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aliesteem · 5 years

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An Immensely Through Fine Dining Experience from the Brokest College Student Ever.

I’ve recently broken into my old, student email and was reunited with the dozens and dozens of papers I’ve written about dining in Culinary school. These papers scored me A’s and made me realize I possibly do have a future in writing. I’m still proud nearly two years later so I thought I’d share. Enjoy!

Introduction

I am a college student and with that, it’s practically needless to say that I am also broke, very broke. I, however, through great resilence have maintained my champagne dreams enough to actually see a fine dining experience. This is NYC, there had to be one I could afford. In my heavy search the top, three included Tocqueville, Del Posto, and Le Bernardin. These three I took into consideration because of there more affordable price range, beautiful display, and interior design I’ve seen online and (or) its popularity online. It was Tocqueville that caught my eye. Located 1 East 15th Street in Manhattan, NYC. Tocqueville was most affordable as if they were thinking of college students like me who dreamt of a mouthful of caviar. The others came with a hefty price tag, ones that honestly made very nervous. To me, a $10 burrito Chipotle sounds like a luxury so you can imagine my reaction in finding out Le Bernardin restaurant that costs over $87 for its pri-fixe menu. It doesn’t sound like a shocking expense to some but on this side of the fence, it is. Del Posto was a little more affordable at $50 but it still wasn’t in my price range. Luckily, Tocqueville provided the most inexpensive pri-fixe menu only costing $36 for a three-course menu. I felt relieved. I decided this restaurant is my final choice.

Tocqueville, named after the French political sociologist and theorist is owned by husband and wife Marco Moreira and Joann Makovitzky who also own new restaurants 15th East and The Fourth in the same city. With no trouble found I found that the Chef is Jason Lawless on StarChefs.com. He has managed the kitchen since August 2011. The restaurant itself has been opened since 2000 and in seventeen years it has built its reputation of being one of the most innovative French-American restaurants in New York City. You can see from how modern chic yet classic they truly are by their restaurant design. From the photographs provided on the official website, tocquevillerestaurant.com - the look of the restaurant is a cool but clean creamy white and black color scheme. I can tell it is a place that provides excellence a traditional fine dining restaurant would hold but pulls themselves away from being boring and ordinary. I adore the minimalistic and classic take. Their dishes and plating looked absolutely sparkling as well. The picture heading the page of their menu category was the Grilled Filet of Beef. A pearly white plate of succulent meat topped with small diced tomatoes, red onion and herbs were appetizing enough for me to set a reservation for a party of two with a close friend.

`Making the reservation was fairly easy. Once I called a person who sounded to be a young woman answered sweetly. I asked to make a reservation and she was very quick and efficient. There wasn’t any of the run around that I had anticipated. The space I wanted was open. It didn’t take any more than say four minutes. I was surprised. I expected the restaurant to be packed with reservations especially on a Friday. We talked for a short while after about what will partake once I arrived. The phone call was my first experience with Tocqueville’s true hospitality. It made me all the more comfortable with coming in and dining.

My expectations in visiting Tocqueville are sky-high. For one, it is a fine dining restaurant. I’ve never been to one. This is exciting, I want it to be fascinating. Above all, I am looking forward to the food. Since I’m a meat and a wine lover the Red Wine Braised Short Rib sounds appetizing. I cannot wait. There is a bit of nervousness about the way the employees will treat me, however. I am visibly very young and a person of color. I sometimes feel when I enter nice places that I’m not supposed to be there. I feel like the oddball. In past experiences the waiters did nothing to eliminate that feeling, making me more unsettled with long stares and awkward treatment. Other guests dining had body language that expressed that I was ruining the atmosphere for them. I hope that doesn’t happen this time but as always I am remaining positive. From what I know now Tocqueville is a beautiful restaurant with a kind, warm friendliness. I’m counting down the days till the visit.

The Visit

I woke up a Friday morning with a Ferris Buller-type charisma and energy. I was going to visit a beautiful fine dining restaurant in the city! I have never been to a French restaurant before much less one that was seemingly so elegant. I had the jitters. What should I wear? How should I do my hair? Which train should I take? Is my friend going to be on time? Did I give her the right directions? A million and one questions running through my head. I thought I ought to relax my nerves before I begin my day. I snugged my feet into my orange fluffy slippers and made my way to the kitchen. I picked a Lavender Jasmine mix tea from my collection to boil. Tea always soothes the soul. I brought my mug to the window and looked out for a moment. The day was chilly, sunny but very chilly. “How am I going to dress nicely and still be warm?” I asked myself then take a short sip. I was still nervous but pushed to let it go and know everything will go well.

My reservation was at 12pm sharp for lunch. It was already about 8am and I know how slow I can be with getting ready in the morning so I start right away. I jump into the hot shower, brush my teeth and prep my skin with scrubs and cleansers for makeup. I hop out, dry off, put most of my day’s clothes on and begin to do my makeup. This takes the longest out of getting ready. I try to see if I can get it done within 30 minutes' time. Nope! It took me almost an hour because I kept messing up but luckily I started early so I was still in good time. I decide on a long, oversized, grey sweater that flows over my black leggings. I pair it jet black heels. Next, was my hair, I have natural, kinky curly hair that usually needs lots of attention but yesterday I braided it up. All l had to do now was unravel them so they can come out fluffy and defined. Once all my clothes were on, fully moisturized, fixed my hair and makeup done and feeling confident to step outside it is 10am. I get a text from my friend, who I invited to dine with me. “I don’t know what to wear!” she texts. She thinks she’s going to be late. I knew it but I didn’t stress. I tell her don’t think too much in it, just wear something nice but no jeans or sneakers. She tells me she’ll figure it out. I just hope she makes it on time. I make sure everything around the apartment is tidy and in order before I head out the door. I text my mother that I am leaving to go to the restaurant since she’s already at work. She texts me “Good luck!” and I’m out the door.

I live on a very popular, main street in Brooklyn. It’s loud and lively this time of day. People are heading to work and school in droves. Walking down the block to catch the A train I run into a family friend I haven’t spoken to in a long time. So long, in fact, I can’t even remember her name but her face is vivid in my memory. She asks how I am. I tell her about school and how much I love majoring in Hospitality Management since I’ve transferred from the old school. I keep in mind the time and explain to her I’m on my way to somewhere important and have to get going. She reminds me to say hello to my mother for her and I rush into the train station. Luckily the train arrives immediately. I’m not a train girl not in the least. I know it’s the New York way but I love traveling on an empty bus as oppose to a crowded train with performers yelling “It’s Showtime!” in my ear. It’s not my cup of tea. While I’m on the train I read a Pete Wells article I’ve pointed out. I need to know his review for a class. I’m really into it because I’m a fan of sushi. It’s one of my absolute favorites. The good read distracts me from the groups of people stuffing themselves into the cart along with the street entertainers swirling on poles above my head. I’m thankful.

My stop is a Fulton Street which I switch over to a 4 or 5 train because it gets me to Union Square under ten minutes. Once I climb out of the train station I check my phone. There’s a text from my friend she says she needs more time but is about to get on the train now! It was 11:23am and we planned to meet at 11:30am. I guessed she lost track of time. I decided to find a way. I am kind of scared to walk in so I wait right outside the restaurant to wait for my friend meanwhile taking a few pictures of my own. It’s nearly 12pm but she is nowhere in sight.

I go inside to introduce myself to a woman who I believe is the Maître d’ of the restaurant. I tell her my reservations and how I am a student doing a report. Her face suddenly gleams in a huge smile and asks if I talked to Roger. I express I don’t know who Roger is even though I feel I should know. She tells me to sit down which she gets him for me. In a few minutes, Roger is in front of me. A short, well-suited older man with blonde white hair. I don’t recognize him but he says he’s a professor at my school. He begins to ask me questions about wine. I was taken aback a little because I wasn’t expecting it. I tell him my Wine & Beverage professor that I’m taking now, Professor Aliah. I convey how much I’m enjoying her class and all the elements in detail there is to wine-making. It turns out Professor Roger is a Master Sommelier. I wished I said more about wine to him but I was so nervous I’m not used to settings like these. My friend still wasn’t there after the talk with Roger. I told him I’d wait a bit longer she is supposed to come any second and he told me to take all the time I need. In the meantime, I took pictures and looked around the restaurants outside and the entryway. The name of the dining establishment is printed white on a black sight like a tent over the sidewalk. The door where the guest enter is made up of all glass. It is chic, modern and simplistic. The Maitre D’s desk in the reception appeared tall, sleek, dark wood tabletop with a shiny, brown wooden, dimmed lamp. There are also award plaques and photos framed all along the wall. Their awards included the 2016 Forbes Magazine’s Restaurant with the highest rating. Best of Award of Excellence 2016 by Wine Spectacular and a 4.8 out of 5 from Zagat 2017. The restaurant is not just popular but highly respected and celebrated, making its way to more great success is that they’ve been recently recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2016.

I looked at the time on my phone and it said 12:30am. Since I was already checked in I figured I was safe from losing my reservation but I opted to seat in the dining room than to take up space in the front seating area any longer. To get to the dining room one needed to pass by the bar. The bar designed with a black and silver color scheme was the most modern section in the restaurant. On the bar top sat a huge marble vase filled with light blue, yellow and pastel green orchids that touched the ceiling. Soothing French jazz spilled gently out of the above speakers. The ambiance, graceful and contemporary. I was in awe. I actually hoped I could have my lunch there. As soon as I sat down Roger offered me water and the front server – who name escapes me handed me a menu. I told him I wanted to wait for a friend. He was very kind and understood. Pouring the water I realize the glasses were short, open chalice glasses, still easy to hold by them small stem. It was fifteen minutes later when I heard my friend’s voice speaking to the Maitre D’ in the reception area. Seconds later she came walking in the dining area and sat down. She apologized for the lateness. I’ve been late to her events before so I could only be so upset. Seconds later the front server returned to hand us menus.

The menus were the longest menus I’ve seen. The outside a smooth olive green, the outside a yellow and cream menu with a folder style with all its printed dishes in bold and script. The front server in his black and white uniform finished with a sharp blue tie read over some of the meals that were listed. I appreciated his attentiveness. His body language was confident, alert to where I was impressed by his time and time again throughout the service. He was very efficient when scanning the room and our table. I took the opportunity to ask him the style of the napkin fold, neither did Professor Roger. “We simply make up the style,” he told me. The back server then came up to us from a side station behind the elongated gold curtains and offered bread. I was watching his Frenching style closely. He did it so quickly, it looked easy for him. When I attempt it in class I often lose the stability of the utensils in my hand. I chose the focaccia which was scrumptious. It was dense but not overbearing with flavor. The focaccia was filled with olives, spices, herbs and was beyond incredible with the home-made butter. I asked for another.

My friend and I talked about our morning getting ready and caught up with each other’s lives since we haven’t talked in a month. In perfect timing, the front server came to take our orders. We picked two courses from the pri-fix menu. I ordered the Organic Potato and Baby Leeks Soup as an appetizer and a Red Wine Braised Short ribs entrée. As we waited for our meals and the back server pointed each of our tables I observed the dining area. The dining area was mildly lit from the light gold, sparkling crystal chandelier from above. The walls were a warm yellow with rich, gold curtains to match. The seats were made up of a comfortable cool silver, velvet. My attention was grabbed by the gigantic paintings on the wall that was created by an artist named Cheryl Roy Starer. The abstract art stood up on the walls so stunning with its blends of green, blue and white. It was a conversation piece definitely. We were met with a unique hors d'oeuvres compliments of the Chef. It’s a fresh new take on the Southern-known treat. It’s a toasted golden brioche topped with the cooked yolk and whites of a quail eggs and finished with Alabama caviar. The deviled eggs we centered on an all-white porcelain dish designed by Bernardaud Classic Silverware. This was my first time having caviar. The flavors delicate and salty reminded me of sardines in a way. The texture was cold creamy goodness. I wished I could have more. As we scrapped the crumbs from whatever was left of the exquisite deviled egg dish the back server approached us again to offer more bread. This reminded me of my Dining Room class where we service almost the same exact way, consistently offering our guest all the bread and quail eggs whites hard-boiled finished with Alabama caviar. The deviled eggs centered on an all-white porcelain dish designed by Bernardaud Classic Silverware. This was my first time having caviar. The flavors delicate and salty, reminded me of sardines in a way. The texture was cold creamy goodness. I wished I could have more. As we scrapped the crumbs of whatever was left of the exquisite deviled egg dish the back server approached us again to offer more bread. I was waiting.

This reminded me of my Dining Room class where we service almost the same exact way, consistently offering our guest all the bread they’d like. It was nice to be on the other side of the service. I chose the focaccia again. I could not get enough. This time however I was able to dip it into the Potato Leek soup which arrived moments later. When I first saw the bowl it was only filled with sautéed’ black mushroom and a miniature leek in the center of the bowl. I thought to myself there must be a mistake. Turns out the front server came prepared with a tiny creamer pitcher and poured the creamy soup into the bowl right in front of me. It was original and added a special touch. To be completely honest, I was expecting the soup to be bland. I’ve had potato soups so lackluster I pushed myself to finish a bowl. This wasn’t the case. The soup was luscious and silky, earthy with just enough seasoning. The soup was so harmonious with my pallet I was tempted to lick the bowl. I reminded myself I was in a very classy place but it was difficult not to, simply divine! When the entrée arrived I was the most enthusiastic. I am a huge meat lover. Anything meat I am a fan of. I’ll choose it over anything in the menu. I looked at the plate in front of me. The dish appeared kind of odd. My image of short-ribs wasn’t this. The dish came in a wide, circular plate. The meat of short rib formed in a rectangle, an island centered in the middle of potato puree. The short rib was glossed over with a deep brown red wine sauce that resembled chocolate. A lady sitting across from our table asked what dessert we ordered. We told her it was actually an entrée and she was surprised. On top of the short rib sat a roasted pearl onion and cylinder chunks of buttered carrots. The short rib melted on my fork as I cut through it. It was wonderfully tender, I didn’t need a knife. The flavor was robust, the sauce adding a vigorous taste of richness. Swirling a piece of the meat through the potato puree and putting it in my mouth it felt like I was eating butter. It has to be the most well-presented, heavenly dishes I’ve experienced in recent years. Unfortunately, I was unable to order a dessert since I was on such a strict budget. Next time I’d make sure to experience the sweet parts of their cuisines.

It took a while before the check came and I appreciate that. Usually, the front server passes the check to me as soon as the last fork bite leaves my mouth and I find it disrespectful. It hints that the server wants you to hurry up and leave completely killing the feeling of hospitality. My friend and I were fully ready to go when the bill came. It came up to $63.15 for both of us, not too pricey. We decided to tip 20% then we were on our way out but not before I could check out the bathrooms. There were three available bathrooms in the restaurant. One upstairs, one ground level and the other downstairs. I chose the downstairs bathroom. The staircase down was dark with small, glowing gold light to lead the way. The bathroom was covered in light and dark brown marble. The look gave a beach house theme added with the beige weaved baskets and dried plants spray painted gold. The vases were filled with white seashells. The walls were a sexy, dark gold against a shiny, wide mirror. The light was too dimmed, however. I couldn’t see myself as clearly as I would like. The bathroom was also extremely clean, immaculate even. I could tell the restaurant as a whole took tidiness and organization seriously. I enjoyed myself thoroughly at this restaurant. The ambiance and décor gave me what I wanted, fully satisfying my eyes as well as mouth with every savory dish. I’m glad I decided to come here as opposed to other establishments. It was affordable yet delivered an essence of great fine dining. I plan on going with another friend for a celebration. I’ll try everything I had my eye on the second time around. The restaurant met all expectations and taught me an extra thing or two about quality service. It ensured a tranquil sense of hospitality and an intuitive and refreshing strategy in service. I’d recommend the restaurant to absolutely anyone.

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thisdaynews · 6 years

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Breaking News: What you don't know about Donald Trump's Youngest Son Barron Trump

New Post has been published on https://www.thisdaynews.net/2018/05/24/breaking-news-what-you-dont-know-about-donald-trumps-youngest-son-barron-trump/

Breaking News: What you don't know about Donald Trump's Youngest Son Barron Trump

Most of the Trump children have become well-known to the public over the years, but Barron remains a family outlier. The 11-year old son of the President first captivated the eyes of the world late on Election Night when he stood behind his father on the stage while victory was accepted. Barron, of course, looked more sleepy than jubilant on stage, which inadvertently won over the cold hearts of an America that was mostly happy the election cycle was finally over. Who is this young Simba-like figure? It’s time we get familiar with America’s new boy-prince, Barron Trump.

He’s the only child of Donald and Melania

One thing about the incoming First Family to take note of is that it has a little bit more sprawl than the last one, owing to Donald Trump’s multiple children by three wives. Barron Trump, the youngest of the clan, is but one branch of a family tree that includes Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr., born to Donald’s first wife, Ivana Trump; and daughter Tiffany, born to Donald’s second wife, Marla Maples.

As for Barron, he’s the only child of Donald and Melania Knauss Trump, and was born on March 20, 2006. Until recently, he lived with his mom in their Trump Tower penthouse on Fifth Avenue in New York City, while dad moved into the White House after assuming his new role as POTUS. Donald and Melania were married about a year prior to Barron’s birth, in January 2005.

His delayed move to the White House was because of school

As of this writing, Barron and his mother have officially joined President Trump in residence at the White House. But the reason they stayed behind wasn’t because of the lack of gold plating in the West Wing. It was so Barron could finish out his year at the prestigious and very-expensive Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, where he attended through the end of the school year.

Reassuring him that he’d be able to finish out his year at the school that Us Weekly reports has a price tag of around $45,000 per year, Barron’s mom told him, “Take it day by day, enjoy your life, live your meaningful life as I like to do.” We’re not sure the then-10-year-old Barron was able to process such a life-changing move through the lens of that fortune cookie wisdom, but he did get to finish the year with his friends and classmates. Although things at the school definitely changed after November 8th, 2016…

Parents at Barron’s school had a post-Election freakout

Anyone who has so much tried to walk near Trump Tower will tell you that Donald Trump’s presidential victory has created major headaches for the city of New York. Apparently, though, few people were more worried than the parents at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. “Some parents are freaking out and worked up about security and what the school is going to do,” a board member told Vanity Fair. Some are worried about safety concerns; others are reportedly annoyed about various inconveniences—like, you know, the time the school’s sole elevator was blocked off for Melania for an open house event in 2016.

The school even had a real life scare scenario in March of 2017 when a lockdown procedure was put into place after a suspicious vehicle was spotted outside the building. According to The New York Daily News, “a military-style bag in a beat-up blue and silver pick-up truck with an Indiana license plate” was reported to police as a “suspicious package,” triggering a bomb squad response and the school’s reactionary security procedure. It’s a frightening scenario for any school, but one that carries additional weight when the President’s son happens to be enrolled there.

He’s the first boy to live in the White House in decades

Now that Barron’s actually made it to Washington, he has officially become the first boy to grace the halls of the White House in almost 60 years. Yep, the last time America had a “First Boy” was all the way back in 1961, when John F. Kennedy’s son, JFK Jr., moved into the White House when he was just a baby, according to CNN.

And Barron made his entrance to the presidential residence in true Trump fashion, exiting Marine One and strolling across the White House lawn to his new digs while wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words ‘The Expert.’ And here we thought Uncle Jared was the boy wonder of the family.

He’s not into wearing sweatpants

As one might expect from someone born into a billion-dollar business family, little Barron has been dressing for success pretty much his entire life. He even wore a suit to the launch of his half-sister Ivanka’s book when he was only three-and-a-half-years-old, according to People magazine.

“He’s not a sweatpants child,” Melania said while discussing her son with ABC News in 2013. “He doesn’t mind putting on [a suit]-but not every day- and he likes to dress up in a tie sometimes like Daddy.” But that’s not to say that Barron doesn’t like a little comfort. In fact, he sometimes pairs his prep school uniform with customized New Balance sneakers that reportedly cost $149, according to Footwear News. Yep, you read that right. The Trumps pay $149 for Barron’s sneakers and something called Footwear News actually exists in reality.

He used to moisturize his skin with caviar

If you needed further proof that Barron isn’t your typical 10 year old, try this one on for size: in 2013, his mother admitted to ABC News that, at the time, she applied her own line of caviar-infused moisturizer to his skin after he took his his nightly bath. “It smells very, very fresh,” Melania said of her Caviar Complex C6 skin care line. “I put it on him from head to toe. He likes it.”

Unfortunately for the two of them, this tradition may have been short-lived; according to Racked, Melania’s skin care line fell apart shortly after its high-profile launch.

He takes after his father

Given that he loves to wear suits and moisturize his skin with caviar, it should surprise exactly no one that Melania often refers to her only son as “little Donald” and “mini-Donald.” “He is a very strong-minded, very special, smart boy,” Melania told Parenting. “He is independent and opinionated and knows exactly what he wants. Sometimes I call him little Donald. He is a mixture of us in looks, but his personality is why I call him little Donald.”

“When he was 5 years old, he wanted to be like daddy: a businessman and golfer,” she added later in the interview. “He loves to build something and tear it down and build something else. He is very detailed at drawing. We travel often and he remembers everything he sees. Sometimes later the same day or the next he would build something like he saw or imagine something himself.”

In a 2013 interview with ABC News, Melania again referred to Barron as “mini-Donald,” which if we’re being honest, has to sting a little for Barron’s older half-brother, the actual Donald Jr.

He may or may not have a nanny

In a September 2015 interview with People magazine, Donald and Melania insisted they did not use a nanny to help raise Barron. “I like to be hands-on,” Melania told the magazine. “I think it’s very important. Barron is 9 years old. He needs somebody as a parent there, so I am with him all the time. As you know my husband is traveling all the time.”

Days after the interview was published, Donald, in true form, told the New York Post that there was, in fact, a “young woman” who “works with Barron.” Still, to this day, reports describe Melania as being “really devoted” to her son; a source told the Post in November 2016 that Melania is often seen picking up Barron from school. That same source also claimed that Melania had not relied on nannies to help raise her kid. So, who knows what the heck is going on?

Donald didn’t change his diapers

In that same interview with Parenting, Melania said of her husband, “He didn’t change diapers and I am completely fine with that. It is not important to me. It’s all about what works for you. It’s very important to know the person you’re with. And we know our roles. I didn’t want him to change the diapers or put Barron to bed. I love every minute of it.”

But that’s not to say that Donald wasn’t a doting dad in his own way. Melania also said that he and Barron love to play golf, eat dinner together and “enjoy family time” at Mar-a-Lago, the family’s Florida getaway. Golf and dinner, huh? Sounds a bit more like the closing of a business deal than a loving father-son day.

He’s fluent in two languages

Although he reportedly takes after his father, Barron has also inherited his mother’s roots as well. According to a 2016 interview with GQ magazine, Melania revealed that Barron “speaks Slovenian fluently.” In fact, he speaks the language with his grandparents, who live near Trump Tower, according to the interview.

Melania also once bragged to People in 2009 that at just three-years-old, Barron was also speaking French in addition to Slovenian and English. But two years later, during an appearance on The Joy Behar Show, Melania said, “Barron speaks two languages completely perfect. He goes from one thing to another, Slovenian/English.” What happened to French? Was he just not fluent enough to mention it yet? Does Barron Trump own a beret? These are questions of national importance that need an answer.

He lives like a king

In her interview with Parenting, Melania also dropped the bombshell news that Barron’s digs at Trump Tower are so sweet, he actually has an entire floor to himself, complete with his own personal flourishes that include the incorporation of “planes and helicopters” into the decor of the rest of the house. Not only that, but it was no big deal if he wanted to draw all over the walls, because “we can paint it over,” she said. With that kind of set-up, it’s no wonder that they weren’t in a rush to move him into the White House.

And though he’s not getting his own wing of the executive residence, his lifestyle isn’t exactly getting downgraded. According to Inquisitr, the White House has a staff of 100 people who “will know what every member of the Trump family likes, as far as food, snacks, and personal items. This will be stocked and waiting for the family so they can obtain it at a moment’s notice.” Rumors even swirled that Barron’s getting a Goldendoodle puppy, named Patton, to go along with his new home, so at least if he gets homesick, he’ll have a new buddy around to cheer him up.

He’ll probably stay out of the spotlight

With his official appearances thus far limited to the Inauguration Day festivities and the White House Easter Egg Roll, it remains to be seen how involved with public life Barron will be. But if history is an indicator, young children of past presidents have mostly steered clear of the public eye.

And it seems like Melania intends to uphold that tradition as well. In an October 2016 interview with ABC News, Melania said she is hoping to shield him from the public as best she can. “I teach him, I explain to him so he knows what’s going on,” she said. “And—he’s—he’s taking very well. I keep him balanced and—just have him a childhood as normal as possible. And he’s enjoying his school and his sports. He’s a great athlete. And I just want to have him—out of the spotlight for now.” Even though they’ve since moved to Washington, her stance on wanting her son to have as normal a life as possible probably hasn’t changed.

He will attend St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Just weeks ahead of Melania and Barron’s move to Washington, the First Lady released a statement regarding the family’s choice for Barron’s matriculation in the fall of 2017. He’s headed to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, MD, which according to The Washington Post will cost approximately $40,000 per year. In addition to the school’s prestigious reputation — it boasts that 100% of its graduates go on to some type of higher education — St. Andrew’s has a range of impressive facilities, including “a 14,000-volume, two-story library with an audiovisual classroom and a periodical reading room; a multipurpose theater/assembly/lunch space that features a stage and light/sound booth; two visual arts studios with ceramics wheels and a kiln; a darkroom; two full-size basketball courts; a fitness room; a dance studio; and two full turf fields for softball, baseball, lacrosse and soccer.” Nice.

Barron will be the first child of a sitting president to attend St. Andrew’s, though the school does claim other famous alumni, like eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Maybe if Barron plays his cards right, he might end up rich like that guy some day.

#Barron #Barron Trump #but Barron remains a family outlier #Donald didn't change his diapers #He lives like a king #He may or may not have a nanny #He takes after his father #He used to moisturize his skin with caviar #He will attend St. Andrew’s Episcopal School #He'll probably stay out of the spotlight #He's fluent in two languages #He's not into wearing sweatpants #He's the first boy to live in the White House in decades #He's the only child of Donald and Melania #His delayed move to the White House was because of school #It's time we get familiar with America's new boy-prince #looked more sleepy than jubilant on stage #Most of the Trump children have become well-known to the public over the years #of course #Parents at Barron’s school had a post-Election freakout #The 11-year old son of the President first captivated the eyes of the world late on Election Night when he stood behind his father on the st #What you don't know about Donald Trump's Youngest Son Barron Trump #which inadvertently won over the cold hearts of an America that was mostly happy the election cycle was finally over #Who is this young Simba-like figure?

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inthecut-takamichihair · 2 years

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Takamichi Skincare Regimen

When you visit Takamichi Hair on Bowery, you’ll notice a few things. The minimalist, vaguely industrial design. The diverse group of talented stylists and colorists. The striking artwork by Richard Hambleton and Santi Moix. Last but not least: you’ll notice Takamichi himself. Though he’s famed for his flattering bespoke cuts, he’s also known for always looking polished and put together.

While Takamichi’s grooming regimen is streamlined, he’s particular about the products and tools he uses. Mary Allan skincare, in particular, is in heavy rotation. “I feel like every time I use her products, I improve myself,” says Takamichi. “They give me good energy.”

In the morning: he washes his face with Mary Allan’s Rosehip Cleansing Gel - “it cleanses thoroughly without drying out my skin” – and follows with spritzes of her Infused Beauty Water. For hydration and when skin is still damp, he presses some drops of her Vitamin C Cold Pressed Oil into his skin: “Vitamin C is essential, as it helps with sunspots and wrinkles.”

MARY ALLAN VITAMIN C Cold Pressed

For shaving, Takamichi loves the single-blade Leaf Razor. He explains, “It has no plastic, is sturdy, and easy to manipulate. I replace the blade every few days.”

LEAF Twig Razor

And because daily sunscreen is a must, Takamichi uses SALT & STONE daily sheer mineral sunscreen SPF40 – “I’m allergic to many sunscreens, and this mineral-based one doesn’t give me any reaction” – as the final step of his morning routine.

SALT & STONE Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF40

Before going to bed: Takamichi uses the same cleanser and mist as he does in the morning but follows them with Mary Allan’s Umi Budō Phyto Caviar Elixir. He comments, “It’s got a clean, light scent and is moisturizing enough for very dry skin.”

UMI-BUDO Phyto Caviar Elixir

And to give his skin a boost as necessary, he uses OMAD’s Chinese medicine-based anti-pollution face and eye contour masks while he takes a bath: “They take just 20 minutes, and you see a difference afterward.”

OMAD Anti Pollution Mask

#takamichi hair #Takamichi's obsessions #skincare regime #skincare for men #skincare routine #mineral sunscreen #mary allan #takamichi beauty room

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prescottmedicalaesthetics · 3 years

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THE TOP 9 ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS [THAT REALLY WORK]

You may be wondering what all the organic hype is about.

The term “organic” became more mainstream back in 2002 when the USDA shared the national standards for products to be considered as such.

Organic means that a product is in its most natural state without the alteration of chemicals.

Just like in food, skincare also comes with a list of ingredients – now more than ever pure ingredient beauty brands are making a powerful movement.

WHAT ARE ORGANIC BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

Organic cosmetics such as natural makeup, facial cleansers, body washes, hair care, moisturizers, etc. are made with ingredients that are farm-grown without herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers or genetically modified.

Companies that make natural and organic cosmetics tend to have the consumer’s best interest in mind.

Marketing on their labels may use the following terminology to better appeal to their consumer market:

Vegan

Cruelty-free

Gluten-free

Paraben-free

Sulfate-free

Fragrance-free

WHY IS ORGANIC BETTER?

Similar to incorporating organic food into our diets to get the most unaltered, natural nutrition possible, the same goes for our skincare routine.

Chemicals and preservatives are often added to both food and products for skin care to create a more pleasurable texture, to bind ingredients together, and to make them last longer on store shelves.

What we don’t know is how our body is going to react when we eat them or apply them onto our bodies.

Often an inflammatory response is triggered with a rash, itching, swelling, and redness.

CONSIDER THIS…

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. What you apply to it gets absorbed into the body and into your circulation.

Skincare products can be riddled with toxins that can affect the genetic makeup and well-being of our bodies.

The Breast Cancer Prevention Partners also warns of the harm that can be caused by these harmful components:

Fragrances and phthalates

Fillers

Parabens

Dyes

Sulfates

Silicones

Other additives, fillers, and toxic chemicals can be found in daily skincare routine products like DEA, TEA, propylene glycol, etc.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR SKIN CARE?

With the public consumer becoming more knowledgeable about the harsh synthetic and toxic chemicals in skin care, more and more companies are coming out with natural and organic solutions to better nourish our skin.

Check out this extensive list of organic products to add to your natural beauty routine.

1. EMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE

This award-winning organic skincare line offers a multitude of products for all skin types and for specific corrective areas.

Their website makes it easy to find the right product for your skin concerns.

What we love – Their Bamboo Firming Fluid serum is a miracle in a bottle to tighten loose skin.

The organic ingredients of bamboo, coconut oil and coconut water, Swiss green apple stem cells, and Monoi oil create the perfect combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Chicory root and tara tree create the natural retinal alternative complex to help decrease the appearance of wrinkles.

This product line is also free of parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and propylene glycol.

2. JUICE BEAUTY

The nature makeup made to quench your face.

Harsh dyes can do a number on this area’s sensitive skin.

Juice Beauty ramps up its natural makeup with certified organic ingredients using the color essence from plants instead of toxic dyes.

What we love – Their Stem Cellular CC Cream is made with organic ingredients which you can see on its packaging.

Juice Beauty cosmetics are loaded with intelligent nutrients from fruit extracts.

This CC cream includes extracts from the fruit cells of apple, grape, and lemon leaf to really feed your face as it minimizes the appearance of fine lines, evens the skin tone and enhances complexion, plus provides a mineral SPF 30.

3. PASSPORT TO ORGANICS

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component within our bodies. It helps to retain moisture in the skin to maintain elasticity and a glowing, youthful appearance.

As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases, that’s why adding it to your routine of makeup, natural cosmetics, and skin care will help to restore lost moisture.

What we love is their Blue Water Hyaluronic Moisturizer. It is made from organic blue-green algae and vegan squalene.

Squalene is a multi-purpose powerhouse providing properties that help with anti-aging, to balance oil production, and to calm inflamed skin with eczema and acne.

Passport to Organics will not use mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates in their products.

4. TATA HARPER

We love a company that does their homework.

Tata Harper boasts the use of over 300 raw ingredients in their products including, African wild grape, Inca Inchi, Narcissus bulb extract, fermented giant bamboo, Edelweiss stem cells, pomegranate hydrospheres, grape polyphenols.

And they are constantly looking for more to incorporate into their organic anti-aging potions!

What we love is their Night Out Facial. Who doesn’t love a facial! It combines three of their best natural products to bring an instant revitalization to the skin.

It is perfect to bring life to your face if it is looking dull and run down.

The pomegranate enzymes and the BHA components help to rid the skin of dead cells and the Illuminate moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid to help plump and refresh the face.

5. MUKTI ORGANICS

Their motto is “Inspired by Nature”.

This skincare collection does not contain any fillers but is composed of the finest certified organic ingredients that are extracted from Australian berries, nuts, roots, leaves, and seeds.

Mukti Organics takes care to preserve the bioactive peptides which are short chain amino acids that help to produce new collagen in the skin and can also help to strengthen the effectiveness of other youth-enhancing proteins such as elastin and keratin.

What we love – The Aloe Vera Moisturizer made with plant botanicals that are blended with bioactive native extracts of Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime Caviar and Aniseed Myrtle.

This natural combo is used to tone and balance complexions prone to blemishes.

6. JOSH ROSEBROOK

Read the Josh Rosebrook story and you will feel the love he radiates for his consumers.

He is all about a healthy life balance, including providing the highest-quality skincare line, made with certified organic components, which are farmed locally in the U.S. in Oregon and California.

His hero components include shea butter, cacao fruit powder, dandelion extract, and green tea flower extract to name a few.

What we love – The Herbal Infusion Oil. It is perfect for the multi-tasker as it is a multi-purpose potion.

This oil is a gentle detoxifying cleanser, make up remover, and restorative moisture treatment perfect for all skin types.

7. HERBIVORE BOTANICALS

This skincare line is available at Sephora and has been given the “Clean at Sephora” label which means its products are free of the most harmful ingredients (such as those listed above).

This line is great for all skin types with products for the body and the face, like the Blue Tansy Fruit Enzyme Resurfacing Clarity Mask.

What we love – The Blue Tansy facial mask contains powerful fruit enzymes that act as a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid to exfoliate the skin of dead skin cells.

The Blue Tansy oil, derived from a North African flower, is known to fight inflammation, reduce redness, and calm the skin.

The white willow bark acts as a natural Beta Hydroxy Acid which aids acne-prone skin.

Most ingredients are organically produced.

8. RAHUA

Well-known for its robust hair care, this collection also offers shower gel, body oil, and natural perfume.

Read through their list of ingredients, so natural these could be found in your garden or your cupboard, hibiscus, lavender, lemongrass – except maybe their flagship ingredient, the Rahua nut.

What we love – their entire body care line.

Rahua is a nut found in the Amazon rainforest that provides wonderful skin enhancing properties from its omega-fatty acids.

Your skin will decrease in redness with its calming properties, regain lost moisture and even out the skin tone.

9. JOSIE MARAN

Josie Maran’s line has also been given the “Clean at Sephora” checkmark.

This line swears by the use of 100% pure argan oil which is a lighter alternative than the heavier moisturizing coconut oil and avocado oil, and a good choice for all skin types.

What we love – the Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter ties in with shea butter, avocado oil and white tea extract to provide for an ultra-moisturizing antioxidant body treatment.

MORE TO LOVE

There are a plethora of cosmetic brands on the market. Some other honorable mentions include products from True Botanicals, Kora Organics, Goop, and Weleda.

We hope this was a good starting point to help you make up natural and organic products for your daily routine care.

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go-redgirl · 4 years

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BARRON TRUMP - 146

What is BARRON TRUMP IQ Score?

11 things to know about him

Barron Trump IQ score is estimated at 146, which is considered as a genius and in top 0.1% of the population in the world. If you do not know your IQ, you can test it by click here:

Barron Trump IQ score is estimated at 146, which is considered as a genius and in the top 0.1% of the population in the world. If you do not know your IQ, you can test it here

Barron William Trump (born March 20, 2006) is Donald Trump's youngest child and his only child with Melania Trump. He is of German and Scottish descent on his father's side and Slovenian descent on his mother's side. In May 2006, Barron Trump received the Christian sacrament of baptism at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida.

Barron Trump has been trying his best not to get too much attention since his father, Donald Trump, was elected president for January 20, 2017. But the public gradually became more curious about what he really was when he started to become a teenager. The fact proves that with an IQ of 146, Baron Trump could be smarter than anyone we think of.

The three most recent presidents are Obama Obama, Bush and Mrs. Clinton - are parents to daughters. While other presidents since the time of John F. Kennedy (who served from 1961 to 1963) have had sons who were adults living outside the White House.

1. Barron Trump was the first boy in the White House after more than 50 years since John F. Kennedy

Before Barron Trump, the last boy in the White House was John F. Kennedy, more than half a century ago. Because John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, after his father was elected, he was very young during his father's term while Barron Trump was 10 years old when his father was elected. He had an impressive resume even before he was a teenager.

2. Barron Trump attended some of the best schools in the US

He spent part of his time studying at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, a school worth nearly $ 50,000 per year on the Upper West Side in New York City. And when the 2017-2018 school year began, Barron Trump enrolled at St. Andrews Episcopal School in Potomac. The school was originally founded in 1764 and was proud of its famous alumni including author Moby Dick Herman Melville and actress Buffy the Vampire, Sarah Michelle Gellar.

He was the first child of a president to do that. In a statement, Melania praised the school for its diverse community and commitment to academic excellence.

3. He is multilingual

4. Barron Trump has been raised by his mother, not by a babysitter

Unlike most first children, Melania Trump decided she wanted to raise her son without the help of nannies, which gave Barron Trump a mother-son relationship that many first children do not have. Parents have a serious developmental and emotional impact on their children, especially their social development and the ability to interact well with others. Melania Trump has told Parenting.com, “I am a full-time mom; that is my first job. The most important job ever.”

5. Barron Trump is very neat and tidy

When he was in an elementary school, like every other kid, Barron liked to play with "cars and helicopters". Melania told Parenting.com about Barron's favorite aesthetic, "He likes clean and white" (this is clearly different from Trump's preference for gilding things). Melania added that Barron liked to paint on the wall when he was young, "Since he has his own floor, he can draw those things on his living room and his own walls."

6. Barron grew up using caviar on his skin

Melania told ABC News in 2013 that she applied Caviar Complex C6 to her young son every night after bathing. The moisturizer was part of a short-lived skincare collection, which was briefly sold at QVC and Lord & Taylor.

7. He is influenced by his half-siblings

Barron Trump is the youngest of Donald Trump's five children, meaning he has four siblings and two parents to learn from and look up to. In addition, his siblings have had many accomplishments in their lives. From successful lifestyle brands to continuing education in Georgetown Law, Barron Trump is growing up and seeing his siblings succeed, which only paves the way for him to succeed.

8. Melania Trump said that her son reminded her of Donald Trump

9. Barron Trump does not use Twitter

As everyone knows, Twitter tends to get the Trump family - especially the president - into trouble. Fortunately, Barron Trump has stayed away from popular social media websites - at least so far.

Barron Trump has a great interest in sports

The First Lady spoke at a forum at Liberty University in November 2018, an organization founded by Jerry Falwell in Lynchburg, Virginia, which was vital in defending Donald Trump's support of the right of religion. She shared a few details about her family's life in the White House. She shared that Barron does not use any social media, and he "loves all sports".

In addition, Melania told Parenting.com that Barron likes to play golf with his father and often builds cities and airports with Legos to play.

10. Barron's height is quite impressive

11. Barron likes to dress well and is not a "sweatpants child".

In an interview with Parenting.com, Melania noted that Barron Trump is not afraid to wear suits every day. This is evident in every picture of Barron when he appears in public and is a piece of good news for Donald Trump's collection of suit business.

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gothify1 · 5 years

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We have mixed feelings about the term "trend" when it comes to beauty. After all, there are so many amazing products and focus points for inspiration (the red carpet! Instagram! The girl sitting next to us on the bus!) narrowing our spring makeup aesthetic to whatever was seen on the runways feels rather limiting. Then again, while many of the beauty trends we've seen during fashion week and other showcases, are, indeed, worth noting and beautiful, they're not necessarily what's been stopping us mid-scroll within our celeb- and makeup-artist studded IG feeds this season. Of course, you're completely allowed to do as you please this spring when it comes to your makeup MO, but sometimes it is helpful (or at least interesting) to see which products and looks are a high priority right now for the industry's top makeup artists—regardless of whether or not we saw them on the runway for spring. To zero in, we reached to celebrity makeup artist Jerry Johnson , who also happens to be an official artistry executive for one of our favorite makeup brands in the game, Laura Mercier. Suffice to say, Johnson knows what's up—especially with the official arrival of spring and summer being just around the corner. Johnson recommends looking to lightweight face products, such as a tinted moisturizer with a protective dose of SPF or a featherweight, radiance-enhancing foundation that won't look heavy or cakey under the focus of the spring and summer sun. "These lighter formulas adhere more seamlessly and become part of the skin, versus adding too much thickness or texture to the face," he says. "You’ll never get a buildup of these products because they melt right into the skin." For the most strategic application, Johnson recommends using a sponge or your fingertips when working with foundation (just pat it right into your skin!) and the same goes for a tinted moisturizer. For a sheerer stain on the lips, Johnson suggests using your fingertips to stamp the color onto your lips versus depositing the color straight from the tube. That said, if you're after more intensity, by all means, apply your favorite coral shade of lipstick right to your pout. "The best shade of coral also depends on your eye look," Johnson adds. If you're doing something more neutral, he recommends off-setting a nude eye with a brighter formula like the one shown above. Or, if you’re rocking a darker smoky eye, Johnson suggests opting for a coral shade like this top pick from Maybelline to create a sheerer lip stain. (It offsets heavier eye makeup, which looks breezier for springtime.) "Start with a look that's less busy, and layer and build as needed," instructs Johnson. "One of my go-to products is Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colour, because it’s multi-functional, user-friendly, and buildable." (Psst! It's an editor fave as well!) If you're using a stick like this as an eye shadow, Johnson likes to apply it using a brush such as this one (aka one with longer fibers!) to easily wash the lid with a hint of color and shimmer. Or if you'd rather use the stick as a liner, reach for a pointed brush to work the product into the base of the lash line—one of Johnson's best tips! We're big fans of this affordable pick from E.l.f Cosmetics. "If you prefer a cream, infuse a dime-sized drop of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating formula shown above into any foundation to give your skin a boosted glow," suggests Johnson. "I also love using this tinted moisturizer to craft the perfect foundation shade because there are a variety of shades that can be added to a foundation to perfectly enhance the color for any skin tone." However, if you prefer powder when it comes to getting your glow this spring, Johnson recommends using a lighter, less dense brush for application, like this one from Joah. His reasoning? Denser brushes pick up more product, so a lighter brush will give you the opportunity to build and create a softer, less harsh look as per the season's trend. "Smoke the color very close to the base of the lash line and take it around the lining of the entire eye for added drama," Johnson instructs. He especially loves Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Color in Sapphire $29 or Azure $29.) "When it comes to smoking, use a smaller detail brush like a smudge brush that allows you to build up the preferred amount of drama." If you want to create a soft line with a little wing, Johnson says to use a pointed eyeliner brush (like the one from E.l.f. we mentioned earlier!) in tandem with a blue marine colored eyeliner. "This is also a great option, for doing the blue-black trend for spring," adds Johnson. "You can smudge it into the lash line and softly line beneath the lid." "If you're pairing the eye with a brighter coral lip, I recommend a clean eye with a simple winged liner using a simple black-blue liner like this one from NYX," suggests Johnson. "However, if you're pairing with a softer coral lip, I recommend a smokier look." Want more spring and summer beauty inspiration? See which products lasted a full 24 hours on my face during a weekend at Coachella.

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biofunmy · 5 years

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T’s Beauty Guide to Paris

Parisians have long been viewed as paragons of natural beauty, so much so that the English term “effortless” has been co-opted into their cultural lexicon. Today, though, most locals know that the “I just rolled out of bed” look is often a ruse — one that takes plenty of time and money to perfect. Mussed-up hair is best achieved with the help of France’s top hairstylists, and barefaced, natural beauty is enhanced by stimulating facial massage and a long steam session in one of the city’s many hammams. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the city’s most sought-after beauty experts, brands and salons. Just make sure you book well in advance.

[Sign up here for the T List newsletter, a weekly roundup of what T Magazine editors are noticing and coveting now.]

Face

Biologique Recherche’s Ambassade de la Beauté

The flagship of the cult French beauty brand Biologique Recherche, this lush spa just off the Champs-Élysées offers treatments that pamper and preen from head to toe. Loyal clients, however, return month after month for the clinical facials, prescribed after an in-depth diagnosis (which evaluates moisture levels, pigmentation, elasticity) in their Skin Instant Lab. Crowd favorites include the Remodeling Face treatment, which features a cocktail of serums derived from botanical active ingredients and stimulation with electric currents and high radio-frequency waves, and the Seconde Peau (second skin) treatment, an electro spun mask supercharged with 80-percent hyaluronic acid, which will leave you looking as fresh-faced and dewy as a supermodel. 32 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008, ambassadedelabeaute.fr.

Maison Sisley

This newish spa is worth a visit, not just for its cleverly tailored treatments — like the anti-stress facial — but for its committed approach to utter serenity. Far from clinical, the waiting lounge feels like a private salon, complete with a Dimore Studio light fixture and India Mahdavi sofa, and the treatments are carried out with the greatest consideration: You can curate everything from the fragrance of the candle burning in your cabin to the soundtrack playing on the speakers. 5 Avenue de Friedland, 75008, sisley-paris.com.

Sophie Carbonari

The London-based French facialist Sophie Carbonari commutes to Paris during fashion week as well as every other month to service her regular clients — including some of the biggest names and most flawless faces working in fashion. She sets up shop in the suites of boutique hotels or the private salons of the new Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées and offers bespoke facials that combine her own homemade oils and lotions with those of cult brands such as Augustinus Bader and In Fiore. Carbonari’s signature approach is centered on a lymphatic facial massage — what she calls a micro gland tissue stimulation — which she delivers with a masterful touch. In France, face pummeling is seen as the au naturel alternative to face-plumping fillers. For other renowned practitioners, look up Elaine Huntzinger and Joëlle Ciocco. skinbysophiecarbonari.com.

Body

Martine de Richeville

Parisians are no longer as exercise shy as they have been in the past, but they still have a few sweat-free tricks up their sleeves. Lymphatic drainage via massage is a popular shortcut to staying trim, and the name to look up is Martine de Richeville, whose signature “remodelage” has garnered her devotees the world over. Just don’t expect the experience to be pleasant: The manual technique involves a sort of roll-and-release motion — akin to a deep tissue burn — that is purported to detoxify, reshape and obliterate even the most stubborn of cellulite. Of course, it works best if you book multiple sessions in the way that most things with a high price tag often do. 13 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75008 and 20 Avenue Bosquet, 75007, martinedericheville.com.

Spa Valmont

If you’re after a more relaxing experience, Paris’s hotel spa game is strong, and the Spa Valmont at Le Meurice is a favorite among visiting fashion editors. The Swiss skin-care brand specializes in anti-aging treatments, but this is also a tranquil space in which to enjoy a stimulating post-flight leg massage, body scrub or full-body mask derived from plant essences, volcanic earth or hibiscus flowers. 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001, dorchestercollection.com.

Hammams

Pampering in Paris need not break the bank, and one of the most democratic, if not authentic experiences, is a trip to the hammam. Set aside a few hours to sweat and steam out toxins and sign up for a rigorous full-body scrub, which will buff your tired skin anew. In Paris, there are options at both ends of the spectrum — from the more traditional Grand Mosquée (39 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005) with its multigenerational bathers catching up on gossip as they sprawl across the ornate tiles, to the chic steam room in the Charme d’Orient (18 Boulevard du Temple, 75011), on the edge of the Marais, which can be privatized for the more prudish among us.

Hair

David Mallett

The Australian import David Mallett has all but conquered the Paris scene — and he opened his first salon in New York at the Webster last year. His salon, located in a 17th-century hôtel particulier of Place des Victoire, is more like an elegant, private home outfitted with herringbone floors and antiques that Mallett found himself while trawling the city’s flea markets. If you’re already happy with your hairstyle and just want a reboot, try the caviar or the Tokio Inkarami conditioning treatment and finish with a “brushing” — the French term for a blow dry. 14 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002, david-mallett.com.

Christophe Robin

The master colorist Christophe Robin is the man behind the career-defining hair colors of the ’90s supermodels — Stephanie Seymour’s chestnut brown, Claudia Schiffer’s icy blonde and Linda Evangelista’s numerous color changes, to name a few. His kitschy, boudoir-style salon — replete with red velvet curtains and bubble-gum-pink backwash chairs — in the buzzy neighborhood of Montorgueil, attracts a wide range of clientele, from buttoned-up bourgeois sexagenarians to fashion students. Robin and his team have a knack for creating natural-looking color and highlights that compliment a client’s skin tone and eye color; if you’re after a haircut, ask for Jean-Marc. 16 Rue Bachaumont, 75002, christopherobin.fr.

Delphine Courteille

Unkempt hair that falls perfectly just so requires an exceptional cut. Enter Delphine Courteille, who has tended to the tresses of almost every iconic Frenchwoman, from Inès de la Fressange to Vanessa Paradis. Fit for the A-list, this spacious salon has an elegant retro feel with terrazzo floors, powder-pink walls, brass mirrors and green Pierre Paulin armchairs and poufs. If Delphine’s fees make you gulp, ask for her trusted second-in-command, Yoshi. 28 Rue du Mont-Thabor 75001, delphinecourteille.com.

Nose

Nose is stocked with an overwhelming selection of fragrances — over 700 at last count — but they also have the expertise and technology to guide you in making your choice. The custom Olfactory test is a software program developed with AI experts and perfumers that asks a series of questions to match you to your ideal scent, be that something from the French favorite Frédéric Malle or more under-the-radar discoveries from the Stockholm-based perfumer Stora Skuggan or the sacred-smelling scent Lavs by Filippo Sorcinelli, the Italian tailor favored by the Pope. 20 Rue Bachaumont, 75002, noseparis.com.

Ex Nihilo

This boutique fragrance brand arrived in 2013, with a flagship store on Rue Saint Honoré decked out in International Klein Blue, with Carrera-marble bench tops and walnut shelving. Inspired by the innovative spirit of the French avant-garde — be that Art Deco motifs or the modern aesthetic of designers like Pierre Paulin — the three founders have created nine signature fragrances with the help of star noses from the Swiss tastemaker Givaudan. The best seller is a heady floral scent fittingly called Fleur Narcotique, and in the Paris store, such pillar fragrances can be personalized using the brand’s unique Osmalogue technology, which boosts or enhances certain existing ingredients to each client’s liking. A limited selection of perfume oils for the skin and hair mists, with added keratin, are also available in new scents. 352 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001, ex-nihilo-paris.com.

Also of note, another fragrance emporium rolls into town on Oct. 2: Dover Street Fragrance Market, the first of its kind, will open on 11 Bis Rue Elzévir, 75003, doverstreetparfumsmarket.com.

Kure Bazaar

Nail salons are not as omnipresent in Paris as they are in the States, which means booking in advance is a must. A welcome exception to that rule is the eco-friendly Kure Bazaar nail bar in the historic Left Bank department store Le Bon Marché. Kure Bazaar’s nail polish and products are environmentally friendly and made up of 90 percent natural ingredients. If there is a wait, you have time to shop or have lunch at the Rose Bakery Tea Room on the second floor. Le Bon Marché, 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007, kurebazaar.com.

Makeup

Oh My Cream

With multiple stores across Paris, Oh My Cream is the go-to boutique for the best natural beauty brands. Their roll call includes local names with a cultlike following such as Joëlle Ciocco and Hervé Herau, as well the makeup pioneer Kjaer Weis and longtime favorite Jane Iredale. Staff members are all trained beauty therapists, and in almost all of the Paris locations there is a “beauty cabin,” which offers manicures, pedicures, facials and makeup application. You can achieve the “Naturel” look in just 20 minutes, addressing any complexion concerns with cover-up and foundation, and a light touch to either eyes or lips. Multiple locations, ohmycream.com.

La Bouche Rouge

Thanks to iconic image-makers like Guy Bourdin, red lips have been part of a Parisian beauty routine since as far back as the mid-1950s. Even today, a lush red pout is the sole exception to the no-makeup look, and newcomer La Bouche Rouge, founded by a former L’Oréal marketing executive, Nicolas Gerlier, and Self Service magazine’s Ezra Petronio, brings a very contemporary spin to this iconic staple. With over 28 shades of red, in matte or satin finish, the brand has a vegan formula available, and all lipsticks are made without endocrine disrupters, allergens, paraffins or perfumes. Plus, they come in a stylish, entirely plastic-free and refillable case. For now they can be found in their own corner stand in Le Bon Marché. 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007, laboucherougeparis.com.

Skin

Officine Universelle Buly

Modeled after an old-school apothecary, Officine Universelle Buly sits apart from the competition thanks to its reverence for ancestral beauty traditions in the form of balms, powders and oils. In addition to their exquisitely packaged line of candles, fragrances, skin-care and body-care products, the stylish shelves in this store are stocked with out-of-the-ordinary supplies such as plum kernel oil, sourced from plums in southwest France, which is purported to be high in antioxidants and revitalizing for mature skins, and babassu oil, an extract from an Amazonian plant with remarkable reviving properties. Left Bank: 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006; Right Bank: 45 Rue de Saintonge, 75003, buly1803.com.

Citypharma

If you only have time for one shopping outing, this is truly the one-stop shop for cult French pharmacy products. Think Bioderma Crealine H2O, Caudalie facial mist, Embryolisse rich face cream and Klorane dry hair shampoo, to name just a few. Happily, the staff are all incredibly knowledgeable. Grab a basket and stock up. 26 Rue du Four, 75006, pharmacie-citypharma.fr.

Galeries Lafayette, Champs-Élysées

An exciting addition to the Parisian retail scene, the new Galeries Lafayette seems to be filling the hole that Colette left behind when it closed in 2017. In addition to its stellar fashion offerings, a jam-packed events program and two Jacquemus-designed restaurants, there is an impressive beauty space, Beauty 3.0, on the ground floor. Refreshingly, the merchandising here is not divided into men’s and women’s: Instead all fragrance, makeup products, creams and high-tech beauty tools are bundled together. The store stands out for its emphasis on a new generation of digital-first or direct-to-consumer brands, like the French supplements brand Aime, with its best-selling potion French Glow, and the honey-based hair-care line Gisou. 60 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008, galerieslafayettechampselysees.com.

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lindyhunt · 6 years

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Amazing Bangkok

Bangkok claimed the title of “World’s Most Visited City” according to the 2017 Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index. No wonder almost 20.2 million international tourists flocked to the City of Angels. When it comes to wish lists, Bangkok ticks most boxes. Cultural attractions and rich history? Tick. Great food? No doubt. Good shopping? Yep. Fabulous spas. Nothing beats a Thai massage. Vibrant nightlife? A resounding yes.

Welcome to the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand where east and west, ancient and modern, exotic and erotic, calm and chaotic, clash and collide in the most delightful ways. Here’s how get the most bang for your baht. Note: all prices approximated in Canadian dollars.

The “you only live once” splurge list

Seduced by The Siam Arriving at The Siam hotel via the hotel’s vintage riverboat transported me into a unique and tranquil world onto its own in the middle of bustling Bangkok. My debonnaire butler, Paul, escorted me along a path past a swimming pool to the antique carved wooden doors of my villa where I had a courtyard with my own plunge pool.

The Siam is the brainchild of Bangkok rock and movie star, Krissada Sukosol Clapp who built the hotel in 2012 as a retreat and place to house his and his mother’s vast collections of antique Thai treasures. They hired American architect Bill Bensley who incorporated the clean bold lines of Art Deco, glass, water features and lush garden landscapes with the carefully curated art and antiques.

If you enter the Siam from the street you find yourself in a garden pavilion with a lotus-shaped fountain in the centre. The piece de resistance is the soaring central atrium where a glass conservatory-style roof brings light to a reflection pool surrounded by tropical foliage. Off to one side there is a library and screening room. Upstairs in the Vinyl room, complete with grand piano and vintage posters, you could well expect to spot Noel Coward tickling the ivories in this jazz-age setting.

The Siam offers some unique guest experiences. You could work with a trainer and learn the art of Muay Thai kick boxing (the national sport) in the gym. If that’s too demanding, head to the Opium Spa for a Muay Thai deep tissue massage. You can also opt to have a Sak Yant ceremonial sacred tattoo.

The hotel is located in the Royal Dusit district of Bangkok. Your butler will help you arrange your day and reserve a place on the hotel shuttle yacht for excursions along the Chao Phraya River. But chances are good that you won’t want to leave The Siam.

Spice of Life I joined The Siam’s sous chef, Thammarach, for a Thai cooking lesson. We started our morning with a tuk-tuk ride to a local market where chef pointed out the remarkable range of produce and bought some herbs for our class as we dodged shoppers on motor scooters. Back at the hotel we donned aprons in the private cooking class kitchen overlooking the river. Chef demonstrated how to tackle each ingredient, from bruising lemongrass to chiffonading kaffir lime leaves. He also explained that Thai food contains five major flavours: sweet, sour, spicy, salty, bitter. Each dish should have a least two of those tastes and the key is getting the right balance. Hence the need to keep testing as you cook and add more chillies, more fish sauce, more coconut milk or more palm sugar as your palette dictates. We concocted Tom Yam Goong soup, a fiery broth with jumbo shrimps topped with fresh coriander and drops of chilli oil. Then we tackled pork with red curry, a marvellous melange of all of requisite flavours. For our last dish, the green chicken curry, chef taught me to make curry paste from scratch pounding the toasted coriander and cumin seeds, garlic, shallots, coriander roots, chillies, galangal and lemongrass with a mortar and pestle. Hard work but worth the effort.

Star Spangled Bangkok The red Michelin Guide has published its first 2017 guide to Bangkok listing a kaleidoscope of dining options—from slurping street food noodles to enjoying a multi-course tasting menu in a five-star hotel or glitzy shopping mall. At the one-starred Paste, chef Bee creates dishes based on ancient recipes that once delighted the royal family. Among the highlights of her delicious repertoire is a Thai crab omelette with 31 flavours.

Smooth as Silk Thai silk is famous and now at the Divana Spa you may indulge in their signature Organic Golden Silk Royal Pampering treatment. Golden silk thread is rich in protein while the mulberry leaves, the feed for silkworms, contain significant vitamins.

My therapist used a web of silk thread stretched tightly between her hands to stroke my skin in a spinning motion to improve circulation and stimulate new collagen and elastin. Next came a body and face massage using a silk cocoon-stuffed, yarn-like ball, followed by a silk serum moisturizer. Then I steamed a room scented with mulberry leaves. More potions included a facial mask made with ginseng and silk cocoon extract. Finally, I soaked in a bath of milk, cocoons and rose petals Cleopatra-style.

Red Sky at Night As Bangkok’s skyline soars, rooftop bars abound. Red Sky atop the Centara Grand hotel and shopping mall is a stylish spot with panoramic views from its 55th floor. Imbibe some bubbles at the Cru Champagne Bar along with some caviar and oysters. We’re talking sky food, not street food—with prices to match.

Silk Road Jim Thompson, an American who revitalized the silk industry in Thailand, was a U.S. military intelligence officer who went on vacation in Malaysia in 1967 and mysteriously disappeared. But his silk legacy lives on. His shops sell beautiful creations, large and small. You will also dine well at Jim Thompson Restaurant and Wine Bar located in Jim Thompson House Museum.

The “cheap thrills” save list

Down by the River Bangkok River is a collaborative project by business partners to encourage visitors to explore the neighbourhoods and shops along the Chao Phraya waterway. I took an informative stroll with David Robinson who works with the Bangkok River group. We began at River City, a complex housing several shops, restaurants, antiques and photo galleries. Along our walk Robinson pointed out several historic buildings, including the East Asiatic Trading Building and Grand Post Office, now home to the Design and Creative Centre. At P. Tendercool we admired bespoke furniture made from recycled opium den beds. Housed in a building that looks like a temple, Thai Home Industries sells handcrafted cutlery, pottery and cotton shirts. In the Creative District, several warehouses have been turned into design stores and cafés. British graffiti artist Banksy would surely approve of some of the street art. Check out the River Bangkok’s excellent website and take yourself on an informative walk.

Culture and Hedonism Bangkok has more than 400 temples but if there’s one must-see it’s the Grand Palace, a square mile of gilded royal temples and palaces. The ornate Wat Phra Keo houses the famous Emerald Buddha (actually it’s made of jade). Take a tuk-tuk to the neighbouring Wat Pho, famous for its enormous Reclining Buddha and it’s ancient school of Thai medicine and massage, so you can combine culture and hedonism in one visit. A one-hour massage costs about $16. You can also enroll in various massage lessons and become immensely popular with your friends back home.

Trip the Night Fantastic For those of you who loved hunting for treasures at the night market in Lumpini Park, the bad news is that is no long exists; the good news is that there’s a new even better evenings only attraction called Asiatique The Riverfront open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight. Catch the free 10-minute ferry from Sathorn Pier (Skytrain stop Taksin) across the Chao Phraya River. The refurbished 100-year-old sawmill has more than 1,500 boutiques housed in nine warehouses. Shop for anything from hip new fashions to traditional Thai handicrafts. I got some aromatherapy oils, silk scarves and some funky jewellery for just a few baht. Plan to dine at one of 40 eateries serving a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Italian and pub fare. There’s also the Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre, Calypso cabaret and a huge Ferris wheel from which you’ll have fabulous nighttime views of downtown Bangkok.

Getting Around Bangkok is plagued with heavy traffic and lots of jams. Your fastest mode of transportation is the Skytrain, offering a bird’s eye view of the city in clean and blissfully air-conditioned cars. English is spoken at the ticket stations. The underground or MRT is another option. Fares range from .50 to $1.40 for both trains, or you can opt for a tourist pass.

Tuk-tuks are fun and noisy and make good photo ops. However, a taxi might be cheaper. If you hail a tuk-tuk, agree on a price before getting in and prepare to haggle hard. Beware of a cheap trip to a tailor or gem shop. The fast and frequent ferries along the Chao Phraya River are a good way to visit the many temples and palaces. From the main Sathorn Pier you can head upriver and stop at numerous piers all the way to Nonthaburi. Buying a tourist ticket) gets you one-day unlimited travel plus a guide to some of the riverside tourist attractions.

Get your Kicks The normally gentle Thai people are passionate about their national sport, Thai boxing. Join the locals as they cheer for and gamble as the athletes pummel each other using most of their body parts. Bouts take place at Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Cost for a ringside seat is about $40.

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