reusable makeup remover cottons pads

As I'm adding small steps towards a greener lifestyle and searching small easy ways to reduce my carbon footprint every week, I' m particularly happy with the last upgrade I did to green my daily beauty routine.

Top 3 reasons to switch to reusable cotton pads:

• Earth-Friendly :  Every time you switch a throw-away product for its reusable version you're preventing it from ending up in landfills.
• Economic: The costs of such products rapidly pays off (even better when using homemade free version using old rags you already own).
• Healthy: Gentle & soft on your skin these products won't present any of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process.
• 
  

I scoured the web (mostly french & swiss) to find reusable cottons pads to replace my throw-away version and came across les kits eco-belle by Les Tendances D'Emma, a brand that I a rapidly became a huge fan of!
Each set comes with a mesh bag to throw in the washer and you can pick from either a bio pouch or a wooden case. I went for  the pouch set along with the multi-uses debarbouillettes set which I split between the bathroom where I use them as cleansing/facial pads with natural toner while the rest of them replaces kitchen towel rolls.

Looking for an equivalent available in the US,  I came across a recommendation for these Imse Vimse Organic Cotton Cleansing Pads which are currently out of stock but the brand seems to be carried by Sears. If you find them before I get back to the US please let me know what you think :-)

The best option , which I'll try if I end up needing more pads is to make your own version (several tutorials are available online if needed like the one at Environcraftines.

Pantone Emerald- Color of the Year 2013

Fresh and Fun, Emerald is the official PANTONE color of the year. As touches or in color block this shade will light up your day and bring instant happiness be it as jewelry, makeup, clothing or even a  simple accessory.

From top left:

Nixon Time Teller Acetate Watch $128
Smith Optics Jetset Sunglass $78
Avant-Premiere flowy dress CHF 34.95 down from CHF 69.90
Tarte Amazonian clay waterproof liner $19 
Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold $112.95
Oval Natural Pendant in 14K White Gold: $179.95
Angelina Jolie Ring $69
Cole Haan Serena Small Tote $297.50
BCBG Max Azria Shoulder Bag $111.35
Tom Barrington Stingray Leather Wallet $79.95
SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE  graphic lacquer - limited-edition available starting March
Glam iPhone Case $29.90
Bling Eternity Band $19.99

Jewelry Chandelier

Having worked for several jewelry designers my collection take quite a bit of room in the small apartment I share with the bf. In desperate need for a space saving solution that would let me see what I own at a glance (so I'am sure to wear the many pieces of jewelry I own) I remembered a picture I saw long ago in an italian glossy. The concept was easy as pie and consisted of hanging necklaces to a girly chandelier- it wasn't even in featured as such but only as a background to the picture of the woman being interviewed.

I had grabbed a second hand plain black chandelier at my fave french jumble sale store for a mere 12 Euros. A bit of silver grey spray paint later the bf hung it to the ceiling and I have been able keep my custom jewlery oganized and  most importantly untangled ever since.

Naxoo offers Internet for free in Geneva

To start 2013 well Naxoo choose to offer 2Mo Internet to every cabled home in Geneva starting January 14th! A partnership with upc cablecom will enable this major operation.



There will only be a 49.- CHF activation fee (including modem) and there you go: Internet free for life. But the offer is reserved to home who aren't currently internet client at upc cablecom.

Pre-inscription start December 18th on Naxoo.ch should you wish to be among the first to have a free connection in Geneva.

In addition to this news, basic cable will increase from 39 to 55 channels - HD included for 16 of them ! These channels will be in a DVB-C format for which you might neeed a decodeur if your TV is not quite recent.

Six of these additional chanels are the latest ones of French TV and are available starting today. DIscover them below to decide if you wish to re-program your TV or wish to wait until January 14th

HD1
L’Equipe 21 HD (launched on 12/12/12)
6 Ter
Numéro 23
RMC Decouverte
Chérie 25

Foldable yoga mat, my latest must-have

I dislike carrying my yoga mat as much as I enjoy practicing yoga because it's so cumbersome to carry. Why have I never thought of looking for a foldable version of this essential item is something I'm wondering. One thing is sure is that my mind is set to pick one of the cool options out there.



This ultra thick version seen on The Today Show is sure to convince anyone looking for comfort,


It's available in six colors and best of all it's down to $49 for all Opensky members....so make sure to check it out.


My favorite being this basic but eco friendly version by Khataland YoFoMat® mid-priced at $30






For these of you who like the former New York City Housewive Bethenny Frankel, she happens to be a curator on Opensky and offer her skinnygirl workout take on this must-have
fitness essential for $30.

Each of these mat comes with a matching bag to carry it but I'd rather use the bag as a protection and throw it in a large but cute carryall such as the vesatile colorfull camouflage ones by Khataland in which I'd pack the rest of my workout gear and tools.


 

One extra day to shop Tory Burch on sale

I was going to post about this Fall/Winter Tory Burch sale tomorrow...but SURPRISE it opens today...
Which means you get one extra day to score some easy to wear  preppy-boho apparel or accessories.

BALLY Autumn/Winter sale

Christofle sample sale

IKEA in the mountains

Launched on October 31st and available until supplies last the homey IKEA Chalet collection is available only in Switzerland. As soon as I found out about this cozy selection of blankets, furry pillows, sheeps skins completed by an adorable assortment of lighting and  tableware I instantly wanted to go for a ride to IKEA. Unfortunately work prevented me from doing so until later when my most wanted items - the mugs- were out of stock at the Geneva store.
Theses first days of snow made me head to the family chalet where I finally got a chance use my new items by setting them up in my bedroom before prepping a lovely tea-time break as a little thank you Mom!

For these of you who might be interested I am including the names & prices of the items I picked but hurry-up as this is a limited-edition and suppies are starting to run out already as did the plate and tray featured in the images.

Bowl: I don't see it on the website but I am assuming it's replacing the mug so it should be  from the HOGTID collection and retail for about CHF 2.95 I don't see the blanket either but at the IKEA Vernier it is sold in the CHALET selection.

Napkin KORALLROT CHF 2.50
Pillow cover : ALLEBY CHF 24.90
Sheep Skin FANBY CHF 49.-


...And while you're at IKEA during the Holiday Season (until December 29th) remember that each soft toy you buy for a child you love will contribute to kids education through UNICEF and Save The Children