Hello, I miss my blog so much…

When you think of places to visit, some of the world’s largest cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai and New York comes to mind but there are cities which are on a very different scales altogether. The experience and pleasure to be gained from visiting small cities is a very different one going to Venice or Paris-almost certainly more challenging but potentially just as rewarding and enjoyable.  If I had the means of 14 days, below are the cities which I would love to experience:

Ibiza

This city is known for the wild night life; boast the Museum of Contemporary Art and D’Alt Vila.

 Photo: Sakura-hostel

Sorrento

This small city in southern Italy is a popular tourist destination, and known for its coastal scenery and historic attractions. I would eat Gelato nonstop here.

Photo: TrekEarth

Ubud

Located in central Bali and boasting fine arts, crafts, dance and music all set among beautiful landscapes.

Photo: TrekEarth

Essaouira

Also known as “the pearl of the Kingdom” is Morocco’s best known and loved coastal city full of art galleries and antique shops, musicians.

Photo:TrekEarth

I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about these beautiful cities. Have a wonderful day.

XOXO

Tawa

Photo: One and Only Paris Photography

Photo: Allard One

Photo: One and Only Paris Photography

Photo: One and Only Paris Photography

Hello there…

I was ten or eleven years old when I first visited Paris with my mother. Since then, it has been one of my favorite places in the world. Besides being the most romantic city in the world, Paris has so much history and so much to see from Musee du Louvre, to River Seine, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. It is no wonder it was voted the #1 best place to live by International Living. If you are passionate about beauty, art and culture like I am, you will love Paris and you will never get bored because the views are just spectacular!

 For Paris culture and history…

Read:

• French Ways and Their Meaning by Edith Wharton
• Second Sex by Simone De Beauvoir
• Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser
• Elle Décor: The Grand Book of French Style by Francois Bandot and Jean Demachy
• The Food Lover’s Guide to Paris by Patricia Wells

 See

• Amelie (starring Audrey Tautou)
• Chocolat
• Paris, Je ‘Taime
• La Vie en Rose
• Blue (one third of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Red, White and Blue)

 Learn

• Coco Chanel (My #1 fashion icon beside my mom)
• Josephine Baker

 Enjoy

• Veuve Clicquot
• Ladurée
• Escargot (Snails) or try a recipe here

 Have a wonderful day!

XOXO

Tawa

Photo: Net-a-porter

Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying your week…

We all know how the stress of daily life can affect our health, job and relationships. For me, a weekend getaway is the break I need so that I can return to my life refreshed and better equipped to handle whatever comes. But planning and packing for a short excursion or weekend trip can be harder than a long vacation. To make things a little easier on me, I pack items that can be worn more than once: a day to evening outfit, neutral palette with mixed colors.

 My essentials for this spring weekend trip (inspirations only):

• One tee-shirt (white or black)
• Short or black skinny jeans
• Gold clutch
• Medium or large bag, this season is all about bright color like yellow
• Black shoes (pumps or high gladiator)
• Sandals (I prefer gold)
• Two necklaces (gold and ethnic)
• A jean jacket or shawl
• A silver bracelet or cuff
• Jersey dress

 Day 1-Friday evening, rest or mingle with the local (same outfit for trip)

 Day 2-Saturday, Shopping and sight seeing  (Day)

(Tee-shirt, black skinny jeans, silver bracelet, yellow bag, black shoes)

Top: Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Net-a-porter

The Guess skinny jeans I wore in NYC last year. Tee-shirt by H&M, vest by Express, Shoes by Jones NY, bag by Coach “Sabrina”, bracelet, a gift from my mother.

 Shoes: McQueen, Net-a-porter

Bracelet: Jeluxury’s Tuareg Black Onyx bracelet

Bag: Marni, Net-a-porter

Day 2-Night life

(Blouse, clutch, ethnic or gold necklace, pumps,short or skinny jeans depending on weather)

Blouse: Stella McCartney, Net-a-porter

Necklace: Jeluxury’s Dorje Necklace, Multicolored

Necklace: Jeluxury’s 18-karat Heavy Disc Gold Necklace

Day 3-Sunday, brunch, museums or events

(Dress, gold clutch, jean jacket or shawl, sandals)

Dress: T-Bag, Clutch:DKNY, sandals: Roberto Cavalli, Net-a-porter

Jacket: Lauren Jeans Co

I hope you enjoyed how I plan my weekend trips; it is the perfect way for me to forget about everything. If you have any questions or need any help on what to pack, send me an email here.

 Have a wonderful day.

XOXO

Tawa