Featured on www.clew.lu  May 2014

http://clew.lu/2014/05/26/letz-create-martine-gales/

D’KLEEDER MAACHEN D’LEIT! (Paris – part 2)

I am not a fan of fast fashion chains (I highly recommend reading "Overdressed" by Elizabeth L. Cline) à la H&M, Forever21, Old Navy, Zara, etc. For one, the ethical issues (pollution, toxic chemicals, labor rights and conditions…) are hard to ignore. Moreover, I prefer investing in my wardrobe, making sure my garments have a great fit and stand the test of time. Quality over quantity!

This said, if you are on a budget, shopping at a value retailer is often a solution and truth be told, at some point or another, most of us have bought inexpensive staples. The trick is to find items that hold their shape, don't shrivel or fall apart after the first washing/dry-cleaning and are able to endure a few fashion cycles. Enter Massimo Dutti (owned by Zara's parent company Inditex).

I visited their Champs-Elysées location and was pleasantly surprised:

a) Gorgeous window displays; an inviting, sleek store design

b) Staff was extraordinarily nice and helpful

c) Large selection of clothing, footwear and accessories (men, women, kids)

d) Free tailoring on full priced items

e) The clothing is on trend rather than trendy, very wearable and well-made (high-end fabrics f.ex. cashmere, silk, etc. but not top quality (there is a reason why a Loro Piana sweater retails for $600+) and all within a comfortable price range ($100+ sweater and shirts; $200+ blazers; $300+ coats)

From a stylistic point of view, Massimo Dutti is a cross between Banana Republic (classic cuts) and J.Crew (colors and choice) paired with an European sensibility.

I bought a tweed & leather jacket and a silk tunic and wore them later in the evening to great acclaim. While I might not become a regular Massimo Dutti customer, I will definitely check out their recently opened Midtown NYC store  (their first venture in the US) and the exclusive-to-NYC limited edition collection. 

Massimo Dutti currently has over 270 stores in 23 countries. 
Luxembourg location: 37, Grand Rue, Luxembourg-Ville 

If you don't have a boutique in your area, shop online. 

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page on October 19, 2012)

Model: Hannah S.; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

ECH SINN ZERECK! (Did you miss me?)

Copyright www.123rf.com

I finally returned from my various trips (Istanbul, Paris, Mexico and a hectic 24-hour-stay in Luxembourg). My team and I have posted regularly on the Gudde Moien Facebook page and kept you apprised of my/our latest discoveries, finds and impressions.

We are looking forward to sharing more incredible experiences with you.

  

ALL MENSCH GEET OP D’SCHUEBERFOUER! (Ticket to ride ..) 

Ever since I was a kid, August has been my favorite month of the year. It meant celebrating my birthday (and my brother's) (read: gifts, cakes and parties), unadulterated time with my Beloved Boma at her vacation house (read: pure happiness), eating copious amounts of ice cream, enjoying long summer days with no alarm clocks and most importantly a temporary escape from the drudgery of school. But the incontestable highlight of every August was a visit to the “Schueberfouer” (Shoo-ber-fhour), a large folk fair that takes place in the heart of Luxembourg City. This popular festival (originally a shepherd's market) was founded by John the Blind in 1340. You read correctly: this is the 672^nd Schueberfouer! Talk about a long-standing tradition. 

The “Fouer” for me was a veritable wonderland consisting of live pony carousels, antique merry-go-rounds, endless roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, novelty games, implausible carnival acts, a mesmerizing luna park, persistent street vendors, and too-numerous-to-count food merchants and restaurants, in other words, heaven!

Today it hosts over 270 attractions, is spread over 3.5 km (2 miles) and attracts about 2 million visitors.

A trip to the fairground was never complete without indulging in the regional specialties like “Gebakene Fesch” (baked fish), “Gromperkichelcher” (fried potato cakes), “Waffelen” (waffles with strawberries and whipped cream) and the ubiquitous nougat.

This funfair, emblematic of the city and the country, was an exciting, magical place for me as a child and even after all these years, I am happy to say, it has lost none of its luster.

Schueberfouer 2012
August 23 - September 11
Place du Glacis
Luxembourg-Ville

Video courtesy of Superjams featuring eXemo (all musicians from Luxembourg)  "All Mensch geet op d'Schueberfouer" (Everybody goes to the Schueberfouer)

VUN WOU SI DIR DANN HIER? (We are from Luxembourg ..)

Superjams’ hit song “Letzebuerg" (featuring Deborah Lehnen), encapsulates what Luxembourg is all about: a unique melting pot of cultures and nations.

Enjoy!

Video courtesy of Superjams and YOUTUBE

ECH HUNN D’AERM NACH EMMER VOLL! (Up in arms - part 2 ..)

Here is my latest installment of the ubiquitous “Arm Party” (see first part here). Today I am in the mood for luxury!

Pile, stack, heap, display your treasures. The more the merrier; just make it yours!

Copyright © 2012 TIMELESS PIECES,LLC. All rights reserved 

From right to left:

1. Cartier Love bracelet – Cartier (Luxembourg) or www.cartier.com 
2. Timeless Pieces Diamond bar on knotted silk bracelet €110 
3. Nilai Paris Sterling silver “skull” (tete de mort) bracelet - RackStore Foetz (Luxembourg) or www.nilai.fr - €30 
4. Dinh Van White gold and diamond “Cible” bracelet – Bijouterie Kass-Jentgen (Luxembourg) or www.dinhvan.com – €790
5. Hermes BeHappy simple tour leather bracelet – Hermes Luxembourg or www.hermes.com - €218

NATIONALEN FEIDERDAG! (Let’s party like it's ..)

Copyright © 2012 TIMELESS PIECES,LLC. All rights reserved

Today, June 23^rd, Luxembourg celebrates its National Day (“Nationalen Feierdag”). Most countries observe their respective independence days as a national holiday; in Luxembourg it is a day to honor the Grand Duke.

The Luxembourgeois celebrate with a torchlight parade, concerts, fireworks as well as outdoor parties.

Show your Love for Luxembourg with:

1.    TIMELESS PIECES cashmere scarf "Le Grand Duche" - $240 or €180

2.    I LOVE LUXEMBOURG t-shirt - €19,90 (other colors available)

Click on the links for additional information. If you have any problems purchasing an item please send us an email.

DOHEEM! (Home sweet home ..)

We have jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon! It is easy to get stuck. Pinterest is the latest and very successful social media tool where you collect and organize ("pin") images to virtual boards.

A fun way to pass your time. Check out our Luxembourg boards (click on the link):

WAT GET ET NEIES? (News flash)

We are beyond excited to announce the launch of the TIMELESS PIECES cashmere scarf “Le Grand Duché”.

This beautiful wrap, featuring a landscape view of the Old Town of Luxembourg (the same as the “Gudde Moien” banner), is a versatile and chic accessory.

·         100% woven cashmere

·         soft and lightweight

·         printed design

·         colors: gray, slate, cream

·         size:  approx. 29" x 83" or 73 cm x 211 cm 

·         eyelash fringe

·         made in India

·         signed: Timeless Pieces

·         limited edition

·         Price: $240/€180 – FREE SHIPPING

Pay style homage to “Letzebuerg” and get yours now!

We accept all major credit cards through PayPal (account optional). If you have questions or need additional information, please send us an email.

Cashmere scarf "Le Grand Duché " by TIMELESS PIECES  

 Copyright © 2012 TIMELESS PIECES,LLC. All rights reserved.

ENG BRETZEL VIR DECH! (Twists and turns ..)

Picture courtesy of www.oberweis.lu - Oberweis is patisserie/confiserie in Luxembourg

Did you receive a pretzel today?

In Luxembourg, we celebrate “Bretzel Sonndeg” (Pretzel Sunday) on the fourth Sunday of Lent ("Halleffaschten"). It is tradition for men of all ages to buy the twisted confection for their beloved. If the girl is inclined to return the affection, she will gift him with a decorated egg on Easter. As mentioned in a previous post, since this year is a Leap Year, the roles are reversed and the ladies will be the ones giving out the pretzels.

The "Letzebuerger Bretzel" (see picture) is a deliciously sweet pastry topped with almonds, nuts or chocolate and coated in sugar. You can find it in bakeries and supermarkets.

Throughout time the looped pretzel was used as a symbol of love and prosperity in many traditions and festivals. On May 1, young men in Germany used to paint a pretzel on the door of the adored. It is also speculated that the term “tying the knot” originated when a pretzel was used to represent the unity of marriage. Today, in some areas, people give each other sweet pretzels on New Year’s Day for good luck.

The bread pretzel is considered in Christian communities a Lenten and Easter food (devoid of any forbidden ingredients). Many suggest that the pretzel’s shape is reminiscent of arms folded in prayer.

Some historians say that the pretzel is one of the oldest snack foods. Popular legend has it that in the 6th century an Italian monk (sources differ as to the time and place) made them out of leftover bread as a reward for children who learnt their prayers. By the 12th century the pretzel was an emblem of bakers. In the 1500s, pretzel bakers of Vienna were awarded their own coat of arms (depicting a pretzel and a lion) after saving the city from the Turks.

The first pretzels were soft but today they come in many different variations, cold, warm, chewy, hard, sweet or savory and in all shapes and sizes.

Pretzels were first introduced to the US in the 18th century by German and Swiss immigrants. American pretzels are a popular snack, they are often soft, bread-like or hard and crispy sprinkled with salt.

Tidbits:

• Pennsylvania is the center of the pretzel production
• April 26 is National Pretzel Day in the US
• In 2002 President George W. Bush choked on a pretzel and fainted but quickly recovered.
• Marge Simpson owned a pretzel franchise in Episode 11 Season 8 of the Simpsons (The Twisted World of Marge Simpson)
• The expression “these pretzels are making me thirsty” is a Seinfeld reference (The Alternate Side), meaning, this makes me angry
• The pretzel is a move used in swing and square dancing
• The word “pretzel” is used to describe an idea, an attitude or an image

Stories are aplenty but undoubtedly “Bretzel Sonndeg” is a lovely tradition and this twisted pastry is a delectable treat.

Sources: Wikipedia, Absolute Astronomy

SIDD DIR VEKLEET? (Carnival in Luxembourg ..)

Today is “Fues-Sondenn” (Carnival Sunday) in Luxembourg and the festivities are in full swing. Fastnacht/Fasching/Carnival/Carnivale is celebrated in many parts of the world the most famous being Rio de Janeiro, Venice and the spectacular Mardi Gras event in New Orleans.

The very cute Hannah S. from Belvaux "am Jumm" - celebrating Carnival

Customs vary from country to country, some of the best known Carnival traditions include floats, parades, masquerade balls, dancing and singing, boisterous games and the throwing of confetti.  

As with many holidays, Carnival was adapted from pagan festivals. Some link it to the Saturnalian festival of ancient Rome others to 3500 year old Greek spring fertility celebrations. It is safe to say that the original festival was rooted in end-of-winter/beginning-of-spring rituals where grotesque masks, costumes and lots of noise were used to scare away the evil spirits and winter doldrums.

For those of Christian Faith, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday in England), the final party of indulgence before Ash Wednesday, marks the end of the Carnival Season and the beginning of the privations of Lent. 

Traditional carnival pastries in Luxembourg are abundant and delicious. “Verwurrelten Gedanken” (deep fried knotted pastry) and “Nonnefäscht” (donut dusted with powdery sugar) are our favorites.

We wish you “Schein Fuesdeeg” (Happy Carnival). Have fun, celebrate, be safe and don’t drink and drive. 

HEI RICHT ET GUDD! (Light my fire ..)

We admit, scented candles are our guilty pleasure. We always have candles burning at home and in the office, their rich aroma permeating the air.

Truth is, not all candles are created equal. Our go-to brand is VOTIVO. Founded in 1994, this South Carolina based company uses the highest ingredients for their domestically made products. Natural soy wax blends and lead-free cotton wicks ensure little-to-no soot. In addition, each candle is handcrafted and individually made. 

Votivo candles come in a large variety of scents and sizes. The 6.8 oz/192 gr size jar boasts more than 50 hours of abundantly fragrant burn time.

RED CURRANT (tangy sweet red berry), the choice of Madonna, is the company's undisputed #1 seller, while Oprah, according to "O" magazine, prefers RAIN (clean fresh sage). Our personal favorite is JOIE DE NOEL (spicy, woody, rosemary); originally a Holiday scent but so subtle that it suits us anytime throughout the year.

Looking to spread the love? These candles make amazing hosts/hostesses and housewarming gifts.

Votivo’s vast product range includes aromatic candles, diffusers, travel tins, room sprays, etc. Buy online or try the store locator.

In Europe you can find these luxury fragrance products at Selfridges (see list of retailers) or buy directly from the manufacturer.

6.8oz $26 or €28,00

Click on links or pictures for additional information. Problems finding a product in Luxembourg, please send us an email.

Warning: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Picture courtesy of www.votivo.com

AM BUEDZEMMER! (Splish, splash)

When it gets this cold outside, we tend to hibernate and stay cozy indoors.

Alas, the wintry cold air and central heating have a drying-out effect on our skin. We recommend a soothing warm (not hot) bath or shower (the shorter, the better since you do not want to strip your skin of natural oils) with a mild, soap-free cleanser.

Our favorite body wash is Kiehl’s Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser (available in a variety of unisex fragrances).

Founded in 1851, Kiehl’s began as a homeopathic pharmacy located in the East Village of New York City.

Kiehl’s has developed a refreshing, gentle yet effective cleanser for the body. It has been formulated with humectants to help skin maintain its moisture. Use it in the shower or bath, the formula will leave your skin clean with a lovely texture and a subtle scent.

Free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Skin-irritating ingredient(s) found in many personal care and household cleaning products like toothpaste, shampoo, face and body wash, hand soap, cosmetics and detergents), this liquid is also perfect for sensitive skin.

Kiehl’s offers a great range of products (the Crème du Corps is divine) for everyone in your family (including your pet). In Luxembourg, you can find a selection at “Rue de la Paix” (a SMETS boutique) 50 Grand Rue, Luxembourg-Ville.

Kiehl’s body wash (8.4 fl. oz. – 250 ml) retails in the US for $18 / €17,00  in Europe.  Buy it online or shop at any of their beautifully stocked retail stores.

Problems buying a specific product in Luxembourg? Send us an email. For additional information, click on the pictures or links.

All pictures courtesy of www.kiehls.com