Paris was quiet this week after many people headed out for August vacations. Another round of restaurants and cafés plan to close after this weekend for several weeks so it will only get more quiet. I enjoy August here, although I do find myself wishing I was heading somewhere warm for the month. I’ve actually been wearing a coat this week! Five Friday Finds from France features a Caudalie recycling program with a bonus, an update on my window ledge garden, a new place to buy Ruinart in Paris and more.
Caudalie Recycling Program
Caudalie has a fabulous loyalty program called ‘My Caudalie.’ Basically you register every product you buy in your account and accumulate points towards free gifts, which are actual products. My strategy is always to save up my points and then treat myself to a favorite product – like this night cream or this serum. One of the best things about Caudalie is their commitment to green, rational cosmetics. You can recycle your products at a Caudalie boutique and receive five ‘My Caudalie’ points per product. I’ve always recycled my Caudalie “empties,” but will now be taking them directly to the Caudalie boutique!
Ruinart Samaritaine Point of Sale
Maison Ruinart opened their first dedicated point of sale in Paris at the recently reopened Samaritaine. This is exciting in general, but especially so because they’ll also offer personalization services. You’ll be able to stamp initials in golden letters on the second-skin cases. A good thing to keep in mind for gift-giving in Paris (or anywhere if you order Ruinart online).
Home-Grown Window Ledge Tomatoes
They say good things come to those who wait, and I’ve waited a long time for my tomatoes to be ready. I bought my tiny little heirloom tomato plant in March and finally had my first tomatoes ripen this week. The first three are mini heirlooms, but the next round is looking bigger. Eating a home-grown tomato is very satisfying, and I highly recommend trying it – especially if your garden is even slightly larger than a Parisian window ledge!
President Macron’s Q&A Videos
President Macron has kept me entertained all week long with his series of Q&A videos on Instagram. The questions he answers all have to do with COVID-19. While informative, the reason I keep watching is for the evolution of his outfits and location. He started the videos off on a very casual note wearing an unexpected black t-shirt, then a polo the next day, and back to a button-down shirt with optional tie. On Thursday he was back in crisp white button-down, sans tie, and outdoors. The videos appear to be at least partially made at home – if the series continues I can’t wait to see what Friday and the weekend bring!
A Must-Have Galette Ring
When my friend Claudine Hemingway sent a link for this galette ring I instantly knew it was a must-have. Where am I wearing it? Will I go for the 20€ galette complète or spring for the 28€ galette complète with exterior cheese? I can’t answer these questions yet, but I do know I need the ring.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Five Friday Finds from France. I’ll be back tomorrow with Weekend Links!
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