Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s beginnings were far removed from the glamour she later defined. Born in 1883 in Saumur, France, she spent her childhood in poverty, moving from place to place with her itinerant parents. Her father left, leaving Chanel’s mother to care for her kids. When her mother died, Chanel and her sisters were sentContinue reading “Chanel: Beginnings (Aubazine, Cabaret, Seamstress, Becoming Coco)”
Author Archives: Stacey Hobbs
Ancient Romans & Their Love of Leeks: Food, Beauty, and Imperial Routines
Leeks were more than a humble vegetable in Ancient Rome, they were a cultural staple, a medicinal ingredient and even a beauty ritual. Roman writers like Pliny the Elder describe leeks as one of the empire’s most‑used vegetables, added to broths, porridges, and herb‑oil braises. Their mild flavour made them essential in everyday cooking andContinue reading “Ancient Romans & Their Love of Leeks: Food, Beauty, and Imperial Routines”
Ancient Roman Inspired: Leeks with Dates (Roman Sweet Dish)
While I know my fair share of French recipes that include leeks, since leeks are a common ingredient in French cuisine, I came across all kinds of other recipes over the years from Ancient Roman recipes, which I have transforming into the inspired version, even if the recipes are authentic. I just think and feelContinue reading “Ancient Roman Inspired: Leeks with Dates (Roman Sweet Dish)”
Chanel: Wartime Closure (1940–1944)
When Paris fell under German Occupation in June 1940, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel made one of the most controversial decisions of her career. That decision was for her to close her couture house. At the height of her influence with 4,000 employees and a global reputation, Chanel abruptly declared, “Fashion is not important right now.” HerContinue reading “Chanel: Wartime Closure (1940–1944)”
Best-Selling and Fave: Besame Aero Slim Refillable Cake Mascara with Refill
Cake mascara! The very first modern mascara to ever hit the market. A mascara that was invented or as some may say, innovate was Maybelline in 1917, just two years shy after developing their company in 1915, in Chicago, before transferring their company to New York. Maybelline is known for their mascaras, still to thisContinue reading “Best-Selling and Fave: Besame Aero Slim Refillable Cake Mascara with Refill”
Ancient Roman Inspired: Leeks with Fennel & Celery Leaf (Roman Herb Dish)
This dish is a bright, herb‑forward Roman vegetable dish built around leeks, fennel, celery leaf and a simple olive‑oil vinaigrette. The flavours are clean, aromatic and deeply Roman — earthy leeks lifted by fennel’s anise notes and celery leaf’s herbal sharpness. This is a minimalist, elegant interpretation of Roman herb cookery. Prep 10 min CookContinue reading “Ancient Roman Inspired: Leeks with Fennel & Celery Leaf (Roman Herb Dish)”
