Half our household is ill after Christmas (was it the fruits de mer–or a stomach bug that is going around?). Before I return to my nurse duties, I will hastily post today's story (begun before the stomach storm). If you see a coquille (typo or misprint) I would be grateful if you'd point it out in the comments below. Merci! Today's Expression: se régaler les … Continue reading Regaler + Papilles + Coquilles?? The delight and downfall of our our tastebuds!

A very short and (hopefully) funny story to ease you past the holiday rush. Enjoy. The regular edition will be back after Christmas. All best wishes to you however you may celebrate. A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Yesterday in church I noticed a young man (35ish?) glancing at me. Tall, with longish, rich brown hair, he was a new face at … Continue reading Assumptions, insults, and stings: you can’t escape these (not even in France!)

Before he hurried off to work at the wine shop this morning, I missed the chance to have Jean-Marc record his letter. Worse, it did not occur to us to write it in French (so absent-minded during the holidays!). I admit–j'avoue–I had Google translate my husband's message (Tsk! Tsk!). If you see any coquilles (misprints, typos) feel free to point them out in the comments … Continue reading Dévoiler: Jean-Marc’s bilingual update

Look closely… Jean-Marc has some new products–including truffles!–in his épicerie fine. Stop by his Le Vin Sobre wine shop here in La Ciotat and check them out–along with a vast selection of French wine and champagne! Learn the French word for mason jar and find a selection of the charming and useful French brand, Le Parfait, here. TODAY'S WORD: le bocal     : jar, … Continue reading French for mason jar & The Mystery of the disappearing eggs + truffles!

Many thanks to my friend Beth for sponsoring today's word. Beth writes: Experience Provence at the peak of the lavender season.. Unpack and get to know our French village, with daily excursions to historical sights, markets and secret lavender fields nearby. Join us in our 13th consecutive year, making it easy for you to feel at home in Provence. Early booking discount ends Dec. 31. … Continue reading Bagnole: Mom and I have wheels! (And learn the term “pinces crocodiles”)

"New Day". Smokey reminds us to live simply, slowly, and not to make a cheese about things! Speaking of fromage, tell us your favorite kind in the comments section. Picture taken from our last vineyard. TODAY'S WORD: en faire tout un fromage        : to make a fuss about something      : to make a mountain out of a molehill      : to make a … Continue reading Cheese, Wine, and etiquette: is it bad manners to ask for seconds in France?

Books make great gifts and this one is for anyone who loves France and the French way of life. Click here to order Words in a French Life. Et merci d'avance! Today's Word: les proches (m/f pl)     : loved ones, close family, close friends Click here to listen to the following sentence in FrenchQui n'est pas utile à soi-même ne peut être utile … Continue reading Les Proches: loved ones in French + what brings satisfaction

Levain, in a figurative sense, is "what is able to excite, to brighten (feelings, ideas). Ce qui est capable d'exciter, d'aviver (les sentiments, les idées). This is exactly what I'm feeling today in writing about bread. I hope you enjoy the story and will share it with a bread lover. Listen to Jean-Marc, pictured with this morning's loaf, or miche, here: soundfile–click here to listen … Continue reading Levain: Giving bread its spark of life…in France or in The Wild West

Here is where a themed photo usually appears, above the word of the day. But you don't want to look at potato peelings do you? Enjoy, instead, a picture of our garden from springtime 2018. Strangely, all the red coquelicots, or poppies, did not return in 2019…. Today's Word: épluchure     Une épluchure, c'est un morceau de peau d’un légume ou d’un fruit    … Continue reading une épluchure, les déchets, la poubelle: words in today’s caper…involving compost