California Living: Healdsberg
Hello WordPress!!
This weekend was Mother’s Day! My family and I decided to spend it at a little city located in Sonoma County called Healdsburg. The area is known for producing wine (:
We were blessed with a beautiful day too! Mother enjoyed her gift with the family!
Healdsburg is a sweet town with lots of cute/chic boutiques and wonderful restaurants! At the end of the day, we bought a couple plates, and two pieces of jewelry, oh. and we had such a delicious lunch!
We hope to visit it once more during the Summer
Here are a few pictures of the mini-outing!
Enjoy! and WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA LIVING!
Odile
Follow me on Instagram!
Hello WordPress!
I haven’t been keeping up with this blog for awhile now…I will begin again over the Summer.
For now, if you’d like to follow me on Instagram on a more regular basis, I suggest visiting my page
http://www.instagram.com/odilefrenchconnection
or simply just searching for my username: odilefrenchconnection
And of course! I’d love to be in contact with my fellow WordPress writers and readers (:
Thank you!
Odile
Watch Mariah Carey's #Beautiful New Video
Did you catch the premiere of Mariah Carey's latest single on American Idol last night? Mimi's "#Beautiful" track is the first off of her forthcoming 2013 album, and the video features the diva—clad in a trendy cutout bikini—hitching a motorcycle ride with R&B singer Miguel. The feeling of the video hearkens back to her '90s Mariah videos, complete with must-have Mariah elements like perfectly-hitting sunlight (
French Word of the Night : La Gueule de Bois
Salut WordPress!!
Don’t we all want to know a useful French word besides… Bonjour? 
Well, that was a sarcastic comment, but I think knowing the French translation of ‘Hangover’ would perk your interest, and it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle to learn and memorize
What is pretty interesting about this translation is that, Gueule means long face, and Bois means Wood…
So .. Hangover= Wooden Face= LA GUEULE DE BOIS
Party safely!
Odile
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Several Useful Sites for Editing Photos
Hello WordPress Readers!
Today’s post will be about recommending a few reliable, and efficient photo-editing sites for all of you. I personally love editing pictures because a photo becomes spectacular after being embellished, right?
I am not a fan of downloading apps that take huge amounts of space on the computer’s disk hardware, and no one is sure if the app carries a virus… Which is why, I’m pro for websites.
*Feel free to check out my other edited pictures on the Background Photos*
1. http://www.pixlr.com/express
I do adore pixlr! It has got to be my favorite editing site for all my photos. It offers a bunch of tools to edit the photos.The EXPRESS part of it is absolutely easy to use and it produces amazing, great, and professional photos.
I have not explored more than the Express part because the other two, I feel are too advanced for my neophyte computer skills.
My work of NADAL through pixlr -( and yes, Pixlr offers the option of creating a collage)
2. IPHOTO EDITING
This only applies to those who own APPLE products like a mac. Once I import all my camera photos into IPHOTO, I then edit them using this Iphoto Editing button. It is useful, and helps give the original photo a cleaner, and sharper overall presentation.
After editing through IPHOTO, I usually then continue onto pixlr.
Simple editing through IPHOTO- (The basics)
Just discovered this today! I’m very glad I did!
It is not as complete as pixlr, but it is still the second-best, so I have got to add this to this list.
Very easy to use, but it’s obvious that the site is trying to earn money by putting a bunch of restrictions on tools that pixlr has for free, and the ads at the bottom page.
Still, don’t hesitate to try this site too, you might prefer this than Pixlr.
Just about the level of Pixlr. Love it too!
Rafael Nadal and Tennis
Ever since I was a child, my parents influenced me by having tennis channel on for many hours a day. Watching tennis being played on the terre battu (clay court) would probably have to be my favorite. Therefore, my preferred
grand slam would also be Roland Garros held in Paris, France, every May. umm..As yo
u may infer, that opinion is super biased. I enjoy watching tennis and playing the sport. I played it for about 4 years and previous to that, I played badminton and won several awards for the primary school team. Thanks to my parents, they have pushed me to always remember to follow an active lifestyle.
I have ‘followed’ Rafael Nadal since the start of his early professional tennis career. I have seen him grow from an amateur to the King of Clay, and to the #1 player in the world, which means I saw him through the ups and downs.
What has always impressed me about Nadal is his surrounding of a lovely and supportive family. I know that his Dad and Mom divorced, but no matter what happened between the couple, both parents know that Nadal is ‘their’ son, which is why both try to attend their son’s tennis matches. Also, his Uncle Tony has been coaching him from the ripe age of 6, and Nadal has never changed coaches. *loyal student*
Nadal says his family and support team cocoons him from distracting mud that comes with money and fame. According to Nadal’s mother, Nadal is a very sensitive boy who has full of fears. As an example, he dislikes the dark, and he prefers to sleep with the light turned on. He also isn’t safe around lightnings; when he was a child, he’d hide under the cushions.
As for food preferences, he hates cheese tomato, and ham- which is the national dish of Spain…
Nadal’s girlfriend is very down-to-earth and hides in the limelight. She believes that traveling everywhere with her boyfriend would not be healthy for either party. She has a degree in business administration and a full time job with an insurance company in Mallorca. If she were to follow him, she imagines that there would be a risk that they might stop
getting along. She isn’t looking to be on headlines and seen around with her beau. She chooses to remain the ‘earthly’ girl that she has always been.
She says, “Even if my family asks me about Rafael, I prefer not to say much. The fact is that I don’t feel comfortable talking about these things in private. It’s what works for me, and what works for Rafael and me as a couple.”
Merry Christmas WordPress!
Odile
HEI,HELLO,HI,HEJ from Las Vegas!
well…I’m on vacation!
and I didn’t forget about posting something!
Love,
Odile
La France: Truth or Myth?
Hey WordPress Readers!
I’m hoping that this post will hopefully enlighten those who are inspired to visit or..to re-visit France for a longer period.
1. French toilets are erroneous
…TRUTH! Public restrooms are usually unsanitary, however, there are quite a few which are decent.
If you are in Paris and are in need of a toilet badly, try to find the nearest shopping mall or hotel that will accept you to use their service. Nowadays Paris has become pretty money-minded due to all the tourism; it charges for public toilets. I swear, there is such a thing as ‘French tourism toilet income’, and it’s no guarantee that the priced ones are ‘clean’.
Good luck! SIT AT YOUR OWN RISK 
2. The French are absolutely rude
MYTH! This has got to be the biggest/most common stereotype about the French (at least from my conversations with Americans). They are not rude. Sure, they may come off slightly reserved at first, but it’s just a matter of you making the first ‘leap of faith’.
It will most certainly take courage but it will be worth the 10 seconds you’ll spend introducing yourself and starting the journey of a new friendship.
In my opinion, the French are not like a majority of Californians who will suddenly jump at you trying to get to know you, and then that will be the first and last time you’ll ever see them.
The French are strong in the area of Friendship Bonding. It takes time and patience, but definitely rewarding.
3. Be fluent in French before visiting the country
MYTH! You don’t need to have spent 5 years of your life learning French..to only let yourself travel there. Wouldn’t that be too strict with yourself? I suggest people who go there to buy a petit livre of conversational French on your trip.
In order to avoid making a bad impression to the French, begin the conversation with a few French words. Don’t worry about your mistakes. Show that you are putting an effort in speaking the foreign language instead of ‘Hello. I come from *name of country*’
See my point?
4. They hate Americans
MYTH! haha, you may breathe now!
French don’t hate Americans, however, they do have a ‘low view’ on them ..in general..and I agree with the French.
I’ll be talking about my personal point of view on this one, so don’t get angry if you think differently. As an example, my classmate has asked me : “Which countries is Chinese or whatever Chinese language is, is spoken?” I just stared at him.
Also, there were quite a few of my friends who had no idea, whatsoever, of whom Andrea Bocelli is.
I don’t listen to Opera music…but at least I know who he is; It’s like someone who does not have a clue of whom Mozart is because he doesn’t play the piano.
For many Californians (I think), their nation is a superpower and that is all that counts. IGNORANCE.
5. La Gastronomie Francaise!
TRUTH! French food is definitely varied.
it is superrr delicious that I can’t even explain using words. French cuisine is extremely authentic and exotic- it varies from chicken to intestines. (Not only do the Latin Americans and Chinese eat those stuff…)
One of my favorite dishes is called ‘Steak Tartare’. In short words for this exquisite dish- it is just raw meat. Unfortunately, I’ve never prepared it in the States due to the use of unknown amounts of hormones in the meat…
6. The culture is sophisticated and perfect!
TRUTH! but..with an exception.
I know this is sooo general but they are really chic from the areas of fashion to culinary arts. If you’ve heard of so many praises of France throughout your life, it’s not false, and neither is it an exaggeration! It is true!
People who visit France for the first time are completely blown away by the French aspects of the rich culture.
There is an exception to this statement though… In my opinion, there are not many talented French singers; French music is pretty weak. In vocals, they are in need of improvement.
AND THAT’S MARION COTILLARD! <3
7. They Stink
MYTH! What is with this stereotype??
The French are not stinky and therefore don’t smell bad. I’ve met and kissed lots of them but I’ve never had an instance where I thought to myself : “When was the last time he took a shower?”
Also, French perfumes are extraordinary! Most people use those expensive, good-smelling products. THEY SMELL FRESH.
8. Women don’t shave
TRU-MYTH! I’m not too sure about this one…
I can’t say that all women don’t shave..but I did meet this French madame who showed her underarms…and it was bushy (period)
9. Nude French Beaches!
TRUTH! Yesss! There are nude beaches!
Don’t be mislead though- Not all French beaches allow nudity; Only a few beaches do…so tourists, don’t be disappointed if you happen to make a spontaneous drop by a French beach during your vacation and not find a topless woman…:)
10. SMOKING!
TRUTH!
So many smoke….a lot! It’s a habit of the French people. They know it’s bad, but they’ve become addicted.
Many begin smoking at 16…It’s part of the culture…
When visiting Paris, you’ll be exposed to all the Tobacco smoke, so be ready
I believe that when the French smoke, it’s more a fashion statement than a liking for it.
He’s Jean Baptiste Maunier 
Merci!
Odile
Movie Review: Evil (Ondskan) 2003
First of all, thanks Netflix!
I hear that it’s spreading to Scandinavia:) Awesome-Cause this movie is Swedish!
With adequate acting and filming(this film was nominated for the Oscar Foreign Film)the film captures the heart and determination of living in a world where evil reigns (during the aftermath of the WWII) and the underdog must choose to stand up or take it. Take the risk and watch it….
Brief Summary- The plot isn’t as simple as it sounds.This little gem tells the story about a boy, Erik,
who suffers at the hand of a nasty father in law (deliciously played – you really wont like him!). Erik beats up a class mate in school and gets sent away to a snooty private school where he refuses to succomb to the hazing. The toffee nosed rich kids decide to make Erik submit, but he won’t. This is where Ghandi and a pretty maid comes into the story, but see for yourself. This is not a love story, it is about a boy who doesn’t want to be like his stepfather or his tormentors and succeeds – almost.
Having watched it I found myself questioning my own evils and realized that the definition of it isn’t always so obvious. For that reason alone, it was a thought provoking and worthwhile watch. Overly dramatic at times, but still an intriguing watch.
This is where humans are put to the very brink of the fall. Are you prepared to watch the thought-provoking Evil?
Thanks for reading,
odiletouslesjours
Meet Christopher Nissen (Christopher)
“No more hiding. I’m here to keep you safe. “
Sings the now 20-year-old Christopher on his first single, Against the Odds(2012)! Christopher’s voice is fantastic and the song that has received much praise is straight up pop music at its very best!
Prior to recording the single, Against the Odds, he did a cover version of Robyn hit ‘Call Your Girlfriend’ . It has more than 500,000 hits on Youtube currently. Quite good for the completely unknown singer.
But what happened before this huge success ? An 18-year-old guitar-player Dane just impressed a few friends and then he was persuaded to visit the Danish records. He kept practicing and practicing to play guitar with the internet as a teacher, singing all his favorite songs by Jason Mraz and John Mayer. And it’s an absolute success!
If you’re not affected by the young man’s intense voice paired with his naturalness and charm, you must be a pretty harsh critic.
It’s been half a year of hard work. Time is spent on finding just the right sound and style, a lot of hours with the guitar and the net, a lot of listening to the idols as Maroon 5 and The Script, and then also not forgetting his student-life.
Check out his hit single ‘Against the Odds’ (Congratulations on reaching more than a million views!)
and..his looks do kill.
If you’d like to show your support for this young artist and be up-to-date with his schedule, become his fan on ChristopherMusicDk
Merci!
Odile
What “Touslesjours” Will Be About
Hello WordPress readers!
Welcome to my new and first ever site for what I would be honored to share with you- my amateur photos!
Doesn’t every one have to start somewhere? Yes, this is the place where I would like to show my photos, and hopefully, through time, my skills will improve.
In a way, this will be a wonderful portfolio for my work. In a certain perspective, I shall add my own flavor and personality to how I would like to show you my artwork, that way, all of you will be able to understand me as well.
I will try to keep up with this commitment and not make it a one-time thing.
A la prochaine?
Odile.
