I love a good holiday movie. Christmas cookies, a blanket, a glass of wine or hot cocoa, and a movie is the perfect cold-weather weekend activity. There are always a few movies I have to see each holiday either on the plane ride to see my family or snuggled up at home on the couch. My movies may be different from your favorites or remind you of a movie you forgot about. I hope this inspires some cozy nights at home. Did I miss one of your favorites?

The Best Holiday Movies

Stepmom

This one makes me cry every time and I know the ending. I find it relatable as Isabelle is a photographer and Ben reminds me of my nephew Bobby. I just love Julia Roberts and this one is a heartwarming story.

While You Were Sleeping

This is a movie I forgot about until recently. It takes place in Chicago which I love. It’s an older movie but a great love story. A fun one to watch.

Home Alone

I recently watched this again on a flight to see my family for the holidays and I forgot about how good it is. I was laughing out loud.

The Holiday

Hands down the one movie I have to watch every holiday season. My sister and I both love it and we usually watch it together. I can relate to the movie so much and I discover new things each time I watch it. There is a great message in the movie about love. I am a mix of Amanda and Iris.

The Family Stone

I didn’t see this classic until recently and I just love it. It’s such a great family Christmas movie with a love story. It is very relatable being home for the holidays and meeting future in-laws. A fun one to watch.

When Harry Met Sally

This is more of a Christmas/New Year’s movie to me. I love the story and it is a classic to watch year after year.

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25 French Brands You Can Buy in the US

When I first started the blog, the concept was, “how to bring a little bit of Paris into your everyday life.” After traveling and staying in Paris for months at a time, I finally moved back to Chicago full-time. I was homesick for Paris, the blog was my solution to keep Paris in my life. Now I am constantly reading articles I round up for you on Sundays, which helps me stay connected to the city when I am gone. I still travel back to Paris a few times a year, but if you can’t make it as often as I do, I hope the blog brings Paris to you. This was a reader request and I was so happy that a good amount of you was asking for this. Here are 25 French Brands that you can buy in the US that will bring Paris to you.

* This post was originally written in the early stages of the blog and has recently been updated for new French brands I have discovered and new brands that are available in the US.  If there are any favorites I am missing, post them below and share them with the community.

25 French Brands You Can Buy in the US

French Fashion Brands You Can Buy in the US

Saint James

The classic French stripes of Saint James are a wardrobe staple. I have one hanging in my closet from a few years ago that I purchased in Paris that I still wear. There are many stores around Paris, and if you find yourself in Soho, you can shop at the NYC location. You can always purchase online, and they make great gifts. This is the classic long-sleeved version.

They also have this super cute side button sweater for the colder months.

French Brands You Can Buy in the US Longchamp

My first Longchamp was during my first trip to Paris in college. I was so excited to go into the store and pick the perfect color. I have bought more Longchamp bags over the last 15 years than I admit. I have mini, small, large, and travel sizes. These large weekend sizes are perfect for travel. My sister has one, too!

One of my favorite features about these bags is they fold up so easily. I throw one into my suitcase for Paris, and I can use it on my trip when I am out and about. It is so lightweight, and you don’t have to worry about it getting wet because it is nylon.

LONGCHAMP WEEKENDER $145

BUY NOW

French Brands in the US Sézane

Sézane first started as an online retailer in Paris, which then grew to L’Appartement, the first concept store. There are now locations in Paris, London, and NYC. They have recently added pop ups in Boston and Seattle.

Sézane is a lifestyle from fashion, shoes, and home décor. Each month, a new collection is released. The styles are limited and go very quickly. You can sign up for their emails or get the app for notifications when new collections are about to launch. The Gaspard sweater is one of the blog’s best sellers. You can check out this blog post with more details for questions on sizing.

French Beauty Brand Avène

I highly recommend having Cicalfate Restorative Cream in your medicine cabinet. This cream will amaze you at how much you reach for it after seeing this cream’s magic healing wonders. Cuts, burns, scrapes, you name it, cicalfate cream has got you covered. I also have the hand cream on my desk and in the kitchen; it was the one product that helped heal my chapped hands during the winter months.

The basis of this French brand is its thermal water which is found in their beauty and skincare products. You will find this in French pharmacies all over and it is affordable. I currently use their RetrinAL and love their mineral sunscreen. Definitely stock up on this if you can squeeze it in your bag home from France.

French Lingerie Brand to Buy in the US Chantelle

Chantelle is available at Nordstrom Lingerie is a key part of a French Girl’s wardrobe. What I love about Chantelle, in particular, is that it is made for so many sizes and shapes. This is one of the few brands I have seen that is size-inclusive for bras. The price point is around $60-$90 for a bra, depending on the style. You can see ideas on how to Frenchify Your Lingerie here for more brands and ideas.

Laguiole

Laguiole is a brand you will find all over France at markets and restaurants. You will recognize the handles by their signature style. Their knives are probably the most well-known product. I currently own the regular knives and the steak knives made by Laguiole. They also make beautiful flatware sets, bottle openers, and serving pieces.

Repetto

I had my eye on a pair of Repetto ballerina flats for months. I would walk by the store in the Marais all the time. I got them as a present for my birthday while living in Paris. I absolutely love them! They are delicate, so they aren’t my walk-all-around Paris kind of shoes. But they are great with jeans or a dress or skirt. They are expensive but will last a while if you take good care of them.

This is the Audrey Hepburn ballet flat that so many other shoes have been modeled after at different price points for years.

French Fashion Brands You Can Buy in the US Maje

There is a Maje store on Oak Street in Chicago if you want to explore the brand in person. You can shop directly on their site for French Fashion. Their pieces are pricey and investments, but I personally love them. They often have sales. You can sign up for their emails for discount alerts. You will see a Maje or Sandro store all over the city of Paris. There are even a few Stock (outlet) Maje stores. You can see all locations on their site here.

French Fashion Brands You Can Buy in the US Sandro

My first Sandro purchase was a wool coat at the end of October. I was convinced I would be warm enough in a leather jacket until the weather broke, and I couldn’t make it. It was a bit pricey, but I found it at a discount, and five years later I still wear it and love it. There is a Sandro Stock (Outlet) in the Marais on rue de Sévigné. If you have the chance, I highly recommend a visit. You can still purchase Sandro here in the States at retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. The pieces are investment pieces, so don’t be put off by the price.

French Shoe Brands You Can Buy in the US Veja

I love that this French brand is sustainably made. These have been on my radar for a while now and I just purchased my first pair of Vejas in size 8. I needed a new pair of sneakers that were an upgrade from my Madewell favorites.

Ba&sh

Barbara and Sharon created this French brand for women by women and it shows in their designs and products. You can buy Ba&sh directly on their website or at select retailers like Bloomingdales. I don’t own anything from the brand yet so I can’t speak to sizing but you can check out recommendations here. 

Polène

Polène has been on my radar for years and when I finally had the opportunity to get back to Paris, I made a point to get to the store. It was a quick walk from Adèle and Jules and some of the other girls joined me. We all walked out with Polène bags, I got the nano in black. I couldn’t love it more. There is a larger size but this one fit my frame best. You can try them on in the store. They have a variety of colors and sizes on display. Once you choose the one you want, they will get you a brand new one from the back.

Sizes and styles come and go quickly. Some girls had to return to the store later in the week to check on a new delivery. There is an NYC location and a San Francisco location in the works. They ship to the US now if you want to shop directly online.

French Home Brands You Can Buy in the US

Cire Trudon

Cire Trudon manufactors their candles in Normandy France and each one has a specific scent and store. Their candle making dates back to the 17th century. I fell in love with the mint candle when exploring their scents in the Paris location on the Left Bank. Scents such as a Christmas tree and chimney fire are part of their holiday collection. Positano and Tuileries with rose notes caught my eye.

They have a few stores in Paris and operate out of NYC on Spring Street in the US. Several retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Saks sell Cire Trudon candles. The price points range from $55-$260 for their room defusers. Larger candles can be up to $700.

French Home Brands You Can Buy in the US Le Creuset

I recently started collecting Le Creuset when I moved in with my now husband. We have a few pieces we love and use on rotation. You can choose one color and do a constant theme or mix and match colors. I baked enough bread in my Dutch Oven to last a good while back in 2020. The Dutch Oven would be my recommendation for a first-time purchase, and build from there. If you aren’t sold on Le Creuset just yet, I loved this article with more of the history and process that goes into each piece here. 

French Home Brands You Can Buy in the US Staub

I love my Staub Dutch Oven and I am so happy I purchased it. I have the cast iron one that helps cook meats and lock in the juices. They are all investment pieces but they are built to last a lifetime. I purchased white which I would advise against as it is hard to keep clean. I would love this stacking version as a wedding present. 

Diptyque

The first addition to my new apartment in Chicago was a Diptyque candle, the scent was Baies. Since then, I now own about 5 different Diptyque candles. They are all around the apartment from the coffee table, bathroom, end table, and entry. I personally love the Figue and Rose scents the best. These candles are a bit on the pricier side than normal candles but they last forever and their fragrance is beautiful. You can easily reuse the glass container to hold makeup brushes and other small collectibles. They make a great gift too! I just got the Tuberose candle in the mail from a client and it was such a sweet surprise. The original store is on St Germain de Près in Paris. Make sure you stop by in Paris if you are close by.

They do limited edition candles including the city candles, holiday, and special edition Paris candles.

Kerzon

Kerzon is another French candle brand you can buy in the US. They are known for their candles that are named after different parts of Paris and have different scents. I have the Place des Vosges candle that I got from Nordstrom. They sell quickly and they are hard to keep in stock. Keep an eye on Nordstrom if you want to purchase one. You can also buy the candles directly from the Kerzon website. I have the new Eiffel Tower candle that was sent to me as a surprise gift from the brand.

French Brands You Can Buy in the US

Compagnie de Provence

I discovered Compagnie de Provence in Paris a few years back. Their bottles and branding are beautiful but also their scents are lovely for the home. I purchased a set of these at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and I already want backups when these finish. It is a simple way to add an upgrade to your kitchen or guest bathroom. I am currently loving the Rose scent right now.  

French Beauty Brands You Can Buy in the US

Klorane

Klorane is the brand behind the cult favorite dry shampoo. You can find this brand available at just about every French Pharmacie. I use the Mango shampoo and conditioner and love it. It smells fantastic and works well with my hair. While visiting Paris, I have always found the pollution and water to kill my hair. Staying loyal to Klorane and only washing/conditioning my hair a few times a week really made a difference. I would love to try some other scents like Peony, which sounds amazing. I also love their eye patches for puffy eyes before or after traveling and their toner.

Caudalie

I am all about good skincare. Caudalie is one of my favorite French brands. Their instant detox mask is a favorite of mine and one of the brand’s best sellers. It fills about half of my bathroom shelves, and I can’t live without their lip balm, I have one in each bag. If you have the chance to get a facial at Caudalie, I highly recommend it! I love that their products are all-natural, and it is an approachable price point.

Petit Marseillais

Petit Marseillais is a Bath and Body brand that can easily be found in Monoprix (French Target) or a Grocery Store. I purchase it as my body wash ( lavender or vanilla) and my hand soap as soon as I arrive in Paris after checking into an apartment rental. The prices are reasonable under $8, and the scents are great and smell so fresh. I used to bring it home in my suitcase. They can be found in the US via Amazon

French Beauty Brands You Can Buy in the US Sisley Paris

It is no secret that Sisley is one of my favorite skincare and makeup brands. I use it daily for my cleanser, masks, and mascara. A little goes a long way and I have seen great results. Favorite products include their so intense mascara, their Sisley Hair Rituel serum, exfoliating mask, and eye mask (I never fly without it) I love their lipstick twists too!

French Kid Brands You Can Buy in the US

Petit Bateau

I first learned about Petit Bateau while studying abroad in college. I used to buy their t-shirts for crazy low prices and loved them. I bought the kid’s sizes but just on the significantly larger end. They worked out great! Now that I have a niece and nephew and friends with babies this is a great gift! I love the soft cotton and classic French style. There are Petit Bateau all over Paris. They have great Sales, so if you are in France, make sure to pop in and visit. They offer some Petit Bateau on the Saks website, but the best offerings are on Smallable.

French Skincare Brands Mustela To Buy in the US

Mustela has always been my go-to baby gift for friends and family who have new kids. It is fun and different to bring to a baby shower or send to a new mom. The products are made in France from natural ingredients. The lotion smells so good and it was fun to bring something home from Paris for the kids. You can find this available directly from their website or on Nordstrom, Amazon, and Target.

French Brands You Can Buy in the US Sophie the Giraffe

Sophie the Giraffe has become famous for teething babies in the States over the past few years. I picked up one for Emma at the grocery before she was born. It was pretty inexpensive. You can buy them online at Nordstrom, Pottery Barn Kids, and Amazon. Sophie now has other toys and books as the brand has extended. The original Sophie was started in Paris over 50 years ago.

French Food Brands You Can Buy in the US

Mariage Frères Tea

In the colder months, I always start my day with a hot cup of tea and make a pot in the afternoon. I love Mariage Frères tea and usually pick up some in Paris. If you can’t make it to Paris, my friends at POSH sell it. You can also buy at Neiman Marcus and Amazon. I love the Marco Polo Rouge and the fruity green teas like this one.

Maison du Chocolate

I love an excellent praliné chocolate. Maison du Chocolat is a great French classic brand that makes an excellent gift for you or something to bring home. They do have a location at CDG Charles de Gaule airport if you need to grab a box last minute. I prefer dark over light chocolates. They also have a fun advent calendar they put out every year.

Bonne Maman

You are probably familiar with this brand from your local grocery store. Did you know it is French? You can find it in just about any grocery in France in various flavors. They have some fun seasonal flavors and an advent calendar each holiday. The advent calendar is a lot of fun and sells out quickly! I have the apricot and strawberry flavors in my fridge now. The jars can be reused to repurpose in your fridge for other things like salad dressings or spreads.

*This post does include affiliate links that help contribute to my coffee and croissant research fund. Merci!

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Home Furniture Wish List

Dining Room

The dining room is the project I am most excited about this year. It is a project we both agreed to and we just need to figure out how to configure it to make it work. We would love a space to entertain friends and family. Our kitchen table fits four, five maximum so this would be the best option if we are having a dinner party. Since I moved in during the pandemic, we haven’t entertained much.

We fell in love with this table which offers an extension that would probably work best with our smaller space. This way we could pop in the extra piece to add additional people to the dining table. These are the chairs we love to pair with the table. Sadly, the table is out of our budget and we are looking at other options. We are also playing around with the idea of an oval dining table which would help with space and it was very trendy in Paris this year. I kept seeing them all over in different shops.

Living Room

We don’t need a new coffee table, I would like one. I have had the terrace coffee table for years and it is excellent and has held up so well but keeping the glass clean each week is a challenge. I would love to do something black and my husband wants something less chunky and clean. The room isn’t too big so we want it to look larger than it is. I originally chose this one but leaning more toward this cleaner one that looks similar to the current table but is a different color and has no glass. We originally ordered a coffee table at the start of 2022 and it arrived at the end of the year broken which was a shame but it also made us realize that it was way too low to the ground so we need a higher table

We originally ordered a navy sofa from Interior and Define. It has been 6 months and way past our expected delivery date and now the company is having financial issues and the chances of us getting our couch are slim. Most likely we will move another leather couch in the room to balance it out and make room for the dining room space.

Dining Room Additions

I also purchased new pillows to change up the space. We needed more nap pillows for winter at home. The fireplace is such a great feature and my husband decided to add a Samsung tv to the wall to replace my gallery wall so we could watch tv in the room.

Currently, we have large bookshelves which feel too bulky for the room. I would like to break up the bookshelves with something lower profile and put one on each side of the fireplace. This would also require us to go through some of our books and donate and purge which wouldn’t be a bad idea. I am leaning toward one of these bookshelves.

Kitchen

One of the pieces I am most excited about for our home is this kitchen cabinet I ordered in January. We currently have a piece that doesn’t work anymore in the space and I would love to have all of our dishes tucked away nicely here.

We do eventually have plans to redo the kitchen and if we extend the kitchen cabinets to the end of the room, we would need to find another home for this piece which I already have ideas for. I had the chance to see the piece in person when I was at Crate and Barrel doing our registry last year and it will be great in our kitchen.

When we do the kitchen over, I will be swapping the lighting out over the island but we can’t decide on anything just yet.

Outdoor

One of the spaces we used the most in 2020 was our little outdoor space which was amazing to have. Like most people, we struggled with finding outdoor furniture and had to wait for months or longer to get the pieces delivered. We ordered a bench that never shipped and ended up buying a piece online to fill a temporary need in the summer. Our other bench has seen better days and is now future firewood plus, Henri chewed part of the wood coffee table.

I would love an overhaul of the backyard space this summer. Our neighbors have some great patio furniture that I am envious of. We haven’t decided on anything yet and I keep pushing for a larger dining table for outdoor meals. So this is up in the air until more outdoor furniture is in stock at retailers and we can plan better. We have a small but lovely space for a little herb garden and flowers and this really becomes an extension of our place when the weather warms up. We have been eyeing planters like these that we would like to line our space with for flowers.

A few years ago, I purchased a table and chairs from Wayfair which has worked out great. I would love the authentic French Fermob version in green.

Hallway

I really would love a leaning mirror for our hallway. I think it’s good to have a full-length mirror and I would prefer a beautiful statement piece like this one. It would be great to see it in person before making the big purchase. I am not opposed to finding a large old frame and having a mirror put in as well.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission at no cost to you for items purchased from my links. Merci!

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How to Take Care of Your Diptyque Candle

My first Diptyque candle purchase was when I came home from Paris and moved back to Chicago. I wanted a little piece of Paris in Chicago. I chose the Baies candle because I loved the scent and it also happens to be one of my most popular scents and best sellers of Diptyque candles. If you are looking for your first one, this is usually a top choice. I have moved on to like things a little lighter included Fig, Rose, and Tuberose as my new favorites. These are always burning at home if you have followed me on Instagram you know this happens often, especially at the end of the work day. It is an expensive habit to buy and keep Diptyque candles in the house. I also love gifting them to friends. It is one of my favorite birthday presents and housewarming gifts to bring.

Buying a Diptyque candle is an investment and it is important to know how to properly care for it so it lasts long and you enjoy it.

Burn Time

With any candle to ensure an even burn (no tunneling or uneven wax residue left on the sides as the candle burn down and the wax melts, do a “memory burn” the first time you light any new candle. A “memory burn” is to train the candle to burn evenly down to get your money’s worth of burn time. The first time the candle is lit the wax pool or melt all the way to the edges of the candle. Burn the candle for at least two hours the first time you burn it.

Trim The Wick

Before lighting your candle, trim the candle wick to 1/4 ideal length. Also, it is important to keep the glass clean on the sides of the jars and doesn’t over-heat your candle and waste product. This will help prevent an uneven burn. You can use a candlewick trimmer but even kitchen scissors will work in a pinch.

Realign The Wick

After a good burn, just make sure the wick is sitting upright & center before the wax cools – but be careful!

Safety

Never leave a lit candle unattended.

Temperature

Keep your candles out of direct sunlight, in a cool space and they can last for years. I keep mine in a candle drawer and tuck away seasonal candles. Temperature control will keep the oils and the wax happy together in balance.

Favorite Candles

For something light and refreshing for the kitchen, I love Fig. It smells so good when you have a clean kitchen and it is burning. This one is not strong. I prefer to burn different Diptyque candles at different times of the year. In the fall and winter, I love the earthy scent of Feu de Bois. It smells like a campfire or fireplace fire and guys tend to lean towards this scent.

If you are looking for a gift for him, this is the one I always recommend first. For a first-time candle gift, the Baies candle is always a top option. For the kitchen, I love the new Droguerie odor removing candle with basil. It smells so good and really makes the kitchen smell fresh. This is now one of the top sellers on the blog. In the summer months, I love Tuberose, Rose, and Jasmine. The Tilleul candle has a beautiful scent of Linden trees which remind me of my trip to Nice, France a few years ago.

Fig

Tuberose

The one I have owned the most and keep rebuying. I love the way it smells.

I love repurposing my empty glass containers too.

To repurpose the empty candle jar, fill the container with hot water and remove the leftover wax with a paper towel. You can also put the candle in the freezer and the remaining wax will pop out. Just make sure to hand wash the jar with dish soap at the end so you can preserve the label.

You can fill them with makeup brushes, fresh flowers to use as bud vases, or small items to keep things organized on your vanity.

This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my links. Merci!

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All photos of me are by Rebecca Tyler Photography

Boll and Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets

I have been a customer of Boll and Branch for years. I was introduced to the brand by a high school friend and I have been a fan ever since I got my first pair of Boll and Branch signature hemmed sheets. They get softer every time you wash them and are essential to my bed. I gifted my brother-in-law and sister a pair last year and they asked for a second set this year because they are just that good.

After a long day, I love nothing more than to crawl into clean sheets. Henri can’t resist jumping up for a cuddle before bed. He loves to watch tv in bed with me or sit next to me while I read.

Good bedding is an investment and I have slowly been purchasing items from Boll and Branch year after year. After the signature hemmed sheets came the waffle blanket, then the duvet cover, and pillows. I recently added additional layers to my bed with a quilted comforter. Chicago gets so cold in the winter and this extra layer is essential.

Boll and Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets

For weekend naps, Henri and I love the sweater blanket and Heathered Twill Oversized Blanket that we keep on the couch.

There is a summer sale for 20% off that ends on July 26th. Use the code SUMMER23 at checkout to take advantage of the sale.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission at no cost to you for items purchased through my links. Merci!

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I have been putting off cleaning out my closet for months now. I moved in two years ago this month and I felt organized for a short while. And I purged a lot before moving out of my old place because I went from having three closets to one. The new space is lovely and I have no complaints about the change of space. As I am sure with most of you, I wear the same clothes on repeat every week. I have my favorites at the top of the pile that keeps getting washed and worn.

This summer, I am motivating myself and hopefully you to clean, purge, and get organized. I love having projects around the house and I typically do them on the weekends when I have downtime. This usually happens on Sundays since I am working on prepping links on Saturdays. I have plans to organize the kitchen pantry, move my office (to a new location), and finally clean out my closet.

Below are some of my favorite Amazon Organizational Items. Most of which I own and love. Some, I need and ordered after doing this roundup. They should be here later this week in time to tackle my summer projects.

Amazon Organizational Favorites

Do you have summer plans to organize and donate? I would love to know!

Label maker

I had to put it first as it is probably one of my favorite things on the whole list. I ordered this a few years ago. And it is still thriving minus one battery change. I look for every opportunity to make a label in the house. It’s easy to do and makes me feel a bit more organized.

These hangers are a game-changer.

I bought them years ago when I moved into my apartment. They were a lot more expensive back then. It helps clean up my closet and make everything look cohesive. Any dry cleaner hangers are returned to them for recycling.

Cutlery organizer

We have a drawer for basic cutlery and we also have a drawer for serving pieces and kitchen tools. These drawer organizers make all the difference.

Stasher bags.

The hype is real! I ignored these for so long until one was placed as an extra in an order. So I immediately wanted to use it. I pop this in the dishwasher to clean and I am always using it weekly in the fridge with produce.

Clear plastic drawers.

These come in a variety of sizes making them easy to organize even the smallest items. I ordered these for my bathroom and front entry drawers. Hopefully, the end of cluttered drawers. I will report back.

Bakeware adjustable rack.

This was a request from my fiancé who wanted to organize our baking cabinet. Life hasn’t been the same since. These are inexpensive and a great solution.

Catch all charging mats.

This is a great addition to a desk or entry table. Throw your phone on it when you walk in the door and your keys on. I am always searching for my phone which is usually next to my keys after I walk into the house. This is so smart.

Multi plug outlet.

This combines a regular outlet with USB plugs. We have one of these in the kitchen and it is so helpful to run the mixer and charge my phone at the same time.

Knife Organizer.

We have one of these but we need a larger one now that we combined knives from the two households. This is so ideal to keep large and sharp knives safe and organized.

Over-the-door shoe organizer.

I have this in my closet and it is helpful for flats, sneakers, and sandals. Boots are larger and are placed on the floor. This is a simple and inexpensive solution to keep things organized.

Rubbermaid kitchen organizers.

I use these for EVERYTHING in my kitchen. In my dream world, I would have a pantry filled with them. You can use them for both the fridge and pantry. I have gotten my family hooked on them.

Under the sink organizer

I have had a variation of this for years. It makes life so much easier when you can grab what you need from under the sink. This one is expandable based on how much room you have and the two tiers are nice to add multiple items.

Reusable grocery bags.

We have these and they are so helpful and sturdy. Way better than any of the canvas bags with a reinforced bottom. Leave these in the car when you are done to avoid bag fees.

Sweater bags

If you are limited on space, these are great to pack away sweaters or blankets. The see-through window allows you to see what you have packed away.

Drawer organizer.

I ordered these for my workout clothes. The drawer is deep and I can’t see anything towards the bottom. These are inexpensive solutions.

Underwear drawer organizer.

A great option to keep your bras, underwear, and socks organized.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased from my links. Merci.

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Gallery Wall

I recently switched my black and white gallery wall to a wall of Italy prints from my recent trip. Also, I thought this would be a great opportunity to share tips on what I have learned when it comes to creating your own gallery wall at home.

I kept the original frames and swapped out the prints. Since I purchased the frames with the ability to switch out the prints, it is much easier to do. If you have the prints professionally framed, you won’t have this option.

Pick a Theme

Last time, my theme was Black and White Paris, I have done a Paris Gallery Wall and most recently an Italy Wall.

Pick a Favorite Piece and Build Around It

I always tell customers to do this when selecting even a set of 3. Choose a favorite piece and build out from there.

For my Italy Gallery Wall, I loved this print from Capri.

Build Around Your Biggest Piece

If you have to large pieces, make sure to balance them out with smaller pieces in between.

Access the Space and Map Out Sizes and Placement of Pieces

You can do this slowly over time. It doesn’t have to happen all at the same time. If you are collecting pieces, just leave place holders.

FRAME OPTIONS

The frame options are affordable and of good quality. I picked up a few from Target, Ikea, and CB2.

Work with a pre-designed frameset. Or you can use Framebridge that will professional frame the images in their frames. You won’t be able to swap the prints out, but this is still a good option for a gallery wall.

Target has affordable ones. This 12 set of frames is under $100

West Elm also has great options. You can choose the size you want and order multiple of that size or a variation.

Frames from Framebridge

Hang or Lean Your Frames

I purchased my photo ledges from IKEA but you can also get them from Pottery Barn.

Pro Tip: Lay every frame on the floor before hanging and making holes. I always suggest customers use painters tape for the size of the frame to get an idea of what spacing will look like.

Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix and match frame colors and sizes. Also, a mixture of horizontal and vertical gives the wall variety and dimension.

Space Your Art 3″ Apart

Don’t crowd your art. Give each piece the space it deserves to be admired.

Use a Grid System or Be Creative

If you like things more uniform, it’s best to use all the same style of frames and sizes. If you want to be more creative, you can mix and match frames and sizes.

Make it Personal

On my Italy gallery wall, I framed a postcard from my hotel in Positano. It isn’t a photograph but I loved the little sketch of the hotel facade and thought it would be a fun memory of that particular trip. Get creative on different non-photos you can frame, I was looking for a menu to frame but due to COVID most of the hotels didn’t offer paper takeaway menus. I am still on the hunt for one in Paris.

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Wayday is happening this week at which is a great time to save on items you have had on your eye for home from Wayfair! I have had some luck finding some great pieces from Wayfair over the years. I was surprised to find they have big brands like Kitchenaid and Le Creuset.

My first Wayfair purchase was last Summer when I bought this garden ladder. I used it all Summer and it was perfect for planting and especially in small spaces.

I just purchased this outdoor French-inspired Bistro set for Henri and me to enjoy coffee, wine, or a meal outside. It will be here next week. There are so many fun colors but I settled on white.

I have this Au Revoir/Bonjour mat at my front door now.

This full-length mirror is perfect for the home. I don’t have one currently in the new space and I have lived here for almost a year. This is a great find.

I bought this Dyson Vacuum for home which is great at picking up crumbs/food/dirt in the kitchen.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission from items purchased from my links (at no cost to you). Merci!

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I had a lot of requests to continue the Frenchify Series outdoors. Now that we have warmer weather, we can social distance in our gardens, patios, and balconies and bring France outside. You can transport yourself to Paris with these chairs from Luxembourg Gardens or play pétanque in the backyard.

 

Make sure to dress the part. A Stripped Breton shirt from Saint James will do the trick.

 

 

These chairs are replicas of the Luxembourg Garden chairs. For whatever reason, the minute I sit in these I relax and could easily fall asleep in the sun. It may be because I walk a crazy amount (10 miles a day) in Paris. They aren’t cheap (about the cost of a plane ticket to Paris) for a set of 2 but if you can splurge on something, this may be it!

If you have room for an outdoor bistro set, this table and chairs are so cute and French. They come in a variety of colors to match your decor. I love the red but also classic black works great too. Can you imagine sitting outside drinking lemonade reading a book and sitting here? I love it.

My first Paris apartment had these chairs in a teal blue. I think the owner bought them at Ikea. The color did nothing for me but now that I found them in the States, I am tempted to buy a bistro set.

This one from Wayfair is under $150 for the set.

If you don’t have outdoor space, you can always find a spot to picnic. Pack some wine and cheese and you are good to go. For how to host a Parisian picnic you can see this post.

Don’t forget a good book to enjoy in the sunshine

 

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Every Friday, I water the plants. It is my way of ending the work week and transitioning into the weekend. Plus, having a specific day that I water the plants always helps me remember to do it.

Henri is very into the plants, mostly digging in them. So I figured if he helped water them each Friday with me, he would see me caring for the plants instead of destroying them. A few weeks ago, he knocked down a big planter right after I watered them. He was guilty but adorable.

This post was inspired by our weekly watering sessions. I wanted to round up some of the simple but beautiful pots we have for plants. Perhaps, it will inspire you to update your pots or dive into having a plant or two. If you absolutely think you will kill a plant, try the snake plant. It can survive on very little light and sun. I have held onto mine for years and it sat alone for weeks at a time while I traveled pre-pandemic.

Henri and I need this adorable watering can as an upgrade from our current green plastic one.

Places to Shop for Planters:

Target Smith and Hawkin

Pottery Barn

Williams Sonoma Home

Serena and Lily

One Kings Lane

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One of my favorite kitchen items is this piece I ordered on Etsy in the Summer of 2020. It took a good 7 months to arrive but it was worth the wait and the construction is solid. I ordered the wine fridge from Wayfair and the piece was built around the dimensions. Sadly, the shop was overwhelmed with orders and is not available on Etsy. They have their own website where you can contact them for a custom piece. You can shop similar items on Etsy for custom wood pieces.

The room I have spent the most time in over the last year has been the kitchen. Baking/cooking is what is keeping me calm and distracted so it makes sense. I am making breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home and I am loving it. As I navigate throughout the kitchen on a daily basis, there are a few items that I use over and over and have become my favorites. I wanted to share these with you and I would love it if you share some of your kitchen favorites with me in the comments.

I start my mornings with coffee, I love my Bodum French Press. I also make my coffee with Nespresso. It all depends on how much time I have in the morning and what time it is.

Le Creuset

I have invested in Le Creuset since last year, slowly I have been adding pieces and I truly love them. They are pricey but they are made to last a lifetime so it is an investment in your kitchen. I went with the Cherry Red color and it makes me happy. In the morning, I make hot water in the tea kettle. I also own the saucepan, stockpot for soup, and dutch oven for making bread.

Staub I recently invested in a Staub over Christmas. I was hesitant for the 4qt because I thought it would be small but I have used it so many times. It is one of my favorite new purchases. I cook chicken, sauces, and soups in here. I love that the inside is cast iron. It helps keep my chicken flavorful and juicy.

Tea Towels

I go through so many tea towels in a week to keep dishes and my hands clean, they are also a fun accessory, especially to bring a little Paris home. They are washable so I just throw them in with my regular load of towels and keep the kitchen clean.

KitchenAid Mixer

I received my KitchenAid Mixer as a gift a few years ago. I use it at least once a week for cookies. If you have counter space, it helps to have room for it out. My sister and I both have the black one and pulling it in and out of the cabinet is a bit of a pain but I still love it.

Cutting Board

This is one of the things I use the most in all of my kitchen. My aunt bought me one as a move in present and I use it as a multipurpose cutting board/cheese board in a pinch.

Kitchen Organization

There is nothing I love more than a clean kitchen. Since I am spending so much time at home and I ordered extra baking supplies, I needed a place to put them. I ordered these from Sur La Table that is fabulous. I could probably use another pack of 10 if I was being honest. I also ordered these fridge keepers from Rubbermaid. I was using plastic Tupperware from Walgreens ( I know, it’s terrible) these were about the same price and the quality is so much better. I wish they were glass but for $40 and a set of 10, it is a steal and I literally use them all the time. The little ones are great for all the things you would put in zip lock bags and get lost in the fridge.

Cuisinart

I get a lot of searches for this on the blog. It was under $100 to purchase one and a great investment. I use it to make my pasta sauce and pesto. It pops right in the dishwasher to clean up and stores away in the cabinet so it isn’t out all the time. I also have a smaller one that is around $40 that I use for sauces and salsa.

Bowls/Whisks/Peeler

I make a salad at least once a day and I love the process of peeling, cutting, and prepping. If you are in a hurry, you can meal prep all these things and stick them in the fridge for convenience. I make my own salad dressing and now put it in a squeeze bottle in the fridge for easy access. These bowls may be the most used thing in my entire kitchen. They are inexpensive, come in a variety of sizes and they are easy to wash. I swear I have used every size! There is always a use for a small bowl when cooking.

Pans

All my favorite pans that hide in a drawer in the kitchen that get used all the time.

Soap

I have been washing my hands over and over and in the kitchen it is so important when you handle food to keep clean. I keep a few soaps at the kitchen sink to rotate.

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How to Frenchify Your Kitchen

The one thing I couldn’t live without in my kitchen is tea towels. I have been lucky to have a good collection from friends and family who have given gifts. This is a great french staple and you can bring them home easily.

Set of Laguiole Knives I have a set of these in my kitchen and you will often find these out at French restaurants.

Duralex Glasses They come in a variety of sizes. You can use them for water, wine, or juice. I also use the Duralex bowls on a daily basis. The small ones I have multiples of and find so many uses for them. They really help with cooking and baking and measuring ingredients.

Duralex Stackable Bowls. I own these and use them daily for cooking. They are one of the most used things in my kitchen.

Every Paris apartment I have stayed in has a hot water warmer such as a tea kettle and a Nespresso machine. I have a Le Creuset tea kettle on my stove for making French press coffee and I love it every morning.

Silpat Silicone Baking Mat This is also something that I use almost daily in the kitchen. It is a great substitution for parchment paper. I clean it and reuse it and I don’t need any additional spray or butter.

A good bread knife is essential for baguettes and loaves of bread.

Mariage Frères tea. Tea Time is a pleasure in France and Mariage Frères is one of the best and most classic.

French Wisk

Maille Mustard, This is great to make French vinaigrette. It is a French staple

Herbs de Provence A signature seasoning from the South of France. It can be used on meats, poultry, and eggs.

Kitchen Scale This is a recent kitchen addition and it has been so helpful with cooking and portion control. It is so easy to use and affordable. When you are using different measurements, it is easy to convert recipes to grams.

French Butter Keeper Let’s be honest, life is better with butter. My favorite is Bordier butter which is hard to find in the US unless you are in NYC. You can try President butter which is available at most grocery stores and also the French butter at Trader Joe’s is fabulous and what I keep at home.

Madeleine Pan, These are simple to make and delicious fresh out of the oven.

French Rolling Pin

Quiche Dish

Savon de Marseille This French soap is a great addition to the kitchen. I currently have the fig scent in my kitchen and it smells so fresh and clean. Savon de Marseille

Piment d’Espellette (only spice made in France)

Paris Market Prints from The Print Shop

Fresh Flowers are such a mood booster. Trader Joes has really affordable roses if you have the opportunity to get to a grocery store. I love pink roses or pink peonies if they are in season.

P.S. For more French finds, check out How to Stock a French Pantry also French Finds at Trader Joes

This post does include affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my links. Merci

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