February

The feeling of

February

We’ve gotten through January with reels hating on people who do Dry January, who make NY commitements they never keep, who feel like this January has lasted a whole year. And now — boom — it’s February. Valentine’s Day. Suddenly all the pâtisseries and chocolatiers are advertising heart-shaped cakes and chocolates, hotels are rolling out romantic getaway deals, and florists are ordering more red, overpriced roses than ever (hate that shade of red, by the way). Reels are suggesting Valentine’s Day should be cancelled because there are too many single people. And although I love celebrating, I’m starting to wonder if maybe they’re right — being on the single side and looking at this whole dating scene with a bit of laughter. But no. I’m not. I do believe that every day, every celebration — especially love — needs to be celebrated. Not with red roses, but with love and affection.

But enough of that, because February is not just Valentine’s. It’s the month of skiing trips, of many fondues and raclettes, some Mont d’Or in the middle, as well as tartiflette — all four tasting incredible after a day on the slopes. It’s the month of crêpes, Yorkshire pudding, pizza, tortellini, almonds, drinking wine, sticky toffee pudding, pistachios, chocolate soufflé, and I Hate Coriander days. It’s the month when oranges are still amazing, apples and pears shine, endives, leeks and cardoons appear on most French menus, and red wine and digestifs follow either long skiing days or hearty, cheese-filled dinners. So yes, some may hate February, with that 14th in the middle reminding them of lonely evenings. Yet apart from that, there’s no need to hate poor February just because of this.

TOUR

March in Paris

April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
No one can ever reprise

With Ella Fitzgerald singing in the background, I’m writing about my Paris March tour, wondering why I did it in March — and then I remember: because that’s when the magnolias bloom, turning the city into a cloud-like kind of magic. And also, since this year Easter falls on the 5th of April, I wanted to take you on a journey around Paris before that — tasting Easter creations and admiring the beautiful window displays. So, book a ticket, grab a bag, and see you in March.

Discover

cheeses of burgundy

Chestnuts

À la Spritzbredle

spice cookies

my honey cake

Travel

Paris addresses

RECIPES

From simple appetisers and dinner dishes to easy-to-make cookies, tarts and more laborious cakes. But, mostly, all French and seasonal. Visit

HOME

From essentials like the softest and best-made duvets and cleaning materials to scents, candles, interior design accessories and all that makes your home the best place to live in. Visit

Drinks

One can pretend that a meal without wine is the best. But one can also be honest and say that it lacks that excitement of discovery. Some may say that coffee is the worst thing ever, exchanging it for tea or a chai latte, while others say that one cup of coffee is such a pleasure that it even times stops. And there is no right or wrong, as long as the product you use is made with respect, love and, preferably, a sustainable approach. Visit

BEAUTY

No matter the beauty rituals we have, we do have some. Some get by with a simple wash with soap. Some need four different products. Some crave an SPA visit every day, and some do not wish for anything annoying to their perfect, natural skin. I like to have a bit of everything, yet, as long as it is natural, clean and makes my mind and body happy. Visit