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| | Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:16:00 +0000 | | When living in a city for the first time, you begin to notice how most everyone in their 20s is looking to stand out and make a name for themselves. Whether it is the clothes they wear, the bags they carry, or the hair color they flaunt, everyone is on a mission to become independent and unique. While many young men and women are worthy of “most original ‘style’” when it comes to assigning superlatives to Newbury Street pedestrians, the remaining fashionistas are starting to look like clones of one another. Don’t get me wrong, I love to look at the latest and greatest fashions but how many skinny jeans, bubble skirts, ballet flats, and True Religion jeans can we look at?! Although I may fall into the cracks of mainstream fashion from time to time, I do pride myself on creating unique outfits and accessories so that I don’t have to look like the girls in front of me…and the girls behind me.
Stone&Honey is one of those hidden gems (no pun intended) that you almost don’t want to tell your friends about because you found it first! Thanks to Daily Candy, my eyes were opened to this beautiful line of artistic jewelry. This is an exquisite collection of Brazilian agate necklaces that are adorned with silver or gold geometric designs. Stone&Honey has put a new spin on the idea of dressing an outfit up with intricate and original accessories to truly make something your own. We all know that accessory pieces make an outfit and the necklaces fashioned by Stone&Honey are sure to do the trick!
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| | Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:05:00 +0000 | | I have always been convinced that I had the “travel bug” since I was a little girl, growing up under a roof that was filled with dinnertime stories of countries, capitals, and charming towns that my father, a corporate pilot, had visited. Pictures were spread along the table, gifts from the local artisans were given to my family, and I listened intently about what my dad had gone through to get every treasure he pulled out of his briefcase. There was always a story; it never was, “I just went into the store and bought it.” He always kept it exciting!
Similar to what my Dad does in terms of sharing the culture and worldly mementos with my family, two native Argentines named Sofi and Damian came up with the idea of bringing high-quality, handmade housewares products to the U.S. through their organization called Estilo Argento. The married couple has compiled a fascinating collection of home products that are made from silver and accented with horn, bone, or wood. I found this to be a great way to enlighten the American market about Argentine culture and the products that come out of this beautiful South American country.
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| | Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:41:00 +0000 | | Although I have been giving up hope on ever having another beach day this year, I have finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel and that light is coming from the Weather Channel. In Boston, Sunday will be 83 degrees and sunny - not a cloud in the forecast and hopefully the sky will obey. Whether you are celebrating someone's birthday or are like me and just feel happy about the fact that you are finally experiencing a sunny day during the weekend, it's a special day. With that being said, it's time to get your party gear out and entertain!
If your party plates look a bit faded around the edges or you have a sorry excuse for a delicious party spread, I highly suggest investing in a collection of Pop Ink modern dishware so hip they'll make any pre-frozen appetizer look gourmet. Kick back and enjoy the last few moments of summer while we still can. Have a sunny weekend!
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| | Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:15:00 +0000 | | When I woke up this morning and saw the sun, I knew it was going to be a good day. All of the rain we have been getting in Boston has put me in sort of a sour mood for the past few days because it has been so dark, so rainy, and so cool out despite the fact that we are in the middle of August!
Another reason why today is a great day is because I have stumbled upon a wonderful and inspiring design blog entitled 'Bloesem'. Irene Hoofs, the author of this unique blog has posted about some of the most intricate and beautiful hand crafted items that I have ever seen. From hand painted bags and stitched wall decals to captivating photography and modern home furniture, Irene talks about it all! The international modern designs speak volumes to me and I hope you enjoy them just as much! I knew that I would fall in love with this blog as soon as I read the title banner:
"lovely items...
beautiful bits and pieces...
explore ideas...find inspiration...
share my love for design..."
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| | Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:47:00 +0000 | | Restaurant Week is in full swing throughout Beantown and the menus have never looked yummier! I have already had the pleasure of eating at a wonderful Italian bistro in the South End and I have three more reservations to go in Back Bay and the North End. During this summer session of this extraordinary epicurean event, more than two hundred delicious restaurants are participating in what is expected to be the biggest and best yet!
Restaurant Week is a great way to try the culinary gems in and around the city for a fixed price that can’t be beat. When was the last time you ate a 3-course (sometimes 4-course) dinner for under $35? It’s a way to kick back and celebrate good friends, good food, and good fun! Whether you start with mouth-watering scallops and end with a chocolate ganache or any other special dish in between, you won’t be disappointed with the menu offered at participating bistros, wine bars, and steak houses run by some of the most talented chefs in the city. If you live in or near Boston, be sure to get out this week and next for your next great meal. Also, if you are close to any other major city, be sure to check out the local events and see if there is a Restaurant Week happening near you. Bon Appétit!
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| | Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:38:00 +0000 | | When I think of the city, I imagine a world in design where anything is possible. There are bright lights, dark corners, the constant motion of people and street traffic, loud music, and inspirational architecture among many other metropolitan elements. The movements, sounds, and shapes of an urban environment have the ability to inspire anyone that is willing to channel that artistic energy into a unique finished product as the designers of LetterXIII have done. The creative juice never dries as the city never sleeps!
Recently, I received an email from an up and coming European design site that compiles a unique collection of art, photography, and home décor created by individuals from Switzerland and Germany. LetterXIII uses the ideas of freedom of expression and individuality, much seen and experienced in a city setting, in order to create the amazing artwork seen on this site. Each artist is handpicked based on their impressive talent and stunning design they have and want to offer to an audience that fully appreciates urban art. Join me in welcoming the talent behind LetterXIII to the Modern Design blog and may they have great success in the future!
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| | Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:30:00 +0000 | | Over the weekend I visited my family back in Connecticut and I’m proud to say that I barely moved from my spot on the couch from Friday night to Sunday early evening until I regrettably had to drive back to Boston and miss Michael Phelps win yet another gold medal. Oh well, I’m 100% sure that he will be back for more swimming where he will inevitably set more world records and become the greatest Olympian of all time. There’s nothing like being a couch potato while watching the most talented athletes in the world at the Beijing Olympics. It motivated me to go out and take a jog…almost. Hey, if I went for a jog I would have missed more of the Games!
Aside from the amazing athleticism and viewer support on a global scale, the incredible design of the Beijing National Stadium or “Bird’s Nest” sets the tone for the Olympic Games this year. The stadium design was decided after China held an architectural design competition. The Swiss architecture firm, Herzog & de Meuron Architekten teamed up with ArupSport and the China Architecture Design & Research group to produce the future 2008 Summer Olympic National Stadium that graces Beijing today. This magnificent building held 91,000 people during the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on the night of Friday, August 8, 2008.
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| | Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:50:00 +0000 | | We have observed modern design on a very small scale starting with products for the home, food, artwork, and room décor. Another exciting way to enjoy the element of modern design is to study the world of design on a much grander scale. Modern architecture, just as with any other work of art can reflect some of the most simple or the most complex elements in order to produce a unique piece that is worth remembering.
When it comes to modern design, many people may associate it with clean, finished lines while others may think of bold patterns and shapes. The ‘sky is the limit’ mentality that is applied to classic and modern-day designers is a great platform to work off from in order to create a truly inspiring and eye-catching finished product. I’d like to share a few examples of just how mind-boggling modern architecture can be. When something makes you stop and stare just like with these incredible buildings, it's a sure sign that the designer has done their job obtaining that 'wow factor'.
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| | Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:06:00 +0000 | | This weekend I am traveling back home to attend a fabulous birthday party with some pretty fabulous people! Summertime, especially the month of August, tends to fill up quickly with soirees, barbecues, beach dates, and birthday parties and all you have to do is show up! What about when you have to plan the party – say for a friend’s baby or bridal shower, a bachelorette party, or for non-occasion get-togethers? There can be so much planning involved in an event of any kind if you want to make it special, fun, and unique!
The Hostess with the Mostess blog highlights creative gifts, party favors, party themes, and tabletop décor that will make any party planner look like a natural! From contemporary custom invitations to delicious finger foods, Hostess with the Mostess has it all. If you’ve found yourself planning the party of the year, don’t be afraid to tap into that imagination of yours and become your very own ‘hostess with the mostess’!
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| | Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:45:00 +0000 | | Living in a city comes with its ups and downs and the difficulty of having a car in the city is definitely a down. Whether you have a pricey reserved parking spot or spend several wasted minutes of your life finding a space big enough, keeping a car in an urban environment can be a bad idea. As many times as I think how lucky I am not to have to deal with the whole parking mess, a car would definitely come in handy in a few situations. One that comes to mind most frequently is grocery shopping.
Once I’ve spent half my Sunday afternoon at the supermarket, I then have the pleasure of lugging my groceries back to my apartment via foot. Although I won’t be bringing my own car into this situation any time soon, I have found a great solution that makes shopping more fun while helping out the environment. It’s a 2-for-1 ‘Red Dot’ special!
Eco-friendly reusable grocery bags made from recycled plastic and organic cotton come in all sorts of designs and colors to make your shopping easy and enjoyable. Many environmentally-friendly companies have come out with a line of eco-friendly totes and spacious over-the-shoulder bags that have helped keep paper and plastic bag consumption down. There are even reusable grocery bags for kids so that they can help with the weekend shopping. You may have seen such bags at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, but I definitely prefer these any day!
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| | Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:23:00 +0000 | | This past Sunday I had the pleasure of having a mini family reunion at my aunt’s house just outside of Boston. The family crowd was a mix of past and current Bostonians as well as a special treat, my cousin and her new family from the West Coast! I last saw my cousin Rachel roughly 5 years ago and was able to meet her newborn daughter, Vivian. A few years passed and she now has another beautiful daughter, Celeste, in tow! Not only did she come along and experience the cross-country plane ride, but she arrived as a happy bundle of joy, tucked snugly in her mother’s baby sling.
If you haven’t seen celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Gwen Stefani, and Brad Pitt tote their children around in these, let me introduce you to these amazing baby accessories! Baby slings or 'peanut shells' keep your little ones close to your heart and your hands free to do whatever an on-the-go mom or dad is on to next!
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| | Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:53:00 +0000 | | My summer this year has been so incredibly busy and it has been hard to follow my list of “To-Dos” before the warm months come to a close. One event that is high on my list is Boston’s SoWa Open Market in the South End. If you are anything like me and want to scope out the most unique and original designs that Massachusetts artists have to offer, you don’t want to miss this summer event!
The South End’s open market features a variety of talented artists, jewelry makers, and photographers that give market visitors the best in creative design. As an added bonus, this event serves as a fresh farmer's market as well. Whether you have an item in mind or want to keep an open mind, the SoWa open market will never disappoint those with unique taste. Not only can you find distinctive pieces to add to your home or wardrobe, but you can meet the talent behind each artistic piece and delicious homemade food. Here we have handmade artwork, tasty food, sunshine, and Boston’s South End. How much better could Sunday shopping get?
Here is a peek at some of the beautiful craftsmanship fashioned by gifted SoWa open market vendors. I can’t wait to attend the next one!
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| | Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:40:00 +0000 | | I’m still waiting on someone to pick ‘fashion’ as a source for their favorite modern designs in yesterday’s post! In an effort to inspire those readers that love fashion, I thought it would be nice to feature the unique form of fashion that is worn by Róisín Murphy, an Irish electronica singer and songwriter. The eclectic style of her music is reflected in the bold and unique outfits seen on her most recent album covers, providing an unusual yet fascinating introduction to her soundtracks. Although these outfits aren’t quite the "norm" we see in everyday life, they are fun to observe and also remind us of how the many art forms of modern design always seem to push the envelope. Thanks to my friend Jamie who introduced me to this amazing Irish artist, I have found a few of my new favorite songs!
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| | Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:15:00 +0000 | | It really is quite a joy to have found a blog filled with so much color, texture, depth, and unique style that is so easy to get lost in! Speaking from experience, I couldn’t help but click through the first ten pages of the blog in one sitting. Each featured set of pictures is so different from the last and I found myself imagining how all of these intricately designed details could adorn my apartment, wardrobe closet, and kitchen!
When I first came across ‘Oh Joy!’, I was mesmerized by the collection of embossed bags, cut-out wall hangings, colorful runway fashions, and of course the decadent selection of cakes and other tasty goodies. What I love most about ‘Oh Joy’ is that the author pays close attention to detail, highlighting the delicate and distinct design of even the smallest accessories or party favors. This blog proves that sometimes less is more, pops of color will bring style into every room, and that design can be seen in every form imaginable from fashion to food. After much fun research, I was able to pick out my favorite snap shots!
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| | Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:46:00 +0000 | | Buying eco-friendly products is a win-win situation for everyone. Not only are ‘green’ items great for the environment, but they look wonderful and often prove to be the most practical. Case in point: Organic Style's Flip Flop Door Mats. Rubber scraps left behind after making seasonal flip flops and metal wire have been paired together to creatively construct these decorative outdoor rubber door mats that are perfect for protecting your clean home and decorating an outdoor patio. These weatherproof, lightweight creations will be a great addition to any backyard porch or pool deck as they are comfortable to walk on and are incredibly easy to keep clean. So I’m told, these door mats were chic enough to be featured on an episode of Project Runway. Evidently, these designs definitely made the cut!
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| | Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:56:00 +0000 | | A couple of weeks ago, we explored many of the classic modern designers that defined the limitless and creative world of modern design. Today, we explore New Design, an expressionist form of art and architecture that requires a keen sense of creativity and a multi-faceted imagination.
Philippe Starck, a brilliant modern designer from France launched his career by mixing unusual yet practical materials together which ultimately produced some of the most ingenious works of architecture that the modern world has ever seen. Starck’s monumental work can be seen in some of the most prestigious structures throughout the world while others can be found in your everyday kitchen pantry. In each design, essential elements such as color, movement, shape, size, material, and purpose are all brought into one original design. As quirky as some household designs may be, each item is practical, user-friendly, and unique. Starck's designs are carried by some of the best, world-reknowned brands such as Kartell, Emeco, Alessi, Maclaren, and Hansgrohe.
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| | Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:38:00 +0000 | | | This past weekend, I had the pleasure of riding on my friend’s boat off the coast of Massachusetts. The weather was perfect, the sky was cloudless, and the scenery was simply breathtaking! I have truly appreciated these outdoor moments since I have moved into the bustling city, where the pace is quick and the number of people walking the streets never seems to end. There’s something about spending a sunny afternoon on the open water that makes life seem limitless. Before I start to get carried away about my sea adventure, I will steer the rudder in the direction that this post should be going. After a very bumpy (and fun) ride on the boat, we dropped the anchor in Kettle Cove overlooking Singing Beach while we enjoyed some lunch. Just as in any ocean-view location, there were amazing houses lining the rocky coastline that were worth a ridiculous amount of money. Think of the highest number in your head and then tack on some extra zeros to the end of it. While this was all very beautiful and amazing to see, I couldn’t get over the fact that one “house” sat on its own cliff, right in the middle of Kettle Cove. We didn’t move our boat around the entire piece of land to see if cars could actually drive onto this island-like oasis, but I was left perplexed as to how one could live on their very own rock. I was just waiting to find a helicopter landing pad next to their perfectly-manicured lawn. While this incredible “house” left me wide-eyed, the houses I found on Web Urbanist left me awestruck. The unique architecture and original designs of these gigantic structures could come right out of a science fiction novel!        | |
| | Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:38:00 +0000 | | Moving into a new city can be quite daunting. Upon moving to Boston, it was important for me to to establish myself in the city and to surround myself with new people and new experiences. With that in mind, I was so excited when a friend of mine had encouraged me to join Nest, a non-profit organization that brings the work of artists on both a local and international level together to support women in developing countries around the world. After the idea became so successful in other cities such as Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C., Nest decided to open a new chapter in Boston.
As described on the Nest site, “The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses. The funds for these loans are generated by selling a unique line of clothing, accessories and merchandise for the home produced exclusively for Nest by a group of artists and designers.”
Artwork, home décor, ceramics, and clothing are all created by local and international artists for consumers to buy and to help support the true mission behind the Nest organization: to change the lives of women across the globe. Nest’s collection of home items not only will make your space beautiful but will also give you a feeling of peace and hope, as your contribution continually supports the livelihood of women around the world.
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| | Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:15:00 +0000 | | Just as the title says, Laura Sweet’s blog gives readers the latest and greatest in dynamic categories such as art, fashion, photography, and home products from local and international vendors. Each post delivers an entertaining concept to the blogging world that I can almost guarantee you haven’t seen or heard about yet. This site has something for everyone. From lake-inspired bathroom sinks to zig-zag chairs and from ‘dripping’ sunglasses to grapevine power strips, Laura Sweet covers it all in her fun and creative blog, ‘If It’s Hip, It’s Here’. If you’re anything like me and are a sucker for knowing the hottest trends coming onto the scene in different corners of the world, Laura Sweet’s blog will be on your daily to-do list. It has already earned a spot on mine!
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| | Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:06:00 +0000 | | It's amazing the effect an area rug can have on practically every room in the home. Bathrooms, living rooms, nurseries, bedrooms, and kitchens all need a central piece that keeps everything in the space connected and grounded. In my last apartment, my roommate's mother insisted on decorating our apartment for us. Pretty lucky, right? Wrong! I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but after all was said and done, our apartment looked fit for a 90-year old grandmother instead of for 20-something females in the big city! One of the worst items was the floral area rug with burgundy and blue-dyed wool woven throughout. Several months later, my roommate moved out, rug in tow, and my living room was returned to a more normal state.
Although my living room remains without an area rug, I may have found the perfect DIY project that will keep my weekend busy and ultimately provide me with an incredible design! Flor gives any design guru or beginner the chance to create their very own masterpiece by using a collection of decorative modular carpet tiles that are offered in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns. Modern mix and match tiles give anyone the freedom to make a room truly their own.
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| | Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:29:00 +0000 | | When it comes to furnishing a room, I like to keep a style in mind while picking out furniture pieces from many different stores and boutiques. As much as I sometimes love taking the easy way out and ordering a complete room set, it is always fun to mix and match styles, colors, fabrics, and designs. In my new apartment, I started off nice and easy in my bedroom. I purchased a complete four-piece bedroom set that came in the same finish and design while I left the décor up to my own imagination. Conversely, I used my living room area as a space to add furniture pieces here and there. NO living room set needed. Sometimes the hunt for complementary items to mix and match in a space is half the fun!
Modern furniture is always a smart choice when you want to let your creativity shine by adding in a few fun and versatile pieces. What better place to start building your modern space than none other than Herman Miller, the Mecca of Modern design? As modern design enthusiasts, we all are aware of the incredibly breathtaking furniture that Herman Miller has produced and now, it is about to get better. The new Lifework Portfolio, an Editor’s Award winner at this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair, has been released for the Fall 2008 season to select retailers across the U.S. The Lifework Portfolio is a magnificent collection of versatile pieces, some classic and some new, that are perfect for the ultimate modern office. The clean-cut shape and minimalist design will make any cluttered office look immaculate!
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| | Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:46:00 +0000 | | The greatest joy I get from posting to the Modern Design blog is to read the comments left by my readers, giving me their honest opinion about a particular design or blog I featured for that day. I was so excited to receive an email last week from Matthias Demacker, a very talented modern designer from Germany who wanted to share his unique collection of modern chairs. The Formula Chair series is a great addition to any contemporary home or office as they capture the essence of modern design and look very comfortable to sit on!
Each chair was designed for Arrmet, an exceptionally talented chair manufacturer in Manzano, Italy. Arrmet is known for its “innovative character” that lies within each modern designer’s work. Matthias Demacker’s design is inspired by the shape and feel of a racecar seat, a slightly reclined structure that creates the perfect mold to sit in. As described by Mr. Demacker, the Formula series uses the same upholstered seat to attach to different chair bases: sled base, x-foot, and a barstool base. Leather covers and colorful replaceable fabrics will make this chair a versatile masterpiece in any home or office.
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| | Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:23:00 +0000 | | When it comes to protecting valuables, people will do almost anything. We may install a security system, a deadbolt lock, or even a crazy guard dog in our front yard to ward off criminals. Although we may feel secure in our homes, there’s one place where certain ‘edible’ valuables are simply not safe: the office!
How many times have your groceries been taken while you're working hard at the office? How about that delicious calzone you couldn’t wait to eat for lunch or those juicy, red strawberries that were waiting to be added to your yogurt? Gone! The worst is when you try to make your life easier by bringing in your own kitchenware when one day you realize that someone took them! My trick is to double and even triple-bag my food before putting it away (in the farthest back corner) in the fridge. That way, a potential "food burglar" will have to work at the plastic bag mess for at least three minutes before they even begin to smell my food. Unless you have your own personal refrigerator stowed beneath your office desk, your food and utensils are simply not safe. Period.
Until now! While your food may still be in danger, there’s one item that will always be protected: your coffee mug. To be quite honest, the coffee mug is one of the most essential things in my life as it holds the precious cup o' joe I need to get through the morning. The "Lock-Cup" has a hole cut out of the bottle of the mug, making it useless to coffee mug predators. "Only the owner of the cup can used his shaped key to close the hole, pour the coffee and enjoy the drinking.' This goes down in the books as the next brilliant idea!
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| | Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:26:00 +0000 | | When it comes to designing a home, everyone has their own method for finding inspiration. Some may flip through pages of fashion magazines while others will watch their favorite HGTV television show. I find inspiration through travel as different cultures around the world bring a new interpretation to the essence of home design.
Since travel is my creative outlet, it’s no surprise that I would enjoy reading Turquoise Chic, a design blog featuring beautiful furniture designs and architecture from around the world. Whether you are looking to find some inspiration for your home or would just like to have an entertaining read, Turquoise Chic is definitely a great place to find both. If anything, it will inspire you to start jet setting to the featured international cities so that you can see these lovely scenes right before your eyes!
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managing editor
