Lèche-Vitrines

Window Licking is the literal translation for this french phrase. Americans call it window shopping but; in any language, it translates to visual eyecandy for the pedestrian. With many people having a "staycation" this year, I thought we could do some lèche-vitrines from our computers!

The summer soldes or "sales" are in full swing in France through July 28th. In case your passport is expired or couldn't find a pet sitter, here are some things you can purchase on line from Europe without getting out of your pajamas!

Pylones offers these Tour Eiffel graters in two sizes. (Thanks goes to ParisBreakfasts for this photo) These can be snatched up also through Amazon.

Once you own a jar of  Fleur de Sel de Camargue from France, you will never use common table salt again! This salt is harvested from the top layer of a salt marsh and each jar is signed by the harvester! The salt is not bitter like common table salt can be in the states. I love it sprinkled over salsa or in salted caramel! (thank you David Lebovitz)

From Italy, we can't forget the Santa Maria Novella potpourri. Aedes de Venustas offers this in the US from their New York store.(they also have the Cire Trudon candles that I love from the oldest candle shop in Paris)

Piment d'espelette is a chili grown only in the Basque region of France. When ground, it is a sweet yet hot pepper used to compliment chocolates , truffles and other candies. Hard to find in the US, but Thefind.com came through with a source!

Got home from your last trip to Paris and regretted leaving a souvenir behind? Don't fret mes amies, just click here for those great enameled signs or a french beret. Stretch your american dollars by staying home and shopping smart! Enjoy your finds and have a great summer.