L'Automne, le dernier sourire de l'année, le plus beau

Translates to William Cullen Bryant's quote: "Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." It finally feels like fall here in Toulouse. I hesitate to say that because I'm sure that once I acknowledge that it is actually cold, the weird southern french heat will re-appear. Nonetheless, it is true. The leaves are falling, the christmas lights are going up all over the city (because remember folks Thanksgiving is not a thing in France), and I have to wear gloves! This is my favorite time of the year and it's rough to be away from the US in the fall. Apple cider and pumpkin flavored anything are not exaaaactly popular over here in France. And by not exactly I mean not at all. But it's ok. Next fall when I'm back home, pumpkin flavored things will taste that much sweeter!

I realize that I haven't blogged in about two weeks (sorry mom!) but it's because nothing too, too exciting has happened and I don't want to bore my tens of readers with stories about my classes. The past two weeks have been spent recuperating from London and Paris, homework, and planning out the rest of the semester. Barcelona, Lyon, Italy, and skiing in the french alps? Sounds pretty good to me, no?

Today was fun because a few of us went to the Marché au Gras in a town just outside of Toulouse. We set up a Dickinson table and sold american desserts that we each had made. I of course made Ina Garten's insane oatmeal raisin cookies. Love me some Barefoot Contessa. But we also sold sugar cookies, brownies, homemade oreos, and other delicious treats. The French were at first a bit apprehensive about all of the sugary treats but once we encouraged them to try a piece or two or three, we sold lots of treats! It's tough to explain what a marché au gras is in english but I guess it's a market where lots of meat products are sold, there's wine, they're held at this time of year, and there is little to no fruit or veggie action going on. The literal translation is a fat or fatty market. Lots of duck products. But anyway, despite the fact that it was freezing and rainy, it was a fun opportunity to interact with French people and taste some local foods. Fried pig skin, anyone?

Thank you Ina

(Most) of our lovely crew

The market

On a completely unrelated note, yesterday I got my first My Little Box! So exciting. If you're familiar with Birchbox it's basically the french version. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, it's a french company that sends you a box filled with beauty products and fun little items once a month. Each box has a different theme and this month was My Little Automne Box (My Little Fall Box). When I opened the box there was a drawing with the title of this post written underneath the image. I got a to-go mug, some tea, hand cream, body lotion, mascara, and a mug cozy. It's pretty much the most adorable thing ever. My host sister showed it to me and I cannot wait to get next month's box!