Tag Archives: California

Life

La-La-Lockdown

March 30, 2020 Francine 1 Comment

Here we sit in 2020 with great hope and anticipation for an amazing year ahead. Thankful to say Good riddance to 2019. And yet oddly enough, here we are on the eve of isolation and lockdown. We haven’t experienced anything like this before and it seems this new change is not only quickly approaching but is here. Right here. Right now. Never having to minimize our lifestyle, nor certainly not remaining with our 4 walls for an extended period of time. As we, as a society, simply never shut down. Business and work ethic is seemingly inherent in our veins. Our DNA. Like it or not, that has been the legacy of America. So now what? What is one expected to do when the world has come to a screeching halt?! Stay at home you say?

How does life go on….now that we’re on lockdown? Americans have always been known to be big consumers and with that comes supply, demand and plenty of options. Options for days. For anything and everything. From products to dating- we have come to expect options in every aspect of our life. Shop in the grocery stores now with little to no options, certainly is a lesson within itself. And dare I discuss the issue of toilet paper? I digress….
This may not be a big deal in say, France, where if you’re in the market for a bar of soap, you may have a few options. That’s it, C’est Tous. It is what it is. And to be honest, do you really need 543 different types of soap? Now, let’s be clear, I’m by no means saying I’m not a girl who loves her options…I certainly do. However, it’s times like these that we realize the excessive ways in which we live. The times like these when our shelves of supplies are cleared out and there simply are no options whatsoever. (Once again excessive- only in this case, hoarding for hoarding sake.) We need to find balance in all this recently disrupted and ever-adjusted way of life. And hopefully find also a replenished stock of toilet paper and hand sanitizer!

How can we learn and LIVE from our global neighbors who have already been on lockdown? Well, for starters, The Italians have ALWAYS known how to live. And this time is certainly no exception. In fact, it only further demonstrates how much they embrace the joy of living each and every moment. Singing on the streets together while locked in their homes to avoid the spread of the virus. Instead spreading notes and words of cheer in moments of despair. Inspiring themselves, one another, and in the process the entire globe. This time of coming together as humanity is long overdue. Although this moment brings with it heartbreaking tragedy and daily news to reflect this, I believe this is also offers us an incredible opportunity to grow stronger together in a more connected, conscious and loving way. Maybe share a roll of TP with a stranger? My hope and belief is that we will see great gestures of love and humanity rise to the occasion. A girl can dream. And I encourage everyone of you to do the same. It takes a world to heal the world. With wishes for good health and good cheer, friends.

Life

an L.A. story…

June 29, 2016 Francine 1 Comment

After years of fighting and rejecting the thought of moving to L.A., here I sit…on Sunset Blvd, in my new hood of West Hollywood. Who would have thought it? Certainly not me! The person who has detested and fought the very concept for all 17 years that I have been a resident of California. Guess it just goes to show that in life, you simply just don’t know. You have to let the wind take you where you are to be. For me, I became an LA Woman by taking on a new role where I needed to be based in LA. So now that the wind has blown me here…Now what?!

I was fortunately offered two months of housing while I find my way around this hustling, hectic and yet quite incredible new place! I have to say that I’m falling for LA. And this is again coming from the person that was against everything I thought LA was.

However, along with this excitement comes some of the crazzzzzy that LA is known for. In fact, in my search for my new home, I had some very interesting encounters and experiences. First off, I learned that most people secure a place and move within days. No long leeway in securing an apartment. Everything, unlike the traffic, moves at a fast pace. And if you’re interested in making a place yours, you better come cash in hand and ready to commit. I went to check out a 1 Bedroom in West Hollywood, along with 17 others. 17 people up for the same place? And to be honest, this place wasn’t worth the competition that came with it.

Finding a place was a great way, if nothing else, for me to explore neighborhoods and parts of town I hadn’t even known of. It was a chance for me to see that LA actually had much more to offer than I had ever given it credit for. Stunning tree lined streets, charming architecture and adorable pockets hidden all over this city. In fact, I found a 1930’s Spanish Colonial just driving around Robertson. Called immediately and was able to move quickly. The woman was from Pennsylvania, just like me…and we bonded over the fact that we were thankful for our east coast upbringing and how we valued the morals and integrity that came along with coming from there. This was it. This was my place. A hand shake, deposit given, move-in date set. Hooray, it’s official, I have a home in LA!! Two hours later, she calls me back with great despair in her voice. She begins by apologizing profusely saying she had another offer which she simply couldn’t refuse. You see, another girl wanted this place as badly as I did. Her father was a plastic surgeon and offered “Miss PA Integrity” with $300 more/per month in rent, though this grand offer came with something she valued even more. It came with BOTOX. Of course it did. I mean, this is LA after all! Needless to say, I can’t compete with units of face-freezing botox, so my dream of residing in this classic, cozy place went away like the wrinkles on her face.

Onward I go…the search must go on. Driving up and down all the streets from Sunset south and back up again. Found yet another place simply by exploring and driving up and down WeHo. Called and toured immediately by yet another transport from the east coast. Thankfully this time the woman was simply lovely to work with and when I put down a deposit, this time it was truly mine. It’s a charming little community, somewhat of a (cliche and all)…Melrose place feel to it and is located just moments from the Chateau Marmot, which just so happens to be one of my favorite places in LA!

Sometimes it can be tough to navigate where you’re headed in life, though if you weather the winds of change and enjoy the ride…you may just end up where you never thought you would be and be happier than you thought. Trust in life… and the course you’re on… and an adventure awaits! May the constant winds of change guide you along a wonderful journey, through this thing called Life. xo

Fashion, Travel

The coldest summer I’ve ever spent was not in San Francisco…

September 20, 2015 Francine 1 Comment

For my lovely hometown of sunny San Diego, summer is in full swing…Even now in September! I see many postings from back home, that the heat is simply unbearable for many local San Diegans. The reality is, and as I’ve always said, summer truly begins in August and goes to at the very least, October in SUN Diego. In fact, I can recall on many occasions during my fall fashion shows, having to order several large fans as well as personal fans for the attendees, so as not to break out into a sweat while checking out some of the best in fall fashion. A bit ironic, wouldn’t you say?

Though I must admit, I just spent the coldest summer I’ve known right here in Paris. Sure there were scorching hot days, especially when traveling via the Metro. However, for the most part, my summer wardrobe quickly expanded to being mostly jackets, long sleeves and pants. Yet another anomaly, as I don’t typically even wear pants back home in Southern California. Although my nickname for years has been Franci Pants, and part of it due to the fact that I am never seen wearing pants. What can I say, I’m a dress wearing kind of gal. (Even growing up on the east coast, my poor mother would have to put pants on underneath my dresses as a child, as I simply refused to wear pants!) However, just as the seasons change, so must this girl and her “dressing” habits! As Paris has certainly changed me. And it has taught me how to rock some amazing pants, at that! This, in addition to wearing flats and tennis shoes every day, I’m a new woman…With Parisian influence of course! I’m sure that my feet are thanking me, for this new way of living, considering the miles I used to walk daily, in my 5 inch heels.

So here I sit, in chilly Paris (now surrendering to the fact that it’s officially fall here), along with my new love of pants and a pair of…need I say it, actually comfortable shoes that don’t pain me?! I have so much to thank Paris for on this incredible journey of living here over the last few months and I suppose that my feet and my new wardrobe shall give a little thanks as well.

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. – Mark Twain (I’m sure if Mr. Twain were here with me, he would probably agree that it’s been a fairly chilly summer/early fall here in Pareeee)

Fashion, Travel

What a difference a day makes…

August 27, 2015 Francine 1 Comment

Like most places, when you’re a “stranger” in a new city (as they call foreigners here in Paris), there’s always adjustments to be made. The continual joke for living here in Paris is that perhaps I’m too smiley for this town and that I somehow need to perfect my “resting bitch face!” Well, today it seems I have mastered my RBF being out in the chilly rain.

From the simple things in life of getting around, buying groceries, even just ordering an espresso can be tough. It can be challenging when you’re here, doing your best to be the person you are at home- yet a bit more subdued, a bit more quiet, a bit more Parisian, if you will. I’m fine on that front, though it can be tough navigating your way through the world in a place that’s entirely new and different from the world you know at home. Especially in the rain!

It’s not just the language barrier- there’s more than I’m sure I can even describe at this moment. For instance, today it has been raining non-stop. So, does that mean you stay indoors? Or do you venture out in the pouring rain for a new adventure? Well, that’s exactly what I did. I went out in the rain to make the best of my day. Yet again, poorly equipped for the conditions as I have sandals, ballet flats and other open toed shoes thinking It’s summer still here, after all? WRONG. I need boots. So, yet again, clearly the shopping gods are supporting my habit by “allowing” me to do what I’m best at, each and every day.

As one day it’s sweltering, the next day it’s freezing…and then today, it’s pouring down rain. So, here I sit with soaking wet feet, another pair of shoes ruined. (currently we’re at pair #3) that have suffered the loss due to these unpredictable conditions and weather.

They say that tomorrow it will be hot once again….though, for now, it’s soggy feet, a turned upside umbrella and a new pair of shoes. Looking forward to seeing you again hopefully soon, Sunshine!! So, for now, I will simply have to listen to Sous le Soleil, since I can’t be under the soleil today!