Simplicity Meets Quality. (The French Way)

Hello friends,

I’m back in Atlanta after two fantastic weeks in France. The jet lag has me up at 4 a.m., but c’est la vie!

After any trip, I like to reflect on what I’ve learned about the place, its culture, and the people I met. These reflections often bring about shifts in my life or reinforce values I already hold.

Simplicity and quality are two aspects of life I frequently consider. I consider how they apply to various areas, such as my health, diet, wardrobe, relationships, and home, as part of my personal growth. During my time in France, I observed some ways of life that elevated these principles, and I wanted to share those thoughts with you.

Take food, for example.  Many European cultures have small fresh markets with their food on display outside.  The enticing array is meant to beckon and let you know what is in season and looking extremely delectable.  In Paris, we walked past the most beautiful white asparagus and strawberries. We also walked by the boulangerie for a fresh baguette, the cheese shop for some special cheeses, the butcher for some charcuterie, and of course, Le Cave for a local bottle of wine.  This food is simple and easy to make, a delicious meal.  I began to wonder if my Saturday routine could include the local farmers market at the Carter Center and walking to get there, just like in France.  It’s not daily, but it is a start!  What I love about the food in France is that it is fresh, local, and there is a huge sense of pride about the presentation.

Speaking of walking, we walked 14k to 17k steps every day while we were on vacation!  That’s about 5-7 miles per day!  Even in Paris, the “car culture” did not seem to exist.  People walked, took the Metro, or took a cab.  (Parking and driving look difficult.) Not only was it much quieter than Atlanta, due to more electric cars and fewer cars in general, but most people looked more fit, just walking around the city or sitting in the cafes.  For most of us, walking is such a simple thing; we were meant to do it.  It improves the environment, wakes us up, improves our health, and our quality of life.  With our dog, Maggie, recently passing, Ed and I need to continue the daily walks together.  It is quite an adjustment, but so important on many levels.

Daily walking brings us to wardrobe goals.  (How? My brain, that’s how.)  This trip, we packed much lighter.  This was very helpful because we traveled all over France on a train and had to maneuver our luggage.  I was happy that it was not too difficult with just my small roller bag and a backpack.  A couple of things that I missed in my lightweight wardrobe were a few more layers.  It was surprisingly cold in April, so I purchased some leggings to wear under my dress and some warmer socks (I love socks!) and even a winter hat!  I also wish that I had brought more scarves for warmth and personality.  My shoe game was also lacking because I brought sandals that I could not wear due to the cold and rainy weather.  In general, the French people have a very put-together wardrobe.  Of course, I expected this in Paris, but even in rural villages, wardrobes are considered a way to express their personalities.  I love this!  We see this in Atlanta, but I think the French fashion reminder will improve my wardrobe goals.

The last upgrade that I appreciated is perhaps, is the deepest one.  The French linger.  I love this!  What I mean is that they linger in cafes, they linger for hours over dinner, and we barely notice smartphone usage while eating.   This would be quite an adjustment to our busy lives, but slowing down seems so worth it.  We met up with our friends in the Chateau region. They cooked the most amazing food, with love and care, and then we lingered for 2-3 hours, with more courses, wine, and deep questions. We left with a sense of knowing them better than we ever had.  This was because of the love that they shared in cooking for us, and the ability to linger longer, with no place to go and no expectations of where we should be.  We also learned about some traditional French foods- pate, rabbit, and local wine, which were quite delicious!

My observations are not unique, but they are simple and can upgrade the quality of my life when practiced: fresh food, walking lots, clothes and shoes that are comfy and express personality, and spending enough time with the people I love.  I look forward to practicing!

If you are interested in delving deeper into the French lifestyle, I have been reading a book: “ The French Art of Living Well” by Cathy Yandell.  She is a professor who has spent many years in France.

As always, my sincere thanks for reading.  I love sharing with you, and I love it when you let me know what you are thinking about, especially as it relates to your observations on life, travel, and design.  Please reach out at stephanie@balancedesignatlanta.com. 

Until next week,

Stephanie