For the Love of Vintage Paris

During my short visit to Paris last month, I made sure to squeeze in a trip to at least one vintage shop. I have read from different blogs about their magnificent Paris Flea Market finds but sadly these flea markets are only open on the weekends.

I went to Réciproque, as it was recommended by Olivia Palermo on her blog, to check on their vintage Chanel pieces. The shop is located at Rue de la Pompe and from where I'm staying (Boulevard Hausmann), it only took 7 stops via the Metro. Réciproque is one of the biggest consignment shops or dépôts-vente in Paris. When I stepped into the shop, it felt like coming into a fashion heaven with arrays of Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Hermés, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and many more.

Like a kid in a candy store, I was confused and couldn't decide which row to start first. Luckily, one of the owners of Réciproque was there and very helpful. Although my objective of this vintage tour is to find vintage Chanel earrings, I ended up shopping Gianvito Rossi wedge sandals and a new Hermés silk scarf.

With one of the owners of Reciproque.

My lovely Reciproque finds!

Reciproque Dépôt Vente
Address: 95 Rue de la Pompe, 75116 Paris, France

Tel: +33 1 47 04 30 28

Sri Lankan Gems

Did you know the best gems in the world can be found in Sri Lanka? Remember Princess Diana's Sapphire engagement ring from Prince Charles? Yes, it's Sri Lankan Sapphire. Sri Lanka is the Sapphire capital of the world.

If you're looking for an exquisite piece of jewelry with precious or semi-precious gemstones. Sri Lanka offers the best quality of Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Quarts and many more. Even Marco Polo wrote this in his journal. Jewellers from around the world import their gemstones from Sri Lanka.

During my visit to Sri Lanka, a lot of Asians and Europeans buy Sapphire from Sri Lanka to sell it in their home country. And the secret of buying it cheaper is do not bring your tour guide or driver with you when going to the Jewelry shop. Apparently they also get commission so the price goes up very, very high. I stayed at Mount Lavinia Hotel and there were a few jewelry shops in the resort, believe me, I got my earrings at 80% discount complete with certificate.

So when in Sri Lanka, don't miss to visit the reliable jewelry shops like Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, Zam Gems, Vogue Jewellers, Colombo Jewellery Store. Even if you're not going to shop, it's just fun to look! 😜

Winter Cruise to Finland

During our recent holiday, aside from driving up to Norrland (Sweden) chasing Northern Lights, we also booked a winter cruise to Finland from Stockholm, Sweden.

A 2-night cruise on the Baltic Sea with a stop in Mariehamn, Finland and Helsinki, Finland. With more than 10 restaurants, a casino, night club and lots of shops, the luxury cruise Tallink Silja Line also offers entertainment on the promenade such as live band and Moomin mascot. Our 2-night cruise trip includes a cozy cabin on deck 11, breakfast buffet, dinner at the Grand Buffet on the first night, dinner at Happy Lobster on the second night, and Bus Tour around Helsinki.

The itinerary of our cruise trip. 

Day 1
1600H: Boarding time! When we boarded the ship, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and Blues band were playing music on the promenade. Our room was located on Deck 11 and it was really cozy.

On our way to the cruise ship, Silja Serenade.

Our room.

1630H: We just dropped our luggage in the room then we immediately looked around, took photos, went into the shops and checked the menus of every restaurant. We were confused where to have dinner since there were a lot of nice restaurants to choose from.

Deck 11 windows overlooking the Promenade

The Promenade/ shopping street. 

Outside the Nightclub and Casino.

1800-2200H: Getting ready for a fancy dinner, the first night we decided to have dinner at the Grande Buffet. It has a wide variety of food options from Asian to Western cuisine. After Dinner, we checked the Duty-Free shop since it was closed when we boarded. They offered 30% discount that night so we bought some wine and goodies. Then we went to the casino and played a little but I lost. LOL! After casino, we wanted to have a drink so we went to the nightclub. And while enjoying my cocktail, I was also having fun watching a wonderful dance show.

Outside the Grande Buffet.

Very huge on board Duty-Free!

Day 2
0800H: Getting ready for Helsinki. Having breakfast while watching the sun rise. :)

Lovely view at the breakfast room.

0930H: We arrived in Hesinki. We directly went outside the terminal to catch up with the Bus tour around the city. We were a little late.

The façade of Helsinki Cathedral, fronted by a statue of Emperor Alexander II of Russia

The Helsinki Cathedral.

Our First Stop: Temppeliaukio Church. We went inside this very unique Lutheran Church built directly into solid rock.

Uspenski Cathedral- An Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki.

Our Second Stop: Sibelius Monument.

Helsinki Olympic Stadium where the 1952 Summer Olympics was held. Now, it is used as the home stadium of the Finland national football team and is also used also as concert venue.

Havis Amanda-  She is a mermaid who stands on seaweed as she rises from the water, with four fish spouting water at her feet and surrounded by four sea lions.

Our Final Stop: Restaurant Kappeli.

In front of Restaurant Kappeli.

1230H: After looking around Helsinki, we went to the shopping street and had a late lunch.

Kluuvikatu Street.

1500H: Time to go back to the Ship.

Time to go back to the ship.

Silja Line is the official sea carrier of Santa Claus and Moomin.

So tired from touring and shopping! LOL!

1530H: So glad the staff agreed to take us for a Bridge Tour.

Captain!

1600H: After the bridge tour, we went back to the promenade to check again the restaurants and there was a new band playing live music. Moomin and Little My were also there greeting the new guests boarding.

Live Music!

With Moomin and Little My. :)

1800H-2200H: Getting ready for Dinner. This time, we picked the Happy Lobster Restaurant and the food was really good! After dinner, I went shopping. Then we went back to the Night Club to watch a new dance performance while having a nice drink.

;)

Of course, I have to take the Scandinavian Salmon.

Very yummy dessert.

After dinner, went back to the luxury shop to buy the Versace belt I've been eyeing. ;)

Day3
0930H: Back in Stockholm, Sweden.

Check Tallink & Silja Line.

Saturday Goodies

One of things I love about Sweden is Lordagsgodis. ''Lordagsgodis'' or Saturday goodies, a practice that has started in the 50's where parents allow their children to eat all the candies they want but only during Saturdays.  Well I guess this doesn't only apply to children since grown ups also implement this tradition. ;)

A bagful of ''Lordagsgodis''

And my favorite candy shop with a wide selection of Swedish candies is Herrgårds Toppen.

Herrgårds Toppen
Hinneryd path 37
287 34 STRÖMSNÄSB RUK
Tel. 0433-202 00

Mon-Fri: 9:00- 19:00; Sat-Sun: 10:00-19:00

Cambodian Fine Arts and Crafts

Being in Siem Reap always gives me the excitement to see history, Cambodian culture and heritage, trying out different Khmer dishes and of course, shopping high quality Cambodian silk.

When in Siem Reap, a visit to the Silk Farm (Artisans Angkor) is a must. There you will observe how locals make both fine and normal silk. All the products in Artisans Angkor are handmade so it's truly an amazing experience.

The process of Silk making begins with the silk worms. They feed the worms with Mulberry leaves until they grow and transform into cocoons. When they become cocoons, they are being collected, boiled to become soft and clean then dried under the sun. After they have been dried, they boil them again and pull the cocoon fibers spinning them to make the silk thread. They dye the bulky silk thread with natural colors like bark from different trees, spices and banana leaves. And lastly, they weave the silk thread to make into a big cloth with different colors and designs.

At the Silk Farm, you can shop (Artisans Angkor Silk Boutique) different handmade silk products like clothes, scarves, bags, wallets, pillow cases, etc. The prices are more expensive than in the market but of course, you also get very high quality products. 

You can also find shops (Artisans Angkor) around Siem Reap and at the airport.

Check their website Artisans Angkor.

Spanish Market

Shopping at a Spanish market is a unique way of meeting people and discover an enchanting shopping experience. Being able to make friends not only with the locals but also from other parts of the world.

What you can find in a typical Spanish market are goods from around the world like clothes and toys from China; jewelry from Africa and India; leather goods and souvenirs from Spain and a lot more.
Like any other market, haggling is not a problem.

So when in Spain, a visit to the local market is a must!

strike a pose before shopping...:)

The marketplace!!!

Goods from China like bags, toys, caps,shoes...

Souvenirs from Spain... Hand crafted chimes and plates..

:)

Silver jewelry from Africa. One of the reasons why I love the marketplace. The silver rings and earrings are lovely and sold at a very reasonable price. Leather bags (Made in Spain) starting at 20 euros....good finds!!!

Yummy Spanish goodies...

Churros..

Fresh fruits...

:)

Pollo Asado or Roasted Chicken...