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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

France Series - Paris: Ladurée VS. Pierre Hermé

Our Mission: Visit, in the same day, two famous Macaron houses and put this ongoing rivalry to an end in the Jardin des Tuileries with a bottle of rosé. 

In Ladurée you get a traditional vibe. The women stand in a line with matching white aprons. There are ornate chandeliers above, and a basic selection of flavours of macarons and treats. If you're looking for a traditional uber girly experience - I believe Ladurée is for you.

When I arrived, it was extremely busy, and found it pretty stressful to order. I couldn't take time to choose carefully (which I believe is half the fun.) Hopefully if you go, it won't be as busy.

Flavours: Raspberry, Pistachio, Chocolate, Vanilla, Orange Blossom, Black-current Violet, Rose, Coffee, Madagascar Chocolate, Lemon, Licorice, Caramel with Salted Butter. (There are seasonal flavours as well depending on the time of year you go.)

In Pierre Hermé, it's quite the opposite. It's definitely more contemporary and less traditional in style. The flavours do branch out a bit more and are much more exciting. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxing. This allowed me to take my time looking over everything. I was delighted.

Flavours: Lemon, Apricot and Pistachio, Pistachio, Coffee, Milk Chocolate and Passion Fruit, Pure Origin Venezuela Porcelana Dark Chocolate, Matcha Green tea with Azuki Red Bean and Lime and Ginger, Quince and Rose,Rose and Rose Petals, Olive Oil and Vanilla, Creme Brulee, Fresh Mint and Sweet Peas, Licorice and Violet, Green Asparagus and Hazelnut Oil, Salted Butter Caramel.

Conclusion

It just comes down what you're looking for. If you want a traditional experience with a traditional macaron, Ladurée is your place. If you're looking for the 'new' Paris,  I would say Pierre Hermé. For flavour I prefer Pierre Hermé (the debate continues) - but in saying that, the Ladurée ones were delicious. I really can't complain - nothing tastes bad when you're in Paris. Am I right, or am I right?

Salut,

Charysse

L'affiche Infâme de Perrier

The year was 2009. Just landed in Paris early on a Sunday morning. My husband and I were pretty tired, but thought we should get out of our little Parisian apartment and try staying awake on the red bus. I literally nodded in and out of sleep while seeing the Arc de Triomphe, Tour de Eiffel, Notre Dame...then I saw it. I woke up just in time to see to the right of me a 12 x 18 inch poster of a green perrier bottle. I said to my husband "I must have that poster."

Not only do I have a serious addiction to Perrier, but also because I am a graphic designer I very much so have a love for print ads and layouts. Everything about it was me. But little did we know how hard it would be to find. We walked up and down the bank of the Seine - stopped at every kiosk selling posters, books, postcards. Not one had the exact one I saw. Until the third day when I almost gave up. Every poster I had seen up to that point was around 3 - 10 Euros. The man informed me it was 65 Euros. This poster turned out to be an original print from 1932. Of course the one I spotted for 5 seconds off the bus had to be from 1932. My heart sank as it was the beginning of a three week trip, and I could not bare to drop that much money so early on. So being a good wife after three days of searching for this thing - I put it back. I picked up three prints for 11 Euros and that was that.

When I got back from that trip I realized that I had made a huge mistake. Since then that stupid poster has haunted me.

Which brings me to now. In less than three days I am going back to Paris. It is my mission to get that poster at any cost.

Fingers crossed my friends!

Salut!
Charysse

You 2 Are Just Like...

I was out shopping for an anniversary card for close friends of mine, and everything I came across was so bad it made me want to stick a pencil in my eye. I decided to go with a safe choice - a card with two owls in love. Awww. I left frustrated because 90% of the cards to choose from were birthday cards and the other 10% were just no fun. So I thought I'd attempt a card that you could get your favourite couple in love. Whether they are baby boomers, rockers or romantics - I hope you find one to suit that special couple that you love to hate.

Dimentions: 5.5 x 4.25 inches

Cardstock: 110lb Matte 

For the Baby Boomers in your life:

For the Hardcore Rockstars in your life: 

For the Romantics in your life:

Hopefully my online store will be up early 2012. 

I'd love to get some feedback, so please comment on what you like or didn't like. I'm still in the tweaking process.

Cheers,

Charysse