Maelis is the founder of the blog La Fiancée du Panda. This blog is aimed at today's bride-to-be and is dedicated to giving her all the best advice (great addresses, service providers, designers, unusual venues, travel). This Parisian is also the author of the book Oh Oui ! On se marie, the first practical and beautiful wedding guide. She is the mother of James, 4, and Esmée, 8 months.
Your Proustian madeleine?
I spent part of my childhood in the United States, so pancakes! Drizzled with maple syrup, they're even better!
Your favorite family (besides yours and ours)?
So it's a bit kitsch, but I'm passionate about the British royal family, especially Kate and William and their adorable children. And Kate got married the same year I did, that creates a bond, obviously!
Where do you have lunch as a family?
In Paris, we love going to Les Niçois, for its brunch but especially for its playroom with an entertainer on Sundays. The children are delighted, and we get to have lunch in peace!
What does a family snack time look like at your place?
A happy mess! I've gotten into the habit of having a snack with the children when I can, so we all sit down together to share this moment. My daughter eyes her brother's cakes while he gives me little pieces while I try to sneakily get her to eat fruit 😉
An activity that's no walk in the park with them?
Cooking, of course! Simple and especially quick things, as patience is not the children's strong suit... My hit at home: little shortbread cookies, they're easy to make and they love cutting out lots of shapes using cookie cutters!
A recipe you can whip up in no time?
Pasta al sugo, a recipe brought back from my Erasmus year in Italy: olive oil, tomato sauce, pasta, simmer... Very simple but it's amazing!
How do they get away with it?
My son is very creative in that regard, he's an outstanding negotiator! And when he says to me "Mommy darling whom I love madly...", I melt...
They make a big deal out of it when...?
When I try to get my son to eat vegetables. Or anything other than pasta, actually. Exhausted, I often end up giving in, telling myself that tomato sauce counts as a vegetable... Tell me I'm not the only one?!
A favorite product from "À la Mère de Famille"?
The dark chocolate Easter egg! YUM!
A gift for "À la Mère de Famille" for her 256th birthday?
A new store in the 11th arrondissement, near my place 😉
As Annie Cordy said, Cho Kakao, if you give me chocolate, what do you give me?
Thank you! (I'm polite)
