Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Embrace the joy of Paris wherever you live with American expat Ajiri Aki, founder of the French lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison. The French are known for their joie de vivre--celebrating the little things in life--a philosophy Ajiri Aki has embraced over the past ten years of living in Paris. Nigerian American Aki fell in love with Paris on her first brief visit there (only a single day) while in college. After working in fashion and earning a master's degree in decorative arts, Aki moved to Paris full time. Only then did she truly begin to absorb lessons from the French: finding beauty in simple things every day, decorating with fresh flowers and flea market finds, taking time to find the best ingredients for a dish and gathering with loved ones around the table to share a meal or a glass, and perhaps most importantly, learning how to to tre--just be.
In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Aki shares all she's learned living in Paris, from hosting a perfect ap ro (happy hour) to becoming a leisure-loving fl neur (loafer) in your own town, to how to find and celebrate joie de vivre. Explore all the prettiest Parisian cafes, plan a multi-course dinner party, learn how to properly loaf like the French, who work to live--rather than live to work--and allow yourself to slow down and find beauty and joyful moments all around you.
With lush photographs of Paris's diverse landscape of food, people, culture, and architecture, Joie makes you eager to book your next trip to the City of Lights and to create that magic no matter where in the world you are.
Synopsis
Embrace the joy of Paris wherever you live with American expat Ajiri Aki, founder of the French lifestyle brand Madame de la Maison. "More than being a terrific guide to the city, it's a thoroughly comprehensive guide to better living."--Chioma Nnadi, editor of Vogue
The French are known for their joie de vivre--celebrating the simple things--a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve. Ajiri promised herself she would never hesitate to use her treasured pieces. When she moved to Paris, France, as an adult, she learned how central that idea is to French life, and she also began to absorb other essential lessons from her new friends: treat yourself to fresh flowers just because, take time to source the best baguette, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy tre--just being.
In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Ajiri shares what she's learned about living in Paris--from hosting the perfect ap ro (happy hour) to lingering around town like a fl neur (loafer) to thrifting for antiques at the market. While exploring the prettiest cafes and shops, you'll be inspired to reclaim your right to leisure as the French have, so you, too, can savor the spontaneous, joyful moments that happen every day.