Peek Inside: Aerin Lauder’s Aspen Home

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Slowly winter is approaching on this side of the world. . . (even to I am a summer person myself) I wouldnt mind escaping here for a while. This amazing holiday home in Aspen would be perfect to spend the weekend in belonging to Aerin Lauder. The granddaughter of Estée Lauder and founder of her own lifestyle brand on beauty, basics it’s no surprise that every room has a beautiful understated style about it … and the location is just gorgeous!

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Travel Thursday | Holiday Villa | Palma de Mallorca

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I am still in a holiday mode so this large holiday-inspiring dream home is breathtaking sea views. Located in Puerto de Andratx, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, the villa is a perfect romantic retreat and a good example of how nature can become one with every interior. Even though the most spectacular feature of the villa is its generously-sized, poolside terrace, as one steps inside, more design surprised are revealed.

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the little things | keeping resolutions

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New Year to me it’s an opportunity to wipe my slate clean and start over with fresh ideas and renewed ambitions. I love having a plan — even if the plan falls through.  However, I don’t think I’ve ever sat down and made a legitimate list of New Year’s Resolutions until now. Nowadays, it seems like more and more people are cynical about starting the new year with a set of goals, but I think it’s important to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, dreams, ambitions, and take every occasion (even a cliché one, like a new year) to become a better, happier, and more effective person.

With that said, I’ve listed a few of my typical and not-so-typical resolutions for 2013!

Redesign and update my design website. Stop talking & start creating. I started this blog to show more of my own work which I have not got to yet and I really should just start.

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Take more photos. Expand my creativity and better document both the incredible and mundane moments of my life.

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Stress less. Accept that some things are out of my control, manage my time better, and realize that unmet expectations aren’t the end of the world.

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Treat myself more often. Indulge in something nice once in a while. Stop letting the Internet distract me. For real.

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Explore more. Travel more.

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One goal, and probably one I’ll have for years to come, is to be present in the little things. My projects, emails, iphone, deadlines, keep me busy and days fly by before I feel like I’ve come up for air—missing all the little moments in between. The past month hpretty good, but I’m already feeling the to-dos and busyness taking hold. So, my questions to you are…

Are you making headway on your New Year’s resolutions?—and—How do you ensure you are enjoying each day’s little things?

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Enjoy the little things. Moments. Life.

Travel Thursday | Santorini & Blue waters

The name of ‘Santorini’ is virtually synonymous with ‘spectacular’ and the Canaves Oia Hotel & Suites are a perfect example of the truly spectacular effects resulting from the fusion of natural assets, traditional architecture and modern inspiration… I keep coming across gorgeous places to stay in Santorini. I mean look at this place . . . Summer Loving!

Canaves Oia hotel is considered one of the finest Santorini Luxury hotels in oia and provides tastefully designed facilities and services to ensure the guests a comfortable, fairytale like stay in the standards of an authentic Luxury Santorini hotel.

Mum’s Lounge | Parents’ retreat

Today I wanted to share with you The Melbourne Central Parents’ Retreat by Clare Cousins Architects. If you are lucky enough to live in Melbourne check it out.

“The brief called for three key zones: a wet area for toileting/baby change; a feeding/play area; and a retreat lounge as a waiting or alternative feeding area. While the project required a highly practical solution, ensuring children’s safety, adequate sight lines, and low-maintenance wet areas, for example, the emphasis is on peace and play. This is not a utility space, which is used and then left; rather, it encourages people to linger, children to play and parents to recharge. Key to the concept was the aim to preference local suppliers, and to use low-tech and sustainable materials, with bespoke play equipment unique to the project. A vibrant colour palette delineates and connects zones for easy navigation, while the custom-designed play equipment entices children to engage with the space physically.”

I think this concept is fun and fabulous, a touch of practical luxury and leisure in an often utilitarian and frankly boring space. This project stands out as a unique and innovative example of a space that considers the needs of children and their parents. Something like this has been neglected in many city spaces.

Now it would be great to see this type of design thinking applied to many more public spaces within the city – making for more relaxing, playful and friendly environments. Don’t you agree? Have you come across a similar place in Australia that you enjoy going to, while you are away shopping?

Travel Thursday | Travel through Italy

We are traveling through Italy today. . . At least virtually. Me and my husband spent two weeks in Italy, absolutly fell in love with this beautiful country and I can not wait to go again, you will see why now. Italy is renowned for its effortless class and culture. Famous for its art, food, fashion and with no shortage of destinations to consider; from a city break to the lakes, or the Amalfi Coast and jewels like islands such as Capri, to Sicily for a summer escape with all the family; Italy has the charm and a variety to suit everyone. Have you visited Italy? What was your favorite city? I still dream of  Cinque Terre. I promise to share some of my own photos from these beautiful places very soon.

Travel Thursdays | Angsana Velavaru Resort, Maldives

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With endless blue waters, marine life at your doorsteps and all the exceptional services that make a holiday perfect, the Angsana Velavaru Resort is a miniature paradise. Let’s begin with an open invitation from the resort staff: “Imagine arriving in a seaplane on a speck of land that emerges from miles and miles of cobalt blue water. At Angsana Velavaru, you will wake up to the adventures of a tropical island. Angsana Velavaru brings out the intrepid traveller in you. Our resort is located in a picturesque lagoon in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll. Mix romance with adventure between deserted islands and a house reef. Spend quality time together, learning the ropes of navigating coral reefs in the company of dolphins and turtles. Experience the dazzling water world at your doorstep”. The relaxation haven boasts 79 villas on the island and 33 villas circling the lagoon, each adorned with an inspiring and welcoming design. Coconut leaf thatched roofs, original sandy floors and various wooden decorations give the decors a genuine holiday feel.

Travel Thursday | Rica Hotel Narvik, Norway

ARCHITECTURE | TRAVEL

ProjectRica Hotel NarvikArchitects: Scenario Interiørarkitekter Location: Narvik, Norway | Compleated: 2012

It’s Thursday, the perfect excuse for a virtual holiday. What? You don’t daydream of getting away from the rat race on a Thursday? I do. We are headed to Rica Hotel Narvik in Norway. Rica Hotel Narvik, Northern Norway’s highest building. The architectural form that towers over 18 floors gives this hotel a wonderful view of the city, the fjord “Ofotfjorden”, the Mountain “Dronningen” and the other surrounding mountains. Rica Hotel Narvik has a stylish interior that takes up the exciting exterior of the 148 luxurious and spacious guest rooms, all-day restaurant, 1 floor sky bar with panoramic terrace on the top floor.  The hotel arranges for business travelers with eight functional meeting rooms, where the largest room has a capacity for up to 175 people. The interior has a modern look that plays on the natural elements found in Narvik. The client wanted a modern and colourful hotel, which also have a nice and warm atmosphere.