A wonderful day outside and music

Today I didn't end up going to the museum, although I plan to tomorrow after I finish work at 3:00. I did however search all around the outdoor shopping center for some spices I needed to cook tonight. I also stopped by the bookstore to read some more tips about being French. The weather was gorgeous--in the 80s, and I got to wear one of my favorite outfits. (Most of my favorite clothes, are of course, for the warm weather).

I also, before leaving, pampered myself with lotion and some face treatments, and curled my hair loosely to give a fresh but sexy and natural look. I didn't want to do too much, as I have read time and time again this is very unFrench.

On my playlist while getting ready for my day walking outside in search of my ingredients and to the bookstore, I played "Moi je joue" by Brigitte Bardot and also "Sensualite" by Axelle Red, a Belgium Singer. Also, I listened to Adele "Chasing Pavements" Michael Buble "Feeling good" and one of my favorite songs of all time "You're so vain" by Carly Simon. Although, not all French songs, I love the classical sound of jazz artists and classic songs, in general. They put me in a cheerful and relaxed mood as I sing to them and get ready for the day ahead.

Overall, it was a rather uneventful but very enjoyable day in and out of the sun. Tomorrow, I am definitely taking a trip to the museum and perhaps, ordering some French books I have been searching online to further study for my experiment. Until next time, here is some of the music I was listening to.

-Anne

Dinner and a day off

(Steak au poivre in image is not actual steak I made)

Steak Au Poivre with red wine sauce and mushrooms in butter is for dinner tonight. I have made this dish before, as I am a fan of trying out all different foods--from India, Thailand, Italy, and of course, France. It came out extremely well, and I am excited to have it again tonight.
Since I bought a good quality wine, I think after I use a cup of it to cook the steak, I'll drink some with my food, as well. Apéritif and digestif are also two things I need to add to my meals, as I have been reading many French people enjoy these drinks before and after meals.
Tomorrow, I have a day off. I'm going to wear my effortlessly stylish clothes I already own (not to flatter myself but before this experiment, I had this style down already) take a nice walk, and maybe read something outside. I also have been dying to go to the museum, as well, not necessarily because I want to act French, which consequently will go along with my experiment, but because I have been really wanting to for some time, and as a painter, it's important to keep familiar with the work of others.
I also want to set aside some time for myself to also cleanse my body (of course do this by showering). But I really want to pay extra attention to the details. Make everything pristine and completely well groomed, as I have read many times French women are very rigorous with. Of course, as a woman who loves feminine things, I do this, but I want to pay extra attention tomorrow and take my time. Perhaps, some overall exfoliation, nice music while I take my time, face masks etc... Who knows? I need to let the day guide me in the moment.
This is not just something that is French, but also very Buddhist--allowing the moment to take place. Yes. There are many plans I can make for what to do tomorrow with my day off, but living in the moment then and this moment right now as I am typing is the true joy of life. Even if it is just finishing this blog. Typing one more sentence and one more word. The fact that I am conscious of that, is true mindfulness. Now, that's what Buddhism (which I have recently also begun to study) has taught me, and being French, it seems affirms that idea.
-Anne

New sunglasses and learning what it means to be mysterious

I found my new sunglasses today. I got some chic knock offs like the ones Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Although, a very American movie, I figure you can't go wrong with Audrey style--which I have tried to emulate over the years. From looking at different websites and pictures of French people, it seems, the French have very similar taste. Simple cuts, basic black and white, flats--all very Audrey Hepburn.

So, I have my sunglasses. The mysterious French woman vibe is something I am still trying hard to work on. Telling people details of your life you hardly know at work or in general conversation is so common for Americans--but not for the French! It's interesting each day to catch myself doing this so much and trying not to. The mystery and sexual intrigue of the French woman is one aspect you can't buy like sunglasses--you have to learn it.

Next, with learning feminine mystery is the search for a perfect trench coat and maybe some more flat shoes or sandals. I must say eating things like croissants with hazelnut chocolate every day is very fun and one of my favorite parts of this whole experiment!

-Anne

Croissants, coffee, and being serious

Since Friday, after reading article after article saying French women eat most of their carbs with coffee for breakfast and rarely smile, I have been succeeding and struggling. I've found it very easy to consume various pastries and coffees in the morning while holding off in the evening--but of course-c'est très délicieux! But, I have found it increasingly hard to keep a straight and serious face. Why? We Americans, as it seems, love to smile! The only time I can and will always keep a straight face (and always have before this) is on the bus rides I take to the town center and to work. Why? I have to do this to avoid the many weirdos that seem to think a smile is an invitation for stalking.

However, getting my coffee, running errands, and coming across nice and normal strangers, I always react, smile, and greet them. It is very American to do this, I am noticing--to smile. I feel like, automatically, when I am not concerned about the few weirdos on the bus, and am off of the bus (which is most of my day) I look bitchy and rude if I don't smile. I feel cold, distant--not very nice. Which brings me to the realization at how nice American women are still pressured to be. Certainly, we should not be outwardly mean and swear and be discourteous to anyone who does not threaten us--which is most people--most people are usually kind and go about their business. However, why do we always feel compelled to smile as Americans--particularly as American women? This is something I think that stems from our naiveté about the world. We are still learning as a country. We are bold with our emotions and in your face. The French, part of an old country, are reserved and learned. You have to get to know them to get a smile.

Hard as it may be, this is something that I will work on and will nevertheless strive to accomplish--not always smiling. More than it being a bad thing--I think it is an essential part to completing my social experiment. After all, when I do get to France this year, I don't want to be mistaken for making come ons to the men (as I have read this is what they take smiling at strangers for--even the nice normal ones). I may as well start now--even it does make be appear to be less friendly in the American sense.

Other than that, I have other goals I have to accomplish. I have to spruce up my wardrobe a bit. Although, might I say, I am not your "typical" American. Based off of what I have researched thus far, I already have a pretty French wardrobe. I have my scarves, my ballet flats, straight legged jeans, my colors are mostly black and white. However, there are a few things I'm going to have to purchase to really get that Parisian look. According to parisescapes.com and allaboutyou.com I need to focus on the essentials. I have already actually been striving to create a wardrobe like this since I was around 24 and I realized the person I wanted to turn into was a sexy and sophisticated woman, no longer a girl.... However, there are my times when I get carried away and constantly purchase a new outfit, although a nice one, for going out each week. This is very unFrench, as I have read. Since, French women like to buy a few essential pieces, and if anything update their accessories more frequently. So, I have narrowed down my necessities to a short list of what I will need for the summer and I'm sticking to it. A trench coat is a must, according to most advice on French style or any classic style for that matter! I also need a pair of sunglasses--which, I might add, I have none at all right now! For every day, I need some slim go everywhere black pants, since I read the French rarely wear shorts. This is fine with me, as I don't either! The last thing I will need are some stylish flat sandals--for walking everywhere. Also, perfect for me, since I do walk quite a bit already! The other essentials, white simple shirts, t-shirts, slim jeans, skirts, and dresses, I already have plenty of. And, keeping in French fashion, I should not get more of, so that I can keep as minimal of a wardrobe as possible. Starting this week, I must find the perfect sunglasses. I'll move on to the other essentials when I get my next check! As most advice articles and books about French style say, it's better to spend time finding one essential at a time, as quality over quantity is the key.

As for beauty rituals, I have been paying more attention to skin care, and wearing less makeup. Letting go of my daily routine the way it used to be has been a bit difficult, but with practice, I will practice making my face more and more natural looking each day.

Until next time, I'll be looking for those sunglasses and trying not to smile, although we'll see if I can actually do this for a whole day!

-Anne

Day one: new hair and research

Marion Cotillard was the inspiration for my new hair.

This was my red hair I had for about a year before dying it back.

This is my new shorter hairstyle dyed back to brown.

So, my first day was a bit successful...a bit. Hey, I still have to learn about all of this being French stuff and improve as I go along! I started (this week actually) simplifying my life in general by dying my hair back to it's natural brown color. I was a redhead for almost a year, and decided both for my career aspirations (as I read it's easier to land one as a brunette) and the low maintenance of it. Although, I am naturally a medium brunette, this shade although a bit darker, is close to the rich brown shade of my natural color. I also decided that as of today, I have to stop wearing quite so much makeup. I have to go for more of natural look--all of the articles I have seen say the French are all about a low-maintenance look that appears to be--with much effort put into keeping it up. So, I focused on my skin. Then applied makeup much more lightly than usual. What exactly did I do to my skin and with my makeup? I can't tell you. That wouldn't be French! I have to keep la mystere.
I also took my daily walk to the bus stop to do errands. I guess I'm already French, since I don't have a car and I walk and take the bus! I took my usual leisurely walk to the outdoor shops that are located all around the outdoor shopping area in the town center. went to the grocery store and bought food for tonight's meal: Roast Chicken, yams, fresh salad, and ice cold water. Healthy yet delicious. The chicken, might I add, is very frenchly basted in butter. I can smell the juices cooking as I type this! It is going to be good! And I'm no Julia and Julia. No. I am not trying to master French Cuisine 101. Just making dishes that remind me of a French woman's taste. That's all. After all, I have a lot to focus on. I'm not just doing French food this year, I'm doing everything French--or trying at least!

A lot of what I did today was research. If I'm going to become a French girl, I have to know what I'm doing! While doing research, some of the links I came across are as follows:

http://dir.salon.com/story/sex/feature/2004/01/12/french_women/index.html

http://www.understandfrance.org/Paris/MarriedParis.html

http://thelipstickchronicles.typepad.com/the_lipstick_chronicles/2007/02/how_to_look_eat.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2004/nov/07/foodanddrink.features11

Some of them are tongue in cheek and written about disdain for the British. Others are more about diet and lifestyle. I feel that there is a consistent theme in all of them: restraint. French women, from what I'm learning, tend to restrain themselves more than their English and American counterparts. They eat less, smile less, wear less (not in that way--in a simplicity kind of way) . The only thing it seems they do more of is smoke--which I will not be doing!

Day two, tomorrow, I have to start restudying my French I have begun to forgotten. I can never truly become a French-esq girl without reading some of my French! Until next time, Au Revoir!

-Anne

Why I want to live like a French woman

It's curiosity more than anything. I've always seen so many articles and books about them, it makes me wonder if life really is better in the French woman's shoes. Taking French for eight years, I have always been a francophile. Coming from a mostly Irish/Scottish background, my relatives who were French (particularly my great grandmother) were the ones who had the most influence on me, though. Fascinated by French culture and the allure of the French woman, starting today, I am going to do a little experiment. Living totally French: for at least six months of my life leading up to my trip to France. When will this trip take place? Not sure exactly. But I know it will take place this year. I am determined to ingrain myself in everything French before then. Reading up on my language and practicing it. Eating, sleeping, drinking, talking--like a French woman. Not to change myself because I am not satisfied with me, but more out of curiosity to see why there are so many endless books written on the French woman's allure. "Why French Women Don't get Fat, " "Fatale: How French Women Do It," "Entre Nous: A Woman's guide to finding her inner French girl," just to name a few.

What is it about these women with the less is more idea with makeup, the stylish clothes, the lithe figures--that makes we Americans and Brits fall weak at the knees with adoration and envy.

I must say, though, I will be doing everything French. One thing, however, that is stereotypically French, that I will not do is smoke. As a child of a father with emphysema, I do not find smoking glamorous. The French women can keep this one. It may make you thin, but it makes your lungs hideous, and with my size 7 slim but curvy frame, I'm not looking to lose weight, I'm looking to see what it may feel like to be a little French. Besides, there are many more things to being French other than smoking, and I intend to experience them all.

Here's to being French, and living and loving life in a whole new way starting today. Wish me, "Bonne Chance!"

-Anne