I have been busy designing new items for LA FAMIGLIA FURNITURE which are exhibited during Salone del Mobile in Milan at Ventura Lambrate location 9 stand R. We are open everyday from 10-20. If you are in the area please come and visit.
Christina
8 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN PARIS, ........ IN MY OPINION.
We went to Paris and apart from all the wonderful buildings, food, wine and monuments you see all over Paris, you find some great hotels here, big and small. I did a little research on my dream hotels. Here they are.
A few steps from the Champs-Elysées, the Saint James Paris is a 100-year old château surrounded by its own private garden, offering a unique experience of grandeur and intimacy, classicism and extravagance. Each of the 48 suites and rooms exudes its own atmosphere and tells a story filled with beautiful dreams. This eccentric family home also offers a mythical library-bar, a gourmet restaurant with a one-of-its-kind terrace in the garden - run by Chef Virginie Basselot, and a spa with precious care cabins by Guerlain
Set in a 19th-century Haussmannian building, the luxurious Hotel Keppler is just 400 metres from the Champs Elysées. It offers a fitness centre, sauna and hammam
La Belle Juliette is located in central Paris, a short walk from Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Jardin du Luxembourg. This hotel offers accommodation with an indoor swimming pool and Spa.
The 4-star Bradford Elysées is set in a Haussmannian building, near the famous Champs Elysées in central Paris. It offers refined guest rooms and a breakfast room with a glass roof.
Each of the spacious guest rooms at Bradford Elysées has a classically elegant déco.
Located in the historical district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this 4-star hotel features a hammam and steam room. It offers Baroque-style guest rooms and was home to the late Oscar Wilde.
Hôtel Lancaster Paris Champs-Elysées
We stayed here last time in Paris. It´s a great small boutique hotel with a lovely staff, soft and delicate interior and a great restaurant. Hotel Lancaster is a boutique hotel dating from 1889, located just 100 metres from the Champs-Élysées. It offers a classic and elegant atmosphere and its own Michelin star restaurant.
Rooms and suites at Lancaster are furnished in luxury fabrics and grouped around a central Zen garden. Some rooms have a separate lounge, a private patio or views of the Eiffel Tower.
We have been staying here a couple of time already and love it. We ended here again because of my travel companions late organising skills :-) The choice of colours and materials has been made with particular care in order to create a unique atmosphere, blendingLuxury, Refinement and Wellness. Exceptionally spacious Rooms and Suites, Meridienne devoted to relaxing
in the Luxury Suites, Jacuzzi bathtub and Chromotherapy in most of the Rooms and Suites
LA RÉSERVE PARIS
HOTEL SPA AND APARTMENTS
I would love to stay here, but the changes are quite small ! Mid-way between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, where the heart of Paris beats. Nestled in a peaceful location, slightly set back from the world's most beautiful avenue, La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa overlooks the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the Concorde obelisk. Just in front, a majestic curtain of trees preserves the intimacy of this place, like an echo of the Elysée gardens nearby.
Enjoy dreaming and go to Paris, Christina.
Where are we going ?
If your are a guest in this hotel you won´t know where the journey ends.
'The Morphotel' is a beautiful and still strange looking gigantic floating organism which brings you where the current brings you. The hotel gets all it´s power from the sun and the waves. Even the water from the rain will be gathered and use to bath and to grow vegetable for the meals for the passengers.
Gianluca Santosuosso is the architect behind this amazing project, a hotel which brings you away on the ocean, without knowing where it will lead you. How crazy is this ! Off course the idea behind this, is to get rid of all the planned trips and great lost of energi we usually use on our normal trips where ever we go the world. Great thought!
Christina
Family skiing in Val D´isere.
The skiing holidays for the danes has started, and maybe you are still not sure where to go. Like most thing I do, the annual Christmas skiing holiday, is all about LA FAMIGLIA. My family is spred all over Europe , and this a great opportunity for us to get together in something we all love. We prefer skiing in France and usually choose Val D´isere or Courchevel, because of the easy acces to the slopes, great mountains and cozy villages, because we bring lot of kids.
VAL D´ ISERE.
Mainstreet in Val Dísere
I have been visiting Val D´isere since highschool. We would drive down in busses and stay in apartment which were so small, that luggage and ski boots would be placed on the balcony, and be freezing cold in the morning when we had to be ready for the slopes. Now it´s my young nephews who are on the 20 hour bus trip down, but how I envy them, of the great adventure they are going to have right now :-)
Activities in Val D´isere
Now a days we go there as a family. And a large group that is ! Aunt´s, uncles, cousins, mothers, nephews, grandparents, dogs, brother in -laws, ex-husbands ( not mine though ;-), fathers, etc. And even though skiing is a big point on such a vacation, for us, lunching and dining is maybe even bigger :-/ Finding tables for all of us is quit a task, but I master it really well after many years of practise. And anyway its easy. We prefer the amazing terrace outside of Le Hotel Brussels, which is smack in the middle of where all the slopes come down from the mountain. An other great small place for lunch is just up the lift to your right at the La Peau de Vache , which is great for outdoor coffee and vin chaud breaks or cozy lunches indoor in a blizzard.
Slopes of Val D´isere
The youngest skier is 2 years old and the oldest is 73 years old. This year Oliver was super excited to be skiing together with his grandmother and his cousin Alfa. Unfortunately Alfa had a bad fall on her 2dn day and had to be taken down by banana and lay with a cast most of the week :-( Sad sad sad, and I know really well what I am talking about, because of a bad fall I had 16 years ago.
Family fun in Val Dísere this Christmas
HOTEL BRUSSELS.
Terresse and room at L´Hotel Brussels.
Le Hotel Brussels has the absolut best location in Val D´isere on the end of all slopes and on the terrace you will have a nice lunch in the sun till 2.30 in the afternoon. The hotel is fine and cozy, food is so so, staff super sweet but not very well organised, if you have a little patience everything will be fine.
HOTEL BLIZZARD
Blizzard
We usually stay over New Year and this year we decided to have a great grown-up evening. Super table at Hotel Blizzard, one of the best hotel in Val D´sere. I intend to stay here in 4 years when Oliver is old enough. They don´t allow kids in the hotel ;-) We had a lovely dinner and an afterparty in a non disclosed place after. Very hip.
Blizzard
Gym Blizzard
HOTEL Les Barmes de l'Ours
Barmes de l´ours is one of the bigger hotels in Val d´isere. It´s elegant, but at the same time really family friendly. Here you find 3 restaurants which are all great, lots of activity for kids ( they have their own bowling alley ) , cozy wine and cigar bars, super gym and much more.
Just a few picks from me, which maybe is in your tast. Enjoy and be careful on the slopes, Christina
2 opposite hotels in Copenhagen, which are both amazing, in each their own way.
This is a hotel with only 1 room, but what a room! Located on top of a small café in the Vesterbro neighbourhood, the double room of Central Hotel has a unique interior design with beautiful handcrafted details that will make even the pickiest boutique hotel aficionado feel right at home. Central Hotel og Café is located in the Vesterbro neighbourhood right on the border of Frederiksberg. It is a lively and trendy area in secure distance to the city’s tourist traps.
Around the corner is Værnedamsvej, the cosiest street in the city. For nightlife there are many restaurants, bars and cocktail bars in the immediate area. Close by is the old meat packing district (Kødbyen), with clubs, galleries, cafés, bars and restaurants – not to be missed!
Hotel D´Angleterre, central Copenhagen.
This 5 star luxury hotel has been refurnished a few years back, in an amazing style. It´s situated in the absolut center of Copenhagen near the charming port of Nyhavn. Just around the corner you will find great shopping and restaurant.
The hotel originated from a result of a love affair between two young people. In the mid-1700s, fell in love Jean Marchal, serves at the Danish court, and Maria coppy, daughter of the court chef himself. Maria was known for his talents in the kitchen and Jean knew all about how they served the privileged. Together established Mr. And Mrs. Marchal a restaurant on Kongens Nytorv in 1755. This is where d'Angleterre's story begins. Hotel d'Angleterre's identity has been worn for more than 260 years of history of the founder Jean Marchal and his successors, talent and sense of providing service, hospitality and comfort of the highest class. It is this tradition that makes up the foundation as d'Angleterre is built.Hotel d'Angleterre was established in 1755 and is as legendary Copenhagen institution famous for its elegance, luxury and style. The hotel has undergone a transformation and is based on the area's rich history has been relaunched as a revitalized grand palais. The hotel's history and style complemented with new and intuitive services that speak to today's sophisticated traveler. Lovely place to stay.
Enjoy you stay in Copenhagen, and remember to contact me for a guided design or fashion tour at DESIGN TOUR on this site.
KVANUM, KLARLUND, GUBI & CAFE´ PLATEAU. It´s been a great week for me with lots of cozy and amazing events.
The past week or two I have been having the pleasure to be invited to some great events.
KVANUM KØKKEN.
It started at KVANUM KØKKEN in Hellerup last Thursday. KVANUN KØKKEN hosted a lovely evening where you could find an amazing mix of all the best from kitchens to cars to ceramics to hunting to travel to rugs to food and coffee. KVANUM KØKKEN , the host of the night with their luxury designed kitchens. MADEAMANO , and their lovely coloured ceramic wall and floor tiles. KNOTHOUSE , and their beautiful silk rugs. VOLVO , with the brand new 4 wheel drive for family and hunting. PEACOCK TRAVEL , with their great designed trips to the best places in the world and many many more. Thank you KVANUM KØKKEN for such a great and interesting evening.
GUBI.
Thursday this week GUBI had a nice x-mas event, presenting LEIF SIGERSEN celebrating his 25 anniversary. He in cooperation with LA GLACE presenting their lovely flower pasties and with Anne Fabricius Møller, cute x-mass candles and much more.
CAFE´ PLATEAU.
We, who live 10 minutes out north of the center of Copenhagen in " RESERVATET " had a nice surprise last week with the opening of CAFE´ PLATEAU, on Hellerup Strandvej, by the former owner of our ´hang out bar ´ from our youth, ZEZE . This cozy small place is already busy by us driving in and out from the city everyday. So nice finally to have a place to meet having a place to enjoy a glass of wine and a salat after work.
KLARLUND.
Creme della Creme of events this week I have to say was KLARLUND´s event at BØRSEN ( the danish stock exchange ) First of all, the building is one of Copenhagens oldest and most beautiful, build at the same time as The Round Tower during the reign of King Christian IV. The view coming up to the entrance of the event was amazing with lit up trees in red and the whole facade of the building with light and fire. Security at it´s highest because of all the valuable jewellery, both vintage and new, inside for us to look at and try on. I got a few good ideas for x-mas ;-) Thank you so much, Klarlund.
Great event week, Christina.
L´hotel Paris.
We were going to Paris a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to try something new this time as for hotel and area. I was recommended L´hotel in Saint Germain. The hotel has great history and the interior is full-on over the top, just the way I like it . L’Hotel was built in 1828 by Célestin-Joseph Happe in the exact location occupied by La Reine Margot’s Pavillon d’Amour (a pavilion of love) in the 17th century. The building became Hotel d’Allemagne in 1868 and then Hotel d’Alsace after the war of 1870. Oscar Wilde took up residence at the end of the 19th century and lived at L'Hotel until his death, famously claiming to 'live above his means'. Head Chef Julien Montbabut, returned to the kitchen of Le Restaurant in April 2011. Julien was sous-chef in 2008 when Le Restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in recognition of its outstanding cuisine, quality and service. We didn't end up here this time but I can´t wait to go there and enjoy the amazing surroundings and cuisine next time we are in Paris.
I can´t wait to sit out here and enjoy my croissant and caffe au latte.
The rooms are full of fantasy and colour and will make you feel amazing.
After a long day of walking I will be looking forward to try the hammam pool.
6 best boutique hotels in New York, ........in my opinion.
We were supposed to fly out to NY today, but that ain´t happening :-( At least I am well prepared for next time. Originality, interior and location are the most important thing for me, here are the 6 hotels I would have gone for.
This New York City hotel is located in the city’s elite Tribeca neighborhood. It features an underground pool and fitness center, as well as an on-site restaurant and spa.
Views of New York City or the atrium are featured in each room at The Nomad Hotel. Mahogany work desks along with an iHome docking station and an in-room safe are also included. Nightly turn down service is provided for guests.
Nestled in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, this boutique hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from the New York University campus and Washington Square Park.
Boasting elegant 1920s-inspired décor, guest rooms at The Jade Hotel feature luxurious leather chairs and rich fabrics. Guests are pampered with a designer bathrobe, slippers and spa quality toiletries.
Situated in the upscale SoHo neighborhood, this luxury hotel is close to art galleries, designer shops and popular restaurants. This modern hotel features an outdoor restaurant and all rooms have city views.
Boasting an outdoor rooftop pool in the summer which turns intimate lounge in the winter, 2 gourmet restaurants and modern rooms with city views is this 4-star hotel. It is centrally located in the heart of the Chelsea Riviera between the High Line and the Hudson River.
Featuring an interior lobby garden with trees and ivy walls, this boutique hotel is within 5 minutes' walk to Central Park and the Columbus Circle Subway Station.
Have a safe trip and enjoy, Christina.
The 10 best places in South of France.
We ended our great holiday in France. To me South of France is something very familiar. We have been coming there since I remember and will come again and again. The South of France has that special feeling of soft color, lavender, soft pink houses, small antique markets, great food, olive trees, lovely smelling baguette, Boeuf Tartare, super cheeses, Moule Mariniere and amazing wine. But it´s also like a circus for grown up´s with great shopping, vild cars and super crazy wealth which is fun to be a part of for a shorter while.
OUR FAMILY HOME IN FRANCE.
We are so lucky to have a family home in the mountainside behind Cannes. Up here we can enjoy and relax and just see beauty all around fare away from all the crowds. My parents bought the house 17 years ago just in time for me and Luca to have our wedding in this amazing place. We visit the house 2-3 times yearly and during summer we invite friends and family to stay with us. And the house is full of happy loud children and funny parents.
COLOMBE D´OR.
It´s always been a great wish of mine to visit Colombe dÓr the amazing art filled restaurant in St. Paul. It is a restaurant so full of history of the worlds greatest artists. BUT you must book a table a long time in advance, which I have done now for next summer.
The Colombe d’Or started life in 1920 as “Chez Robinson”, a café bar with an open air-terrace where people would dance at weekends. It soon attracted characters from the neighbourhood, which gave the idea to Paul with the support of his wife Baptistine “Titine”, to extend and reopen as the Colombe d’Or, an inn of 3 rooms. The friendly atmosphere together with Paul’s deep interest in the arts brought the visit of many artists and the walls were soon covered by paintings, which often were exchanged for a stay or a few meals.The end of the war saw the arrival of the international crowd and the new friendships between Paul’s son Francis and new visitors: Yves Montand, Lino Ventura, Serge Reggiani. Francis married Yvonne a young women of Danish origin and together they followed in Paul’s steps, commissioning amongst other things a colourful ceramic by Fernand Leger for the terrace. The fifties were the time of Miro, Braque, Chagall, followed by the time of Calder, Cesar and all the others, it is also, in 1951, the story of Montand and Simone Signoret and their wedding in Saint-Paul.
LOCAL MARKETS
All over France, in every little village, you will find a cute market on week-ends. Big or small it´s never boring to look around for the perfect sun hat, an antique fireplace or the best home produced goat cheese.
L´ AUBERGE DU VIEUX CHATEAU.
L´auberge du Vieux Chateau is a lovely intimate restaurant and hotel in Cabris. We usually go there a couple of times during summer to have a lovely, elegant and affordable dinner with an amazing view point of all of the South of France. On a hot night you sit outside on this tiny little square next to an knight´s castle otherwise you sit inside the lovely and light restaurant enjoying enjoy light 3-4 dishes. You can even stay at there small hotel which is super french and cute.
VILLA MARIE
We stayed in Villa Marie last summer on a small trip to St. Tropez. It´s an old wine yard, very rustic and charming with a great pool build into the mountain. Obviously they have an amazing kitchen here and even the breakfast is to die for. The villa is situated 5 minutes outside the center of St.Tropez in the direction of the beaches on the north side and you are out of the craziness of St.Tropez. Every corner of this hotel is made with such details and cure, and its great to go around exploring.
MOUGINS.
Arts Arts Arts and Food. Mougins is full of small gallaries and restaurants. You walk around the beautiful small narrow streets and find the nicest pieces of art, modern or old. And you find some restaurants which are absolutely great. And shops with cute things for the house.
CLUB 55
´55 for me is absolutely the best to come back to. I am totally a traditionalist and return to places I love all the time. This is one of my favourites and will always be. I have great memories from here and I love the ambiance and to observe great looking families and be amazed about the people coming from boats to sit at the lovely lavender coloured tables drinking Rose´, eating great grilled fish and the famous vegetable plate they do.
Their shop is another favourite of mine. I could buy absolutely EVERYTHING they have from towels to beach dresses to hats to sharong to bracelets to carpets to to to......... Great style and colours. Ones, many years ago I went to try on a swimsuit and when I came out to see myself in the mirror, my biggest idol, Jack Nicholson, was observing me and said I looked real good in it !!! I bought it on the spot and wore it for toooo many years!!!
BYBLOS
Byblos is something to try just to have been in the same place where Mick Jagger wanted to marry Bianca, but ended up leaving because of the big commotion. The hotel is build from many small houses the owner has bought through time and there is something special about this place. La Cave downstairs is great for dancing until the early morning and the good thing is that you will loose a few pounds just by being there from the exaggerated number of people and the crazy heat.
CARLTON.
When we have been a couples of days too long in our home up the hill, we go for the coats to do a little shopping, eating, bathing, observing people, enjoying cool cars and much more. The Carlton Beach Club is great for a light lunch and a little breeze . You sit out on the pier and follow whats going on at sea, on land and on the beach all in ones. I like observing! All 3 of us likes good food, great cars and a few shops so a quick trip to Cannes works for all 3 of us.
LA BASTIDE SAINT-ANTOINE.
La Bastide Saint-Antoine is this amazing Michelin restaurant in Grasse, in land from Cannes. Remember your wallet, it´s going to cost you. But you must try at least ones. You will be served the most delicious dishes in amazing surroundings from a very pleasent staff. The hotel itself is beautiful situated in the most lovely olive grove as fare as the eye can see.
VIVA LA FRANCE, Christina
The 8 best places in Panarea, Isole Eolie, Sicily
I was in doubt if I should make this newsletter or keep it to myself. Because I love the fact that Panarea is so unspoiled and I have had it to myself for so long,... but here I go. Panarea is for me the absolute best place in Europe to stay for the summer. It´s one of 8 tiny islands called ´Isole Eolie´, on the north side of Sicily and we have been coming here for the past 9 years. Here you find the clearest waters and will go by boat all day long to visit other islands (preferably with the cutest captain you can find ), best restaurants, great nature, volcanoes, kind and beautiful people, super hotels and great bars. A mix of Ibiza, Portofino, Capri and St.tropez, but much more low key. No gold and diamonds. Everything here is magical. And you will be hooked for life.
Lisca Bianca is a beautiful little hotel down at the port, owned by one of the 3 sisters who basically own the whole island. The hotel is with sweet small rooms and amazing interior. A great bar for Aperitivo and lounge music and even DJ and dancing during week-ends. Everything is kept in blue, turquoise and white which makes it a joy for the eye.
Right across from Lisca Bianca you find The Bridge, a super nice and trendy sushi place which have been lucky to attract one of the best original sushi chefs to the island. Everybody meet up here after a long day on the boats and get a few aperitivi before going home to change into something more sexy for the evening. Great music and great atmosphere in relaxed surroundings where you can keep an eye on whats going on on the pier from the balcony, at the same time.
If you are interested in Michelin restaurants in a truly beautiful, balanced and harmonic setting with a hostess who are so delicious and "in gamba" that you can't take you eyes off of her, then you must try Hycesia. In this place you eat the most amazing and delicate plates and have a wine list bigger than The Bible. The owner also has a cute little hotel next to the restaurant which is lovely and simple.
The Crown Jewel of the island is Raya. Raya is situated at the highest point of the island and seems the have the power on Panarea. It´s an ecological hotel, with an enormous pure saltwater pool. The rooms are decorated with delicacy and the whole hotel througout is made in a style of a mix of Bali, Italy and luxury hippy. Down at the port Raya has one of my favourite shops with clothes made by hand in the most delicious materials, pattens and colours. Beach/sailing/party wear in a very luxury hippy way. At Raya you usually arrive barefood. To top it all off, Raya has the best Aperitivo place on top of the roof of their restaurant in the port. From here you see the sun going down on LiscaBianca, the magic cliff in the water just infront of Panarea. After your aperitivo, you go to the restaurant downstairs where later there will be music and dancing till the early morning.
Hotel and restaurant Sirena is actually situated on Filicudi, the island on the right of Panarea. This great little colourful place is yet another must see in the seas of The Eolie. Great food in another lovely island with black amazing volcanic beaches.
Quartara is another small lux hotel on the Panarea, definitely a place for couples. High in the mountain and romantic, with a great restaurant. From up here you have a very nice view of the island and the ocean and are able to stay a little apart from the rest of the crowd.
You want authentic Sicilian, you have to visit Da Pina where you will dine on original Sicilian ceramic and eat original Sicilian food. Some heavy.... some light. But lots of fresh fish, wine and melanzane will be on the menu.
If you are at Banacal Sushi you will dine right under the stars. You are basically on top of the roof of Lisca Bianca and across from Bridge and seldom have I seen something so amazing. You eat the best sushi which is served in a lovely way and enjoy the atmosphere from all sides. It´s just great to sit with great food, great wine and great family and live life to the fullest in these surroundings.
I must go back as soon as possible, Christina
DENVER UNION STATION.
If you need a great reason to go to Denver, here is one. DENVER UNION STATION. If you’ve ever stood inside an Avroko-designed space, then you are fully aware of the visual feast of trinkets, vintage one-offs and authentic storytelling that ensues. The firm's principal designers, Greg Bradshaw, Adam Farmerie, Kristina O'Neal, and William Harris have an enticing way of transporting you into their world in a meals time.
It only makes sense that the New York based design firm would be selected to restore Denver Union Station, one of the city’s oldest establishments. The relic originally opened it’s doors back in the summer of 1881 and underwent a series of renovations over the following century. Fast forward 134 years, the 22-gate underground bus facility and light rail station is now a multi-functional space, that includes a hotel, several restaurants and shops — many of which, designed by Avroko.
Inspired by the idea of luxury train travel and the American industrial era, the designers created an eclectic social hub and two bars in this one of a kind historical preservation project. Beige and brown architectural elements and original textures were enhanced by painting everything white and focus was placed on custom lighting and furniture to bring life and a richness to each space.
The wooden benches, free standing lamp posts and shuffleboard tables create a fun-loving spirit in the Great Hall, the drinks menu in the Terminal Bar harken back to nostalgic days of train travel in the style of an old departure board, and the lush fabrics found through The Cooper Lounge are reminiscent of Pullman car drinking booths. Here's to the next 100 years.
.
El chiringuito, it´s a family affair.
The summer has come and finally it´s time for me to visit some of my favorite places in the South of Europe. Ibiza has a speciel place in my heart. I have been coming there since forever. First time more than 30 years ago with my parents and brothers, since with uncles and cousins and now with husband ( who I met there 21 years ago ! ) and kid. Ibiza has something for all. The island has been and is, misunderstood by many, because of its bad rep from bad TV-shows and charter-tours. But it doesn't matter whether you are young, old, single, have kids, green or red, the island has a great spot for all kind. You just have to know the places which suits you the best. Luca, Oliver and I usually stay with one of my two cousins who moved there 22 years ago. We love to stay with them to make up for lost time away from each other. We always start with a wonderful day in Es Cavallet and a visit to el Chiringuito, one of my favorite lunch restaurants at the beach. Its a nice and relaxed way to start you holiday in Ibiza, not too much and not too little. Great food, chilled music and chic people.
Es Cavallet , the beach where you can relax without too much action going on.
el Chiringuito, as you can see we enjoy "muchos" with family and friends.
MS-Navigator a luxury ship at the doorstep of The queen.
I was invited to a meeting with Kim Sørensen, the owner of the great MS-Navigator. An amazing ship in front of The Queens Castle in Copenhagen. Kim Sørensen rebuild the ship into a luxury hotel on the water some 5 years ago and she is now available for dinner, meetings, cruises or as a hotel. Kim Sørensen has keep 95% of the original ship and spared no cost to create his beautiful hotel on water. I was loving going around seeing the very stylish interior, the super shiny brass every where and specially the engine room down below, full of engines, instruments and cables from the 1940´s still intact. One person I would have loved to show this, is my late father, who would have appreciated such an experience a 100%. Most of my memories of him has to do with the sea. We would sail, waterski, swim, dive for mussels, go out early in the morning to watch the sun come up from the boat and enjoy lunch or dinner in harbours all over Denmark. Anything to do with the sea was our thing, basically. You should go and see for yourself and be impressed.
It´s a family affair.
Yet again Julie Brangstrup made it happen. Cash&Rocket is on the road to raise money for charity. I think by now The Ladies must be driving into Milan the last stop before the finale.
Through a unique online fundraising platform, Cash & Rocket has been able to raise in excess of $1,850,000 over 2012, 2013 and 2014. Cash & Rocket are incredibly proud that 100% of donations go directly to our charity partners.
Each year 70 tour ladies form 35 individual online teams to create friendly competition amongst their ladies and brands. Their teams and brands report back to fans about their fundraising success via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well as encouraging support and donations from friends and followers.
In addition to online and individual team fundraising, Cash & Rocket also holds an annual Charity Auction Gala Dinner as part of each tour. The Gala Dinner enables the charities to raise an incredible amount of funding through the sale of unique, limited edition items, donated by partners and friends of Cash & Rocket . The Auction Gala Dinner always attracts many high-profile, charitable celebrity figures. Past attendees have included Princess Reema Bint Bander Al Saud, Selita Ebanks, Lady Christina Green, Jasmine Guiness, Daisy Lowe, Yasmin le Bon and Franca Sozzani, to name but a few.
C&R´s three charity partners – OAfrica, Shine on Sierra Leone and Sumbandila – provide life-changing support to women and children in Africa, through education and through healthcare. They were chosen as organisations where we can play a hands-on role in their development and witness real change. Through the vital work of our charity partners, we are making a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of women and children in Africa.
When Julie makes it happen and Cash & Rocket is on the road our whole family supports her charity. If we are not able to do the tour we will make sure to be a the Galla Dinner for the auction. Luca and I flew to London Thursday night and took part in the amazing event at The Dorchester together with the 300 other people invited.
I drove 2012 and it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. All the Great Ladies and cars and a great teamwork to raise as much money as possible for the much needed charities. 2012 we raised money for ´ AIDS free Africa 2015´ Miss Lily and I had 4 amazing days together 24 hours a day. Absolutely the best co-driver I could have dreamt for. Lily speaks and I drive :-)))
Julie is really good in finding the right group of interesting girls to do the tour. Everybody has a common interest in doing good and having a fun trip at the same time. Follow them on @cash_and_rocket You will find all the greatest bloggers, models, fashion people, CEO´s, artist, mothers and many many more.
Berlin.
I just had a great trip to Berlin with good friends. And in the few day´s we spend in the city I have visited a couple of nice places. Berlin is a great mix of many different architectural styles from classic to fascist to modern. Newly "started" ca. 25 years ago and with it´s ca. 3.5 million habitants it has a little cozy-ness like Copenhagen, the large boulevards of Paris and some of the modern vibe of N.Y. But it feels like it has not found it´s own character just yet. We started with a lunch in the studio of Olafur Eliasson, where LittleSun has one of their offices. Here you are meet with a fantastic energi of a large staff of architects, designers and artist. Amazing !
In the evenings we had the best cocktails at SAGE, a great place with young and older, smart and families, trendy and classic. Super loung music, cigar room and the coolest bathrooms. We visited BIKINI, great hotel and club, Kimchiprincess a fun korean place, Sale e Tabacchi a great typical milanese restaurant and the sky lounge bar at Hotel de Roma. Sadly I missed out on the famous Kaefer Restaurant on top of the Reichstag building in the very heart of Berlin, but fortunately on Saturday we were lucky to have a privat showing of a bunker which has been turned into a large gallery. The bunker was bought by an advertising mogul, Christian Boros, to be able to build his own penthouse on top of the 5 story bunker. And off course we saw Memorial to the murdered Jews, a breathtaking place. Beautiful and so sad at the same time. The rest of the time we would walk and walk the streets of Berlin and take it all in.
Blakes London.
Blakes is still my favorite place to stay when in London. Room # 106 has been booked already for next month when going to visit and celebrate with family.
So many great details and ideas you can use in your own home. The dark colors and big vases with green plants.
Layers and layers of decorative pillows and covers in silk and velour, we stayed here last time.
Amazing mix of colours and materials.
Beautiful white and clean and fresh, love it..love it..love. We are staying in #106 again this time. Jubilee !
The infamous bar at Blakes, great ambiance and cocktails.
Lovely to sit out here and enjoy a drink and good food for lunch or dinner.
The Tower.
I went for lunch with Luca the other day in the newly opened restaurant, The Tower, which is the tower of the Danish Parliament. The view from the tower of Christiansborg Palace is unique and magnificent – Copenhagen’s highest tower, which is now open to the public, for the very first time. The tower is the property of the Danish Parliament, whose Members took the initiative to open it – for the pleasure of all those who live in or are visiting Copenhagen. Bojesen is your host at the restaurant, and you will be served classic danish open sandwiches and great desserts with a twist. If you are lucky you could be sitting across the present Danish Prime Minister, ´Selfie Helle´ and other MP´s. Great interior, good service and nice light food. Definitely worth trying.
View of The Tower at Christiansborg Palace.
Great simple interior at The Tower.
Amazing presentation of traditional Danish open sandwiches.
In the Projects.
Papaya Playa Projects is this wonderful eco friendly paradise we have stayed in for the past week in Tulum, Mexico. The place has a broad range of ways to stay, from tiny hut´s without plumbing, small bungalow´s to mega villa´s. Which bring in a great variety of people, because there are something for all. There is a great ambience, super DJ´s, beautiful surroundings, amazing nature with crystal clear waters, jungle, Pelican´s flying over your head and giant iguana´s stealing your fruit in the night. Definitely a place to visit.
Christina
The Corner on the corner, Il Angolo.
Just before flying to Mexico on vacation, we made a small stop over in Sicily. And obviously had to visit our favourite restaurant for lunch. Located just around the corner from our home in Sicily, you find this fantastic little exclusive restaurant called, AIl´ Angolo. My favourite place away from home. We have been coming there since Sig. Perni opened it 13 years ago. They have followed our lives since forever, and takes us in, like family. Oliver, our son, who started coming there 9 month before even being born, is perhaps one of the only children, who is really welcome at the restaurant. A little strange for an italian, BUT sig. Peri is a perfectionist. It´s usually only open for dinner, but anytime we call and ask if we can please please please come for lunch, sig. Perni, will turn his boat around in the Mediterranean sea, where he is usually spending whatever little sparetime he has, and het up the Volcano Etna, and start cooking his amazing food for us. The restaurant which is approximately 50m2 all included is full of great small cozy classic Sicilian ornaments and he does everything himself ! From bread, pasta, sotto olio to ice creme. Wine, ham, delicacies, vegetable and Grappa he will spend all of his holidays finding. My absolute favourite is "Tagliatelle con Tatufo" , his fantastic homemade pasta with truffle . It´s a MUST to visit if you should ever find your self on the escarpment of Mount Etna.
My absolut favourite place in Tulum.
Being on my first trip to Mexico, I have seen many nice places already in the few days we have been here, but best of all is definitely, Posada Margherita. An italian owned boutique hotel with fantastic food, the best fruit juices, amazing interior and uniq shopping. Really laid back, classy and with great atmosphere.