Words. And The Lack Of Them.

Seems that I haven't had much to say lately.
Numerous, half-finished blog posts are waiting patiently for me to find some inspiration and write. Until then, photos and few words.


Pin It

5 Ways To Find Inspiration For Your Blog

1) Get out and meet new, clever, bright people. And find out that they are likely to be stuck in a writing/creative rut, just like you.

2) Spend some time on social media. Your mind will be so numb by the time you extract yourself, you won't remember why you clicked on those links in the first place.

3) Drink too much wine. You'll start thinking that you're the most creative writer in the universe.

4) Develop insomnia. I always come up with brilliant ideas while I'm lying awake and staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m. Of course I can't remember any of them the next day, but maybe one day I will...you never know! (remember, it's good to think positively!)

5) Read writing themed blogs. A surefire way to feel inspired and get those juices flowing. For approximately 12 - 24 hours. Then you're back to square one.



Pin It

I Almost Chickened Out

It took me a long time to write that last post, and I almost chickened out and left things as they were. Thankfully I didn't.
So, I don't want to get too mushy or anything, but your supportive comments and positive words mean a lot. I owe everyone a very heartfelt and huge thank you!


Pin It

Scary and Exhilarating. All at the Same Time.

Just writing this post is scary. But it's kind of exhilarating too. {deep breath}

I love writing, I love taking photographs and I love connecting with my readers.
I love having this blog.

Lately though, I feel like my passion is waning.

I feel like I shouldn't write about what I want to write about because it doesn't "fit."
Like I have to live up to certain expectations. Like I've painted myself into an "expat living in France" corner. And that is the only thing that defines me and this blog.
I'm starting to feel suffocated.

Admittedly, I am my own worst enemy. I am the one putting this pressure on myself and trying to live up to these ridiculous expectations.

So I've decided that it stops now.

Starting today I am going to write what I want, share what I want, and not worry so much. That means that some things will change and some things will stay the same. I guess it depends on how I'm feeling at that particular moment.

Being an American living in France is a huge part of this blog, and it always will be. Because I am an American living in France. And even now, after ten years of life in France under my belt, I still find joy in the little things, the little differences, and want to share them. There are so many facets of life here that I still find delightful. And fascinating.
I still want to capture those moments, those vignettes, those funny, sometimes frustrating, sometimes perplexing interactions.
They are still part of my life.
But there is so much more. More that I want to write about and more that I want to share.

And I'd love it if you would stick around and see where this all goes.


Pin It

Inspirational Women

For the last few days I've been in a writing slump.
And since I haven't bothered to leave the house at all over those few days, I've had plenty of time to spend stressing over it searching online for some inspiration.

I didn't have to look very far.

All I had to do was glance at my Links List to see what my favorite bloggers, photographers and writers have been up to.



Carina's photographs make me dream of becoming a better, more accomplished photographer.

Katia's enthusiasm in meeting new people and sharing their stories gives me the desire to welcome new people into my life.
In fact, the title of this week's episode is Inspiration!

Anne's design sense and eye for detail make me see the world around me in a fresh, new way.

Lindsey's myriad of talents remind me that passion and dedication can lead to amazing opportunities.

Andi's enduring love of travel makes me long to jump on an airplane. And from time to time, she kindly invites some of us around to share our France stories!

Ann's beautiful way with words motivates me to keep writing, even when I'm struggling through slumps like this one.

I am in awe of each of these very talented women and love watching them pursue their various projects.

Thanks for the inspiration, ladies!





Pin It

The Benefits of Blogging

I've been writing this blog for what seems like forever now (actually it's only been 6 ½ years), and I have to admit that in the course of those 6½ years, I have had good blogging days and I have had bad blogging days.

Some days I'm bursting with ideas and feel inspired! Other days, not so much.

What has never wavered however, is the feeling of being part of a "community." Writing this blog has allowed me to meet some amazing, inspirational and extremely generous people.
Many of whom I now consider good friends.



Friends who have welcomed me into their homes and lives and shared food and recipes with me, friends I've celebrated with and shared important life events with, friends who have introduced me to their adopted region of France, friends who have given photography and blogging and bureaucracy tips, friends who have generously shared their favorite addresses in Paris, friends who gave advice when we were searching for a new place in France to move to, and friends who kindly sent international spices in the mail when I mentioned that I couldn't find them in France.

Getting to know these people, either virtually or in person, has been one of the highlights of having this blog, and it motivates me to keep writing.

Thank you, friends.





Pin It

A Letter to Travel Bloggers

Dear Travel Blogger,

I've noticed that standards seem to have been slipping lately, so if you don't mind, I have a couple of requests and a simple tip to share with you.

When you blog about different countries and their various regions, please do your research and spell their names correctly. 

For instance, the Minervois is not "the Minorvois" and St Chinian is not "St Chinion".
There is this wonderful online resource called Google which makes it very easy to look these things up so as not to make a mistake. Please do give Google a try...I think you'll find it very useful.

Also, if it's not too much to ask, please know where the heck you are when you write about a place.

For example, Carcassonne is not a two hour's drive to Italy and the Champagne region of France is not located in the Loire Valley.

I know I sound like a stickler for detail, but you are actually writing about a place, so those little thing like facts and spelling are kind of important. 

Thank you.

Warmest Regards,
Jennifer


Pin It

A Few Francophile Links

I've seen so many cool things on the web in the last few days that I couldn't resist sharing some of them...

First up is this hilarious post stating 18 reasons why Messy Nessy Chic is proud to be a Frenchy. You must watch the dancing video!

I love that these employees of Air France took the time and energy to entertain the travelers at Paris's CDG airport. Even if it was only for a few minutes. (Thanks to Haven in Paris for sharing this one on Facebook)

If I had lived in Paris in the 1920's, this would be me and one of my best friends, Becky.

These atmospheric photos of Paris that Christine captured and shared using Instagram are so beautiful.
Makes me wish I had an iPhone...



Also, there are contests galore going on right now!

To celebrate 4 years of blogging, Andi of Misadventures with Andi is giving away a specially designed $100 Amazon gift certificate to one of her readers.

As a summer giveaway, Paris Perfect is offering a new iPad or a copy of David Lebovitz's hilarious book, The Sweet Life in Paris, to fans of their Facebook page.

Finally, my friend Lindsey of Lost in Cheeseland is celebrating her 3rd anniversary of blogging by giving away travel vouchers. Simply stop by and comment on your favorite post to enter.



Pin It

Hidden in Paris - A Giveaway!

“In a tale of friendship, self-discovery and love, three women running away from their lives become unlikely friends in a beautiful house in the heart of Paris.”

I've been following Corine Gantz's colorful, exuberant blog, Hidden in France, for years. The bold interior design and decorating photos she shares are some seriously beautiful eye candy and her prediction last year that canelés are the new macarons made me cheer (please tell me that it came true, I am so tired of seeing macarons everywhere).

Imagine my delight when I received an email from her earlier this month offering me three copies of her debut novel, Hidden in Paris, to give to my readers.
My first ever giveaway!

Pin It

Weekend Links

What can I say, other than mille mercis!

Acacia flowers are in full bloom all over the village. Time to make some fritters.

The serene beauty of Paris by night. 

Worried about committing a faux pas the next time you come face to face with a cheese board? These illustrations will help.

Cute and cuter. 

I've avoided making puff pastry for years. Lucy may have just convinced me to give it another go.

Yet another internet addiction to keep under control. Pin It

The Numbers

1427 - Number of posts on Chez Loulou
22 - Number of half written posts
3 - Number of half written books
191 - Number of French cheeses tasted
? - Number of French wines tasted
0 - Number of brains, kidneys or pieds de cochon eaten
1839 - Number (approximate) of baguettes eaten
19 - Number of emails received that start with "Dear Chez"
100+ - Number of emails received asking for help with moving to France
14 - Number of friends made through blogging
1- Number of stalkers
7992 - Number of Tweets 
7.8 - Number of years lived in France
8.8 - Number of years dealing with French bureaucracy
6726 - Number of photos in my Flickr account 
5 - Number of years spent writing Chez Loulou Pin It

Writing

Writing is funny. It doesn't always come naturally to me. It doesn't always ebb and flow.  I get hung up on sentence structure and trip over myself trying to write correctly.  I'm trying to get better at ignoring all the rules.

Today I am just trying to get a blog post written. And wishing it were coming a little more easily.

There are some blog writers out there who completely blow my mind with their brilliant stories and the sheer number of intense, heartfelt words they churn out every day. Paragraphs and paragraphs of them.
Every. Day.
Where does it all come from? Aren't their minds ever quiet?

I need more time to contemplate what I want to say and to find the words.  Time to write them, leave them for a bit so I can come back and have a fresh look at them.  Maybe I fuss too much, am too careful.
(Maybe I've become too comfortable with the limitations of 140 characters?)

So instead of writing about French cheese, or the Carte de Résident or about anything tangible, I'm just going to work through this frustrating writing funk by writing about it.

Voilà. Pin It

Blog Notes and Links

My guest post for Andi's French Friday series on her blog, Misadventures With Andi, was posted the other day: Beyond Paris:  My South of France.
A huge merci to Andi for including me in the series!

If you are a cheese lover or a francophile and have the photos to prove it, then please come and join one or more of the Flickr groups that I administer.
French Cheese
La Fête du Fromage
French Markets
French Windows
Colors of the Languedoc - of which I am the only member!  How sad is that?
Minervois

I still sometimes get questions about how many French cheeses I've tasted for La Fête du Fromage.  I've put a link to the entire list - all 177 and counting - under the "Pages" category. 

Our house is still available if you're looking for a place in the south of France, and I've added another house for sale to the sidebar.  Sadly our friends are moving away and need to sell their charming home with a garden and terrace in Saint-Thibéry, located about 15 minutes from the beaches near Cap d'Agde.

If you've ever asked yourself (or someone already living in France - you wouldn't believe how many emails I get on this subject) the question, Should I Move to France?, then David Lebovitz's post might help you come up with a definitive answer.  

. Pin It

Sunday Links

A daily read that will lift your spirits, Misadventures With Andi, written by wannabe Frenchie Andi.  In honor of last Sunday's Fête du Fromage in Rocamadour, Andi asked me to write a guest post about French cheese and my Fête du Fromage, which I was happy to do!

Lucy shares some edible flower magic.

The easiest and most delicious looking recipe for happiness.

I so wish I could sew. 

Wendy Lyn (with the help of Susan Herrmann Loomis) tastes a seasonal tart that I am simply drooling over.

La Ferme du Vinage, who produces the cheese I tasted this week, le Carré du Vinage, did a fantastic write up about Chez Loulou and la Fête du Fromage.  I didn't have the heart to tell them that I'm not une anglaise...
(update:  they must have read this as they have corrected it - I am now une américaine)

. Pin It

Blog Notes

Pages

I've updated Chez Loulou to include pages, which are located under the header photo.
There's a bit of info about me, a weekly updated French cheese list, the links to both my flickr page and Facebook page, the story of how I attained French Citizenship and of course, the ongoing Moving to France Tutorial.
There is also a Links list - if you'd like to be added, please let me know in a comment on this post.


La Fête du Fromage International Cheese Tasting Event

I've hosted this monthly event for the last year and a half and have decided to put it to rest. A giant thank you to everyone who participated!
That doesn't mean that my weekly cheese tasting, also called La Fête du Fromage, will end. I plan on faithfully tasting my way through every French cheese I can get my hands on.
Here's the list thus far.


The Moving to France Tutorial

I'm amazed by the huge response I've gotten from this little tutorial.
It's great to be able to answer some of those seemingly unanswerable questions about what it takes to move to France and to make the process seem possible. (even though it may sometimes look impossible!)
If anyone has information to add, or would like to share their moving to France stories, I would love to hear them. Pin It

La Fête du Fromage Reminder

After a month off, we're back on track for another Fête du Fromage International Cheese Tasting Event, planned for the 15th of March.

There is an amazing world of cheese out there to discover and there are many small farmers, cheese shops and artisan cheese makers who appreciate our support. Get out there and try something new, then share your tasting notes with us.

Tell us why you chose this particular cheese. Tell us how it tasted. Tell us about its texture and aroma. Did you eat it on its own? Or with something? Did you drink anything special with your cheese? Would you recommend it or not? Is there something unusual or interesting about it?

• Photos are wonderful, but not necessary
• Entries must contain the words La Fête du Fromage and contain a link to Chez Loulou
• Posts should be written specifically for La Fête du Fromage and not entered in any other food blog event
• Please send the link to your post to louloufrance (at) gmail (dot) com with the words Fête du Fromage in the subject line

Please have your entries to me by March 13. The entire round-up will be posted on March 15.


Pin It

Four

I missed Chez Loulou's four year blogiversaire yesterday.
Oops.

Every year I think it takes place on January 26, not the 25th!

photo found here

Thank you for reading, for commenting, for being such great friends and acquaintances. You have all made the blogging experience a great one!

I toast you all with a big hunk of French cheese and a glass of red. Santé! Pin It

Sunday Links

Haven't posted any Sunday Links for a while...here are a few that have piqued my interest in the past few weeks.


Just heard this song. It is officially The Season.
And this version of an old favorite brought a huge smile to my face this week.

If I make a batch of this today it will just be ready in time for Christmas.

Simply lovely.

Soothing shades of gray. And brilliant shades of orange.

The recipe states that it makes a great side dish. I beg to differ! Add a green salad and a glass of white wine, and this makes a delicious meal.


If you have a favorite new recipe, website, blog - please share it with me.
Bon dimanche!

Pin It

Victim!

Thank you to my fellow cheese lover, Nathalie! She has presented me with a thought provoking and unexpected award, the Kreativ Blogger Award.

There are, of course, rules: Write seven random/interesting things about me and coerce seven others to share their quirks and secrets with us.

• I love the group ELO
• I once had a baby ball python as a pet
• Aspic freaks me out
• I think I have a handbag fetish
• I definitely have a cookbook fetish
• I hate mayonnaise from a jar
• Nebbish and quenelle are two of my favorite words.

The seven I've chosen are just a few of the many writers and bloggers out there who I interact with via Twitter and keep up with on my links page. Can't wait to learn a bit more about you!

Kirstin of It's Not You, It's Brie
Peter of Kalofagas
Jamie of Life's a Feast
Sarah of Food Bridge
Nanette the Gourmet Worrier
Laurie of Mediterranean Cooking in Alaska
Camille of Croque-Camille, who tagged me last time for the Blues. Pin It

Sunday Reading (One Day Late)

(meant to post this yesterday...)


Delightful prints, postcards and posters.

Very excited about our upcoming wine tasting in Paris. It will be held in King Louis XV's sommelier's personal cellar that dates back to the 17th century.

Ditch your household cleansers. You can't go wrong with vinegar.

Where in the world are you? Test your geography with GeoGuessr.

Friends and family will come running for a steaming bowl of this spicy Jamaican dish.

Fabulous tips and tricks if you live in a small space. Or even if you don't. Pin It