5 Essential Books for the Antiracist

May 30, 2020

Shocked by recent news? You shouldn’t be. Feeling guilty that you haven’t done much? Great, you should.

Racism runs rampant in our “modern age” and is a direct threat to black lives. If that wasn’t clear to you before, it should be very clear to you now.

Be a better ally for black people by educating yourself, taking action, and using your voice. Remember that silence is a privilege and neutrality helps the oppressor.

Here are some books that will help you begin to unlearn:

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French Connections

May 8, 2020

It’s day fifty-five of quarantine for me. Although I’m still dealing with pandemic-related stress (aren’t we all?), my worries seem to be coming from a healthier and more rational place this month.⁠

I’m trying to cherish the little things more than usual. Connecting with loved ones in a digital chat. Losing myself in a good book for an entire afternoon. Enjoying apéro hour with Arnaud at our petite maison. Elements of the good life in all its simplicity.

Hope you are healthy and safe, and here are some links for you to enjoy:

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2020 Winter 10×10 Challenge

February 19, 2020

Before the winter ends here in California, I’m sharing my favorite cold-weather outfits with a 10×10 Challenge. This is when you choose 10 items of clothing and make 10 different outfits.

Creating a mini capsule wardrobe helps you get creative with what you already own. Perfect for someone like me who is doing a Low Buy Challenge and trying to shop less.

Here are the ten pieces and outfits!

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French Connections

February 14, 2020

Although the year got off to an intense start (more about that here), February has been a much calmer month. I’m learning to fill my weekends with things I love like good food, time with friends, lots of reading, and trips to the California coast.

It’s all more fulfilling than shopping but, boy oh boy, do I still want to buy tons of things. I’ve read that the urge to shop eventually subsides but it probably takes time. Anyways, here are some links for you to enjoy and have a great weekend!

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Low Buy Challenge

January 1, 2020

It’s been years that I’ve been curating my minimalist wardrobe and spreading the whole “less is more” message. But then, life got tough and I went back to using shopping as a way to cope.

All of a sudden my minimalism got really maximalist and in two short years I spent more than $5,000 on 120 items. That’s a lot of money spent on a lot of clothing!

This year I’ll be doing Low Buy Challenge as a way to (hopefully) take back control of my closet and wallet.

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Recap of 2019 Food and Wine Resolutions

December 30, 2019

Earlier this year, I set some goals related to food and wine.

I love setting goals at the beginning of the year. It pushes me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. Plus, it’s a fun ride as long as you let go of the accomplishment aspect and focus more on what you learn along the way.

Here’s what happened as I drank lots of natural wine, baked bread at home, and tried to get that wine club started again.

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Best and Worst Clothing Purchases of 2019

December 23, 2019

Shopping for clothes can be so fun yet so frustrating. I love finding the perfect item to add to my minimalist closet but sometimes things just don’t work out.

Today I’m sharing my best and worst clothing purchases from 2019 along with some of the lessons I learned along the way.

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Guide to New Orleans, Louisiana

December 16, 2019

Ready to let the good times roll? Head to New Orleans to raise a ruckus in a city that really knows how to party.

Thanks to its a storied past, this swampy city is fabulous mix of French, Spanish, African, and American cultures among others. Add in a little bit of voo doo, some Creole and Catholic traditions, and big dose of jazz for an experience you’ll never forget.

You’ll eat to excess, drink to excess, and have the time of your life. NOLA wouldn’t have it any other way!

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French Connections

November 30, 2019

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was great! We enjoyed a couple glasses of wine with the fam and then had a fancy meal at home with a close friend.

Other than that, the biggest news at Maison Pacaut is that we finally invested in a Frame TV. It looks so pretty and is perfect for watching all the Netflix Christmas movies. Here are some links!

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How to Pack for Iceland

November 18, 2019

Are you ready for the great outdoors? Iceland is a small island with beautiful landscapes to explore and breathtaking views everywhere you look.

Temps throughout the year range between the 30s to 50s but can sometimes get up to 70°F in the summer. Add in the possibility of rain any time of the year and you basically have to be ready for everything.

With unpredictable weather that can change at the drop of a pin, the key to your Icelandic packing game is some performance gear and layers. Lots and lots of layers.

Here’s a list that will allow you to pack light but still stay warm and dry no matter the temperature.

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Honest Review: The Everywhere Bag by Away

November 11, 2019

When it comes to anything made by Away, there certainly is a lot of hype. The brand is known for creating aesthetically pleasing suitcases and travel bags that are on the expensive side.

Earlier this year, I purchased The Everywhere Bag by Away. It’s gone on a quite a few trips so far including a camping trip, weekend getaway, a long two-week vacation, and quick work trip.

Today I’m sharing my honest opinion about this bag and will reveal if it’s truly worth the investment.

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10 Essential Cooking Rules

November 4, 2019

The Bon Appétit test kitchen crew are sharing their essential cooking rules so I wanted to join the fun. Here’s what I’ve learned to be true in my years of kitchen adventures.

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2019 Fall 10×10 Capsule Wardrobe and Outfits

October 14, 2019

The other week I went joined in on another 10×10 style challenge where you make 10 outfits from 10 pieces.

Aptly named the #fauxfall10x10, this challenge celebrated the fact that fall weather can vary greatly depending on where you live. Most participants counted tops and bottoms in their count but let shoes, outerwear, and accessories flow in freely.

Here are my ten pieces and ten outfits!

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French Connections

October 8, 2019

Last weekend I went to San Francisco and the highlight of the trip was a hike along the coast. Yes, we explored all the cutest shops and ate some pretty tasty food. But nothing compares to the fresh ocean air in your lungs and the sound of waves crashing against the shore! Hope you have some adventures lined up this weekend and here’s some links to enjoy in the meantime.

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How to Pack for Paris in the Summer

September 23, 2019

Oh Paris! It’s the City of Lights and the capital of chicness, which can make packing a bit more intimidating than the usual summer vacation.

Here’s a packing list that will keep you cool (both in temperature and stylishness) while exploring one of the most beautiful cities on earth.

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