musique cafe

Athens, Greece Architects, esé studio, created a little gem with this local Athens hangout, Musique Café.

  photos by ioanna roufopoulou

crosby street hotel

Hoteliers and Firmdale Hotels founders, Kit + Tim Kemp, have created the perfect city oasis in SoHo: Crosby Street Hotel.

As Brits themselves with seven boutique properties throughout London, the Mr. & Mrs. duo infused their Anglo-inspired living into every little nook and cranny of the NYC hospitality project. Built from the ground up in 2009 on an empty parking lot (and gold LEED certified to boot), Kit’s personal style is evident throughout every element of the Crosby Street property – from the ever necessary drawing room, to oversized portraits of regal pups, daily afternoon tea and perhaps most iconic, colorfully upholstered chesterfields to rest one’s derrière. And with swoon-worthy floor to ceiling windows in each room, weary travelers are sure to score the best view at every level.

Their urban rooftop kitchen garden, complete with a chicken coop, is loving overseen by head chef Anthony Paris.

Aww.

eat drink americano

One of my favorite spots to sip + eat.

Eat Drink Americano is perhaps best known for its incredible chalkboard wall art. Peter Greco, a local Arts District resident + Instructor at Art Center College of Design, used oil pastels to create his masterpiece.

Pop in for a visit next time you’re in the neighborhood to both munch + admire.

{ all photos by me }

brücke 49

I’m dreaming of a winter getaway to this little slice of mom-and-pop paradise in the Swiss Alps.

Brücke 49, located in Vals, Switzerland, boasts all the comforts of home + charm of a classic B&B. After searching high and low for the perfect perch to retire and call home, a darling Swiss-Danish couple spent two years transforming a local historic villa into a modern-influenced, 4-bedroom B&B.

Après-ski anyone?

fior di latte

It may be winter, but that’s never stopped me. In my book, gelato is always a good idea, especially from here.

Thanks to a pair of self-proclaimed gelato lovers, Fior di Latte was born. Each and every day, this husband-and-wife duo spin up some serious goodness from their commercial kitchen in Boulder, Colorado, and soon to include a bonafide retail gelateria. From pints of organic gelato, to seasonal popsicles and gelato bon bons. Oh yes, bon bons. Their offerings are nothing short of heavenly…

And, perhaps the best part of all? They craft up truly customizable gelato cakes. Take a peek…

 

Mmm mmm good.

2013

Happy New Year kisses + wishes for a fabulous 2013!

apolis: common gallery

During a visit to Downtown LA’s Arts District this week, we stumbled upon Apolis: Common Gallery. As a longtime admirer of the brand, it was a treat to discover their perfectly curated storefront. Host with the most + resident Communications Manager, Ryan, walked us around the shoppe and led us to fall even harder for the brand. Ryan’s passion for our global community is inspiring, and we walked away completely smitten with the Apolis mission and dedication to creating beautiful products while doing good.

In a nutshell, Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide, and believes the most valuable practice in creating lasting change is by investing in people. Founded in 2004 by brothers Raan & Shea Parton, it all began with the simple idea that people can live better lives if they are given equal access to opportunity. Having been immersed in personal stories of struggle and survival while traveling abroad, the Parton’s were inspired to create a business model that bridged commerce with microeconomic development.

At Apolis, they co-create each product with manufacturers near and far, and allow the market to directly determine the future of each item produced. They believe the commonality between currencies, flags and languages is people. It is people who are the innovators, the advocates, and the revolutionaries. I couldn’t agree more.

Take a peek around their storefront…

There are lots of companies popping up who have a mission to improve the lives of our world’s citizens, but Apolis seems a cut above the rest. Their team is full of passionate & talented people, which is most evident through the execution of everything they do. Take a peek around their site this Thanksgiving weekend + be inspired.

During this season of giving thanks and celebrating the things that matter most, may you be filled with gratitude and feel a call to invest in the people around you.

xo

leuie

Such a beautiful portrayal of childhood from Vancouver-based Leuie.

I just love when boutique brands invest in proper styling and photography. Their dreamy lookbook had me lost in another world.

Leuie captures and celebrates the wonderful joy of childhood. And with the fun and adventurous spirit of children in mind—their delight, surprise and exploratory nature—we invite you to enter a world of fun and imagination, creativity and exploration created especially for children… 

Too sweet, Leuie.