Summer vibes…

Nina for Anna Kalb… shot by Steve Kay

We all want long, luscious lashes and with so many brands available it can be difficult decide. Here are a few of my top favourites, let me know what you think:

Lancôme doll eyes- this mascara promises those false type lashes with perfect separation. Interesting brush and it’s a great mascara for the first month. Anything after that it dries out quickly and loses its touch. Clumps, nothing of its original length and glamour. I love Lancôme but feel cheated with this one as if you check the millilitres it’s only 6.5ml vs diors 12ml. Little trick- check the size of the tube. Small ones dry out very quickly.  So if you have the budget to keep stocking… Go for it.

Lancôme hypnosis- one of my old favorites. Gives great volume and length and looks fabulous.

Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks – absolutely love her mascaras especially the leopard print one in non waterproof. Gives WOW eyes and has even overtaken all of my Lancôme favourites.  One of my top 5.

Even though I’m half German I have never been to the true Oktoberfest in the actual land of Germans and beer drinkers. I’ve been to various beer parties in South Africa in honour of this great German festivity which have been pretty impressive but nothing as crazy as the real thing. This year – another Oktoberfest to continue tradition, as I was missing out on our usual event in Cape Town – the Monaco Oktoberfest in the Cafe de Paris. A tent decorated in true bavarian style and a bunch of crazy beer drinkers to celebrate with. What a party!

From dirndl’s to lederhosen and beer jugs big enough to give my not so super strong arms a good workout, it felt like the real thing. The band, true to style, kept the energy festive with Austrian and Bavarian hits. Good beer can’t go without some good ol’ German food- Bratwürstel And Haxen. We ate ourselves silly, drank till we were even more silly and danced until the silliness wore off. Then drank some more… I learnt some new things about my German heritage and there is no such thing as too crazy. From après ski music to waving servietes like lassoo’s this was one beer fest not to be forgotten!

If you are in Monaco around early November, I can definitely recommend the Beerfest at the Cafe de Paris. It’s right next to the Monte Carlo Casino with great views and an even better party!

Favourite quote: Audrey Hepburn – “In Paris- never a briefcase and never an umbrellla, there’s a law!”

Wander down the pretty cobblestone streets of Nice, dance across the place Massena or eat delicious ice cream in front of cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice. Rose, vanilla and jasmine flavours to beer and avocado and olive, anything you can think of -try it! Crazy fun with beautiful French girls, laughing, singing, dancing and loving life. Happy memories and all things nice. La pâtisserie Lac – the most gorgeous and delicious chocolatier… mmm. We love French food.

I hope you enjoy, it’s a little video of my time in the Cote D’Azur and the happy memories made.

Stylish by the boats, soft colours and a touch of red.

Blue and gold – summer hues. But don’t forget a dash of red lipstick – summer’s hottest colour.

Classic and sporty.

Forever French. I love this shot as it reminds me of hot summer days by the port in Nice watching the business of the harbour from fishing boats to super yachts, never a quite moment.

Denim and bold colours.

Me, keeping cool by the steps of the San Remo Casino (pity they wouldn’t let us shoot inside!)

Our fantastic photographer – Steve Kay 

Èze, is a  renowned tourist site on the French Riviera, found just past Nice and before Monaco, it is set high up overlooking a cliff  of 427 metres (1,401 ft). It is famous worldwide for its gorgeous panoramic views of the seas spanning across the French Riviera and should be on every tourists’ check list! The tiny village even has it’s own Jardin botanique d’Èze and supposedly Walt Disney spent much time walking the romantic narrow streets.

We spent a gorgeous morning exploring the tiny narrow streets and then eating Socca at the market below, a traditional Niçoise dish.

Holiday 2012