New York City, Art Edition: The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC is one of the most amazing and impressively enormous art museums in the world. A must-do on my list of things-to-do while in NY. It was an all-day event and I only made it through about half the galleries. Shocker, I know! I fell completely in love with every piece of art within her vast walls and corridors. Here is a small sampling of some of my favorites:


Cow's Skull: Red, White, and Blue by Georgia O'Keeffe

Nine Jackies by Andy Warhol (Here's some interesting trivia for you, Warhol took this photo of Jackie moments before JFK was shot.)

 

Illuminated Gospel

Apartment Window: La Danse Des Fiancailles (The Engagement Ball). Cartoon by Luc-Olivier Merson, Executed by Eugene Oudinot

 Venus, marble statue by Antonio Canova

Lucas by Chuck Close

Roses by Vincent van Gogh (The great Mr. van Gogh painted this while still in the asylum.)

Serena Pulitzer Lederer by Gustav Klimt

Marguerite by Henri Matisse

Model in Kimono on Green Bench by Philip Pearlstein (Love, love, love this one!)

Richard Humphreys, the Boxer by John Hoppner

The Birth of Venus by Alexandre Cabanel

Roses and Lilies and Roses in a Bowl by Henri Fantin-Latour

Reclining Nude by Auguste Renoir

The Massacre of the Innocents by Francois-Joseph Navez (This painting takes my breath away. So deep, so emotional. I stared at it for what seemed like hours.)

Two Dancers by Edgar Degas

The Storm by Pierre-Auguste Cot

Now, run along to The Met. It's amazing in more ways than I could possibly express. Words don't do it justice. For a lasting impression and the best history lesson of your life, The Met has you covered.

Travelpology

Taking a vacation anytime soon? If so, Travelpology is a must stop blog before you take off. Everything from travel tips with Travelpology 101, to Travel News for up-to-date travel info, to Don't Miss Desserts in your favorite cities, and much MUCH more. And the best part, I designed all their web graphics!
   
Don't forget to friend Travelpology on Facebook and sign up for their twitter updates. You wont regret it. And even if you're not traveling anytime soon, you may still find something about your own hometown on there. I say this in a good way - Travelpology, you get around! *wink, wink*

Shop New Glarus

Also known as America's "Little Switzerland", New Glarus is located about 30 minutes south of Madison, WI. Located among the rolling hills of Green County, it's the perfect weekend get-away no matter what time of year. My last visit happened to be during their annual Heidi Festival, in which the town celebrates their Swiss heritage and crown the Dairy Queen and Princess. There are many reasons to explore New Glarus, but this particular visit was devoted to shopping, and of course, beer.

Where to Shop and what to buy:
• The Bramble Patch - Stock up on soy candles, maple syrup, and Polish Pottery.
• Brandi's Bridal - Buy your wedding dress here.
• Edelweiss Bath and Body - Soaps, soaps and more soaps!
• Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate House - The name says it all. Yum!
• New Glarus Bakery - Authentic Swiss bakery.
• New Glarus Brewing Company - Fill your fridge with this delicious beer (only sold in Wisconsin) and while you're there, stay a while by taking a self-guided tour while sampling their many award winning beers.
• Roberts European Imports - Tons of Swiss, German, Austrian, and other European nation imports. Where else can you find Lederhosen, nutcrackers, cow bells, and fondue pots all in one place?
• Sugar River Shoppe - They have something for everyone here so start your Christmas shopping early.

Where to Eat:
• The Glarner Stube
• New Glarus Hotel Restaurant
• Puempel's Olde Tavern

Where to Stay:
• Chalet Landhaus Inn

What Else to Do:
• Attend one of their many festivals (I think eleven in all!)
• Eat, eat, and then eat again.
• Wash down all that food with lots of beer in one of their many European taverns.
• Visit their historical museums.
• Hike around New Glarus Woods State Park.
• Taste wine at the Primrose winery.
• Relax, and get a massage at Touch of Massage and Spa.
• See how many painted cows you can find around town (you'll know what I mean when you get there).
• Visit the New Glarus website for more ideas. 

I haven't been everywhere in New Glarus so please feel free to add to my list in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you!

Travel to Aruba

My trip to Aruba was, well, GREAT! White sand beaches, snorkeling, Dutch/Spanish culture, gorgeous sunsets, off-roading, wild donkeys, butterflies, fresh seafood, and delicious pina coladas made with native coconut rum. There are many reasons to love Aruba but the best part was the ocean. It's a small island so no matter where you are, or in what direction you look, you'll probably see it. The water surrounding this Caribbean island is clear, warm and therapeutic. I could have floated in it all day. But don't take my word for it, instead take a look at these pictures and I dare you not to book your flight today!

(Click on images to enlarge.)

Amazing beaches surround the island, as well as an entertaining marina where fishermen, pelicans, iguanas, and crabs reside. I highly recommend renting a boat to fish the fertile waters. Even if you don't catch anything, although you will and it'll be a huge fish, it'll make for a peaceful cruise. The best part is you can keep a portion of your catch and bring it to a nearby restaurant to have it cooked up for you, and 20 of your friends since you're bound to leave with bags full of fresh fillets.

Find a relaxing spot on Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, or Baby Beach. Dig your toes in the soft sugar sand, crack open a can of Balashi beer (Aruba's very own award-winning microbrew), and lavish in the beauty of paradise.

Looking for adventure? Go on a Safari in this desert-like island. You'll be surprised at what you'll find both on land and in sea.

Aruba was originally settled by the Spanish but eventually ended up in the hands of the Dutch. There's a strong influence from both cultures evident in the beautiful and distinctive architecture (historic and modern).

Travel Survival Essential: Duct Tape

I've been completely fascinated with all the weird but charming things being made out of duct tape lately. Not to mention all the pretty new colors and patterns they now come in. Bright pink, green, metallic, plaid, polka dot, damask...

So I picked up a roll of teal and metallic silver and taped together a luggage tag. Why a luggage tag you ask, well, because what else would I make with duct tape?! Luggage tags need to be durable (check), brightly colored so I can spot my luggage on the turnstile quickly (check), waterproof (check), inexpensive (check), and totally cool (check!)! Not to mention I'll be using it shortly while en route to Aruba. Have I mentioned I'm going to the Caribbean yet? Why yes, I do believe I may have mentioned that once or twice. *insert snarky grin here*

I crafted this tag to include a flap with a clear plastic window to read my contact info. Then I tied it up with a neon green ribbon. Now I'm ready to rock and roll! Get it? Roll. Ah, yes I need a vacation.

Click here to see videos on how you can make a duct tape luggage tag and many other fun things like wallets, belts, and roses for your sweetheart.

Passport Pouch

Soon I will be basking in the sun and sipping on cocktails in the Caribbean. Soon all my worries will melt away as I melt into an adirondack chair on a sandy beach. Soon, soon. But not soon enough! To kill time waiting, I decided to put to use all those fabrics I have and make myself a handy little passport/travel pouch. I found a really great tutorial on how to do this here. With traveling being so nasty these days - long security lines, paying extra to check baggage, etc. - I wanted to ease the pain by making my trip in and out of the airport as easy and stress-free as possible. This pouch is a perfect container to hold passports, flight and hotel check-in papers, extra cash, and any other important documents you'll need.

I think I may have to attempt a baggage tag next. :)