Happy 90 Mickey !

· Fashion, Food, Travel

I was invited to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s birthday at Disneyland Paris last weekend. I’ll let you imagine how euphoric I was when I received the invitation (it’s art deco style and so gorgeous I’m thinking about having it framed).

I’ve known Mickey since I was a kid but we’ve only really been close for the past 4 years. I was so happy he thought of me for his 90th birthday celebration! (Haha, I haven’t smoked any Alice in Wonderland mushrooms, I promise).

During these 2 days, I also got to wish Minnie a happy birthday (she was more discreet about it) and I noticed she was a real organisation queen : she gave me her tips and 10 COMMANDMENTS for a great birthday bash …. and great it was indeed! I’ll share them here :

 

1. Great care to the decoration you shall give

For this very special birthday, the park had adorned it’s most beautiful Christmas decorations (Mickey is lucky of have been born a month before the holidays!).

 

The castle is majestic as always (I think it’s the most beautiful one of all the Disney parks in the world) and Christmas and birthday spirit mix as soon as you walk in.

The Christmas tree is impressively huge as always and even more beautiful when it lights up at nighttime. There are Mickey garlands all over Main Street. There is some serious party preparation under way that’s for sure!

 

2. Surround yourself with your best friends you shall

All of Mickey’s friends were present for the birthday party. I even got to meet them before the festivities started and snapped a souvenir photo.

I talked fashion with Minnie (she had noticed my bag) as well as preparation for the big evening ; she was a bit stressed out so I tried to get her to unwind by reminding her it was her birthday as well : Relax and enjoy Minnie!

Goofy, cheerful and always the jokester, had dressed up as Santa Claus and welcomed us in a decor that we’re not used to seeing in the park : it’s pretty unusual to see the castle from this angle, right?

Daisy was waiting for me near Cinderella’s Inn (pro tip : the area is always pretty quiet if you picture where it is in the park). I must have missed Donald by a couple minutes only, but running into his girlfriend is always pleasant.

 

3. On a special dresscode you shall decide

On the invitation, it was strongly recommended to wear a Christmassy and/or Mickey Mouse related outfit for the reception. I’m starting to have quite the collection, I preciously save these items for my visits to Disneyland.

The Mickey Mouse tennis shoes I have are probably the best Disney investment I made, as is this faux leather bag I found in Thailand. They are very understated but that Mickey touch make them special, which is why I included them both in my outfit of the day. .

For the evening, I borrowed a Mickey T-shirt from my S.O and added these graphic earrings I had ordered from Couture Kingdom. They are pretty fragile and heavy, but I really liked the design and I’ll be keeping them preciously for my future Disney outings, or even for daily life.

In both outifts I tried to take into account the Mickey/Minnie color code : red, black and white. I could have added some green, but it’s not really my color!

 

4. Privileged time with your guests you shall spend

Mickey decided to spend some time with each of us and it was the best idea ever, since it would have been difficult to chat with each of the 900 guests during dinner!

We met up at the Walt Disney Studios. I found a last minute gift that I recommended he open later when he’d have more time.

He complimented me on my bag (he and Minnie have the same fashion sense!) and we snapped a couple pictures of our meeting. I think it’s the first time I got to spend so much time with him…it might not be visible and it might be childish (but let me reassure you, I’m quite ok with that), but I was a bit emotional!

 

5. Treat your guests to open-air shows you shall

A FantaStitch christmas !

 

The weather was gorgeous during this weekend, which really helps when you’re celebrating a birthday like this one. The festivities kicked off with a fanfare. Stitch really set the mood with Minnie during a “FantaStitch Christmas” show in front of the castle.

 

At the end of the afternoon, we saw the fabulous Christmas parade. I never get tired of it : I feel they mix things up a little each year which helps in keeping the surprise and magical feeling intact.

Quand Duffy appears in the Santa sleigh 😉

 

At nighttime Goofy introduced us to his “Incredible Christmas” with a mix of real and virtual scenes as well as a cascade of fireworks.

Goofy ‘s incredible Xmas

 

 

6.Let your friends organize suprises you shall

On saturday evening, we had been told to head for the Walt Disney Studios park. Mickey was clueless (even though the scene before the Terror Tower wasn’t very discreet!).

He was expecting to see Minnie but found himself with a whole cast of castmembers/dancers (in synch with his outfit for the evening) and all his friends : Goofy hyper as always, Donald, Daisy and Pluto.

They all joined the scene to dance, sing and wish him the happiest birthday ever. Mickey was very surprised indeed, knowing that the show stopper was the intervention of sweding singer Zara Larsson, who sung 2 of her songs.

Zara Larsson live !

 

I wasn’t expecting any of this either and really enjoyed dancing to “Lush Life” and “Symphony” while reminiscing how I had danced to Lollapalooza this summer.

 

7. A performance to impress your guests you shall prepare

Mickey likes receiving gifts but also giving them : he and his Christmas Big Band treated us to a very impressive performance : I didn’t know he was such a good tap dancer, or that he was such a gifted drummer!

 

Mickey’s Christmas Big Band !

 

This show was simply one of the best I have ever seen in the park : song, dance, a Gatsby style decor… it was constantly moving and the rhythm was incredible! The vocal performances were very impressive and the Christmas songs really set the mood for Christmas.

 

8.Invite your guests to discover traditional specialties

Chip & Dale at the stove ?

 

Enough of donuts, popcorn and other specialties from Uncle Sam’s country? More traditional stands can be found in front of the Ratatouille attraction, at the Walt Disney Studios: Crepes, pancakes, raclette sandwiches and other regional “lightness” of “L’Hiver gourmand”(=Gourmet Winter) are to be enjoyed there.

“L’Hiver gourmand” specialties

 

9. Ask Pierre Hermé to bake your cake you shall

Minnie managed to order a birthday cake from Pierre Hermé! I had no idea : Minnie you’re really the best!

The best pastry chef in the world and his team prepared a huge structure with giant macaroons and “Mickey Zest party” pies.

“Mickey Zest Party” pies by Pierre Hermé

 

These pies can also be eaten in the park (at the Walt’s as well as at the California Grill) during this time of the year.

I loved finishing the dinner with this citrus touch. and since Pierre Hermé was dining at the table next to us (yes it’s surreal) I got to talk to him again, 2 years after meeting him for the first time, and he is still just as adorable!

He felt pretty emotional when he gave Mickey a piece of pie : I think we all connected with our inner child this weekend!

 

10. Magic to the party you shall add

“Rockin’ around the Christmas tree ! ♫♪♫ “

 

The fact that the birthday took place in the 2 Disney parks is one of the reasons the magic clearly operated this weekend, but I found that each moment brought us closer to the pinnacle of magic : unusual encounters, awesome weather, nonstop shows and an exceptional dinner!

This dinner took place in Studio 1 of the Walt Disney Studios, which is the studio with the retro/neon light decor that you go through when you are heading to the park.

Free range chicken supreme with Champagne sauce, ginger flavored sweet potato gratin
and seasonal vegetables

 

The dinner with table service was up to par with the cake and unfolded to the beat of a jazzy voice that sung christmas carols from a balcony above us.

I had already been lucky enough to take part in exceptional events in Disneyland Paris, but this birthday surprised me over and over again.

The “Best Birthday Bash” mission was clearly a success. Once again, let’s wish Mickey and Minnie – let’s not forget the humble instigator of this fabulous party – the happiest of Birthdays! (English translation by Marine)

My Outfit

1. Coat Munich Japan (already seen here)
Cashmere jumper La Redoute (already seen here)
Pants Close (already seen here)
Ears Minnie ShopDisney
Earrings Tiffany & Co (already seen here)
Sneakers Moa x Disney (already seen here)
Bag ESP Thailand

 

2.Blazer Ba&Sh x La Redoute (already seen here)
Tee shirt ESP Thailand
Pants La Redoute (already seen here)
Babies Electra Repetto (already seen here)
Earrings Couture Kingdom
Eyelashes extension « Volume russe » Les cils de Marie (already seen here)

Five senses #11

· Decoration, Fashion, Food

I love writing these Five Senses articles to explore all the things that excited my senses lately. And if I am not wrong you like them too. So here is the 11th article, and I hope you will like it as much as I do.

 

Sight

Last week, as you probably saw on my Instagram stories, I got invited for the opening of the elegant, simple and cosy new shop of OR DU MONDE (7 rue Notre-Dame des Victoires 75002 PARIS) a green and ethic jewellery brand.

During the evening I participated in a few workshops to get to know more about jewellery in general, selection criterias of a diamond and the most important, the way to protect our planet.

 

Earrings “golden leaves” OR DU MONDE
Medal “Cherry blossom”OR DU MONDE

 

Indeed gold mining is a very polluting activity: OR DU MONDE is committed to only use recycled gold and traceability flows for gemstones, without violation of human rights from mining to in-store sales.

After 5 years of existence, the brand has recycled 100kg of gold, which has allowed to save up 70 million litres of water, 400kg of mercury, 6000 tons of cyanide and 200 000 tons of mining waste: so impressive!

 

Today, I selected my favourite jewellery: the medal with cherry blossom and these pendant earrings with round leaves caught my eyes as it brings the perfect touch of elegance and originality to this cocooning look.

I am thinking of a way to transform a family ring to adapt it to my tastes while keeping the sentimental side.For your inspiration, here are some examples of engagement/ wedding rings.

Congratulations to OR DU MONDE for this move that mix quality, durability and environment friendliness. No doubt I will talk again about it later.

 

Smell

Lamp La Redoute Intérieurs
Dried flowers Bergamotte
Vase Bloomingville

 

I discovered these Brittany handmade candles last year (I was talking about it in this article) and I haven’t got bored of it. I recently made a new order to restock the comforting winter smells.

Candles are really the perfect accessory for rainy and cold days at home with a blanket.

« Nuage végétal » candle Wabi-Sabi
 « Copenhague » candle Wabi-Sabi

 

I was already convinced by the sweet smell of « nuage végétal ». This time I decided to try Copenhagen (pine, lime, cardamom) to get more into the Christmas spirit. A real pleasure to hear the crackling sound of the candles, while smelling their scents.

 

Taste

This magazine from Quebec illustrates the good taste both literally and figuratively.Indeed, I discovered it while traveling to Montreal and I am quite pleased to find it in France now.

 

Dînette showcases recipes with nice set up, simple and poetic as I like them. These magazines are so beautiful that I am considering to keep all the issues like a nice cook book.

 

Touch

Mugs bought at Disneyland Paris
Wooden tray Serax x Merci

 

As you know lately I tend to buy simple and timeless things, no matter if it’s clothes or decoration but I always leave a bit of space of a bit of fantasy (with moderation!).

So here are two examples of newly added set of tablewares a bit extravagant but we will try to keep them as long as possible.

As a fan of Toy Story, and following my last visit at Disneyland Paris, it was quite normal that Hamm and Buttercup would join us to enjoy our daily warm teas.

Even though we can’t say that they are simple and timeless, their details and embossed design are meticulous: I don’t regret this purchase.

 

Hearing

Take That in 2018

 

The year 2019 will be very promising in term of music (and visual) since I got two tickets to attend the concert of my favourite band Take That (in London and in Paris) for their new tour (remember how crazy I was in 2017 in Liverpool/Manchester). Actually I am looking forward to the new album “Odyssey” coming out this week.

Then, I heard about the get-together of the Spice Girls for a new tour (sadly without Victoria) and thanks to the timely help of my SO, I will also attend the concert in Wembley stadium next June.

5 become 4 !

 

Then, while I was at it, I booked tickets to attend the Backstreet Boys show in Paris next May. So in 2019, I will go back to my teenage years: let’s just hope acne won’t join the party! (English translation by Quiterie)

Bacsktreet’s back… all right !

 

(This article contains affiliate links and
there is a promoted post which was made in collaboration with Or du Monde)

My Outfit

Jumper Sézane (2016 ou 2017)
Jeans Uniqlo (already seen here)
Eyelashes extensions « Volume russe » Les cils de Marie (already seen here)

 

Sapporo snow festival

· Fashion, Food, Illustration, Travel

I was joking about it but I think it will really take a year to finish this story about my winter trip in Japan! (it still remains a few cities to talk about).

I am really sorry that it’s been taking me so long if you’ve been counting on me to prepare your winter trip but we never know, you might be ready for winter 2020!

Let’s not wait more, today we are leaving Akita to go to Sapporo, located in the north, on the Japanese island Hokkaido.

 

To go to Sapporo

Leaving from Tazawako station, we had to change our train twice during a 7-hour train trip: once in Morioka, then at Shin Hakodate station to finally get to Sapporo, my train tickets still booked with my JR Pass.

If your departure point is somewhere else, no worries, Sapporo is well connected.

 

For the hotels, we booked in October for February but occupancy was already high (and expensive!).

So we stayed at the Best Western Sapporo Odori Koen located in front of Odori park: very small room (we almost slept in the middle of our luggages!) but clean and perfectly located to access all the activities of the snow festival.

 

Sapporo Snow Festival

In front of the Osamu Tezuka ice artwork

 

The snow festival called « Yuki matsuri » is organized every early February. In 2018, it was from the 1st to the 12th of February. Only two days were enough to enjoy the event as we wished. Book an extra night if you would like to explore the city more.

To stay in Sapporo during the 10 days of festival seems way too long unless you are a sledge addict, contemplate artworks for hours or you are a member of the team participating to the international festival of ice carving.

The festival opens in 3 different areas of the city, each of them accessible during a certain time of the matsuri.

 

  • Odori park

To my point of view, the most interesting is the one in the Odori park: it’s where the night animations are done, and the ice sculptures are shown, all more impressive than the last.

At night, the sculptures are animated thanks to light projections: the crowd is around so is the coldness! Make sure to stay warm to not end up frozen as a sculpture of the festival.

 

Chance meeting with Instagram star Marutaro !

 

Each year, different themes are suggested: here, they paid tribute to the mangaka Osamu Tezuka with this immense construction of Astro Boy, Princess Knight and Kimba the White Lion.

A huge Final Fantasy XIV fresco covered with snow was also showcased.

I think, the most impressive part was the area dedicated to the sculptures contest where countries compete against each other: watch all these team working, polishing every details of the creation and showing unlimited creativity was quite fascinating.

The winner was the Thai team

 

Besides the pleasure of the eyes, we can also enjoy the various food stalls in the streets! Ramen, doughnuts, hot drinks: the ambiance is as warm as a Christmas market… a bit more exotic!… with a touch of kawaii with all the mascots ready to take a selfie!

Sapporo TV Tower and the city mascot “Terebi-Tosan”

 

 

  • Susukino quarter

Another part of the festival is located in the neighbourhood called Susukino, not very welcoming but worth to explore to admire the ice sculptures.

The pieces are not showcased properly enough in the middle of this street considering the detailed work done for each of them. But it’s worth to be seen.

 

  • Tsudome park

We didn’t visit the third and last area of the festival: Tsudome, mainly dedicated to sliding sports. But I am mentioning it in case you are more athletic than we are.

As per the city, we only visited the neighbourhoods around the festival and crossed the old park of the governor palace followed by a small snow storm.

 

I don’t have much recommendation in terms of visit as our main objectif was the snow festival but I am sure people who loves beers will visit the museum.

 

My yummy addresses in Sapporo

 

  • RAMEN SHINGEN (8 Nishi, Minami-6jo, Chuo-ku)

The ramen are the food speciality in Sapporo. I had read on the Internet about the restaurant called Ramen Shingen and we decided to try if the ramen were as good as said.

The line in the cold was very long, so was the wait inside before eating the Holy Grail.

Indeed it was very good, but does it worth the wait? Not so sure. So if you pass by and don’t see a long line (or nonexistent) just go. Otherwise, it should depend on your love of ramen.

Curry ramen and gyozas

 

  • DONABE HANBA-GU HOKUTOSEI (5-20 Minami 2 Jo Nishi, Chuo-ku,in front of Grids hotel in the Tanukikoji gallery)

This one was our favourite. Very simple, the hot stews served with rice comforted us like never before.

Not very photogenic but sooo good !

 

  • KINOTOYA BAKE (Sapporo JR station, East entrance)

For the sweet tooth, these cheesecake style pies are perfect. Light and gourmet at the same time. We may find this shop somewhere else in Japan but give it a try if you are close by. It’s very good. (English translation by Quiterie)

My Outfit

Downjacket La Redoute (already seen here)
Chapka Agnès B (2009) (already seen here)
Snood Next
Jeans La Redoute (2017)
Boots Sorel
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