5.20.2013

Sun Splashed French Riviera....Tres Chic!

Mario Testino for Salvatore Ferragamo with Claudia Schiffer via  

Following a sun drenched weekend in Saint Remy de Provence we are continuing our journey southward to the gorgeous French Riviera. 
My husband and I made this same trip back in July 2003 and 
I'm still not over it. Sadly
 it was prior to us owning a digital camera so we'll just have to imagine-
I'll let Claudia Schiffer, above, play the role of me ;) 
#dreamcometrue

Trust me, the riviera is
oui, tres chic in every way!

Enjoy the music and images~Alain Delon




The French Riviera...

Sun splashed with
shimmering golden light


Azure water and pink dancing clouds

beckon


for a few quiet moments on the sea

juicycoutur-e:


Check out my shop I sell affordable clothing and cases!
via

or lounging in luxury for the perfect summer's afternoon nap.























                                                                                       via

The endless sea views take our breath away
each and every time.....



The simple, elegant fare satiates to perfection.


Oui? Oui!
via GQ

On second thought, perhaps we could be convinced to go out 
on the town tonight~bonsoir!

Anything can happen in the magical Cote d' Azur.


via

Thank you to the lovely Anita of Castles, Crowns and Cottages here for the 'Simply Irresistible' French link party I have joined this week.

I have been introduced to some simply fabulous blogs as well as had a lovely walk down memory lane to revisit some of my favorite places. 
Merci ma cherie Anita!

For my Paris Getaway Guide here
For Saint Remy de Provence here

For my favorite must have item from France
at my Stylemindchic Boutique~it's a slice of Cote d'Azur
in a bottle.
here


I always love it when you stop by!

Bisous xx,

Heather 



5.17.2013

Let's Get Lost in Saint Remy-de-Provence



(Photos Stylemindchic July 2011)

Come with me to my Provence....

 and let's get lost in Saint Remy as we did one 
summer day July 2011.




It's something about the quality of light~
a shimmer of gold and hues of lavender and blue


There is something about the fragrance~
rosemary, citrus, lavendar and roses.









 It's something about the colors~
bold yellow sunflowers, delicate lavender and pastel shutters.




The ancient walled city center, white washed stone buildings with touches of moss, wind in a beckoning labyrinth of mystery. 

 The perfect spot to get lost in the wonder of this magical place.


Hideaway cafes for spending long lazy afternoons, or romantic, candlelit evenings.
Moonstruck............


Climbing vines and vibrant bursts of color in window boxes


The colorful bustle of the farmer's market bursting with flowers, fruits, fresh vegetables, cheeses, fragrant soaps and bunches of lavender each Wednesday.


Our favorite hotel in Saint Remy
Hotel de l'Image 
here



Come, let's sit, at the hidden cafe, and enjoy a perfectly chilled rose' al fresco.
 Let's toast our great fortune of spending the perfect day in Saint Remy.

Merci for joining us.

 Saint Remy-de-Provence July 2011
Scott & Heather (50th birthday trip)

(from the window of the TGV-high speed train to Paris)

Adieux Provence, Paris beckons!

For more on my Paris here and here.

Bisous xx, 
Linking up for journeys to Provence with other bloggers at Castles Crowns and  Cottages

Thank you for hosting lovely Anita! 

French beauty and spa products at my online Stylemindchic Boutique.



5.15.2013

What Do Women Want...(I know what I want-do you)?


 What do women want?

I'm not talking about the needs here-
those are vast and deeply individual and deserve more than a quick blog post.

I'm talking about the little things in life~
 the simplicity of a peaceful moment,
a sweet memory shared with a best friend,
the thrill of adventure, 
a gorgeous scent,
an unexpected smile
......or embrace. 

I've been asking myself this question recently and have come up with a few elements in my life that are not needs, but little things that make my life more enriched. 

Fresh flowers- These little beauties (pictured above) are from my mom's garden that she arranged for Mother's Day brunch at our home last Sunday.  Lovely!  Flowers bring their fresh, natural beauty (and fragrance) indoors for us to enjoy. It's always nice to receive flowers, especially for no reason (sometimes they are attached to an 'I'm sorry'-don't get me wrong that works much better than nothing). 

Flowers for no special reason IS special. 

Lovely ambiance-Setting the mood at home-whether the mood is of creativity, relaxation, a party or a little romance-for me always involves a flickering, freshly scented candle. I am sensitive to some fragrances so I'm not talking about those knock you down kind of  artificial fragrance candles at the mall.
I seek mine out on travels or from favorite websites. My highly prized Diptyque Tubereuse is burning at the moment. Another favorite is Lafco in Marine from a trip to NYC last spring. I carry
  Dayna Decker in the boutique and the scent is lovely here. 

Set the mood with a little flicker and you never know where it will take you.

A Bit of a Splurge-whether it's sleeping in late (or staying in jammies all day) 
 that decadent flourless chocolate cake (for one),
splurging on the perfect new handbag (for which we saved up),
 a gorgeous, rich night cream or perfume for beauty's sake (maybe that's a need?),
or a vacation away just to remember the 'why' of being a couple or why you love being single........

a bit of a splurge can go a long way.


On  my dressing table

In my travels, especially in Paris, I tend to gravitate towards the elements that make life authentic, perhaps more ambient,  in that part of the world. I find it fascinating to study what it would be like to 'live there'. 
For this reason, one of my favorite places to visit in Paris is the French Pharmacie. Though not expensive, the quality, the fragrances, and the technology behind these French cosmetic brands impresses me.
My favorite purchases from my last trip to Paris were Nuxe dry oil, Nuxe lip balm, Caudalie serums, and green tea Roger & Gallet  round pastel soaps. They end up being my treasured mementos of my trip and each time I use them I remember being in Paris.  I know, sometimes it's just the little things that add a bit of pleasure to the day.  These are lovely and practical purchases I will use or give as gifts. 

Back to my pondering 'what do women want?'. 

Not only do I travel, but I own an online boutique, Stylemindchic Boutiqe. I'm refining what 
I want to be able to have at my fingertips in my day to day life
and what I want to be able to share with other women, like you, in the boutique.
I continue to adore my curated collections and the 2 fabulous designers I've included in the boutique,
Lilet Jean and Laurane Elisabeth. 

Along with this being my 200th blog post (wow!!)

My news~

I have recently connected with a supplier for french skincare, makeup, fragrance, hair care and beauty items
(Jurlique, Clarins, Avene, Darphin, Sisley, Decleor, La Mer, Clarins, Dior, Clinique, Lancome, and more) as well as American brands (Laura Mercier, Estee Lauder and more). I'm also now carrying cutting edge anti-aging skincare products (Peter Thomas Roth, Dr. Brandt, Perricone, SKII),  luxury fragrances (Annik Goutal, Tom Ford, Creed, Bond 9) as well as spa, candles and aromatherapy (essential oils, bath products). 

For me~it's what I want~and I want to be able to share it with you.

Here's a sneak peek I put together 
of some of the brands I am or will be carrying.





These are just a few of the now 2500 items I am or will be carrying in the boutique. It's huge for me and I'm so excited to share this resource and new adventure.
New products will be added daily so check back frequently for your favorites. 

Do you have a favorite brand of skin care or cosmetics?
Have you used any of the French brands?
 I would love to hear about it so please comment
below. If I'm not carrying your favorite at present let me know (comment or email)
and I'll check it out for you.

It's what I want!


Here's to beauty and getting what we want in life.
Thanks for stopping by.
You always make my day!
xx,





Style for your life at my Stylemindchic Boutique!

5.13.2013

A Touch of Spring Fever....{are you feeling it}?




What is it about spring? 

Some of us feel more alive...



More curious....


More adventurous....


More playful...


More romantic sexy...

"Spring fever is a term applied to several sets of physical and psychological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring......an increase in energy, vitality and particularly sexual appetite, often particularly strong in those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD)...." taken from Wikipedia.


Read more from Huffington post here



Spring Fever season has arrived~are you feeling it? 

It's a yes for me. The days are longer, life feels lighter and I am more energized. Like waking up from a long winter's nap we are definitely more in the mood for entertaining,  celebrating and my husband isn't complaining ;). 
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for my sweet summer off so
no wonder it's my favorite time of year.

Like I said, there is science behind spring fever and 
the psychologist in me finds it interesting. 

How about you~has spring fever struck yet
{here's hoping}?

Happy Monday beautiful! We can do this!


xx,

Lilet Jean~New designer collections at my Stylemindchic Boutique!
photos via 1/2/3/4/5/6

5.10.2013

We Love Moms..... {and a Giveaway Announcement}!


 My grandmother, Edith, and my mother, Jeri

 Mom with my sister, Heidi, and me on Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day falls on Sunday and I know that many of us are busy making plans. 
We will be celebrating the 'moms' in our family with a brunch at our  home, 
just as we did last year, especially my fabulous mom Jeri here

My nephew Jared Mother's Day 2012

I'm imagining a delectable brunch, flowers, gifts, lots of laughter....
and a happy new face or 2 around the table this year.


 Grandma with her grandsons Jordan and Jared 2012

Our girls~ Lauren, Annika and Briana
Thank you for making me a very proud step-mom. 
xx

And for a mom we miss this year~ you must take a peek at this video.
Dedicated to Scott's mom, Margie, who is deeply missed.
Scott's dad, singing to a photo of his wife, dearly departed Margie.
It's the sweetest.......


More on Margie here


ANNOUNCING:
The winner of the $50.00 Zappos Giftcard and Greek Key train case from Stylemindchic is 
the lovely and fashionable Anne from Dress Blog here

Congrats Anne!

For all the moms, step-moms, and moms at heart~
wishing you a lovely weekend with those you love.

We celebrate you, 




New Curated Collections! Style for your life at my Stylemindchic Boutique!