Category: Wellness

The dress must follow

the body of a woman,

not he body following the shape

of the dress.  Hubert de Givenchy

Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy via belle vivir blog

This is one of the most beautiful images of Audrey Hepburn dressed in a Givenchy gown.  Hubert de Givenchy passed away on Monday at the age of 91 as most would know by now.  Although he dressed many fashion icons as Jackeline Kennedy Onasis and Grace Kelly along with others, it was his friendship with Audrey Hepburn, his muse that helped him shine brighter.  Their friendship and constant collaboration seemed to originate from a genuine friendship which both enjoyed and cherished.  Unlike today where most collaborations are mainly financially motivated.  Many of gowns Hubert de Givenchy designed for Hepburn were on display in 2016, at Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, a city in Netherlands in a retrospective called “To Audrey With Love.”  To read more about this bona fide friendship between the designer and his muse go here.

And nothing makes fashion more interesting than when it’s linked to Museums and The Arts.  Musee des Arts Decoratives, the second oldest museum in Paris, is known for its exhibitions of fashion, arts and design.  In January the museum changed its name to find out more go here.

I can’t wait for the movie of the most magical love story of this time to come out on May 13, just a few days before their wedding on May 19.  The love story behind Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance .  I can’t wait to watch it.  To get to know who is going to play the fairy-tail couple go here.

Experiences are heightened when every detail is taken under consideration, especially when it’s associated to something that can be so uplifting and inspiring as a ballet performance.  Erdem created the costumes for London Royal Ballet and you can see images of the romantic result here.

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essential oils, how to build muscle, quote via belle vivirThis week’s recommended links list is short and sweet.

I enjoy a chic scented candle and furthermore if it exudes a good smell.  Anything that remotely resembles the fragrance of bergamot is a seller to me, however lately I’ve been rather curious about the negative health effect of waxes in certain candles.  It’s said that the paraffin found in some candles can be toxic, and are carcinogen once burned.   Since many companies decide not to declare what their wax is made of… I’m becoming increasingly interested in products with honest ingredients and nothing is more truthful than essential oils.  They are what they say they are, extractions of natural plants and seeds.  To embark on the rode of candid aromas, I’m getting one of these diffusers which are not only themselves made of ceramic and porcelain, two materials derived of natural sources, but they look good as well, so I can burn oils wherever I want in my house without the feeling of appearing ugly.  To read more about all the ways you can use and mix essential oils go here.

I go to the gym very morning around 6:30 at least four days a week and work out with a trainer three times a week.  However, since I wasn’t an athletic child it has taken me a long ride to get in my “ideal mind shape”  if such a thing can happen outside Hollywood.  Experts in the field say that our bodies start losing muscle once we pass our thirties.  This age-related muscle loss is known as sarcopenia.  Not a nice word, right… Here is how you can slow the process and in some cases even reverse it.

And last, if you’ve been putting off a hard conversation, here you can find some advice to get that difficult conversation started.  A hint, don’t worry about not being liked too much.

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Don't stop when you're tired.

It’s the end of February and I can’t wait for Spring.  This has been a horror winter and I think everyone who has experienced it is ready for it to end yesterday.  I know I’m eager to start enjoying my glass of rose while experiencing the sunsets late afternoons.  Do you know that the sunsets in Ohio are exceptionally beautiful?  You may not know that because there are not many people willing to say much about this middle side of the Americas, but it is.  The sunsets here, because there are not many high rise buildings, is beyond beautiful.  They tend to have the strongest and most striking colors, pinks, yellows, reds, oranges, they truly are a showstopper and they go as far in the horizon as you can see.

Talking about what you can see, have you ever looked at yourself as a leader…?  I’m pretty good at directing people.  Actually I was just joking with Evren, my husband a couple of days ago because every time I open my mouth it seems to be mostly to order something… Lucas why don’t you put on a cardigan… Lucas don’t you think it’s better to ….. so on.  Being a leader is far more than just giving people order, it has also to do with being compassionate and being transparent as well as many other qualities that this article may help you identify in you, if you have them.  Or perhaps, even encourage you to develop them.  5 Rare Signs That Prove You Were Meant to Lead People.

One of our favorite French dishes is Boullabaisse because it has all the things I always crave- seafood.  We always try to make at least one in the winter or enjoy one in Provence during our summer vacations there.  If you, like the rest of the world enjoy French food then you should give a try and learn one of these 13 Classic French Dishes You Need to Master at Home.

Hopefully no one developed a food allerg since we are all adults.  Oh no, wait.  Yes, it can happen because adults can also develop food allergies.  During this time of instant gratification everyone  wants to simply live and enjoy everything they can.  People are skeptical and rather ignore whatever it is that could potentially force them to change their lifestyle.  Well sometimes we all should, if it benefit our own health.  If you are new to this blog, I once posted about my life living without gluten and how it has changed it for the best.  Food sensitivities have far-reach consequences that people some times rather ignore.  If you want to know more about how to detect if you have developed a food intolerance, I encourage you to read this article. 9 Sings You’ve Developed A Food Allergy As An Adult.

On the Interior Design side, have you seen Elvis Presley’s home Casa Perfect is now a showroom full of beautiful modern and unique furniture. Casa Perfect is a perfect mixed of of classic California modernism and Hollywood Regency.

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motivation, weekly links, john f. kennedy quote via belle vivir blog

As it turned out my wedding anniversary falls on National Random Acts Of Kindness Day… I can live with that.  I found out when I came across this encouraging list about all the different ways to spread kindness throughout the day.  It’s gratuitous to say, how much we all need more of this in present times.  20 Random Acts Of Kindness To Perform Today.

It is no easy task to apply makeup that looks simple and beautiful at the same time.  Although we can all concede that a good make up application can do wonders, even if you were blessed with a beauty like Angelina’s, we can all look our best thanks to make up.  Secrets From a Makeup Artist: 10 Items You Need From Sephora.

There are so many places I’d like to travel to. From India to Madagascar to Australia, my list is endless.  Not to mention that I’ve been itching to go back to London soon.  If money and time weren’t the problem I would be traveling nonstop.  But then again, who wouldn’t?  If you are planning a vacation this year, here are the Best New Hotels in the World – It List 2018.

And if you are still deciding where to go, I don’t blame you, so many inspiring places to choose. Here is a list of 10 Otherworldly Places to Travel in 2018.  Magical places for the adventure seeker that will make you feel in another planet.

I usually give Lucas, my son organic blueberries and string cheese for snack after school.  I learned that blueberries are one of the best antioxidants there is and it’s great for cleaning your body and brain from heavy metal toxicity.  Heavy metal toxicity is believed to be the source of many undiagnosed illness.  Ever since I learned that I always keep them in our fridge and eat a small bowl almost every day.  For when creativity for afternoon snack runs dry, here are good suggestions given by qualified nutritionists.  Healthiest office snacks, as chosen by nutritionists.

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The Most Spectacular Bridges, love letter to London by Anya Hindmarch Rumi, do you love me? via belle vivir blog

Happy Valentine’s Day y’all… I hope you get to spend your day in great company hence, with whoever you wish.  I think Valentines Day can be any day of the year, in my case it’s more accurate to think it’s on our Wedding anniversary, which happens to be in two days.  We have officially moved the celebration of love to that date ever since…although there is the occasional exchange of cards today… Below, are a few links of the week, all of them appropriate of the day and amusing.

The Biggest Valentine’s Day Myths of All Time.  You’ve heard the story about how Valentine’s day was created, who was Valentine -if there was ever one.  This list may not answer those questions but it’s funny.

The Roses That Might Last Longer Than Your Relationship.  Did you know that natural roses can be preserved with its structure intact and last up to a year thanks to a process called Dehydration…  Not only that but you can buy an arrangement of Infinite Roses and either give them to someone or better yet keep them for yourself.  I would love one for my study.

The World’s Most Spectacular Bridges.  If you and your loved one decide to stay inside tonight, why not virtual-wondering the world… This list of spectacular bridges is pretty impressive.  I recommended to visit one of them in my Guide to Uzes, you can see it here.

Can Tylenol Help Heal a Broken Heart?  In case your relationship didn’t last more than the flowers and your heart gets to be broken, which I hope never happens.  Tylenol may help with that.

The Most Spectacular Bridges, love letter to London by Anya Hindmarch via belle vivir interior design blog

One last note, how pretty is London today…? Dozens of giant inflatable red heart balloons are showing up in various landmarks across London today.  This extraordinary and beautiful design project is a love letter to London by Anya Hindmarch. The balloons will appear from dawn until dusk every day across London during Fashion Week.  ‘surprise love letter to London’ as a tribute to its strength and to celebrate our amazing creative city.”  Anya Hindmarch.  photo via BOF instagram acct.  Read more about it here.

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motivational quotes belle vivir quotes

There is nothing I enjoy more than a good deep conversation.  If I were not an interior designer and a lover of all its entwined branches I would have been a lawyer, politician or activist… Don’t we all have some level of double lives… I say that the eye has to travel but, the mind needs to be fed… Although here at Belle Vivir Interior Design blog we often talk about fashionable subjects, we don’t fail to realize that everything in the field with a decorative purpose is undoubtedly replaceable.  Therefore on our weekly motivational quotes day, I’ll be sharing links that intend to enlighten us as well as occasional design related articles.  I’m fully aware of the importance of chit-chat, in fact it’s an integral part of gracious social behavior while keeping us out of confrontations.  However, meaningful and worthwhile conversations are way more interesting and that starts with the nurturing of the mind and spirit, just keep the antithetical ones between you and your loved ones.  (But most importantly) who doesn’t want to be a better human in general…?  A spiky journey, ah… Anything that can ease that difficult path, is helpful.

We all know how integral Emotional Intelligence is in every aspect of our lives, from self awareness to empathy.  But it’s hard to really grasp the deep meaning of EI.  This article defines it and fills us in on 5 Powerful Secrets on How To Increase Our Emotional Intelligence.

If you are a mother with small children and want to get them to listen to you, it may be as easy as to talk to the ear, I mean the proper ear.  One way to make your children listen to you.

Confidence in oneself determines the level of success in our lives and you may not know that the level of confidence you have on yourself can solely depend on you.  5 Steps to boost your confidence, no matter your starting point.

On an artistic note, French are not happy with Jeff Koons’s gift to Paris.  Perhaps next time Koons should pick the correct neighborhood..?  If the intention is to honor the victims of recent terrorist attacks then the art should go where the tragedy happened, yeah…?

Remember my New Year wish to you, well it turned out that it may be more useful than you think.  7 Morning Rituals That Will Make You Happy All Day.

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