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Thessaloniki, Greece: Shopping, Creative Tour and Outdoor Cafes

Shopping & Creative Tour

Thessaloniki-Greece-Fashion & Beauty Shopping-Outdor coffe-Marina Konstantinou-Lou-Nail Bar-Hotel Daios-1A-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Glam shopping in Proxenou Koromila Street

and its surroundings. To help, the street behind the Daios hotel (located in the waterfront). A mixture of a myriad of trendy cafes and posh shops. There you find international brands (like Vuitton, Tod’s, Dolce & Gabbana …) and multi-brand shops and local designers. Above picture : necklace of Marina Konstantinou. Hippie chic Tunic in the showcase of Lou. And the famous Lefas hairdresser (hair salon with a L.A. vibe).

Thessaloniki-Greece-Koupni Coffe & Crafts-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Drink An Iced Coffee While Making Your Souvenir Bag

DIY! Yes, I did it (above picture): the painted and sequined designs represent the iconic monuments of Thessaloniki! In the old town, opposite the ruins of the Greek agora and the Roman forum, Koumpi Coffe & Crafts is a cafe with a creative workshop. You can have different iced coffees (a Greek specialty), while choosing a creative kit. Really fun: my buddies and I had big laughs and even the boys made jewelery! And the result is far nicer than those cheap souvenirs made in China! 

Thessaloniki-Greece-reative Tour & Shopping-by Hand Peak- Art Gallery-Now by Yorgos Maraziotis @Nitra Gallery-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Discover the creative Thessaloniki

If you have little time and want to discover another side of the city (insider spots), do not hesitate to book a tour with Handpeak. After the Koumpi Coffe & Crafts: the visit of a new contemporary art gallery, the Nitra Gallery. Photo above (courtesy of the Nitra Gallery): an installation of Yorgos Maraziotis (Neon, 150×40 cm). Then we continue through several workshops shops.

My favourite :  Object2Repair, a deco vintage shop that also repairs furniture and lighting (below picture of the lighting). Margaritarenies, a small shop of jewelry made by two designers with the same first name Margarita (below picture of the hand). And if your boyfriend and you are a kind of wannabe rockstars, have a look at the guitar repair and manufacturing shop: Alfa Handcrafted Guitars. And you may come back from Thessaloniki with your guitar (lol)!

Thessaloniki-Greece-Creative Tour & Shopping-by Hand Peak- Art Gallery-Nitra Gallery-Margaritarenies Jewels-Object2Repair-Vintage-1C-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Outdoor Cafes

Thessaloniki-Greece-Outdoor Cafe-Navona Ristorante-@Makedonia Palace-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Culture of Outdoor Cafes

Outdoors cafes are absolutely everywhere! Often full. Morning by the seniors and then by everyone. Thessaloniki is a student city, with lively and busy streets until late at night. Above pictured: the terrace of Navona Restaurantopen from 9:30 am to 2 am, where I relaxed much of the afternoon facing the sea, with an excellent fresh orange juice ; ) 

Thessaloniki-Greece-Outdoor Cafe-To Palio Hamam-Cafe-Bar-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Lovely View of The Bei Hamam’s Rooftops

This outdoor café and bar offers a unique view on the roofs of the old Turkish baths, built by Sultan Murad II in 1444 (above pictures). Unfortunately you can not visit this historic monument, but you can admire the roofs with a drink at the To Palio Hamam Cafe-Bar. Too bad I didn’t have time to return at night (I was too busy, too much to see!)!

Thessaloniki-Greece-Outdoor Cafe-Near The Seafront-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Going to the statue of Alexander the Great, 

I discovered Dentrospito (Tree House): this bar under the trees, has a very nice atmosphere. Really cool spot, with a seaview (above photo montage)! As it was full, we walked on Nikis Avenue, munching Greek traditional pastry (forget diet baby!)..

The other place I’d have liked to taste some veggie sushi, is the Roots. The only vegetarian restaurant in Thessaloniki that also serves cocktails in the evening (below pictures)!

And you, what are your favorite outdoor cafes, shopping and activities in Thessaloniki? 

Thessaloniki-Greece-Outdoor Cafe-Roots-Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant-Bar-Cocktails-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations   

Visit Greece, Thessaloniki Hotels Association & Ryanair

From Ryanair flies to Thessaloniki and ten other destinations in Greece including Athens and Santorini.

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TRAVEL  

Many thanks for this beautiful invitation to Visit Greece, Thessaloniki Hotels Association and Ryanair. As always these are my opinions.

My Spring Beauty Routine: Face, Body And Hair

My Spring Beauty Routine-Face-Hair-Body-Nails-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Face Brush And Anti-aging Cosmetics

My Spring Beauty Routine-Face-Hair-Body-Nails-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

It’s spring again, the cherry trees are in bloom! Happy spring! I really want to share with you my routine beauty of spring!

1. For nearly two months I used every other day, before going to bed, brush the famous face of the American brand Clarisonic. I have a very sensitive skin and my dermatologist is against any water washing on face. But I enjoy it in spring and summer, it gives me the feeling of having an ultra clean skin. So I use my brush with very soft bristles, for 60 seconds (there is a timer) after removing makeup. I finished the cleasing step with The Uriage Thermal Water and I apply the Darphin Revitalizing Oil.

2. My daily care. As you know, I’m a hugh fan of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum & Revitalizing Supreme! Besides, this is one of my most read posts! This time I tested the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face And Neck and the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Eye CremeTwo very good creams with a really pleasant texture to apply on the skin (a treat): the face cream is slightly pearly and has a SPF15 filter. For the eye zone, very little product is enough. These two cares deeply nourish my skin and give a beautiful complexion. This is exactly what I need in spring … when my skin doesn’t shine like a sardine yet, LOL!

3. I like to combine cosmetics with trips, often to destinations I wish to visit. Recently, I add to my beauty routine the Bioeffect ECF Serum, powerful wrinkle reducer from Iceland that contains no preservative, no fragrance and no dye. I apply it only in the evening, on clean skin for optimal moisturises. Great texture, it quickly penetrates. I will update this post in a few weeks to give you the results of my test. I can not wait to see the effects …

Hair Care And Makeup

My Spring Beauty Routine-Face-Hair-Body-Nails-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Hair, LOL! Could it possible that I’ve finally found the right routine? Abracadabra!

1. For all those with ultra dry curly or frizzy hair (by nature or damaged by chemical treatment), I tested three products in the excellent HyfraR’Force range of the French brand Farida b for nearly two months. My two favorite treatments based on vegetable oils (Ximenia and Amaranth, formulated without paraben), are the Masque Restructurant de Jour (daytime mask) and Masque Revitalisant de Nuit (night mask).

For each mask, I apply the product on wet hair after the Shampoing Restructurant (a gentle shampoo silicone and paraben free). And I leave the mask (sometimes I add oil) as a leave-in conditioner during a day (no more) and then I rinse. Hair is really relaxed, soft and shiny! What a great pleasure!

2. To stimulate the growth of my hair which has suffered this winter (massive breakage of lengths). I take the Oenobiol dietary supplement for fortifying the hair and nails, Capillaire Fortifiant Beauté des cheveux et ongles for over a month. This product contains vegetable cystine (amino acid), B vitamins (including Biotin), copper, zinc and bilberry extract. The treatment lasts three months, with two pills a day.  

3. A silver eyeshadow for evening summer, it’s just WOW! The M.A.C. Mineralize Eye Shadow de M.A.C. has two shades, silver and glittery silver for a glamorous look. My current must have is the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil. Great nuance: for the first time, I use a dark brown for my smoky eyes! I also tried the Estée Lauder Little Black Primer. I find it not enough thick as a masacara. I prefer to use it as a base before applying denser mascara, for a longer hold.

Body and Nails

My Spring Beauty Routine-Face-Hair-Body-Nails-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

1. yes, I’m addicted to Nail polish, especially in summer! I change colour almost every day! Among my recent discoveries, the excellent Pronails, a Belgian brand. Here is a vibrant red that will make my spring-summer: the No. 345, Detonate Vie!  

2. A “Traveler” format for these nail polish! A mix that I enjoy a lot, fingernails in natural colour (nude, beige or taupe) and bright red feet: Amber Stone (9443) and Ruby Red (2581) of Rituals.

3. Also at Rituals, I really liked the delicious body cleansing foam, Yogi Flow and the Hammam Body Mud (a Rasul scrub), its Eucalyptus strong smell has a tonic effect on my mood! Both products cleanse without stripping, making the skin soft as silk.

And what about you? Let me know your spring beauty routine! What your fav products right now? Give me some ideas for my next tests! 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Related posts : BEAUTY

Germany: Wellness and Spa in The Black Forest

Germany-Baden-Wutemberg-Bergfried-Wellness-Hotel-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Perfect Massage at The Erfurths Bergfried

I discovered this small cozy boutique hotel during a long weekend in Bade-Wurttemberg (where is the famous Black Forest, picture 2). The smiling welcome in the beauty area (and throughout the hotel) is really pleasant and makes you feel at home. The setting is modern, with Babor, the German high end cosmetics. I am intrigued by the Herbal Stamp Massage..

Lying on my stomach, the massage begins with the application of one hot herbal stamp on the right foot (picture above, on the top right). Alternating hot herbal stamps and manual massages (with warm oil), Clea, my therapist releases the body tensions. Her movements are firm and soft and the whole body is treated.

The feeling of warmth spreads on the meridians which is extremely relaxing. I doze, the massage lasts 50 minutes plus 5 minutes of rest at the end of massage. Followed by tea at the reception, where I found my girlfriends (lol). I would liked to know what herbs and oils were used … Excellent massage lavished by expert hands, you have to try it! Thank you Clea! 

Germany-Baden-Wutemberg-Black Forest-Bergfried-Wellness-Hotel-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photomontage above: the attic suite 302 in which I slept, is really nice and comfy. Large and bright, spotless bedding and bathroom, with a large dressing room, nice view (photo below) and gifts (Babor products offered). 

Germany-Baden-Wutemberg-Bergfried-Wellness-Hotel-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The service is efficient, smiling and discreet. The food is simple and good (photo montage below): delicious breakfast. The wellness area is small but offers an outdoor foot spa (a trail with different grounds). I especially enjoyed the steam room, my skin and hair were thrilled! LOL!

Germany-Baden-Wutemberg-Black Forest-Bergfried-Wellness-Hotel-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Nice Spa in The Wadhotel Grüener Baum

Germany-Baden-Wutemberg-Wadhotel-Gruener-Baum-Wellness-Spa-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

This small hotel offers a friendly modern spa with a salt room and two saunas, including one at 65 degrees. A spa route is suggested on a poster written in German only! An English version would be welcome (last picture). The spa area and the indoor pool open onto a beautiful garden. The setting is bucolic like in a country house.

I swim overlooking the flower Japanese cherry trees (Photos 1 and 3). Particularly invigorating early morning: a real treat! Then I spent a long time in the jacuzzi. And I also tested a facial massage for 20 minutes in the beauty salon (with Comfort Zone products). 

I really liked the modern amenities of the spa and the indoor pool, the garden and the beautiful surrounding countryside. But I found the hotel room not my taste: a single bed, furniture and decor. 

Germany-Baden-Wutemberg-Wadhotel-Gruener-Baum-Wellness-Spa-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KGermany-Baden-Wutemberg-Wadhotel-Gruener-Baum-Wellness-Spa-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KGermany-Baden-Wutemberg-Wadhotel-Gruener-Baum-Wellness-Spa-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Swimming opposite the hills of the Black Forest in the Elztalhotel

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The view from the Elztalhotel is relaxing: beautiful panorama with green hills covered with trees. The 25 meters long outdoor swimming pool overlooks a peaceful natural setting (above photo). The hotel is surrounded by nature. To swim and enjoy the outdoors. 

The 6000 m2 wellness area, in textile-free part, offers various “saunas of the world”. Photomontage below: rustic cottage and chair in the nudist part of the spa. And some decorative elements of the hotel: sofa in my room and dolls in the buffet room.

Germany-Baden-Wurttemberg-Black Forest-Elztal-Hotel-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés  

Informations 

Wellness Stars, The German National Tourist Board, the hotels : Erfurths BergfriedWadhotel Grüener Baum & Elztalhotel

Related posts : BEAUTY, HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to the Wellness Stars and The German National Tourist Board for the invitation and the Erfurths Bergfried’s team too. As alwyas these are my opinions.