Monthly Archives

October 2012

Travel

French Kiss your Life… in Paris

October 26, 2012

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Travel, Love

It is no secret how much I love Paris.

For the last couple of months, I have visited the French capital five times(!). Each time, I discovered another part and aspect of the city, I got to know more new people and I experienced Paris in a different way, depends on the season, the weather, the locations I was staying in and things I got to discover.

It seems that every visit surpassed its previous one and exposed me to more exciting things.

Like as in my recent visit to Paris.

In the beginning of October, I flew to Paris for eight days to photograph a group of ten amazing women who took part in a life transforming seminar French Kiss Life, led by an inspirational woman, Tonya Leigh. Tonya, who came up with the idea, rejoined forces with Kayce Neill, an event planner from New York, who can plan events in any location on the planet.

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Travel, Love, Women

French Kiss Life.

I instantly loved the name. Where else if not in Paris can someone learn how to fall in love with oneself?

As a Master Life Coach, an admitted hedonist and internationally trained sommelier, Tonya Leigh has a simple credo: French Kiss Life. Cherish Yourself. And The Rest Will Follow.

She is the founder and CEO of French Kiss Life, Inc., a company that teaches the art of living to the modern-day woman. With chic travel retreats, solo and group coaching, and her infectious blend of joie de vivre and practical mind-play techniques, Tonya inspires dynamic and driven women to live each day as an elegant and beautiful adventure.

The Inspiration Behind Le Voyage Paris

It’s one thing to read about the French way of life; it’s another to actually experience it.  As much as Tonya had studied the French Lifestyle, the concept of joie de vivre and the elements of personal style, it was only when she stepped off the plane in Paris a decade ago that she really got it. ‘Since that day, I have visited France a dozen times, and each time my life shifts more to what’s really important, living each day with passion, love and style‘. She admits.

Tonya wanted to share the Paris that changed her with a group of women who desire to learn how to French Kiss Life. Their Lives.

And why Paris? Because it is the place that has inspired artists for hundreds of years, it is the mecca of style and fashion, the city of love, food and wine. ‘In 20 arrondissements, you have the chance to see life as a grand fairytale, full of history, art and charm.  It also inspires a woman to live with passion, style and romance’ 

French Kiss Life, France, Paris, Travel, Love, Women

The Intentions of Le Voyage Paris 

Le Voyage Paris is not only about spending an amazing time in the City of Love, same as it is not just another visit to Paris. Tonya was planning it very carefully to make sure the following intentions will be accomplished; To expose women to a culture that savors life – the food, conversation, style, art and culture, to give women permission to indulge in life – fine perfumes, designer lingerie, fine food and wine, to show a direct correlation between how you feel about yourself and how you treat yourself, to offer women a chance to connect, share and support each other as they create lives they love and to see and enjoy Paris with other women, while also giving them an opportunity to ‘get lost’ on their own

Kayce made sure to craft the seminar in style and beauty and chose the best of the best of the Parisian vendors to serve well the seminar’s intentions;

Jovoy Paris

One of the most prestigious stores in Paris with a wide collection of rare and limited edition perfumes. We were all smitten by the charm of François Henin (I wish all men were like him) who explained us about the different kinds of perfumes, told some stories and  shared some secrets of what kind of perfume a woman should use if she wants to seduce a man. We enjoyed great champagne and some French deserts along sniffing the best perfumes. All of this wouldn’t have happened without Viviane, the PR person of Jovoy, who managed all the details.

This was actually my third time I visited Jovoy and its amazing crew. It is always nice to make friends when you least expect it. You can read more about my visit to Jovoy here.

Jovoy Paris 4, Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris

Jovoy Paris, Perfumes, Paris, France, French Kiss Life, Travel, Love

Jovoy Paris, Perfumes, Paris, France, French Kiss Life, Travel, Love

Cécile Hasroyan, a Personal Image Consultant 

What can be better than shopping in Paris?

Shopping in Paris with a chic Parisian image consultant. This is why Tonya and Kayce contacted Cécile Hasroyan who joined the women for a busy afternoon at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche and explained the importance of choosing the perfect lingerie. ‘Lingerie is important because it’s the first thing you put on in the morning; it sets the tone for your day’ she explainedAfterwards, Cécile joined the women to a salon talk followed by champagne and chocolate and shared the top ten items every French woman should have in her closet, and the ultimate ways to wear chic Parisian scarves. After spending an afternoon with beautiful Cécile, I give more thought to what I wear. These insider’s tips are priceless.

Cécile Hasroyan, Personal Stylist, Image consultant, Paris, France, Travel, Love

Cécile Hasroyan, Personal Stylist, Image consultant, Paris, France, Travel, Love

La Cuisine Paris 

On the day devoted to food and wine, the women spent an antire day with the talented chef of La Cuisine Paris, a cooking school located across Hotel de Ville, that offers various cooking and baking classes in English. A morning start in an outdoor French Market in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to buy the perfect ingredients, followed by a few hours cooking class, ended in a delicious three course meal and great wine. Even I, lacking any sense of cooking, sinned in making the  finger licking chocolate mouse. The staff includes skilled international professional chefs (French and non-French). Highly recommended: Come hungry!

La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004, Paris

La Cuisine Paris, Food, paris, France, Travel, Cooking Class

La Cuisine Paris, Food, paris, France, Travel, Cooking Class

La Maison Angelina

Lunch in La Maison Angelina seems for some as a dream, as waiting in line for a table might be long. Once you get in, consider yourself lucky, as this is one of the best places to dine. It is known for its ridiculously rich chocolate milk and the best Mont Blanc cake. If you are a chocolate lover (like me) don’t skip the chocolate milk and the delicious choux pastry headed by a golden layer of chocolate delicately combines with the strength of dark chocolate crémeux and sweetness of milk and white chocolate.

Its perfect location just across Jardin de Tuileries allows you to wonder these beautiful gardens once you have a sugar rush. If you are interested in dining at the restaurant, you must make a reservation, but the line to buy a delicious pastry is open to all.

La Maison Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli  75001 Paris

La Maison Angelina, French Kiss Life, Paris, Travel, France

La Maison Angelina, French Kiss Life, Paris, Travel, France

Private Dinner Party in a Parisian Apartment 

A private chef cooking a five course dinner, while sipping great wine in a nice Parisian Apartment, is always a great idea. On the 6th day Tonya invited the women over for a dinner and to raise a toast for the future and for the women they have become or want to become. As a photographer and an observer, it was great to see how some of the women changed their outward appearance and they way they were carrying themselves.

Dinner Party, French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Food

Dinner Party, French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Food

Kong Restaurant 

The last night in Paris was all about celebration. Therefore Kayce made sure to book in advance a long table at Kong restaurant, one of the stylish and trendies places in Paris. Some of you might recognize the place from one of ‘Sex and the City’ final episodes. Its glass rooftop on the second floor allow the diners to overlook Paris’ lights at night. Very hip and trendy location, which made the last night in Paris very magical.

Kong, 1 rue du Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris

Kong, Paris, France, French Kiss Life, Travel, Women, Love

The women who join Le Voyage Paris are also carefully chosen; Through an application process Tonya is looking for women who have a love to France (even though they may not have ever visited), successful women who haven’t given themselves the opportunity to enjoy what they have created, women who want to explore their own personal style and femininity and those who want to be a part of a brilliant group of women.

If you consider yourself one of those, don’t hesitate and join Le Voyage Paris for 2013.

The Beauty of Inner Life, Le Voyage Paris Schedule

As a Master Life Coach and an admitted hedonist, Tonya tailored the schedule of Le Voyage Paris in a luxury way that touches all senses and thoughts.

‘I believe that our inner world (thoughts and beliefs) create our outer world (style, how we nourish ourselves, how we communicate, how we carry ourselves, who we hang out with, etc.), so the schedule was created around both our inner and outer worlds’

The schedule was quite busy and dotted with great assignments in amazing locations. I was running around with my camera every morning from Avenue Victor Hugo (I stayed in a beautiful apartment in the 16th arrondissement) said Bonjour to Arc de Triumph and continued to the day’s activity and assignments, somewhere in Paris.

But beside the beautiful locations, insightful assignments and the elegant vendors, the women had the chance to meet some inspiring women who moved to Paris and started their lives there. One of them is Lindsey, a writer and the author of Lost in Cheeseland, one of my favorite blogs, as Lindsey is one of my favorite bloggers.

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Women

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Travel, Love, Women

‘During Day One, I asked the women to go within and explore their desires (what they want to experience, feel and enjoy in their lives).  Day Two looked at our outer world, particularly tending to the details of our lives, specifically our lingerie and perfume, discovering our own unique scents and the underthings that made us feel tres sexy and confident. One day was dedicated to food and wine, exposing women to beautiful and thoughtful food preparation, the joy of wine and why food is important to the human experience.  The day of joie de vivre started with an assignment, where the women were each given a word and had to go out and fetch a food that symbolized the word for our picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens.  This day was about getting lost in Paris and finding the joy in each moment. Our final day was all about celebration – celebrating the women we are and the women we hope to become, celebrating our time together and celebrating Paris as the backdrop to beautiful self cultivation

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Women, Travel

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Women, Travel

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Women, Travel

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Women, Travel

French Kiss Life, Paris, France, Love, Women, Travel

La Voyage Paris was definitely a different way of travel and visit for me. I can’t wait for the next one and for my next visit to Paris.

Till then… au revoir Paris 

To find more about Tonya and Le Voyage Paris, visit her website, facebook page or follow her on Twitter.

 

New Yorker for a Day

Parisian for a Day

October 23, 2012

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

It all started with a random shot of my sister when we were visiting Paris on June for my Birthday. We were walking in Montmartre and we found this beautiful Parisian cafe in Rue Gabrielle, with its amazing red doors and facade. I knew it would be the perfect backdrop to take a picture of hers.

Well, actually this is not exactly when it started.

A few months ago I have launched a new photography service in Manhattan (where I live) called ‘New Yorker for a Day’ in which I offer a photography session for tourists who come to visit the city and want to experience it in a different way and leave it with a long-lasting souvenir. As this service became quite popular among tourists and even among New Yorkers who want to have their pictures taken in the city they live, and since I am visiting Paris few times a year, I have decided to expand it to Paris as well and offer my service in the City of Light.

What can be better than feel like a real Parisian, at least for one day?

For more information and to find out when I am in Paris, drop me a line or send me an email.

Bisous,

Sivan

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Parisian for a Day, Paris, Photoshoot, Fashion

Design & Lifestyle

Vintaging Jaffa; a Colorful Tour in my favorite vibrant Flea Market

October 22, 2012

Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Flea Market, Design, Vintage, Retro

If you, like me, love to visit flea markets wherever you travel, than this post is for you. If you are looking for one of the most trendiest areas in Tel Aviv – Jaffa these days, look no further. The flea market in Jaffa is the place to be. 

A few weeks ago I met a colleague of mine, Karen Shavit, who is by the way, the Israeli version of Martha Stewart (but way younger) for a Rondez Vous in the flea market of Jaffa. Karen is definitely the ‘go-to’ person for everything that has to do with vintage and design and she is also the kind of woman who can easily and naturally combine business and pleasure. Therefore, I found myself  touring some of her favorite spots in the flea market (which most of them happened to be favors of mine) and see in my own eyes and camera lens how everyone knows Karen and welcomes her with open arms.

This is my quick guide and a colorful tour for some of my favorite spots in the flea market of Jaffa.

Nekudot Chen

Might be one of the biggest stores with rare collections of furniture and decorations. The owners fix and restore old furnitures he collects from all over Israel. This is one of Karen’s ‘must stop’ store. When we were there, she was looking for these old hair dryers that beauty salons used to keep in the 70ies. Even though she didn’t find one, we could easily shop for old restored lamps for her kitchen, old scales, some street signs and more. For me, every time I visit this place, it is like being ‘Alice in Vintage-land’

Nekudot Chen, 13 Oley Zion street, Jaffa 

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Home Workshop

A two-floor store with an eclectic home decor collection from different locations in the world. The owner combines Bohemian chic with Oriental elements on a long dining table display in the center of the store. A little bit of mich- much but it seems that the regular clients easily find their ways there. One of the pictures I took of Home Workshop was published in Marie Claire Italy, September Issue.

Home Workshop, 4 Rabi Yochanan street, Jaffa

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

BoBo

BoBo stands for Bourgeois Bohême which refers in French to an artistic way of life, usually attached to yuppies. I wouldn’t necessarily say the clothes and accessories store attracts mostly yuppies but the BoBo sound of the French definition, definitely give it a different class. I love this little store. Especially the old bath-tub in the front window that serves as a decoration and as a place to hold some clothes. (don’t try it at home). The clothes are very vintage and the accessories look like little candies on a tray.

BoBo, 12 Rabi Pinchas corner of 4 Rabi Nachman, Jaffa

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Ma’asiya

This is one of the most inspiring stores for me in the flea market. A gallery of two floors that serves as a meeting point for creative ideas and a collaboration among creative people. The store holds clothes for kids and adults, home textile, vintage crockery straight from the 60ies, toys, furnitures, and the highlight of the store are the recycled clothes made of pique blankets that people donate. The store’s concept is to support and promote needy groups in society; the elderly, the minorities and people with disabilities. It just make Ma’asiya even better.

Every time I visit Maasiya, I get this warm fuzzy and comfort feeling. Must be the nostalgic wave I get each time I see the pique fabric, that reminds me of my childhood.

Make Ma’asiya a MUST stop when you visit the flea market.

Maasiya, 3 Rabi Yochanan street, Jaffa 

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Tamara 

When we entered the little store of Tamara, it was obvious from the start she has a great taste and a wild imagination. Using materials such as colorful stones, chunky feathers, glossy beads and embroidery make her jewelry line and accessories very theatrical. Everything is hand made. I loved the three drawers hung on one of the walls and serve as a great decoration and a way to showcase Tamara’s talent and taste. It’s a fun store and every woman can find something for herself.

Tamara, 16 Rabi Pinchas street, Jaffa 

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Sofi

Well, Hello to you blast of colors, Good bye boredom. This is exactly how I feel each time I visit Sofi store. It is like Willy Wonka but for fun accessories. You can shop for kitchen ware from Kitsch Kitchen, Toys, bags, accessories from the Danish concept store *Rice, (already on my bookmark) and some vintage Asian packaging designed boxes and objects from Wu & Wu. Don’t rush when you visit Sofi. It is a treasured store and you want to have the time to explore it.

Sofi, 3 Rabi Nachman street, Jaffa 

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Jaffa, Vintage, Flea Market, Tel Aviv, Design

Una Una Shoes

If you ever wondered how well-hand made shoes look like, I suggest you visit the studio Una Una. To be honest, I still didn’t buy myself a pair of shoes at the store, but I love the colored pairs the designer makes. The designer is an artist and every pair of shoes looks like a well-leather sculpture. I’m sure they are so comfortable to walk on. Beside the great shoes, the little store with a studio attached in the back, has a great vintage piano and some old sewing machines as a decoration display.

Una Una, 8 Rabi Yohanan street, Jaffa

Vintage, Flea Market, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Design

Vintage, Jaffa, Flea Market, Design, Shoes

Sharon Brunsher

Some people refer to Sharon Brunsher’s store as a ‘foster kid’ among the rest of the stores. She is definitely not vintage, and her clothes are only in the black, white and grey colors; the opposite of the vibrant feel of the flea market. Some people refer to her clean Nordic style as a breath of fresh air, or as a ‘chromo- break’ in the middle of the busy tempo of the market. And yet, Sharon Brunsher’s store is a great example and proof that Jaffa’s flea market is developing and becoming a trendy place, otherwise she wouldn’t have chosen this location. When I entered the store I got a smack of white light in my eyes (thanks to the white wooden floor) and it was great to touch some minimalistic and light fabrics through my fingers.

Sharon Brunsher, 13 Amihad street, Jaffa 

Vintage, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Flea Market, Design

Pua Restaurant

I can’t finish my vibrant vintage tour in Jaffa without a stop for a cup of coffee or a bite at Pua restaurant. The space looks like a retro apartment my grandparents used to have, filled with furnitures and decorations well collected from the vintage stores next door. Beside the eclectic atmosphere and design, Pua serves a great, earthy and tasty food. Israeli breakfast is served all day (a great plus for those who love a good well-balanced mediterranean breakfast) and the menu changes according to the owner’s desire. Rest asure that every day will be a good one. I highly recommend to make reservations (if possible) or be patient as this place is very busy.

Pua, 8 Rabi Yochanan street, Jaffa 

vintage, Flea Market, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Lifestyle, Design

vintage, Flea Market, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Lifestyle, Design

In addition to all the goodies, the vintage finds or the retro feel, the flea market of Jaffa is a great place to shoot and encounter some interesting characters.

New York City

Fall (in Love) with New York

October 21, 2012

Fall in NY, Central Park, New York

Some posts don’t require words. The pictures speak for themselves.

The Fall season is (in my opinion) the most beautiful and romantic season in New York. I feel lucky enough to live only three blocks away from Central Park and experience the changes of the seasons on a daily basis.

Central Park these days looks like it is a part of a Rorschach test, isn’t it?

Happy Fall Season Everyone!

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Fall, Central Park, Foliage, New York

Design & Lifestyle Editorials Travel

Travel + Leisure November Issue

October 20, 2012

For years, I’ve been an avid reader of Travel + Leisure, one of the most leading travel magazines in the world. The magazine serves as an on-going inspiration for my next travel destinations and not once do I buy an issue and highlight some articles and find tips on where to stay, what to see, where to eat and what is the next ‘most desirable’ place these days. Truth is that my in flight read (beside the magazine they give you on the plane) is always the recent issue of Travel + Leisure, and since I’ve started my Travel Photography career, Travel + Leisure was definitely something to look for.

I am so excited one of my Pharmacia Restaurant images has made it to the ‘Lisbon by Design’ segment in November issue. It seems Lisbon gets the exposure it deserves and I’m glad to be part of it.

Here is my intake on Lisbon’s Design Scene  and my experience of Pharmacia restaurant.

(My image is on the second page, on the lower left of the article)

Travel and Leisure, Lisbon, Portugal

 Travel and Leisure, Lisbon, Portugal