Download Our Spring Menu Collection

This seasonal collection features 19 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as artichokes, asparagus, lamb, and strawberries. Download this PDF, which includes for recipes for entertaining at this time of the year.

 J. Christina

blank

J. Christina is the author and hobbyist photographer behind Scribbles and Smiles, writing a personal travel blog from the Midwest. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world; sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of the in-house editor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

J. Christina's blogging journey began before the word blog was trending, writing about European travel destinations on share-sites, forums and online journals. After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of a perched medieval village.

J. Christina's work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris and The Good Life France.

Enjoy the Scribbles and Smiles stories

blank
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate · Inspire

Living in Provence, France: A Feature Story on The Connexion

May 29, 2026
Since 2002, The Connexion has been a trusted English-language window into life in France. Its readers range from long-time residents to hopeful newcomers and curious property owners. Whether in print or online, The Connexion delivers stories on French news, travel, legal matters, taxes, and visas. Readers also find hands-on guides for navigating property, healthcare, and …
Continue Reading
blank
Markets in Provence and Cote d'Azur · Sue Aran · Taste

Edible Provence: Exploring Markets, History and Culinary Traditions in Provence

May 20, 2026
Provence is a magical triangle in southeastern France that continues to enchant. The French passion for food is celebrated in its open-air village markets, where seasonal produce is the mainstay of daily life. This sun-kissed corner of the map offers a bounty of genuinely fresh fruits and vegetables, tantalizing delicacies, and irresistible scents of lavender, …
Continue Reading
blank
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Want to Understand Olive Traditions? Book Curated Travel to Provence

May 15, 2026
Martine Bertin-Peterson, the founder of Goût et Voyage LLC, runs small-group tours in Provence, Umbria, Normandy, and Morocco. Creating unforgettable travel memories, Martine serves as the escort for all Goût et Voyage culinary travel adventures. These tours bring together her lifelong passions for travel, cooking, and culture. In Provence, Umbria, and Morocco, olives and olive …
Continue Reading