Tuesday 7 May 2013

Today I am wearing

Ready for my trip to Scotland!

Today I am wearing

Today I am wearing by delacachette

My Asos coat (similar to the one on the picture), my Uniqlo striped jumper, my Mango jeans, my Hunter boots, and my tartan scarf (similar to the one on the picture).

Monday 22 April 2013

Today I am wearing

Channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn...

Today I am wearing
 
My trench by Comptoir des Cotonniers (similar to the one on the picture), my Uniqlo striped jumper, my black River Island jeggings, my Orelia necklace, my JackieO Ray Bans, and my Topshop ballet pumps. 

A hobby of mine


I have always been drawing, as far as I can remember I always loved it. I recall spending nights after school drawing. Like any painter, I have 'periods' - horses when I was 7, houses when I was 12, wedding dresses when I was 16...
I am quite an anxious person and drawing helps me find some peace after an hectic day.
My grand-mother is a painter, my dad used to paint as well, I guess it is some sort of family genes.

So the new Wacom Bamboo tablet I bought is probably the reason why you may see a lot more of my drawings on the blog.


J'ai toujours dessiné. Depuis que j'ai appris à utiliser un crayon j'adore ça ! Je me souviens de soirées entières passées à dessiner au collège. Comme tout artiste, j'ai des vagues d'inspirations; les chevaux quand j'avais 7 ans, les maisons à 12 ans, les robes de mariées à 16 ans...
Je suis de nature anxieuse et dessiner m'aide a décompresser après une journée chargée. C'est dans mes gènes, ma grand-mere est une artiste peintre et mon père a peint lui aussi.

J'ai ainsi fait l'acquisition d'une tablette Wacom Bamboo et je vais m'appliquer à illustrer chacun de mes articles moi-meme.



Friday 19 April 2013

Daily Make-Up Routine


It is make-up time! I absolutely love playing around in stores with all the colours and textures available, but to be honest, when it is about my everyday routine, I am extremely… conventional. Not much eccentricity, I am mainly seeking for a healthy glow. The products I am using have become my best allies to get rid of the “Ooops I just slept for 3 hours” and  the “Hmmm what are those blemishes all about?”.


Daily Make-Up Routine
 


For work/leisure/casual events I use the followings after my beauty routine:
To make this routine a little bit more special events/Friday evening appropriate I would use the following:
  • The Seaweed Body Shop face cream before to apply a CC cream or foundation. This really make my make-up last longer mostly on the warm days.
  • I would following with my daily CC cream, Touche d’Eclat, Terracotta and eyeliner
  • To accentuate my eyes more I add a little bit of MAC kohl pen in Black on my tear line
  • I then apply mascara and finish with Revlon Just Bitten Kisseable Balm Stain in Lovesick. It makes my lips looks like I ate too many raspberries, which I am totally okay with!
 
 

Monday 15 April 2013

Today I am wearing

Today I am wearing


Today I am wearing by delacachette


This springy Oasis dress with black tights, my black and glossy Hunter Regent boots, my Kookai leather jacket (similar to the one on the picture), an anchor necklace (similar to the one on the picture), and a white Uniqlo scarf.
 

Thursday 11 April 2013

Daily Routine

Daily Routine



I guess when it is about beauty we all are a little picky and once we found THE products we just stick to them. I am quite lucky as I have never had major skin issue (except during teenage-hood, but let’s not go there). My forehead can be a little oily, my cheeks can be very reactive, so I guess I have a sensitive and combination skin.
So here are the products I stick to daily for the past (at least) 12 months.

In the morning, I would wash my face using my Clarisonic Mia (with a sensitive brush) and the Neutrogena Oil-Free Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser, the Clarisonic allows a deep clean and remove EVERYTHING. I can tell when I don’t use it for a few days, my skin looks dull and irregular. After this I would wipe my face with a little Bioderma Sebium H20 on a cotton pad. Finally, I apply L’Oreal  Youth Booster Serum which texture feel AMAZING, and super light, and then a moisturizer with SPF (I’m not overly loyal to any moisturizer right now as long they help blocking UVs and not my pores I am happy).

During the day, I apply Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant on my lips and any sensitive/dry skin area I may have. In case of zit a drop of Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment every 3 to 4 hours and the pimple is gone the day after.

In the evening, Bioderma Sebium H20 and an oil-based make-up remover (right now I am using Boots Botanics’ one) help me get rid of all the city’s nastiness. I then apply a little bit of La Roche Posay Redermic R and make sure I get a least 7 hours of sleep.

Add to this a make-up routine and a few weekly skin goodies.
 


Wednesday 3 April 2013

Lemonia (UK - London)


Spring is getting here… Slowly very slowly but surely. The sun, the flowers, all this makes me think of vacations… Eloping to the Mediterranean sun...
Unfortunately the Adriatic sea is far away from London, but there is one place that always warm my heart and fill my tummy with Mediterranean goodness – Lemonia
This restaurant is a gem regarding Greek food. The atmosphere is great! It feels like being in a family restaurant - it is loud, informal, and the waiters can be very entertaining - and you may run into Kate Moss having lunch.
When the dinner is finish, you can enjoy a nice walk around Primrose Hill and Regent Park.

Tip: Think twice before ordering desert as you will be given some giant Turkish delights before leaving!


Wednesday 20 March 2013

9 to 5 Chic (US)


New blogger discovery!
Anh is sharing her on-duty and off-duty outfits with the world here. Everything she puts together is super cute and I love the fact that she is mixing H&M and Zara with Yves Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney.
The lady herself is very pretty and rock a baby bump as graciously as Kate Middleton!

A wonderful source of idea for women like her, you and me, who work full time and love fashion.


Tuesday 19 March 2013

The Vitamin ABC


The weather is not getting any better on the British island… It is mid-March but snow and negative temperatures keep showing up daily… I don’t know about you but Winter weather can make me feel very unwell and sad. The first year I moved to England, the day light was so short in December/January that I was literally depressed. I did my research (thank you Mummy and Daddy for being doctors!) as I was getting a little bit worry and found a few vitamins that helped me a lot.

Here is the list of the ones I tested and that actually work:

Vitamin D: It does make an amazing difference! The main source of vitamin D is Mr Sunshine, which is almost never here in winter. Take some vitamin D and it will make your grumpy-self disappear!

Brewer Yeast: I have been ‘blessed’ with very weak nails … When it gets really bad I make sure I take Brewer Yeast, believe it or not it does make a difference! The only down-side, as soon as you stop taking it the benefits won’t last long.

Iron: Ahhhh, that time of the month, when you feel a little errrr… Well, hormonal and weak… Take a little bit of iron! It may not make you happier but it will surely make you feel stronger!

Vitamin E: Best antioxidant! I am only 27 but it may hopefully make a difference with my skin the day I will turn 40.

Viviscal: I have long curly hair and it can be moody when it doesn’t like the weather/water/air/temperature. And when it is very unhappy it usually decides to fall… That’s when I take Viviscal, it does works! My hair goes from blah and falling, to thick and long within 3 to 4 months. It is pricey but the benefits last months after you stop taking it.

Thursday 14 March 2013

Spring 2013 - Dress Envy

It appears that all the people I know decided to get married in 2013... Which is a marvelous excuse to purchase some new dresses!
Here are a couple of options I am considering, what is your favorite?

Sppring 2013 - Dress Envy


Today I am wearing

Today I am wearing

This H&M Tweed jacket, an H&M white blouse, a quilted ASOS bag (similar to one on the picture), my Tissot watch, these River Island black jeggings, a pair of H&M loafers.

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Nail Obsession - Greige

Hello everyone,

I do apologize for the lack of post lately. Life has been a little bit of a roller-coaster...
Anyway, nothing like a little bit of pampering time to cheer a girl up ! Talking about me time, one of my beauty obsession is nail polish. 

I may or may not have an entire shoe box full of these see picture below, but which girl doesn't? Right?...


The weather in London has been freezing lately and by freezing I mean artic-wind-below-zero-temperatures freezing. 

So far for my springy colorful nails, on the other hand, perfect for my new Kiko "319 Light Dove" nail vanish. 
I would describe the color as a grey meeting a beige and a lavender... Some sort of greige I guess. 

It is a perfect neutral color and alternative to a grey or a nude. I have to say I became a big fan of Kiko nail vanish, the colors are trendy, and the finish is super shiny! Did I also mentioned how cheap it is?


Now time to snuggle and for a hot chocolate, I can't believe I am writing this in March...

Monday 4 March 2013

Aubaine (UK - London)


Happy Monday people!
Hope you had a lovely weekend! I spent mine mostly having girly catch-ups. One of those took place in a lovely place called Aubaine, next to Green park (they have several restaurants). A typical French Salon de the! The interior looks like a boudoir and the menu is composed of Mariage Frères tea and variety of Champagne cocktail. The ultimate place to meet your girlfriends and chitchat while snacking on macarons!


Wednesday 27 February 2013

Today I am wearing

Today I am wearing

A boyfriend blazer from Mango, a Breton top from Uniqlo (similar to the one on the picture), flare jeans from Uniqlo, my Furla black bag, a turquoise necklace from Urban Outffiter (similar to the one on the picture), a Zara belt, Mark&Spencer ankle boots (similar to the one on the picture).

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Fraser Hart (UK)




This ring is my great-grand-mother ring, which is from somewhere between  1930 and 1950. It is an absolutely gorgeous ring, very art-deco!
I love it and use to wear it every day until 2 years ago, when the stone fell off it. I then never really found the time to fix it, also this ring being a family jewel, I didn't want to give it to just anyone…
But Sunday, my boyfriend surprised me with the nicest birthday gift! He got the ring fixed at Fraser Hart (Westfield-London store). They did an outstanding job! The stone has been reset, the ring re-sized and I cannot find a trace of their work on it!
So if like me you have some piece of jewelry precious to your heart, which needs a little repair, go see them!


Tuesday 19 February 2013

Today I am wearing

Today I'm wearing

My beanie from Comptoir des Cotonniers (similar to the one on the picture), a H&M scarf (similar to the one on the picture), a Forever 21 cable jumper (similar to the one on the picture), my cross bracelet,  my Tissot watch, my black Hunters, a H&M grey skirt, and M&S black tights (similar to the one on the picture).

Thursday 14 February 2013

Gal Meets Glam (US)


Happy Valentine’s day people!
I hope you are all celebrating your love for someone or something and that like me you are stuffing yourself with chocolates.
As today is all about love, I want to share with you my latest WWW crush: lovely Julia’s blog Gal meets Glam.

Reasons you need to have a look at it:
Her clothes are fun and cute
Her pictures are amazing
She is super gorgeous
She has plenty of nice ideas about anything girls like (make-up, outfits, recipes…)

Spread the love peeps!


Tuesday 12 February 2013

The Sunday Asparagus Recipe

I know it is already Tuesday but I have to share this yumminess my boyfriend cooked this past weekend! He found it in a book I bought him: 100 Sauces, by Linda Doeser.

Ham & asparagus rolls in Sun-dried tomato sauce

What you need:

6 asparagus
12 slices of cooked ham
50 g of grated Parmesan
25 g of butter
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 shallots chopped
500 g plum tomatoes peeled and chopped
12 sun-dried tomatoes chopped
1 celery stick chopped
2 tbsp of sun-dried tomato paste
brown sugar
1 tbsp of basil chopped
55 g of black olives sliced
100 ml of water
salt and pepper

What to do:

Melt the butter with the oil in a sauce pan. add the shallots and celery and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato paste, sugar to taste, basil, olives and water and season to taste with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until thickened.

Preheat the oven to 180C. Divide the asparagus spears equally among the slices of ham. Roll up the ham and put the rolls, seam-side down, into a large ovenproof dish.
Pour the tomato sauce over the ham rolls, sprinkle with Parmesan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!



Today I am wearing

Today I am wearing


A H&M shirt, Uniqlo flare jeans, Mark&Spencer boots (similar to the ones on the picture), a H&M belt, a TopShop coat, a Urban Outfitters necklace (similar to the one on the picture), a scarf (similar to the one on the picture), and a Furla bag.

Friday 8 February 2013

You have 5 minutes?


A few minutes to spare? Well thanks to Youtube I can keep you busy!
As I mentioned in previous posts, I am trying to keep exercising more than once every other week this year. So far I have been doing good! A month and 8 days into 2013, I have slowly but surely developed a workout routine!
What I really figured out is that even 5 minutes can make the difference and you will feel it the day after. So here are my favorites!

For your arms



For your belly


For your lower body


These can literally fit between your two favorites TV shows!

Tuesday 5 February 2013

ASOS


Chances are, this blog post will be irrelevant for 99% of the people reading it, but I want to address myself to the 1% who has never order anything from ASOS
To my biggest surprise, I recently discovered that multiple of my female colleagues have never dared ordering anything from there! Yesterday, I was wearing this navy blue dress and was asked a few times where I got it from, answering “From Asos” I have been replied: “Oh yeah… I heard about it but I've never looked at the website…” or even worst: “What is it?”.
So dear 1%, do me a favor, next pay day if you fancy a little bit of retail therapy go there! This website would reconcile anyone with online shopping. It offers loads of filters (shape, size, price, colors, brand, fabrics) and every item can be seen worn by a model in a video, so you can have a better idea of the fabric and shape.
Size-wise here is a tip, I am a size 8/10UK-2/4 US-36/38 FR, a little closer to a 8/2/36 than a 10/4/38. On ASOS, for any “normal” fit I would go for a 8/2/36, for anything tight (pencil skirts for instance) I would go for a 10/4/38.
Enjoy the endless option ASOS has to offer!


Monday 4 February 2013

Shopping around the world - Department Stores



Exactly two years ago, I moved to London. Before hand, I lived in the US (Missouri, believe it or not) for a year and a half, and I spent the first years of my life in France... 
What I always found challenging when going to a different country is to find points of reference. Some things as simple as shopping for shampoo can become a nightmare when you don’t know the country, or even worst, the language.
I thought I would do a small around-the-world shopping guide, based on my experiences. In order to make it as relevant as possible I will compare the different places I have been to, so you know exactly what to expect! My comparisons are based on the products offered, the quality, brands, price range.

Today’s section will be about department stores! And here are my shopping equations:

Harrods (London, UK) = Bergdorf (NYC,USA)
Selfridges (London, UK) = Le Bon Marche (Paris, FR) = SaksFifth Avenue (USA)
Macy’s (USA) = Printemps (FR) = Houseof Fraser (UK)
JCPenney (USA) = Debenhams (UK)
Target (USA) = Monoprix (FR) = Mark & Spencer (UK)

I apologize if I don’t have an equivalent for every country, either there is none or I just need to travel more! 
I will do this type of article about different store type (beauty stores, clothes, furniture,…) again in the future. Please let me know if there is any type you want me to cover specifically.

Have a lovely week!


Thursday 31 January 2013

Cupcakes around the world



Hi peeps!
I apologize for the lack of posts lately, it just has been very busy at work… The weather is improving in London, temperatures are rising and the sun is almost out in the morning when I wake up. Happy days!
Recently, one of my friend was talking to me about a baby shower she has to organize and we were sharing ideas for the party. This brings me to today's post subject: cupcakes! 
Here are my favorite addresses to get some…

Here in London, try Bea’s of Bloomsbury and/or Buttercup cupcakes.
In Kansas City (USA), go visit Baby Cake.
In Paris, have a taste of Synie’s Cupcakes.
In New York, go have a look at Butter Lane.







Bonjour tout le monde!

Je m’excuse pour l’absence d’articles ces derniers temps, cette semaine est bien remplie, surtout au bureau…  De ce cote de la Manche, le temps s’améliore, les températures grimpent et le soleil se lève en même temps que moi. Que demander de plus ?!
Il y a quelques jours, une de mes amies me parlait d’une fête qu’elle doit organiser pour une naissance et nous avons partagé quelques idées. Ce qui m’amène au sujet de l’article d’aujourd’hui : les cupcakes ! Et voici mes adresses préférées pour en trouver…

A Londres, essayez les cupcakes de Bea’s of Bloomsbury et/ou ceux de Buttercup
A Kansas City (USA), allez visiter Baby Cake
A Paris, rendez-vous chez Synie’s Cupcakes
A New York, goutez les cupcakes à Butter Lane



Friday 25 January 2013

Tim Walker exhibition (UK - London)


Only 2 days to go to the Tim Walker exhibition at the Somerset House! If you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you to go!
I have to admit I was quite ignorant of Tim Walker’s work before going to the exhibition, but it was a revelation. This is a man of great talent, but most of all this is a man that can visually capture the dreams/thoughts/fantasy of women. I was almost disconcert by the pictures… They were so pertinent to me! Mostly to my 7-years-old-self… I felt like Alice in Fashionland and Tim Walker was the White Rabbit I was following…

Tim Walker: Story Teller (Supported by Mulberry) – 18 October 2012 - 27 January 2013 – Daily 10.00-18.00 – Somerset House, East Wing Galleries, East Wing – Free admission

Thursday 24 January 2013

Fitness Blender

As I mentioned it a few posts back, I am determined to stick to my 2013 resolution, and guess what? I have been working out 3/4 times every week so far! It hasn't been easy though with the miserable UK weather... But thanks to the wonders of the web I was able to find videos and tutorials to help me working out from my (warm) bedroom.
If you are also looking for killer cardio workouts, that will make you (reallyreallyreally) sweat, without running outside and/or spending a fortune on a gym membership - check out Fitness Blender!
Kellie and Daniel create loads of videos and printable workouts. Yoga, HIIT, ballet, you name it chances are they did it!
Their videos are extremely professional, with full guidance to train safely. What truly amaze me is that they do all this after their day jobs, from their home. As they say it themselves: "There is no fancy office or professional film studio; there is only a spare bedroom that became our “office” and a walled in garage that serves as our “film studio”."

2013 - the year when my love handles disappeared? Maybe...


Wednesday 23 January 2013

A house in the hills (US)


I recently discovered Sarah’s gem. A Californian blogger and professional photographer.
She is sharing her love for interior design, fashion, food and family. All her post are always very genuine, touching, and witty.
Her dogs are the coolest dog models I have ever seen and her house a trendy peaceful oasis. Jealous!

She is bringing a little bit of Californian sun during the cold days.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

J’ai découvert récemment le site de Sarah, une bloggeuse Californienne et photographe professionnel.
Elle y partage son amour pour la mode, la nourriture, la déco d’intérieur et sa famille. Tous ses articles sont touchants, honnêtes et drôles.
Ses chiens sont des (tops) modèles de génie et sa maison un havre de paix et de design. Ouiouioui, je suis jalouse !

Allez visiter son blog, qui vous apportera un peu de soleil Californien lors des jours maussades d’hiver.


Monday 21 January 2013

The Sunday muffin recipe

Yesterday was definitely a stay-warm-at-home day.
London has been covered with snow over the weekend, and the cold and snow gave me a massive craving for something sweet BUT healthy! With a birthday on Friday and a wedding on Saturday – it was time for a little bit of detox and Internet browsing. I eventually found this perfect recipe, strawberry banana muffins without oil or butter!  
My cupboards being empty I had to adapt a little bit, the strawberries became blueberries and the all-purpose flour became gluten-free flour.
The result was really good (I may or may have eaten 3 already) and I will definitely go back on Sally’s yummy blog for more inspiration! (go visit her site, everything looks amazing!)

Strawberry Banana Muffins

What you need:

1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free works as well)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 medium banana, divided (mash 1/2 and slice the other half into very thin slices)
1/4 cup apple sauce
1 egg white, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup diced strawberries (or any berries)

What you do:

Preheat oven to 175C degrees. 
Spray muffin tray with cooking spray. Set aside.
Stir to combine the flour, sugars, baking soda, & cinnamon. 
Slice the banana in half and mash 1st half with a fork and cut 2nd half into thin slices (set these aside). 
Add the mashed banana to the dry ingredients and stir. 
Add the applesauce, beaten egg white, vanilla and stir until combined. Do NOT overmix.
Add the strawberries and banana slices. 
Pour batter into muffin tray, filling about 2/3 of the way up. 
Bake for 15 minutes.
Eat!


---------------------------------------------------------------



Dimanche dernier fut passé entièrement au chaud a l’intérieur.
Londres a été recouvert de neige pendant le weekend. Le froid et la grisaille m’ont donné envie de cuisiner quelque chose de sucré mais bon pour la santé ! Avec une fête d’anniversaire le vendredi et un mariage le samedi, il était temps de faire un peu de détox… Et grâce à la magie du web, j’ai trouvé la recette parfaite, des muffins a la fraise et la banane sans huile et beurre !
Mes placards étant vides, il a fallu que je m’adapte un peu, les fraises sont donc devenues des myrtilles et la farine de la farine sans gluten.
Le résultat fut très bons (j’en ai mangé 3 d’affilé) et je retournerai sur le blog de Sally pour plus d’inspiration ! (allez voir son site, tout a l’air délicieux !)

Muffins Fraise-Banane

Ce qu’il vous faut :

 1 tasse + ¼ de tasse de farine
¼ de tasse de sucre blanc
¼ de tasse de sucre roux
½ cuillère à soupe de levure
½ cuillère à soupe de cannelle
1 banane
¼ de tasse de compote de pomme
1 blanc d’œuf battu
1 cuillère à soupe d’extrait de vanille
1 tasse de fraises coupées en petits morceaux

Ce qu’il faut faire :

Préchauffer le four à  175C. Beurrer les moules à muffins.
Dans un bol, mélanger la farine, le(s) sucre(s), la cannelle et la levure. Couper la banane en 2, écraser une moitié avec une fourchette et découper l’autre moitié en fines tranches. Ajouter la banane écrasée dans le bol et mélanger. Ajouter le blanc d’œuf battu, la compote et l’extrait de vanille. Mélanger doucement.
Ajouter les  morceaux de fraise et banane au mélange. Verser dans les moules à muffins et mettre au four pendant 15 minutes.