Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Friday, March 2, 2012

Happy Weekend... Getaway!

Well some weekends just call for staying in, laying low and spending long mornings in bed. But others, such as this weekend, seem to beckon a little getaway which - thanks to the Costa Rican summer- I will be spending at the beach.





























Both pictures are from an earlier visit to Puerto Viejo, the laid-back, hippie-inspired town in Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean coast, where I am spending the weekend. 

What's better than the simple pleasure of watching a happy doggie trot along carrying a coconut on his mouth?

xoxo,
Pilar

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Natural Colors

This past week one of my best friends and his younger brother came to visit. And such a visit is the perfect reason to get out of the city and into the breath-takingly beautiful wilderness that abounds in Costa Rica.

More than anything its the vivid colors that amaze me.



From top to bottom: the view from our 8 person plane into Tortuguero jungle; highlighter colored flowers which seem to belong in an Alice & Wonderland set and; one of the most poisonous snakes, the Eyelash Viper, which our guide spotted during our night hike.

xoxo,
Pilar

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Summer's End...

... as the summer draws to a close, a little nostalgia set in and I was reminded of those stress-free, summers of my childhood. For three years I went to an amazing summer camp in the north of Spain, where activities included hiking, cooking and sailing classes, so finding out about the Surf Shack truly brought those memories back.

The idea behind the Chandelier's Surf Shack is pretty simple, create a beautiful space for friends and family to gather, a escape from all the stress and a reminder of our summer camp days.

I love everything at the Shack, from the small details...

...to the humor in the decor...

... the influence of nature throughout the place...


...and the kitschy 1970's surfer decoration style...

... but the best part has to be the amazing outdoor space.

Want to know what the Shack's yard has? A cushiony dock: check!

...wonderful bench sitting for outdoor dinners: check!

aaaanddd... teepees (or tipis, as you wish)!


... plus a BBQ pit to make the perfect S'mores.

This place is like every kid's - and grown-up kid's- dream, right?

xoxo,
Pilar

(all images here and here)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Sunday's Best: For Japan

As some of the initial shock over the magnitude of the earthquake and tsunami wear off, it is easy to forget that the damage it caused the people of Japan will be felt for many months and years, so I wanted to take the time to find out and share some places in the web that are hosting charity events or donating profits to Japan relief efforts.

- All profits from the sale of these super cute satchels at Yokomono Studio will be donated to Japan.
- Circle Prints, through their Etsy shop, will be donating 100% of profits from three prints they created specially for this occasion. Or you might prefer this beautiful hearts garland from Paperpolaroid.
- Handmade For Japan, a benefit auction which will be held from March 24th to March 27th will be a great way to support people's talent and help Japan.
- Another option is donating to, in my opinion, one of the best international non-profits, Doctors Without Borders which has already deployed teams of doctors  to Japan.
- Of course, the Red Cross will continue its relief efforts for months to come you may donate to them here.

During law school I spent a summer working in Osaka, Japan. It was my first time traveling to Asia and I felt in love with the country and with its friendly people, rich history, gorgeous temples and delicious food. Since then, it has held a special spot in my heart and I always remember fondly the time I spent there. So while pictures of the devastation of Japan have circulated and overwhelmed us over the past days I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories from my time there.

Wondering the streets of Osaka under a clear umbrella

Breath taking Himeji castle

Pretty lighting at the temple of love, Kyoto

Praying for my shore throat as instructed by my hostess
in Tokyo, the lovely Mrs. Okeda

Reflection of the Golden Temple, Kyoto

Hiking with views of Mt. Fuji!

A feast at the train stop...

...jump for joy, the train has arrived!


My love and prayers to all the people of Japan and their loved ones across the world.

xoxo,
Pilar