Hot Tub Time Machine Gone Modern.

I just arrived to Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia with the dog. We got lucky with a one bedroom condo that allows four-legged friends. Whew. Hello Whistlepunk!  I vividly recall the six-hour road trip to the top of Snowshoe as a kid involved passing by Whistlepunk’s Barvarian design condominiums on route to another townhouse or value condo for six further along the ridge. Let me tell you, this place is quite different then it was over 12 years ago. Developers, architects and designers are turning their attention to ski resorts, helping to redefine the experience of the typical ski holiday. And you all know I love good innovative design.

With that said, I have my ski eyes set on Fjall Ski Lodge, Falls Creek.

I love the way The Cool Hunter blog eloquently points out:

Taking inspiration from classic European chalets, sophisticated, design-led ski resorts and lodges are popping all over the world. From Australia to Austria, the new ski holiday is as much about the experience of kicking back in beautiful surroundings at the end of a long day of skiing, as it is about the runs.

Which is why I love the look of Fjall Ski Lodge in Falls Creek in Victoria. Can you resist apres-ski here?

Changing the Configuration in Furnishings.

Belgian-born Charles Raphaël’s free and fluid ‘Multiple’ table was a winner at the Kortrijk Design Biennale last year. The table features a group of identical solid-beech vertical elements that are held together by a magnetic system allowing the user to easily change the configuration of the piece, in turn creating a number of different possibilities for the design. Make it a square, or break it up into bunching tables, the table can be formed to whatever creative puzzle you desire. Way cool.

The Most Beautiful Stepladder. Ever.

So, I’m packing for a mini-ski vacation. I can not wait to snap on my boots and hot the slopes. I’m in the midst of packing bags, and I need my ski gear. Crap! It’s stashed up high in the dark upper region of the closet. Hm. No ladder. Chair might do. But this sleek and sexy step-ladder would surely do the trick. Designed by Karl Malmvall for Design House Stockholm, this black foldable ladder can easily slide between the fridge and the wall, or hang on a rack. Why hide it! At 4′ 4″ tall and only 2″ deep, it’s the perfect accessory for any urban condo closet. Now, how do I get that darn ski stuff down?

UP up and Away in the Atmosphere. At home.

Large paintings thrill me. I want to get lost in a painting, and if it’s bigger then me… bring it. I saw these 72″ square atmospheric cloud paintings by artsist Ian Fisher on Bond & Bowery and had to share. They are so true to life! Lift up that urban loft or float away at the end of that large and long hallway. If you have the space, one of these original oil on canvas works will soothe your soul. I promise.

Atmospheric Cloud Painting: Series 20, by Ian Fisher

Atmospheric Cloud Painting: Series 5, by Ian Fisher

Atmospheric Cloud Painting: Series 4, by Ian Fisher

Atmospheric Cloud Painting: Series 6, by Ian Fisher

Atmospheric Cloud Painting: Series 16, by Ian Fisher

 

 

Where the Hell is Matt.

Lord knows I love to travel. Car, bus, boat, plane, or on foot – I would embark in a heartbeat. After watching this video on the website Where The Hell is Matt, I want to do the same… well maybe do the Scissor Step. Touch your heel, touch your toe.

Note: Breaking news! This video was actually a hoax created for marketing purposes… Matt was never in these locations. Sadly. But that marketing company did some damn good faking it! Kudos for technology, brainiacs, guys named Matt, and all the places I have yet to visit on this earth. =)

A Pair of Red-Hot Sophisticated Scotties.

Are these little red dog cufflinks by Paul Smith not dorable? They would make a sweet Valentines Day gift for your canine canoodling human companion. Get suited up, spritzed, and accessorized… and don’t forget to paint the town red boys!!

 

Semi-Precious Platters.

These genuine and oh-so-sharp-looking platters would make a prefect wedding gift for your friends early Spring wedding. Crafted by skilled Brazilian artisans for Rablabs, the unique Kiva platters are available in crystal, calcedonia, rose quartz, green quartz or midnight onyx and come trimmed in precious sterling silver or 24K gold-trimmed. Measuring approximately 10″ x 13″, these cocktail party worthy pieces are priced around $330. While you are at it, pick one up for yourself too. You know you want one!

KIva Platters (shown stacked), priced at $290 to $330 | Vivre.com

Lucite Window Hardware.

Thank you designer Liz Levin for bringing to my attention the beautiful lucite and metal hardware availble for design and purchase through Washingtonian Gretchen Everett of Everett Design Workroom in Silver Spring, Maryland. Simply stunning. Who’s swooning over these gorgeous pieces? Here to our next project together!

Grilled Cheese Please.

OMG. Thank you Sunset Magazine for this beautiful culinary slideshow of creative ways to grill the infamous classic cheese sandwich. Looks like any diet I planned is on hold…

Classic Grilled Cheese Concoction:

1. 1. Butter bread slices on 1 side. Turn them over. Lay 2 cheese slices on 1 bread slice. Choose a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, jack, Colby, gruyère, Swiss, fontina, provolone, or brie.Top with the other bread slice, buttered side up.
2. Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat. Flick a drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles and evaporates, the pan is hot enough.
3. Put sandwich, buttered side down, in pan. Let it cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and crunchy underneath. Turn and let cook another 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.

Classic and Basic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Try that and sep up your cooking with one of these gooey delights (click on image for recipe link):

Grilled Pastrami, Swiss, and Sweet Onion Marmalade on Rye

Golden Gate Grilled Cheese

Single Girl’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Artichokes, Tomato, and Black Olives

Hazelnut-crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Figs

Tarragon Vegetable Grilled Cheese on Sourdough

Grilled Fresh Mozzarella and Apricot on Sourdough

ISO: Whatever Floats Your Boat.

Let me introduce you to Siren. She is a rather tall and slender girl with light coloring, striking features, and contemporary tastes. Siren is looking for great friends to soak up some sunshine around the world. She loves water sports, the cinema, her jacuzzi, sleep overs and staying ahead of the competition in communication and her flair for great design. Her Burgess family is rather large and spends summers on the Mediterranean with vacations in the Caribbean come winter time. Her tastes are exquisite and lure men and women of all ages…

You can have a date with Siren for just 550,000 Euros.. per week. Any takers? Siren, if you’re lonely and need someone to talk to, I would gladly come keep you company!