Hello December

Why, oh why has France not caught up with the modern age of having accessible internet wherever you go? Posts have been minimal due to my internet being minimal, and I’m actually writing these offline to post in the two minutes where my internet might suddenly decide to return.

So HELLO DECEMBER!! And HELLO CHRISTMAS. You’ve been a long time coming, and in a weird way have come round far too quickly at the same time. I can remember last Christmas like it was yesterday and yet so much has happened since then. But let the festivities begin! This year I am feeling far more excited about Christmas than I have during the last few years. I think it is probably because I’ll be going home as well to a wonderfully decorated festive house, with a cozy fire and warm blankets, and fluffy animals because they’ve grown their fur! I cannot wait.

I keep getting scolded by people who say I shouldn’t be wishing away my time in Paris because I want to go home so much, and honestly I’m trying not to! But it’s been seven weeks since I was at home and, although life is 100 times better here than it was, home is still where I really want to be. In six months’ time, when I’ve finished, it may be that I feel utterly different about life here, but for now it is an experience I'm using to help me grow as a person, and to help improve my French.

It helps that it has been so beautiful here for the last few weeks. The autumn colours are so rich, especially in the wood where I run. With the clear blue skies, and although it is terribly chilly, it’s utterly picturesque. The Christmas lights have also been turned on, so all around the town are sparkly Christmas trees and baubles and icicles! So here are some pictures of the woodland nearby on a lovely autumn afternoon.

  

Autumn Style

It’s November: think beautiful colours in the trees; think chilly mornings and gorgeous sunrises; think curling up with a mug of hot chocolate; and most of all think of those gorgeous layers and accessories you can pull back out of hiding.

I have finally invested in a long cream chunky knit cardigan, with elbow patches, from Zara. It’s great for laying and I love wearing it over dresses, to make a previously summery look, a bit more suitably autumnal.

I also eventually decided on the pair of boots I wanted and purchased them recently from Clarks (find them here). Clarks’ shoes always have reasonably hefty price tags, but failing to find what I wanted anywhere else, I tried these on in the shop and they are the comfiest boots I have ever worn. Seriously. I should listen to mum more: it really is worth paying more for quality. While I was on a roll, I also got this bag which matches, and I have had a lot of compliments on it. I have to admit, with the price tags I was unsure about keeping both after having bought them (I’ve become obsessive about spending even a penny of my money) but am so glad I have kept them- I can tell they will be season staples.

At this point, I should probably confess that I have an extreme obsession for accessories this season. I don’t know where it’s come from, but anything from adorable cloche hats and snoods, to structured totes and statement necklaces, prompts little heart signs to form in my eyes. I really do need a job! This is going to be an expensive year!

Here’s some of the things I’m obsessed with at the moment and have treated myself to in the last few months...

• Pretty earrings: these were actually my prom earrings bought from a small independent boutique.

• Statement necklaces: to glam up any outfit! I like wearing them over jumpers or plain long sleeved tops.

£20, Next

£10, Next

•  Loving hats generally: very Parisian chic, and adds that little touch of class.

Cloche hat in aubergine, £25, M&S

• Anything fluffy!!! I obsessed over this combination for so long, I was particularly drawn to the warm fleece lining of the snood. So glad I finally invested though as the snood has certainly served me well already. The prices noted here are RRPs. I don't think I actually paid full price for any of it, which makes all these treats that little bit sweeter.

Hat, £20 and snood (fleece lined) £25, both Oasis

Franglish- Making friends in Paris

I finally got around to trying the event that was recommended to me, and in hindsight I had been making excuses after excuses just because I realised that it took a lot of guts to do. But mum gave me some good advice before I went: remember, everyone there will be in the same boat. And sure enough, they were.

So Franglish organise about four weekly events running from about 7-9pm, held in different bars depending on the day. I went on a Tuesday where it was held in the Lizard Lounge in the Marais, and I would definitely return. For roughly one and a half hours, the native French speakers joined us English speakers for 15 minutes where we would spend half the time talking in French, and then switch to English- great for practising speaking. 

I had read reviews before I went which said that it was a bit like speed dating, and I have to admit it did have that sort of feel to it at first. But you soon forget that once it all starts. I found it pretty fast paced, which was great for keeping the ball rolling and meeting as many different people as possible, but also meant that there wasn't a lot of time to exchange contact details. However, at the end, you can stick around and hunt down the people you got along with to create friendships- something which I am glad to say I did.

Sometimes conversation was slow but that completely depended on who you were talking to and I actually had a great chat with others. Genuinely, I had a great time, and it was so nice to hear people say, hey- I just want to practise my English. I would absolutely recommend this event to any English speakers in Paris looking to improve their French. It was fun, and everyone there was very like-minded so you're bound to find someone to hit it off with.

Don't hesitate for the amount of time I did- I already regret not having gone sooner and will definitely be going again. Here's the website for more details: http://www.franglish.eu/en/home

Autumn in Paris

This is my first post since I've returned to Paris! Good news: I'm settled back in and am busier than I was last term. Bad news: I'm still somewhat low on the friend count. But in spite of that, I took myself to Notre Dame on a beautiful autumnal day to appreciate exactly what is round the corner from where I work. Click here through to my Paris page for more photos...