Homegrown

Fall is approaching, and I’m all about milking the last few days of great weather!

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than hopping on my bike and riding down to HOMEGROWN, a gem of a sandwich shop for the best sandwiches in Seattle. Okay, I know everyone has their FAV sandwich shop, but this one can certainly be included and could even take the poll position after you try any one of their incredible sandwiches…YUM.

The best is that it’s all 100% Green, Organic, Earth friendly, yada yada. So not only are you putting something good inside… your doing something good for the outside.

Oh and when on a bike, make sure you find a great big hill to ride down, and throw your legs out to the sides...makes you feel like a kid again!

GO.

Parisian beats

Last week in France was perfect. No rush to do anything, the contrary. Soaked up the last few days of fresh baguettes and great champagne. Have you ever tried Rose Champagne? A must. I love champagne, and this is just a pretty twist on the traditional...I mean, it's pink! Why not.

Oh, and another thing I enjoyed while in France was listening to Radio Nova. A funky radio station that plays all sorts of new music, world music, jazz, electronica, an eclectic mix of stuff I probably would never listen to. I don't like all of the music, but it's just fun to listen to something different for a change. Have a listen, some of the French commercials can get annoying but they're funny to listen to as well. Maybe it will make you feel like you are in France while you work away on your spreadsheets, or surfing the web. No matter, just something new to tap your feet to.

It's always good to see the world, but it's also always good to be home. I love the duplicity in that.

Hej from Sweden!

Sweden: famous for blondes, Aquavit, and IKEA. I can tell you there is a ton more about Sweden you should discover. It is such a stunning place! The famous Archipelago outside of Stockholm consists of 24,000 miniature islands, many replete with picturesque seaside villages, cozy cottages and restaurants to serve the many boaters and visitors. We chose to stay on an island called Sandhamn, a two hour ferry ride from downtown Stockholm.

Everyone looks like they just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren catalogue, even the children, with their nautical stripes and rosy red cheeks from being outdoors all day. The islands are amazing for boating around, exploring tiny inlets, biking in the forests, swimming and of course having time in the sauna between swims. You haven’t been to Sweden if you haven’t spent time in their saunas! It really is a cultural phenomenon, and many people have saunas in their homes.

Then on to discover Stockholm. This place really rocks. The city is built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, and is set amongst gorgeous old buildings and castles (Sweden, like England still has a monarchy) all situated on the Baltic Sea. People here are very fashion forward and eclectic, and despite the old surroundings, the city has a very modern outlook. The food is fabulous and seafood in particular is inspiring. In August, crayfish are a must and the shrimps are a year round obsession.

As any city that endures harsh winters, summers here are celebrated to the max. Many cafes and restaurants have a post outside with sofas, so it is a very cozy social scene. These places are filled all day long from coffee, to lunch, to afternoon coffee, to after work drinks, to dinner.

So crank your ABBA, get on your skinny jeans and get over to Stockholm at some point…this place is a breath of fresh air!

Oui, Oui...Paris!

Had a perfect day in Paris today all to myself. My perfect day consisted of five hours of walking aimlessly with no agenda all through the streets stopping in to any store that attracted me, or just standing on the Pont Neuf to watch people on the river go by. It also consisted of a two hour lunch at Café Flore with my usual…small salad verte with goat cheese crouton, and of course a café au lait après. I had time to watch people pass and dive into the book I’m reading. Perfect!

So many things about Paris please me. The awe inspiring buildings and apartments, the eclectic mix of people, the creativity in design and fashion (I especially love the window displays of most stores), the public transportation – I really like the Velib which is the practically free bike rental all throughout the city, and of course the beautiful parks throughout and the infamous, although touristy, Tour Eiffel. I will never get tired of seeing it light up at night, there is a magic about it.

Every year there are a few things I appreciate about being in the city. Most Parisians going to and from work are very well dressed. Men in their suits and woman with their stylish ensembles are fun to discover. Always inspirational on what the new look is, as the fashion in Paris is usually a year ahead of us stateside. For instance “the color” last fall in Paris was Purple, and this year it’s hitting the states. This year in France “the color” is Blue Marine, which is a range between grayish blue and electric blue. They are also throwing in some hints of pink.

Check out one of my favorite stores, Sisley, and click on the backstage video (bottom left of screen) to see the HOT photo shoot of the latest collection. Then click on Collection to actually see the clothes!

Tavira, Portugal

Bon Dia from Portugal! I’m telling you right now this is a gem of a place to visit. I think as Americans the usuals come to mind when wanting to visit Europe…France, Italy, Spain. Those destinations are obviously worthy, but if you want to go “off the beaten path”…Portugal is an excellent option. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of tourists here, but mostly all European or Eastern European.

The Algarve Coast is the southernmost part of Portugal, which is comprised of many small cities and fishing villages all along the coast. There are a lot of sea caves and rock formations that make the coastline very interesting. I really like it because it feels casual and cozy, a great place for families. The French Riviera for instance is so chic and party oriented, which is also fantastic, it’s a different ambience for sure.

We are in the charming town of Tavira only 30km from the Spanish border. Our amazing little enclave we call home this week is the Pousada Convento de Graca. It is a 500 year old convent completely remodeled to be a gorgeous little hotel that boast 39 rooms, a restaurant and pool. Just the perfect spot if you ask me to rest and relax and explore the coast of the Algarve.

The weather here most of the year is H.O.T., but the sea breeze makes it very enjoyable and comfortable. The beaches here are full on communities of restaurants, bars and activities for children. So you can’t get bored going to the beach all day. It is so much fun to explore. The sea is cold, but refreshing, there are plenty of sea shells everywhere to collect and examine. In true Euro style there is a steady stream of techno beats (now called Electronica btw) provided by the clubs on the beach and many young lovers bodies entangled in the heat.

The fresh seafood here is a great specialty; simple grilled fish on the beach has never tasted so good. The constant sun provides this region with fantastic oranges, tomatoes and melons and there is a stand in the middle of town where people come buy big jugs of fresh squeezed o.j.

Like a lot of small European towns there is a town square or “plaza” where people gather to have their coffee at one of the many bars that surround the square. At night it’s a place to sit and have a drink, or dessert, and on some evenings they have concerts there. The plaza is near a 16th century walking bridge, built by the Romans, that crosses the river. This is also a place where people gather at night.

All in all, I find Portugal a fantastic place to discover…moreover a place to be undiscovered.
Ciao, ciao!