5 Most Read Posts of 2013

January 01, 2014 by Michele Cherie in Learning Resources

Bonne année 2014! Happy New Year!

Quelle joie--Don't we all love to start afresh? But 2013 was a fulfilling and joyful year for me as I launched this blog. As 2014 unfolds, I look forward to making Intentional Mama a blog that is easier for you to search and comment. I also plan a series of posts on French parenting books and more topics relevant to mamas (like marriage, self-maintenance and mojo). (Don't you want to find your groove this year? I definitely do!) I'll also add more about my children's bilingual journey as it continues to unfold.

in the meantime, here are the top 5 most read posts at Intentional Mama since September 2013, when I launched this blog (excluding holiday-related content, which is less relevant right now):

1. How to Make Brown Sugar (1 minute video featuring my four-year-old)

2. DIY Dry Erase Family Calendar (for home or classroom use)

3. My Language Love Story: From France with Amour

4. International Lullabies: French, English, and Spanish Bedtime Songs for Children

5. Motherhood: The Beauty of Becoming

If another post stands out in your memory, let me know! (You can comment at the end of this post or on the Intentional Mama Facebook page, or email me at michele@intentionalmama.com.) It's a delight to know what topics are inspiring, memorable, or encouraging for you. Merci for joining me here in 2014!

A bientôt,

Michele Cherie

At a Signpost: The Place Between 2013 and 2014

December 30, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Learning Resources, Cultural Reflections, Contentment

We're given just a few of these days--days when we corral the Christmas decor back into boxes and try to designate a place for the new clothing and toys. It's the holiday break, and routines are relaxing into leisure while the clutter brings with it a rising sense of chaos. If you're feeling a growing need to straighten everything out, I'm right there with you! But hold off a day or two before you take on your ambitions, because the new year is around the corner, and this is the best time to learn.

Post-Christmas Reflections: Joys and Unmet Expectations

December 27, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Weekend Links, Cultural Reflections

Bonjour, mes amis! I hope your hearts are full and your Christmas was memorable. I didn't plan to take a break from writing this past week, but ultimately it seemed best to focus on the significance of Christmas, family time, and sleep!

My family celebrates Christmas somewhat atypically: my parents and siblings haven't exchanged gifts for years; instead, we focus on quality time together over slow meals and a neighborhood walk. Yet in my husband's family, everyone buys gifts for every child, and all gifts are opened at once in a flurry of noisy excitement. The difference in family celebrations is amusing, but I enjoy the contrast!

Joyeux Noel

December 24, 2013 by Michele Cherie

C'est la veille de Noël, mes amis!

I wish you music that touches your heart

Light that floods your soul

and relationships that kindle your spirit

this Christmas.

LIfe with Little Ones Holiday Home Tour

December 19, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Reflections on Parenting, Cultural Reflections

Have you pinned any inspiring photos from holiday home tours lately? Last week I was admiring the lovely photos of Jen's IHeart Christmas Home Tour when I realized that she has three boys, so surely she took those perfect home photos when they were away at school. My little house is cozy and wonderful in winter--but it's evident that we have little ones around! To add some cheer and laughter to your day, here is Intentional Mama's Life with Little Ones Holiday Home Tour:

When Gifts Go Wrong

December 17, 2013 by Michele Cherie in Home Management, Reflections on Parenting

I gave a terrible present this week. It was the wrong gift for a wonderful person, and though she politely thanked me, I knew before she opened it that it was a poor choice. The truth is this: I had forgotten to buy her a gift, ran out of time to shop, panicked, and wrapped a new item I had at home. Frankly, I hadn’t wanted it either. And her quick thanks and perfunctory facial expression told me what I had feared—she was disappointed.

My Language Love Story: From France with Amour

December 14, 2013 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, Cultural Reflections, International Exchange

Bliss: When did you last feel it? I am blissfully in love with a few precious people and a few things: my husband, my children, my family and some cherished friends, and everything French. Because of my French ancestry, I confidently chose French as my foreign language elective in high school. The first day of class was the first day I ever heard the language. The sounds were odd and funny, yet the phrases flowed beautifully. I couldn't wait to learn more.

Adorable & Free French Activity Books: LittleBilingues

December 12, 2013 by Michele Cherie in French Language Learning, French Resources, Learning Resources

Bonjour, mes amis! I'm currently working on a little language love story for a future post, but in the meantime I want to share some adorable resources available from Little Bilangues. Judith is a fantastic illustrator with her own publishing company, OrniCar, and this month she released her latest children's activity book for little French (and English) language learners. This activity book can be downloaded for free until next Friday, December 20th, so take advantage of her generosity!