French inspired finds

Besides New Orleans, the other place in the world where I just feel like myself is France. Some falsely characterize France as fussy or fancy, but I see an instinct to combine beauty, quality, and pragmatism in all things. It's an aesthetic that deeply resonates with me (so do the Beaujolais and the pain au chocolat). Here are some of my favorite finds to add a little joie de vivre to the every day:

1. My purse is always stocked with Panier des Sens hand cream that has a great texture and comes in multiple natural scents (I love the lavender and the orange blossom); I always ask for a new tube in my Christmas sibling gift exchange.

2. Brass outlet covers are one of those small upgrades that makes a shockingly significant impact and helps you pretend you're living in an apartment in le sixième.

3. Bois de Balincourt by Maison Marie Louis eau de parfum is one of my favorite fragrances—earthy and woodsy, with lots of sandalwood and vetiver. It's a clean, all-natural formulation inspired by an ancient French forest.

4. We use Le Parfait glass jars for packing leftovers, homemade granola, and lunches, including jar salads; they are a great upgrade from plastic and make everything look prettier.

5. I appreciate this lavender oil diffuser's minimalist design and excellent sillage. The fragrance oil is all natural, which makes a huge difference if you often suffer fragrance-triggered headaches like I do. We keep a few of these tucked around the house and apartment.

6. This stylish, super high-quality French press makes excellent coffee, keeps it hot for hours, and is impeccably constructed. We have two: one at home and one at our New Orleans apartment.

7. This charming cookbook of monastery soups was first given to me by a French nun (my personal favorite is the Normandy carrot soup—but add some cayenne).

8. All summer in Paris, you'll see French women carrying woven bags of straw, rattan, and raffia; this rattan and leather crossbody would fit right in.

9. Organic lavender castile soap is one of our household essentials; you can use it to clean just about everything from your floors to yourself!

10. I have several of these French blue striped tablecloths (that also come in a variety of colors and designs); for the excellent price, they are heavyweight and high-quality, and launder well.

11. Duralex picardie glasses are a French bistro staple that we use for water, soft drinks, cocktails, wine, everything. They come in tons of sizes; I recommend a set of the 12.6 oz for water, tea, and soft drinks, and a set of the 5.6 oz for wine, cocktails, and liquor. We also use stacks of these at parties instead of disposable cups.

12. A bamboo drying rack captures that French aesthetic of never having to choose between practical and pretty.

13. I love the simple, rustic flavor these organic herbes de Provence add to chicken, vegetables, pork, eggs, soups, and stews—and they smell incredible!

14. Minimalist canvas totes are a French staple for running errands.

Subscribe to get the weekly newsletter with exclusive essays and other content.

____________________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and traveler.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.