Get Real

Real Madrid’s pre-season training for the second year in a row is at UCLA. Last year, I decided not to go to UCLA but go to the game instead at The Rose Bowl. Boy, did I regret that decision. This year I want it all, training camp, game, hotel, press conference, student store, everything.

Although I do like all the Real Madrid players, I do have favorites, namely Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Albeloa, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

So here are my up close and personal photos of the boys.

Kaka!

Xabi Alonso

Alvaro Arbeloa

Iker Casillas

Sergio Ramos

Where is Fidji?

My favorite travel bag is the Goyard Fidji (sadly the bag has been discontinued). I bought my Fidji in Paris in 2007 for $620. I love it because it is lightweight, water resistant, carries a ton, yes a ton of stuff, and easy to pack and carry. Since 2007 the Fidji has been my travel bag. Here are some places Fidji traveled to:

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Fidji with Terra-cotta soldiers, Xian, China

Fidji at Great Wall of China

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

The Bund, Shanghai, China

Fidji in Lourdes, France

Plaza Espana, Seville, Spain

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy

Fidji by Eiffel Tower

Macarons

I love Macarons especially Parisian ones. Although many prefer LaDuree or Pierre Herme, I actually like Dalloyau best because it’s not as sweet as the others. Dalloyau Macarons are sold at Galleries Lafayette Gourmet and at their own shops in Paris.

Dalloyau Macarons at Galleries Gourmet

But what to do when you live in the West Coast and craving for Macarons? Well go to lette and indulge in your cravings. The macarons at lette are as close as you get to the Paris kind. My favorite flavors are chocolate and pistacio. I am not a fan of exotic flavors as they are always too sweet for me. So until my next trip to Paris, lette macarons will just have to do.

Kissable Lips

I am a lip balm addict. I’m not much of a make-up person, I only really wear it on special occasions like weddings, parties, etc. So unlike some other women who spend loads of money on make-up, I spend money on lip balms.

Here are my current faves:

La Mer sits atop the lip balm ladder.

Chanel Hydramax Lip Treatment

Chanel Soin Tendre Levres

Julie Hewett Organic Camellia Lip Balm

Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm

From these lip balms, which comes out on top? I would say La Mer and Chanel Hydramax are best with Julie Hewett right behind. La Mer and Chanel Hydramax almost instantly makes lips softer. Julie Hewett Organic balm goes on smooth and is not sticky just like the Chanel Soin Tendre Levres. Clark’s Botanicals Lip Balm is as advertised, it’s ultra heavy on the lips. When I apply it on, it looks like I just applied cooking grease on my lips. It is good to use when your lips are really dry like when you are traveling by plane.

La Mer and Hydramax lasts longer and are best used at night or in the morning. Not a fan of having to use my fingers to apply balm, so I bought a lip brush from Sephora and also use qtips or small make-up spatula to apply.

I know the lip Balms I listed above are pricey ($19-$45)but if these are way above your budget, I suggest EOS or Smith’s Rosebud Salve.