What makes my heart sing: all things French

Well, lovely friends of Planet Baby, looking back, this week’s posts have been a bit heavy. How about something a little lighter – what gives me pleasure while I’m residing here on PB? Yes, somehow in the middle of all the cacophony, action and colour of life here on this planet, I actually sneak the (very) occasional moment to do something for myself. Mind you, until recently I’d almost forgotten about my alter ego, Jane the person. It was as if my identity had become submerged under a pile of dirty washing or under the bubbles in the pixies’ bath. Sound familiar?! Then, since I started blogging (only 11 weeks ago but it feels like much longer), I have started to rediscover myself and remember what makes my heart sing. So, one of my passions is all things French.

Where to start? The deliciousness of the lilt of the language, the vibrant passion, the emotion, the timeless style, the fascinating history and the beautiful contributions to art, philosophy and literature, just for starters! Not to mention the sumptuous food, extraordinary architecture, pretty homewares and just the general je ne sais pas quoi and joie de vivre. Before meeting Mr PB, I learnt French at school and then spent some time travelling around France. One of our greatest dreams is to travel there together to experience the loveliness. I can't wait to return to the gorgeous Musée d'Orsay.

So, how do I celebrate this passion on PB? Well, I mentioned that I recently celebrated my 40^th birthday by holding a French-inspired lunch with dear friends. Here is our blackboard showing the menu du jour.

Yes, it's the pixies' easel!

Here I am with festive feather boa.

I was given these pretty French-inspired presents.

It's so gorgeous, it deserves a post of its own

Here's a pretty letter holder.

I can't wait to use this journal.

Since arriving in Blogland, I’ve found these delightful French-inspired blogs which you might like to peek at. Let them know I sent you!

Favourite French-inspired blogs

♥ The amusing Tish at A femme d’un certain age (you’ll love her alter ego, Cherie)

♥ The dreamy à la parisienne

♥ A foodie’s delight,  Cannelle et vanille

♥ The inspirational Leeann at Fabulously French – do have a peek at her gorgeous online shop. And look at the pretty brocante tote bag I ordered from her which arrived today!

♥ The delightful Dee at French bleu vintage – another online treasure trove awaits you. Sigh again.

♥ Lovely Béa at the scrumptious La tartine gourmande

♥ The classy Si at French by design

♥ The fabulous ex-pat Australian author Vicki Archer at French Essence

♥ Sweet Rachel at *French Farmhouse 425* who creates French-inspired loveliness

♥  The talented Tracey at French Larkspur who has a beautiful eye for photography

♥ The divine prettiness of French Blue with another sweet online store. Sigh.

Favourite French images

I’ve also been collecting pretty French images on We ♥ it. Here are some of my some of my favourites – enjoy! There are so many, I think I’ll have a recurring ‘French prettiness’ series. What do you think?

Ooh, Laduree!

And a delight found on Etsy.

Isn't this whimsical?

I adore this boulangerie

And another Parisian street scene to finish.

I'd love to know if any of you are fellow Francophiles out there! Have you travelled there, lived there or dreamed of travelling there? Maybe you have some lovely memories of time spent in France. Maybe you have French friends or family. Do share - we'd all love to hear!