How to Look Good (or Thinner) in Pictures: A Holiday Guide

The holidays are fast approaching and so is holiday picture taking.  Problem is, not everyone loves being in front of the camera.  Although we may all be great looking in real life, we're not all naturally photogenic.  

In my line of work, I am often in front of the camera and I have to look my best, so I've learned a few tricks along the way to get the camera to show me at my best.  Now, I'm sharing my tips with you on how to look good in pictures. 

Weston Harbour Castle Hotel Toronto with Michel Germain

Michel Germain and I travel often.  It's the nature of our business.  We keep in touch with our clients; drop by to say hello to our staff; and investigate new fragrance oils that will go into our up and coming scents.  All this travel means a lot of hotels.  

Lovin' The Country

If there is one thing I can't live without, it's a daily walk with Lion.  Actually, truth be told, I can't live with Lion if he doesn't have his walk.  Being an intelligent Australian Shepherd, Lion has the instincts of a herding dog and that means he needs to work, work, work, being active most of the day or he is bored, bored, bored.  If you don't keep an Aussie busy, he'll keep you busy cleaning up what he has imaginatively used (and torn apart) as a toy. 

Lion usually lets me know when I haven't been living up to my end of the bargain to keep him busy.

Lion is a well-mannered Aussie, in that he rarely destroys anything, choosing instead to wailfully moan and sigh over and over again until I head towards the leash.  Last Sunday, I grabbed the leash, slipped it over his head, and set out to explore the neighbourhood on a cool autumn day.

I was so lucky I listened to Lion.  Minutes into our walk, we came upon some acquaintances out on a fox hunting expedition.

Michel

This past weekend, Michel and I had a chance to kick back our heels,  relax, and drink in one of the last days of summer.  We decided to go sailing.

We love to sail and do it as often as time permits.  The sound of the quiet lapping of the water as it skims past our boat and the gentle rustling sound of the sails as they unfurl is comforting and calming.  It's always a welcome respite when we need renewed energy.

Sails are always so impressive as they unfurl.

One of the best things to do off of a boat is to go swimming.  Spontaneously jumping into the clear blue (sometimes icy cold) water is so liberating, it never fails to bring out the child-like fun that's buried in everyone of us.  Diving as deeply as we dare, seeing who can splash the most water at each other while laughing and trying to escape (I always lose at this challenge since I laugh too much and breath too little), and floating calmly on your back without hearing a sound are privileges we'll always treasure.

For us, boating has always introduced us to great people, some of whom have become great friends.  Often, when sailing, people are usually on vacation from their daily worries and responsibilities, so they are in a great mood and they take the initiative to stop what they are doing, introduce themselves, and chat.

The view off the boat.

As we returned to shore last weekend, we were excited to see one of the best sunset views we have seen this summer.  I took this picture to share with you.  It was a perfect end to a perfect day.  

Appreciate Your Life: It Will Make You Smile

This spoon, with its tiny hearts, reminds me of those I love: my family.

Drinking my coffee this morning, I realized how much I love my silver coffee scoop, my modern black and white coffee mug, and my comfortable chair.  

Why do these details matter so much to me?  Well, they don't.  Not really.  If one of my sons borrowed and accidentally broke my coffee mug, it wouldn't really matter much to me.  The same goes for my coffee scoop and chair.  These things are replaceable, my family and friends are not.  Family and friends are the most important things to me, bar none. 

Pick the Right Fragrance for You and Your Style: Tips on Buying Fragrance

Tips on How to Buy the Perfect Fragrance

Life is an adventure and picking the right fragrance to make the ride more fun and stylish is an adventure all on its own.  Follow these handy tips to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and life stage.

The Setai, Fifth Avenue, New York: Back at One of My Favourite Hotels

Michel and I frequently travel to New York and there is no better hotel to stay at than the Setai, Fifth Avenue.  It's our quiet oasis among the bustling personality that is New York's charm. 

Sophia Grosjmann

After visiting  long time friend and fellow perfumer, Sophia Grosjman (that's her sitting at her desk -- a sea of fragrance vials just waiting to be tapped into), we sat back in our room, took off our shoes and enjoyed a long talk over an after dinner espresso and biscotti.  Heaven. 

I'll be back with more flirting tips shortly.  In the meantime, click on the links on the left to read articles about flirting, dating, and more.  : )

Our after dinner espresso & biscotti.  If only I could send one to you.  Mmm.