Two weeks ago, my doctor directed me to rest in bed for the next 4 weeks and limit my walking around to about 30 minutes per day. I was 32 weeks pregnant, but the baby was knocking on the door to get out. This means I cannot go grocery shopping or even clean the house. Since my doctor visit, my husband has not only been working full time, but also doing the cleaning, laundry … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2011
Financial Assistance for Childcare in France
The French government provides several options for childcare financial assistance for children between 2.5 months until 6 years old. Children are able to attend nursery school for free at the age of 3 during the day, but can qualify for additional assistance for outside of nursery school hours or for an alternative to nursery school. While most children enter nursery school … [Read more...]
5 Things I Love Most About Living in the French Countryside
It has been about 2.5 months since we moved from Bordeaux downtown to the small village of Lantheuil in Normandy’s countryside. Now that we are finally experiencing some warm and sunny days, I am constantly comparing my life here vs in Bordeaux. Here are the 5 things I love most about life in the countryside: Fresh air. Bordeaux is not the most polluted city in France, … [Read more...]
Switching to a French Spouse Visa – Part II
After submitting my paperwork to our local mairie to switch to a French spouse visa, I was told that I would receive a confirmation of receipt from the Caen prefecture within 3 weeks, or by July 26. This receipt would be proof that my visa is processing and that I am here legally since my student visa expires July 22. I would then receive notice from Caen's prefecture before … [Read more...]
French Feminist Warns that Going Green is Bad for Women’s Rights
I never thought that by deciding to breastfeed, use cloth diapers and opt for organic food would be putting women in France in jeopardy of losing the progress they have made in women's rights. In her book, Le Conflit : La Femme et La Mère, Elisabeth Badinter attacks politicians, breastfeeding advocates and psychologist for turning French women into slaves. She further … [Read more...]