Barefoot Books Ambassadors Head to France

Barefoot Books Gives Top Ambassadors the Trip of a Lifetime

I've just returned from the trip of a lifetime - and it was made possible by children's books. No, I'm not speaking on a metaphorical level (though I do believe that books are the best way to teach children about the world, second only to actual travel.) This was a real trip, and it the highlight of my two years as a Barefoot Books Ambassador.

Each year Barefoot Books Ambassadors are able to earn luxurious prizes in our year-end sales and sponsoring challenge (spa gift cards, family vacations, entertainment packages, and more.) The top eight Ambassadors win an all expense paid trip to southern France, where we stay at the colorful and luxurious vacation home of our co-founder Nancy Traversy.

Luxuries

I've certainly never been pampered like I was at Le Tupe (Nancy's home).

What a lovely way to be welcomed to Le Tupe! Champagne and foie gras by the pool.

I would say that my room was my quiet oasis, but truthfully it was by the kitchen where we
enjoyed lots of dancing and merriment!

The Food (Barefoot Books Knows How to Feed Their Ambassadors, People!)

Nancy's husband Marty (who trained at Le Cordon Bleu just for fun) and his friend Kevin (a self-taught chef but you'd never know it) created unforgettable meals.

Kevin (left) and Marty proved themselves to be gentlemen, scholars, and excellent chefs!

First course: pea soup with prawns, avocados, and tomatos

Second course: I don't remember what this was called, but it was delicious!

Barefoot Books president Jessica Kim expresses how we all felt about the dessert!

Lunch was the same every day but we never got tired of it: olives, cheeses, salads, baguettes,
charcuterie, and the sweetest melon I've ever had.

The Beauty

Being surrounded by so much beauty refreshed my spirit (anyone else get tired of being surrounded by the constant mess and chaos that kids bring?)

Relaxing by the lily pond before dinner in my super cute dress I picked up while there (if I may say so myself.)

Nancy made sure that our table was a work of art every night!

We had a relaxed schedule with plenty of time to explore the grounds.

Doesn't this look like something out of a movie?

You can't help but be cheerful when surrounded by so much color! Just like our books.

The Sights & History

The historical sights gave me a whole other idea of what is "old" (as did the parts of Le Tupe date back to the 1300s.)

La Cathedrale Sainte Cecile in Albi, built in the 10th century.

Every inch of the cathedral was covered in medieval art.

The pigeonnier (dovecoat) at Le Tupe dates back to the 1300s. Today it holds a lovely area for poolside refreshments.

The Shopping 

Of course we had to fit in a bit of shopping. I got some pretty gifts but also enjoy just salivating over all the food available at the market in Sanmatan.

Barefoot Books bag ladies descend on the Sanmatan market!

Can you tell I have a love affair with olives?

So much fromage!

The People (Getting to Know My Fellow Barefoot Books Ambassadors Was the Best Part!)

Truly though, what made the trip one I will remember for the rest of my life is the remarkable women who I traveled with. To spend four days with our top home office staff and our most successful Ambassadors, talking about children's books, our families, our life stories, our dreams, and how we can offer other women the chance to do work that is meaningful without having to head to the office from 9 - 5 everyday? I can't put into words what it meant.

What businesswoman wouldn't love one on one time to talk with entrepreneur and Barefoot Books
president Jessica Kim about your business?

I'm so grateful for our CEO and co-founder Nancy Traversy (left) making this trip possible each year!

I learned so much from each and every one of these amazing women!

Can I help you get to France?

I would love to go back to France next year, but you know what I would love even more? To help a Barefoot Books Ambassador on my team earn this amazing retreat. Three of the women who went to France were in their first few months as Ambassadors when they earned the trip! Interested? Let's chat! I'd love to share more with you and answer your questions about what's involved in being a Barefoot Books Ambassador. (If you're ready to join my team, you can do that here. Email me first to ask how you can save 15% on your Ambassador starter kit this summer!)