Paris, je t'aime

Me and my sisters just got back from a weekend in Paris.
This is our holiday report.

Paris, Friday May 13th 2011

We arrived in Paris, Gare du Nord, around 10.30 in the morning after a short journey with the Thalys train. We dropped of our bags at the Hotel and started the actual weekend, first stop: Le Tour Eiffel!
We started with the park around it to make a few pictures and continued to the elevators of the actual tower.
The view from the tower was amazing since the weather was perfect for the visit: blue sky and sunshine.

We also took a little Tour Eiffel home with us.

When we got hungry we discovered a bakery/patisserie called 'Paul'. They sell delicious sandwiches and baguettes but also pastries, croissants and *drum ruffle* macarons!

We continued to Champs-Elysées for some shopping and Arc de Triomphe.
We spotted an affordable clothing store with all kinds of floral prints and cute designs called 'Promod' but also an enormous Louis Vuitton megastore, Sephora, Virigin megastore, show rooms for several cars and even cinemas.

Next was Boulevard Haussman, we were especially excited for Galeries Lafayette and Les Printemps.
Galeries Lafayette is all about luxurious fashion, make-up and jewelry brands so we found the famous Yves Saint Laurent rings, Balenciaga bags, Mac make-up and much more fabulous products as far as the eye can see.
Since I like the idea of modern charms so much lately I was happy to find a jewelry stand for Thomas Sabo with all kinds of cute charms too.

As we continued to other stores we suddenly spotted something in the window pane of Les Printemps that I was set on finding in Paris: Ladurée.
Stepping into the 'Grands Magasin' was entering According To Noes heaven. The cute corner of the 'Fabricant de Douceurs & Gourmandises' sold pastries, cupcakes and of course... macarons in all colors and flavors.
You understand we couldn't leave the department store without a bag in my hand.
I bought the flavors blackcurrant violet, pistachio, chocolate, lemon, raspberry and orange blossom.

The website is really cute too, take a look!
Ladurée

All the sight-seeing and shopping wore us out so we decided to return to the hotel at Place d'Italie to relax for a minute and then have dinner at an Italian restaurant.

Paris, Saturday May 14th 2011

Ah bonjour!
We had a typical French petit-dejeuner with croissants, tartine, jus d'orange, tea and coffee at a bistro near the hotel to start of the second day. Then we took the metro to one of the most famous museums in the world: The Louvre.

We spend most of the morning there admiring old Egyptian and Roman statues including the Venus of Milo and a giant Sphinx but also famous paintings including many Dutch painters, Davinci and not to forget our dear friend Mona.

After all that culture, history and art it was time for some more sightseeing and shopping, this time in the area of the 'Forum les Halles'.
This area was with more familiar stores like H&M, Bershka, New Look and Zara but nonetheless fun to go. During this shopping spree we had some lunch to regain our strengths, including French fries.
We took a train to another part of town where Muji was, a store we heard of was cool but unfortunately that one was a bit of a downer.
Luckily we were now in the area of the famous Notre Dame so found our way there while looking at several shops.
We met my new best friend 'Paul' again where I used the few French words I knew: "Je voudrais un Macaron au Chocolat s'il vous plait. Merci, au revoir!"
You may think this isn't worthy to be told but this was no regular Macaron.
Meet Macaron-zilla!

Apparently this (about 6 cm) is a regular size macarons and the others are minis. Who knew! But this big baby was delicious, tasting like a mix of macaron and brownie and big enough to be a whole meal. Paul, Je t'aime!
Finally me, my macaron and my sisters arrived at Le Notre Dame.
Unfortunately the waiting lines were way too long to get inside but the outside was gorgeous enough already.

A short walk from Le Notre Dame are several shops of Berthillon. From what we've heard the French are not particularly fan of ice-cream but with the exception of this brand. We had peach and chocolate sorbets and ate them along the Seine in the sunshine.

On our walk back towards the Hotel we visited some more stores and shops. A cute little shop with notebooks, postcards etc. even had Ladurée merchandise! Pens, notebooks and key chains all with the famous macarons but unfortunately the prices of the merchandise were not as fun as the items themselves.
The last department store we visited was BHV, Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville with an assortment comparable to Lafayette but another brand of cute charms called Agatha. I brought little brochures of all the brands home with me.

A little while after we took the Thalys back home to The Netherlands.
Of course there is much more to do and see in Paris than we decided to do but we enjoyed our trip a lot the way it was.
Our French isn't perfect but almost everyone was nice enough to help us out with a conversation in English if neccesary, so don't believe what you hear right away, our experience was that most French are very nice!
Apart from that the weather was gorgeous, the food delicious and the architecture beautiful.

Paris, Je t'aime.
We will be back...

Amour et bisous,
Noes

According To Noes part 2

I've been making cupcakes for a few years now and they keep looking cuter every time (and delicious of course). I want to keep making them but I need a reason since my family does not need cupcakes every week. Calories, you know ;)
For that reason I present to you:

According To Noes part 2, the webshop.
Just click on this blogs title to go there!

Since I live in The Netherlands it will not be possible for every reader to order cupcakes or muffins, but for the Dutch readers they can now be ordered upon request.

I've also been making cute little things out of felt lately which will also be available in the shop. These will be available for all countries!
Mostly little cupcakes, cake slices, hearts etc. but if you have a great idea which I am able to make, I'll do it for you!

Maybe one day, when this blog becomes really famous I'll be selling ATN merchandise. Haha, keep dreaming Noes...

Love xx,
Noes

Three times the charm

I love the modern idea of a charm bracelet but where do you find the cutest charms for the best prices?

Depending on what you are willing to spend;
Tiffany & Co
Juicy Couture
Charming by Ti Sento
Zinzi

Not a fan yet? You will be in a second.

If I had the money I'd buy them all but not only would my arm become extremely heavy, I also do not have that kind of money. Especially when we are talking about Tiffany & Co.

Although there is one I gotta have.

Love xx,
Noes

I love rock & roll

Especially when it comes to female rock bands if you ask me.
Throwing their hair around while playing, wearing heels and skirts, electric guitars. It just looks sexy and also important, it sounds really good.

Guitarist Allison Robertson has been a role model to me for quite a while now. She's super talented, beautiful en has great style.

Name: Allison Robertson
Date of birth: August 26, 1979
Nationality: American
Instrument: Guitar
Band: The Donnas

About a year ago I discovered the band Les Plastiscines, but until a few days ago I never really looked at the band members individually.
Luckely I finally did because I've got another girl to add to my little list of role models. Louise Basilien.


Name: Louise Basilien
Date of birth: October 4th, 1988*
Nationality: French
Instrument: Bass
Band: Les Plastiscines
(If I'm correct)

Both she and Allison have a style that's casual but looks so good.
Think of short leather boots, skinny jeans or ripped up leggings, a flannel shirt or simple top with a wide cardigan and scarf, wild hair and minimal make-up. Sounds easy but not everyone can pull this look off.
And then the hair. Bangs, regular of side bangs both dark hair although Allison likes to change to blond every once in a while. And it's always a little wild.
Wish I had that look.
I must admit that when it comes to haircolor, I'm always off with the regular 'rule': blond in the summer, darker in the winter. I do change haircolor but whenever I feel like which often results in blond hair in the winter and darker in the spring. Luckely it doesn't seem that Allison is loyal to the fashion rule either so I'm okay.
But what is not okay is my haircut, it isn't really anything at the moment. Allison and Louise inspired me so I will be visiting the hair dresser tomorrow, exciting!

Even though I don't have one myself, I love tumblr!
Just looking at all these cool pictures that people collect, makes me happy and it inspires me for my blog or shopping missions.
Maybe you'll like these too.

Les Plastiscines
Allison Robertson

Love,
Noes

Folks I met

A while ago I decided I should blog about every concert I went to.
Since I've already cheated but still have some cool pictures and stories to share, this is an all including blog on the most recent shows.
The title is a bit stolen from the band Jaywalkers, it's one of their songs and since I did actually meet a few people it's fitting!

February 28th
Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam
Maroon 5

For the birthday of my sister Anouk we bought tickets to see Maroon 5. They hadn't been to The Netherlands in a very long time and since the three of us all liked the music and of course Mr. Levine himself, we decided this would be a fun 'sisters night out'.
Sara Bareilles, support act, warmed us up with a few of her early songs such as 'Love song', songs of her new album but also the covers 'Yellow' from Coldplay and 'Fuck you' from Cee-Lo. She really got the crowd going.
I bought her first album when I was in the USA and actually forgot about it for a while now, but this show reminded me what a great artist she is.

Then it was time for Maroon 5!

Their live performance was amazing, even though you expect a certain quality I was still surprised by how good Adams voice was and the band. They easily switched from one of the songs to amazing solo's in between.

And let's be honest... they are really easy on the eyes.
We also had a little sing-along during 'She will be loved' and the beginning of the clip is funny.



Setlist
Misery
If I Never See Your Face Again
Harder to Breathe
Give a Little More
The Sun
Never Gonna Leave This Bed
Secret / What's Love Got to Do With
Let's Stay Together (Al Green cover)
She Will Be Loved
Wake Up Call
Stutter
This Love
Encore:
Makes Me Wonder
Sunday Morning

You know that feeling when you are annoyed by all the girls that scream and almost throw themselves at the stage? I do.
But do you also know the feeling when you realize you are screaming just as bad? Unfortunately, I do know that one too now haha. Great show!

March 15th
Melkweg, Amsterdam
KT Tunstall

KT's show was opened by Pictish Trail, a young guy from Scotland making groundbreaking music and who also manages a small record label with a friend.
He played a few songs for us, (just him, a guitar and a synthesizer) some more melancholic than the other but pretty.

He also made an album with 50 songs of only 30 seconds each, hilarious songs.
The man himself was pretty hilarious too, he should start a theater tour combining music with jokes.
More info about him is on this link to his Myspace.
http://www.myspace.com/pictishtrail

Then it was KT's turn. I've been a fan of her music for some years now and already loved the albums 'Eye to the telescope' and 'Drastic Fantastic' but then 'Tiger Suit' came out.

The second album already had a little more edge than the first one, but number three is on a total new level. On the deluxe version of the album, she explains in a documentary that she wanted something different this time. She worked with different writers and musicians to find that exact sound and man did she find it.
Most songs start of calmly but build up to something so impressive, the drums and synthesizers probably are of the most influence on this aspect. But she also uses her voice in several different ways, some she never did before.
Still KT; so talented, independent, unique and still playing music by herself with her instruments and loop pedal sometimes but on a whole new level, I love it.

Setlist:
Come On, Get In
Glamour Puss
Uummannaq Song
False Alarm
If Only
Other Side Of The World
Scarlet Tulip (brand new song)
Black Horse And The Cherry Tree
Difficulty
Lost
The Entertainer
Saving My Face
Madame Trudeaux
Push That Knot Away
Fade Like A Shadow
Encore:
Funnyman
Close To Me
Suddenly I See

We were extremely lucky to walk in and find out we could almost stand at the front, so close to KT! Her voice (and of her bandmembers) were flawless and actually so was the entire show. Even though I am addicted to 'Tiger Suit', nothing can compete with KT doing a live show, everything is more intense.
The crowd was singing, dancing, jumping... standing still would be foolish.
KT was looking stunning wearing shiny black leather pants, a white top, hair in a bun with feathers and her iconic eyeliner. And her guitars, so many of them and all charming in their own way. I love the white one!

Pictures are by Marion, more are to find at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marionnert/sets/72157626233596401/

Here some videos of the show
Glamour Puss


Push that knot away


Scarlett Tulip (new song)


I could talk about this show forever and never be bored myself but for you, you should go and see for yourself if you get the chance.
Seeing her live like this made her legendary to me and actually my number one favorite artist.

March 24th
Bibelot, Dordrecht
Jaywalkers & Go Back To The Zoo

After KT's show I didn't have any shows planned to visit, kind of a shame since I love music the most when it's live. But then Sidse, the manager of Jaywalkers, invited me and a friend to visit one of their shows in The Netherlands.

I think my friend Marion is my lucky charm, because when we entered the venue we could stand all the way at the front again. She also makes pretty good pictures if you ask me!
I already knew the music of Jaywalkers by listening to their Myspace but I must say that I liked it even better live. Although their music is indie/rock, which is really popular lately, it is anything but average because they really made it their own. It's pretty impressive if you ask me, at their young age.
They also looked impeccable, wearing nice suits or white shirts and bowties. My compliments guys! They really paid attention to every aspect of the show.
Their EP 'An Exercise' is available on iTunes
Unfortunately the colored lighting during the show made it difficult to make really clear pictures but luckely we have a few!

Go Back To The Zoo played most of the songs from their album 'Benny Blisto'. I've seen them live before and again they were really good, energetic and fun.
We stood closest to guitarist Teun, who not only is good looking but also a really good guitar player. Marion was able to make a few really cool pictures because we stood so close.

I was happy to know the album well enough to sing along but was surprised that not a lot of people did. Didn't they know the lyrics or what?
These guys really have their own clothing style. I spotted (tiger) print t-shirts, leather boots, minnetonka boots, scarfs, necklaces, denim waistcoats, sunglasses and hats. It's this style where it should seem that they didn't spend much time but they secretely did. Exactly what I always try but mostly fail.

I really enjoyed myself that night, the atmosphere was good, the music was good and last but not least... I got to meet the bands.
The Jaywalkers and Sidse were at the merch after the show where I was able to have a chat with them and get a picture! They are really nice guys :)

From left to right: Tue, Lucas, Jakob, me and Daniel.

After a while we suddenly saw the guys from Go Back To The Zoo at the merch too.

Bram, me, Marion and Teun.

A big thank you to Sidse and the Jaywalkers for a great night!

The only music thing planned for now is Rock Werchter festival in Belgium from the 30th of June until the 3rd of July. I'm really excited to go but also curious since it will be my first entire festival. Knowing me it will be hilarious for the others while I want to look at all times. Even without electricity, probably rain or extreme heat and not an entire wardrobe to choose from.
Time will tell.

Love,
Noes

The French connection

For some reason I love so many things the French are known for.
Macarons because they are simply delicious and cute, le Tour Eiffel is probably the most beautiful iron design in the world, du pain, the romantic feel of Paris, the sounds of the language although I’m in serious trouble should I ever need to use it myself and then of course… there is fashion.

As I said before in another blog, I adore how many French girls dress. Especially les Plastiscines because they are a little edgy too.

I found this cute drawing on ilovedyouforever.tumblr.com, a tumblr I visit every day because the writer Miriam has the best taste in pictures.

So today I decided I like it so much that I was going to figure out my own ‘French look’.
To have some order, I’ll just start at the top: Hair.

For some reason I believe the hairstyle (the two girls on the left) on this picture is really French. Maybe just because these girls have it but we need a hairstyle right?

I tried to make my own hair look like the second girl from the left.
First I straightened it, combed a part forward to create side bangs, backcombed my hair behind the side bangs heavily, used several bobby pins to pin the sides of my hair and finally used a lot of hairspray!

Make-up
Something I find distinctive about French make-up is loads of eyeliner and red lipstick. Since red lipstick is not a good look for me, I put the focus on my eyes.

To create this look it is best to use an eye-liner stylo, preferably extra black as well as the several layers of mascara.
I like to keep the rest of the make-up simple by using some foundation, concealer if necessary and nude lipstick.
Used products:
Gosh eye liner pen, black
Dior Show, Black out mascara, 099 black
Gosh lipstick, 134 Darling
Maybelline Affinitone foundation, 16 vanilla rose

And don’t forget, French manicure!

Clothing
It's isn't difficult and you can customize the look in any way you like.
A high waist skirt with simple top or a cute one piece, a powdery pink cardigan, platforms or heels, a trench coat, an envelope bag or real Chanel, the ray-ban wayfarer.

The time of Rimmel and ‘get the London look’ is over.
Get the Parisian look!
Love,
Noes

Jaywalkers

Recently the band changed it's name into 'Brigadiers' and they are working on a brand new album. Check out their website.

Meaning: the informal term used in North America for people whom illegally or recklessly cross the roadway as a pedestrian. No joke, there are even signs for it!

Reckless as this is on busy roads, I don’t want to discuss the traffic of North America.
I want to discuss music, a band from Denmark to be precise.



Jaywalkers, the experimental garage rock band consisting of Jakob Ludwig Løkkegaard,
Daniel Juhász Vigild, Tue Asmus Blichfeldt, Magnus Emil Thorn Jensen and Rasmus Blom from Denmark started their band in 2008.
They are inspired by bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, the Dead Weather, Led Zeppelin and Mew.

They released an EP called ‘ an exercise’ with the songs: folks I met, at the entrance and only gold.
Listening to ‘folks I met’ I really feel some Jack White/Dead Weather influence there. It catches your attention right away by the dramatic guitar solo but then slows a little down for the singer to come in and make it flow. Though it has the feel of the Dead Weather, it stands on it’s own and feels less chaotic.
To me, it has a more specific melody, I can see myself dance to it while I probably shouldn't to the Dead Weather.

‘At the entrance’ feels more lounge and calm while ‘only gold’ pops out again with heavy guitars and drums that are anything but ordinary.



Although it appears that this band is at its start, the diversity in their music will make sure it definitely is not at its end for long.
I’m always looking for cool new music and this band is definitely a good addition to my playlist. I'm looking forward to some more songs!

They were already playing shows in their own country, but they are now visiting us too.
On Thursday the 24th of March in Dordrecht, Friday the 25th in Zaandam and Saturday the 26th in Sneek they are the support for our Go Back To The Zoo.
Tickets are still available for the shows in Dordrecht and Zaandam so make sure to be there!

Buy them at:
Bibelot Dordrecht
Kade Zaandam

For more info and music:
Jaywalkers on Myspace
Jaywalkers and their management Catching Paper Planes

Enjoy!

Love,
Noes

Phone traffic

A friend of mine was wondering what a world without social networks would look and feel like.
Sure, it wasn't such a long time ago but can you still exactly remember that time? I know I can't.

Thinking more about it I remembered when I got my very first cell phone.
I sounds so ridiculous now but I was eleven.
I have a little niece who's eleven now and she doesn't have a cell phone, even in this era.
But okay. My oldest sister, who was fifteen at that time, was promised to be allowed a cell phone then. But of course my other sister, thirteen, wanted one too and when she got the green light I was so jealous that I kept asking untill they got sick of me and said ok.

So we went to the store together and bought three cell phones (store was happy). This baby was mine.

Yes, totally size 'refrigerator' but that was appropriate for that time.

I had it for about two years when a kid from school kicked my schoolbag around (asshole) and totally destroyed it.

This cutie was cell phone number two.


He/she lasted a long time but died old age so was replaced by *drum ruffle*


Real pretty and good working but the turning mechanism wasn't the best idea since after two years it made my voice sounds as a robot everytime I wanted to call someone. Not very sexy. Also my subscription ended for this one so I decided it was time for a brand new, healthy, one. One without crazy slide or turning thingies.


Maybe this pink lady didn't put the fancy in pants but it was cute, reliable and had a great speaker!

The last one on the list is my current baby, I decided to join the movement and buy myself a smart phone.

We've been together for over one and a half years now and are very close friends :)
She (yes because she has pink, purple and turquoise dresses)connects me to all my friends by not just calling and texting but also Facebook, Hyves, LinkedIn, Twitter and even here on blogger.com.
I never thought to get so attached to all these things until she had to leave me for reparations on the A-button and I was extremely frustrated to not have all these things all the time. Not really healthy.
I decided not to leave my phone on my bed when I sleep anymore, normally I would check it everytime I woke up, even in the middle of the night.
She can now rest a little further away and we see eachother on a normal time in the morning.
I do believe that social networks make it easier to find others and to communicate with them but they can also mess things up that normal face to face communication wouldn't. You don't have facial expression and intonation which causes misunderstandings quite often.

Maybe my friends' idea isn't such a bad idea and from experience I know that I will survive. Maybe for a couple of days, maybe longer. I don't know when but I'm gonna try it out some day and after that, I'll let you know.
Someday soon, but not today.

Good night!

Love,
Noes & B. Berry