Honda Illusions

This new advertisement for the Honda CR-V has the coolest optical illusion.


The illusions are actually called "anamorphic illusions", which require a certain perspective from the viewer for the trick to work. The camera does the heavy lifting in this instance, and for a full minute makes these beautiful, but flat, paintings seem alive and real.

Enjoy!
With love,
B-lou

Draw the line

Have you heard about the campaign "draw the line"?


The campaign is about "guaranteeing and protecting reproductive rights as fundamental human rights. It also about stopping the attacks by politicians who want to take those rights away."

You can agree or disagree with the campaign, but if you want to support it, you can go to the following website and sign the petition.

With love,
B-lou

Celebrate the little things


National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)  is held every October to raise awareness of the disease and raise money for research.
Since its inception more than 25 years ago, NBCAM has been recognized as a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness.

You can help raise money for research by going on the NBCAM website and buy pink products.
Think about helping others and do not forget to "celebrate the little things".

With love,
B-lou

MAC AIDS FUND

Keep your love for the MAC products and do something "good" for others at the same time!

MAC AIDS Fund was established in 1994. The fund was developed to support people who are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.
It was also developed to help donate funds to communities that offer services and help to and prevent the HIV/AIDS through educational programs and services.

VIVA GLAM
The MAC AIDS Fund is supported exclusively by a consumer based model that directs 100 percent of the purchase price (minus VAT where applicable) of Viva Glam Lipstick and Lipgloss to the Fund.


With love,
B-lou

How to Get Flat Abs, Have Amazing Sex and Rule the World in 8 Easy Steps

I found this article from Kate Bartollota on Facebook through a college friend. I loved it and I figured that you guys might enjoy it as well!

The article tells us about 8 easy steps in order to be happy...today!
1. Stop believing your bullshit.
All that stuff you tell yourself about how you are a commitment phobe or a coward or lazy or not creative or unlucky? Stop it. It's bullshit, and deep down you know it. Let it go. Be who you are beneath the bullshit.

2. Be happy now.
Not because of some shiny happy Oprah crap. But because we can choose to appreciate what is in our lives instead of being angry or regretful about what we lack.

3. Look at the stars.
It won't fix the economy. It won't stop wars. It won't give you flat abs, or better sex or even help you figure out your relationship and what you want to do with your life. But it's important. It helps you remember that you and your problems are both infinitesimally small and conversely, that you are a piece of an amazing and vast universe.

4. Let people in.
Tell people that you trust when you need help, or you're depressed -- or you're happy and you want to share it with them. Acknowledge that you care about them and let yourself feel it. Go all in -- it's worth it.

5. Stop with the crazy making.
Don't take things personally. Most of the time, other people's choices and attitudes have absolutely nothing to do with you. Unless you've been behaving like a jerk, in which case...

6. Learn to apologize.
Not the ridiculous, self-deprecating apologizing for who you are and for existing that some people seem to do (what's up with that, anyway?). The ability to sincerely apologize -- without ever interjecting the word "but" -- is an essential skill for living around other human beings.

7. Practice gratitude.
Practice it out loud to the people around you. Practice it silently when you bless your food. Practice it often. Gratitude is not a first world only virtue. Gratitude is the most basic way to connect with that sense of being an integral part of the vastness of the universe.

8. Be kind.
Kurt Vonnegut said it best "There's only one rule that I know of, babies -- 'God damn it, you've got to be kind.'"
Kindness costs us nothing and pays exponential dividends. I can't save the whole world.
But I can be kind.

42

On Saturday night, my boyfriend and I watched the movie 42 and we both loved it!
It was very fascinating to me to see how the racial differences impacted the domain of sports in the USA and... I must admit that it got to my heart.
This movie really moved me so I wanted to share this experience with y'all.

Here is the trailer, watch it and rent the movie if you feel like it. I believe that you will enjoy it!


With love,
B-lou

Back to the roots...

Sorry dear followers, I went back to France for a month and I haven't been updating my blog. I'm sure you all know how it is...between friends, family and parties...it seems like internet does not even exist anymore (and quite frankly,it felt quite nice). But I am back to the United States and I wanted to share some pictures with you all. Hope you will enjoy them!



With love,
B-lou

FEED USA

The FEED Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the global food system, starting with ensuring nutritious school meals for all children. The FEED Projects, has so far provided over 55 million school meals to children around the world as a way to address chronic world hunger through the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

To launch the FEED USA campaign, FEED Projects has co-designed a special collection of FEED USA bags exclusively with the Gap. The FEED USA Bucket Bag and FEED USA Canvas Tote are made of iconically American denim and canvas. Each bag sold includes a $5 donation that each customer can direct towards a FEED USA/Donorschoose.org project that will help bring healthier school meals and better nutrition education to kids in the US.


You can buy these items on the following websites:
Target & Feedprojects
Spread the love,
B-lou

Spring's Trend ..."Camo"

This Spring, you don't have to be a hunter or join the army to wear "camo"...you just need to find a piece that suits you and rock it!


With love,
B-lou

Let's get active

Dear followers, I recently just ran my first 10K thanks to a little flyer that I found on a table at Chick-fil-a during my lunch break.
The race was created to support the "Leukemia & Lymphoma society". (See link)
Since I enjoy running and...I have a really big heart, I immediately look for the directions to register.
I registered on a website called : Active.com and I wanted to share this website with you guys because it is very well done. You can look for races in your area, learn about nutrition, discover new kinds of activities....just so you can be active and enjoy it!

Learn about "feeling good everyday" (click on the link), Learn about "adventure racing" (click on the link)
And you can learn about many other interesting stuff! Go check it out :) 

With love,
B-lou

Little advertising

Dear followers, I am a member of the Influenster.com website, which is a website designed to try new products and share opinions about new or current products even.
Recently, I received a box to try out the new Palmolive Soft Touch and I must say that I really liked it. It cleans dishes perfectly and leave you with soft hands.
You should try it and let me know how you liked it or not.

With love,
B-lou

Whitney Eve

Have you ever heard of the brand "Whitney Eve"? Yes, no, maybe?
Well now you have! The line was created by the celebrity Whitney Port who played in the TV show "The Hills" with Lauren Conrad.
I absolutely adore her collections (only four so far, but there were all wonderful) and thus, I wanted to share with you this little "discovery" of mine!
Summer is here, you probably need a new cute dress anyway right? :)
Shop here: http://www.whitneyeve.com


With love,
B-lou

Sweet time

Since I got a fancy "kitchen-aid" mixer as a gift for my birthday, I am working on becoming a good baker. Now I refuse to buy sweets that are already made, I want to make things myself and honestly, I really enjoy trying out new things. Also, I must say that I am very fortunate to be surrounded by so many awesome people who are willing to taste my "creations" (they are not all successful...so thank you guys!) :)

I made these cookies on Thursday night and they were actually pretty good so I decided to share the recipe with you guys!

Ingredients:
1 cup Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
 1/2 cup butter, softened
 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
 1/4 cup sugar
 1 egg
 1 tablespoon milk
 1 teaspoon vanilla
 1 cup unsifted flour
 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
 3/4 cup dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts, chopped

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and sugar until well blended. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and peanuts. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire cooling racks. Store tightly covered.

Enjoy my friends!
With love,
B-lou

Help Oklahoma

You guys probably already heard about the tragedy that happened in Oklahoma,a massive tornado has ripped through neighborhoods near Oklahoma City. Many people are saying that the tornado had been classified as the most devastating funnel cloud punch Mother Nature can deliver.
If you want to help the survivors, you should go to this website and donate: http://www.redcross.org/

If you think that donating a small amount of money or even your time to help others is insignificant, you should listen to Carrie Underwood's song. Any kind of help is always needed.


"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." William James

With love,
B-lou

The Great Gatsby


Loved the new movie, loved the old ones...there is something particular and "magic" about this era that is so fascinating to me. 
At one point in time, we all wish that we were born at another period and for me, the best period would be the 1920's. 
What's not to love about the 1920's? Watch the Great Gatsby and it would only take a minute for you to fall in love with the costumes that successfully convey the glamour and decadence of the era for a 21st-century audience.


With love,
B-lou

Must-have summer items

Affordable shopping...why not give yourself a little gift...or two?
Here are some "new and fun websites" that I found to do a little summer shopping activity! 


Hope you will get to find a little special piece for yourself!
Enjoy my friends!

Shoes : http://www.makemechic.com

Belt: https://shoplately.com

Shorts: http://www.loft.com

Jewelry: http://www.maxandchloe.com

Dresses: http://www.shopfe.net

Dresses: http://www.amiclubwear.com


With love,
B-lou



Secret to a bikini body

Summer is coming and we are all trying to get in shape ASAP. Well unfortunately, it is not always easy but I found an article in Fitness magazine that can help us ladies!
Here are some secrets to fight off belly bloat:

-drink water with lemon ( If you're having a bloating problem, that's the time you want to push fluids, not restrict them, says Grotto. Since lemons are a natural diuretic and a gentle laxative when added to warm water, consuming the liquid can help reduce the amount of salt retained in the body. Just make sure you drink from the glass and not through a straw, so you don't take in any extra air)


-eat celery (it has been used as a digestive aid to regulate bowel movements and to control intestinal gas because its chemicals are known to decrease fluid retention)

-eat watermelon (it consists of 92 percent water and it also has a natural diuretic property and is a great source of potassium)

-cook with rosemary (it treats intestinal gas and helps digestion)

-eat beans and lentils (Lentils possess a high amount of fiber that are a good choice for aiding with digestion. Also, potassium-rich foods include white beans, soybeans, and lima beans - are also the highest-fiber vegetables you can get)

-eat yogurt (the nature of the active cultures lactobacillus and acidophilus found in yogurt can improve symptoms of bloating)

-keep your sodium intake to a minimum
-make sure you get enough sleep and get a least 30 mins of physical activity on a daily basis

With love,
B-lou


Greek yogurts. Go get them... now!


Going Greek is in, and this exotic option has elbowed its way onto refrigerator shelves everywhere.

In roughly the same amount of calories as regular yogurts, the Greek ones can can pack up to double the protein, while cutting sugar content by half. (Make sure to read the nutrition facts before because some greek yogurts still contain a lot of sugar)

Also, Greek yogurts are packed with calcium, and probiotics­ -- "good" bacteria that can help with digestion and boost immunity -- and it tastes like a treat. So go get your greek on now ! ;)

(Check out my favorite ones on the left!)


With love,
B-lou

Hot dog...maybe? Mustard... YES!

Mustard is in! It might seem like a strange color to wear at first but I've been told that "must is spreading all over Hollywood" ! SOo why not give it a try, and it might work out for you!


With love,
B-lou

Crazy world - Spread the love

As I read the Wall Street Journal every morning, I am sometimes having trouble to start the day on a positive note. So many tragedies are happening all over the world on a daily basis and the Boston marathon tragedy was very horrifying. It seems like we are not safe anywhere anymore, it is sad and scary.
We need to be thankful for the people who are fighting to protect us and we need to appreciate life as it comes.

Peace and love dear followers. Spread the LOVE. Everyday.

With love,
B-lou



These things take time

In a world where messages and information can be sent across the world instantly, everything is now available a few "clicks" away... But patience is something that should not be taken for granted and we should keep working at it.
Some things take time and we need to learn to be patient...again.
Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball to be able to see what will happen in the next six months but it is unrealistic and I just need to take a deep breath and wait for things to happen on their own.

Do not rush into anything, be patient and things will come when they are meant to be and happen.
"Sometimes things aren't clear right away. That's where you need to be patient and persevere and see where things lead." Mary Pierce

With love,
B-lou

Gay marriage in the USA

Gay marriage equality box spreads on social media at a fast pace so we probaly should talk about it. (or blog about it in my case)

A square box with thick pink horizontal lines (the mathematical equal symbol) was offered for sharing this week by the Human Rights Campaign as the U.S. Supreme Court took up arguments in key marriage rights cases.

Not everybody is agreeing on this matter but we can say that it is quite entertaining to see all the celebrities step it up and say what they think about that matter. For example, Beyonce is strongly in favor of marriage equality and has been all over the social media. She has been using her famous song lyrics to prove her point.... Remember... "if you like it, you should put a ring on it!" Well, it seems she thinks that gay people should be able to put a ring on it as well!

From my point of view, gay marriage is not an issue. I believe in peace, love and happiness. And I think that if gay people want to be married and prove their love to each other, then they should be able to.
At the end of the day, is it really that big of a deal? Don't we have bigger issues to deal with these days?
(see picture below)


Spread the love people,
With love,
B-lou

French love

I like living in the USA. I love learning a new culture and language everyday. I like to interact with people from different backgrounds. I embrace every opportunity that I have to discover a new world.
But, at the end of the day, I am a little frenchie and my heart belongs to the French culture.


We are well known for our great taste in fashion and food, but also for our beautiful cities and admirable landscapes. France is a very tiny country, but we are lucky to possess a lot of scenery.
When you are in France, you can go to the mountains, to the beach, and even to a different country without driving too much. (I believe that the Americans would very much appreciate the short distances!)

But unfortunately, nowadays Europe is not doing so good and France is not escaping the troubles either.
We are dealing with economic issues, political issues, immigration issues...and many other issues. And, sometimes I have the feeling that we forget about the beauty of our country, and focus too much on the negative things.
I love France and I am very proud of where I am from. I  believe that the French culture is very fascinating despite the little problems that we are countering nowadays.
We need to go back to the basics and start to take the time to look around again and appreciate the beauty of everything. We work hard (unlike what most people think) but we do it in a fashionable way. We have learned to work hard to be able to enjoy life; and, we should try to get away from our busy lives for a second to enjoy the simplest/prettiest things.


Remember ...Paris, the capital, is the city of love so we should all have this quote for our motto:
 "Life is not worth being lived without love"

With love,
B-lou

The Intouchables

The movie is finally out in the USA and all of you dear followers should rent it; it is just a great movie!

"The Intouchables" is a 2011 French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Ɖric Toledano. It stars FranƧois Cluzet and Omar Sy. Nine weeks after its release in France on 2 November 2011, it became the second biggest box office hit in France.

Story:
In Paris, the aristocratic and intellectual Philippe is a quadriplegic millionaire that is interviewing candidates for the position of his caretaker with his red-haired secretary Magalie. Out of the blue, the rude African Driss cuts the line of candidates and brings a document from the Social Security and asks to Phillipe to sign it to prove that he is seeking a job position to receive his unemployment insurance. Philippe challenges Driss and offers a period of adaptation of one week to him to gain experience helping him. Then Driss would decide whether he would like to stay with him or not. Driss accepts the bet and moves to the mansion, changing the boring life of Phillipe and his employees.

PS: After reading many American reviews, I want to tell you all up front that this movie is not racist. The movie was aiming at showing the reality of the world with humor; and also, focusing on depicting a magnificent and inspiring friendship story starting as a simple job.
Do not watch this movie if you read too many reviews talking about racism. On the other hand, you should watch this movie with an open mind and focus on the beauty of the unexpected things that happen in life. No matter how bad can things be sometimes, someone or something might come along and brighten your world.

With love,
B-lou

The trophy jackets


Having one trophy jacket (or many) is necessary ladies ! The statement jacket is the perfect lift for your outfit ; just throw on over jeans or a very cute dress, it is the best accessory!

With love,
B-lou

Marilyn Monroe


Printed Pants


When it's winter time, we always want to wear black, brown, grey,..."not-so-much-fun colors" and wait for the beautiful days to come along so we can start popping colors.... BUT, you do not have to wait anymore!
The printed pants are the solution to spice up the boring winter days!

The loud prints and bold patterns may seem a bit risky, but just like everything in life, it is all about balance!
You can play with the prints and wear a top that has a plain color so you can "balance" the two out easily!

Look at the pictures chosen; all those pants look wonderful because each model chose a plain shirt to go with it!

Hope you will "spice up" your winter a little bit without being over the top! Just remember that you should always find a good balance!

With love,
B-lou

Do not forget to love yourself first

We always read articles in magazines about the different problems that we can encounter when we are in a relationship.

Well, first of all, I want you girls/women to remember that you need to love yourself first before you can love anyone else. It is important to feel happy, be confident and chase away all kind of insecurities before you can
love someone else.

Many people hastily enter relationships seeking security from someone else in order to compensate for their own insecurities. But as nice as it sounds, it will not work.
Think about you first and then think about the other person. It is not selfish, you do not have to feel bad about it. It is just a matter of understanding how the human body works.
What makes you happy will have a positive impact on you, will get you in a good mood and good mood can be shared easily.

You need to love yourself first. Do the things that make you happy and match your personality. Do not change for anyone. You can work on some of your flaws but you cannot pretend to be someone that you are not.
If you are currently in a relationship, you certainly think that you are lucky to have found such a special person. (which is probably true and very wonderful for you ) But, you also need to think that your "soul-mate" is lucky to have you as well. Everything works both ways.

Love yourself, be happy, be you. You only have one life to live, you might as well, think about living a delighted one, with people surrounding yourself who love you for who you are.

With love,
B-lou

LUSH

Have you ever heard of the brand called "LUSH"?



If you did not, you have been missing out on fun cosmetics products and here is your chance to learn about it my dear followers!
Lush is coming from the UK and the brand only sells products that are hand-made and very natural.
The brand, Lush, only uses fruits, vegetables, synthetic ingredients, honey and beeswax in its products.
I learned about this brand in Paris, when I was visiting my friend, and I decided to try one of the product, a cleaner that is called "Ocean Salt" and it is defined as "a cleansing lime, coconut and sea salt scrub."
This cleaner is wonderful, I love the fact that all the products are natural and they work so well!

Just go on the website and try it for yourself!
Lush delivers in 47 countries so you should find your happiness, no matter where you are :)  LushUSA.com




With love,
B-lou

Valentine's Day is over but the spread of love is not

Valentine's Day is over but you must keep on spreading your love ! 


Don't wait for a special day once a year to show your love or do something special for your lover, friends or family members!
Life is short and unpredictable, so make sure that you take care of your relatives and show them that you care as much as you can.

Joan Smalls

I was reading Marie Claire today and they had a "special" on the model Joann Smalls. She is gorgeous and I figured that I would share some of her great shots with you guys!
Joann Smalls is from Puerto Rico, she was in the Victoria Secret show in 2011 and 2012, and she is currently considered as being ranked 1st in the Top 50 Models Women!


"Fond-of-fondue"

Hello, hello dear "cheese lovers",
If you love cheese and if you are tired of only having soup for dinner when it is cold outside, I have the perfect most frenchie recipe for you !

I am SO "fond-of-fondue" (and so is my boyfriend after last night! ) I have noticed that "fondue" here usually refers to the chocolate one, where you dip different fruits in chocolate and of course, it is quite yummy!
Well, in France, we are the cheese nation so we usually talk about "cheese fondue".
The concept is simple, you love cheese, so you cook the recipe (which is very simple by the way), you get some good bread and here we go. You can get make a cheese fondue happen anytime !

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
1 tablespoon plus 1 cup dry white wine, divided
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Gruyere cheese (you can use Monterey cheese)
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 drops hot pepper sauce
Cubed French bread and/or sliced apples

Directions:

-In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon wine; set aside. Combine cheeses and remaining cornstarch; set aside.

-Rub sides of a large saucepan with cut sides of garlic; discard garlic. Add remaining wine to the pan and heat over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan. Stir in lemon juice.

-Reduce heat to medium-low; add a handful of cheese mixture. Stir constantly, using a figure-eight motion, until almost completely melted. Continue adding cheese, one handful at a time, allowing cheese to almost completely melt between additions. Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and pepper sauce. Stir cornstarch mixture; gradually add to the pan. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and smooth. Keep warm. Serve with bread. Yield: 2 cups.

Choose a cold night, get friends together and enjoy some fondue, you won't be disappointed!

With love,
B-lou

Do more of what makes you happy


Superbowl

Superbowl will happen THIS Sunday, February 3rd!
It is time to get your game ON for some fun football and good performances (well depending on how the artists actually perform...hopefully great this time!) or.....just be excited for commercials like me !
I must admit, my marketing/advertising background is kicking in and I get excited to see the commercials more than I do about the game... Well after-all, the companies advertising during the Superbowl spend more than 3 million for a 60 seconds ad, so I am ready to see their work !


My boy already has different ideas concerning the food/drinks (yes Superbowl= boys cooking, it just makes sense) BUT  if you have any other fun ideas, please let me know!



Have a LOT of fun my dear followers and be safe!

With love,
B-lou

Wine lovers....here is a new app!

Hello hello wine lovers, I've got some news for you!
Last year, I talked about the app "Snooth", well this year, the new cool app is "WinePoynt"
Thanks to the immense progress in technology, we probably all have the chance to possess a smart phone, so we can all download this app...ASAP!


"WinePoynt recently launched an app to help make choosing the right wine easier anytime, anywhere. The app, designed by two engineers and a sommelier, was created with expert data analysis to personalize wine recommendations for individual users based on their location and from the information the app learns about the users wine preferences from their own ratings."

This app is so great, it will give you the locations of all the wine stores present in your area and once you create your profile, you will be able to get recommendations concerning wines (maybe new to you) that you will probably enjoy!
You can select the color, price range and the type of food that you will be eating to get an accurate recommendation. It is fun and it is a good excuse to drink more wine ;)

Cheers my friends!

With love,
B-lou

Santa was nice to you? Be Santa for someone else!

Santa was nice to you? So why not be Santa for someone else?
As the year starts, we should all look for ways to help the ones that are not as fortunate as we are.
Even if you do "some good" only once a year (after Santa came by and you feel obligated), it is still better than nothing! Check out the following websites:

DressforSuccess - Provide interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide

SewMuchComfort - Provide adaptive clothing to wounded service men and women in military hospitals

Clothes4Souls - Provide clothes to people around the world who are in desperate need

PlanetAid - Provide clothing to people in developing nations, and fund community, health, agricultural, and vocational programs

Soles4Souls - Distribute shoes to people in need in over 125 countries

DonatemyDress -  Provide special occasion dresses to girls who cannot afford them for prom, sweet 16, quinceaƱera or formal events

SAFE - Collect items to give to children in emotional, traumatic, or stressful situations

LovingHugs - Send stuffed animals to children living in war zones, refugee camps, orphanages, hospitals, and natural disaster areas

WorldComputerExchange - Provide used computers and technology to schools, libraries, community centers & universities in developing countries

DevelopAfrica - Provide books, school and teaching supplies, scholarships, and job-related training in Africa

SportsGift - Provide sports programs and equipment to impoverished and disadvantaged children throughout the world

Of course, there is always Goodwill and the SalvationArmy as the "classic" ones.
But if you wanted to branch out and you did not find any charity that interested you yet, you should check out this website : CharityNavigator

With love,
B-lou