SUNDAY CHOCOLATE DATE IN FRANKFURT

It’s a challenge not falling into a Sunday rut. Every weekend my partner and I try to do something new. Visit new towns around our home in Frankfurt. Try out a new restaurant, go for a walk somewhere different or cook something new with friends.This afternoon I was invited to a very special location.

A Chocolaterie.

In the heart of Frankfurt city lies a little art-cafe. It’s interior is a mix of “down the rabbit hole/dreamland chic” and “1920’s piano bar salon-style”

Bitter&Zart is a fabulous spot for a date with friends or your significant other.

We enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate (aka. pure dark chocolate steaming from a cup.)Served with a chocolate-praline from their wide selection. All kinds of nougat and truffle.

And finally to top it all off a delicious “blackberry tart”.

Pure bliss for what could have been another boring Sunday afternoon…

Have you ever tried drinking pure melted chocolate?

What do you do on lazy sundays?
Ali”Fox”

 

CHENNAI SHORT TRIP

India it has been a while… I´ve been sent to Chennai this week, and have a full 3 days of free time here.

My first flight for work was to Chennai (aka.Old city of Madras) and I really enjoyed it. The city has some very characteristic smells about it, that when you arrive you are flooded with memories of the place. From beautiful jasmine,fennel,cardamom and carnations to fishy dirty rivers,urine, decomposing trash and bad sewer-systems…this all makes the experience of this old city complete.

And it wouldn´t be the same without them.

Apart from going out for a good indian meal here, I also enjoy just taking a walk through the town.

Chennai is a great city for photography. Every corner you turn there are moments to be captured. One reason I love photography here are the colours. Everything is bright and vibrant.

 

 

 

Although the extreme poverty can be depressing to witness I still find the people have a lot of positivity about them and just get on with every day life, looking out for their families and trying to earn a living with little market stands or driving services.

You can really make someone´s day by giving them a nice tip or giving them a take away bag of the left over food from restaurants. It´s often the small things that count.

I pick one orphanage before I head to certain destinations and buy fifty euros worth of school essentials, toys and simple hygiene products, and they are always highly appreciated. Doing this three times a year or so doesn´t hurt my pocket and really can be a treat for the less fortunate. Even if you don´t have anything a simple `hello` or smile goes a long way.

Something I´m always wary of here though is the water. Taking a shower I´m still paranoid of swallowing water. I know it probably won´t kill me, but I´m still worried of getting an upset stomach, but then again hey it can happen anywhere…

My favourite thing to do here is getting the driver of a yellow Tuck-Tuck to take me on a tour of the city. Yes they charge you way to much so you have to contemplate beforehand what you are actually willing to pay them.

But all in all these aren´t prices that aren´t affordable to a regular tourist and they usually do wait for you if you want a moment or so to look around and take some pictures of certain spots.Have you ever been to Chennai?

And most of all did you enjoy it?

Ali”Fox”

HAIR CARE BESTIES!

Every now and again when I think ” This will be the month I spend less” something bad happens….I notice that one of my product nessessities is empty and needs repurchasing. Damn it!!!

This time it´s my hair care. I have a bob, which is fairly high maintenance. Every day it needs washing and straightening to look its absolute best. This is really damaging for my strands, but a must for me to look polished for work.

Let´s get to it:

I have been using Kérastase products for about five years now and they never stop impressing me.

The “Nutritive” Hair care series is my absolute favourite.

Just opening the shampoo bottle and getting a whiff of the scent, you know you are holding a luxurious product. The products really care for normal to damaged brittle hair. There is a lightweight shampoo for fine hair and one especially for thick hair.

 

 

This time however I decided to switch it up a bit and go for the shampoo for colour-treated hair as I have highlights. It leaves hair shiny and soft and keeps my blond highlights  looking vibrant and most of all stops my blond going brassy.

I hardly go a day without straightening, so heat protectant products that actually work are a MUST for me and I do not mind spending a little more on them if they are worth it.

This time I´m trying out a heat protectant cream,which also combats frizz. Sounds good, as I spend a lot of time across the world in humid countries.
Chennai tomorrow here I come!!!

And yes it really is a solid choice and lasts me about three months.

Overall I DO NOT enjoy spending big bucks on my hair,but at the end of the day Kerastase for me is absolutely worth it.

Have you tried Kérastase products?

Did you think they were worth it?

Ali”Fox”

GRABBING INSPIRATION BY THE BALLS!

Inspiration comes in waves. Some of which are so strong they knock you right over, forcing you to take action.

Most times though inspiration is subtle and light, like little puffs of wind. We feel and acknowledge them, but it feels to uncertain to really use this push.

The latter takes self awareness and being able to actually connect with your inner self…

But those big inspirational pushes, are not to be ignored. There is no reason not to at least get up and consider taking action, as you are feeling this divine sensation for a reason.

 

Whether it being a sudden opening for that job or promotion you always wanted. An extreme urge to visit a certain country or realising a sudden goal, for example the home of your dreams.

Now when inspiration hits it means that door is opening from the impossible “Never in a million years” to “These are the first steps  you have to take!” and with this ” This is the moment of realisation you have been waiting for”.

 

 

It is at that moment and shortly after that moment has passed, you have to really grab this inspiration by the balls and see it as a longed for guidance.

You have probably had a few situations like this in your life, or maybe it was still too subtle for you to feel certain to act upon.

But when self belief and opportunity arise at the same time, that is where the magic happens.

All the best with your goals this year.

Ali”Fox”

BONSAI NEVER LETS ME DOWN

I do not have a green thumb. 

But still, come spring I find myself developing hope of suddenly becoming the true garden-mummy every plant and flower deserves. A garden-mummy that will tend to their juicy green needs, water them regularly, bring them too shady safety as soon as it gets too hot for their delicate petals to bear. The woman all neighbours will envy for my beautiful provence-like balcony. 

Picking out the flowers is no problem and repotting them, but they never survive longer than a month with me as their nurturer.

Every year it’s so depressing and such a waste of money…

Except for my Bonsai.

 My little IKEA-Bonsai has been with me for 4 years and never let me down. The little one has hardly ever shed a brown leaf and remains a beautiful shape throughout its green life.

This is my favourite and at the moment only plant I keep in my living room.

Such an eye catcher as well! 

Well ok maybe not to all guests who enter… but definitely for me…it’s proud owner. 

 

What flowers do you keep that won’t let me down easily?

Any advice for me?

Ali”Fox“

TOASTY TOES FROM MY BROOKLYN WEEKEND

Back again in Brooklyn I decided to grab a Burger at “Shake Shack” to refuel after a long day of walking around and sale hunting. 

I love “Shake Shack”! The beef tastes real good for a fast food/diner joint and the Cheese fries are to die for. Usually grab a meal to go before heading back to the hotel, but for a change I decided to sit down and enjoy my meal slowly and mindfully at one of the restaurants tables. 

I then ended the evening with a bath using Jo Malone”Red Roses” bath oil before snuggling up to a Netflix session.

The next day I awoke pretty early due to Jetlag. Hit the gym for about an hour, before my craving for a Starbucks coffee kicked in. 

While sipping my coffee I decided to get some fresh air and headed out for a walk, once again strolling over the “Brooklyn Bridge” just being a complete tourist…

After my morning walk it was time to reflect upon my new buys. Were they really all needed? Should I quickly return something?

No not really… everything bought within reason.

My “Best Buy” ? Definitely these plush slippers in silver metallic!

Where from? My favourite place to rummage around for a good deal!!!

Nordstrom Rack

Sitting on my couch at my Frankfurt home I will be reminded of this buzzing city, while my toes rest all toasty in these amazing little shoes…

Ali”Fox”

DARK MAUVE METALLIC NAILS

I love Fall/Winter Nail Colours!

Purples, browns and deep reds are my absolute favourites to go with my wardrobe this season.

Problem is that for work I have a certain dress code and can’t be too daring with my appearance. 

Since I’m on my holidays I decided to go all out and have fun with my Style before the money-making days set back in again end of the month.

My choice has fallen on : 

“DARK MAUVE METALLIC” and for shape “LONG AND ROUNDED”

Different from my usual clippings, done to keep them short and practical.

I am happy with the colour choice and thy go with pretty much all of my wardrobe and cosmetics! 

Plus they are not too dark for my skin colour. 

Not all colours I like suit me …so that’s always something to consider.

What do you think? And what’s your nail style?

Ali”Fox”

STUART WEITZMAN INSPIRED “JANUARY KEY PIECE”

So for ages now I have been drooling after the Stuart Weizman suede boot collection in “Slate Grey”.

 In my dreams they would go perfectly with my winter wardrobe. In reality even though amazing, they are a tad too expensive for me retailing at around 800€.

Today I was lucky enough to find the look I was going for in a more reasonably priced boot. 

I love me my creamy colours.

 Everything from pastels, taupes and creams…

These boots will go perfectly paired with my love of chokers this season (especially my Rose coloured combo from River Island in the photo) and with warm knitted accessories ( for example my grey Montclair beanie with fluffy bobble).

What is your JANUARY KEY PIECE?

Ali”Fox”

FIGHTING “WINTER BLUES” IN DUBAI

To escape the winter blues I decided to head back to Dubai for a week.

Why? Being in Europe I wanted a destination with stable weather conditions and not too far away by plane. I opted for Dubai. Always a reliable getaway for a week.

For me Dubai is what Disneyland is to Children. A big glittery playground. A city covered in “Bling” and futuristic architecture.

It offers everything an expat´s heart desires( usually staying here on business for a couple of years) and it is a shoppers paradise.There is hardly a world store or restaurant Dubai doesn´t have to offer to it´s tourists.

Although I weirdly enough never buy anything here, as it´s quite pricey compared to other countries.

I booked a room last-minute at “The Grosvenor House”. When going to Dubai I always book my accommodation around the Dubai Marina. It´s not my first pick destination for a lesson on foreign culture. When I come here it is only to relax in the sun, have casual walks around the waterfront and go out for a meal. The Marina has everything a tourist requires from restaurants to shisha-bars, a mall and great living possibilities usually including a gym and pool.

Thinking about it Dubai is a place I find you can stay just a week and happily say enough is enough.

So with booking a room at “The Grosvenor House” you also gain access to the grounds of “Le Royal Meridien”. Muahaha meaning shuttle bus access to the private pool and beach area of the top 5 star Hotel& Spa. It´s amazing. Yes you aren´t the only one there, there are indeed lots of british tourists in particular enjoying a cocktail in the sun, but the atmosphere here is friendly and relaxing and there is a lot of room between loungers so you still feel like you have some privacy.

(Grounds of “Le Royal Meridien”)

I enjoyed just hanging out here to read my book and catch up on my japanese studies.

The staff is very attentive and bring you little bits and pieces to make your pool&beach day five-star worthy. One hour they´ll bring you a cold body spritz for cooling off or a refreshment towel or even little shot glasses filled with crushed ice slushy.

 

All in all a great stay if you are looking for an alternative to your regular air b&b stay. Booked last-minute with booking.com and am relieved it all turned out well.

 What do you think of Dubai?

Do you agree it´s a good destination for a short trip?

Ali”Fox”

TEST RUN: L’OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER FACIAL SET

As a flight attendant proper skin care is crucial for me.

In winter our skin is forced to put up with icy harsh weather conditions and just when we have gotten used to the weather outside we get hot dry air blasted in our faces when entering any shop in town.

I love testing moisturizer. Some have not been worth the money they cost, others have been surprisingly good value for money and other have been okay, average well…you know meh’.

 I get really excited when finding a product that I can actually rave about. Not every product is for every ones skin needs, but as it is January I am showcasing a Facial moisturizer, Cleansing oil and gentle Toner from the L’occitane Shea butter series or in french( Karite).

 

For years now I have been repurchasing their Karite Hand Cream , and been very happy with it.

Going for the big tube I find the product lasts for ages and smells pleasantly powdery, not interfering with your own choice of scent. Some hand creams and body lotions are overpowering in smell and sometimes don´t compliment the perfumes we use. 

Anyway it was now time to try out the Facial series. And I can say: Greeeat.

Now what I look for in facial creams is nourishing but not greasy. With my combination skin I am rather dry around my cheeks and eyes and a tad oily around forehead, nose and skin.

First off the facial cleanse…Washing the city of Frankfurt off my face with the cleansing oil feels good. My skin is left clean but not stripped of moisture. The oil really gets off all the make up and If I want a deeper cleanse I go in after this oil-cleanse step with a wash foam to get right into those pores. After the cleanse I use the gentle toner, which made my skin feel a bit calmer and got rid of the redness due to the cleaning beforehand. I have a handful of other facial toners, which are a bit harsher on the skin, mostly because they are recommended for different skin problems, where as the L’occitane gentle toner really is for a more subtle,gentle skin care routine.

At last I use the facial cream. It is labeled as a `light` moisturizer for normal to combination skin. I find this to be rather accurate. It´s exactly what I like in a foundation nourishing but not clogging. Definitely would be too much of a good thing for greasy skin types, but for dry, normal and combination skin perfect, for putting back moisture and care into your skin.

I really am enjoying using this. Especially in the morning after my daily shower, I let it sink in one hour before I put on  my make up. I could even imagine using this in summer 2017 as it is just about lightweight enough to use in the hot summer months.

Also I had no irritation or redness from using this series, whereas some creams in the past have left my skin burning and feeling uncomfortable.

I definitely recommend this product. Or if like me you are already a fan of their Karite Hand Cream you will definitely be 100% happy with this.

Have you tried these products before?

Are you a L’occitane virgin? Or have you tried some of their products yourself?

Ali”Fox”