If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Happy Valentine’s Day ~ Bonne Saint Valentin!

Enjoy sharing the love with those special someones in your life … today, and every day. How better to sound romantic than to whisper sweet nothings in French? My friend and favourite language instructor, Ida Young-Bondi has all the words you need to know for La Saint Valentin in this love-filled video. Click right here to take a couple of minutes to join her and perfect your accent!

After the hearts and flowers sentiments of today, when we are in France, February in Nice means one thing to me ~ Carnaval! Time to get your party on!

From February 14 to March 4 this year, the streets of Nice will come alive, day and night, with parades of brightly coloured floats, spectacular floral creations, street events with entertainment provided by over 1000 dancers and musicians from all over the world … oh, and blizzards of silly string and confetti!

This year’s featured reigning monarch is the King of Gastronomy.  That can only be very good news!

One of the oldest carnivals in the world; it is said to have pagan beginnings in the thirteenth century.

The word ‘carnival’ apparently comes from carne levare or away with meat. This was the last chance to enjoy all the rich food before Lent when people would fast for forty days. The masks worn at the carnival offered the chance for people to disguise themselves from the forbidden pleasures by the Catholic Church. Needless to say, the philosophy has changed through the centuries!

For all the information you would ever want to know about this joyful celebration, take a few minutes to visit TheGoodLifeFrance where Margo Lestz has the best article on Carnaval de Nice. If you haven’t already done so, bookmark that site to read fabulous posts about life in France!

While I’m on the subject of love, I want to share this with you … honestly, I can’t stop talking about it … and you can imagine the tower of tissues I accumulated watching it play out. Read on …

One of the aspects I love most about the Olympic Games is the sharing of inspiring stories. None of these athletes arrived where they are without hard work, motivation, support and love for their chosen sport.

In Vancouver 2010, Alex Bilodeau won gold for Canada in mogul skiing. This week he accomplished the same feat in fine style in Sochi. He is a superb athlete. More importantly, we also learned in 2010 what a fine person he is and what a loving and exemplary family he has. We were reminded again this week. Please read this, share it and take it to your heart.