The return of the jars!

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Do you remember my post (here) about my weakness for all those lovely cupcakes, cakes and pies baked and served in jars? Well, I came across yet another 'jar trend' which I can't wait to experiment with this summer and that's serving lemonades and cocktails in those cute little jars. For an even more vintage look add striped straws and serve in a wooden crate. 

How do you feel about drinking you lemonade or Mojito in a jar?

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...and if you are already a 'drink in a jar pro' try out embellishing simple glass bottles like these ones:

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Source: 1,2,6,7

Pictures 3,4,5,8 via pinterest

Candle up: the summer version

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know (from this last post) how much I love the cozy atmosphere that candles bring to a place. Last time I showed you some of my favorite winter/Christmas candles and now that it's summer time, here are some inspirations on how to create a perfect summer candle atmosphere in your house, garden or at the beach :) 

How do you like to decorate your summer candles?

Source: pinterest

Greece vs. Italy... at the table!

Although I am following the Euro football championship (and happy that Italy passed through to semi finals last night ;) ), this post has nothing to do with the event! 

In fact, this post is about 2 countries that are close to my heart, Italy and Greece. I lived in Italy for over 12 years so obviously I am very attached to the country and its culture; as for Greece, well, I spent a lot of time there during the holidays over the years and some of my closest friends are from there. So here are 2 very simple recipes that are sure to transport your taste buds to the mediterranean and which also make perfect amuse-bouche when having guests at home.

ITALY

Raspberry & buffalo mozzarella bites with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze

One day I was at home and wanted to make a simple Caprese salad but realized I didn't have any tomatoes left. I was really craving a Mozzarella salad and not eating one wasn't an option! I had a few raspberries in the fridge so I replaced the tomatoes with these and let me tell you it was simply divine!

Recipe:

Buffalo Mozzarella

Raspberries

Basil

Balsamic vinegar of Modena glaze

Cut the mozzarella as you please and add the raspberries, a leaf of basil and a dash of balsamic glaze. Optional: Add a little extra virgin olive oil. 

Tip:

Make sure that you thoroughly drain the water out of the mozzarella after you cut it or you will end up having a soggy dish. 

GREECE

Watermelon & feta spoons sprinkled with fresh mint leaves

Back in my University years, my Greek friend invited me to stay at her place in Crete. Her mum sure was a great cook and made us some of the most spectacular traditional Greek dishes. The one that touched me the most was a simple dish with watermelon and feta... what a strange combination I thought, but it turned out to be one of my favorite summer dishes up to this day; I introduced this dish to my family and non-Greek friends who also find it a refreshing and original mediterranean flavored salad.  

Recipe:

Feta Cheese

Watermelon (take seeds out)

Fresh mint

Mix the ingredients as you prefer and serve! I opted for a triangle cut which I then served in spoons. 

Parole du jour: Crochet

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Yet another must have of this season: crochet shorts, skirts, dresses, tops and even bikinis!! I opted for a Zara dress which I will show you in another post. 

In the meantime here are my crochet inspirations:

Any favorites?

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Sources: 1,2,4 & 5,10,11

3,6,7,8,9,12 via Pinterest

The blue two-tone trend

I got inspired by this summer's blue two tone trend and created my own version by pairing my Yves Saint Laurent Palais platform pumps with a Zara asymmetrical skirt. Are you into this summer trend too?

*Giuseppe Zanotti*

*Emilio Pucci*

*Zara*

Lavender

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When I was young I remember my great- grandmother perfuming herself and her house with lavender cologne and since then it has been one of my favorite scent. 

I love using lavender in all of its forms; from shower gels, hand washes & hand creams to food & homemade beauty products, and when I go back to the south of France I pick up my own lavender from the garden to make sachets that perfume my wardrobe (will make a post on this in in the months to come when I am back in France!). In the meantime here is my inspiration post on lavender:

Do you like the scent of lavender?

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For more flower inspirations on Fashion Gourmet click here 

*Images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

8,9,10,11,12 via Pinterest