Ask Léonce: French Skincare, Paris Style & Living Well on a Full Schedule

A promise is a promise! So many of you submitted your questions through the Ask Léonce form—on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle—and I want to thank you warmly for that. When I first created this concept, my plan was to answer around ten questions in a single post… but this one includes 23! I honestly didn’t expect such an enthusiastic response. I think publishing a new Ask Léonce every two months might be just the right pace—it gives you time to send in all your thoughtful and varied questions, and it’s not too long a wait to read my reply. But of course, let me know what you think in the comments below :).

I also want to take a moment to thank you for all your messages, emails, Instagram DMs, comments, and kind words. I absolutely love reading them, and every time I do, I feel incredibly lucky to have you as my readers. I make it a point to reply to everyone personally, even if my response time can be… well, a bit unpredictable—sorry about that :)! I manage this platform entirely on my own, in a truly artisanal way: from content to design, I do everything myself. But I always do my best to get back to you as quickly as possible. And of course, a huge thank you to those who have treated me to a croissant (or several!)—milles mercis for your support and kindness.

I hope you find the answer to your question in this article and, if you didn’t submit one, that you’ll still enjoy reading it. I truly love this format; I find it adds so much depth to this platform and its content. Your questions also help me better understand what interests you, allowing me to create content that truly speaks to your desires and needs.

Finally, if there’s a question on your mind about fashion, beauty, or lifestyle, don’t hesitate to send it my way via this form. I’ll include my response in an upcoming Ask Léonce article. And of course, all questions remain anonymous. Looking forward to hearing from you ;). Bonne lecture! Enjoy the read!

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This post is not sponsored. I only share what I truly love. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!

Question: “Hi! I’d really like to know more about what kind of skincare you use? Do you know of any good brands for people with fair skin? I love your posts so much! Thanks! :)”

Thank you so much for your question and for your kind message! Here’s a little recap of the skincare products I’m currently using and recommending:

• Morning: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk, Violette_FR C’est la Cream.
• Evening: Caudalie Cleansing Oil + Gentle Foam Cleanser (if I wore makeup during the day), Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (if I didn’t wear makeup), Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W (3 to 5 times a week), Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk, La Crème Doré.
• Mask: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer.
• For lips & hands: Sisley Nutritive Balm or Nuxe Honey Lip Balm, L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hands.

If you’d like to know more about my skincare routine and all the products I use, I’ve written a very detailed article on the topic—just here!

“Would you be able to share some hero pieces? I’m a singer and performer so while I love the classic neutral looks, I’d like to pair them with some stand out colour pop statement items.”

Thank you for your question! Yes, there are so many ways to add a pop of color to a wardrobe with mostly neutral tones. Personally, I love incorporating colorful accessories: a pair of patent leather ankle boots in red (a shade that pairs beautifully with camel, light blue, brown, beige, and cream), a vibrant Hermès silk scarf, a bold orange umbrella (my favorite is from the French brand Le Parapluie de Cherbourg), a bag in deep burgundy or camel, a hair bow, a headband, or even a fedora-style hat. A statement jacket or coat in a standout color is also a great option.

As for classic hero pieces in a French wardrobe, I’d say: a chic blazer, a tweed jacket, a pair of loafers, a long wool and cashmere overcoat, a beautiful trench coat, equestrian-style boots, or an elegant button-down shirt. You can always choose these pieces in bolder hues to add your personal touch :)!

“How would you dress for a long, chilly day in the city of shopping, coffee and later dinner with family or friends in a nicer restaurant?”

I’d go for a chic yet effortless outfit—something stylish but still comfortable for a long day :). I’d opt for a classic button-down shirt (always a bit more polished than a T-shirt), tucked into wide-leg jeans with a slim leather belt, paired with black leather loafers (or stylish sneakers for extra comfort). A V-neck sweater layered on top and a long overcoat will keep you warm throughout the day. To complete the look, I’d choose a crossbody bag or a tote—whichever suits your style best!

“What are French people reading these days?”

That’s a great question! I wouldn’t dare speak for all French people, but here’s a list of books currently on my bedside table:

• Du côté de chez Swann – Marcel Proust
• La Parisienne – Emmanuelle Retaillaud
• Brand Love – Lydia Michael
• The Science of Storytelling – Will Storr
• Le Savoir-vivre du XXIe siècle – Nadine de Rothschild

I don’t know about you, but I love reading multiple books at the same time—it allows me to choose something that fits my mood and the kind of day I’ve had. I hope this gives you some reading inspiration :)!

“I will be traveling to Paris in April. What outfits (for a mature woman) should I pack that are stylish and fun … not touristy. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.”

Just in time, I hope :)! Here’s a list of seven outfit ideas I’d pack if I were heading to Paris in April:

• Look 1: Tweed jacket, long-sleeve T-shirt, straight-leg white denim, ballet flats.
• Look 2: Tweed jacket, long-sleeve T-shirt, wide-leg light blue denim, ballet flats.
• Look 3: Trench coat, striped crewneck sweater, white cropped tailored trousers + loafers & socks (white or red).
• Look 4: White blazer, camel button-down shirt, cropped wide-leg blue denim, suede ankle boots.
• Look 5: Ruffled blouse (Chloé-style), cropped suede jacket in camel, wide-leg denim, suede ankle boots.
• Look 6: White maxi dress (Chloé-style), cropped suede jacket in camel, suede ankle boots.
• Look 7: Trench coat, blue button-down shirt, white pants or denim, loafers.

For accessories, I’d bring: a crossbody bag and a tote bag, a leather belt, a colorful Hermès silk scarf (perfect with a trench coat), a chic umbrella, a few light knit sweaters (cashmere or fine wool)—a V-neck to layer over a button-down or a crewneck to wear over a T-shirt if it gets chilly. Voilà! Wishing you a wonderful time in Paris, bon voyage!

“I want to thank you for so many wonderful ideas! Through you, I’ve discovered Sandro, Sézane, and Mango, to name a few. My two Christmas skirts were from you! The Sézane net with dots and a grosgraine waistband, and the fabulous wine colored sequin skirt from Mango. The J Crew sweater was fabulous with both! And I got the J Crew black peau de soie shoes with the pearl. Perfect!”

Thank you so much for your sweet message! It makes me so happy to hear that my recommendations have helped you discover brands and pieces you love. And your Christmas outfits sound absolutely perfect! I’m truly grateful for your support, it means so much. Mille mercis!

“Hi, love your newsletter. What would you recommend as your everyday work bag/running errands and then what bag would you recommend for travel?”

Thank you for the lovely compliment on my newsletter! I’ve discovered so many new handbag brands recently that I really should write a dedicated article on the topic with a selection of beautiful bags to recommend! But if I had to answer briefly, I’d suggest two types of bags that work well for both everyday use and travel: a crossbody bag and a tote bag.

A crossbody bag is perfect for daily wear and also ideal for traveling—especially if you don’t want to carry a larger bag that can sometimes feel bulky. I have a few favorites, either in my wardrobe or on my wishlist: the Numéro Sept by Polène, the absolutely stunning Mokki, the Émilie by Le Tanneur, and a vintage Celine Box Bag.

A tote bag is another great option, whether as an everyday bag (super practical when you need to carry a lot) or as a travel companion. I’d recommend Le Pliage by Longchamp, the Elena by Le Tanneur, the Duo Shopper by Léo & Violette (which I adore in suede!), The Hudson by Demellier or Cuyana’s Classic Easy Zipper Tote. Hope this helps :)!

“Hi Leonce, I love your emails, and frequently buy your recommendations. I also prefer navy blue to black. Softer but still has impact and contrast. Also, I’m petite, which means the 5’11” models are a foot taller than I. So a midi on them is a floor length on me. I’m 5 feet tall, and weigh 100 pounds. The oversize look doesn’t go well with me, even paired with a body skimming bottom or top, but I do love the wide-legged pants. I would love recommendations to include petite versions and ideas. Also, I’d like to get some boots to wear with midi-dresses. Rather than black boots, I’d like something in a flat or low heel in Navy. Can you make any recommendations? Many thanks, and I look forward to more wonderful inspirations from you!”

Mille mercis for your kind message! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy my emails and recommendations. I’d love to include more suggestions for petites! While I’m quite tall myself (around 5′8″) and tend to gravitate toward longer, oversized styles, I completely understand how proportions can be tricky when you’re petite. From what I’ve observed, the key seems to be choosing tailored silhouettes that elongate the figure while keeping the volume balanced. For wide-leg pants, I’d recommend looking for high-waisted, slightly cropped versions to create the illusion of longer legs. For midi dresses, a great trick is to opt for a knee-length style—it will naturally fall as a midi on you.

If you’re (still) looking for navy boots, I’d suggest suede styles, like the Estime boots from Carel Paris. I have two pairs in my closet that I love and wear every fall/winter—and even in spring when it’s raining! I hope this helps! Thank you again for your support, and if you ever come across a petite-friendly brand you love, I’d love to hear about it :)!

“I was arrested by the collarless sherpa jacket illustrating your article “French Winter Style 10 Chic French Winter Essentials to Keep You Warm and Stylish”. How can I source this beautiful jacket? Thank you”

You’re absolutely right—it’s a truly stunning piece, and it’s from Chanel! I think a shearling coat is one of the most beautiful winter investments—it’s pricey, but truly a lifetime piece! Last year, I invested in a short shearling coat from Ba&sh during the sales, and I have no regrets—I wore it practically all winter in Bordeaux (on dry days, of course!). If you’re looking for a similar piece to add to your wardrobe, I’ve spotted this gorgeous shearling coat from Totême, which I’d love to own one day (maybe next year—who knows?).

“Whatever happened to the perfume Cabrochard by Gres?  Are websites offering newly manufactured copies of iconic perfumes of the past as “the real thing” being truthful?”

Great question :)! Cabochard by Grès is still available (you can find it at French Sephora), but like many classic perfumes, it has been reformulated over the years. The original 1959 version was a bold, leathery chypre, but in 2019, Grès introduced a newer interpretation with a modern twist.

As for websites selling “new” versions of iconic perfumes, some brands do faithful re-releases, while others sell reformulated or “inspired-by” versions that may not be quite the same. To avoid misleading listings, I’d recommend checking if the brand still produces it, buying from reputable retailers, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true ;).

“I am looking for someone who can design and make custom clothing. I had a beautiful swing coat but unfortunately, it was destroyed. I also have some patterns and pictures clothes that I would love to have made. I have searched the Internet for a Paris designer for women, but most of them are either repairs or make suits. I think this is something many women want; one of a kind jacket, a special dress they saw online. Can you help?”

That’s a great question! Unfortunately, I’m not sure if this kind of service still exists, even in Paris. You can definitely find neighborhood tailors, but their work is mostly focused on alterations and repairs—hemming, taking in a waist, or adjusting a dress—rather than creating custom-made pieces from scratch. I truly wish there were more options for bespoke designs! If you happen to find someone offering this service, I’d love to hear about it :).

“Hello Leonce, Firstly, Thank You for your newsletter. Love it, realky enjoy reading it and so much useful information. Re your skin – Yes, would love to hear how you’ve mastered it to get clear goodness ;)”

Thank you so much for your kind message! It makes me so happy to know that you enjoy my newsletters and blog articles and that you find them helpful! I think you may have already seen it, but just in case, I’ve written a detailed article on my French skincare routine—after struggling with acne and blemishes, my skin has never been better! But if I had to sum it up in a few sentences:

• Cleansing properly at night is key—I always do a double cleanse, first with a cleansing oil to remove makeup, then with a gentle face cleanser.
• Exfoliate a few times a week—A gentle exfoliant in the evening can make a huge difference. (Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50W has been a game changer for my skin!).
• Hydration is essential—Using a moisturizer suited to your skin type is so important. (I personally love Violette_FR’s Boum-Boum Milk and C’est la Cream, which I use morning and night!).
• Less is more! Try not to use too many products at once—it helps to really understand what works for your skin and what doesn’t :).

“Hi Leonce, Am looking for a new fragrance and wondered if you had any suggestions. I currently wear Chanel Mademoiselle but looking for something new!”

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is such a beautiful fragrance, it’s actually my mother’s signature scent! Finding a new perfume can be quite personal, especially without knowing your exact preferences, but I’d love to take on the challenge :).

First, Coco Mademoiselle belongs to the chypre fragrance family, with a fruity twist. A classic chypre accord typically consists of bergamot, jasmine, rose, patchouli, oakmoss, labdanum, and sometimes animalic notes, making it inherently woody and sophisticated. To find the perfect new scent, it might help to identify which notes you love most in Coco Mademoiselle: is it the patchouli, rose, orange, vanilla, jasmine, vetiver, or bergamot? One way to do this is by looking at other perfumes you own and comparing their fragrance compositions. This can help you pinpoint recurring ingredients that you’re naturally drawn to. Based on Coco Mademoiselle’s olfactive family and notes, here are a few fragrances you might love:

• Guerlain Mitsouko – A chypre with a warm peachy facet.
• Chanel 31 Rue Cambon – The radiance of a chypre accord heightened with notes of iris, black pepper and vetiver.
• Le Parfum de Thérèse – Citrus, rose, and leather, created by the legendary Edmond Roudnitska.
• Dior Diorama – A vintage chypre with a rich floral heart.
• L’Artisan Parfumeur Obscuratio – A sensual mix of vanilla, floral, and woody notes.
• L’Artisan Parfumeur À Fleur de Pêche – A softer, more modern chypre with a delicate peachy twist.

“Belts! how do you buy them, what to look for? how do you pick a few without buying 10? is there one that is super versatile?”

To be honest, I don’t have that many belts in my wardrobe :)! But I do have this beautiful burgundy leather belt from Sandro that I absolutely love—it’s excellent quality, and I highly recommend it! When choosing belts, I’d suggest picking them based on the colors of your pants. For example: a camel suede belt looks stunning with white jeans or trousers. A burgundy leather belt is incredibly versatile and pairs well with jeans in any wash, as well as black or brown pants. Black and brown belts are always timeless and easy to style.

I’d recommend prioritizing quality leather, classic colors that are chic and timeless, and a belt width that’s on the slimmer to medium side—this makes them more versatile for different outfits. The goal is for the belt to be a polished accessory that enhances your look without overwhelming it.

“Bonjour Leonce, I love your newsletter! I have been to Paris/Marseille 3 times and would like to plan a trip to Paris. I’m now 73, in very good health, but I’m nervous about traveling alone. I would like to visit the flea markets and E.DEHILLERIN. I have already seen all of the tourist attractions and want to enjoy the cafes and small shops. I’m nervous about navigating the metro, mostly. Is there some way I can do this, perhaps by meeting up with someone to take me to these places? What do you recommend? Can you suggest an arrondisement that would be nice to stay? I love Paris and the south of France and actually thought about relocating there. I used to speak French but it has been many years, so I’m going to start studying again. Thanks so much for your advice. I thought I had mastered the art of making madeleines, but I’m going to purchase a new pan from Gobel and try your grandmother’s recipe. I think I would like to travel in September 2025. Merci!”

Thank you so much for your kind message and question! I completely understand your concerns—honestly, even I’m not used to taking the Paris metro anymore! I lived in Paris for several years, worked there, and used to take the metro daily, but now when I visit, I tend to avoid it as much as possible.

That being said, I often travel to Paris alone—whether for work or to visit friends—and I always feel completely comfortable navigating the city. If you’re staying in a central hotel, you’ll be able to walk to many places, which is the best way to experience Paris at a relaxed pace. For longer distances, I’d recommend using official Parisian taxis, Uber, or the G7 app (which I personally prefer over Uber). You can also ask your hotel for tips on transportation and help arranging taxis, especially when heading somewhere like the flea markets, where it’s often more convenient to arrive by taxi rather than dealing with public transport.

Paris is a wonderful city to explore solo, and I think you’ll have an amazing time! For neighborhoods, I have a few recommendations. The 9th arrondissement is a great central spot for shopping and exploring. I love the atmosphere around Notre-Dame-de-Lorette and Saint-Georges, and I once stayed at Hôtel Pulitzer Paris on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, which I absolutely loved. It’s a lively area with plenty to see and do.

If you’re looking for a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris, I’d highly recommend Île Saint-Louis. I used to live there, and it has a charming village-like feel, with cozy cafés in the rue des Deux Ponts, wonderful crêperies, and bakeries (I highly recommend Le Boulanger de la Tour). Don’t miss Berthillon for their famous ice cream! The location is perfect—you’re right between Le Marais and the Quartier Latin, not too far away from Saint-Germain, close to everything yet tucked away from the crowds. And the walks along the Seine are just magical. If I had the means, I think I’d happily live my life on Île Saint-Louis :)!

If you love E. Dehillerin, I also highly recommend stopping by La Grande Épicerie de Paris on Rue de Sèvres—an absolute must for any food lover and cooking enthusiast. It’s a gourmet paradise with an incredible selection of fine foods, pastries, and specialties from all over France.

I hope you had the chance to try my grandmother’s madeleine recipe, I’d love to hear what you think ;)! Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paris filled with beautiful moments.

“Bonjour Léonce! I would love to hear your thoughts about French versus Italian style/fashion. They are both so chic but yet so different. I know even in Italy, there are different styles within each region. In any case, I’d love to get your opinions on this. I love both French and Italian (more refined a la Armani) styles. Merci!”

Thank you so much for your question, it’s such an interesting one! I didn’t actually realize there were so many regional style variations within Italy, and I find that absolutely fascinating. I truly admire Italian fashion. To me, it feels much more feminine, sensual, and even seductive compared to French style, which is more about subtle elegance, restraint, and a certain nonchalance. In France, it’s about being chic without showing that you’ve tried too hard, whereas Italian style embraces sophistication with confidence and intention.

There’s something undeniably bold and polished in Italian dressing—less effortless, perhaps, but much more about presence. It often has that femme fatale touch I find so striking. I love Italian chic brands like Tod’s, Max Mara, Borsalino, Bottega Veneta, Prada, and of course, Armani. I still remember walking through the streets of Rome—it felt like a real-life fashion show, with women and men alike dressed so beautifully. There’s a flair, a certain drama, that Italians wear so well. Merci again for your question, I truly enjoyed reflecting on this :)!

“Bonjour! I am a huge believer of your quality content. I read your posts with great enthusiasm! I do love the website- what style and or online platform do you use? Merci.”

That’s so kind of you, thank you so much for your lovely words! It truly means a lot, especially since I do everything myself! I use WordPress.org, but I actually started in 2018 with WordPress.com, which is a much simpler platform—especially when you’re just starting out and don’t know much about web design. WordPress.org can feel a bit intimidating at first, but once I made the switch a few years ago, I bought a theme and gradually customized it with CSS and other tweaks over time. As for the style, I’m not sure how I’d define it, what do you think :)? I take inspiration from everything I love: things I find online, in books, museums, and during my travels.

“Bonjour, I’m off to Paris next week. What are top women’s clothes shops to visit.  Something between the high end and the high-street. What I mean by that is shops/boutiques that are not 4 figures (Chanel etc) and not too “affordable” (Mango/Cos) Merci”

I’m so sorry if my response is a little too late, but I hope you had a wonderful time in Paris! I think you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in this article on my favorite French fashion brands! I recently reorganized it to make it easier to navigate, and it now includes a section on mid-range French brands, as well as where to shop them in Paris.

Many brands have multiple boutiques around the city, so I recommend checking your map to find the nearest location. And if you’d rather avoid running around too much, you can also find a great selection of mid-range French brands in Paris’s iconic department stores: Galeries Lafayette, BHV Marais, Le Printemps, and Le Bon Marché—perfect for browsing everything in one place :)!

“Bonjour, One often reads that it is difficult for Americans to understand and deal with the French bureaucracy and administrative issues. As a French person, is it a frustrating experience for you? What is the best way to make it more tolerable and easier to get through? Obviously, politeness (“Bonjour” etc) is expected, but are there any secrets to the process, whether its customer service or visa/residence cards?”

Thank you for your question! Yes, navigating French administration can be complex, even for the French :)! I imagine it must be even more challenging for someone who doesn’t speak the language fluently, especially since not all administrative offices have English-speaking staff. From my experience, the key to making the process smoother is to stay organized and proactive. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully and submit the required documents as soon as possible. If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to call, book an appointment, or send a follow-up email to get more information. A little persistence can go a long way! If needed, it can also be helpful to seek guidance from professionals who specialize in administrative processes, especially for things like visas or residence permits. And of course, starting every interaction with a polite “Bonjour” always helps :)! Wishing you the best of luck with everything!

“Bonjour! Do you have suggestions for restaurants and places to see in Nice?”

Even though I had the chance to visit Nice for a few days with my mother a few years ago (I found it absolutely beautiful!), I wouldn’t be the best person to recommend restaurants there. However, I do have a few tips that might help. Before choosing a restaurant, I always recommend checking the menu. If it’s very long and offers too many different dishes, it’s usually a sign that the food isn’t homemade, so it’s best to avoid those places.

When I visited, I absolutely loved Vieux Nice, especially the Cours Saleya market—the atmosphere was incredible! If you get the chance, don’t forget to stop by the Fragonard boutique ;). And if you’re still planning your stay, consider Hôtel Le Negresco. My mother and I didn’t stay there, and we kind of regretted it! It’s such an iconic place. I hope you have a wonderful time in Nice!

“I loved your feature on your French skincare routine. I wondered, though, which products are so estimable that you would hope you have on hand if you were shipwrecked on a desert island? I am looking for a radically streamlined curated list of your absolute, say, five essential favorites, since I am now inundated with skincare that promised results but did not deliver. I love the Ordinary, Paula’s Choice et al. But 5 sounds great. I am adopting a minimalist skincare routine. Can you help me please?”

Thank you so much for your kind words about my skincare routine article! I love your question, and I have to say, I had so much fun thinking about it. I could go even more minimalist and narrow it down to just three essentials I’d take to a desert island. First, Boum-Boum Milk by Violette_FR, because I love multi-use products like this one, and I use it as a serum, day cream, and even as a hydrating mist for my hair. Then, Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W, which has truly improved my skin’s texture and overall quality. And finally, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, my go-to whenever my skin looks tired and needs a boost of hydration.

If I had to add a couple more, I’d probably include a great cleanser like The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser and a multi-purpose moisturizer like C’est la Cream—but for now, these are my absolute must-haves. Of course, my list might evolve over time as I continue testing new things ;)!

“Good morning Leonce, Thank you for sharing the lemon loaf recipe!  I’m looking forward to trying it out this weekend. I have a question re: summer loafers, please — do you have any views about cream coloured loafers for spring and summer? I rarely see that colour in photos, but sometimes find that brown/auburn coloured loafers just a little too dark to wear with lighted coloured spring clothes … any views are most welcome! Enjoy your weekend. With kind thanks.”

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed my lemon loaf cake recipe and that it turned out delicious :)! Regarding loafers for spring and summer, I completely agree with you. To me, black, burgundy, auburn, and dark brown shoes feel very autumn/winter, while lighter and brighter tones tend to pair much better with the colors we wear in spring and summer.

Here’s what I’d recommend: suede loafers in beige, cream, blush pink, or light blue—soft, elegant, and perfect for the season, or camel leather loafers—a lighter alternative to brown that looks beautiful with white trousers, for example. Personally, I just bought and received this pair of pale pink suede loafers from the Italian brand Scarosso (made in Italy, Italian sizing), and they are absolutely stunning! They have contrasting visible stitching in a slightly darker pink, which adds such a beautiful detail. I can already tell they’ll look amazing with light blue denim, soft gray, or white pants. Hope this helps, and I let me know which pair you end up choosing ;)!

“What is the best way to replicate the French woman’s approach to food and meals in an American work culture where lunch breaks during the workday are often 30 minutes and commutes (like mine) can take upwards of an hour (75 minute drive each way in my case plus a twenty minute walk from the parking lot to the building), making breakfast difficult and dinner hard to want to put time and effort into. Any tips for prioritizing full meals and nutrition with some simple ways to work more complete meals into a work-centric day like that, or stand by recipes for meals that are delicious, easy/quick, and easy to pack for work? Thank you for all the content you put so much time and effort into! It is definitely appreciated by your readers, and I look forward to every newsletter in my inbox!”

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful question, I think it’s such an important topic. In fact, it deserves a full article on its own, and I’ve made a note to write one soon ;).

I completely understand what you’re describing. When I was living and working in London in a corporate job, my days looked very similar—an hour-long commute, short 30-minute lunch breaks, and most days, lunch meant a quick sandwich at my desk just to keep up with everything. I remember how tired I often felt in the evenings… and I can only imagine how much more demanding that must be for mothers who come home to start what’s essentially a second full day. Honestly, hats off to them.

Today, I cook almost every day, and I’ve found a rhythm that works, even on the busiest days. Here are a few thoughts and small rituals that help me keep meals nourishing, satisfying, and realistic.

In the evening, I gravitate toward recipes that don’t require constant attention—slow oven-roasted dishes or stews made in a Dutch oven. Something like a ratatouille or a vegetable gratin. The prep is usually just chopping and seasoning, and then it cooks gently on its own, giving me a moment to breathe (or do something else entirely). When I don’t even feel like prepping vegetables, I turn to good-quality frozen ones—preferably organic and pre-chopped. I buy a few bags each month to have on hand. That way, I can toss them into a pan with olive oil, garlic, herbs… and in 30 minutes, dinner is done.

On evenings when I’m especially hungry or too tired to wait for something to roast, I rely on a few comforting staples: a quick guacamole à ma façon with little warm breads (homemade), croque-monsieurs made in the oven in under 10 minutes, fresh pasta with herbs and olive oil, or a big, generous salad with whatever I have on hand.

Over time, I’ve also learned to trust in simple flavor pairings. Cauliflower with garlic. Green beans with shallots and lardons. Potatoes with a touch of nutmeg. Tomatoes with basil. Salmon with fresh dill. Once you get to know these combinations, cooking becomes more intuitive—and much faster.

For lunch, if I’ve cooked dinner the night before, I try to always make a little extra and save a portion for the next day. Otherwise, a simple homemade sandwich or salad is more satisfying (and usually much healthier) than anything pre-made. A classic French sandwich called le Parisien—baguette or country bread, a little butter (salted or unsalted), ham and cornichons—takes just a few minutes to make and always feels like a treat.

And finally, my best advice is this: try not to see cooking as a chore, something to get through just to satisfy a basic need. Instead, think of it as a gentle ritual—a small pleasure, a way to nourish and care for your body. Even the simplest dish you prepare yourself—pasta with good olive oil, an omelette with salt and herbs—will always be more comforting, flavorful and nutritious than something processed and prepackaged.

I hope this offers a little inspiration, and I’ll be sharing more soon—simple, wholesome recipes I often turn to, and some that my mother has passed down to me as well. Thank you again for your kind message and for appreciating the work I put into what I do. It means the world, and it’s what motivates me to keep writing and sharing :).