Wednesday, June 21, 2017

5 Tips to Survive Summer in the City

1. Wear to work a flowy dress—it will instantly make you feel like you are on vacation in the Caribbean.


2. Surround yourself with flowers. It’s nothing new that keeping plants in the home and in the workplace enhances your mood, but studies suggest that plants can also increase our memory retention and concentration.


3. Find tranquil places near a place you live and visit them as often as you can. A simple walk in the park can bring you peace of mind after a hectic workday. 


4. Try out a new restaurant or a new recipe. A good way to break you out of a work routine is to do something you’ve never done before. Exploring new things help us get a new perspective and see new possibilities. 


5. Even if you are staying in the city for the whole summer, dress weather appropriate. Rompers are appropriate for work and are great alternatives to short summer dresses. A straw hut will protect your face from the sun. Complete the look with comfortable flats, your favorite summer accessories, and you are ready to conquer the city streets in style.
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Monday, June 5, 2017

Top 5 Culinary Trends in 2017

1. Imperfect-Perfect Fruits and Vegetables

It used to be that gnarled carrots and funky, misshapen apples didn’t meet major retailers’ beauty standards. Now, chefs and food stylists embrace flawed fruits and vegetables more than ever. Images of beautifully imperfect veggies are becoming popular on culinary Instagram accounts. Caterers use uniquely shaped vegetables as centerpieces on their rustic buffets. Following the trend, major retailers started selling misshapen fruits and vegetables in their stores.


2. Nondairy Milk

The most popular nondairy milk include almond, soy, rice, and coconut. More recent additions to the market are hemp milk and pistachio milk. More and more people have an intolerance to dairy. Others believe that dairy-free milk is a more humane choice. Whatever the reason providing nondairy milk options with morning coffee is becoming standard in New York City.


3. Naked Cake

The naked cake is simply a cake with exposed sides, showcasing all the layers in between. Naked cakes are often decorated on top with berries and edible flowers. We will see the naked cake trend in wedding cakes throughout this year.


4. Poke

Poke is deconstructed sushi. Poke, originating in Hawaii, where it is eaten as the cubed fish on its own or served over a bowl of sushi rice. Increasingly popular ahi poke is generally made from raw yellowfin tuna, complemented with seasonings, and rice.


5. Low-Alcohol Cocktails

Low-alcohol drinks have an alcoholic strength by volume (ABV) of between 0.5 and 1.2% so you can enjoy these cocktails without worrying that you’re having too much to drink. Low-octane cocktails, like Rosé Spritzer, are breezy cocktails that pack more flavor than potency. It’s more about social drinking and enjoying time with your friends than getting drunk.

Best Spring Travel Destinations for the Foodies


Photo from Pixabay

Nowadays, you can find great food any time of the year but there’s nothing better than fresh seasonal eating. Due to the different seasons and traditions across Europe, you’ll find plenty of choices when it comes to tasty cuisines. Producers and chefs who are passionate about their seasonal national dishes get the best out of local produce from field to table. Here are five examples of destinations and their celebrated fruits and vegetables you should try.

Artichokes in Italy


Italy is world renowned for its exceptional cuisine and spring is an excellent time to visit to sample fresh local produce. Artichokes are celebrated in spring and April is the month of Artichoke festivals.

Tuscany and the provinces of Rome are where you will usually find these festivals. During this time restaurants often offer fixed price menus where dishes are solely based on artichokes and you’ll find magnificent displays built from these vegetables. Different varieties can be found across the country and each has their own look and subtle flavor differences.

The most popular dish to try is the Roman-Jewish deep fried artichoke which can be found in many establishments especially in Rome. Simply served with salt and pepper, it might seem basic but it is delicious, especially when washed down with great Italian wines. The best places to try artichokes in Rome is in the Jewish Ghetto, with restaurants such as Piperno, Giggetto, and Pompiere.

Oranges in Spain


During this season, the wonderful aroma of orange blossoms can be found in cities such as Seville, Córdoba, and Málaga. This is probably a scenery you would expect when you think of great spring destinations. Fresh Oranges are in abundance in Spain and in many different varieties too, whether they are used for eating, cooking, or in jams, they are all celebrated.

In Seville, the streets are lined with bitter orange trees which when blossoming gives the city its own lovely distinct smell. Although these oranges are rarely used for eating fresh, they are often used to make marmalade and flowers are used for aromatherapy.

Popular in Spain Valencia is often called the ‘Orchard of Spain’ and produces the sweetest varieties of oranges. There are many activities for food lovers including orange picking, visiting the Orange Museum and making your own fresh orange juice. As well as sampling the different orange varieties of course!

Aubergines in Turkey


As the most prized vegetable in the country, more aubergines are grown in Turkey than anywhere else in Europe. This vegetable is loved for its versatility and is often used as a meat substitute in dishes. It used to be called the poor people meat in the past but now it is valued by all. Nearly two hundred different dishes, including pickles and even jam, are made from aubergines in Turkey.

The best way to sample aubergine in its different forms in Turkey is to try a few dishes in a traditional meze. When you order a meze, you can try lots of little dishes including patlican salatasi – an aubergine mash, baba ganoush -an aubergine salad and saksuka – aubergine and tomatoes. Your host might also recommend dishes for you to try.

Istanbul is a great place to dive into Turkish cuisine and one of the top-rated restaurants for aubergine dishes is Karaköy Lokantası in the center of the city.

Rhubarb in the UK


A vegetable that is also a fruit is celebrated in the Rhubarb Triangle in Yorkshire, England. This versatile vegetable is used in stews, crumbles, sauces, jams and even drinks.

Peak season is between April and June, and this is when many spring markets and food festivals showcase the best produce. Here rhubarb is traditionally harvested by candlelight from forcing sheds where it is kept ensuring a sweet flavor. Those who are looking to prepare and cook their own rhubarb should be aware that the leaves are poisonous and are not to be eaten or used in any cooking. Retailers tend to sell just edible rhubarb stalks to prevent any mishaps.

You can find local dishes such as rhubarb crumble and custards prepared all over Yorkshire and the rest of the UK. Pubs serving local cuisine will usually have a rhubarb pudding on the menu at this time of the year. For something a little different the restaurant 400 Rabbits in Crystal Palace serves up a rhubarb pizza, or why not try Edinburgh Gins and ginger liquor served with rhubarb.

Asparagus in Croatia


Croatia’s coastline is filled with wild asparagus during spring and it is a popular local pastime to go foraging for this elusive vegetable. You can join a group or book a tour to find, cook and eat your own wild asparagus.

If you don’t fancy picking vegetable yourself, restaurants up and down Istria and Dalmatia have plenty to choose from on their menus. Dishes range from traditionally served with boiled eggs with a little salt and pepper, the Istrian favorite of asparagus fritaja or fuzi to the Dalmatian specials of risotto or asparagus soup.

Recipes vary between regions, however, the whole of Croatia appreciates the natural gift their country has given them. Croatians have found many ways to use this versatile veg and now you can try a taste of it too.

Where is your food heaven in Europe in spring?


Europe has a vast assortment of regional cuisines and favorite produce to suit each destination. The key to amazing tastes is to use seasonal local ingredients well and Countries listed above do just that. But this is just touching on the great flavors available in spring in Europe.

Did your favorite spring destination feature here? What in your opinion is the most delicious cuisine available in spring time?



John Miller is a travel blogger who loves to travel and write about his experiences. If you want to know more take a look at his blog at Pretravels.com and find him on Facebook and Twitter.

10-DAY SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

I knew that our southwest road trip was going to be special, but the beauty of the native American landscape with its deserts, mountains, canyons, and national parks surpassed my expectations



Las Vegas (Days 1 to 3)


Based on flight prices, we decided to begin our southwest road trip in Las Vegas. You can almost always find affordable flights to Vegas, no matter where you're coming from. So, Vegas it was!

We landed at McCarran International Airport (via a direct flight from New York) and drove our rental car to the Bellagio Hotel on the Strip. It was our first time in Vegas, so we decided to stay for two days to jumpstart our southwest road trip. If you would like to hear more about our experiences in Vegas here is my Viva Las Vegas! blog post.



Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend (Day 4)


The drive from Vegas to Antelope Canyon, located on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona, takes about 4.5 hours. The Navajo land uses a different time zone than the neighboring areas of Utah, so don't be surprised if the time on your phone changes a few times. When you get here, you can choose between visiting lower and upper canyons or do both. You can't explore them on your own—you are required to pay for a tour guide that costs about $30 each per person. A longer photography tour is more expensive. From our experience, there is no need to book a tour in advance, especially if you are not sure how long your drive is going to take.

We decided to see the lower canyon, as it is less crowded with tourists due to its narrowness. According to the online reviews, guides will sometimes let you go down on your own after you pay the fee. We were accompanied by a lovely Navajo tour guide who taught us about Native American history and how the canyons were formed. Walking through the canyon felt peaceful and magical. I wish we had reserved more time to explore this unique geological monument, formed over hundreds of years as water ran through the sandstone, forming a slot canyon.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Don't forget to tip your tour guide if you enjoyed his company. After all, it's their territory, and you wouldn't be able to see it if not for their courtesy.

Horseshoe Bend is located about a twenty-minute drive from the Antelope Canyon and about 3/4 of a mile hike from the main road. You don't need to pay to see this. As you approach the edge, your breath will be taken away by the stunning view of the Colorado River making a spectacular meander around a rock promontory, creating the impressive horseshoe-shaped loop.

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Many tourists stay overnight at Page, Arizona, but we had a hotel reservation at the Grand Canyon Village, that is a part of National Park designated Federal Recreation Fee Area. By the time we were driving to the Grand Canyon for the night, it was already totally dark. The road to the village is winding and not illuminated, so we had to drive slowly, especially because wild animals may cross by. We were lucky to see a small herd of deer passing right in front of our car. It was one of these unexpected road trip moments we will remember the most.

Grand Canyon (Day 5 Morning)


The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, so if you have just one day to see it, you need to know exactly where you want to go. We decided to explore South Rim as it has some of the top rated lookout points.

A few hours we spent at the Grand Canyon Historic Village District, can be considered just a sneak peak of what this beautiful land has to offer. I hope one day to come back and hike blue-green waters of Havasu Creek.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Monument Valley (Day 5 Afternoon)

The Monument Valley is a red-sand desert region located on the Utah/Arizona border (about 3.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon). The valley, with its tall sandstone buttes is out of this world and it was a frequent filming location for Western movies. You can drive through the valley in your own car. The site is big, so even though there are probably other people driving through the valley you feel secluded. Navajo people believe that the birth of earth took place here, and indeed, it feels this way. Standing in the valley, you can and let you experience harmony that is easy to lose in a modern age.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley

Through Joshua Tree National Park to Palm Springs (Day 6)


On day six we woke up early to drive across Colorado and the Mojave deserts to California. We decided to drive through the Joshua Tree National Park. It was the middle of August and temperatures were skyrocketing, so we made only a few stops. Joshua Tree Park has no automotive services, so be sure to fill up with gas before you enter. There are visitor centers (mostly open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with rangers present at all four entries to the park if you would have any questions or need a map.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Palm Springs welcomed us with windmill fields and rows of palms, of course. After a few days in the desert, Palm Springs offered everything we need to recuperate: that is the pool.

San Diego (Day 7)


Iconic Coronado hotel, located on Coronado Island with white-sand beach, was fully booked so we opted forAirbnb studio in downtown, near many bars and restaurants. San Diego is very close to the Mexican border, so finding a good taco truck is a must!

San Diego, California

Los Angeles and Driving Back to Las Vegas (Days 8 to 10)


My favorite part of Los Angeles was not Sunset Boulevard or Hollywood, but the Malibu and Venice beach. As we were there in the middle of summer, Griffith Observatory and LA County Museum of Art were packed, so we decided to skip other popular tourist sites like The Getty Center.

My friend Karissa Barney recommended a really cool speakeasy called The Edison in downtown—a serious must stop bar! They have vintage-style entertainment and you feel as though you've walked into the Twenties. Karissa also recommended The Little Door restaurant if you want to splurge big time on a romantic dinner.

Malibu, California

Venice Beach, California

I enjoyed every single moment of our road trip. Yes, it was a lot of attractions and miles to pack into ten days, and we wish we'd had more time to explore every canyon and valley. But if we had stayed longer in one place, we would not have had the chance to see other sites, so in a way it was perfect! 

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

South West Road Trip Stop #1 – Viva Las Vegas!

I was never into gambling, but Las Vegas with its casinos and vibrant nightlife was always on my American bucket list.

Bellagio Fountains

Las Vegas


We decided to visit Vegas during the week when usually is a bit calmer than on the weekend. Bellagio Hotel’s service was excellent, the receptionist offered us a romantic room with the view of the famous fountains.

Breakfast in a Hotel Room


Dining in Vegas


The Bellagio has a lot of dining options, including one of the best buffets in the city, featuring fresh and delicious king crab legs—well worth a short wait in a line. However, the real culinary feast we had at Lago by Julian Serrano which serves Italian cuisine in a romantic fountains setting.


The Strip’s Neon Glow

Vegas on a Budget 


Being in Vegas is like living in a mall in which everything is provided for you, as long you have money to pay for it. Even though Vegas has it all, most of the things in the Center are overpriced. If you are on a budget, I suggest doing some grocery shopping before arriving at the main strip. We stopped at a major supermarket by the airport and bought a cooler, water, ice, snacks, etc. Las Vegas hot, desert climate is not a joke, and drinks by the pool are not enough to keep you hydrated. Remember to drink enough water. Las Vegas running water is very poor quality, so if you don’t want to pay for overpriced bottled water at the hotel, bring your own water.

Wondering Around Bellagio Hotel 

Things to Do in Vegas


Las Vegas offers may shows, concerts, and outdoor experiences, but the biggest part of the Vegas experience may be wandering around its uniquely designed hotels. A night walk by the Fountains of Bellagio was my favorite part of it all. One of the best source information for things to do in Vegas is the official Las Vegas website.


Hoover Dam, Arizona

Las Vegas Surrounding Areas


Las Vegas has a lot to offer, but nothing can top the landscape outside of the city. Some of the most photographed sites are located less than an hour away from the Strip, such as the Hoover Dam, standing at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River, Red Rock Canyon, and the Valley of Fire.

Friday, July 29, 2016

All you need to know about Niagara Falls

1. Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in North America, and in fact one of the most stunning one.


2. Niagara Falls is actually three falls. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lies on the American side whereas Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three, straddles the international border between the Ontario and New York. The Niagara River drains water from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. Niagara Falls name can also refer to the state park or one of the cities, Niagara Falls, NY in the United States or Niagara Falls, Ontario, in Canada.


3. The Mist that rises from the falls can be seen from miles away. The mist looks extraordinary, but unfortunately, it will make you wet when you move close to it. The Maid of the Mist (a boat that gets you up close to the waterfalls) and Cave of the Winds (an elevator that takes you behind Bridal Veil Falls) are must-do activities when visiting the falls. You can also consider taking Journey Behind the Falls at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, in the Table Rock Welcome Centre.That said, you will get wet while doing these activities, even though you will be given a brightly colored poncho for protection from the mist. 

If you don’t have a waterproof camera, don’t worry. You can take stunning family or landscape pictures from the Observation Tower. Admission to the tower is included with a Maid of the Mist ticket.

If you’re planning on visiting many ticketed attractions at Niagara Falls, consider getting a USA Discovery Pass.

For these who have extra dollars to spend, there is a helicopter tour available. It cost over $100 per person and last about 12 minutes, but the views are supposedly stunning.


4. The falls are easily accessible from both the US and Canadian sides. The Niagara River marks the border between the United States and Canada. We’ve seen the falls twice, first from the US side and the Canadian side. Both times we had a great experience, but many say that the best views are from the Canadian side. It is possible to visit both sides of the Falls in one day by crossing the Niagara River via one of two bridges (the Rainbow Bridge or the Lewiston—Queenston Bridge), but passports are required.

It’s easy to get to the falls by car, but parking is limited, so be ready to pay the $10-$15/vehicle fee.


5. Every evening falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow. Every evening, at dusk, the falls are lit in the colors of the rainbow. You can check the schedule here: falls illumination. In addition, on the weekend nights during the summer, Niagara Falls puts on a fireworks show. If you plan on staying until late night, bring a sweater—it can get chilly there due to the mist.


6. Niagara Falls power plant can power about 3.8 million homes. The first major hydroelectric power plant in Niagara Falls—also the first in the world—was built in 1895 by George Westinghouse and engineering genius Nikola Tesla. You can learn more about hydroelectric power and the history of the plant by exploring the Niagara Power Project Visitors Center.

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Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Color Trends 2016: Pantone Fashion Color Report

Pantone is a world’s leading authority on color selection in fashion and interior design. 2016 Pantone’s Spring and Fall palettes include many earthy, yet vibrant, colors that remind us of the 70s. With a couple of seasons of strong colors, trends are moving to soft and calming shades.




Factors Influencing Current Color Trends


1. The Pantone Color of the Year is “a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.” This year Pantone chose the blend of Rose Quartz (baby pink) and Serenity (baby blue) as a symbol of gender equality and gender fluidity.

2. One of the factors strongly influencing color trends in 2016 is Cuban transformation. American culture, music, and cuisine have always been influenced by Cuban immigrants and artists, but socio-economic changes that are just starting in Cuba trigger even more interest in this vibrant and colorful country that has been off-limits to Americans for over 50 years. People want to draw as much as possible from the Cuban heritage, rich with contributions from indigenous African, European, and Native American roots before the country becomes westernized. Cuba is full of spicy end exotic tones. Its capital, Havana, is literally abounding in happy and sunny colors. Perhaps the city’s landscape reflects Cuba’s multi-ethnic heritage.

3. Another factor that plays an important role in 2016 color trends is a strong need for peace and the end to ongoing armed conflicts around the world. Therefore, people are gravitating toward colors that elicit a sense of order, peace, and security. This may be why current color trends align closely with palettes of the ’70s when a peace-loving generation awaited the end of war in Vietnam.

4. One more factor that is clearly seen in current color trends is a need to reconnect with nature. We live in an era in which most of us are constantly connected to our phones and computers. People are spending increasing amounts of in front of screens, whether at work, home, or in transit, so what better way to rest our eyes than viewing the green tones of nature?


Pinks & Violets



Pink is not only the most adored color by many little girls, but it’s also a feminine color for confident personalities who are not afraid to add a little sweetness to their image. 

Brides choose not only blush pink centerpieces but some, such as Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Jessica Biel, decided to wear light pink dresses over classic white gowns on their wedding days.

Rose Quartz is a soft pink that in nature can be seen in the pink sky or budding flowers. This subtle Pantone version of pink mixes well with other colors. It goes well with gray shades like Lilac Gray and Sharkskin, and blues like Serenity and Limpet Shell, or navy. The Pantone blend of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity is easy to wear but may feel overly sweet to some people.

Peach Echo is a muted yet warm and energizing orange. Ia a universal shade of peach that will complement many skin tones. 



Dusty Cedar is an elegant rose pink, that according to Pantone, is “a fall and winter version of the pink we’re used seeing in spring.” Dusty Cedar is easy to wear with rose gold jewelry, which is very trendy right now. 

Bodacious is a purple shade that according to Pantone speaks to gender fluidity. According to Urban Dictionary, the word “bodacious” was popular during the ’80s and early ’90s and is a combination of the words “bold” and “audacious.” As the name suggests, Bodacious is an impressive color for brave fashionistas. It is the most difficult color to work with in the Spring 2016 Pantone Color Report, but if used well, it can be a fashion statement.


Neutrals



Sharkskin, Warm Taupe, and Iced Coffee are neutrals that made into the 2016 Pantone color selection. These neutrals work well as a base for more vibrant colors because they pair well with almost any other shade. Warm Taupe is exactly what the name says, whereas Iced Coffee is a bit richer version of it. Sharkskin is a pristine gray that has a lot of application in interior design. It’s also the most masculine color from the group, so it’s going to be popular in the men’s collections. I like Sharkskin mixed with Dusty Cedar and contrasted with vibrant green and yellow accents. 

Lilac Gray is a more subtle version of Sharkskin. As the name suggests, this extraordinary shade of gray has a lot of lilac tint in it. This color is similar to Rose Quartz because it’s feminine, delicate, and conveys a sense of composure.


Interior design is moving back to its roots, and strong glosses are being replaced by muted earth colors. Grays and blues are replacing browns and beiges. A few years ago, people were buying brown sofas, tables, and vanities. Now it’s all about the gray. When introducing gray into your home decor, it’s important to remember that you need to mix it with some brighter and happier colors to avoid a dull feeling, unless that’s what you are going for. 


Blues



Airy Blue is a color I spotted a while ago in collections of top fashion designers such as Elie Saab, Reem Acra, and Zuhair Murad. Even though they have been present in couture fashion shows for a while, it took a long time for retailers to pick up this trend.

Riverside is a cool and calming, whereas Serenity is a subtle, dreamy, magical blue with a purple note sometimes seen in the sky. Maybe that’s why it evokes a sense of weightlessness.

In fashion, I like the juxtaposition of milky blues with rusty reds. Milky blues evoke a sense of space and relaxation, so I see a lot of possible application of them in interior design.

Snorkel Blue comes from the 2016 Spring Report, but I hope this color trend will not disappear after just one season. I would love to see more of this new version of navy in fall and winter collections. This striking color is relaxing and energizing at the same time. Thanks to its undertones, it’s a beautiful color for a monochromatic look. Snorkel Blue is a perfect color for a suit that is sophisticated but stands out.

Limpet Shell is a mint-aqua blue with a lot of green in it. This fresh color is nothing new because it has been present in fashion, wedding decor, and home decor trends for a few years now. Mint livens up gray interiors and our senses, so I hope that this clean color will continue to thrive.



Reds



Potter’s Clay is a rusty coppery red that is almost brown, and it’s one of my favorite fashion trends that’s already available in the chain stores. Copper and rust shades look great on people with dark hair and blue eyes. One of the easiest ways to introduce this color trend to your wardrobe is to wear it with a copper eyeshadow. Here is one that I like: Coppering.

Aurora Red falls in the same color category, with a lot of warmth but less orange.

Fiesta is a red with a yellow base. I would wear this high-energy color on my lips.

This year reds seem to be more exotic than the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year Marsala, which seems to be more grounded.



Yellows & Mustards



Buttercup is one of the sunniest and happiest yellows you can imagine. It pairs well with Serenity, as well as with gray and green shades. An easy way to introduce yellow to your home decor is to buy pillows in this lively color.

In summer, I like to wear yellows with a green and citrusy base. I absolutely adore fun, bird prints, however, they are not easy to find in the chain stores. 


Spicy Mustard has been present in the chain stores for a while now, but it’s still quite a new color fashion trend. My first encounter with this zesty color was when, as a teenager, I found a pair of my mom's flare pants from the ’70s. By then the color was outdated and old. Surprisingly, now I have a totally different feeling toward this odd yellow that suddenly appears exotic and spicy. The color that once seemed simply “unclean” now seems to be complex. Spicy Mustard makes me realize how our attitudes toward colors change in a life span and reminds me what an important role colors play in culture, society, gender, art, and literature. 



Greens



Green brings positive energy and harmony to our lives,  and it has always been my favorite color. No wonder I fell in love with Lush Meadow, the singular, yet beautiful green in the Fall 2016 Fashion Report. This vibrant green reminds me of a rain forest. However, Rain Forest by Pantone has a bit more blue in it. Lush Meadow can also be described as grassy or leafy. Green fabrics in the chain clothing stores are always in deficitdeficit—notwithstanding army green and olive. Many emerald green gowns made it to the red carpet, but the trend never quite made it to the consumer—at least not in recent years. Green shades bring life to any outfit or space. The good news is that you don’t have to paint your walls green in order to be up to date with trends; just buy a green houseplant and voila—you’ve incorporated green into your home decor.

Green Flash is a bright green that made it into the Spring 2016 Fashion Report. This spring green mixes well with white, gray, silver, and brass. According to Pantone, this color is an answer to designers calling for a touch of nature even in urban environments.


Whites



The only color I am missing in the 2016 Pantone Fashion Color Selections is white. Perhaps, because white and black are not trends, but fashion staples. No wardrobe would be complete without a white shirt. White is timeless and never goes out of style. People can get tired of strong colors, but white proved to stand the test of time, both in fashion and interior design.


Most people know their favorite colors and in which colors they look and feel good. New colors bring new energy and elicit feelings we are striving for in a given time. No wonder people change their color preferences as they grow and collect new experiences. However, people should never blindly follow color fashion trends. Colors you surround yourself with should make you feel good. If you are looking for a new jacket and blush pink is in fashion, go ahead and buy it, but only if you feel like you in it. At the same time, if you adore your old dress in a hot pink that is not trendy right now, wear it with pride if you feel good in it. Colors play an important role in our everyday lives, and the colors we pick should help us express how we feel or elicit the desired sensation. Trends come and go as culture and societies change, but only you can decide what tones capture your dreams, feelings, and thoughts.

I connect with most colors from the Pantone Spring and Fall 2016 Reports. Some colors, like green, I loved for years whereas others, like copper or mustard, I started “flirting” with quite recently. I can’t really say how much of my current color preferences have been influenced by marketing campaigns and what retailers actually offer compared to the world around me—travels, art, and culture.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Italian Wines to Try: Guest Post by Valter from Tourist by Chance



Many of you probably know Italian wine because of Chianti or Montepulciano, or even grape varieties like the Sangiovese. Holding the Italian flag high in recent years seems to be Prosecco. However, as I always tell travelers coming to Italy, there is more to this country than Rome, Florence, and Venice, and the same can be said about Italian wines.

I am neither a sommelier nor a wine connoisseur. I am a wine drinker and wine “enjoyer” (yes, I created a new word to explain my level of wine knowledge). This means I have a passion for wine, I know my tastes, I have a short list of favorites and I had put all together in a 10-week wine tasting course. Hence, I know pompous words used by the industry. Wine tasting has often been seen as a hobby for snobs and I can assure you it is not entirely the case, even though you can come across some “funny” people.

In essence, wine tasting heightens your senses, smells, and tastes you never thought you could experience from a grape! It is incredible that you can smell the aroma of peach in a white wine or vanilla in a red one. These aromas are there, and you do not need to be a snob to describe what it is you are tasting or smelling.


So throw away that “Wine for dummies” e-book, and sit down with a bottle of local wine, preferably on a rooftop garden overlooking the gulf of Naples, a B&B in Orvieto at sunset overlooking the green Umbrian countryside, or simply in your lounge room with friends. Do not let the world around you distract your wine tasting experience, be bold and risk a little more.

What is that your palate says to you? How do the aromas smell to you? Not what other people say, but what do YOU feel, taste, and smell? Wine taste is subjective, in my humble opinion, and a pleasure we all should enjoy.

Excuse the ramble on wine but it is a subject I have grown fond of. When Justyna and I decided to collaborate, I wanted to share with you MY favorite wines. I am not going to list the aromas or rules for drinking or what you should expect. This is a list of wines I am suggesting you try, see what you think of them yourself and get back to me! I would love to hear your feedback.


Reds:
  • San Magno from Corte dei Papi (Cesanese Grape)
  • Ziggurat from Carapace - Tenuta Castelbuono (Sagrantino Grape)
  • Barolo from Pelassa (Nebbiolo Grape)

Cesanese del Piglio

A must-try when you are in Lazio is the Cesanese del Piglio. It’s a locally grown grape variety from the town of Anagni as well as four other surrounding towns in the comune of Frosinone.

My favorite producer in the area is Corte dei Papi. It’s a family owned winery that offers a great selection. Their San Magno is amazing with the local food of the Ciociaria and also the food of Lazio, or you can pair it with various types of cheeses. Their good all around wine is Colle Ticchio and can be enjoyed in winter and summer months.

Sagrantino

Another red that I have thoroughly enjoyed is the Sagrantino, found in the Montefalco area of Umbria (one of my favorite regions in Italy). This grape variety has been getting some recognition lately, but the Umbrianites (Umbrians? ...not important) have been enjoying this grape since the 1600s—now that is important!

I went to the awesome Carapace winery of the Lunelli family and enjoyed their amazing collection of reds. This is one of the largest producers of wine in Italy, so it is fairly different than a small family winery like Corte de Papi. Not only is their wine delicious but their winery is incredible, too!

Nebbiolo

This may be one of the only wine varieties I came across purely by chance. I had been told of the amazing Barolo’s of this world and while I was doing some online wine shopping I came across Pelassa. Reading a bit of their history, I found a family owned winery with a pretty great website—I thought I would check this bottle of wine out.

I lucked out simply by taking a chance and not reading other people’s reviews. The meal I tried it with was a simple yet delicious plate of pappardelle with homemade bolognese sauce. Just perfect.


Whites:

  • Ribolla Gialla by Forchir 
  • Ribolla Gialla by Attems

You might think, “Wow, creative this Valter, with his two wines of the same grape variety.” I particularly enjoy this white and could not choose between the two wineries.

I cannot take the credit for discovering Ribolla Gialla. This was all my ex-girlfriend who, while out to dinner one night, asked me a simple question, “Have you ever tried Ribolla Gialla before?” I said, “No, I cannot say I have” and ordered the bottle on the menu. I do not double guess such “signs,” especially when it comes to wines.

Since then, I have ventured to other whites, however, this grape variety remains my favorite. Let’s see if 2016 can change my mind on this one!

Both wineries are found in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Both also produce great wines to accompany to seafood pasta dishes through and, yes, I am going to write it, sushi! This is a recommended grape variety for lovers of white wine and seafood.

Psst, Over Here! I must be honest with you, my favorite white is a Sauvignon Blanc from Giesen Wine Estate in New Zealand but shhhhhh… don’t tell my friends.

Prosecco / Spumante (just don’t call it Champagne!):

  • Spumante by Corte dei Papi (Champenoise method) 
  • Carpene Malvolti Prosecco (Charmat method) 

So, I will start by saying that I love to eat with sparkling wine. I definitely do not see it only as an aperitif or just mixed to make your Aperol Spritz! Again, in my very humble opinion, the right spumante and prosecco must be followed by Brut/Extra Brut/Brut Nature: the drier the better.

Serve these wines with a cheese platter, a seafood dinner, a roast dinner, or dessert! In my opinion, there are no boundaries for when and where to use a Spumante or a Prosecco—as long as it is dry.


Key information on sparkling whites:

Spumante - is a simple term to for “sparkling white.”

Prosecco - producers must use 100% Glera grapes to call it Prosecco.

Champenoise method - highest quality production and most manual processes, with the secondary fermentation inside the bottle and —voilà—you get fine, elegant bubbles.

Charmat method - less expensive mass-production method where the second fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank, rather than in a bottle. More important, the wine has coarser bubbles. However, it can still taste great when it’s from a right producer.


In short, these are just my personal suggestions of Italian wines to try. Many can be also found overseas, so you can check them out before coming to Italy.

Discover Italy as a local. You will find a whole new world. Experience the real tastes of “Il Bel Paese.” I am always happy to help with any suggestions. Plenty of information can be found at www.touristbychance.com. Also, follow me on Vivino, my trusty wine app!

If you try any of my favorite wine picks, or you tried some Italian wines that you really enjoyed, comment below. If you liked this post, make sure to share it - Justyna and I will thank you for it!

PS: Wines can be delivered “corked,” so if you are not sure, ask your waiter or sommelier to taste it for you. Do not let one bad bottle ruin a wine for you. Also, remember that a certain winmight not be what you like. Be kind in your reviews, especially for family run wineries (they work really hard and with a lot of passion). Do not let your bad experience put other people off. Also, do not always go by what “the best in the biz” suggest. Like I said above,  tastes are subjective and what I like might be very different to what you like, so keep an open mind!


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Monday, February 8, 2016

My Winter Memories in New York



My First Winter in NY

The New York winter day I remmber the most is when I was awakened in the early morning by the sound of my mom bustling in the kitchen. When I saw her by the stove wearing her yellow apron and making crepes, I wondered why she was still home as her usual bus to work took off at 6:05 am. When I asked, she replied, “MTA is cosed due to the blizzard.” I looked through the window in our rented railroad apartment in Quenns and I saw soft flakes coming down from the sky. Cluttery backyards and rusty fire escape stairs were covered with a fresh layer of white snow.  I replied, “It’s not a blizzard, it’s just snowing.” Atypically, this day my family ate breakfast and spend the whole day together. It was like a holiday, except no one knew it was coming.

Snow stopped falling during the night, and the next morning, social life on the streets of Ridgewood flourished once people went out to clear snow off the sidwalks and cars. Soon, the snow turned to slush and life in NYC returned to normal.


Winters I Remember


I a native Polan, I am very use to snow. Poland has four seasons: beautiful spring, hot summer, golden autumn, and winter, with the chance of snow from November till March. People never know when the first snow may come and how long it will lie. I remember winters when snowdrifts would build up over the months and not melt till early April. Yet, school was never canceled due to the snow. The only exception was when the last calass was caceled so the whole class could go sledding on sacks filled with hay or we would have horse-draw sleigh ride that ended with a huge campfire in the woods.

Queens, New York 

As a kid, I loved playing in the snow: I would find the biggest drifts to overcome, or build a snowman and steal my dad’s hat to put atop my snowy friend. When driving on a street with high snowdrifts on both sides of the road, I would always imagine that I was driving through a mystical maze to a magical place, a wonderland from a fairytale. 

Winter is a magical time that brings people together. During the holidays people all around the world spend time with family and preparing traditional dishes and watching movies. However, the the best way to really appreciate a true beauty of winter is to go out and enjoy the snow and the ice.


Ice-Fishing on Tupper Lake

Another very meorable winter experience in New York was when we pack up and drive five hours upstate to spend a weekend in the coldest part of the state icefishing. My brother fishes all year long, so he has a New York State fishing license and all of the necessary equipment, including good cold weather gear to stay warm.

Ice-Fishing on Tupper Lake 

Ice-Fishing on Tupper Lake 

Ice-Fishing on Tupper Lake

On the ice, it was so freezing that taking my gloves off was painful. The ice was so thick that making bonfire in the middle of a lake was safe. Surprisingly, there was something very peaceful about being out on a frozen lake.

Campfire on The Lake 







I am not a fishing pro, and I never really enjoyed fishing in the warmer months, but I loved being out on that cold ice. For me, it wasn’t about catching a fish. It was about the crisp winter air and beautiful, snowy landscape that seemed to clear and calm my mind. These surreal circumstances allowed me to simply be and nothing else seemed to matter.



Winter Fun in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Region is located in the northern part of New York State and made up of twelve year-round destinations with mountains, valleys, and lakes. I particularly like this part of New York in the winter, since its frosty landscape reminds me of winter in the place where I grew up—the Northeast part of Poland.

Lake Placid is a destination known for high peaks wilderness, Whiteface Mountain, and winter sports—Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980.

Tupper Lake, well-known for its picturesque hiking, pristine lakes, and friendly atmosphere is one of the best regions for the fishermen. If you don’t have fishing experience, I would not recommend ice fishing alone. It’s best to start with someone who has already done it and knows how to identify safe ice conditions. If you don’t know anyone, don’t worry. There are a lot of options in Tupper Lake to have fun on the ice or in the snow such as skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, hiking, and much more.

Check out Tupper Lake official website for more winter fun inspirations. Bundle up, get outside and try a new way to spend a New York winter getaway.