Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 3

C'est le geste qui compte: A phrase to remember during gift-giving season

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The following story is a reminder it's the thought that counts, so don't stress over gift-giving this season (easier said than done, I know...)

TODAY'S PHRASE: C'est le geste qui compte

[say-luh zhest kee kohnt]

 : it's the thought that counts

A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse

Entering the studio on the side of our house, I find Mom bundled in bed, laptop propped on a pillow, watching the exciting réouverture de Notre-Dame in Paris. Organ music fills the room, and the iconic égli...

The Christmas Dessert with a Rich History: Discover the Pompe à l'Huile

[image error]Bonjour, Jean-Marc here—Kristi's husband, aka Chief Grape, and the guy behind those sound files you hear in this journal. From January 6 to March 20, 2025, I’ll be cycling the legendary Carretera Austral in Chile and making wine in Mendoza, Argentina.

If you have friends or family in Santiago (Chile) or Mendoza (Argentina), I’d love any helpful connections to make this adventure even more special. I’ll send some trip photos to Kristi, who might sneak them into a post here while I'm away.

Merci...

L’arbre de Noël & A Christmas tree with a Provençal Twist

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Meet "Ollie," our olive tree, who will soon be dressed for Christmas with baubles, ribbons and warm white lights. Discover the story behind this unique Christmas tree in today's post. Voici "Ollie," notre olivier, qui sera bientôt paré pour Noël avec des boules, des rubans, et des lumières blanc chaud. Découvrez l'histoire de cet arbre de Noël unique dans le billet d'aujourd'hui.

L'ARBRE DE NOËL = Christmas tree (m)

PRONUNCIATION: [lar-bruh duh no-el]

EXAMPLE SENTENCE:

Autrefois, l'arbre d...

The First Turn of the Key, A Housewarming, and France’s Quirky Floor Numbers

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Le Bon Temps ("The Good Times")—the name of this local brasserie captures the spirit of why my son loves La Ciotat so much. Now, he's committing to a new home and a new chapter. In today's story, read about this exciting milestone. Below: a dreamy night view from Max and Ana's apartment.

TODAY'S WORD: La Crémaillère 

: housewarming party; housewarming

PRONUNCIATION: [kray-myeh-air]

EXAMPLE SENTENCE:

"Ce n’était qu’un coup de clé ce soir-là, la véritable crémaillère viendra plus tard."

"I...

Louche: A Shady, Sketchy, and Suspicious Encounter at the Airport

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Beautiful, innocent Italy, where seemingly nothing could go wrong. Do you ever let down your guard when traveling to charming places? Read about our iffy airport transfer after midnight in today's update...



Stay connected with me on Instagram or Facebook or LinkedIn. It’s a great way to keep in touch, especially when this blog takes a break or faces technical hiccups. I’d hate to lose contact with you!

TODAY'S WORD: LOUCHE

 : suspicious, shady, sketchy

PRONUNCIATION: [loosh]

EXAMPLE SEN...

A Visit to the Kiné: French Healthcare with a Cozy Twist

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Today’s story unfolds here in La Ciotat, near this lush, green former agricultural estate, now the Parc du Domaine de la Tour...

A Note About Your Subscription:

From time to time, readers are automatically dropped from my mailing list by a system that flags inactive emails—this isn't something I control! To ensure you stay connected and don’t miss out on these weekly updates, please click on any link in this email. This simple action signals that you’re actively engaging with the newslett...

Celebrating 22 Years with French Word-A-Day: From Trick-or-Treaters to Timeless Tales

[image error]"Woman With the Purple Hair in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue." Her yellow skirt, red-trimmed bag, black tights, and violet highlights--she makes me want to trade my trusty jeans for something electrifying. Indeed, on the eve of the Day of the Dead, this lady is alive! For me, her tenue speaks of creativity, freedom, sweetness, and determination. Notice, also, the jack-o'-lanterns streaming in the sky... Joyeuse Halloween!

TODAY'S WORD: essayer

: to try



PRONUNCIATION: [eh-say-yay]

EXAMPLE SE...

Laquelle? Choices, Drama, & Everyday Life in France

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Colorful buildings along the port of Cassis. Also, below, in the first six lines below, I am trying a new format for the word of the day. How do you like it? Do you have other suggestions for this weekly journal. Thanks for letting me know in the comments box.

TODAY'S WORD: Laquelle, Lequel

Pronunciation: [la-kell, le-kell]

Meaning: Which one? 

Example Sentence:

Je ne sais pas laquelle choisir.

(I don’t know which one to choose.)

A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse

Laquelle? Tha...

Papa Chéri: Our Father-Daughters’ Reunion at Sea

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Bubbles in Barcelona: Enjoy the story of our father-daughters’ Mediterranean reunion in today's entry “Papa Chéri.”

TODAY’S WORD: PAPA CHÉRI

Sweet Dad, Darling Dad

A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse



It’s 4:15 a.m., and I’ve just hugged my sister, Heidi, goodbye. She is on her way home to Denver. In another three hours, it will be time to send off our other sister, Kelley, and our dad, who will fly back to Seattle. We have just spent nine days together, laughing, reminiscing, and ...

Return from Vacation & Dépaysement

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Bonjour les Amis et les Amies!

I'm back from a wonderful meet-up with my father and sisters. While this column will resume in one week, I wanted to check in briefly and see how everyone is doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the hurricane in Florida and beyond. Please stay safe.

In moments like these, we often feel a mixture of emotions—both the need to pause and reflect, and the pull to return to daily routines. Speaking of transitions, it brings us to today's mot du ...