Valentine's Day is past but an unusual love note lingers in today's story…. Also, a book you might love: Amour: How the French Talk About Love. Find it in the "Books" section" here. TODAY'S WORD: LA PANCARTE : banner, sign A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse The last moments before Jean-Marc flew to New Zealand for his wine mission were … Continue reading Pancarte: A Funny Sign Taped to the wall of our W.C.
Today, find out why my daughter was at the hairdresser's when she should've been on her way to FINAL EXAMS! Note: After today's post this journal will go on break thru February 8th. TODAY'S WORD: BIEN JOUÉ : well done!, good job!, way to go! : well played A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse I really want to learn … Continue reading Bien Joué! Why Jackie is leaving Lyon
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
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! 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)….
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
Amidst fragrant parasol pine trees, see the charming blue umbrellas, lower right, in front of a highly sought-after restaurant and its terrace over the sea. Hiking down toward this turquoise paradise we had no idea it was a "no clothes" cove… Too late, there was no turning back–not when we'd reserved a table at Chez Jo a week in advance! To View All Photos, click … Continue reading “To get an eyeful” in French: An accidental trip to a “Naturiste” beach
BY CHATJPT Learn French with a Daily Dose of Vocabulary from French Word-A-Day Aix-en-Provence, France – French Word-A-Day, a popular blog that delivers a weekly French vocabulary word, is inviting language learners of all levels to join its community and receive a weekly dose of French language and culture. Founded in 2002 by language enthusiast and author Kristi Espinasse, French Word-A-Day provides readers with a … Continue reading Press Release
In France, a new law is being implemented to minimize greenhouse gas emissions caused by clothing during the summer season. Citizens are encouraged to wear less clothing, with limits falling from 1 kilogram to 700 grams by mid-June, and another 200 grams by July. Failure to comply will result in a fine or civil service. Some towns along the French coast may even require citizens to go about without clothing.
Continue reading The French Speedo is Back as France strips down for the Climate
In this reflective piece, Kristi Espinasse shares wishes for the New Year, emphasizing the importance of love (amour) and peace (paix) as conveyed by the Parisian crowd during celebrations. The author considers personal growth, seeking meaningful words for 2023, including “patience” and “gratitude,” while expressing a desire to move away from negativity. Through scripture, she highlights love as a powerful force that promotes forgiveness and connection. The piece ends with a heartful encouragement to forgive oneself and others, focusing on love as the guiding principle for the year ahead, encapsulating the spirit of hope and resilience. Continue reading Two Most important French words of the Year from the Champs Elysées
