Bébés

French parents vs. American parents. 

An issue discussed several times over; a topic that peaks my interest. I've had a deep interest in childcare since I started babysitting at the young age of 11 (for a set of 2-year-old twins, natch!). Coming to Paris allowed me to see first-hand the evidence for the debates people have about the parenting styles of French families. Of course, I'm biased, growing up with two American parents and having worked in many American households. However, I see the strengths French parenting has, and I would totally agree with the party that says an international household is wholly beneficial.

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/why-french-parents-are-superior-in-one-way/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204740904577196931457473816.html

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2012/02/the-secret-to-french-parenting.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/03/the-truth-about-french-parenting-and-i-would-know/254521/

Street-Talkin'

 

Each place I visit and travel to, be it a tiny alley in the Lower East Side or a hidden neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, I'm entirely drawn to and inspired by street art. There's something about knowing how much passion and power is behind those spray-painted streaks excites me, plus the bright colors are one of the most sincere ways to brighten up city streets. Get a taste of what I've been peering at in the past few weeks above and below.

 

Originally posted on fashionfille.com

Antiquities

 

 One of my biggest missions here is to find cheap, fantastic, vintage jewelry to bring home. I've found fantastic pieces; cheap not so much. Though rough on the wallet, Le Louvre des Antiquities is easy on the eyes, and has case after case of stunning jewels spanning centuries. The perfect stop before or after a day at the Louvre for a dose of luxury and window shopping, walk through the halls feeling like a queen while you peer at solid gold lion's heads and pocket watches. I plan to go back just as often as I visit the Louvre--plenty.

Originally posted on fashionfille.com

Screw Ups for the Sake of Nothing

Last week, the newest generation of Apple's iPad was released. Per usual, there was huge amounts of buzz--good, bad, excited, jealous. Something that came out the new gadget's birth was less expected, though: serious controversy surrounding Foxconn, "the factory where Apple manufactures its iProducts." The plant has faced many suspicions of unfair working conditions, and pairing those with a brand as loved as Apple only creates problems.

Employees work excessive overtime, in some cases seven days a week, and live in crowded dorms. Some say they stand so long that their legs swell until they can hardly walk. Under-age workers have helped build Apple’s products, and the company’s suppliers have improperly disposed of hazardous waste and falsified records.

When information like this comes out, it spreads fast. When it's announced by a source as powerful as This American Life, it spreads really fast. What happens when the information being diffused isn't completely true? Credibility is lost and confusion is gained.

Since the falsified reports have been exposed, TAL has covered themselves and apologized. But, when working for such a trusted source, why simply fabricate information? Learning about Foxxconn would attract listeners regardless; fascination with Apple and their products is worldwide and quite typical. Daisey, the reporter, made a huge mistake--and for no reason.

Recommending Recommendations

No matter where I am or the reason I am there, I let my schedule revolve around food and culture. Whether it be in familiar New York or exploring a new European city for just two days, I want to eat well and, to put simply, do cool things. Thus, I depend heavily on my peers and their reviews. On a more typical basis, I use Yelp, Scoutmob, BlackboardEats (both of which offer restaurant deals, via which fantastic restaurants are indirectly recommended) and pulsd to stay in the know. 

However, now that my habitat is Paris, I've had to find new ways to get the reviews and recommendations I'm looking for. The NY Times restaurant guide has served me well, and the favorite of many, My Little Paris, also never fails. In the spirit of passing on recommendations, I'd suggest all of the above resources to my fellow travelers (or anyone looking for some credible fun!).