Friday Mindset

Source Here

It's holiday season and everyone is either going away or planning to go away. It is such a great feeling to know that you can explore while having fun and being relaxed. That's why this Dalai Lama quote seems so appropriate. It makes me think of all the new experiences that we can have. Besides being holiday season, June and July are also the months of big shopping sales. So if you are looking for a good bargain now is the time to get it. I have planned a shopping expedition tomorrow in Stuttgart, Germany in order to make the most of the summer sales.

1. I like Isabel Marrant creations and when I read that she is designing a special collection for H&M I was beyond excited. I have high hopes for this collaboration.

2. These Tory Burch flats are so cool. I only wish they were still available...

3. Here are 3 styles for wet hair since we are all going to take a dive this summer.

4. Perfect book for a beach read, The Help.

5. I made a raspberry tart last weekend and it was delicious. I tried to reduce the sugar as mush as possible and to use whole grain flour. I adapted this recipe.

6. Wondering how to get a killer posterior? Here is a good workout.


Have a blast this weekend!

Would you wear it?

I have to confess that I can't resist the attraction of orange. I am not Dutch, but I might as well be one since orange items of clothing are very popular in my closet. From this pair of pants to the pumps that I have from two seasons ago, I love wearing bright colours in the summer time and if you add a print on top, I am sold. So this outfit is my definition of casual and fun.  No special occasion needed to be bright, colourful and comfortable.

The goods

Top: Mango, from last season, but similar here.

Trousers: Zara

Wedges: Zara, last season, but similar here  here and here

Accessories: Vintage Bracelet, H&M necklace.

Day trip to Oeschinen Lake

You know how we live in a country where at every corner you see a mountain top and a lake?! Well, last week we took a day trip to Oeschinensee, a place located in the Bern region that can be reached only by foot or by gondola. We had a wonderful day walking in the green fields only to reach the lake and to be amazed by the view. I highly recommend this day trip, the peace and tranquility of the mountains in summer time is precious. Also, even if we were up there only for a few hours, we felt like we were on holiday. Day trips are the perfect weekend escape, they just create the illusion of a longer trip.

Friday Mindset

How many times did we use the phrase "I have nothing to wear"? One too many times, if you ask me. I love the fact that we can have different styles everyday, if we chose to. It makes being a woman so much more fun and it gives us the freedom to express ourselves by playing with our clothes. So what are you supposed to be today? Well since is Friday, I go for being happy and looking forward to our weekend. We have no plans, which means that I will probably get to the gym early Saturday morning and then maybe hit the town since all the shops have big sales on. Have a nice weekend, friends!

1. I am currently in the looking for the perfect white capri pants. Don't they just make the perfect look?

2. Flower arrangements are a new obsession of mine and I have found a few here that are just gorgeous.

3. I love stilettos, I would only wear that if I could and the Pink Laboutin from the picture are just dreamy. New York Times has an interesting article about designer shoes and their prices, if you are interested.

4. I made the salad in the picture the other night and it was so refreshing after a hot summer day. Baked potatoes in skin with green asparagus, red lentils, fresh cherry tomatoes and avocado on top. Seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. We served it with a nice glass of white wine.

5. On my reading list, the graphic novel, Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi.

6. A workout that will help you tone your arms.


Happy Friday!

Would you wear it?

I am incredibly proud of myself that I managed to score this Bermudas from Gap when I was in Paris. I love the fact that I can wear them to work with a nice pair of heels and that they can feel so incredibly comfortable but still stylish. And to add to my satisfaction, Garance has a post about the bermuda trend here. Apparently there is a new trend in town.


The Goods

Bermudas: Gap, not available online but similar here
Top: Zara old collection but this one  looks just as good.
Sandals: Mango
Bag: Vintage Bally
Jewellery: Vintage Earrings, H&M ring, bracelets from Change maker

Summer couple look

Last Sunday we went out for a coffee near our house and one of our friends took the below pictures of me and Traian. We have a lot of pictures of places we see but very few of the two of us, and very few that we actually like. So when I saw this ones I was extremely pleased, even more because Traian and I have somehow managed to wear matching outfits. Thank you, Vali! You made this girl very happy!

Him: Zara shoes, T-shirt, Shorts and Aldo hat.
Her: Banana Republic dress, Pull and Bear wedges,
Mango bag, H&M hat.

Weekend Mindset

Source here

How cool is this quote? No better time than the weekend to live the life that inspires us and others. I am going to see Alicia Keys in concert tonight and I am so looking to hear the girl sing live. Tomorrow we have planned a hike to one of the lakes in our area, since we have wonderful weather for the next few days. And if you happen to be just chillin' today, I have a few links for you to look at. Have an inspiring weekend, friends!

1. On my reading list are quite a few books, but now I have my mind set up on Alain de Botton. I want to start with the Art of Travel. Have you read it?

2. I am always looking for new ways to style my hair, especially since I love a ponytail. Putting a bow on a wavy ponytail looks so nice. I want to try it!

3. Pencil skirts are so easy to wear and this look reminds me just that. Lately I have been wearing mostly dresses and pants, but I think is time to go back to skirts.

4. These DAD cookies are perfect to make your dad know how much he means to you. Perfect for Fathers Day, but also for any normal day to remind your dad how special he is.

5. Healthy detox salad, to make your regular salad so yummy.

6. I have been training pretty regularly for a while now and I love it. And because I want to avoid getting bored by the same exercises I have found this 20 minutes fat burning training that might be worth trying. Who's with me?

Would you wear it?

One of my favourite colour combinations is orange with purple. And when I saw this blouse from Romanian designer Adrian Oianu, I knew I had to have it. You create the outfit around it because it just  stands out. Pairing it with a black and white stripe skirt may seem too much, but I think it just makes the whole outfit look so put together. I would wear it on a fancy date night. What do you think? Inspired or not so much?

The goods

Blouse: Adrian Oianu Design
Skirt: Dixie
Clutch: Zara
Jewellery: Banana Republic bracelet, Sattelite Paris earrings and ring
Peep Toe Sandals: No longer available at TK Maxx but similar here

Styling cupcakes

Cupcakes are like diamonds, they will never go out of style. Ok, maybe it is not the most intelligent thing I could write, but these amazing miniature cakes make me so happy. They are definitely the most stylish type of cake there is out there. So yes, I love cupcakes, and I recently took a cupcake decorating class. Sounds very sophisticated, right?! It was a nice experience that I had with Denise's Bakery and two of my baking passionate and talented friends. We learned a few tips on how to make the best cupcakes and also we got to play with fondant while making the prettiest decorations. I tried the recipe from the class this weekend but since I like my cupcakes simple I did not go all the way with the decorations. I am not a big fan of fondant, I think it is too sweet and adding it on top of a homemade cupcake is just a waste.

Here are some picture from the class. I am sorry for the quality of the pictures but I only had my phone with me.

Pretty roses made from fondant

My flower cupcake

And now the cupcakes I made yesterday, vanilla cupcakes with a sprinkle of chocolate on top.

The recipe from the class, that I followed:

Ingredients:

120 g flour
1 1/2 baking powder
40 gr butter (room temperature)
120 ml milk
1 egg
140 gr sugar

Mix the flour and the baking powder and then add the butter, and continue mixing for about 10 minutes on low speed.
Mix the milk, with the egg and the sugar and add them to the flower mix. Mix this for another 10 minutes.

Put the final mixture in the cupcake tray and then in the oven to 170 degrees for about 17 minutes. After which you can leave the oven door open for 2 minutes and continue baking them like this. You can also put a wet towel on the oven door and keep it open for another 7 minutes. This way the cupcakes will all have the same flat shape making it easy to decorate them.

Frosting:

150 ml whipped cream
50 gr icing sugar
250 gr Mascarpone cheese
50gr cream cheese (Philadelphia is the best one)
vanilla extract

Mix the whip cream and the sugar. Then add the cream cheese. I also added a bit of lemon zest and 1 drop of lemon juice just to give it a twist.

If you want to try other cupcake recipes, you find quite a few on my friend Emilia's blog: In love with cupcakes.

I also recommend 180 degrees baking, Dewi's blog that covers all sorts of cooking recipes, not only cupcakes. She does some amazing things with fondant.

Enjoy cooking!

Friday Mindset

It's barbecue season and we are about to have the first one this year at the house. Nothing better for ending your week, if you ask me. Tomorrow I have planned to spend most of the day in Zurich, getting my hair done and meeting a friend. In the evening we are going to have a small gathering at another friends house, enjoying a few drinks and having some laughs. So relaxing weekend ahead for us. I hope you have a good one as well. If you are in Zurich you might want to check the Bazaar tomorrow at Stall 6.

Some fun facts about Americans.

How to cook grilled artichokes? I am definitely giving this recipe a try.

I love this look very much and the Celine bag is on my wish list.

Cuffed jeans with statement shoes are something I could wear everyday.

Summer is all about fresh drinks. My favourite in summer time is Aperol Spritz, but I would not say no to this mojito.

Carries Bradshaw best fashion moments. This just confirms the urge I have to see the show again for the gazillion time.

A new shopping website. I want to give it a try. Let me know if you know it.


And the inspirational quote of the week. Enjoy!

Source here

Look of the week

Wanna know what my wardrobe hides?! I ask because I have that curiosity quite often about other people...Oups! And since I am not anymore at the age where I can swap clothes with my best friends, I have to settle for my own closet. And I don't have a walk in closet, but still, I have my share of clothes. I especially realise that when I have to pack for a trip and I struggle to decide on my outfits and avoid overpacking. With this in mind, I decided to start a new series of posts where I put together items from my own wardrobe in an outfit that I would wear. This way I see the full potential of my closet and maybe I can give you some ideas on what to wear and where to find the goods.

Here it is my holiday outfit that would be perfect for a summer day, when you take your camera for a stroll and you enjoy the surroundings.  I love the sailor stripes and in a maxi dress they are just a winner. 

Dress: Banana Republic 

Wedges: Aldo similar this ones

Sunglasses: Prada

Jewellery: Mango necklace , H&M bracelet

Hat: H&M (old) but back this season 

Picture taken by Traian.