Hiking in the Swiss Alps

On Friday I went with a group of people from one of our sister companies to the beautiful mountain village of Saas-Fee, Switzerland.  Last weekend was the first weekend of Saas-Fee's summer season, and the hotel we stayed at wasn't supposed to be open, but they opened early for us, and we had the whole place to ourselves!!  It was great because everyone was able to chat and get to know one another... And we had such a fun, intimate dinner on Saturday night!! 

Saas-Fee is known as the "Die Perle der Alpen", or The Pearl of the Alps.  It is settled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, and is one of the most popular skiing destinations, as the European Graduate School is located in Saas-Fee and supplies the village with lots of lively, fun-loving people.

On Saturday morning, we all met downstairs for breakfast... After breakfast and a quick trip to a shop in the village for granola bars and bottles of water, we trekked through the village and out to the cable cars.  Call it cheating, but we took the cable cars up, and walked back down... And LET ME TELL YOU... Thank GOD we did, the walk down was more difficult than I had imagined!!

The first stop was the mountain Langfhlu... It was so shocking to have left the sunny, warm village at the bottom and step out of the cable car into the breezy, cool air of the mountain peak!!  The photo above is of a glacier that sort of sits between two peaks of the mountain range. 

The village looked SO tiny below us... I kept thinking the mountains behind it looked like the ones on the Swiss Miss hot chocolate boxes!!  :)

Love this photo... Swiss flag flying over the mountain... 

Hiking boots as flower pots at a little restaurant at the top of Langfhlu... 

 

As we climbed higher, we could see more of the glacier... This is where my headache started and I felt a little scared for some reason!!

  

Then someone had the bright idea to HIKE down the snowy part of the mountain (everyone else had declared that section "too snowy" and was taking the cable car down) so a few of us were convinced, and followed him down through the snow... At first, it was a little chilly, but the STEEP hiking warmed me up and we kept going!! 

But after a while, we started slipping because the snow was at a warmer temperature and more wet (making it about 2-3 feet in some places instead of the 2-3 inches at the top).  AND... much to my surprise (and terror!!) there was a FROZEN RIVER underneath all of the snow... So my jeans, socks, and hiking shoes were completely drenched by the time we finally made it out of the snow almost an hour later.  

Kids feeding a "marmot" - who lives on the non-snowy part of the mountain!!

This one even ate a peanut right out of my hand!!  They are so precious!! 

Almost down to the village!!  Taken from the deck of our restaurant at lunch!!

The "chairs" at the restaurant... Vintage Honda motorcycles  :)

Our lunch was a super-traditional German-Swiss meal of dried meats, cheese, and fresh apricots!

Mountain stream that flows right through the village of Saas-Fee!! Hike is almost done!!

The stream makes everything on the mountain SO green...

 I fell in love with this perfect little restaurant in the village... JUST what you think of when you hear "Switzerland"!!

After shopping for souvenirs in the village, treating myself to a fresh Swiss pastry in bed (it's becoming my terrible tradition - sweets in bed), and getting into a cozy sweater and boots, it was time for dinner with everyone!!  Dinner was right in our hotel... And it was a traditional German-Swiss dish called "Raclette" - where a half-wheel of Swiss cheese is melted over an open flame.  

After the cheese starts to melt, the cook takes the cheese away from the flame and uses a huge knife to scrape the melted layer of cheese onto baby potatoes!!  The plates are then distributed to everyone... And you add pepper, salt, and paprika to the cheese before eating it!!

My first taste of "Raclette"!!  So delicious... 

 After dinner, the owner of the hotel convinced two of the guys to dress up as old "village women" and pass out shots of this STRONG alcohol - I can't remember the name now - while he played the accordion and sung traditional Swiss songs!!  I could smell the alcohol from the person sitting next to me... It smelled like pure Listerine... So I had to turn it down, but it did lead to some late-night singing in those who managed to take their shot!!  After the long day of hiking, walking through the village, and laughing so hard after dinner I think I got the BEST night of sleep I have ever had...  I slept so soundly that I woke up Sunday and was CONVINCED that I was late to leave for the city!!  

(The truth??  - - I was an HOUR early to breakfast, which NEVER happens!!) 

I loved getting to see the other side of Switzerland this weekend... The German language, mountains, simple foods, and quiet calm ways of the people who live there.  Apart from a sunburn I acquired during the hike down the mountain, my experience in the mountains was fantastic... I would go back in a heartbeat!!  Xoxo B.  

Goodbye, London

After "Priscilla", Dad and I walked out into the middle of London's theater district... People were EVERYWHERE of course.  It was Friday night, and people were getting out of theaters, drinking their sorrows over London's tie in the World Cup - "Whyyy cawn't we just WIN a game?!", and rushing through the streets with friends ready to dance the night away at a British club.  The atmosphere, as always, was positively addictive... It MADE me want to start dancing or singing... It was so ALIVE, there is no other way to describe it. 

Dad and I stopped at an Italian cafe to get gelatos... Then walked back through the streets toward our hotel.  I paused as we walked past Trafalgar Square - it looked absolutely beautiful, glimmering in the soft streetlights and leftover London rain on the stone lions.  Trafalgar Square had always been my favorite as a little girl when Dad was working in London.  I would beg and beg Mom to let me go feed the pigeons there, I NEVER got tired of seeing them flying all around while I stood with handfuls of bird seed. 

I have such a connection to this city.  It has such HISTORY, such interesting traditions and so many fascinating personalities.  The past few times I have left London, I've wondered... What if I never come back to you??  What if this is my last London visit??  And this time was no different... In my hotel bed that night, I wondered if or when I would be back.  And it was then I decided.  I WOULD be back.  I promised myself, promised my dark and empty hotel room, and promised that fantastic city sparkling outside my hotel window... I promise you, London... I'll come back soon!!!

Priscilla: Queen of the Desert

When Dad and I asked which show playing in London was the best, the concierge at our hotel said, without a doubt, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. Then we asked what it was about... The concierge answered with, "It's about a group of drag queens who travel through the outback of Australia". Dad and I kind of looked at each other, then back at the concierge... She said, "Well if THAT hasn't scared you away, you HAVE to see it". And so we did...

The bright and sunny London day had turned to a typical foggy and rainy day in London by the evening, and as we approached this sparkling stiletto I KNEW we had made the right choice in musicals!!!  Then through the crowd... I see 6 ft 5 inches of total fabulous-ness in STILETTOS!!!  Please excuse the London-drizzled ballerina bun... But I LOVE this photo...

Along with sparkling, pink cocktails and bright feather boas to buy, there was a HUGE disco ball suspended from the ceiling of the theater... It was a party just WAITING to happen!!  "Priscilla" was FANTASTIC... From the very beginning, until we filed out of the theater, shaking our "bums" to the music, I absolutely loved it.

Photo: Google Images

"Priscilla" was an absolute riot... We were laughing almost the entire 1st half!!  The 2nd half combined light-hearted singing and dancing with some of the most difficult issues people face today... I LOVED it.  The story centers around 3 drag queens - one washed up and recently widowed, one who needs to "find himself" again, and the hottest drag queen star in Australia.

Photo: Google Images

All 3 drag queens deal with their differences and travel across the Outback together in a big pink bus... Serenaded by 3 fabulous female vixens, often suspended above the bus in their ornate sparkling costumes.  Their voices were AMAZING... They absolutely rocked the 1960's-1980's Vanessa Williams, Tina Turner, and Gloria Gaynor!! 

Photo: Google Images

Bernadette: Being a man one day and a woman the next isn't an easy thing.

Photo: Google Images

"I've Never Been To Me"

Oh, I've been to Georgia and California and anywhere I could run
I took the hand of a preacher man and we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places and friendly faces because I had to be free
I've been to paradise but I've never been to me

My advice??  If you have the chance and you come to "Priscilla" or "Priscilla" comes to you, GO SEE IT!!  You will absolutely love it... Two hours of truth, heart, laughter, and SPARKLE!!  One of my favorite musicals yet... And the perfect way to spend a Friday night in London. 

Grace Kelly: Style Icon

On Friday afternoon (after shopping... appropriately) Dad and I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibit. I was so happy that Dad was willing to go with me, even though he isn't as fashion-obsessed as me... His company was much appreciated!! :)

I have always admired Miss Grace Kelly for her beauty, poise, and grace. She always looked completely pulled-together, and every bit the lady. My favorite movie starring Grace is "High Society" - a 1956 movie about a high-society woman getting ready for her second marriage at her family's traditional, slightly uptight estate. The movie also stars Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Louis Armstrong. Grace's wardrobe is an absolute treat to see, and the movie is quite funny... I definitely recommend!!



The museum didn't allow photos once we were inside the exhibit, but this rose-colored dress was on display right outside the Grace Kelly exhibit.


Inside the exhibit were all of Grace's beautiful dresses... Kept in perfect condition by MGM Studios and her family. My favorite section was, of course, the clothing she wore in "High Society"...



But her wedding trousseau and her infamous Hermes bag, named "Kelly" after her, were amazing to see as well. The exhibit also mentioned that Grace would fall in love with certain pieces of clothing - and she would wear them over and over again. I liked that she seemed to truly appreciate fashion and respected the pieces she owned... Evident by the fact that her wardrobe was in such perfect condition today!!


After we went through the Grace Kelly exhibit, Dad went to an exhibit on rugs and art from the ancient Middle East, and I decided to go through the regular fashion display the Victoria and Albert has... Here are some of the photos I took... Enjoy!! Xoxo B.

A circa 1933 dress by Jean Patou.

One of Chanel's first suits.

Loving the bow pattern on this 1932 sequined Chanel...

Another 1933, but by Madeleine Vionnet.

One of Alexander McQueen's last designs :( Winter 2010 line.

"British fashion is self confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas whilst drawing in British heritage." - Alexander McQueen

Ashley Brooke Designs

Are you looking for the perfect present for your friend, mother, sister... YOURSELF?! Do you need to spice up your blog... Or brighten up your desk and kitchen table?!

Well I've found it FOR you!! ... Ashley Brooke Designs!!!

Ashley Brooke has created a fabulous business for herself, dedicated to producing customized sketches of clients to use as blog headers, stationery, coffee mugs, tote bags, and the like.


Each design has so much personality and character... Ashley worked with me to create a design that described my life - girly girl, law student, avid shopper, and mom to Miss Lola. I also ordered a coffee mug, notepad, and note cards to complete my collection. I love seeing the design every time I update my blog - it is so cheerful and girly.

Miss Ashley also can create any type of invitation or shower announcement... What I love about her work is that it spans across women of all types and all ages. (And not just women!!) No matter what you're hoping to convey in your design, Ashley will work with you to create the perfect sketch!!

You can visit Ashley Brooke Designs at: http://ashleybrookedesigns.com/

Below are examples of work Ashley Brooke Designs has done in the past... Take a look!!

"Fashion Attack" in Harrod's...

Friday morning was sunny and warm in London... Dad and I had breakfast at the Gran Caffe restaurant next to Harrod's. I had one of my favorite breakfast foods from Europe - pain au raisin. :)

Then, of course, it was time to SHOP!! I have been a huge Harrod's fan since I was about six - only my interests have changed a little over the years :) My favorite areas used to be the food hall - I mean, what six year old doesn't love cookies, cakes, and candies piled to the ceiling?! And of course, I was ALWAYS in the toy department... I had never seen so many beautiful dolls and doll clothing in my life. Harrod's is also where I was first introduced to the fantabulous-ness that is Hello Kitty.

(Harrod's photos from Google Images)

But the last few times I was in London, and especially THIS time, were different. All of a sudden, a whole new world had opened up to me. I was now aware that around an ACRE of the newest designer collections were all around me... I first walked through the floor, just absorbing everything (Dad was off looking for his own things). I studied the mannequins, I touched the fabrics, I took in every glimmer of Swarovski crystal scattered across new brocade, and every hardcore metal stud pressed into the softest of leather...

And then it happened. It has happened before, but this was one of the worst... I call it "fashion attack". It's when you are so overwhelmed with such beauty and artistry that you have an attack!! Literally!! Mind you, it only happens to the most tragically fashion-obsessed, but it happens. You start to become dizzy, your mouth completely dries, and your palms begin to sweat. I usually need Diet Coke and some dark chocolate when this happens, but this time I had to settle for cold water on my face in the Harrod's powder room.


Ten minutes later I pulled myself together and returned to my shopping... I then realized that Harrod's was having their big summer sale - so I ended up getting a few really nice pieces for my end of summer/fall wardrobe. I had to be careful because our suitcase space was VERY limited... And I still had to get a few souvenirs for my friends and family!!

But I left with some CUTE things... 2 out of 3 were on sale + they're pieces I can wear multiple times + basic colors + easy to mix and match = GOOD FASHION DECISIONS :)

Theory Blazer
Alice & Olivia Top - 50% off!!
Tory Burch Tunic - 40% off!!

I also discovered the Harrod's stationery department - and OHMYGOODNESS. The cutest cards, stationery, notebooks... A law student's dream :) I ended up buying some cute little notebooks and these fabulous, sparkly cards that are actually sketches by Bill Travilla, a fashion designer for Miss Marilyn Monroe (white dress in Seven Year Itch, anyone?!). I got several normal-sized cards by him, as well as a big pink 8x10, which is so fabulous that I think I'm going to frame it...

The 8x10...

The little ones!!

I LOVE good shopping days :)