Currently Craving: Jewellery Edition

When I said I had a soft spot for designer goods, this also included jewellery...

But at the same time, when I admit having an expensive taste, that doesn't mean that I actually buy these things. I have my small "jar of savings" so that from time to time (maybe once or twice a year) I can treat myself by purchasing something that I've been coveting for a long time (like this).

Of course, this means a lot of planning in order to analyse where to invest best my money in. My final choice then is usually between bags, shoes or accessories. You might think that the prices are absurd and yes, you may have a point. But in my opinion I rather spend that money in something made out of leather or metals that I know will accompany me during a long time, instead of clothing items that I know will: go out of fashion or get ruined with every cleaning process.

I'm not going to lie, I try to buy high quality clothes every time I can, but high quality doesn't necessarily equal haute couture or designers.

If you open my wardrobe, you will mostly find Zara, Mango, H&M and a lot of Argentinian brands like Rapsodia, Akiabara and Clara Ibarguren.

What better than having the ability to combine an H&M blazer with a Chanel 2.55?

1. Juste un Clou Bracelet, Cartier / 2. Olivia Rose Ring, LeiVanKash /

3. Feather Pinky-Mid Ring, LeiVanKash / 4. Mini Titan Crystal Bracelet, Vita Fede

An extra pinch of couture: even Karl Lagerfeld eats at McDonald's, just like us!

Weekly RoundUp - #thiswasfast

Via Creatures great and small from The Big Picture

You might wonder why I picked up these adorable mini pigs for my front picture. Not because I like them that much, but because this is the perfect example of a picture where my husband would look at me and start laughing while pointing both at the picture and at me.
He always does that. And I usually laugh. Because it's kind of funny.
Of course he always makes sure to pick out the most funny, weirder, older, etc. looking creature or person that's being displayed.
I know that some women would not be amused by these kind of jokes. But as long as they don't hurt your feelings and get personal, it's always better (and healthier) to just laugh along.

Have a wonderful weekend!!


Who doesn't like a broo-sket-tuh?

These kindergarteners are adorable!

These are some strange beaches.

Still laughing.

I love doing sobremesa.

This might come in handy one day: erasing yourself from the Internet.

Jeez.

I never tried recipes coming from an app, but this one does actually sound good (via VSL)

How cute and extremely annoying are these deers?

Middle Eastern photographers.

Loading a cat and buffering a song.

The naked truth.

Baby ostriches dancing around.

Applies for US only (via VSL)

How come I didn't think of this before?


An extra pinch of airport: this is great.

A Thought: Macarons

I can't remember the first time I came across this pâtisserie. Even though I was always in the search for the top places to go, things to eat, must have clothes, etc., I was too young and apparently focusing on other things.

Was it a movie? My last visit to Paris? A friend? I can't remember...but one day the term "macaron" came into my life and has been present ever since.

I actually remember on one of my first visits to the UAE, we drove to Dubai to visit the Dubai Mall and there, for the first time ever, I spent a lot of money (at that moment in my life) for a box of macarons from Ladurée. I was so excited that if I think about it now it's actually ridiculous. I think it was the whole concept of Ladurée as a status symbol and not the actual macarons that made me go all crazy about it.

Ladurée pour Unger Hamburg >  buy a tote, get macarons!

But leaving the brand aside, what is it about these round little confections that make them so special? Wherever they are served (and let me clarify that you don't find them everywhere, but mostly in "nicer" places), they always stand out and somehow distinguish themselves from everything else.
Is it the colors? The mixture of textures with the meringue biscuit and the buttercream/ganache filling? Do they make us feel better? Is all of this just my imagination (I hope not...at least I don't think so)?

Can it be that this little pastry has become a symbol of status, sophistication and luxury? That would be a logical explanation to my reaction when I first bought them. It's not as expensive as a watch, a car or a bag, yet it carries the same message. If you ever enter a Ladurée shop, you will see it with you own eyes and understand exactly what I mean.
Note to the reader: this isn't a negative opinion by any means. I love everything about this bakery and continue getting a treat every time I get the chance.

(via SHE Canada)

What I'm actually asking myself is: in an era where more people have access to better and more variety of food, could it be that the macaron is one of the few food items that go hand in hand with status (together with i.e. caviar and foie gras)? Or could it be the fact that one bakery has intensified and upgraded a normal pastry so that we now associate it with status?

What do you think?


An extra pinch of macarons in motion: cute & MAGNIFICENT

Monday-Yumday: Hearts of palm and avocado salad

When I came across this recipe, I knew it was going to taste like heaven.
But you know...I was wrong. This salad was so much more than heaven!!! Take your favourite ingredients and put them together...that's what this salad was for me.

When my husband saw the hearts of palm, he looked at me with skepticism because according to him, even though he had never tried them, he was 100% sure he wouldn't like them.
Who doesn't like hearts of palm. I know, a lot of people...but still, who doesn't like them?! Even though they're not considered as one, for me they're a delicacy.

As in most of my cooking, I tend to adapt the recipes with the ingredients I have in the kitchen or the ones I could get at the grocery store. Or just leave out the ones I don't like (yes, it's that easy).

Hearts of Palm and Avocado Salad
(by Food and Wine)

#chefK comments:

+ well, being a huge fan of all ingredients makes it very easy to speak positively about this dish. But as objective as I can be, let me tell you, this is an amazing and fresh salad
+ regardless of the vegetables, the lime in the dressing makes all the difference in the flavour. If you would change it, it wouldn't be the same
+ instead of parsley, try coriander. Best decision ever!! (although I have to admit I mixed up the parsley with the coriander and that's how I made this discovery)
+ easy and fast
+ it tastes like South America, double-like!!!

(-) even though it's a salad, it's a heavy dish. This is great for +4 servings

An extra pinch of palms: these palm smacks and now that I found this recipe, I can't wait to try it out.

Weekly RoundUp - #finally!

Via Welcome to the Fair from The Big Picture (check it out)

Why are there working weeks that seem endless and others that are completely the opposite? I suppose it's the adjustment of going from 6 to 9 working hours, because this week felt like it would never end.
During the last month, 1pm meant only two more hours. Now, 1pm means...four long hours. We people get used to the good things too quickly...

I hope you have a great weekend!!


It's nap time!

Everyday objects transformed into unlikely ones.

Don't we all feel safer than average.

If Disney princesses had Instagram. So true.

Hot-Dog legs.

The kindly Brontosaurus: I have to try this out!

Made me laugh.

Since when is it cool to always be busy?

Gorgeous pumps.

I have to admit, I'm no. 13.

...merrrrica.

Such a cute and strange video at the same time. Please love him (or his dad).

McDonald's of Piazza di Spagna. An interesting point of view!

Make art, not memes.

Waiters grinding the pepper for you (make sure to watch the SNL video at the end - if you can't watch Hulu from your location, you may watch it here).


An extra pinch: me during school. Can you relate?