Welcome to The French Edit – your regular French fix! Explore French flavours, trends, and secrets with us. From recipes to beauty tips, join our journey into Parisian charm. Let's savour the essence of la vie française together!
4 Tips for Effortless French girl hair
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Have you always wanted to achieve imperfectly perfect parisian hair? We are about to reveal 4 tips that will help you do that.
- Imperfection is key: Don’t overstyle your hair, instead leave it natural.
- Wash your hair once to twice a week - and no more! Excessive washing thins the hair and irritates the scalp.
- Use less conditioner, and obtain more shine! French women generally follow their shampoo with a little bit of conditioner on the length but never on the roots. Using less conditioner will make a huge difference in texture and movement.
- Blow dry your hair less often. If you can, avoid blow drying your hair. Indeed, applying heat to your hair when it is already dry can cause brittleness, breakage, dullness, and dryness. And, if you do blow-dry your hair, do not use a brush. Do it à la françsaise by using your hands to rake through the lengths and massage the roots with your fingers tips to get the lift.
French Recipe La Recette of the month
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COQ AU VIN
Looking to impress your guests this autumn with a classic French dish? Look no further than this exquisite recipe for "Chicken in Wine," better known as Coq au Vin.
Legend has it that in 52 BC, amidst the tension of the siege of Gergovia, Gallic leader Vercingetorix sent a rooster, symbolising the indomitable spirit of the French forces, to Julius Caesar. The night before the decisive battle, Caesar extended an unexpected invitation to Vercingetorix and served him the same rooster, but transformed into a succulent dish cooked in wine.
While this tale adds a captivating twist to the dish's history, the origins of Coq au Vin likely date back to rural France during the mediaeval or Renaissance period. Regardless of its beginnings, this dish continues to enchant with its rich flavours and timeless charm, bridging the culinary heritage of France with the ancient clash between Romans and Gauls.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 8 small skinless chicken thigh cutlets
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 rashers streaky bacon, trimmed, chopped
- 6 baby brown pickling onions, halved
- 200g swiss brown mushrooms, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1 cup Massel salt reduced chicken style liquid stock
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Extra fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, to serve
- Extra fresh thyme, to serve
- Mashed potato, to serve
Step 1
Place ¼ cup plain flour in a snap-lock bag. Season with pepper. Add 8 small skinless chicken thigh cutlets. Seal. Shake to coat.
Step 2
Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken, in batches, for 5 minutes or until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3
Add 4 rashers streaky bacon, trimmed, chopped, 6 baby brown pickling onions, halved and 200g swiss brown mushrooms, halved to pan. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion starts to soften. Add 4 garlic cloves, crushed. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add 4 garlic cloves, crushed. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add 2 cups dry red wine, 1 cup Massel salt reduced chicken style liquid stock, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 fresh bay leaves and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Step 4
Return chicken to pan. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped. Sprinkle with extra fresh thyme, to serve and extra fresh flat- leaf parsley, finely chopped, to serve.
Serve with mashed potato.
Bon appétit!
French girl starter kit: la minute fashion!
French women are renowned for their impeccable sense of style. They effortlessly achieve a chic look by curating a capsule wardrobe, composed of timeless and high-quality pieces that can be effortlessly mixed and matched. Unlike fleeting trends, French women prioritise enduring elegance and opt for garments that will stand the test of time. Embracing a philosophy of sustainability, many also delight in shopping second-hand, adding character and uniqueness to their wardrobe while reducing their environmental footprint.
Here are a few pieces that you can definitely find in la parisienne closet:
- La marinière: originated from the coastal regions of France, particularly Brittany, where it served as the official uniform for French Navy sailors.
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- Le trench-coat: iconic for its timeless style and functionality, originated in Britain, specifically during World War I. It was designed for British officers by Thomas Burberry and Aquascutum to withstand the harsh weather conditions in the trenches.
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- Jeans: a good pair of jeans is a staple in the French girl's closet for its versatility, timeless style, and effortless chic appeal.
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- Les lunettes de soleil noires: French fashionistas prefer bold and black sunglasses. Opt for a versatile pair with gold details that effortlessly complements any ensemble.
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- Le rouge à lèvres rouge: it adds a touch of timeless elegance, sophistication, and confidence to any outfit. It effortlessly elevates the overall appearance, making a bold yet classic statement that reflects the chic and effortless french style. Mavala lip-shine lipstick in shade Big Ben is the perfect shade to make an impression. Click here to find your perfect shade of red.
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- Les ballerines classiques: Love them or not, ballet flats are making a comeback, though for French girls, they've always been a closet staple. These timeless shoes are perfect for spring and summer, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.
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Did you know?
Discover the unique customs only the French can unravel! In this edition, delve into the renowned 'French Bise'.
La bise is a cheek kiss common in France, done between women, or a man and a woman, upon meeting or saying goodbye. The number of kisses varies by region, typically 2 or 3. It's customary among relatives and friends.
In a professional setting, whether or not to give la bise depends on the company culture, and how close colleagues are. Equal colleagues who work together often end up giving la bise to each other (but not between men.) Between a boss and an employee, a handshake (or a simple wave) is more professional. As well as someone you meet for the first time. Finally, no one can force you to do la bise if you’re uncomfortable.
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French Dictionnaire: Time for a quick French lesson!
Here are some useful words that will help you on your next trip to Paris or just to impress your friends.
Greeting someone: Bonjour/Bonsoir
Greeting someone (unformal): Coucou/Salut
Goodbye: Au revoir
Thank you: Merci
Please: S’il vous plaît
Yes: Oui
No: Non
You’re welcome: De rien
Good night: Bonne nuit
We hope you enjoyed the taste of France, see you in a couple of months for the next edition!
