FASHION TALES

Glassware For Everyday

2021-09-29T01:23:00.004+01:00

I am back with a couple of beautiful classic and contemporary pieces to incorporate into your table settings. Whether large or small, you can indeed have glassware that is durable and looks luxurious when you’re entertaining — glassware that works so well it’s also family-friendly.

These pieces of French tempered glassware will go beyond the average cocktail hour or a night of entertaining. Enter the Picardie Tumbler, and the Hexagon Tumbler by Duralex.

In partnership with our friends at

Hexagon Tumbler:

The hexagon style is a heavy-bottomed glass with chip-resistant tempered glass, like all of the Duralex glass, it too is thermal and shock-resistant. These styles are functional as well as have a chic aesthetic all on their own. Much like you would have a top to dress up or dress down for an elegant or casual setting, in my opinion, both glassware styles have exactly that!

As you might imagine, the hexagon pattern makes the glass unique itself, and can definitely be a conversational piece that your guests will love. I concocted a few libations during summer celebrations and cocktail shooting, so I decided to give these proper use.

Benefits of buying tempered glassware include being more sturdy due to heat resistance than standard glassware. This makes the glass a lot safer in case a fire arises; the glass can withstand higher temperatures, therefore, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for versatility and durability.

Shop the collection

Picardie Tumbler:

The Picardie tumbler is a classic French tumbler style with frosted white. The modern sleek design of toughened, tempered glassware is so versatile to be used for any table, from the café to the bar.

We had great use of the frosted Picardie glasses for the summer, dining alfresco. If frosted is not your style, then I’m certain any colour of the Picardie style would suit your fancy because of the functional design. The colour range includes clear, green, yellow, smoke, red, and pink.

These pieces are also dishwasher and microwave safe, although I wouldn’t use them in the microwave at all, it’s nice to know that you have that option. Whatever you choose, whether it's lemon water or a cocktail, my favourite is probably the hexagon tumblers but I can definitely see the frosted Picardie tumblers as a repeat on the table (think, holding dessert or ice cream scoops as well).

You can shop these premier Duralex styles here, and here.

What do you think of the glassware? Which style would you use?

The goods: Hexagon Tumblers (Buy Here) and Picardie Frosted Tumblers (Buy Here)-Provided by Duralex, a FASHION TALES media blog partner. Shop more glassware from Duralex here. All content and opinions are honestly expressed and are my own. *Sponsor and affiliate links are within this post.

The Everyday Elegant and Rustic Table

2021-09-09T17:53:00.011+01:00

I hope your summer has been well spent with family time, soaking up the sun, and savouring good food and precious moments with your loved ones. I am back with a special feature today. Here’s to bringing you inspiration for the transition in seasons and the festive season ahead.

There has never been a more important time to create memories …

In my childhood, the kitchen was always such a memorable place no matter where we moved. For any cooking devotee, whether a home cook or chef, with each style of kitchen, comes a much-needed area for prepping — the necessary space for cutting, slicing, and dicing, amongst other things. For these modern times, an island or workstation is ideal.

In partnership with our friends at

This "C" Maple Classic Country Work Table by John Boos & Co. has all of the elements of modernity and classic design. This beautiful table is a work table, however, its multi-use properties will allow you to have versatility for years. I had the pleasure to have this table set up and use in various ways, including kitchen prep, photo shooting cocktails, and studio work.

How to use this table is really up to you. I actually enjoy using this for studio work, and having the option for strictly test kitchen use is an added bonus. Perhaps, you are still working remotely from home and need a new table that also has storage!

Tips and Options Before Investing:

Make a plan for space and optimum functionality. Think about where you could use this table in your home —is it for kitchen use, outdoor patio area, or your workspace. Our kitchen is a frequented and highly trafficked place, not just for preparing foods, but especially when we are entertaining, albeit even with us not entertaining as much as we’re used to.

If you have the space but want space-saving convenience, then casters might be an option for you to explore.

If you’re wondering what to do if you don’t want the island always set in one place, the option to have casters is the smartest way to take advantage of the versatility of this table. I prefer casters for this reason alone!

Additional Benefits and Features:

This table comes with a thick hard maple edge-grain top (board), one functional sliding drawer, and a slatted lower shelf. Other offerings for painted wood colour options are red, white, basil green (as seen here) and six other colour choices. You may also get this table with an additional shelf (as I did here), or with wicker baskets.

Don’t forget, to maintain the quality and lustre of this beautiful maple board, you can use the NSF listed Boos Block Mystery Oil, and Board Cream. I will be sharing more foodie and entertaining features on this board soon.

What do you think of this John Boos & Co. work table? What would you use this table for?

The goods: This is the "C" Maple Classic Country Work Table-Provided by John Boos & Co., a FASHION TALES media blog sponsor partner. Order your custom work table, and shop John Boos here, or other maple boards here. Get inspired by other kitchen items here.

Shop the Inspiration

Wellness Oils and The Ancients

2021-07-02T18:44:00.004+01:00

I know it has been quite some time, but life happens and between work and the effects of the global pandemic, time [still] waits for no one. In case you missed it, I have a fabulous DIY for you here, for beauty enthusiasts and DIY lovers. It does take patience but definitely worth it if you’re interested in learning more about serums and ancient oils.

Let’s start with a few things, as I mentioned here, this ancient oil collection might be one of my favourites thus far. It includes a variety of six oils — some that are quite rare to find — that have been used since biblical times. Ancient oils and resins such as Frankincense, Cistus, Galbanum, Hyssop, Myrrh, and Common Myrtle.

I have talked about Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) in the past because it is one of my favourite ancient oil resins aside from frankincense. The aroma is a herbaceous one that is woody, smoky and hot; there are also subtle semi-sweet notes. it's derived from the gummy resin of the small Myrrh tree.

The power of myrrh is so vast, it can soothe the mouth and throat, improve complexion, and aid in healthy gums in toothpaste or used in a mouth rinse. I like to use it in my moisturiser after a bath. It's also a great pain reliever.

Common Myrtle (Myrtus) - Topical use.

Also known as Corsican pepper, common myrtle has been used as early as 600 B.C., biblically used in purification ceremonies, and for thousands of years with significant symbolism of benevolence, honour, love, and felicity.

The cleansing scent is refreshing and gives an uplifting sense in environments, so using this oil in a foot soak or bath would be soothing. It has a strong camphoraceous yet fresh aroma that is also herbaceous with subtle spicy notes. Common myrtle is easy to diffuse to stimulate the atmosphere. To alleviate stress, add a drop or two to the palms of your hand and deeply inhale during deep breathing sessions.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii (Somaliland), Boswellia sacra (Oman), Boswellia papyrifera (Somaliland, Boswellia frereana (Ethiopia)

Even today, we are only beginning to understand the full uses of frankincense, from supporting cellular function and immunity-boosting properties to skincare. Egyptians used it for centuries, from rejuvenating the skin to perfume, and used in salves, which has contributed to how we now use this ancient oil today. It is revered as the king of oils due to its mighty health and beautifying benefits. Assyrians and Babylonians burned it in religious ceremonies.

My parents would burn the resin tears and it would fill up the room. It’s a comforting scent that I remember well from my childhood, like Myrrh.

This unique multi-blend of frankincense varieties by dōTERRA has a clean, warm and pleasing fragrance that is distinct, there are spicy notes in the scent as well. Frankincense, like Myrrh, has great skincare benefits and can be used to alleviate pain as well as heal scarring, and for a healthier complexion. Add a drop or two to your facial cream or facial massage is all you need.

Cistus (Cistus ladaniferus) - Topical use.

This rapidly growing perennial shrub grows on rocky soil, it's also known as Labdanum or Rock Rose — also called Rose of Sharon and was used in Biblical times for incense and perfumery. This is a deep and beautiful fragrance that has an almost cherry-almond aroma that is sweet and warming.

Cistus has paper-thin rose-like flowers that only last one day with no fragrance, the oil is actually from the resinous branches and leaves. Cistus is excellent for calming the mind and body; use it in meditation sessions. It also has cleansing properties naturally and can be added to household cleaning products.

Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua) - Topical use.

Galbanum is related to caraway and fennel, and is part of the carrot family — it's a tall and bushy plant with small flowers and lustrous leaves. The gum resin from the plant is released when the smooth stems are cut. It has a distinctly woodsy scent that is earthy and green, almost sharp pine-like with a slight cedary scent.

In ancient times Roman and Greek beauty products used galbanum in them as well as in balms, even today many wellness remedies and beauty use, including men's grooming or skincare can benefit from using this essential oil. Even the “Father of Medicine” himself, Hippocrates, used it for wellness!

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) - Topical use.

Regarded as a sacred herb by the Hebrews and Greeks, hyssop was significantly mentioned and used in the Old Testament and is actually known as one of the oldest herbs used by humans. Hyssop is in the mint family and comparably has a clean sharp aroma, but with soft floral notes, and a camphoraceous aroma — it brings peace and clarity to an environment. It's not surprising that it has been used to cleanse surfaces, the air, and DIY cleaners.

Hyssop can be used for cleansing surfaces, from polishing wood to using it to clean hands and wrists when outdoors.

Exciting New Features!

Sign-up for my newsletter and get excited about new content, exclusive recipes, free downloads, and updates. I am also starting a special series later only for subscribers, we will cover wellness and exciting foodie culture, including ancient healing techniques, and more. Make sure to sign-up to get on the list before the new instalment arrives in your inbox.

The goods: The Ancient Oils Collection-Provided via dōTERRA, a FASHION TALES media blog partner. Shop the collection here. All opinions are honestly expressed and are my own. Other Refs. (1)-Galbanum, (2)-Hyssop, (3) Cistus, (4) Common Myrtle. Learn more about Frankincense, (5) Myrrh & (6)

Shop Wellness & Beauty Favourites