It has been so good to read everyone’s blogs again. For the more prolific I didn’t read every back post from the last month (yes, I can sometimes be that anal), but I have been getting caught up. Back into the groove.
Out of the groove was something of a wild ride. Let’s just say it was pure debauchery.
All restraint in eating was cast aside as I ate foie gras with fig jam, peanut butter cups, pancakes galore, hamburgers and french fries, sushi (not all at once – clearly) and peppermint mochas from Starbucks as absolutely often as I could suck them down.
All restraint in spending was cast aside as I would peruse shop after shop and exclaim, “Clothes my size! You can’t get that in France! Cupcake tree! You can’t get that in France! Deodorant! Floss! You can’t get that in France! (not strictly true) Chocolate chips! You can’t get that in France!”
And the list goes on and on.
Holidays create such a mood for eating rich foods and spending without thought. Add to that the once-every-two-year treat of being home in my own country where I know where to get alka seltzer and kids cough & cold medicine and where gluten free packaged food actually tastes good.
I denied myself very little.
It wasn’t quite as pleasurable as two years ago when the sales were so very good. I remember my husband picking me up at the chic Short Hills mall in NJ (the mall has its own valet service) and I got into the car completely buried by my purchases. He was subjected to my excited chatter all the way to where we were staying about the Ralph Lauren sweater for Young Lady that was on sale for $7, which was really only 4€, and how much money I was saving him by spending so much.
This trip the sales were rather rotten and the exchange rate not that great. I got into the car with a scant couple of bags and muttered, “just drive.”
I can’t say that I did irreparable damage. I’m still one size under what I was when I started the Dr Dukan diet, although the low carbs kind of went out the window in the States. We didn’t go into debt on any of our purchases either.
But I feel this desire to tighten the belt, to watch what we spend, to watch what we eat – to feel a bit of deprivation after so much depravity.
After all, there are so many other things to feast on.
This green, green yard that we came home to – in January!
The hedge that my manly Sir Renaissance finally finished.
Oh yikes! Raclette. Cheese that you melt in tiny skillets with tiny wooden spatulas, that you pour over potatoes and ham. How did that picture get in there?
Busted.
Well I might trade deodorant for Raclette!!! ;}
m ^..^
Welcome back! I used to do the same thing when I would go back to the U.S. for business trips – hit all the things that I loved food wise, but deodorant also, etc! You really appreciate the things you can’t have. But then again, my hubby does the same thing now when we return to France – he has Sole Meunière, rognons, tartare, etc. It is switched now for us!
What is it with french men and their raw meat? (or bread or cheese). But I have to look up rognons – is is something like gizzards? I’ve heard of it.
I love la Raclette!!! Also, love “Sir’s” fence. How artistic! I see it’s 28 degrees here in the DC area and 50 in Paris…I guess that’s why the grass is so green. 🙂
Your yard is so green and lovely. Is the hedge a fence? It looks very cool.
I have been feeling the same way about embracing moderation. Unfortunately it is always a struggle. The mind is willing, but the body is weak… both for yummy food and shopping in my case.
Yes fence! I actually forgot the word.
Eating tortilla chips while I read this. Would be nice with some raclette on them.
You have to let those little treats sneak in every once in a while.
The hedge looks great..as does all that lovely green-ness!
Green in January? I am soooo jealous. Sounds like your holidays were maaavelous. I’m trying (and failing) to get back in the groove too. Wish me luck.
Oh, dear friend! I’m SO GLAD you were here – and now home safe and sound and returning to the land of story telling and photo sharing (the grass in January … I am in awe! And the wall – so so cool!) Welcome home – loved hearing about your visit here! Best wishes!
Going without cheese (and floss, for that matter) is just torture. =>
Jennie, I miss your beautiful home. I usually get back into the swing of things right away but I felt so at home in your place that I am having withdrawals. This coming Saturday I will have “A Day of French Delights” with Vera (who is studying the bible). We will pick up a Pain au Chocolat from a Parisien bakery, go to a Parisien grocery store for imported items, then to a French restaurant. I know it will not taste the same but it may ease my loneliness for your home. Miss you and welcome back! Thank you again for your blog, it is so heart warming!
Aw! You’re day sounds wonderful.
I know just what you mean. Sparcity feels so peaceful after abundance.
So very peaceful.
That’s what January is for me.
LOVELY POST.
psst. . . dear lady? I was looking for your email to email you directly, but could not find it! I wanted to share something I am working on – a new journey of sorts. I’m writing over here at http://goodhealthjourney.blogspot.com/.
Feel free to stop by when you have a chance.