The Blog

Hello from our living room, wearing a similar outfit to yesterday's, wavering between feelings of worry, hope and overwhelm.  We saw a post the other day that says it all "For those who lost track, today is Blursday, the fortyteenth of Maprilay."  Uncertain of the future, we distract ourselves with the thing we know best - travel, and more specifically "armchair travel." Delighting in uplifting stories and pictures from all over the world. Each week we'll be sharing the ones that remind us that Life Is Still Sweet.     1. SOUND OF MUSICItalians in quarantine take to roofs and balconies to join Italians in quarantine take to roofs and balconies to join in song.Read more here: The New York Times: Italians Find ‘a Moment of Joy in This Moment of Anxiety’Watch here: The Guardian: Quarantined Italians sing from balconies to lift spirits 2. GOOD NEIGHBORS Good neighbors in Brooklyn, NY use nextdoor app to help out senior citizens hunkering down at home. Read more here: New York Post: NYC good Samaritans run errands for seniors confined by the coronavirus3. FURRY FRIENDS With more people exercising “WFH,” we’re all spending more time with our furry friends (with entertaining results).Read more here: The Guardian: Dogs working from home during coronavirus crisis? There's an Instagram account for that 4. COMMUNITY SUPPORTPerformers, personal trainers, bar tenders, small business owners, and more feel the love with support from the community. Read more here: CBS News: These workers are going without pay during the coronavirus crisis. Here's how to help.5. HOLIDAY LIGHTSHoliday lights are going back up to spread cheer (not germs) during lockdown.Read more here: Good Morning America: People put Christmas lights up to spread cheer amid coronavirus pandemic6. VIRTUAL TOURSThrough the power of virtual tours, you can still visit beautiful museums and attractions all around the world.Read more here: The Washington Post: 12 Historic Sites you can Virtually Tour from the Couch during your Quarantine   MORE TO EXPLORE

I’m very lucky to say that I spend about three weeks a year in Paris for work. The Food! The style! The lights…what’s not to love about Paris?! Yes, much has been written about Paris but there is a reason for that… as we all know, Paris never gets old!    My strategy is to live like a chic local while still taking in the hits of Paris and if you stay where we stay, you are setting yourself up to have the most picture-perfect long weekend in Paris. I’m convinced we stay in the absolute best place in all of Paris. We stay at a beautiful studio apartment in the Palais Royale. It’s beautifully decorated and the owners are absolutely wonderful hosts. Sophie has created a giant binder of Paris recommendations is worth it alone. If you’re lucky (like us) and get to know her over time, she may even let you rent out her main apartment when she’s at her second home in Grasse but the studio is fabulous too.  THURSDAY 1. Angelina for lunch on Rue de Rivoli. Dessert is an absolute must here so definitely save room.2. Pop into Faure Le Page on Rue Cambon (think Goyard but with a history of leather goods made for gun-toting….a little cooler and not as played out IMO)3. Louis Vuitton Foundation4. Food shopping for breakfast and snacks (and maybe a picnic) at LeBonMarche (the food hall is directly next to the department store which is very much worth a visit too…I also usually pop into the Conran Shop which is catty-corner to LBP since the one in NYC is no longer)5. Early dinner at Bistrot Vivienne  FRIDAY 1. Musee de Beaux Arts at the Petit Palais2. Musee Rodin (Great place to picnic when the weather is nice….take a morning snack of café au lait and some fresh fruit and dine among the outdoor sculptures. Afterwards, stroll the museum, which is small and shouldn’t take too long)3. Deyrolle (the famed taxidermy store, long an inspiration of Wes Anderson)4. Stroll down Rue de Bac….eat a light lunch (or skip entirely) followed by something sweet (sweet shops line this entire street and they are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the belly)5. Stop in to Popelini for an out of this world cream puff and to take a selfie in front of their “I Got Puffed in Paris” sign 6. Assouline on Rue Bonaparte (Note: You will be near Le Bon Marche so if you didn’t get to go the day before, go now.)­7. NapImage via Paramount Pictures8. Dinner at Le Grand Colbert. I love the smoked salmon with blinis to start, the roast chicken or a steak for my main and the baked Alaska for dessert. 9. Ice Cream at Une Glace à ParisImage via  Une Glace à Paris SATURDAY 1. Pack a picnic lunch if it’s nice out Musee des Arts Decoratifs (walk there from the Studio)  2. Picnic in the Jardin de Tuilleries (just a couple of blocks further on Rue de Rivoli…pick up some postcards en route and do your postcard-writing at the same time) Photo by Marco Verch 3. Start the evening with a cocktail at Le Meurice (during Fashion Week this is the best place for people watching)4. Dinner back at the Musee Des Artes Decoratifs at Lou Lou (make sure to book…I like doing the museum the same day but that’s just me) SUNDAY 1. Musee D’Orsay (I like the walk if it’s nice out). The impressionists and decorative arts collection are not to be missed. Take a selfie in front of the giant clock.2. Stroll along Boulevard St. Germain3. Musee YSL If you’re ambitious and have another museum in you, go to the Musee Picasso, one of my favorites (although a cab ride away)4. Dinner at Freddy’s or Semilla. Freddy’s is Semilla’s more casual little brother of a restaurant next door. It serves up small plates tapas style and a huge selection of great wines by the glass. Both are amazing experiences and are adjoined so you can’t go wrong (you’ll definitely need a reservation at Semilla). WHY Because I spend about three weeks a year in Paris for work and I’m convinced we stay in the best place in all of Paris! I’LL DO ANYTHING FOR Paris window shopping and French Cheeses I’LL DO ANYTHING TO AVOID The crowds in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre…. WHEN I go for Fashion Week (end of Sept/Early Oct. and March) which is an exciting time in Paris (at least if you’re into fashion) but April, May, June, and September are all fantastic months. I dramatically prefer Paris when it’s warmer. FAVORITE MEAL   Le Grand Colbert: Smoked Salmon and Blinis at / Steak or Chateaubriand / Crème brûlée or Baked Alaska (sure this place has gotten a little touristy since Diane Keaton raved about it in “Something’s Gotta Give” but the room is an atmospheric slice of heaven, the food is very French and doesn’t disappoint, and plenty of locals still eat here…This is about a 90-second walk from Le Palais Royale Bistrot Vivienne: Beef Tartar, Baked Camembert (not always available but if it is, get it!), / their incredible chicken and I rarely order chicken (I think it’s the Coquelet) / Chocolate Mousse is an absolute must and This is also about a 90-second walk from Le Palais Royale) I BRING HOME Goodies from Le Bon Marche, books from Deyrolle & quirky souvenirs from Colette RELATED PRODUCTS  

FLOUR SHOP Photo by William Sonoma If you are need of a Birthday cake this place is a must! Order an explosion cake for the most colorful cake you’ve ever seen or stop in to pick up some mini sweet treats for a mid-day pick me up. 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013 TAIYAKI NYC A Japanese ice cream shop known for their soft-serve served up in a fish-shaped cone. 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013 DOMINIQUE ANSEL It wouldn’t be a trip to NYC without stopping by Dominique Ansel’s Bakery and trying the original cronut or one of their famous cookie shots! 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 DO Photo by DO Embrace the inner child in you at DO where you can eat as much cookie dough as your heart desires! They even have Gluten Free and Vegan options. 550 LaGuardia Place New York, NY 10012 JARS BY DANI What’s better than cake? Cake in a jar! Jars by Dani is a great addition for any event or party. They look just as good as they taste! MISTER SOFTEE Photo by Mister Softee The most famous ice cream food truck! You can’t go wrong with a vanilla chocolate swirl on a cone with rainbow sprinkles. DAILY PROVISIONS Photo by Melissa Hom Looking for the perfect match with your coffee? Look no further! With a choice of either maple, strawberry or cinnamon, the Cruller’s at daily provision are a must! 103 E 19th St New York, NY 10003 VAN LEEUWEN ARTISAN ICE CREAM Photo by Van Leeuwen Artisanal Ice Cream made with the simplest, freshest ingredients. Vegan and Classic flavors available. Be sure to try their Honeycomb Flavor! 61 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012 SHAKE SHACK Photo by Caroline Rodriguez Best known for its burgers and fries, Shake Shack also has frozen custard available. Make sure to order a concrete, frozen custard with mix-ins, which are specialized for each location. 1333 Broadway New York, NY 10018 LEVAIN BAKERY Photo by @julianne_rucker The signature Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie is not only great to taste but also great for your Instagram feed. The crispy outside and gooey center will have you wanting more. 167 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023 BIG GAY ICE CREAM SHOP Photo by Sideways NY Get creative when it comes to your ice cream cone here! Or just go with one of their signature dips. Either way, you are in for a BIG treat. 61 Grove St, New York, NY 10014 MILKBAR Photo by Milk Bar You can’t go wrong with a cup of cereal milk ice cream from MomoFuko Milk Bar. But if that’s not your style, they have everything from birthday cake truffles to compost cookies that are out of this world. 251 E 13th St New York, NY 10003 COFFEE & CREAM BY ODDFELLOWS Photo by Melissa Hom Want coffee and ice cream? We found the perfect place for you! Try their Wafflegato or the Matchagato. 55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012 BLACK TAP Photo by Black Tap While their burgers are great too, Black Tap is best known for their giant freakshakes. These freakshakes are extreme milkshakes and come in flavors like Sweet and Salty or Cotton Candy. 529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013 THE DOUGHNUT PROJECT Photo by Lindsay Paulen An everything bagel? Nope. An Everything Doughnut. Too adventurous for you? That’s ok! Try the house favorite which is the Beet Doughnut filled with ricotta whip. 10 Morton Street New York, NY 10014 SOFT SWERVE NYC Photo by @feedyourgirlfriend An ice cream shop with Asian-inspired flavors! Stop in and try their ube purple yam flavor. 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002 SERENDIPITY 3 Photo by Something Swanky People usually come here for one thing and one thing only. The iconic Frozen Hot Chocolate. Big enough to split even though you may not want to! 225 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022 LADY M Photo by Lady M Cake Boutique Make a stop to Lady M and try their signature Mille Crêpes. 20 thin crepes layered with pastry cream that will melt in your mouth. Feeling adventurous? Try their matcha or chocolate banana flavors. 36 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018 MAGNOLIA BAKERY Photo by Magnolia Bakery Anything you try at Magnolia Bakery is going to be delicious. But their Banana Bread Pudding is on another level. You can even get it in a party size! 401 Bleecker Street and W. 11th Street New York, NY BUTTERCUP BAKE SHOP Photo by Buttercup Bake Shop The perfect place to pick up 100% buttercream cupcakes for you, your kids, friends, and family. They have four locations throughout the city. 973 2nd Ave New York, NY 10022 RELATED PRODUCTS

You’re invited to Afternoon Tea with Jet Set Candy. London is known for their afternoon tea and we want to share with you some of our favorite places to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of tea and wonderful treats while visiting this incredible city. SKETCH What: Modern High Tea with plush pink couches and an Instagram worthy bathroomWhere: 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG, UKWhen: Daily from 11:30 am to 4:30 pmCost: Starting from £59 per person  CLARIDGE'S What: Traditional Afternoon Tea Where: Brook St, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR, UK When: Daily sittings at 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm Cost: Starting from £65 per person   THE RITZ What: Traditional Afternoon TeaWhere: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UKWhen: Daily from 11:30 am to 7:30 pmCost: Starting from £58 per person   CUT What: Modern Afternoon Tea with American classic inspired treatsWhere: 45 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN, UKWhen: Sittings on Monday through Saturday at 2:30 pm and 3 pm and Sundays at 3 pmCost: Starting from £55 per person   PRÊT-À-PORTEA What: Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by a current fashion trend Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL, United KingdomWhen: Daily from 1 pm to 5:30 pmCost: Starting from £45 per person  THE SAVOY What: Traditional Afternoon TeaWhere: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United KingdomWhen: Daily from 1 pm to 5:45 pmCost: Starting From £65 per person   DOMINIQUE ANSEL What: Modern Afternoon TeaWhere: 17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP, UKWhen: Sittings on Thursday through Sunday 2 pm and 4:15 pmCost: Starting from £42 per person    MIRROR ROOM What: Modern Afternoon Tea with an artist inspired menu that includes hand-painted treatsWhere: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, UKWhen: Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm, and weekends from 12 pm to 5:30 pmCost: £58 per person MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY What: Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by Alice and WonderlandWhere: 50 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG, UKWhen: Monday through Saturday 12:30pm to 4pm, Sunday 1pm-5pmCost: Starting from £48 per person   B BAKERY AFTERNOON TEA BUS What: Modern Afternoon Tea on a bus as you get a tour of the cityWhen & Where: 12:30 pm and 3 pm tours depart from 8 Northumberland Avenue12pm, 2:30pm & 5pm tours depart daily from Victoria Coach StationCost: £45 per adult *Cost does not include champagne* RELATED PRODUCTS  

AMBOS MUNDOS HOTEL Photo by Travels in Cuba Stop by Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hotel in Havana and enjoy both a drink and the view from the roof of this historic hotel. 153 Obispo, La Habana, Cuba HABANA VIEJA Photo by Patrik Bergstr Wander the streets to find endless stunning architecture and brightly colored vintage cars on every corner. CASA MIGLIS Photo by Havana Insider Don’t miss enjoying a meal at Casa Miglis, the Swedish-Cuban restaurant in the central Havana home of Swedish filmmaker Michael Miglis. Lealtad, La Habana, Cuba MUSEO NACIONAL BELLAS ARTES DE LA HABANA  Photo by Bencito the Traveller Be sure to visit Museo Nacional Bellas Artes de la Habana to see how massively the island of Cuba has contributed to th arts. Havana, Cuba PARTAGRÁS Photo by Joao Eduardo Figueiredo Cubans are known for their cigars. Take a tour of Partagrás, one of the largest cigar factories to learn more about them. y, Penalver, La Habana, Cuba RIDE IN A CONVERTIBLE TAXI  Photo by Lonely Planet Take a ride in an antique convertible to get yourself from point A to point B.  THE MALECÓN   Take a walk down the Malecón for a beautiful view of the water. The path runs for about 5 miles down the coast.   RELATED PRODUCTS

I HAD A FEAST IN AFRICA.  No ordinary feast, mind you – I was the luncheon guest of Pat Cavendish O’Neill, heiress and author of A Lion in the Bedroom, an utterly charming and juicy chronicle of the lavish life she led as the daughter of one of Britain’s most famous beauties, Enid Lindeman (of the Australian wine family). Pat’s mother married four times – two titles without money and two billionaires without titles, all of whom died prematurely. When, through one of her marriages, Enid became Lady Kenmare, her popular, novelist friend Somerset Maugham dubbed her “Lady Killmore.” The event was held on the edge of Africa – at Pat O’Neill’s farm, Broadlands, in Somerset West, one of the wine-growing regions of South Africa’s Western Cape.  Some 15 dogs trotted up the long, tree-lined drive to greet us. At that time Pat was 84, still young, still interested in everything, and still a beauty in her own right—no one has such wide-set pale blue eyes. “I’ve had a wonderful life" she said, ushering us to the shaded pool-side terrace. Forty years ago Pat and her mother moved from Kenya’s Happy Valley to Broadlands, a stud farm outside of Cape Town, for her mother’s health and at the behest of Beryl Markham, aviatrix, horse trainer, and a reputed lover of Denys Finch Hatton—yes, Karen Blixen’s Finch Hatton (remember the film Out of Africa?). Beryl told Pat: “Broadlands has a wonderful paddock and horses, white fencing, and trees everywhere.” Like Beryl, Pat and her mother raised champion thoroughbreds and, like Beryl, Pat fell in love with South Africa. After lunch, we toured the grounds of Broadlands to see Pat’s menagerie (and I don’t mean the glass kind)—four baboons, assorted goats, donkeys, hogs, cattle, 14 cats, 60 vervet monkeys, and another 20-odd canines. Pat rescued every last animal except for one magnificent dog, an English mastiff called Cash, so named because it’s the only creature she ever paid for. The walls of the drawing room are hung to the rafters with oils and watercolors anchored by a portrait of Pat and Tana, her beloved pet lioness who, she said, “taught me the beauty of Africa.” Tables are adorned with photographs of Fred Astaire, Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.  There are paintings of her mother and paintings by her mother, of whom she said, “Men just adored her. Once they fell, they fell for the rest of their lives” (foreshortened though they might be). Sadly, Pat was swindled out of her $100 million inheritance by a series of crooked accountants and was forced to sell Broadlands, but she did so with the proviso that she could live out the rest of her days there. She’s now 93 and has opened the Pat O’Neill Sanctuary to make sure her beloved pets are and will be cared for. While you may not get to see Pat’s amazing farm, you will be able to see some other fabulous estates in Somerset West.  One of my favorites was the sublime Morgenster Wine & Olive Oil Estate, a half-hour’s drive from Cape Town.  It’s an incredibly beautiful vineyard dating to 1711. Morgenster Wine & Olive Oil Estates Go, not only for the beauty of the grounds, not only for a tasting of the excellent Bordeaux-style wines but for a formal taste-test of Morgenster’s extraordinary, award-winning olive oils. And, while you’re there, don’t fail to savor Morgenster’s excellent balsamic vinegar. I brought home a bottle for one of my sisters and it was a huge hit.  Here’s a tip from the estate: “Heating Balsamic will intensify the sweetness and reduce the acidity. A teaspoon of Balsamic vinegar will wake up the flavor of any bland soup, stew or sauce. A dash of Balsamic vinegar on freshly sliced fruit (especially strawberries) with or without a sprinkling of sugar will enhance the flavors and have you shouting for more." Another must-visit wine-growing region to meander through is Stellenbosch. One of its most vaunted venues is the Delaire Graff Estate.  British diamond king Lawrence Graff reclaimed a beautifully-sited old vineyard and built a magnificent, art-filled hotel on the grounds. The picturesque Delaire Graff Estate (Image by Delaire Graff Estate) If you can’t afford to stay there, at least go for lunch on the terrace – the food is excellent and you will be surrounded by nature at her prettiest. Needless to say, Graff opened a diamond boutique on the premises – in case you need a 40-carat fix while you’re quaffing that good sauvignon blancs. Portrait of Lawrence Graff beside the Diamond Boutique at Delaire Graff Estate  (Image by Delaire Graff Estate) South Africa’s coastal areas are as phenomenally beautiful as its wine lands.  To kill two birds with one stone, I suggest you have lunch at Harbour House on the bustling (and touristy) V&A Waterfront– not so much for the food which is ok – but for the views of the ocean that are a feast for the eyes.  RELATED PRODUCTS