bonheur: la formule

Showing posts with label la formule. Show all posts

Bear's Paris To-Do List

Bear was thrilled to see Lenotre featuring chocolate teddy bears this Easter/Pacque.

Bear plans to shop a bit in Paris on rue Vavin, these bear booties from Berlingot are on his to-buy list.

A bear hat from gawd knows where...

For browsing doudous/stuffed animals Once Upon A Time/il etait une fois...1, rue Casette 75006

Hopefully this clown bear is still there...

French bear erasers are essential.

He's reading Bringing Up Bebe while I throw things at the suitcase. Bear has a sandbox interview with author Pamela Druckerman on his to-do list(!)

This means homework like eating 'formule' lunches...

Plus snacks/gouter only at 4:30 pm.

And 'adult time' with a marshmallow/guimauve nounours femme.

Miam Miam

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Last night I heard Pamela Druckerman (author of my fav book, Bringing Up Bebe) talk at Barnes & Nobles. Pamela spent three years researching/writing her book while raising three children in Paris. She never expected all the controversy or enormous interest it's aroused. She thought perhaps only new moms or grandmothers would read it. In fact there is interest world-wide. A French edition will be coming out. The French want to know what their doing right!

Reading BUB as an aunt/grand-aunt, there are many things I would do over given the chance. But mostly I find Pamela's book full of clues to what makes the French tick. My copy is a wreck of notes and yellow underlinings.

French enfants are nudged onto 4-X-a-day set feedings exactly when the whole family eats. Is it any wonder the French have low obesity (8%)?

8am-12noon-4:30 snack-8pm

That's it.

No snacking in between.

French children learn to wait for mealtime.

Isn't 'La Formule' (entree+plat+dessert) served in French restaurants at noon a continuation of the 4-course lunches children eat at la creche?

The French Paradox may be more about eating in moderation at set times than drinking wine.

French enfants are given their first doudou at la creche. Is it any wonder they remain attached to stuffed animals? Where are the cashmere bears at Donna Karan's?

Cashmere for him, for her and a giant panda too. Childish playfulness is ongoing for the French in my opinion.

Everyone, young and old, loves nounours/chocolate marshmallow bears.

Why is there no serious museum in NYC with ongoing + new toy exhibitions like Musee des arts Decoratifs?

A French passion for the things of childhood (including La vache qui rie cheese)...

Creates an inherent playfulness in French culture as I see it. Spritz yourself in Bloomingdales with perfume and you'll be set upon by staff. In Printemps/Galeries Lafayette it's a free-for all. Spritz and play as much as you want. No one cares or expects you to buy.

If you want to see French parenting in action take a stroll down rue Vavin, 75006 - a pedestrian street. Or read Pamela's book if France is not on your menu.

(Just two weeks to go!)

I plan to eat a lot more fruit compote (merci Pamela) this time in Paris...

And less peche mignon(forbidden pleasures).

And only at set meal times! So that's my take away from Bringing Up Bebe.

I'd love to hear yours.

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Paris Signs

I'm addicted to Paris signs especially in the Metro. It can help if you get lost looking for the exit...

I learned today at The Paris Chronicles the white 'beveled' Metro tiles are quite special - they not only reflect more light but have become a chic addition to many homeowner's kitchens and bathrooms.

I love the separate exits in the Metro. No fighting incoming riders like in New York's MTA. Any wonder NYC makes the top of the list for rudest city?

FYI you won't be able to use the machines if you don't have a chip in your credit card so be sure to have euros onhand.

Leaving the inner sanctum of the Metro can set you up

For spectacular views like l'Opera Garnier. But you'll be on an island, Pl Charles Garnier with at least 4-5 possible crossings on offer.

I'm immersed reading Thirza Vallois on my new Kindle. She keeps you busy every single step looking this way and that, taking in historical data I previously overlooked. No wonder I see red in Paris. Formerly the cobblestones were streaming with it.