Mademoiselle Sonushka

Till then, my darlings...

2013-05-11T23:46:00.005-04:00

Well, it's nothing new, really, but I haven't been posting much since April. Things have been crazy on a personal level, and I find myself unable provide you, my dear readers, with the quality content I would want to create for you. (Is it me, or I always experience writer's block in the spring?)

I actually have an ulterior motive: finishing my novel. I am extremely close to the end, and to the lovely process of publishing, and it is my priority at the moment, so I don't want to be distracted by the demands that come with maintaining this blog, or provide to you less-than-satisfactory content because I'm doing it quickly, in between two chapters.

I'd rather not give you a precise date as to when I'll be back, but let's say June 1st, for the sake of it. I might pop in once or twice in the meanwhile, but for more frequent updates, be sure to subscribe to Sonushka.com on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka).

Till then, my darlings,

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Four spring beauty essentials

2013-05-08T13:44:00.000-04:00

I'm glad to say that winter is over in Montréal, and although I'm told by people who lived here for years that I should expect anything, such as a snowstorm in May, I'm enjoying long walks, more city exploration, or just relaxing by the water.

In any case, with spring here, I have to make a few updates to my beauty routine; while in the winter I layer on products to protect my skin from the cold, I can go a little lighter in the spring and finally pick products that have many purposes in one. So here's four of my spring beauty essentials!

Cleanser: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

I have endlessly praised my faithfulness to the ever-classic Ponds Cold Cream, which is the only thing that works on my dry, sensitive skin, but as the weather gets warmer, my skin gets slightly oily. So I alternate with a wash for acne-prone skins every other day or so.

Moisturizer with SPF: Naturopathica Lavender Protective Moisturizer

Obviously, it is important to always protect your skin from the sun. However, one spends more time outdoors as the weather gets better, so this step is even more crucial in the spring.

Lip balm: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

It may sound paradoxical but my lips get chapped in the spring as well as the winter. This is because I get a stuffy nose at that time from spring allergies/dust. While in the winter I use a rich formula to protect my lips from the cold, I switch to a tinted balm stick in the spring to make my beauty routine and touch-ups fast and effortless.

Anti-frizz serum: Schwarzkopf Göt2b Glossy Anti-Frizz Shine Serum

Honestly, with my type of hair, I deal with an array of different problems each season, but the worst is when the weather changes every five seconds (Montréal, yeah!). In the spring, my main issue is frizz, which is why I like to carry a travel-size bottle of anti-frizz serum with me when I go out and apply a few drops whenever my hair gets out of control. (And yes, for those of you wondering, it did spill more than once in my bag... Which is why I've learned to put it into a pouch or Ziploc bag, or just make sure it's tightly closed.)

What are your essential beauty products for spring? Let me know in the comments below!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

May Love

2013-05-01T10:18:00.000-04:00

1) Vintage parure

2) Benefit make-up set

3) Beige pumps

4) Prosciutto pasta recipe

5) Flowery bed set

6) Ice cream maker

While life has its ways of sneaking up on you with unexpected challenges and nasty surprises, the key to survive is trying your best to make it out of each situation with your head high, and have a blast if you can. May is my very last month in Canada, and while I intend to make the best out of it, my thoughts are mostly oriented towards my return to the States and how I wish to lead my life there.

I will write a longer update in the next few days; in the meanwhile, I've shared with you above a few of my favourite things for May. Because sometimes when life becomes a crazy whirlwind, you just need to sit down with a cup of tea (before it becomes too hot for that!) and indulge in writing a blog post that makes you happy.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Ah, well...

2013-04-23T22:15:00.000-04:00

I would apologize for not blogging for a while, weren't it for this forum thread. Yes, I know it sounds like self-betrayal for a blogger, but I read GOMI regularly. Aside from a few well-needed laughs, it helps me put my blogging in perspective and sometimes avoid doing things that may annoy my readers. Not that I claim to be perfect, you know; and though I always apply constructive criticism, I make sure not to change my voice completely.

In any case, yes, nothing much has changed from my last post; I am much more stressed than I was, unfortunately, and it does affect the quality of my writing and productivity. As I've said before, family drama tends to make things very ugly. Add to that a harrowing forty-eight hours during which, due to a communication glitch, I was utterly convinced that something terrible had happened to my significant other (nothing did, thank God), and it was enough to knock out that "thing" I need to write this blog. I don't know how to define it exactly; a mix of energy and optimism, something that makes me see the bright side of things, and which gives me inspiration and drive to write here.

In any case, I will be back next week with the usual five-day schedule after this totally sudden and unexpected time-off. Meanwhile, I've prepared a little gratitude list because no matter how crazy things are, I still manage to be optimistic... Can't help it!

- First and foremost, I'm grateful I've got someone as wonderful as my Beautiful Love in my life. There are no other words: I'm grateful every second I live. <3

- I'm also grateful for my friends, those amazing people who always manage to cheer me up, make me laugh a lot, and make me feel instantly much less lonely. I love you all! <3

- Also, a big shout-out for the lovely readers who left such kind messages on my last post; your words really meant a lot to me. <3

- I'm grateful for the existence of cats (miaou!), Richard Wagner, chocolate (Riesen are my new addiction!), Earl Grey. Among others. <3

- And finally I'm happy to say that though I've been absent here, I've been advancing quite well on my novel, thanks to the precious help of, you've guessed it, Beautiful Love <3

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Lost

2013-04-11T23:07:00.002-04:00

Three years ago, I had just freshly graduated from high school, and everything was supposed to go according to a perfect plan. I'd graduate early from NYU and go straight to one of the best law schools in the country. And so on, the picture-perfect American dream.

Then, the perfect plan went up in flames. Lots of things did, including my health, mental and physical. Sh*t happened, as they say, and a lot of it.

Three years later, I try not to think about where I am "supposed" to be right now. I try, step by step, to pull myself back together. And yet, there's nearly nothing stable about my life. The smallest truth I rely on, I hang to with desperation, turns out to be a lie. Family members I thought I could trust entirely, future plans... Every single time, I end up lonely and disappointed. And as a natural reaction, I'm afraid to trust, to rely on things that seem solid but I still expect to shatter.

I think I'm more lost than I have ever been; even the one thing in my life that I thought was stable and certain and ever-lasting, I'm beginning to seriously doubt it.

And it's f*cking scary as hell.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Whole-wheat olive bread

2013-04-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Since January, I've been making my own bread instead of buying it. I made some once, and somehow became a bi-weekly tradition; I guess I became addicted to the delicious smell of warm bread filling my home. I've been experimenting with many different mixes and recipes, and came up with this one, which my love for olives makes it my favourite.

You can do the bread by hand or using a stand mixer (ex: Kitchenaid) with a dough hook attachment. I do not recommend a food processor unless you have a plastic blade, or else you’ll end up with olive butter!

Ingredients:

3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 ¼ cup warm (not boiling) water
½ cup black olives, pitted and diced
2 tablespoons instant dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: 1 egg, beaten

1) Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water, let it foam.

2) In a bowl (or your stand-in mixer), toss with a spoon (or if using a mixer, on the lowest speed) the olives and salt into the whole-wheat flour.

3) Pour in the yeast and water mixture, knead for 10 minutes (Kitchenaid speed: 5-6) until the dough is firm and elastic and doesn’t stick to the bowl.

4) With your fingers, coat the bowl and the dough with oil.

5) Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic film and let it rise for 30-45 minutes or until it has doubled in volume.

6) Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or foil, which you’ll need to grease lightly). Punch the dough and form into small buns (this recipe yields about 12 or so) spaced evenly on the baking sheet.*

7) Cover with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Farenheit.

8) Optional step: paint the buns with the beaten egg to make them shiny.

9) Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns are golden.

*You can form the dough into one single loaf or two baguettes, but be sure to increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Keep Calm and Jog Away

2013-04-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's traditionally with the arrival of spring that I decide to start a serious exercise routine; whether I stick to it is not exactly the question, nor is my love-hate relationship with physical activity, but well.

In any case, I like to motivate myself with new exercise gear, mostly hot pink: when I'm running, I allow myself to forget that it clashes with my red hair. Girl's gotta live a little!

I've also created a brand-new exercise playlist, since downloading the new version of iTunes deleted, well, all my music from my library. I think exercise is my sole opportunity to listen to anything that isn't opera; although today jogging with the Ride of the Valkyries on repeat was quite invigorating.

In any case, here's what's on my playlist at the moment; I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Single Ladies - Beyoncé

Gimme More - Britney Spears

Telephone - Lady Gaga

Alejandro - Lady Gaga

Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

Born This Way - Lady Gaga

The Way I Are - Timbaland

C'est beau la bourgeoisie - Discobitch

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Get the look: Holliday Grainger

2013-04-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

(Photo credit: here)

I was looking for ideas for this week's beauty post when someone (<3) suggested that I do a celebrity-inspired post. After browsing my Beauties and Studs Pinterest board for ideas, I picked British actress Holliday Grainger. She's been on my radar for a while because unlike many celebrities her age, she has this wonderful charm that comes from her beauty, her fashion sense, her graceful attitude.

For make-up inspiration, I picked her look from the 2012 Baftas; I think she's the most beautiful among all the others celebrities attending. What I love the most about her make-up is that it features two favourites of mine: a cat-eye and red lipstick. So with no further ado, let's get to it!

Eyes:

1) Apply a light apricot eye shadow over the lid.

(My pick: Lancôme Lustrous Colour Design Eye in All That Brightens)

2) Trace a winged trait with a black eye-liner pen.

(My pick: Borghese Linea Precisa Liquid Eyeliner)

3) Apply two coats of black mascara on top and bottom lashes.

(My pick: Laura Mercier Waterproof Mascara)

Face:

1) Apply powder foundation for an even, matte look.

(My pick: Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Compact Foundation)

2) In the mirror, smile, and apply rose blush on the apple of your cheeks.

(My pick: Too Faced Full Bloom Cheek & Lip Creme Color in Tea Rose)

Lips:

1) Lightly exfoliate your lips with a wet toothbrush.

2) Apply coral red lipstick. Blot with a tissue. Re-apply.

(My pick: L'Oréal Colour Riche Lip Colour in British Red)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Colour Splash

2013-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Moroccan tea glasses - $19.99

Anthropologie bed - $1,998

Cameo earrings - $38

Heart lace clutch - $40

Mauve high heels - $77.99

Girls Night Out coin jar - $9.99

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad (09 - Violet Dusk) - $75.00 (and a review here)

The arrival of the spring (though I use this term carefully because it's -1 degrees Celcius in Montréal) carries for me a breeze of freshness, renewal, and fun. While in the winter I tend to be a hermit and my favourite pastime is to stay in, make a pot of tea, put on some opera, and work on my novel, springtime is when I come out of my tranquil nest, start actually looking forward for get-together with the girls; long walks around the city where I take photos of whatever strikes my eye; fun; colours; sunshine.

"Colour" is perhaps a key word here; I cannot sport rainbow shades because of my red hair and fair complexion, and while this is convenient for the fall and winter, where I stick to my black and red obsession (as seen here, here, and here), the challenge each spring is finding a delicate balance. While black and white with touches of colour remains my safety-net uniform, I'm finding myself bending toward shades of rosé and mauve that go well with my hair and complement my green eyes.

Home-decor wise, I am becoming much more adventurous than I'd ever thought I'd be; the issue being that I have too many styles overlapping: Victorian, Oriental, Design, Art-Deco... This is bound to be interesting.

I find it interesting to compare my taste evolution from a year to another. While last year I could with no doubt qualify myself as girly and romantic, which is completely ideal for spring, this year my style is infused with more maturity; my vision of the woman as a beautiful, dangerous feline first is more and more obvious.

Does the time of the year influence your colour choices? And does your style change significantly from a year to another?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

My very very first video blog!

2013-04-06T23:57:00.002-04:00

And for some fun, the Youtube automatic captions transcript... Aaah.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

A little networking..

2013-04-06T18:45:00.002-04:00

(Yes, I crocheted the flower headband!)

I love being in touch with my readers; I love to feel that I provide content that you like and find useful. So in order to be more in touch with you, I invite you to like my Facebook page, where you can get the latest updates on blog posts, and even some Facebook-exclusive content.

So... Likey-likey! And many thanks in advance!

facebook.com/sonushka

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

This week

2013-03-31T20:26:00.004-04:00

With the return of good weather, I've found myself going on long walk around my neighbourhood, which is something I always do. Perhaps what I photograph the most is (aside from food, haha) architecture - buildings, bridges, storefronts etc. I'm simply fascinated by it. Recently, I've found my eye being caught by random dashes of red around the city; my obsession for this colour has gone way too far (laughs).

Ramen. YUM.

"Talk to me of love"

My friend Stella enjoying a bowl of ramen - she's addicted, and so am I!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Six essentials for a relaxing home

2013-03-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

I may not yet have a place I will call my very own home forever, although when this day comes, I can guarantee I will have a blast decorating, and you'll be treated to a very exclusive tour. In the meanwhile, wherever I stay, I like to have a few essential items to make my space relaxing and tranquil, as it is much needed.

1) Candles: I always have at least one candle lit; I believe that to a certain point they channel good energies and create a spiritual atmosphere. And I also like to watch the flame. I have quite an affinity for pyrotechnics, actually. (I hope my landlord doesn't read that...)

2) A beautiful comforter: a bed is one's most intimate space, and I like a comforter that reflects my personality: feminine and extremely romantic, to carry me into a realm of dreams that is completely my own.

3) Wine: I make it a point to always have at least one bottle of wine ready, whether it is for unexpected friends coming over for a fun night, or for some "me-time" where I need some extra creativity for a writing session.

4) Sound system: At a certain point, listening to opera (or your favourite type of music) on your laptop just doesn't cut it anymore. So a quality sound-system is a must for a good atmosphere.

5) An indoors fountain: I'm a Pisces, so I need to have water around me; I love rain, and always find myself attracted to rivers, fountains, aquariums. I like indoor fountains because water, in perpetual motion, is extremely calming.

6) A teapot: haven't I made my obsession with tea obvious enough recently? For newcomers: tea relaxes and beautifies me. Whether Earl Grey or a herbal infusion (peppermint and chamomile are my favourites), it's both a drink and a ritual I am addicted to.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Goopy Carbonara

2013-03-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know I should be more careful about my figure, especially now that I have started to do some modeling, and also, as cheesy and anti-feminist this excuse sounds, there is a special someone I need to look hot for. So I've been trying to stick with a high-protein, low-carb, low-fat diet. Sometimes, though, a girl needs to treat herself, and this occurred a few nights ago, after a particularly exhausting day. You see, I suffered from a stomach bug earlier in the week, so I didn't do my daily grocery shopping, where I basically buy whatever I need whenever I need it (it's a rather practical option when you don't have car, and I'm lucky to live on a street with a LOT of different markets). So when I recovered and realized I couldn't just subsist on my home-made bread anymore, I had to shop for everything all at once. And I did not expect my three bags would be so heavy. The store is a ten/fifteen minute walk away, and I realized I couldn't make it back (the fact that I was wearing high heels had nothing to do with it), so I took the bus that passes in front of my apartment. While looking for money for the fee in my purse (I had given most of my loose change to a homeless guy in front of the store), I fell when the bus stopped abruptly for a @^@&$!**!%(-ingly stupid pedestrian.

In short, I made it home completely exhausted and unable to feel my arms and back, and I needed a bowl of something comforting. The idea of Goopy Carbonara came to me from the Sims 3, which is a game I am ~~addicted to~~ play occasionally. So I quickly looked up a few recipes for the theory, then put together my own. I did find it delicious and extremely comforting, but it does have to be perfected according to the pros on the internet, so I'll update you when I do another Carbonara.

Ingredients:

3 slices of bacon, diced

About 1/2 pound of linguine pasta (I prefer them to spaghetti)

1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream

1/2 tablespoon pepper

1/3 cup shaved Parmesan

1 egg

1/2 tablespoon salt (you'd think it isn't necessary because of the bacon... but it is.)

Cook the pasta according to package instruction; I like them al-dente.

Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a pan (there is usually no need to add fat). Set aside.

Whisk together the egg, heavy whipping cream, salt, pepper and Parmesan until well combined.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and pour the egg/cream mixture and bacon. Stir until the mixture thickens and is coating the pasta evenly. (Do not rinse the pasta with water; you want to keep it as hot as possible since this heat will be cooking the egg.)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Cinderella Story

2013-03-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dolce & Gabbana ress - Oscar de la Renta necklace - Fabrizio Riva earrings

Christian Louboutin Clutch - Christian Louboutin shoes

I believe in fairy tales

I believe in true love

I believe in princesses

I believe in dressing up

I believe in going all out.

I believe in fabulous

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Beauty Lusting

2013-03-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Beauty wants what beauty wants!

I love wandering around Sephora or any beauty store, or even online; sure, I need to discipline myself or else end up on Hoarders, but when it comes to beauty, I'm like a child in a candy store.

Not that candy stores don't still have the same effect on me these days. But that's a different story. Hihi!

Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath

Deborah Lippmann Pretty Young Thing Nail Polish

Bobbi Brown Beach Body Oil

L'Occitane Citrus Verbena Shower Gel

Shiseido Translucent Pressed Powder

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Michel Germain Séxual Fleur Eau de Parfum

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Writing retreat

2013-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Cardigan - Leggings - Boots - Weekender bag

Slippers - Faux fur blanket - Earl Grey - Target Loves Canada tea mug - Candle

Don't misunderstand me, I am (relatively) at peace with myself; but sometimes I feel a huge need to disconnect from a life that has now become routine. When submerged by this ghastly thing called writer's block, I think often of going on an improvised writing retreat in the utmost north of Québec; comfortable clothes, a cabin in the middle of nowhere, with no wifi, just a stove to make tea and power outlet to hook in my computer and type away.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

This Week

2013-03-25T01:20:00.002-04:00

Tea and writing session at Maison de Thé Cha Noir, yet another of my favourite spots here, with a selection of teas that would make any fanatic go mad!

It snowed (yes, even in late March!). But I'm starting to enjoy it quite a lot. Some of you may recall my innate attraction to bodies of water (I'm a Pisces, can't help it); I always sit by waterfronts when I am in need for inner peace. I'm glad I finally found my silent, desert spot here (though I did take out the iPod filled with Wagner at one point!).

Treating myself to a manicure session + vintage ring, my birthday gift to myself!

Carbonara + red wine = HEAVENS! Recipe coming this Thursday (I promise, not like the sablés during the week I was stuck without internet! The post is scheduled and will go live at 6AM Eastern Time on Thursday!)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

List of Random Thoughts in No Particular Order

2013-03-23T03:35:00.003-04:00

Trying to remain optimistic regarding romantic situation

Cats and Wagner are among the things keeping me sane

Dealing with a rather bad case of writer's block

I love the ring I bought today

I discovered that there is a cycling/walking trail close to where I live

I should start jogging

And eat healthier

I need to get the HOTTEST BODY EVER for when Beautiful Love returns

But I'd rather BL returns immediately, even if I'm not exactly in swimsuit-model shape

I love Richard Wagner

Insomnia sucks. SERIOUSLY.

I think I just pinned 100 cat pictures at once

My stomach has been hurting since yesterday morning. I hope it's nothing bad.

I need to get a blender for smoothies.

I want chocolate

I think I'm finally beating this writer's block.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

For the love of tea

2013-03-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Girly - Classic

Asiatic - Zen

Transparent - For one

I have an obsession for tea, and for tea sets, naturally. Because, you see, there can't be just one perfect tea set that goes for everything. Or there could be (a large teapot, that is), but why limit oneself?

(laughs).

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

Sablés

2013-03-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

I spend a lot of time at my computer, writing, and I sometimes like a little sweet delicacy to enjoy with the astronomic amount of Earl Grey that I drink. Not so long ago, I whipped up a batch of my favourite pastry, the sablés: delicate and delicious French cookies filled with fruit jam and dusted with powdered sugar. What's particular about them is the dough, which can break under light pressure due to its high amount of butter; its texture provides a particularly interesting mélange with the sweetness of the jam and the powdered sugar.

A little confession: although I did take the making-of pictures recently, the picture of the "final product" dates from last fall in DC (you may have seen it on Facebook/Instagram, or recognized the green plates). The reason to that is simply because, believe it or not, they were so delicious that my flatmates and I finished them before I had time to take pictures (which I could have done instead of procrastinating, but you know me...)

Ingredients (for about 12-18)

1 egg

2 sticks of butter, melted

¼ cup sugar

3 ½ cups of flour

Marmelade/Jam/Fruit preserves

Powdered sugar to dust

Special equipment: two round cookie cutters, with one at least half as small as the other (or you can use glasses, in a cinch), a rolling pin, and a sieve, for dusting.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Farenheit.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Combine the egg, butter and sugar in a large bowl, food processor, or stand mixer.

Add the flour little by little and knead until the ingredients are homogenously incorporated and the dough doesn’t stick to the bowl/surface or your fingers.

Roll out and cut out into rounds. With the smaller cookie cutter, cut a whole into half the rounds. Delicately lay the rounds on the parchment paper, being careful not to tear or stretch them.

Bake for 15 minutes; keep an eye on the cookies as they can brown/burn very fast. Let cool. Handle carefully as the cookies are not solid and can break/crumble very easily.

To assemble, first dust the cookies that have a hole with powdered sugar. Then spread jam on one hole-free cookie. Top with a sugar-dusted cookie.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

White and Gold

2013-03-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dress - Heart pendant necklace - Clutch - Charm bracelet - Shoes

For the first time in a while, I am quite enthusiastic about spring. Maybe it's because in Canada, I can only be so, or maybe it's because of the lovely prospects on the personal level, or maybe it's because I've been taking care of my silhouette and can now flaunt it in white, with tan shoes that elongate my legs and gold highlights here and there. Yes, I am excited!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

My absolute beauty essentials

2013-03-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am known for my friends to be quite the beauty junkie; my bedroom and bathroom look like a slightly-smaller version of Sephora, and this was even worse during my final year of high school, when I worked as a beauty adviser at a hair salon, and thus brought home tons of products (thank you, employee discounts!), my excuse being that I needed to try the products to be able to honestly and properly advise customers about them. I did learn a lot that year, I can't deny it.

There has been many products I have tried out of pure curiosity, after hearing people rave about them, and that I found myself wondering where they've been my whole life. I also change what I use very often; during my first two years of high school, I used to wear tons of black eyeliner (... why?). Then I began wearing contact lenses (BEST decision ever!) in junior year, and I learned very fast that unless I wanted to be frequently crawling on all fours in class because eye shadow got in my eye and I lost my lens, I needed to tone down on the eye make-up, especially the irritating type. Also I was more at peace with myself, and felt less the need to hide behind piles and piles of make-up. About two years ago, I started my Accutane treatment, which made my skin extremely dry; I had to adapt, yet again, and create a beauty routine that locked in moisture.A while ago, I was talking with a friend about our absolute essentials, as in, what would come with me in a desert island scenario (which I'm definitely not likely to survive, but I digress). In any case, here's the list I came up with:

1) Ponds Cold Cream: Ponds is quite the iconic beauty product that has been around for almost two centuries. I remember its distinctive. delicious smell from my childhood, when my grandmother used it constantly. When my skin became very dry, I had to stop cleansing with water; instead, I apply a medium-thickness coat of cold cream and let it rest for two minutes or until it becomes transparent. I then lightly massage it in circles on my skin to dissolve make-up (it works wonders on waterproof mascara, and doesn't sting the eyes), then remove it with cotton pads or tissues. I've been using it for a year, and it made wonders on my skin; helping with my imperfections, evening it out, and countering extreme dryness. In a cinch, I also use it as a moisturizer.

2) Lavender essential oil: I love love love love lavender essential oil; and I have a whole variety of uses for it. I bought my first bottle years ago to use it in bubble baths and as a mist on my pillow to help me sleep; I now use it to even out my skin (5 drops, dabbed all over the face and on imperfections* right after cleansing with Ponds), as a fragrance, in hair and skin oil treatments, bubble baths, in tea, to reduce my migraines, in various recipes**... It's definitely a staple of mine.

3) Red nail polish: I've professed my love for red countless times (and I'm not done yet!); I cannot tell you how many times I went to the nail salon with the intention of trying a new colour, only to end up asking the manicurist to apply one of my favourite OPI red shades: Vodka and Caviar, An Affair in Red Square or Big Apple Red.

4) Tweezers: For years, I was made fun of, in person and online, because I had huge, bushy eyebrows. I resented them, but my mother forbade me from plucking. I would say my Best Beauty Decision (#2) was to disobey that and let the hair stylist at the salon where I worked give me my very first eyebrow wax. I felt like I was reborn into a beautiful, sexy woman, at peace with my femininity and with myself, though I still cringe occasionally when I stumble upon an old photo and wish I had taken this ballsy decision earlier. I've been complimented countless times on my eyes and lashes (my favourite assets), and I cannot explain what a relief it is for them not to be overpowered by huge black caterpillars. So I get an eyebrow wax once a month, and every day, I maintain it by meticulously look for stray hairs to pluck in the mirror. My favourite shape is a soft, slightly round angle, not unlike 1930s and 1940s movie stars.

5) Mascara: Though I said above that I had a lighter hand on eye make-up once I began wearing contacts, mascara is something I wouldn't give up for anything; I've been blessed with naturally long eyelashes, so naturally I'd want to enhance them with black, thickening mascara, just for the pleasure of telling people that no, they're not fake (I never, ever, wore fake eyelashes!). Now, the brand and type of mascara varies quite often (I told you I'm a beauty junkie!), but I am quite fond (at the moment) of L'Oréal Volume Million Lashes.

6) Coconut oil: I credit this beauty discovery to my Beautiful Love; I began using coconut oil a few months ago and love its versatility; it is an amazing body moisturizer, works wonderfully in some types of pastry as a replacement for butter, can make a great massage oil (heated in the microwave with a few drops of essential oils of whatever you want), face and body scrub (mixed with sugar or baking soda). I'm quite the klutz and more than often end up nicking my legs while shaving, and I also tend to bleed heavily, which transforms my bathroom into a horror movie scene; coconut oil potentially helps reduce the bleeding so I can enjoy my fuzz-free legs. I also use it occasionally as a face moisturizer, when I'm dealing with extreme dryness, but only, as the last thing I want is clogged pores. Last but not least, I've discovered that taking two tablespoons a day ~~is addictive~~ helps me control my appetite, make my skin glow, my hair stronger, and boost my immune system.

7) Earl Grey tea: This is yet another discovery I have made thanks to my beloved; it isn't exactly a beauty product (though the day I create an Earl Grey face mask or something like that, you'll be the first to know), but I've been drinking it every day for months in lieu of my usual sodas and caffeinated drinks, and I must say, I feel healthier on the inside and the outside; more vigourous, more energetic, less sluggy (to a certain degree, let's not exaggerate). And also... it's positively delicious!

*Caution: using undiluted essential oil on your skin can lead to allergic reactions. Use with caution and always do a skin patch test.

**Same: do not consume large amounts of undiluted essential oil, and always use food-grade oil.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

La Traviata

2013-03-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dress - Earrings - Clutch - Nail polish - Pumps

Some of you may see the resemblance between this look and the iconic little red dress from Willy Decker's modernist production of La Traviata (trailer here). Though I prefer much more classic productions, set in mid-19th century Paris, with the lavish parties and delicate period costumes, I cannot deny that Decker's production is visually appealing, and I loved the red dress and shoes, that symbolize Violetta's exhausting, feverish lifestyle as a demi-mondaine.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!

This week

2013-03-17T22:08:00.003-04:00

Birthday cake and cream puffs, and wine, naturally.

This week was much better than the last, the highlight of it being my twenty-first birthday! I think it is by far my happiest in years, as I was surrounded with some of my dearest friends, in a city where I am happy and far from negativity and stress (relatively). We had a fun party on Saturday at my place; preparing for it was rather hectic given that I was lacking sleep and thus... on edge, to say the very least, but it was completely worth it.

Otherwise, I've been focusing on my writing; I still haven't finished my novel because I've been having some writer's block, which... sucks, to say the very least. I know exactly what I need to write, and yet I end up staring at a blank page for half an hour, that is when I don't give up and go on Facebook. However, I am optimistic and certain this isn't something a little discipline and a lot of Earl Grey and Wagner can't solve.

Getting so close to finishing my novel (and hopefully publishing it) makes me realize for the first time how real this actually is. I began writing it two years ago as a way to find closure and peace from something that hurt me a lot, and it's been a huge voyage since then; when I look at my early drafts and notes, it's as if I am looking at the way I have evolved since then. Yet, because of the main themes that may offend a lot of people, not to mention potentially cause scandals in my family, I do not believe I will claim authorship under my real identity. Although, who knows, I might have a sudden, unexpected surge of courage and do it. There is so much to be considered, so much to be thought of. It's slightly overwhelming, but it's also insanely exciting.

Pre-party beauty: hydrating clay mask (I was planning to do a glycolic peel, but thought it was perhaps unwise to try it on my über-sensitive skin the very day of the party).

With two of my dear friends, Farida and her boyfriend Severin. If you're wondering, no, neither of us got burnt with the candles. But it was a close call hahaha.

Indulging in some café liégeois at Victoria - Maison du Café, my to-go place when I don't feel like writing at home. I usually have their Chai Kama, but I was in need for caffeine that day.

Yes, OH YES!

(Kitten, you'll understand hihi <3 )

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog on Facebook (facebook.com/sonushka) and Twitter (@miss_sonushka)!