LE CHIC MODE

FESTIVITIES , FAMILY & FUN Well the holidays are over, the gifts opened, the food devoured and the company has gone, it will be nice to unwind, sit back and take a breathier.  And yet, it feels like a deflated ballon, a bit sad that it is suddenly over. The time flew by oh to quickly, just like 2019 . Now  this week we will all be celebrating 2020.  It is a big number somehow seems more special, like the turn 2000 and I am certain the city center will be overflowing with revellers this year. This year we will have a small house party , then later go see  some of the things. NEW YEARS PARTY IDEAS Starting with decor and party things. CANDLES  the number one thing that adds so much to a room when lite . The soft light is absolutely wonderful for any party. GARLAND galore again something so simple and not overly pricey. Hang it or lay it along the dining table with again some candles,  small tea lights wou...

HANG THE HOLLY, LIGHT THE LIGHTS Nothing I love more during the holiday season is getting out the decorationS , setting up the tree and all the other festive decorations during this time. (and of course there has to be  christmas music playing and some goodies).  I am sure its the same for many people at this time of year. Here are just a few of my favourites NUTCRACKER & FRIENDS A small space to decorate that is fun and whimsical.  Adore those nutcracker figures! SANTA & FRIENDS a fun delightful tree  filled with stuffed toys for the big KID in everyone.  NATURE INDOORS table decoration a traditional christmas wreath with  added moss and branches for a woody nature feel. WELL AS THE HOLIDAY FAST APPROACHES I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A PEACEFUL, HAPPY HOLIDAY! 🎄🎄🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS   🎁🎁🎁 🎅🎅

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT As we start to get excited and looking forward to holidays and the company , there are those that aren't having the best season.  They are perhaps alone , not able to celebrate due to lack of money, or have lost a family member. (thinking about those in London) . But there is always a good story to share about this time of year.  A feel good story is always special at this time of year. I came across a story about a man in Florida who decided to help 36 families whose heating bills were overdue and about to be turned off. To imagine someone not having heat to keep warm in winter is really unbelievable. For some it is a problem whether to buy food for their families or keep utilities .  Well this man paid their heating bill , what a great goodwill thing to do. So when we have a chance to help others it can be small  or big,  it can make a difference to a person or family. Whether it is a box of cookies, a drive to ...

GOING GLAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS The parties have started and there are those that like to dress up  and  those that like to be more casual. For myself I love to dress up , after all how often do you get to really spoil yourself? Finding a dress or outfit sometimes can be a big issue , but I must say there are plenty of fabulous dresses to find and surprisingly not to expense.   One doesn't to need to spend a lot to get a nice outfit Here are a few picks that won't kill your wallet .  GLAMOROUS VELVETS Velvet looks so luxurious, especially at this time of year. It is perfect to wear to really glam-up your party look.   The colors also are amazing,  the jewel tones that look so rich. Velvet pleated dress , a lovely dress for anytime.   The BLUE or the RED? maybe both. Simple Classic looks that will last for years. LE SUIT. for those that...

the HOLIDAY SPIRIT HO HO HO,  yes the holiday season is here. I know most people are super busy getting things done from decorating, baking or shopping, So to give you a bit of change perhaps a mini tour of Christmas markets-  in Europe are truly amazing in all the cities. Today I thought I would share some sights from the Christkindle markt. There are many more wonderful markets to see all around the city. It is one of the best ways to spent the holidays. Hope you enjoy too. 🎄🎅🎄 SCENES FROM THE CHRISTKINDLE MARKT  CITY HALL all alight - the TANNEBAUM. CHRISTMAS CHOIRS from all over world performing at the city hall - Rathaus. A wonderful evening and well worth seeing. THOSE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS COOKIES make your mouth water. WINTERY BOUGHS &  DECORATION great place for Christmas gifts, some unique handmade and traditional things.

WORRY , WORRY , WORRY. We all have someone on the Christmas list that we find   hard to find that perfect gift. Be it friends, family or a co- worker. I have always found it interesting what people give or get as gifts.  I have to say for myself, I have always received gifts that I liked , used or needed. Of course there were a few that needed to be exchanged for another size, but mostly it was perfect. Thinking back to gifts iI received from  my dear friends, they were always such great gifts and something I loved.  It was the thought and time that the person went to find a gift that was really  important and I felt so grateful for. So now that the holiday season is here, it is time to think what to get. I read a very inspiring article about the idea of getting that PERFECT gift.  Something that sometimes is not so easy to do. Mostly we hope to find a gift that the other person will like.  But it seems according to the article ...

FEELING STRESSED? Relax , take a deep breathe. Good advise I am sure, but I am sure many people feel like that, overstressed with the holidays. After all the Black Friday and CyberMonday sales  it can feel like one is missing out on the best stuff. Maybe so, but for me my idea is there are always sales and things to buy.  So I don't feel the pressure to go crazy or worry. Perhaps my mindset has changed over the years or the fact I am living in a different country now. Whatever it feels great to not feel that pressure and just enjoy the moments. This year I thought I go the DIY route and make some stocking stuffers to give and add on a few things .  After starting this little project I have to say it was SO relaxing and enjoyable. Even the kids would like to make them.  🎍🎅 HOLIDAY GIFTS DIY IDEAS 🎄🎅 First on my list are some room diffusers, they are so simple to make and smell lovely.  You can find several ideas online. My first attempt was t...

GUEST ROOM IDEAS Whether it is for the holidays or anytime, when we are expecting guests or company that are staying over, I really like to make them feel at home and comfortable. Of course it can be stressful for both, but once you and they are relaxed and comfortable then half the battle is over. Here are some ideas to make the guest room cozy and comfortable, it doesn't have to over the top but a few small things  can make a big difference GUEST ROOM MUST HAVES Firstly a good mattress is key, then the bedding. I like to have extra duvet covers available, as they are easy to wash up and also make the bed - less fuss the better. So DUVETS are great for anytime. PILLOWs are a another must have,  a fluffy pillow will make sleeping even better. Extra BLANKET or THROW just in case.   THE LITTLE EXTRAS EXTRA SLIPPERS & TOWEL these I like to place in a wicker basket ,  along with a bar of soap for personal use.  P...

THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER but DIFFERENT I have sometimes felt it be nice to wear something less dressy or formal for the holidays-   to try something different.  A more relaxed , comfortable but still something  special. Usually when I think of Christmas sweat shirts or sweaters visions  of the over the top  shirts come to mind,  reindeers or Santas.  They are fun but not my style. As I was browsing I found some great sweat tops that I would definitely wear over the holiday or any other time. They are classy, but versatile for other occasions or times Whether a informal office party, house party or get to together with friends, think these tops work well. The best thing they are not to expensive, look great and as I mentioned can be worn over and over  for other events or days. So whether you wear now or get it as a gift , makes for a nice change. A FEW CLASSY PEARLS this top i love , as it can be worn in ...

THE CHRISTMAS TREE..  THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. . A BEAUTIFUL FRESH CUT TREE IS REALLY SPECIAL, FIRST FOR THE SMELL - LIKE HAVING THE OUTDOORS IN  YOUR HOME. I CAN RECALL AS KID GOING OUT TO FIND THE SPECIAL TREE AND SETTING UP  WITH LIGHTS AND ICICLES WAS SO EXCITING. BUT MOM WAS NOT SO EXCITED AFTER THE NEEDLES CAME OFF AND LEFT A MESS OR THE CAT WOULD JUMP ON IT TO GRAB THE HANGING DECORATIONS .  YES SOME FUNNY MEMORIES. SO FINDING A TREE AND KEEPING IT FRESH AND BEAUTIFUL THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE CHALLENGE. BIG  OR SMALL  SUCH A WONDERFUL THING TO ENJOY OVER THE HOLIDAYS!! TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND  THE PERFECT FRESH TREE & LASTING LONGER- THE NEEDLES DO NOT BREAK IF BENT. UNDER THE BARK  IT SHOULD BE WHITE GREEN, NOT BROWNISH STORING THE TREE IS MOST IMPORTANT , KEEP IT COOL AND MOIST. STORE OUTSIDE TILL TIME TO SET UP. KEEP THE NETTING ON IT- THIS HELPS IT KEEP M...