Blueberry Kites

Aug 13, 2016

Hello Belgium: Day 1, Brussels, Comic Strip Walk

IF there is a class of bloggers, then find me seated on the back benches. I travel, collect photos in a folder and write about it an year later. Well, never too late. Somehow we always wanted to start our first Europe travel with Austria but best flight prices made us zero on Belgium. Secretly the proximity to Paris was something I was excited about.

Belgium is like the middle sibling among West European countries, does not get attention, does not crave any; but once you open up to it, voila, found your confidante. We reached Brussels Midi via Amsterdam airport. Our hotel right in front of the train station. Since there was still sometime to check-in, we logged in our luggage and started wandering about. It was drizzling, were ready with umbrellas for the late September weather.

We started from Saint Gilles and walked till Palais de Justice. You can see the comic strip along the streets. Being a cartoon fan, my excitement knew no bounds to see the wall art. This came as a nice surprise.

Palaise De Justice, Brussels

Grand Place / Grote Markt

In evening, we set out on foot again to have an early dinner and catch the vibrance at Grand Place main square. Read Day 2 post for the fastest and the best plan a traveler can ever make if in Brussels.

Oct 16, 2015

Chanel Rouge Coco Etienne #446 review

I have been planning to get my hands on Chanel Rivoli lipstick for quite sometime but its been discontinued recently. Chanel reinvented their Rouge Coco line with new formula and vibrant colors. While surfing through the makeup at Bloomingdales, I came across Etienne which seemed close to Rivoli as that was a deep red too.

Its a burgundy red with certain brightness and sheen, has brown undertones. However Etienne looks very intense in tube but not so much on the lips. The finish is semi opaque but you can build it without any heaviness. The color is visible even on pigmented lips with full coverage.

Rouge Coco Etienne is a moisturising lipstick with a stay of 4-5 hours and leaves a stain after eating / drinking. The textture of lips actually feels improved after application. The package is classy Chanel with black and gold rim in middle.

Recommendation - Chanel Rouge Coco Etienne is perfect for mature woman who is confident to carry off bold deep colors. It goes nicely with heavy eye makeup and woody scent.

Mini Review: Burberry Body Eau De Parfum

I bought Burberry Body in a holiday set for good value, although personally have never liked Burberry scents. They all seem similar. Body starts with sweet and powdery whiff but its a heavy fragrance, like winter air. It has notes of musk, sandalwood but though heavy it does not overpower the nose. Staying power is around 3 hours which is pretty less compared to earlier EDPs I had.

There is hint of rose in it but the powder does not faint. I find it classy and appropriate to wear in the office but Burberry Body disappointed me. The fragrance is nothing special, one gets bored of it and staying power should be more of such an expensive product.

I think Burberry Body got its hype from the adorable bottle its housed in and how Burberry always champion the marketing. Due to its package, one would think that its a sensual fragrance but alas. This is a one time purchase and does not earn any recommendation from me.

Mini Review: ZARA Los Angeles Eau De Toilette

When the months of summer and hot winds start to leave, you see sprouts of green grass and tiny yellow flowers coming out, you don't fear going out even in daytime and the weekend coffee seems a bit more soothing. ZARA Los Angeles Eau De Toilette is a citrus scent with hints of tropical fruits. Its not overpowering and easy to layer up whole day. Although the scent speaks summer but who does not love a simple perfume to have in bag.

The scent does not last long though, 2 hours may be. The glass bottle is all ombre green - blue like beach waters. This is my current everyday perfume and definitely recommended as happy-go-lucky fragrance.