My Holidays in Germany

Germany is and will probably always be on of my favorite holiday destinations.

Some time ago I had my friends over from the Netherlands. We packed our bags and went to the same hotel in Todtmoos, which is close to the Titisee. Oliver and me were there 2 summers back and loved it so much that we went back there again.

The second part of our holidays took place at the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart. A must see when you are in Stuttgart. Besides all the animals, they have beautiful gardens to roam through. I've been here at least 4 times already.

What are your favorite animals to visit when you are at the Zoo?

♡ SIMONE

The gardens of the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart.

Monkey Lounging.

After coming out of the 'Monkey House' I posed with some serious 'mama gorilla' face. Gotta protect the little ones.

Wait, a giraffe with 8 legs? If you look closely you'll see that this was a lucky shot.

Schluchsee, the neighbor of the Tititsee at the Black Forest.

Overlooking the Titisee.

My two kabouters.

Op een grote paddestoel...

Same mushrooms like 2 years ago.

Caught a bunny doing a number 2. (Not a real bunny, it's part of the (Zauberwaldpfad in Todtmoos)

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Mint Strawberry Smoothie

Summer means strawberries which equals a happy Simone. There are endless ways to make delicious dishes with strawberries. I love them!

Here is a quick refreshing strawberry smoothie recipe with a twist!

For two portions you need:

• 10 big Strawberries  
• Milk and Yoghurt 1 to 1
• Lime Zest and Juice
• A handful of Peppermint Leaves

For those who like it ice ice baby cold; you can throw in some ice cubes as well, if your blender can handle it.

Blend and enjoy!

–SIMONE

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Two Beauty Bloggers

After playing with Vincent, all our make up, cooking and not cleaning,  Julia and I had a little photo shoot with the usual crazy pics included.

Julia and I will see each other again during the upcoming Epica show in Switzerland: Parabole Festival. Looking forward to it!

Enjoy the pictures!

Follow Julia on:

• Blog: www.hellojuliagraf.com
• YouTube: Misschievous - Julia Graf
• Instagram: hellojuliagraf
• Twitter: hellojuliagraf

–SIMONE

I'm secretly standing on my toes and Julia is bending down. We have a bit of a height difference.

Crazy faces mode ON.

Duck Face has to be, it just has.

Too bad it isn't focused. This is my favorite picture! Julia cracks me up!

Vincent sleeping soundly during our walk in the Manduca (I love the Manduca!)

Thanks to Julia for making the pictures!

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Chanel Perfection Lumiere

Chanel's Perfection Lumiere is a new foundation in the land of Chanel.

The only Chanel foundation that I've used in the past is Vitalumiere Aqua. I liked it so much that I used it on my wedding day. A friend of mine was using Perfection Lumiere and I loved how it looked on her. I had to have it. 

This foundation is supposed to be light weight, long wearing (15h), radiant and suitable for all skin types (oil free). A bottle of perfection.

I have sensitive combination skin, with the usual oily t-zone. I have a 'natural radiance' that I don't really like, at least not at that part of my face.

After I've applied the foundation with a brush, not my hands as Chanel suggests, I set it with loose powder, even though the finish is a bit powdery. 

It is indeed light weight, but looks kind of caky and dry. The scent is not my favorite. If you love roses then the typical Chanel scent is for you. Luckily it wears off, along with the foundation...

15 hours of wear is correct, but not on the entire face. I do not find it a radiant foundation. The finish is matt and very powdery (sits visibly in the pores), still it doesn't tame my oily t-zone. I need to touch up in the middle of the day, but then again, don't all women with a combo skin?

My advice is that you shouldn't buy an expensive foundation without trying it. First ask for a sample or have them apply it on your skin in the shop. 

For me, this is not perfection in a bottle. My Manhattan Endless Stay foundation and L'Oreal Eau de Teint do a much better job and don't wear the same price tag.

Perfection Lumiere - 30 ml €45

–SIMONE

20 Beige

A little pump dispenser for hygienic use.

Very pigmented.

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The Skort

When Julia and me did some damage at Promod in Germany, I took my first skort home with me.

I love the idea of uniting a skirt with shorts, hence the name 'skort'. The auto correct function of my computer doesn't know it yet. It is not up to date with today's fashion :)

The Outfit:

• Blazer - H&M Divided (recent)
• Necklace - H&M (Last summer collection)
• Top - H&M (too old to mention ;)
• Skort - Promod (recent sale)

You can see our haul here: Julia and Simone HAUL

Our shopping and cooking adventure video: Julia and Simone in Stuttgart

Besides the fact that I love the color orange, it totally is the color of today as Holland is playing against Argentina. I will be sitting in front of the TV wearing my skort, because it is currently raining outside.....

Who do you think is going to win?

x o

It looks more coral on the photo.

Lipstick is Orange Fizz from Clarins

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Luscious Cherry

After posting a Black Cherry Instagram picture, a lot of people were interested in the lipstick that I wore, so here it is: Yves Saint Laurent Volupte sheer candy in '6 Luscious Cherry'. My absolute favorite high end tinted lip balms out on the market. Last two summers I wore 10 'Tangy Manderine'.

I love the feeling, the color, the smell. They are really hydrating and feel very luxurious.

You can build up the intensity by putting on another layer.

I absolutely love these! So juicy!

Tip: If you are a fan of a more dewy foundation look, you can use these as creme blush as well.

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