5 French Fashion Facts

 
1) Everyone wears scarves. No matter the temperature or age, wear a scarf. At the park you will find babies & toddlers wearing very fashionable scarves neatly wrapped around their necks. I can just imagine how American parents would be alarmed by the strangling hazard.

2) When in doubt, wear all black & a scarf.

3) Throw on a leather jacket, a blazer or a trench coat and you will instantly look more chic.

4) Forget your heat tools & hairspray. French women don't fuss over their hair and manage to look très chic without doing anything to it. The only thing that appears to look less French than over styled hair, is wet hair. Wet hair says you are running late in a unfashionable way.

5) Accessorize with a scarf and a great handbag. No need for makeup, statement jewelry or anything else when you are walking around in high-quality basics and a great handbag on your arm.

Bonus: While smoking & looking very unsatisfied with life looks very French, I don't recommend it!

5 Frugal Food Facts For Francophiles

1. Street food is mainly cheap & delicious. Think crêpes ($3-4), baguette sandwich ($3-4), as opposed to a cafe lunch ($15-25 per person without alcohol). Time Saving Bonus: street food doesn't slow your day down with leisurely table service (or an impatient waiter).
2. ALWAYS request a "carafe d'eau." If you request it, they'll bring you a free pitcher of tap water. If you just ask for water, you'll end up with a bottle of water ($5-8). Budget killer. 
3. For breakfast visit a bakery. Breakfast at a cafe can run $6-10 for just a croissant & coffee. Instead, explore one of the many bakeries (called boulangeries/pâtisseries) that are everywhere & enjoy a delicious pastry that will only cost you $1-4. 
4. Buy drinks at the supermarket. Bottles of water & sodas are very expensive on the street ($3-8). Yes, we went to a cafe at a park that wanted $8 for a can of coke!!!! No thanks! I'd rather have my free carafe d'eau & then head to a bakery for some delicious macaroons, a fancy pastry, or a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).  Instead, find a Monoprix (like France's Target), Franprix, or even in the metro vending machines where you can buy water & sodas for around $1 each. Great for when you are walking around exploring. 
5. Splurge on French delicacies. With all of these money saving tips, you will be able to enjoy the finer French goods that don't come cheap. Ladurée or Mariage Freres for tea & macaroons; 2 pots of tea & 4 macaroons $40. Angelina's world famous, rich, thick, creamy delicious hot chocolate $8 per person. Do not miss out on these experiences, they are what you will remember for the rest of your life!

5 Facts I Have Learned About Myself Living in France

I have been living in Paris for a month now and reflecting back, here are a few things I have learned so far:

1. I don't mind wearing the same 20 pieces of clothing on constant repeat.
2. I need a smaller house. Living in a tiny 2-bedroom apartment is amazing! Yes, even with 2 small children.
3. When you are only allowed a few things due to space limitations, you end up having fewer, but better things. Things you truly love.
4. I am capable of growing a thicker skin and it feels good (Many thanks to the Parisians).
5. Money spent on memories rather than material things is money well spent! I might not be wearing haute couture from head-to-toe, but I'm wearing a huge smile because I'm living a really blessed life & I have everything I need and more.