Another souvenir from Paris

I wanted a white St. Louis by Goyard for so long. I eyed it at Barney's New York, but there's no better place to buy than Paris...

To be honest, the LV Neverfull is more practical, but the St. Louis looks much more special.

The best wrist candy ever...

is the Hermès Collier de Chien. What's more classic than black with gold hardware?

Starting the new year with one of my most loved purchases of 2012.

There was no chance of getting it in my hometown, they would only get the wrong color or leather in 2012. Barcelona didn't have any either.

I went to all 3 Paris boutiques after my training without much hope. Finally, at George V this lovely SA didn't say "no", but "please wait a moment"... I was shocked. There it was, the box still in the plastic wrapping and then being opened for me. Black veau chamonix and gold hardware indeed...

I'm not much of a jewelry wearer, but the CdC is my absolute must-have. It represents me perfectly, as I used to be a rock/metal fanatic in my teens...

Happy new year and goals for 2013

So I'm spending the last day of 2012 in NYC, but no, I'm not going to Times Square. Far too many people and so on...

Now what are my plans for 2013?

1. Spend more time with loved ones
2. Achieve my goal weight of 40kg/88lbs, this time for real even if I have to go through hell and back
3. Work out more, especially with my fitness club membership...
4. Plan my holidays more thoroughly and in advance so I don't end up bored all the time
5. Get at least another Birkin in some turquoise shade, fauve Barenia or Etoupe with GHW. Probably not gonna happen in the desired colors/leathers, but one can wish
6. Get a Hermès Medor Clutch, as it will match my beloved CdC perfectly. Don't you just love studs too?
7. Get a Chanel WOC for the rare times I need it... you know, the partying where drinks can spill so you need something waterproof that doesn't look like a grocery bag
8. Save some money despite 5 to 7, oh and 9
9. Fit into Louboutins and Rick Owens jackets (see 2)
10. Buy less make up and actually use up things. Might also contribute to 8
11. Buy less clothes, but with better style and quality (again, see 2, and also 9)
12. Eat less carbs and especially sugar (2 again)
13. Waste less time surfing the net or playing on my smartphone instead of getting much needed sleep
14. Daydream less in order to not mess up things and having to sort it out later
15. Be my (egocentric) self in front of strangers to finally not come across as shy and self-conscious

That's it. Now written down to constantly remind myself what (not) to do. What are your plans?

Joel Robuchon or the best mashed potatoes in the world

If you think of haute cuisine mashed potatoes are probably the last thing coming to your mind. But with Joel Robuchon this might be a mistake, as he has the most velvety, rich, creamy version you will ever encounter. The deep, caramel hue (minus the sweetness) will linger on your tastebuds long enough to send you to heaven and back.

 Of course there are many other dishes to choose from... a cherry soup

Followed by a caviar dish, this time different from the one in London

Foie Gras, an eternal favorite when being at Robuchon. Slightly crispy and then melting like butter in your mouth. The fruit always compliment it so well.

Chanterelle soup

Fish

Quail and a dollop of the infamous mash... needless to say I gladly accepted a second when I was offered one

Coconut cream on passion fruit sorbet and rum granité

 Cheese cake with basil sorbet

I'm looking forward to going again next year

Training can be beautiful...

...when it's in France. Near Paris, this summer at Château Mello.

 

And yes, I went to Paris afterwards. Shopping and food to follow.

Ladies' lunch @ Meinls

Last Friday was unusually calm, so I had time to attend the lunch at Meinls, organized by the lovely Macs. She also prepared a beautiful flower decor for everyone.

Anna baked Kelly-shaped cookies dipped in chocolate and got Hermessence vials for us. Look at those cute bag-shaped sugar pieces too! What a great detail to the yummy cookies.

I was also able to try out Macs' Birkin 35cm, which definitely was smaller than my 40cm. My next B shall be in a pop color, so the 35cm would be perfect for it. It was nice to see the girls again and getting to know new Hermès fans ;-) Thanks again for the great afternoon!

The holy grail

It's impossible they said. It would be fun I thought...

Many thanks to the lovely SAs at Hermès, Madison Ave, NYC.

Monday mornings...

are downright horrible. Especially when you gotta get up at 5 AM, or earlier. I'm simply unable to fall asleep before midnight so imagine the damage. Next thing you know you're sitting in a cab to the airport. Then you're trying to sleep a bit on the way and simultaneously hoping that you're not getting into an accident since your driver is probably just as tired as you. Fast forward the airport routine you're standing in the cold, waiting for the people in front of you to take their seat so that you can finally try to continue trying to sleep. But I still love my job