and smokey is a doll baby. The recipe is one I will try soon. Awesome video. My Labradors Stella and Mini Pearl will want to sample the mix. From Tennessee and smokey is the UT Vols mascot’s name 🙂
Kristi
Thank you, Kristi! I love to bake and will make this for my family over the holidays. Great video, no apologies necessary. You are awesome.
Haven’t seen the video yet. I still think you need to enlist the help of Jacquie to hold the camera and do the taping. How long does it take? a couple of minutes?
Stitches or no stitches, beauty comes from within. It is always what is on the inside that really counts.
Hmmmmmmmmmm….strange no one seemed to agree with “Tim”. Nothing “inside” that person.
Kristi, I think you should pitch a cookery program to one of the Food Channels on TV – you and Smokey are naturals – what fun to watch a cooking program set in lovely Provence, with proper french recipes provided by your family and friends, involving them all (it was great to get a glimpse of Jean-Marc, so funny) with a proper French dog in attendance – parfait!
Well now, let me first echo all the comments posted against Tim Snider. A true professional would never criticize another artist’s work, but give gentle hints for improvement. Guess he won’t be watching anymore .. good riddance to you sir.
Secondly, you prefaced this video with the most hilarious commentary that bordered on slapstick. I watched for all the clues you pointed out and when they surfaced, indeed, I burst into laughter. Get some new ‘chawin’ tobaccy’ girl. Maybe even grease your lips with some of that cookin’ oil.
Thirdly, you are one of the most enviably and exquisitely natural beauties I’ve ever seen. One could easily mistake you for a Scandinavian princess, yet you portray yourself with innocence and grace. You are truly an ageless beauty.
Yes, keep making videos with Smokey!! (leave it to an American to have a DOG as a co-host at the kitchen table!!). Aw heck, let him even lick the bowl once in awhile. What do you care!
We subscribers delight in your candidness, your humor, your innocence and especially applaud you (with just a little envy) for living the hard sought after French dream. You have found your calling my girl. By Jove, I believe we have a reality show in the making!!
Can’t wait for the next edition (en France svp)
I meant to say: en français s’il vous plaît
WOW! Kristi, you are getting so good at video presentations! Even from the debut if this one, to le fin you improved. I have an idea I’d like to run by you…. 😉
Hi Kristin, ‘love anything you do, be it short stories regarding french life, your beautiful photographs which describes your activities and also the videos with Smokey. You are perfect on camera. I did not notice any lip puckering or any nervousness. Not to worry about the stitches, this is very minor. God bless you and your family always.
We just watched Kristin and loved the new video along with all of your other readers.
Ditto sentiments re: Tim Sniders bizarre comments by the way! Totally ignore those…
You and Smokey are adorable! You as always look beautiful and Smokey is certainly the perfect cooking assistant. How well behaved.
Fun to see Jean Marc enter the video as well.
Definitely you must continue this fun addition to your blog, with a “vlog” as you call it. I have made the basic French chocolate cake and it was scrumptious. Will see if we have time to whip up this one this week, now that I am newly inspired to do so. Thinking of you from Salon and hoping all of you are keeping warm. Did your heat come back on? We so hope so. Joyeux fetes et we will eagerly await the next entry and video bien sur. Two naturals!
Terry and Sandy
We love you dear Kristi, & just be your warm, lovely self! Your video was brave & authentic, and it is wonderful to see you at home with dear Smokey. Thank you for inviting us in! Stick with your integrity, & the community has your back 😉 Support for the upcoming stitches too. xx
Love you, dear one. Love the video, too, si charmant…toujours.
I will be making my annual trip to St. Paul de Vence in Feb. Would I be able to visit your farm while there?
Hi Kristin…always love seeing you and Smokey. -I will make the cake.. what kind of video would I like to see? Well… can you get Jean-Marc to film you at a local farmers market? I would love to see all the different vendors!You could show us what is available..and give us an idea of what to cook!
Merci! as we say here is south Louisiana…
‘lache pas la patat’ !
Johnette
I loved the video except for the comment about how French women stay so thin – please, please stop that type of commentary – you are saying you are different(not Julia Child) and Smokey is definitely different so please don’t make comparisons.
This is not a complaint, just a suggestion. I love the video even though I am not a fan of yogurt cake. Smokey is still my very favorite YouTube star.
Kristi,
Ithought this was wonderful. thank you for sharing a quick, simple recipe – just in time for the bustle of the holidays!
We EARN the lines on our faces by our attitiude. Each line can remind you of a lifetime of smiles. Crows feet and mouth “brackets” are from laughing and enjoying life. You don’t get those from frowns and growling.
I greatly admire your hands – so elegant!
Hi Kristin,
We had so much fun watching you and Smokey bake. You’re natural and wonderful. Don’t change a thing.
We love your co-host and your interactions with him are hysterical. His tongue hanging out makes the food look so good. We may even try the recipe. It sounds great.
We look forward to the next “Adventures with Smokey.” It’s like a mini-visit with you. We love it!
Happy Holidays from Jack and Marcia on our boat in Bequia, the Grenadines.
Tim’s comments are completely unwarranted obviously, and also completely unforgivable. I’ve seldom been so shocked. He must be a really sad person, in need of a great deal of help.
I enjoyed the video immensely, and look forward to more. I have no specific suggestions; whatever you choose will be a delight to watch. I’m not in the least interested in baking, for example, but as I said, I loved it. I’m sure you won’t let one poor pathetic soul spoil your day.
Absolutely charming…your personality comes through so well, and that is why you have so many loyal supporters and well wishers. It was so nice to see you and to learn about the famous cake. Thanks!!
Hi Kristi, and judging by the amazing number of posts loving your video,it was very successful! Of course having a great supervisor like Mr. Smokey always helps! You are both so photogenic, and your voice is very soothing, and sounds almost as good on video as it does in person, hard to do since recorded voices are always a bit distorted.
Tim’s comment is totally uncalled for, and he obviously doesn’t get the point of your blog, no matter how many times you explain it!!
If we wanted a “professional” tv cooking show, we would turn the tv on et voila! But only beautiful, funny, warm you can connect with your viewers the way you do, the guy is obviously jealous…Can’t wait for the next one, and how about throwing in a few more French mots?
That was just so lovely! Smokey is adorable as your sous chef. Definitely do more of those videos. Xxx
The video was sooooo lovely with Smokey ‘helping’! You are both such stars, Smokey with his trade mark floppy tongue and you looking so beautiful. what a good assistant! Just off now to walk Lucky – one of my doggie fans who sings when he sees me.
Alice – Oxford, UK
RE: Tim. Inutile de dire quoi que ce soit.
RE: Linda Casey. Ditto.
RE: Kristi. Delightful
I can’t believe Smokey is so good while you are both talking, cooking, videotaping. Our dogs would have been all over the table. One of them stole our first grilled steak off the table when we were newlyweds. Another one took the Thanksgiving turkey off the platter and onto the floor. For the video just seen, two medals are to be awarded – one to the hostess with the mostest (You) and one to the coolest canine co-host ever (Smokey). You go, girl, we all love it. Tim has been banned from the FWAD Fan Club FOREVER!.
I loved this natural, simple video. The dog sitting next to you and being so camera shy in the beginning was so sweet.
Want to make the cake…your pan looks larger than what I have…what size pan did you use?
Kristin, Love the authentic French recipe, and the easy way to remember the ingredients. You are very natural and beautiful on camera. Smokey is very charming and so well behaved! Watching this makes me feel like a neighbor visiting. I agree with one of the comments about being able to hear a demonstration like this totally in French! While living for 6 months in France I had a French tutor who didn’t want to be paid. I cooked for her and she would help in the kitchen and tell me all of the french terms for cooking. It was great fun and the best way to learn a language! I can’t wait to try the recipe out.
Mr. Snider, in some of your own words:
Embarrassingly BAD post…
Learn kindness
Practice
Write thoughtfully and learn the art of encouragement
Chain the judgment ..it distracts and makes you look like a flake
Get a prof attitude and use it
Julia dropped food on the floor and kept on going
Please stop
It ruins your reputation
Your mom will not boast
So so unprofessioal
And NOT charming..
Gwyn
Kristen, We should all embrace our “flakiness”! Its what makes us different and interesting and who we are!You are most definitely NOT old! and you are one of the most naturally beautiful women that I’ve ever seen. What a wonderfully down to earth video! Keep ’em coming.
So well said Gwyn! let’s hope we don’t get any more snide remarks. This comes from a S African follower of Kristin and Smokey
Kristen, I made your cake for Larry’s birthday in Senas. I used Frozen Rasberries.I had to cook it an additional 15 minutes because of the Frozen fruit.
Yum!
Saved the receipe and will use it again and again. So simple! Each time I will smile and think of Smokey “helping” you prepare it.
Senas, France
Kristin,
I loved it and forget about that “old” business. You are not old. You are just maturing and in a very beautiful way. I have been reading since the beginning and you and your writing and photography have grown, improved and changed in wonderful ways. Your videos will do the same, of that I am certain.
Regarding Mr. Snider- I loved your mother’s response. I could feel her snarling and protecting her cub. And Gwyn had the most perfect rejoinder. After today, he is back under his rock and we need never speak of him again.
Sherry
I love this video, my dear! You have great courage and did a fantastic job. So cool that Smokey joined you and was such a good puppy. I’m going to try this recipe with ingredients converted to fit our allergies. Merci!
Dear Kristin, I loved the video! You were funny, beautiful, and so natural. And Smokey was such a good dog! Whatever you choose to video is fine with me. It’s delightful to see and hear you. Thanks for sharing them with us!
(And I hope that Tim was sufficiently chastised and never makes an appearance here again! Shame on him. You are adorable just the way you are!)
Kristin, this is really sweet and charming. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, and your co-star is irresistible!
I watched the video moments after you posted it on facebook, and made the cake before an hour had passed. The cake was perfect and delicious! I sliced an apple and spiraled the top with the thin slices and a little sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar, having used less sugar than the recipe called for. It was so pretty! My daughter took half to work the next day sprinkled with a snowfall of confectioners sugar, and her co-workers pronounced it delicious! Thank you so much!
you do not look old and I didn’t even notice that thing with your lips. tres charmant!
This was my first Kristin video and it was great. So nice to see a recipe with such easy direections and non exotic ingredients.
As for criticism: “Honi soit qui mal y pense…”
Do you ever make Buche de Noel? I’d love to find a good recipe for one with nutella. Thank you for all your lovely stories! And recettes!
Kristi, tu es tres Jolie dans tous les facons!!!!!
No stitches can spoil your beauty, By the way, looks like I’ll be having an endovascular repair of my abdominal aortic anneurysm on the 4th of January. We can be with each other in thoughts.
Seeing your video (loved it) was like visiting you again. Thank you so much. Fred
To Tim Snider,
As a retired actress and teacher, now at 84 years old, I cringed when I read your comments. No decent professional would have been so crass, so snide, as to make such negative and deriding comments. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Yes, Jules is right. GET A LIFE.
(Keeping Tom Snider in mind)
How to Cultivate Loving Kindness
“..Loving-kindness is unconditional friendliness—a quality of allowing and welcoming human beings and their experience. Yet before I could genuinely express this kind of acceptance toward others, I first had to discover what it meant for myself. .. ”
http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1804&Itemid=0
http://www.wisdomheart.org/2011/cultivate-loving-kindness/
http://www.innerpathway.com/resources/free-video-clips/28-loving-kindness-how-to-cultivate-it.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-nichtern/buddhism-beliefs-cultivat_b_577891.html
Dear Kristin and Smokey,
You make a lovely host, Kristin, and Smokey is the perfect co-host! Keep this up and you will be nominated for a uTube award I am sure!
7 month old Lucy was here again today. She just had that certain surgery and was running around like a wild child. If only she could meet Smokey and learn a bit of restraint! Mon Dieu!