Looking for a pandemic-safe way to discover France? Step into my bedroom! No quarantine or mask needed if you’re fully vaccinated—I am, don’t worry.
Go ahead, open a chest drawer. This corner is called the “petite parapharmacie française,” basically all my over-the-counter drugs and personal hygiene products. Head to the middle desk drawer for the “petite papeterie française” with French BIC four-colour retractable ballpoint pens and Seyes-ruled Clairefontaine notebooks. For the “petite épicerie,” let’s go to the kitchen downstairs…
For the first time in years, I didn’t bring back French products for quick comfort when I miss home but because it made sense. Canada’s inflation is the highest in a decade. Shortages, lockdowns, and border restrictions have impacted supply chains. Sure, I can find over-the-counter drugs, shampoo, soap, cream, stationary, etc., in Canada but most products are more expensive than in France and—I know I’m probably biased here—higher price doesn’t mean higher quality.
So I shopped in France and fill up my bag with products I’ll need for the months to come.
I’m absolutely not doing my part to help Canada’s economic recovery. Not only I left the country a few times during the pandemic but I kind of stopped… well, buying stuff.
It started last fall, during the second wave. I’ve never been a shopaholic in the first place but between lockdowns, restrictions and higher prices, I started avoiding stores altogether. I didn’t feel like joining the queue unless it was for groceries we actually needed. And I didn’t shop online either because reasons, namely shipping costs and labour exploitation.
You’ve probably read that the pandemic has transformed consumers’ spending habits. It’s kind of true for me.
Take coffee, for instance. I used to love my local Starbucks—not because I’m a big fan of the company but because the closest coffee shop from home is a Starbucks, a well-managed store with a great team. I’ve been working from home for over a decade now, so going to Starbucks once a day was a nice way to take a walk, a break and socialize. It was also a plan B to work when the Internet was down (… or when my in-laws were stopping by). I stopped going to Starbucks at one point last fall when the company “paused” indoor seating long before the second lockdown. I didn’t see why I should pay $2.09 for coffee when I had to order and pay on the app, wait outside behind a table blocking the door and eventually get my cup to enjoy… anywhere, but not at Starbucks. I can make coffee at home, thank you very much.
I’m not advocating for a minimalist lifestyle—I can’t stand the holier-than-thou attitude of people who suddenly adopt X or Y lifestyle. I’m not even trying to make a point because what I “need” and what I want is probably different from what you need and want. So, whatever.
It’s just that after months of being told to stay home, avoid other human beings and shop online to fill the void, I’m focusing on experiences rather than things.
Even with my French shopping, I went back to basics. Like, I don’t feel like splurging on Nuxe or Kiehl’s skincare products—NIVEA is cheaper and just as a good. I only bought things I’m actually using. Much like when I’m travelling, I like to keep my life portable.
As usual, boxes are a bit crushed and the tape I used on bottles to prevent leaks is still there—but everything made it to Canada just fine and I’m glad I have what I need for the months to come.
Oooooh, I see, you’re getting ready for hibernation.
Don’t even mention other seasons exist! 😆
What seasons? Élections, gouvernement minoritaire, budget, élections, gouvernement minoritaire, budget…
This election is driving me crazy. I’m going to vite for “none of the above”.
And quickly !
I still don’t really understand why l’aut’couillon les a déclenchées. Now, the regressives have a shot at getting a [minoritary] government.
I know, right? Plus we get to hear about the People’s Party of Canada, as if we needed more idiocy around…
The Nivea face cream is the best! Those tubes seem to last forever as you don’t need much, and it doesn’t irritate my highly sensitive skin.
Funnily enough, I always buy the American equivalent of Doliprane whenever I go home (and a friend just brought me back a bottle). Not because it’s cheaper (I actually have no idea if it is or not), but because we can get it in huge bottles as opposed to the small 12 pack of pills here in France.
We used to buy over-the-counter drugs at Walmart in NY state when it was easier to cross the border. It wasn’t the main purpose of the drive, obviously, but prices were lower and bottles bigger 😉
I was waiting for “what did I bring from French” – annual post. I forgot if I’ve asked this, why didn’t you bring any sweets or drinks? When I was in Paris I bought some, the packaging was cute, taste was oke and sooo many variations :))
I hate bringing back food or drinks because it takes a lot of room, can be damaged in my backpack and it never quite tastes the same once I’m in Canada. Besides, I can find imported cookies in local shops in Ottawa. I can’t bring back what I miss most, i.e. salted butter, cheese, etc.
What you need and what while in Canada are basically the same as mine, ahah! I’d just add the Nestlé baking chocolate! 😀
To bake or to eat just like that? 😉 There’s a chocolate bar used for baking I used to love as a teen… now I can’t remember if it’s Poulain or what. Some kind of praline chocolate. I brought back some Lindt we don’t have in Canada (les tablettes de Pyrénéens, une tuerie!).
Hehehe, obviously both! Oh yeah, it rings a bell! I was so fed up of the Lindt chocolate in Canada. That’s the only cheap and not too bad one we could find…
I remember doing the same when I was coming back from Canada. D’années en années par contre, j’en ramenais beaucoup moins. Il me semble que j’ai vu certains de tes produits au Canada par contre, surtout Nivea.
I’m the opposite, I bring back more and more every year 😆
You’re right, I discovered some of my NIVEA products at Walmart. It’s pretty new here (in Ontario? In Ottawa???). Just the face scrub though, I can’t find the same cream and makeup remover.
I LOVE LE PETIT MARSEILLAIS! Damn it i miss it !
You can find Rogers Cavaillès soap at The Bay sometimes but I have yet to see Le Petit Marseillais around here :-/
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