Bali (Sept 11-Sept 21)

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Where do I begin? This was literally a last minute (two week turnover from decision to flight) to depart to Bali. My cousin had invited me to go back in July when I went to SF. In Aug, I made I quick trip to NY and when I came back the opportunity re-presented itself and I decided to take it.

You would think that 2 weeks before a trip 15 hours away would be at a huge cost. In fact, it was half price thanks to China Southern Airlines. So on Sept 11 I left Vancouver on a 19-hour trip and finally on Tuesday Sept 13 at 2am I arrived in Denpasar, Bali.

A quick 25 min taxi ride to my hotel, Tijili Seminyak. 15 years ago, I had stayed in Kuta but now Seminyak was the place to be. A 5 min walk to the beach, Tijili Seminyak is a colourful and well-designed hotel not even a year old. The breakfasts were yummy and I wish the sun came out while I was there so I could have taken full advantage of the pool.

I stayed at the Tijili for two nights while I roamed around and finally got my bearings. I managed to kick off the trip with a spa treatment at the Praya Spa where I had the Bali Mystique treatment. It included a footbath, full body scrub, full body massage, warm yogurt masque and then rose and frangipani bath. It was the perfect activity to kick off the trip. After making my way back to the hotel, I thought I was only going to take a quick nap – but ended up sleeping the majority of the night.

The next day I headed north to Ubud where I met up with a coworkers brother at his shop (Jamusara) and checked out some local fare before I had a short Flytographer photo shoot amongst the traditional Balinese temples. The Ubud market had some great finds and I knew I would have to be back later in the trip to pick up some finds.

The one thing I forgot in 15 years was how long it takes to get from A-B (almost everything takes 1-1.5 hours) due to traffic.

Thursday-Saturday was spent in Nusa Dua, which is an area on the eastern side of the island filled with resorts. The Ayodya served as the home base as we did some touristy visits on Thursday (Kintamani volcano, a coffee plantation, a traditional Barong and Kris dance).

Friday’s visit to the northern Bali, Munduk Moding Plantation was my favorite visit though. The 6-hectare plantation was beautiful and I learned a lot about the species grown: coffee, flowers, spices and fruits. Fun fact: you can actually stay at the plantation in a suite/villa and they also have an onsite spa. I would definitely recommend the informative visit and if you can, stay a night or two.

The wedding I attended was on Saturday and the reception was in a beautiful coconut grove. Sunday, we headed over to the neighboring island of Lombok. I was really excited to stay at the Puri Mas Boutique resort and spa and it definitely did not disappoint.

My beautiful Jacuzzi villa was massive complete with a four post bed, soaker tub and cathedral ceilings. I loved that although it was a villa – the bedroom was enclosed allowing the A/C to work affectivity. Also, I would have freaked out if I were night bait for mosquitos.

On our first day we took it to the seas as we explored the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are a group of 3 tiny islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. I got over my fear of snorkeling (thanks to my cousins lessons) and saw huge schools of fish in vibrant colours. Lunch was BBQ on the beach, which was the end to a great day.

The following day after breakfast I was able to grab a last minute massage and coconut hair treatment at the spa at the Puri Mas Boutique Hotel before I left for the airport. 24 hours later and I was back in lovely Vancouver.

ELENA:)

HGU New York

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I’m 4 hours down in a 19 hour flight. I’m heading in the opposite direction I usually head (NYC). I’ve enjoyed watching my favourite fashionistas and bloggers share their IG memories and Snaps for fashion week and I kind of wish I was there! I always seem to miss fashion week for Sept.

The weather has hopefully cooled off from the August’s heat wave, when I stayed at the brand new HGU New York. HGU stands for Hotel Grand Union and it definitely lives up to its grandeur.

The boutique hotel in the NoMad area boasts 90 guest rooms with both style and comfort in mind. I’m in love with all the Frette linen used (pillows, sheets and towels) in the room. (Added bonus – you can request the type of pillow support to aid in your sleep). The grey and white room decor with soft lighting is soothing on the eyes and helped when I had a relaxing/sun shielding 90 min in room massage from Soothe.

I can’t wait to see the roof top (opens summer 2017) and to check out the in house restaurant which opens in the fall of this year. The 1905 Lounge is building upon their weekly events and is hosting some great private functions for fashion week. I love the original ceilings, large sofas and artwork that adorn the intimate and welcoming space.

I can’t say enough about how convenient the location is – on East 32nd in between Park and Madison. It’s not entirely Midtown, but close enough to get downtown in a jiffy if need be. It’s also quiet to assure that you recharge and get a good nights sleep (again – big honourable mention to that linen!)

If you are looking for a hotel with the convenience that doesn’t compromise on comfort, style and design   look no further than HGU New York.

ELENA:)

NY (July 6-10)

 

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I realize that this is SO late and since I will be back to NY next week this seems kind of silly to update you on the my meanderings. I rather just show you in photos what I was up to, but since I hardly Instagrammed as I was so busy – here is a quick run down.

Wednesday – Checked into the Renwick, which is clearly becoming my home away from home. If you remembered, I stayed here last December and I wrote about it for RESIDENT magazine. I got to stay in a beautiful suite that had a great living space. So pretty.

Thursday – Meetings at Hearst with Cosmo and O Magazine. Here is a quick story on how I scored an umbrella that saved my well-thought out outfit (I was on the hunt for a week before developing the perfect outfit driving a few friends crazy). I was on route from Columbus circle to Hearst when it started to pour, I ducked into a building alcove and I approached two guys, one was carrying an umbrella. I asked them if i could buy their umbrella for $25, and the guy said, “This is a $35-45 umbrella and I really like it.” I thanked them  and spotted two ladies walking down the street. I ducked under one of their umbrellas and I said, “Lets keep walking, I need to tell you a story… I wrote this book… I have a big meeting… Clearly I’m not prepared.” By the end of the block the lady gave me her umbrella. SO FANTASTIC.

When I got to Hearst I realized that I did not have my ID. Again the security guard came through after I went into my soliloquy of who I was and why I was there.

Friday – Two morning meetings. It’s always great to put the face to the name. And lunch and dinner catch ups.

Saturday – I did a lot more catch up with old friends.

Sunday – I went to a TechStyle NYC event in a cool townhouse where I was introduced to a few brands like Heisel. They are company using new technologies to create clothing. I was given reflective thread and I still am deciding on what I can use it to decorate.

After a whirlwind time in NY, I went back home for 4 days and prepared for a conference in San Diego….

ELENA:)

 

 

NYC Recap

 

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I can’t believe its’ been a month since I was in New York. Time definitely flies by…

I checked into the Q&A Residential Hotel on the Saturday evening to be welcomed to one of the largest hotel suites I have ever stayed in the city. The last time I stayed in the quiet financial district area was 5 years ago, so I was curious to see how the area changed. That night, I settled in by walking around the area – the subway and the huge Duane Reade was across the street. I can’t sing the praises of free strong Wi-Fi and fridge that could hold my Invo Coconut Water for the Sunday morning shoot.

Read my article for RESIDENT Magazine on Q&A Residential Hotel here.

Sunday morning, I had a great time with Bianca Bruno and Nicky Styles (editor from The Trend’n Female) shooting a how-to braiding guide complete with Victoria Hair clip on extensions. I’ve never had extensions before so I was quite curious to see how well they would blend into my own hair. It turned out perfect! They were not heavy at all and easy to take out at the end of the day.

Stay tuned for the How-To Braid guide in BELLA LA and BELLA NYC coming out soon.

After the video shoot, we met up with some friends and had brunch at Gentilly, a new spot in the West Village. I had a great tofu scramble and got schooled on three different ways on how to drink rose courtesy of Maison Marcel. It was great reuniting with Caitlyn from Tease Tea and picking up my favourite Earl Grey tea. My plans fell through for Burger & Lobster that night as well as my attempt to have chicken wings at Pok Pok – so I’ll have to put that on the list for next time.

The next two days were FULL of meetings:

I surprised myself not taking a cab even once! Google Maps is my new favorite friend. The biggest surprise of Monday was meeting Britney Spears’ first tour manager tied with being asked to write a pro Trump article for a magazine for $200 later that night.

Tuesday’s meetings were scheduled back-to-back and being caught in the rain was an unwelcomed surprise. I stopped by CINER to check out some new fashion jewelry and visit the lovely ladies. My friend, Lexicon of Style introduced me to a café called Culture Espresso that had cute wallpaper and fabulous décor. Rare for Midtown. Tuesday night ended by meeting Susan Mallery, NY Times #1 Best–Seller who was launching a romance novel entitled, Best of My Love.

I had two impromptu meetings on Wednesday, pre flight home. I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful shared working space of Neuehouse. I loved the Restoration Hardware meets NYPL vibe. Such an inspiring space. I grabbed a quick lunch with a friend at Back Forty West before heading back to the hotel to grab my luggage and a package that had arrived in the nick of time before my Luxury Car Ride swept me off to LGA.

ELENA:)

ps: To find out what the package was… scroll to my next post.

 

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