Sunday 15 February 2015

Ski bunny move over - ski cosy is in town

I always thought that I would not like physical sports


But I was wrong. I love skiing - and, even moreso, I love the apres ski life!


  And I love Aspen too.


Such a gorgeous town - and so used to superstars, that I was hardly noticed at all. So refreshing!


So thought I would share with you a day in the life of a Superstar (tea cosy) at Aspen.

Each day started out at the beautiful breakfast buffet - bagels being my personal preference!


Although some days we would to to our favourite coffee spot Victoria's - we love their muffin tops!


And usually we would catch up on the news and get the snow report for the day


I love to read what Bill Cunningham is reporting on in NYC as that is our next destination. Can you believe all the snow that is there!


But that man - I adore him, he makes the most of the fashion on the street, regardless of the weather!

 

My life's desire is to run into him in his blue coat and all

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He strikes me as a gentle soul who would accept me just the way I am! And for those of you who have not yet lived  - you must check out the documentary which HH adores 


HH loves one quote from that movie above all others

Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life. Bill Cunningham

 

Bravo BC - we love you


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Usually, if I am really good, HH and Miss HH would take me with them up  the mountain




I am not fussy - I love them all - AJAX, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass




The scenery took my breath away





When we are on Aspen Highlands we have an absolute favourite spot which is having lunch (fondue or raclette) at Cloud Nine



They have a great approach to champagne on ice - although we don't drink and ski!


The view is to die for!



If I get a bit bored while the girls ski, I ramp up the adventurer in me and ask the boys to take me for a spin on this machine


We come in late afternoon and usually manage a spot of shopping


This trip the girls took me to Prada (just for a look) - the Prada folk were very nice to me and photographed me with all their high end retail goods!


Oh we love Kate Spade too - these gorgeous sunglasses are coming home with us


HH said she loved them  - but I reminded her that she only loved them because they matched my complexion perfectly!


I fraternised extensively at Kate Spade with all the displays!

We also love this quirky little shop in Aspen



There were a few interesting additions to the Aspen shops this time.In January, Colorado became the first state in the nation to legalise sales of recreational marijuana so, as a result, a number of interesting shops have sprung up!


We didn't need to pay a visit because, if we needed a pick me up, a latte and espresso at Peach's is just the thing! 

Miss HH is usually so mean to me (sibling Rivalry I put it down to) - but here is a photo worthy moment of us as friends



It was shortlived - within 5 minutes her demeanour changed and she threatened to toss me in the trash! She decided that was too radical and then threatened to send me home.


But as Miss HH refused to pay for first class, I refused to go!


These boys intervened. I owe my life to the darling ski concierge  at the hotel.

To celebrate we went to the newest and our most favourite place in town


We went there twice - just LOVED LOVED LOVED it. On one of the nights we were in Aspen the Superbowl was on


The entire town stopped whilst the Patriots and Seahawks went head to head.  I was more excited by the  fact there was cake!


And Katie Perry sang at half time! She was amazing

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On our last night, becuase I had been so good, the girls invited me for a special event - SMORES at their own special fire pit




Miss HH did a spectacular job as the Chef de Smores


I, meanwhile, guarded the treasure ie. the smores kit !



and shared in the wonder of biscuits, marshmallow and chocolate when they were all toasty (yum!)

I just loved every minute of my week in Aspen and cannot wait to come back - ski bunnies may as well move over, because ski cosies may well be the new black in Colorado! Or maybe the new purple at least!


x STC XX


Wednesday 11 February 2015

STC living the California dream


Continuing my adventure holiday USA (I know you are on the edge of you seat!) - We left the beautiful  San Francisco behind, and caught the ferry across the harbour and landed in beautiful Tiburon to spend some time with friends. How gorgeous is this main street!


I quickly got into the spirit!




and made myself remarkably at home immediately


Tiburon is in Marin County and and derives its name from the Spanish word meaning "shark". 

The shopping was great, and I just loved this shop - Vineyard Vines  (HH loved it too - she adores Lilly Pulitzer and this shop reminded her so much of it)

 



These are our beautiful friends the S family  - we all had such a fun time and they were superb hosts (and, I might say, included me in everything!)


and here is Miss S who just loved me - well someone has to!


We had a truly beautiful afternoon at Muir Woods which is a national monument of mainly coast redwood trees.




It was staggering how small and insignificant we all felt against the age and enormity of the forest which engulfed us.




The next day, we were treated to  a day out in the Napa Valley


Now HH and I share  one thing in common (and that is a love for champagne and wine, in case you have not already noticed!)

So we were destined to enjoy this outing together

First stop Ram's Gate 


Located right at the entrance to Sonoma, this place was beautiful on the outside



and almost more beautiful on the inside. Designed by acclaimed interior designer, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy,it is stylish and elegant


HH wanted to package up this spectacular chandelier because I told her I thought it would look rather nice in the HH pavilion


Would you not agree?


The scenery surrounding Ram's Gate was  breathtaking




and we spent ages just walking around it and talking


Then it was onto Domaine Carneros, HH was pretty excited as Taittinger was involved with this one


This is a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of methóde champenoise sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, and a breathtakingly beautiful château. 


We gave the sparkling a big tick of approval (not that I was drinking being a tea-totaller and all!)




But I never miss a photo opportunity!


and was only too happy to sit and watch everyone else enjoy


and baske in the magnificence of the countryside


This Napa life is pretty tough! But someone has to tell the story!


Peju was next on our Napa agenda






This is in the Rutherford area



The gardens were magnificent


and I loved getting to know the vines and the locals


We drove through the beautiful Yountville - which has not one, but four, Michelin Star restaurants including this beautiful one

French Laundry, owned by Chef Thomas Keller, has 3 Michelin Stars and has twice won the title of "best restaurant in the world"


I finished the day precariously perching with the glorious view


in this glorious place - as Napa's first fine dining experience, Auberge Du Soleil was a perfect spot to enjoy some Napa wines and cheeses (and fries!)


The perfect end to a perfect day


Adieu to California, Colarado better watch up because I am on my way to the snow
You cannot be as excited as I am!




I have spent all week limbering up!

x ST