About Acne ~ The French Beauty Solution

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I am continuing my reading of the French Beauty Solution and I am now in Chapter 6 which discusses “Taking Care of your Face and Neck”. I got right into this chapter because it was so informative about skin descriptions.

One section that stuck out to me was the snippet about acne. It blasted away all the myths I was told in high school. Here is what is said…

“Acne is not caused by eating chocolate or french fries. That’s a relief. But for women who suddenly develop acne as adults, it can be devastating to have such visible skin problems. Acne is an inflammatory disease that is caused by genetics, your fluctuating hormone levels, and the P. acnes bacteria. These hormonal changes affect how often your skin cells turn over; if they don’t turn over as they should- becoming stickier and oilier instead- pores get clogged and pimples and blackheads form. 


It’s not a good idea to treat acne yourself, especially if it suddenly develops, as this may be an indication of a hormonal imbalance that warrants medical attention from a physician, either your dermatologist or endocrinologist. Over the counter acne products are usually targeted to teens that tend to have oilier and less fragile skin than adults, and they can cause irritation and make your skin look even worse. Your dermatologist can devise the right treatment plan and check your hormone levels too”.  ~Mathilde Thomas 


I thought this information was so fantastic and right on time. I have noticed some changes in my skin too. I would encourage anyone to pick up this book. It is wonderful…

Photo by Chi on Unsplash

Oil Cleansers ~ Are they Good?

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For the last few weeks, I have been reading the French Beauty Solution. It has been a wonderful book and I have learned a lot. I have been discussing certain chapters from the book see here and here.

In the newest chapter the author Mathilde is talking about natural oils and that they are great for your skin. I have always felt that using an oil cleanser would make my skin worse or cause it to break out. But Mathilde doesn’t believe so. She said that one of the fallacies of skincare is that oily skin or skin prone to breakouts should never be touched with oil.

“When you use the right kind of oil on your skin and keep it properly hydrated, oil production in your sebaceous glands actually decreases. When choosing an effective oil-based cleanser, moisturizer, or serum, realize that there are two kinds of oils to use: plant based oils that are therapeutic and the base of your products; and essential oils, which are distilled essences of plants (herbs, flowers, trees, roots, etc. ) that are also therapeutic as well as highly concentrated and so should be used sparingly.”


I will now be thinking twice about oil based cleansers and will be paying a visit to Sephora very soon.



Inspiring…

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photo credit Aerin’s Instagram account
“Along with colors, textures, and fragrances you need music in your rooms to round out the sensory experience.”

~ Charlotte Moss








The Bouqs ~Monthly Flower Club

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As most of you know I love flowers!!! I buy at least 3 bouquets a week. I have one at work and two at home. My daughter is now starting to enjoy having a fresh bouquet in her room. I love that! It makes my heart sing.

But there is nothing like getting a bouquet of flowers delivered to your office. If you enjoy fresh bouquets every week and love the thrill of having some delivered to you then the Bouqs can help fulfill that need.

I just learned about their monthly flower club. From $40 a month, you can have an artful floral arrangement of your choice delivered to you every week! Just go online and sign up! Fantastic right?


Photo by Melnychuk Nataliya on Unsplash

Polish Your Posture

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I have just been a reading queen recently. I am still reading the third installment of Jennifer L. Scott’s book Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic. I am in the chapter about posture.

We have all heard about the benefits of good posture but sitting up straight can be annoying sometimes. I must admit there are days where I just don’t feel like it! But then I remember who I am and what life I am trying to live.

Jennifer talks about making a commitment and becoming aware of your posture. After sitting at the computer for awhile she suggests standing up and rolling your arms backward to reverse the effect. Make an effort to sit up straight while you work. Bring this awareness to everything you do.

Jennifer also mentioned that she got to ask principal dancer Allyssa Bross about a ballerina’s secret to great posture. Here is what was said:

Many times ballet dancers are known for their great posture, and automatically people assume it is because they stand with their shoulders back and spine straight, but posture is more than the way one stands. Posture is the way one carries oneself in any social setting. It starts from within and then moves outward.


Controlling one’s body and posture starts with the mind. Thoughts affect our actions, body, and the way we take care of it. Here are five helpful tips to keep good posture:

1. Loving yourself
2. Confidence
3. Exercise (when you have strong, nimble muscles, posture is easier to maintain.)
4. Chin up and neck long
5. Eye contact

I hope you enjoyed these tips from Jennifer and purchase her latest book Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic.





photo credit Marchionesshg Instagram account

The Ayres Tea Room Recipe ~ Chicken Pot Pie

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One of the last recipe’s that I wanted to share from the gorgeous and chic tea room is the “chicken pot pie” recipe. It has the same base ingredients as the chicken velvet soup so it is a delicious meal also. The pastry crust on top is divine!

Chicken Pot Pie


1 cup & 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of sugar
8 tablespoons of margarine, divided
2 tablespoons of ice water


1 tablespoon powered chicken base
1-1/2 cups of boiling water
2 cups cooked and boned chicken, cut in 1 inch chunks




Dough: Combine 1 cup flour, salt and sugar; cut in 4 tablespoons of chilled margarine and add just enough ice water to make dough come together. Wrap dough in waxed paper; refrigerate for at least a half-hour. Roll out half of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and the size of a casserole dish. Line dish and sides with dough; bringing dough up to edges. Roll out remaining dough to size to cover dish; reserve.


Filing: Melt remaining margarine in saucepan, add 4 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring for 2 or 3 minutes. Blend chicken base, add water all at once and mix well. Bring mixture to a simmer, add chicken and, when heated through, pour into dough-lined casserole. Top with reserved dough; press edges to seal. Prick top in several places to allow steam to escape. Bake 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until dough is lightly browned.




photo via AHFE


Lunch at the Ayres Tea Room

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The L.S. Ayres store was the focal point of downtown Indianapolis. People would stand in line to have lunch at the Tea Room. It was the Tea Room that epitomized the Ayers experience. Now with our fast food saturated culture, the Tea Room was more than a quick bite to eat. It was about waitresses who knew regular customers by name and food preferences. It was about real china, clean tablecloths and fresh flowers. It was about a menu rich in elegant, yet comfortable, food- chicken velvet soup, apricot bread, chicken pot pie, club sandwiches and chicken salad. ~S.L. Berry 

My boss took me to lunch there for the first time after Christmas. I was in heaven. The atmosphere was elegant but not over the top. It was sensible, friendly and classy. I adore the room. It was not too noisy, and not crowded. It was shear perfection! I made reservations for my family after church service. They enjoyed it! Especially the chicken velvet soup. I will be returning again very soon.

The room, lovely isn’t it?

The waiting area

I love the wallpaper.





The classic chicken velvet soup! The recipe is 110 years old. 




The chicken pot pie with pastry crust! Scrumptious! 

The tea experience, it was lovely. 


Dessert, very good!
(photos via AHFE)