Let’s just pretend those gloves are keeping my hands warm on some level 😂
Tag Archives: lifestyle
Childhood Obsession 👸 ➡️ Grown-Up Craze 👠
✨It’s✨Raining✨Glitter✨
Routine Sweet Routine
Coming back to the routine can be tough after an exciting and eventful vacation but I’ve learned through the years to appreciate returning to the order and predictability of my routine and particularly now that I have two kids, the routine’s structure makes it easier to manage them (as they inevitably get spoiled and lose good habits due to gifts and treats here and there by friends and relatives… one of my main concern was their eating and sleeping schedule which was, despite my best efforts, a bit chaotic during the vacation as I could not control relatives insisting to spend more time with them or giving them this or that treat!) The transition back though is inevitably though as you have to deal with the unpacking, cleaning and the very early morning run to the grocery store to get your daughter breakfast before her first day of school and then convincing her that she has to now go back to school! Ultimately however there’s a time when you feel that the wheels are in motion again, and precisely then you should look for a calm moment and take a small celebratory / reflective tea break! In any event I think that small daily rituals like a tea break make a hectic routine much more bearable so make sure to carve out some time for yourself on any day!
Afternoon Kastana 🔥🌰🌰🌰🌰🔥
Whether directly from a chimney, a street vendor or even the oven, roasted kastana (arabic & greek for chestnuts) are guaranteed to transport you to cosy land, bringing back fond memories of prior times you gathered around a chimney with family and friends and most importantly they will warm you up!
As I’ve already discussed in a previous post about nuts, chestnuts are also a great source of fiber which lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease. Kastana is a great option for an afternoon snack on a cold day and complements an afternoon tea very nicely.
While people often go for the marron glacé version during the holiday season, i’m not a fan from a nutrition perspective as they’re pumped with sugar (but I won’t deny that the marron glacé deserts can be quite delicious, so perhaps limit those unhealthy versions to very special occasions (e.g. over the holidays in a bûche de Noël / Yule log)). If you’re really looking to try a healthy variation from the classic roasted version, remember that chestnuts can be eaten raw – they will have a different texture (crunchier / harder) and the taste will be a bit stronger, but I find they make a great addition to a drink (warm or cold).
Of course, for the ultimate experience, you have to pop on this tune while you enjoy your kastana!
HOT💥 Couture Sneakers👏 🎓
Top Left: Dior; Top Right: Chanel; Bottom Left: Dolce & Gabbana; Bottom Right: Pierre Hardy (Sneakers with Detachable Fur)
It’s clear by now that luxury sneakers are here to stay… they’re getting better each season and all the big names are joining the game! While technically you may be able to wear some of them to the gym, you may want to save them to add some edge and comfort to an otherwise traditional glamor look. In choosing your OOTD involving haute sneakers, remember that they provide quite a strong contrast and statement by themselves, so you’ll need to be careful not to overload the rest of the look to keep the overall effect balanced and give them the spotlight they deserve. In addition to my picks above, I can’t wait to try on a pair of sneakers from the new colorful Mary Katrantzou x Adidas collection.
Go Nuts!
Nuts often get a bad rap for being high in calories but a handful of nuts is a fantastic crunchy and nutritious daily addition to your diet. Not only are they flavorful and filling but in fact, they make an excellent source of vegan protein and are high in fiber and other power nutrients such as phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3. It’s currently harvest season for walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts and pecan and they are at their peak in taste and nutritious value, so squirrel some away and enrich your meals and snacks!
Here’s what I found in my local market in Chelsea today:
Walnuts’ power: Omega-3 fats ⇒ lower LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides and blood pressure
Hazelnuts’ power: Vitamin E ⇒ antioxidant properties associated with a stronger immunity and healthier skin and eyes
Chestnuts’ power: Fiber ⇒ lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease
Pecans’ power: Antioxidants ⇒ help protect our cells from damages such as cancer
The best way to enjoy nuts is to munch on them raw or to dry-roast them lightly in a pan for 3 to 5 minutes (no burning as it takes away from their nutrition value). Stay away from salted and flavored varieties!
Nuts are also a delightful add-on in so many recipes but here are some basic add-on tips:
- Scrumptiously enjoy them in your breakfast by sprinkling some in your bowl of milk & cereal or cup of granola & yogurt
- Make your salads more filling by adding a handful of nuts
- Complement your steamed rice with some roasted or stir-fried nuts
So many ways to go nuts!
In-Season Basket
Inspired by my daughter’s drama on how cold it is these days…
…I just dropped in my basket all the key ingredients for a magical soup for tonight to ease our transition into Winter…
For a truly in-season basket, inside-out, you can pick up Chanel’s latest basket before heading to the grocery store! 😜
When in Dubai…
do as D&G do…
2Kids ➡️ 1Piece
Long shunned by a younger me as dated and dull, one-piece swimsuits have not only made a comeback in fashion generally but I have found myself naturally leaning towards them now that I have two kids to minimize perpetual wardrobe malfunctions. Thanks to the many original one-pieces these days (with retro looks being my favorite) you can still make your fashion beach splash while splashing in peace with your kids!
SilhouettEtiquette 