The V Word

Love’s in the air…mixed up with some pretty heavy snow fall and freezing temperatures, yeah.  But here at Pukka Living, we’re still looking forward to the heart-warming days ahead.  So, here’s our ‘V’ plan: 

First, grab a nice and warm cup of coffee at Bread&Butter, the sweetest joint in Nişantaşı, and get one of their special Love Cookies for free when you say the words ‘PUKKA LOVE’.

To tie the knot with your Queen of Hearts, check out the beautiful Byzantium cuffs (925 silver, 18 K gold) by Alef Jewellery just round the corner in Teşvikiye.  Those on a more modest budget’d better not miss online shop Mor Takı and their unique his&hers rings, bracelets (we love Miğfer model) and the lot, for half the market price with free delivery until Feb., 14th. 
 
For the elegantly dressed Posh Queen, choose a Cashmere in Love vest, top or sweater—all offered at a mind-boggling 50% off until the end of next week.  

For the Beauty Queen, look no further than Noviderm’s brand new line Boréade, made especially for oily to mixed skins. Also out new is DKNY’s new fragrance Pure; simply picture-perfect with its smart bottle and well-balanced vanilla undertones.  Both available at all good drugstores.

Next, head to the bookstore.  Brainy Queens who know how to manage their ‘beaus’ will be happy to learn that ‘Mating Mind’— a book on sexual healing by ground-breaking psychologist Geoffrey Miller—has just been translated into Turkish.  On the opposite corner, is ‘Marry Him!’ just out by Lori Gottlieb, casually given as a present to the eternally commitment-phobic future runaway brides.  More food for thought comes in the shape of 360 Love Talks— a series of talks by the likes of Ayşe Tolga (Tues., 9 Feb.), Sertab Erener (Fri., 19 Feb.) and Selim İleri (Fri., 20 Feb.) at Hepsi Hikaye during the month of February.

Valentine’s means chocolate, and in our opinion a box of it is still the best life-saver. Pick up a specially-designed treat from Caramel Istanbul and make that Sweet(s) Queen happy. The insanely-rich can of course try to have the ultimate treat airshipped from France for the lucky princess: a box of Ladurée cherry macaroons designed by our very own (and most favourite) designers Yazbukey.   

After all’s done, draw the final line by jetting off to Bodrum for the weekend to dine at adaev—that achingly romantic hideaway in Bodrum, which opens its doors for the season next week.  Food’s courtesy of Mania Gurme, and who knows, you may end up winning lucky draw at the end of the evening for a night’s stay there.  Now, that’s a one-night stand you’d love to try out.