Skimbaco Lifestyle Issue 2 by Skimbaco Lifestyle

RADIANT FLOWERS

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

ISSUE 2 2014

English GARDENS TULIPS IN Holland Key West PARTY

radiant

orchid

fashion report

ISSUE123 4567890

VOLUME1234567890 2014

SPRING FLOWERS CHRISTOFFERS BLOMMORS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

RADIANT FLOWERS We are pleased to present the second issue of Skimbaco Lifestyle global lifestyle magazine, which consists of a collection of articles from SkimbacoLifestyle.com and special features from carefully selected contributors. Our second issue’s theme is Radiant Flowers, inspired by spring, the trendy Pantone’s color of the year, Radiant Orchid, and beautiful floral gardens in Europe. Come along as we explore the beauty of tulips in Holland, quintessential English gardens in UK, and feel the experience as we pick one of the most expensive flowers in Italy. We also explore one chef's passion to serve farm-fresh cuisine at one of the most luxurious spa resorts in the U.S., where he is cultivating his own herb and vegetable garden on property. Our flower-infused travel stories take you away, and our Radiant Orchid fashion report shows how to bring spring to your wardrobe in the trendiest color of the year. Live life to the fullest!

CONNECT SKIMBACOLIFESTYLE.COM I N S TA G R A M : S K I M B A C O TWITTER: SKIMBACO P I N T E R E S T: S K I M B A C O FA C E B O O K : S K I M B A C O SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE! ( I T H E L P S U S T O K E E P I T F R E E T O O) SUBSCRIBE TO WEEKLY FEED SUBSCRIBE TO EDITOR’S NEWSLETTER. FOR EDITORIAL REQUESTS, GUEST W R I T I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E S , O R A D V E RTORIAL INQUIRIES AND ALL SORTS OF FEEDBACK. EMAIL K AT J A . P R E S N A L @ S K I M B A C O . C O M

FROM THE EDITOR | KATJA PRESNAL

Hello friend! My sincere thank you to all of our readers who read the first digital magazine issue “Coffee, tea or me”. It is always a little bit scary to start something new in the hopes that it will blossom into a beautiful bloom. We listened to all of your feedback for the first issue. I am humbled by the amount of positive feedback, but am equally thankful for those who gave suggestions on how we can improve. Our first issue received close to 300,000 impressions, and it is a great starting point. Our spring issue is full of flowers, and we were inspired by Pantone’s color of the year, Radiant Orchid. Some of our favorite fashion bloggers are showing us how to dress in this trendy color which, by the way, looks great on men, too. Trends come and go, and it’s fun to spice up your day with something new, but making your long term dreams come true to experience something to remember a lifetime, and building a sustainable lifestyle will always triumph over a fleeting moment. In this issue, I hope you will discover, that our flower-infused stories have radiant substance to inspire you to live life to the fullest. Among the flower stories in this issue, I hope you will enjoy my personal story of picking one of the world’s most expensive flowers in Italy.

Katja Presnal Editor-in-Chief / Owner of Skimbaco Lifestyle

14 46 ISSUE: RADIANT FLOWERS 14 FASHION & TRENDS: Radiant Orchid 36 TRAVEL: Picking one of the most exstyled by our favorite bloggers

pensive flowers in Italy

26 DESIGN: Congratulations Marimekko! 46 DREAM COME TRUE: Visiting the The world’s most famous flower print turns 50 years old

Special feature: FLOWERS of europe from page 36

world’s largest gardens in Holland

53 TRAVEL: Relaxing in the Quintessentially English Landscape Gardens

58 INTERVIEW: Meet the chef who creates farm fresh culinary experiences for one of the top resort spas in the USA

58 IN every issue 68 GLOBAL KITCHEN: Radiant Orchid Key West inspired party by Party Bluprints

74 BEAUTY: Natural Perfume 76 SHOP: What we love for spring 2014

81 FOOD: Mango salsa recipe

7 Letter from the editor 33 COMMUNITY: Featured Skimbacoer 66 COMMUNITY: Featured Skimbacoer 83 INSPIRATION: My top Skimbaco moments

88 Story behind the (almost) cover photo

SKIMBACO TEAM KATJA PRESNAL | editor-in-chief/owner | Sweden Likes cooking big family dinners. Her three children were all born in different countries, within three years. Award winning social media strategist. Unstoppable, making dreams come true.

SATU VÄNSKÄ-WESTGARTH | project manager | Norway Adventure traveling mom. Kayaked around the world. From Finland, currently lives in Norway. Knows travel industry and marketing. Always ready to go to destination unknown and try new outdoor sports.

LEIGH HINES | luxury travel editor | North Carolina, USA Obsessed with luxury hotels and loves the afternoon tea. Former TV journalist. Southern girl who loves everything European. Thinks a good luxury hotel is a destination of its own. Mother of two.

ADRIENNE SHUBIN | fashion writer | California, USA Sonoma chic fashionista who knows how to accessorize. California wine country expert. Visits Paris every year. Lives the rich life on a budget, which is also her blog’s name. She often travels with her dogs.

WES HOLLAND | fashion & men’s lifestyle writer | New York, USA NYU business student. Mover and shaker, champagne lover. Write down his name so you can say you heard about him “already when”. Fashion & luxury lifestyle expert. Preppy jet-setter.

REETA LAAKSONEN | global lifestyle writer | United Kingdom Global luxury lifestyle expert, jet-setter, mother of three. Little known fact: a last minute injury prevented her from being an Olympic athlete. Lived in more countries than most people ever visit. Has extensive business and finance background. x

ARE YOU A SKIMBACOER? #skimbaco on Instagram ARE YOU A LOVER OF LIFE ADVENTURER OF THE WORLD DREAMER & DOER? Share photos of how YOU live life to the fullest on Instagram with #SKIMBACO and follow Skimbaco to connect! All of the latest #skimbaco photos can be viewed at SkimbacoLifestyle.com/instagram

We feature our favorite photos at Skimbacoers Instagram account, on our Facebook page and on Pinterest. We also feature Skimbacoers in every magazine issue.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DAWN SANDOMENO & ELIZABETH MASCALI | entertaining experts | New Jersey, USA Co-founders and owners of Party Bluprints Inc. and The Party Bluprints Blog, and the authors of Plan to Party. They have been featured on NBC’s TODAY show, Fox TV Good Day NY, InStyle, Woman’s Health, Self, and numerous other media. Their mission: To share simple and special entertaining ideas. “There’s no place like home for a party!” say Dawn and Elizabeth.

Get Dawn & Elizabeth’s Key West inspired party ideas on page 68.

ANNA KOSKELA | travel blogger | FINLAND 40+ curious mom, who appreciates walking in the historic cities, the freedom of traveling with her own car and loves to cook food from the local ingredients on her trips. “I appreciate idyllic luxury resorts and unique destinations” says Anna. Her blog Tämä Matka, just won the Travel Blog Awards for the Best Photography Blog 2014.

Read Anna’s dream trip to see the tulips in Holland on page 46.

April showers bring May flowers

“I love SPRING anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.”

Ruth Stout

Adrienne Shubin scouted the best radiant orchid looks from our favorite fashion bloggers.

MORE RADIANT ORCHID ON OUR PANTONE COLOR STYLE PINTEREST BOARD.

SPECIAL FASHION REPORT:

radiant orchid by Adrienne Shubin

Each year, Pantone carefully selects a group of colors that best represent current trends. They research the entertainment industry, traveling art collections, current street styles, technology, up and coming travel destinations, and even popular sporting events to come up with the colors making the biggest impact for the year. One color is then selected among the group as a stand out and Pantone’s Color of the Year. This year, it’s Radiant Orchid, a stunning, statement-making shade that has been showing up in everything from shimmering eye shadows to sporty sneakers. I have gathered some of my favorite fashion bloggers and style influencers from around the world to show the many ways Radiant Orchid is being worn this year. I’m starting things off with my favorite way to wear Radiant Orchid, on my feet!

T E X T: ADRIENNE SHUBIN T H E R I C H L I F E O N A B U D G E T. C O M I N S TA G R A M : T H E R I C H L I F E O N A B U D G E T P H O T O S : P R O V I D E D B Y F E AT U R E D B L O G G E R S .

NAME: CYNTHIA YANG BLOG: MYROSECOLOREDSHADES.COM “I’m the first to admit that I’m more of a neutrals than a bright colors kind of girl. There are certain colors that might not be at the top of my list to wear but when I see them, they make me feel happy. Radiant Orchid is one of those colors. I associate Radiant Orchid with the vibrant colored flowers that my eyes feasted on during my time in Kenya and along with it all the good memories I made there.”

Adrienne says: Wear bright colors that make you feel joyful. A happy smile like Cynthia’s is the best accessory! 16

NAME: CATHERINE SUMMERS BLOG: NOTDRESSEDASLAMB.COM “I was more excited about Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2014 than any of their other colors because I’m a total sucker for all shades of purple and pink. It goes so beautifully with fuchsia, candy pink, plum, magenta, and burgundy. I also love the idea of wearing it with its opposite on the color wheel, olive green, this summer. Radiant Orchid seems to have made more of an impact than any of Pantone’s other colours of the year have so far and I’m so pleased because I think it manages to be both elegant and fun at the same time.”

Adrienne says: Try wearing a monochromatic look like Catherine’s using various shades of Radiant Orchid from hot pinks to plums.

NAME: DALE JANÉE BLOG: SAVVYSPICE.COM

“When I heard Radiant Orchid was the 2014 Pantone Color of the Year, I said 'Yesss' to myself. It's bright, cheerful, girly, and as Pharrell would say clapping his hands, it's 'Happy.' I assumed the color would be easy to find (here in Switzerland) but in a sea of black, grey and white Spring collections, my sweet Orchid was nowhere to be found. Finally, I spotted a bright handbag in the sought out shade with a classic gold tassel to complete my striped shorts suit. Hopefully your search is going smoother because this shade is truly flattering on every woman.”

Adrienne says: Don’t be afraid of using radiant orchid as a bold statement.

RADIANT MOM NAME: NICOLE FELICIANO BLOG: MOMTRENDS.COM Radiant Orchid is a cheerful and bold hue. For those intimidated by brash color, consider adding it as a color pop on your pedicure. LVX nails makes a great vegan polish in orchid. For me, I’m looking forward to wearing my vibrant Stella McCartney silk top. It’s the perfect way to welcome spring.

Adrienne says: Radiant Orchid is suitable for the office, a night out on the town or a casual polished look for mompreneurs like Nicole. 20

NAME: SHEREE MORRISON BLOG: ITSNOTTHATDEEP.COM

Adrienne says: Incorporate small amounts of Radiant Orchid into your look with a scarf, jewelry or lip color.

“Radiant Orchid is definitely not a color you will see a lot of in my wardrobe. It’s a very “pretty” color and I tend not to dress too “pretty”. I do, however, love it in small doses. I think it would be beautiful as an accessory to an all white look.”

Adrienne says: Try adding Radiant Orchid in a print or pattern like Tamera.

NAME: TAMERA BEARDSLEY BLOG: TAMERABEARDSLEY.COM “My wardrobe is made up primarily of neutrals that I can mix and match so I am absolutely loving Radiant Orchid this season! Mixing in some pieces of this vibrant color adds instant freshness and dramatic pop to my entire wardrobe! Radiant Orchid is definitely one of my very favorite ‘colors of the year!”

Adrienne says: Adding Radiant Orchid makes for a fashion forward look for men that oozes self-confidence. NAME: WES HOLLAND BLOG: LIFETHROUGHPREPPYGLASSES.BLOGSPOT.COM “Radiant orchid lends itself easily to preppy style as pink is almost a staple in my closet. If you love making a bold statement, try a cabled sweater in pink. Paired with a polo and pastel pants, it will create the perfect spring and summer outfit for brunches, church, and vacations. The blazer elevates the look and can make this classic outfit perfect for business casual situations. As we transition into spring, radiant orchid and other shades of pink are a great way to liven up any outfit. You will be right on trend in your pastels and pink!” 24

NAME: TERRY BLOG: TERRYSTWOCENTS.TUMBLR.COM “Radiant orchid isn’t necessarily a color for just the ladies. Us fellas can just as easily rock the color of the year! You can wear it as a statement color on a shirt, and it also works great as an accent color such as on a tie, socks, or even a using that statement shirt tucked under a sweater. Radiant orchid is a bold and bright color and one that commands being the center of attention.”

Adrienne says: Small doses of Radiant Orchid make a big impact and are suitable for the office or a night out on the town. 25

CONGRATULATIONS MARIMEKKO! THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FLOWER PRINT TURNS 50 YEARS OLD.

Marimekko’s Unikko print turns 50 years old. Text by Katja Presnal 27

made in FIN LAND There is one print that ultimately represents Finnish design more than any other print. It is Marimekko’s bold Unikko-print with large poppy flowers. I would also go as far as saying it is the world’s most famous flower print.

STREET CAR IN BOSTON. HOT AIR BALLOON IN HELSINKI.

Unikko turns 50 years this year, and celebrations take over all over the world. I have been spotting large Marimekko pop-up stores at airports, and the flagship shop in Helsinki, Finland is already celebrating too.

THE STORY BEHIND UNIKKO Throughout the years, Unikko has inspired people around the world to be bold in walking their own path of life and the story of how the print was born represents this message as well. In fact the entire print was a statement to prove others wrong!

28 PHOTO: MIKKO MALINIEMI

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

Unikko print was born in 1964 after Marimekko’s founder Armi Ratia had publicly announced that Marimekko would never print floral patterns. She thought that flowers were more beautiful in nature than on fabric, and she wanted Marimekko to represent something new that would suit the needs of modern life instead of florals that already dominated the world of textiles. However, designer Maija Isola, perhaps inspired by the poppies growing in her yard, painted red Unikko print along with an entire series of floral patterns in protest. Unikko looked new, graphic and distinctive, and once Ratia saw it, she immediately included the design in Marimekko’s collection. Unikko has been in Marimekko’s collection ever since, symbolizing the power of expression and inspiring people to follow their heart and free their creativity. Since its introduction, Unikko has been seen in hundreds of different color-ways and on a large variety of products, from tableware to bags, and from Converse sneakers to a Finnair airplane. Whether at the height of flower power in the 1960s or in our current days, Unikko has always reflected an easy-going attitude towards life. Over the years the pattern has become like a symbol of Marimekko. 29

PHOTO: JULIANA HARKKI

2014 CELEBRATION COLLECTIONS

Marimekko’s spring and summer interior collection for 2014 features a capsule line The summer 2014 fashion line features a of Unikko products. The capsule line also collection of unique flowing silk pieces includes a special 50th anniversary fabric, that present the classic design in an unconshowing gigantic single Unikko flowers on ventional, three-dimensional manner hontop of each other and a limited edition of oring the full shapes of the pattern and acUnikko-patterned Oiva ceramic tableware centuating its round design language with in black and white that are stamped with a geometrical cuts. The collection also inspecial anniversary mark. cludes cotton dresses and jackets.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND FREE YOUR CREATIVITY. 30

SHARE YOUR UNIKKO PICTURES ON INSTAGRAM JOIN THE CELEBRATION AND FOLLOW @MARIMEKKOUSA ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SHARE YOUR UNIKKO PICTURES WITH

#UNIKKO50.

READ MORE ABOUT UNIKKO WWW.MARIMEKKO.COM/UNIKKO. PHOTOS: MARIMEKKO

FEATURED SKIMBACOER NAME: Tamera Beardsley BLOG: TameraBeardsley.com I’M FROM: Southern California, USA PROFESSION: Lifestyle Blogger/ Fashion Accessory Designer LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST MEANS I am making my life my art, one day at a time! I am passionate about living a life filled with beauty whether it be in the studio creating, dressing as a creative outlet, styling parties to celebrate family and friends, being active outside in nature, hiking, biking, surfing or gardening. Skimbaco is about finding beauty wherever I can and taking the time to savor life's simple joys.

Follow TameraBeardlsey on Instagram! tamera is in our magazine cover!

MY LIFE CHANGED WHEN I REALIZED as I transitioned back to the business world, after an 18 year absence spent raising my children, that my definition of 'success' had changed, I realized I no longer wanted to base my idea of success, merely in the scope of career, but rather now my success is all about living a balanced quality life, while discovering beauty along the way. MY FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS: one of my very favorite places in the world, is Crystal Cove Beach, located just a tad north of Laguna Beach. I am always drawn to the ocean and we have some of the absolute best soul renewing beaches here in Southern Orange County. I DREAM OF TRAVELING TO: Scotland and making it then over to Ireland.

PHOTO: ANNA KOSKELA

SPECIAL FEATURE: FINDING FLOWERS IN EUROPE

PICKING ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE FLOWERS IN THE WORLD IN ITALY

By Katja Presnal

TEXT & PHOTOS BY K AT J A P R E S N A L SKIMBACOLIFESTYLE.COM I N S TA G R A M : S K I M B A C O TWITTER: SKIMBACO

SAFFRON IN NAVELLI, ITALY Saffron crocus is one of the most expensive flowers in the world. If you are like most people, you have never seen a saffron flower, or don't know what it looks like. The saffron flower itself is quite understated, and not even appreciated for its looks. Saffron is purple, like the 2014 Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid, but it is not as artistically elegant looking flower as the orchid is. You will not see saffron crocus decorating even the most extravagant table settings, but you rather taste it in the dishes served at the dinner table. The purple bloom isn't what makes saffron one of the most expensive flowers in the world, but it is the stigmas that make the most expensive spice in the world. It can take up to 250,000 flowers to make one pound of saffron spice, and even the price of saffron isn't measured by stems of flowers, but by grams or ounces.

and skill to first grow saffron, and then to know how and when to pick it.

I visited the Abruzzo region in Italy to find saffron in the fields of Navelli, in the province of L'Aquila. Navelli is about a twohour-drive to east of Rome, and is known for the best saffron in Italy, and even raved by the Iron Chef Mario Batali in New York. The amount of saffron produced here is so small though, that most New York City chefs never get it for their dishes, and it is mainly sold locally.

The 80-year-old saffron grower Maria is up long before the sun rises at six thirty. The flowers have to be picked by dawn, before the sun opens the blossoms. Maria, her son and grandson are part of the Navelli saffron cooperative that packs and sells saffron to Italian markets. The real work starts after picking the flowers. The stigmas are carefully plucked off the flowers and the blossoms are thrown away. The stigmas are dried on low heat on natural fire. Even picking the correct type of wood to burn is important so the smoke won't affect the taste of the saffron.

One of the reasons why saffron is so expensive is the fact that it can only planted once a year, in August, and then harvested two months later in late September or early October. The saffron plots are small, and the harvesting is labor intensive work. I visited Navelli right on time for the harvest season and I was lucky for the timing of my visit. It is not easy to predict the perfect harvesting time, and it takes a lot of experience 40

Text & Photos by Katja Presnal

While Maria and her family are already working on the saffron field, I, on the other hand, am still waking up in the Santo Stefano di Sessanio village in the gorgeous medieval Sextantio hotel. The L'Aquila providence is still in many ways undiscovered by masses of tourists, but the Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of the most magical villages I have visited in Italy, or perhaps anywhere in the world. The entire approach to tourism here is different, and even the Sextantio hotel is built using the “Albergo Diffuso,” Hotel Diffused, principle. Albergo Diffuso simply said means that the heritage of the place is respected, and old buildings are not destroyed in order to build new hotels for the sake of tourism. In reality it means much more regarding every detail of the hotel.

Sextantio Hotel consists of several houses in the village that have been converted into almost like smaller apartments with hotel rooms. It is like going back in time. My hotel room has candles and a fireplace, and it is one of the most rustic rooms I have ever stayed in. The bathroom is part of the room, and it's modern minimalistic design goes perfectly with the medieval utilitarianism and the mouth-blown Murano light fixtures that decorate and light the room. As I am getting ready for the day, I open up the windows of the room to see the rooftops of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and I can smell the smoke coming from the chimneys, and I see the sun rising behind the mountains. Agriturismo is another Italian tourism concept that focuses in the authentic experiences and is also popular in Abruzzo. Agrituristmo means staying in a farm house, almost like a bed & breakfast-type of concept, but more immersed in the local culture and the nature.

More from Italy on Instagram: #skimbacoitaly

There are several this type of farm houses where you can stay, and experience the saffron picking in Navelli. I highly recommend experiencing both, the more immersed experience, and the medieval charm of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. After our hearty Italian breakfast our group heads to the saffron field to see how the flowers are carefully picked in wicker baskets, and then placed in the back of the little Fiat and taken to Maria’s house just down the road in the center of tiny Navelli village, where Maria shows how the stigmas are plucked. The place looks like a farm house kitchen with a big fireplace where the saffron is dried. I am yet again amazed in this world, where something that is expensive and luxury for many, can be as small as dried stigmas of flowers. S E X TA N T I O S A N T O S T E FA N I O H O T E L O F F E R S A R I C H E X P E R I E N C E O F R U S T I C L U X U RY I N T H E G O R G E O U S S E T T I N G S I N A M O U N TA I N V I L L A G E O F S A N T O S T E FA N O D I SESSANIO IN ABRUZZO, TWO HOURS FROM ROME.

LIVING THE RICH LIFE. READ ABOUT ADRIENNE’S SONOMA CHIC STYLE AND HOW T O E N J O Y L I F E AT T H E R I C H L I F E (O N A B U D G E T ) .

VISITING THE WORLD’S LARGEST GARDENS IN HOLLAND by Anna Koskela

TULIPS OF HOLLAND I saw a picture of the world’s largest flower gardens, the Keukenhof in The Netherlands, when I was a little girl, and the image stayed with me. The beauty, the striking colors and the amount of blooming flowers were something that didn’t even feel real, when growing up in Finland. Later on, as an adult, I started growing my own small garden in our backyard, and I fell in love with the gorgeous gardens I saw on my many travels around the world. I never forgot Keukenhof though, and years went by as I always missed the very short time of the year, when Keukenhof is open in full bloom each spring. I finally was able to visit Keukenhof last year. Keukenhof is consists of parks filled with by oaks and basswood offering shade, and the velvety greens of grass, gorgeous themed pavilions, and the gardens are full of flowers and more flowers. Originally the area belonged to Dutchess Jacoba van Beier, and it served as a herb garden and a hunting park. Keukenhof translated humbly means “kitchen garden.”

TEXT & PHOTOS BY A N N A KO S K E L A TA M A M AT K A . PA L L O N TA L L A A J AT. N E T I N S TA G R A M : TA M A M AT K A T W I T T E R : A N N A _ KO S K E L A

FINALLY… KEUKENHOF The first thing I sense is the amazing scent. It’s almost like stepping inside a small flower shop during the Christmas time, but here the intensive perfume of the hyacinth follows your every step of the 32 hectares/ 79 acres of the Keukenhof gardens. The next I see the colors, starting from white to pink to all shades of red, continuing to dark purples and lastly to deep blues. Each year the gardens have a different theme and the flowers form images with complimenting and contrasting colors. The theme for 2014 is Holland with its famous tulips. It takes an enormous amount of work to achieve not just the gorgeous blooming garden, but to get it to last as long of a period each spring as possible. In fact, the flowers are planted with what the locals call “the lasagna”-method. They start planting with tulip bulbs, which will bloom later on in the spring. Most of the other spring flowers are planted exactly 3 centimeters above the tulips bulbs, and the 49

first beauties of the spring, the crocuses are planted on the top, on the third layer. Each one of the 7 million flower bulbs of Keukenhof is hand-planted each autumn. While a lot of manpower and tender love and care goes towards planting the flowers, here you also realize how wonderful nature is. If spring is late, there are no means for the gardeners to force the flowers to grow. On the beginning of the spring only a few brave tulips have raised their heads above the ground despite the cold, in the otherwise grey fields. The best advice for visitors is to come in May to see the best flower bloom. Right outside the Keukenhof the entire landscape is full of flower farms. These flowers are not here to stay for our enjoyment though, but these lovelies will see their day of gloom when they are in their most innocent beauty, almost like a bride on her wedding day. When the mower sweeps the large flower plots, the flower fields are gone. Millions of tulips, narcissus and hyacinths each year have the cruel destiny of being cut so the home gardeners around the world can enjoy the Dutch flowers in their own yards. First the bulb gives strength for the flower to grow, but once the flower is cut, the bulb starts growing itself. The larger the bulb, the larger and more beautiful flower it 50

will produce. The bulbs are picked up once large enough, and the millions of bulbs are flown to grow a small piece of Keukenhof in the gardens around the world. My only question remains, how many in their home gardens can cut the tulip’s neck, right when the flower has grown her petals and revealed her soul?

KEUKENHOF IS LOCATED NEAR LISSE, THE NETHERLANDS, AND IS WITHIN EASY BUS RIDE FROM AMSTERDAM

AND

AMSTERDAM

SCHIPHOL

AIRPORT.

THE GARDENS ARE OPEN MARCH 20-MAY 18 THIS YEAR.

“J

UST LIVING ISN’T ENOUGH," said the butterfly, "ONE MUST HAVE SUNSHINE, FREEDOM, AND

a little flower.” Hans Christian Andersen, The Complete Fairy Tales

RELAXING IN THE QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH LANDSCAPE GARDENS

By Reeta Laaksonen

ENGLISH GARDENS Welcome to the quintessentially English Garden! You probably already know what the essence of the English garden is – unlike the formal and symmetrical French garden, the English ones are more natural. I always thought of quaint little tudor cottages surrounded by endless amount of colorful flowers, all happily mixed together. The English landscape garden represents an ideal view of the garden pictured in pretty little paintings – typically comprising of a lake and a stream, sweeping lawns on rolling hills with beautiful trees and shrubs as a backdrop. With the amount of rain falling in England, that means a lush landscapes in a hundred shades of green.

Recreations of classic-looking temples, statues, gothic ruins and bridges also belong to the classic English landscape garden. And who could forget about the flowers, often planted in layers to have bloom all throughout the season either with an explosion of color, or in gently color-coordinated areas with lined, graveled walkways criss-crossing and leading from one themed garden area to another.

TIPS FOR PICKING A GARDEN TO VISIT No trip to England is truly complete outside the winter season without a visit at least to Hampton Court Palace in the outskirts of London, or some other stately countryside home with lavish English gardens. These gardens truly are for the enjoyment of all senses: listening the birds chirping and bees humming, admiring the beautifully landscaped surroundings and smelling the blooming flowers. And of course, a garden tour is always completed with a tea in the tea-room, or a picnic in the meadows, complete with chocolate-coated strawberries, scones and a bottle of the bubbly, or dry English cider.

As there are hundreds and hundreds of amazing gardens to see in England it is important to decide first what it is you want to see the most: formal and symmetric gardens with skillfully clipped topiary, secret walled gardens described in the childhood books, imaginative Palladian temples scattered around rolling hills, and white peacocks strolling along lily-filled lakes, wild meadows and orchards – or possibly an estate that is a combination of all that and more. 55

The time of year is also crucial for selecting the perfect destination – for me the highlight of spring gardens would include those with wild meadows filled with bluebells and daffodils, whereas for late summer I would go for explosion of scents in the famous rose gardens. Autumn would be the perfect time to visit one of the moated castle ruins surrounded by bright foliage- catching a burning sunset in a cool evening with the mist rising from the moat is one of the most breathtaking moments I can think of.

The English landscape gardens are something special- a mystery waiting to be explored. You can find temples, grottos and pavilions in unexpected places, get lost in mazes, relax by rowing on a lake, wander amongst flocks of sheep or a herd of deer, 56

TEXT & PHOTOS B Y R E E TA L A A K S O N E N H O U S E O FA N A I S . C O M I N S TA G R A M : H O U S E O FA N A I S T W I T T E R : H O U S E O FA N A I S

just let your imagination run and have fun. Walk down the path where Winston Churchill went in his time, or maybe follow the hunting trail of Henry the VIII or Anne Boleyn – the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the beauty passed on generation after generation in these well-tended, or more wild English gardens!

MEET THE CHEF WHO CREATES FARM FRESH CULINARY EXPERIENCES

TEXT BY LEIGH HINES HINESSIGHTBLOG.COM I N S TA G R A M : H I N E S S I G H T B L O G TWITTER: HINESSIGHTBLOG

By Leigh

GARDEN FRESH TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING AT

Chef Klapdohr sourced his ingredients from the best local farmers in North Carolina and Georgia.

OLD EDWARDS INN AND SPA

But I was not aware that his passion for simple, honIN HIGHLANDS, e s t , w h o l e s o m e fo o d caused this German-born NORTH CAROLINA chef to persuade the hotel to grow its own herbs and vegetables under his culiI can vividly remember my first bite of the nary supervision. gorgeous Spring Seasonal Salad at Madison’s, the signature restaurant of the lux- About a mile-and-a-half away from the ury hotel, Old Edwards Inn and Spa in luxury boutique hotel is the Inn’s vegetaHighlands. I immediately knew by taste ble and herb garden. It’s about an acreChef Johannes Klapdohr was delivering and-a-half of farmland, getting bigger the exceptional quality of food that one ex- every year. This year the hotel is adding two greenhouses to enhance the farm’s pects in a Forbes Four Star Restaurant. growing seasons. Farmer Sid Blalock overOld Edwards Inn and Spa, located in the sees the garden, which is so sufficient now picturesque town of Highlands with its up- that it supplies most of the herbs and vegescale shops, art galleries, and pubs with tables for the Inn’s eight restaurants onlive music, is located in North Carolina’s site and wedding receptions. Blue Ridge Mountains, but it’s also a close, curvy drive to Georgia with lots of water- This is no simple, little farm, as I learned falls along the way. Culinary travelers when I asked Blalock my first question on come to this luxury Inn for its award- what the garden grew. winning farm-to-table dining. “OK, the short answer would be just about Honestly, it was no surprise to me that the every vegetable, herb, and edible flower salad or the vegetables with my duck you ever heard of, and probably many you breast entree were garden-fresh because haven’t ever heard of,” Blalock added. Old Edwards Inn’s Executive Chef, Johan- “With the farm more than doubling in size nes Klapdohr, is passionate about sustain- this year, we will be growing pretty much ability and farm-to-table cuisine. I knew everything.” 60

Bartenders use the garden’s herbs in cocktails.

No doubt. The growing list is extensive Old Edwards main Inn, blends Himalayan with 33 different types of vegetables, and sea salt and chamomile with farm herbs from there you get into numerous vegeta- such as lavender, rosemary and pepperble sub-categories. For instance, the farm mint to make a scrub. The spa’s staff then grows six different radish varieties and blends Young Living pure essential oils three different types of broccoli. There is with the spa’s unscented massage oil by more than one bean, too. The farm also Epicuren, which was originally developed produces 22 types of herbs, and 10 types for burn victims. The oils are healing and of decorative and edible flowers. are specifically blended for each spa guest who chooses this luxurious treatment. There is plenty of bounty to go around. The bartenders use the herbs in cocktails. As the garden grows, the Inn will add The spa uses a few garden herbs in its more farm-to-spa treatments on its menu own Sweet Mountain Metamorphosis, a just like Chef Klapdohr has been putting signature treatment for this mountain spa the mountain town of Highlands, N.C. on haven. Outside the Inn’s kitchen, Oakleaf the map for farm-fresh cuisine. Flower and Garden, located next door to 61

INTERVIEW WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHANNES KLAPDOHR

You are a leader in the farm-to-

table movement in hospitality. How did it become such a passion for you?

gards to how our produce was grown. Sustainability was the norm in many places and it never really went away as it did in the United States, because farmers, chefs as well as the guests were very much aware of the importance to treat nature with respect. And they could taste the difference.

Chef Klapdohr: The produce is the star in kitchen. That was the philosophy of the chefs I worked for in Europe and we When you are used to this kind of commitknew how much the success and quality ment to excellence then it is impossible to of our cuisine would rely on it in the re62

mation that sustainability is a successful business concept: Our guests know that they get the best and freshest food, prepared with care and passion and their health in mind which in return makes them loyal customers that will come back for many years to come. Q. What will diners get to experience this spring and summer on your menu? Chef Klapdohr: Our garden will have a lot of wonderful crops this season including baby spinach, radishes, heirloom tomatoes, bean varieties, all kinds of baby vegetables, herbs and of course our very popular lettuce variations (approximately 25 varieties). Of course, spring will start with white and green asparagus, ramps, fiddle head ferns, peas and morels paired with fennel pollen sautéed trout, pecan crusted quail schnitzel, herb crusted spring lamb and truffle mousse filled cornish hen. The summer will include the many varieties of tomatoes, squash and zucchini blosexcept the average quality that is often imposed on us and I don’t believe in the saying “if you can’t change them join them.” I believe others need to join me and the other great chefs to see how great change can be and how wonderful sustainable produce taste compare to conventionally grown. I see the difference every day here at Old Edwards and we are a great confir63

soms, peppers, melons and served with Georgia olive oil seared scallops, roasted springer mountain farms chicken, Sous vide and peppercorn crusted hanger steak and our housecured duck prosciutto. For the spa we will have vegetable carpaccio with tender cold smoked trout fillet in apple cider vinaigrette, black eye pea hummus with our own baked gluten free flat bread or a spinach salad with chia and toasted sunflower seeds, fresh peaches, corn and sautéed shrimp in a white peach-local ginseng vinaigrette. Q. What is your absolute favorite item on the Madison’s menu? Chef Klapdohr: My favorite item is the Duck (Slow roasted duck breast with glazed spring peas and fava beans)or the Quail Dish (Pecan crusted quail schnitzel) that we have on the menu year round just with different preparation methods and garnishes. These are very versatile items, reflect the region and are very popular with our guests too. (Sorry I gave you 2 but that was already a compromise).

FARM TO TABLE

OLD EDWARDS INN AND SPA IS A HISTORIC HOTEL OF AMERICA. THE INN IS A SHORT DRIVE FROM ASHEVILLE, N.C. AND ATLANTA, GA. SUMMER IS THE INN'S PEAK SEASON, AND IT WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH THE NEW FALLS COTTAGES

AND LODGE ROOMS WHICH ARE A FEW SHORT STEPS

AWAY FROM THE FAMILY POOL.

RATES BEGIN AT $280. READ LEIGH’S PACK

YOUR BAGS FOR OLD EDWARDS INN FOR MORE INFORMATION. 65

FEATURED SKIMBACOER NAME: Stefanie Van Aken MY BLOG IS: RockStarMomLV.com I’M FROM: Las Vegas, NV USA I AM: a travel writer & mom of four. LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST MEANS TO ME: Not being afraid to say no. Being open to trying new things. Trying everything once. Most importantly, working hard on being present and in the moment. Follow RockstarMomLV Part of living my life to the fullest is teachon Instagram! ing my children to do that as well. Seeing them really get what that means is the most fulfillment I could get from being their mother. I want them to love life as much as I do! MY LIFE CHANGED WHEN I REALIZED we were having twins while my husband and I both had full-time careers. This forced us to re-evaluate what was important and made us realize the importance of me being home to raise our children and create a strong foundation for our family. It was a tough decision, but it has been a life changer. Being a mom and a wife has helped me gain the knowledge and embrace the idea that I can still follow my passions- travel and writingby just tweaking it a bit to work for me. MY FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS: Right now, I'm having fun exploring Downtown Las Vegas and watching the revitalization project take off. As a travel writer, it is always a good to get to know your hometown. Beyond Vegas, my favorite destination is Europe, particularly Provence and the coast of Italy. I DREAM OF TRAVELING TO: Cuba is high on my list. 66

WORK WITH SKIMBACO TEAM

ADVERTORIALS SPONSORED CONTENT DESTINATION FEATURES EVENTS, MEETUPS, INSTAGRAM WALKS SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS & CONSULTING 10 YRS SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIENCE MARKETING, PR, JOURNALISM, TV, FASHION & TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS 6 WEBSITES, CLOSE TO MILLION ANNUAL READERS, 100K+ SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS.

CONTACT: KATJA.PRESNAL@SKIMBACO.COM

RADIANT ORCHID KEY WEST INSPIRED PARTY BY PARTY BLUPRINTS by Dawn Sandomeno & Elizabeth Mascali

“Come as You Are” Cocktail BBQ

create the look

Radiant Orchids, Birds of Paradise, shells, bamboo mats, bamboo disposable plates Surprise your friends and family with a and forks, and lots of fruit especially limes tropical twist on the typical barbeque and are great for creating the look of an island host a mini-vacation for all right in your get-away in your own backyard. Purple own backyard. Treat guests to the specialOrchids and limes look great together and ties of Key West where nothing is too imcreate a real tropical atmosphere. Use portant or pressing, except enjoying a them to create arrangements, garnish platcocktail (or two), kicking back, expressing ters and decorate the dining table. Tiki yourself and experiencing the sunset. The torches and candles are a must for when free-wheeling attitude, tropical cocktails, the sun goes down. They are the perfect Floribbean cuisine and Key West music mood enhancer. are the perfect solution to the staycation blues. Encourage your guests to be creative and show their personality – live by the Key West motto, “come as you are.” Turn the key to paradise and enjoy! The Original Margarita

the menu

Conch Ceviche – Our Recipe for Key West Ambrosia Sunset Skewers

Entertaining at home can be one of the most intimate ways you connect with friends, and it has the potential be the most fun! Host a party that is an escape to a great destination for a few hours without leaving home! 70

The Original Margarita

Ingredients: • 1 1/2 oz. 100% blue agave plata Tequila • 3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice • 1-1/4 oz. Cointreau

Preparation: Shake together all ingredients with fresh ice cubes in a cocktail shaker until well chilled, about a count of ten. Take one of the lime rinds and run it around the outside edge of a cocktail glass (Be careful to avoid the inside of the glass, or you’ll have salt in your drink.) Dip the edge of the glass into Kosher salt (iodized table salt just won’t work) so that half of the outside edge of the glass is coated. Strain the drink into the glass. You can also mix up a pitcher and serve in a rock glass with ice. This is much easier for a large crowd.

As Jimmy Buffett proclaims, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” Set up a cocktail port in the inlet of your island party to make it easy and convenient for your guests to enjoy the endless cocktail hour. Serve Fresh Margaritas!

71A L PHOTO: KATJA PRESN

Conch Ceviche – Our Recipe for Key West Ambrosia

• 2 Jalapeno Peppers (if you choose a Serrano pepper, you’ll only need 1) •

1 Bunch Scallions

Conch is King in the Conch Republic that is • 8 On the Vine Tomatoes (if you use anKey West. Instead of an uninspiring salad, other tomato make sure it’s a juicy one) serve your guests Conch Ceviche, conch • ½ cup finely chopped Cilantro marinated in fresh key lime and lemon juice and loaded with lots of fresh pro- • 2 Mangoes duce and herbs. Serve it up in a shell and Olive Oil your guests will know they are eating in • paradise. If you can not find Conch at your • Fresh Cracked White Pepper local seafood market, it is available year Sea Salt round through Fresh Choice Seafood. • Serve the ceviche with some fresh Cuban bread if it is available in your area, or order Preparation: o n l i n e a t C u b a n Fo o d M a r k e t . c o m . • Partially thaw frozen conch and cut TEXT & PHOTOS BY D AW N S A N D O M E N O & ELIZABETH MASCALI PA RT Y B L U P R I N T S B L O G . C O M

Ingredients: •

2 lbs. Conch

• 8 Key Limes (regular limes are fine if you can’t purchase Key Lime) •

4 Lemons

•

1 Tbs. White Vinegar

•

2 Garlic cloves

•

2 Bell Peppers (red and orange)

into small pieces (it’s easier to cut when slightly frozen), then finish thawing. When fully thawed, blanch the cut conch (boil for 1 minute, remove and plunge into bowl of ice water). This step is an optional precaution when serving seafood. In most island recipes for ceviche the raw seafood is cooked in the bath of citrus juice. • Place cut and blanched conch in large glass bowl (don’t use metal – it could give off a metallic taste) and set aside. • Squeeze the juice from 8 key limes and 4 lemons into a small bowl, remove any seeds, add 1 Tbl. white vinegar and 2 minced garlic cloves, whisk together and pour over cut conch. Cover and refrigerate while cutting produce. 72

• Wash red and orange peppers, finely chop and place in second bowl. • Mince Jalapeno pepper (you can substitute a Serrano pepper instead for more heat if you have a spicy crowd coming) and add to peppers. (If you wear contacts, use rubber gloves when preparing hot peppers, the oil from the peppers stays on the skin and can be transferred to your contacts.) • Wash tomatoes, dice and place in third bowl. • Finely slice scallions and add to tomatoes. •

Dice mango and add to tomatoes.

perfect ending

• Drizzle olive oil over pepper and tomato mixtures, sprinkle sea salt and fresh cracked white pepper, add chopped fresh Once the sun has set and your guests cilantro and gently mix both. have enjoyed their cocktail tasting menu, • Let both mixtures sit on counter for ½ offer them a refreshing bit of paradise with Sunset Skewers. We’ve added a hour to marinate. Green Flash Dip to commemorate the elu• Add pepper mixture to marinated key sive Green Flash that has been spotted by lime conch and return to refrigerator for at a few at a Key West sunset. least 4 hours. This unusual sighting apparently can oc• Let tomato mixture sit on counter to cur as the top of the sun dips below a marinate. low, clearly defined horizon, i.e., a large • Just before serving conch ceviche, body of water, creating a bright green mix in tomato mixture and let sit on flash for a split second, appearing where sea meets sky. counter for 15 mins. •

Serve with tortilla chips.

Get the recipe at PartyBluprintsBlog.com 73

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

LOCATION: PARIS, FRANCE

NATURAL PERFUME Let’s just admit it. There is something magical about a perfume bottle from Paris. However, the chemicals in your perfume are everything but magical, and that’s why my dear friend Tania Reuben of Pure Natural Diva decided to create Pure Natural Diva Botanical Perfumes, crafted with 100% natural ingredients. No synthetics ingredients and no phthalates, only all natural ingredients. The bottle is made in Paris, and the perfumes are hand-mixed in Hollywood - because being eco -savvy doesn’t mean that you can’t also be Paris Chic and Hollywood Glamourous!

Katja Presnal, editor-in-chief of Skimbaco Lifestyle

Check out PNDBotanicals.com

lxxv

SPRING LOVE LIST WHAT WE LOVE FOR SPRING 2014 WITH LOVE, THE SKIMBACO TEAM

ORCHIDS for home or as a gift, starting at $29.90 at ProFlowers.com

MARIMEKKO BAG gives perfect pop of color for any outfit. Clover bag in special Unikko print, available summer 2014.

HELLO SUNSHINE

“When the sun comes out, head to the beach with Radiant Orchid sunglasses by TOM FORD and a dazzling ruched one-piece SWIMSUIT BY J. CREW.” Adrienne Shubin

“The VALENTINO CAMO sneakers will make a trendy statement, and are comfortable for traveling.“ Wes Holland

“SAMSUNG GALAXY NX 20.3MP is a must have smart camera. A mirrorless camera that comes with with 4.8-Inch LCD screen and 1855mm OIS lens. What’s even better: it let’s you edit and immediately post high quality images to any social media network or directly to your friends. Perfect camera for Instagram-enthusiast or a traveler.” Katja Presnal

PACKING LIST “V-MODA CROSSFADE 100 headphones pack some serious punch. They received the DJ Mag’s Tech award for Best Headphone of the Year, and are actively used be renowned DJs such as Avicii. The Crossfade 100’s are stylish yet functional with their sleek aesthetic and iPhone control features. The noise reduction makes listening great for work, travel, or leisure! I love my pair!“ Wes Holland

EDITOR’S

PICK

"PIECE OF Memories jewelry can be collected from your journeys around the world. This one, Årring, the tree ring, 59€, is from Norway and designed by Elena Glosli.” Satu VänskäWestgarth

MICHAEL Michael Kors CHAIN LACE JERSEY DRESS, $140 is lightweight, flatters every figure, and packs well for travels. Dress it down for sightseeing, and dress it up for cocktail hour.

J.CREW Espadrielles are the perfect light-weight shoes to throw in your weekender bag.

TRAVEL INSPIRED TEA COLLECTION spring 2014 collection goes to Morocco. Check out the darling dresses for little girls!

EDITOR’S

PICK

“KATE SPADE’S SPRING 2014 collection brings you the old world travel vibe of coastal Italy. Lemon prints, stripes, colors straight from your favorite gelato flavor... oh my! The cutest: the wicker purses!” Katja Presnal

80 PHOTO: VENETIA SCOTT FOR KATE SPADE

MANGO SALSA 2 mangos 1 red pepper 1 onion 1 lime’s juice 1/2 jalapeño chopped cilantro dash of salt Get the instructions at SkimbacoLifestyle.com

PHOTO: KATJA PRESNAL

WOODEN SERVING BOWLS $60 from Red Envelope.

Living the "skimbaco" lifestyle means creating unique memories with my family and friends that encourage others to look around them and embrace the moment, instead of planning for the one perfect moment. Reggie Escalante Instagram.com/OakleyOC

Discovering microadventures.

MY SKIMBACO MOMENTS By Satu Vänskä-Westgarth 83

“Skimbaco lifestyle to me means having the courage and enthusiasm to jump head first into new adventures”, I wrote a while ago for my team profile at SkimbacoLifestyle.com. Naturally I agree. But as I reflect back on the past year, I think it is so much more. It’s the feeling of waking up in a place where you feel you belong. Where every day can be a new adventure and you have the people you love and respect around you. It’s the small moments that make every day special. Here are the highlights of my year 2013, which was full of ups and downs, although already now the downs have smoothed down to almost insignificance.

Read the full article at SkimbacoLifestyle.com

have the courage and enthusiasm to jump head first into new adventures. New realization: it’s easy it is to take a baby & a toddler outdoors & do activities as a family.

We welcomed a little man to our family last year.

Taking a moment or two to myself to stop & relax. 85

Our family is always looking forward to the next trip. However, I realized we often go to a few familiar places, year after year. Even though it doesn’t sound very adventurous, it feels good to have many places which I could call home. One of them is Devon, UK. We’ve lived in Norway for three years now. For me, life in Norway feels like I’m on a continuous journey, even though I do feel like a local at the same time. The whole term “expat” fails me here as I feel as if I belong. Last year I fell in love with northern island region in Norway, Lofoten. 86

TEXT & PHOTOS B Y S AT U VÄ N S K Ä -W E S T G A RT H T O D E S T I N AT I O N U N K N O W N . C O M I N S TA G R A M : T O D E S T I N AT I O N U N K N O W N T W I T T E R : S AT U V W

Ireland was my home for almost five years when I studied in Dublin and ever since I’ve been going back. This year I am excited to bike the Wild Atlantic Way, the coastline of Ireland.

THE STORY BEHIND... WHAT WAS GOING TO BE THE COVER PHOTO

WHAT DOES IT SAY TO YOU? FOR EACH ISSUE I ASK MY INSTAGRAM-FRIENDS WHAT THE THINK OF OUR COVER IMAGE.THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IT. HOWEVER, I COULDN’T RESIST BUT CHANGE THE COVER IMAGE RIGHT IN THE LAST MINUTE AND FEATURE THE LOVELY TAMERA INSTEAD OF THIS ONE DO YOU THINK I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE?

browsinginrome: It's spring! Time to bring on the new.

sx3inva Fields of never ending greens and that I need to slow down and enjoy life, the moment.

juuso_r: putting focus on the small details. Living the life fullest when putting katydidandkid It is so uplifting, considerhigh effort and finding a meaning for the ing that we've been buried in snow all little details of our beautiful everyday life. winter here in Pennsylvania. It's a sign of Finding beauty in our fast-paced mo- hope! ments. sarahinmi Treating yourself to spring. 3daysinlondon: It's lovely, conjures up im- Love to buy fresh flowers to brighten my ages of the countryside; sun beating home. down, fields of first blooms nodding in the breeze, rolling hills, rows of trees busy with birds twittering in the background. andreaupdyke Ahhh Spring. We've been waiting for you!

BE A FEATURED INSTAGRAM-FRIEND! FOLLOW SKIMBACO ON INSTAGRAM AND

activekidsclub Spring and Scandinavia.

PARTICIPATE.

SHARE YOUR #SKIMBACO MO-

MENTS OF LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST, WE

FEATURE

BEST

PICS.

SEE

SKIMBACOLIFESTYLE.COM/INSTAGRAM. 89

THE STORY KIND OF GOES LIKE THIS...

We have been living as expats in Sweden for two years now. It’s mildly put that the change was quite drastic, moving from the suburbs of New York City.

#skimbacosweden by Katja Presnal LOCATION: STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

During the first month here, we did a weekend trip to Stockholm, and while we had visited Stockholm before, this time it was different. This time it was “wow, we really get to live in Sweden,” and realizing Stockholm was only a few hours away. One can’t but fall in love with Stockholm. The photo was taken of Christoffer’s Blommor in Gamla Stan.