Volume 8
Volume 8
Le Violon d’Ingres by Man Ray — Alpha H — Tea Party at home — L’Amant by Marguerite Duras — Favourite workouts
Happy New Year and welcome to the eight edition of Giselle daydreams! Today I’ll talk about one of my favourite Surrealist photograph, review a new skincare brand I discovered a few months ago. I’ll share my tips for hosting an extravagant Afternoon Tea party and the at home workouts I’m currently doing. I’ll also discuss a French literature classic about a compromised love affair. Enjoy!
Art
Le Violon d’Ingres by Man Ray (1924)
Le Violon d'Ingres is a famous photograph taken by the surrealist artist Man Ray in 1924. The title is a play on words, as it refers to the famous neoclassical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who was known for his portraits of women with violins. The phrase Violon d'Ingres in French also means a hobby or a talent one is passionate about, in addition to being a reference to Ingres.
The photograph features a nude woman with her back to the camera. Her body is adorned with f-holes, similar to those found on a violin, painted directly onto her skin. The pose of the woman is reminiscent of the classic reclining nude, a popular theme in art history. The combination of the classical pose and the surreal painted elements creates a sense of ambiguity and intrigue.
Man Ray was a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, and Le Violon d'Ingres exemplifies the Surrealist practice of combining unrelated elements to create unexpected and dreamlike imagery. The juxtaposition of the woman's nude body with the violin f-holes challenges conventional notions of beauty and art. It blurs the lines between the real and the imagined, inviting viewers to question the boundaries of reality.
The photograph explores themes of eroticism and objectification. By painting the violin f-holes on the woman's body, Man Ray transforms her into an object, simultaneously emphasising and subverting traditional ideals of feminine beauty. The painted elements highlight the curves and contours of her body, emphasising sensuality while also commenting on the objectification of the female form in art and society.
The photograph references the work of the renowned Neoclassical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, who was known for his depictions of the female nude. Man Ray's title, Le Violon d'Ingres, pays homage to Ingres while also playfully suggesting that his own passion, like Ingres' love for the violin, lies in art and the female form.
Le Violon d'Ingres showcases Man Ray's innovative approach to photography. By incorporating elements of painting, he challenges the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums. The photograph blurs the lines between photography and painting, highlighting Man Ray's ability to experiment with techniques and create visually striking and conceptually complex artworks.
Man Ray's photograph is celebrated for its surreal and playful quality, combining elements of classical art with avant-garde sensibilities. It is a prime example of the artist's ability to blend different artistic styles and create visually striking and thought-provoking images. This photograph has become an iconic work in the history of photography and is widely studied and admired in the art world. It reflects the spirit of experimentation and creativity that defined the Surrealist movement in the early 20th century.
Le Violon d'Ingres is a powerful example of Surrealist art, exploring themes of desire, identity, and artistic expression. Through the juxtaposition of elements and the interplay between reality and imagination, Man Ray creates a visually arresting and intellectually stimulating work that continues to captivate viewers and art enthusiasts.
Skincare
Alpha H review
I think I’m a compulsive buyer when it comes to skincare, and when I discover a new brand with a product that works for me, I’m often tempted to try all their products. Alpha H is no exception. I’d also like to reiterate that I’ve purchased all these products and used them to the last drop, and I even repurchased a few from this selection again, as they clearly improved my skin.
Triple Action Cleanser this cleanser has become a new favourite. I bought it in travel size as I was travelling last summer and decided to purchase extras as I was pleased with the results. I also like that it’s non foaming and designed for oily and blemish prone skin. The olfactive mix of cucumber and thyme extract alongside aloe vera makes me look forward to using this product as well. However, I use this cleanser as the second step if I’m double cleansing in the evening and I use a milk, oil or micellar water to remove makeup and mascara prior to using it.
Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum hyaluronic acid is my go to for hydration. I like that this acid is a potent antioxidant on top of providing hydration and a dewy glow. I enjoy using this serum and finished it. I think I will probably alternate it with Medik8 Hydra B5 if I want to a change products.
Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide I am glad that I decided to give a try to this serum. It is one of the secret of my clear and healthy looking skin after applying it this serum for the last few months as part of my evening skincare routine. The fact that the formula includes Niacinamide helps fight blemishes, and the Vitamin B5 on top of hyaluronic acid keeps at bay fine lines.
Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C serum is my favourite serum for my morning skincare. Therefore, I had to buy it. If you read my Goals and Aspirations for 2024, you probably read that I’m all about self-care and wellness. Nonetheless, I also wrote “less is more” and I decided to make the concsious decision to use one targeted serum instead of piling myself with two serums, and my skin thanked me. This serum clearly helped to brighten and make my skin radiant. My skin tone was also more even. However, the only thing is I am not a huge fan is the consistency. Let me explain, if you like to perform Gua Sha in the morning, this will not be easy after applying this serum as it absorbs fairly quickly and even after applying my moisturiser, I was not able to glide smoothly. Nonetheless, this is not a huge issue, as I just opted to do my Gua Sha routine in the evening instead.
Clear Skin Daily with Tea Tree this cleanser is great if you’re acne prone, and I would recommend using it as part of your cleansing routine. The formula includes a small percentage of Salicylic acid, which is one of the best ingredients to reduce blemishes. The only downside is that the packaging is not ideal. I read that it used to be a pump, and the fact that it is now a tube makes it difficult to use. This cleanser is particularly liquid, and you end up wasting product when you squeeze it as the soft tube makes the product leaks.
Micro Super Scrub after giving birth I was on a mission to try new products that were suitable with breastfeeding, but still effective to achieve a clear and dewy skin. This scrub perfectly exfoliates my skin and significantly reduces the appearances of my blackheads and my pores.
Clear Skin Blemish Control Mask I think that if there is one product I would choose from Alpha H for a start is this mask. This is the first product I purchased from the brand and it got me addicted. I was looking for a new face mask suitable with breastfeeding and I stumbled across this one. I love clay masks and I’m currently using this one twice a week. I get a lot of compliments on my skin and this mask may help you get glass skin.
Absolute Eye Complex when I was on my shopping spree, and I was of course running out of my eye cream, I decided to try what Alpha H had to offer. I like that the fact that it includes hyaluronic acid in its formula and enabled me to keep my dark circles away. I have never been been prone to under eye circles, but the lack of sleep with a newborn unfortunately altered this. Only thing I dislike is that I prefer when eye cream comes in a jar, but this is a personal preference, which does not impact the efficiency of this eye cream.
Lifestyle
My tips for hosting a Marie-Antoinette inspired tea party with a Modern twist
I think that hosting people during the day is a nice thing to do. I also think that if you want to indulge in cakes, cookies, macarons and even alcohol, daytime is healthier as you have time to digest and even walk for some fresh air afterwards.
Have a selection of lavish teas on offer
I like to offer different flavours as people have different taste. My favourite teas are Rose Pouchong, the smokey Lapsang souchong, Genmeicha for green tea amateurs, Oolong, and if you want to splurge on some white tea, Bai Mudan (white peony) or Shou Mei tea are the most popular. If you like adding bubbles, I would go for champagne, white or rosé. One of my favourite brands is Ruinart.
What to serve in terms of food and nibbles
If you’re from the UK, you may be familiar with Afternoon Tea, but what I’m about to suggest isn’t your quintessential finger sandwiches and scones. Instead, I want to emphasise the sweet savours of cakes and fruits. If I’m doing a proper tea time, and I don’t mean just sipping tea instead of drinking water, but by inviting friends over, I’m inclined to offer sweet foods. If you’re hosting several people, I would display a selection of cakes, pastries, a fruits platter with seasonal fruits, if possible, or what you fancy.
I tend to prefer French cakes for a lavish tea time, and I would get mini Paris Brest, éclairs, tarte tropézienne, fraisier, opéra, religieuses and of course macarons! I’m conscious that it’s a lot of food, that’s why inviting enough people to share is essential.
The decor and vibe
This is more to elevate the whole experience and hosting. This is not necessary, consider it optional. If you have time and enjoy the attention to details, having some fresh flowers is straightforward, and I would opt for a big bouquet of roses in a beautiful vase at the centre of the table and perhaps a few roses in a smaller vases. I would serve the tea and cakes in porcelain cups and plates; or I would buy a nice teapot and matching serving cups, and use appealing dessert plates. I would also invest in dessert cutlery, if you think you’ll host tea parties regularly. Don’t forget the champagne glasses. I would either go for a flute if you enjoy modern design or a coupe if you have an old fashioned taste. Those who know me personally will know that I love Diptyque candles. Therefore, I would burn either Figuier or Baies for tea time. I also enjoy other fragrances, but their senses would be more suited for other occasions. If you have nice candlesticks, it might be the occasion to adorn them with some long candles. Finally, find a playlist you like for a background soundtrack and create the atmosphere that fits this aesthetically pleasing tea time.
Enjoy this daydreaming experience, and send me some pictures if you host a tea party! I’m aware that I added many Marie-Antoinette inspired imagery. This is because Sofia Coppola’s eponymous film epitomises to the letter what I’m picturing in my head when thinking of a dreamy high tea gathering.
A book
L’Amant by Marguerite Duras (1984)
I read this book while on holiday in Seville. I remember wandering in extreme heat and rushing to the shadows while I unexpectedly found a bookstore in this delightful Andalusian city. As I ventured inside, I did not expect to come across a French corner, but to my surprise they had a selection of French books. I was thrilled and bought a couple, including L’Amant, which I wanted to read for a long time. A few days later, while relaxing by our hotel pool, I spent my afternoon absorbed in the book, the illicit love affair yet romantic relationship between the protagonists.
L’amant which translates in English as The Lover is a semi-autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras, published in 1984. The novel is set in French colonial Vietnam in the 1920s and tells the story of a young French girl from a financially strapped family and her romantic relationship with a wealthy Chinese lover. The novel explores themes of colonialism, social class, desire, and forbidden love.
Set in the 1920s in Vietnam, the story is narrated from the perspective of the girl, who is only 15 years old when she begins her affair with the wealthy lover, who is considerably older. Despite the age difference and cultural barriers, the two characters are drawn to each other in a passionate and intense relationship. Duras' writing style in L’Amant is known for its poetic and sensual language, which creates a vivid and evocative portrayal of the characters and their surroundings in the colonial atmosphere in Vietnam.
One of the central themes of the novel is the forbidden love affair between the young French girl and her wealthy Chinese lover. The relationship is socially and culturally taboo, given the racial and class differences between the characters.
The novel is set in French colonial Vietnam, and colonialism is a pervasive theme. It explores the impact of colonial rule on the lives of both the colonisers and the colonised, as well as the complex relationships between different racial and cultural groups.
L’Amant delves deeply into the characters' sexuality and desire. It portrays the intense passion and desire between the young girl and her lover, highlighting the power of physical attraction and the complexities of sexual relationships.
Social class differences are a significant theme in the novel. The socioeconomic disparities between the characters play a crucial role in shaping their identities and influencing their decisions. The struggles of the impoverished family contrast sharply with the wealth and privilege of the lover.
The dynamics within the girl's family are explored, emphasising the challenges they face due to poverty and dysfunctional relationships. The strained family dynamics have a profound impact on the protagonist's life choices and relationships.
Many characters in the novel experience a sense of isolation and alienation. The protagonists often feel disconnected from the societies in which they live, leading to feelings of loneliness and estrangement.
The novel portrays the journey of self-discovery undertaken by the young girl. Through her relationship with the lover, she explores her own identity, desires, and aspirations, leading. The clash of cultures is evident in the novel, as characters from different cultural backgrounds navigate their relationships and interactions. This cultural divide adds complexity to the characters' experiences and challenges their ability to connect on a deeper level.
These themes are intricately woven into the narrative, contributing to the novel's depth and richness. Through these themes, Duras provides a nuanced exploration of human relationships, societal norms, and the complexities of desire and identity.
L’Amant received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose and exploration of complex themes. The novel was later adapted into a film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, in 1992. This highly acclaimed novel remains one of Marguerite Duras' most famous and enduring works, appreciated for its compelling storytelling and rich imagery.
Wellness
At home workouts I’m currently doing
I’m an avid consumer of at-home workouts for various reasons, and lately I’ve been switching from different creators. At the moment, working out at home works better for me as I can’t commit to a rigid schedule yet. The stress of attending a class when Queen L might need feeding and my husband going into the office makes it difficult at this stage. I know this will eventually change, and I’m craving to attend a reformer class as it’s been a while.
My husband offered to get me a reformer in our shed, but instead he created an home office and installed muscles gear for him. Otherwise, I could have started my reformer journey at home, first with a trainer, and then by myself.
Nonetheless, Queen L is kind to let me workout in the morning after her feed, and tries to imitate what I’m doing in her bouncer. How cute!
Since being pregnant and now postpartum, I’m no longer into HIIT and cardio workouts. Instead, I’m all about low impact workouts, as I need energy for Queen L. I know I could handle a higher intensity workout, but my body is telling me to slow down, and I decided to listen. Moving my body is a morning ritual and grounds me for the day. I realistically try to move 15-30min daily, on top of Queen L daily ballade.
Pamela Reif for those who have known me for a while, I have probably told you about Pamela. I discovered her in April 2020 when I was searching an ab workout on youtube, and her 10 min video appeared. I was hooked and I have done all of her workouts endless times until I found out I was pregnant. I followed her plans for 2.5 years, and I loved her workouts. When I got pregnant, I modified some of her workouts, but when I reached my second trimester, I wanted to follow something that was more pregnancy friendly. She does amazing workouts targeting abs, booty, cardio, arms, and even dancing! She also offers a great music selection on top of looking extremely glamorous. I also enjoy that she doesn’t speak and doesn’t include many breaks at all.
Pregnancy and Postpartum TV I found this great Youtube channel when I decided to switch from Pamela in my second trimester. Until the day prior to giving birth, I religiously worked out several times a week on top of occasionally performing some stretching and movements with my Swiss ball to ease my delivery. I then stopped working out until I reached six weeks postpartum, and did four weeks of her postpartum videos. I am not doing her videos at the moment, but when the time comes again, I will be redoing her lovely workouts. If you’re pregnant or postpartum and looking to workout at home on top of walking, look no further!
Lidia Mera I came across Lidia on Tiktok (I know right), and I have been doing all her workouts since I found her last Summer. I did notice a shift in my body, and her Pilates workout definitely helped shaping and toning my postpartum body back to my wedding figure in only a few months! She doesn’t talk, which I appreciate, and she has a good playlist too. The only thing is that she includes too many breaks for my liking, except that, I enjoy her content very much.
Sanne Vloet Sanne is a model and youtuber who also has a platform offering workouts. I only tried the videos she included in her Youtube channel, and I enjoy them. She focuses on low impact and Pilates workouts.
Sami Clarke Sami is a good friend of Sanne, and I did some workouts which featured both. Sami is more fast-paced than Sanne, and she often offers circuits with repeats. She also has her own platform, but I haven’t tried the workouts she posts on there.
Move with Nicole this is the latest channel I have been doing, and I have been really enjoying it so far. I usually prefer no talking videos, but Nicole’s soothing voice is the exception to the rule. She has been posting many videos. Therefore, I pick a new video daily. She offers Pilates, Barre and Yoga videos on top of targeted workouts. The setting she films from is also daydreaming, like Pamela, but in a completely different aesthetic. If you want something slow-paced, I highly recommend Move with Nicole.
I hope you enjoyed the eighth edition of Giselle daydreams.
Giselle xx