Category: Life Abroad

This Is Not a Lesson

This Is Not a Lesson

I start by preheating the oven. The dial turns with a small resistance, a muted click that feels ceremonial. Not a decision, exactly—more like opening a door and standing in the frame. Heat will build whether I’m ready or not. I like that. I don’t …

Coucou Café

Coucou Café

Coucou Café: A Cozy Brunch Corner in Chinon Nestled in the heart of Chinon, Coucou Café is more than just a place to grab a quick bite or coffee. It’s a space where locals and tourists alike can gather, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures …

Shop My Kitchen

Shop My Kitchen

Shop My Kitchen This is not a list of “must-haves.”It’s simply what I reach for. Over the years — through professional training, long café days, home baking, and quieter seasons — I’ve learned that tools matter most when they disappear into the work. When they’re …

Vacation Rental Transformation

Vacation Rental Transformation

We’re neck deep in renovations and have been for almost 2 years now, I figured I would share some of the behind the scenes and the transformation that the cottage has undergone to become the vacation rental of your dreams. When we first looked for …

I’m back!

I’m back!

Hello everyone! It’s been a moment hasn’t it? Well I’m back! The last year (or two 😅) has been crazy, to say the least! Not only has the world experienced a pandemic, we packed up our entire life & left the Paris area for a …

Expat Baking in France – A Complete Guide

Expat Baking in France – A Complete Guide

It’s been 8 years since I went through the growing pains of cooking abroad, that I had almost forgotten about it. It had been brought to my attention my a fellow expat (Hi Emma!) that it was difficult to find some of the ingredients in …