Maximize the Beauty of Your Cut Peonies: Tips and Tricks for Longer-Lasting Blooms

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Every May, I’m gifted bouqets of joy—lush, fragrant bouquets of peonies from my mom and sister-in-law. Their gardens are bursting with blooms, but these aren’t just any peonies. These plants have history. They once grew in my grandmother’s yard, and over the past 50 years, their roots have journeyed from…

What makes white asparagus so special?

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I had my first taste of white asparagus during a springtime visit to Paris many years ago. By early April, it’s featured on menus everywhere in France. Since I love green asparagus, I couldn’t resist giving it a shot—and I’m so glad I did! What makes white asparagus so special?…

The Parisian Dream: Why I Decided Against Owning Property in Paris

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As an American who’s always been enchanted by France, the thought of owning a little slice of heaven in my beloved city of Paris seemed like the ultimate dream. I imagined having a cozy retreat in the heart of the city, surrounded by charming streets, stylish cafés, public gardens, and…

The Timeless Elegance of Hydrangeas: Why France and I Love Them

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Anyone who knows me, knows I love Hydrangeas. They are my favorite flower and have been since my first trip to Nantucket, where the sight of countless blooms against a backdrop of silvery-grey cedar is just magical. It’s no wonder they’re a favorite in gardens around the world. In France,…

The Enduring Elegance of Pale Green in French Dining Rooms

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Step into a classic French dining room, and you may notice a recurring theme: the soft, serene embrace of pale green walls, commonly referred to as vert amande in French. This delicate hue, both timeless and sophisticated, has graced the interiors of historic châteaux and Parisian apartments alike for centuries.…

Classic French Au Gratin Potatoes

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Discover the rich, creamy tradition of gratin dauphinois, a beloved French recipe that celebrates the simplicity and flavor of potatoes, cream, and garlic. In France, au gratin potatoes is usually called gratin dauphinois, a beloved dish from the Dauphiné region in the southeast. It’s made by layering thinly sliced potatoes…

About-Jeannine
welcome to the blog

I began my blog in 2008 as a fun and creative outlet to share musings about my time in Paris, the things I love, making the most of your travels, and how to bring everyday France into your everyday life—no matter where you live.

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