Chora Museum / Church

This hidden monument located in the borders of old Istanbul is home to one of the most exquisite collection of mosaics. Dating to the Byzantine era, one has to hold their breath regarding the beauty and the condition of the well kept mosaics and frescoes that border the interior of the church.

In my opinion it is one of the most well-kept secrets of Istanbul. While everyone is heading off to Topkapi, Dolmabahce or Taksim I would recommend a d-tour to Chora...

For more information regarding its history Wikipedia  is a good site to begin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chora_Church

The peacock at the right corner is particularly interesting...

Maternity Wear

If you look at alot of the fashion magazines its almost as if pregnancy is not era in the women's life.

This period that usually covers 9 months plus the breastfeeding of approximately 6 months overtakes our fashion decisions for well over a year. (Multiply that by the number of kids you're planning).

I have been looking around for a while now. Gap Maternity has some great options, as well as the Turkish brand Bellamom, but a great internet find is http://www.asos.com/.
Here's a round up of some of the styles that caught my eye...

1920's Style

It all started with a 1920's themed party at the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.
Doesn't it always start with a party?

Established in 1892 in the Pera quarter, and recently restored, Pera Palace Hotel (http://www.perapalacehotel.com/) has hosted many renowned guests throughtout its history. The most famous include leader and founder of Turkey, Atatürk (1917), Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, King Edward VIII, Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Franz Joseph, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sarah Bernhardt, Alfred Hitchcock, Pierre Loti, Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis....

Also Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express", inspired by the author's stays at the Pera Palace Hotel was published in 1934.

 The hotel is a great example of Art Noveau style and was an influence for our costume party right before Christmas.

Key decisions were to be made such as what to wear and how to do the hair. Here is some inspiration that came my way and of course some vintage 1920 Vogue covers that I have found to be dazzling.

A fresh start?

The new year always comes with a bundle of resolutions, start of diets, exercising, destinations to be visited, career aims, hobbies, etc...

For me it will be a continuation of 2010, with 7,5 months pregnants I have some unfinished business to attend to. Its even fair to say the year will begin with March 2011 this year.

But for those of you that are in search of a guideline and steps for detox, balanced life and dieting tips here are some websites I'd like to recommend:

1) The Calm Space: http://www.calmspace.com/
Upon signing up you will receive a newsletter each day for a month for "a month of me time".

2) Whole Living: http://www.wholeliving.com/
The 28 day whole living action plan will take you through detox, stress-free lifestyle, exercising with a step a day.

I hope you will find them useful...
xxx
AO