French-ifying

I currently have a mild obsession with all things French. I know, I'm pretty late to the game on this one.




It all started when I stumbled on some articles on their food philosophy. Three delicious, leisurely meals a day. No snacking (except a 4:00 snack for the kids). Red wine, tiny cups of espresso, and fine dark chocolate enjoyed slowly in small daily quantities.




Dinner is served in courses so people linger at the table longer to savor the food and each other. Kids learn patience and an appreciation for flavors and textures.




So we've started applying these principles at our house. Instead of serving everything at once at dinner time, it's salad first. Wait til everyone's done. Main course. Wait. Then a small dessert, like a piece of chocolate with pecans or strawberries with a little powdered sugar on them. And so far so good! The boys love the new style, eat all their salad, and hang out at the table much longer. And I feel better knowing that, for a change, it takes longer to eat the food than it took to make it.




We're taking walks every day and trying to take time to enjoy simple pleasures. Like flowers! Between the flowers I pick from our front yard and the ones we've been walking to get from the local florist, we've got little bouquets all over the house. Love it!




We've watched French movies several nights this week for inspiration. ( Anyone have any recommendations?) I browsed through Paris travel books in Barnes and Noble. I drank wine at lunch. I ordered just regular espresso for the first time. I chose my pretty pajamas instead of my regular tank top and boxer shorts. I didn't snack. I had chocolate and homemade sprouted wheat bread for breakfast. I picked simple, rustic French recipes to try for our dinner meal plan. I put on good smelling lotion more often. You know, French things!




So I've never actually "been" to "France". Maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be. But a girl can dream, right?
Hope you have a great weekend!
Arian