Claire Hsu talks about growing the Asia Art Archive from strength to strength
The post All Out: Interview with Claire Hsu, co-founder of the Asia Art Archive appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
Sunday, December 31, 2017
A Guide to Argentine Meat with Pablo Rivero
Chef Pablo Rivero of Don Julio restaurant talk about the different cuts of meat that are commonly available in Argentina. Enjoy his tips!from Fine Dining Lovers
Star Power in the Kitchen: A Finex Cast Iron Skillet Giveaway
“Designed for whatever and wherever life wants you to cook. Designed for life.” —Finex Cast Iron Cookware Co.
Crafted by hand, twelve hands in fact, each Finex cast iron skillet or grill takes about 12 hours to make and is backed by their Good Forever guarantee. And when they are complete, they offer a sturdy, uniquely classic design that will last a lifetime in your kitchen set of tools.
Made for use on the stovetop or on the grill outside, as you can see from their Instagram images above, cook anything your culinary imagination and appetite craves and desires.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Finex is offering a giveaway of one of their cast iron skillets to a lucky TSLL reader. Upon being chosen at random, the lucky winner will get to choose the size (8″, 10″, 12″) as well as the style (a skillet or a grill).
Enter by Sunday January 7th (noon Pacific time) by simply leaving a comment below on this post with your email address as a means to reach you should you be chosen.
With a variety of recipes shared on their website, peruse options from savory to sweet and how to best utilize their cookware. Upon using their 10″ skillet which is one of their most popular designs, I immediately began making what I always enjoy in the mornings: eggs and steel cut oats (see images below). Simple, beautiful and well made, I am excited to welcome Finex cookware into my kitchen, and I think you will be as well.
~Full Disclosure: Finex sponsored the giveaway and the skillet given to me; however, my thoughts and opinions about the product are my own.
from The Simply Luxurious Life®
18 of the best countries to visit in 2018
Travel and tourism is one industry that has continued to thrive in recent years, consistently out-performing the global economy, and 2018 looks to be no exception. We spoke to a number of experts in the industry to find out their opinions on the countries to visit in the year ahead. And so here are 18 […]
The post 18 of the best countries to visit in 2018 appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.
from A Luxury Travel Blog
Best Ski Destination 2018 And The Must Stay Luxury Chalet
Best Ski Destination 2018 And The Must Stay Luxury Chalet
Where? Morzine, French Alps
Exactly? The White Valley Company, We stayed at the chic and stylish Chalet L’Ours.
When? December 2017. Ski season typically runs from December to April. We visited at the start of the season and the snow conditions in Morzine were amazing, with fresh powder snow delivered (on demand!) every day.
Opening shot: Bonnie wears cerise swimsuit in top image by Lazul and beanie hat by Somerville Scarves.
Ski outfit worn throughout post – Bonnie wears base layers by Sweaty Betty, onesie ski suit by Huskiwear, goggles by Adidas Eyewear and rose gold boots by Moon Boot. 
The White Valley Company Luxury Chalets
We stayed at Chalet L’Ours one of the three luxury Alpine chalets offered by The White Valley Company. Located in a picturesque tiny hamlet in Vallee de La Manche in the resort of Morzine in the French Alps, it’s close enough to town if you want to visit and also far enough to ensure an idyllic stay.
Three perfectly appointed, exquisitely decorated, contemporary ski chalets with stunning views and luxury spa facilities, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a fun packed family or chilled out romantic retreat in the mountains.
What to do
Most people opt to spend all day on the powder white pistes of Morzine and Avoriaz, which I must admit is quite addictive! But if you fancy a bit of activity that doesn’t involve skis or a snowboard, why not go on a snow shoeing trek through the spectacular countryside. Or back at the chalet join local pilates instructor, Georgie Kennington in one of her relaxing stretching/pilates classes.
And Relax
Alternatively take a day off and enjoy your gorgeous chalet with epic mountain views, curl up on the sofa in front of the log fire with a good book and a glass of Laurent Perrier or a chocolat chaud.
Or opt for my favourite activity, indulge in some post skiing pampering in the divine hot tub (opening shot), use the barrel sauna and steam room (pictured above) or get a massage in the comfort of your own chalet from the magical healing hands of masseuse Carrie from The Little Mountain Spa.
The Decor
The interiors at Chalet L’Ours are a super stylish, eclectic mix of 1950’s ‘Mad Men’ -esque furnishings, draped with lashings of soft furs, modern wood burning fires and trendy touches, like exposed filament light bulbs and super chic coffee table books dotted around the living areas. This ‘mid-century meets hygge’ styling is my idea of heaven! #InteriorGoals!
Bonnie wears Limited edition rose gold Moon Boots in front of the roaring log fire enjoying a cup of chocolat chaud aka hot chocolate!
Bonnie wears Sweaty Betty base layers in Chalet L’ours.
It’s all in the detail. From Sonos surround sound speakers, flat screen TV’s, excellent wifi and rainmaker showers, to GHD hair dryers and delicious Bamford toiletries in the bathrooms, everything has been thought of to create the ideal luxury experience.
Let’s hit the slopes
After a speedy boot fitting by the lovely Jean Michel who owns Gravier Ski Shop in town it’s time to hit the slopes. He comes up to the chalet to fit your boots and skis, which is a great personalised service offered to high end customers.
I was ready and fully kitted out in the latest gear and equipment. Now, if only I could ski….
Learning to ski
Before this trip I could barely ski, having had a couple of botched attempts in previous years I could just about pizza slice my way down the side of the nursery slope. So this time I decided to enlist the help of the professionals at SkiBeyond ski school. The results were incredible, after one 2-hour lesson with the lovely Riccey from Ski Beyond, I had graduated from greens and was trying my luck on Blue runs.
By the end of my second 2-hour lesson, I had mastered parallel skiing and was so much more in control of my technique than I had ever been previously. My confidence grew and by the end of the trip I was shooting down the mountain sides and truly enjoying it!
I highly recommend ski lessons (especially from Ski beyond if you’re in Morzine), it has totally changed my ski game! I’ve gone from a nervous novice, to calling myself a skier and I’m genuinely excited to book my next ski trip as soon as possible. I’ve been converted :)
Bonnie wears base layers by Sweaty Betty, Onesie ski suit by Huskiwear, goggles by Adidas Eyewear and rose gold boots by Moon Boot.
Food and Drink
The chalets can be booked as self catered lodges or with full catered meal service. I highly recommend the latter. We enjoyed a culinary journey from breakfast, afternoon tea, evening tapas to fine dining experiences thanks to our incredible chef Chris.
We dined on the perfect eggs Benedict at breakfast, delicious pan seared scallops, roast duck and incredible desserts at dinner. And can I just do a shout out for the exceptional banana bread and cakes at tea time. They were to die for :)
That was such an amazing ski trip. A huge thank you to Nancy and Andy at The White Valley Company Lodges for organising such a wonderful stay. To Ski Beyond for teaching me how to ski! Carrie at The Little Mountain Spa for the much needed massages and Georgie Kennington for the dreamy pilates lessons.
Also Skiidy Gonzales for organising swift airport transfers and Gravier Ski Shop for my skis and boots!
The Details
With both full service and self catered options White Valley Company are able to create bespoke holidays for your group. Individual room reservations are also available in the Lodge & Spa for those looking for a romantic getaway to the Alps.
Prices from £5000 for a self catered chalet sleeping up to 16 guests and from £895 per person for a seven night stay on a catered basis. For more information and reservations please visit www.thewhitevalleycompany.com
Flights are into Geneva and the White Valley Company can assist with booking your airport transfers. The journey time into resort is 1.15 minutes.
Good Bye from Morzine, join us next week The Style Traveller end of year round up 2017!
Bon Voyage xx
The post Best Ski Destination 2018 And The Must Stay Luxury Chalet appeared first on The Style Traveller.
from The Style Traveller
CONTEMPLATING IN CHANEL: HOW I REALLY FEEL ABOUT 2017
Today is THE day to think about the past year; what are we leaving behind, what are we taking with us, and what’s next? Funny, because when I’m forcing myself to think about this, I have no clue really… my contemplation of year 2017 has happened on many occasions, but on the spot it seems an impossible thing to do. Yet, I feel I owe you a few thoughts and some positive and thankful takeaways before we start 2018 together. I’m going to give it a try and put down a few words that feel are needed to be said… Contemplating in Chanel: How I really feel about 2017!
I think overall 2017 was an amazing year – as every year as long as I can remember was, because I tend to forget the bad things really quick. It’s my life motto, my ethos, my drug. I would not survive myself and the world I live in, if I wasn’t capable of doing this. However, there’s ONE thing that has been bothering me for quite a while. Actually, this stretches back to 2016, when the doctors considered me “clean of the C-word” and ready for life, work, and if I wanted to, more siblings for James and Stella. And oh boy, how much we want that…
But here’s the thing… when your reproductive system fails, but you already have two healthy kids, what’s there to complain about. People around me would constantly remind me about this when I – find all my courage – to open up about this; show my deepest emotions, and my feelings fear of never having another baby. You must know, I endure “pain” on my own, I’m really bad in sharing or showing, so whenever I do, it’s a real big thing for me. Anyway, as I quickly figured out, people don’t always the ability to keep their thoughts on this to themselves, I stopped talking about it… I smiled, and whenever someone would ask me if there was going to be a third, I would say “if it happens, it happens!”, and deep inside I would die.
Two years down the road, I went from the most reproductive woman – Thomas looked at me twice and James and Stella were there – to one of those who silently endure the feel of failure… In the end, that’s truly how it feels. My body fails on me, no matter how healthy and happy I live, how well I take care of myself, how many doctors tell me there’s nothing “wrong”, I fail, every month. And on top of that, my healthy and happy kiddies keep asking me for another one, ideally a sister for Stella, and of course, a brother for James. Let’s hope 2018 brings us more luck in the reproductive area, or success when we decide to take different measures… But most of all, let’s make sure we open up to each other about this a little more. There’s no need to feel the pain alone…
HAPPIER THOUGHTS for now, let’s set these difficult thoughts next to us for a little bit, and look back at the amazing things 2017 brought, because it was definitely a year of highs, too!
We started 2017 in Toronto, and spent the first quarter of the year enjoying winter on the Canadian slopes on many occasions, before we moved back to New York City. Living in Toronto was amazing on many levels, but it was definitely also a little bit of “surviving” for me. It means on one side that my work-life balance was “better” because in Toronto is by comparison to New York “not much happening”, whereas in New York there’s ALWAYS something happening. So when I was home, I was truly home and with a relax work schedule. However, this one the other head meant for I felt a constant pressure to compensate for this, travel more to make up for the time I wasn’t where most of my jobs were: in New York. And this extra traveling on top of my other work travel was a lot. So when the time came to move back to The City, it was a relief and something to start looking forward to – even though the thought of ANOTHER move was terrifying. But we survived! Of course. And soon, after Paris Haute Couture, New York AND Paris Fashion week – those highlights listed below – Spring in New York came!
Shows that were absolute highlights this year? Valentino at The Beekman Hotel in New York. My first time at Dior Haute Couture in Paris. Memorable moments with Karl Lagerfeld – on many occasions – but this one with the little Lilly Rose Depp as the bride in Chanel Haute Couture broke all records. Of course the last Chloe show in Paris with Clare Waight Keller as creative director – yup, that’s the sweater I wore later at Gov Ball – and officially finding my Chloe-twin Courtney. Then Karl took the Ready-to-wear show set-up to a complete next level with Chanel’s Ground Control in the Grand Palais… and I went to the Dior Cruise show in LA, one of THE MOST AMAZING shows in my short fashion-life! Plus, I got my first In-and-Out burger that week! More memorable moments with Karl Lagerfeld when he got honored after his Haute Couture show in Paris in July, that time the Chanel beauty brought me there to celebrate their new fragrance, and we danced with Pharell while at it :) And dancing we love, because I did it many times after, but one of them was too good not to mention: with my favorite Pierpaolo, at the Valentino after party!
Creating the cutest content for Bonpoint before we headed to Paris for their Fall-Winter 2017 show – I can’t believe how big they got compared to this photo. I mean… my heart explodes! And again during the Summer, when we shot at Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn, before they walked their first show for the brand!!!
Shooting for Vogue Bambini in New York with an insane wardrobe to pick from…Shooting with Chanel in Paris, and then creating an amazing video for their new fragrance! Then followed by a shoot for their Fall-Winter 2017 Pre-Collection, in the middle of a hot New York summer…
Another dream coming true was going to the Venice Film Festival with Jaeger Le-Coultre and the Dior dress I wore truly lived up to it! I still have so much content to share from this trip… Argh, I’m always so behind – maybe a new year’s resolution? Other beautiful events were the Cartier gala dinner in New York, playing some basket ball at the Valentino pop-up store in Soho, and the Amfar gala in New York with Net-a-Porter, dressed by Louis Vuitton. Of course, how can I forget LA with ERDEM and H&M for the ERDEMxHM show.
From our personal travels, the most relaxing one, to Costa Rica with our dear friends from London, was an absolute highlight! But being in Paris with Bonpoint during Haute Couture is now considered a family vacation/tradition too. There’s nothing like spending summer in Paris together… Summer in The Hamptons, for which we packed our bags many times, because we could not get enough of it! Even on cold Fall days it’s the best place to be! Mixing work and pleasure during a press trip to the Maldives with Vaara Lifestyle…
Getting my first tattoos!!! And not long after, added a little something to it… Going to many beautiful weddings in Manny beautiful places: Mexico and Italy.
Moreover, 2017 was about meeting incredibly inspiring women, which connected me to the Good+ Foundation for which we raised a lot of money and awareness in The Hamptons, in New York, and during store openings. And about making many new friends… dancing with new friends… Co-hosting the Whitney Art Party, The Guggenheim pre-party with Dior, and the Chanel store opening in Toronto.
But most important of all: First day of school for Stella, and James starting in Kindergarten.. What’s life without these family memories, work milestones, and health? Of course, there’s that little bump I discussed in the beginning of this article, but I’m confident 2018 will be better on that level. I truly hope I will be able to do all the above and more, stay healthy, enjoy time with my loved ones, and maybe… maybe welcome a little tiny human into our family.
Thanks for being there with me, and for me, this year. I hope you had a good one, and for now HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Photography by Marinke Davelaar, makeup by Zann Parker, creative assistant Ashleigh Magee.
Wearing full look from the Chanel Ready-to-Wear Fall-Winter 2017-18 Pre-Collection (see full collection here)
The post CONTEMPLATING IN CHANEL: HOW I REALLY FEEL ABOUT 2017 appeared first on THEFASHIONGUITAR.
from THEFASHIONGUITAR
Daily Dream home: Burt Farm Estate
The historical 131-acre Burt Farm Estate is a true legacy property in Cashiers, North Carolina. It was first settled by the Zachary family, one of the founding families of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The property is an idyllic setting of rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, bubbling creeks, flowing streams, sparkling ponds and an abundance of native shrubs and mature trees.
The nearly level drive meanders to the stately 1880s main residence with its generous indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Overlooking lush green lawns and colorful plantings, the spacious covered porch is a relaxing spot for sunset cocktails with friends. The estate also features a separate house for a caretaker or guests.
The back of the property gently climbs in elevation and is suitable for being subdivided or building additional homes or cottages.
Burt Farm is the Cashiers Historical Society’s 2016 Designer Showhouse.
The home has three fireplaces with wood floors and substantial beamed ceilings on the main floor.
The extensive remodeling includes all baths a completely new kitchen with Viking appliances, and brand new roofs on the house and garage.
This striking and substantial legacy estate is listed with Silver Creek Real Estate Group for $4.9 million and is showcased by Luxury Portfolio.
The post Daily Dream home: Burt Farm Estate appeared first on Pursuitist.
from Pursuitist
Happy 2018!
I asked some of the most travelled diners,bloggers and journalists which trends in gastronomy and food should stay and which ones should go in 2018. Here are some of the most interesting and popular answers… Happy New Year. 
Trends that should stay in 2018 (in random order)
Classic techniques, well made jus, pâté en croûte…
Equality in the kitchen.
More sustainability and less waste.
Chefs more present in the kitchen.
More table side cooking and carving.
Back to basics: more local,traditional,simple,seasonal,balanced.
More plants,less meat and dairy.
More appreciation of home cooking.
Traditional porcelain and pottery.
More focus on educating children about food.
Trends that should go away…
Emphasis on “Instagram” friendly presentation over flavor.
Meals that last longer than 3 hours and endless small bites.
Tasting menus with no à la carte options.
Avocados, micro herbs and flowers even in winter.
Wait until everyone has taken their photos.
Too many lists/awards.
Giving back Michelin stars.
Celebrity chefs opening restaurants everywhere without spending much time to train the kitchen staff.
Adding whatever quality caviar just to make dishes look more luxurious.
Natural wine without offering other options.
from Luxeat
Frank Muller turns 25 with Special Edition Cintree Curvex Watches
The Special Edition Cintree Curvex Watch celebrates the brand's 25 years and pays tribute to the avant-garde watchmaker, Franck Muller.
The post Frank Muller turns 25 with Special Edition Cintree Curvex Watches appeared first on LUXUO.
from LUXUO
My Top 16 Travel Moments of 2017
2017 has been a fantastic year of travel for me. I’ve visited seven new countries (Iceland, The Maldives, UAE, Austria, Hungary, St Vincent, Mexico) plus been to Spain FOUR times, Italy twice, revisited Greece to see Santorini for the first time plus really enjoyed seeing more of my own country. I’ve also managed to tick a fair number of things off my bucket list this year which really does feel amazing. That being said these are my top travel moments of 2017.
1. Taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon and the geothermal pools of Iceland
Iceland was top of my list for places to visit and it was every bit as good as I hoped. I always wanted to visit the famous Blue Lagoon and experience the geothermal water and see the beautiful pool.
Whilst in Iceland we loved our stay at Deplar Farm where we also experience a dip in a random geothermal pool in the middle of nowhere. Both were truly pinch yourself moments.
2. Brunch on the Belmond British Pullman Train
A journey on the Belmond British Pullman Train, sister to Venice Simplon Orient-Express, is a bucket list experience for many people – myself included. I was lucky enough to experience brunch on the famous train this year, a day that made me feel like I was going back in time to the Golden Age of Travel. 
I was also delighted that I was able to have this incredible experience with Lauren, who I met through blogging and has become on of my closest friends. 
3. Watching a Santorini Sunset
I’d seen the photos so many times on Instagram, the beautiful sunsets on the Greek Island of Santorini. Though I’d visited Greece several times before, I’d never been to this paradise island so it was a dream come true when this year I stayed in the Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa as part of a collaboration with Classic Collection and I finally got to see one of those fabled sunsets from our gorgeous hotel. 
4. A Beautiful Road trip through Turin
I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was invited on a beautiful road trip through through Piedmont in North-West Italy as part of a collaboration with Ford Cars. On this trip we visited the utterly gorgeous Cerreto Monsordo Bernardina Estate, ate lunch from the chefs at three Michelin starred Piazza Duomo, went truffle hunting in Alba and visited a chocolate factory in Turin.
5. Revisiting Lake Como
Lake Como will always be a really special place for Mr S and I since our first visit five years ago. Last time we only had a day trip to the lake, this time we stayed for three nights in one of my bucket list hotels, Grand Hotel Tremezzo. 
As well as experiencing this hotel for the first time, we returned to Villa D’Este for lunch – hotel that holds so many wonderful memories for us, experienced a private boat trip on beautiful Lake Como and visited the brand new hotel, Il Sereno. 
6. First Time in Mexico
At the beginning of the year I was invited to Mayakoba in Mexico to experience everything this wonderful resort had to offer. It was my first time in Mexico and I totally fell in love with the incredible food and the beautiful Rosewood Mayakoba. 
I would really love to revisit this gorgeous country and see more of the cultural aspects – Mr S would love it here too.
7. Flying from Gatwick to Heathrow with British Airways
When I was invited to fly from Gatwick to Heathrow with British Airways, I had to do a double take… the journey would be to experience the new premium products that British Airways had to offer but honestly I didn’t understand what was actually going on until I got there. 
It ended up being a really fabulous and unique experience from start to finish with three hours in the air experiencing all the new food and beverage offering from British Airways and hearing about everything that they had coming up in the next year.
8. Staying on a Private Island in the Caribbean
I’m so grateful for the wonderful experiences that this blog has given me and one of the best ever was staying on the gorgeous private paradise island of Petit St. Vincent. 
A true digital detox, staying on this island in your own little cottage allows you to take a break from the rest of the world and enjoy the fantastic food and service of this magical place.
9. Eating Tapas on the beach Barcelona
Barcelona: a city I’d never visited but one that Mr S loved, I finally visited this year. I certainly fell in love with the city too and the incredible Gaudí architecture. For both Mr S and I one of the best things about the trip was simply enjoying the beautiful beach front restaurants and sampling incredibly fresh fish and paella.
10. A Whirlwind Visit to El Celler de Can Roca
A matter of weeks after my first trip to Barcelona, I returned for a whirlwind press trip in collaboration with the Macallan. We touched down in Barcelona, checked into Hotel Omm and quickly got ready for what was to be an utterly magical night. 
After quickly changing we hurtled an hour and a half down the road to Girona and El Celler de Can Roca, a three-Michelin star restaurant that has twice been placed the best restaurant in the world. Here was met the three Roca brothers and ate one of the best meals of our lives, we left a midday the following day having not even spent 24 hours in Spain.
11. Staying in the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest and a Festive trip to Budapest
Budapest was a city I’d heard so much about and it had been on my bucket list for so long so it was a dream come true when Mr S whisked me off to the city to stay at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. A trip spent enjoying a gorgeous hotel, the very best restaurants and the cutest of Christmas markets – I can’t imagine a better place to spend Christmas.
12. Coffee Culture in Vienna
The beginning of the year saw my first ever trip to Austria and a visit to the capital city, Vienna. We absolutely loved our stay at Hotel Imperial Vienna and took every opportunity to experience the coffee houses and the famous coffee cultural in this gorgeous city. We tried a fair amount of wine too!
13. A Gastronomic Road Trip through Spain
Having not seen much of Spain before, I really got to explore it more this year especially when I was invited on a trip in collaboration with Gin Mare that would take me across the length of the country. We started in Rioja visiting the architecturally stunning hotel and vineyard, Marqués de Riscal before a three hour drive to Madrid where we checked into Hotel Urso and enjoyed the in house restaurant for dinner. 
It was an early start the next day with a three hour train ride to Jerez to see the sherry bodega’s before finishing with lunch at two Michelin starred Aponiente. A rather exhausting whirlwind journey but incredible from start to finish.
14. Driving a Rolls-Royce to Soho Farmhouse
You probably got seriously fed up of me going on about Soho Farmhouse in Oxford but this English countryside retreat is truly my happy place! Mr S and I visited twice this year and the first time it was made even more special because we were leant a Rolls-Royce Wraith to take us there!
We also had an utterly wonderful time when we returned a few weeks later to spend my birthday at my beloved Farmhouse.
15. Staying Converted Monastry in the Spanish Countryside
I know a hotel is truly spectacular when Mr S is blown away – and he really was impressed by Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine – once a twelfth century monastery now a five star hotel and vineyard with a Michelin star restaurant.
With much of the original architecture preserved, this was truly a sensational place quite unlike anywhere we’d ever been!
16. First Time in The Maldives
I think visiting The Maldives is a dream for most people and we finally got to do it at the beginning of this year. We chose two very different hotels; three nights in rustic, bare foot luxury, eco-chic Gili Lankanfushi and three night in uber glamorous and elegant Velaa Private Island. 
I mean what an amazing year!! Watch this space for my 2018 plans and January’s Travel link up – Travel Wishlists and plans for the year of adventures ahead.
What were your best travel moments of 2017?
The post My Top 16 Travel Moments of 2017 appeared first on SilverSpoon London.
from SilverSpoon London
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