Airbnb

Alex and I often rent houses when we go on vacation. It's fun to meet the homeowners, you instantly feel like a local, and rentals are typically more budget-friendly than hotels. We usually find places through HomeAway or vrbo, but I just discovered the vacation rental website airbnb, and I'm officially obsessed. I've spent an embarrassing amount of time lately browsing through their listings and daydreaming about future trips. I'm especially loving the majestic homes in the Hudson Valley, maybe for a little family getaway this summer!

(Thanks, Yolanda)

Inspired by Iceland

Inspired by Iceland is a new project by the Icelandic government that encourages people to travel to Iceland and not be too scared of volcanos. Don't you love this video that they made? The filming is incredible, and, oh, those glaciers! (Thanks, Harpa)

Golden Gate Bridge dinner party

Whoa! Our girl Jordan just hosted a four-course dinner party on a beach underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. It must have felt so magical to be eating parsnip soup in the cool breeze beneath the twinkling lights.

Read her full story here.

(Photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day)

Paris

Photos of Paris for your Monday morning, just 'cause.

(By Berni Tin)

Motherhood Mondays: Ten tips for traveling with a baby

For today's Motherhood Monday post, I'd love to talk about traveling with a baby (and hear your tips). We just got back from a week in San Francisco, and we also took Toby to California last Christmas. During those long trips, we learned a few things (on the fly!) that helped us travel more smoothly and with fewer freak-outs. :) Here are 10 things that we discovered make traveling with a baby much easier...
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Cup of Jo's Guide to New York City

Yahoo! My sweets, I'm thrilled to be sharing a little guide to New York City this week. I'll be sharing our favorite places to sleep, eat and play--as well as the best lobster roll ever, a (very) romantic date idea, the attractions that are worth battling the crowds and how to not look like a tourist (since my mom always asks!).

You could write a book on New York City (and people have:), so instead of featuring an overarching round-up, this guide will feature Alex and my regular hang-outs, personal favorites and New York discoveries. I'd LOVE to hear your recommendations in the comments, as well. The guide will be posted in separate parts all week, and I really hope you enjoy it. xoxo Update: Read the complete guide here.

(Photo by Shannen Norman for Cup of Jo; graphic design by HipHipGinGin for Cup of Jo)

Things to Do – Concerti nella Cava di Ornavasso

Ingresso+concerto a 10 euro. Ingresso, concerto e cena a 25 euro!

La musica e l'arte duecento metri nel cuore della montagna e del marmo famoso per l'utilizzo dal XIV sec. nel Duomo di Milano e in altri insigni monumenti. Tutti gli spettacoli si svolgono nell'Antica Cava di Marmo Rosa ad Ornavasso (www.anticacava.it - dal 1 giugno al 30 settembre la cava aperta tutti i giorni da marted a domenica per le visite turistiche).

Gli eventi sono ambientati nel grandioso Salone di Marmo che si raggiunge attraverso una galleria di 200 mt. Costo del singolo evento euro 10,00 (comprensivo anche dell'ingresso all'Antica Cava) - Abbonamento a 10 spettacoli euro 60,00

Posti limitati e su prenotazione acquistando on line su questo sito (per info: in orari ufficio tel. +39 0324 346102 - fax 0324 240212 - Cell. e biglietteria 366 5314145 - email: info@anticacava.it). Una volta acquistato on line il biglietto sufficiente presentarsi 15 minuti prima dell'evento - direttamente alla cassa dell'Antica Cava con la ricevuta dell'avvenuto pagamento.

Lo spazio all'interno della montagna, quindi coperto, e gli eventi si svolgono con qualsiasi condizione di tempo. La temperatura interna costantemente di 8 gradi e ciascun evento ha una durata non superiore ad un'ora. Si raccomanda abbigliamento adeguato alla temperatura e all'umidit . La galleria di accesso pianeggiante, con ciottolato.
Gli orari dei concerti sono pensati anche per permettere di scoprire l'enogastronomia locale con una formula speciale: ingresso+concerto+cena a 25 euro! Tutte le info a fondo pagina.

Per raggiungere Ornavasso: Autostrada A8 - Milano-Laghi / A26 Voltri-Gravellona Toce - Uscita Ornavasso - a 15 minuti da Stresa e Verbania (Direzione Domodossola).

Ecco il programma completo della stagione:

Gioved 23 giugno 2011 MU presenta il nuovo album "Sensilenti"
Davide Merlino - vibrafono, percussioni, oggetti Dario Trapani - chitarra elettrica, ebow, Simone Prando - basso elettrico, Riccardo Chiaberta - batteria

Gioved 30 giugno 2011 Compositore Pianista Filippo Binaghi Wild Piano
Un pianoforte selvaggio che suona la natura, ove la musica non mai stata.

Gioved 7 luglio 2011 Associazione Canavavisim Moyen Age
Concerto IL MEDIOEVO
Danze, Madrigali, Ballate, Liriche Sulla Via Francigena
A cura di Paolo Lova liuti - Tiziano Nizzia organo, symphonia, armonium - Cristina Perucchione flauti
(Ensemble Canavisium Moyen Age)

Gioved 14 luglio 2011
PIEMONTE MISTERIOSO
Un viaggio attraverso i misteri, i segreti, le leggende della regione pi magica d'Italia.
IVALDI|MERCURIATI prosegue il lavoro artistico di valorizzazione dei beni culturali attraverso il teatro contemporaneo. Regia di Marco Ivaldi con Silvia Mercuriati

Gioved 21 luglio 2011 Gabriella Perugini (Liuto rinascimentale e Tiorba)
Concerto-spettacolo multisensoriale "Le voci degli accordi"
Armonie di suoni e parole, profumi, percezioni tattili e immagini "intorno" alla Pietra, archetipo di valenze portanti lungo la storia dell'Uomo.

Gioved 28 luglio 2011 Gruppo Klezmer
Gino Zimbelli - fisarmonica , Marco Tiraboschi - chitarra-oud, Simone Prando - contrabbasso ,Brani tradizionali della cultura ebraica riletti con la libert che ognuno degli artisti ha maturato nella sua personale vita artistica.

Gioved 4 agosto 2011 FUSION JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Germano Zenga - sax soprano e tenore, Humberto Amesquita - trombone, Alex Orciai - contrabbasso
Omaggio al compositore e poli-strumentista Jimmy Giuffr : le anime del blues e dello swing si miscelano ad improvvisazione e scrittura contrappuntistica in cui sono presenti riferimenti cool jazz e di musica contemporanea.

Gioved 18 agosto 2011 - Gabriella Perugini (Liuto rinascimentale e Tiorba)
Concerto-spettacolo multisensoriale "Le voci degli accordi"
Armonie di suoni e parole, profumi, percezioni tattili e immagini "intorno" alla Pietra, archetipo di valenze portanti lungo la storia dell'Uomo.

Tagged: concerti, musica

NYC Date Idea: Magic show

So. Alex and I are usually pretty skeptical, but last weekend our minds were blown...
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Motherhood Mondays: Native shoes

We were hanging out with friends this weekend, and every single child we saw was wearing Native shoes. Apparently they're the new "it" shoe for kids. It makes sense: They're waterproof, comfy and way cooler than Crocs. Until now, Toby has worn only sneakers, but we're going to order him a pair of these right now for summer vacations.

P.S. They also have them in grown-up sizes!

(Photos by Vincent Kwok and House of Hype)

7 Hostess Gifts That People Will Love

Fancy soaps sit on the bathroom shelf, and potpourri sachets get lost in a drawer. So, instead of bringing traditional hostess gifts when you visit a friend, bust out one of these slam-dunk gifts that people will love (and want to use!) right away.

1. Adorable watchdog doorstop to make them smile, $24.
2. Spanish lavender to make their kitchen smell like summer, $58.
3. Indoor s'more maker, for obvious reasons, $25.
4. Summery ros wine, with a tree wine stopper, $8.
5. Cheeky dish towel, since we've all been there, $16.50.
6. Big Sur room spray to inspire wanderlust, $20.
7. Guilty-pleasure gossip magazines to flip through together.

Thoughts? What do you normally bring as a hostess gift?

P.S. More round-ups, and the first travel week...

(Post by Joanna. Graphic design by Rachel from Elephantine for Cup of Jo.)

5 Ways to enjoy a snowy Winter

Why do we always complain about the cold, the snow and the slush. Why does winter get a bum rap? It doesn't take that much effort to enjoy this season. Here are five ways to make the best of winter.

1. Go Outside
Experience your own hometown while it's covered in snow and under gray skies. It's easy to take beautiful pictures on lovely spring days. Try to find the wonder when things look their bleakest.

2. Head to the Mountains
Skiers and snowboarders love this weather. Don't enjoy throwing yourself down a mountain? Try snowshoeing. It's essentially winter hiking and it's an amazing workout. Or, just take advantage of the apr s-ski scene with a few beverages and a dip in the hot tub.

3. Be Productive
Simply hate the cold and snow too much to go outside? Take advantage of that by being productive inside. Edit those summer trip photos that you've neglected. Read those guidebooks that you bought for your upcoming trips. Heck, book and plan some of those trips! If you're going to stay inside and avoid winter, you might as well have something to show for it when the thaw arrives.

4. Cook
Nothing warms up a home like a hot oven (except for maybe a furnace or a fireplace). You know all of those foods that you've loved during your trips? Try to recreate those dishes in your own kitchen. No matter what the wind chill is, a bowl of homemade .."pasta with pesto" is sure to warm you up and remind you of that trip to " Italy".

5. Enjoy Being Home
Summer will surely bring road trips, weekend getaways and more destination weddings than your bank account would care to discuss. Use winter to recharge your batteries and reacquaint yourself with your own bed. There's nothing wrong with being home for a stretch. Your friends have probably missed you...and your homemade pasta.

Blog borrowed from www.mikebarish.com

Tagged: Castello Dal Pozzo, Italy, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Travel, weather

Packing for Children

6 Simple Tips reblogged from Fodor's Newsletter

May 16, 2011 | Posted in Practical Travel Tips | Fodor's Editors

Whether your family is heading out for a long flight or a quick road trip, reduce your pre-trip stress with our simple family travel packing tips. From making a list to creative carry-ons, you'll help prevent adult and kid meltdowns away from home (it's amazing how the smallest of stuffed animals can test everyone's sanity).

1. Give everyone his or her own bag.
Individual suitcases (preferably different colors-red for one, blue for another) help you locate items in a hurry. This will make life easy at the airport, as even little kids are not only capable of toting around a mini-Pullman-they often enjoy it.

2. Assemble one toiletry kit for all the kids.
Today's rules regarding carry-on liquids mean more shampoos in checked baggage-and more potential for messy spills. Checking one bag with all spillable items (as well as beauty items such as hair dryers and makeup) saves you from a potential trip to the Laundromat upon arrival. It also eases unpacking, allowing you to deposit the entire case right in the bathroom.

3. Make packing lists for each child.
List each item as it's packed, and stow the complete itemization in the suitcase. The arrangement will help you repack at the end of the trip and give you the peace of mind of knowing everything that came is going back home.

4. Pack a family carry-on.
One bag of essentials saves heartache if a bag is temporarily lost. Include one outfit for everyone, as well as prescriptions and other must-haves. A communal bag also simplifies car travel, giving quick access to overnight necessities for midway stops instead of unpacking the whole car.

5. Consider creative carry-ons.
Soft coolers make great carry-on luggage. Roomy and crushable, they're perfect for nonbreakable items (such as those extra outfits) and help you cut your food bill by becoming picnic baskets for takeout meals.

6. Think plastic.
Plastic bags protect delicate items from spills inside your suitcase. They'll also be invaluable at trip's end for dirty laundry and any wet clothes coming home.

Tagged: Castello Dal Pozzo, Children, Italy, Piedmont, Travel

Giocometti Exhibition – Gallarate until 19th June

The MAGA Museum of Gallarate (Varese) hosts,until 19th June 2011, a personal exhibition of the famous Italian artist Alberto Giacometti.

Giocometti Exhibition - until June 19th Gallarate

The exhibition consists of sculptures, paintings and drawings by Alberto Giacometti, coming from a private collection, never exhibited in Europe before.

The works of art cover the entire course of Giacometti's artistic research, including a large documentary section: photographs which depict the artist at work and tell his life, to relive his exceptional artistic personality.

CONTACT

Art Museum Gallarate MAGA
Web: http://www.museomaga.it

Tagged: art, Castello Dal Pozzo, Italy, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Travel

Vacation idea: Lazy days in Oahu, Hawaii

Have you ever been to Hawaii? Our photographer friends Max and Margaux are lucky enough to travel there for work every year and have discovered the coolest little spots. Here's their mini guide (and please share your tips, below!)...Read More >

Unusual Hotels – Whitepod Switzerland

An eco-tourism concept

The resort provides an alternative means to explore the Swiss Alps. With the use of the pods (dome shaped tents), pitched on wooden platforms, Whitepod offers low impact accommodation in an untouched and pristine alpine environment. Isolated from all urban pollution, the mountain region lends itself beautifully to such an eco-tourism development.

The camp opened on the 20th of December 2011

The Whitepod domain is

• 15 geodesic-dome pods surrounding a central chalet called the Pod-house
• The chalet Les Cerniers, a traditional wooden chalet which acts as base-camp for the whole resort, and offers an inventive and refined cuisine in its new restaurant
• 7km of ski slopes with private ski lifts
• The Alpage de Chindonne, an authentic mountain lodge, which can accommodate up to 80 guests in rooms of dormitories, and its traditional Swiss restaurant

The Whitepod resort is the ultimate mountain escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!

An eco-tourism concept

Whitepod aims to be a model for sustainable tourism by using a number of measures to limit its impact on nature, for example

• Minimize daily water and electricity consumption
• Reduce waste production
• Favor the use of renewable resources
• Increase the clients' awareness of environment protection

The Pods

A pod is a geodesic structure anchored on wooden platforms, and naturally isolated from the cold and the snow - all pods are equipped with wood-burning stoves, organic luxury bedding and full services bathrooms.

At the center of the 15 pods, stands a charming early 1800s wooden chalet where guests meet for breakfast in the morning or gather in the evening around its central fireplace for evening drinks and socializing.

The recently built spa guarantees complete relaxation after an active day in the forest or on the ski slopes.

Cost for 2 people 325 weekdays, 480 at weekends

• Buffet breakfast at the Pod-house. Access to the relaxation area, All equipment necessary for the stay - back bag, headlights, snowshoes, sledge, Access to our private ski slopes, Free WIFI at the Pod-house, Tea-Time - afternoon tea & pastries served everyday, Parking, All taxes

Discover their Romantic Package for 2 people, 2 nights in a pod

• Welcome drink
• Dinner for 2 at the chalet Les Cerniers
• Candle lit dinner served in your pod, Gourmet basket, Champagne
• Guided snowshoeing tour (small group of maximum 8 people) Half day,
  Equipment and picnic provided.
  One Aromatherapy massage for 2
• Price for 2 people & 2 nights
  CHF 1'580 / EUR 1'280
  Thursday & Friday = CHF 1'780 / EUR 1'450
  Friday & Saturday = CHF 1'980 / EUR 1'610
  Saturday & Sunday = CHF 1'780 / EUR 1'450

For all information www.whitepod.com

Tagged: Castello Dal Pozzo, Hotels, Italy, leisure, skiing, Travel, Unusual hotels

Winter Pictures

In the Alps, more than a metre of fresh snow in 5 days. Absolutely fantastic.

On the Lake back in Italy, no snow, no rain, autumn colours but cold at night.

Tagged: Castello Dal Pozzo, Italy, Lake Maggiore, Recreation, Things to see, Travel

Man travels around the world in a year, this is his timelapse (video)