A closer look at dry brining method: it's a brining method capable of transforming the flavour and tenderness of barbecued dishes. Discover its secrets.from Fine Dining Lovers
Thursday, August 31, 2017
The Science of Dry Brining
A closer look at dry brining method: it's a brining method capable of transforming the flavour and tenderness of barbecued dishes. Discover its secrets.from Fine Dining Lovers
Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo and more are auctioning Milan Fashion Week tickets for charity
As part of the new charity movement, Italian designer brands are also offering exclusive backstage passes and a chance to meet some of fashion's bigwigs.
from LUXUO
from LUXUO
Pop art icon Yayoi Kusama is opening her own museum in Tokyo
The five-storey museum will host an inaugural exhibition dedicated to Kusama, displaying an array of the avant-garde artist's latest work for the first time.
from LUXUO
from LUXUO
The People’s Princess
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car crash in Paris. I can remember hearing the news in Boston like it was yesterday. She was such a kind and caring person that it would be interesting to have her here today to guide us all through these unsure times. Perhaps, we should all honor her memory by trying to do more for others, especially since there are so many who could use our help right now.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Diana, Princess of Wales 1961 – 1997
from Habitually Chic®
7 of the best photo and video spots in Vienna
Capturing the best of Vienna through a lens requires perspective rather than tough search. After all, Wien is one of Europe’s most elegant cities, boasting a historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage. Here are seven spots at both well known attractions and insider places that will add a unique angle to a Vienna photo […]
The post 7 of the best photo and video spots in Vienna appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
from A Luxury Travel Blog
The Ultimate Romantic UK Minibreak to Holkham
The Ultimate Romantic UK Minibreak to Holkham
Where? The magnifiscent Holkham Lodges within the grounds of Holkham Hall with Barefoot Retreats.
Exactly? Norfolk, England, UK
When? August 2017
Why? For Charlie’s birthday this year I decided to come over all ‘Period Drama’ (in a historical novel sort of way!) and check us into Pemberley from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, aka Holkham Hall in Norfolk. Holkham is the location where the BBC’s latest adaptation of P&P was filmed. We were lucky enough to be invited to stay at one of the Holkham estates magnificent and unusual holiday lodges.
If you’re looking to impress your loved ones or friends and family, I highly recommend these stunning properties for a special occasion and a fairytale setting. They really are out of the ordinary. Keep scrolling to see the Triumphal Arch lodge where we stayed and yes, it is as extravagant as it sounds….
Above: Bonnie wears vintage dress by Pinko.
Shades of Pemberley
Set in the heart of a beautiful 25,000 acre estate by the stunning Norfolk coastline, the 18th century Palladian manor house of Holkham Hall stands proud amidst the lush green parkland. The seat of the Earl of Leicester this exceptional stately home is also home to the Earl and his family, it’s a fully functioning, working and living estate.
The hall has a rich history, in art and architecture, featuring the grand Marble Hall with dome ceilings, arches and columns and a very impressive collection of artworks and tapestries including Rubens, Gainsborough and Van Dyck pieces.
Best time to go? We went in August so the weather was warm and we spent the day by the beach. The beauty of staying in the Holkham Lodges is that there’s plenty to do whatever the season. Long beaches and countryside walks in the summer, plus canoeing or kayaking around the lakes.
There’s lots to keep you occupied on cold rainy days too. Visit Holkham Hall with its opulent interiors and exhibits, which incorporate fun interactive displays. Or luxuriate in the peace and quiet of your own secluded lodge and lock yourself in for the weekend with the cosy wood burning stove set alight.
A regal bedroom in the main house. Not for paying guests, this room is for visiting dignitaries only.
The Marble Hall creates a suitably extravagant entrance to the house.
The house kitchen looks akin to something from Downton Abbey. You can just imagine the cooks running around preparing a great feast for the lords and ladies upstairs in the past.
The Triumphal Arch
One of the most unique holiday properties in the country, the Triumphal Arch at Holkham is a grade 1 listed building. Originally designed by renowned architect William Kent the purpose of the arch was to impress travellers who were making their way to the Norfolk coast via the Holkham Estate.
Today it has been converted into a romantic retreat for two, set just on the outskirts of the Holkham Park. It’s hard to imagine staying in a more unusual and quirky property.
Above: Bonnie poses by the Triumphal Arch and below an aerial view of it.
Inside the decor is clean, light, minimal, yet homely with soft textured furnishings. The huge wooden ceiling beams give a nod to the buildings history. It’s grand yet cosy.
Bonnie enjoys a glass of champagne by the fire place (it was lit I promise). Wearing Elle MacPherson Intimates and towelling gown.
The lounge inside the arch.
Going for a walk along the isolated windswept beaches of Holkham. The beaches are so quiet it’s the perfect setting for a romantic stroll.
After our day on the beach and looking around the house, we went to The Victoria Inn, also part of the Holkham Estate, for a fantastic birthday dinner. We ordered classic surf and turf, I went for the Lobster (which was perfectly cooked and delicious) and Charlie had the Steak.
Sardines for starters.
Below Bonnie wears red star dress by Dancing Leopards at Silk Fred.
Hello Mr Lobster!
Happy birthday!!! Charlie looks very pleased with his mini birthday cake.
That was such a fabulous weekend away. Thank you so much Holkham Estates for such a wonderful stay. To find out more about the lodges and prices click this link. Can’t wait to visit again soon.
Bon Voyage xx
The post The Ultimate Romantic UK Minibreak to Holkham appeared first on The Style Traveller.
from The Style Traveller
Hurricane Harvey: How You Can Help a Fellow TSLL Reader and Their SE Texas Community
One TSLL reader’s daughter has lost her home, but she, her son and her dogs are safe. One TSLL reader’s parents had to be evacuated from their home. One reader lives in the Houston community in which sergeant Steve Perez gave his life as he headed to work Monday morning to help his fellow citizens in a time of crisis. Within our small community here on TSLL, we are connected to those affected by the wrath of Hurricane Harvey.
Hurricane Harvey’s devastation has not only hit Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, but many communities in SE Texas area and along the Gulf Coast headed to Louisiana (see a crisis map here from NOAA). With rain expected to continue to fall through Friday and some places being deluged with more than 50 inches of rain, the Houston area is experiencing the worst flooding in history.
No doubt, you too, no matter where you call home, are aware of the horrendous situation residents are experiencing, the lives that have been impacted and the uncertainty that is being felt as the news is regularly updating us all. But these are people who were about to begin September after a warm and wonderful summer with a spring in their step and hope to strive ever closer to their dreams, and if you, like me, are fortunate to be able to help, I wanted to share with you a few credible and vetted ways to do so.
It is one thing to watch the news and again and again be reminded of the destruction and the anguish that is being felt. Upon hearing these stories of loss, my heart broke. But to just absorb such information without taking action when we may be able to help can be paralyzing and harmful to the onlooker. Instead, if you are able, find a way to help in any small way possible. No matter how seemingly nominal, every bit of assistance helps if it is what is needed.
What is needed and how you can help:
- Author Brené Brown in her Instagram feed yesterday shared specific information about the need for clean (and still in its package) underwear. Below are three different ways to donate these items:
- Buy from this link on Amazon she provided – www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2O89ZX93OGCSU/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
- Her instructions: Collect new, packaged underwear and mail it to the address below. It’s our local Hillel and they are collecting for us. This is a really great neighborhood or school project. If you’re purchasing, we recommend Hanes or Fruit of the Loom. UFE doesn’t process or give out anything but underwear!
- Undies for Everyone
1700 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77005
- Undies for Everyone
- Her instructions: Give cash and Undies for Everyone will purchase wholesale. Click the “Donate” button on their website: www.undiesforeveryone.org
- NPR has shared a list of charities to donate to with information about each. In order to vet the charities, NPR recommended Charity Navitagor to further ensure your money and donations are indeed helping those in need.
- Animals as well need help and assistance. Donate to The Humane Society here.
- Specifically, the Houston Humane Society and the San Antonio Humane Society are helping animals affected by the storm.
- The New York Times shared the following, the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund was established by Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston and is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
- A TSLL reader affected by the devastation shared You Caring as a site to donate as well.
~To avoid scams and stories of the tragedy that are not true, read this story written by The New York Times.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Part of bringing relief is knowing how to help, and sometimes that can be hard to determine. I hope in some small way this post has answered this question, and if you have information that can be helpful, please let me know or comment below with questions as I will do my best to answer.
Illustration by All the Wire, visit their website here where part of their proceeds are given to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
from The Simply Luxurious Life®
Preparing for the September Shift
~Joseph Cashmere Sweater (other colors avaialble)~
~Altuzarra serge stretch-crepe flared pants or Antonio Berardi Crepe straight-leg pants~
~Étoile Isabel Marant Pey leather pumps~
~Alexander Wang Rockie mini textured-leather shoulder bag~
~Monogram Circle Necklace by Phyllis + Rosie~
~Fendi printed silk-twill scarf~
~The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles that Reveal how to Make Your Life Better (and other people’s lives better, too) by Gretchen Rubin
~SHOP THE OUTFIT:
~View OUTFITS OF THE WEEK in the Archives here
from The Simply Luxurious Life®
Visiting the Site of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster: Chernobyl, Ukraine
As a tourist, Chernobyl is one of the most haunting, unique, and fascinating places I’ve ever visited. It definitely falls under the category of ‘dark tourism’ and might not be for everyone. However, I appreciated learning more about the history and our guides from SoloEast did an incredible job showing us around and making us feel safe. This was another stop on my fabulous tour through the Ukraine with Cobblestone Freeway Tours!
Chernobyl is a 90-minute bus ride from Kiev and made for an interesting day trip. In order to visit, you must have a guide and also need security clearance which can take a few days so be sure to plan ahead. For those who aren’t familiar, Chernobyl was the site of the largest uncontrolled radioactive release into the environment in history. This catastrophic nuclear accident occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant near Pripyat. The data often varies, but this disaster ended up killing and affecting the health of hundreds of thousands of people, possibly millions. It also created a zone of nearly 20 miles that had to be evacuated due to the dangerous radiation levels. This radiation won’t go away for hundreds of years!
Since 2011, Chernobyl has been a tourist attraction and sees almost 40,000 visitors a year. We used a geiger counter during our visit which is an instrument used for measuring the radiation levels. We measured our levels in Kiev before leaving and it was .15. Upon arrival, you pass through several security checkpoints.
Quite surprisingly, there is still a working hotel inside Chernobyl exclusion zone, The Desiatka Hotel. It hosts tourists who are on official guided tours. There are more than 3,000 workers still active in the Zone, living in Chernobyl town during 4-day and 15-day shifts. They commute daily to work at the Chernobyl plant from their new homes in Slavutych.
We saw a monument which showed us all of the towns that were evacuated after the disaster. The were around 80! It really started to sink in just how tragic this event was. Not only were people in extreme danger, but the thought of leaving your home forever is completely heartbreaking.
While driving through the forest, the geiger counter started beeping and I immediately noticed the trees. They had this red color to them from the radiation that they were exposed to. I almost felt like I was in another world.
Upon entering the 30km radius Exclusion Zone, we were briefed on what we would be seeing. One of our first stops was a huge radio tower called the Duga radar, known as the Russian Woodpecker. It was an over-the-horizon radar system designed to warn of an impending nuclear attack. It is now part of the nuclear wasteland.
It was especially difficult visiting the abandoned schools, apartments, and hospitals. As you can see from the haunting photos, this isn’t your typical tourist attraction. Throughout our tour, we would use the geiger counter to measure the radiation levels, or it would start beeping to alert us that it had risen.
There were a few hot spots during our tour, but the highest radiation reading was closest to Reactor Number 4 where my geiger went up to 1.14, and we couldn’t stay long.
The hospital was another place with high radiation level readings. When the accident occurred, the firefighters who were stationed outside the nuclear reactor were the first ones to arrive. They weren’t dressed in protective gear so they were exposed to very high levels of radiation. When they were hospitalized, their clothes were buried in the basement of the hospital.
The abandoned town of Pripyat and its iconic fairground is probably the most well known image of Chernobyl and it’s definitely the most eerie. This is a true ghost town, except it’s not something you watch on TV or in movies. I had to remind myself of that quite often during the tour because it’s almost unbelievable.
Chernobyl has a vast population of radioactive animals which include over 250 stray dogs that roam the grounds. Because of this, the fox shown below thinks its a dog and was exploring the area and coming up to people in search of food! I also noticed bees and ants that were absolutely enormous because of the radiation. It was fascinating and also a little bit creepy.
Throughout the tour, you pass through many radiation checkpoints. At the very end, we went through the detectors one last time to make sure we didn’t have any traces of radiation on us or our belongings. Luckily, everyone in our group had the green light and we headed back to Kiev in the early evening.
I will never forget my visit to Chernobyl. Like many dark tourism sites, this isn’t the easiest place to explore but I think it’s important to learn about what happened and pay your respects to those who once lived here. Big thanks to SoloEast Travel and Cobblestone Freeway for organizing this special experience!
The post Visiting the Site of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster: Chernobyl, Ukraine appeared first on Carmen's Luxury Travel.
from Carmen's Luxury Travel
2019 Bentley Continental GT
While there was very little change between the original Bentley Continental GT and its second generation, there is a lot of difference to be...
from Men's Gear
from Men's Gear
Staying at Wales’ first luxury Glampotel at Brandy House Farm, Wales
Driving up to Brandy House Farm was like driving into a scene from an old fashioned story book. A single track lane ran through a field filled with lambs who leapt about in the long grass to signal my arrival. I came to an enormous, ramshackle farm house framed by colourful flowers, happy daisies and…
The post Staying at Wales’ first luxury Glampotel at Brandy House Farm, Wales appeared first on The Travel Hack.
from The Travel Hack
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
5 reasons for a Galapagos vacation with kids
In terms of do-ability and safety, a Galapagos Islands family vacation is easily achievable for most households. Plus, such a getaway can have a powerful and lasting influence on kids. Notwithstanding the concerns about traveling with children to the seemingly remote Galapagos Islands in Spanish-speaking South America, there are a number of more powerful reasons […]
The post 5 reasons for a Galapagos vacation with kids appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
from A Luxury Travel Blog
5 African beach paradises you never knew existed
For many of us, paradise equals sunshine, sand, and surf. Cocktails and sunsets are an added bonus. Sun seekers typically head to the Caribbean or Southeast Asia for such pleasures, but if you really want a sublime beachside experiences, and especially one where you’re likely to have the beach to yourself, you need to consider […]
The post 5 African beach paradises you never knew existed appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
from A Luxury Travel Blog
San Francisco Trip Recap
I love visiting San Francisco because I have so many lovely friends who live in the city and because it has such a robust design community. My recent 10th Anniversary trip to San Francisco before heading to Napa was a little rushed. I got to visit a lot of my favorite places but didn’t have time to make it to some others and a few new places. I’ve tried to include some of them in this recap so you have a full guide to San Francisco.
I usually stay at the Hotel Drisco in Pacific Heights but I decided to stay at the Four Seasons on Market Street near Union Square. It was close to a lot of great shopping and within walking distance to the Ferry Building.
The Four Seasons is embarking on a new renovation of their guest rooms and I was given a sneak peek. The colors refer back to the blue/grey color of the fog and the orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is also represented in the art in this room.
The Four Seasons has great views in a lot of their rooms.
The designers of the new rooms are Meyers Davis who are based in New York.
We were lucky enough to have a delicious dinner at MKT Restaurant in the Four Seasons Saturday night.
After I landed and dropped by bags at the hotel, my dear friend and interior designer Grant K. Gibson picked me up for a quick lunch at As Quoted and then a little design tour of Sacramento Street before my travel companion arrived.
The new de Gournay showroom opened on Sacramento Street in March and it’s definitely worth a visit.
March is one of the chicest stores on Sacramento Street. They have everything from their own spices and condiments, table top pieces, flatware, cookware, books, art, gifts, and even some clothing.
When you visit March, make sure you go back to the garden and back building where they have even more products.
This is a look at just a sampling of what’s in the back building at March.
Sue Fisher King is another classic store on Sacramento Street. They carry a vast array of Astier de Villatte, D. Porthault, books, table top, home decor, accessories, and more.
It was nice to see interior designer and former New Yorker Allison Caccoma in her new store on Sacramento Street.
Allison’s store is a mix of new and vintage pieces.
Love the cheetah painting in Allison’s store!
I have a soft spot for Hudson Grace since I had a book signing there in 2012. They also have stores now in Marin, Palo Alto, Montecito, and Brentwood.
Owners Monelle Totah and Gray McNatton were unfortunately not in the store when we popped by but their collection of hotel silver was on full display at Hudson Grace.
Grant Gibson‘s favorite flower shop is Bloomers where we made a quick visit. I didn’t have time to visit Jonathan Rachman‘s store which I’m really upset about. Hero Shop is also getting rave reviews but I missed going there too. Lebreton is the chicest antiques shop I’ve visited before but didn’t have time for this trip. You always have to leave a reason to return and I have a lot of reasons to plan another trip to San Francisco!
When I stay at the Hotel Drisco, I usually take a few early walks around Pacific Heights. Since I was not staying in the are, Grant was kind enough to do a quick drive through the neighborhood to see some of the beautiful homes.
Pacific Heights has a great view of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz.
Pacific Heights is also home to many notable residents and gorgeous homes.
Friday eventing was capped off with dinner at my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Garibaldi’s is a neighborhood favorite and you should definitely order their speciality the Chicken Milanese.
Saturday morning started off with a great workout at the Equinox that is open to guests of the Four Seasons and then a visit to the Ferry Building.
I was really glad we worked out early after I saw how many food stalls were at the Ferry Building.
Pieces from Heath Ceramics always make great souvenirs to take home from California.
We ended up just grabbing some food from different stalls in the Ferry Building but Grant Gibson recommends Bouli Bar and Slanted Door for sit down meals. We walked by them and they both looked great.
Pretty flowers available at the Ferry Building.
The view from the Ferry Building.
After the Ferry Building, we walked back to the hotel and did a little shopping along the way. One place I was dying to visit because we don’t have them in New York was Cuyana.
The mood board at Cuyana.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Cuyana, they design essential timeless pieces in luxurious fabrics and materials without logos. Their motto is fewer, better things.
One of my old interior design clients moved to San Francisco and now works for Square. I reached out as soon as I finalized my trip so we could catch up. The last time I saw her was when I was living in Paris. So it was perfect that we met up at the French themed Petit Marlowe.
Petit Marlowe is part of the Big Night Restaurant Group which also runs Marlowe, Park Tavern, the Cavalier, Marianne’s, and Leo’s Oyster Bar. I think most, if not all, were designed by Ken Fulk.
Petit Marlowe was named the best first date spot in San Francisco. I chose it because it was new and close to the Four Seasons.
The delicious deviled eggs at Petit Marlowe. Summer Tompkins Walker, the founder of Walker Valentine, and I were trying to get together during my visit but her daughter broke her arm and had to have surgery. She sweetly sent us a bottle of rosé to enjoy that night. Definitely check out her insanely chic monogramed linens and gifts.
After a whirlwind two days in San Francisco, we drove a new 2017 Lincoln Continental to Napa for a relaxing few days at Auberge du Soleil. I’ll have more about this part of the trip soon.
Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge is always exciting.
from Habitually Chic®
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