Wednesday 31 October 2012

8 Things to do in the autumn

Autumn is such a wonderful time of the year!
However, we usually rush through it, looking forward to Christmas or being busy with getting ready for Christmas. But wait! Stop! Take a deep breath and look around!

1.Add some colour.


Indulge in the season's browns and oranges.



2.Pick up those leaves. 
Feel like a child. Marvel at the beauty, the colours, the perfume of the land.


3.Eat your greens. 
Autumn offers an abundance of greens that can be hearty and healthy.
Plus all the apples and oranges to keep your palate krisp and clean.



4. Take a hike. 


via

It's so much easier when you are not sweating and the sun doesn't burn your head. 

via
5.Travel off season. 
Prices are lower so now is the perfect time to visit a usually busy spot and have it all to yourself. 
Enjoy the attention. 



6.Get behind the wheel.



...And enjoy the Fall countryside 




7.Cross stitch, knit, make something with your hands.


8. Eat breakfast




Inspired by this article.


I am determined with God's help not to less myself pass by this beautiful time of the year. 
 I will report on what I did.

 Take care,

love, Irene

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Pippa Middleton's book


Pippa Middleton, the sister of Kate, Prince William's wife, has penned a book. 
It is a ‘comprehensive guide to home entertaining', in which she offers her own tips and ideas for planning a celebration.



The book includes recipe ideas for every occasion throughout the British Calendar, as well as crafts, games and tips on entertainment.


Pippa Middleton is a true expert on the subject as she has spent many years working for her family's business Party Pieces and London events company Table Talk.
In her own words:



  ‘I hope you will see this as a feel-good book with ideas to look forward to each month, providing threads of lasting, happy memories, be it around a table lit with candles in winter, outside on a rug in summer or in the autumn, perched on a leaf-covered bench, hot drink in hand.’

The beautiful photography is by David Loftus, companion to India Hicks.

Purchase the book (and buy me a cupcake) by clicking on the link



love, Irene

Sunday 28 October 2012

Plus Fashion Winter 2012

It took me ages to realise I am a Plus Size woman. 
I have dieted three times in my life for long stretches of time, and I took back all of the weight and some more.
I ended up feeling worthless and unhappy.
Then, after gaining back all of the weight for the third time, I decided that enough is enough. I can't spend my life thinking about what to eat. 
So, I shifted my focus on how to accept my figure and dress myself accordingly. 


This is one of my favorite styles. 
A tunic dress with leggings or tights.
Opaque tights are comfortable and warm. 
A simple pair of shoes (I do love a little shine) lets you make a statement where you can. 


I have read on many occasions that wrap dresses DVF style, are uber chic to the plus-sized woman but never knew how to style them.
Now I do, seeing this Karen Kane number.
-Keep your own proportions in mind
-Add opaque tights
-Add a daring pair of shoes to lift the ensemble.


Talking of proportions . I know that box tops suit me.
This Tahari Woman Plus number would look perfect on my rather short Mediterranean figure.
This is the kind of outfit I love for work. 



Who can resist Michael Kors?
I find it just so thoughtful that people like Kors take into account real women who wear 14+ ,and design for them.
This Michael Kors number is chic enough while it covers all that may need to be covered.
Plus, it offers that extra feline edge that after reaching 40 I have come to appreciate in moderate quantities, such as in one of my favorite winter scarves.


That's a perfect number for night.
Think.
Who wants to spend the night thinking where to fold their legs or arms to keep the flabby bits off sight?
Not me! 
I want to have fun when I can and know that I look polished.
Plus, I love long, fluid dresses. I think they are so feminine.

What's your favorite dressing style?
If you are thin, do you have any "fat day clothes" that ease you through those times?


All image credits and 
For more bautiful plus-size styles visit bloomingdale's



love, Irene

Tuesday 23 October 2012

An Elegant Parade





 Remember the royal wedding I worte about afew days ago?
Well, today for both your pleasure and mine, I have picked the best outfits of the wedding. I am also going to stay awhile with Maria-Teresa, the groom's mother. She escorted him on the day of his wedding in a glamorous red dress and cape and a fab brooch.


Here she is elegantissima in the civil ceremony prior to the wedding.


At the funeral of the bride's mother who passed away following a stroke just two months before the wedding.


Oh there they are, the current Grand Duke and Duchess, young and beautiful and in love. Cuban born Maria-Teresa confessed in 2000, after the passing of her mother in law, that the two women had a very difficult relationship.
Can't blame either, really. Imagine being European royalty and having to welcome a girl from a country that was so exotic and different, a commoner that had the looks of a movie star. Now imagine coming from a Carribean paradise and having to adapt in a stiff traditional environment. Thankfully the two of them have created a beautiful family.Grand Duke Henri and Maria Teresa look so good together.


Here is one of my favorite couples ever. Argentinian born Maxima, noble by her paternal descent form the Kings of Portugal, and William Alexander of The Netherlands. She has blossomed into her own extravagant style. Love her.


So discreet and elegant, yet with a sparkle in the eyes, Australian born Crown Pincess Mary of Denmark.


Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling. A lovely couple.


Ah, they look so good together. They actually look like they enjoy each other's company. 
Queen Margrethe II and her French born Prince Henrik of Denmark.


The Duke and Duchess of Braganza. Dom Duarte, head of the royal house of Portugal,and Dona Isabel are a sweet, down to earth couple.


There you go.
A breath of elegance and nonchalance.


Enjoy your day.



love, Irene

Monday 22 October 2012

To the Opera

She was all tired studying
She will be sitting her exams for College next year and she is all tense.
So on Saturday she went to granny's 
and then to a special treat offered by a friend.


She went to the opera. For the first time in her life. And she liked it. 
She came home all smitten. 


She said art relieves you of all bad thoughts.
She liked it and I am so glad she did. 

(More on the Greek National Opera herehere and here)

God bless you, girl.

"If you're quiet, you're not living. You've got to be noisy and colorful and lively. " 
- Mel Brooks

Happy Monday, friends.

  love, Irene

Sunday 21 October 2012

Paris-Provence



France is a little too beautiful for me. 


Too sweet. 


Too elegant.



 I don't know if I could stand so much beauty.

  


But then, then, there is Provence

Home to my bestie







Oh and that is so me...
Ah oui!
J' aime la France!

If you love France too, you might want to visit

En Provence 
{ A lovely site on everything Provence from fabulous L' Occitane}

Azalais 

{Music from LeSud}

French Essence 
{Best blog on everything French through the discerning eyes of  Vicki Archer, author of My French Life and French Essence: Ambience, Beauty, and Style in Provence

Enjoy!

love, Irene

Best buys