Cottage & Countryside Living
a weekly journal
Bon dimanche! It is officially 10 days until Christmas and 4 weeks until we leave for France. Eek! So now we are in crunch time for packing up the cottage and getting everything we need sorted & booked for the move while keeping Christmas simple and easy.
The hubby & I both have our individual to-do lists to keep us on track. He’s handling everything financial (booking the container, tickets, etc) and I am handling all the paperwork and appointments needed. There is a lot to have organized for this move. I have a file folder set up for literally every category: our visas, moving container, importing our car, the kitties, my new business registration are just a few of things I need to have sorted and with us upon arrival in France. My brain hurts just typing this. I may have more paperwork than necessary (doubt it) but I would rather be over prepared than under prepared for this move. My main go-to website for everything has been the French Embassy website- better to hear it from the actual people who will want everything than all these other blogs, FB groups, links and “we’ll do it for you” websites. Is it more work on my end? Absolutely. But I would rather hold myself accountable than rely on someone else making a mistake that could cost us both time & money. And don’t think I am not double checking things “au moins trois fois”.
It was also my last week at the Dahlia Shed. I have learned so much from Amy in the almost 2 years I have worked for her. From planting, harvesting, dividing and more I got the serious hands-on training that I will be taking with me to France to start our “le petit flower farm”. Plus I know I have a really good resource if I have any questions. I have already started planning the farm as once we get to France I will have start ordering tubers, corms and seeds ASAP. I will be growing mostly seasonal blooms while also getting some perennial varieties established. I have 16 different dahlia varieties I have picked out to start which will be about 160 tubers to start. Plus zinnias, ranunculus, stock, cosmos, didiscus, snapdragon, forget me nots, ammi, phlox and more to fill in the field. I’m also planning to add peonies, hydrangeas, vibernum, spirea and roses in this year in some small quantities knowing that expansion will happen as the field progresses & budget allows. Plus this part of my business won’t officially get registered until Q2 so I’ll also be spending the first quarter prepping everything I need to have it registered correctly.
Speaking of business registration, my online shop Blanc & Bleu is officially registered in France! That was a HUGE hurdle to get done but I am so glad it is accomplished. Valerie (my business advisor) has been so incredible helping me navigate the system to ensure all the T’s are crossed & I’s dotted in setting things up. The business will be going through a minor refresh on the website (adding some things in French, logo update etc.) but the website is where you will be able to shop my monthly curated collection of vintage finds & handmade goods discovered in Normandy and other areas of France; book a stay at our cottage in the French countryside; and reserve your spot in one of my vintage shopping retreats. Make sure you are following me on social media either on Facebook or Instagram to get all the updates, product drops and more.
In the midst of all the moving craziness, I did manage to do some baking and also gather some great bits for you for this week’s Sunday Saves. Hope you all enjoy! xo- Jenna
Gingerbread Madeleines
This is probably my favorite French Christmas cookie to make. I love madeleines and this version by Audrey of Pardon Your French is one of the easiest cookies to make. Where the basic gingerbread recipe have feel heavy and sometime too spicy or too dry, these are light, fluffy and have just the right amount of spice. Serve with a cup of tea or perhaps a mug of vin chaud (spiced wine). I made a batch this week to take to the farm and I’m making another batch this week & sharing it LIVE with my Instagram subscribers.
This is the tried & true pan I use for my madeleines. *
Thinking about giving them as a gift? Pottery Barn has this adorable gingerbread house cookie jar that’s on crazy clearance. Pop them inside and add a ribbon bow. Would make a great hostess or teacher gift*
Sunday Saves
Just a few things that caught my eye this week and some more gift guides for your last minute holiday shopping:
Looking for a white elephant gift or some stocking stuffers with a French twist? Here’s some of my favorites from Amazon that will all get you in time for Christmas. *
This past Friday was National Hot Chocolate Day. I went to my go-to French hot chocolate (chocolat chaud) recipe which was perfect for the chilly days we’ve been having. The key to this recipe: Let the mixture sit covered for a good 30 minutes to thicken, then reheat on a low flame. Serve with a big dollop of chantilly cream.
What’s replacing the green kitchen in 2025? 5 colors designers say you should try instead We plan to give the kitchen at the cottage a makeover and one of these colors is on the list. Stay tuned!
This Easy French Technique Makes My Buttered Noodles Taste So Much Better
Madewell is having a HUGE sale right now! There were so many pieces that caught my eye but these ones are classic and timeless. Use code OHJOY to save up to 40% on your order. *
I Drank Turmeric Every Day—Here Are the Benefits My mom swears by the benefits of turmeric. She’s been taking it now for a few months and noticed already a difference in her skin and her digestion. It’s important to get an organic powder to ensure no additional additives. This is a great one to try. *
Looking for a cozy winter meal en Francais? Try Coq au Vin. Here’s a great recipe from My French Country Home. Serve with some crusty bread to soak all those juices.
I’ve got another French cocktail for you inspired by my soon-to-be home in Normandy: Montparnasse Cocktail
I love to support small businesses especially at this time of year. And Etsy (which hosts my online shop) has a great online site full of makers, artisans and other small businesses. Here’s a great selection of French lifestyle gifts to get for your favorite Francophile or yourself. *
“Parisian Pied-à-Terre” as a style that will continue to dominate in 2025 according to Apartment Therapy. Check out the other 2025 trends for home decor as well.
We’re doing a simple dinner for Christmas: filet mignon with béarnaise sauce. We are going to the local Ever wonder how to get your steaks just right? Here’s a great how to from Martha Stewart: How to Cook Steak Like a Chef
Looking for an easy appetizer for the holidays? Try this recipe for Mini Tarte Tatins with Caramelized Shallots and Goat Cheese
*Please note that some of the links are affiliate links including my Amazon shop where I do make a very small commission at no additional cost to you when you shop my links which helps me continue to provide this free newsletter.
Merci beaucoup for your patronage! xo- Jenna