I’m Jeannine, an American with an enduring love of France—and an avid interest in art, design, décor, food, travel, and just about all things French.

My love of France began in seventh grade, when my homeroom teacher mistook me for an exchange student because of my name. She taught French and insisted that I learn the language. That chance encounter eventually led me to France, where I studied abroad, taught international business communications at the University of Lille, and later studied fine and decorative French art history at Christie’s in Paris.

Over the years, I immersed myself in French culture, history, art, and the everyday rituals that define the French art de vivre. I came to appreciate that living well in the French way isn’t about grand gestures or expensive things. It is about paying attention—to beauty, craftsmanship, food, surroundings, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.

When I returned to Chicago, I missed many of the things I had come to love in France. I began finding ways to bring that sensibility into my own everyday life and sharing what I discovered with others—from home décor and favorite recipes to French products, traditions, and experiences.

For more than 20 years, I also rented a small apartment in my beloved neighborhood of Passy. It became my home away from home and gave me the chance to experience Paris not simply as a visitor, but as part of my everyday life.

That experience continues to shape what I share here: ways to bring everyday France into your everyday life, no matter where you live.

When I’m not writing or traveling, you’ll usually find me with family and friends, listening to good music, exploring somewhere new—or enjoying a glass of Champagne.