Thursday, September 29, 2011

Charade (1963)

One of my all time favourite movies is Charade. It's a romantic thriller (yes romantic thrillers exist). Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn really make this movie for me. All their banter back and forth is worth the watch alone. In the older movies they put a lot of work into the opening credits. I love the work in this one - it encapsulates the 60's for me. Even the fact that Henry Mancini did the soundtrack - makes this a must see. 
Cheers,
Charysse

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

New Logo: C'est Manifique

A new little company C'est Manifique, is a home based business in Yaletown customizing in manicures and soon to expand into pedicures as well.  What makes Manifique unique is that they specialize in Gel Polish. Gel polish does not chip, lift or crack for up to three weeks. Most nail salons offer this, but only carry a couple colours. C'est Manifique has quite the collection and is adding weekly. As the French would say, C'est Magnifique!
Logo Information: 

American Typewriter - Condensed Light, Champagne - Regular.


Company Information:


Jenna Lambkin
604 880 01369


#903 - 980 Cooperage Way
Vancouver, BC
Buzz 3038


Gel Polish Manicures: $30
Full Service Regular Polish Manicures: $15


Cheers,
Charysse

Friday, September 23, 2011

France Series - Côte d'Azur: Top Cinq

No.5 Azure Maison
Azure Maison is waterfront and so close to all the markets and shops in Antibes. We stayed here for one week in May 2009 and I think about it often. There are four floors with a patio looking over the sea. Sleeps four. Upon arriving, there was a bottle of wine, fresh flowers and basic foods like eggs and cheese from the local market. The only problem is that you feel torn because you came all the way to France, but you don't want to leave your rental. For more information check out their website below.


www.azuremaison.com


Cheers,
Charysse

Thursday, September 22, 2011

France Series - Côte d'Azur: Top Cinq

No.4 Antibes
The first time we went to the Côte d'Azur we stayed one week in Antibes. They have great markets, restaurants and shops. And if you have the time, swing by the Musee Picasso and the Absinthe Bar.



Cheers,
Charysse

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

France Series - Côte d'Azur: Top Cinq

No.3 The Beaches
The Côte d'Azur definitely has a wide selection of beaches. From white sand and turquoise water to red rocks and emerald green waters - they each have a unique feel. The red rock beach we went to, there was so much salt in the water it lifted you up making it even more easy to relax. Then if you felt like a little adventure, climb one of the rocks and jump off (bottom photo).

Cheers,
Charysse

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

France Series - Côte d'Azur: Top Cinq

No.2 Beach Chairs in Juan-les-Pins
Renting beach chairs on the French Riviera can be expensive, and sometimes over rated. But if you find a gem, be prepared to feel like a million dollars. I'm not sure if it's the being served champagne in my chair or having lunch with white table cloths while your feet are digging into the sand - but there is definitely something special here. The whole time, I felt like I could have spotted a young Cary Grant pull up in a boat in little shorts - that would have been the icing on the cake - but hey, we can't have it all.


Cheers,
Charysse

Monday, September 19, 2011

France Series - Côte d'Azur: Top Cinq

No.1 Château Beaupré Deleuze
In a small town in Provence lays one of the most unique Château's. I had the pleasure of staying at the Château Beaupré Deleuze in Saint Laurent des Arbres for two nights. It works as a B&B - but if there are more than two of you, you might consider renting one of the cottages which is what we did. Drinking pastis while playing a game of boule is perfection.  It was romantic and picturesque.

All guests receive breakfast in the parlor room, but since no one else was staying there, the Château was ours for the taking.



Cheers,
Charysse

Friday, September 16, 2011

France Series - Paris: Top Cinq

No. 5 The Food
I've heard mixed reviews about food in Paris. But lets be honest. Every single city in the world is going to have some bad, some good and some fabulous restaurants. Thankfully I've only experienced the latter in Paris. In Vancouver, we are definitely spoiled when it comes to around the world flavours. But when in Paris, eat French. From croque-madame to roast chicken - C'est Magnifique!

Cheers,
Charysse

Thursday, September 15, 2011

France Series - Paris: Top Cinq

No. 4 Flea Markets
Flea Markets are such a treat and you never know what you'll find. I love getting little things for my house that remind me of where I've travelled. The flea markets are a great place to do this. Practicing your french with these ones can be a lot of fun and not intimidating. There are many flea markets throughout Paris, but knowing where and when can be a little tricky. For detailed information, there is a book called Exploring the Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price. Most likely you'll need to jump on the Metro. It's easy and you can go early, sit have a croissant to fuel up, and shop!

PORTE DE VANVES
Time and Day: Saturday and Sunday
No. of Vendors: 200
Metro Line: 13
Stop: St-Denis-Basilique
Exit: Porte de Vanves


Cheers,
Charysse

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

France Series - Paris: Top Cinq

No. 3 Jardin du Luxembourg 
I thought the Jardin du Luxembourg would be just a regular park. Nothing special. But it was something special. Palm trees and a pond with miniature sailboats being floated around by children. Perfection. The Fontaine de Medicis is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Ducks and fish occupy the fountain which was built in 1630. Leaves falling from the trees above make for the perfect spot to stop and slow down (with a bottle of wine that is). There is a lot of depth to this park, and I never thought visiting a park could be what Jardin du Luxembourg is.


Cheers,
Charysse

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

France Series - Paris: Top Cinq

No. 2 Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette has two things going for it. First: The view from the top floor and Second: the goods. Even if you can't afford a single thing, the floors and floors of beautiful clothes, home-ware and shoes is uh-mazing!) Then finish it off on the rooftop with a espresso or tea and macaron looking over Paris and enjoy! I sure did.

Cheers,
Charysse

Monday, September 12, 2011

France Series - Paris: Top Cinq

No. 1 Île Saint-Louis
Île Saint-Louis is one of the two islands in Paris. There are a couple reasons why I absolutely love this this place. First of all, La Maison Berthillon. Literally the best ice-cream I have ever had. They have flavours like: Apricot, Rhubarb and Salted Caramel. And let's be honest, it's pretty darn cute to get an ice-cream in Paris. Second. I want to recap the last day I was in Paris on Île Saint-Louis in May. It was overcast with a perfect breeze. We just got our ice-cream from La Maison Berthillon and decided to walk to the water and look at Notre Dame from across the way. As we were sitting on the steps by the Seine, La Vie en Rose started playing nearby on an accordion. I'm actually not joking. This type of stuff actually happens in Paris! As cheesy as it is, I can't help but shed a tear. 
Cheers,
Charysse