The second of my Notes d’Amour - I present an important ritual for my week and it is made possible by The Financial Times newspaper, specifically the Weekend Edition. This beloved British institution is always a highlight in my routine. The feeling of holding a real newspaper, folding the pages just so and hearing the crinkle as you turn to another section - heaven!

It is always fresh and exciting and many times throughout the year the glossy magazine insert, How To Spend It, is nestled in its folds in my mailbox in Paris. Jo Ellison (@jellison22, deputy editor of the Weekend FT and editor of HTSI) really encompasses so many lovely subjects and the photos are beautiful. Guest editors and writers feel relatable and I feel as if I received several magazines all in one perfect volume.

The Weekend FT has the Life and Arts section with amazing columns by Lauren Indvik (@laureni), Anna Berkeley (@annaberkeleystyling), and Enuma Okoro (@enums) that are continually insightful and I learn so many tidbits about art, interiors and fashion. House and Home has gardening advice, property trends and travel destination coverage complete with Luke Edward Hall’s (@lukeedwardhall) column dishing out sage advice on interior styling and sourcing antiques! This paper is also available in digital editions and is distributed all over the US.

The French really take time for their self-care standbys, especially on the weekends and I’m so grateful for this traditional newspaper time I give myself! I am definitely inspired by my parents who always read the paper growing up cover to cover - my dad would read me the sports scores from the night before and my mom would make sure she read the comics in their entirety, always savoring her coffee. Often I get behind on editions if we are out of town or busy puttering around with family chores but that means I can slowly read it throughout the week and get every last word. I will take it in my purse to a museum or café and get some reading in - it’s a perfect therapy for a frustrating metro ride or exhaustive heat. I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the Weekend Financial Times at your local Barnes and Noble in the States or various kiosks in Europe to try this ritual for yourself! I promise you won’t regret it… ;)