Hostel Anyone??

I know what you're thinking ... think again the Generator Hostels located in Europe are changing the way folks think about hostels, they are more cutting edge, fashionable, hip and socially stimulating that ever before. Each hostel has its own unique style that reflects the local spirit and culture of its host city whilst also maintaining a common aesthetic with an emphasis on bold and exciting social spaces. This trend caters to a new kind of traveler, dubbed the ''flashpackers'' (ex-backpackers who are now older but still enjoy staying in hostels), and business visitors who are looking for trendy and socially stimulating accommodation options.

 

 

 

 

Going Global in Manhattan ...

Today we are touring the Manhattan home of Rebecca de Ravenel, the founder of the Goombay Bazaar, a traveling pop-up shop that sells one-of-a-kind wares from all over the world. Most of the furnishings in the apartment are vintage or passed on to Rebecca from her parents and friends.The 31 year old travels extensively, including recent trips to Turkey and India, on the hunt for inspired items and she’s managed to find time to assemble a magical place to call home.

 

Decorating with Sheepskin & Faux Fur ...

Love the look of fur in home decor ... it instantly adds a warm cozy feel to a space. The ones from Ikea are really versatile, you can toss them around on chairs and benches without breaking the bank. Check out the inspiration images below and where you can find these warm fuzzy accents ...

Here are some must haves that will add instant glam to a space // Shop here

Faux Fur Throw Blanket

Ivory Mongolian Lamb Faux Fur Pillow

Ikea Sheepskin Rug

Faux Fur Bolster Pillow

Jonathan Adler Mongolian Lamb Bench

Shaggy Bean Bag Cover

Dreaming of Toscana ...

I'm still stuck on Italy this week and today we're off to Tuscany, everything about this region takes my breath away ... who doesn't love the rolling hills, beautiful countryside, vineyards, olive trees and the magical medieval hill towns. The Castello di Casole is located 40 minutes from Florence on 4,200 acres of land, the property includes the hotel, a spa, three restaurants, villas for purchase, a 10th century castle and garden. The resort's aesthetic encompasses terracotta tiles, exposed wood beams, heavy silk curtains, velvet-upholstered furniture, Carrera-marble bathrooms, and a central courtyard with fountain ... Take a look

Manhattan Apartment filled with Modern Art ...

Phoebe and James Howard create a Manhattan apartment with amazing details and focus on integrating their client's modern art collection into the home. The husband and wife team strip the apartment to its raw concrete, reconfiguring doors and windows to open up the space. The result is a stunning space with fluted walls, textured floors and the most comfortable sofa. Images via House Beautiful

The Healing Cocktail ...

Since the weather is changing and everyone's rushing off to get their flu shots, I thought why not change it up this week with a beverage that actually helps us get by the winter. I've made a version of this tea for a while and was glad to find this recipe from Wandering Spice with actual measurements and additional ingredients.

Whenever I feel like I'm coming down with something, I make a cup of tumeric and ginger tea as a preventative cure. Tumeric is a spice that has great healing properties, it is both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, you can use the actual root that looks like ginger but more orange or the powdered form. So here's to health and healing ... Recipe via Wandering Spice

Image Via

The Aman Canale Grande ...

Love it or hate it, the floating city is by far my favorite city in Europe ... I know what everyone's thinking the hordes of tourists not exactly romantic ... but when the sun sets over Venice and the crowds subside, the city becomes still, all you hear is the sound of footsteps meandering into the tiny "calles" and whispering voices in the distance ... it's just magical, you're transported back to its bygone era. 

Today we are touring the Aman Canale Grande which opened in June in a 16th century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal. The 24 room hotel is immersed in history with many rooms featuring frescoes and reliefs. This is truly a sumptuous palazzo with grand salons, spacious lawn gardens, rooftop terrace and spa.

 

The Aman Canal Grande opened in June in San Polo, the smallest of Venice’s six districts and one of the oldest, dating back to the ninth century. Housed in a 16th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal, the 24-room hotel is steeped in history, with many rooms featuring protected frescoes and reliefs. - See more at: http://robbreport.com/luxury-travel/sneak-peek-aman-canal-grande-venice-italy#sthash.wbKmexPN.dpuf

The Aman Canal Grande opened in June in San Polo, the smallest of Venice’s six districts and one of the oldest, dating back to the ninth century. Housed in a 16th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal, the 24-room hotel is steeped in history, with many rooms featuring protected frescoes and reliefs. - See more at: http://robbreport.com/luxury-travel/sneak-peek-aman-canal-grande-venice-italy#sthash.wbKmexPN.dpuf