Paws, Pastries & a Proper Brew
A British mum's pet-filled leap from UK life to small French medievil city charm
Welcome to My (New) French Life
A blog about animals, adventures, and adapting to life in France
WHO AM I?
Hi!
I’m Amie a mum, wife, and lifelong animal lover who recently packed up our UK life, including a thriving pet care business and moved to a scenic medieval city in central France.
Now based in the beautiful Cher region, I’m sharing the ups, downs, and delightful chaos of this new chapter, from adjusting to French life to raising pets (and humans!) in a slower, sunnier setting.
Who’s Along for the Ride?
One loopy Australian Shepherd
Three adorable long haired Guinea Pigs
Two Hamsters
Some peaceful fish in their own aquatic world
(...with plans for more—watch this space!)
What You’ll Find Here
This blog is your go-to place for:
Practical pet care tips & tricks
Interesting updates from the vet and animal science world
Honest stories about life in France (the good, the funny, and the slightly chaotic!)
Let’s Keep It Real
This isn’t a polished influencer feed—it’s a cosy space for warm, honest posts that feel like a chat over Tea Or wine. (We are in France.)
Whether you're a pet parent, expat dreamer, or just love a good real-life story, you're very welcome here.
Our Pet's
(ever expanding)
Loona
Clementine & Peaches
Pippy
PomPom
Pickles
Fishies
What is this website all about?
Here, you’ll find a mix of heartfelt stories, helpful tips, downladable guides and real-life reflections from my life as a mum, wife, and lifelong animal lover. With over 20 years of experience including work as a veterinary nurse, work with exotic animals in zoos, Raptor centers, and animal charities for more mainstream pets, plus all the experience I've had with pets from snakes to horses and everything in-between over the years, I’m here to share my knowledge, the chaos of family life, and the ups and downs of starting over in rural France. Expect honest updates about our current pets (from dogs to hamsters and everything in between), practical pet care advice, and snippets of our new French life — all served with warmth, wit, and probably a strong cup of tea....or a wine!