LE CHIC MODE

 A SIMPLE COMPLIMENT  Its not everyday someone gives someone a compliment  which is rather a sad fact.   If I see a person that has a lovely haircut or is wearing something  nice like a perfume or outfit , I will tell them or ask them what fragrance they are wearing.  It is amazing how the person then starts to talk to you and also they have a happy smile. So it makes a persons day ! Something so simple as a nice compliment is something we all appreciate. Whether it is what we wear, something we made or have done.  Its also one way to brighten someones day and acknowledge  their efforts or achievements. This is especially important for children, as it gives them confidence and a feeling of achievement. Think back to your younger years for example in school, if you got a gold star or good mark on a project , how happy you felt.   Have you given or received a compliment lately? Here you can read some articles about compliments and effects, ...

TIME TO REFLECT  I had planned to write a post earlier, to start November in a cheery mood with things to get for gifts for Christmas, some decor ideas and other things. But this week was the most terrible week we have had to experience. Monday night our phones were binging notifications of shooting in the city. A TERROR ATTACK.   The week has been a roller coaster filled with so many emotions, great sadness, tears, anger. To imagine a beautiful warm evening out in the centre, people enjoying the evening before the lockdown and then running for their lives. The fear I can only imagine.  Something so unimaginable in this beautiful city. I could not believe it at firs t.  We read about these events happening in so many cities, not only Europe but around the world. It was dreadful, to hear the news and see how the city centre was filled with endless police and ambulances.  It makes me oh so sad to imagine what the families, friends are going through after such a th...

  Here we are in the middle of October already - hard to believe how quickly 2020 has gone , even with all the changes in our lifes.     This week and weekend has been so chilly and rainy, no point going anywhere. Just staying in and keeping warm. We actually had a slight cold  after the sudden temperature changes from 21C to 9C. So i enjoyed the time making soups and resting up, plus watching some movies.  Nothing like a good movie to past the time. MOVIES review Two movies I really enjoyed are French but can be in english.  The first one  is called La Melodie a  story about a class of students learning to play the violin, and the teacher who has no experience with kids, but is classically trained. The kids in the film were super, and the acting was believable. A very inspiring film and uplifting. Something we can use, especially during these times.  Definitely Worth to see!  Film for the whole family. The second film is also music rel...

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 plac...

Hi Everyone!  Bonjour mes amis. Guten Tag meine Freunde Hard to imagine it is already the middle of June, the summer season is here. This weekend was extremely hot (at least for me) over 30C .  Would have loved to be at the swimming pools or by the water, but that will have to wait for now or for at least a few weeks.  The city is slowly opening more and more things, this week more tourist attraction sights are opening. Restaurants the limited numbers and outdoor sitting has been open for a while now. We hope to go to one of our favourites places for dinner and to have a belated birthday.  But I am still feeling nervous about the virus and a pre-condition.  So making the best of things at home is great too.  A French inspired retreat I am obsessed with lavender flowers, having visited a most beautiful lavender garden here in the city, the fragrance was heavenly . So we just had to have lavender  on the terrace to enjoy.  Not...

TIME TO ...... think, reflect  This post is one i wanted to write for awhile,  but there are so many bloggers talking about the BLM . I felt people will be so overwhelmed with more and  more .  Its not a easy matter and its one that really needs to change DISCRIMINATION and the brutality of man. Sadly it has not changed much , and it makes me very sad to see people being mistreated, no matter what colour, race or gender.    The world has seen many terrible things  , and especially now with the Covid , it is even worse.  People losing jobs, stress and worries are high. Political leaders need to show guidance, compassion and say NO MORE.   When will people learn? I think it starts at home it needs to be shown and learnt in schools at a young  age. There are many afro americans that have made big changes in different ways. Desmond Tutti, Martin Luther King,  rights leaders,  Mandela and many others. I am not Ame...

ANOTHER WEEK to RELAX As most countries in Europe have started to slowly get back to some kind of normal, kids back to school, shops opening up  and sport events (Soccer fans are happy ). I am still leary of how people seem to ignore the social distancing or face mask requirements.  I am certainly not going to places that are overcrowded or be to close to people not yet.    ( unfortunately I am a high risk to get) I would caution to wait till a vaccine is available against it. But on a lighter note , there are things to enjoy that have opened and with limited access, reservations needed.  Vienna is known for its great Cafe culture , its part of the cities beauty  to sit in the grandiose cafes enjoy a delicious dessert and read the papers, thats what the cafes are known for. There are so many famous cafes in the city, the Landemann  near the City hall, Schwarzenberg near the fountain monument, the famous Sacher is a must...

DOING SOME THINGS  while in lockdown SELF CARE & DIYs A FEW small SEWING PROJECTS I will say it has been a chance these last weeks to get into finding new things to do or try. Last week it was a requirement that we have to wear masks when going to the grocery stores or pharmacy, also when taking public transport. So making  face masks was something to do , luckily I received as a gift a new sewing machine which I have used a few times.  This time it was for making face masks and some lavender sachets. simple things that make a difference! The lavender sachets are for the  lavender I have dried and can hang in the closet, it is such a divine fragrance. The smell is also helps to sleep if you are having trouble to sleep. It is such a soothing smell. I use to sew a lot before, things for kids, summer shorts and hats, baby quilts etc. Now getting back into sewing is a bit like therapy. It is enjoyable and passes the time for now.  It ...

The Vitamin D Factor The last few weeks have been so sunny and warm, unusually warm for April by us.  Being able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine is truly wonderful. I hope wherever you are  you can bask in the sun, open your windows and let the sun in  if you don't have a area outside or  balcony.  Yes, there is nothing like sunshine to brighten the day.   Also  the sun is so important for our bodies and mind.  Especially during these  unusual weeks and months, as we self isolate. I read recently a article about the benefits of vitamin D  and the lack of it, how it effects the body.  Things I didn't know like without some exposure to sun we can suffer from fatigue , sore muscles and even depression.   So what our bodies need is daily exposure to some sun, for short times. I have been opening the windows in my bedroom to let the sun in  and enjoy the early morning sunshine, it really lifts ones sp...

FALL OR AUTUMN ...   a beautiful season September the start of the fall. The season when the leaves start to turn golden or red,  the children are back to school and parents are busy bustling them off to school.... hmm .  Yes it is that time of year. There are so many things I want to start to do, for me September is like a new adventure, a chance to find or explore new things. Fashion wise or travels, a new craft or hobby perhaps. Somethings I want  to do ZUMBA. .. whats not to love about the idea of working up a sweat to the latin beats, its lively and looks like fun! So mmm perhaps i will check out a class for starters. Have you tried Zumba ? CRAFTING ... or DIY   something i also like to do more of. I have so many saved DIYs that its hard to figure out which one to start.  Though i did make some of those nifty heating packs, came in handy when i hurt my back. What are some of your DIY crafting projects? TRAVEL...

THE HEATWAVE HAS ARRIVED!!!! We had another long weekend here. It is always nice to have a break and be able to take a few small weekend trips or work on things around the home .... but  and this is one thing about the month of June over here- the temperatures.  Never would I have expected such HOT weather in Austria. I think more Arizona or Asia or Australia for hot places. Again the summer heatwave is hitting Europe. I never thought it be so bad, I can recall being out in 32 degree weather , but it was a drier heat . Over here it is sweltering and humid... a killer! The morning temperature of 28C  before 9 and humidity of 67% is NOT for me!! We were thinking to taking the  river cruise to Bratislava  a short trip of 75 minutes for weekend, but  the heat was to much to handle.  So instead we watched the French open tennis final; what an exciting game.  The young Austrian player Dominic Thiem is one to watch. He is now top 4 in ...

MAY oh MY..... It seems like the month of april went by so quickly and now its the first of May. A national holiday here and in other parts of world it is celebrated. April was superb , the weather was gorgeous, sunny and warm. And with the easter holiday, birthdays to celebrate and visitors it seemed to fly by - not to forget the GoT series couldn't miss that! I do enjoy the season and spring ,but it seems to always come and go to fast for my liking. Well after all the celebrations  I was feeling so tired. Plus I took some time off to prepare. (renovation or assembling new bookcases)  Now the place is what i would say a bit of a mess. The bedroom has some clothes piled on the bed (sweaters from winter) , books piled up, advertising flyers on kitchen counter, etc.... sorry sight to see. But I really am so tired I felt like  I ran a marathon.  Whether it was the excitement , stress or the spring changes, One thing I use to do when city life g...

NOT ONLY FASHION, A FRIENDLY CHAT Lately I have been stuck  as to what to write on the blog.  My mind has wandered to thinking about other things, from reno, decluttering or decorating. Even the thought of flowers and springtime. Just sometimes one can't  seem to get inspired to write. So today I thought I would share  a few of my naughty habits.  I don't think i am the only one with this . Home Routines   I usually have a day that is the laundry day, a routine we all have - but lately i let the pile of t-shirts , pile up (not my shirts). The endless changing of a shirt after one wear drives me nuts. SO no washing week! The closet was nearly empty and  no Tshirts left . Now what, wear the same one twice! Arm Wraps I have longer hair and like to tie it up with an elastic somedays. So i keep a few wrapped  around my wrist.  Not always a pretty thing, but for convenience more.  But then i had th...

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE! Hopefully those that were getting into the shopping mania of Black Friday survived.  It can be a stressful time for some that are looking for a certain item or trying to get the best deal . Who doesn't like a great deal, right? So after all the hype and shopping time to relax and put the feet up. Thought I would share some interesting stories from around the world. you might like to read. I was reading a fun article about Japan and photo booths.  Do you remember those? Most shopping malls had them. Step into the booth , deposit your money and wait for the flash then get a strip of photos. I can remember the times a friend and I tried it.  Now a days photo booths have become  techno,  photos can be almost photoshopped. Change  your eye shape , color,  make lips bigger or smaller - you get the picture. You can read more about it here . PET LOVERS this a heartwarming article hero dogs . I love dogs or pets  ...

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE Everyday there are women working, raising a family or taking care of others plus taking care of the home and there are times it can be very overwhelming. It involve a lot of multi tasking and organization. I must say, it can be tough being a women or a girl. Now with so much more  information or pressure to do  more and more or those that are keeping up with fashion trends.... its a endless merry- go- round. I like to read about woman that are making a difference whether big or small, for example a Japanese senior , age 90  who is learning English so she can volunteer as guide for the Olympics in 2020 - now that is amazing and exciting ! There is a list compiled by the BBC each year with a list of 100 Women  , those that are listed are very interesting. They are not pop stars or fashion models. They come from all over the world and all walks of life. There are those that have won Nobel prizes, women who build roads,  those working to ...

LETS CELEBRATE STRONG WOMEN Today is a day for women to be proud and celebrate the many things that have been achieved. From the right to vote to woman explorers in space. Women have many things to do still, like equal pay, and more voices in politics.  Something so important as education for all girls and proper  medical care in place where medical help is limited.  There are many more issues but it is fixable with strong women that are going to use their voices to make changes.  So as women we can all help one another , respect each other, show support for each other, and kindness.   There are many women that have overcome serious obstacles and overcame them.   I like to read or watch movies that show the courage that these women have. One that I found interesting was with Reese Witherspoon  , Wild.     Based on one womans expedition into the wild, along a the northwest coast of USA  al...

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS … now what??? CHANGES… … Resolutions  etc, I have been slow to at getting things rolling in the new Year.  Actually I feel sad… its over. The festivities and merriment, I hate to take down the lights, tree and decorations.  Then I thought no problem, CHANGE it, to a wintery look minus santa . Keep the lights , candles and replace with some cozy blankets and pillows. Okay I admit it, I am the sort who likes change and changing a space with accessories  makes it more interesting.   Just like in Fashion , we want a change, a NEW look! Might be a new purse, coat, dress or a new haircut  or color. That is something else on my mind. Deciding to cut short or keep long. Go darker or streaks…. well I am sure you know what i mean.  (Okay, for some it is no big deal, but  after losing my hair  it was like complete horror.) Here are some lovely looks for hair.   Changes can be good or bad, t...

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and now it is the END of October , wowow time flies. Are you set for the the Halloween festivities???  I for one enjoy to see the kiddies out and about in  their adorable costumes.  If you remember  when you were a kid and the excitement of going out - well that is something I guess some of us  recall. Well here it is not really a BIG thing, for some  it is getting to be more a party time thing.  But I like to set up the decorations and make it fun. Think i will be the only person that does it where we live.   A SURPRISE  for some. For the start of the week   I thought I would get into the mood of fall and get somethings to decorate the place with, a nice change for the season.  So check my blog for some decor ideas. Have a great week and Halloween lovelies…  ÖÖ START the DAY   

TODAY IS THE DAY,, GIRLS! YOUR CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING USUALLY ONLY THE GUYS DO  OR ASK. ITS LEAP YEAR AND A IRISH TRADITION IS THAT ON THAT DAY FEB 29TH THE GIRL CAN ASK HER GUY THAT IMPORTANT QUESTION….. OR PROPOSE . BUT IF YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT IT, THIS MIGHT BE THE THING FOR YOU TO READ. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35635591  IF YOU LIKE TO WATCH A CUTE COMEDY FILM WITH THE GIRL ASKING THE GUY  THIS ONE IS SURE TO MAKE YOU LAUGH OR CRY. CALLED   LEAP YEAR. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216492/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_18 SO WHY NOT TAKE THE LEAP????

 THE CARNIVAL HELD IN THE CITY- A CHANCE TO GO CRAZY AND HAVE SOME FUN. FROM MUSICAL BANDS AND STILT WALKERS ITS SOMETHING ONE  SHOULD NOT MISS!! SHOPS FILLED WITH ORNATE  MASKS SOMEONE JUST HAVING FUN! photo credits:  austria info, Wien info,