La Mom - an American mom in Paris

Are French Children Better Behaved?

2013-03-26T21:42:00.001+01:00

Les petits français sont-ils vraiment bien élevés?

Are French children really better behaved? Zat ees ze question!

La Mom and her American mom friends were on French TV recently along with Pamela Druckerman, the best-selling author of Bringing Up Bébé, discussing differences between French and American parenting styles.

Check it out here : M6 100% Mag (emission du 13 mars)

2012-10-14T16:13:00.002+02:00

Cupcake Camp is back !

2012-10-10T13:16:00.002+02:00

SALE ! / SOLDES !

Daisy Roots Paris is selling all 6 - 24 month Eiffel Tower leather booties for only 20€

until October 14th.

Shipping within France is just 2.50EUR. International shipping also available.

These adorable booties make great gifts!

French Handball Fantasies - Whatever

2012-08-12T21:43:00.001+02:00

Congratulations to the French men's handball team for winning the gold medal at the Olympics this year!

After your big win, La Mom decided to re-post this since handball is a topic of much discussion chez nous.

French women, here's to getting your gold medal handball fantasies on. Whatever.

Monsieur Le Handballer
(photo: Le Télégramme.com)

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W is for Woteva

Oscar Le Grouch

2012-07-05T22:21:00.002+02:00

Americans abroad tend to take BHHs (Back-Home Holidays) pretty seriously.

That’s why La Mom found herself at a gorgeous 19^th-century mansion in the suburbs for a Fourth of July bash with all the trimmings.

But in between the baked beans and burgers, a little Old World vs. New World tension was playing out:

La Mom (whispering): Isn’t that Jennifer de Quatrebarbe’s husband? He never comes to these things.

Minnesota Mom (whispering): That’s him. It might be better if he didn’t come. He’s so old-school French that he serves stinky cheese plates and foie gras at American barbecues. How lame.

California Mom (whispering): Old school is right. His family name goes back to the Crusades when some famous ancestor cut off the beards of four infidels to save France. But Oscar’s most famous for being a grouch.

New Jersey Mom: Aw, come on. He can’t be that bad.

(To Oscar) Hey, aren’t you Oscar day Catterbarbs? I’m Jenna, Kate’s mom.

Oscar the Grouch: Eet eez “de Quatrebarbes”. And eet eez important that you know that.

New Jersey Mom: Hell, my name ain’t “Geena Smeeth”, but I roll with it. So should you.

Well, it wouldn’t be the Fourth without some fireworks.

Le Dîner en Blanc

2012-06-15T22:20:00.002+02:00

Les Moms attended the very secretive Dîner en Blanc last night. And wow, it was an evening to remember. Three words pretty much sum up the experience: magical, amazing, oh-so Parisian. (Technically, that's five words).

More pictures are on La Mom's Facebook page.

We're still on vacation, this is a little peek-a-boo.

Bisous from the Place des Vosges,

La Mom

Bonne Vacances

2012-06-02T00:05:00.002+02:00

Mesdames et messieurs, ça y est.

It’s time. Time for an exended blog-cation.

Pourquoi, you may ask?

Well, the past four years have been a great ride. This blog has grown up alongside our French Fries. But that’s kinda the point – we have lives. Our kids are getting older, which means homework and activities – not to mention English lessons, bien sûr! And we have jobs with some cool new career opportunities on the horizon. The blog needs to take a backseat.

So voilà, nos amis.

Here’s the convo about blog-cation:

Stephanie: I think we’re done here.

Allison: I’m so with you. But what about the story with my physical therapist who put on the “bow-chicka-bow-wow” music and said how nice it was to have a half-naked woman on his massage table?

Stephanie: Or the story about California Mom who came to visit for a week and shipped a huge box of American kid snacks, hand disinfectant, and sanitizing wipes before her arrival? She wiped down and sanitized every café table we were about to use while the French waiters looked on in horror.

Allison: Or the time when Small Fry started asking loud questions in English about why the lady in front of us was so big and fat and she happened to be American?

Stephanie: I'm still on germaphobe California Mom's visit. Remember when I came home to find her mopping my floor in the nude and disinfecting all the door handles in my house? She told me, “You're pretty clean, probably cleaner than the average French person, but I think you and your family are not as clean as I am. Your house must be crawling with germs.” Big Cheese still belly laughs when he tells people that story.

We think you get the drift. There are still so many stories to tell.

But that doesn’t mean that Les Moms’ adventures stop here.

You can still check out Les Moms on Twitter and Facebook or send us an email if you'd like to keep in touch.

So au revoir nos amies, and not necessarily adieu.

Thank you for hanging out with us.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Thank you for the fun.

Thank you.

And just to make sure you get your Paris fix in the meantime, we’re leaving you with the ultimate French paradox: Serge Gainsbourg. How did this goofy-looking guy end up as the most famous séducteur in France?

Guess you gotta live here to figure it all out.

Bonnes vacances!

Kisses on both cheeks,

Les Moms

P.S. - Les Moms may be back for a few posts sometime in the Fall - no promises. There is one subject that has never been developed on the blog, although now isn't the time to write about it. And who knows, there may be a big announcement, too!

Sea, Sex & Sun

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SUGAR DAZE, THE AMERICAN CUPCAKE SPECIALIST, TO OPEN FIRST STORE IN SOUTH PIGALLE !!!

Grand Opening: June 23 - 1 free cupcake for the first 100 people through the door!

(PARIS, FRANCE) 1 June 2012 -- Parisians and expats searching for delicious, authentic

American-style cupcakes will have a new HQ starting this month. After more than 3 years

of operation as a custom-order only cake and cupcake business - with waiting lists often

exceeding 6 weeks! - Sugar Daze is set to open its first retail location at 20 rue Henri Monnier in

the dynamic South Pigalle district (75009) on June 23.

The Sugar Daze Bake Shop will feature a daily rotating selection of the over 30 cupcake and

cake flavors available on the current menu as well as limited-time only special flavors and other

American baked goods like brownies, bars and pies. All Sugar Daze sweet treats are baked

fresh daily from scratch on-site using the highest quality, natural ingredients such as free-range

chicken eggs, Nielsen-Massey Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar and fresh fruit. The cupcakes,

prepared using traditional American recipes, come in a variety of original and delicious flavors

such as "Lucky Star" (chocolate cupcake with whipped peanut butter frosting), "Kiss Kiss

Bang Bang" (the classic Red Velvet) and "Cookie Monster" (an Oreo cookie-speculoos cream

signature creation).

Cupcakes and other baked goods can be purchased for take-out or eat-in - the Bake Shop

proposes a small seating area for clients wishing to eat “sur place” while they enjoy a variety of

hot and cold drinks including teas and infusions by renowned French cultivator: Le Palais des

Thés.

For more information visit http://www.sugardazecupcakes.com for a full menu and photos or

contact: presse@sugardazecupcakes.com.

The Sugar Daze Bake Shop

20 rue Henri Monnier, 75009 Paris

Metro: St-Georges, Pigalle

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Check out Kidshop for adorable childrens clothing & accessories direct from Australia and available exclusively in France!

The D-word

2012-04-27T13:40:00.000+02:00

In a posh, leafy suburb of France’s capital, little boys and girls from all over the world flock to a certain Catholic prep school.

They go for the American curriculum and a strong base in the four R’s – Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic – and Religion.

Seven-year-old Emma came home from a class preparing her for first confessional with a lot of questions about God. Not to mention some serious dirt on her classmates’ parents:

Father O’Halloran: Let’s think of some things that we could talk about with a priest during confessional.

Emma: Um, sometimes I forget to pray at night. And sometimes I don’t think about God much even when I’m at mass. That’s a sin, right?

Father: Well, that’s certainly something you could talk about with your priest.

Aidan (wiggling in seat): Oooh, ooh, I know one. My mommy and daddy drink beer and wine. One afternoon they drank wine and they went to their bedroom and Connor and me got to watch Clone Wars two times!

Father (struggling to keep a straight face): Ah, well…

Jake (waving hand frantically): I know one. My mommy uses bad words. She says “damn” and “shit”. Sometimes she even says the D-word.

Father: The D-word?

Jake (whispering): Democrat.

The cost of a private Catholic education in Paris? 25,000 €. Paying to get ratted out to your priest? Priceless.

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Félicitations to the Hamsterbag winners!

ALEXANDRA

JADZIA

LIENE

MYSTICA

Please contact La Mom with your French mailing address so the bags can be sent to you.

Very Interesting Parisian Profile + Giveaway

2012-04-14T23:36:00.001+02:00

Who's the French journaliste at ease reporting on everything from pesticides in food and France's next presidential election, to decorating a Parisian apartment on a budget and American Thanksgiving?

Hint: You've seen one of her reports on M6 100% Mag here. She's also working for France 2 on a program that profiles the lives of interesting Parisians. Sounds like a perfect gig for a woman who is oh-so Parisian herself!

Please say bonjour to Clémence, the journalist Les Moms became friends with while filming Thanksgiving dinner for M6 TV. Enjoy learning more about this super-sympa Parisienne!

Favorite French writers/singer/actor: I'd say my latest very favorite book is "La Délicatesseé by David Foekinos. Take it with you to the beach this summer: easy to read and very touching!

Je parlerais plutôt de mon dernier petit coup de cœur : « La délicatesse » de David Foekinos. Je vous le conseille pour la plage cet été : facile à lire et très touchant !

Singer: The artist who I listened non-stop to last winter: Yael Naim. A mix of poetry and generosity on stage. She doesn't sing to be star, but to pass peaceful and tolerant messages. Yael is my Dalai Lama!

Chanteuse : celle que j’ai écouté en boucle cet hiver : Yael Naim. Un concentré de poésie et de générosité sur scène. Elle ne chante pas pour faire la belle mais pour faire passer des messages de paix et de tolérance. Yael c’est mon dalai lama !

Actor : La Mom in Paris ! Un duo époustouflant de franco-américaines repérées par Coppola dès leur premier film « Thanksgiving » sur M6. J’attends avec impatience leur prochain movie !

(Sidebar: *Big Blush* Merci, Clem, for the kind words.)

Mariages Frères or Ladurée? Ladurée : The orange flower macarons ....to die for.

macarons à la fleur d’oranger…à tomber par terre

Franck & Fils or Le Bon Marche? Without a doubt Le Bon Marché: more choice and the neighborhood isn't depressing!

Sans hésiter Le Bon marché : plus de choix et quartier tellement moins déprimant !

Favorite clothing boutique in Paris? Matières à Réflexion on the Rue de Poitou in the Marais. A little gem in an old butcher's shop managed by a very cute young couple. The concept is great: they make handbags from old leather jackets that they've found at flea markets! One can also stop by their shop with an old leather coat and presto, they'll make it into a super custom made bag. They also have a fabulous selection of undiscovered clothing and jewelry designers. Run, don't walk!

« Matières à réflexion » rue de Poitou dans le Marais. Un petit bijou de boutique dans une ancienne boucherie tenue par un jeune couple very cute. Le concept est génial : ils fabriquent à la main des sacs à partir de vestes en cuir vintage qu’ils ont chinées ! On peut aussi venir avec un vieux manteau en cuir et hop, ils en font un super sac sur commande. Ils ont aussi une sélection géniale de petits créateurs de vêtements et bijoux. Foncez !

Why do you love Paris? I'm still looking... but haven't found a city more beautiful than Paris!

Je cherche toujours…mais je n’ai pas encore trouvé plus belle ville que Paris !

Favorite muséum in Paris ? Beaubourg, Musée Rodin

Favorite restaurant in Paris? Taeko, a little Japanese restaurant at the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais. There are traditional Japanese dishes to be savored, real food!

Taeko, un petit resto japonais tenus par des japonais (et non des chinois !) au Marché des Enfants Rouges dans le Marais. On y savoure que des plats traditionnels japonais, de la vraie cuisine !

Favorite neighborhood in Paris? Le Marais

Left Bank or Right Bank? To live : Right Bank. To love : Left Bank, in the Musée Rodin garden !

(Sidebar: 'To love: Left Bank' Can her answer get any more French than that? Love it!)

Favorite blogs? Penelope Jolicoeur, a 30 something illustrator who illustrates her adventures and it's hilarious

Une illustratrice trentenaire qui raconte ses (mes)aventures et c’est hilarant

Et j’aime aller régulièrement sur le blog « FUBIZ, a daily dose of inspiration » : tout est dit dans le titre ! Everything is said in the title!

Who's hotter - Nicolas Sarkozy or François Hollande? You are really spoiled in your country. Obama is my #1.

Franchement vous êtes plus gâtées chez vous. Obama c’est mon top 1.

Evian or Badoit? Evian

Macarons or cupcakes? Sorry, macarons !

Espresso or café crème? I love George Clooney, but he doesn't measure up to a good caffé latte. It's impossible to find a café in Paris that serves a latte worthy of the name (even at Starbucks). I'm desperately looking for a latte that leaves a creamy little mustache...if you know THE place, let me know.

J’adore Georges Clooney mais il n’arrive pas à la cheville d’un bon café latte. Impossible de trouver un café à Paris qui serve un latte digne de ce nom (même au Starbuck ;-) Je cherche désespérément un caffe late avec un chapeau de mousse onctueuse qui laisse des moustaches… si vous avez trouvé « THE place », merci de me le signaler.

Still or sparkling? Still

Amelie Poulain or Carrie Bradshaw? Carrie Bradshaw

Métro, taxi, or Vélib? Metro

Printemps or Galeries Lafayette? 1. Bon marché 2. Printemps 3. Galeries Lafayette, si on me paye pour y aller (you have to pay me to go there)

Le ski or St. Tropez? The sea...far, far away from St. Tropez!

La mer…mais loin, très loin de Saint-Tropez !

Book or Kindle? What's a kindle? C’est quoi kindle ?

Vin rouge or vin blanc? Red, a fresh little Brouilly! Rouge, un bon petit brouilly bien frais !

Café Costes or the bistro du coin? Bistrot du coin

iPhone or iPad? Iphone

Le Figaro or Le Monde? Both depending on my mood. Les deux selon l’humeur du jour.

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Hey Moms -

How many of you have been embarrassed in public when your stroller tipped over from the weight of the baby and shopping bags attached to the stroller's handle bars?

Has that happened to you a hundred times like it's happened to La Mom? Trop frustrant.

Hamster Buggy Bags is the solution !

Hamster Bags attach to the sides of the stroller to distribute weight evenly - no more embarrassing tip-overs. La Mom tested this bag for a month and all I can say is that it's a great invention - practical and stylish!

To celebrate Hamster's imminent arrival in France, the company is giving away FIVE bags to five fans of La Mom's blog!

Giveaway open to readers residing in France (bags will be mailed to French addresses from Hamster Bags UK). To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment. To double your chances, 'Like' La Mom's Facebook page.

Winners will be announced on the next blog post. Bonne chance.

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Visiting Paris? Don't miss a walk down the most beautiful street in the world. Everything you want is on the Champs-Elysées! Check out this video of Joe Dassin's famous song:

Oh, Phoque

2012-04-01T21:18:00.003+02:00

Ever wonder what it's like taking a bilingual child to visit the French ophtalmologue?

A phoqu'ing r-eye-ot.

It's also a lesson in bilingual ABCs and the f-bomb.

Here's what went down when Big Fry went to see the ophthalmogogist, Docteur Oeil.

Docteur Oeil: So you do speek Eengleesh?

Big Fry: Yes.

Docteur O: So do eye. You weel seet 'eere forrr ze reeding ze letters in ze frrront of you eyes. Zees one.

Big Fry: Uh, pardon?

La Mom (smiling, Big Fry clearly doesn't understand her English): Tell the doctor the letters that you see on the screen.

Big Fry (pronounces each letter in English):

Docteur O: Baaa, baaa. There seems to be a very slight problem. He didn't see a few of the letters correctly, je pense qu'il a besoin des lunettes juste pour la lecture.

La Mom: Ah, bon? But he got all of the letters right.

Docteur O: Mais non.

And then it clicked. Docteur Oeil prescribed glasses for Big Fry because he read the letters out loud in English. His English E sounded like a French I and his English G and J were pronounced the opposite way to Docteur Oeil's French ear.

La Mom: Can you give him another chance? He was telling you the letters in English instead of French.

Doctuer O: Here, try a picture. La voilà.

Big Fry (Exaggerates the pronunciation of the French word) : C'est une fuk.

Docteur O & La Mom: Non, c'est pas une "fuk", c'est une phoque.

Big Fry: Fuk

La Mom: Big Fry!

Docteur O: Phoque.

Like La Mom said, this visit was a r-eye-ot. F-bombs and all. I think the nanny's been letting Big Fry watch American TV on the Slingbox unsupervised. Where else could he have heard that word? Certainly not from moi.

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Un grand merci to everyone who entered the Murder At The Lanterne Rouge book giveaway by commenting and liking La Mom's Facebook page. And the winner is... Shauna W. Please send La Mom an email with your mailing address. Felicitations!

If you're wondering how La Mom chose la gagnante, well, she employed a very simple formula:

1 Big Fry + 1 "Am stram gram, pic et pic et colégram, Bour et bour et ratatam, Am stram gram, Pic !" = the winner.

VIP (Very Interesting Parisian) Profile + Giveaway

2012-03-23T21:19:00.000+01:00

Cara Black

On La Mom's recent ski trip, one of her copines, Aimée, tagged along, too.

But Aimée never went skiing with La Mom and her family. Instead, she kept La Mom up extremely late at night with a story that happened in 1998. A story about murder, love, lost secrets of Medieval guilds, illegal immigrants in Parisian sweatshops, dirty cops, and the French secret service. All that, and with a little vintage Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Yves Saint Laurent, and a swanky piece of real estate on the coveted Ile Saint Louis, thrown into the mix.

Needless to say, Big Cheese was a tad annoyed that La Mom and Aimée stayed up so late together every night. One morning, he whispered:

Big Cheese: So what does Aimée have that I don't?

La Mom: A vintage designer wardrobe and a scooter.

Big Cheese: Non, franchement, who is this Aimée?

Meet Aimée Leduc, a super-chic Parisienne private investigator. She's the heroine of twelve books set in Paris and written by La Mom's friend, Cara Black. Murder At The Lanterne Rouge is the latest installment in Cara's best selling Aimée Leduc series. And to that end, please get acquainted with Aimée...

Favorite French lipstick? Chanel Red

Favorite café?  Café des Arts et Métiers

Favorite vacation item? Yves Saint Laurent beaded bikini

Favorite vacation destination? Martinique

Favorite French dog? Bichon Frise

Favorite meal?  White asparagus dotted with caviar, escalopines de bar à l’émincé d’artichaut, a bottle of Vouvray

Favorite Museum?  Musée des Arts et Métiers

Favorite neighborhood? Ile Saint Louis

There's a lot more to Aimée than just designer duds and food, though. For that, you'll have to read the book! To win a free copy of Murder At The Lanterne Rouge, leave a comment. To double your chances, "Like" La Mom's Facebook page, too! The winner will be announced in the next blog post.

And don't forget to mark your calendars for June 6th when the author, Cara Black, will be speaking at the American Library in Paris and signing copies of her book. A big félicitations to Cara who will also be receiving the Médaille de la Ville de Paris at the Hôtel de Ville on May 27th!

La Mom has a feeling that Cara would prefer the key to Paris instead, non? Oh well, a gal's gotta start somewhere.

Parisii Skierus

2012-03-14T22:42:00.002+01:00

Photo: Moncler

Visiting tourists may have wondered why the city zoo was nearly empty during the last half of February and into early March. Where were the Parisii Putaindemerdus species?

Otherwise known as the Parisii Skierus, and following typical winter migratory patterns, the Parisii Skierus could be found in the snowy, mountainous regions of the Haute-Savoie, during the school holidays.

You know you are vacationing with the Parisii Skierus species when you observe the following:

8pm HOTEL ARRIVAL :

The hotel's parking lot is a colony of Parisii Voiturus. Identifying characteristics: license plates indicating Parisii regions of origin: 75, 92, 77, 78.

8am BREAKFAST

Parisii Skierus alpine migration is confirmed at hotel's buffet breakfast. A Parisii reunion takes place at the croissant and pain au chocolat baskets. In fact, it appears that entire Parisii neighborhoods have migrated to the Haute-Savoie from the conversations overheard:

Parisii Momus 1 : I love your sweater.

Parisii Momus 2: Merci, it's from SAP.

PM 1: The boutique in Neuilly or 16ème?

PM 2: Rue de Longchamp.
PM1: That's near my kiné, I'll have to stop by there next week.

Parisii Momus 3: Jean-Paul has the cutest scarf and hat. Where did you get his accessories?

Parisii Momus 4: At a boutique super-cool, the one I've been telling you to check out for ages.

PM 3: The one in the 15th?

PM 4: Oui, that's the one, Le Petit Bazar.

Parisii Momus 5: Salut! Are you here with the kids?

Parisii Momus 6: Mais bien sûr les enfants sont là. Jean and Jules have ski lessons in 30 minutes.

PM 5: If Jean is going for his 2nd star, he'll be in Luc's class.

PM 6: I hope they both earn their stars so they can wear them to school on Monday.

9am SKI SCHOOL

You know you are among an entire colony of Parisii Skierus Enfantus by one identifying characteristic - a logo with three dots.

Parisii Skierus Enfantus are protected from harsh Haute-Savoie weather conditions by Wed'ze branded ski gear. Wed'ze ski accessories are sold in the largest Parisii sports store, Decathlon. When you drop your Parisii Enfantus off at ski school, make sure he or she is wearing a bright colored scarf for identification purposes. Otherwise, your child will blend in with the entire Parisii Skierus Enfantus colony and their matching Wed'ze logos.

10am PRESS SHOP

Thinking of reading a fashion magazine over a café au lait while the Parisii Skierus Enfantus are in ski school? Say, around 10am? Think again. Better get to the press shop by 9am. Otherwise, the Parisii fashion bible, Elle Magazine, is sold out by 9:01am. Only Elle knows what colors are à la mode on the slopes this season and female Parisii Skierus read this bible religiously, every week.

NOON LUNCH

The slopes are empty as the Parisii Skierus have staked out all available lounge chairs at the summit restaurant with one thing in mind: sunbathing at 2000 meters. The Parisii Skierus species practice sunbathing at high altitudes as a way to maintain une bonne mine.
Those poor Dutchonus and Britishonus Skierus species, they're the ones left with scraps - the picnic benches.

4:30pm CHAIR LIFT

It's the last run of the day before the slopes close. When there's a total clusterbaise at the chairlift, you know, once again, that you are surrounded by an entire colony of Parisii Skierus. It is widely known that this species is the only one in Europe that pushes and cuts in line. Identifying characteristic of the Parisii Skierus clusterbaise: Moncler logos on black puffy ski jackets. Only the Dutchonus and Britishonus species wait patiently for the madness to stop.

Paris, My Sweet - Very Interesting Parisian Interview with Amy Thomas

2012-03-07T10:07:00.000+01:00

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Tramuta

When you meet Amy, it’s her sweetness that strikes you first. Softly curling hair, a cute little indent in her cheek, and a gorgeous smile.

But don’t let her looks fool you – we’re talking about one of the creative masterminds behind the digital Louis Vuitton campaign. And no, she didn’t get any free bags. Trust me, La Mom asked. Despite the lack of merchandise, leaving New York for a plum job in Paris was a pretty sweet deal.

When she wasn’t working on one of the world’s most coveted brands, she was working on one of the world’s most coveted cities. Her memoir, Paris, My Sweet, traces her years as an American in search of pastry Nirvana – with snippets of real life woven in along the way.

What's your sweetest Paris memory?

I don’t think I have one favorite memory, but rather two camps of collective memories. The first are those little moments out in the streets, when you’re just walking along and your senses are so highly attuned to the sounds around you. I used to love hearing the clatter of dinner being prepared in some upstairs kitchen, or children’s voices echoing in a courtyard—it was like being privy to the most beautifully intimate moments.

My other favorite moments are of Vélibing around town. I remember biking home late one night through the Marais: the streets were quiet and empty, the moon hung in the sky, and I felt as blissed out as an eight-year-old on a sugar high… just profoundly happy.

What's your favorite French sweet treat?

This is the world’s most difficult question to answer. On a cold day, my favorite sweet treat might be chocolat chaud at Angelina or Les Deux Magots. In the morning, I might opt for a pain aux raisins from Stohrer or one of Boulangerie Julien’s ridiculously rich and decadent croissants. If I’m in Saint-Germain, La Patisserie des Reves’ “La Folie,” a doughy brioche piped full of vanilla pastry cream and rum raisin is as divine as Pierre Hermé’s gateaux individuels. But one thing I’m certain to get on every trip to Paris is a Nutella crepe from any old street vendor.

Sweetest digs you saw while in Paris (I'm assuming the Vuitton family mansion is a contender?)

Yeah, it’s hard to beat the Vuitton mansion in Asnière—c’est extraordinaire! The home is as perfect as you’d imagine: sterling silver trays are used to serve afternoon tea. Come evening, cognac is swirled in fine crystal. There are exquisite stained glass windows, a grand pool table, a classy piano… the entire Art Nouveau home has been immaculately preserved right down to the giant sculpted head of Louis himself. Otherwise, you know, the digs at Versailles aren’t too shabby.

Sweetest French kissers – Zee Frenchies or Les Américains?

A kiss is a kiss is a kiss! If you’re standing on the bank of the Seine, or snuggling at a café in Montmartre, chances are it’s going to be a pretty magical kiss, whether eet’s from a Frenchie or Américain!

You can find the sweetest morsels in her memoir, but you can also satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Freak and God, I Love Paris. Amy's French adventures are over for now, but La Mom's betting Amy will be back.

Because you can take the girl out of Paris, but you can never take Paris out of the girl.

Behind the Scenes of Comment Ca Va Bien

2012-02-23T21:32:00.001+01:00

What do you do when you're invited to be the "fil rouge" on French TV and expected to make Superbowl food?

You say oui.

Then you hop on the Internet and email your friends for Superbowl recipe recommendations, while acting like you've never missed a Superbowl in the last 13 years of living abroad when the TV producer calls to discuss the show:

Producer: Vous allez suivre le Superbowl cet année?

La Mom: Of course, I do every year. I hope my home team wins the playoffs. If they do, they're headed to the Superbowl.

(Sidebar: La Mom must confess. I only knew my home team was a Superbowl contender thanks to my friends on Facebook. Otherwise, well, I don't follow American football anymore. Big Cheese has turned me into a soccer and rugby fan.)

Producer: So what Superbowl menus do you propose to cook on the show?

La Mom: I'd recommend a Super bowl of chili, quesadillas, chips & guacamole dip.

Producer: Actually, since I lived in the US for a year, I was thinking you could make snails with honey and sugar.

(Sidebar: Je vous jure, the French producer really requested this. And La Mom almost burst out laughing on the spot. What I really wanted to say was to him was, "Obviously, you didn't live in the US long enough to understand that American men don't eat snails and sip champagne while screaming at the TV. It's all about finger food and beer.")

So instead, La Mom said: Baaa, baaa, that's not a typical American Superbowl snack. If you'd like, I can propose some other ideas.

Producer: How about desserts?

La Mom: Superbowl desserts?

Producer: Non, just traditional American desserts.

And that's how this petite aventure started.
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Fast forward to the day of taping:

Take One: The Dressing Room

La Mom and Florida Mom arrived at the studios and were greeted by an assistant, "Bonjour, please follow me to your loge."

Our own loge? Très cool.

We were so excited when we arrived at our loge door

The loge. Not as glamorous as we imagined it would be.

Assistant: The restrooms are down the hall.

Florida Mom: Let's go check 'em out! I bet they're fancy.

La Mom: Maybe we'll run into Nagui or Laurent Delahousse on the way there!

The fancy restroom. It's public TV.

Take Deux: Snack Time

Assistant: This is the way to the refreshment room. Please help yourselves.

La Mom: Merci, mademoiselle. (Whispers to Florida Mom) Good timing. I'm starving. Maybe catering is by Fauchon?

Florida Mom: Or maybe Lenôtre?

La Mom: Or maybe not.

Catering by France 2

Take Trois: La Mom: 0, Kitchen Aid Mixer: 3

How many people does it take to operate a Kitchen Aid mixer?

Just one. As long as it's not La Mom.

CCVB called La Mom to the set two hours before taping. Plenty of time to sort out the recipe ingredients, meet Benoît (the chef de cuisine), review the segment, and rehearse a few lines with the producer. What it didn't leave time for was makeup (the producer told La Mom makeup would take ten minutes, La Mom told him it would take double that - La Mom's not 25 anymore) or getting familiar with CCVB's baking equipment. Specifically, their fancy Kitchen Aid mixer. Once the cameras were rolling, La Mom had a panic attack as she realized she was going to have to operate it and didn't have the slightest clue how.

This is the mixer La Mom uses at home. It's Moulinex, French, and old.

During the taping, La Mom asked Benoît to help operate the Kitchen Aid beast no less than three times. Thankfully, two of those were cut and didn't make it on the show.

Take Quatre: It's A Happening!

Each time Stephane Bern, the host, finished checking in our baking, he'd go back to the table and chat with the cast. Our microphones were then cut off and Benoît and La Mom could chat. And chat it up we did. We spoke about our kids, our arrondissements, American food vs French food, French kissing, vacations, and Stephane Bern:

La Mom: It's so funny that I'm baking cookies for Stephane Bern. When I lived in the 7th, my husband and I used to see him all the time on our neighbor's terrace. Our neighbor worked in TV was constantly hosting parties chez lui. We'd go on our terrace and pretend to be interested in the view of the Eiffel Tower, but we were really checking out the party guests - Stephane Bern included.

Benoît: That's funny, it's a small world.

Suddenly, someone started yelling, "Yalla, Yalla, Yalla." Everyone on set stopped talking.

La Mom: What's happening?

Benoît: C'est un happening!

La Mom: What's a 'happening'?

Benoît: There's going to be a surprise, but nobody knows what's going to happen!

Then... the actors from La Verité Si Je Mens 3 stopped by for a surprise visit to promote their movie.

José Garcia, Bruno Solo, & Cyril Hanouna inspecting les cookies

La verité? Les cookies de La Mom sont bons!

Take Cinq: The Evil Eye

Before La Mom's introduction, the producer told her to walk on set from behind the red door. He also told La Mom to exit this way once the baking segment was finished. My new baking buddy, Benoît, had other plans:

Benoît: La Mom, come sit with us and enjoy the goûter.

La Mom: You mean at the table? With Stephane? With everyone else? Won't Stephane be bothered that I'm there?

Benoît: Mais non. Absolument pas. Viens avec moi.

La Mom: Baaa, baaa, you're sure? Ok.

Once La Mom was seated at the table, she was too nervous to eat her cookies and carrot cake so she sat there watching everyone else eat. "C'est bon, oui. Miam, miam." Everyone, including Stephane, seemed to like the desserts. Très bien.

Then, as Stephane was wrapping up the segment, La Mom thought she was getting the evil eye from him and that it was his silent cue to her to leave his table tout de suite. Suddenly hot and bothered, she did. If you watched the show, you saw La Mom get up from the table in the middle of the goûter to exit back through the red door. Thankfully, Janane and Benoît told me to stay.

Is La Mom getting the evil eye?

Feeling like un idiot after getting up to leave

Take Six: Fan Club

Taping finished. C'est dans la boîte.

La Mom and Florida Mom were escorted out of the studios to a car that France 2 provided for the drive back to Paris.

As we crossed the parking lot, a group of teenagers were hanging outside of the gates, about 40 meters away.

They waived and pointed.

Florida Mom: How cute, they think we're celebrities.

La Mom: Those poor kids are going to be so disappointed once they see we're nobodies.

And that's exactly what happened. The waiving and pointing stopped once we were 5 meters away from them.

As we were getting into the car, La Mom heard one ado say, "C'est qui, celle-là?"

Florida Mom: C'est La Mom!

A funny ending to a fun day.

Baking Cookies on French TV

2012-02-09T21:57:00.011+01:00

It's not everyday that the La Mom duo gets invited to bake American desserts on French TV!

Baking cookies with Stephane Bern

On Tuesday, however, La Mom Stephanie was doing just that -baking peanut butter cookies and carrot cake on the France 2 show, Comment Ca Va Bien. The theme was American Superbowl, and in between reportages about football and cheer leading, La Mom prepared dessert for the Frenchies.

Meeting the show's host, Stephane Bern, was a kick, and baking up a storm with the show's chef, "huggy les bons fourneaux" Benoît, was a delight.

The highlight of the day, La Mom must admit, was having sexy French superstar Vincent Elbaz and the actors from the popular film La Verité Si Je Mens stop by for a surprise visit and eat my cookies!

The La Verité Si Je Mens cast excited to try my cookies

The only downside was that La Mom Allison wasn't available to participate in this amazing experience.

There are so many fun things to blog about, but that will be in the next "behind the scenes" post.

Thanks to everyone at CCVB: Stephane Bern, my adorable cuisine sidekick Benoît Chaigneau, Janane, Valentine, Cédric, François, and the lovely staff behind the scenes (especially Perrine) for welcoming La Mom so kindly to the set and not spitting out my cookies! And merci to my friend, K, for coming with me to the studios for moral support.

Click HERE to view the video (click on 07 février 2012). La Mom gets introduced 10 minutes into the show.

Talking carrot cake ingredients.
"La Mom, do you have olive oil in the US?"

Peanut butter cookies

Ce gâteau de carrote est trop bon. Miam!

Having a "goûter " with the CCVB cast at the end of the show

VIP (Very Interesting Parisian) Profile : Olivier Giraud

2012-01-28T17:04:00.000+01:00

Parisian arrogance

Do you love Paris, but think Parisians are rude?
Putain, merde, fait chier...
You're right, they are!

Are you too nice and want to learn how to become arrogant, just like the French?
C'est pas vrai, c'est pas possible, c'est pas bon...

Want to learn how to act like a Parisian while shopping, in a restaurant, taxi, metro, night club, and even between the sheets -with vocabulary and facial expressions included? Oh là là!

Then run, don't walk, to the funniest one-man show in Paris: HOW TO BECOME PARISIAN IN ONE HOUR, where you, too, can learn how to become a rude Parisian!

Olivier Giraud is the witty Parisien behind this show full of 100% French humor, but 100% in English.

La Mom and Big Cheese attended Olivier's spectacle recently and didn't stop laughing from start to finish. Neither did the +200 seat theatre filled with a large number of English-speaking tourists and Parisian locals. The jokes and body language were spot-on. Olivier even shared his struggle to bring the show to life. In typical fashion, Parisians were down on his idea and nobody wanted to rent theatre space to him, "Who wants to hear a Frenchman making jokes about Parisians in English?" Well, apparently people do and Olivier is having the last laugh. His shows are packed every week, he's moving to a larger theatre, and he's taking his show on the road to the USA in 2012!

Let's get to know this Very Interesting Parisian un peu mieux:

How do you become Parisian? In 5 words or less: ARROGANT, IMPATIENT, RUDE

Favorite Parisian VIP (besides you, of course)? JEAN DUJARDIN

Favorite Parisian hangout? HAVING A DRINK ON A TERRASSE WITH FRIENDS

Favorite Parisian neighborhood? SAINT GERMAIN

Favorite Parisian park: LES BUTTES CHAUMONT

Favorite Parisian museum? LE LOUVRE

Favorite Parisian restaurant? RESTAURANT MARKET

French toast or pancakes? PANCAKES

French fries or potato squares? POTATO SQUARES

Favorite French meal: FOIE GRAS POELE

Perfect French aperitif: GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE (BRUT OR ROSE)

Ladurée or Pierre Hermé? LADUREE

Espresso, cafe au lait, or cafe américain? CAFÉ AMERICAIN

Macarons or cupcakes? MACARONS

Café Costes or the bistro du coin? BISTROT DU COIN

Favorite French writers/singer/actor? MARION COTILLARD / M / YODELICE

Most beautiful French woman? SOPHIE MARCEAU

Amélie Poulain or Carrie Bradshaw? AMELIE POULAIN

Favorite part of France? CORSICA

Favorite French language expression? C'EST PAS DE MA FAUTE

http://www.oliviergiraud.com/ Reserve tickets here.

AFP: Heard the one about the French stand-up?

Slang Word Time Warp

2012-01-17T23:27:00.003+01:00

photo: Self Service UK

La Mom's noticed lately that a lot of her expat friends seem to be in a slang word time warp. They use slang words or phrases that makes one take note, "WHAT did San Diego Mom just say?"

This slang word time warp thing got La Mom thinking - do slang words learned before moving abroad stay through the years in one's expat life? Does slang stand still over time?

Je pense que oui. It seems to be the case in La Mom's entourage. Here's what I've overheard:

At the expat get-together:
Kansas Mom: Dude, Montana Mom has a groovy poncho.
La Mom: I love it. It looks like it's Missoni.
Kansas Mom: Oh là, I dig it even more knowing it's a Missoni.
Kansas Mom is clearly stuck in a 1970s slang word time warp and probably moved to Paris circa 1975.

Also at the expat get-together:
Texas Mom: Mmm, Quebec Mom made paté for us. I can't wait to eat some.
California Mom: Gag me with a spoon. I hate paté.
Texas Mom: Do you like foie gras?
California Mom: No way, José. Barf me back to the stone age.
Texas Mom to La Mom: Did she really just say, "Barf me back to the Stone Age?"
La Mom: Are you from Southern California? How long have you been in France?
California Mom: How'd you know? Too long.
California Mom = stuck in a 1980s slang word time warp.

At a play date:
Kentucky Mom: I love living in France. I got a subscription filled for my sinus infection and paid nothing for my medication.
Florida Mom: French health care is rad.
La Mom: Did you just say 'rad'?
Kentucky Mom: You did. That's almost as bad as saying 'hella cool'.
Florida Mom = stuck in a 1990s slang word time warp.

At supper club:
La Mom: So do you think it's true Gad Elmaleh is dating Princess Caroline's daughter?
NY Mom: If Paris Match and Point de Vue say it's true, then it must be.
Georgia Mom: Gad is so fine. His eyes are the bomb.

Georgia Mom = stuck in a 1990s slang word time warp.

Jogging at the park:
Texas Mom: I'm so tore up from my trip to London.
La Mom: Then jogging will be good to clear the cobwebs. How was the fashion show?
Texas Mom: Lots of bling bling in the collection.
Texas Mom = stuck in a 2000s slang word time warp.

La Mom's concluded that in order to avoid embarrassing slang word time warps that identify one's age and expat lifetime, it's best to speak in plain old English. No slang, mes amies.

For example:

"That poncho is very nice."
"I don't like foie gras and I think paté is truly disgusting"
"The French health care system is excellent."
"Gad Elmaleh is a very handsome man. He has beautiful eyes."
"I'm so tired and the collection was flashy."

Are you stuck in slang word time warp? La Mom would love to hear from you!

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Valentine's Day is soon. Are you ready to get Sugar Dazed?

The Sugar Daze Valentine gift box is back -- and it's bigger and better than ever! (Tempt your chances and win a gift box. Leave a comment on Sugar Daze's Facebook page with the cupcake in the assortment you can't wait to sink your teeth into! 2 winners will be chosen at random on Sunday, 12 Februray)

The 6 cupcake box (24 euros) includes:

- La Vie en Rose ( a pistachio cupcake with rose buttercream)

- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (the classic Red Velvet with vanilla bean frosting)

- Lovefool (strawberry and champagne cupcake and buttercream)

- Go All the Way (raspberry swirled cupcake with chocolate buttecream)

- Vanilla Lovers (the name says it all!)

- Mademoiselle Orangette (an orange cupcake with chocolate ganache frosting)

As always, your cupcakes will be dressed in assorted hand-made decorations for Valentine's Day! Available for pick-up only, in the 17th (Courcelles/Wagram) on the 13th or 14th Februray at the following times:

Monday, 13 februray : 13H30 - 16H or 17H-19H

Tuesday, 14 february: 13H30 - 16H or 18H - 20H

Sugar Daze can only make 50 gift boxes this year so hurry up and reserve yours - orders will be taken on a first come first serve basis!

To pre-order, please send an email to:

info@sugardazecupcakes.com noting the number of boxes you would like to order AND the date/time desired for your pick-up.

Merci!

Woteva, Woteverrr, Whatever

2012-01-09T22:31:00.000+01:00

W is for Woteva

Big Cheese and the French Fries learned a new word while on holiday recently: woteva.

<----- They also learned the hand gesture that accompanies this word.

"Woteva" was the word du jour and quite overused during our winter vacation in the sun.

For example...

Big Cheese: Chérie, did you know the French won the men's swimming championship last summer?

La Mom: The French finally won a medal in a manly sport.

Big Cheese: What do you mean? We win the handball championships every year.

La Mom: Wot-ev-a. American girls fantasize about dating basketball stars and English girls fantasize about dating soccer stars. Have you met one French girl who fantasizes about dating a handball player?

Big Cheese: Wot-ev-errrr
(Sidebar: How cute! Big Cheese changed "Woteva" to "Wot-ev-errr" and rolled his "r" like only the French can do.)

*********

La Mom: We're off to the pool, French Fries.

Big Fry: Hey look, there's a crocodile floating in the pool.

Small Fry: C'est bizarre, I thought all of the crocodiles were at Vuitton?

(La Mom & Big Cheese laugh)

Big Fry: Wot-ev-a.

*********

So I guess it was no surprise when Small Fry's French maitresse pulled La Mom aside one week into the new year for a très serious discussion.

Maîtresse: Small Fry is having problems following directions. I told the class it was time to put their paint supplies away and she wouldn't do it. Then she wouldn't sit down to sing. She keeps repeating "wooduhvah". Could this be a word en anglais?

La Mom: Baaa, baaa, non. It doesn't sound like it. I'm not sure what she's saying.

Maîtresse: But there's something more important you need to know. Small Fry is, comment dire, she's having great difficulty holding her pencil properly since school started last week.

La Mom: She seems to be holding it right when she colors at home.

Maîtresse: Non, if she doesn't start holding her pencil properly again, she'll be foutu forever.

(Sidebar: Why are the French so concerned that holding a pencil incorrectly will mess up one's life for-ev-a? I've heard this pencil holding crotte before with Big Fry. Is it really that serious?)

La Mom: Baaa, you mean, she may not advance to kindergarten or university one day because she never learned how to hold her pencil properly?

Maîtresse: Oui, c'est un peu comme ça. I wouldn't say it exactly that way, but she must learn how to hold her pencil correctly maintenant. Her academic future is at stake.

La Mom: Wot-ev-a.

France's Presidential Candidates Wish You a Rockin' 2012!

2012-01-04T14:05:00.002+01:00

If France's presidential election could be decided by who rocks the dance floor the best, who would win: Nicolas Sarkozy or François Hollande?

Leave a comment with your vote.

La Mom votes for Daddy Sarkozy - he knows how to bust a move.

Bonne année !

A Christmas Story

2011-12-21T18:41:00.002+01:00

The Plot
What to give Big Fry's teacher for Christmas?

The Players
La Mom, New Jersey Mom, La Maîtresse

The Email
Dear Parents:

Madame Blanc (Julie's mother), has kindly offered to extend her employee discount at Chanel towards the purchase of a Christmas gift for our children's teacher, La Maîtresse. If you would like to donate for a watch, an envelope is available with the school secretary until December 19th. The children will present the gift to her at the class Christmas party on December 20th.

Merci à tous,
Toronto Mom & New Jersey Mom
Homeroom mothers

(Sidebar:
Thought #1: Back in my primary school days, we gave teachers candles, chocolates, or home-made gifts for Christmas, not luxury watches.
Thought #2: Zut, I had planned on giving La Maîtresse an 8€ tea box.
Thought #3: If La Maîtresse gets a luxe watch for Christmas, what will the homeroom moms want to give her at the end of the school year? )

The tea box

The Courtyard Scene
It's the day before the class Christmas party. New Jersey Mom is chatting with La Mom at the school gates when La Maîtresse interrupts us.

La Maîtresse: Bonjour Madame New Jersey. Are you, by chance, coordinating a group collection for my Christmas gift?

NJ Mom: Why yes, it's taken care of.

La Maîtresse: You mean you bought the gift?

NJ Mom: We've identified the gift. One of the parents is using her employee discount to buy your present.

La Maîtresse: Ah, bon.

NJ Mom: Is something wrong? The gift is from Chanel, so there's nothing to worry about. If you must know, it's a watch.

La Maîtresse: Oh, I have several watches and certainly don't need another one! I was hoping for a Longchamp leather bag.

NJ Mom: Baaa, baaa, baaa.

(Sidebar: New Jersey Mom could not stop baaing like a French sheep she was so taken aback.)

The Christmas Party Scene:
There was no scene.

New Jersey Mom was a no-show because she was so annoyed with La Maîtresse that she decided to boycott the party.

The kids gave La Maîtresse her Chanel watch.

Big Fry gave La Maîtresse the tea box. La Mom wasn't touching this Christmas story with a ten foot pole.
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Joyeuses Fêtes, dear readers. Thank you for your comments, emails, and support in 2011. A bientôt en 2012!

WTF

2011-12-13T22:01:00.001+01:00

Sing it with me -

On the fifth day of Christmas, Amazon France gave to me,

Beaucoup de soucis.

Two orders placed with two different Amazons (France & US), two problems encountered, two very different customer service experiences...

Amazon US customer service exchange:

La Mom : Hi, I’m calling from France because I just realized I sent a package to an incorrect address in Florida. It’s order #123456789.

Amazon US : No problem ! I can help you with that ! Yep, I see here the order came back full circle and is at our warehouse. I can send out a new one today, if you have the new address.

La Mom : Great. The address is blah blah blah blah.

Amazon US : Can I help you with anything else ?

La Mom : No, thank you so much.

Amazon France customer service exchange:

La Mom : Bonjour, a package I ordered has not shown up at it's delivery address. It was sent to my in-law’s home in Aix-en-Provence. Order numéro 123456789.

Amazon France : Are you sure you gave us the right address ? It’s 211 Rue Le Bon ?

La Mom : Oui.

Amazon FR : You’re sure that’s the right address ?

La Mom : Yes. Your site says the package was delivered December 3rd, today is the 10th, and there’s still no package at my in-law’s house.

Amazon FR : Baaa, baaa, have your in-laws checked with the neighbors to see if the package was delivered to them by accident ?

La Mom : No.

Amazon FR : They need to check with their neighbors.

La Mom : Pardonnez-moi? Amazon can’t locate a package full of Christmas presents for my kids, so it’s up to my in-laws to go ask their neighbors if they’ve received it ?

Amazon FR : Oui.

(La Mom visualizes the scene)

La Mom : Are you kidding ? My in-laws are old and one walks with a cane. There’s no way I’m going to tell two 80 year olds they have to check with their neighbors for a box full of presents. They don’t even know all of their neighbors. Franchement.

Amazon FR : The package was delivered. It’s up to them to find it.

La Mom : Do you have someone’s signature indicating the package was received ? Because if you don’t, then it wasn’t. It’s your job to find it.

Amazon FR : Non, pas de signature, but the shipping records indicate the package was delivered.

La Mom : It wasn’t, so you need to ship a new one asap. Please.

Amazon FR : Désolée, c’est impossible.

(Sidebar : Whoa, wait. Wasn’t it France's great emperor Napoléan who coined the proverb,

« Impossible n’est pas français » ? Yeah, right.)

La Mom : I’m a premium customer, doesn’t that count for anything ? Laissez-moi parler avec votre manager, s'il vous plaît.

Amazon FR : Un moment.

*click*

And the line was disconnected.

As one of my favorite ex-pat bloggers, David Lebovitz says, WTF.

WTF = Welcome To France

Ho Ho No

2011-12-03T14:01:00.000+01:00

Charlie Brown Christmas tree

So La Mom finally did it. After exactly 10 Noëls together, I convinced Big Cheese to buy a ridiculously expensive faux Christmas tree.

Pourquoi, you may ask?

Well, Parisian Christmas trees are puny. I mean, really underdeveloped. But like a lot of things in this city, vastly overpriced. Somehow I just wanted a big, perfectly symmetrical tree that wouldn’t sag when Big Fry put the gold glass Galeries Lafayette pointy topper that all French trees seem to have on it.

Seems like a lot of other Americans are thinking like La Mom.

The Scene: Expensive Parisian garden store

The Players: La Mom, Big Cheese, and Random American Guy

The Convo:

Random American Guy: Hey, are you guys American?

(Big Cheese shoots a withering glance at La Mom)

La Mom: Yeah…

RAG: Great! Is this the best place to buy a tree? I mean, these things are pretty small. My wife loves Christmas and she would kill me if I bring home a Charlie Brown tree.

(Addressing Big Cheese) You know Charlie Brown?

(The withering glances are flying all over the place, but this doesn’t stop RAG)

La Mom: Well, you might want to wait until a few weekends from now when there will be a better selection. Or go faux. (Gesturing to boxed Tree of Perfection)

I will not bore you, dear readers, with the rest of the conversation. RAG clearly needed to talk. Here’s a synopsis:

He’s a trailing spouse (“Yeah, I’m doin’ the Mr. La Mom thing…”)
They exchanged a 1300 square foot apartment in the 16^th for four-bedroom 2000 square foot digs in the 17^th for his one-kid family “because they were used to space” (insert withering glance here)
He and his wife had timeshares at Disneyland Paris “because they blow real snow on Main Street every day in December!” (Big Cheese’s glances were not shutting RAG up so he abandoned me to inspect the orchid display)
Barrage of questions: Where did I get Thanksgiving turkeys? Did you know you could get Netflix over here? Where did I get eggnog?

Hold on.

La Mom broke out of the nod-and-smile routine for a millisecond.

La Mom: Why don’t you go on epicurious.com for an eggnog recipe? I make most of my American stuff from scratch. It’s really easy.

RAG: But it wouldn’t be the same.

And then I got it. Random American Guy would rather drink a merdique pasteurized eggnog straight out of the carton. Because otherwise, it wouldn’t be the same.

Huh. Looking at the boxed Tree of Perfection, I thought RAG might have a point.

A Charlie Brown tree delivery at the flower market

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Great deals on kids and baby shoes and accessories!

Kidshop advent calendar- one item -50% per day until December 24th.

Merry Christmas from kidshop !

Joyeux Thanksgiving Secrets

2011-11-23T23:10:00.003+01:00

This time last year, Les Moms Stephanie & Allison were celebrating Thanksgiving on French TV.

Parlez-vous pumpkin pie crust?

Click here to view the video

Following our six minutes of fame, we received several emails that we never got around to answering - until now. Here are some of our TV secrets revealed one year later...

From Stacey in San Francisco:
How did you get the French Fries to dance the Turkey Trot?
Bribes.
Two weeks of song and dance practice.
A trip to Toys 'R Us.
More bribes.
In fact, Clemence, the M6 journalist, held brand-new toys still in their packaging behind Franck the cameraman as incentive for the French Fries to dance. Très evil.

From Ali in Chicago:
How come you weren't filmed making sweet potato purée?
Good eye! Since we were filmed gushing over the sweet potatoes at The Real McCoy, you probably assumed we bought some and made it ourselves. Pas vrai. What you saw us eating was actually purée de patate douce...from Picard and cooked in the microwave.

From Juliette in Lille:
Can you send me the list of items you bought at the American store, items for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner?
Watch the video and look at the list again. Closely. The list was actually a list of things to *pretend* to buy. In fact, "pretend to buy" and "buy" was written on the paper La Mom Stephanie was holding (I had no idea the cameraman zoomed in on my list). We pretended to buy things like the sweet potatoes, pie crust, and Jiffy cornbread muffin mix because we had most of the meal already prepared by then.

From Francois in Rennes:
Did your French guests really like Thanksgiving dinner or did they just pretend to for the cameras?
Sais pas. It took a très long time to film the dinner scene so it was cold by the time we actually started eating it.

From Isabelle in Paris:
The turkey cupcakes were so cute. Can you send me the recipe?
Here's a petit secret...one of Les Moms can't bake. There's was no way La Mom Stephanie could whip up cute cupcakes like that, so she needed help. Her friend, Cat of Sugar Daze, was the obvious choice as she's THE source for the most delicious, fresh-baked, American-style cupcakes in Paris. Cat provided the turkey cupcakes knowing they were for a TV show, but not knowing that her friends were the bloggers behind La Mom. She found out when we posted the Thanksgiving video, along with her cupcakes, on the blog. Surprise!
P.S. - You'll have to ask Cat for the secret recipe.

From Jennifer in Miami:
Why did you decide to reveal your real identities by posting the TV show on your blog?
What better way to do it after more than two years of anonymous blogging? The journalist contacted us because she was a fan of the blog. It seemed like the right (and fun) thing to do!

For more secrets, read on...

Behind The Scenes - originally posted November 27, 2010

Ready, set, action!

Les Moms were beaucoup thrilled to appear on French TV! But while shopping for potiron and turkey trimmings may have looked like a walk in the Parc Monceau, Les Moms learned that there’s a lot of work behind the scenes.

It took about 12 hours of filming to get our little 6-minute segment. Luckily, la belle journaliste Clémence and hilarious cameraman Franck made it a Thanksgiving we’ll never forget.

Merci l’equipe!

Here’s what went down:

Take One: Squash – Fascinating!

Clémence: Now you should select some gourdes for your table setting. Zey are very belle, non?

(Stephanie and Allison chat animatedly while choosing miniature squash.)

Franck: Très bien! Now let’s do eet again.

One hour later…

Franck: Très bien! One more take.

Stephanie: Stick your neck out! Your double chin is showing.

Allison: Merde. Thanks. You need to get a little more excited about the damn squash.

Stephanie (letting loose): Oh, mon dieu! C’est tellement chou ce petit pumpkin!!!

Allison : Now that’s good TV.

La Mom Allison making pumpkin pie.

Take Two: No Naked Turkeys

Clémence: Now Stéphanie can take all of the plats to the table. Ze turkey ees zee star.

Allison: Wait, we can’t do this. The turkey is just on a serving platter. I can’t serve a naked turkey on French national TV!

Stephanie: Huh?

Allison: You know, it has to have some parsley or something on it. What do you have?

Stephanie: Some onions? I don’t know, lemon slices?

Allison: My belle-mère will die of shame! Hey, why don’t we throw some fresh cranberries on the side?

Clémence: Does your turkey have eets clothes on now? Allez, on filme!

La Mom Stephanie and Franck the cameraman.

Take Three: Fake Some Conversation

Clémence: Alors, now you can have a nice friendly chat entre copines. Zere will be no sound.

Allison: So we can say whatever we want?

Clémence: Oui.

Franck: Je filme!

Stephanie: Can you still see that zit on my chin?

Allison: No, but you need more blush. Do you think that gendarme who sent you love letters back in the day will see the show?

Stephanie: God, I hope not! So what do you think of Franck?

Allison: Definitely cute. He can cook my turkey anytime.

Stephanie: Totally agree. And Clémence is set for a career as a TV presenter for sure.

Clémence: Ca va les filles?

Stephanie & Allison (with big American smiles): Bien sûr!

Dinner with our new French friends from M6 100% Mag.

Joyeux Sanksgeeveeng!
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Dear Readers, how are you celebrating Turkey Day? Leave a comment and let Les Moms know!

His Dinde Is Cooked

2011-11-16T21:07:00.000+01:00

La Mom's 2010 turkey as shown on French TV

Thanksgiving is a very important holiday in La Mom’s household. You know, it’s actually pretty French à la base – cook massive amounts of food, sit around the table for hours, and pass out in a blissed-out gourmet coma.

That’s why Big Cheese has always been a big fan of Thanksgiving. Until La Mom gave him a task other than eat, drink, and be merry.

Big Cheese: Chèrie, I meant to tell you – the butcher who orders the turkeys changed management. They do not order turkeys in advance or cook them.

La Mom: Merde, merde, merde. Where are we going to get a turkey this late in the game?

Big Cheese (with exasperated Gallic puff): Do you really have to order them this far in advance?

La Mom (exploding): What are you talking about? You’re French! You’re supposed to know this stuff! Do you remember the time when the foxes ate all the good turkeys at the turkey farm? Or the time when there was a train strike and turkeys couldn’t be delivered? GET ME A TURKEY!

Big Cheese (alarmed): Bien sûr, mon coeur.

La Mom may not know much about French cuisine, but I know French turkeys. The nerve of that Gaul.
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Can't get to Paris to see the holiday decorations this year? La Mom's got you covered! Visit her Facebook page to see videos & pictures of the Chanel decorated holiday vitrines at Le Printemps. Here's an avant-goût of the pocket-sized Karl Lagerfeld window:

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Imagine a Christmas without any presents.
In France and throughout the world, this is a sad reality which The American Cathedral Love-in-a-Box Paris is trying to change. For 20 years, volunteers of various ages, nationalities and persuasions throughout Paris have joined together to provide holiday presents to children in local homeless shelters, orphanages and community centers. This year Love-boxes will also travel to Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Bulgaria. These children will literally receive one gift this Christmas; it's the gift of hope, fashioned in a shoe box by an anonymous, loving gift giver: YOU! Please click here for more information and to find out how you can help.

Give Her An Inch...

2011-11-06T23:14:00.001+01:00

Photo: Daily Front Row

You know the idiom - Give 'em an inch and they'll take a mile?

In La Mom's case, when you give Paris Mom a centimeter, she takes a kilometer.

It all started with a text exchange:

Paris Mom: U go wees ze French Fries 2 ze parc today?

La Mom: Oui. Around 3:30.

Paris Mom: I meet u at parc avec Guillaume ok? (Insert smiley)

La Mom: Great. C U there.

At le parc, Paris Mom takes her kilometer.

Paris Mom: Bonjour! (Insert French double air kiss). So I peek 'eem up at seex o'clock?

La Mom to self: (She's dropping him off for me to babysit?)

We're going home at 5:30.

Paris Mom: Guillaume, do you want to go 'ome wees Big Fry?

Guillaume: Ouais! Genial!

Paris Mom: Big Fry ees going to take a shower when 'e gets 'ome. You can play in eez room. Or you can take a shower too?

La Mom to self: ?

Paris Mom: So I peek eem up at 7:00?

La Mom to self: How did 5:30 go to 7:00?

La Mom: Baaa, baaa, oui. The French Fries will have dinner then.

Paris Mom: Guillaume, do you want to stay for ze deener?

Guillaume & Big Fry: Trop cool!

Paris Mom: I peek eem up at 7:30. A toute à l'heure!

La Mom to self: Don't I get a 'Merci' at least?
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La Mom is finally on Facebook. Check it out!