In a land far away

This morning I had on the Today show to watch where in the world is Matt Lauer. Matt was in the Netherlands. I promptly sat down and watched the entire segment.

Many years ago I was an exchange student in Epe, Holland. I always had the travel bug but this experience really was magical. I fell in love with Europe and ended up living there a few years later.

While the photo is a bit fuzzy, the memories are clear. This is the house I lived in with my dutch family. Just as lovely as I remembered it.

I am so grateful for that experience.

Coming Soon?

I am so excited about this!

Hint: You use it in the shower. It feels great and smells marvelous.

Next step- labels (takes a little more time).

I feel a giveaway coming on......

Mother's Day is right around the corner. Don't forget the Coupon code
momrules.

And the winner is.....

The winner is Lace from Mi.
Come on down girl!

This was so much fun. As a first time participant it was a lovely experience.
I can't wait until July!

For those that visited, thank you so much. I really enjoyed visiting other blogs and have bookmarked many of them. Please stop by often. You never know when I'll decide to give something away just because.

Again, many thanks to everyone that visited.

The Carnival is finally here

Third time is a charm! My previous posts have vanished.

I am so excited about The Bloggy Giveaway Carnival

Please leave a comment (one only) and you will be entered to win some amazing products. They include Truly Decadent Shea Butter Body Creme and Almost Sinful Walnut Scrub in Yuzu, Goats milk soap and Olive oil soap in ginger papaya and a sample of Luxe Riviera Shower Gel in Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is open to those in the U.S.

The carnival will end on the evening of April 25th. The winner will be chosen randomly on April 27th. I will notify you by email.

There are so many amazing blogs, I encourage you to visit them all.
Please check out Yummy things and Cupcake Dreams. Marilyn Rocks.

Merci for visiting.

Easy Vinaigrette

There is nothing better than a salad with a great vinaigrette. O.k, there are a few things that are better (chocolate, cake, cookies) .

For those times when you are eating healthy, try this easy vinaigrette. It will transport you to a French bistro.


Easy Vinaigrette

1 clove garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup EVOO

Chop the garlic and place in a small bowl.
Add salt and pepper (I like sea salt) to the garlic.
Stir in the mustard and vinegar.
Then slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture.
Keep stirring as you add the oil.

Voila

Exfoliation makes the world go around

If you have visited The French Elements website, you know I'm passionate about exfoliation. After a long career with Clinique as a Regional Education Manager, I was sold on the concept way back in 1974 (double ouch).

Exfoliation is a superb way to polish your skin. It brightens, takes the edge off those tiny fine lines, smooths,
prepares the skin for maximum absorption of your body creme, helps even out your skin tone , the list just goes on and on. For those that enjoy sunless tanners, this prepares your skin for a better looking tan. A big plus- exfoliation feels great.

Get in the habit. Your skin will thank you.
Almost Sinful Sucre Scrub and Almost Sinful Walnut Scrub are gentle yet effective exfoliators. Now is a great time to start regular exfoliation as summer is right around the corner.

Mothers Day Coupon

In celebration of Mother's Day, we are offering a 10% discount on all orders placed between today and April 30th.

Mother's Day is one of my fav's. Can you tell I'm a mom and grandma?

This is a great way to treat those special women in your life as well as
yourself.

The coupon code is momrules.

The Magic of Olive Oil

For over 30 years (ouch) I have been a fan of Olive oil. I love to cook with it, dip bread in it, use products that contain it. It has been said that EVOO is a great antioxidant due to the fact that is comes from the first pressing of the olives.

One of the new additions at The French Elements will be an Olive oil soap. I can tell you that it lathers like a charm, moisturizes, and leaves your skin feeling marvelous. Of course no color is added nor any harsh chemicals. It truly is a wonderful soap. Keep posted for more updates.

Inspiration

I have been using this photo taken in Nice as inspiration for a few new products.

This was an absolutely perfect day in every way.
It was truly relaxing. I could have stayed in this spot forever.

I am working on several products designed to help relax the mind and body. Test results have been very positive. Yayy!!! I can't wait to spill the "news".

In the meantime I will continue to be inspired by this shot.

This makes me smile

Indulge me please.
This picture was taken years ago (maybe 15) in Grindelwald Switzerland. My oldest son who is now 29, didn't want his picture taken and decided he would throw a huge snowball at me if I insisted on taking the picture. Right after the shot, the snowball came flying toward me. Although it was close, I remained snowball free.

They grow up so fast. Savor every moment.

The Carnival is coming to town

Get ready ladies, the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival is coming to town April 21-25. This is a great time to visit new blogs and of course win some great items.
I heard about this from my friend Marilyn over at
yummy things & cupcake dreams.
The last carnival had over 1000 participants- WOW!

I've never participated in anything like this and I'm very excited. I'm not sure what I will be giving away but it will be yummy! Now I just need to figure out the links. I may need to enlist Marilyn's aid. She is a gem! Take a moment and visit her blog, she is one talented lady.

Practice makes perfect

A couple years ago we had the opportunity to watch some marvelous athletes that were hoping to get a spot on the Olympic ski jump team. There were several teams from around the globe at this practice area. Each one striving for the same goal.
They made it look so easy. However, not every jump turned out the way they wanted it to.
These young ones never gave up even after a "not so good" jump!

Moral: Don't give up. Practice makes perfect.

Sunday Sweets- Madeleines

This French treat will leave them begging for more!
They are so easy to make but look like you have slaved for hours! The ingredients are most likely waiting in the kitchen for you now. Bring a touch of a French Patisserie to your table today.

Madeleines

1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
garnish with sifted powdered sugar


Preheat the oven to 375F.
Lightly butter 12 madeleine molds or tart pans.
In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter. Let cool.

In a bowl, beat your eggs and sugar until pale and thick.
Stir in the melted butter and honey. Sift your flour and baking powder onto the egg mixture, then fold in.

Spoon the mixture into your molds. Bake for 10 minutes until they are a light golden brown.
Leave the madeleines in the molds for 2 minutes, then turn out and transfer to a wire rack for cooling. Dust with the powered sugar.

Bon Appetit!

36 days to go

Only 36 days till Mothers day!

We are gearing up and have already been working on orders. The Mother's day scent of choice seems to be White Zinfandel in everything. It really makes me think of spring (think April in Paris).

I am hoping to have the new additions ready for late spring. Yay!!!