La Canne à Pêche: A Highly Amusing (Economic & Time-Saving) Gift Exchange!

The moss on these rocks is "Christmas tree green" and the sea, dazzling at sunrise. TODAY'S WORD: LA CANNE à PÊCHE     : fishing pole A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The first gift on Christmas morning came in the form of sunrays. Clear blue skies and warm temperatures meant our extended family would be able to enjoy a festive meal … Continue reading La Canne à Pêche: A Highly Amusing (Economic & Time-Saving) Gift Exchange!

Joyeux Noël: A Christmas Message from Kristi

I love this scene, photographed a year or so ago at our local Charity shop, Emmaus. Today’s Word: Joyeux Noël   : Merry Christmas!  A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi EspinasseI would like to share a reader comment that is helping me to keep the faith, no matter how many times I stumble, on this, the final countdown to Noël: Help me to … Continue reading Joyeux Noël: A Christmas Message from Kristi

Which is more noble: “l’equilibre”…or “la perfection”? (A Christmas Story)

There is no perfect Christmas. Not in France, not where you grew up, and not even at the North Pole. So relax and enjoy the season. Instead of a word, today's offering is a quote by French philosopher Jean Grenier: "Il est aussi noble de tendre à l'équilibre qu'à la perfection ; car c'est une perfection que de garder l'équilibre""It is as noble to strive … Continue reading Which is more noble: “l’equilibre”…or “la perfection”? (A Christmas Story)

Un Jour à la fois: One day at a time during the holidays + Tarte Tatin recipe

Take inspiration from these jolly characters, left, and hang in there when this holiday season speeds up! More words and encouragement in today's update. Offer a book this holiday season! Thank you for keeping my collected stories in mind for a French-themed Christmas present. Click here to purchase Words in a French Life or another book to put under the tree. TODAY'S WORD: Un Jour … Continue reading Un Jour à la fois: One day at a time during the holidays + Tarte Tatin recipe

Raffoler: A Great Verb for Something You Love (such as dogs and cookies…)

We are all crazy about our new dog Ricci, who gave us quite a scare recently….Nous raffolons tous de notre nouvelle chienne Ricci, qui nous a récemment donné une sacrée frayeur. TODAY'S WORD: Raffoler de     : to adore, love    : not be able to get enough of something A DAY  IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Two weeks ago we nearly … Continue reading Raffoler: A Great Verb for Something You Love (such as dogs and cookies…)

Thanksgiving Vocabulary + Périple: Jean-Marc’s Journey from France to New Zealand & Bike Tour

Jean-Marc and Ricci at Port des Capucins. "I'm going to take her with me to New Zealand!" he teases. Read about my husband's 2024 périple in today's update. Joyeuse Action de Grâce!I can't guarantee that's how you say "Happy Thanksgiving" in French. But I hope you have so much to be thankful for and that your lives are brimming with blessings in any language. In … Continue reading Thanksgiving Vocabulary + Périple: Jean-Marc’s Journey from France to New Zealand & Bike Tour

Punaise! Our Hotel in Paris had a little bug (and not the kind you’re thinking)….

Punaise! When I heard about the bed bug epidemic in Paris, I almost canceled plans to see my best friend. I’m so glad I didn’t let those punaise reports destroy this joyful reunion. TODAY'S WORD: Punaise!   : Darn! Oh no! Oh dear! Punaise also means bug or “bed bug”. The exclamation may have been born of the horror of seeing the crawly creatures, i.e. … Continue reading Punaise! Our Hotel in Paris had a little bug (and not the kind you’re thinking)….

La Fringale: At what hour do the French get the munchies?

On a train journey back from Paris, Kristi reflects on feeling hungry and shares insights about social norms surrounding food in France. She contemplates the appropriateness of eating at unusual hours, specifically her craving for gourmet leftovers after missing lunch. During her trip, she observes fellow passengers enjoying snacks, which fuels her internal debate about breaking cultural norms. Ultimately, she decides to embrace her hunger and eat her meal, finding relief in the absence of judgment. The piece highlights the author’s humorous struggle with societal expectations and includes a lesson on the French vocabulary word “la fringale,” meaning hunger or cravings. Continue reading La Fringale: At what hour do the French get the munchies?

Ratiboiser & Cafi: Two Fun Words from The Olive Harvest

Our story begins in Le Beausset… just over the hill from Bandol. TODAY'S WORD: Ratiboiser     : to chop    : to plunder, pinch, swipe  Ratiboiser also means "couper à ras" (to cut very short). When you return from the hairdresser's and your locks were cut too short, you could say, "Ils m'ont ratiboisé les cheveux. They completely cut my hair!" A DAY IN … Continue reading Ratiboiser & Cafi: Two Fun Words from The Olive Harvest

Joyeux Anniversaire! Let’s blow out some candles & celebrate!

A partir de ce weekend this journal begins its third decade! Here's my sister Heidi's scrumptious chocolate cake to celebrate. TODAY'S WORD: JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE!     : Happy birthday! A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi EspinasseOn Saturday this language and life blog celebrates its 21st birthday. Just think…if it were American it could legally drink. If it were French it could now drive … Continue reading Joyeux Anniversaire! Let’s blow out some candles & celebrate!