When I was pregnant in France, I scoured the Internet to read everything I could about parenting in France. I really wanted a book to tell me what I could expect or the differences between France and the USA - but I could not find anything. My older sister and mother both heard about this book, Bringing Up Bebe, from the news recently and rushed to tell me about it. I purchased … [Read more...]
French Public Bathroom Instructions for Women – I Am to Do What?
France is full of mysteries and adventures, even when it comes to using some of its public toilets. I have never seen anything like this in the US, and you will never find instructions posted in the stalls. So what are you to do if you open a bathroom stall to find a hole in the floor and what looks like immoveable white petals? I immediately exit and search for a place with a … [Read more...]
Christmas in Normandy, France – Beautiful and Joyful
I may not like the cold, but I do love Christmas in Normandy. The villages here all decorate their cityhalls and streets in cheerful colors, plus the towns are all lit up. The stores are also all looking especially enticing. I had to stay clear of the specialty chocolate and cheese stores in Caen because their gift baskets are too tempting. I went to one store that sold … [Read more...]
Traditions for Gift Giving in France When Expecting a Baby
After writing my latest post about why baby showers are not popular, I looked over at my collection of baby things and realized how much I have received throughout my pregnancy. Since moving to Normandy, family and friends have been continuously been giving us more and more with each visit. I think we have only purchased about 4 or 5 outfits for our little girl and somehow … [Read more...]
Why Baby Showers in France are Not Popular
Not long after I found out I was pregnant, I started to imagine my future baby shower. My dreams were crushed when my French husband told me that women in France do not have baby showers. I tried searching online and confirmed what he told me. While it is not completely unheard of, not many women in France throw a baby shower when they are expecting. Usually those that do … [Read more...]