Need to get away?

I need a vacation in the worst way....unfortunately I don't see one in my immediate future. The one I'm imagining is on the beach in the Outer Banks, far from crowds, with a book and my dogs, just sitting on the sand everyday, doing.....nothing. ahhhhhhh. Okay, back to reality. Whether or not a vacation is in your immediate future - these photos are sure to give you the travel bug.

Next time you do decide to travel, maybe instead of a generic hotel, try checking out apartments for rent in the area where you're going.  When my boyfriend and I went to Paris and Switzerland we stayed in apartments instead of hotels and we really, really enjoyed it.  I get tired of eating out, and it's nice to go to local markets and bring them back to the apartment and do a little of your own cooking.

Below are some examples of what you're missing when you stay in a hotel:

How about a little time in North Italy?

Or a  Paris pied-à-terre

Or this view out of your Barbados bedroom...yes please!!!

A swanky Detroit studio

or, some authentic New Mexico digs....

What do you think?  Ready for a vacation?

Interested in renting one of these properties?  I got all of these image properties from Inhabit Vacations  - your "Travel Curators"

Oh, beautiful Paris...

It's not a new notion, Paris is beautiful, romantic, and has a wonderful touch of old-world that I don't think is going away soon (which is for the best)! Recently my friend got me a great gift - "Taschen's Paris ~ Hotels, Restaurants & Shops," and what I love about it is the inside look it gives you to beautiful Paris. I think you'll agree.

Above - Sofitel Trocadero Dokhan's, www.dokhans.com

The bar and patio in the Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon, www.hotelducdesaintsimon.com

A courtyard from the Hotel Bel-Ami, www.hotel-bel-ami.com



The above two images are from Hotel Saint Merry, (www.hotelmarais.com). It is right next to the church of Saint-Merry, from which it borrows it's architecture and styling.




Beautifully French, a staircase in the Hotel Verneuil, (www.hotelverneuil.com) and a sweet bedroom above.


Got a sweet tooth? Honeys and jams abound at Les Ruchers du Roy. www.lesruchersduroy.com


More than 900 herbs are available at Grande Herboristerie Parisienne de la Place Clichy.

The charming facade of Mamie Gateaux. www.maime-gateaux.com

The finest tea shop in Paris - Mariage Freres, www.mariagefreres.com

All images from Taschen's Paris by Angelika Taschen, ©2008
Photos by Vincent Knapp

Back home to the city

I had a nice relaxing weekend at my parents farm this weekend, but now I am back home in NYC. I thought I'd ring in the week with some urban interiors to get me back in the swing of things. Do you prefer urban styles like these or more country interiors?


*love* the wide plank hardwood floors!

I like these tables mixed with the polish of the rest of the kitchen.



via Dwell




via Metropolitan Home