About Aimee
I used to work in the corporate world. Cubicals. Macho bosses. 50 hour work weeks. I got burnt out and decided to move to France to make a life with my husband, Julien. Then I started this blog. It was a way for me to deal with my daily struggles with life in France. It also occupied me while I looked for a job. I finally got a job working in the French corporate world. That only lasted 3 months before I knew I didn't want to do that ever again. Then I tried my hand working for a Korean company. Three times worse. Even more macho bosses and them wanting me to work 60 hour work weeks. It seemed up until this time my life revolved around work. Work that I really did not like.
Then something happened. My mother died. Suddenly. And my life stopped. Skipped a beat and then started again. I then knew it was time to stop wasting my life with work that I hated and to get on to things I cared about.
I got pregnant and had a baby.
I stayed at home with Max for the first year of his life and then as my son embarked into his second year of life, I fulfilled a dream of mine: opening my very own café.
Now I am a full time working Mama trying to juggle it all.
I take photos. A lot. I am currently using a Nikon D200 and my favorite lens is my Tamron f/2.8 17-50mm.
Apart from blogging here at PutYourFlareOn, I have a blog for my tea house and I used to blog for Voice of a City: Paris.
Want to drop me a line, email me at: putyourflareon (at) gmail (dot) com
My photos are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/putyourflareon/
Finding you true place is precious, indeed.
Beautifully narrated.
Posted by: amanda | November 21, 2007 at 20:41
I have enjoyed reading your blog. Max is beautiful. Why nothing about Leo?
Posted by: Susan Iwasa | February 25, 2008 at 23:32
I am so inspired by you and what you are doing. I live in AZ with my hubbie and two little boys 2 & 4 yrs old. We dream of moving to FRance (the south) and slowing down..we are so tired of the rat race and I spend most of my days obsessed with everything French, music, baguettes, wine, language. I can taste it, I want it all so bad.
Just wanted to say hello and thank you for taking the time to do your blog-
love and beauty,
Tara
Posted by: tara marino | March 07, 2008 at 21:06
You inspire me. I haven't been to Paris but I will this may for a week. I'm from NYC. I came here from the Philippines when I was 15 and never went home. I got married at 22 to a wonderful cutie paootie, no babies yet but i have 2 yorkies =P ... and I am happy with my family. I've always wanted to go to paris but never had the chance and the $ too. And now we're actually going. I'm so excited! I'm afraid to fall in love with Paris because eversince I was 10 years old I've been dreaming of living there... for good. I don't know any french, both my husband and I are in the medical field. I don't know what to do for a living there if I do. Is it hard to make that big step? 'Coz you just decided to move here for good and you seem so happy and content. Was there a struggle? i need an honest advice.
Posted by: lourdes | March 16, 2008 at 17:08
I just discovered your blog tonight (I'm avoiding my French homework...) and I'm so glad I decided to procrastinate! I'm studying in Paris this semester, and I'm dreading leaving. It's nice to know that others have made it back, and that I can live vicariously through you when I go back to the states.
Posted by: Emily | May 12, 2008 at 21:09
I just found you today. I love reading expat blogs, being one myself in Hungary. Also, I have always wanted to go to France, having taking French for ages in school. Until then, I'll live vicariously through you!
Posted by: NewWrldYankee | August 25, 2008 at 10:19
I'm in the midst of a similar transition ... I was blown away to even see the café detail, as I am considering that too.
Although the baby part is over, the corporate escape and wonders of a new life are here and blooming every day.
Look forward to reading more about you. (found you via amy rigby).
Posted by: Kimberlee | October 22, 2008 at 12:15
I will soon be moving to Paris, hopefully living in the 13e. I will make it a point to visit your cafe!
Posted by: Katie | July 21, 2009 at 05:33
Ditto these comments, everytime I sit in your teahouse, everytime I have seen you...just your warm, friendly, open spirit has been an inspiration to me!truly!
Posted by: Opal | November 17, 2009 at 20:22