Beauty: La Mer “The Concentrate”

Designer products for your face

It’s very seldom that I spend a ton of money on a single skincare/makeup product.lamer5 It’s not that I haven’t done it before but I’m simplifying so many areas of my life right now and skincare is amongst them. Add to that the fact that I make my own natural products.

In the exceedingly competitive beauty market it all comes down to what works for you and what you can afford to spend.  If money is not an issue and you believe an expensive product will work better then by all means go for it.  Sometimes the simpler the better but I won’t knock anything before trying it.  And contrary to the naysayers, some of the more pricey products are superior and seem to work more effectively.lamer3

I’ve  received various products to test out and blog about and even though I’m under no obligation to do so, I like to share my favourites. Which brings me to the most recent one from La Mer. It’s called The Concentrate or; the Miracle Worker (after all it has a trademarked miracle broth secret ingredient). I’ve  been using it for only two weeks and it seems to have smoothed out a rough patch on an area of my face created by an allergy to something. I love the soothing texture and how evenly it spreads and helps hydrate.

Here’s the thing.  In the short time span I’ve been using it, it appears to be a first-rate product but I would look around before I shell out several hundred dollars for a tiny bottle. Can I pay $320 for 1 oz of this so-called miracle product?  The answer is yes. Do I want to? The answer is no.  Will I?  It’s possible only if it works. The high prices on many skincare and makeup products are beginning to put me off.  I’m questioning where to draw the line on spending. Do you feel the same way?

Here is what the company has to say:

THE CONCENTRATE

A saviour of skin, the Concentrate complements skin’s natural healing process with the restorative power of the sea. Designed to soothe visible irritation and redness caused by cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments, it is infused with a dose of highly concentrated Miracle Broth™, the heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation. Irritation appears soothed and dry, fragile skin made strong for a radiant renewal.

Thoroughly massage onto affected area at least twice per day. For optimal results, follow with your *Crème de la Mer moisturizer.  *another several hundred dollars.

Your thoughts on the cost of beauty and where do we draw the line?

http://www.cremedelamer.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Style – the Happy Hatter

A tip-off to hat lovers everywherehat1

“Wide brimmed and narrow, some tall, some not, some fancy, some colorful, some plaid, some plain. She doted on changing hats at every opportunity. When she met the Prince, she was wearing one hat, when he asked her for a stroll, she excused herself, shortly to return wearing another, equally flattering.” – William Goldman, The Princess Bride (loved that movie).hat2Hats are radical; only people that wear hats understand that. Philip Treacy (Irish milliner/designer based in London).hat3

Take off your hat,” the Girl King said to the Mad Hatter.
“It isn’t mine,” said the Hatter.
“Stolen!” the King exclaimed, turning to the jury, who instantly made a memorandum of the fact.
“I keep them to sell,” the Hatter added as an explanation; “I’ve none of my own. I’m a hatter.”  – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glasshats1hats2hats3hats4    The Wide Brimmed Stetson, a Personal Style Favourite (last 4 photos)

Taken by Garance Doré (blogger, photographer, illustrator, author). 

Wear them weather permitting and without permission.

 

Tattered Tarte Tatin – from Flop to Fabulous

The lady and the tart.  It began with a bunch of Pink Ladies. They looked so fine – I decided to put them to good use.

the apples (cut in quarters) are caramelizing
the ladies (cut in quarters) are caramelizing with the help of a turkey baster (not in recipe).

I like to challenge myself in general and many times it involves cooking.  When things get too comfortable I like to switch it up and expand my repertoire to make meals more unexpected and interesting. I love trying new things and just when I think I’ve tried them all I find another recipe to inspire me.

like this one
like this one

For desserts I have my standards that I know work out but pie crust pastry at the best of times is always challenging to get it just right especially if you prefer using butter over lard or Crisco (as per Martha Stewart and moi).

For Easter I made dinner for eight and decided to attempt a new dessert.  It was going to be elegant and impressive. According to the recipe it was supposed to be shockingly simple to make, and it was shocking all right but in a messy, hard to assemble kind of way.

in proper stages
Another Option: shown in stages with apples cut into slices & pre-packaged crust.

I should have realized this beforehand because anything that requires flipping over I usually end up flipping out over.  My omelettes usually turn out to be fancy looking scrambles (or scramblets as I like to call them).  They might taste good but they’re not your typical perfect looking omelette.  Still working on it.  My pan is usually to blame.   The lip is too deep or something like that.  But perhaps, just saying…maybe I’m not a natural born flipper. What made me think it would be different for an apple tart? This was a French Tarte Tatin (maybe I just liked the name) – a show-stopping dessert baked in a cast iron pan (I’m a big fan of cast iron like Dustin Hoffman’s character in Meet the Fockers). I liked the photo and the fact that you don’t have to par-bake the crust.  Traditionally it’s made with puff pastry but making puff pastry from scratch takes a long time.  Never say “should have” but – should have used puff.

when it came out of the oven
when it came out of the oven – not supposed to look perfect – only taste so.

END RESULT

dessert reconstructed - but delicious nonetheless (very important!)
dessert reconstructed – but delicious nonetheless (very important!) – apple pie in a bowl.

By some miracle I managed to turn this flop into a fabulous dessert with some quick thinking. No one even knew it wasn’t supposed to turn out this way.  The original recipe is below (with some added comments) but here’s what happened.  At the start everything looked great and even taking it out of the oven it looked almost perfect and smelled amazing.  Should have left it in the pan. But no; had to flip it over onto a wood cutting board….that’s when it fell apart.  So instead of crying I was a big girl about it.  Scooped it into individual little round bowls that could be put back into the oven just before serving.  Topped with a scoop each French vanilla & whipped cream, a chocolate wafer on top...Pffff.  Everyone said it was delicious even the crust. And I forgot to drizzle dulce de leche over the ice cream.

Tarte Tatin

Makes *one 9-inch tart

*Ideally, but remember if it falls apart, you have another option.  Or, just serve it straight from the pan if you suspect it may fall apart. Let me know how it works out for you – but don’t tell me it worked out perfectly.

PASTRY:

1 cup salted butter, very cold, cut into small cubes

2 cups all purpose flour

ice water

TART:

1/2 cup salted butter

3/4 cup white sugar (I recommend fine organic cane)

4 – 5 (I used 6) large baking apples, peeled, cored, and cut into quarters*

1/4 cup Calvados or Cognac (optional).  I didn’t have either so substituted with a little less over-proof rum (brought home from my Appleton Rum factory tour in Jamaica & still potent as ever).  This helps to caramelize the apples but you can try omitting it entirely.

Apples: Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, or Pink Lady are good options

First, make the pastry. On a clean, flat surface, combine the butter and flour, tossing the butter through the flour to coat on all sides. Using a rolling pin, roll the butter into thin strips, using a pastry scraper or the back of a large knife to lift any stuck bits from the surface or the rolling pin. Keep doing this until all the butter is in long strips.

Add a few tablespoons of water and then lift and fold the mixture using a pastry scraper or back of a knife. Continue adding water, a few tablespoons at a time, lifting and folding the mixture to incorporate each addition until the dough just starts to come together.

Use your hands to flatten the dough, then fold it over itself. Do this until the dough is a cohesive mass, but is still very pliable. You don’t want to overwork it.  Useful Tip:use parchment paper to help you.

On a well-floured surface roll the dough to the size of your cast iron pan. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate.

Next, assemble the tart. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

In a medium cast iron pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sprinkle the sugar evenly over top. Place the apple quarters in concentric circles around the pan, flat side down. Pour the Calvados or Cognac over top, if using, and let the apples slowly caramelize. When the liquid around the apples turns medium brown, remove the pan from the heat. This should take about 20 minutes. Useful Tip: use a turkey baster to help baste liquid over apples.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on top of the apples. Immediately place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry has browned nicely.

Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30), and then put a board or plate on top of the pan. Carefully flip the whole thing over; the tart should pop out quite easily (ha, ha). If an apple or two sticks to the pan, use a fork to put it in its rightful place.

Serve immediately, or wait a few hours (or even a day) and warm gently in the oven before serving.

Source: Claire Livia Lassam, Edible Magazine

Undressed – a BRIEF history of Underwear

From practicality to provocation, one of our most everyday objects tends to attract interest, debate and sometimes controversy.

undressed1

Every fashion maven knows there is an art to well-made undies.  And for those of us who appreciate them a new exhibit (CN Traveler Magazine calls it one of the ten best fashion exhibits) at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London from 16 April 2016 – 12 March 2017.

This exhibition will address the practicalities of underwear and its role in the fashionable wardrobe whilst highlighting its sensual, sexual appeal. The exhibition will explore dress reformers and designers who argued for the beauty of the natural body, as well as entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators who have played a critical role in the development of increasingly more effective and *comfortable underwear.

jesus fernandez lingerie (Buenos Aires)
jesus fernandez lingerie – the line I represented and sold in Canada after meeting my match in a  Buenos Aires shoppe window

Undressed:

A Brief History of Underwear will display more than 200 examples of men’s and women’s underwear from about 1750 to the present day. In particular, it will investigate how underwear design combines the practical and personal with the sensory and fashionable, in the process both protecting and enhancing the body. The exhibition will map developments in underwear design and explore the ways in which fashion designers have transformed underwear into outerwear.undressed2Curating an exhibition is a process built on collaboration, between conservators, researchers, designers and other specialists.

The exhibition, Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear, will be on display at the V&A from 16th April 2016 to 12th March 2017.  V&A Museum: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom

Sponsored by Agent Provocateur and Revlon – two brands who aim to celebrate and empower women.

Agent Provocateur is delighted to partner with the V&A to be the leading lingerie sponsor for the Undressed Exhibition. Founded in 1994 Agent Provocateur’s unique brand image is renowned for being provocative while empowering women.

Revlon: With over 80 years’ experience revolutionizing the beauty industry and allowing women to express their most glamorous selves, Revlon are thrilled to be a sponsor of the exhibition Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear.

A word from an undergarment connoisseur know-it-all:undressed3*Like most women I love a “no show” so I say hurrah for the invisible comfortable seamless pretty and practical (no VPL) every day wear brands like Commando and Cosabella .  Then there’s all the others………….let’s face it, G-strings and some bustiers are not the most comfortable undergarments.  But like high heels they make you feel sexier and in my opinion,  necessary options to the fashionable woman’s wardrobe.

Check out my love of lingerie board on Pinterest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feel-good Friday: It’s April!

I think the best day of the year to ask someone to marry you is April 1st!
april

because if she/he accepts and you get cold feet, you always have an out – after all, it’s April Fools! 

Things to love about APRIL

For starters the Spring bouquets.  Friends brought these over last Sunday.  20160328_091519

It brings us that much closer to SUMMER.

My sisters birthday is in April (infact she was born on an Easter Sunday).

We can always put more SPRING in our step as things begin to lighten up.

In April everything seems to come to life again, birds have a lot to say, animals are in heat and some people too.

easterAfter Easter we get a long break from major holidays and can relax more.

Everything is in bloom or starting to bloom and looking much prettier.

I think the quote below (unlike mine above) from Shakespeare pretty much sums it all up:

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything” – William Shakespeare, Sonnets.

Youth and Spirit are two of the most uplifting words in the English language.  I hope things are looking cheery and brighter for everyone.  At least for me, that’s the promise of Springtime.

Beauty Wardrobe: TIPS for Spring changeover

When transitioning into Spring I begin to obsess about making changes to my wardrobe bit by bit.  Spring cleaning on a whole other level. 

Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king

I start to put away my heavy sweaters, wool clothing and switch my hefty luxury cotton bathrobe for a lighter waffle cotton, but not before making sure everything is stored away clean.  Which brings me to some products to help in the process.

I am one who takes care of her belongings in every possible sense.  I’ve been using Wolford wash for delicates like good nylons (namely Wolford) and undies for ages and Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena concentrated laundry detergent which is gentle on fabrics as well as the earth.  I take all of that into consideration as a lifestyle choice.  Also I prefer natural clean products with a delicate scent.

Which brings me to something that recently caught my eye when I walked into Hill’s Dry Goods Clothing Store on 4th (in Vancouver).  Aside from noticing the obvious clothing labels I discovered a new cleaning product for clothing.  It’s called The Laundress.  I looked into the product further and thought I’d share some tips from the people over there that might help benefit you when springing into Spring:
clean2

FRESHEN FAIR WEATHER FAVORITES POST-STORAGE:

  • Our spring wardrobes are in full bloom with this much welcomed warm weather, but are they really ready to be worn? If your garments were in storage throughout the winter, chances are they’ll need a bit of freshening up! Here’s how to rejuvenate your pieces:
  • Be on team “steam”
    Steaming has MANY benefits and we love treating stored garments to a quick session before adding them back to our daily outfit rotation. The process removes wrinkles and kills most germs and bacteria, which helps eliminate odours. Add a capful of The Laundress Ironing Water, scented in our Classic scent, to steamer’s water tank for fragrance.
  • Spritz to achieve the ultimate “clean laundry” smell
    Banish musty odours and freshen garments by spritzing one of our fabric sprays – Fabric Fresh Classic is perfect for this task! It’s scented in a unique blend of lily of the valley, jasmine, sweet musk and sandalwood with a touch of citrus. Added bonus: it’s allergen-free so it’s appropriate for even the most sensitive of noses.
  • “Yikes” moment? Here’s how to conquer yellowing…
  • On Cotton, Linen & Durable Synthetics
  • Treating very yellowed items
    Presoak the item in a basin of hot water mixed with 1 capful of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative. Then wash as normal.
  • Treating moderately yellowed items
    Add 2 capfuls of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternativeto a wash load (without detergent). Then wash again (using detergent) as normal.
  • Treating mildly yellowed items
    Add 2 capfuls of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternativeto the wash load along with detergent.
  • On Silks and Delicate Synthetics
  • Treating very or moderately yellowed items
    Presoak the item in a basin of tepid/lukewarm water mixed with ¼ cup white vinegar. We use The Laundress Scented Vinegar. Then wash as normal. For extra stain fighting when treating synthetics, add 1 capful of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative to the basin of warm water. Do not use on silk or wool.
  • Treating mildly yellowed items
    Add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the wash load or handwashing basin along with detergent. Wash as normal.
  • The Laundress Product of Perfection
    Even if everything looks clean, your nose can sense when things are going sour. Spray stubborn smells away with our nontoxic formula that freshens items by eliminating odor-causing organisms. It’s free of allergens and skin-irritating sodium phosphate typically associated with fabric fresheners.

TRANSITION FROM WINTER TO SPRING WITH THESE TIPS:

We love our winter woolies and wish to keep wearing them for months (and years) to come! That’s why we at The Laundress take storing, both long term and short term, seriously.

Improper storage can result in the deterioration and yellowing of fabrics or prompt the growth of mold and mildew. As we can’t imagine our sweaters enduring discoloration and more (and know that you can’t either!), we’ve perfected the art of prepping and packing away seasonal wardrobes. Learn the start to finish process and the products we recommend for best results!

Wash garments before storing long term
Washing before storing prevents mystery stains from appearing over time – even if no stains are visible we recommend including these pieces in your laundry load! Perfume, body products, body oil, food, and dirt can show up after some time and they are much harder to remove. Storing clothes clean also decreases the likelihood of a bug or moth attack.

When washing woolens and down, we suggest using The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. For cotton, linen, and durable synthetics, The Laundress Signature Detergent is ideal. Always wash items that are starched before storing – moths love starch!

Pack items in a breathable, cotton bag
When storing wool, cashmere, and all fabrics to be stored folded, it is best to pack in a breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen, with a zip closure. We opt against plastic bins as this material can cause textiles to discolor over time. The Laundress Large Zip Storage & Laundry Bag and All-Purpose Storage Bag will work to protect the fabric’s integrity by shielding dust and critters. Did you know that moths can’t eat through cotton?

Delicate pieces and those prone to wrinkling are best stored folded with acid-free tissue. This practice is ideal for long term storage. Do not hang knits, silks, or synthetics as this will alter the pieces’ shape.

Fur, leather, and outerwear are best stored hung. Improper storage of such pieces can result in their drying out which causes the loss of natural oils. We recommend.  The Laundress Hanging Storage & Garment Bag – it fits up to 6 jackets – over traditional, plastic garment bags as they can cause yellowing and prompt mold growth.

Store in rooms that are clean, cool, dark, and dry
Avoid storing in attics or basements as humid areas are optimal environments for moth breeding, mold, and mildew. Areas that experience extreme temperatures or direct sunlight are not ideal as both will lead to the deterioration of fabrics. It is best opt for rooms that are clean, cool, dark, and dry.

Prepare for silverfish, moth, and bug issues before they happen
Take preventative measures against critters by storing clothing with The Laundress Cedar Drawer Sheet or Lavender Pouch. Both cedar and lavender are scents that naturally repel bugs and moths. Spritzing garments with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray, our nontoxic, allergen-free fabric spray, is helpful as well! Avoid using moth balls as they are toxic, deadly, and have a noxious odour (which is nearly impossible to remove). We do not recommend cedar blocks/chips as their oil can transfer to fabric and create stains.

If your closet has been attacked by critters, you’ll need to quarantine the scene.

Treat mold and mildew growth on garments
If mold or mildew becomes an issue, worry not as such pieces can often be salvaged. The Laundress Stain Solution, Stain Brush, and Scented Vinegar are our go-to for mold removal.

Reorganize closets and drawers each season
Clean drawers, closets, and clothes with each season to freshen items and ensure the absence of critters! Remove clothing and accessories from storage and launder as normal. While waiting on the wash cycles, vacuum and wipe down drawers. We use The Laundress Surface Cleaner and Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth to lift dust and lint. The Surface Cleaner is safe for all surfaces throughout your home, and is made with natural ingredients so it won’t harm fabrics!

Source: The Laundress 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Style: Spring in a Box

Everyone knows I love a surprise just as much as the next gal.box1

Not a scary surprise like someone jumping at you from out of nowhere and gives you a mild heart attack – just a fun pleasant kind of surprise.  So you can imagine how happy I was to receive a…………..

Mystery girly Gift Box to celebrate Spring from the people over at the Zoe Report.  The Zoe Report (if you don’t already know) is an online style destination curated by none other than designer, celebrity stylist, editor and all-around business woman extraordinaire, Rachel Zoe.

Of course I’m going to share with you all the goodies inside the beautifully wrapped box that everything came in.  Even the tissue paper (above) is stylish.  So adorably cute!

photo: d. king
photo: d. king

First I should tell you that anyone can order (up to a limited amount as they sell out) the set (s) online although the Spring Box of Style (shown above) is now sold out. The boxes will cost anywhere from $100USD for a one-time only gift box or $350USD for an annual set for each season (that’s 4 boxes).  What you get inside is worth more than what you would pay for everything retail. Everything is chic and useful and the retail value of the contents are revealed as prices and links to websites are provided. The box I received was valued at $344 USD (before taxes) not including a deluxe size sample of La Mer Skin Concentrate (I’ll review this later on the beauty post). You can also get additional discounts (anywhere from 15 to 30%) off further orders on most items for a limited time should you desire.

When I first heard about this I thought “what a fabulous, fun idea” and I knew that it would be geared to fashion forward “women in the know.”  So now to share:

In Photo above:

I can cross this off my bucket list
I can now cross this one off my “bucket bag” list

“The Sidekick” Leather Bucket Bag designed and made in L.A.  Gorgeous custom go-with-anything caramel leather with suede lining.  The best thing is that it’s super light, just big enough to carry all essentials and I love that I can wear it cross-body (especially good for dog walking).  Cross body is my latest obsession.  I know I’ll get so much wear out of this simple bag all Spring/Summer long.bucket2

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayon – sultry with a little shimmer, perfect for evening.

Delicate Pave and Stone Cuff gold plated bracelet by Jules Smith – chic enough to stand on its own or layer with other jewelry.  In other words, simply perfect.

Chic pair of great sound headphones by LSTN Sound Co – Wembley Earbuds.

A hair saviour dry shampoo by Klorane – discovered by RZ in Paris during fashion week.  The one she recommends as “the one.”  Who am I to argue?

Something to blot that midday all day shine with – Hollywood oil blotting tissues for a photo-ready look.

And if that wasn’t enough, a deluxe size sample (luckily a little goes a very long way) of the very expensive but effective miracle broth known as La Mer Concentrate.  Ooh la labucket3

  Obsessed already?

Summer Box of Style will be shipped out in June.  To Order:

http://thezoereport.com/shop/   Don’t forget to tell them that girlwhowouldbeking recommended you. XO

 

 

 

Food: Avocado Showdown

GETTING CREATIVE WITH AVOCADOS

Everyone knows that avocados are good for you – they’re known as a superfoodavo4

I mean even avocado toast is a thing. I don’t feel like I need to reiterate all the benefits but I’d love to tell you about an upcoming event in Vancouver to do specifically with avocados from Mexico because let’s face it, they’re the best! An event I’m invited to attend and sample all of the dishes.  Good thing I love avocados!

avo3The second annual  Avoshowdownhosted by Avocados from Mexico, returns to Vancouver , B.C. on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver (2725 Main St, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m)

Local food lovers and culinary leaders will participate on Sunday April 10th, as 16 of Vancouver’s talented cooks and bakers showcase their creativity by creating an avocado dish for competition.  Six food and lifestyle experts will judge by a blind-tasting.

With the success and popularity of last year’s culinary competition, Avocados from Mexico is celebrating the return of the Avoshowdown  with bigger prizes, including roundtrip travels to a Mexican all-inclusive resort, courtesy of Club Med Canada.  This time, the competition is open to the public.

Did you know?

Of all avocados consumed in Canada, 80% of avocados come from Mexico. Mexico is the world’s top avocado producer (over 1,200 growers in the Michoacán region), far outranking the United States and Chile. Currently, Canada is the second biggest importer of Mexican avocados, ranking under the United States and just above Japan. Venue host chef Jonathan Kinney from the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver will teach attendees to create their own avocado dish; and  cocktail master, Justin Darnes of Drinks Undressed will reveal a spectacular avocado cocktail that he is creating exclusively for this event . An assortment of avocado appetizers will be created by the team at Northwest Culinary Academy to showcase the versatility of using Avocados from Mexico in every meal.

This year’s competing categories:

  • Savoury Dish (voted by judges)
  • Dessert/Pastry (voted by judges)
  • Foodie’s Choice (voted by entrants and spectators)

For more recipe ideas, nutritional information and tips, visit www.avocadosfrommexico.ca.

Here is the link to my vegetarian ceviche recipe (with Avocados of course):

d. king
d. king

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2013/07/30/simply-satisfying-vegetarian-ceviche/

 

 

 

Feel GOOD FRIDAY

Friday is my second favourite F word!

FABULOUS is my first favourite F word.  What were you thinking?

goodfriday4

feeling-good

Enjoy your long weekend and if you celebrate Easter try to lay off eating too many chocolate eggs!

I’ve invited a few friends and family over for dinner on Sunday and each place setting will have an easter egg filled with starburst jelly beans – just because. The dogs will hunt for toys and treats (Jack already knew how to play hide ‘n seek so now Jia Jia plays too). They’re told to sit and wait while I hide something and then they run excitedly trying to find it. Sometimes I make it more challenging for them. AND I’m trying out a brand new dessert which I’ll tell you about later providing it turns out.  Something I’ve been wanting to make for a long time but never got around to.

Isn’t every Friday a good friday?

Beauty: Celebrating 40 Years at L’OCCITANE!

Talking about the beauty company founded in Provence, France. Not me. I’m nowhere near 40!

Robson Street Location
The Beautiful Corner Location at Robson & Burrard – always loved the baskets

40 is the age of genius!

Many great artists created the majority of their works once they passed this milestone. Niki de Saint-Phalle’s Nanas, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup CansThe Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi to name a few.

Lemon Verbena hand wash & hand lotion gift set
Lemon Verbena hand wash & hand lotion gift set

No one is young after forty, but one can be irresistible at any age.” Coco Chanel

Anyway, some things get better with age.   Certainly that would be true for the company known and loved for its irresistible French pampering products.  I once visited the original L’Occitane location where you could smell fields of heavenly lavender from miles away.

Almond Concentrate
Almond Concentrate

 

I always carry a hand cream in my purse. These all have Shea Butter.
I always carry a hand cream in my purse. These all have Shea Butter.

To help celebrate, L’Occitane held an evening in their flagship Vancouver location last week – with hor d’oeuvres, glasses of rosé, dried lavender bouquets, free gel manis and surprise gift cards offering anywhere from $10 to $100 worth of product.  It was a fun few hours with like minded women. Translation: we who want to be pampered.

For its 40th anniversary, L’Occitane is retracing the roots of its greatest products.

Time to uncover the secrets behind one of my all time favourites: 

Almond Milk Concentrate body cream with its luxurious scent of the South.L'Occitane5

Renowned since ancient times for its fruits’ softening and smoothing properties, the almond tree is a key part of the Provençal landscape. First to blossom, the trees adorn themselves in February with a delicately scented white veil, as the orchards continue to sleep. The flowers herald the start of Spring, before giving way to beautiful soft green shells, the nut of which is bursting with useful cosmetic properties.L'Occitane2
Yet at one time the almond tree all but disappeared from the region. Threatened by the mechanisation of agriculture and the expansion of more profitable crops, it gradually began disappearing in the 1930s. In the 2000s, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region pioneered an initiative, supported by L’Occitane, to get this symbolic tree back to its rightful place in the Provençal landscape.

THE ULTIMATE SOFT TEXTURE

Combining smooth, creamy oil with meltingly soft almond milk, this formula has the ability to both strengthen and soften. Its secret? A luxurious, almost addictive fragrance. Like covering skin with a satin-smooth veil, Almond Milk Concentrate hydrates for more than 48 hours, while at the same time smoothing, firming and restoring the skin’s natural density.

Voilà! Straight From the fields of Provence to your favourite L’Occitane store.

Age does not protect you from the dangers of love. But love, to some extent, protects you from the dangers of age.” Jeanne Moreau.

Photos: d. king

Source for Concentrate: L’Occitane.com