Life with no dryers

When I first arrived in France to study abroad in 2008, I was shocked that my homestay mom was only going to allow me to do one load of laundry a week. But I soon came to the realization as to why, no dryers  and no line to hang up laundry either !


Even now in our apartment, I can easily do 5-6 loads a week, and there are only 2 of us !  All of our clothes, towels, etc all add up and add weight on our drying rack. I have already broken a few !

Sometimes I can admit I miss a dryer, especially when I spill something on my favorite shirt that I wanted to wear later in the day. In the States, I could easily slip that into the dryer, but in France I would have to wait 2 solid days to wash then dry it particulary when it's pouring rain and not a speck of sunshine in the sky.

But having no dryer does have it's perks. It saves money and electricity (because if you didn't know electricity is expensive in France and gas too.). It takes up space and there is no room for another electrical appliance in our apartment. We had to get rid of counter space for a dishwasher !

our whirlpool washer

Do you think you could live without a dryer ?

Picture of the Week USA Style : Paris, Kentucky

While I was home my family and I decided to take a trip to see Paris, Kentucky and compare it's site to that of Paris, France. You can be the judge on which Eiffel Tower is better !

Paris, Kentucky

Paris, France

Picture of the Week : Versailles' Garden

Here are some pictures from Chateau de Versailles gardens from a while ago.

Picture of Week USA Style : Ice cream

One of things that I really miss from home, besides the obvious my family and friends, is ICE CREAM.
Particulary Graeters. Graeters is for the moment ( I heard through the grapevine that it may be going national) a Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati chain. It was known for being irrestible and french pot ice cream, so maybe that's why I love it so much.

Double Scoop : Coconut Chip and Mocha Chip

As you can see, I sure ate a  lot of Graeters while I was there too !

 One day in Paris, I did get creative and made ice cream from scratch without a machine, thanks to this wonderful webpage kevinandamanda.com ! Only it still didn't taste like Graeters, it was missing some of the creamy goodness of Graeters, but it will have to do for now.

from top to bottom : pistachio, coffee, strawberry banana

Now only if Kentucky can send hot weather our way I will be able to enjoy it !

New Layout

Bonjour All,

So when you stumble upon the blog today, you will notice lots of changes. I decided to get rid of the old layout and create a new layout. A layout that is more of my personality and I also didn't want the typical Parisian blog. So, I went with a view from the Champs-Elysees which is one of the highlights more than the Eiffel Tower of France. I love how the French light up the streets at night and how the statues and architecture are really highlighted.

Let me know what you think because your opinion is important. See you soon,

Flash Mob Air France Style

So mad that I missed yet another Flash Mob ! and it was at the airport too about 5 days ago.

On a funny note, Air France's pilots are now on strike, I guess the men (because I have never seen as woman pilot) were offended by this flash mob à la femme (woman). haha

Hello ! Bonjour !

 It seems like forever since I last wrote, probably because it has been. I have had way to much on my plate, work, work and more work and meetings like almost every day, so the blog had to be put on the back burner for a little while.

Plus I went on  a short vacation to the states. It was my first time back to the states since I moved to France three years ago, so it was pretty important. I did loads of fun things and will post pictures as soon as I have the chance, keep a look at for the one about Paris, Kentucky !

And now Ramadan has started... meaning no food or drink during daylight hours (4am-10pm) and this is for a month so today til August 18 with a huge party on the 19th.

Our dinner from last night and probably are dinner tonight made in under an hour : Eggplant and Potato Kebab with Rice, Salad and Red Lentil soup,  a great way to start Ramadan off on the healthy foot.

If you are interested in reading something specific about Paris, France, or Europe, don't hesitate to comment. Your IDEAS are welcome.