LE CHIC MODE

WHAT TO EAT? KEEPING COOL Well the hot days of summer are back! Yesterday it hit a record high of 37.4C (98F approx) in the city. The extreme heat is not pleasant for most of us, though some people don't seem to mind it.   So yesterday I thought no way am I cooking anything! ITS to HOT! One thing one needs in such extreme heat is cool drinks , cool foods and a lot of ice! Here are some of my favourites for the those hot sweltering summer days. Let me know what you think or what is your favourite dish for the hot days. FOODS to COOL  YOU So first off I made fresh lemonade. The favourite drink for summer, or another choice is fruit punch made with sparkling water .  So a tall glass of lemonade  please. RASPBERRY LEMONDADE RECIPE via Once upon a Chef INGREDIENTS 1-3/4 cups   fresh squeezed lemon juice, from 8-12 lemons, strained 1/2 pound (8 oz.)   raspberries, plus more for serving 5 cups   water 1 cup   sugar Lemon wedges, for serving Fresh min

JAPANESE WONDER He was one of the more interesting fashion designer that brought the Japanese fashion to Europe. Yamamoto  the man that also designed outfits for David Bowie. Bowie it seems was wild for Japan and its culture.   I also have always had a fascination for Japanese design the simplicity of it, the peaceful feeling it gives a person .  The rituals and the kimonos that are so stunning. His designs were definitely not mainstream, more like artwork or theatre pieces. So when I read that the famous designer pasted away  , it be interesting to see more of his designs. Starting with Bowie , the famous looks some of us might remember. SAMURI INSPIRED BOWIE FASHION DESIGNS images via pinterest

UNIQUE DESIGNS & SUCCESS Right now there are so many crucial important matters that are making us all reflect on life. The Black lifes matter movement ,  climate change, and the pandemic. My goodness it really is a lot to comprehend .   Then there is good news, success stories and this one is really interesting and has to do with fashion.   I happened to read an article about one black woman from Africa who is a fashion designer from Rwanda. She always wanted to be a fashion designer that was her dream but she worked in film industry She  went to Germany to study film, took 2 suitcases filled with her designs and sold them all to the young Germans.  What a gutsy and super story. Her name is  Jocelyn Umutoniwase , she started her business after seeing her designs would sell .  A young women who was brave enough to believe in herself and her talent. This is the article all about her, how she began to design her fashions and how she started her business. I th

LOOKING AT....  A really fun and inspirational instagrammers , not your usual 20 , 30 years old but a senior Asian couple , its  really fun and interesting to see their style. The thing about their style is that they are using clothing that was left or forgotten at their business, their Laundry mat . What a interesting way to use the items. . plus they donate the items also. I think it is great that anyone, any age is sharing their  stylish looks. Such a cute couple! https://www.instagram.com/wantshowasyoung/ The news report that tells  their story. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53522480 MORE ABOUT THE FASHIONS ....  BOOHOO Another story I had read was about the fashion online store, Boohoo. Its been reported that people working for them in the UK factory are being paid less then minimum wage.  I have never bought anything for this outlet online but it really is a problem , the wages paid to people working in the fashion industry. https://www.bbc.com/news/

A FEW THINGS.... shopping , fashions, trips? Well it is nearly the end of July, like many places the news is all about the virus. It can get overwhelming for many. We have been through lockdown, but like some European countries things slowly started to open( carefully mind you).  Borders opened then closed, but still some are open. Meanwhile we have been taking it careful. I had been looking forward to a trip in the spring, that didn't happen. But sooner or later we might be  taking a short trip just  a nice change of scenery.   I thought I should get something different to wear just in case plus the sales are in full swing. A new dress suitable for summer holidays or wearing around town . SHIRRING... MY STYLE I am a big fan of polka dots , maxi and midi dresses for summer.  So my search for something  was worth it. I found my ideal dress - the style is very comfortable with long sleeves,  shirred top and open neckline. Its actually a very small floral pri

Looking out from inside The weather this week has been amazing , sunny, not to warm and just comfortable. There has been some rain off and on, but it is wonderful after. The air smells fresher , the birds are singing and it just makes me happy. So i was sitting looking out the window  kind of daydreaming and decided to take a photo. Nothing  awesome or amazing just the moment. Once the sun sets over the hills it can be like art, the colour that burst out - so amazing!  We also have been trying to catch a view of the comet, without any success. I also wanted to share a new and interesting site that is just about that, Windows and the views. Especially now when some of us are still self- isolating or in quarantine, its  one way to connect with  other people or places. To see life in another corner of the world. The site is called Window Swap. https://window-swap.com  Hope you enjoy the site and also I would love to see your views from you place on your blog or even in the

THE HOW TO'S OF The other day I had to do some laundry, the not so exciting thing but necessary. It is something we all do whether daily , weekly or monthly. The LAUNDRY! But now it is recommended not to wash your things to  often. WHY,  reason being it is better for the garment as it does not wear down the fibres, and also it prevents those microfibres from being released in the water , into the rivers and oceans. YES microfibres so minuscule that we can't even see them with our eyes  is something the clothes we wear creates and pollutes the water. Polyester and acrylic are 2 types of fabrics that are problematic. Even designer Stella McCarthey is saying , don't wash your clothes so often. Or the Levi jeans head say don't wash your jeans. Apparently he puts his pairs in the freezer. Okay, what is the best way to care for your clothing? Wash using liquid soaps,  not to overfill the machine with to many items,  gently wash.  Also to follow

THE BEST WAY TO MICRO YOUR FOOD Since the pandemic  , the fact we couldn't dine out or go to restaurants was not possible. Now we can with of course the proper requirements .  I suppose like most of us we have been cooking and baking a lot more the usual.  I will say, i am really tired of cooking. I wanted a break from it. So one option was the easy micro meals.  Some are pretty tasty and easy, plus it was to hot to cook last week. We had a few dinners that were fine, a pasta meat combo and a meatball puree potato one. both were tasty and quick.  It does remind me of airplane foods, just not on a plane. Just lately i read a report on using microwaves to prepare foods or vegetables. A very interesting study and informative . HOW TO HEAT YOUR MEALS IN MICRO Certains vegetables lose their nutrition when microwaved,  it also depends on the power level and amount of water , and time. Less water, less power level and less time  seems to be the answer . The container,

 A CAMPING WE WILL GO............. Do you like to go camping?? Well summer would not be summer without a camp trip of sorts. A quick trip to get into the  spirit of camping, right in the city. There are a few campsites within the city that are ideal for visitors or anyone who wants to have a bit of a break or try out their camp equipment before going on a bigger adventure. Also, it is a safe way to get kids use to the idea. The idea of camping so close is one way to explore another part of the city. There are 3 such places here - the Wien West, Wien SUD and Neue Donau locations. There are trailer spots and tenting places  at all of them. Whats really nice about these places there is easy access to sightseeing places, like the Schoenbrunn palace, the Donau insel and other places. There a full facilities for tenters, showers, kitchens ,  Wien west offers smaller room rentals too. ( the basics - bed, dining place, patio area. WIEN WEST   MINI SHOP / CAFE BUN

BICYCLING IN SUMMER When ever the summer comes  I find it a great time to head out on the bicycle , especially if by a lake. That is one of my most favourite things to do when on holidays.  The image is exactly how I would load up the bike to head to the beach. I even packed along a cooler bag with food to eat.  A day spent at the beach was the ultimate! So now I am thinking to do the same , but here in the city.  Since the pandemic cities have started to open up and some are planning  new things like more bicycle lanes in the congested cities.  Paris and London are just a few places that have started with it. Hurray cleaner air with less cars is a super idea.  There are many parts of the city with bicycle lanes, which for me  was a big surprise.   The idea being able to bike around the city without  to many cars in the way is ideal. I even have a bike map which is handy and  of course I bought a bike. Finding the right size bike

THE not so GREAT OUTDOORS How was your weekend ?  We are in the midst of some hot weather here and the best place to sit  is outside in the shade and cooler spot , no direct sun. But it never seems to fail the pesky pests come around. Those dreaded mosquitos !!!   I am always getting bite by them. So what to do  or somethings to help stop the bugs from bugging you . Its said not to wear any fragrances, so perfume colognes and even the scent of soap is an attraction. Another idea is to plant certain flowers that repel those pests.  So that sounds like a great idea. LAVENDER is a good start, not only does it repel pests it also smells divine and is useful for other things, like to hang in your clothes closet to deter pests . BASIL another super idea, if you like to have some herbs in your garden or containers,  its a great idea. Not only is it good to add to your salads , it too works to deter mosquitos. ROSEMARY another herb that works against pest c

Well June came and went , and July arrived with  temperatures above normal. ITs a HEATWAVE. So where , what to do and more importantly what to wear? I find i don't really feel like wearing anything to tight  prefer loose fitting  , comfortable, cool and light materials. Something light airy and a bit different  Now that some borders to other countries opened up  the idea of a trip is possible. So where ever you go here are some looks to try.  GRECIAN HOLIDAY LOOK this dress is just right for a hot day,  would be perfect for  a greek holiday.  Strolling along the walks , enjoying the  views and the beautiful scenery.  A great idea. zara zara enamel earrings SOMETHING COMFORTABLE  love the print and the fact it is a matching set.   Great for lounging in around the house or if holidaying on the riveria,  don't you think? Zara set Well we make the best of the summer for now. I hope we can all get ba