PAYDAY TROPHY
Once, when I was still a lowly paid TV editor, I lived from payday to payday. In those days I filled up the Renault 5’s tank (otherwise I only put in €10’s worth), did the shopping with a trolley instead of a basket and regularly bought fresh flowers. And clothes too. Although I did pay for that with my credit card because otherwise the month’s credit would be gone in one go.
Now I can fill up the car without worrying about whether I can still buy the latest Vogue, but payday is still a great moment. Just go for luxury. Even though it means you eat rice for the rest of the month.
I waver between the following extravagances: what do you think?
a bottle of Amarone
This is so my favourite wine. Made from semi-dried grapes. Twice as many grapes are needed for one bottle, which produces a wine with a fuller and richer flavour. Served with steak and then chocolate for dessert and you won’t hear another word from me.
a rocking chair
I’ve forgotten the real name of this chair, but it’s a kind of nest hanging from a sturdy stand. I can see myself nestling in there over the coming months. A book, a glass nearby and I’ll be good this summer. It is almost spring so this chair seems a perfect purchase to celebrate it.
a beautiful item of clothing
Don’t wait for the sale, just go buy something gorgeous that will give you pleasure all summer long (as you see, I’m really, really, really looking forward to summer). Liesbeth’s licking her lips over a fabulous cashmere sweater from Donna Karan and I’ve ordered a superb pair of painted jeans from Ralph Lauren. You have to think about helping the fashion shops up their turnover.
that Sisley serum
You can put as much stuff on your face as you want but if the basis isn’t good, it’s a waste. I’m addicted to Sisley’s Black Rose Precious Face Oil. Smells so good I could practically drink it and my skin is instantly moist and all the fine, and deeper… wrinkles disappear.
scented candle
The end of winter (for me after the -25 degrees in New York, every day here is incredibly like Spring) demands a new fragrance. My Feu de Boisis now burnt out, so it’s time for something new. Baobab Orange River for instance or Eau Rose from Dyptique are on my list.
