LE CHIC MODE

 Taking Care of You I am sure many women have experienced different types of pain or discomfort.  There are times you might think fr it’s nothing to worry about, but if it persists then it is time to get it checked.   A  recent study reports that women’s  health matters are less likely to be taken as seriously and it is thought by some in the medical profession as a psychological problem, not medical Lrelate.  How many times have you been told it is nothing to worry about or go home a take a painkiller  https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230414-the-search-for-an-objective-measure-of-pain I know of some women who later discovered their pain was much more serious and effected their life. I myself can relate to the problem.  If you or anyone you know is not well or has suffered with some undiagnosed illness , then persist to get get help and results!  Do not ignore the problem. .

Wh at is the first thing you do when spring arrives??? I think most of us are glad that finally spring is here. The longer days, warmer weather, not to mention the spring flowers . All things we enjoy.  I especially enjoy getting outside in the garden or going for a bike ride. Finally being able to clear away somethings outside which I find is great .  One thing I have been meaning to get are carrying baskets to mount on the bike. Something I really need to hold shopping 🛍️ r books . Inside Out  Something I enjoy at this time of year is to set out some spring flowers inside .  Bunchesxof tulips or daffodils. They  add so much to a space. Plus they brighten up a room.  Another nice idea is to add some decorative  touches. I never seem to have enough vases    I found these cute spring inspired ones  to set up on  table or the nightstand  Think it says ….. Sspring is here  Enjoy your springtime

 THE BIG SWEEP Yes , that is what the month of September has been  a sweep of getting rid of things, clutter, you name it , it was time to clear out things. I think the fact of  the lockdowns and being at home more only emphasized the fact things clutter had to go.  INSIDE, OUTSIDE Starting outside, I had saved so many plant containers that I thought would be handy to have. They have been sitting there for the last few years , not being used so time to get rid of them. Somebody else can use them for there plants . So was a giveaway.  Then our yard that was being prepared for installation of a small pool, well it became a bigger project then expected. Still decided if go smaller or original. (big headache) REFRESH ; laundry room AKA Bathroom Well its nice to have a laundry space, I find it adds a lot more clutter in the bathrooom. European bathrooms and toilets(W/C) are separate spaces. So its a bit like a half bathroom without a sink and the tub shower and sink ...

 TIME FOR A REFRESHER Its been awhile since we had our haircut,  manicures or pedicures. I am thinking its definitely time , I would love a nice spa day  and finally a haircut. Plus its time to refresh the makeup supplies. Something I haven't been using much during the Covid times.   Lets Make-up I admit I have gotten out of the habit to wearing much makeup,  especially when staying at home. Meanwhile I think it is time to get back into the habit of at least wearing some lipstick , perhaps some bronzer for colour . Basically it has been au-naturalle. Nowadays there is a big push towards organic or natural, and seeing so many products that use that word on the products made me wonder , how can we be sure that it is?  So  I found an interesting report on the ingredients  in the products we use  from shampoos to cosmetics. Especially the ones we should avoid.  The names of them are definitely not easy to say or remember,  but imp...

ALL SET TO PLAY Its tennis season, I am a big fan of tennis!  Are you a fan?   I usually never miss the games  especially the Wimbledon and French matches.     So when I saw the cute tennis outfit  I was delighted.  I like the look of  the smart skirt  and tops  The colours of soft pastels or basic navy and white.  A nice look to hit the  tennis courts...... even  for an  amateur . TENNIS STYLES    Skirts, tops, Vests, Sweaters or a Dress these pieces a ideal for a sporty look. A  classic look the pleated tennis skirt is so Stylish! All are available in different colours. HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER images HM

  🎉 CELEBRATION TIME🎈 L ast weekend we celebrated midsummer  which is a big event in the nordic countries. So of course why not celebrate it .  Its not something done  here,  but its a nice way to welcome the summer season. I thought after the last year of lockdowns we could use something to celebrate.  This tradition of midsummer is one I do like.   First you have to go picking wildflowers, for the table or a headpiece.  Set up a fire pit or barbecue for roasting,  and later to sit around and enjoy the night.  Of course there is alway plenty of food, and beer .  One simple treat to make  is a simple bread that is wrapped around a stick  or a hotdog/ frankfurter , then roasted over the open fire.   A simple snack. RECIPE 1 3/4 C white flour 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt  5 tbsp.   oil 1/2 C  water NOTE you can also use pizza dough , which ever is your preference. 

 WELL READ , WELL TRAVELLED & WELL DRESSED These words popped into my head the other day.... thinking about how some people are just that.  Someone you meet randomly and started a conversation with.  Its those few moments that you get a impression of what  that person is like.  Impressions ... how quickly the mind makes a mental note of the meeting.   Is there someone you know that strikes you like that? WELL READ Reading.. I love books to look at for inspiration, for letting my mind wonder and dream, or solve the story  Mysteries were one of my favourites. During the pandemic I thought i would look at reading some books that I might not normally read, so my idea was to start to read some of the books that were awarded the Nobel Peace prize. A good idea!  So to start the reading journey i started with love.(love in the time of Cholera)  and i am still reading it. Its a love story and one worth a read if you like romance. What books have y...

 THE HEAT IS ON..... what to make? Well this week has brought us summer temperatures and heat, will be over 30C for days.  Not what I like, but just have to make the best of it.  One thing that I have been looking at are some simple , easy recipes to try out. Something cool and easy to make. When the heat is on I usually make a favourite  cold cucumber soup and serve with cold cuts, slices of baguette  and fresh vegetables.  CHICKEN  SALAD with MANDARINES   this recipe I use to make ,(before moving here) its DELICIOUS and simple.   So when I found a recipe I thought I share it.  PS  I don't bother with the pears, the mandarines are enough ,  (it is slightly different to what i remember , the chicken was marinated in the dressing and then cooked.) 1/2  qt.  Kraft  Poppyseed Dressing  1  cups  Frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed  8  qt.  Romaine lettuce, torn into pieces...

HOME PROJECTS  Hi Everyone! By now many places have opened more things and we  have a sense of normalcy in our lives. Hope things are going well wherever you are. IDEAS for OUTSIDE The week flew by so, so fast, we or I have been buzy  working on a new project for outside. I mentioned it awhile back that our yard has a backyard  shower which is basic , nothing fancy but to open for my liking , also it lacks places to hang things . i.e. towels  etc.   So I was hoping to make a screened in area and place to install some hooks to hold things.  Like the idea of a slatted enclosure that allows air to circulate through it, also cedar is ideal as it does not rot. MORE FLOWERS I received some rose plants last month that were so lovely.b ut now they are totally finished which totally made me sad. I watered them when needed , set them in a sunny spot and still they withered up completely. Only thing I think  is the water is the issue. So for now I am ge...

 TRAVELLING AGAIN? Last weekend was a long weekend , so what to do? Well the weather was not so great, No plans for enjoying the outdoors.  Watched  some classic films with Audrey,  the Breakfast at Tiffany's, then her major film role the Roman Holiday film. First time I have seen it, so was amazing to see a young Audrey. She was only 24 years old  when she made it and she won the Oscars best actress award.   Which brings me to the  idea of Travel.  Rome , Venice or  Paris?   Lately its been reported the people are booking trips or taking trips to the sunny, warm places like Italy, Spain and Greece , now that many have been vaccinated. I prefer to wait till later before we travel anywhere.  Will be nice to just take some time and enjoy the city again,  For now  a staycation is a good idea. NATURE in CITY Well talking about the city, I came across an interest webpage with a live cam of nesting Falcons.  There is someth...

 ARE YOU READY..... This week was the start of the Eurovision Song contest ... a truly amazing event held every year  since the late 50s. It captured the continent at a time of a change in media and TV , and has been probably one of the best things : It showcases singers from most of the European countries. Some went on to big music stars later,  such as Celine Dion she sang for Belgium (though Canadian) , other big names of course were ABBA.  Then there was the metal band from Finland .  So the song contest is really an exciting thing to watch.  This week the semi finals were held, on  Saturday the finals.  Who will win is  a huge surprise.  I watched some of it, and my favourites didn't make it , but there will be more to watch.  MORE TO SEE I am getting excited to see the FRIENDS new show. Another thing to watch. A chance to see the group together again. I use to like to watch it and their relationships together, and no...

A GREEN THUMB? Hi everyone! Hope things are getting better  at  least. Well we are over the lockdown and soon some things will open ( restaurants, museums sport events) in the city. Meanwhile we are having some summertime temperatures that have brought the people outside more. So with the lovely weather  I started on more things  for the terrace area. First off some new plantings , and things we needed  HEAVELY SCENTS If you love flowers that give you a burst of colour and fragrant smell then I can suggest one plant that is heavenly for  your garden  or patio area. SWEET PEAS!  a n easy to grow climbing plant the grows to 1 - 2 meters high. and fills up the space with beautiful colours of pink, white, purple and red. They also attract butterflies  and they bloom from june to September. INSPIRATION IDE A for small areas  in pots NICE DIY IDEAS   Trellises  n NEVER ENOUGH ...... POTS I was looking for some bigger pots to pla...

  CYCLING ADVENTURE In one of my last posts I mentioned getting my bicycle ready for riding.  then i happened to find something i  was missing for my bike,    a few accessories  like  tire pump,  and the tools.  Found this handy set so will be all set for any flat tire issue....... i hope. SPRING THINGS A new set of dishes for outdoors  is just what we needed . like the soft pastel shades and the fact  don't need to worry if they break......... This set reminds me of spring and will add some colour to dining  al fresco.  Next will have to find a nice table covering to set them on.  Some print perhaps?   PLUS more......... LAVENDER! YES   I have an addiction for lavender!  L ast years plant is looking a bit straggly , so something GREEN with flowers is needed outside.  Somehow it never seems to grow back like this photo.  Any tips??? Have you planted lavender in your garden or on your balcony?

 EARTH DAY CELEBRATED It is  a wonderful way to give back something to the environment and earth. I am waiting to plant the flowers  but we did get something more for outside,  some berry bushes - blueberries and boysenberries .  Something we love are blueberries ,   a summer treat  so can't wait to  taste a juicy berry.  Dwarf Top 'Hat blueberries via amazon The other thing that needed tending was my compost project that i started a few months ago. So will be able to add the much needed compost to the pots.  Its amazing how well it worked with out any added cost. A BONUS.  Have you tried composting? PARTY Time to celebrate The last week was pretty busy as we celebrated family birthdays, (in lockdown again) so  nothing big planned. But this weekend  it is the Oscar awards something I look forward to every year. So will enjoy the weekend, see the winners and sip some bubbly.  Cheers! BON APPETIT SONGBIRD  SERENADE...