You could say that Peony and I are Instagram friends, which is pretty cool. I’ve been following her on social media for the past 7 years and it’s been fun watching her evolve as a top fashion/beauty influencer. I’ve known Peony before videos became normal in popular culture.
@Amazon.com
@cremedelamer.com
As usual she found time to answer a few questions, here’s 5 minutes with Peony.
Recently I’ve developed stomach issues, and more thrush in the mornings. I just haven’t been feeling well and finally went to see a specialist to try and get my body back on track. I have an autoimmune disease that is affecting my overall health. My doctor gave me a list of things I needed to do, but basically she said I had to clean up my act.
Courtesy of R’S KOSO.com
To repair my gut I started drinking R’s KOSO’s probiotic drink & cleanse. I was supposed to actually detox with it, but you can drink this probiotic on a daily basis, even make a cocktail or mocktail with it.
R’s KOSO is the only 100% natural supplement on the market that provides balanced nutrition, combining probiotics + prebiotics + postbiotics and enzyme which has proven to improve gut health.
@rskoso.com
After a few days my stomach started to feel better, after a week the thrush that was on my tongue is back to normal. Now every morning I have a glass of this delicious elixir and my stomach is literally happy, it’s like my body craves R’s KOSO. I ordered the New Trial Pack – 30ml × 5 bottles, which are perfect for travel or a test run. I admit, it is an acquired taste, but once you’re used to it, it’s like drinking a healthy soda.
Courtesy of R’S KOSO.com
I am almost finished with my last bottle, and I am going to have to order another, plus I am well stocked on San Pellegrino, it’s my carbonated sparkling water of choice, reminds me of my trip to Italy.
I had to add that I’ve also lost weight and my appetite has been suppressed, my body is preforming like it should in terms of digestion. This is something that I’ve incorporated into my lifestyle because who doesn’t want to be healthy?
This is the recipe for our healthy alcohol drink using KOSO. Let’s celebrate your healthy life. Ingredients and method are very simple.
R’s KOSO.com
■Ingredients
White wine 500 ml Sparkling water 1 cup R’s Koso 1/4 cup 1 Medium Orange 1 Medium Lemon Blueberry 1/4 cup Cinnamon stick 1 stick Anise 2 pieces■Method
■Method 1, Slice orange and lemon 2, Add slices of orange and lemon into a jar and muddle with a wooden spoon 3, Add R’s KOSO, white wine, sparkling water, cinnamon stick, and anise, then stir *Add a shot of brandy or vodka if you like 4, Cover the jar and chill the drink in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight 5, Serve it with ice. Garnish with fruits. Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well.
Vaginal dryness is a sensitive topic, almost considered taboo. However it’s an issue a lot of women go through and finding the right products that help us embrace pro-aging is paramount. Before your thirties, the walls of our vagina stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. The estrogen in our bodies aids the lining of the vagina by keeping it healthy, thick and elastic. Once we turn 31 years old, our estrogen drops making the level of moisture drop. This will cause irritation, discomfort and more serious issues.
Dr. Barbara Sturm – V Wash $70 @Violeygrey.com
Inflammation is also a cause of more severe vaginal issues, diet plays a key role. I recently started taking Turmeric and it’s been helping me with chronic inflammation. If you start taking Turmeric today, you will see a difference in a few days, at least I have. Take 6 grams of Turmeric daily for 14 days, then drop to 3 grams for another 14 days, it acts as a oral antibiotic.
Honor: Everyday Balm $90 @rosewoman.com
But back to Vaginal dryness, there are many clean beauty products available that aid in Vaginal health, question is, are you ready to pro-age?
+ NET SUSTAIN Esplar rubber-trimmed leather sneakers $120 @Netaporter.com
Meghan Markel put Veja sneakers on the map for those of us that were not familiar with the sustainable brand. Now there is at least one pair of Veja sneakers in every woman’s closet. Veja’s are seen on the streets of Paris, Toronto and San Francisco, not to mention other major cities around the world.
Lemon Tart, Chablis & Hot Chocolate de Cafe De Flore
Walking in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, certain places come to mind, most likely you think of Café de Flore before knowing there is a church there named Saint Germain. This arrondissement of Paris is on the Left Bank of Paris, or as it’s known, “Rive Gauche” for being on the “left side of the river Seine”. A precious origin of the city is full of creatives, philosophers, literary geniuses, politics and universities. The history of this area needs a whole article for itself, so I’ll just focus on the contemporary relative.
Cafe de Flore (front)
Since Paris has fully opened up again, I’ve been picky but anxious to sit at a café terrace for a pause and people watch again, so I’ve started with Café de Flore because I know I’ll find my liking on the fashions of the Parisians of “the 6th”. It’s full of fashionable locals, locals who have lived there maybe their whole lives. Anita is looking forward to visiting soon, so I’ve come to check out how the cafe’s opening is flowing.
I decided to have my dessert on the terrace and enjoy the scenery. I ordered a Lemon tart with hot chocolate Café Flore and a Chablis to cool it back down, a very Summer Parisian dessert I’d say. The Lemon tart was wonderful, creamy and citrusy tart and the Hot chocolate was very good too, of course the Chablis was refreshing. It was a nice time while having dessert.
As soon as I sat down and got comfortable I saw a French famous person/celebrity walk by, so that fulfilled all the rumours to be true about this place. Café de Flore is very Fashion. It’s such an iconic café without much hype on the inside though, it really is just a brasserie like many around town, but that “Je ne sais quoi” or earned history is real and Café de Flore has it.
There are other popular cafe’s and brasseries around the corner and in front of the church (St Germain des Pres church) which is also in front of a Louis Vuitton shop and boutique, like Les Deux Magots, which is direct competitor to Cafe de Flore or also Cafe Bonaparte. I prefer Cafe Flore though, because of the Fashion.
Café Les Deux Magots
Just down the street is another terrace from “Mabillon” that has good views of the Boulevard and a side of town that leads to all the bars and clubs that are open all night.
Mabillon on Blvd St Germain
Another I like to call a Chic Café is the “Bar de la Croix Rouge” on Blvd Sevres. It’s full of fashionable people, and fashionable locals too. Another great spot for that lunch salad or café after lunch.
Almost in front of the Hermes boutique in the 6th is the “Au Sauvignon”. A great spot for people watching and fashion trends. I think it’s the chicest street, the chicest locals in all ages have coffee here. It’s ususally full for lunch too because it has a smaller terrace
Courtesy of @Le_bon_cin
There is a newly renovated Luxury hotel in the area, the wonderful LVTETIA on Boulevard Raspail. Named after the orignal name of Paris, this beauty is next door to the Hermes boutique in St Germain de Pres and also across the street from the Famed “Le Bon Marché” a one stop shop department store, one of the chicest in town
Courtesy of Cindy Lucas
Paris 6th is my favorite neighborhood in Paris, so don’t miss exploring the Left bank of Paris even though it’s known for being more local and quiet than the right bank, it’s beautiful quaint little streets, beautiful parks, historical buildings and ancient museums are so inspiring. The 6th has so many things to do, you’ll be running around chic here too. See you soon Anita!
Strolling around Fillmore Street last weekend I came across a lady that was summer ready, chic, tasteful, pulled together in that casual Northern Californian way. San Franciscans don’t over do it, we prefer quality over quantity and tend to shop for the long-term and not trendy pieces, although it’s tempting.
RORY JACKET $299 @Aninebing.com; BURBERRY Cotton-piqué polo shirt $370; FRAME Ali high-rise skinny jeans $220 @Netaporter.com;
K. Jacques Women’s Brown Sandals Picon F Cc Cnc Pul Naturel $260
The Benoît Bucket Tote in Natural $190 @Wornstore.com; BOLSA ARTESANAL TEJIDAS DE PALMA $55 @oaxacaxamor.com
Lumia Helia Duo Chain Necklace $348 @TohumDesign.com
My friend Cindy is lucky that she lives in Paris, she’s a photographer and takes some really good street photos of the locals running around Paris, either going to work or running errands.
Here are a few more photos that make me wistful for travel, or just getting my life back in general.
Another well-known street photographer is Anastasia Fedoseeva known as thestreetpie. She’s generously allowed me to use her photos, her examples are of the more fashion oriented ladies of Paris, and the dresses are equally inspiring.
Courtesy of @thestreetpie
Courtesy of @thestreetpie
Basically ladies, oversized dresses are in, florals are just as popular as black and pretty much anything goes, just think of comfort.
SURREAL SKIN FOUNDATION WAND $75 @surrattbeauty.com
ULTRA LE TEINT VELVET $50 @Chanel.com
Everyone that knows me, knows how much I am into skincare, but what people don’t realize is that I love, love makeup. Especially a good foundation. I like my foundations to have minimal coverage, and that the outcome result is to just look polished, not artificial. Foundation isn’t meant to conceal imperfect skin, but to illuminate good skin.
TRACELESS FOUNDATION STICK $88 @Tomford.com
I also try to get a little sunscreen in a foundation if possible. Otherwise I apply the SPF after my moisturizer.
We all have days when we are more engaged in our own minds, and being alone in your thoughts for too long is not healthy. Here are the audio books that I listen to when I need to be pulled out of my own mind. These audio books are calming, soothing and they explain a lot. Highly recommended.
Did you know that when you judge others they pickup on that energy and then they are uncomfortable around you, they end up disliking you and don’t even know why? The Judgement Detox helps understand that process, and helps us in not judging others.
I can’t say enough about Dr. Wayne Dyer, his lectures have helped me so much and I find myself going back for more when a refresher is needed.
This is my favorite Deepak Chopra audio book, I have many but these are the three audio books that have helped me the most.
I stumbled upon Botanical Rituals by accident, or did I? I instantly felt a connection and reached out to Erika about featuring some of her jewelry on my blog. I then went ahead and signed up for the complimentary Comeback Queen Strategy Call.
Love Ritual Set – Courtesy of @BotanicalRituals.com
Although the coaching session is out of my budget at the moment, I walked away inspired, Erika teaches us to listen to our intuition. I know from experience that intuition is when a thought comes to you without any emotion, positive or negative, that’s intuition talking to you. The question is, are you going to listen or ignore it?
Erika is a lovely woman and I had to get to know her better, and luckily for me she had time to answer a few questions.
Fashion Icon:Talitha Getty. She was exotic, artistic, bohemian, ahead of her time. She was also the opposite of a fashion victim, she had her own authentic style.
Favorite Restaurant:Caviar Kaspia in Paris because it is both delicious, and glamorous. The kind of place you dress up to go to. It always makes me feel like I am celebrating.
What was your last purchase before the pandemic: Silk pajamas: I love luxurious loungewear.
Courtesy of Erika Madariaga
If you could live in any piece of clothing what would it be: A cotton kaftan-I live in it.
Let’s talk about your jewelry collection: I created my jewelry collection to inspire and empower. It is an extension of my purpose-to help women find their divine purpose and reclaim their Power. Through my jewelry, I want to remind women that they can create whatever they want. They get to choose how they show up in their lives. That is why most of my jewelry pieces are intentional.
The crystals I use are also super healing. All the pieces are hand made. They are sacred pieces. Created for manifesting and empowering. My jewelry is about stepping into your sovereignty-your inner Queen archetype.
Courtesy of @BotanicalRituals.com
How did you become interested in wellness and spirituality: From a very early age I was always curious and spiritually inclined. I knew I was here to serve in a deep and meaningful way. Later on, as a result of my father’s battle with cancer, I became obsessed with health and wellness.
In more recent years, as a result of a very painful event in my life where I lost everything… I had to find my true self, and I had to learn how to turn my pain into purpose.
I also learned how to manifest the kind of life my soul had always wanted. That is why I love to help women find their purpose and monetize their divine gifts. It feels amazing to know what you are here to do. We don’t have to live out of scarcity. We get to choose.
Courtesy of @BotanicalRituals.com
How does someone benefit from your 30 minute coaching session, in other words why should they sign up: So, this is not a coaching session. It is called the Comeback Queen strategy call. It is a time where we meet and chat. I see how I can help you, and if we would be a right fit to work further at a deeper level. We also come up with a strategy for your comeback. Healing starts to take place in this session. We start to awaken the Queen archetype inside of you. It is an ancient energy of sovereignty and leadership. I know that if someone feels called to apply for this Comeback Activation, it is probably because I have a sacred contract to guide this woman when she says YES to reclaiming her power and life. If you are ready to rise to the fullest and most glorious version of you, then this strategy activation is for you. I have a unique talent for finding people’s gifts and unblocking whatever is holding them back at the subconscious level. I work with women who are ready to rise to sacred and juicy abundance and learn how to manifest like never before.
Love Spell Vial – Courtesy of @BotanicalRituals.com
Flower Magic Ritual Set- Courtesy of @BotanicalRituals.com
Heather and Rose Quartz Set- Courtesy of @BotanicalRituals.com
Do you believe that people who end up on your website are heading towards a path of spiritual wellness: Yes, I believe everyone who ends up in my website has a deep yearning for soul connection and spiritual awakening. They want to learn how to manifest with ease, grace, and beauty.
The Choker Collar is the necklace of the season, there are so many versions of it that you will be able to find one that suits your budget. I fell-in love immediately and found a gold-filled wire version on Etsy. It’s supposed to arrive tomorrow and I am super excited because it’s coming to Maui with me at the end of August.
Dean Collar in Silver & Gold @Partow.us; Gold Choker Collar @Estsy.com@Partow.us
The Dean Collar necklace in Gold by Partow sold out by the way, that was to be expected, it’s gorgeous. COS had a version that sold out in both metals and you know you have to have it if you can see yourself wearing it, having a chilled glass of sparkling overlooking the ocean.
1. RELAXED MIDI DRESS $115.; 2. DRAWSTRING DRESS $125 in Black and Off-White; 3. EMBROIDERED BLOUSE $115 @Cos.com
I love wearing white, there was a time in my life that I could wear white without getting dirty. Now it’s basically white dress shirts or a white Mexican Peasant blouse. But let’s be honest, I do wear a lot of black. My mother used to get exasperated with me because I was either in Black, or dark grey with white or a splash of color on rare occasions.
EMBROIDERED PUFF SLEEVE DRESS $135 @Cos.com
I buy a few dresses and then a whole new collection comes out and then there’s sale and dresses I skipped to consider and new dresses I like. Can you guess which one is on it’s way to me as we speak and which one I already have in my closet? A hint, I like cultural looking clothing.
Here’s to running around chic in the summer heat…..
I just watched the Instagram ITV between the Queen of Beauty, Jean Godfrey-June and Jenna Lyons and they convinced me to invest in the most natural looking lashes. LoveSeen is Jenna Lyson’s new project, she partnered with makeup artist Troi Ollivierre to create the most flattering false eyelashes and I can’t wait to try them. Beauty tip – to extend the life of your false eyelashes it’s best to not wear mascara, and you can get up to 10 uses, approx.
The Lash Tool $34 @Goop.com
I also invested in the eyelash applicator tool, watching Jenna apply her lashes, it seemed like wearing false eyelashes is as easy as a one-two-three. One item I am waiting on is the adorable Little Brass Box.
The Little Brass Box $34 @Goop.com
Since the Cate Lashes come in their own box type packaging I thought I would wait and see if the false eyelash thing is for me on a long term basis.
I look in the mirror and I know age has finally caught up with me. I had to face reality, I will never have twenty-year-old skin again. However I did take care of my skin, I was a little lazy about it during the pandemic. Now I go through phases where I start with a skincare regimen aggressively and then get into a slump.
Erasa XEP 30 Serum ; Erasa SPF-30 Lifting / Sculpting Crème for Face; The Lifting and Firming Mask by La Mer
That’s why I’ve enlisted the help of a few bottles & jars that are giving me a lift, a facelift so that I at least look like I am pro-aging, yes that’s a new term I’ve heard recently, we are not fighting father time anymore, we are now entering a phase where we are embracing ourselves as we are. Welcome to the era of pro-aging.
The All-In-One Facial – Starter @Hanacure.com
I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried my All-In-One Hana Cure Starter yet, I plan on traveling with it and I love the Glo24 routine set I was gifted, I can see a difference in my skin texture, it’s firmer, what lines and wrinkles I have are diminished, and my skin feels refreshed, mind you this doesn’t replace Botox but it sure does keep needing it at bay.
Erasa is a new skincare line that promises to replace the use of Botox, and so far Linda Evangelista is living proof that it works. The La Mer firming mask is a good addition to any skincare routine, but I recommend using this the night and day before an important event to reap the benefits of it’s firming effect.
Chanel used to have an amazing product that you applied before your primer, after your moisturizer but they discontinued it, sadly there is nothing like it out on the market, unless you count Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.
It’s that time of the year again when hibernation is officially over. To get the energy to go out and sit in a chair for an hour, but we know we will feel better about ourselves afterwards. I know I always do after I have my hair dyed and get a mani-pedi. My pedicure is on calendar and I am looking forward to feeling like a woman again.
DIOR VERNIS $28 @Dior.com
My toes are always in red, except for 2020 and most of 2021. What shade of polish are you going to use? My sisters and I always bring our nail polishes with us, because we are always looking for that perfect shade of red.
Run Around Chic 
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