LE CHIC MODE

  MY PICKS FOR SPRING     Yes spring has arrived and we have some amazing warm temperatures the last week and this week.  I am ready to lose the loungewear and find some nice dresses to give me a lift. I think we can all use a lift somedays. A mood boost of sorts. I found some lovely dresses that make me dream of summer  and the holidays.  5 PERFECT SPRING DRESSES  THE SIMPLE SHIRT DRESS The perfect dress for working from home  You can't go wrong with this style of dress,  its simple practical look is perfect for a casual look . Pair it with runners, sandals, a nice wicker bag and you are ready to go. Love to wear  in the house.  TRES CHIC SUN DRESS definitely eye catching  The perfect little   Black Dress  to wear for a stroll in the beautiful gardens  or sitting at the outdoor cafes.   Love the  gathered flair skirt and the surprise sundress look.  THE HARD WORKING DRESSES Whether for gardening o...

  ODE TO SPRING  The first day of spring was a surprise with of all things snow ! It was snowy for a few days but this week has been welcoming summer like temperatures.  From one extreme to the next, snow to a heatwave. In the mornings we are greeted by one bird singing its heart out at 4 in the morning. For myself the week started not so wonderful as I was suffering from a major migraine. If anyone has experienced such a thing , let me tell you its makes one want to crawl into a cave, no lights, noises, no food, so bad it can get. Finally it subsided and I could get back to some routine.  SKATING the day away I use to love to see the ice skating competitions, and this week was surprise to see it live from Stockholm.  Love the ice dancing performances. Such talents and artistry on ice.  LIGHTS ; CAMERA , ACTION Well the new camera has been sitting on the shelf I haven't started to use it.  I have to find the manual for it and read up abo...

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS Lately I have been reading and watched some amazing movies that  are animal related.  If you love animals too, then these movies or books might be of interest.  What drew me to the type of films is because the films depict REAL WOMEN who were unique , strong and amazing. Like Karin Blixen whose life took her from Europe to Africa. Another is Diane Fossey   and her dedication to protect the gorillas and lastly the story of June Adamson and the lion Elsa.  There is something about all these women that I admired and thought what amazing lives they had. So brave and strong they were. But I also was drawn to their stories because I love animals. As a kid growing up I would sometimes find small injured animals and bring them home. One was a small baby robin, or frog and salamanders. I always wanted to be a Veterinarian  or working with animals.  So of course a good movie with animals and humans  caring for them is something I lik...

 LIVE , LOVE & LAUGH  Well I hope everyone is handling these chaotic times, extended lockdowns, vaccine issues etc,.My mind went to overload last week, hearing the news. I just had to turn the news and all the other negative things off. Enough is Enough. It was time for a change and just to take care o f what I have control over. The other things I can't change I thought , so what to do....... start painting.  CREATIVE THERAPY I love art, going to the galleries and museums  , looking at the fabulous works of art from the masters. I remember the first time I saw Rembrandts night watch in  Amsterdam, it was astonishing and magnificent! It takes your breathe away.   So I checked out some paint kits to try.  What a wonderful way to spend the day. Its like creative therapy.  I think much needed in these trying times  for kids and adults. Love this whimsical art.. that makes one dream of things. MORNING LAUGHS Once you start to watch thes...

THE CLASSIC TRENCH COAT The Trench coat, a almost iconic coat that has been worn by so many from actors in films to everyday people. Think of Bogie in Casablanca, or Deneuve .  Its a love affair and one can understand why.  1960s film umbrellas of Cherbourg latest look of Catherine Deneuve on magazine cover modelling St Laurent If you think about it the trench coat is a very versatile coat, wearing it with slacks, jeans or even a pair of jogging pants to   dresses. I have one that is vintage with a wool liner, the shade is not the best on me.  So finding a newer one was a option. I found a  nice one in a nice caramel shade, not to light or dark.  It is the classic double breasted with the belt , but without the shoulder epaulets which I like, a more streamline look. STYLE OPTIONS Going CASUAL : wearing with a simple striped shirt, jeans and ballet flats. or later with those jogging pants For a more dressier look a nice tweed dress or kn...

 NOWHERE LIKE HOME After we have spent so, so much time in lockdowns  our space can become a bit boring or uninteresting. I admit I am getting really tired of being stuck inside, staring at the same walls, but there is always something to look forward to, SPRING ! This is one of my favourite seasons, and a chance to be outside in the garden or planting something. This year i was thinking to grow a few herbs and vegetables, but I really don't seem to have a green thumb.  But I continue to preserve and hope for the best. One of the ways I like to get  into the spring mood i s with  some Spring branches ,  They really add some colour to a space, setting them up on the kitchen table or in the bedroom just makes one feel a bit more happy (at least for me) GO BIG ;  BIGGER IS BETTER   here are some decor ideas to inspire you . love this mix of branches and stones. Nature on display. A beautiful space with those fabulous blossoms can cheer anyone u...

  I admit I am not a fan of the gym-  I prefer to sweat alone. So since lockdown gyms have been closed and people are having to workout at home.  Personally I like to exercise at home , where I can stop in-between and get a drink, listen to the radio or whatever else.   Most of all i prefer to be outside, in nature.(not in the city)  One of my favourite things to do in the winter was XC skiing, or go hiking for fun. It really feels great being outside in the cooler , crisp air,  Its just more exhilarating for me at least.  I recently watched a clip just about that, how our bodies will burn more calories if we exercise  in colder temperatures. One thing mentioned is that body has 2 types of fat, white and brown. (didn't know that) The brown is the sort that burns more calories or fat on the body. The Report to watch: https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p097ylw3/is-exercising-in-the-cold-good-for-you- I can recall I always felt better doing physical...