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Germany Voted Most Popular Country

May 27, 2013 by

German Castle

(photo source)

In a survey of over 26,000 people around the world, Germany was seen as the most popular country. When asked to rank 16 countries (excluding their own country), 59% of respondents ranked Germany positively. Some analysts believe the positive rating is due to Germany’s strong dipolomacy, where ministers frequently tour other countries with markets for German goods. Germany has also faired better economically than almost every other European country in recent years.

Take a look at how other countries ranked on the “postive” list (percentage of positive ranking):

  1. Germany – 59%
  2. Canada – 55
  3. UK – 55%
  4. Japan – 51%
  5. France – 49%
  6. EU – 49%
  7. Brazil – 46%
  8. USA – 45%
  9. China – 42%
  10. South Korea – 36%
  11. South Africa – 35%
  12. India – 34%
  13. Russia – 30%
  14. Israel – 21%
  15. North Korea – 19%
  16. Pakistan – 15%
  17. Iran – 15%

Read the full story here…..

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Chelsea Flower Show Celebrates Centennial Year

May 13, 2013 by

image

(photo source)

Chelsea Flower Show, May 21-25, 2013

This year marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world – the Chelsea Flower Show. First known as the Royal Horticulture Society Great Spring Show from 1862 through 1912, the Chelsea Flower Show has been located at its current site on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, in the United Kingdom, since 1913. Once Britain’s largest flower show (now held by Hampton Court), Chelsea’s draws 157,000 vistors each year and is the show most associated with the Royal Family.

5 Facts about the Chelsea Flower Show

  • It takes 25 days to put up the entire show
  • The number of exibits in 1913 = 244; in 2013 = 550
  • Garden gnomes, along with all colored sculptures are forbidden (although exhibitors try to sneak them in)
  • Two firms have exhibited every year since 1913, including McBean’s Orchids, and Blackmore and Langdon
  • The Great Pavilion, introduced in 1951, was name in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest tent, until it was replaced in 2000. The tent remains were used to make 7,000 bags, aprons, and jackets.

Learn more about the Chelsea Flower Show and other flower and garden shows around the UK.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , , ,

Destination Nespresso

May 6, 2013 by

Miami Nespresso

Although traveling for work can be tiring, tough on the family you leave behind, and often lonely, getting to know the cities you’re in can often provide just enough fun and change in scenery to make you appreciate your job, family, and your wonderful life. And, if you do your homework, you can become familiar enough with the city to feel somewhat like a local, or at least, comfortable with your surroundings.

When traveling, there are always three things I research in advance to help me feel more in tune with my destination city…

  • Running paths or trails
  • Local patisseries or dessert places
  • Coffee shops

Last week, I was fortunate to be in both Miami and Boston. Although each city is remarkable in it’s own way, I seem to focus on what matters most….and that’s finding a little bit of home through a safe and scenic place to run, fantastic food and desserts, and a great cup of espresso.

Now, as most of you know by now, my espresso habit is fueled by my Nespresso machine. Each morning it puuurrrs to me in that wake up and smell the dulsão de Brazil way. So it’s only natural that waking in a strange city becomes even stranger sans Nespresso.

Ironically, Miami and Boston (and Chicago for that matter) all have something in common… and more than just great food and fantastic running paths. They are all home to Nespresso boutique stores. This may seem insignificant, but if you know anything about Nespresso you know that they have very few boutique stores in the US (in only 8 states). And I just so happened to stop in two boutiques in two different states in the matter of 5 days!

 What I loved about each was how similar they were to the overall design (sleek, clean, and modern/edgy) and that they hosted a tasting area to sample their most popular espressos. Miami actually took their “tasting area” one step further by provding a full cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a tres chic experience on a warm spring Miami evening.

With so many sites to see in Boston and Miami, you may wonder why I spent my time pining over coffee. In reality, coffee was just one small part of the overall experience on my trips – albeit an important part and one that made me feel a little closer to home.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,

Italian Bellinis and French Macarons: Sampling “The World” in Chicago

April 22, 2013 by

Bellini

(photo source)

Happy Birthday to me! And how did this Bistro Chic celebrate her extra special day? Not only was I spending two luxurious days in an awesome Millennium Park hotel, but I was also off sampling the world in downtown Chicago.

Take a peek at my itinerary:

  1. Spain – Strolled among Picasso’s (Monet’s, Dali’s!) at the Art Institute
  2. Italy – Dined on small plates at Quartino’s Italian restaurant
  3. Italy – Enjoyed fancy drinks, including Bellini’s, at a swanky Chicago bar
  4. Hawaii – Shopped for Maui Jim sunglasses – check out my new shades!
  5. France - Topped off my post-birthday morning with a few French pastries, like these lovely macarons and madelines, oui oui!

Macarons from raddisson blu hotel

French Madelines 

And the best part of all? I get to do it all again next year!

Ciao!

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3 Ways to Shake the Winter Blues

January 21, 2013 by

Winters Day

(photo source)

Feeling a little down today? You may not be alone. A few years ago, British researchers identified the third Monday in January as “Blue Monday“, the most depressing day of the year. But why is January 21 so depressing? It’s really a combination of anxiety and gloominess brought on by the:

  • Post holiday “blahs”
  • Realization of holiday debt
  • Dreary winter weather
  • Disappointment about not staying true to New Year’s resolutions

Despite the hype around Blue Monday, some psychologists believe this depressing day is, in fact, all hype, and may only become reality as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I’m a fan of the latter belief. Instead of giving into the winter blues, why not take charge of your own destiny and make January (or the entire winter) a happy and meaningful experience – and here are a few suggestions to get you started….

3 Ways to Shake the Winter Blues

Save the Date! Buy a new calendar or create an online calendar (ie Google) specifically for “fun” things to do during the winter months. Review the local events in your area — free classes/seminars, new restaurant openings, a library speakers series, etc — and pencil (or type) these things into your calendar, setting reminders so you don’t forget. Can’t find local events? Create your own! Make a list of 5 things you want to do before the spring, such as going to the opening of a new movie, having lunch with a friend, taking a road trip, going for drinks at a swanky bar, or treating yourself to a spa day. Add these to your calendar and kiss those winter blahs away!
What’s your theme? Plan a themed weekend – whether it’s having friends over for a Downton Abbey marathon or pretending your French for a day - this will challenge your creativity and give you something to focus on other than the cold weather. Bonus – your friends may follow your lead and plan their own weekend events giving you even more to look forward to.
Picture Perfect Take a photo journey. Spend the day in a quaint historic village in your area or a large, bustling city within a 2 hour drive. Take photos of unusual store fronts, architecture, or wintry scenes. Share your photos with friends on Facebook or via email giving them captions about the interesting things you saw.
How do you shake the winter blues?
Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , ,
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