Monday, June 28, 2010

trailer park



Retro caravans have really come back into fashion...or some may argue they never really left.
Is this is the hipsters answer to a summer home? I let you be the judge.
Check out mycoolcaravan.com. There are tips, advice and damn it, they even have a crazy cool coffee table book!
Trailer parks never looked so attractive!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

BONUS: Icelandic Foodie tip!


Icelandic savory and sweet foodie tip: be sure to pick-up Pylsusinnep mustard (pictured and used at Bæjarins beztu pylsu) and the adult rhubarb treat Rabarbia (sweet!).

48 hrs in Reykjavik!

While volcanic news from Iceland may be cooling off, the countries capital, Reykjavik is hotter then ever! Although fantastic to visit anytime, summer is the most ideal as you can take advantage of the extended daylight...Yes it's true! The sun doesn't set in the height of summer due to the countries northerly location.

Here's a helpful list to help you make the most of a short jaunt to the tiny city that (in the summer at least) just doesn't sleep.

EAT:



If you arrive early and need a hit of caffeine, head down to the waterfront to Cafe Haiti.
This cozy place serves the best coffee on this island.




Mmmmm (located at Laugavegur 42) is a great place to grab a relaxing and healthy lunch. The menu board is full of daily fresh specials which range from soups, wraps and delicious hot homemade dishes. The decor is simple with a noticeable Scandinavian influence. The ample supply of magazines and newspapers make you feel welcome. And if you're not careful, you may find yourself spending an entire afternoon in this charming place.




Tapas may not be the first thing that comes to mind when exploring the world's most Northern capital, but once you step foot in Tapas Barinn you'll know that you've made the right choice. Offering not only a menu with delicious Mediterranean flair, this is the ideal place to sample some more exotic Icelandic specialties such as smoked puffin with bluberry brennivín sauce. Remember that tapa sizes are ideal for those who may not be culinary adventurous. Tip: Tapas Barinn is open late (1am on weekends) so it makes a perfect place for those who would like to eat right before hitting the cities famous night scene.




Feeling peckish and need a snack? Do as the locals do and hit the famous Bæjarins beztu pylsu (located at Pósthússtræti 101 ) which translates to "the best hot dog in town" Apparently famous past customers such as Bill Clinton and Lars Ulrich of Metallica think so! Tip: make sure to get the works....The crispy fried onions are what make the dog!


SLEEP:



Hotel Borg stands out as the real winner amongst boutique hotels in the city. This art deco hotel (built in the late 1920's) does a fantastic job of mixing old character with modern comfort. The location overlooking Austurvöllur Square is a wonderful place to begin your exploration. Don't forget to try their outstanding restaurant, Restaurant Silfur where lunch is a real treat. The lobster soup with fried Icelandic langoustine and mussels is a must!


SHOP:



A design savvy shoppers dream, Kisan's Iceland outpost (they have another location in NYC) stocks a large array of items selected from all over the world. From clever children's toys to über stylish clothing, you're sure to find a souvenir that even the biggest design snob will adore.




Jewelery junkies will go nuts at Orr (located at Laugavegi 37). Designed and handmade by Kjartan and Astþór Orr, this duo's designs are so unique the window display of rings alone will have you wondering why you only have ten fingers!


DAY TRIP:



Located between the airport and Reykjavik, The Blue Lagoon really is a must! There's no other place on earth that feels so much like another planet. The blue thermal pools located amongst the lava fields, are so warm and relaxing you could spend hours floating and unwinding. If you find yourself in need of a little extra TLC, book yourself a massage or one of the spa's many treatments. TIP: Don't forget to take advantage of the free silica mud mask located around the edges of the large lagoon. This same product sells in the gift shop for $100 USD!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

mice type



Last year Royal TNT commissioned Richard Hutten to develop a stamp for the 75th anniversary of Dutch book-week. They must have fallen out of their seats when he came back with a stamp in the form of a 3 by 4 centimeter book....the first ever! The cost.... € 2.20, what a bargain!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

snail mail



These google map envelopes are super cool. Perhaps it's a bit of a renaissance for snail mail?

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Check-in (Susanna)



NAME:
Susanna
SPOTTED: Prague
DESTINATION: Amsterdam
OCCUPATION: Hair and make-up artist
FAVORITE DESTINATION: Prague
WISHES TO VISIT: Fuji
WHY SHE CAUGHT OUR EYE:
-Her smart and casual chic street style...work that military jacket!
-Amazing studded Marc Jacobs bag...style and function!
-Great glasses...just because those contacts need to come out for the flight doesn't mean you can't rock a pair of great specs.
-cozy cool hat
-Black Patent Birkenstock sandals
TRAVEL STYLE ADVICE:
-Always wear cozy, natural, soft fabrics
-Scarfs are a must for cold airplane cabins
-Wear a great jacket
-Pack more than you need....squishy clothing items that you can roll make sure they all fit into your luggage.
SUSANNA'S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: Bose noise canceling headphones.
INSIDER BEAUTY TIPS: Airline cabins are very dry, so keep your skin moisturized. Susanna's favorites: Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour cream and Jack Black lip balm.

Guest blogger George Christodoulou's mini NYC architectural tour

My pal George Christodoulou from onetravel.com makes sure we don't miss a beat with his three must see buildings in NYC...

New York is a very large city that dates back the birth of the nation. Today New York remains one of the most advanced cities, always on the search for new and exciting trends and styles. On the other hand, there are many structure that date back a century or more that many tourist and natives pass without realizing the history they could experience. It is the juxtaposition of historical architecture with the trend setting culture of the city that makes it a wonderful place to explore.



The first well known piece of architecture to note is the Federal Hall national memorial. It was built in order to replace the old city hall standing in the same place for about 50 years. The structure you see now replaced it. The old building was where George Washington took the oath of office and where New York conducted its functions as the first Capital of the nation. Once razed, it was replaced with the new Federal Hall and it served treasury functions and as a memorial and museum. The architecture used was Greek revival, which was popular in the early to mid 19th century. This style was a symbol of true Greek democracy and helped offer homage to the values being adopted from the Ancient Greek and Roman traditions. Most characteristically noted about Greek revival are the columns and intricate trim adornments.



Next on our tour, we pass by Roosevelt's childhood home. Roosevelt was born in 1858 and lived in this house until he was fourteen. The home was then rebuilt in 1919, but as a replica that used the same style with modern day materials so it would last as a reminder that the area was a thriving residential area until the rich moved uptown and it became a commercial zone. The Georgian style of the house is evident with the uniform structure and use of symmetrical ornamentation and window placement.



I could go on forever describing the architecture of the city, but instead, I will leave off with an example of modern day architecture. A great new wonder of New York, the new Bank of America Tower, is a great wonder of modern architecture. Topping out at 54 stories, this building was designed using modern day style. Basically, this style is very complex and uses many different architectural theories, engineering capabilities, modern artistic design, as well as historical designs. As you can see in this building, you can see the use of curves and a spiral shape.

The change of architecture through time in New York is amazing. Taking a trip solely to view the different buildings and styles can be an enjoyable experience in itself. Through hundreds of years of development and change, the mixed bag of style continues to change while maintaining the essence of the past. If you would like to visit New York to learn more, use onetravel.com for Cheap Flights

Friday, June 11, 2010

Set sail for Syndey!



Sydney is celebrating it's second winter celebration, Vivid Sydney. This year the festival commissioned musical performance artist, Laurie Anderson to use the cities most iconic building the Sydney Oprah as a canvas. By projecting various images onto the sails of the building, Anderson creates a stunning spectacle that only enhances an already amazing piece of architecture!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Inspired by Iceland!

More on Iceland to follow shortly, but in the meantime...

The Iceland Hour to inspire from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.