HIPPEST BRUSSELS.

Brussels.

You beautiful lady, our capital and the capital of Europe. You have loads to offer and yet people don't really seem to like you that much. They're often scared to visit you or they just don't trust you for some silly reason.
I love you, i do. I love your shops, your tiny little streets, your little squares and cozy restaurants.

What are people scared of when they think "Brussels"? Do they really think they're going to get kidnapped, beaten up or being harassed? No way! You have so much more in your city center! Of course, i mean you don't have to end up in a bad neighborhood or you might get mugged. It's a very vibrating city, with so many different quarters with different sorts of people and styles. 'Course the architecture often leaves us disappointed, i have to admit.

So if i may convince you, Brussels scared people. There's nothing scary about this city. Giving you a lot of nice places to visit, dine and shop. I hope you lose your heart to it like I did, 4 years ago.
I remember when i started working there, i was at Rue Auguste Orts(Dansaert) and i didn't even know where the big square was. That's worth a laugh, i was completely lost. After all those years i tend to find my way as if i've always been there.

DANSAERT.

With their fine atmosphere and vibe this is practically one of my favorites. It has great shops such as: MAC, Bobbi Brown, Kure, Diesel, Zadig & Voltaire, Sandro, Marc Jacobs and many more... For a little edgy feeling and more sophisticated never seen objects there's Hunting and Collecting. The shop is so great i wander in it every time i go. They have brands such as: Kenzo, Topshop, Carven,... It's concept is based on fashion and lifestyle.

To drink and dine you bum into great spots. Most of them super cozy and trendy. From bars to Japanese restaurants and coffee corners. For great coffee with that little extra OR Coffee is amazeballs. You can get lunch, coffee, cakes and such! This little piece of the city has it all. It's also accessible by metro "Beurs/Bourse" "Sint Katelijne/Saint Catherine". During winter you have a great Christmas market over there. It's really crowded but worth a visit!


THE MAROLLES.

With "Place Du Jeu De Balle" this is a catcher on a Sunday. It's a second hand market where you always find bargains for a pound. With true ancient citizens of Brussels, this place lives to the limits! In summer you can get a drink on a terrace along the small streets and second hand shops. There's this one shop in particular, i often go there and it's just great. It doesn't really have a name though. All is second hand and you buy your stuff by kg/lbs/pounds. I have found great jackets, bandanas and much more. Great stuff for great value! If you head a little bit up from this area you arrive at "Place Du Grand Sablon" with a massive church, great restaurants, Pierre Marcolini, Maison Dandoy, Flamant home interiors, Emporio Armani et oui bien sûr Christian Louboutin.


ANNEESSENS.

Not somewhere to go without your boyfriend or friends but this place is constantly growing. It's still not the safest place to head off alone but while in company a sure do! Around this area you find second hand vinyl stores, great cheap food and nice terraces to get a summery drink. some corners even have cool second hand design furniture shops and book stores. Pêle Mêle, is a book/ action figure/ vinyl shop, it's big, large and there are books in 3 languages. A little further in the street you find yourself "Jour de Fête" it's a retro diner with nice food and drinks! Right next to this place you find a retro coffee bar "Kika Caffee" for nice coffees.You also find a Make Up For Ever shop in this area and great little gadget shops. For some great burgers you can find yourself having lunch or dinner at Houtsiplou on square Rouppe.


LOUISE.

I've worked at square Stéphanie for some time and it's like a little city center on it's own. it has everything. From Zara to Tiffany's & Co, from Abercrombie & Fitch to Tesla. it's a shopping place i carry by heart. I like to ignore the biggest shoppingstreet of all Brussels named "Rue Neuve" it's crowded, dirty and full of pick pockets. This place comparing to Rue Neuve is so calm that it's energizing. People are so classy there that they make you hate whatever it is you're wearing that day. On "Boulevard De Waterloo" You can either window shop or if your wallet lets you, really buy something. I'll go for the window shopping just because i can't. While after shopping and have had some great sushi you can find yourself at night for some partying at Bloody Louis at the Galerie Louise. A little more up you find "Porte de Namur" where you can find some interesting wigs, African fashion and hair products. This place is rather funny and enlightening, people are so sweet over there!

                                 

JOUR DE FETE ANNEESSENS

KIKA CAFFEE

HOUTSIPLOU

SABLON.

OVERVIEW GRAND PLACE & BASELIQUE

JUBELPARK

THE MAROLLES

BIG SQUARE BRUSSELS

Xoxo,

Fe

HAIRDOS SS' 2015.

It seems like spring is slowly arriving. Slow but still it's coming.

Birds start to chirp, the trees start to look a little healthier and people look a bit, a tiny bit nicer. 

I, for instance. I started cleaning my whole house. It feels like the sun is coming out and yesterday i went out for the first time this year, in my sweater. It felt good. Energizing i would say! Some people would actually better stick to the plan of wearing pants though. Already walking around in naked legs, probably unshaven and wearing espadrilles, i'm like no. And they do exist. I guarantee.

But what with all our winter hair? I mean, it's just hanging there. Lifeless and dull. That's what i was thinking and went to the hairdresser to get myself a fringe. It was unusual in the beginning, i had to adapt to it and it took me more than a week. But now i'm happy i did! It feels fresher! I based my decision on the hair trend straight cut off bangs. But it made me look like Samantha from Sex And The City. Even my boyfriend called me Samantha, haha. So after that i cut them myself, and it looks more modern now. 

My based on choice! Picture from Pinterest.

So What is new these 2 fabulous seasons of the year? What's hot and what's not? What are the fashion weeks showing and what does fashion week want us to do?!

Here we go! 

This season it's all about natural hair colors. No pink, purple, blue or a mix of them together. It's just not grown up and it looks really childish, i'm sorry for all of you with a my little pony hairdo. 

The wetlook is back in town, extremely or lightly. This sleek look is made with wet glue gel. Either your hair pulled back in a bun or loose. Yet still all of it pulled back. 

GLAMOUR MAGAZINE UK

Messy buns. And by messy, we mean: MESSY. leave a little hair out here and there, to make it look effortlessly chic, girly and yet edgy.

GLAMOUR MAGAZINE UK

Blunt bangs, yay! One of my favorites this season. Cut off straight and blunt. Mix them with wavy loose curls to get that boho salty beach look. A salt spray, i rather say is needed. it's easy to make with oh yeah, salt and water maybe. Or you can buy them at Bumble and Bumble (Surf Spray) or for the budget version Primark offers you a salty hair spray for less than 2 pounds. Note, you can also use a spray fixing gel.

GLAMOUR MAGAZINE UK

Hair accessories, like, duh. Bandanas, flowers, pins,... whatever you can imagine is ok this season! FUN! but make sure you don't overdo, less is more. You can find cute and nice hair accessories at New Look or in any hip and trendy shop in your neighborhood.

GLAMOUR MAGAZINE UK

This season the neat bun is low and sophisticated. Not on top of your head. You can always add a accessory to it.

GLAMOUR MAGAZINE UK

For short haircuts it's messy and masculine. think Pixie hair cut like Jennifer Lawrence and a little Miley Cyrus. 

PHOTO CREDITS PINTEREST

So keep it simple ladies! Less is always more.

xoxo

CHANGES.

Changes.

It's something in life we all go through and they are mostly based on weird or impulsive decisions. Change doesn't always need to be bad, i figured.

 I changed a lot, all my life. Changed schools, friends, hobbies even work. Some of them were indeed for the better. I changed careers because life didn't allow me to live with a minimum monthly paycheck and so life didn't want me to do what i really loved doing.

Too bad, i guess.

So 2 and a half years ago i moved across the country. A 2 hour drive to my parents and 35 miles away from friends. That wasn't easy, i assure you.

I had a hard time adapting to a new way of living, no social contact whatsoever.

Our house was a former bank, build and constructed with the strongest security stuff. Trying to keep me safe and sound. But i could never love it, i thought i could. But i just couldn't.

So little time has passed living on the french side of our tiny chocolate/fries country and i had to come clean. I couldn't bare it. It was like being held in captivity, no freedom. I felt like a bird in a cage. The decision felt hard. I can't miss out on fun times with friends and family, i miss my parents and i seriously regret missing out all the moments they have together. Family parties, Christmas, new years,... Even just grabbing a coffee with a friend and chatting about complete nonsense! I miss stepping out of the house, taking a tram or a bike and just wander off somewhere in the city.

So since this early 2015 we decided to move out.

We decided that emotional life is worth more than a mortgage on a home that doesn't feel like a home.

We putted our hands together and we started working on our own little project, a project named selling a house. So the last few weeks i'm covered in white paint. And i love it, i just do. It means that something better is yet to come. The more i think about it, the more i live to the moment of moving out.

So this comes out as a biggie for all of the people i know, even for us.

I know i'll get a lot of dirty looks for this and comments on how "dumb" our decision is. But it is ours to make. And so we made it, together. To start a new life in Ghent, together. With the love of my life.

GHENT "2015".

Hopefully, 2015.

Xoxo

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS.

Spring is in the air,

you get that feeling that life gets a little better, days get a little longer and people are a little happier.

You see people running in the streets and parks. And even on a sunny day, you can start to spot people on terraces with some sunnies on and with a glass of wine in front of their noses.

February is the moment where a lot of people start to plan their trips for the summer, their vacations even if it's a trip to the sun or a citytrip to a city you desire.

We were looking for a trip this summer and we were hesitating between a citytrip or a real summer vacation. So at first we took the decision on going to Kràkau, Poland. Which is obviously a weird decision, i get that. But it is close to Auschwitz and i really wanted to visit that as it is a part of my European history.

But one day we turned that whole idea around and went for the idea of sea, history, white beaches and salsa.

CUBA.

So i started to panic, beach, sea and bikinis? I'm like, what me?!

So i decided to start working out and eat healthy to kick ass in a great bikini while i'm sunbathing and salsa dancing with my boyfriend or Cubans.

We're 2 months later and after daily work outs at home (my paycheck doesn't allow me to buy a devilishly expensive gym membership.). And i eat clean, i have to say that in the beginning all of those things were so hard. I gave up like 2 times. I found it hard because i saw no results what so ever and after a week of working all day i didn't have the courage to go through with it. And then my image changed about the whole "getting fit for a vacation" image. I cannot work for a goal like that! I know that i will work hard towards it but after that, what then? I have no goal to achieve and no mindset. I'll fall hard and create crappy habits again. Do i want that?

No, i don't. 

So what i'm working for is myself, my future and my image. I don't want no size 2 or 4 nor do i need that.

I needed to change the way i lived and the lazy habits i had.

So i reinforced myself to go for it, and i do it. Every single day i eat clean now, to become what i want to be for myself and for the people to say how good i look.

So this is what my day looks like, every day for the rest of my life.

I wake up everyday at 5:20 AM, i make myself ready and go off to work.

My working day takes 10h a day, from 7AM till 5PM.

I come home at 5:45PM and i let the dogs out.

I jump in my sports gear and i start rope skipping, hula-hooping(which weighs about 3.5 pounds) for a half an hour.

I do sit ups, core working, every single type of work out you can do on a yoga mat + squating my ass off, also for a half an hour.

it takes all together 1h to do all of it and it makes you feel so much better. You feel fit and happy but most of all satisfied that you didn't listen to the inner you in the car who was saying that you were to tired to work out today.

I make a fresh salad, chicken, fish or any types of food with low calories and carbs. That's the food that keeps you going all day, it works well for a healthy skin and it's just good, in every way. The taste, the effects and the healthy feeling you get from it.

And if i don't have time to work out in the evening i work out in the morning, because one day of not doing that is one day wasted to where you want yourself to be. I also start to see some changes, my hips are getting toned and my arms are getting stronger. Also i have lost 8,5 pounds since i really made the commitment and that makes me happy, it really does.

So it's time to stop making excuses for yourself, you're not hungry in between different meals, you're stomach is just bored. And remember that, you are more important for yourself than anyone is.

xoxo

A NEW GEM IN THE HEART OF GHENT.

Weekends, 

a truly loved part of the week where everyone seems to be happy and fill their hearts with joy, laughter and drinks. A moment to be adventurous or rather lazy. Well none of them described my Saturday on the 7th of February. We, my beloved boyfriend and me, went on a Saturday to explore. I went shopping, i mean like duh of course what else would i be doing. 

In the afternoon we we're invited to a new great concept. A store located in the heart of Ghent giving you art, pleasure and an empty wallet. This new gem of this adorable city is called E JUWEELIER.

It's a jewelry shop, but not your average one. it's filled with handcrafted precious jewelry as well made by guest designers and the designer and shop owner herself, Elise Geers. 

Elise Geers,

 graduate and master in noble forge art, designs her own line of timeless jewels and accessories. Such as earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and more. As visiting the shop you are welcomed by a young, elegant and sweet lady. You get to take a look around on your own pace and you get to try the jewelry without any problem. 

As you look around you'll notice that the shop is timeless, industrial combined with modern and wealthy designs. Build and constructed with the finest materials and furniture, this space absolutely deserves your visit.

Neither the less, this amazing lady happens to be my sister in law. She works hard for what she desires and worked hard for what she accomplished. The jewelry she crafts are made with precious materials such as silver, gold and with all her heart. 

Price range starts from €24 up to €1500, there's a have for everyone from student to all of our hard working ladies who desire timeless jewelry.

The shop is located at Kortrijksepoortstraat 65, 9000 Ghent.

X o x o

E JUWEELIER.

MISS ELISE GEERS.

BUSINESSCARDS WITH STYLE.

A SNEAK IN THE SHOP.

THE SEE TROUGH WALL.

JEWELRY SELECTED BY THE SHOP.

A LOOK IN THE RANGE.

BACK NECKLACE, AMAZING PIECE OF ART.

A COUPLE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES.

MY SECOND FAVORITES.

MADE BY FLORENCE CROISIER.

THESE ARE JUST BREATHTAKING.

ARTY AND YET WEARABLE!

WAR OF THE M-U BAG.

"What is it with women and their bags?" Was the question that popped into my head when all the other thoughts and concentration was already in a weekend state of mind. I work in an open space with loads of people walking by every day for 50hours per week. Yes indeed, I work my ass off for a 23year old. 

So while being at the end of the week my mind is somewhere far, not concentrated at all and it's just thinking about bed and some other nonsense. 

How about reorganising my make up bag this weekend?! Yezzur, will do that. So I did.

It was, at most terms pretty fine, not that much to throw out. I was just having some fun swiping some of my colours that I use every day and yet still surprise me. So I decided to write a piece on: "what's in my M-U bag?".

Here you go, my perfect make up bag is a Primark one, it was about 3£/5€ and mostly the greatest one I've owned ( i even bought 2 of them just in case one gets broken or lost, I'm sick I know). 

It has 2 departments, a smaller one where your make up brushes will feel perfectly at home. The bigger one will eat up all your make up itself, everything fits and you can put plenty of stuff in it. 

Primark, 3£/5€

For the skin, from low to high coverage.

-MAC strobe cream(illuminating primer)

-Estée Lauder day wear(adapts to your skin colour and is the most natural)

-Bobbi Brown's BB cream(natural and flawless finish)

-MAC studio sculpt(for destroyed skin days with a high coverage matte finish)

-MAC Pro long wear concealer(love this one for ever!)

Finish for skin and eyes.

-MAC p+p translucent loose powder

-MAC blush in ambering rose

-MAC paint pot in groundwork(primer)

-MAC liquid last liner in black

-MUFE smoky lash mascara 

-MAC false lash extreme black mascara

-MAC omega eye shadow for the brows

-Hema brow gel in clear

Colours for the eyes.

-my mac customised pallet with different colours from light ones to dark, with different finishes(matte and metallic) 

-Urban Decay naked2 pallet, practically the apple of my eye. 

Daily lips.

-Bobbi Brown's lipliner in naked.

-Primark's matte lipstick in whisper(don't be shocked, Primark lipstick are really good!)

And of course, te brushes, as well for foundation(the. Blender from Jessup is dope), concealer, powder, blush and contouring. I still have weak knees or the MAC brushes, the quality is really good, I know they're a bit pricey but worth every penny. The Jessup one was cheap and works so nice!

Aaah, the eye brushes, no one could ever live without them because if I hadn't have these... I'd have no eyebrows or blended shadows. Word said, they're all from MAC. 

So what's in your bag? I know for sure within one week I have to clean it all over again same as with my purse, the story keeps on repeading itself. 

Xoxo love,

Have a great week.

BACK TO BLACK WITH OPIUM.

Yesterday was blue Monday. The third week of the new year 2015 and the day all our annual self promises are given up and we have no money left. All we are left with is some self pity and an anxious feeling for better weather. 

Behind all that sorrow this rather ordinary Monday I'd say it was a happy day. I finally received my perfume to brighten up these dark days. What I was left with last night while standing in the kitchen was a box of black opium by YSL, I was happy and that's the least to say. 

The scent was released in September 2014, founded by master perfumers Nathalie Lorson and Marie Salamagne in collaboration with Olivier Cresp and Honorine Blanc. 

This new vibrating scent gives a rock and roll interpretation to the classic "Opium" by YSL. It's a highlight to the dark, mysterious side of the YSL brand. 

The scent is rather winter/autumn but can be worn on a daily basis because of the fresh orange blossom tones mixed with coffee. At night this perfume really takes its stand, it's sexy and yet innocent but oh so dark it even makes me think of a masked theme party.

The perfumes notes are:

-coffee

-pink pepper

-orange blossom

-jasmine

-vanilla

-patchouli

-cedar

The bottle is the signature bottle from the Opium range. It's dark and decorated with sequins for the edgy glam rock look.

The face of the campaign is the pretty British model Edie Campbell shot by Daniel Wolfe.

The perfume is available in sizes 30,50 and 90 ml. 

It's still pricey, I have to admit but worth every penny. 

For now this is my favourite signature scent and i'm never going back to anything less but this YSL.

Xoxo