These delicate French pastries are both insanely easy to make (which you do not have to disclose to the public) and unbelievably delicious (which the public will see for themselves).
Essential recipe:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (or 180 degrees C).
*Butter small Madeleine moulds (about 1inch or 3cm long).
*Melt:
-1 cup (or 100g) butter
*Once melted, remove the white clouding that has risen.
*Set aside and let cool.
*Heat à bain marie (meaning in a pot over boiling water):
-2 eggs
-1 cup (or 100g) granulated sugar (either white, brown, or a combination of the two)
*Whisk this vigorously and continually until lukewarm.
*Remove from fire and cool it by whisking it in small, short strokes until it has a light consistency.
*Sift gradually into the egg-and-sugar mixture:
-1 cup (or 100g) flour
*Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth.
*Add the cooled and cleared melted butter.
*Add:
-1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
*Stir for two or three minutes.
--The mixture should be thick and heavy by this time: about halfway between the consistency of cake batter and that of cookie dough.
*Take a teaspoon and fill each individual mould about 3/4 of the way full. (You may use either your finger or another teaspoon to help remove the batter from the utensil.)
*Bake 8 minutes. (Do not bake any longer than this - they may seem a little undercooked, but they harden upon being removed from the oven.)
*Let cool a full 15 minutes before removing from the moulds.
Possible additions:
-Add a tablespoon of cognac (or any other similar liqueur - possibly flavored by fruit) to the mixture at the same time as the vanilla.
-Add two tablespoons of hone to the mixture at the same time as the vanilla.
-Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon or orange juice to the mixture at the same time as the vanilla.
-Combine (or replace) the vanilla with coconut extract and garnish each cookie with coconut shavings before baking.
-Put chocolate chips in the center of each Madeleine before baking.
-Glaze with caramelized sugar or honey glaze (these are relatively easy to make, you simply boil equal portions of honey and water or sugar and water) once cooled.
-Dribble melted chocolate over the Madeleines as soon as they come out of the oven.
-Create a sort of miniature profiterole by removing a little from the center of the cooked Madeleine while it is still hot and filling it with vanilla custard.
-Replace the vanilla custard of the profiterole procedure with sweetened chesnut purée, or possibly banana purée, if it is to your taste.
--There are countless other editions of Madeleines that can be tried. (Each try is not always successful, but even our mistakes can taste good from time to time upon the occasion of a baking session between friends on a girls' night.) If you find anything particularly spectacular, please let me know!
Serving:
For a dinner, I would advise serving these five to a plate with a side of fresh fruit and a garnish of whipped cream.
For a party, it can be a good idea at parties to make several kinds of Madeleines according to the varying tastes of your guests, and to set them out on separate trays next to each other for tasting.
Enjoy, ladies.
(We all know that the greatest weakness of our sex lies in desserts, so indulge yourselves!)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Champagne and other such things
Hello again, darlings!
As promised, I've prepared some New Year's tips for you. There are so many things that can get you off on a great start for 2010, but doing it in style is the best one.
The ideal thing to do is to have a get-together at your own residence - that way you can arrange everything the way you like it.
Sustenance
Champagne is, of course, a given, but (contrary to popular belief) it alone cannot sustain you all through an evening.
Our ambrosia... White wine should be in supply in your fridge, and red in your pantry. (Place the white in an ice-bucket with a cloth around the neck when you put it on the table, and put the red in a wide pitcher to air it out.) And I suggest having various other types of alcohol set out on a relatively large table.
A word of advice: never doubt the well proved theory of human weakness: fast-flowing liqueur keeps the people happy.
By the way: do not use plastic cups - it's tacky and that will never change. Nice, simple glasses can be bought for cheap sums at any supermarket, and there's no need to publicize the fact that they aren't from the most fabulous designer in the department store. (However, if you can afford this, it's a very good investment.)
Hint: create a nice starting configuration with them, such as organizing them in a triangle. Better still, create several triangles with the different types of glasses. (After all, you don't expect your guests to use the same glass for Bordeaux and Perrier!)
A manger...
For a large number of people, it can be difficult (and expensive) to pull together a good sit-down dinner. Now, my policy is if you can't do it well, don't do it at all. What you can to is the classic chic technique: have a stand-up, socializing prioritized party with lots of hors d'oeuvres on platters floating around the place.
What to have: start off by banning party-mix and any other things bought in the super-size section of the supermarket. It's horribly gauche, and demonstrates a lack of understanding of the etiquette of taste. However, some oven-reheatable nibbles can be acceptable, depending on their manufacturing. Bakery-bought are usually the best for pastries, unless you have remarkable skill as a cook. Otherwise, have lots of little toasts with various toppings like tarama, caviar, pate, etc. These will be fun to taste and exude a certain delicacy. (Spring for foie-gras if you have a good source near at hand, and garnish it with fig slices.) Some fresh vegetables in bowls or artfully arranged on a plate can be nice, too, with some sort of spicy dip. (However, avoid the classic chips-and-salsa idea.)
As for us ladies' favorite part of the evening... Dessert is always the most fun. Re-work the vegetable idea with fruit by creating little toothpick-sized treats with several layers of different fruit and possibly some sort of glaze. Otherwise, try having little cakes, either bakery-bought or self-made. (The best possible recommendation I can give you is to make several variations of Madeleines - the recipe is in the next article.)
Also: put a nice tablecloth or piece of simple fabric on the table to create a nice setting for the drinks and hors d'oeuvres. (Unless, of course, you have such a beautifully designed table that it deserves to be displayed to all of the guests.) Have such tables at different points in the house, that was people can circulate.
The big moment
As the countdown (coming from whatever source, be it the television, the radio, or your own watches) nears its end, and everyone is yelling out numbers in the mounting atmosphere, one often has an urge to jump up and down from excitement. By all means, don't prevent yourselves from doing so! The sight of their hostess letting her hair down (often after evenings filled with admonishments concerning the insufficient use of coasters on the coffee table) is one of the the most delightful things your guests can witness.
The moment... Be free with your hugs, kisses and champagne. Show affection to everyone and show them that you're glad that they came. (Unless, of course, you're deliberately snubbing someone, in which case it would be a perfect occasion to show it, but you don't usually want to start off your New Year that way, so refrain from using this tactic as far as possible.) Otherwise, it's the ideal time to share a kiss with a specific person, if you'll pardon the cliché.
The glasses... Have the appropriate glasses ready on a table to the side about a quarter of an hour before midnight. That way, when the one-minute-to-go countdown starts, you can indicate to your guests that they should take their glasses. Have the champagne at a spot conveniently situated near yourself, so that as soon as the flurry of kissing is over, you can pop the cork and start pouring. (Don't hesitate to dramatize this gesture. Do it with the flair that it deserves.)
The content of the glasses... The champagne, though it doesn't have to be the best of quality, should be sufficiently good so as to impress your guests, and should above all be saved for the specific moment in the evening where it is appropriate. A variety might also be nice - have both classical and rosé, if you and/or your guests tend to enjoy both, otherwise stick to conformity and buy several bottles of the same champagne. Otherwise, it's sometimes fun to have a tasting game - buy various bottles from different countries and vineyards and pass them around at different intervals after midnight. But always, always, keep it all on ice. Lukewarm champagne is one of the most awful things that can happen to you.
Music
To put it simply, this really depends on you and what kind of atmosphere you want.
Jazz is usually the best way to go - you can start off with something upbeat like 'Take Five' or 'In the Mood' while people are arriving (this sets the mood) and then continue with something softer (like Billie Holiday) throughout the evening. (Variations and fluctuations in the type of music are always nice.)
Otherwise, for a refined formal event, classical rarely misses, but avoid anything too heavy - stick to things like Mozart and Schubert.
For dancing, salsa is a sure crowd-pleaser. Something up-beat and giving off a vintage-record aura can also help - for this effect, try Aretha Franklin or even Michael Jackson (the latter would make an appropriate homage to the events of 2009).
What to wear
This is, despite the usual complications of the wardrobe department, actually the simplest part of the evening.
For a formal event: black high heels with either a black or red cocktail dress - if long-sleeved then with a little black sweater or white wrap. As far as makeup and jewelry are concerned, as dramatic as can be. Dark eyes, red lips, and dangling earrings. Play up the '20s look that has been so popular this season to its fullest extent. Don't hide yourself behind a natural look - take advantage of the new year to look your best!
For a more casual evening: black or dark blue jeans jeans or simple little skirt, black flats and a red or white simple top. You might still want to play on the makeup drama (in lesser measures than for a formal occasion, of course) in honor of the New Year.
(I would consider it a personal favor if you would avoid large, gaudy and demonstrative sweaters screaming 2010. Party hats bearing the same message can be quite cute and amusing among friends, but as an acknowledged joke rather than a main dress statement.)
The morning after
Without a doubt the most unpleasant part of the proceedings, but you can easily soften it.
Cleaning up your house... As far as this is concerned, do as much as you can before falling into bed in a happy blur of champagne bubbles and vodka. You will wake up the next morning with a headache, a hangover, and a desire to stay in bed, so the more you finish before getting there, the better. (In fact, finishing everything would be ideal, even though your festivities are likely to extend into the early hours of the morning.) To make this easier for yourself, try straightening up little by little (especially in the kitchen) throughout the evening. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Cleaning up yourself... I strongly suggest taking off your makeup before collapsing into bed. Otherwise, you'll be sure to wake up with raccoon/panda eyes and lipstick spears all over your pillow. The next day, you may want to spend a long, luxurious day on your own. Have a long soak in the bath, put on a face-mask and leave your conditioner in all day, watch a movie... For this, make sure that you have enough food (basics like fresh bread, soup and the like) and especially an inexhaustable supply of coffee, milk, sugar and asprin.
In case of a differing situation...
If you're invited to celebrate somewhere else: bring yourself, along with your fabulous dessert, champagne and appearance, over to said occasion if it's at a friend's house. If it's an event taking place in a public place with the help of a caterer, just bring yourself, your little black dress, and your jewels.
If you're enjoying a more peaceful evening with your family: keep the same principle as you would with your friends, but simply add some more child-friendly food (if children are to be present) and perhaps arrange to all sit around a table at some point in the evening for a toast.
Voilà, mes amies! Happy New Year to you all!
PS-Remember that it is not in the least unheard of to give presents for New Year's, especially if your Christmas gifts to a certain person were less than satisfactory.
As promised, I've prepared some New Year's tips for you. There are so many things that can get you off on a great start for 2010, but doing it in style is the best one.
The ideal thing to do is to have a get-together at your own residence - that way you can arrange everything the way you like it.
Sustenance
Champagne is, of course, a given, but (contrary to popular belief) it alone cannot sustain you all through an evening.
Our ambrosia... White wine should be in supply in your fridge, and red in your pantry. (Place the white in an ice-bucket with a cloth around the neck when you put it on the table, and put the red in a wide pitcher to air it out.) And I suggest having various other types of alcohol set out on a relatively large table.
A word of advice: never doubt the well proved theory of human weakness: fast-flowing liqueur keeps the people happy.
By the way: do not use plastic cups - it's tacky and that will never change. Nice, simple glasses can be bought for cheap sums at any supermarket, and there's no need to publicize the fact that they aren't from the most fabulous designer in the department store. (However, if you can afford this, it's a very good investment.)
Hint: create a nice starting configuration with them, such as organizing them in a triangle. Better still, create several triangles with the different types of glasses. (After all, you don't expect your guests to use the same glass for Bordeaux and Perrier!)
A manger...
For a large number of people, it can be difficult (and expensive) to pull together a good sit-down dinner. Now, my policy is if you can't do it well, don't do it at all. What you can to is the classic chic technique: have a stand-up, socializing prioritized party with lots of hors d'oeuvres on platters floating around the place.
What to have: start off by banning party-mix and any other things bought in the super-size section of the supermarket. It's horribly gauche, and demonstrates a lack of understanding of the etiquette of taste. However, some oven-reheatable nibbles can be acceptable, depending on their manufacturing. Bakery-bought are usually the best for pastries, unless you have remarkable skill as a cook. Otherwise, have lots of little toasts with various toppings like tarama, caviar, pate, etc. These will be fun to taste and exude a certain delicacy. (Spring for foie-gras if you have a good source near at hand, and garnish it with fig slices.) Some fresh vegetables in bowls or artfully arranged on a plate can be nice, too, with some sort of spicy dip. (However, avoid the classic chips-and-salsa idea.)
As for us ladies' favorite part of the evening... Dessert is always the most fun. Re-work the vegetable idea with fruit by creating little toothpick-sized treats with several layers of different fruit and possibly some sort of glaze. Otherwise, try having little cakes, either bakery-bought or self-made. (The best possible recommendation I can give you is to make several variations of Madeleines - the recipe is in the next article.)
Also: put a nice tablecloth or piece of simple fabric on the table to create a nice setting for the drinks and hors d'oeuvres. (Unless, of course, you have such a beautifully designed table that it deserves to be displayed to all of the guests.) Have such tables at different points in the house, that was people can circulate.
The big moment
As the countdown (coming from whatever source, be it the television, the radio, or your own watches) nears its end, and everyone is yelling out numbers in the mounting atmosphere, one often has an urge to jump up and down from excitement. By all means, don't prevent yourselves from doing so! The sight of their hostess letting her hair down (often after evenings filled with admonishments concerning the insufficient use of coasters on the coffee table) is one of the the most delightful things your guests can witness.
The moment... Be free with your hugs, kisses and champagne. Show affection to everyone and show them that you're glad that they came. (Unless, of course, you're deliberately snubbing someone, in which case it would be a perfect occasion to show it, but you don't usually want to start off your New Year that way, so refrain from using this tactic as far as possible.) Otherwise, it's the ideal time to share a kiss with a specific person, if you'll pardon the cliché.
The glasses... Have the appropriate glasses ready on a table to the side about a quarter of an hour before midnight. That way, when the one-minute-to-go countdown starts, you can indicate to your guests that they should take their glasses. Have the champagne at a spot conveniently situated near yourself, so that as soon as the flurry of kissing is over, you can pop the cork and start pouring. (Don't hesitate to dramatize this gesture. Do it with the flair that it deserves.)
The content of the glasses... The champagne, though it doesn't have to be the best of quality, should be sufficiently good so as to impress your guests, and should above all be saved for the specific moment in the evening where it is appropriate. A variety might also be nice - have both classical and rosé, if you and/or your guests tend to enjoy both, otherwise stick to conformity and buy several bottles of the same champagne. Otherwise, it's sometimes fun to have a tasting game - buy various bottles from different countries and vineyards and pass them around at different intervals after midnight. But always, always, keep it all on ice. Lukewarm champagne is one of the most awful things that can happen to you.
Music
To put it simply, this really depends on you and what kind of atmosphere you want.
Jazz is usually the best way to go - you can start off with something upbeat like 'Take Five' or 'In the Mood' while people are arriving (this sets the mood) and then continue with something softer (like Billie Holiday) throughout the evening. (Variations and fluctuations in the type of music are always nice.)
Otherwise, for a refined formal event, classical rarely misses, but avoid anything too heavy - stick to things like Mozart and Schubert.
For dancing, salsa is a sure crowd-pleaser. Something up-beat and giving off a vintage-record aura can also help - for this effect, try Aretha Franklin or even Michael Jackson (the latter would make an appropriate homage to the events of 2009).
What to wear
This is, despite the usual complications of the wardrobe department, actually the simplest part of the evening.
For a formal event: black high heels with either a black or red cocktail dress - if long-sleeved then with a little black sweater or white wrap. As far as makeup and jewelry are concerned, as dramatic as can be. Dark eyes, red lips, and dangling earrings. Play up the '20s look that has been so popular this season to its fullest extent. Don't hide yourself behind a natural look - take advantage of the new year to look your best!
For a more casual evening: black or dark blue jeans jeans or simple little skirt, black flats and a red or white simple top. You might still want to play on the makeup drama (in lesser measures than for a formal occasion, of course) in honor of the New Year.
(I would consider it a personal favor if you would avoid large, gaudy and demonstrative sweaters screaming 2010. Party hats bearing the same message can be quite cute and amusing among friends, but as an acknowledged joke rather than a main dress statement.)
The morning after
Without a doubt the most unpleasant part of the proceedings, but you can easily soften it.
Cleaning up your house... As far as this is concerned, do as much as you can before falling into bed in a happy blur of champagne bubbles and vodka. You will wake up the next morning with a headache, a hangover, and a desire to stay in bed, so the more you finish before getting there, the better. (In fact, finishing everything would be ideal, even though your festivities are likely to extend into the early hours of the morning.) To make this easier for yourself, try straightening up little by little (especially in the kitchen) throughout the evening. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Cleaning up yourself... I strongly suggest taking off your makeup before collapsing into bed. Otherwise, you'll be sure to wake up with raccoon/panda eyes and lipstick spears all over your pillow. The next day, you may want to spend a long, luxurious day on your own. Have a long soak in the bath, put on a face-mask and leave your conditioner in all day, watch a movie... For this, make sure that you have enough food (basics like fresh bread, soup and the like) and especially an inexhaustable supply of coffee, milk, sugar and asprin.
In case of a differing situation...
If you're invited to celebrate somewhere else: bring yourself, along with your fabulous dessert, champagne and appearance, over to said occasion if it's at a friend's house. If it's an event taking place in a public place with the help of a caterer, just bring yourself, your little black dress, and your jewels.
If you're enjoying a more peaceful evening with your family: keep the same principle as you would with your friends, but simply add some more child-friendly food (if children are to be present) and perhaps arrange to all sit around a table at some point in the evening for a toast.
Voilà, mes amies! Happy New Year to you all!
PS-Remember that it is not in the least unheard of to give presents for New Year's, especially if your Christmas gifts to a certain person were less than satisfactory.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Around that time of year...
Bonjour, mes amies!
I've been insanely busy lately, I'm afraid... no time to write little posts for you. :(
But I thought I would give you a Christmas present.
1. Style this time of year
Depending on where you are in the world, it's more or less cold. But if you (like me) are sitting looking out of the window at piles and piles of snow, you're going to need something warm to put over that little black dress when you go out.
Here in France, doudoune (or down jackets) are very frequently encountered in the street. Despite the popular theory that they make one resemble a snowman (which is what I thought until I tried one on in a store a couple of weeks ago and realized that it looks fabulous) they're actually quite flattering. The trick is not to get one that is over-stuffed, lest you end up looking like the turkey that you'll be preparing for Christmas dinner. If you get a slightly thinner one, it's just as warm, and makes you look seasonally gorgeous, with a hint of that just-off-the-ski-slope looks that's so appreciated this season. Top it off with some sunglasses in the right weather (yes, I always fall back on my sunglass trick) and voilà!
Otherwise, fur (either fake or real) keeps one amazingly warm. But if you feel that a fur coat is too ostentatious (which it often is in any daytime event, depending on the type of fur) then go with a furry scarf with the staple black wool coat. It adds a true touch of class to any outfit.
Then there's the timeless and beautiful cashmere sweater and scarf. No need for elaboration here. It speaks for itself in any color. (And you can always add a loosely knotted silk scarf with such a sweater. Elégance absolue.)
Bear in mind that all of this extends into January and February until March, when the weather gets warmer, so it's a good investment. Besides, these are things that don't go out of style, so they're re-usable from year to year.
2. Food
My sympathies to those who say that they don't have time and just buy some sort of frozen turkey at the supermarket, add some mashed potatoes and call it a Christmas dinner. Maybe that would fly at Thanksgiving (for some people, at least) but this is Christmas! The season of all of those clichés that we pretend to disregard but really love deep down. So make a little effort, people!
If a whole goose, duck, turkey, etc. seems a little too ambitious, or a little too much if you have a small family, then go with parts of the animal! Turkey breasts are delicious, and so are the wings and legs. Get a few of each (with the bones still in) and bake them in the oven with some white wine for about 45 minutes (adding the wine around 10 minutes before the end) and you have your dinner. It's really that simple. You can even bake the potatoes in there with them.
As far as dessert is concerned (ah, my specialty) you can employ the same principle as for Thanksgiving. A couple of apple, chocolate or pumpkin pies really do that trick. If you feel like having diversity but not like making too much dessert (we must, after all, watch the figure) then why not make mini-pies? They look a lot more complicated and intricate to make, so you have a better chance of impressing guests without a lot of effort. Otherwise, there's the timeless ginger-bread. It really isn't that difficult to make - any Joy of Cooking recipe would easily do the trick, and you can serve it with warm cider or mulled wine. (Which just involves cinnamon, crushed cloves, and a little bit of ginger in both cases.)
Tip: Serve dessert and drinks in the living room next to the tree. That way people will be a lot more comfortable (a sofa is better than a dining-room chair any day) and can enjoy the glow of the decorations. Turn off the over-head lights for extra atmosphere.
3. Presents
Late in getting your gifts? I always am. In fact, it's four days before Christmas and mine still haven't been purchased! Here are a couple of last minute ideas for important people in your life that you can later elaborate on.
(Warning: do not have these be the only gifts you get these people. That may be a little insulting, especially if they get you something really dramatic and big.)
Father - deluxe Swiss army knife (sounds a little odd, but trust me, they love it), scarf (ever noticed how they never have any but always think that they look nice?), nice bottle of red wine (red is better than white when it comes to men), cuff links (classy yet simple)
Mother - first edition book of poetry (preferably 19th century - Baudelaire is always a good idea), nice bottle of white wine (go into the plural with this one - women tend to go a little crazy with this, as you all know), sweet liqueur (such as raspberry-flavored Absolut Vodka or eau de vie), box of chocolates (make sure they're good quality), set for learning a new language (they always say they wished they had - show them it's never too late to learn French or Italian and then take a vacation there!)
Boyfriend - a very nice watch (classic), a bottle of Bordeaux or some champagne (that you will, of course, help him with), a designer shirt (why waste the opportunity to tell men how to dress?)
Best friend - jewelry (earrings, bracelet, etc. from a Joallier such as Thomas Sabo or Swarovski - great quality but not obscenely expensive), champagne (as she often shares your taste), chocolate (that you will help her with), designer accessories (like that purse she's been eyeing forever or that little scarf that would work with so many of her favorite clothes)
Yourself - everything you've been putting off buying, like the new face-products, the the clothes, the liqueur, etc. You deserve it!
Merry Christmas, mes amies! I'll be back before the New Year with tips on how to celebrate!
I've been insanely busy lately, I'm afraid... no time to write little posts for you. :(
But I thought I would give you a Christmas present.
1. Style this time of year
Depending on where you are in the world, it's more or less cold. But if you (like me) are sitting looking out of the window at piles and piles of snow, you're going to need something warm to put over that little black dress when you go out.
Here in France, doudoune (or down jackets) are very frequently encountered in the street. Despite the popular theory that they make one resemble a snowman (which is what I thought until I tried one on in a store a couple of weeks ago and realized that it looks fabulous) they're actually quite flattering. The trick is not to get one that is over-stuffed, lest you end up looking like the turkey that you'll be preparing for Christmas dinner. If you get a slightly thinner one, it's just as warm, and makes you look seasonally gorgeous, with a hint of that just-off-the-ski-slope looks that's so appreciated this season. Top it off with some sunglasses in the right weather (yes, I always fall back on my sunglass trick) and voilà!
Otherwise, fur (either fake or real) keeps one amazingly warm. But if you feel that a fur coat is too ostentatious (which it often is in any daytime event, depending on the type of fur) then go with a furry scarf with the staple black wool coat. It adds a true touch of class to any outfit.
Then there's the timeless and beautiful cashmere sweater and scarf. No need for elaboration here. It speaks for itself in any color. (And you can always add a loosely knotted silk scarf with such a sweater. Elégance absolue.)
Bear in mind that all of this extends into January and February until March, when the weather gets warmer, so it's a good investment. Besides, these are things that don't go out of style, so they're re-usable from year to year.
2. Food
My sympathies to those who say that they don't have time and just buy some sort of frozen turkey at the supermarket, add some mashed potatoes and call it a Christmas dinner. Maybe that would fly at Thanksgiving (for some people, at least) but this is Christmas! The season of all of those clichés that we pretend to disregard but really love deep down. So make a little effort, people!
If a whole goose, duck, turkey, etc. seems a little too ambitious, or a little too much if you have a small family, then go with parts of the animal! Turkey breasts are delicious, and so are the wings and legs. Get a few of each (with the bones still in) and bake them in the oven with some white wine for about 45 minutes (adding the wine around 10 minutes before the end) and you have your dinner. It's really that simple. You can even bake the potatoes in there with them.
As far as dessert is concerned (ah, my specialty) you can employ the same principle as for Thanksgiving. A couple of apple, chocolate or pumpkin pies really do that trick. If you feel like having diversity but not like making too much dessert (we must, after all, watch the figure) then why not make mini-pies? They look a lot more complicated and intricate to make, so you have a better chance of impressing guests without a lot of effort. Otherwise, there's the timeless ginger-bread. It really isn't that difficult to make - any Joy of Cooking recipe would easily do the trick, and you can serve it with warm cider or mulled wine. (Which just involves cinnamon, crushed cloves, and a little bit of ginger in both cases.)
Tip: Serve dessert and drinks in the living room next to the tree. That way people will be a lot more comfortable (a sofa is better than a dining-room chair any day) and can enjoy the glow of the decorations. Turn off the over-head lights for extra atmosphere.
3. Presents
Late in getting your gifts? I always am. In fact, it's four days before Christmas and mine still haven't been purchased! Here are a couple of last minute ideas for important people in your life that you can later elaborate on.
(Warning: do not have these be the only gifts you get these people. That may be a little insulting, especially if they get you something really dramatic and big.)
Father - deluxe Swiss army knife (sounds a little odd, but trust me, they love it), scarf (ever noticed how they never have any but always think that they look nice?), nice bottle of red wine (red is better than white when it comes to men), cuff links (classy yet simple)
Mother - first edition book of poetry (preferably 19th century - Baudelaire is always a good idea), nice bottle of white wine (go into the plural with this one - women tend to go a little crazy with this, as you all know), sweet liqueur (such as raspberry-flavored Absolut Vodka or eau de vie), box of chocolates (make sure they're good quality), set for learning a new language (they always say they wished they had - show them it's never too late to learn French or Italian and then take a vacation there!)
Boyfriend - a very nice watch (classic), a bottle of Bordeaux or some champagne (that you will, of course, help him with), a designer shirt (why waste the opportunity to tell men how to dress?)
Best friend - jewelry (earrings, bracelet, etc. from a Joallier such as Thomas Sabo or Swarovski - great quality but not obscenely expensive), champagne (as she often shares your taste), chocolate (that you will help her with), designer accessories (like that purse she's been eyeing forever or that little scarf that would work with so many of her favorite clothes)
Yourself - everything you've been putting off buying, like the new face-products, the the clothes, the liqueur, etc. You deserve it!
Merry Christmas, mes amies! I'll be back before the New Year with tips on how to celebrate!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A la Russe
As you might have noticed, Russia is very à la mode at the moment. With Chanel doing the Paris-Moscow collection and Abramovitch's girlfriend all over the pages of Vogue, the country is bound to draw some attention.
But I have actually been intrigued by Russia for quite some time. I have relatives over there, so I'm primarily drawn for practical purposes.
Aside from the beautiful architecture and vibrant ambiance of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia has an immense and interesting history that one can easily draw from.
Literature...
Don't be daunted by the size of most of the classical Russian novels. Wading through War & Peace can take a while, but one often gets caught up in the story and forgets that it's supposed to be difficult.
The same goes for more of Tolstoy's books. Anna Karenina, though tragic, is completely engrossing and at times quite pleasant and entertaining.
For those who are looking for something a bit shorter but a little darker and more sinister, Dostoevsky also has unbelievable novels.
Hint: if you want to go a bit more modern and humorous, try Nabokov. Lolita is psychologically complicated and completely wrong in many ways, but nevertheless a great read.
Culture...
Not many people know that it was the Russians who were at the origin of ballet. In fact, some of the best ballet dancers today are still Russian. If you get the opportunity, go and see a production of the Russian Ballet Theater. It is not to be missed.
Otherwise, Russian art is currently flourishing. The avant-garde artists are becoming more and more known, and the prices of their work is rising. It would make a very good investment at the moment...
Gourmet...
The cliché is correct: caviar, caviar, caviar. To be served in a chilled bowl or on little blinis or mini buttered toast and to be accompanied by champagne on ice. Nothing more classy.
Impress your guests with Beluga caviar (which is the little black one and the best you can buy) or with the less expensive salmon variety (which is large, pink and delicious).
Easter is the most important Russian holiday, and they take advantage of the occasion to develop delicious deserts to go with it. A lot of the cakes, cookies and mousses involve honey, and this can be a good tip to pick up when cooking. Even adding honey to a simple glaze or batter can give it a delicious tang.
Style...
In general, Russian women have quite good taste.
Granted, their style may be a little more ostentatious than that of the French (makeup a little heavier, logos a little more on display, colors a little darker and/or more prominent, heels a little higher, skirts a little shorter, etc.) but it's still a certain type of confidence and dignity that can be admirable.
Adopting something a little more daring from time to time can add personal flair to any style.
(Besides, it's perfect for a night on the town, especially if you're going dancing.)
Drinks...
To re-evoke the cliché: vodka, vodka, vodka. But not just plain - lemon, cherry, apple, anything goes. Absolut (which is not Russian, but is still delicious vodka) even makes a pepper vodka, which has quite a kick.
Some people, like myself, enjoy throwing back a straight shot, but for the slightly less daring, a cocktail is the perfect way to go (which I happen to love almost as much as the straight).
Light and icy drinks being more appropriate for summer on the beach, one should go with something darker and with a deeper taste. A perfect example that I found is a White Russian.
**You pour a shot-glass full of vodka into a martini glass, then add two shots of Kahlua (coffee liqueur). Finish off with a considerable amount of whipped cream (or even liquid cream) and voilà! I admit, this drink sounds quite strange to those who haven't tasted it, but it's absolutely fabulous.**
Otherwise, you can go with the classic vodka martini or other drinks like it.
So there you go, ladies. Some tips for living it up à la Russe.
Enjoy!
But I have actually been intrigued by Russia for quite some time. I have relatives over there, so I'm primarily drawn for practical purposes.
Aside from the beautiful architecture and vibrant ambiance of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia has an immense and interesting history that one can easily draw from.
Literature...
Don't be daunted by the size of most of the classical Russian novels. Wading through War & Peace can take a while, but one often gets caught up in the story and forgets that it's supposed to be difficult.
The same goes for more of Tolstoy's books. Anna Karenina, though tragic, is completely engrossing and at times quite pleasant and entertaining.
For those who are looking for something a bit shorter but a little darker and more sinister, Dostoevsky also has unbelievable novels.
Hint: if you want to go a bit more modern and humorous, try Nabokov. Lolita is psychologically complicated and completely wrong in many ways, but nevertheless a great read.
Culture...
Not many people know that it was the Russians who were at the origin of ballet. In fact, some of the best ballet dancers today are still Russian. If you get the opportunity, go and see a production of the Russian Ballet Theater. It is not to be missed.
Otherwise, Russian art is currently flourishing. The avant-garde artists are becoming more and more known, and the prices of their work is rising. It would make a very good investment at the moment...
Gourmet...
The cliché is correct: caviar, caviar, caviar. To be served in a chilled bowl or on little blinis or mini buttered toast and to be accompanied by champagne on ice. Nothing more classy.
Impress your guests with Beluga caviar (which is the little black one and the best you can buy) or with the less expensive salmon variety (which is large, pink and delicious).
Easter is the most important Russian holiday, and they take advantage of the occasion to develop delicious deserts to go with it. A lot of the cakes, cookies and mousses involve honey, and this can be a good tip to pick up when cooking. Even adding honey to a simple glaze or batter can give it a delicious tang.
Style...
In general, Russian women have quite good taste.
Granted, their style may be a little more ostentatious than that of the French (makeup a little heavier, logos a little more on display, colors a little darker and/or more prominent, heels a little higher, skirts a little shorter, etc.) but it's still a certain type of confidence and dignity that can be admirable.
Adopting something a little more daring from time to time can add personal flair to any style.
(Besides, it's perfect for a night on the town, especially if you're going dancing.)
Drinks...
To re-evoke the cliché: vodka, vodka, vodka. But not just plain - lemon, cherry, apple, anything goes. Absolut (which is not Russian, but is still delicious vodka) even makes a pepper vodka, which has quite a kick.
Some people, like myself, enjoy throwing back a straight shot, but for the slightly less daring, a cocktail is the perfect way to go (which I happen to love almost as much as the straight).
Light and icy drinks being more appropriate for summer on the beach, one should go with something darker and with a deeper taste. A perfect example that I found is a White Russian.
**You pour a shot-glass full of vodka into a martini glass, then add two shots of Kahlua (coffee liqueur). Finish off with a considerable amount of whipped cream (or even liquid cream) and voilà! I admit, this drink sounds quite strange to those who haven't tasted it, but it's absolutely fabulous.**
Otherwise, you can go with the classic vodka martini or other drinks like it.
So there you go, ladies. Some tips for living it up à la Russe.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Nouvelle Elegance
Bonjour, les amies!
I have recently had an inspiration for a new style for this season.
It actually started when I took up ballet again - I used to do a lot but then I stopped for a while, forgetting how much I loved it (something that I regret horribly now). The grace and elegance you witness during a ballet class or performance is unequaled by anything else. But the aesthetic effect of black leotards going up and down in unison and pink tights gently curving into pliées is truly something remarkable.
So we should take inspiration from this phenomenon invented by the Russians centuries ago.
Attitude:
A teacher of classical dance always demands perfect posture: one is told to imagine that there is a string extending from the base of the spine to the top of the head and being pulled by something in the sky.
This, as well as the light, controlled and breezy way of moving, is something that can give us grace in our daily lives, especially when trying to walk without stomping in a pair of four-inch heels.
But the most important thing that I have learned from ballet is confidence: think that you are beautiful and gifted, and other people will thing that, too. Ballerinas make it look easy when it actually takes an unbelievable amount of effort and muscle-work: that's where the true beauty is.
Reflections on clothes:
First of all, let it be noted that I am not in any way condoning pink tights in daily life. It's all right up until the age of ten, but after that it just starts to look bad.
But the contrast between an attractive shade of pale pink and the sensual mystery of black creates a striking effect.
A black-based outfit with a splash of pink (for instance adding a pink scarf to a simple black dress and boots) is one of the easiest and most simply chic things you can do in this season. According to the October issue of French Vogue, fire-engine red is the color-of-the-month, but that is something that will eventually go out of style, so spending money on an expensive silk scarf in bright red is not the best possible investment.
A pink-based outfit with black additions (like a pink shirt or suit with a black belt) can also be beautiful, but it isn't quite as universal as having the greater part of your outfit be black, or as having an equal balance of the two (for instance black pants or a skirt with a pink shirt).
Nota bene: be sure to choose the right shade of pink. If it's too bubble gum or two fluorescent, it just looks tacky. Also, avoid bows in pink at all costs. A discreet black hair-ribbon can add just the right touch, but pink hair accessories are very difficult to wear correctly.
I have recently had an inspiration for a new style for this season.
It actually started when I took up ballet again - I used to do a lot but then I stopped for a while, forgetting how much I loved it (something that I regret horribly now). The grace and elegance you witness during a ballet class or performance is unequaled by anything else. But the aesthetic effect of black leotards going up and down in unison and pink tights gently curving into pliées is truly something remarkable.
So we should take inspiration from this phenomenon invented by the Russians centuries ago.
Attitude:
A teacher of classical dance always demands perfect posture: one is told to imagine that there is a string extending from the base of the spine to the top of the head and being pulled by something in the sky.
This, as well as the light, controlled and breezy way of moving, is something that can give us grace in our daily lives, especially when trying to walk without stomping in a pair of four-inch heels.
But the most important thing that I have learned from ballet is confidence: think that you are beautiful and gifted, and other people will thing that, too. Ballerinas make it look easy when it actually takes an unbelievable amount of effort and muscle-work: that's where the true beauty is.
Reflections on clothes:
First of all, let it be noted that I am not in any way condoning pink tights in daily life. It's all right up until the age of ten, but after that it just starts to look bad.
But the contrast between an attractive shade of pale pink and the sensual mystery of black creates a striking effect.
A black-based outfit with a splash of pink (for instance adding a pink scarf to a simple black dress and boots) is one of the easiest and most simply chic things you can do in this season. According to the October issue of French Vogue, fire-engine red is the color-of-the-month, but that is something that will eventually go out of style, so spending money on an expensive silk scarf in bright red is not the best possible investment.
A pink-based outfit with black additions (like a pink shirt or suit with a black belt) can also be beautiful, but it isn't quite as universal as having the greater part of your outfit be black, or as having an equal balance of the two (for instance black pants or a skirt with a pink shirt).
Nota bene: be sure to choose the right shade of pink. If it's too bubble gum or two fluorescent, it just looks tacky. Also, avoid bows in pink at all costs. A discreet black hair-ribbon can add just the right touch, but pink hair accessories are very difficult to wear correctly.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Je suis désolée!
All right, ladies, I get it, I haven't updated forever.
I'm truly sorry about that, but in my defense, I've been unbelievably busy.
Now if you're wondering what could have kept me occupied for almost a month, don't worry, I'll fill you in.
Not that I'll have time to tap out all of the things I have to say at once, but I hope you'll all forgive me. I'm finally adjusting to the unpleasant ordeal of getting back to work, which has been taking me a while.
I'm sure you've all had that sensation at the end of the day - the one where you feel too tired to do anything besides eat, shower and go to sleep. I have recently discovered that this is mainly because I have trouble dealing with the three things that make me exhausted, which I will tell you how to make easier.
1. Dragging yourself out from under your duvet at six in the morning.
We've all had trouble with this - all you want to do is hit the Snooze button of your alarm clock and go right on sleeping, especially when it's colder outside.
What I do now, is that I keep a small (and surprisingly inexpensive) heater right next to my bed. I set the alarm ten minutes early, then when the beeping sound that everyone dreads wakes me up, I simply hit the snooze for no more than ten minutes and slowly coax myself out of bed while making sure that I'm not too cold.
Otherwise, I sometimes set my alarm up to half an hour earlier to give myself the time to wake up gradually while being reminded that I eventually have to get up by the alarm that goes off every ten minutes.
You should also give yourself something to look forward to when you wake up, for instance some sort of breakfast muffin that you bought the night before, or a book that you're dying to read more of. (I find that this last thing is the best way to get me away from the comfort of my pillow.) Unless you find something that's perfect for you, vary your routine every morning, that way it will be more enjoyable.
2. Not having any time for myself.
Work, phone calls, plans with friends... It all fills up so fast that you lose track of it, and before you know it, you never spend any time alone anymore, which is quite sad.
So during lunchtime or any other free time you might have, excuse yourself from social engagements and do something for yourself. Sit in a nice cafe and treat yourself to a pastry with your coffee or just wander around town window-shopping. It will make you feel really good, and you'll go back to work feeling refreshed.
3. General exhaustion
This can come about in several ways, and it also manifests itself with various signs. Whether you worked late, had a few too many glasses of wine at dinner or just had a trying day, it can result in headaches, dark circles and many more unpleasant things.
A headache being the most common sign, it's always a good idea to have some Aspirin in your make-up bag, just in case. Just slip it in next to your lipstick and you'll be a little reassured, even if you don't end up using it.
Another way to combat this is the classic - coffee. Try having it different ways every morning for a week - for instance an espresso on Monday, a latte on Tuesday, a cappuccino on Wednesday, and so on - and see what's most effective for you.
Very important: establish a good routine for the morning. Whether or not you take a shower at this time of day, you should have a good beauty routine. Do this before you get dressed and before you have your coffee, because it's what usually takes the longest in the morning. You should also pick out the clothes you're going to wear the night before, that way you save a considerable amount of time. (Even if you change your mind, at least you'll know what not to wear!)
But remember: the best cure for these things is beauty sleep. I know it sounds cliché, but it works. You may not have the opportunity to get enough sleep during the week, but that's what weekends are for. Whether or not you go out on the town with friends (which is actually quite a good idea, as it releases you) allow yourself to sleep in. It really helps.
Extra tips:
-eat a lot of fruit and vegetables
-drink a lot of water
-drink orange juice before/after/with your coffee in the morning
-do stretches or some yoga in the evening when you get home
(It may sound like a health infomercial, but it makes you feel fantastic.)
There you are, ladies, I hope you'll forgive me for taking so long to write it.
I promise to be more regular in the future - once a week at the least!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Oxymoronic Hair
One would think that hair that is frizzy or puffy and hair that is straight and a little lifeless are two completely separate misfortunes. Normally, this is true, but after a new haircut all of the regular rules go out the window.
My previously described wavy bob looked gorgeous until the time came to wash it myself. At this time, I made the tragic mistake of letting it dry naturally. A cross between straight and frizzy sounds perfect, right? It brings to mind soft and flowing waves. Which is what my hair used to do when it was long. Now, when left to its own devices, my hair forms a sort of bizarre triangle: no volume on top, but the ends expand to an alarming volume.
The initial lesson is therefore: never leave your hair to its own devices immediately after a new cut!
Now, as for the solution, it is relatively simple.
For the kind of soft waves sported by the 1920s flappers, simply twist sections of your hair into little bunches while your hair is still wet and secure them with bobby pins. Let it dry naturally, then take take the pins out and voilà! It is even possible to sleep with this rather ridiculous looking hair-do on your head. (Preferably when you are home alone without the possibility of mockery from friends and family or that of extinguishing a flame with a current lover.)
Otherwise, go for a straight look. Whether you use a blow-dryer, metal straightener, or the basic tie-it-back-while-it's-wet method (which you should remember only works on the portion of your hair above the ponytail and may create strange creases - but hey, it works for some people) you should smooth a little hair-wax or anti-frizz solution on with your hands to soften and secure the effect.
Both of these methods work on long hair as well as short, but short hair is slightly more difficult to deal with and therefore requires them more often. (Again, admitting those few women who seem to wake up in the morning fully styled, and those who regularly attend a private hairdresser. If you are not one of these women, you probably dislike them. And with good reason, but who am I to judge the unjustly lucky?)
Good luck out there, ladies.
My previously described wavy bob looked gorgeous until the time came to wash it myself. At this time, I made the tragic mistake of letting it dry naturally. A cross between straight and frizzy sounds perfect, right? It brings to mind soft and flowing waves. Which is what my hair used to do when it was long. Now, when left to its own devices, my hair forms a sort of bizarre triangle: no volume on top, but the ends expand to an alarming volume.
The initial lesson is therefore: never leave your hair to its own devices immediately after a new cut!
Now, as for the solution, it is relatively simple.
For the kind of soft waves sported by the 1920s flappers, simply twist sections of your hair into little bunches while your hair is still wet and secure them with bobby pins. Let it dry naturally, then take take the pins out and voilà! It is even possible to sleep with this rather ridiculous looking hair-do on your head. (Preferably when you are home alone without the possibility of mockery from friends and family or that of extinguishing a flame with a current lover.)
Otherwise, go for a straight look. Whether you use a blow-dryer, metal straightener, or the basic tie-it-back-while-it's-wet method (which you should remember only works on the portion of your hair above the ponytail and may create strange creases - but hey, it works for some people) you should smooth a little hair-wax or anti-frizz solution on with your hands to soften and secure the effect.
Both of these methods work on long hair as well as short, but short hair is slightly more difficult to deal with and therefore requires them more often. (Again, admitting those few women who seem to wake up in the morning fully styled, and those who regularly attend a private hairdresser. If you are not one of these women, you probably dislike them. And with good reason, but who am I to judge the unjustly lucky?)
Good luck out there, ladies.
Friday, September 4, 2009
A response to some comments from the girls... and a little more for them to read
As far as hand washing is concerned, I have discovered the practicality of those little bottles of disinfecting lotion. Very handy and a lot more elegant than dashing off to the bathroom to wash the perfume off of your wrists with soap all the time!
A close friend of mine told me that haircuts are psychologically significant because they are good for your confidence and ability to do things because you feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. I would like to congratulate her for this insight as it made me feel even better about my new haircut than I already did. (And for those of you who are a little disappointed and have nothing to console yourselves with but the 'it will grow' philosophy, this might help you feel better.)
Also, big points to those who are stocking up on the tights/stockings. Embellished leg-wear is one of the bigger things of the new season. Very chic as well as original.
Though a pair of basic black suit-pants can go a long way (especially with a cute little jacket to match that you can fling over your shoulder with one finger) skirts and femininity are just as important.
Une autre chose:
Boots are très useful, and you will probably want to grab a couple of pairs fresh off of the shelves during September and October because (and this applies to clothes as well) the selection of sizes dwindles as November approaches. All kinds of boots are good: leather, rubber, ankle, knee, black, brown… Just today I found a pair of surprisingly chic black rubber boots that would make a very cute contrast to a slightly more dressy skirt but are also perfect for casual.
So remember that the most unexpected things can turn out to be fabulous and elegant, so try on whatever catches your eye, even if it isn’t precisely what you’re looking for.
But remember: though new things are delightful and considerably pick up our day, they are not all there is to life.
Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress. – Coco Chanel
Keeping it simple and not going over the top is important. And there is no shame in having non-authentic jewelry, as long as it’s nothing gaudy. A simple string of faux pearls (preferably good ones: what they call perles de couture) can be just the right touch. (I cannot take credit for this little inspiration: that must of course go to Chanel herself, for even after she had established her empire, she combined real jewelry with costume, not only in her designs but in her personal attire. So if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us. And to this day, pearls remain a very important characterizing feature of the Chanel line.)
A close friend of mine told me that haircuts are psychologically significant because they are good for your confidence and ability to do things because you feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. I would like to congratulate her for this insight as it made me feel even better about my new haircut than I already did. (And for those of you who are a little disappointed and have nothing to console yourselves with but the 'it will grow' philosophy, this might help you feel better.)
Also, big points to those who are stocking up on the tights/stockings. Embellished leg-wear is one of the bigger things of the new season. Very chic as well as original.
Though a pair of basic black suit-pants can go a long way (especially with a cute little jacket to match that you can fling over your shoulder with one finger) skirts and femininity are just as important.
Une autre chose:
Boots are très useful, and you will probably want to grab a couple of pairs fresh off of the shelves during September and October because (and this applies to clothes as well) the selection of sizes dwindles as November approaches. All kinds of boots are good: leather, rubber, ankle, knee, black, brown… Just today I found a pair of surprisingly chic black rubber boots that would make a very cute contrast to a slightly more dressy skirt but are also perfect for casual.
So remember that the most unexpected things can turn out to be fabulous and elegant, so try on whatever catches your eye, even if it isn’t precisely what you’re looking for.
But remember: though new things are delightful and considerably pick up our day, they are not all there is to life.
Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress. – Coco Chanel
Keeping it simple and not going over the top is important. And there is no shame in having non-authentic jewelry, as long as it’s nothing gaudy. A simple string of faux pearls (preferably good ones: what they call perles de couture) can be just the right touch. (I cannot take credit for this little inspiration: that must of course go to Chanel herself, for even after she had established her empire, she combined real jewelry with costume, not only in her designs but in her personal attire. So if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us. And to this day, pearls remain a very important characterizing feature of the Chanel line.)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Ready for Autumn
Seeing as my illness turned out to be nothing more than something-in-the-throat-itis that will go away in a few days (with the help of several different kinds of medication) I can finally get to the point and tell you all about getting ready for the new season and welcoming it with open arms.
First thing on the agenda: re-stock your medicine cabinet. Granted, you don't really have a need for pills and cough syrup during the summer, but if my unpleasant experience has taught me one thing it's that it always pays off to have medication handy. (Especially aspirin!)
Extension of this idea: keep some essentials in your makeup case at all times. Personally I always keep the small type of aspirin that you swallow, as well as some cough drops and Vitamin C tablets. My close friends have laughingly reffered to me as a walking pharmacy, but when they have a headache, period cramps (the bain of every woman's existance), a sore throat or a bad case of fatigue, they stop complaining and thank me for being so practical.
Second task: get an actual agenda. If you have an old, faithful Filofax, by all means hold onto it. If you don't, then I would strongly advise purchasing something of the like. It always helps to get organized and have all of your tasks and appointments listed in one place and in an order that you can easily decipher when you're in a hurry. Otherwise you'll end up scribbling phone numbers and places that you have to be on little bits of paper and leaving them all over your desk. Imagine the scenario of you sifting through piles of paper on your desk trying to find just one piece while you still haven't brushed your teeth or hair and are already ten minutes late for work. Not a pretty picture. (Trust me, I've been there.)
Now that you've been briefed on the pre-starting essentials, we can go into more detail.
Hair
You're going to want something practical for the fall, but it has to be sexy at the same time. (This is for reasons purely concerning self-confidence. Or mostly, anyway.)
If you want to bother to do your hair every morning, more power to you. But if you want something with less fuss, I would advise snipping off a good amount.
Personally, I opted for a wavy, '20s-style bob modeled after a cross between Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel and Marion Cotillard. I can only just pull it back (which is useful for the admittedly not-so-frequent trips to the gym) but it's short enough that I don't actually have to.
And if you dye your hair or are planning on dying it, darken it a little for an air of mystery as well as an appropriate look for the season to come.
Skin-care, Makeup, & Co.
We all know that daily and/or nightly moisturizer runs out. Well, the next time it does, take something a little thicker. Your skin needs protection against the cold wind that will soon arrive, and starting a little in advance is not a bad thing. One could call it precautionary measures.
And remember that the face is not the only part of the body that has skin in need of love and care. You should eventually start to apply cream all over your body before going to sleep, but this can wait until the weather actually begins to turn.
Also, you might want to get a very complete wax sometime this month. During the winter, you don't really need anything except for (most painfully and unfortunately) the bikini wax, as you can shave your lower legs and under-arms and your upper legs are not that important. And remember that waxing takes off several layers of dead skin cells, so it will remove a tan - therefore if you can escape for a last minute romp on the beach, you will be prepared and can get a tan after your wax so that it will stay longer.
As far as makeup is concerned, I know that it's considered acceptable, if not mandatory, to skip the foundation and powder during the summer. I am personally not a fan of this tradition, even though it does provide a certain type of freedom.
But next time you're in the cosmetics store, buy some relatively covering powder. This makes the skin look smooth, giving a creamy-porcelain effect on lighter skin and lustrously rich effect on darker skin.
Otherwise, there is the matter of nail and toe-nail polish. The time for the deep red and other rich colors of polish on your fingernails is yet to come, but you can start applying these to your toes, and lighter colors to your fingers right about now.
Wardrobe
The theme of the new Fall Line is essentially back to the basics. The famous Style Chanel, meaning the classic black-and-white and the little suits, is de retour, and the eternal Burberry scarf prevails. In short, the essential colors of black, white and taupe are largely dominant.
I mentioned the 1920s before with regard to hair: the fashions from this time are also back. This is the most strongly pronounced with shoes: the relatively small-heeled leather pumps with a strap spanning the top of the foot is hugely popular, as are several other Models of Reminiscence (as I have personally nicknamed them).
But as far as practicality is concerned, I would suggest getting basic, thin coton shirts in a variety of colors somewhere reasonably priced like Petit Bateau, where you can find some with nice added details like buttons.
A cashmere sweater or two is also a staple for the coming season, as it's warm, flattering and flexible for different occasions.
For accessories, scarves are the most prominent piece for you now. Something resembling the classic Burberry I mentioned earlier is perfect for when the cold hits, but before that or for a slightly more dressy occasion, it's ideal to have a small variety of different-colored delicate silk scarves to choose from. These also help to protect your throat, an extremely sensitive area, from the danger of the elements and germs.
Handbags for during the day are being oversized quite a lot these days, which is very practical for all of the needs that a girl has. (Everyone knows that a woman's handbag is one of the sources of her power, and a larger one allows for more weapons.)
Finally, there is one key to maintaining the flair that comes with summer but should not have to leave with it: hang on to your sunglasses! I know that one is often tempted to use the space in your bag once occupied by a sunglasses case for a small, portable umbrella, but find a way to do both. That way when some rays of sun, however feeble, peek their way through the rainclouds, you can proudly whip out your sunglasses, fold up your umbrella, toss back your hair and waltz confidently through the rest of your day.
Remember: after the summer, tans fade, but attitude remains.
Also keep in mind more eternal words of Coco Chanel:
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
First thing on the agenda: re-stock your medicine cabinet. Granted, you don't really have a need for pills and cough syrup during the summer, but if my unpleasant experience has taught me one thing it's that it always pays off to have medication handy. (Especially aspirin!)
Extension of this idea: keep some essentials in your makeup case at all times. Personally I always keep the small type of aspirin that you swallow, as well as some cough drops and Vitamin C tablets. My close friends have laughingly reffered to me as a walking pharmacy, but when they have a headache, period cramps (the bain of every woman's existance), a sore throat or a bad case of fatigue, they stop complaining and thank me for being so practical.
Second task: get an actual agenda. If you have an old, faithful Filofax, by all means hold onto it. If you don't, then I would strongly advise purchasing something of the like. It always helps to get organized and have all of your tasks and appointments listed in one place and in an order that you can easily decipher when you're in a hurry. Otherwise you'll end up scribbling phone numbers and places that you have to be on little bits of paper and leaving them all over your desk. Imagine the scenario of you sifting through piles of paper on your desk trying to find just one piece while you still haven't brushed your teeth or hair and are already ten minutes late for work. Not a pretty picture. (Trust me, I've been there.)
Now that you've been briefed on the pre-starting essentials, we can go into more detail.
Hair
You're going to want something practical for the fall, but it has to be sexy at the same time. (This is for reasons purely concerning self-confidence. Or mostly, anyway.)
If you want to bother to do your hair every morning, more power to you. But if you want something with less fuss, I would advise snipping off a good amount.
Personally, I opted for a wavy, '20s-style bob modeled after a cross between Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel and Marion Cotillard. I can only just pull it back (which is useful for the admittedly not-so-frequent trips to the gym) but it's short enough that I don't actually have to.
And if you dye your hair or are planning on dying it, darken it a little for an air of mystery as well as an appropriate look for the season to come.
Skin-care, Makeup, & Co.
We all know that daily and/or nightly moisturizer runs out. Well, the next time it does, take something a little thicker. Your skin needs protection against the cold wind that will soon arrive, and starting a little in advance is not a bad thing. One could call it precautionary measures.
And remember that the face is not the only part of the body that has skin in need of love and care. You should eventually start to apply cream all over your body before going to sleep, but this can wait until the weather actually begins to turn.
Also, you might want to get a very complete wax sometime this month. During the winter, you don't really need anything except for (most painfully and unfortunately) the bikini wax, as you can shave your lower legs and under-arms and your upper legs are not that important. And remember that waxing takes off several layers of dead skin cells, so it will remove a tan - therefore if you can escape for a last minute romp on the beach, you will be prepared and can get a tan after your wax so that it will stay longer.
As far as makeup is concerned, I know that it's considered acceptable, if not mandatory, to skip the foundation and powder during the summer. I am personally not a fan of this tradition, even though it does provide a certain type of freedom.
But next time you're in the cosmetics store, buy some relatively covering powder. This makes the skin look smooth, giving a creamy-porcelain effect on lighter skin and lustrously rich effect on darker skin.
Otherwise, there is the matter of nail and toe-nail polish. The time for the deep red and other rich colors of polish on your fingernails is yet to come, but you can start applying these to your toes, and lighter colors to your fingers right about now.
Wardrobe
The theme of the new Fall Line is essentially back to the basics. The famous Style Chanel, meaning the classic black-and-white and the little suits, is de retour, and the eternal Burberry scarf prevails. In short, the essential colors of black, white and taupe are largely dominant.
I mentioned the 1920s before with regard to hair: the fashions from this time are also back. This is the most strongly pronounced with shoes: the relatively small-heeled leather pumps with a strap spanning the top of the foot is hugely popular, as are several other Models of Reminiscence (as I have personally nicknamed them).
But as far as practicality is concerned, I would suggest getting basic, thin coton shirts in a variety of colors somewhere reasonably priced like Petit Bateau, where you can find some with nice added details like buttons.
A cashmere sweater or two is also a staple for the coming season, as it's warm, flattering and flexible for different occasions.
For accessories, scarves are the most prominent piece for you now. Something resembling the classic Burberry I mentioned earlier is perfect for when the cold hits, but before that or for a slightly more dressy occasion, it's ideal to have a small variety of different-colored delicate silk scarves to choose from. These also help to protect your throat, an extremely sensitive area, from the danger of the elements and germs.
Handbags for during the day are being oversized quite a lot these days, which is very practical for all of the needs that a girl has. (Everyone knows that a woman's handbag is one of the sources of her power, and a larger one allows for more weapons.)
Finally, there is one key to maintaining the flair that comes with summer but should not have to leave with it: hang on to your sunglasses! I know that one is often tempted to use the space in your bag once occupied by a sunglasses case for a small, portable umbrella, but find a way to do both. That way when some rays of sun, however feeble, peek their way through the rainclouds, you can proudly whip out your sunglasses, fold up your umbrella, toss back your hair and waltz confidently through the rest of your day.
Remember: after the summer, tans fade, but attitude remains.
Also keep in mind more eternal words of Coco Chanel:
A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
Summer's Last Revenge
Bonjour, mes amies! I would like to start by saying Happy September to everyone.
The thing is, I thought that I would be writing my first article this month (quite literally on the 1st) by writing about holding onto your summer sunglasses, the fabulous fall collections and what to do with your hair for the new season. But no such luck, because it appears that God sent me a sign that I should do something a tad less superficial.
What is this sign, you might ask? Well, I started off the infamous flu season by getting sick first thing. Last night (still in the final hours of August) I started to develop a sore throat. Nothing much was my naive thought.
Then this morning I woke up at 5h30 with a burning fever and an even worse pain in my throat. Naturally I panicked a little. With all of the unpleasantness about Flu going around the globe, it's only natural to feel unnerved when you stick a thermometer in your mouth and see the degrees shooting upwards.
So before I give my usual tips about living chic, I would like to remind you that in order to be perfectly elegant one should preferably be in good health. A runny nose is NOT a good accessory.
I will therefore tell you what do do in case of emergency middle-of-the-night illnesses like the one I just suffered through.
For a cough/sore throat
Urgence, urgence: you go to your medicine cabinet and there is no throat medicine whatsoever. No cough syrup, no lozenges, nada. What to do?
Well, we all have water in our house. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a teacup and then fill it up with boiling water. Add several large teaspoons of honey and voila. I admit, the taste is a bit strong, but you should alternate sips of this with water. (Do not by any means make the mistake of drinking ice water. Room temperature is best, even if you find it as unsatisfying as I do. Sacrifices must be made for the sake of health! Ah, but I feel a little like a hypocrite saying this. Sorry about that!)
For a fever
Say you wake up in the night and you feel strange and shivery, yet when you put a hand to your face, your skin feels hot. The first thing to do is of course to run for the thermometer. If it shows a number above normal, resist the urge to crawl under several blankets. This will make things worse.
A cold shower is a little brutal, not to mention risky if you're feeling dizzy (you don't want to slip and hit your head and lie there alone until your cleaning lady lets herself in near the end of the month!) but what I'm about to propose is also very unappealing. Lose the blanket - and the pajamas. Trust me, modesty is no question here. Your skin will scream in protest, you'll feel like you're going to freeze, but better to freeze in your own bed and of your own accord than in the hospital on the cute doctor's orders. (This can be extremely embarrassing, especially if he really is cute and ends up thinking that you are stupid.)
If you have some at hand (as you always should), take a couple of aspirin. Then get a bowl of ice-water (yes, I know, but try not to feel too horrified) and soak a washcloth in it. Wring out the washcloth and place it over your forehead and eyes for a while, turning it from time to time. Rinse it and repeat with the rest of your body. You will eventually fall asleep and then hopefully wake up with your fever gone. (But be sure to check before burrowing under your duvet again.)
(By the way, I applied this technique this morning and it worked perfectly. My throat is still sore and my nose is a little runny, but I feel much better.)
Taking advantage of the disadvantage
Nobody actually likes being sick. Some people say that they don't mind it, but that's only because people tend to wait on you and give you special treatment.
If you're feeling awful, then there are three things that you can do:
1. wallow in it - this actually makes the symptoms worse, believe me
2. ardently deny it and insist that you are fine - this makes you look absolutely ridiculous
3. milk it - whether it's playing hooky from work or asking people to do things for you
The answer is obviously 3. This can actually be fun, though stop when people start incessantly asking you if you're okay, and never go overboard with a pathetic act. (At least have the decency to put on proper clothes, makeup and perfume! Then say "I don't feel quite well at the moment, but don't worry, it's nothing serious." The brave face coupled with the occasional cough, sneeze and nose-blowing works like a charm without making you seem weak.)
Avoiding illness
It's not the middle of July anymore, mes amies. It's time to start using slippers, unfortunately. (Though my saying this is somewhat hypocritical seeing as I never do, not even in December. I should probably take my own advice to avoid being sick so often during the colder days.)
Otherwise, make sure that your body is full of Vitamin C. This can come in your daily dose of orange juice in the morning (if you have time, make it fresh, it's delicious - but store-bought is fine, too) or in tablets from the pharmacy (either made to suck on or to disolve in water) or, even better, both. (This last one is my preferred route. I usually drink my juice in the morning and carry the tablets in my handbag during the day. They're extremely good for giving you energy.)
So there you go. I will of course be writing another article about the usual wonderful things such as fashion, but I think that I can save that until after my doctor's appointment. (Which I have to leave for in aproximately ten minutes.) Hey, you can never be too careful.
A last piece of wisdom from Mademoiselle Chanel:
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
The thing is, I thought that I would be writing my first article this month (quite literally on the 1st) by writing about holding onto your summer sunglasses, the fabulous fall collections and what to do with your hair for the new season. But no such luck, because it appears that God sent me a sign that I should do something a tad less superficial.
What is this sign, you might ask? Well, I started off the infamous flu season by getting sick first thing. Last night (still in the final hours of August) I started to develop a sore throat. Nothing much was my naive thought.
Then this morning I woke up at 5h30 with a burning fever and an even worse pain in my throat. Naturally I panicked a little. With all of the unpleasantness about Flu going around the globe, it's only natural to feel unnerved when you stick a thermometer in your mouth and see the degrees shooting upwards.
So before I give my usual tips about living chic, I would like to remind you that in order to be perfectly elegant one should preferably be in good health. A runny nose is NOT a good accessory.
I will therefore tell you what do do in case of emergency middle-of-the-night illnesses like the one I just suffered through.
For a cough/sore throat
Urgence, urgence: you go to your medicine cabinet and there is no throat medicine whatsoever. No cough syrup, no lozenges, nada. What to do?
Well, we all have water in our house. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a teacup and then fill it up with boiling water. Add several large teaspoons of honey and voila. I admit, the taste is a bit strong, but you should alternate sips of this with water. (Do not by any means make the mistake of drinking ice water. Room temperature is best, even if you find it as unsatisfying as I do. Sacrifices must be made for the sake of health! Ah, but I feel a little like a hypocrite saying this. Sorry about that!)
For a fever
Say you wake up in the night and you feel strange and shivery, yet when you put a hand to your face, your skin feels hot. The first thing to do is of course to run for the thermometer. If it shows a number above normal, resist the urge to crawl under several blankets. This will make things worse.
A cold shower is a little brutal, not to mention risky if you're feeling dizzy (you don't want to slip and hit your head and lie there alone until your cleaning lady lets herself in near the end of the month!) but what I'm about to propose is also very unappealing. Lose the blanket - and the pajamas. Trust me, modesty is no question here. Your skin will scream in protest, you'll feel like you're going to freeze, but better to freeze in your own bed and of your own accord than in the hospital on the cute doctor's orders. (This can be extremely embarrassing, especially if he really is cute and ends up thinking that you are stupid.)
If you have some at hand (as you always should), take a couple of aspirin. Then get a bowl of ice-water (yes, I know, but try not to feel too horrified) and soak a washcloth in it. Wring out the washcloth and place it over your forehead and eyes for a while, turning it from time to time. Rinse it and repeat with the rest of your body. You will eventually fall asleep and then hopefully wake up with your fever gone. (But be sure to check before burrowing under your duvet again.)
(By the way, I applied this technique this morning and it worked perfectly. My throat is still sore and my nose is a little runny, but I feel much better.)
Taking advantage of the disadvantage
Nobody actually likes being sick. Some people say that they don't mind it, but that's only because people tend to wait on you and give you special treatment.
If you're feeling awful, then there are three things that you can do:
1. wallow in it - this actually makes the symptoms worse, believe me
2. ardently deny it and insist that you are fine - this makes you look absolutely ridiculous
3. milk it - whether it's playing hooky from work or asking people to do things for you
The answer is obviously 3. This can actually be fun, though stop when people start incessantly asking you if you're okay, and never go overboard with a pathetic act. (At least have the decency to put on proper clothes, makeup and perfume! Then say "I don't feel quite well at the moment, but don't worry, it's nothing serious." The brave face coupled with the occasional cough, sneeze and nose-blowing works like a charm without making you seem weak.)
Avoiding illness
It's not the middle of July anymore, mes amies. It's time to start using slippers, unfortunately. (Though my saying this is somewhat hypocritical seeing as I never do, not even in December. I should probably take my own advice to avoid being sick so often during the colder days.)
Otherwise, make sure that your body is full of Vitamin C. This can come in your daily dose of orange juice in the morning (if you have time, make it fresh, it's delicious - but store-bought is fine, too) or in tablets from the pharmacy (either made to suck on or to disolve in water) or, even better, both. (This last one is my preferred route. I usually drink my juice in the morning and carry the tablets in my handbag during the day. They're extremely good for giving you energy.)
So there you go. I will of course be writing another article about the usual wonderful things such as fashion, but I think that I can save that until after my doctor's appointment. (Which I have to leave for in aproximately ten minutes.) Hey, you can never be too careful.
A last piece of wisdom from Mademoiselle Chanel:
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Escaping Reality
Escaping from reality is something that somehow coincides with the theme of the changing seasons.
The intermediate time when you're preparing for a new "working year" but still have the liberty to technically do what you want is a surreal period that can be extremely disorienting.
So it's good to get away - to escape from the surreal reality and whatever problems may be bothering you at this time.
Step 1: buy food one day in advance so that you won't have to venture out during your day of escape.
Step 2: when you wake up, unplug and/or turn off your phones. Pick a time when you're not expecting anything important, so that this won't be too problematic. Then lock your door and close the peephole. (Bear in mind that a do-not-disturb sign is going overboard.)
Step 3: regulate the temperature and atmosphere of your home so that it's perfect for you. For instance, if it's boiling hot and blindingly sunny, pull down all of the shades in your house. If it's rainy, light a few candles.
For the rest of the day: watch a movie or, even better, your favorite guilty pleasure TV show or soap, use a shoulder or foot massager if you have one, take a long bath with salts/bubbles/essential oils, cook yourself your favorite foods... In short, do all of your favorite things in the comfort of your home and completely rejuvenate yourself.
But this is the long version. If you're busy over the weekend or simply can't manage a day like this, there are easier ways of escaping from the world.
Quick Ideas:
-go to the cinema by yourself and try to find a seat far away from everyone else (other people bring in the outside world)
-take a long bath (whether it's in the morning, evening or even in the afternoon, closing the bathroom door on steam, candles and delicious smells and soaking in the warm water is an amazing feeling)
-sit down somewhere, either at home or in a restaurant somewhere and have a single (or double) glass of wine (whatever you feel like - white, red, rosé and especially champagne can work wonders for a headache, heartache or whatever else)
Remember: being by yourself and relaxing is some of the best medicine for any bad feeling that we might have.
The intermediate time when you're preparing for a new "working year" but still have the liberty to technically do what you want is a surreal period that can be extremely disorienting.
So it's good to get away - to escape from the surreal reality and whatever problems may be bothering you at this time.
Step 1: buy food one day in advance so that you won't have to venture out during your day of escape.
Step 2: when you wake up, unplug and/or turn off your phones. Pick a time when you're not expecting anything important, so that this won't be too problematic. Then lock your door and close the peephole. (Bear in mind that a do-not-disturb sign is going overboard.)
Step 3: regulate the temperature and atmosphere of your home so that it's perfect for you. For instance, if it's boiling hot and blindingly sunny, pull down all of the shades in your house. If it's rainy, light a few candles.
For the rest of the day: watch a movie or, even better, your favorite guilty pleasure TV show or soap, use a shoulder or foot massager if you have one, take a long bath with salts/bubbles/essential oils, cook yourself your favorite foods... In short, do all of your favorite things in the comfort of your home and completely rejuvenate yourself.
But this is the long version. If you're busy over the weekend or simply can't manage a day like this, there are easier ways of escaping from the world.
Quick Ideas:
-go to the cinema by yourself and try to find a seat far away from everyone else (other people bring in the outside world)
-take a long bath (whether it's in the morning, evening or even in the afternoon, closing the bathroom door on steam, candles and delicious smells and soaking in the warm water is an amazing feeling)
-sit down somewhere, either at home or in a restaurant somewhere and have a single (or double) glass of wine (whatever you feel like - white, red, rosé and especially champagne can work wonders for a headache, heartache or whatever else)
Remember: being by yourself and relaxing is some of the best medicine for any bad feeling that we might have.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Enjoying the last of the Summer
One must love summer - it's practically inevitable. The sun, the chance to go on vacation and all the rest make it one of the best times of the year.
But (sadly) this summer is drawing to a close with only a few days left in August and the famous September issue of Vogue already on the shelves.
We should not despair - welcoming Fall is all very well, but we can save that for next week and the week after. Now is the time for taking full advantage of what delightful days of hazy heat are left to us.
Some of us don't have the funds or the time to go to the beach one last time. It's a shame, but that is what they made pools for. Or if you're a little too lazy to find a good one (I've been there many times so I understand) lie on your couch in a bathing suit and spray yourself with water. Maybe you won't get a tan this way, but it really cools you down.
Add a magazine, a face mask and a fruit smoothie fresh from the mixer with some ice cubes and you have your own little spa.
Speaking of cooling down, you should remember that summer drinks are not what you're going to want when the weather gets colder. Perrier on ice may be eternal, but cocktails like Frozen Margaritas and Mojitos simply don't work in December. Besides, in the winter, it's considered lacking in taste to drink at all hours of the day, whereas in summer you can let go and do pretty much whatever you want.
The thing is, people don't judge you during this season as much as during others. Hence the summer flings and other similar occupations. It's widely believed that the heat and the humidity effect your head as well as your hair, so even though I don't personally believe this theory, I take advantage of it as much as I can!
A last unfortunate comment: autumn may officially start on the 21st of September, but work and obligations that are synonymous with that season start on the 1st.
Enjoy your last days of summer to the fullest.
Remember: they're all you have until next year!
(Again - we can all worry about facing the fall next week, though it isn't as hard as you might think.)
But (sadly) this summer is drawing to a close with only a few days left in August and the famous September issue of Vogue already on the shelves.
We should not despair - welcoming Fall is all very well, but we can save that for next week and the week after. Now is the time for taking full advantage of what delightful days of hazy heat are left to us.
Some of us don't have the funds or the time to go to the beach one last time. It's a shame, but that is what they made pools for. Or if you're a little too lazy to find a good one (I've been there many times so I understand) lie on your couch in a bathing suit and spray yourself with water. Maybe you won't get a tan this way, but it really cools you down.
Add a magazine, a face mask and a fruit smoothie fresh from the mixer with some ice cubes and you have your own little spa.
Speaking of cooling down, you should remember that summer drinks are not what you're going to want when the weather gets colder. Perrier on ice may be eternal, but cocktails like Frozen Margaritas and Mojitos simply don't work in December. Besides, in the winter, it's considered lacking in taste to drink at all hours of the day, whereas in summer you can let go and do pretty much whatever you want.
The thing is, people don't judge you during this season as much as during others. Hence the summer flings and other similar occupations. It's widely believed that the heat and the humidity effect your head as well as your hair, so even though I don't personally believe this theory, I take advantage of it as much as I can!
A last unfortunate comment: autumn may officially start on the 21st of September, but work and obligations that are synonymous with that season start on the 1st.
Enjoy your last days of summer to the fullest.
Remember: they're all you have until next year!
(Again - we can all worry about facing the fall next week, though it isn't as hard as you might think.)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Dropping those extra pounds
I am not going to give one of those lectures on how everybody is perfect the way they are and beautiful in their own way, etc. etc. etc.
This would be something close to a lie, as well as misleading to those who wish to lose some weight.
The most important thing is not how other people look at you (as I'm sure you've already heard) but how you look at yourself. And let's face it (time for honesty) every woman feels better about herself if she looks nice and slim. (I am not obsessive, I'm just telling the truth based on both personal experience and what a lot of women have told me.)
But crash-dieting as a result of low self esteem can easily end in disaster. You'll probably give in and eat more than usual after a few days.
What you have to do is learn how to avoid doing this by finding other solutions.
Exercise
So if you want to get drastic about it, don't compulsively starve yourself. The intense desire for immediate results can inspire you, of course, but take it out in a different way: intensely exercise. Spend as much time as you can at the gym, going for a run, or even doing crunches on your bedroom floor. The feeling of satisfaction is much better than what being hungry brings.
Food
And as far as nutrition is concerned, the most important thing to remember is no snacking between meals! This is the way to put on the pounds. If you feel you must chew something, go with gum. It's satisfying and tides you over until the next meal. Or at least replace the junk-food with dried fruit: it's healthy as well as satisfying. Also, replace your usual snacks with fluids: they fill you up much faster and if you drink the right ones, the calories are minimal or non-existent. (See below.)
Eating can also be a result of boredom. If you keep yourself occupied during your free time instead of sitting in front of the TV (which automatically creates the desire for potato chips or something of the like). If you're busy enough or happy enough, you won't even think about food until you look at the clock and realize that it's time for a meal.
If you feel like your system is clogged with junk food and you absolutely have to ingest less in order to get it out, you can occasionally replace breakfast with a fruit salad, and have a salad with embellishing such as cheese, eggs and ham for lunch. If you're looking for fast results, eat one very complete meal in the day and two much lighter ones.
Fish is also a component for balancing out your diet. Replace the pork medallions and cream sauce of dinner with some nice salmon and lemon juice. Besides being unbelievably healthy, things like this are very low on calories.
While on the topic of fish, I feel inclined to mention sushi. This can be particular and not to the taste of many people, but if you like it and are trying to lose weight, eat it for lunch or dinner as often as possible.
Otherwise, the immortal yet tormenting solution: skip dessert. Yes, ladies, I know it's tragic, and when you've achieved your goal you can go back to having something small yet satisfying once a day, but until then it would be advisable to let it alone for a while. (I'm truly sorry to have to say it, but it's true.)
Finally, back to the basics: lots of fruit and vegetables, whatever else you may be eating. (I don't think that I need to say more than that on the subject - enough people have preached the virtues of these fresh foods and it's enough to say that I completely agree with them.)
Fluids
A little more of getting back to the basics: water, water and more water. Under normal circumstances, you should drink about 1.5 to 2 liters per day. If you're trying to drop some weight, 2.5 to 3 would be more advisable.
Otherwise, fruit juices are useful if you feel like something sweet. This, coupled with fruit itself, makes a temporary substitute for desert. And don't hesitate to amuse yourself with mixes and cocktails: make yourself a spritzer with some Perrier once in a while.
But while I'm on the topic of alcohol, I have to remind you that it does contain its own calories, so keep it in moderation.
Finally, green tea is wonderfully slimming. This does not have to be kept in moderation, so drink it as often as you can. It's very healthy and good for your system, so it's impossible to over-dose. (Black tea is also nice to drink during the day if you feel that coffee is too strong and would make you hyper - either is also a nice substitute for snacking between meals.)
Now, I apologize for saying such horrible things as 'skip dessert' and 'keep alcohol in moderation' as I know that these two things can be essential to a woman's survival. Remember, though, that I have not said anything about coffee: you do not have to abandon this, it does nothing wrong. (I can practically hear the sigh of relief.)
But just remember that dramatic arrangements such as these are only temporary. (A week or two of a slight diet that combines some of the ideas that I have listed is all that I recommend, otherwise just alternate between them.)
Dealing with stress
We all have stress in our lives, whether it comes from an over-booked schedule or more serious life problems.
Living in Europe, I have observed and adopted a remarkable attitude towards the world that drastically diminishes stress.
This attitude consists of a casual waving away of complaints and worries.
In general, avoid things that are likely to create stress and a bad feeling. This will reduce the necessity of having to deal with these things.
However, when you do find yourself in a pressured situation, go at it with a cool, calm and collected demeanor.
Most importantly, do not treat the problem as if it is too serious, which blows it out of proportion.
Living in France, I have come to realize the key to their success at maintaining such a marvelously je m'en fou outlook on their problems.
At the heart of it is their many vacations and week-end breaks.
Though in most countries, the two-week vacations in October, December, February and April, not the mention the long summers and countless jours ferriées, do not exist, but weekends are something quite universal. There is therefore no reason that, should you need to get away from the harsh reality of your problems, you shouldn't get in your car or onto a train, plane or boat to go somewhere for a couple of days. (I highly recommend a spa somewhere in the country or near the sea.)
Don't shy away from escaping just because of some ideas regarding the so-called work-ethic. That is too much of a cliché to be observed.
If you don't have time to take a whole weekend (though it is always a good idea to make time, as your sanity can sometimes depend upon it!) just devote an afternoon to doing things that you love, whether it be cooking, gardening or shopping.
Another ideal solution would be to get a massage or a facial, but this is both expensive and time-consuming, so don't try to fit it in if you can't quite swing it.
Remember: even an evening of having a long bath, watching a nice movie or giving yourself a pedicure can be tremendously helpful.
Dealing with your problems under stress is something that can drive you to rash actions and an unpleasantly panicked feeling.
Whatever you do as a solution to your stress will help you come back ready to tackle the problem more quickly, easily and efficiently.
Dressing for unspecified occasions
Yesterday, some friends of mine called me to announce that they were done with their golf tournament and would like me to join them for dinner at the club.
After agreeing to go, I realized that I had no idea what kind of dinner it would be. Did they mean Country Club, in which case I would be expected to wear pearls and a sweater set? Or would it be a dressy affair to celebrate the winners of the tournament? Or would there even be continued games, in which case the golf course would be flooded with fluorescent light and I would need comfortable shoes?
This is the kind of situation that arises quite often in summer social life.
So what I remembered was the line from Lauren Weisberger's The Devil Wears Prada: 'It is better to be under-dressed chicly than to be over-dressed.'
With this in mind, I opted for some semi-dressy brown satin capri pants, a cream-colored long-sleeved shirt with blue lining and an adaptable decoltée and shiny black leather flats.
My touch of brilliance (if I do say so myself) was manipulating the accessories and details that are usually considered minor, which is the best thing to do under the circumstances.
The key to success: put on a flexible outfit that can be suited to many occasions (I would discourage jeans and other denim clothes as well as shorts in most circumstances) then have in-case-of-emergency essentials in your bag.
The details can be expertly manipulated to transform your outfit from casually chic to soirée.
Jewelry: earrings are one of the most noticeable pieces that you can put on. For an unspecified occasion such as the one I mentioned, put on a pair of ostentatious and fancy ones (for example, I wore dangly platinum and sapphires) then remove them and slip them into an inside pocket of your bag if the event turns out to be casual. The same can be done with necklaces and even bracelets or rings. (You can have a small zip case with some options in your bag if jewelry is an important part of your dressing ritual.)
Hair: do not adopt a complicated and intricate style. Rather, have some nice berets in your bag or sweep your hair into a simple bun before leaving your house. Hair down can be used for any occasion, but if your outfit is casual, some styling can really class it up. I would also suggest keeping an elastic in your bag: if the event is extremely casual, and over-dressed outfit can be offset by a ponytail. (Personally, I opted for the bun.)
Makeup: arrive at the event with your usual amount of daytime makeup, but keep a couple of options in your bag. Dark red lipstick, dramatic mascara and dark eye-shadow are the essentials for a fancy outfit, and can be easily applied during a quick dash to the ladies' upon arrival. If this is not necessary, it saves you a trip, but if it is, you will be highly grateful that you brought the supplies with you.
Perfume: apply a small spritz of something nice before you leave, just as you do during the day. (As Coco Chanel's rather exaggerated opinion states, 'a woman who does not wear perfume has no future.') However, keep a small bottle or sample of a more va-va-va-voom scent in your bag for extra evening-wear in case you need it. Or simply have two samples in your bag - one light and one heavy, and apply the appropriate one upon arrival. (Yes, that's why you always save the millions of samples from the perfume store that you think you'll never use.)
Eye-wear: if the event is in the afternoon or early evening, keep sunglasses handy. The more formal the evening, the more likely it is to be held inside, so it is possible that you won't need to use them, but if it turns out to be something more laid-back outside, you'll be glad to have them. And if you wear eyeglasses and own contact lenses, have both handy in your bag. Arrive wearing the glasses, then go to the ladies' and switch for the contacts if it's a little more formal.
Hats: not advisable. A hat cannot be slipped into an elegant bag, and they create the infamous hat-hair. Hats are best used for specific occasions such as classy beach or garden parties.
Shoes: opt for something comfortable yet elegant and sophisticated. If you usually wear heels during the day, it may be all right to keep them on, but if you do not, you will look as if you're trying too hard should the occasion be very casual. Wear shoes that you feel confident in.
The bag itself: if your daytime one is purely sporty or something of the like, go with something a little nicer. A relatively small one that can fit anything you need (including some money!) and can be mistaken for over-dressed-daytime is perfect. Avoid sparkles and such at all costs, and do not bring a tiny clutch if you are not sure how dressed-up the evening will be. Remember, you can always deposit your bag in a corner so that nobody has to see it until you are leaving if the occasion is more formal than expected. (I myself opted for something involving black leather and blue-and-white fabric with a delicate design that I often use during the day.)
These deceptively simple tips can be essential for your success at an evening. Anything else of the like can be extensively helpful as well, so do anything you can think of.
The important thing is to go with your instincts and to be appropriate to the season. (I admit that the brown pants were a little more Fall Line than Summer, but I offset that with a great deal of blue-and-white, the defining characteristic of this season.)
Keep in mind: the alterations to your outfit require quick thinking and fast action. If you can get a glimpse of the other people and interpret how they are dressed before they spot you, it would be best. That way, you can dash off to the ladies' without anyone noticing and emerge appropriate to the event and ready to be exclaimed over for your impeccable taste.
In case of extreme formality when your dress-up emergencies are not sufficient: simply apologize for your attire and explain that you weren't quite sure how to dress for the event. Then be extra charming and sophisticated to make up for it. However, when talking to other people about this, do not blame your acquaintances. It's tacky and low-class. (But in such an event, you are perfectly within your rights to lecture them once you are alone.)
By the way, my event turned out to be much more casual than I expected, something more of an outside buffet with a band than an indoor sit-down dinner with a string quartet. (Though if it would have been that formal, I sincerely hope that my friends would have told me beforehand!) So I slipped the earrings into my bag, put on my sunglasses, pulled my hair out of the bun and into a ponytail and closed one more button on my shirt for discretion.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Insomnia
Quite often (especially tonight) I find that I have a particularly annoying case of insomnia. This is something that I can't stand, and the frequency of this problem has made me come up with a method that sometimes helps, and is good for self-confidence and a positive feeling before drifting into the subconscious.
Now, when you're lying in the dark trying to fall asleep, you're in a sort of twilight area between waking and sleeping. This releases inhibitions and makes dreams seem closer to reality. (This state is also present in the minute or so when you're just waking up, but we are often in a hurry in the morning, in which case no use can be extracted from this pleasant frame of mind.)
Getting to the point: find the most comfortable position possible and imagine the most unreasonable thing that you want to have more than anything else. (For instance your own island or a particular person.) Then imagine a situation in which the object (or whatever it happens to be) is present, and imagine what you are doing, as if you were watching yourself in a movie, or acting in the movie. (For example imagine yourself flying an airplane or whatever you want to do that seems too outrageous in waking hours.)
This should make you feel contented, and will perhaps even extend into your dreams and put you in a good mood when you wake up. A feeling of confidence and like you can do anything is best possible long-term result and will allow you to swan through your day calmly and elegantly as long as you keep your inner potential in mind.
Remember: missing half of the day is an unpleasant scenario in which you feel left out of the world.
Also: you should consider the classic issue of beauty sleep. (This is not a myth, so don't think that you can get around it with a delicious latte macchiato in the morning - though this does help a lot, it is not a substitute for sleep.)
Now, when you're lying in the dark trying to fall asleep, you're in a sort of twilight area between waking and sleeping. This releases inhibitions and makes dreams seem closer to reality. (This state is also present in the minute or so when you're just waking up, but we are often in a hurry in the morning, in which case no use can be extracted from this pleasant frame of mind.)
Getting to the point: find the most comfortable position possible and imagine the most unreasonable thing that you want to have more than anything else. (For instance your own island or a particular person.) Then imagine a situation in which the object (or whatever it happens to be) is present, and imagine what you are doing, as if you were watching yourself in a movie, or acting in the movie. (For example imagine yourself flying an airplane or whatever you want to do that seems too outrageous in waking hours.)
This should make you feel contented, and will perhaps even extend into your dreams and put you in a good mood when you wake up. A feeling of confidence and like you can do anything is best possible long-term result and will allow you to swan through your day calmly and elegantly as long as you keep your inner potential in mind.
Remember: missing half of the day is an unpleasant scenario in which you feel left out of the world.
Also: you should consider the classic issue of beauty sleep. (This is not a myth, so don't think that you can get around it with a delicious latte macchiato in the morning - though this does help a lot, it is not a substitute for sleep.)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Romance: possibly over-romanticized?
To be honest, we've all had the same romantic fantasy: to jet of to a five-star hotel on a tropical island or in a European city with somebody resembling George Clooney.
But let's face it, ladies: the chances of something like this actually happening are very slim. (Sorry, but somebody had to say it!)
The realization of this cruel fact is what makes a lot of women begin to behave desperately, which in turn further decreases their chances of landing a good one. (Yes, it is like fishing - I've never actually attempted the sport myself, but I think it's safe to say that it's a good comparison.)
The saddest thing is that these are, for the most part, fabulous women.
So keep in mind: avoid this behavior at all costs! (This tidbit is nothing new. Any magazine could tell you as much.)
Adopt a casual attitude when dealing with the whole process.
Make sure you remember these two things:
1. You are fine on your own. Independence is the best quality to have in life, in any situation.
2. Listen to the ever-wise Coco Chanel, who said: 'As long as you know that men are like children, you know everything!'
Stop waiting for It, and It will eventually come to you.
It will hit you when you least expect it.
(And pretending to stop will not work, so no cheating!)
Who knows? When you least expect it, you may end up in the most cliché and passionate romance you could ever imagine!
(And I don't mean just the little things, I mean possibly going as far as chance encounters, romantic locations and long-stemmed red roses.)
Incidentally, this is what happened to me - though a week or so will never qualify as more than a summer fling, it's still something.
Which brings me to my next point: do not be afraid of something sort-term. It may not be the ideal situation, but sometimes, it can be just right. To quote the song 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' would not be enough to explain this, but it's the essence of the idea. Us women deserve to indulge, whether it involves chocolate, a maxed-out credit card or a man. (Though never try to turn a fling into something more than it really is. This can end in a spectacular fiasco.)
Never forget: when dealing with a man, always keep the upper hand. When your head is lost, all is lost.
A final tip: do not wallow in your failures. Listen to the immortal song by Edith Piaf: 'Non, je ne regrette rien' (which translates as no, I do not regret anything).
But let's face it, ladies: the chances of something like this actually happening are very slim. (Sorry, but somebody had to say it!)
The realization of this cruel fact is what makes a lot of women begin to behave desperately, which in turn further decreases their chances of landing a good one. (Yes, it is like fishing - I've never actually attempted the sport myself, but I think it's safe to say that it's a good comparison.)
The saddest thing is that these are, for the most part, fabulous women.
So keep in mind: avoid this behavior at all costs! (This tidbit is nothing new. Any magazine could tell you as much.)
Adopt a casual attitude when dealing with the whole process.
Make sure you remember these two things:
1. You are fine on your own. Independence is the best quality to have in life, in any situation.
2. Listen to the ever-wise Coco Chanel, who said: 'As long as you know that men are like children, you know everything!'
Stop waiting for It, and It will eventually come to you.
It will hit you when you least expect it.
(And pretending to stop will not work, so no cheating!)
Who knows? When you least expect it, you may end up in the most cliché and passionate romance you could ever imagine!
(And I don't mean just the little things, I mean possibly going as far as chance encounters, romantic locations and long-stemmed red roses.)
Incidentally, this is what happened to me - though a week or so will never qualify as more than a summer fling, it's still something.
Which brings me to my next point: do not be afraid of something sort-term. It may not be the ideal situation, but sometimes, it can be just right. To quote the song 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' would not be enough to explain this, but it's the essence of the idea. Us women deserve to indulge, whether it involves chocolate, a maxed-out credit card or a man. (Though never try to turn a fling into something more than it really is. This can end in a spectacular fiasco.)
Never forget: when dealing with a man, always keep the upper hand. When your head is lost, all is lost.
A final tip: do not wallow in your failures. Listen to the immortal song by Edith Piaf: 'Non, je ne regrette rien' (which translates as no, I do not regret anything).
À la Française
To charm all of the service personnel while out...
Something that sometimes irritates me about France is the unnecessary chatter in stores and cafés that holds up the line.
However, this is actually a very pleasant part of French life. (As long as you're in the mood.)
The ability to easily charm any waiter/waitress in a restaurant is something that les français are experts at. Not only will this ensure you better service (we all know how irritating it can be to have to endure rude service if we're staying somewhere for any extended period of time) but it will give you a certain grace and charm in the eyes of the people around you. (This can never hurt.)
The technique is easy: simply be charming, chatty and pleasant.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
To pick up a day
Today, my best friend let me know that she wasn't feeling as good as she usually does, and asked for advice about how to fix it.
To be honest, I didn't really know what to say - it depends on where you are, who you're with and what's available to you.
Key to success: be resourceful. If you're on the beach, go swimming and show off your bathing suit while tanning. If you're in town, go to a café and order a nice, big latte. If you're in a hotel, look in the direction of the mini-bar (or downstairs bar). If you're at home, watch your favorite movie and/or take a bubble bath.
Indulgence: for extreme situations, let yourself spend money. Get a massage or a facial or something of the sort. Or give in to the basic female impulse and go shopping. (Do not, however, do something you'll regret. This will only make things worse later on, after the novelty wears off.)
Fail-safe: diamonds are, as we all know, a girl's best friend. But only one of two. The other is chocolate. Using chocolate as an anti-depressant may sound like a cliché, but here is a deviation from the usual: instead of stuffing an entire bar of supermarket chocolate in your mouth, go to nice shop that sells really good truffles and only buy a couple. (This is something that is nicely accompanied by champagne, if the opportunity arises.) However, if you can afford to buy diamonds every time you're a little down, by all means go ahead and do so! (Or take Marilyn Monroe's suggestion and find a millionaire to buy them for you.)
Music: turn off your phone, turn up the volume and dance it out. The adrenaline rush will make you feel happier. (Possibly something to do with endorphins or the like.) Do not let a sad/slow song come on, though - this will make things a lot worse.
Essential: talk to your friends. Spend some time with your girls, and I guarantee that you'll feel better. Even if it's one of those 'I want to be alone' things, just a text message, email or two-minute phone-call will be enough. 'I feel blue' (or something of the sort) always draws sympathy from your closest friends, and they'll be more than happy to offer reassurance (subtle or direct). And if you're exaggerating and being a drama-queen (for reasons period-related or otherwise) they will instantly knock some sense into you.
Do whatever you can to make yourself feel confident and beautiful.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Dealing with inelegance
I am currently visiting a small town filled with people who are decidedly unsophisticated. (With several exceptions, as always, bien sur.)
But how to deal with this dilemma?
I admit, the simple solution of donning my sunglasses when I go out just doesn't seem to suffice. So I simply take it up a notch: putting on my best things and throwing on some simple yet classy makeup.
To best differentiate yourself from a lack of elegance, you should apply the immortal principal of Mademoiselle Chanel: the art of beauty lies in simplicity. Black and white is always classic and classy, so it allows you to rise above the irritations and inferior entities of the world around you.
To sum up: black and white is the key to simple elegance. To deal with lack of sophistication, go back to the basics.
A modification: when it comes to makeup and/or accessories, add a little red to stand out from the rest of the ensemble.
Remember: do not be a snob, and do not be obvious about exhasperation. This is arrogant and pretentious. Be suble: maybe exhale a little just loudly enough to hear. (But do not roll your eyes and say alala in a stage whisper.)
the Essence of Living
There are always those days that are just la merde and you have to deal with people and situations that are somewhat beneath you.
So just put on big black sunglasses and deal with it...
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