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:
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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How are you holding up?
April 11, 2020
How are you holding up?
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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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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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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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French Connections
July 16, 2019
Happy summer!
We’ve been making the most of it at the petite maison with lots of entertaining in the backyard. Our garden is providing lots of homegrown tomatoes perfect for caprese salad and tart plums just asking to be made into a galette. Makes it easy to be the hostess with the mostest, just add rosé right?
Anyways, here’s a bunch of links I’ve loved lately. Many of which are French-themed since we’re currently planning a trip to France!
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French Connections
March 18, 2019
Spring is almost here! I’m feeling renewed and refreshed after doing some early spring cleaning at the maison, watching a few episodes of Queer Eye, and spending Sunday at the beach. Here are some links about fashion, wine, and food!
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12 Favorite Books I’ve Read in the Past 2 Years
March 6, 2019
Any book lover knows the true joy of losing yourself in a good book and enjoying every page until the very (bittersweet) end.
Here are twelve of my absolute favorites that I enjoyed wholeheartedly while reading sometime during the past two years. I hope you’ll love them as much as I did!
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French Connections
December 17, 2018
Happy holidays to you!
Most evenings we’ve been enjoying a glass of wine in front of the Christmas tree but this past weekend we got dolled up for the fanciest holiday party of the season. We drank champagne to our heart’s content, enjoyed the delicious food, and were wowed by the beautifully decorated tree. It was a grand ole time.
Hope you too had a great weekend and have more festive fun planned ahead. In the meantime, here are some links for you to enjoy.
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French Connections
November 5, 2018
Aren’t lazy Sundays the best? I spent yesterday cooking up a storm, organizing things around the house, and reading all our back issues of Bon Appétit.
It was a great way to reset after a long week of work and the wonderful intensity of the Fall 10×10 Style Challenge. Anyhow, enjoy these links on wining, dining, and styling!
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French Connections
October 1, 2018
Have you been to Seattle? I just went there for work trip and fell in love with the city.
The highlight of our trip was checking out the organic, otherworldly glass sculptures at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Nothing like a trip to a museum to feel inspired and refreshed. Anyhow, enjoy these links…
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French Connections
August 20, 2018
There is a point in the summer when it’s way too hot to turn on the oven or cook anything at all. But thankfully temps are starting to cool down a little over here in Southern California and I’m happy to get back into the kitchen.
Quite fortuitously, my copy of the Cherry Bombe cookbook just showed up in the mail. There are so many dishes calling my name and I’ve bookmarked every other page. I’ll be cooking up a storm over here while you enjoy these links!
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French Connections
July 2, 2018
One by one we gather around the table to pay our respects to Anthony Bourdain. A writer, a traveler, a cook, and all-around bad ass, Bourdain had deep roots in France and knew the divine simplicity of French dishes like coq au vin. And so, it makes sense to dedicate this round of French Connections to the man himself.
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French Connections
May 7, 2018
Hey there! How’s your Monday going? Did it start with a big cup of coffee and the tastiest toast ever? I sure hope so. We’ve had a few chill weekends in a row, which is good because this next one is going to be busy. Friends are staying with us so lots of fun is in store. Then, we’re hosting the fam for a Mother’s Day Lunch. I’ll enjoy the calm before the storm as long as you enjoy the links below, deal?
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How to Survive Your First Yoga Class
April 16, 2018
One year ago today I took my first yoga class. Though I may have looked zen on the outside, I was a nervous wreck inside. Venturing into the unknown can be scary!
If you are thinking about starting yoga, then allow me to be the first to congratulate you. It is a fantastic practice for your mind, body, and soul. You may be nervous about your first class so here are a few tips.
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French Connections
March 28, 2018
There is no place like home, am I right? I just got back from a fun yet intense work trip that required 12 hours of travel time and, boy, was I happy to be home with my honey. We cooked a meal together, cuddled up to an episode of Jessica Jones, and then drifted off into the most blissful sleep. Hope all is well in your corner of the world and enjoy these links!
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French Connections
February 14, 2018
What’s happening? What’s going on? What’s new? This year got off to a slow start because I got the death flu and was down for the count, but now that I’m healthy again we’re back in action!
I’ve been shopping at the farmer’s market (as evidenced above), drinking lots of wine with Arnaud, and am going to a compost workshop this weekend. I’m also very close to starting the wine club I keep mentioning and am dying to invite people over for dinner. You know, typically Alyssa things!
Anywho, here are some French-inspired links. I’m particular to the three part video series about french food and wine but that’s probably no surprise. Happy clicking!
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French Connections
December 12, 2017
There is a used to be a running joke in our house about my Frenchness. Try a cheese and, boom, I’d be 62% French. Pick up a few French slang words, 71%. Striped shirt, 75%, and on and on. The jokes stopped at one point but my French obsession still continues albeit at a lower volume. Anyhow, here’s a bunch of links about things French people love like wining, dining, and looking chic as hell.
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Together
November 14, 2017
It’s been an intense year.
The headlines, the tweets, the hate. It all started to get to me about halfway through the summer.
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