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# Skimbaco Lifestyle | Nordic lifestyle magazine

live life to the fullest

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## Posts

- [Dressing to Reflect Your Dating Intentions with Sophistication](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2022/08/dressing-to-reflect-your-dating-intentions-with-sophistication.html) - Dressing to reflect your dating intentions with sophistication is about aligning your outfit with the message you want to convey. It's no easy feat—appearing elegant without sacrificing authenticity, especially if you're someone who normally dresses casually or prefers athletic wear. For those seeking a meaningful connection, wearing well-tailored clothing like a crisp button-down shirt or
- [Ten Enchanting Spots Around the World Perfect for Kindling Love](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/ten-enchanting-spots-around-the-world-perfect-for-kindling-love.html) - Travel and romance have always gone hand in hand, but while many couples flock to famous cities like Paris or Venice, there’s a unique magic in discovering hidden romantic destinations. These lesser-known gems often offer a more intimate and personal setting, where new connections can blossom without the distractions of large tourist crowds. Whether you’re
- [Sandstorm Run by Darude in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/08/sandstorm-run.html) - Sandstorm Run is a fun run event in Helsinki. Run the locations from Darude's iconic Sandstorm music video. Costume contest & charity - do good and have fun!
- [Officially blogging - our Cinderella story.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/officially-blogging-our-cinderella.html) - Hi from Skimbaco.com! We are officially blogging! An introduction might be appropriate for those who still don't know us... we are the owners of the Skimbaco.com. I'm Katja, and me and my husband Matt, opened www.skimbaco.com, our upscale children's boutique, a few months ago. Skimbaco is more like an extension of our lifestyle for us.
- [Inspired by Alvar Aalto's Sanatorium in Paimio](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/07/inspired-by-alvar-aaltos-sanatorium-in-paimio.html) - Does the place where you grew up shape you? This post will take you back to my hometown, but with a design angle. We are living in the post-COVID, emerging Web 3.0 time, where climate-related extreme weather events occur across the world, and people fear AI will take our jobs, and we are going backwards on
- [Healthy Recipe: Vegan Orange Shortbread (with essential oils)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/04/healthy-recipe-vegan-orange-shortbread-with-essential-oils.html) - We love cooking with essential oils! Yes, we just started experimenting cooking and baking with Young Living's essential oils, and so far are in love! Here is another great recipe for you to try. Young Living's Vitality-line of essential oils are meant for internal consumption, and are the perfect addition to flavor a glass of
- [Easy Lavender Pear Tart Recipe with Lavender Essential Oil](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/easy-lavender-pear-tart-recipe-with-lavender-essential-oil.html) - I love this easy lavender pear tart recipe. Perfect for an afternoon tea! Scroll down for more information about essential oils and don't ingest anything else but high grade essential oils that are safe for internal consumption, like Young Living's Vitaly-line of oils. Lavender pear tart recipe with lavender vitality essential oil Ingredients: 2-3 ripe
- [Play That Theme Song](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/play-that-theme-song.html) - Even Ally McBeal Had A Theme Song... Do you remember Ally McBeal..? It was one of my favorite TV shows on the late 90's and it was sadly missed when we moved to Germany. I loved how my mother-in-law would videotape the shows and send a VHS to me and it was one of the
- [Breast Cancer Diagnosed Giuliana Rancic: Start Putting Yourself on the To-Do List](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/breast-cancer-diagnosed-giuliana-rancic.html) - Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Giuliana Rancic of E! Entertainment News revealed on Today Show today morning that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was diagnosed in the early stage and her outlook for recovery looks good. She is the same age as I am, and
- [5 Lessons From Having The Boss From Hell](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/06/5-lessons-from-having-a-boss-from-hell.html) - We Turned A Nightmare Career Situation Into A Book We took our first steps in our Big Rich Money entrepreneurial journey after learning important lessons from the worst job we've ever had. We hope that by sharing, we can help others to break the 9-5 and to build their own profitable businesses. I'm not going
- [3 Most Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make And How To Fix Them](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/3-most-common-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make.html) - Big Rich Money Is Here I'm so excited about the book I wrote with Candice Kilpatrick Brathwaite! Our book Big Rich Money: How To Turn Your Business Intentions Into A Profitable Company will publish on August 9, 2021. And the Big Rich Money E-Course is now open for pre-enrollment! One of the cornerstones behind the
- [Store Spotlight: My o My – Lifestyle Store in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/11/shopping-in-helsinki.html) - Every time I speak with local New York store owners who sell Scandinavian design, I ask if they have ever been to Helsinki. Often they have, and they always say how impressed they are with the stores and how they merchandise their storefronts in Finland. I couldn't agree more. Helsinki might not be the most
- [Walt Disney Signature and Cappellini Limited Edition Design](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/04/walt-disney-signature-and-cappellini-limited-edition-design.html) - Walt Disney Signature presented a collaboration with Cappellini and created One-of-a-Kind Dining Experience at DIFFA 2010. DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) event was at the same time with the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York in March. To top off the success at DIFFA, Disney Signature and Cappellini unveiled five limited edition
- [Dream Come True: Traveling & Writing as a Lifestyle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/traveling-writing-as-a-lifestyle.html) - This is a fantastic guest post by Frankie M. Thompson of the As the Bird Flies blog, a published author of Shy Feet: Short Stories Inspired by Travel. You can read a free sample on Goodreads or download one of the stories, See the Amalfi Coast for free from Frankie’s blog. Do you have a
- [6 Book Writing Tips for Beginners](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/6-book-writing-tips-for-beginners.html) - This is a fantastic guest post by Frankie M. Thompson of the As the Bird Flies blog, a published author of Shy Feet: Short Stories Inspired by Travel. You can read a free sample on Goodreads or download one of the stories, See the Amalfi Coast for free from Frankie’s blog. Last week I shared
- [How I spread the joy when it was the most needed](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/08/how-i-spread-the-joy-when-it-was-the-most-needed.html) - The Skimbaco lifestyle is about finding joy. Katja states so beautifully that her dream with this site is to inspire others to live life to the fullest. If only we could all remember this on a daily basis. Sometimes, however, it is hard to find your own joy. A dear friend recently went through surgery
- [When Failing is Winning: A Lesson on Snowboarding and More](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/when-failing-is-winning-a-lesson-on-snowboarding-and-more.html) - New feature: Your Skimbaco Moments Do you have a story to share? How do you live Skimbaco lifestyle of living life to the fullest? Have you tried something new for the first time lately? Tested your limits? We would love you to share your Skimbaco moments on Instagram by using #skimbaco. See the latest photos
- [Sometimes on Your Travels You Reach the Mountain Top](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/mountain-top.html) - My Skimbaco moment in the mountains of Italy Guest post by Carolyn Cruze The air is misty and cool. It is the kind of fresh that you can only get when you're over 4,000 feet in altitude. The colors of autumn trees dance vibrantly under the shadows of the Dolomite mountains as we climb higher,
- [My Skimbaco Moment: I Survived the Bike Trails of Rio Perdido, Costa Rica](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/my-skimbaco-moment-i-survived-the-bike-trails-of-rio-perdido-costa-rica.html) - Guest post by Claudia Laroye of The Travelling Mom There’s No Going Back That Way Gustavo looked concerned. "Are you alright?" Apparently, my face was a bright shade of red, and I was breathing hard. As the Manager of Rio Perdido Resort, in the jungle near Bagances, Costa Rica, Gustavo likely didn't want me collapsing
- [My Skimbaco Moment: Helping South Carolina Flood Victims](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/10/my-skimbaco-moment-helping-south-carolina-flood-victims.html) - Guest post by Amelia Old of Pretty in the Queen City. Contact us if you have a story to tell how you live life to the fullest! The South Carolina flood hit close to home During the first week of October, Columbia South Carolina (and many other areas in the state) experienced a ‘1,000 year
- [Living Life to the Fullest in Costa Rica: the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/pura-vida-lifestyle-of-costa-rica.html) - Guest post by Andrea Fellman of Wanderlust Living. Adopting the Pura Vida way of life If you think moving to paradise means instantly checking out and becoming all zen, roaming the beaches barefoot while your mind drifts off into the sunset, never to be seen or heard from again, think again. Sure, some people come
- [Dogs Teach You All You Need to Know about Being Thankful](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/life-lessons-from-dog.html) - Guest post by Douglas Green. Photo by Elizabeth Abram Advice from a Turkey Dog The word is out. There’s something wrong with Thanksgiving. As with so many other holidays, we have ruined its original concept with enforced “traditions:” Macy’s parade, turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, televised football. Don’t get me wrong, I like all of
- [I Dyed my Hair Blue. And This is What I Learned.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/01/i-dyed-my-hair-blue-and-this-is-what-i-learned.html) - Guest post by Jennifer Patrick of Still Living the Dream. It started as a Halloween costume idea... I was invited to a cool Halloween couple’s costume party last fall. While I used to dress-up as a princess or Minnie Mouse when taking the kids trick-or-treating in the neighborhood every year, it had been awhile since
- [Conquer Your Paperwork](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/02/conquer-your-paperwork-by-home-maker-hero.html) - Guest post by Coutney Seaman. With so many electronic tools out there, why do we still have so much paper clutter in our homes? Paper clutter isn't just for pack rats anymore. I bet you have days where you need to find certain paperwork and can't. Our lives are busy and things don't always get
- [Double Dog Dare Ya](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/02/double-dog-dare-ya.html) - Guest post by Lori Katja recently asked me what it means to me to embrace the Skimbaco Lifestyle. Coincidentally, my sister just challenged me to do something completely new. Lucky me: I got double-dared. Hmmmmm. I've been around a long time. What could I do that's new, that embraces life? Actually socialize at a party?
- [Working from Home is a Lifestyle Choice](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/02/working-from-home.html) - Guest post by Kelly McCausey I know that working at home is sometimes romanticized. Abstract photographs of Adirondack chairs on white sandy beaches and images of moms sipping coffee at the kitchen table with a hand on her laptop suggest that the work at home lifestyle is easy to acquire and a breeze to manage.
- [Living Life to the Fullest](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/02/living-life-to-the-fullest.html) - Guest Post by Duong Sheahan Being a refugee from Vietnam and having escaped the communist regime during the Fall of Saigon, at the age of six, I have come to appreciate the life that I have. As I continue to discover more of my purpose and destiny, sometimes it’s hard not to wonder why I
- [Living Your Dream: Happiness Awaits](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/04/living-your-dream-happiness-awaits.html) - Guest post by Jill Pursell When I saw the chance for a guest post on Katja’s blog I was elated and eager to contact her. This opportunity is amazing and I am so appreciative for this chance! This post is going tell you how I am going to live my dream. I know many people
- [Adventure Awaits](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/adventure-awaits.html)
- [Once Upon A Time.. Our Life as A Fairytale](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/once-upon-a-time-our-life-as-a-fairytale.html)
- [My Soul Was Telling Me to Sew](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/my-soul-was-telling-me-to-sew.html) - In November 2008, I borrowed my parents sewing machine because I felt like I needed to sew. I wanted to learn, but I also had a deeper desire. Something within my soul was telling me to sew. Next thing I knew I was at home with 30 library books, staring at their sewing machine. And
- [South Dakota, My Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/south-dakota-my-home.html)
- [Loving The Life I Never Knew I Wanted](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/loving-the-life-i-never-knew-i-wanted.html)
- [Sometimes It Takes a Leap of Faith](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/sometimes-it-takes-a-leap-of-faith.html) - It was a few months there that I walked around in a dense thick fog. Not literally of course, but that's how I felt in my mind and in my heart. It was clouded, dark and I desperately wanted out. In fact, I would have given anything to get out. I knew deep down that
- [Live Life to the Fullest by Sharing Love](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/live-life-to-the-fullest-by-sharing-love.html) - I was sitting here reading Jerri Ann's entry post this evening. She is talking about her husband and her story reminded me a little of my own husband. Originally I was going to enter this contest too. I thought it was so sweet when I hear that Katja had sponsored Amanda. Then I thought it
- [Life is richer if experienced as a traveler](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/03/life-is-richer-if-experienced-as-a-traveler.html) - Guest post by Michelle Hamman . She loves traveling and exploring with her husband and two girls. She is a lover of peace, striving towards harmony with all peoples and the earth that is our home. You can contact her at MotherTongues@MotherTongues.com
- [Enjoying Everyday!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/06/enjoying-everyday.html) - Guest post by Shannon Henric Living life to its fullest, what does that mean? My definition has changed quite a bit through the years. Growing up, I thought it meant having the opportunity to go on many elaborate family vacations - skiing in Colorado, scuba diving in Hawaii and Florida, touring England, so on and
- [A Role Model of Imperfection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/07/a-role-model-of-imperfection.html) - By Guest Writer Signe Whitson When I was a child, I adored every bit of my mother, from her kinky blonde hair to her bumpy thighs. Not the most flattering description, right? On the contrary—I truly thought those parts of my mom were lovable, wonderful and perfect! Let me explain. Now that I am a
- [Ballerinas Gone Wild](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/07/ballerinas-gone-wild.html) - Guest post by Tiffani Carboni Thank heaven for little girls who are made of sugar and spice and everything nice. After all, little girls are the epitome of dainty femininity with their adorable pink ruffled frocks and perfectly coiffed hair in flower headbands. Their gleeful giggles are as melodic as angels singing. To watch them
- [On Learning to Love Your Body A Little Bit More Every Day](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/01/on-learning-to-love-your-body-a-little-bit-more-every-day.html) - The thing about loving your body is that for all that we talk about it, most people don't. Most people wander through their lives, wondering exactly why they aren't as happy as some of the people that they know - why they haven't landed their dream job; why their relationships lack intimacy and depth; why
- [I'm beautiful and so are you](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/01/im-beautiful-and-so-are-you.html) - Guest post by Aparna Vashisht. I gave birth to my third son 2 months ago. I had gestational diabetes with during my pregnancy so I couldn't eat too many sweet things or even carbohydrates towards the end. Pasta, bread, fruits, etc. were off limits so cakes, sweets, brownies were totally out of the question. Tonight,
- [Children & Charity](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/04/charity-children.html) - Guest post by Pamela Pinta of AnnieWear. It has often been said that charity begins at home. While I believe that is true, it is just as important that we teach children to be charitable outside of the home. April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and a great time to focus on those
- [From High Pay to New Highs in Life: Andrea's Inspirational Story](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/inspiring-lifestyle-story.html) - Guest post by Andrea Pesking Katz of Great Thoughts. For two decades, I had a big power job in high pressure sales with a whole team working for me. The money and company were great. I reveled in the success and in being a top producer, one of the few women in the country to
- [Why Books Are Good For Your Soul](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/why-books-are-good-for-your-soul.html) - Guest post by Andrea Peskind Katz, Great Thoughts I’ve always been a big reader. My family laughed at me when I was young because I read my Nancy Drew’s so many times that I memorized them. My passion for reading has never waned. Throughout college and grad school, I still found time to read great
- [7 Keys to Happiness](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/7-keys-to-happiness.html) - Guest post by By Lee and Paul Reyes-Fournier of CoupleDumb.com. Most people can agree on one thing, they want to be happy. However, in our society we receive so many messages and examples of being unhappy that the path to Nirvana is often blocked by ignorance and cynics. But just like a unicorn, the hope
- [Gracious Me: To Be A Better Friend](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/be-a-better-friend.html) - Today's Gracious Me column is written by fabulous guest writer Lisa M Frame of A Daily Pinch and Mommyality. Friendship has many different meanings to people. When I make a true friend, they are for life. I don’t discard friends, instead I treasure them as a precious jewel. Unfortunately, no matter how much you treasure
- [In Pursuit of Happiness](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/in-pursuit-of-happiness.html) - As a child, I was always told that if I work hard I could have a lot of money then I could be happy. It’s a simple proposition to life. If you do your work then you will have the money then you will be happy. What we find as we get older is that
- [Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini and Tomato Pasta](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/shrimp-scampi-with-zucchini-and-tomato-pasta.html) - Note: This is the first post by Katie Goodman, our new Family Food & Good Life Expert. Katie will be writing cross the Skimbaco network blogs, and sharing her recipes like this one at Skimbaco Food, launching later this fall. Zucchini is a great starter vegetable for someone who's new to gardening. It's easy to
- [Peach and Plum Cobbler Recipe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/09/peach-plum-cobbler-recipe.html) - This recipe is by Maria Lichty, Skimbaco's new Healthy Lifestyle & Vegetarian Food Expert. She will be writing for the upcoming Skimbaco Food site. Please join us to welcome her! Last week our counter was covered with fresh peaches and plums. Our friend’s tree and our tree ripened at the same time. We did our
- [10 Recipes for Baking with Whole Grains](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/10/10-recipes-for-baking-with-whole-grains.html) - Good to the Grain: Baking with Whole-Grain Flours, by Kim Boyce, has inspired me to include more whole grains in baking. After all, my kids pretty much love any baked goodies we make, why not make them a little healthier? I've been making a point to substitute freshly ground whole-wheat flour in many of my
- [10 Pumpkin Recipes For Fall](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/10/10-pumpkin-recipes-for-fall.html) - Pumpkin is a fall vegetable that hails from the same family as gourds and squash. Known for its bold orange color and commonly associated with Halloween, there is a lot more where the pumpkin came from. In 2009, SeriousEats.com reported that the United States alone produced 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin. Our national consumption of
- [Roasted Pumpkin Seeds](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/11/roasted-pumpkin-seeds.html) - Pumpkins are everywhere this time of year. You can find them at grocery stores, farmers markets, and pumpkin patches. Pumpkins make great fall decorations and are also fun to carve for Halloween. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a simple, healthy, and tasty snack. Pumpkin seeds are good on their own, but you can also add them
- [What You Need to Know About Organic Wine](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/11/organic-wine.html) - We are used to seeing organic eggs, organic fruit and organic milk at the supermarket. Lately, organic wine has begun to appear on the shelves at wine shops. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a social drinker, you might have wondered what exactly makes organic wine different than traditional wine. “Organic wine is the emphasis
- [6 Life Lessons from Spending 2 days Filming a Reality TV Show](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/6-life-lessons-from-spending-2-days-filming-a-reality-tv-show.html) - Around a month ago I spent a weekend in Finland participating in the shooting of the Partiomestari reality TV show, in which the girl and boy scouts compete in teams against each others in action-packed tasks. While many parents might want to limit TV-watching for their children, I'm excited about the inspiring Partiomestari show, and
- [My Favorite Espresso Machines & Tips for Best Lattes at Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/love-lotta-latte.html) - Updated 3/2019 I make a lot of lattes at home So, by now you know that I work full days here at Skimbaco. I love what I do, and often I still love it late at night. My secret, besides the passion, and a helping husband..? A LOTTA LATTE! Read my tips for the best
- [Alvar Aalto and My Home Town Paimio](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/alvar-aalto-and-my-home-town.html) - Paimio Chair This modern beauty is Paimio Chair, the best-known piece of furniture designed by a Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Paimio is a town in southwestern Finland where Alvar Aalto designed a tuberculosis sanatorium and all its furnishings in 1928-1933. Since the 30's the Paimio Sanatorium has been acclaimed internationally as a major modern architectural
- [Found: Perfect brunch in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/perfect-brunch-in-helsinki.html) - Welcome our new writer Sonja Hannus, who is currently in Finland, but will be traveling to New York and Hong Kong this year. Follow her inner peace journey and adventures in healthy lifestyle. Johan & Nyström - perfect brunch spot Brunch is one of my favorite ways to spend time. A relaxing moment with friends,
- [Destination Unknown: Adventures in Food](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/adventures-in-food.html) - Food can be a source of many things; happiness, excitement, discovery, frustration or disappointment to name a few. But when traveling, it is often an adventure. The new tastes and smells connect to that exact location and can bring back memories from years gone. For me, making pasta at home always takes me back to
- [Destination Unknown: Summer Adventures in Lillehammer, Norway](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/summer-adventures-in-lillehammer.html) - Certain travel destinations are made for winter. Lillehammer in Norway, the home of the 1994 Winter Olympics and the home for the upcoming 2016 Youth Olympic Games is one of those. Hence at least for us in Europe, Lillehammer goes hand in hand with ski-jumping, cross-country skiing, ice-hockey and downhill skiing. However, this small Norwegian
- [Travel electrolytenment: enlightened state of mind, body and soul](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/electrolytenment-during-your-travels.html) - What is your personal electrolytenment — an enlightened state of mind, body and soul? This question was asked from me by resource® Natural Spring Water, and as I started thinking about it, I realized that the answer of today is very different from an answer I could have said 10 years ago, or gasp, 20
- [5 Things Obama Should Take Home from Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/obama-in-sweden.html) - Greetings from Sweden! President Obama's visit in Sweden has raised some strong emotions among Swedes, both positive and negative. Some of the streets of Stockholm were closed off today, but a friend of mine said it was actually nice "I took the boat to work instead". Most Swedes just spent the day glued to their
- [Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair is the Only Chair You Need](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/high-chair-you-will-want-to-keep.html) - The best highchair on the market Updated in 2018: Our oldest Tripp Trapp is now 18 years old. Our daughter moved away and started college a few months ago. I asked if she wanted to take the Stokke Tripp Trapp with her - because she had been using it as a school desk chair this
- [Modern Danish Design by Skovby](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/modern-danish-design-by-skovby.html) - When it comes to Danish design, there has always been a few key elements; it is elegant, functional and timeless. Danish Skovby's furniture combines all these three elements, and brings in flexibility for modern day living. Skovby has been making furniture since 1933 and has grown from a small one-man workshop to a company
- [IVANAhelsinki Opens a Pop-up Store in New York City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/02/ivanahelsinki-opens-a-pop-up-store-in-new-york-city.html) - IVANAhelsinki is a Finnish fashion brand by designer Paola Suhonen. IVANAhelsinki & Love Contemporary Magazine Pop-Up Store opened in New York City's Nolita (238 Mulberry Street, between Prince & Spring) on Friday. The IVANAhelsinki store will be open in New York City only until March 17th. I attended the grand opening of the NYC store
- [Marimekko Spring/Summer 2010](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/03/marimekko-springsummer-2010.html) - Welcome back the 70's - Marimekko's Spring/Summer 2010 doesn't disappoint Marimekko fans. Bold, colorful, modern. Some of the old favorite prints like Maija Isola's Unikko, Sateenkaari and Melooni have gotten new bright colors for the summer, thanks to designer Kristina Isola. This spring I see Marimekko fabrics in the kitchen, in curtains, table clothes, tea
- [Boråstapeter - Wallpaper from Scandinavia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/03/borastapeter-wallpaper-from-scandinavia.html) - Swedish Boråstapeter is Sweden's (if not Scandinavian's) best-known and the best-selling wallpaper brand. You can find modern and classic Scandinavian style favorites from their collections. While I couldn't find their newest collections available in the US, I thought these pictures from their website are great inspiration!
- [Store Spotlight: Indiska](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/05/store-spotlight-indiska.html) - Indiska is Swedish chain store, popular in Scandinavian countries, focusing on Indian style with Scandinavian twist. Yes, it may sound weird, but there are actually some similarities in Scandinavian folklore and the prints found in India. Indiska offers modern bohemian fashion and home goods, and while their products are not available in the US, I
- [Kitchen Ideas from Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/scandinavian-kitchen.html) - I'm going back to Finland in a week and hoping to get more Scandinavian design inspiration on my trip. Here are some photos of beautiful modern Scandinavian kitchens and great products you can bring the same look for your kitchen. Less is more in Scandinavian design, and the colors are neutral, lots of white, earth
- [Awesome Black & White Prints on Dishes](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/black-white-prints.html) - When it comes to dishes, it really was clear to me what to keep and what not to keep in our latest move when we had to get rid of even more things than normally (when we move). It was the nice high quality white dishes and the colorful printed designer dishes that filled the
- [Delightful Porclain Designed by Elisabeth Dunker and Anna Backlund for RYM](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/delightful-porclein-designed-by-elisabeth-dunker-and-anna-backlund-for-rym.html) - Designer/artist Elisabeth Dunker from blog and shop Fine Little Day collaborated with fellow Swedish designer Anna Backlund and created this delightful porcelain line for Rym, and it will be available at Fine Little Day shop in March. I don't know about the price point yet. I absolutely love the coffee pot and sugar dish, but
- [Parisian Inspired Dishes Designed by Lovisa Burfitt for Rorstrand](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/parisian-inspired-dishes-designed-by-lovisa-burfitt-for-rorstrand.html) - This beautiful, small, five piece dish collection came out already last year, but I can't resist showcasing it, even though you probably have already seen it. I also just featured a cup from this collection on a blog post of black and white printed dishes, and the collection is on sale at the Scandinavian Design
- [In Search of the Perfect Modern White Dining Table](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/modern-white-dining-table.html) - I've been searching for a modern white dining table that can seat at least 10, and it hasn't been as easy as I thought of. Maybe because Scandinavian homes are small, and most Swedish tables I've found are small. I've noticed that Swedish like their dining tables small even in the larger homes - and
- [Finnish Design: Gedigo Home Organizing Products](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/finnish-design-gedigo.html) - I'm in love with Gedigo. Gedigo is a Finnish company that makes organizing and other home products. Gedigo's products are made of durable natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, wood, reindeer skin and leather. Yes, you read it right - reindeer. Piece of Finland Reindeer Hide Collection from Gedigo They have a newer collection called
- [Pictures From Our New IKEA Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/pictures-from-our-new-ikea-home.html) - Excuse our mess while we are moving in.. I’m literally still in process of moving in to our home in Linköping, Sweden, and at the same time SkimbacoLifestyle.com is going through some changes. All Skimbaco blogs (Home, Travel and Food) will be merged under Skimbaco Lifestyle, and one new blog will also be added under
- [The New IKEA PS 2012 Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/the-new-ikea-ps-2012-collection.html) - Stay tuned for more home decorating posts and never miss a post – subscribe to Skimbaco Home feed. I know... I promised our new home in Sweden will not be completely decorated with items from IKEA, but I can't help but wanting this one a few more things. IKEA is launching its 7th IKEA PS
- [My Living Room Stage 2](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/my-living-room-stage-2.html) - I have a feeling it'll be a while before we have this new house decorated. Like with any house, it is better to live in first and then see what you really want to do with your space. Already now some of the things that I thought I like are not working too well, and
- [Living a Christmas Fairytale in Vadstena, Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/christmas-village-vadstena-sweden.html) - Real Christmas Village Merry Christmas from Sweden! Today I am virtually taking you to Vadstena, Sweden, to see a Swedish medieval town to come to its Holiday glory. It felt like we were inside a Christmas village decorative set, Vadstena is a great little town to feel the old-fashioned "Christmas village" spirit. Vadstena is in
- [Interiors: New from Scandinavia - Kauniste](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/scandinavian-design-kauniste.html) - New from Finland: Kauniste I'm so excited to share design news from Scandinavia that are not from Sweden, but from Finland. Kauniste is a new multi-designer brand from Finland, and their shop in Helsinki was one of the hottest new gift shopping spots in the city for the Holidays I hear. Kauniste was created by
- [Just in: Luxury hacks for IKEA Furniture - Introducing Superfront](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/ikea-luxury-hack-superfront.html) - Swedes can now enjoy luxury hacks for IKEA A new kind of home design company opened its doors this week in Sweden allowing people to revamp their existing IKEA furniture to look like a higher priced designer furniture. Introducing Superfront, a company who now offers "luxury hacks" for IKEA furniture frames. Their product line offers
- [Global Kitchen: Apple Cake from Apples from our Swedish Country Garden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/easiest-apple-cake-recipe-ever.html) - My Global Kitchen recipes always come with a story, but sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint the one exact memory or story a certain recipe has. I grew up next to an apple orchid in Finland, and since our home also was situated in the excellent apple-land, we, too, had around twenty apple trees, and
- [Find for the Home: Moomin Lamps by Le Klint](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/moomin-lamps-by-le-klint.html) - Le Klint has a great new lamp collection with beloved Moomin characters. Moomins are a Finnish fairytale character family created by Tove Jansson in 1945 and now loved worldwide. Nowadays there are hundreds of Moomin books based on the characters and the original 14 books written by Tove Jansson, and adapted to different aged children
- [Scandinavian Kitchen Mini-Makeover](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/scandinavian-kitchen-mini-makeover.html) - Our kitchen mini-makeover is finally done and I absolutely love it, it really reflects on our family perfectly, while it's still in harmony with the country style of the 400-year-old rental mansion we live in. Just during the last 6 years of Skimbaco Lifestyle our family has lived in a mountain side lodge in Colorado,
- [Stockholm Travel Massive and our first #IGTravelThursday trip](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/instagram-stockholm.html) - Instagram has the power to bring travel destinations closer via photos, but more importantly: bring people together. I have made so many friends via Instagram, and many of them I talk on daily or weekly basis, although many of them I have never met face to face. I have been very fortunate to also meet
- [Epic Journey to Norway with Disney’s Frozen, and How to Plan your own Norway Adventure](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/epic-journey-to-norway-with-disney-freeze.html) - It is only one week to go and Norway freezes over. The kingdom of Arendelle, sitting on one of Norway’s many majestic fjords is about to get hit with the most severe winter weather we have ever seen here in northern Europe, when Disney’s Frozen, a new 3D animated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The
- [Banana Coffee Cake with Mocha topping & Swedish Style Coffee break in my Office](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/banana-coffee-cake-with-mocha-topping.html) - Word from our sponsor From shopping for gifts to planning family dinners, it’s hard to keep up with all your holiday to-do’s. This year, Kraft is helping out with great weeknight meals and entertaining ideas to make the season a little bit easier. Plus, Kraft is offering up to $20 in coupons, redeemable exclusively at
- [Welcoming White Christmas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/welcoming-white-christmas.html) - One of the greatest perks about living in the very northern corner of Europe, in Norway, is snow. Mind you, snow and the below-freezing temperatures do come with their drawbacks too, but white Christmas is something I wouldn’t easily trade. As Christmas is just around the corner, I wanted to share with you how
- [My Holiday Home & easy ideas for last minute Christmas decorating](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/my-holiday-home-easy-ideas-for-last-minute-christmas-decorating.html) - My Christmas home done the easy way For many of us December is the busiest time of the year, and let's be honest: sometimes it is hard to find the time to do it all, and even be inspired to decorate for the Holidays. I get it. Some years I haven't even bothered taking all
- [Can I tell the story of my home country Finland... when all I wanted was to leave?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/finland-from-finns-perspective.html) - Me as a child with my aunt and grandmother... pointing out to the sea, probably telling I wanted to go to the other side. I admit, I wanted to see the world beyond Finland How can you tell the story of Finland, when all you wanted was to leave Finland? I visited my home country
- [Experiencing the Magic of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/experiencing-the-magic-of-lapland-in-48-hours-in-rovaniemi-finland.html) - I did a quick trip to city of Rovaniemi in January when I visited Finland as part of the Nordic Bloggers' Experience. It had been almost 20 years since my last visit to Lapland, and my first time flying there. It is only an hour and 15 minute flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, making it
- [Garden Society of Gothenburg - Commitment to Green in the City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/07/gothenburg-garden-society.html) - One word that describes West Sweden perfectly, especially during summer, is "green." The lush gardens in the cities, the green country side, the ecological lifestyle and the garden-to-table food concept. It's all green. Gothenburg, the largest city of West Sweden, is also the home of Volvo factory, one of the very greenest car factories in
- [From Forest to Fashion - Textile Technology Makes Trees into Tees](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/06/fashion-from-the-forests.html) - Knowing how to reuse and recycle is not enough in order to save the mothership Earth. Climate change is a severe threat, and we need to stop over-consuming natural resources and learn to use them more efficiently by designing materials for products that can have second or even third life. Industries need to come closer
- [How IKEA Is Using Space As a Design Inspiration: By Doing Astronaut Training](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/08/ikea-nasa.html) - One of the future lifestyles is space lifestyle - but it doesn't mean we are all going to space! At least not yet. But it means that we are starting to use more and more the same technologies that are used in space, developed in and for space and we are using space as a
- [IKEA and Neste Collaborate to Create Renewable, Bio-based Polypropylene Plastic](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/09/ikea-and-neste-collaborate-to-create-renewable-bio-based-polypropylene-plastic.html) - At first sight IKEA might seem as the opposite of sustainability as it always seems to tempt you buying the pretty things you don't really need, but can't resist. But the shopping experience of seeing what compact space living can look like has hopefully given you also ideas how to live with less, and perhaps
- [The First Autonomous Shuttle Bus in the World Even for Finnish Winters](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/11/muji-and-sensible-4-autonomous-shuttle-bus.html) - Snowtonomous - Where no autonomous vehicle has gone before: driving in Finnish conditions.
- [Dream Job Awaits You in Lapland: Santa's Elf](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/11/dream-job-santas-elf.html) - If you have ever dreamed of being Santa's elf, the job is recruiting right now in Finnish Lapland.
- [My Helsinki: Xmas Garage for Christmas Gift Shopping](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/12/xmas-garage-helsinki.html) - Xmas Garage is the most colorful Christmas pop up shop in Helsinki.
- [How Does Space Lifestyle Look Like as IKEA Products? Meet IKEA Rumtid.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/12/space-lifestyle-as-ikea-product.html) - What's my obsession with IKEA? Well, it's IKEA! But also because they are one of the global manufacturers/retailers - besides Amazon - truly thinking of the new space era, and about living the space lifestyle. IKEA has made things differently ever since they were founded in 1943. Yes, IKEA was founded in 1943, it did
- [My Helsinki: The World’s First Ice Cream Hotel Room Opens (and it's Instagram Gold)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/my-helsinki-the-worlds-first-ice-cream-hotel-room-opens-and-its-instagram-gold.html) - There is a new sweet hotel suite in town - and you might get in if you eat ice cream. The new hotel suite literally is called the Valio Jäätelöfabriikki Sweet Suite, named after Valio’s ice cream brand, and it's for the ice cream lovers - and it also looks like a perfect suite for
- [Pulled Oats - Meatless Meat from Finland Is the Next Big Food Trend](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/pulled-oats-trend-food.html) - Our Oats are Better than Your Jackfruit Oat milk lattes, anyone? Thanks to Swedish Oatly and Finnish Kaslink, most likely you too have switched your milk into oat milk, or at least tried it. While Brooklyn had an oat milk shortage last summer, Finns were dealing with Pulled Oats® shortage already in 2016, when the
- [Scandinavian Kitchen the Finnish Way](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/01/scandinavian-kitchen-products.html) - I wanted to share a few photos of beautiful modern Scandinavian kitchens with you and some product finds you can bring the same look in to your kitchen. Less is more in Scandinavian design, and the colors are neutral, lots of white, earth tones, stainless steel and selected items bringing a splash of color. The
- [Decorate Your Table with Green - 3 Scandinavian Table Settings](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/04/green-table-decorating-ideas.html) - Spring is here and green is one of the top decorating colors for the spring. The earth month starts today, and while these finds may not be the most environmentally friendly - they get you the green set of mind for the spring. While it would be great to go all the way green, but
- [Move Over IKEA, H&M Home Arrives](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/05/move-over-ikea-hm-home-arrives.html) - I can't resist adding tons of photos of the H&M's Home line of crisp bedding, colorful summer towels, Scandinavian style kitchen accessories and everything else for your home - for unbeatable H&M price of course. The look is unbeatably Scandinavian, easy going, simple, crisp white with bold accent colors, and neutrals that go with anything.
- [Marimekko and IKEA Unite With Bemz Slipcovers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/05/marimekko-and-ikea-unite-with-bemz-slipcovers.html) - UPDATED: Thanks to nice people from Always Mod, I heard that this collection is actually not going to be sold at IKEAs, but available at Bemz.com. Marimekko is a Finnish design stable and the bold prints are known world wide. Last year Marimekko partnered with Swedish H&M, and created a designer clothing collection for H&M.
- [H&M Home Arrives](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/05/hm-home-arrives.html) - H&M Home arrived this spring with easy going, simple, crisp white with bold accent colors, and neutrals that go with anything. The H&M Home collection pulls together the essentials of Scandinavian home and instantly makes me feel like home. Great accents for your home, especially really nice summer pieces like pillows, easy throws and crisp
- [Marimekko Slipcovers for IKEA Furniture](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/05/marimekko-slipcovers-for-ikea-furniture.html) - Fandango Slipcover to Tomelilla armchair $205 Marimekko's original prints now dress Swedish IKEA's furniture, thanks to Swedish Bemz. Bemz makes slipcovers to IKEAs furniture and now their new collection with familiar Marimekko prints just came out. Bemz offers 11 different designs with the some of the all time popular Marimekko prints. Marimekko prints have never
- [Marimekko Wallpaper](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/06/marimekko-wallpaper.html) - Marimekko Stilla. Designer: Björn Dahlström Marimekko partnered with Italian wallapaper company Sirpi to create this new collection of vinyl wallpapers with classic Marimekko prints as well some new designs from young designers. 12 different patterns of Marimekko wallpapers just arrived at AlwaysMod.com, and this Minneapolis-based retailer is the only US retailer so far where you
- [3 Green Dinner Table Settings - Scandinavian Way](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/06/3-green-dinner-table-settings-scandinavian-way.html) - This table setting is from Just Scandinavian store in Tribeca, and I was able to recognize every other item, but the place mats. 1. Arabia Paratiisi gives nice bunch of color without being too overpowering. One of the most popular sets from Finnish Arabia. 2. Iittala Maribowls (starting $34) are an iconic Finnish table
- [Store Spotlight: Just Scandinavian](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/06/store-spotlight-just-scandinavian.html) - I already posted some great table setting pictures from Just Scandinavian store, and now more pictures from one of my favorite stores in Tribeca. The store is full of Swedish and Finnish design, and it instantly feels like home to me. Well, I should say I wish it felt like home to me - I
- [Designer Spotlight: Lovisa Wattman](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/06/designer-spotlight-lovisa-wattman.html) - Lovisa Wattman's designs available at IKEA Lovisa Wattman is the featured designer at from Sthlm - a new website featuring a Swedish designer each month and selling special collections from the designers. June is their third month and I'm already in love. And of course - I admire Lovisa Wattman and her simple elegance. Lovisa
- [Store Spotlight: Scandinavian Grace](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/07/store-spotlight-scandinavian-grace.html) - And the skies opened up. The Scandinavian design skies that is. I visited the Scandinavian Grace store in Catskills, in Shokan, New York. It's a good two hour drive from the city in the weekend traffic, but it's worth it, just for a fun shopping trip and a Sunday drive. The Scandinavian flags welcomed me
- [Inspiration from Ferm Living](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/08/inspiration-from-ferm-living.html) - More pictures of Christiana's home at Apartment Therapy I was admiring Christiana Coop's home in the latest Better Homes & Garden's DIY magazine. Christiana is the the U.S. rep for Danish company Ferm Living, and a trendsetter in the wallpaper industry, always thinking of new ways to incorporate wallpaper. Christiana in her apartment, check out
- [Attila Design- designer furniture from Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/10/attila-designer-designer-furniture-from-finland.html) - While scoping for custom furniture at Etsy, I scored a gem from Finland, Attila Design. While the prices especially with shipping are way out of my price range, a girl can dream. And speaking of dream - the designer Tiina calls this first one Under the Apple Tree Canopy Bed a sleep therapy woodland fairytale
- [Holiday Decorating Ideas from Pentik of Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/11/holiday-decorating-ideas-from-pentik-of-finland.html) - I have traditionally only featured modern Scandinavian design, but Finnish Design is so much more than minimalism. One great more traditional Finnish design company is Pentik. They have over 80 stores in Scandinavian countries, unfortunately their products are not sold in the US or online, and these pictures are only for inspiration.
- [Holiday Decorating & Gifts from Finnish Aarikka](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/11/holiday-decorating-gifts-from-finnish-aarikka.html) - and at their own webshop Aarikka.com.
- [Danish Designer Spotlight: Rie Elise Larsen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/01/danish-designer-rie-elise-larsen.html) - Rie Elise Larsen, Danish Designer
- [Destination Unknown: 10 Exciting Adventure Travel Destinations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/10/ten-adventure-travel-destinations.html) - Top Adventure Travel places in the world How to define adventure? For some it might mean extreme sports in demanding conditions, for others, following narrow paths deep into the forest for a picnic on a family day out. On this list I have gathered some of my favorites, some more “adventurous” than others. You could
- [Scandinavian, Serene White](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/12/scandinavian-serene-white.html) - Beautiful, serene, white, Scandinavian. I'm inspired by these photos by Louise Svensson & Jonny Lindh.
- [Pictures from Our Christmas Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/12/pictures-from-our-christmas-home.html) - Our home is finally getting there with our Christmas decorating... We added Marimekko Hetkiä fabric on the top of the fireplace and while it doesn't really go with our Christmas theme that includes doves and motives from nature, but I still love it. We thought about hanging it up after the Holidays but now I'm
- [Scandinavian Design Highlight: Alvar Aalto Paimio Chair](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/02/alvar-aalto-paimio-chair.html) - Alvar Aalto is the most famous Finnish architect and Paimio Chair, also known as chair 41 is the best-known furniture designed by Alvar Aalto. Paimio is a town in southwestern Finland where Alvar Aalto designed a tuberculosis sanatorium and all its furnishings in 1928-1933. Since the 30′s the Paimio Sanatorium has been acclaimed internationally as a
- [Scandinavian Design Highlight: Norwegian Forest Lighting by Cathrine Kullberg](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/02/scandinavian-design-highlight-norwegian-forest-lighting-by-cathrine-kullberg.html) - I adore the Norwegian Forest lighting by Cathrine Kullberg from Norway. It comes both as a pendant and as a table lamp and it's handmade of thin wood veneer. I love the forrest, the trees and the birds in the lamp, and how the light comes through when the lamp is lit. Absolutely stunning. The
- [Brands Scandinavia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/04/brands-scandinavia.html) - Brands Scandinavia is a collaboration of some of the top Finnish designers. The Brands Scandinavia's products are functional and fun, and durable and beautiful. The products are meant for everyday living, and they take the test of time in quality and design. Brands Scandinavia’s home textiles and furnishings, accessories, bags and stationery will delight and
- [Black & White, Comfortable Interior Inspiration from Scandinavia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/05/interior-inspiration-from-scandinavia.html) - I am in this very simple comfortable decoration mode. White walls, wood floors, a few colorful items that pop. Blankets and pillows. Cozy couch to curl up. Pictures on the walls that have a meaning. Mas and souvenirs from travels as decorative pieces. Crafts and DIY art. These photos taken by Sanna Lindberg are exactly
- [Helsinki, Singapore, Angry Birds & Canning Life's Good Moments](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/helsinki-singapore-angry-birds-canning-lifes-good-moments.html) - Last week I traveled to Helsinki, Finland and to Singapore in Asia - and back to my home in New York. That's total of 40 hours on air, if you wondered. I participated in a very special flight by Finnish airline Finnair. It was a special Angry Birds flight from Helsinki to Singapore (an 11,5
- [Iittala Lempi Glass Designed by Matti Klenell](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/matti-klenell-lempi-glass-iittala.html) - Lempi Glass by Matti Klenell Swedish designer Matti Klenell designed a new every occasion glass for Finnish Iittala called "Lempi". Lempi means ‘favourite’ in Finnish, and Lempi was created for any occasion, informal or spectacular, from wine to milk, and it is perfect for modern living spaces as this stackable stemware offers generous servings without
- [H&M Home Collection for Spring 2012: Bold Colors](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/hm-home-collection-for-spring-2012-bold-colors.html) - I'm liking the H&M Home collection more and more each year. No, it's still not available to purchase in the US, but I can't help but feature these pictures from H&M Home Spring 2012 collection. The bold colors are almost directly from Pantone's 2012 color wheel, and they look like candy, and I just want
- [Pulu Oil Lamp by Katriina Nuutinen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/pulu-oil-lamp-by-katriina-nuutinen.html) - I adore the simplicity of the Pulu oil lamp designed by Finnish Katriina Nuutinen. Katriina Nuutinen is a recent graduate from the Applied Art and Design department in The University of Art and Design Helsinki, Finland. She has mainly focused her work on ceramic and glass, but works with other materials as well, like metals
- [H&M Home Collection Spring 2012: White Rustic](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/hm-white-rustic.html) - I featured the bold colors from H&M's spring home collection a few days ago, and exactly how all the bolder colors are like directly from Pantone's 2012 color picks, so are the more neutral colors in the H&M's rustic collection. This part of the H&M home collection includes vintage style products like in previous H&M
- [Kay Bojesen Denmark Wooden Songbirds](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/kay-bojesen-denmark-wooden-songbirds.html) - Kay Bojesen created some of the most loved wooden toys of the last century. While Kay Bojensen has already passed away, his legacy still lives today at Kay Bojesen Denmark, and in spring 2012, a new creation from Kay Bojesen Denmark is launched to the delight of fans of all ages: The Songbird. The songbird
- [ferm LIVING 2012 Spring & Summer Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/ferm-living-2012-spring-summer-collection.html) - I adore Danish ferm LIVING and their modern graphics, simplicity with color pop and their practical everyday use design. Their spring/summer 2012 new graphic print isn't my favorite ferm living print, but it's gorgeous nevertheless. I specifically love the kitchen tray and the stackable three container set with a lid that matches the colors. The
- [Scandinavian Design for Kids: Moomin Mugs & Bowls by Arabia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/scandinavian-design-for-kids-moomin-mugs-bowls-by-arabia.html) - We went to Finland this past weekend, and already on the cruise ship from Sweden to Finland kids saw the Moomin dishes by Finnish Arabia at the gift shop. We already had a few Moomin mugs and bowls, but since everything is in moving boxes due our move to Sweden, and we live in a
- [More Iittala Shopping: Lempi glasses](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/lempi-glasses.html) - Last month I admired the Matti Klenell's Lempi glasses for Iittala designed by Matti Klenell, and last week when visiting an Iittala store in Finland my husband spotted the same glasses on the shelf. "Hey, look what I found, kind of cool glasses. Do you like them? You wanna get some..?" Um, yes! I love
- [Villa Overby as Seen in the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/villa-overby-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo.html) - The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo movie was well represented at the Oscars, but went home only with one Academy Award for film editing, but if there was an Oscar for the best house in the movies, it would go for the Villa Överby in Sweden from the movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
- [Danish Smorrebrod with Shrimp](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/swe-dishes-danish-smorrebrod-with-shrimp.html) - Swe-DISHES: Danish Smorrebrod Swe-DISHES with Skimbaco is our new Nordic food special series focusing on bringing you recipes and culinary inspiration from Scandinavia, and my cooking adventures in Sweden. We are kicking off the series with a non-Swedish dish - with a dish Denmark is more known for - a Danish Smørrebrød. Basically Danish Smørrebrød
- [Rhubarb Strawberry Meringue Brita Cake Dessert](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/brita-cake-recipe.html) - Brita Meringue Cake This Scandinavian dessert/cake is amazing. Like really amazing. Like the best-I've-ever-made amazing, and I even messed up the recipe and it didn't matter (read more below the recipe and I'll explain). Brita cake, also called meringue cake is one of those Scandinavian desserts that you can't miss. It's popular in Sweden and
- [Potato Salad Recipe with New Potatoes, Dill & Radishes](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/new-potato-salad-recipe-with-radishes.html) - New Potatoes & Summer's Best Potato Salad Recipe In Finland the summer food consists of uusia perunoita, silliä ja tilliä - in Sweden it's nya potatis, sill och dill - and it is the exact same thing: new potatoes, pickled herring and fresh dill, maybe a little butter to melt on the top of the
- [Video of the Week: Have Fika](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/video-of-the-week-have-fika.html) - No words needed. You just have to watch it. Fika is a Swedish institution that everyone participates in. It's such a big part of the culture that employers actually have to offer it for all employees, twice a day, by law. Found this via Transatlantic Sketches. PS. Ideas for your fika time, check out my
- [Global Kitchen: Swedish Chocolate Coconut Balls Recipe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/swe-dishes-swedish-chocolate-coconut-balls.html) - No Bake Chocolate Balls Kids and Adults Love The Swedish chocolate balls, "chokladbollar", are a popular for kids' parties, because they are easy to make, and kids love making them because it's fun to roll the good smelling dough into balls and then roll it in coconut flakes. But don't be fooled and just think
- [Set the Mood for Scandinavian Summer Party. Tips from the Interior Design Store Werannas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/rustic-scandinavian-summer-party.html) - Scandinavian Summer Home tips from Weranna's I'm excited to introduce you to a new interior design store Weranna's Warehouse offering you the best of handmade Scandinavian products, heirloom quality linen mixed with the trendiest home accessories carefully picked from around the world, but maintaining the Scandinavian thinking: things have to be good quality to last
- [Scandinavian Summer Party](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/scandinavian-summer-party.html) - Enter the Scandinavian State of Mind Welcome to Holiday Headquarters and my Scandinavian Summer feature at Skimbaco Lifestyle! Holiday Headquarters is a collaboration between several lifestyle, decorating and party experts and we are happy to participate in this summer party special today. I'm inviting you over for "fika in the backyard" - fika is a
- [My Living Room Update](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/my-living-room-update.html) - Slow progress, I know! But here are a few latest pictures of our living room, it's starting to look more like "us" and not just all plain white. I Instagrammed a few photos (taken with my iPhone) this morning, and a friend of mine asked if the photos are on Pinterest - you can Pin
- [Live a Little: Learn to Fika](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/live-a-little-learn-to-fika.html) - Fika = coffee pause If there was one simple thing about Scandinavian culture that I think everyone in the States should adopt, it would be FIKA. There isn't really an English word for fika, but it could be translated to coffee break, but it's so much more. You don't have to enjoy coffee to have
- [My Week in Photos: Crawfish Party & IKEA Shopping](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/my-week-in-photos-crawfish-party-ikea-shopping.html) - We are continuing our staycation in Sweden, and enjoying summer. This was the fourth week we had visitors staying with us, this time from New York, my old friend Stephanie with her Russian husband, and their son, and our epic Swedish summer had another Scandinavian highlight: the crawfish party. I am about three weeks behind
- [Experience Old Sweden in Gamla Linkoping](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/experience-old-sweden-in-gamla-linkoping.html) - Welcome to Linkoping One thing about Sweden is that you can never get far from history, even when you live in a city with one of the largest universities in the country, and with Sweden's own Silicon valley, a science park of technology companies and in a city with of the most advanced bio energy
- [Viking Festival Lionga Ting Celebration of Viking Heritage In Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/viking-festival-lionga-ting-celebration-of-viking-heritage-in-sweden.html) - What's a better way to spend a Saturday in Sweden, than attend a local Viking festival, right? This weekend we headed to the Linköping Viking festival Lionga Ting despite the rain (and the feeling of summer ending being very close). I let the photos do most of the talking because you just have to see
- [Destination Unknown: All Year Round Destination, Norway](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/travel-to-norway.html) - I previously mentioned that after a few nomadic years of traveling around Europe and further afield, my husband and I finally settled down happily ever after in Norway in the autumn of 2010. And what a two years it has been! Norway is one of those places that just captivates you. The summers are full of light. The
- [10 Must Have Modern Design Products for Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/top-10-modern-design-products.html) - Here are the top 10 modern design products for home that I like and recommend. Did you read What is great design and why it matters, where I also took a few pictures of some of my favorite design products and objects in my home? Here is a better look into products mentioned and
- [Global Kitchen: Cinnamon Bun Recipe from Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/cinnamon-bun-recipe-from-finland.html) - Cinnamon Bun Day, kanelbullens dag in Sweden Today, October 4th is the official cinnamon bun day, kanelbullens dag, in Sweden, and I wanted to share my favorite recipe with you and show you how to make traditional Scandinavian cinnamon buns. While I love living in Sweden now, and they sure have some great tasting buns
- [Design: Artek's Stool 60 by Alvar Aalto Turns into Rings by Nao Tamura](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/artek-stool-60-rings-nao-tamura.html) - Finnish design company Artek turned 77 years old earlier this month, and one of the iconic Artek products, which achitect Alvar Aalto designed even before forming Artek, the "Stool 60" turns 80 years next year. To celebrate this mark in time, designer Nao Tamura created this special version of the Stool 60 to be auctioned
- [Just in: Finnair partners with Marimekko for Design Partnership](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/just-in-finnair-partners-with-marimekko-for-design-partnership.html) - Marimekko and Finnair partnership Finnish design company Marimekko and Finnish airline company Finnair formed a three-year-long design partnership, starting spring 2013. Starting next spring all Finnair aircraft will feature a Marimekko for Finnair collection of textiles and tableware, featuring Marimekko’s classic patterns bringing Finnish design flair for Finnair's customers on board. Finnair has partnered in
- [Spirit of Scandinavian Christmas: Hantverksgården in Linköping, Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/scandinavian-christmas-markets.html) - Christmas Markets in Sweden The best about Swedish Christmas markets: you don't have to go far to find one. Most communities here in Sweden have their own Christmas market, and they are held in castles, schools, churches and even in barns in the countryside. In fact, my favorite ones are the ones held in the
- [Scandinavian Christmas Magic at the Ekenäs Castle, Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/christmas-market-in-ekenas-castle-sweden.html) - Scandinavian Christmas spirit in the Ekenäs Castle Christmas market in Linköping, Sweden.
- [Share your Marimekko Unikko poppy print photos on Instagram with #Unikko50](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/share-your-marimekko-unikko-poppy-print-photos-on-instagram-with-unikko50.html) - Combine what you love with your travel photos One of my favorite Instagrammers in my son. He takes his Lego mini-figurines with him everywhere we go and takes pictures of the Lego men in Times Square in New York City, skiing in Sweden or admiring Icelandic landscapes. Legos are not for everyone, but I love
- [Brilliant Game of Thrones Exhibition Opens In Stockholm mixing Fantasy & Real History](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/brilliant-game-of-thrones-exhibition-opens-in-stockholm-mixing-fantasy-real-history.html) - Game of Thrones new season starts The new season of the HBO TV series Game of Thrones will premiere on April 6th, 2014. I had an opportunity to hear some spoilers what is going to happen in the series this season in a museum in Stockholm last weekend. One of the spoilers is on the
- [Travel + Shop: Inspiration from Copenhagen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/travel-shop-inspiration-from-copenhagen.html) - Copenhagen in six squares 1. The cherry blossoms make Copenhagen a must visit during spring. You can find cherry blossoms in several different parks. The picture is from the Langelinie promenade and park in central Copenhagen, where the famous Little Mermaid statue is also located. 2. The Mirror Bezel Mesh Strap Watch by Skagen ($100)
- [These Instagram Photos will Make you Want to Go to Scandinavia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/best-scandinavian-instagram-photos.html) - Our team has traveled to around 60 countries, and guess where most of us are spending, or returning to this summer? Home. While we have some exciting travels ahead and new places to visit as well, but especially our Finnish team, we all are returning to Finland at some point of this summer. Satu, ToDestinationUnknown,
- [Photo essay of visiting back home to Turku archipelago in Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/photo-essay-of-visiting-back-home-to-turku-archipelago.html) - Going back home... in 30+ photos I am doing something different this Instagram Travel Thursday. The past 3 weeks I have been posting photos from our trip to Finland on Instagram, and instead of republishing all of the same photos here, I am posting some the same photos, but as non-cropped full images, and adding
- [My Finland in 20 Instagram Pictures](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/my-finland-in-20-instagram-pictures.html) - It's Instagram Travel Thursday again - and now with a new format. Starting this month, we will be hosting Instagram Travel Thursday link collection only once a month, and a new collection linky will be published every first Thursday of each month. Scroll down this post and you will find many more Instagram Travel Thursday
- [Must do for Finnish Design Lovers: Visit Arabia Factory in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/must-do-for-finnish-design-lovers-visit-arabia-factory-in-helsinki.html) - Artists are the rocks stars of Finland I recently visited Arabia factory in Helsinki. More about the factory, it's history, amazing historical findings done from the factory attic, the showroom and why Arabia is the best known Finnish home ware brand in the world in this post, but first: why Finnish everyday design is different
- [Tove Jansson's 100th Anniversary and Moomin Exhibition at the Arabia Gallery in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/tove-jansson-moomins.html) - We recently visited the Arabia Factory in Finland. Arabia has been manufacturing Moomin mugs for decades, and held a Moomin Exhibition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tove Jansson, one of the most beloved and well-known authors and illustrators of Finland. The exhibition was part of the “Tove 100” portraying Tove Jansson's
- [The Lure of the Arctic: What's Hot in Cold Northern Norway](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/the-lure-of-the-arctic-whats-hot-in-cold-northern-norway.html) - This wasn’t the first, second or even third time I packed my bags and headed up north even though anyone with sense would’ve gone exactly the opposite direction. To somewhere warm, sunny and let’s face it, more reasonably priced. Still, as I waited for the overnight train to arrive at a small request train stop,
- [IKEA Temporary Installation at Milan World Expo](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/ikea-temporary-milan-expo.html) - Even more brainpower can only be a good thing. We want your thoughts, opinions and feedback on what we could improve. We believe it’s much better when you tell us how you want to live – and not the other way around. You could say that IKEA has the ingredients – but you have the
- [Authentic Swedish Smörgåsbord on a Brunch Cruise in Stockholm's Archipelago with S/S Stockholm](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/authentic-swedish-smorgasbord-on-cruise.html) - Cruise the Stockholm Archipelago I am currently working on my "Road Trip through Nordic Countries" notemap on Findery, and you can read also my post "Road trip tips for Denmark and Southern Sweden" on Huffington Post. I am finally going through the massive amount of photos from our three years in Sweden. I still have
- [Take a Boat to this Modern Art Museum in Stockholm's Archipelago](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/take-a-boat-to-this-modern-art-museum-in-stockholms-archipelago.html) - Take a trip to Stockholm's Artipelag It is not often you visit an European capital and one of it's most interesting modern art museum's requires a road trip or a boat cruise and a hike in the woods to reach it. Artipelag in Stockholm's archipelago is one of them. It's not situated in the gorgeous
- [Spend a day like the Royals: Visit the Drottningholm Palace in Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/spend-a-day-like-the-royals-visit-the-drottningholm-palace-in-sweden.html) - Drottningholm Palace The Drottningholm Palace is about a twenty-minute-drive from downtown Stockholm, and makes a perfect day trip from the city. To make it an unique experience, you can also take a boat from downtown Stockholm to Drottningholm. The Drottningholm Palace is the home residence of the King and Queen of Sweden, and they reside
- [6 Top Fall Trends for Home Decor from Vallila Interior in Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/09/6-top-fall-trends-for-home-decor-from-vallila-interior-in-finland.html) - Fall Inspiration from Finland The weather still might feel like it's summer, but September is a nice time to start welcoming fall into our lives. Kids are back in school, routines are back in the groove. It's time to think about our fall home and how to enjoy life at home this fall. Changing your
- [Add Iceland as One of Your Family's Bucket List Destinations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/09/add-iceland-as-one-of-your-familys-bucket-list-destinations.html) - Iceland as a top family destination If you ask my son his favorite travel destination, Iceland comes up on the top of the list. I agree with my son, Iceland has special kind of magic. Keith Bellows, the author of 100 Places That Can Change Your Child's Life, also recommends Iceland as one of the
- [Louis Poulsen Artichoke Light Fixtures Shine in this Aarhus Penthouse](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/louis-poulsen-artichoke-light-fixtures-danish-penthouse.html) - Louis Poulsen's PH Artichoke steals the show Aarhus in Denmark received a new landmark: a tall black tower has added its profile to the city skyline, the Aarhus City Tower. The developer, Hans Lorenzen, who prefers the title 'bricklayer', has gone to great lengths to get the perfect view over the city. He would appear
- [We have been to Iceland... but never done these 4 things!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/02/travel-trips-to-iceland.html) - Trip of a lifetime Our first trip to Iceland was in 2012. It was an adventure of a different kind, and only lasted for 24 hours. It was when we moved from New York to Sweden, and Matt moved to Sweden a month before kids and me, and I had to deal with the packing,
- [Finnish Marimekko is Target's Newest Design Partner](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/03/marimekko-at-target.html) - Finnish Design coming to Target near you Target announced their new designer partnership, and it is Marimekko from Finland. I have mixed feelings about this... On one hand I could not be more excited, and I want every single piece of the collection with the Kaivo-print, and I am excited that more people will be
- [Vegan BBQ Pulled Oats Sandwich with Orange Ginger Coleslaw](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/vegan-bbq-pulled-oats-sandwich-with-orange-ginger-coleslaw.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][ut_video_player caption_font_weight=”bold” video_border=”on” url=”https://youtu.be/S2voVSWO7OE” poster=”52638″ border_color=”#06c3de” play_bg_color=”#06c3de”][vc_column_text] Yes, it’s vegan. We decided test Pulled Oats, and see if this trendy Finnish food item really is ready to take over the USA. Matt grew up in Austin, Texas. It shows in our dinner table in a way that we eat Tex-Mex at least once or twice
- [Our Journey in a Volvo. Sweden and beyond.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/volvo-for-life.html) - Volvo Overseas Delivery is by far the best way to buy a car. Matt and I are heading to West Sweden, and exploring Gothenburg and the surrounding area all the way to Göta Kanal with a brand new Volvo XC90 Inscription for over a week starting next week. This trip is done in a partnership
- [HELSINKI Short Film by Isabella & Kristian Presnal for Moment Invitational Film Festival](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/helsinki-short-film-by-isabella-kristian-presnal-for-moment-invitational.html) - [vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] HELSINKI Short Film shot on iPhones [/vc_column_text][ut_video_player caption_font_weight=”bold” video_border=”on” url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8IRtWIhIBQ” border_color=”#06c3de” play_bg_color=”#06c3de” caption=”HELSINKI short film” poster=”52643″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Moment Invitational Film Festival is held for the fourth time this year. Anyone over 18 can submit a short film shot entirely by any type of A phone. 15 finalists will be flown to NYC for the premiere at
- [Finland - The Happiest Country in the World](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/finland-the-happiest-country-in-the-world.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Happy World Happiness Day! The world happiness day is celebrated around the world today. In Finland, it’s a normal Wednesday. In late March it means that it’s a grey day and raining, but all of the snow still hasn’t melted. Oh wait, the rain just turned into snow. I check Twitter, where people are
- [Finnair's New More Sustainable Amenity Kits by Marimekko and L:A Bruket](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/finnair-marimekko.html) - Finnair has news. Finnair is launching a new direct flight between Helsinki and Los Angeles on March 31st, and what could be a better time to also continue their partnership with Finnish design house Marimekko, and refresh the amenities for business class. The new amenity kits also have Swedish L:A Bruket skin care products. The
- [6 Most Expensive Houses for Sale in Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/most-expensive-houses-in-finland.html) - Helsinki Real Estate Obsession I read an article in a local website that real estate websites get more traffic than porn sites in Helsinki, Finland, and that checking out new houses for sale (or rent) can become an obsession due the current market situation. I don't remember where I read it, and I don't know
- [UNIQLO Has Moomin T-Shirts - And They Are Selling Fast](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/04/uniqlo-moomin-t-shirts.html) - UNIQLO did it again! They have a collection of Moomin t-shirts designed by Masaru Suzuki. The new t-shirt collection for women showcases summer in the Moominvalley and Moomin characters created by Finnish Tove Jansson. UNIQLO teamed up with Moomin the first time in 2013, then again in 2017. This is the third time Moomins can
- [Photo Essay of Helsinki Climate March by Kristian Presnal](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/04/photo-essay-of-helsinki-climate-march-by-kristian-presnal.html) - 16-year-old Photographer's View Over ten thousand people attended the Climate March in Helsinki this Saturday, only one week before the general elections in Finland. My 16-year-old son Kristian Presnal, who is a photographer, attended the march and took these photos. Like I'm sure most of us, I was just really moved by Greta Thunberg's speech
- [Best in Finland Told by Travel Bloggers from Around the World](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/04/finland-travel-bloggers.html) - What are travel bloggers recommending to do in Finland? I decided to ask some of my travel blogger friends from around the world what have been their favorite experiences in Finland during spring and summer time. The answer was pretty unanimous: experiencing Finnish nature. Even the big parties and celebrations like First of May/Labor Day
- [Aurorahut - The Next Big Trend in Lapland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/04/aurorahut-next-big-trend-in-lapland.html) - The Next Big Thing in Lapland: Aurorahut Have you ever visited Lapland, the most northern part of Finland? Lapland is the land of magical moments and unforgettable experiences – all year round. Without a doubt, its most valuable assets are fresh, non-polluted air, and safe, clean, untouched nature. I will tell you a secret how
- [Marski by Scandic - Signature Hotel in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/04/marski-by-scandic-helsinki.html) - Marski by Scandic in Helsinki The new Marski by Scandic is a place to experience authentic, unique and creative Finland. Located right in downtown in the mix of culture, shopping and dining, Marski will be the place where visitors can enjoy the best of Helsinki, and locals can hang out. The entire hotel is under
- [Springtime with Marimekko](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/05/springtime-with-marimekko.html) - Marimekko's Spring is Green Green! Finally it's green outside! And so is Marimekko's spring: all about green. I visited Milan Design Week to check out Marimekko's shoppable home concept, and found the cutest small glass vase: the Mini from Marimekko's home collection. Scroll down the photos what else Marimekko's design week installation had. View
- [Video Tour of Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/05/video-museum-of-contemporary-art-kiasma-in-helsinki.html) - AlexAlex and Kristian spent a day at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma in Helsinki. First she takes the stage at The Stage is Yours exhibition. The exhibition a collection of participatory and experiential artworks that underline the concepts of giving, hospitality and togetherness. Watch the video what kind of art AlexAlex creates and what
- [Art Exhibition by Gabriella Presnal to Celebrate Pride](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/06/art-exhibition-by-gabriella-presnal-pride.html) - The Art Exhibition is Held During Pride Month in Helsinki We are excited to announce Gabriella Presnal's first art exhibition! The exhibition will be held at the Utua brand store at Aleksanterinkatu 36, Helsinki during 19th of June until 2nd of July. The Utua brand store in Helsinki is on the main shopping street in
- [Weecos - the Sustainable Marketplace](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/07/weecos-the-sustainable-marketplace.html) - Weecos is a Finnish sustainable online market place.
- [Moomin Whisky by Kyrö Distellery Sold for Thousand Dollars per Bottle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/10/moomin-whisky-by-kyro-distellery-sold-for-thousand-dollars-per-bottle.html) - Special Edition Whisky to celebrate Moomin and to Support A Charity This is a threesome of my three Finnish fandoms, and the last one is the most important one. Tove Jansson's Moomin books and characters have guided my adult life. Yes, I say adult, because when I was a child I was a little bit
- [Finnair Sells Airplane Food in Grocery Stores](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/10/airplane-food-in-stores.html) - Can't travel? No problem, you can now get your airplane meal in Finland Finnair started selling versions of their business class in-flight meals in grocery stores. Nicely wrapped and marketed with pretty images, it is Finnair's brilliant attempt to add revenue, but more importantly, keep their customers dreaming of travel and keeping the brand in
- [The Moomin Flagship Store in Helsinki Celebrates its First Anniversary](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/11/the-moomin-flagship-store-helsinki.html) - This year the Moomin’s celebrate its 75th anniversary with the #OURSEA-campaign, and now the Moomin’s flagship store celebrates its first year.
- [Naava Green Walls Let You Breathe Fresh Air](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/11/naava-green-walls-indoor-air.html) - Naava’s green walls are fully automated products combining natural innovation with future technology and Scandinavian design to bring nature and fresh air indoors, making them the smartest green walls on the planet.
- [Unique Wilderness and Culture Experiences in Posio, Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/04/unique-wilderness-and-culture-experiences-in-posio-finland.html) - Guest post by luxury travel expert Mia Niemelä of Touchse travel blog. Himmerki Holiday Village and Kirikeskus Hotel I spent four days at the wilderness holiday village Himmerki, which is located in Posio, a small town, relatively near proximity to the Arctic Circle of Finland’s Lapland. The family that runs the holiday village also owns a closeby wilderness hotel called Kirikeskus. Art Experience at Kirikeskus I stayed at Himmerki, but I
- [Marimekko Global Expansion - New Stores in the Nordics and Asia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/marimekko-new-stores.html) - Marimekko focuses on scaling its business and growth, particularly in international markets. Northern Europe, including key cities like Copenhagen, remains a focal point for Marimekko as it strives to enhance brand awareness and expand its presence in alignment with the overall growth strategy.
- [Heart of Haiti Collection - Gifts with Purpose](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/11/heart-of-haiti-collection-gifts-with-purpose.html) - Holiday Gifts with Purpose Despite the devastating 2010 earthquake, Haitian artisans continue to create art that reflects their rich culture and history. Heart of Haiti collection brings these traditional, handcrafted treasures to Macy’s, the collection has beautiful works of art, from paper mache serving trays and sandstone bookends in vibrant colors, to metal work mirrors
- [Global Kitchen:  Flex Mussels à la Blanche de Chambly Beer Recipe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/08/global-kitchen-flex-mussels-a-la-blanche-de-chambly-beer-recipe.html) - Sponsored content. As seen on SAVEUR Summer Cookout SAVEUR's 6th Annual SAVEUR Summer Cookout was hosted earlier this summer at the Boat Basin Café in New York City. Guests celebrated summer with the ultimate outdoor dining experience—over twenty of the country’s hottest chefs and mixologists prepared their favorite summertime fare and specialty cocktails, plus beer
- [Only In A Woman's World 1st Webisode!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/02/only-in-a-womans-world.html) - You see it here first! Only in a Woman's World first webisode premiers officially tomorrow, but I already have it here for you to enjoy today! This is the clip we saw in the Hollywood red carpet event already on Tuesday.
- [Visit My New Home at LifetimeMoms.com](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/08/visit-my-new-home-at-lifetimemomscom.html) - I am so excited to announce that I am the Home channel leader for LifetimeMoms.com, and you will be able to read my home decorating blog posts over there twice a week. Lifetime Moms is a new website by Lifetime TV network, and it is such an honor to be working with a brand, that
- [Marimekko Holiday Catalogue](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/11/marimekko-holiday-catalogue.html) - Marimekko's Holiday 2009 Catalogue just came out - can't wait to share more photos and ideas how to incorporate Finnish Design into your Holiday decorating this year. Also stay tuned for a fabulous FinnStyle gift card giveaway coming up here and a Scandinavian Holiday special at Skimbaco Lifestyle
- [iPhone Apps for Home Decorators & IKEA Lovers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/12/iphone-apps-for-home-decorators-ikea-lovers.html) - This is a new IKEA catalog app for UK IKEA customers. The application just launched and it is in it's first stage and still being developed. But I have to say, even though it is the UK version, and the prices are in pounds, as an IKEA junkie, I had to download it immediately. Just
- [Design Trend from DIFFA: Eco Natural](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/04/design-trend-from-diffa-eco-natural.html) - One of the design trends I spotted at DIFFA 2010 is the natural and eco look. It's nothing new, and I hope and believe that green living is here to stay. Four NYSID students created this “cradle to cradle” concept focusing on sustainability and modern aesthetics. The table design and the booth was almost entirely
- [Design Trend from DIFFA: Color Red](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/04/design-trend-from-diffa-color-red.html) - Another design trend I spotted at DIFFA 2010 was color red. In fashion everything 80's is in, and I have to say the red & black color combo brings 80's in my mind. AnneMarie DiSalvo designed this Moulin Rouge inspired table for The New York Times, and this takes you way back in time than
- [New Look of Skimbaco Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/04/new-look-of-skimbaco-home.html) - Look at the new look of Skimbaco Home - what do you think? Also - Skimbaco Lifestyle got a matching decor. Designed by Jennae Petersen Hibiscus Creative, I'm sure you know her also from Green Your Decor.
- [Design Trend from DIFFA: Modern Chic](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/05/design-trend-from-diffa-modern-chic.html) - Modern Chic table top designs from DIFFA 2010 show.
- [Pictures from Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/05/metropolitan-museum-of-art-my-inspiration.html) - Where do you get your inspiration? While my children are my biggest inspiration, I draw inspiration from everything surrounding me. I love to travel and see new places, and visit new restaurants, museums and I love nature. I visited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art a few weeks ago, and I can't wait to go
- [Marilyn Monroe's former House for Sale](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/07/marilyn-monroes-house.html) - A piece of Hollywood history is up for sale. A house that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe is for sale for $3.6 million, and probably won't be on the market for long. Marilyn Monroe's house is offered for sale by David Offer real estate agency. Marilyn Monroe bought this 1929 built Spanish style house in
- [Clinton Wedding Place: Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, NY](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/clinton-wedding-place-astor-courts-in-rhinebeck-ny.html) - Chelsea Clinton looked stunning in her Vera Wang wedding gown as her father Bill Clinton walked her down the aisle yesterday when she wed Marc Mezvinsky in the beautiful settings by Hudson river in Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, New York. Astor Courts was designed by Stanford White and built in 1902 for John Jacob Astor
- [Is Now A Good Time To Buy A Home?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/time-to-buy-home.html) - The experts say that buying your home is always a good investment, you will need a place to live anyway, you might as well gain equity by owning one. But I wanted to know more about the state of the real estate market today, and interviewed real estate, mortgage and family wealth planning experts and
- [Hanes Comfort, Friends & What To Do With Your Underwear Drawer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/hanes-comfort-friends-what-to-do-with-your-underwear-drawer.html) - One of my favorite family comfort brands, Hanes, hosted a party during BlogHer conference in New York City, and I attended with some of my favorite bloggers, like Monica of Mommy Brain Reports, Debba of Girlfriendology and Erika of Chic Shopper Chick. We were pampered with comfortinis and foot massages - I missed them both,
- [IVANAhelsinki for Luhta Home Products](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/09/ivanahelsinki-for-luhta-home-products.html) - This week was a big step forward for Finnish fashion and design, when IVANAhelsinki debuted at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York as the first ever Finnish fashion label officially part of the fashion week. IVANAhelsinki has had an amazing couple of years and it is taking the design and fashion world by storm.
- [10 Over the Top Halloween Decorating Ideas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/10/10-over-the-top-halloween-decorating-ideas.html) - Want to give some ba-da-bim for your home for Halloween? Here are some gothic, spooky and just fantastically Halloweenish ideas for taking your Halloween decorating over the top this year. Some of these finds might fancy you so much that you'd might like to keep them year round. Especially is you live in a gothic
- [Majestic Design from Disney Dream Cruise Ship](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/01/majestic-design-from-disney-dream-cruise-ship.html) - I had an opportunity to attend Disney Cruise Line's Inaugural cruise on the new Disney Dream earlier this week. I will be covering many highlights from the trip and the ship itself the upcoming few weeks at Skimbaco Lifestyle and at Skimbaco Travel, but I wanted to share some of the more architectural pictures here.
- [Knoll: Modern. In the Classic Sense.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/04/knoll-modern-in-the-classic-sense.html) - Knoll introduces Modern. In the Classic Sense., a new sales and marketing initiative celebrating its timeless design. The modern classic furniture designs by Eero Saarinen and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are being paired with bold new collections by Joseph Paul D'Urso, Jehs+Laub and Shelton Mindel and the Modern. In the Classic Sense. campaign is
- [Keep Calm Poster Trend just Left the Building](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/05/keep-calm-poster-trend-just-left-the-building.html) - We have all seen the Keep Calm and Carry On print somewhere. Scratch that. We have all seen the Keep Calm and Carry On print everywhere. And that's when you know it's time to carry on. Poster from Store in Style. Don't take me wrong, I love the poster. I love the idea behind it.
- [Gorgeous Notting Hill Home in ELLE Decor](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/gorgeous-notting-hill-home.html) - Here is some eye candy for you my design friends. These gorgeous photos are from home of an Australian-born designer Peter Mikic in London's Notting Hill. Notting Hill still has some undiscovered gems that are waiting to be discovered and rescued - and that's exactly what Peter Mikic and his partner did four years ago
- [IKEA Limited Edition MYRLILJA Textile Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/ikea-myrlilja.html) - Stay tuned for more home decorating posts and never miss a post – subscribe to Skimbaco Home feed. IKEA's new limited edition textile collection called MYRLILJA hits the IKEA stores world wide tomorrow June 1, 2012 and is only available while supplies last. MYRLILJA is perfect way to bring some color for summer home, with
- [Happy Earth Day](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/happy-earth-day.html) - Happy Earth Day! Hoping today and every day you take action to protect Earth. Small things like unplugging electronics when not in use, or recycling make a big difference when we all do it. Preserving Mother Earth for the next generations is everyone's responsibility. One of the things I do is to think every single
- [Home Trend: Union Jack & London Calling](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/union-jack-home-decor.html) - I love this British pride photo from ELLE and I can't help but getting excited about everything British, everything with Union Jacks, and everything London as I hear everyone talking about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics. You can see the lure of London in fashion, in interior design and even in
- [Scandinavian Tradition: Midsummer Fest](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/scandinavian-tradition-midsummer-fest.html) - Midsummer fest in Scandinavia Midsummer, or midsommer in Sweden and Juhannus in Finland, is one of the biggest Holidays in these two Nordic countries, right there with Christmas in popularity. Midsummer occurs on the weekend closest to June 24; midsummer eve is always a Friday. It's a great time to travel to Sweden or Finland
- [HGTV Magazine Now in the Newsstands (Sneak Peek Photos Here)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/hgtv-magazine-pictures.html) - HGTV Magazine hit the newsstands on May 29th and while I know they say you shouldn't judge a book by cover, and you probably shouldn't judge a magazine by cover either, but I have to be honest - I am super excited about the new HGTV Magazine as a long HGTV fan. I missed the
- [What is Great Design and Why it Matters](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/great-design.html) - What is great design and why it matters We often tend to look at trends in home decorating and fashion, and often confuse pretty with good design. To me there is only one type of great design: it's functional that serves a purpose, it lasts for a long time thus it's high quality, and it
- [Just In: Fashion Loves Animals {Benefit Fashion Show}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/just-in-fashion-loves-animals-benefit-fashion-show.html) - On May 4th at SIR Stage 37 in New York, celebrities, fashion elite, and media gathered to celebrate the future of fashion at Fashion Loves Animals hosted by and benefiting Farm Sanctuary. The event also honored VAUTE Couture President and Creative Director Leanne, Mai-ly Hilgart, who has been hailed "the rebel of Fashion Week"
- [The Hot Travel Trend: Combination Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/combination-travel-trend.html) - Combination travel going on holiday to two, or more different destinations and experiencing opposites such as rural hiking or beach and a buzzing city. Combination travel, combining two opposite destinations, is becoming very popular. Other type of combination travel getting very popular lately is not only combining destinations, but also the means to travel, such
- [Dinner Party Tips from Chef Sam Talbot and Designer Genevieve Gorder](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/dinner-party-tips-from-chef-sam-talbot-and-designer-genevieve-gorder.html) - Dinner parties themed by a color Valspar and Lowe's unveiled a super premium paint and primer that contains unsurpassed durability, color accuracy, and coverage. I attended the launch event in New York City. The new paint, Valspar Reserve, and the launch have me thinking all things dinner parties and color. I was partial to the
- [Paris Flea Market Style as Home Decorating Inspiration](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/paris-flea-market-home-decorating-style.html) - The Skimbaco Philosophy on Saving & Splurging I am a big believer that you can live life to the fullest on any budget. I love to splurge on things, but I equally love saving money on other things (so I can afford the splurges). I believe you should treat yourself, and not deny yourself the
- [15 Easy Ways to Save the Earth](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/04/15-easy-ways-to-save-the-earth.html) - Every day is Earth Day! Today is a great day to think all of the very small steps you can take every day to be better for the Earth. Living life to the fullest should not mean that you live it like there is no tomorrow. Living life to the fullest means that you enjoy
- [Garden Greenhouse Perfected in Swedish Countryside](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/garden-greenhouse.html) - Dreamy garden greenhouse in Swedish countryside I admit, I am not a gardener. I love to host dinner parties in the backyard, but I am lucky that my husband is more of the green thumb than I am, and he takes care of the garden. I think I am also still trying to get used
- [Converse shoes inspired by a NBA star Dwyane Wade](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/07/converse-shoes-inspired-by-nba-star.html) - My son got a new pair of Converse Kids Wade 2.0 shoes, a new basketball and playing basketball with Daddy had never been that much fun. "These shoes are amazing" from a 4-year-old. No wonder, since these Converse Kids Wade shoes were inspired by a NBA star Dwyane Wade, of the Miami Heat. As a
- [Skimbaco launches Spread Sunshine Charity Program](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/08/skimbaco-launches-spread-sunshine.html) - We've got some official news today!DURANGO, CO (August 14, 2007) – Children’s online boutique Skimbaco.com launches Spread Sunshine Charity program benefiting Hope International. Skimbaco offers an unique shopping experience for modern parents. Easy online shopping with products from mom-owned companies and from small independent labels, which have philantrophic focus. Skimbaco launched it’s own Spread Sunshine
- [Kaia Canales spreads sunshine](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/09/kaia-canales-spreads-sunshine.html) - I would like to introduce Kaia Canales, a talented clothing designer, who has designed for large companies such as Calvin Klein, Old Navy and for a boutique label Calypso, and her own line Fable and Lore just hit the stores for the first time. Fable and Lore is an unique clothing line for children. Clothing
- [Denise Richards likes Tsukihoshi Sneakers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/09/denise-richards-likes-tsukihoshi.html) - Denise Richards and her two pretty girls, Lola and Sam, were spotted in Beverly Hills yesterday. Celebrity Baby Blog has a picture and details! Unfortunately I will not pay to post celebrity photos here, so I can't show you a picture, but both little girls are wearing Tsukihoshi Pink Sneakers we have at Skimbaco! The
- [Gimme some more .. photos!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/10/gimme-some-more-photos.html) - Ok, I was trying to take some photos of my kids..I've gotten e-mails saying I need to post more pics of the kids!I also wanted to show a few of my kids' favorite outfits from the Fall/Winter 07 collections. But it was a mission impossible. My models kept climbing in the trees. Isabella wearing Edenstar
- [My Snow White](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/11/my-snow-white.html) - I know.. my Halloween pictures come pretty late and I am missing 2/3 of my kids here, but just wanted to share a few photos of Gaby in her Snow White costume and the beautiful fall colors of New York behind her. Snow White costume from Princess Time Toys Subscribe
- [Meet the New Hanes Models! ($50 Hanes Giveaway)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/09/new-hanes-models.html) - Meet three new Hanes models: my kids! I am part of the Hanes Comfort Crew and my family attended the Hanes Comfort Crew kick off trip to DisneyWorld earlier this year - and now my children were asked to be Hanes models for the summer '10 catalog! "It's exciting and cool to try out being
- ["Home Couture" DIY Spiderweb Witch Halloween Costume](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/diy-witch-halloween-costume-tweens.html) - I'm not a big fan of the most Halloween costumes sold at the stores for the tweens and teens. Most of them are inappropriate, and every single dress is too short or suggestive. My daughter is 11 years old, and she has a very classy style, but since everyone else is dressing up in these
- [Four Children's Winter Coats in a Review](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/11/four-childrens-winter-coats-in-a-review.html) - I was tasked to review four winter jackets for kids and compare them to form a view of some of the best winter jackets out there for kids. I was sent four coats, and I don't know which one of these brands is behind this effort to get real opinions of all them. I enlisted
- [Dressing Up for Halloween in Alice in Wonderland Theme](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/dressing-up-for-halloween-in-alice-in-wonderland-theme.html) - Sponsored content. Our theme for this Halloween is Alice in Wonderland! BuyCostumes.com has such a vast variety of costumes also in the Alica in Wonderland theme that it took us a while to figure out our favorites. I wanted to be the Queen of Hearts, Isabella wanted to be Alice in Wonderland, and Gabriella became
- [Weekend Destination: Dallas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/04/weekend-destination-dallas.html) - Thanks to Nissan, I was able to spend some time in Dallas in March. I test drove the new Nissan Murano CrossCarbriolet and enjoyed sunny Texas. I have been in Dallas before, but with children, and while there is plenty of things to do for families in Dallas area, I liked my latest visit and
- [Paws Up - Glamorous Camping aka Glamping in Montana](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/paws-up-glamping.html) - I had never heard of the word "glamping" before I was invited to a press trip to Paws Up luxury camping resort in Montana to test drive the new M-Class Mercedes-Benz earlier this summer. I was very interested to see what glamorous camping was, and I have to say, it surpassed all of my expectations.
- [Paws Up Luxury Mountain Resort in Montana](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/paws-up-luxury-resort-montana.html) - I wrote about glamping at Paws Up resort in Montana a while ago, and here is a bit more about the one-of-a-kind resort. I highly recommend Paws Up if you are looking for a getaway to relax and enjoy nature but still want to be pampered with luxury accommodations, or if you are looking for
- [Bucket List to Do: Be in Love in Venice](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/love-venice.html) - Greetings from Venice, Italy! Venice is known as a honeymoon destination, and the destination where to pop the question - and I can see why. I think "to be in love in Venice" is a bucket list MUST DO for anyone. The romantic canals, the gondolas, the mysterious cobble stone streets with easy to get
- [Paris Boutique Hotel Review: Hôtel Montalembert](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/paris-boutique-hotel-review-hotel-montalembert.html) - Paris Boutique Hotel on the Left Bank I stayed at the Hôtel Montalembert in Paris, read my review of this five star boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. I visited Paris for the first time a few weeks ago during the Paris Fashion Week, and before booking my trip I asked hotel recommendations from
- [THE Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/the-hotel-california-in-todos-santos-mexico.html) - I visited the Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico, in August. I was invited as a guest of the Mexican Tourism Board, and it was my first trip to Mexico, but it won't be the last. I will also share many more details of our trip to Mexico in the upcoming weeks, but today I
- [Romantic Paris: Louvre is for Lovers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/louvre-is-for-lovers.html) - Louvre is for Lovers Paris is an amazing city for romantic getaways, there is no question about it. If you want to book a getaway and surprise your Valentine, check out the Paris hotel deals I just posted. I visited Paris with my daughter and my mother-in-law, and one surprisingly romantic place where I missed
- [Paris Historic Hotel Review: Hotel Westminster](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/paris-historic-hotel-review-hotel-westminster.html) - Hotel Westminster in Paris, France Dreaming of a romantic trip to Paris with a hotel to match the theme? Then Hotel Westminster could be perfectly suited for you as it has the glitter and glamour of yesteryear with matching romantic décor, yet it is small and private enough to give the feel of intimacy. And with often
- [Travel: French Wine Cruise in Burgundy on a River Barge](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/wine-cruise-burgundy-france.html) - I hope you enjoyed the few Instagram photos I posted from my trip to France. Stay tuned for many more photos and my new discoveries from France, including my tips for Paris, pictures from Burgundy and the towns we visited during our trip. Trendy way to see Europe: River Cruising One of the trendiest ways
- [Travel: Living the Rich Life in Kauai, Hawaii](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/travel-living-the-rich-life-in-kauai-hawaii.html) - Kauai, an island full of natural and rugged tropical beauty, sweet smelling flowers, fruity drinks, intense waves and miles of challenging hiking trails, is one of eight major islands that make up Hawaii’s archipelago. Kauai is fourth largest island in size and is known as the “Garden Isle” for its verdant, jungle-like landscape. My husband
- [Hike, Taste Wine, and Picnic at Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma, California](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/bartholomew-park-winery-in-sonoma-california.html) - My three favorite things to do in my leisure time as a resident of Sonoma Valley, California are hiking, wine tasting and picnicking. There is one place in the Sonoma Wine Country where I can do all three at one location. Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma offers miles of hiking trails on their 37-acre winery
- [Hotel Review: Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran - Modern Oasis Surrounded by Balinese Culture](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/hotel-review-le-meridien-bali-jimbaran.html) - Bali. An Indonesian island with rich culture, green landscape with rice fields, gorgeous beaches and coral reefs, stunning sunsets and sunny days, only a few degrees south of the Equator. Bali has been voted among the best islands to visit by Travel and Leisure, BBC Travel and many more, and it has become a soul-seeker's
- [Follow my Trip to Bali as I Discover the SPG Member Favorite Hotels & Resorts](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/follow-my-trip-to-bali-as-i-discover-the-spg-member-favorite-hotels-resorts.html) - My Dream Destination: Bali Our expat living time here in Sweden is coming close to the end. Ever since I went to Bali last year I told my husband I would only move back to the USA from Europe if I could fly back "around the world," and stop in Bali on the way. I
- [Paris Day Trip: Touring Champagne Region in Reims](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/paris-day-trip-touring-champagne-region-in-reims.html) - Just having returned from a trip to Paris, all things French are still on my mind. While there is a laundry list of things to see and day in Paris that can keep one busy forever, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and explore a new town, Reims, during my visit. Before explaining,
- [Hotel Review: St. Regis Bali - The Ultimate Exotic Luxury Beach Resort](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/hotel-review-st-regis-bali-the-ultimate-exotic-luxury-beach-resort.html) - Disclosure: my trip to Bali was sponsored by Starwood Preferred Guest. My opinions are my own. Words fail me describing the St. Regis Bali Resort, it is simply outstanding in every way. Let me take you on a photo tour of the property of your dreams (well, my dreams!). When you are looking for an
- [Nomadic Newlyweds' Top 10 Skimbaco Moments](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/nomadic-newlyweds-skimbaco-moments.html) - Welcoming our new team members, Brooke and Wilhelm Genn of Nomadic Newlyweds. Learn more about Nomadic Newlyweds here in this mini interview! We are so excited to have Brooke and Wilhelm as part of our team, we have been admiring their photos on Instagram for a very long time! Our 10 Skimbaco moments Living a
- [Travel like Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Kennedy: Experience the French Riviera at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/french-riviera-luxury-at-hotel-du-cap-eden-roc.html) - Ultimate Luxury in Cap d'Antibes It is no secret that the south of France is one of my favorite destinations in the world. I simply love the beach environment mixed with the slow-paced European lifestyle and beauty of the Mediterranean. There are so many things to see and do in the many picturesque seaside towns that
- [My Husband Asked if I Wanted to Go on a Road Trip.. and We Ended Up Reliving our Past](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/08/my-husband-asked-if-i-wanted-to-go-on-a-road-trip-and-we-ended-up-reliving-our-past.html) - When is the last time you felt like going on a little trip, and then just... left? We went for a vacation to Texas a few weeks ago. It was a mixed business trip with a family visit, as Matt and I attended the Young Living convention, and then visited family. It was a great
- [Insider's Guide to the French Riviera](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/french-riviera-travel-tips.html) - The French Riviera has been a summer playground for decades, exuding an effortless sense of glamour and sophistication as represented by Slim Aarons. The Cote d'Azur comes to life beginning with the Cannes Film Festival and continues through the summer high season. This year, the 69th Festival de Cannes is running May 11th-22nd. With some
- [The Best of Windy City and our Stay at Chicago's New Hyatt Centric Hotel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/10/the-best-of-windy-city-and-our-stay-at-chicagos-new-hyatt-centric-hotel.html) - Exploring Chicago with Hyatt Centric Our stay with Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago was absolutely fabulous. We explored and we rested, we ate and we drank, we learned and we laughed. If you have never visited Chicago, exploring the city with Hyatt Centric is a great way to do it... in fact, if you've been
- [Fresh & Chic Summer BBQ Party Ideas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/4th-of-july-party-ideas.html) - Bringing Diversity to the Ultimate 4th of July Backyard Party We celebrated the past three Independence Days in Europe, and hosted 4th of July parties with a BBQ menu that included all of our favorites from the South, like ribs, cornbread with honey butter, and baked beans that I cooked for hours. These are all
- [Just in: Bat Kid in San Francisco is a great reminder to start Holiday season with a big heart](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/bat-kid-in-san-francisco.html) - I had the privilege of being in the right place at the right time yesterday. A planned holiday shopping overnighter to San Francisco with two other bloggers turned into an opportunity to see how large people’s hearts really are. And how a city can make inconvenient sacrifices for no other reason than because it’s the
- [Interview with Ted Allen & His Holiday Entertaining Tips](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/interview-with-ted-allen-his-holiday-entertaining-tips.html) - Watch the video interview with Ted Allen, the host of the hit TV show “Chopped” on Food Network, among many other popular TV shows on the Food Network and Bravo and also an author of The Food You Want to Eat: 100 Smart, Simple Recipes. Ted Allen teamed up with Nespresso as the Nespresso North
- [Travel Insight: Scarlett O’Hara would be Impressed with Afternoon Tea at Virginia's Jefferson Hotel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/travel-insight-scarlett-ohara-would-be-impressed-with-afternoon-tea-at-virginias-jefferson-hotel.html) - Word around Richmond is that “Gone with the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell stayed at the Virginia's Jefferson Hotel while writing the famous Southern novel, which turned into the iconic movie classic. As an avid fan of “Gone with the Wind,” I will go ahead and say, “Fiddle dee-dee, they do look a lot like the
- [Global Kitchen: Toblerone Danish Pastry Recipe for Après-ski](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/toblerone-pastry-danish-recipe.html) - The mixed cultural background of the Toblerone Danish It would be so simple if I could tell you a story about skiing in the Alps in co-injunctions of the Toblerone pastry recipe, now wouldn't it? But I admit, I've never skied in Switzerland, and there is no such story to accompany this Global Kitchen recipe
- [Margarita Lime No-Bake Cheese Cake Recipe {perfect for Cinco de Mayo}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/margarita-cheese-cake-recipe.html) - Margarita Lime Cheese Cake This easy to make lime cheese cake is one of my favorite spring and summertime desserts. This time I added a little tequila to the cake to make it a perfect cake for Cinco de Mayo celebrations next month. One of the best parts of this lime cheese cake is that
- [Take the Party with You with Stanley Brand Tailgating products (Bonus: My Autumn Pork Roast with Maple Syrup Recipe)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/10/tailgating-perfected-products-recipes.html) - Take the party outdoors this autumn Don't you just LOVE this time of the year?? In all honesty, I like to spend more time outdoors in the fall-time, when the weather is cooler, and the leaves are turning colors, and the air feels crisp. It's the best time of the year to go hiking with
- [Helsinki is the Most Sustainable City for Travelers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/06/helsinki-sustainable-city.html) - Just recently, InsureMyTrip ranked the Most Sustainable Cities for Travelers in 2025, and Helsinki is at the top. In this research, the researchers standardized a wide range of data, from green hotel certifications to walkability, to help travelers make more conscious choices. And Helsinki stands out: It ranked highest for green space quality (86%) Most
- [Are You A Victim Of Passion Entrepreneurship Porn?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/06/passion-business.html) - Should you become a passion entrepreneur? Passion entrepreneurship sounds amazing. Doing what you love, and thus working hard doesn't even feel like working hard. Laptop entrepreneurs in luxury hotels. Vanlife across Europe or the USA. Inspirational coaches living on the beach in Bali. Turning your love of yoga, cooking, popcorn, making jewelry - anything -
- [Forget AI Hacks. Authenticity Wins on LinkedIn](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/06/authenticity-wins-on-linkedin.html) - Are you ready to build real influence while the rest of the internet slows down? Join the 30-day LinkedIn Challenge. Because here’s what most people won’t tell you: Summer is secretly the best time to grow on LinkedIn. Most business founders hit pause on visibility, assuming everyone else is doing the same. But that’s exactly
- [Le Méridien Sparkling Happy Hour: Serving Global Cocktails Unique to Local Areas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/le-meridien-sparkling-happy-hour-serving-global-cocktails-unique-to-local-areas.html) - Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts are putting back the sparkle in happy hour this fall and winter. The trendy, European-inspired hotels in the Starwood Brand, have tapped into local flavors to curate spritzers and cocktails unique to its local area as part of the new global beverage program called Le Méridien Sparkling . During one of the most
- [Founder Stories: I'm Done Whispering](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/04/founder-stories-im-done-whispering.html) - If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together You've probably heard the African proverb multiple times. It's been in my mind since starting Crush. Everyone who has birthed a company knows that recruiting, onboarding, and leading a team takes time. And often it is faster just to
- [Picture This: Nation of Thought-Leaders](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/04/picture-this-nation-of-thought-leaders.html) - National symbols in marketing and the country brand. National symbols in marketing and the country brand
- [Partner with Crush Movement](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/04/crush-sponsors.html) - Catch up from last week, when I started documenting the Crush x Emmy Fun(d)raising campaign in real-time. My challenge: to get sponsors for the Crush 2025 event, where 250 rebel leaders will come together for a business conference focused on social sustainability, leadership and business growth. In the Crush x Emmy campaign, we ask people
- [Follow This Fun(d)raising Marketing Campaign In Real Time](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/03/follow-this-fundraising-marketing-campaign-in-real-time.html) - It's easy to do great marketing campaigns when you have resources, like people and a budget. But times are tough. And I promised you: real stories. So here it is. This is the most vulnerable I've ever been talking about marketing. It's easy to tell great stories of success, when you tried 50 things, and
- [Events as a Marketing Tool](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/02/events-for-marketing.html) - Events are a goldmine for growing your business. Events are a goldmine for growing your business.
- [Consistency is the Queen. So I am Starting Weekly Marketing Posts](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/02/marketing-by-katja-presnal.html) - What can you expect? Out-of-the-box thinking. Marketing. Strategy. Social sustainability. A little bit of technology. Growing companies. My stories. It might sound crazy, but I think marketing can be used to change the world, and I am trying to do that with my work every day. What can you expect? Out-of-the-box thinking. Marketing. Strategy. Social sustainability. A little bit of technology. Growing companies. My stories. It might sound crazy, but I think marketing can be used to change the world, and I am trying to do that with my work every day.
- ["Why Are Boys Falling Behind?" Is the Wrong Question](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2025/01/why-are-boys-falling-behind-is-the-wrong-question.html) - I live in Finland, a country that boasts many feminist human rights achievements. Let's start with history and then continue to one big problem: boys are falling behind, and many blame feminism. History of The Almost Gender-Equal Nation Finland ranks second in the Global Gender Gap Index. In the 2024 index, Finland's gender gap is
- [Revolutionizing Maternity Care Through AI](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2024/09/revolutionizing-maternity-care-through-ai.html) - Did you know Finland is one of the best countries for mothers and maternity care? Finland excels in maternal health, and children's well-being, and offers generous amounts of paid maternity leave. Introducing: Natal Mind Meet Natal Mind, a project that is now on its way to transferring from a university research project into a spin-off
- [Between the Lines - A chat with the director Jessica Prümers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2024/06/between-the-lines-a-chat-with-the-director-jessica-prumers.html) - Who else loves to curl up on the couch with your favorite snacks, a warm drink, and a comforting rom-com? That is the vibe that filmmaker Jessica Prümers achieves with their latest short film “Between the Lines” a coming-of-age romantic comedy short film. Jessica and I have been friends for a few years, having connected
- [Movie Star Emma Thompson Speaks Up Why Film Production in Finland Should Be Supported](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2024/03/emma-thompson-film-in-finland.html) - Filming in Finland: Snow and cinematographic landscapes The Finnish landscape is typically the one that draws filmmakers to Finland. Sometimes it's simply the snow, which has become less predictable in many other parts of the world, because of climate change. I like following Film in Finland on LinkedIn, they feature unique filming locations in Finland.
- [Shevestments SPARK Pitching Competition at Crush Event in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2024/03/shevestments-spark.html) - Funding for female founders: Shevestments SPARK at Crush Shevestments SPARK is an exciting Shark Tank-style Pitching competition for female and non-binary founders, held at Crush Event on May 8th, 2024. Crush is a feminist business conference with over 20 international speakers, aiming to make the business world more equitable and socially sustainable. Crush is held
- [How to Make the Best Out of Conferences](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2024/02/how-to-make-the-best-out-of-conferences.html) - This post is a translated version of a guest post I wrote for Ukko.fi. Ukko.fi is a sponsor for Crush Event. One of my highlights of 2023 was organizing the Crush Event together with Anna Pyykkö, the founder of Female Founders Finland. Over 100 women gathered to learn more about feminism in the context of
- [Introducing Crush Movement](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/12/introducing-crush-movement.html) - Welcome to watch Crush Talk Show! Watch the video or read more below. In this Talk Show, we talk with interesting guests about entrepreneurship, leadership, and feminine values, and also crush old myths. But first, let's talk about who we are and why we became entrepreneurs. Katja, how did you become an entrepreneur? Katja: I’m
- [Fairy Tales Come True in Norway: 3 Dreamy Norway Tours](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/fairy-tale-norway-tours.html) - If you want to daydream with me, or when you are ready to "let it go" and live your own epic adventure in Norway, check out these three family-friendly adventures. In Norwegian, ‘eventyr’ means both 'adventure' and 'fairy tale’ so it's fitting that fairy tales come true in Norway.
- [Kaiko Clothing: Fashion With A Mission](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/kaiko-clothing.html) - Kaiko Clothing: Fashion With A Mission
- [Are you a Mermaid or a Whale?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/are-you-a-mermaid-or-a-whale.html) - I saw this posted on Facebook by Delphine Fieberg. A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?" The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the
- [Elevate Your Helsinki Experience: The Grand Debut of The Hotel Maria](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/the-hotel-maria-helsinki.html) - The Hotel Maria is set to open its grand heritage doors in December 2023 as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection. This will be the brand’s first Legend hotel in Finland.
- [WEDO is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs at United Nations, New York](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/womens-entrepreneurship-day-united-nations.html) - Mark your calendar for November 17th, 2023, it's the tenth annual Women's Entrepreneurship Day! Every year, Women's Entrepreneurship Day brings together women entrepreneurs from all corners of the world. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) was founded in 2013 by Wendy Diamond, an entrepreneur and humanitarian, to celebrate, support, and empower women
- [Ryanair Operates to Lapland from Milan, Dublin, Brussels, Liverpool and London](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/ryanair-operates-to-lapland-from-milan-dublin-brussels-liverpool-and-london.html) - The city of Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland are celebrating the 2023-2024 winter season start, and Ryanair, the budget airline in Europe, showed up to party. The first-ever Ryanair flight from Milan Bergamo Airport landed at Rovaniemi Airport yesterday, November 4th, 2023. The flights from Milan to Rovaniemi will run twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays
- [No-Office Films: Film Production Company From Los Angeles and Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/no-office-films-production.html) - If there is a great company origin story, it's this. A long time ago, cousins Hannu Aukia and Jaakko Manninen left their home country Finland. They were already known in Europe, but as music and film producers they were determined to make it in Hollywood. The urban legend goes that their first office was similar
- [Would the World be a Different Place if Artists Made More Money?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/11/artists-money.html) - The intersection of art and business is an interesting topic. And something I've been thinking about a lot, as I am trying my best to support my artist kids in their creative projects. Two of my kids already have art degrees, and a third one just started studying design. They all have such great starts
- [Helsinki Fashion Week 2023: Studio Lamea](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/10/helsinki-fashion-week-2023-studio-lamea.html) - In the heart of Helsinki, a fashion revolution is underway. Helsinki Fashion Week collects together some of the up-and-coming brands each year, and one of the unifying factors is a commitment to sustainability. Studio Lamea, a fashion brand driven by values, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability, took the spotlight at Helsinki Fashion Week. Their
- [Helsinki Fashion Week 2023: House of Parvi](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/10/helsinki-fashion-week-2023-house-of-parvi.html) - House of Parvi served an elegant perspective on sustainable fashion at the Helsinki Fashion Week. The brand, created by the visionary partnership of Parvi Chadha and Mridul Jacob, showed how you can craft beautiful garments with a commitment to luxury with a conscience. Just wait until you hear about their fabrics. House of Parvi's founder
- [Helsinki Fashion Week 2023: BOiE&Bill](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/10/helsinki-fashion-week-2023-boiebill.html) - At Helsinki Fashion Week 2023, the last day's colorful show was by BOiE&Bill. Boie and Bill from Ghana inserted West African voices into the show and weaved their narrative into bold bombers, other colorful streetwear, and clothing made of recycled materials. One of the reasons why I like the Helsinki Fashion Week is that they
- [Last Minute Couple's Halloween Costume Idea: Clark Kent & Lois Lane](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/10/last-minute-couples-halloween-costume-idea-clark-kent-lois-lane.html) - Clark Kent and Lois Lane couples Halloween costume idea with links where to buy everything you need.
- [From The Ground Up Helicopter Pilot Documentary](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/10/from-the-ground-up-helicopter-pilot-documentary.html) - Coptersafety is proud to announce From the Ground Up, a captivating documentary short film about helicopter pilots created by Isabella Presnal and No-Office Films. You are invited to a special pre-screening event held at Epicenter Helsinki on November 10, 2023. Get your free ticket now! Long-format high-quality storytelling as a B2B marketing tactic is still
- [Steal Hollywood Storytelling Method For Marketing: Hero’s Journey](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/10/marketing-storytelling-method-for-marketing-heros-journey.html) - Get step-by-step instructions on what kind of marketing content to create in order to utilize the Hero’s Journey storytelling method. When they zig, you could zag. In the fast-paced world, many companies are opting for fast content for social media, and that requires that they keep pushing content out constantly, multiple times a day. Your
- [Pivoting is a Form of Resilience](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/09/pivot-resilience.html) - Pivoting is a form of resilience. Resilience is the skill of recovering quickly from difficulties, disappointments, and setbacks. Pivoting is also being able to take opportunities as they arise. But it is not aimlessly trying new things all the time without any planning, strategy, or deeper thought. We also don't talk about pivoting, when it's
- [The Most Successful Founders Understand The Importance of Marketing and Branding](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/09/the-most-successful-founders-understand-the-importance-of-marketing-and-branding.html) - When writing the Big Rich Money book with my co-author Candice Kilpatrick Brathwaite, we wanted to write more about marketing and branding, but also keep the book short and sweet. If you want to learn the Big Rich Money Content Marketing Matrix, I recommend taking the e-course. We based the book and the Big
- [Invest In Networking](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/invest-in-networking.html) - Most likely you've heard the saying "your net worth is your network" multiple times, but maybe you still have some questions. What does it even mean? How do you network effectively? You already have so much on your plate, and now you should add networking to your long to-do list. Seriously? You will find multiple
- [Stop Just Marketing To Women and Start Designing For Women](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/stop-just-marketing-to-women-and-start-designing-for-women.html) - Picture this: a bunch of men sitting around a fancy conference table, scratching their heads, thinking, "Hey, how can we make more money and get more ladies to buy our stuff?" And then it hits them like a ton of glittery bricks: let’s make the product smaller and in pink, and then we can charge
- [My Dad Is A Pilot And Now I’m Producing a Documentary About Helicopter Pilots](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/helicopter-documentary-inspired-by-dad.html) - What’s the first thing you think of when you think of helicopters? Is it movies like Blackhawk Down? Or maybe Chris Evans as Captain America pulling a helicopter from a rooftop? In general, films that have a helicopter often include them also being blown up. I mean, there is even this website called Exploding Helicopters
- [I Was Just Going To Cast Some Extras And Ended Up Editing Darude's Music Video](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/03/darude-outlaws-vibing-out.html) - Darude's New Music Video Outlaws
- [Margo Roi and FinUA Helping Ukrainians To Become Part of Finnish Society](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/margo-roi-finua-charity-ukraine.html) - Meet Margo Roi, who is helping Ukrainians who are seeking protection in Finland, by sharing verified information with her charity FinUA. I met Margo earlier this year, and she was one of our speakers at Crush Event 2023 talking about the future of altruism, and corporate social responsibility. When Margo moved from the Kyiv region
- [Consultant Secret: Success Formulas Often Fail](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/consultant-secret-success-formulas-often-fail.html) - I've been a marketing consultant since 2008 and worked with brands around the world. I've worked with large companies like Walmart and CoverGirl, and with luxury hotels like LeMeridian and St Regis, and numerous entrepreneurs, and startups. My passion is helping startup founders and small business owners to make it big. I created the Big
- [Success Doesn't Just Happen. You Plan It.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/success-doesnt-just-happen-you-plan-it.html) - Are you a business owner, who is looking for business magic? Wanting to get that big order? Imagining what it is when you go viral and everyone knows your company name and product? Dreaming of celebrities using your product? If you are serious, take the Big Rich Money e-course to plan your Success Roadmap.
- [Why Feminism is the Worst F-word You Can Say in Finland?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/05/feminism-in-finland.html) - It takes a strong, self-confident person to say they are a feminist in Finland.
- [Money Mindset - What If Money Was Your Best Friend?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/money-mindset-what-if-money-was-your-best-friend.html) - We titled our book and e-course "Big Rich Money" because we wanted to crush some money myths. Read the full book or take the e-course to start your own Rig Rich Money journey. To make Big Rich Money, you need to be money positive, and have to want to make money. Sounds self-evident, but we
- [The Real Reasons Why Video Content Costs so Much](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/01/marketing-video-content-pricing.html) - Whether you are a video content creator, or a brand buying video content, here are some factors to take into consideration regards marketing video content pricing.
- [Founders Aware: Funding Won't Fix Your Lack Strategy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/lack-of-strategy.html) - One of the biggest myths in startup life and building your own company is that money will solve your problems. It's kind of ironic because the same people who think money will fix their company's problems are commenting on how people who have money, like Elon Musk, should run their companies. We named our business
- [Finland, The Happiest Country In The World](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/03/finland-the-happiest-country-in-the-world-2.html) - Finland has been announced once again as the happiest country in the world, but in Finland, it’s just another day. In late March it means that it’s a grey day and raining, but all of the snow still hasn’t melted. Most likely, the rain will turn into snow by nightfall. I check Twitter, where people
- [Gabriella & Kristian Presnals’ Emergent Properties Duo Exhibition in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/gabriella-kristian-presnals-emergent-properties-duo-exhibition-in-helsinki.html) - The exhibition is sponsored by the City of Helsinki. Welcome to Gabriella & Kristian Presnals’ Emergent Properties duo art exhibition. Join us at the art exhibition opening on 10.8. 2023 from 17 - 19 at Caisa Gallery in Helsinki. The Finnish-American artist siblings are exhibiting together for the first time in an art exhibition inspired
- [Nobody Wants To Talk About Periods - That's Why You Should](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/08/nobody-wants-to-talk-about-periods-thats-why-you-should.html) - Nobody wants to talk about periods. But here we go. I experienced one of my most painful years in 2022, and it was because I was fighting to get help for my period pain that was caused by tumors. This had already been going on for years, but it gradually had gotten so bad that
- [Big Rich Money Book Launch Party in Helsinki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/07/big-rich-money-book-launch.html) - Big Rich Money book launch at Akateeminen bookstore in Helsinki.
- [What Has A Balloon Dog Have To Do with Business Success? Everything.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/07/big-rich-money-balloon-dog-cover.html) - Read how the golden balloon dog inspired our book cover and how it has everything to do with business.
- [Which One Teaches You More: Success or Failure?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/learn-from-failure.html) - You can succeed even if you just failed but you learned from it, or you can succeed without failing if you learn from other people’s mistakes.
- [Learning to Host Parties at Home Like the Italians Do](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/learning-to-host-parties-at-home-like-the-italians-do.html) - I am a big believer that food is a great way to travel the world, even if you do it on a school night and at home - or better yet: by hosting a global kitchen party for your friends. I have been fortunate to spend a lot of time in Italy the past two
- [8 Success Tips For Beginners](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/08/success-tips-for-beginners.html) - How do you start your path to success, even when you don't have anything to show off? Read the advice that has worked for me since my first summer job.
- [Hello New Year](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/01/news-for-2017.html) - Hello New Year 2017! 2017 is our ten-year anniversary year! I started Skimbaco in 2006, but feel 2007 was our official launch year; I opened the store in February 2007, and this blog closely after that. If you know Skimbaco - you know we have changed and evolved over the years, and one of the
- [If Coca-Cola Still Needs To Do Marketing - So Do You](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/marketing-like-big-brands.html) - Learn how to do marketing like the largest brands in the world - even on a solopreneur budget.
- [Effective Marketing Does Not Mean Being On 24/7](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/effective-marketing.html) - Fast marketing results are great, but not when you are married to the hustle and you never get a break.
- [Big Rich Money Book Is At Amazon, Target and Barnes & Noble!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/08/big-rich-money-book-is-at-amazon-target-and-barnes-noble.html) - Order your copy of the Big Rich Money: How To Turn Your Business Intentions Into A Profitable Company book now from Amazon, Target or Barnes & Noble.
- [We Believe In This Shark Tank Advice So Much That We Are Giving Our Workbook For Free](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/08/free-business-workbook.html) - Buy one book, get a workbook for free - because we want you to start taking immediate action.
- [Why Did You Write Big Rich Money For Women Entrepreneurs?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/08/why-did-you-write-big-rich-money-for-women-entrepreneurs.html) - You don't need a vagina to read Big Rich Money. But here is why we wrote it for women.
- [What Is The Future of Sustainable Fashion?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2022/08/what-is-the-future-of-sustainable-fashion.html) - Currently, the fashion industry is in this rapid-fire fast fashion cycle. Clothing is made quickly, in countries where labor is cheaper and exploitative, with lower-quality materials and less attention to details. Clothes are unlikely to last even a season much less for years, resulting in a flood of clothing in our landfills. The vast amount
- [Crush Movement 100 Ideas for Equality](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2023/05/crush-movement-100-ideas-for-equality.html) - Crush Movement Mission: Collect Actionable Ideas & Take Action to Close The Gender Equality Gap As The First Country in the World Crush Movement is for rebel leaders who want to crush the patriarchic norms and build a better, more equal, and inclusive future for all. It was founded by female entrepreneurship advocates Anna Pyykkö,
- [Strawberry Sangria](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/05/strawberry-sangria.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This strawberry sangria is so good that I have no words. It’s sweet but not too sweet, it’s just the perfect summer drink for BBQ parties or just sitting on the back porch or backyard after dinner for a sweet end note for your dinner. It’s refreshing, and simply the best sangria I’ve ever had.
- [Culture and Tropical Paradise (on a dime) in Bali](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/bali-travel-destination.html) - Bali Inspires Last week I posted about our stay in Bali at the Westin Nusa Dua Resort with the children, today I will share more reasons why to travel to Bali. So what is there to do in this paradise island? Everything is my answer. First, of course comes the beach – silky sand and
- [15 Tips How to Travel More (even with low budget)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/how-to-travel-more.html) - From Dreams to Reality: how to travel more So far this year our team members have been anywhere between Paris to Bali, experiencing Italian romance in North Carolina and in Rome, Italy. We have skied in Norway and in Aspen, Colorado, and sipped wine anywhere between the country clubs of the English countryside to vineyards
- [Just in: H&M's New Luxury Brand & Other Stories will launch 7 stores in Europe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/hm-new-luxury-brand-stores-in-europe.html) - H&M's & Other Stories Announces Store Locations As reported this fall H&M is launching a new fashion brand & Other Stories this spring to bring a new luxury clothing and accessory retail chain into the market. I'm super excited about this as I like the H&M's look but not their clothing quality, and often find
- [Future of Retail Shopping: How Stores Will Survive & We Will Love Shopping Again (Maybe)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/05/future-of-retail-shopping.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Not News: Retail Has Changed as We Know It The changing retail landscape interests me as a consumer, but also as a marketing professional. Besides running Skimbaco Lifestyle, I started Presnal5 strategic marketing agency to help Nordic companies with global marketing. I am also a partner in Happy Textiles, a textile technology platform company
- [For Men: Dressing Quintessentially Parisian](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/for-men-dressing-quintessentially-parisian.html) - When in Paris.. dress like a gentleman Paris is filled with rich history and culture, and has what many believe to be the most elevated sense of style. Parisians are often described as "chic" and "effortless"-always looking put together for any occasion. On your next trip to the City of Lights, you, too, can dress
- [Dream Shopping Day in Kildare Village in Ireland (and meeting Angela Scanlon)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/dream-shopping-day-in-kildare-village-in-ireland-and-meeting-angela-scanlon.html) - Ireland. The country of sheep-filled green fields, enchanted castles and over thousand miles (over 2000km) of scenic roads on the west coast. And what do I do on the first day of visiting Ireland? I go shopping. Read more about my best day in Ireland - and this post is just part one of the
- [You won't believe this Hollywood Glamour found in Ireland at the Newbridge Silverware](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/hollywood-glamour-found-in-ireland-at-the-newbridge-silverware.html) - I am joining Satu on her Ireland Special, and sharing a few of my best experiences from my trip to Ireland. I spent a week in Ireland only to realize there is overwhelmingly lot to see and experience, and I know Satu would agree - she lived in Ireland for years, and she still keeps
- [Travel + Shop: Inspiration from Morocco](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/travel-shop-inspiration-from-morocco.html) - Morocco in six squares 1. Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, is Yves Saint Laurent's final resting place, and a garden full of blooms, colors and beautiful architecture. A place for inspiration for anyone. 2. The Zydeco flats ($90) are soft leather and come in three cute colors. They remind me of the colors of Morocco, and
- [Ivana Helsinki Collection at Uniqlo - Now in Selected Stores](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/ivana-helsinki-collection-at-uniqlo.html) - Last week Wes posted pictures from Ivana Helsinki's spring/summer 2014 collection directly from the New York Fashion Week. For those who are lucky to have Uniqlo in your country, you might also find the Ivana Helsinki for Uniqlo collection in the store near you. Uniqlo has been one of my favorite brands for a long
- [Just In: Ivana Helsinki Spring/Summer 2014 at New York Fashion Week](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/ivana-helsinki-at-new-york-fashion-week.html) - New York Fashion week is underway here in New York, and Ivana Helsinki debuted their Spring/Summer 2014 collection on September 4th at Pier 59 studios. The show started off with dim lights and the sounds of nature as a short film featuring models in flowy dresses dancing around fields in designer Paola Suhonen's inspiration location. The
- [BaselWorld Underway in Switzerland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/baselworld-underway-in-switzerland.html) - BaselWorld in Switzerland Perhaps the largest event in watchmaking, BaselWorld, is underway (March 27-April3) in the town of Messe Basel, Switzerland. BaselWorld brings together the finest manufacturers of timepieces in the world as they showcase their newest pieces and technology. The event creates a lot of media buzz, but, interestingly, is also open to
- [Travel + Shop: Inspiration from Mexico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/travel-shop-inspiration-from-mexico.html) - Mexico in six squares 1. Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico, is one of the places I want to return one day. Todos Santos in the Southern Baja California Sur, and it is officially designated a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) by the Mexican Tourism Secretary and the town has authentic colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
- [Banana Republic Marimekko Collection First Photos](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/banana-republic-marimekko-collection-first-photos.html) - It doesn't come as a surprise to you that I like Marimekko - as a Finn, how could I not love our most famous design brand? I am very excited about the Banana Republic Marimekko collection coming to selected stores and online on May 22nd (also on Banana Republic Europe). The entire collection is priced
- [Travel + Shop: Inspiration from East Coast USA](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/travel-shop-inspiration-from-east-coast-usa.html) - Happy Memorial Day! East Coast USA in six squares 1. Soludos Big Beach Bag ($77) is the perfect inexpensive beach bag from our favorite espadrilles maker. Soludos just launched their new beach bag collection, right on time for summer. 2. When looking for the perfect summer getaway on the East Coast, head to Rockport in
- [Maison Kitsuné Releases Special Holiday Capsule Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/maison-kitsune-releases-special-holiday-capsule-collection.html) - Recently home from a trip to Paris, I have been inspired by everything I saw during my visit to the city of lights. Whether it was champagne, beautiful scenery, or, of course, fashion. It was great to see some of my favorite brands in their "hometown." One brand I visited first hand while in Paris
- [Experiencing Luxury Shopping and Fashion in Paris](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/experiencing-luxury-shopping-and-fashion-in-paris.html) - Everyone on the Skimbaco team loves Paris without a doubt from Katja's love of Christmas Markets to Reeta's enjoyment of site seeing and walking tours. I love Paris as it acts as an artistic hub of the world, and specifically of the fashion world. I recently strolled the streets of Paris, enjoying the epicenter of
- [Steal the Look: 70's Hippie Glam in Harper’s Bazaar](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/steal-the-look-70s-hippie-glam-in-harpers-bazaar.html) - Groovy, baby! The early 70’s have come back in a big way for the Spring-Summer 2015. Yulia Serzhantova is all Hippied out and Glamorous in this Hippie Glam 70’s editorial shot by Benjamin Kanarek for Harper’s BAZAAR China. The editorial feature was shot on the Parisian Grands Boulevards and the old historical galleries, and has
- [Atlantic Canada Travel Fashion & Our Halifax Lifestyle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/travel-fashion-atlantic-canada-version.html) - Hello from Halifax! I hope you enjoyed our new spin on a classic look for guys: the urban fisherman. Continuing on the same theme and the coastal look for women and girls too & sharing a few of our favorite things here. Whether you are packing for your trip to Coastal Atlantic Canada, or want
- [Fashion + Wanderlust: Our Diffuser Jewelry Gets Around](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/09/travel-fashion.html) - Did you already read our latest magazine issue? I wanted to highlight a special feature our editor Brooke Genn put together with our ENJOY LIFE diffuser jewelry collection. Boho Chic in Sedona Jessica Hall of Armoire Consulting mixed some Western style with Bohemian vibe for her outfit in Sedona, Arizona. Jessica's bracelet: Wear Your Courage
- [My Helsinki: Finnish Design Retail Concept at Kämp Garden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/my-helsinki-finnish-design-retail-concept-at-kamp-garden.html) - Kämp Garden is carefully curated experience of Finnish design. Fashion boutiques, showrooms, events and exhibitions, and even a book shop and three restaurants.
- [How to Showcase the Real You - Tips from Female Business Owners](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/personal-branding-tips-from-female-business-owners.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Happy International Women’s Day! I hope you are celebrating it with your boss lady tribe – I am with mine! It’s takes a village to run your business, and getting a good tribe around you to help is vital for your success, like mentioned in my 7 mistakes to avoid when launching your company post.
- [The Best Tool For Digital Business](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/the-best-tool-for-digital-business.html) - Get Kajabi Now! Your digital business could be running within days. Are you planning on starting your own e-course or a membership site? Are you tired of having to buy all of the different services from web hosting to web design to newsletter management to shopping cart programs from different providers? So was I. Now
- [Big Rich Money book news!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/04/big-rich-money-book-2021.html) - Big Rich Money book will come out in August, 2021
- [Marketing For Introverted Entrepreneurs](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/marketing-intovert-entrepreneurs.html) - Why marketing yourself is so difficult? More importantly: get my marketing hacks on how even introverts will succeed!
- [Suri Cruise's Ladybug shoes as seen on Oprah are from Skimbaco](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/05/suri-cruises-ladybug-shoes-as-seen-on.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Suri Cruise’s Ladybug shoes as seen on Oprah are from Skimbaco Did you watch Tom Cruise appear on Oprah Show on Friday? Tom Cruise’s appearance in Oprah Show always gets a lot of attention, but this time it really got my attention. In the show, Oprah visits Tom Cruise in his Telluride mountain home
- [We Should Only Care About Our Own Definition of Big Rich Money Success](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/we-should-only-care-about-our-definition-of-big-rich-money-success.html) - Big Rich Money We named our book Big Rich Money: How To Turn Your Business Intentions Into A Profitable Company. And boy, is the name triggering. I recently wrote a post "what makes you feel rich?" and received interesting comments about it on social media. Some think there could be a dollar/euro amount that they'd
- [What Makes You Feel Rich?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/07/what-makes-you-feel-rich.html) - Can you put a dollar amount on feeling rich? It was my 23rd wedding anniversary weekend and my husband took me for a romantic dinner on an island in Helsinki, Finland. We took a boat there, and paid a ridiculous price for salmon and potatoes, food we eat at home, and we had fancy cocktails
- [House of Wise Launches CBD Subscriptions](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/06/house-of-wise-wise-women-cbd-subscriptions.html) - In December, the female-founded company House of Wise first started filling orders of full-spectrum CBD products formulated to allow wise women to take control of their STRESS, SEX, and SLEEP. We have been so inspired to watch founder Amanda Goetz accomplish amazing things in a short amount of time, all while being a single mom
- [How to Turn Your Expertise Into A Book And Land Your First Publishing Deal](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/04/how-to-get-a-publisher.html) - Get a free download of How to Turn Your Expertise Into A Book And Land Your First Publishing Deal.
- [How Communities Are Good for Your Business? Join #InsiderSociety Twitter Chat To Find Out](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/01/communities-are-good-for-business.html) - In our #InsiderSociety Twitter Chat, we will discuss why building a community is vital for entrepreneurs.
- [Women Need Business Networks and Accelerators like Insider Society](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2021/01/insider-society-business-accelerator.html) - I'm excited to announce the launch of Insider Society, a success accelerator for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
- [Live life to the fullest: be different, like the bananas in Madeira](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/living-life-to-the-fullest-be-different.html) - Live life to the fullest: be different You will never change the world by trying to be like everyone else. Have strength and the guts to trust yourself, and sometimes even go against the popular opinion. You are not able to ignite change in the world, or in your own life by doing things the
- [Dos and Don'ts of Public Speaking](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/10/public-speaking-tips-if-you-are-afraid.html) - Tips from a Person Who Thought She Could Not Do it (but has spoken around the world) "You are an expert! You should speak at our event!" The thrilling sentence that is both flattering and outright scary. I've consulted CEOs and other business experts about their personal branding for years, and the topic of public
- [Personal Branding in 2020 - More Relevant Than Ever](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/10/personal-branding-in-2020.html) - Why care about personal branding? Simply said: to make your life and career goals happen. I received the best business and personal branding advice from my father in the 1980's when I was a little girl. "Remember Katja, people do business with people. Companies don't do business with companies. There is always a person in
- [French Elegance and English Countryside Sophistication for Spring Tablescapes](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/french-elegance-and-english-countryside-sophistication-for-spring-tablescapes.html) - You don't have to be in Europe to get the French Elegance or the English countryside sophistication. These two beautiful tablescapes with products from Bernardaud and Juliska bring European flavor for your home. These gorgeous tablescapes are perfect for the Mother's Day - or any other spring celebration. Bernardaud is a fine French porcelain brand,
- [Thriving Despite the Chaos - It's Possible](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2020/10/hope.html) - Hi from Helsinki, where things have morphed into new beginnings, and exciting new projects. We are not living a normal pre-Covid life, but we are living this careful waiting period of trying to enjoy life by eating out and buying a new pair of shoes, but also a little bit irresponsible YOLO, because we don't
- [Patrick Dempsey On Phone, In A Bottle, On A Kitchen Table](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/12/patrick-dempsey-on-phone-in-bottle-on.html) - Patrick Dempsey On Phone, In A Bottle, On A Kitchen Table I'm mcdreamin' here, but it's all family friendly content. And with the "family friendly" I mean that my mother-in-law, father and husband read my blog, so I need to keep it down, ya know. Ok, fine, Patrick Dempsey has not been even close to
- [Thank you Motrin for Listening](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/11/motrin-anyone.html) - Monday was a crazy day .. I had no idea my YouTube video Motrin Makes Moms Mad would get such a response and the "Motrin Moms" story would be all over. Over 37,000 people have seen the video. Talk about going viral. Just between you and me, this all freaks me out. I didn't know
- [Elevenmoms & Paula Deen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/10/eleven-moms-paula-deen.html) - Foodnetwork star Paula Deen and Walmart CEO Lee Scott One of the many highlights of the trip to Walmart Headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas was the Walmart's monthly meeting. The "monthly meeting" with Walmart's CEO Lee Scott was some sort of a combination of the normal executive board meeting, Saturday Night Live Show, and high school
- [I'm one of Walmart's Elevenmoms](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/10/im-one-of-walmarts-eleven-moms.html) - I was just recently chosen to be one of Walmart’s Elevenmoms. Elevenmoms is a group of real-life moms and bloggers, who among many other things offer money-saving tips in the form of informative (and may I say fun) videos on Walmart’s YouTube channel. Not surprising for Walmart offering you always lot for your buck –
- [BlogWorldExpo for me was about Personal Branding](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/09/blogworldexpo-for-me-was-about-personal.html) - Erin Kotecki Vest and me. While conferences and trade shows are not anything new to me, I have been attending to some professionally since I was 19 years old, but I popped my cherry in Vegas for the first-ever blogging / social media event. My initial plan for the conference was to shake as many
- [Our car got broken into and my laptop stolen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/07/our-car-got-broken-into-and-my-laptop.html) - MOVING TO NEW YORK, DAYS 5 and 6 We felt so lucky this Tuesday, all Matt's co-workers came to help us to move and we had plenty of man- and woman power to load everything in the moving truck. (Since our real moving truck didn't show up on Friday, our emergency solution, U-Pack trailer arrived
- [Vacationing and enjoying the new iPhones](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/07/vacationing-and-enjoying-new-iphones.html) - MOVING TO NEW YORK, day 7 Thursday morning started with a luxurious breakfast, and hurrying into the Apple store again - the Apple website has shown us a green light for the stock of the new 3G iPhones in the Albuquerque store. We arrived at the store ten minutes after the opening. Only one iPhone
- [The Story How Gary Vaynerchuk Saved My Life](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/12/the-story-how-gary-vaynerchuk-saved-my-life.html) - Story how Gary Vaynercuck saved my life on twitter.
- [Going home today!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/07/going-home-today.html) - I'm going home from the hospital today! I am feeling better, I can walk, talk, and stay up for much longer now. I'm still not good, and I still just need to rest and take it easy for the next couple of weeks, but at least I can go home! I will have daily blood
- [I think I'll live](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/07/i-think-ill-live.html) - Yesterday I was still resisting the pain medication, and refused to take the pain, sleeping and other "convenience" medicines just because I "might need it". But later yesterday afternoon I understood that there is a time to be natural living advocate and then there is time just to take the drugs. And that time was
- [Update](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/07/update.html) - Seems like I'm going to be in a hospital for a while. Not that doctors have said anything like that, but since I am so much in pain that I barely can walk two feet to the bathroom, I'm thinking going home might not be a good idea... Talking makes me tired and out of
- [Birth control hell continues - I'm in hospital again](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/06/birth-control-hell-continues-im-in.html) - I'm the girl who got pregnant four times within 3 years, and popped out three babies in three countries during that time. I'm also the girl who got pregnant breastfeeding a 3-month-old every two hours while taking low dose birth control pills. I'm also the girl who got pregnat with IUD earlier this year and
- [500th post and 50 things about me](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/06/500th-post-and-50-things-about-me.html) - I'm celebrating my one year of blogging AND my 500th blog post at the same time. When this hit me, that these two are going to be around the same time, I wanted to do something big, but no, something moderate, do a giveaway.. no, just a re-cap of the whole year... And suddenly I
- [How to leverage Twitter to help your business grow](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/05/how-to-leverage-twitter-to-help-your.html) - I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts on how to use Twitter to help your business grow. GIVE, WITHOUT ASKING WHAT YOU CAN GET Twitter is great for conversation. The conversation will help you to get information and give information. When you just want to blurt out your company news, new blog posts,
- [Ladybug luck coming your way](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/05/ladybug-luck-coming-to-your-way.html) - DeAnna Cochran ladybug necklace (39$) just arrived at Skimbaco. Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all the e-mails and comments here, and thank you for all bloggers who have mentioned my luck - the blog line on the right just keeps growing! My sincere thank you. I didn't mean to disappear anywhere, as I
- ["It" happened to me - it can happen to you too.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/05/it-happened-to-me-it-can-happen-to-you.html) - Just recently I said I believe sometimes the worst in life can become the best in life, or in the other words, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Everyone who has been reading my journey the past couple of months, knows that it hasn't quite been easy to me. And you don't even know
- [Thank you Tom Cruise, I'm jumping on the couch now](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/05/thank-you-tom-cruise-im-jumping-on.html) - Dear Mr. Tom Cruise, I wanted to sincerely Thank You for showing Suri's ladybug shoes to Oprah while she visited you in your beautiful Telluride home. You might not know this, but it was me who packed them with love for Suri with all the other gifts you received from your friend. See, I am
- [Interview with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/zappos-shoes-twitter-and-talk-with-ceo.html) - NEW ERA OF ZAPPOS HAS BEGUN I'm sure you have heard of Zappos, and even bought a pair or two of shoes in the past years from this footwear store - after all Zappos has been the online store of offering shoes since 1999. I actually think my first ever online purchase was made
- [Our dog is in heaven now](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/our-dog-is-in-heaven-now.html) - Today was a long day, and I quite can't go to sleep and have it over with. Today our dog Frank went to doggy heaven. We found out just a few weeks ago he had cancer and while we were trying to be optimistic, and think at least we can have one more summer with
- [Let's help each others to go to BlogHer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/help-me-to-go-to-blogher.html) - BLOGGER? LET'S HELP EACH OTHERS TO GO TO BLOGHER I still need flights and new shoes and a dress for the event - I would like to visit your site and click on your affiliate links to purchase them. Please follow me on Twitter @skimbaco - when I'm looking for products to buy online I
- [No more babies](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/no-more-babies.html) - This post is continuing my posts about me getting pregnant with IUD and then miscarrying the baby: I'm in birth control hell Coffee Made my Boobs Bigger? Baby News Bye Bye Baby Scare How the Worst in Life can become the Best in Life It was too early to get any kind of disclosure to
- [How the worst in life can become the best in life](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/how-worst-in-life-can-become-best-in.html) - I miscarried the baby on Sunday, and I don't care what you say, but I'm making the best out of it. What? No, I haven't lost my mind, keep on reading, I will tell you how you can put your life in perspective too. MY MOM TOLD ME TO LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE When
- [Baby news](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/baby-news.html) - I have been so sick this past week, and when Matt came home from a night shift this morning, I said I needed to see a doc ASAP. My cold has gotten really bad, and I just generally feel so sick and tired that I haven't even washed my hair since Tuesday. Taking Gaby to
- [I'm in birth control hell](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/02/im-in-birth-control-hell.html) - Yes, Katja goes gyno here, and I'm not afraid to use the V word, so don't read if you don't want to hear me going little too personal here. The text might also make you upset if you have very religious views about birth control. I think I'm pregnant. No, I don't want to have
- [Protect your child from the harmful chemicals in your home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/10/protect-your-child-from-harmful.html) - Do not trust any product to be safe for your child, just because you see it in a respected chain store, or it is manufactured by a large American household-name company. Chemicals found in common household products can contribute to developmental and behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mental retardation, even
- [Sometimes I hate to love my virtual life](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/02/sometimes-i-hate-to-love-my-virtual.html) - There, I said it. I have a love/hate relationship to virtual social networking - my virtual life. I love blogging. It's my existence in the virtual universe. It's my discussion to.. whoever will listen. The thing is that many of my real-life friends don't blog. And while they might occasionally read my blog, they rarely
- [Serendipity](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/11/serendipity.html) - Photo: Homemade at Flickr Serendipity: is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely. I believe there is a purpose, there is a destiny and there is serendipity. Sometimes the worst thing that happens to you ends up being the best thing ever happened. But I don't
- [Dream Gig Awaits: Rovaniemi is Looking for a Summer Ambassador Under the Midnight Sun](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/rovaniemi-summer-ambassador.html) - Apply now to become a Rovaniemi Summer Ambassador.
- [The Jardin Majorelle is Where Yves Saint Laurent got his Inspiration and resting place](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/the-jardin-majorelle-yves-saint-laurent-inspiration.html) - It's raining on and off on our last day in Marrakech, Morocco, and yet we have the entire day full of places to visit before heading to the airport later on the afternoon. The Marrakech airport is just a few minutes from the center of the city, so it is easy to leave some sightseeing
- [10 Ways to Use Less Paper](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/04/green-tip-4-10-ways-to-use-less-paper.html) - 10 easy tips how to reduce the use of paper in your every day life. MAIL AND HOME OFFICE 1. Think before you print! Don't print anything unless you really have to - if you do, use both sides of the paper. And important tip: always use print preview! 2. Pay your bills online -
- [Use Reusable Stainless Steel Water Bottles](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/04/green-tip-2-use-reusable-stainless-steel-water-bottles.html) - Buy Reusable Water Bottle for Everyday Use Why not buying water bottles is such a big deal? - Americans use over 50 billion water bottles per year and send 38 billion water bottles to landfills annually, the equivalent of 912 million gallons of oil. - If laid end to end, that’s enough bottles to travel
- [Sri Lanka in 20 Instagram Photos](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/sri-lanka-in-20-instagram-photos.html) - I visited Sri Lanka the first time as I attended the Professional Travel Bloggers Association's conference TBC Asia last month. The conference was organized together with Cinnamon Hotels. I had heard some much good about Sri Lanka from our Skimbaco Team member Reeta, that I had wanted to go ever since I saw her photos,
- [The Ultimate Travel Guide with a Dog: 22 Tips for Traveling with a Dog](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/expert-tips-traveling-with-a-dog.html) - Travel tips with a dog If you want to travel, and have a dog, you really have two options: travel with a dog or leave the dog home. It is also possible to teach a dog to love traveling and be at ease in changing environments (read about our experience of traveling with a dog,
- [10 Tips How to Keep Your Jeans from Fading](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/how-to-keep-your-jeans-from-fading.html) - How to Keep Your Jeans Looking Like New I always recommend buying better quality and less and investing in clothing you absolutely love and you will wear again and again. Same applies to jeans. I know you can get cheap jeans, but you know how you will feel in the right pair of fantastic
- [Tequila Cocktails for Your Holiday Party](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/12/tequila-cocktails-for-your-holiday-party.html) - Tequila Cocktails for Your Holiday Party When I think of cocktails, I usually think rum or vodka, and mojitos, martinis and cosmos. However, I recently attended a Sauza tequila party and found out that tequila is so much more than margaritas or shots! Special thanks to Chef Marcela Valladolid for showing me what tequila really
- [Antler Hill Village on Biltmore Estate is Great for Family Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/antler-hill-village-on-biltmore-estate.html) - Antler Hill Village on Biltmore Estate My family spent some time in Asheville, North Carolina, exploring the Biltmore Estate last month. My children did well exploring the 250-room mansion that was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. I shared some inside tips on touring the estate with kids this month on Skimbaco. It was a
- [Boho magazine has arrived](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/08/boho-magazine-has-arrived.html) - Boho has arrived - a new magazine for bohemian women. I love magazines, and used to subscribe several different publications from Home & Garden to VOGUE, and from Yachts International to Architectural Digest. Yes, everything from do-it-yourself home deco to getting inspiration from the most extravagant homes around the world. I wanted to know what's
- [House Hunting in Sweden - Looking to Rent in Linköping](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/rentals-in-sweden.html) - Relocation Company Is Not Always The Best Option Kids and I arrived to Sweden last week, and we are slowly getting a hang of the every day life here, while still living in the temporary housing, our family of five, cramped in a one bedroom apartment in a temporary housing hotel. The house hunting has
- [In the Search of the Best Coffee](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/in-the-search-of-the-best-coffee.html) - Coffee and me.. I've never really liked coffee, but started drinking it even more when we first got married, and I would sit up late with my husband while he was studying for the flight school. Then my mother-in-law got me my first-of-many espresso machines in 1999, and I got hooked for lattes. Finding the
- [Summer Berry & Rhubarb Pie Recipe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/05/summer-berry-rhubarb-pie-recipe.html) - Pie is the new cupcake and I couldn't be happier about the pie trend. Pies never were not trendy in our house, I've always been a pie lover, probably because I grew up with my mother being the pie master herself. Summer time would be the best... We would go in the forest backyard and
- [What Small Business Owners can Learn from Disney](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/small-business-tips-from-disney.html) - Did you receive my latest newsletter? If you did not get it, please subscribe for my next one. In my latest newsletter I wrote more about attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, and I included some quotes by Walt Disney himself. All travel should inspire you, but Disney travel should give you extra magic,
- [How do dreams come true?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/06/dreams-come-true.html) - How do dreams come true? A big leap or lots of small steps? Perhaps you need to be able to think of the big leap, but execute it in very tiny steps. I've spent the last six months obsessing about moving to Finland, and trying to figure out what I really want out of life
- [Do you believe in Karma?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/08/do-you-believe-in-karma.html) - This last month has been very hectic, I'm sure you have guessed it from my blogging too. New items arriving to my store, lot of taking photos, writing newsletters, packing packages. And my new passion, this blog, has been taking a lot of time too. And I can't say no to anyone asking me a
- [Cheap Scandinavian Design a'la Swedish IKEA - part 3](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/07/cheap-scandinavian-design-ala-swedish.html) - Like I promised last week, here are my product picks from IKEA. I normally shy away from the obvious copy products, with a few exceptions. I do have a love-hate relationship to IKEA, I admit. I hate how they copy products from other designers, but I love the Scandinavian style and how they display their
- [Cheap Scandinavian Design a'la Swedish IKEA - part 2](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/cheap-scandinavian-design-ala-swedish_30.html) - Read my article about IKEA below and then see these original Scandinavian products, that "inspired" some of the IKEA products. Even if I make all the Swedish readers mad now, I have to point out: the original designs are from Finland, the copy ones are Swedish. The Armchair 42 designed by Alvar Aalto is from
- [Cheap Scandinavian Design a'la Swedish IKEA - part 1](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/cheap-scandinavian-design-ala-swedish-2.html) - I wrote a week ago about one of the most famous chairs in the modern design world, the Paimio Chair designed by Alvar Aalto. I got a few e-mails saying that while the chair is amazing, the price (2,700$) didn't appeal at all. So I thought, for those you, who shy away from Scandinavian design
- [How to Use Bialetti Stove Top Espresso Maker for Perfect Latte at Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/how-to-use-bialetti-stove-top-espresso-maker.html) - One of the promises I've made to myself is to slow down and truly enjoy small things in life. One of my new loves is simply taking time to make my lattes on the morning with an Italian Bialetti stainless steel stove top espresso maker. Or should I say caffè latte..? On our first day
- [Volvo Overseas Delivery - The Best Way to Buy a Car AND to Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/different-kind-of-shopping-trip-to.html) - Ok, like mentioned before, my heart is set for BMWs, but I have three kids using car seats, and the 700-series with a wide backseat is out of my league. This said, I have to tell you about the love for my car, which has integrated child booster seats, and is the best "deal" if
- [Still Living Life to the Fullest. And with a New Dream.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/05/still-living-life-to-the-fullest-and-with-a-new-dream.html) - Hello. I have been quiet here lately, and life has taken a turn that I don't think I can stay quiet about much more longer here. I'm still here, living life to the fullest, and planning one of the biggest moves of our lifetime. This thing I'm obsessed with. This Thing is sort of a
- [Seeking for Luxury Lifestyle. But What is Luxury for You?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/10/luxury-lifestyle.html) - Is luxury just about money? I am in a quest of defining what exactly luxury means for Skimbacoers, for people like you and me. When I started Skimbaco, Skimbaco.com was a store that sold $150 jeans for kids, and while my store wasn't really a luxury store, it certainly was upscale, and I focused selling
- [What Does Your Brand Sound Like? Finnish Audio Branding Experts Help You Find Out](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/audio-branding.html) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Guest post by Mikko Matikka. Audio branding is more important than you think From the beginning of time, our sense of hearing has been essential to us humans. In fact, it is tied closely to our evolution. During our species’ early days, it was an evolutionary advantage to pay attention to sounds as indications of
- [Villeroy & Boch New Bathroom Line](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/05/villeroy-boch-new-bathroom-line.html) - You may be used to seeing Villeroy & Boch in American kitchens and dining rooms, but have you seen Villeroy & Boch also in bathrooms? If not, now if ever is time to check them out, Villeroy & Boch Bath and Wellness just added two new bathroom product lines in the US. Memento is a
- [2015 Bucket List Destination: Puerto Rico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/2015-bucket-list-destination-puerto-rico.html) - Puerto Rico - my 2015 bucket list destination Happy New Year 2015! On this Instagram Travel Thursday I would like to think of some of the dream destinations for the new year. Did you travel somewhere for the Holidays or to celebrate the New Year's Eve? I visited my old friend Anna and her family
- [Cultural Differences in Complimenting](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/03/cultural-differences-in-complimenting.html) - Experiencing culture shock when moving to the USA I admit, it was quite a culture shock to arrive to the United States for the first time. And the differences in my Finnish heritage and culture between the American one did not always show in ways I had expected. I realized I lacked social skills needed
- [Christmas in New York City: the Holiday Markets, Best Show & Window Shopping](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/christmas-in-new-york-city.html) - Christmas in New York City What an amazing ending for our year: we got to spend the Holiday season first in Paris, and from there we flew to New York City, right on time for the Christmas markets and Christmas shopping. I know I have written about my favorite NYC Christmas spots before, and many
- [Converse Redesigns 100-year old classic and Introduces the New Chuck Taylor All Star II](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/converse-redesigns-100-year-old-classic-and-introduces-the-new-chuck-taylor-all-star-ii.html) - Shop now for Chuck Taylor All Star II Did you know that the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star was released already in 1917? The Chuck Taylor All Stars are an American design classic, and the design hasn't really changed in almost 100 years. Sure, you can now get the Chucks in all the colors of
- [The Big Wedding Movie & Our Wedding Stories](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/big-wedding-movie-our-wedding-stories.html) - Our team is pretty excited about the new movie The Big Wedding coming in theaters on April 26th, but our reasons are as different as our team is! Some of us love wedding movies, because we never really had a big wedding, for others it reminds of their big wedding day, and some in our
- [Beauty Routines Empower You to Be at Your Best](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/beauty-routines-empower-you-to-be-at-your-best.html) - Sponsored content. I have to admit, since I work from home, it's easy to be lazy with my beauty routines, and overall being lazy about taking care of myself. Ok, let's be totally honest here, I "let it go," but luckily realized what a disservice I was doing to myself. I gained a good 20
- [It's Starting to Look Like the Family Business I always Dreamed of](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/04/dream-family-business.html) - I truly believe sometimes you need to travel to create the life you want. When I traveled to Bali with our daughter Gabriella, I knew that I wanted to work smarter in the ways that I am building an online business that allows our family to continue traveling the world, but more on our own
- [Top 15 Skimbaco Lifestyle Posts of 2014](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/top-15-skimbaco-lifestyle-posts-from-2014.html) - Happy New Year! Thank you so much for being a Skimbaco Lifestyle reader this year. We have loved sharing our stories, lives, ideas and tips with you this year. A lot of big things happened in 2014, we launched our e-magazine, Satu biked 2500 kilometres of Ireland's coast, and our team participated in several international
- [I Want To Go Here (with Findery)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/i-want-to-go-here.html) - Looking for travel magic? It's Memorial Day weekend! Where are you heading? If you are like me... and let the spring go by so fast that you forgot to make travel plans for the Memorial Day weekend, hurry up, and get some ideas where to travel close to home. Download the Findery app and tap
- [Findery Now Available for Windows](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/10/findery-now-available-for-windows.html) - I have been using Findery app to slowly add my travel notes to one gigantic world map since the beginning of the year. I hope you connect with me - you can find me there as Skimbaco. One of my favorite ways of using Findery is when you are on the go, and you check
- [Our Digital Magazine Christmas Issue: Santa's Workshop](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/12/our-digital-magazine-christmas-issue-santas-workshop.html) - Let me tell you a story about this special Santa's Workshop Holiday issue... When I was a little girl, my mother told me Santa Claus lives in Lapland, and he has a secret workshop where he makes all the gifts. When I had kids of my own, I told them the same, until one day
- [Share Your Christmas with #skimbacoholidays](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/share-your-christmas-with-skimbacoholidays.html) - Merry Christmas! We wish you will live your Christmas to the fullest and enjoy your time with your loved ones. Join us on Instagram and share your Holiday time photos with #skimbacoholidays, and make sure to follow Skimbacoers around the world! Here are the latest #skimbacoholidays photos, and links so you can follow everyone! Photos:
- [The Scariest Moment of My Helicopter Test Pilot Career: When It Almost Didn't Happen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/02/the-scariest-moment-of-my-helicopter-test-pilot-career-when-it-almost-didnt-happen.html) - My first memories of becoming a pilot were when my parents would take me to the Air Force Base outside of Austin for the summer air show. There were jet powered trucks, classic World War II warbirds from ages past, fighter jets with engines screaming across the cloudless summer sky, and giant planes with wings
- [Top 10 Spa & Wellness Lifestyle Trends](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/01/top-10-spa-wellness-lifestyle-trends-2016.html) - Being healthy is always trendy The smoothie and juice boom keeps on blooming, but trendy kale already got some bad rep. Does anyone still Zumba? At least running seems more popular than ever. Dieting is out, permanent lifestyle changes are in, and I hope people will forget the trend of infrared saunas soon - because
- [Top Exotic, Cultural, Culinary and Adventure Destinations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/top-exotic-cultural-culinary-and-adventure-destinations-for-2015.html) - Subscribe to Skimbaco Lifestyle I have officially moved back to the United States after living in Sweden for three years, and after traveling more in Europe. Expedia Viewfinder asked some of my favorite travel destinations, and it's a great time to look back at some of my travels, and rank some of my favorite destinations.
- [Accepting Yourself as a Business Owner](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2019/03/accepting-yourself-as-a-business-owner.html) - Guest post by Leanne Stewart, owner of Ideations, a strategic advisory agency for women-owned businesses in Gothenburg, Sweden. Ideations is a partner agency for Presnal5. Accepting yourself: What it took me seven years as an entrepreneur to figure out. If anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have
- [Master & Dynamic Headphones: Style meets Superior Sound](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/master-dynamic-headphones.html) - I would not claim to be an audiophile, but I do have an ear that can discern between quality sound and mediocre sound. For me, music is a very important element of travel- It entertains me on the road, drowns out the hum of an airplane engine, and inspires. This is the reason why the
- [10 Must Have Clothing Care Products for Fashionista](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/03/clothing-care.html) - Clothing Care Tips When it comes to clothing, I rather buy less pieces and better quality instead of cheaper quality and more clothing. I like designer clothing, and I much rather buy timeless pieces that I can wear for several years, than something that screams this season. Don't take me wrong, I love trying out
- [Destination Unknown: Four Exclusive Adventures in Chile with Patagonia Sur Reserves](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/four-exclusive-adventures-in-chile.html) - While Leigh picked few stunning luxury properties from Paris to Aspen here in Skimbaco last week, I thought that I would cover four amazing adventurous, outdoorsy and unique vacations for the New Year. All of these exclusive small-group travel experiences combine scientific exploration with the comforts of beautifully appointed accommodation and regional cuisine, hence really defining what
- [Let Bali Feed Your Belly (Our Favorite Culinary Experiences Listed)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/best-food-in-bali.html) - Hungry? Bali will feed your curious belly. If you have ever dreamed of going to Bali, but hesitated... don't hesitate. Just make it happen. I want to finally share more photos from my trips to Bali, so jump on a virtual tour with me. Let's start with the most delicious topic: food. You know I
- [Live a Little: Don't Let Negativity Get You](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/live-a-little-dont-let-negativity-to-get-you.html) - Refuse Negativity Today I'm encouraging you to eliminate negativity from your life and refusing negativity to get you down. It may not be all that easy, negative people and negative attitudes and bad news easily surround us in our every day lives, whether it's depressing song lyrics on morning radio or grumpy check-out girl
- [Argan Oil in a Nut Shell - How the Moroccan Gold is Made and Why It's So Important for Women](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/argan-oil-in-morocco.html) - "Guess how old I am?" Said the sales lady at the souk in Marrakesh in Morocco as I was holding two bottles of agran oil in my hands, and trying to decide if I should buy more of this miracle oil to take home. I tried figuring out a polite way to tell her I
- [12 Life (and Business) Lessons Climbing the Lion Rock in Sri Lanka Taught Me](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/01/tips-for-success-from-sigiriya-rock.html) - Inspiration from Sri Lanka Here is a picture of me on the top of the Sigiriya Rock. Read why this photo of me signifies so much more to me --- and what you can learn from it too. Photo by Noel Morata of Travel Photo Discovery. Take Advantage of your Fears and Disadvantages While visiting
- [World Leading Expert Explains why Scents are so Important](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/10/train-your-sense-of-smell.html) - When you take a whiff of the scent of pumpkin pie, what feeling do you have? Perhaps it gives you a feeling of comfort, or perhaps you feel sadness. How can that be? At first, you may not even realize that the scent is evoking a certain type of personal emotion, but it is. Your
- [15 Photos that will make you fall in love with vibrant colors of Morocco](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/15-photos-that-will-make-you-fall-in-love-with-vibrant-colors-of-morocco.html) - I just got back from Morocco, and wanted to share 15 photos that showcase the vibrant colors and the amazing textures and prints that Morocco is all about. Stay tuned for more travel stories - and pictures - from my epic trip to Morocco. My entire March was full of exciting travels, in fact I
- [The AWAY Spa at The W in Bali Treats us with a DIY Body Scrub Recipe Specially for Men](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/04/the-away-spa-at-the-w-in-bali-treats-us-with-a-diy-body-scrub-recipe-specially-for-men.html) - After a long winter, entering the spring season relaxed and refreshed is a great feeling. W Hotels offers luxury spa treatments at their "AWAY" spa at resorts around the world, some geared specifically towards men and their unique needs when it comes to spa treatments. Luckily, I found a way to create a Bali-inspired spa
- [DIY Lavender Sugar Scrub as Inspired by a Luxury Spa](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/09/lavender-essential-oils-sugar-scrub.html) - Charlotte, North Carolina is home to Forbes Four-Star The Spa at Ballantyne. This resort spa has the exclusive Carolina Lavender Treatment Spa series, using local, organic harvested lavender from York, South Carolina. With the Carolina Lavender Body Wrap, spa guests experience luxury exfoliation with a lavender sugar scrub followed by a hydrating lavender shea butter.
- [Tips How to Become An Adventurous Foodie](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/11/tips-how-to-become-an-adventurous-foodie.html) - If you are looking for an article listing the fifteen weirdest things to eat around the world, this isn’t it. But I will give you simple tips how to become an a more adventurous foodie in your travels.
- [Don't Make these Mistakes when Launching Your New Business](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/10/dont-make-these-mistakes-when-launching-your-new-business.html) - I identified 7 mistakes to avoid when launching your company. Tips how not to make them.
- [Soothing Music Playlist that Puts You to Sleep](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/03/soothing-music-playlist-that-puts-you-to-sleep.html) - Need to catch up some sleep or relax this weekend? Try this soothing sleep time music playlist and you will dose off faster than you could making a bedtime bath. Play now on Spotify! This Barren Land - Jasper TX Subtext - John Foxx Borrowed Peace - Peter Sandberg Lullaby - Regina Mira Ferme Les
- [What's your legacy?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/whats-your-legacy.html) - They say that integrity and reputation are what people say about you after you leave the room. What about your legacy? Legacy is "something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past" and what's said about you after you leave this world. It can also be seen as parenting legacy
- [Herbs, Spices and Sri Lankan Delicatessen Wattalappan](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/herbs-spices-and-sri-lankan-delicatessen-wattalappan.html) - On this post to a family adventure in Sri Lanka I want to talk a bit about the local food. I shared all the different things our family manage to explore and try in Sri Lanka from elephant safaris and beaches to tea plantation visits and learning to carve cinnamon sticks., and in the second post I
- [Travel Insight: All-Inclusive Resorts are a Smart Choice for Summer Caribbean Vacations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/all-inclusive-rates-are-a-smart-choice-for-summer-caribbean-vacations.html) - My husband is a budgeter, and after more than 10 years of marriage, I've learned that he gets a little grumpy on day five of a vacation when he's pulling out his credit card to pay for another costly meal for a family of four. At that point, he's no longer thinking of the beauty
- [Photograph your life & see it through a new lens #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/phone-photography.html) - The past six months I have been actively spreading the word how amazing Instagram is and thus also wanted to start the Instagram Travel Thursday. I post a "Good morning" picture on Instagram every single morning and yes, I am very active on Instagram. Last week I took my first two-day-break of posting my morning
- [Importance of Smiling & Do White Teeth Matter?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/white-teeth-and-smile.html) - I have one big complex and fault that keeps me from living life to the fullest. Well, who am I kidding here, I have many complexes. But one big one is my teeth and the need of hiding them. I had veneers done long time ago and they have needed to be redone at least
- [18 Reasons to Start Wellness Lifestyle Today with Young Living](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/08/18-reasons-to-start-wellness-lifestyle-today-with-young-living.html) - We joined Young Living as wholesale members in January, and have been using our favorites, and testing new products ever since. We attended the Young Living convention in Grapevine, Texas, three weeks ago, and I can not speak highly enough not just about the products, but the company. We have several reasons why we use
- [Bucket List to Do: Visit Monte Carlo, Monaco](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/bucket-list-to-do-visit-monte-carlo-monaco.html) - During our two week trip touring from Venice to Tuscany to French Riviera and we stopped for a day in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Visiting this luxurious destination for über-rich with your family is a MUST DO for anyone's bucket list. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (right after Vatican) and has 0%
- [Blogging as a Lifestyle Choice](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/08/blogging-as-a-lifestyle-choice.html) - Blogging as a Lifestyle Choice - or a business? Have you ever wondered if blogging can help you to achieve a certain type of lifestyle or be a business? I think it can be both, but YOU have to define what you really want out from life and what make you feel you are living
- [Destination Unknown: 3 Amazing Holiday Vacation Spots in Europe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/active-christmas-holidays-in-europe.html) - We are staying at home in Norway this Christmas and in a way it is lovely. There’s already plenty of snow which for me is essential for these holidays, we don’t need to think about packing, catching trains or plains and we can just relax. I know this time of year can be very hectic
- [Après Ski clothes for your Ski Trip](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/apres-ski-clothes.html) - Time to Warm Up for Winter Let's have a winter warm up today and check out some Après Ski clothing styles. Let's warm up with some pictures of fall/winter collections and fashions that keep you warm this fall and upcoming winter. I'm planning our Christmas Holidays to skiing in Norway, and dreaming I could make
- [Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/video-interview-with-the-bond-girl-berenice-marlohe.html) - Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe in Harper's BAZAAR en Español I received these gorgeous photos and the video interview with the new Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe from the insanely talented photographer Benjamin Kanarek. The photos are for Harper's BAZAAR en Español cover and for the inside fashion editorial for the November 2012 issue. We finally sat
- [My husband - the Hero - the Helicopter Pilot](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/10/my-husband-hero-helicopter-pilot.html) - "Rescue workers searched all night Monday for a Durango woman who became stranded in the backcountry northeast of Lemon Reservoir. With the assistance of a helicopter, rescue workers were able to locate Kimberly Creery and bring her to safety early Tuesday..." Read more in Durango Herald. You rock Matt!
- [Live a Little: work for things you love](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/live-a-little-work-for-things-you-love.html) - Anything worthwhile requires work I am currently living inside a snow globe, and wonderful beautiful magical snow globe called Linköping, Sweden. I have been posting photos of this winter wonderland and received mixed emotions - most people ooh and aah, and want to visit and see the beauty with their own eyes, but some
- [15 Things to Know About Relocation Packages Before You Sign Your International Contract](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/what-is-relocation-package.html) - Relocation Packages 101 I wanted to collect a check list for you what to consider when you negotiate an overseas assignment and the relocation package. If you have never lived outside your own country, it might be difficult to even think what all you need to know about moving to a different country, and how
- [Top 10 Things to do in Paris](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/10/top-10-paris.html) - How to travel to Paris and live like a local Are you planning your next or the first trip to Paris? Here are 10 top picks for Paris, whether you are visiting the first time - or live here, like me. 1. Rent a Vélib bike To live a true Parisian experience, nothing like
- [10 Easy Ways to Save the Earth](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/10-easy-ways-to-save-earth.html) - Happy Earth Day! What is Earth Day? Earth Day was created in 1970 in the US to spark a revolution against environmental abuse. Global warming is real and we're part of the problem. Now, we need to become part of the solution. Since the 70's the Earth Day has spread all over the world and
- [Be an Instagrammer with Integrity](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/be-an-instagrammer-with-integrity.html) - Be careful, or you might end up in Alaska I added this warning story in my book, and since I am working on our newest magazine issue with a feature about Rockport, I thought it would be timely to share this here too. When you use Instagram as your travel guide, always do your travel
- [6 Questions to Ask Yourself when Using Instagram as a Marketing Tool](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/10/6-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-using-instagram-as-a-marketing-tool.html) - Here are six questions you should ask yourself when creating your marketing strategy for Instagram. While many are interested in knowing how to gain followers on Instagram, the real question actually is why you want Instagram followers and what are your marketing goals with Instagram. I just launched my new marketing agency Presnal5, and started
- [Life is a Gamble no Matter How You Play It](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/09/life-is-a-gamble-no-matter-how-you-play-it.html) - Are you a planner? Are you flexible in life? Is it possible to be both? I used to plan everything. I had a Master Plan for my life, and bunch of small plans just for the small stuff. I had plans B, C and D, just in case my plan A didn't go as planned.
- [8 Skin Care Tips for Summer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/06/skin-care-tips-summer.html) - While you might think that the cold and windy winter months are worse for your skin than sunny summer days, think again. Protecting your largest organ = skin during summer is as important if not more important than doing it during winter months. Here are 8 skin care tips for summer, many of them are
- [More than just a Spring Clean - Declutter your Life](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/more-than-just-a-spring-clean-declutter-your-life-and-support-goodwill.html) - Declutter your life It is a great time for a "spring clean," but I would like to think of it from a larger point of view. Spring clean can significantly help you to live life to fullest better, but did you know that when you donate your stuff to Goodwill, the revenue from the
- [Sometimes You Need to Travel to Create the Life You Want](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/04/sometimes-you-need-to-travel-to-create-the-life-you-want.html) - Make the travels of your dreams happen Have you ever dreamed of traveling somewhere far away and then looked at flight prices - or your bank account - and let that dream die almost the moment it was born? I know, me too. Then there are also those times that I have done anything
- [Austin, Texas, more than the home town of Willie Nelson and Matthew McConaughey](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/keep-it-weird-austin-texas.html) - Austin, the city of Willie Nelson and Matthew McConaughey Willie Nelson celebrates his 81st birthday today. Willie Nelson was the first performer (in 1974) on what is now the longest-running music program on TV in the US, the Austin City Limits, airing its 40th season starting in this fall. Actor Matthew McConaughey on the other
- [Tips How to Raise Global Citizens and Travel More with Kids](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/10/tips-how-to-raise-global-citizens-and-travel-more-with-kids.html) - How to make traveling as part of family lifestyle? There are no good reasons why you could not raise global citizens and you could not introduce the world for your children. If there is a will, there is always a way. Trust me, I know. What's your excuse? The children are too young. There are
- [Teaching the Kids Global Lifestyle via Family Dinners](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/teaching-the-kids-global-lifestyle-via-family-dinners.html) - Want to know my secrets of teaching kids the global lifestyle, good eating habits and keeping our family together as we travel the world? It's the daily family dinner and cooking together. We host global kitchen nights, take cooking classes together as a family and we often rent apartments in our travels so we can
- [10 Instagram Success Secrets I wasn't going to tell anyone](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/10-instagram-success-secrets-how-to-gain-followers.html) - Let's connect on Instagram - follow me as Skimbaco! So you want to know how to gain Instagram followers? I spilled many of my Instagram search-related secrets in my book Instagram as your Guide to the World- How, What and Who to Search and Follow on Instagram to Help You Travel the World (click the
- [Biltmore Estate's Real Christmas Tree Tradition in North Carolina](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/12/long-live-the-real-christmas-tree.html) - The iconic and beautiful decorated evergreen tree is a holiday staple in many households during the month of December. The Christmas tree tradition dates back to 1510 in Riga, Latvia. In the early years, it was decorated with paper, sweets and food. Tree decorations have certainly evolved through the centuries, but the tradition of a
- [Where to Visit this Fall: Canada](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/09/win-hotel-night-canada.html) - If Cape Breton isn't for you... Canada has amazing cities too! We moved to Nova Scotia, Canada, last winter, and I have to say, we have not regretted it for a minute! I hear a lot of joking around people saying they might move to Canada after the November election, and many have even gotten
- [Listen the Power Couples Podcast - We are on it!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2018/10/power-couples-podcast.html) - I know you must wonder what the Skimbaco writers are doing these days? Amazing projects, cool jobs, new gigs. Brooke and Wilhelm have been building a luxury tiny house, and they started a Power Couples Podcast among many other cool projects. Power Couples Podcast focuses on power couples who know how to elevate every aspect
- [Ireland Special: Insider’s guide to Dublin with kids with Olivia from The Stork Exchange](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/dublin-with-kids.html) - Our 2-year old has visited Dublin and Ireland a few times already, and even the 4-month old little man has got a tour of my old home. Still, I feel little lost when it comes to what to do with the kids in Dublin, I can’t take them to my favourite pubs, to start with!
- [Travel Insight: Do a coffee tour of Baltimore, Maryland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/coffee-baltimore-maryland.html) - Photographer: Christopher Horan I love to visit cities where I can get a good cup of coffee because I’m always wanting to take a coffee or tea break when traveling. How about you? If so, then pack your bags for Baltimore, Maryland. The coffee scene goes beyond getting a cup of java these days, enthusiasts
- [Destination Unknown: Kayaking through Grand Canyon, Adventure of a Lifetime](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/kayaking-through-grand-canyon.html) - It is probably needless to say that there is something magical about the Grand Canyon, as nearly five million people visit the Canyon, in a way or another, annually. Still, when you launch on the chilly waters of the Colorado River with the sun burning on your back from Lee’s Ferry in Arizona, you do
- [25 Bloggers Share their Best Girlfriend Tips](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/06/girlfriend-ideas.html) - I love how Redbook magazine created their entire July theme for fostering friendships with your girlfriends and about hosting a girlfriend party at home. They also sponsored 1,000 Happy Hour parties this past weekend, and their readers got to host a party for their friends. Tune in on Tuesday on Twitter when Redbook is gathering
- [Dress Well to Improve Your Confidence](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/03/dress-well-to-improve-your-confidence.html) - It happens to all of us at some point: standing in front of the closet wondering “what should I wear?!” It may not seem like it at the time where you are trying to run out the door and arrive to your destination on time, however, the selection you make can have a significant effect
- [Escape the Cold - Take Kids to Kissimmee, Florida (Win a trip!)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/02/escape-the-cold-take-kids-to-kissimmee-florida-win-a-trip.html) - Time to escape the cold? Having fun shoveling yet? Maybe it's time to escape the cold. Florida is the most popular travel destination for American families, and I admit, we have vacationed in Florida several times too. I feel like it is a rite-of-passage and part of American culture. I've met so many people, who
- [Driving in Halifax: the Time when I became an Asshole](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/02/driving-in-halifax-the-time-when-i-became-an-asshole.html) - Culture shock behind the wheel I bought a car. It still has a temporary license taped to the window, and every single bit of my driving and the car screams "I am less than 30 days new here." Thank God I chose a car that blends in, and NO, I can not say which one,
- [For Men: 5 Essentials for Après-Ski](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/02/for-men-5-essentials-for-apres-ski.html) - Ski or snow season is in full swing, and President's Day weekend here in the states is a big weekend for ski trips. From Gstaad and Chamonix to Aspen or your local mountain resort, it is all about looking stylish on the slopes as well as when you kick back after the day for après-ski. I think
- [Celebrating Happiness in Sagemon Festival in Yanagawa city in Japan](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/02/celebrating-happiness-in-sagemon-festival-in-yanagawa-city-in-japan.html) - Japanese Sagemon Ornaments wish Happiness for Baby Girls I love this beautiful Japanese tradition that started in the time of the Samurai. Baby girls are given hanging ornaments, called sagemon, to wish her health, happiness and luck in life. When a baby girl is born, her relatives, nannies or grandmothers start making these beautiful hanging
- [Go Big for Disney Travel (reasons why Disney luxury is so worth it)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/luxury-family-travel-with-disney.html) - There is no magic, like Disney magic. Do you agree? Well, actually there is. There is no magic like luxury Disney magic. The first couple of times we visited DisneyWorld, we tried doing the budget-friendly vacation. We stayed in cheap hotels, ate in buffet restaurants close to our cheap hotel, and it was all a
- [Girls Getaway to San Antonio, Texas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/girls-getaway-san-antonio-texas.html) - When my weekend retreat loving friend, Tasha, told me about the wonders of her Southwest Companion Pass (Yep, your buddy flies for free!! Read the easy tips on how to get your own here!) I knew we were in for some serious Springtime fun. After chatting with a few of our favorite brands, hotels and
- [Virtual Tour of Epcot's World Showcase in Disney World (30+ photos and video)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/epcot-world-showcase-photos-and-video.html) - Around the world in 12 hours at Disney World's Epcot. Is it worth it? As someone who has visited 30+ countries, it is easy to say, Epcot is my favorite Disney Park, and I could travel to Orlando just to spend a day at Epcot's world showcase to "travel around the world" in a matter
- [Girls Getaway to Sedona, Arizona](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/girls-getaway-sedona-arizona.html) - Hello Sedona, Arizona! Girls Getaway #2 is in full swing... We're ready to hike the red rocks, shop the boutiques, relax at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa and embrace all the mysticism that is Sedona! For this trip I'm fortunate to have the fabulous company of two phenomenal ladies - fashion blogger, Jessica of Armoire
- [The Best Fall Music Playlist by Skimbaco Lifestyle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/10/fall-2016-music-playlist.html) - Need some fall time tunes? Listen to the Skimbaco fall Music Playlist on Spotify! Some of our favorites from new releases. Million Reasons - Lady Gaga Still Falling for You - Ellie Goulding Drum - Mø Cool - Daya Blended Family - Alicia Keys, A$AP Rocky Follow You Home - Matt Millz 33”GOD” - Bon
- [Our Everyday Love digital magazine issue is here!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/03/our-everyday-love-digital-magazine-issue-is-here.html) - Read our Everyday Love issue on Issuu, or from the widget above - just click to make it a full screen! Everyday Love How do you define everyday love? I think we all define it in a very different way - and yet, we can all find something soothingly similar in our ways of defining
- [Interview with the traveling couple from the Two Drifters travel blog](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/03/interview-with-two-drifters.html) - Amy & Nathan, the word-travelers behind the blog Two Drifters are the epitome of #couplegoals. They’re adventurous dreamers you’d love to share a cup of coffee with! They work hard, ever-pursuing their dreams, together. It’s the combination of these qualities that have opened up worlds of wonder and travel for this rockin’ couple. Amy &
- [Charlie's Angels Blu-Ray Launches with A Cool Facebook App](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/charlies-angels-blu-ray-launches-with-a-cool-facebook-app.html) - Charlie's Angels movie came out already in 2000, and now it's time to revisit and watch it again. Charlie's Angels will come out on Blu-Ray tomorrow, and you will be able to see Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu to kick ass in a remastered Blu-ray Disc, with full of special features like director
- [Satu Vänskä-Westgarth's Top 10 Skimbaco Moments of 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/satu-vanska-westgarths-top-10-skimbaco-moments-of-2013.html) - “Skimbaco lifestyle to me means having the courage and enthusiasm to jump head first into new adventures”, I wrote a while ago for my team profile here in Skimbaco. Naturally I agree. But as I reflect back on the year just gone I think it is so much more. It’s the feeling of waking up
- [Doctor Says More Americans Realize the Effectiveness Of Remedies Found In Nature](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/effectiveness-of-natural-remedies.html) - Lavender fields in France. Lavender is one of most popular and versatile essential oils. Why Natural Remedies are for me I have been a big believer of natural remedies for years, and rarely use any medicine. My trust in Western medicine significantly went down with my pulmonary embolism scare a few years ago. When I
- [Ten Questions to Ask Yourself Today](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/06/ten-questions-to-ask-yourself-today.html) - I would love to inspire you to live life to the fullest and enjoy your every day life. Sometimes things that make us happy are small, sometimes big. I wish you have both of them in your every day life. I don't think happiness and enjoyment should be like a vacation of your otherwise sucky
- [13 Staycation Ideas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/03/13-staycation-ideas.html) - Some of you may be missing out on something wonderful. You have it in your head that a vacation has to be some sort of destination or, at least, a place that would be too far to drive back and forth in one day. Do I see your head nodding in agreement? Well, toss those
- [You are the Author of Your Happily Ever After](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/06/choose-happy-life.html) - We can write our own happily ever after. And we can start it today. We can look for signs that give us the confidence to do things - or we can be pessimistic and look for the signs that pull us down. Which one will you choose? When I was a little girl, I would
- [George Clooney and I at the Oscars®](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/03/oscars-2010.html) - 9:45 AM We woke up early on the morning to head to the Oscar® red carpet bleachers, and took a cab to few blocks away from the Kodak Theatre. The Hollywood Boulevard and the few close blocks surrounding the Kodak Theatre were closed. The city was quiet before the storm, and excitement was felt in
- [I cut my hair for charity](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/06/i-cut-my-hair-for-charity.html) - Yes, I did it!I got my hair chopped for a good cause and I will donate it so it can be made to a wig for someone who has lost her hair due cancer treatment. I heard that there are hair salons around the country who will cut your hair for free when you donate
- [For Men: Homemade Shaving Cream with Essential Oils](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2017/01/for-men-homemade-shaving-cream-with-essential-oils.html) - Leading an overall healthy lifestyle is all about making choices that are the best for you, whether its food, fitness, or beauty, we can make choices that are the best for our bodies. One of the great things about transitioning to a more natural lifestyle through the use of Young Living Essential Oils, is the
- [Georg Jensen Empowers Women with "Never too much of you" Campaign](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/11/georg-jensen-empowers-women-with-never-too-much-of-you-campaign.html) - Danish design company Georg Jensen empowers women with their “You Can Never Be Too Much You” campaign. Watch the video and tell me what you think! This is something that I have thought a lot, as a tomboy girl, as an engineering student, as a business owner, and as a mother of two girls. It
- [Straight Talk about Moving out of the Country](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/10/moving-out-of-the-country.html) - Hey, let's have a talk about emigration. There are several reasons why I think you should read this post. 1. Those who are not considering living outside your own country will get some insight to people who do, and especially to those who have moved to live in your country. 2. Those who regularly joke
- [This mom balances family and business, like a Boss!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/10/interview-with-nicole-feliciano-owner-of-mom-trends.html) - Nicole Feliciano inspires moms with her book "Mom Boss: Balancing Entrepreneurship, Kids & Success" Read an interview with an inspiring business woman, Nicole Felicano, the founder of Momtrends, a website offering tips and tricks for fashionable mom life. I've admired Nicole's work (and style!) for a long time, and one of the most admirable things
- [The Table is Set at the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/10/the-table-is-set-at-the-bay-of-fundy-nova-scotia.html) - When the tide comes up in the southern United States, it’s usually just enough that you have to re-position your umbrella and beach towels a few feet back when it starts to come in so they don’t get wet, and save the cooler from washing away. As I was standing on the seafloor of the
- [Must do experience in England: Traditional Afternoon Tea or a Cream Tea](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/must-do-experience-in-england-traditional-afternoon-tea-or-a-cream-tea.html) - New! This post is also available on our digital magazine, on page 62. Great travel experiences are not just about what you see, but also what you experience - and with whom you experience those special moments. When travelling to England, experiencing a proper afternoon tea, or a taking a lovely cream tea break should
- [Culinary Postcard: Garnacha Wine from Spain](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/09/garnacha-wine-from-spain.html) - Visit Wines of Garnacha. Learn about Garnacha, where to find it in Spain, our first impressions of Garnacha wine, and suggestions how to serve the Garnacha wine with a traditional Catalan dish for friends. Garnacha Day is September 16th On my last trip to Spain, I visited some wineries, attended a vineyard side picnic, and
- [What Size Should Your Carry-On Be? Get the Airline Specific Guide!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/09/carry-on-size-different-airlines.html) - If you are a traveler, you have been in the situation following situation: You have everything packed, and you feel proud that you efficiently fit everything into a carry-on bag to avoid all the hassles of checked baggage. You arrive at the airport, only to find that your carry-on does not fit the measurements of
- [Mint Chip Smoothie inspired by Sedona's Local Juicery](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/09/mint-chip-smoothie-inspired-by-sedonas-local-juicery.html) - When you satiate your wanderlust with adrenaline fueled adventure, you’ll probably need to refuel! A smoothie can be a nutrient powerhouse, but who knew it could taste like a sin? Summer Sanders, CEO + Founder of Local Juicery, Sedona, Arizona, has agreed to share with us her prized recipe for her lustful “Mint Chip” smoothie.
- [Moby Realeased Free Yoga & Ambience Music: Perfect for Your Luxury Spa Experience at Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/08/free-ambience-music-home-spa.html) - Perfect home spa ambience music Did you already read our latest magazine issue with DIY ideas for your home spa? Check out the easy DIY body scrub, salt peel, smoothie etc. recipes, and create a luxurious home spa experience! One missing element for your home spa or home yoga experience: ambience music. You are in
- [RAND Luxury Hosts Aston Martin Brunch in The Hamptons](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/08/rand-luxury-hosts-aston-martin-brunch-in-the-hamptons.html) - A sunny summer Saturday in the Hamptons was the perfect day for a luxury brunch hosted by RAND Luxury in conjunction with Aston Martin of Long Island. In New York, brunch is expected to be of a certain calibre and can be quite the event, and with the Hamptons being the summer playground of many
- [Weekend Indulgence](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/07/mymagnumindulgence.html) - Sponsored post. Happy Saturday! What belongs to your weekend indulgence? Mine is something that, well, I kind of don't even want to admit. It's Magnum ice cream. Let me explain... Weekend Indulgence One of our normal Saturday morning "dates" with Matt is to stop by at the French bakery in town, perhaps have a cup
- [Travel Blogger's Actual Carry On Essentials for a Long Flight](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/essentials-for-long-flight.html) - I'm packing for our trip to Sweden next week, and thought I'd give a look what I actually pack in my carry on for a long flight. A few things are missing, like I will still get a couple more snack bars, and probably return that book to library and buy another one for the
- [Best Young Living Essential Oils and Products for Travelers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/young-living-membership-perfect-gift-for-travelers-see-the-top-products-i-dont-travel-without.html) - Best Young Living Essential Oils and Products for Travelers I don't travel without Young Living products anymore. Whether I need something for jetlag or to get me going on the morning, or to have my mints for the flight, or to have a quick healthy snack, I turn into Young Living products. While the essence
- [Check your sunscreen and make DIY Summer Lotion with Essential Oils](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/natural-sun-protection-essential-oils.html) - Check your sunscreen Did you know that many of the sunscreens sold are not safe, and can actually cause cancer, affect your endocrine system, cause premature aging and damage skin cells? Don't drop the sun lotion just yet though. Sun protection is extremely important, even getting sunburned once will increase your risk of melanoma. One
- [Momondo Promotes World Travel with Powerful DNA Journey Campaign](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/momondo-promotes-world-travel-with-powerful-dna-journey-campaign.html) - The best souvenir: open mind Happy Instagram Travel Thursday! Let's travel around the world through photos from Momondo's Instagram account. I am totally in awe by a current marketing campaign by travel agency Momondo. The recently launched campaign Let's Open Our World truly hits the core thought we have been saying for years: traveling opens
- [Win a Trip to Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/win-a-trip-to-sweden.html) - Win a Trip to Sweden You can try your chance of winning the ultimate trip to Sweden. For the fourth consecutive year VisitSweden has partnered with Volvo Cars, Tourism in Skane and the West Sweden Tourist Board for the Car Plus Vacation sweepstakes which offers the chance to win an all-expense paid dream vacation to
- [Father's Day Gifts for the Urban Fisherman](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/06/fathers-day-gifts-hipster-dad.html) - We teamed up with one of our favorite iconic brands, the Stanley Brand to bring you these few Father's Day gift ideas. Father's Day is celebrated on Sunday, June 19th this year in the USA and Canada. Introducing: the Urban Fisherman Greetings from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the hipster capital of Canada. You have heard the
- [Relaxed way of Traveling to Disney World (and a few new things to take note of)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/disneyworld.html) - I've written about Disney Travel multiple times, and I do believe Disney is the master of creating a family vacation experience the entire family will like, and the Disney luxury travel is worth the extra splurge. I used to think the Disney World in Orlando is a great once-in-a-lifetime type of a place to visit,
- [Father & Son Bonding Time Can Be This Simple](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/father-son-bonding-time-can-be-this-simple.html) - This post is brought to you by Stanley thermos bottles - they make a great Father's Day gift! You don't have to go far to travel Traveling is one of our family's hobbies, and well, one of our only hobbies we do together besides skiing. We have been very fortunate we have been to travel
- [Is your sunscreen safe? 86% in the market are not!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/04/is-your-sunscreen-safe.html) - Enjoy life more - naturally! Check out EnjoyLifeOils.com Enjoy life more in the sun - with safe sunscreen! It's that time of the year again! Time to really think about SUNSCREEN. Shocking news is that most sun lotions in the market contain chemicals, which are bad for you and your family, the good news is
- [Opera Gallery Celebrates Grand Opening on Madison Avenue, NYC](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/opera-gallery-celebrates-grand-opening-on-madison-avenue-nyc.html) - A new art gallery is coming to Manhattan's Upper East Side on Madison Avenue. The prestigious Opera Gallery is celebrating is grand opening of its new showroom located at Madison Avenue and 67th Street in New York. The gallery will be open to the public starting in May 2016. Opera Gallery is one of the
- [Same Birthday with the Netherlands Scored These People the Birthday Surprise of a Lifetime](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/05/same-birthday-with-the-netherlands-scored-these-people-the-birthday-surprise-of-a-lifetime.html) - Sponsored post. Orange Experience This is such a cool way to spread joy around the world! Watch the video for the ultimate birthday surprise these young people around the world got from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Heineken. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Heineken invited people whose birthday is on 27 April to an Orange
- [Travel: Tenganan village in Bali - Balinese traditions and a life lesson learned](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/tenganan-village-bali.html) - I feel the heat as our group arrives to Tenganan Pegringsingan village in Bali, Indonesia. I'm sweating the moment I get off the air-conditioned van, but the locals are just laughing at me, it's not even a hot day by the local measurement. As I walk through the Tenganan village gate to the Bali Aga
- [Interview with Instagram-sensation Konsta Punkka, the Squirrel Whisperer from Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/instagram-interview-squirrel-whisperer.html) - Konsta Punkka feeding a squirrel in Helsinki, Finland. It was a sunny September morning in Helsinki, Finland, and my two girls and I were desperately trying to find the correct bus stop, where to take the bus outside the city to meet with photographer Konsta Punkka, the "squirrel whisperer" KPunkka of Instagram. Konsta is an
- [Got Grit? You Need It to Live Life to the Fullest & to Achieve Your Dreams](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2016/03/got-grit-you-need-it-to-live-life-to-the-fullest-to-achieve-your-dreams.html) - The most important factors for living the life you were meant to live There are a few things that in my opinion are the key factors for your success and happiness in life. Be thankful. You have to learn to be grateful and thankful for what you have, have accomplished or what you have been
- [Live a Little: Take a Break](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/live-a-little-take-a-break.html) - I sort of went crazy here last week posting tons of inspiration surrounding Scandinavian Summer - I hope you take time to know a bit more about Scandinavian culture - it actually teaches us all to enjoy life, take it easy, and even take a break every now and then. By the way - I
- [I confess... things you didn't know about me](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/07/i-need-to-confess.html) - I need to confess.. I don't want you to get a wrong picture of me, as a shopaholic. I like everything old. I recycle everything I can. I buy green. I hate waste. No, I take it back a little bit, I love shopping and love knowing what's the next in thing, but I like
- [Park City Mountain Resort In Trouble #WeLovePCski](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/park-city-mountain-resort-law-suit.html) - Park City Mountain Resort Is in Risk of Closure I received an email from Krista Parry, the Director of Marketing & Communications of Park City Mountain Resort about Park City Mountain Resort filing a law suit against the owners of the land the resort is on. The news made my skin crawl and feel sick.
- [Live a little: 20 ways to live Skimbaco Lifestyle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/live-a-little-20-ways-to-live-skimbaco-lifestyle.html) - Live Skimbaco Lifestyle Today I am encouraging you to live a little and start truly living Skimbaco lifestyle. Did you know that "skimbaco" is a word I made up? Many know this, but for those who don't, "skimbaco" consists of two parts: "skimba" is a Finnish word for skis/skiing and "co" stands for Colorado. Skimbaco
- [Live a Little: believe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/believe.html) - Do you believe? Why is it when we are children we believe in magic, we believe in fairy tales, superheros and Santa Claus and happily-ever-afters but when we become adults we have sometimes hard time even in believing in ourselves? Why reality has to be so tough and rough at times that it strips down
- [Top Three Family Beach Spots Near San Francisco along the Famous Coastal Highway 1](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/top-three-family-beaches-in-california.html) - This post is also available on our digital magazine Issue 3, on page 35. My three Northern California hot-spots for family beach time are all located along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway 1, which runs from Orange County in greater LA to Mendocino, some 160 miles north of San Francisco. There are numerous gorgeous places to
- [Behind Every Successful Woman is a Tribe of Other Successful Women (and I'm going to Volvo Ocean Race!!!)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/sca-volvo-ocean-race.html) - My team of inspiring women I truly believe in the saying "behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back." (And maybe I've also occasionally added "and another group of backstabbing women," but that's another story). I also believe that dreams come true, read more how I will get
- [Design Inspiration from Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/09/mexican-decorating-style-hotel-california-pictures.html) - I visited the Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico, in August during the trip that was arranged by the Mexican Tourism Board and Ogilvy. It was my first trip to Mexico, and fell in love with the country, and among others this little town, hotel and the vivid colors in Mexican interior design. Hotel California
- [Holiday Home: Chalet Chic Style (inspired by my ski trip to Italy)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/chalet-chic-rustic-glam-christmas.html) - Cabin fever is ok.... Cabin fever is OK, when your home is decorated the way you like it, and you feel like you are enjoying your home to the fullest. I just arrived home from the Northern Italy, from the mountains close to Turin, where the 2006 Winter Olympics were held, and I will be
- [How TBD Italy Blogging Conference Gave Me Direction & Why It's Good to Go to Conferences](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/04/how-tbd-italy-blogging-conference-gave-me-direction-why-its-good-to-go-to-conferences.html) - I participated in my very first blogging event last September - the TBD (Travel Blogger Destination) Italy, in the Rimini coastal area - and I am so happy that I did go there. I'd been writing for a couple of years, mainly my own stories with a few sponsored trips and reviews thrown in the mix,
- [Live a Little: Enjoy the Changing Seasons at Home](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/live-a-little-enjoy-the-changing-seasons-at-home.html) - I hope you are enjoying summer to the end of it, which unfortunately is looming. The morning coldness, almost daily rain showers.. fall is going to be up here in the North sooner than I wished for. You might be able to enjoy summer a little bit longer than us here, but the changing of
- [The Story of My Life: We are Moving Out of the Country. Again.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/the-story-of-my-life-we-are-moving-out-of-the-country-again.html) - One Year Anniversary and Time to Leave This week we celebrate our one year anniversary back in New York by packing our things, and scheduling another international move. It was magical to be back in New York City for Christmas time last year this time, but we all felt deeply saddened we had left Europe
- [Travel Around the World with Instagram Travel Thursday Travelers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/04/travel-around-the-world-with-instagram-travel-thursday-travelers.html) - And not just on Instagram... I admit, I have been cheating on Instagram with my new hot app friend Findery. I just kind of like new and shiny things, and I like how on Findery I can create notemaps and put all of my travel photos and tips of a same place in different folders.
- [Instagramming Summer with Skimbaco Friends](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/lifestyle-bloggers-to-follow-on-instagram.html) - Our First Summer Back in the USA How are you enjoying this summer? Here is what we have been up to. Our team has been busy living life to the fullest, and we have so many untold stories we hope to share on our site one day too. One day, when the time is right.
- [Dream come true: My internship in Hong Kong](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/dream-internship-in-hong-kong.html) - Hey from Hong Kong! Having spent two weeks here now, I guess it is safe to say that I am settling well and it begins to feel like home for me. I’m an adventurer by nature and I could not be happier that I had the courage to step out of my comfort zone and
- [Destination Unknown: Organizing your own Safari in Uganda](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/safari-in-uganda.html) - As we followed the guard armed with a bow and arrow in the dark African night through a densely grown forest path, I did kind of wonder why exactly had we opted for camping, and what was I doing out there anyway, in Africa, in the dark of the night, in the forest! Suddenly the path
- [Destination Unknown: Travel Beyond London, Destination Devon](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/travel-to-devon.html) - Anyone missed what's happening in London at the moment? Yup, thought so. Even if you don't normally watch sports on TV you can't miss the Olympics. They are everywhere. I'm not that much into spectating sports from the couch, but there is something enthralling about the Olympics that glue me in front of the TV.
- [On the Trail of Downton Abbey and Charming Movies Filmed in England and Scotland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/on-the-trail-of-downton-abbey-and-charming-movies-filmed-in-england-and-scotland.html) - My favorite movie locations on English Countryside If you travel to England there is no lack of things to see and places to go to - both new and especially historic ones. In my own blog I talk all the time about the castles, country mansions and gardens we like to visit on weekends and
- [Slovenia's Ljubljana - Top Tips for Family Travellers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/03/slovenias-ljubljana-top-tips-for-family-travellers.html) - 'Exploring the town plan near the famous triple bridge with the children' I recently returned from a weekend in Ljubljana with my three kids and I was wondering prior to the trip if it was a bit too crazy to do a city-break at sub-zero weather in winter with the littles ones. Luckily the answer turned out to be
- [Destination Unknown: Adventure Travel Dream Destinations for 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/adventure-travel-dream-destinations-for-2013.html) - For me the turn of the year is always the time for planning the coming year, and especially the travels to come. Travel dreams turn into concrete plans, bucket lists become “to do” lists and my credit card suffers slightly from the many purchases of flight tickets. This year for us the start of the
- [Two moms, 1500 miles of Ireland's coast - #RideWild2014 bike tour is now on!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/08/two-moms-1500-miles-of-irelands-coast-ridewild2014-bike-tour-is-now-on.html) - Jumping out of joy, four days of biking along the Wild Atlantic Way behind and legs are still working! Exciting day ahead with high cliffs and spectacular views to come... " greets Skimbaco Team member Satu her Instagram friends with this picture last night. The Ride Wild 2014 is now on, Satu and Anne-Marit are
- [Leigh Hines' Top 10 Skimbaco Moments of 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/leigh-hines-enjoys-life.html) - Even though I cover luxury hotel and travel for Skimbaco, which is nothing ordinary in the least, I live a very ordinary life in Raleigh, North Carolina. When you check my linkedin profile, you'll see that my job is a stay-at-home mom. Jack is 8, and Liza is 4. I just write on the side.
- [Kids & Mommy (or single parent) Ski Trip - Doable or No?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/04/mommy-kids-or-single-parent-ski-trip-doable-or-no.html) - I spent four amazing days skiing with three kids at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah last week. I am one of the Park City Mountain Resort Snowmamas, and I was "tasked" to fly to Utah to ski with the kids and share my experience at Snowmamas.com. This was my first ever vacation alone with
- [5 Things You Must Experience on NC's Crystal Coast](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/5-things-you-must-experience-on-ncs-crystal-coast.html) - Time to visit North Carolina North Carolina's Carteret County encompasses 85 miles of coastline from Emerald Isle to Harker's Island. This area is often referred to as North Carolina's southern outer banks by those who live outside of North Carolina, but locals call it the "Crystal Coast". The water is crystal blue, the sunsets and sunrises are amazing,
- [Blue Dolphin Inn in Cambria on California's Central Coast](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/living-the-rich-life-on-californias-central-coast-blue-dolphin-inn-in-cambria.html) - Let's shine the spotlight on the Central Coast of California, specifically the charming and historic town of Cambria, nearby Moonstone Beach and the Paso Robles Wine Country. In my previous posts, I have shown you the tranquil inn where we stayed our first night, an artisan olive oil company, and an estate winery that
- [Wes Holland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/wes-holland.html) - photo: fringe magazine WES HOLLAND Lives: New York City, New York, USA Skimbaco expert topics: men's lifestyle, luxury lifestyle, fashion for men, travel. Feature on Skimbaco Lifestyle: Monsieur Curations Wes' blog: Life Through Preppy Glasses Contact: wes.holland(at)skimbaco.com with NYC event invitations, product pitches and product review requests. Connect: TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST Professional background
- [Coffee is Actually Good for You](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/09/is-coffee-bad-for-you.html) - I drink way too much coffee, and I know it. Caffeine is one of the most researched food items, and seems like new caffeine research results come up yearly, if not monthly, and often the result is: coffee is bad for you. But some research actually shows that there are some health benefits of caffeine,
- [Road Trip Destination: Upstate New York](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/road-trip-tips-destination-new-york.html) - If you don't have time for a long trip this summer, don't want to fly with small kids, or are looking for a short weekend trip.. try upstate New York. If you are not close by, flying in and renting a car might not be a bad idea either. Adirondacks are beautiful this time of
- [Travel Insight: Hot Hotel and Travel News for Spring Break](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/spring-break-travel-news.html) - The temperatures may still be cold in some places, but we've got some hot travel news to share. Spring Break is on the mind of many right now. Myself, included. Where will your travels take you this year? Now is the time to decide your travels, and we've got some news that may help you.
- [Family Road Trip Tips for the Holiday Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/family-road-trip-tips-for-the-holiday-travel.html) - Hitting the road this Holiday season? You are not alone. Be prepared for the traffic and for the long trip. For staying sane and safe for all the way there with these tips we gathered together with Autotrader. 1. Make sure your car can make the ride! Do a quick check on the essentials before
- [Something funny about my kids...](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/08/something-funny-about-my-kids.html) - Since it's back to school time, I'm going to brag how wonderfully educated my children are. My children are also very traveled, and have developed their own language. They know about the world culinary and arts. They are such sweet kids, always making me happy. My daughter (5) complimented me today "I like your outfit",
- [Times have changed, but kids haven't](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2007/06/times-have-changed-but-kids-havent.html) - I originally wrote this post in 2007 and updated in 2016, when I can say as a mother of three teenagers: it is possible to raise thankful, happy, self-confident teenagers, who enjoy life with less stuff. Let kids be kids and let them use their own imagination Times have changed, but kids have not. Do
- [Explore Canada: Destination Halifax, Nova Scotia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/travel-halifax-nova-scotia.html) - Halifax, Nova Scotia in the Eastern part of Canada is the perfect exploration spot for families, or even for multi-generational travel. Halifax is perfect destination for elementary and middle school-aged kids, and to combining an active vacation with learning about history. My kids have been to over 13 countries, and Nova Scotia in Canada is
- [Live a little: Take Photos](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/live-a-little-take-photos.html) - Live a little: take photos Today I am encouraging you to think photography through a new lens, literally or not. If you don't own a good camera or a phone that takes good quality photos, add a photo-taker in your Christmas list to yourself. Skimbaco lifestyle is all about enjoying the moment, but also remembering
- [Moms Choose Airlines that Understand Their Kids - Like KLM Does](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/klm-bluey-for-kids.html) - Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Choosy Moms Choose Airlines Their Kids Like One Christmas we surprised our children with the iconic "You are going to DisneyWorld" gift. We printed our flights on a paper and wrote on the other side "Merry Christmas, you are going to DisneyWorld." Our oldest, Isabella, was reading the text
- [Travel Insight: Holiday Shopping in Raleigh’s North Hills](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/travel-insight-holiday-shopping-in-raleighs-north-hills.html) - Holiday Shopping in Raleigh’s North Hills Oh, this time of year, there is so much to do. Trees to decorate, visits with Santa, and gifts to buy. Take a deep breath, and put some fun in that holiday shopping by planning an overnight shopping excursion. You can even do it in a large city nearest
- [Just In: Fashion Santa takes Toronto & Internet by Storm](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/12/just-in-fashion-santa-takes-toronto-internet-by-storm.html) - You might remember getting your photo taken with Santa at the mall, or perhaps you have taken your children to get the annual photo- a fake beard, an old red Santa suit, bad decorations. This seems to be the Santa of the past. At the Yorkdale Mall in Toronto, Santa has gotten an extreme makeover.
- [When Our Daughter Told Us She Wanted to be an Artist... I Helped Her to Open Her Own Shop](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/when-our-daughter-told-us-she-wanted-to-be-an-artist-i-helped-her-to-open-her-own-shop.html) - When the world teaches you Our daughter Gabriella has been drawing, painting and creating art seriously for a few years now. Each day she draws or paints for a few hours, and every single piece of paper in our home is filled with her original art. She sees the back of school printout, the back
- [Meanwhile in Finland: The Country Announces its Own Emojis](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/finland-announces-its-own-emojis.html) - Did you know that texting was invented in Finland? Emojis on the other hand were invented in Japan with many emojis related to Japanese culture, but Finland strikes again as the first nation to set their own national emojis. I'm looking forward sending text messages with sauna, sisu* and perkele**, and at least sauna is
- [Dogs and Travel Lifestyle: Here is how we make it work.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/11/dogs-and-travel-lifestyle-here-is-how-we-make-it-work.html) - Can a dog be part of your traveling lifestyle? So, you like to travel, and you like dogs, but how to mix these two? I am not going to lie, it is not always easy, it can be costly and sometimes just plain old pain in the butt. But with a few adjustments, and ability
- [Destination Unknown Halloween Special: Five Spooky Activities in Ireland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/halloween-activities-in-ireland.html) - As Halloween is drawing closer and I am currently traveling through Ireland, I thought that I'd cover some of the slightly more spooky activities to do and attractions to see in Ireland, in the spirit of Halloween. Many of these you can visit any time of the year, so if you are not easily freaked
- [6 Must Follow Traveling Moms on Instagram](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/10/6-must-follow-traveling-moms-on-instagram.html) - I've started featuring more family pictures My love for Instagram truly developed four years ago when we moved to Sweden and I wanted to share every bit of it with my friends. Now I can not stand where we live, and truthfully just feel like a failure for ever even moving to this place. It's
- [Ryan Reynolds Says what we all sometimes think of IKEA](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/09/ryan-reynolds-says-what-we-all-sometimes-think-of-ikea.html) - GQ interviews Ryan Reynolds of his newest and most important role, being a father, in their latest issue. As part of the interview they also shot this funny video of Ryan Reynolds putting together an IKEA crib, and says what we all have sometimes thought of assembling IKEA furniture. Watch Ryan Reynolds Try to Build
- [Food Adventure at the Christmas Market in Paris (and what not to do!)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/food-adventure-at-the-christmas-market-in-paris-and-what-not-to-do.html) - "We will always have Paris." The famous movie line from the movie Casablanca. The line I have been thinking a lot the past week. I can't believe I was in Paris just a few weeks ago, so much has happened since. We have arrived back in the USA, and are planning on buying a house,
- [10 Questions to Ask Yourself after Your Family Travels this Summer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/08/10-questions-after-family-travel.html) - What does #TravelforReal mean to you? Summer vacations are winding down, and school start is already here for some. We are still going on one more trip to Orlando, to attend the Family Forward conference at Pacific Royal at Universal Studios before our schools start. The Loews hotel property is asking their guests to share
- [Travel Insight: Is Travel a Privilege or a Choice?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/08/travel-insight-is-travel-a-privilege-or-a-choice.html) - This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of U.S. Cellular. The opinions and text are all mine. Traveling as a lifestyle At Skimbaco, we have made some lifestyle choices where travel is a priority in our lives. My statistics are not even close to Katja's stats, but I've traveled to twelve countries
- [Cocktails & Dreams: Sparkling Lavender Lemonade at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/07/ritz-carlton-pentagon-city-sparkling-lavender-lemonade.html) - Can't wait to visit Washington D.C. I'll be checking into the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia later this month as my family visits Washington D.C. for the first time. We'll be in Arlington on the last day of our trip, and I already have afternoon tea on my agenda. I cannot wait to order this
- [Family Travel Idea: Get Lost with Paddington in London](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/family-travel-idea-get-lost-with-paddington-in-london.html) - From the maker's of Harry Potter, Paddington Bear is coming to the big screen for the very first time in a new adventure. At Skimbaco, we love to find holiday gift ideas that enable you to explore the world. On January 16, 2015, the movie Paddington will be released in the U.S. It is sure
- [Whiskey Cocktail Recipe for a Crowd: It's no Longer Just a Man's Drink](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/whiskey-cocktail-recipe-for-a-crowd-its-no-longer-just-a-mans-drink.html) - We've come a long way, baby! Gone are the "Mad Men" days of whiskey being a just a man's drink, straight on the rocks. Whiskey sales are on the rise, and women are contributing to that rise. Last year, whiskey sales were nearly $4 billions which is an increase over the $3.5 billion dollars in
- [Brooke and Wilhelm Genn](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/brooke-and-wilhelm-genn.html) - BROOKE & WILHELM GENN Live: Midwest, USA Skimbaco Expert Topics: Couples Getaways, Romantic Travel, Destination Weddings, Honeymoons & Romantic Staycations. Featured Column at Skimbaco Lifestyle: Nomadic Newlyweds The Genn’s Site: Nomadic-Newlyweds.com Contact: Connect: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST Professional Background: We are storytellers & photographers - Lovers of love, travel and art! We’ve
- [Refresh: Get Rid Of Stuff](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/its-just-stuff.html) - Realization: It's Just Stuff One good thing about moving is getting rid of your stuff. Many might see that as the downside of moving, and I have to admit, it's not easy. The past two months I have been looking almost every single object that we own with questions in my mind (Can I live
- [10 Things to See in Boston](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/10-things-to-see-in-boston.html) - Boston Strong I wanted to dedicate one post to Boston, and publish a few of my Boston photos. Boston is an amazing coastal city to visit, and it is surrounded by gorgeous small coastal towns. I hope you put visiting Boston in your travel list this summer to support a city, which went through a
- [Picking one of the Most Expensive Flowers in the World](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/saffron-picking-in-italy.html) - This post is also available in our digital magazine, Issue 2, page 36. Saffron picking in Navelli, Italy Saffron crocus is one of the most expensive flowers in the world. If you are like most people, you have never seen a saffron flower, or don't know what it looks like. The saffron flower itself is
- [Fashion Friday: The Best Birkin Look-Alike Bags](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/best-birkin-look-alike-bags.html) - SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE INSPIRATION Best Birkin Bag Look-Alikes Under $400 Are you looking for an alternative for Birkin bag? Because let's face it, the price tag isn't really as appealing as the look is. Here are some great bags that look like the Birkin bag, but come with much cheaper price tag. In fact only
- [Summer BBQ Recipe: Smoked Salmon with Avocados](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/summer-bbq-recipe-smoked-salmon-with-avocados.html) - Grilling Salmon Salmon is probably the most grilled item in our home, and we love to grill it for our summer parties as well. With our tricks, you will learn how easy it is to cook salmon in the grill. You only really need to add sea salt to season your salmon, but grilled salmon
- [Exotic Chic Home Decorating Inspiration from Sri Lanka](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/exotic-chic-home-decorating-inspiration-from-sri-lanka.html) - Did you see my post Sri Lanka in Instagram photos? The country is feast for eyes, whether it comes to nature, architecture, historic sites or design. I believe that you should always travel everywhere and bring something home with you, and I came back home from Sri Lanka full of home decorating inspiration. Yes, I
- [Get the Outer Banks Lux Coastal Style](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/luxury-coastal-style.html) - Stylish Beach Luxury Luxury doesn't have to be grand and opulent. Luxury is sometimes best when its understated. Simple. You are not going to find a lot of glitz and glam in North Carolina's Outer Banks, but you will find a laid-back coastal style that will enable you to put your sand in the toes,
- [Discovering Irish Design](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/irish-design.html) - The Year of Irish Design What imagery does your mind conjure up when asked to describe Ireland? Bucolic scenes of deep emerald dotted with fleecy poufs of sheep wandering the countryside? This seems to be where the mindseye of most tends to wander. While the Emerald Isle certainly earns its moniker with settings like that,
- [Recipes from Travels: Capa Gin&Tonic](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/recipes-from-travels-capa-gintonic.html) - Our goal for Skimbaco Lifestyle this summer is to bring an element of our travels into your home. We can dream a little about places to go. Last month, Katja shared a Strawberry Chrysanthemum Elixir from the Umstead Hotel and Spa, which is my five-star neighborhood hotel in Raleigh. One of my favorite drinks is a
- [Culinary Postcard from Peru! Join me Celebrating Summer with Avocados from Peru.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/culinary-postcard-from-peru-join-me-celebrating-summer-with-avocados-from-peru.html) - Avocados from Peru One of the things I say often: you can travel around the world during dinner time, even on a school night! With this I of course mean that food is an excellent way to experience a new culture, without traveling anywhere. Our friends know to expect an "international dinner" when we host
- [Crispy Oven Baked Fries with Two Green Peruvian Style Dipping Sauces](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/crispy-oven-baked-fries-with-peruvian-sauce.html) - Summer party favorite recipe: crispy oven baked fries with "green dipping sauces" We love potatoes! I am a Finn, and I grew up eating potatoes probably five out of seven days every week. Sometimes probably seven out of seven. It also means that I cook potatoes in hundred ways. I take my potatoes seriously, and
- [Montreal in 10 Pictures (and why Québec is in my travel wish list for this summer)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/montreal-in-10-photos.html) - Oh Canada, I wish I was coming for you this summer I am pretty excited to be back living in upstate New York again... because Canada is so close by! I recently wrote at Huffington Post about exploring Canada by plane, train, boat or automobile, and wouldn't mind heading back to Canada this summer. I
- [Living life to the fullest on Instagram](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/06/living-life-to-the-fullest-on-instagram.html) - Where did my travel photos go? I have been very fortunate. During the past couple of years I traveled to over 20 countries, and loved sharing my photos from around the world on Instagram. However, after moving to upstate New York, and now focusing more on building several new business ventures, like Enjoy Life with
- [Finding Tea and Alchemy in Ireland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/finding-tea-and-alchemy-in-ireland.html) - Having Tea in Ireland was my Skimbaco Moment Guest post by Lara DiPaola of Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom. Tea is possessed of a special alchemy. My earliest memories of my paternal grandmother involve the gilded rim of a delicate china teacup resplendent with tiny flowers perched atop a saucer. Being Irish, tea was always more
- [Coastal Spain in 10 Instagram Photos](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/05/coastal-spain-in-10-instagram-photos.html) - Greetings from Spain! I was a keynote speaker at the TBEX conference, the largest travel blogger conference in the world last weekend. The conference was held in Lloret de Mar, a coastal destination less than two hours north of Barcelona. Here are some of my Instagram photos from the coastal Spain - and from few
- [Nomadic Lifestyle Gone Wrong: We went after Global Adventures and ended up with the American Dream](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/04/nomadic-lifestyle-gone-wrong-we-went-after-global-adventures-and-ended-up-with-the-american-dream.html) - I sometimes forget how privileged our children are. All three were born in different countries, and they all also carry two passports, and are fluent in the language in the country we just lived as expats the past three years. Raising a multicultural family was not an option for us, it was mandatory since I
- [All Female Team Competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, the World's Toughest Sailing Race](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/03/all-female-team-competing-in-the-volvo-ocean-race-the-worlds-toughest-sailing-race.html) - Women's Team in Volvo Ocean Race "In 24 hours we got it all. The most spectacular sailing you can imagine and a total wipe out with shredded sails, broken bits and pieces and a boat in a complete mess as a consequence. Fortunately the crew is safe and didn't suffer any major injuries." Reads under
- [Culinary Postcard: Make Crêpes like in Paris](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/03/crepes-like-in-paris.html) - Crêpes like in Paris Crêpes are the comfort food of my childhood, and the childhood of my children. They are tasty thin pancakes, that are much less sweet than what pancakes typically are. The dough is often even made without sugar and then the sugar is just sprinkled on the top, or a sweet topping
- [Zoolander 2 Announced at Paris Fashion Week](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/03/zoolander-2-announced-at-paris-fashion-week.html) - Paris Fashion Week always catches my attention, however, this year Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson took to the Valentino runway as Derek Zoolander and Hansel. The sequel to the original comedy is set to be released in February of 2016 with the two actors starring in Zoolander 2. Paramount pictures followed up on the unofficial announcement
- [News: I will be a Keynote Speaker at TBEX Spain and Speaker at NMX in Las Vegas (get a discount code to attend!)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/03/news-i-will-be-a-keynote-speaker-at-tbex-spain-and-speaker-at-nmx-in-las-vegas-get-a-discount-code-to-attend.html) - Keynote Speaker at TBEX in Lloret de Mar, Spain 2015 I really don't know how this happened, but I was invited to be a keynote speaker at TBEX Conference in Lloret de Mar in Costa Brava, Spain this spring. I will be in a panel with Kash Bhattacharya from Budget Traveller, and we will be
- [Exploring Malbec From Mendoza, Argentina](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/03/exploring-malbec-from-mendoza-argentina.html) - Photo: lipecillo At Skimbaco, we have quite a few wine lovers on the team. We have explored wines from Italy and even recommended great gifts for the wine lover in your life. There is so much to learn in the world of wine, and it really opens a lot of doors to traveling to beautiful destinations
- [For Men: Custom Clothing Within Reach](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/for-men-custom-clothing-within-reach.html) - The days of off the rack clothing seem to be slowly coming to an end as men become more and more attuned to the fit of their clothing. We have seen the trend in the men's market gravitate towards slimmer silhouettes and trimmer fits. If you are like me, these great, slim fits cannot be
- [Making My Dream Come True with Shoe.Be Shoe Store in Helsinki ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/making-my-dream-come-true-with-an-italian-brand-store-in-helsinki.html) - Shoe.Be store coming soon to Helsinki! Meanwhile: PopUp Kauppa I've just opened a pop-up store. Now that wasn't quite my dream, but I happened to got a few lemons and turned those lemons I got into the proverbial lemon juice resulting in the pop-up store. I am opening a major Geox shoe and clothing store where I'll be also
- [Hotel Review: History Comes Alive in Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa in Ljubljana ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/hotel-review-history-comes-alive-in-antiq-palace-hotel-spa-in-ljubljana.html) - Ljubljana comes with an interesting history starting from early Roman influence to Italian and Austrian ones, and that is reflected in the town's building style with Baroque Venetian style being very dominant. Amazingly, one of these middle ages palaces now serves as a luxury hotel: The Antiq Palace Hotel and Spa, located in the heart of the historic
- [Find My Exotic Bali Travel Tips Now on Findery (and Huffington Post)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/find-my-exotic-bali-travel-tips-now-on-findery-and-huffington-post.html) - I admit, I am one of those women who read Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" and wanted to go to Bali to find myself, do some yoga, bicycle in between the rice fields, and flirt with dangerously gorgeous men at the beach parties. I loved how the story came alive in her stories of each
- [DIY: How to Make Lavender Soaps](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/diy-lavender-soaps.html) - SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE INSPIRATION Hooked on handmade soaps Handmade soaps are our everyday luxury item, and now we have started making our homemade lavender soaps, and absolutely love it. I just recently became Young Living wholesale member, and their lavender essential oil is perfect for these soaps. Of course, feel free to experiment with other
- [Valentine's Day Cocktail Ideas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/valentines-day-cocktail-ideas.html) - Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and whether you have a fabulous night on the town planned or an intimate dinner planned at home, a cocktail will definitely be in order during the evening. rokz, a company specializing in innovative cocktails, has brought us some concoctions that will be perfect for the upcoming occasion. rokz
- [Civet Coffee Tasting & Visiting Teba Sari Farm in Bali ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/kopi-luwak-civet-coffee-tasting-in-bali.html) - Teba Sari Farm Experience in Bali I have been contemplating whether to post about our visit to the Teba Sari agrotourism farm in Bali, where we learned about Indonesian and Balinese farming and fruits, and tasting the famous Kopi Luwak, the civet coffee. The small farm (or the part of it which we saw) was
- [Mappin Monday: Asia Travel Favorites from Pinterest](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/02/mappin-monday-asia-travel-favorites-from-pinterest.html) - Mappin Monday - new feature on Skimbaco Lifestyle We have a new feature at Skimbaco Lifestyle - once a month I will be featuring some of my favorite travel blog posts, or more specifically, travel Pins from Pinterest from the Mappin Monday travel blogger community. Our team attended the TBD-Italy conference in Rimini, Italy, last
- [Family Getaway Idea: Williamsburg, Virginia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/family-getaway-idea-williamsburg-virginia.html) - The great thing about traveling to the South in the fall is that temperatures remain warm during the day well into November. The perfect spot for families to explore the fall season is Williamsburg, Virginia. It's a good place to have fun, but it's also filled with history, which provides an exceptional learning opportunity for your
- [Travel Insight: Luxury DIY Spa Tips from The Umstead Hotel and Spa](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/travel-insight-luxury-diy-spa-tips-from-the-umstead-hotel-and-spa.html) - My hometown dream spa is the Umstead Hotel and Spa located in Cary, North Carolina. This five-star gem reopened last July after an extensive renovation. As I learned on my visit, a spa day here is not just a day of pampering, it's an experience. From luxury facials to sensational exfoliations, the Umstead Spa is
- [For Men: WANT LES ESSENTIELS Unveils Concept at Pitti Uomo](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/for-men-want-les-essentiels-unveils-concept-at-pitti-uomo.html) - In the world of men's fashion, all eyes have recently been on Florence, Italy where Pitti Uomo has been taking place January 13-16th. Pitti is renowned in menswear for its sartorial edge and amazing street style. Byron and Dexter Peart, co-founders of WANT LES ESSENTIELS, have been in Florence showcasing their latest Autumn/Winter 2015 collection.
- [Travel Insight: Cruise Trends for 2015](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2015/01/cruise-trends-for-2015.html) - "Ooh wee, ooh wee baby. Won't you let me take you on a Sea cruise" It seems that more and more families are taking to the high seas for a vacation. I have even thought about getting my motion sickness pills, and taking the plunge, too. Cruises are easy and cost effective vacations for families.
- [Holidays: A Southern Christmas in Savannah, Georgia ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/holidays-a-southern-christmas-in-savannah-georgia.html) - As we reflect on our travels in 2014 on Skimbaco Lifestyle, Savannah Georgia was a highlight for me this year. It has charm, history, great food, and beautiful architecture. Savannah is one of those places that as soon as you depart then you are ready to go back for another visit. During my quick
- [Christmas Time in New York City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/12/christmas-time-in-new-york-city.html) - I would like to welcome you to spend Christmas in New York City with me! Christmas time in New York City is something I encourage everyone to experience at least once a lifetime and here are a few must see and do things I discovered during my first Christmas in the city. You can still
- [Holiday Must-See: A Very Green Christmas Tree at Ritz-Carlton Charlotte](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/holiday-must-see-a-very-green-christmas-tree-at-ritz-carlton-charlotte.html) - The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte is one of the U.S's top green hotels. This holiday, the hotel paid tribute to its green roots by creating the very first-environmentally friendly Christmas tree in Charlotte, N.C. This tree, located in the hotel's Bar Cocoa, is 17 feet toward the sky, constructed of 789 recycled/recyclable green plastic bottles. The LEED®
- [Global Inspirations: Westin Nusa Dua in Bali](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/westin-nusa-dua-resort-in-bali.html) - Global Inspirations - bring the world home Hi, I'm Reeta, the latest writer for Skimbaco. Come and explore the good life with me - I want to share the world of travel, home decor and other sources of inspiration with you. Global Inspirations will bring the world home for you, whether it's a travel destination
- [Slovenia's Pure Nature Offers Great Adventures for All Seasons](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/slovenias-pure-nature-offers-great-adventures-for-all-seasons.html) - Slovenia, the little hidden gem next to Italy is well on its way on earning a great reputation for good food and award-winning wines, but it has so much more to offer - especially in terms of nature adventures. There is something for every season from water sports to hiking and biking, caving to skiing - and then some
- [Little Girl's Holiday Dream: the Gift of the American Girl Travel Experience ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/little-girls-holiday-dream-the-gift-of-the-american-girl-travel-experience.html) - Yes, Santa! A doll under the tree is special, but here's a gift idea that really brings that doll to life in a big way. Why not travel to a city for a weekend that has the American Girl Store. You can catalogue shop all you want, but having your child visit an American Girl
- [Five Ways to Experience the Emerging Wine Regions of Slovenia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/12/five-ways-to-experience-the-emerging-wine-regions-of-slovenia.html) - Wine tasting in Italy - you might already been there and done that. If you are looking for something new there's no need to look far - just few miles across the Italian border lies first of three Slovenia's up and coming wine regions. The locals in Italy have been wine-hopping over the border for a
- [Award-winning Slovenian Olive Oil Maker Vanja Dujc Surprises with Fruity Blends](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/award-winning-slovenian-olive-oil-maker-vanja-dujc-surprises-with-fruity-blends.html) - High on the hills of Portorož - the Adriatic coast of Slovenia peaceful olive groves with some 1000 trees provide the harvest for the award-winning olive oils of Vanja Dujc. I had the honor to meet the master of olive oils himself, have a tour around his beautiful groves and do the first ever olive
- [Travel Insight: Tourist Cycling Gains Popularity as Luxury Hotel Amenity](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/travel-insight-tourist-cycling-gains-ground-as-popular-luxury-hotel-amenity.html) - Sometimes the best way to explore an area is to pedal your way through town on a leisurely bike ride. Our own Satu spent late summer biking through Ireland. Ok. She's more like a professional, but whether you are an avid biker or someone like me who gets on a bike very rarely, you will
- [Hotel Nettuno: How a Family Operated Hotel Impressed in Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/hotel-nettuno-how-a-family-operated-hotel-impressed-in-italy.html) - You all know that I'm the odd one on our Skimbaco team because I probably spend more time picking out a hotel for a trip than I do picking out a destination. Where I stay on a vacation is a big deal to me. I know I'm a little quirky in my ways and beat
- [Combination Travel: Train from London to Paris, then Cruising French Countryside ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/combination-travel-train-from-london-to-paris-then-cruising-french-country-side.html) - I have written before about combination travel - combining different destinations on the same trip - and often also combining different transportation methods, either as means of getting from one place to another, or as a unique experience. Combination travel also makes a lot of sense if you are travelling to another continent: the incremental
- [Instagram Travel Thursday project presented at the TBD Italy 2014 ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/11/instagram-travel-thursday-project-presented-at-the-tbd-italy-2014.html) - Instagram Travel Thursday Project Presented in Italy Leigh, Reeta and me from the Skimbaco Team attended the TBD Italy last month, and I was honored to speak about the Power of Communities, and I wanted to tell everyone the powerful story of Instagram Travel Thursday. Travel Blogger Destination Italy, TBD Italy, is a project by
- [My Life in Real Time & Fall Fashion Trends](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/my-life-in-real-time-fall-fashion-trends.html) - Sponsored content. Classic style meets fall fashion trends I'm all about classic style and buying clothing and accessories that last more than one season - and then mixing them up with trendy accessories and inexpensive fun pieces that I might only wear a year or max two. I was inspired by a very classic Pulsar
- [Haunted Jekyll Island, Georgia ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/haunted-jekyll-island-georgia.html) - It's not that I seek out haunted hotels in my travels. Far from it. I'm actually a scaredy cat when it comes to anything haunted, but I like hotels rich in history and character. When you find hotels rich with those traits, you just happen to stumble upon a little extra that may go "bump
- [Walk Through the Latin Quarters of Paris](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/walk-through-the-latin-quarters-of-paris.html) - I've been asked about the walks I've done in Paris, and here's my latest one - exploring around Rive Gauche - the Left Bank, and more specifically around Latin Quarters - as the hotel where I stayed was in the heart of this area. I had no specific must-see places on my list this time
- [Sri Lanka - A Perfect Family Adventure Destination ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/sri-lanka-a-perfect-family-adventure-destination.html) - Our family is known for sometimes finding the less-than-traditional family holiday destinations - or at least the more unusual agendas for our trips. We've recently returned from our latest adventure in Sri Lanka, and prior the trip we've had a few comments about the safely of the country (recent civil war and typhoons in the
- [Relaxing in the Quintessentially English Landscape Gardens ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/10/relaxing-in-the-quintessentially-english-landscape-gardens.html) - Welcome to the quintessentially English landscape garden! You probably already know what the essence of the English garden is - unlike the formal and symmetrical French garden, the English ones are more natural. I always thought of quaint little tudor cottages surrounded by endless amount of colourful flowers, all happily mixed together. And yes, that
- [Reeta Laaksonen](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/reeta-laaksonen.html) - REETA LAAKSONEN Lives: Near London, UK Skimbaco expert topics: home, lifestyle, travel, all things British Skimbaco feature: Global Inspirations - bring the world home Reeta’s own blog: House of Anaïs Contact reeta.laaksonen(at) skimbaco.com with event invitations, travel and hotel/resort pitches and product review requests. Connect: INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK Professional background Graduate
- [Roccafiore: Winelover's Destination in Umbria Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/roccafiore-winelovers-destination-in-umbria-italy.html) - Located in the heart of the Umbria region of Italy, Roccafiore offers a unique experience with nature ranging from its winery to its spa and halls filled with art. The Roccafiore project was founded by Leonardo Baccarelli when he fell in love with the location in the 90's, which then began to serve as a
- [Something Sweet and Luxe at The Langham Chicago](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/something-sweet-and-luxe-at-the-langham-chicago.html) - The Langham in Chicago is known for its signature afternoon tea on Wedgewood china, which debuted at its sister hotel The Langham, London in 1865. Now, it may also become known for its sweeter, luxury side. The Langhham, Chicago has opened the Parlour at Pavilion, so you can enjoy some more decandence following afternoon tea.
- [Ireland and Wild Atlantic Way through Photographer’s Eyes](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/09/ireland-and-wild-atlantic-way-through-photographers-eyes.html) - It has been fascinating to follow someone I once knew first through the kayaking and outdoor scene in Ireland, moving on to the world of photography and starting to create images of the places I love, or places I want to fall in love with. First these photos started to appear here and there almost
- [Luxury Check-in: Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, N.C.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/08/luxury-check-in-fearrington-village-in-pittsboro-n-c.html) - If you are looking to slow down, eat some of the best food in America, and sleep in luxury then we've found the perfect place for you. It can be found in Pittsboro, N.C. in Fearrington Village, a tiny European-inspired village about 30 minutes away from Raleigh-Durham International airport. I checked into the Fearrington House
- [Halfway there - Satu has already biked half of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland!  (watch the video)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/08/half-way-there-satu-has-already-biked-half-of-the-wild-atlantic-way-in-ireland-watch-the-video.html) - Skimbaco Lifestyle is the main media partner for Ride Wild 2014, as what could better encapsulate this whole adventure than Skimbaco’s motto “Live life to the fullest”! Have you been following Satu's #RideWild2014, the 2500-kilometer bike ride of the Ireland's scenic coast, the Wild Atlantic Way? Watch the video of the start of the trip,
- [Live life to the fullest: Shake it Off ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/08/live-life-to-the-fullest-shake-it-off.html) - Shake it off Taylor Swift just released the perfect song to get you pumped up, and to remember to shake it off when people treat you badly, or even when you just had a bad day. There is always a silver-lining, and the real person in the charge of your own happiness is YOU, not
- [Grab a Table at Dan'l Boone Inn in Boone, N.C.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/08/grab-a-table-at-danl-boone-inn-in-boone-n-c.html) - When we find a culinary gem, we love to tell you about it. If you ever visit, Boone, N.C., which is located in the Blue Ridge mountains, you may want to dine at the Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant. Trust me, you will not want to miss this one. Usually, there are lines out the door,
- [6 Amazing Travelers to Follow on Instagram (that you might never have heard of before)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/6-amazing-travel-accounts-you-have-not-heard-of.html) - I always say, shared joy is a doubled joy. Maybe that's why I like Instagram so much, I love following the small moments people enjoy and share of their everyday life, and I love seeing the big moments and incredible experiences shared how they look for the person through the lens. Above all, I love
- [Childhood Dream Coming True: I'm Participating in a Reality TV Show Filmed in Finland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/childhood-dream-coming-true-im-participating-in-a-reality-tv-show-filmed-in-finland.html) - Who says your childhood dreams can't come true???? Listen to this: I got an invitation to be part of filming one episode of a reality TV show in Finland already earlier this summer. I would have done anything to be in this show when I was a kid! When we moved to Sweden, we had
- [Being Rich is Not about Money. Not even in Monte Carlo](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/being-rich-is-not-about-money-not-even-in-monte-carlo.html) - Monte Carlo, Monaco is the playground of the rich, and I loved visiting Monte Carlo for two short days this spring. I felt like I was transported to another world, that is not attainable for normal humankind, only for the Richie Rich-kind. But you can live rich life without being rich and boy did this
- [Do You Have What it Takes to be an Adventurer? Take the Quiz. ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-an-adventurer-take-the-quiz.html) - Skimbaco Team's Satu is getting ready to start her five-week-long bike tour Ride Wild 2014 - the 1,500 mile/2500 kilometer long bike ride on the coast of Ireland. Satu is our adventure travel writer, and her past adventures include kayaking everywhere between New Zealand and Uganda, and she calls the mountains of Norway home at
- [Tourist, Traveler, Nomad or Local..? Most Likely a Skimbacoer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/tourist-traveler-nomad-or-local-most-likely-a-skimbacoer.html) - We are different. And that's a good thing. You and I are different. Every Skimbaco Team member is very different. Skimbaco Lifestyle is very different from many other websites (here is how to subscribe). And that's exactly where I want to be. And I think you agree. I am also a very different kind of
- [Start of an Adventure: Biking 2500 kilometers of Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/start-of-an-adventure-biking-2500-kilometers-of-wild-atlantic-way-in-ireland.html) - It was just an idea, put to me by a friend, and I tried to brush it off. It would take too long, be too strenuous, probably cost too much and I wouldn’t be up for it anyway. I laughed it off and kept wondering what it would be like to have my own little
- [Our Easy 4th of July Parties](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/07/our-easy-4th-of-july-parties.html) - Happy 4th of July for those who celebrate! 4th of July is one of the favorite holidays in our multi-cultural family. I love being almost an American by association, and I love celebrating the 4th with friends and family. The past two years we have hosted large parties for our friends here in Sweden, and
- [7 Must Have Products for Beach fun (work as Father's Day gifts too)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/summer-beach-products.html) - Here are some of my picks for summer fun on the beach - or they work as thoughtful gifts this summer as well. 1. Coral Stripe Beach Linen Blanket This blanket is a beach must with its vibrant coral stripes and room for the family to relax on the sand. 2. Picnic Basket Taking a
- [Fried Cucumbers with Poppy seed, grapefruit, and Tabasco Caviar](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/fried-cucumbers-with-poppy-seed-grapefruit-and-tabasco-caviar.html) - Hosting dinner parties can always be stressful. It was great to have a conversation with Chef Sam Talbot about how to remain calm and get the food ready for guests at the Valspar Reserve launch event in New York City. In addition to his party tips, Chef Talbot offered up a recipe that tied perfectly
- [The Carolina Beaches of Yesteryear](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/the-carolina-beaches-of-yesteryear.html) - This post also available in our e-magazine Issue 3, page 30. There is just something about North Carolina beaches that evokes a feeling of tradition. Their beauty remains timeless. Sure, modern development has encroached on the coastline somewhat throughout the years, but for the most part Carolina’s beaches have remained unchanged. Usually families pick a
- [The Pain of Wanderlust Living ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/06/the-pain-of-wanderlust-living.html) - The absolutely worst part of expat living and overseas assignments is the inevitable end date. December 31st looks like a black hole pulling us closer and closer to the opening of the empty nothingness. It is like a vacuum that sucks air from our everyday lives, and I can feel it when driving kids to
- [I'm intrigued by this coastal vacation destination in Spain](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/holiday-in-spain.html) - It's 14 years since I was in Spain the last time. I was visiting a friend in Madrid, and I was so inspired by the architecture, and I loved the shopping, and the busy city vibe. I got introduced to tapas, and the Spanish lifestyle, and I have been wanting to go back ever since.
- [I'm Ready to Seas the Day This Summer ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/im-ready-to-seas-the-day-this-summer.html) - I am working long days, long hours, stretching the time and myself at this moment, and I am ready for a vacation of being busy of doing nothing at all (sorry, I don't even like that song, but now it started playing in my head). Ironically what I am working on is our summer issue
- [Just in: The Luxury Review Hosted in New York City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/just-in-the-luxury-review-hosted-in-new-york-city.html) - The Luxury Review, hosted in New York City, celebrated its 5th year with the newest in luxury offerings at the latest review that was hosted on May 14th. The Luxury Review brings together some of the most coveted brands as they unveil new product offerings to the press and selected VIP guests. RAND Luxury produces
- [April Showers bring May Flowers: Blooms we Love](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/april-showers-bring-may-flowers-blooms-we-love.html) - We're about to debut our summer issue of our magazine, but before we make way for summer fun and coastal lifestyles, we wanted to take a few moments to share with you some beautiful blooms we've spotted this spring in conjunction with our "Radiant Orchid" magazine issue. All of these beautiful blooms were noticed after we
- [Live life to the fullest: create your own path](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/live-life-to-the-fullest-create-your-own-path.html) - Life life to the fullest: create your own path Last week I spoke about having courage just move forward towards a goal or destination, even when the journey is difficult. Today I would like to remind that all roads are not equal, and you need to create your own path. With this I mean that
- [Live life to the fullest: just go through it](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/live-life-to-the-fullest-just-go-through-it.html) - Life life to the fullest: you have to go through with it to know it I took this picture of a covered bridge in New Brunswick, Canada, and it made me think how we never really have a "covered bridge" in our lives when we are crossing to something new. If you think of the
- [Interview with Instagram Sensation Caroline Calloway](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/caroline-calloway-on-instagram.html) - It's Instagram Travel Thursday, and I have a special treat for you today. I am introducing and interviewing one of the best young storytellers of Instagram. Meet Caroline Calloway. I have been following Caroline Calloway's adventuregrams on Instagram for a while. This 22-year-old Washington DC-native girl hasn't called The Capital home for years. First, she
- [Primland Resort Gives Mom Adventure and Luxury](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/primland-resort-gives-mom-adventure-and-luxury.html) - Moms are like superwomen these days. Sure, they love to be pampered with room service and spa treatments, but they like living on the edge, too. This year, throw in some outdoor adventure with some luxury and pampering, and you’ve got the perfect escape for Mom this year. So, where do you find the best
- [Family Travel: The Spa at Primland Inspires Wellness for Families through Native American Traditions](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/family-travel-the-spa-at-primland-inspires-wellness-for-families-through-native-american-traditions.html) - The Spa at Primland in Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia The Spa at Primland is nestled inside 12,000 acres in the South’s Blue Ridge Mountains. As you relax with a cup of herbal tea to support wellness in the spa’s relaxation lounge, you take in a view of the resort’s golf course surrounded by the
- [Live life to the fullest: some doors are meant to be kept closed](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/05/live-life-to-the-fullest-some-doors-are-meant-to-kept-closed.html) - Life life to the fullest: keep some doors closed I think this resonates with many, especially when we look at our past. We probably all have things, people and places, we want to keep the "door closed" for good. However, I think this also applies to future possibilities, and I really think some things are
- [Living the Rich Life at Andaz Napa in California](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/living-the-rich-life-at-andaz-napa-in-california.html) - I recently returned from three days in Napa with four other lifestyle bloggers. One of the most important decisions we made while planning our trip was where we would stay. As you would imagine, Napa Valley is chock full of lodging options. Everything from quaint Victorian bed and breakfasts to budget national chain motels, and
- [Live life to the fullest: que sera, sera](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/live-life-to-the-fullest-que-sera-sera.html) - Life life to the fullest: what will be, will be Que Sera, Sera, Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours, to see Que Sera, Sera What will be, will be. There is deep wisdom in sometimes just letting things work out on their own, and just trusting that whatever will happen, will happen
- [Live a Little: 10 Small Ways to Enjoy Spring](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/ways-to-enjoy-spring.html) - It's Live a Little Monday - and time for weekly dose of happy living, jump on the bandwagon and write your own ways to enjoy life this spring. 10 Easy ways to enjoy spring 1. Buy tulips. Or other cut spring flowers. 2. Bring out the spring clothes and wear some color! 3. Go to
- [Hello Spring! Store Spotlight: Your Local Flower Store](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/visit-your-local-flower-store.html) - See our Spring 2014 e-magazine issue with theme Radiant Flowers! I blogged yesterday Live a Little: 10 ways to enjoy spring at Skimbaco Lifestyle, and my number one tip to embrace spring: visit your local flower shop and buy some fresh cut flowers of the season, like tulips. Spring may be a little bit behind
- [Skimbaco: 6 years of inspiring YOU to live life to the fullest](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/live-life-to-the-fullest-now.html) - Today I would love to invite you to watch our Skimbaco video - it's a short story what our brand is all about and I would love that if you like it, you'd share it with others! Skimbaco - zero Google results in 2006 I literally wanted to have something of my own that resulted
- [Your traveling kid could be in our next magazine! ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/your-traveling-kid-could-be-in-our-next-magazine.html) - Instagram states that children have to be 13 years old to join Instagram, and I think it's a great idea to limit social media usage of children. We, however, would like to give central stage for children who are not old enough to be on Instagram - in our next e-magazine issue! Parents are not
- [Bang & Olufsen Unveils Madison Avenue Flagship Store in NYC](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/bang-olufsen-unveils-madison-avenue-flagship-store-in-nyc.html) - If you are an audiophile, you are probably familiar with the iconic, luxury Danish brand, Bang & Olufsen who celebrated the grand opening of their new retail concept on Madison Avenue in New York City on April 16th. The celebration, hosted by CEO Tue Mantoni and President of Bang & Olufsen America, Kathy Thornton-Bias, included
- [Chef Johannes Klapdohr Lives Life to the Fullest with Farm-Fresh Cuisine](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/chef-johannes-klapdohr-lives-life-to-the-fullest-with-farm-fresh-cuisine.html) - You can find this post also in our digital magazine Issue 2 on page 62 Old Edwards Inn and Spa Executive Chef, Johannes Klapdohr, is putting the mountain town of Highlands, N.C. on the map for farm-fresh cuisine. Under the chef's culinary leadership, the Inn maintains its own garden, and supplies most of the vegetables
- [Photography classes in Paris - Combine Travel & Photography Learning #IGtravelThursday ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/photo-classes-in-paris.html) - Happy Instagram Travel Thursday! This week we have a guest blogger, Laurence Norah of Finding the Universe inviting you to a photography trip to Paris. I highly recommend this photography course to improve your travel photography, whether you are a hobby-photographer, Instagram-addict or a blogger! And you can't beat the location: Paris. And the absolute
- [Instagram Travel Thursday blogging starts in German and Italian ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/instagram-travel-thursday-blogging-starts-in-german-and-italian.html) - This is kind of a big deal. Instagram Travel Thursday has officially kicked off both in German and Italian. I started Instagram Travel Thursday to unite travel bloggers on Instagram despite the country they live in, or the language they write in. While the project has been somewhat slowly growing in English, it has been
- [Home Sweet Homestay: Finding a Cozy Cottage in Melbourne](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/home-sweet-homestay-finding-a-cozy-cottage-in-melbourne.html) - I feel slightly uncomfortable with labels, but here they are quite fitting. Within the span of few hours spent on a plane from New Zealand to Australia, I went from a family traveler to a solo female traveler and landed in Melbourne after blissfully quiet and calm flight sometime after midnight on a Monday night.
- [Garden Fresh takes on whole new meaning at Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, N.C. ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/garden-fresh-takes-on-whole-new-meaning-at-old-edwards-inn-and-spa-in-highlands-n-c.html) - This post is also available in our digital magazine, Issue 2, page 58. I can vividly remember my first bite of the gorgeous Spring Seasonal Salad I ordered at Madison’s in Highlands, N.C, the signature restaurant in the luxury hotel, Old Edwards Inn and Spa. I was there with my family at this gorgeous inn,
- [Luxury Hotel Review: Maalu Maalu in Sri Lanka ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/luxury-hotel-review-maalu-maalu-in-sri-lanka.html) - If you have followed my Instagram account @houseofanais, you know already that our family of five had the holiday of a lifetime full of adventure when we were touring around the lovely island of Sri Lanka and maybe you remember my article about tracing the origins of Ceylon tea in the first issue of Skimbaco
- [Tracing the Origins of the Richly Flavored Ceylon Tea](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/04/tracing-the-origins-of-the-richly-flavored-ceylon-tea.html) - This post is also available on our digital magazine Issue 1, on page 46. Ever since I was a little girl Ceylon tea was the one thing that came into my mind when thinking about Sri Lanka, that South Asian island formerly known as Ceylon. So when our family decided to head for a holiday
- [Our Spring magazine issue is here! Theme: Radiant Flowers](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/our-spring-magazine-issue-is-here-theme-radiant-flowers.html) - If the above widget isn't working - read the magazine here. The new Skimbaco Lifestyle e-magazine issue is here! Our spring issue's theme is Radiant Flowers, inspired by Pantone's color of the year, the Radiant Orchid, and the flowers of Europe. The radiant Tamera Beardsley is our cover girl, her husband Jeff Beardsley took the
- [Memories of a lifetime: Rota das Estrelas Gourmet Festival kicks off in Madeira, Portugal ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/memories-of-a-lifetime-rota-das-estrelas-gourmet-festival-kicks-off-in-madeira-portugal.html) - The Rota das Estrelas gourmet festival of 2014 kicked off in Portugal last week. Rota das Estrelas, "the Stars Route" is an annual gourmet food festival in Portugal, and this year the traveling festival with its Michelin star studded chefs from Portugal and around the world, is held in seven different locations. The first part
- [Master Baker Lionel Vatinet Lives Life to the Fullest by Teaching his Craft to Others](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/master-baker-lionel-vatinet-lives-life-to-the-fullest-by-teaching-his-craft-to-others.html) - When I want to experience a little bit of France in the South, I head to the charming Cary, North Carolina, café known to locals as La Farm Bakery. Once you walk through the doors of this little café tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, you leave the land of sweet tea and Southern
- [Montalbera: Italian Vineyard and Winemaker](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/montalbera-italian-vineyard-and-winemaker.html) - A good glass of wine is always enjoyable, especially when surrounded by good food and good company. With that being said, I always love exploring, finding, and tasting new wines and learning about their heritage and recommended pairings. Italian vineyard and winemaker, Montalbera, recently hosted a tasting at New York City's Eataly where I could
- [Travel to Madeira, Portugal via Instagram #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/travel-to-madeira-portugal-via-instagram-igtravelthursday.html) - Greetings from the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal. I would like to invite you to follow my travels and discover Madeira. I am staying at the Porto Mare hotel, part of the Porty Bay hotel brand. I am here to enjoy the Rotas Das Estradas gourmet festival. Here is how you can follow my trip
- ["Pure" Instagram Photography & Samsung Galaxy NX for Instagram Travel Photos #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/pure-instagram-photography-samsung-galaxy-nx-for-instagram-travel-photos-igtravelthursday.html) - I have been changing up my IGTT Weekly 5 lately, and today I am taking a break from the Instagram News. I got the Samsung Galaxy NX camera for Instagram travel photos, scroll down to read why I am so excited about it, and what are my thoughts on using cameras to take Instagram-photos. Reminder!
- [Top Three Castles to Visit in Southern England](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/top-three-castles-to-visit-in-southern-england.html) - When planning a visit to England there are some places that end up in most visitors must-visit list: in London probably the guard change in Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, a West End musical, London Bridge and Tower of London - maybe even the Portobello market, and London Zoo, if you are traveling with little
- [When in North Carolina, the Southern Season store in Chapel Hill is a Must-See ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/southern-season-in-chapel-hill-north-carolina.html) - Southern Season in Chapel Hill, N.C. Since 1975, Southern Season in Chapel Hill, N.C. has been the premiere destination for gourmet and specialty-food items. At 59,000 square feet, it is the biggest gourmet food store in the South. It's a foodie's paradise. I am in awe of the chocolate, beer, wine, tea, and coffee available
- [Just In: Luxury Technology Show Hosted in New York](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/just-in-luxury-technology-show-hosted-in-new-york.html) - On March 4th, the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City hosted the Rand Luxury's first Luxury Technology. The space was transformed into an oasis of luxury technology and played host to media and VIP guests alike. Rand Luxury is renowned for putting on its Luxury Review which show cases the newest items of luxury in a
- [How to search on Instagram #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/how-to-search-on-instagram.html) - Two weeks ago I announced I will be speaking at TBEX conference in Dublin, Ireland, about Instagram strategy for travel brands. Today I am thrilled to announce I will also be joining as a panelist at the Social Media Week event Travelling with Instagram: how can travel brands make the most of it? in London,
- [Story of Living Life to the Fullest after a Serious Horseback Riding Accident](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/03/story-of-living-life-to-the-fullest.html) - Interview with featured guest writer Veera Papinoja On every magazine issue we have guest writers, who are experts on their own field, trendsetters, high profile business people, and bloggers we like. Above all, they are people who we think are living life to the fullest and who embrace the Skimbaco Lifestyle in what they do
- [Global Kitchen: Semlor Recipe from Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/semlor-recipe-from-sweden.html) - Happy Fat Tuesday! Happy Fat Tuesday! You might be celebrating Mardi Gras today, but in Sweden we have fettisdag, Fat Tuesday and we are eating semlor, a cardamon bun with marzipan and whipped cream inside! The Swedish semla (plural is semlor) is traditional Shrove Tuesday treat in Scandinavia, in Finland we call them laskiaispulla. Originally
- [Trending Instagram hashtags and events - #IGtravelThursday is one of them!!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/trending-instagram-hashtags-and-events-igtravelthursday-is-one-of-them.html) - Photo: Rantapallofi on Instagram Thanks to our amazing team in Finland, the host bloggers Satu of Destination Unknown, Marinella of Kaukokaipuu and Veera of Running With Wild Horses, the IGTT project in Finland has taken a life of its own. We hosted a large Instagram event in Helsinki at the Klaus K hotel earlier this
- [Travel Insight: Innovative ways Hotels are using Social Media ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/travel-insight-innovative-ways-hotels-are-using-social-media.html) - Social media is changing the way we book vacations More and more hotel brands are chatting on social media in hopes of getting us to check-in. For example, many hotels are just now getting on Instagram, but they have been using other social media platforms for awhile now. Each week, I feature a hotel Instagram
- [Enfants Riches Déprimés Presents New Collection in New York](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/enfants-riches-deprimes-presents-new-collection-in-new-york.html) - Parisian avant garde street wear line, Enfants Riches Déprimés, presented their Automne/Hiver 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week. The line, started only in late 2012 by Henri Alexander showcases his influence of the late seventies and Japanese avant garde movements of the eighties. The brand makes a sort of rebellious statement against the luxurious
- [Travel Photos from the Local Point of View #IGTravelThursday ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/visit-europe-via-instagram.html) - Hello from Sweden, from my backyard. I snapped the featured image on our driveway, on my way to take kids to school a few weeks ago. I saw the gorgeous sunrise at around 7:30 on the morning, and I was so happy to see it, that I stopped the car, rolled down the car window
- [The Top Movies Filmed in Italy & Travel Tips How to Experience Them!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/movies-filmed-in-italy-travel-tips.html) - I spent almost three weeks in Italy last month, and part of our Italy travel preparations is always watching some of our favorite newer movies filmed in Italy, and then visiting the movie scenes! Yes, I admit - the movies often are also an inspiration for places to visit. The best about the movies though...
- [Sophie Reyes debuts Collection in Collaboration with French Tuesdays in New York](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/sophie-reyes-debuts-collection-in-collaboration-with-french-tuesdays-in-new-york.html) - French designer Sophie Reyes presented her ready-to-wear and couture collection at a beautiful show in collaboration with Just Oui's first French Tuesdays at Marquee in New York City. Reyes, hailing from a French-Spanish family in Southern France, is a fashion designer and artistic director whose designs have been seen on the Red Carpet of
- [For Men: Dressing for Valentine's Day Date](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/for-men-dressing-for-valentines-day-date.html) - Date night look for men for Valentine's Day You have the perfect gift picked out- perhaps these "Amore" Champagne Flutes, my personal favorite. Now it is time to have that perfect Valentine's Day date night with your loved one. Since it is Valentine's Day, I recommend taking a step up from your usual dinner out
- [Brewing another cup of Hot Instagram News #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/brewing-another-cup-of-hot-instagram-news-igtravelthursday.html) - To celebrate our first e-magazine issue with a theme "Coffee, tea or me", I am going with the same, perhaps a bit nontraditional, Instagram Travel Thursday theme today. Many might think what coffee, or tea has to do with traveling, but I think they have everything to do with traveling. Think of your first cup
- [Our Lifestyle Magazine Celebrates 100,000 Social Media Followers (who are not followers)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/online-lifestyle-magazine-social-media-reach.html) - 100,000 We track our statistics to know how we are doing. Sometime between early January and today, when we have 100,117 social media friends, the Skimbaco team hit the magical 100,000 follower mark. Our new e-magazine also hit the 100,000 impression mark - on the fifth day! Our monthly page views are very close to
- [Just in: Pictures directly from Sochi from the Winter Games Press Officer ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/just-in-pictures-directly-from-sochi-from-the-winter-games-press-officer.html) - Real pictures from Sochi! Read an excellent guest post by Linda Jager. Linda has traveled the globe and covered the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games. She is currently handling media relations for U.S. Biathlon in Sochi. Privyet from the Mountaintops of Sochi I don't have a problem with this! As the Press Officer for
- [Just In: Antonio Azzuolo Presents Fall Winter 2014 Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/just-in-antonio-azzuolo-presents-fall-winter-2014-collection.html) - With New York Fashion Week getting underway, designer Antonio Azzuolo presented his Fall/Winter 2014 collection on Wednesday evening, February 6th. Traditionally known for his menswear, this was the first time the designer introduced the a.a. antonio azzuolo women's collection alongside the men's collection. The presentation was held at the stylish and trendy eyewear brand, Warby
- [Olympics via Instagram photos and other IGTT News #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/olympics-via-instagram-photos-and-other-igtt-news-igtravelthursday.html) - The Sochi Olympics are raising controversy and so far I have read more bad news about the Winter Games than good. Pictures of bad accommodations circulate the web, and the rumor is that Sochi simply isn't ready to host the Winter Games. The opening ceremony is tomorrow, ready or not. For this week's Instagram Travel
- [Destination Unknown: Tips for Finding the Perfect Vacation Rental Abroad](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/tips-for-finding-the-perfect-vacation-rental.html) - “Traveling like a local and staying at home like a tourist” is one of the themes that unites all of us Skimbaco writers whether we live in California, London, New York, Sweden or North Carolina. And the best way I have found for blending into the local lifestyle when traveling abroad with the family, has
- [What men really want.... for Valentine's Day](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/02/valentines-day-gifts-for-men.html) - Finding a Valentine's Day gift can always be challenging as we try to stray from the usual chocolates and flowers. When thinking about gifts this year, I wanted to create a unique mix containing everything from experiences to clothing. Below I have curated a list of 5 gifts that would be perfect for giving and
- [Starwood Preferred Guest First Travel Brand to Advertise on Instagram & other Instagram News #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/instagram-travel-news.html) - Read my weekly top 5 of what's happening in the world of Instagram travel. Picture above is from a coffee shop inside the Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran. I hope you will also check out our new Skimbaco Lifestyle magazine, in which we cover coffee and travel in different forms. And tea too. IGTT Weekly Top
- [9 Ways to Enjoy Life in the Winter Storm ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/nemo-blizzard-tips.html) - Live life to the fullest in the snow storm They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I say when the sky gives you snow, go skiing. Skimbaco lifestyle is all about enjoying what you have right now and making the very best of it and enjoying life in the moment. If you are
- [Wes Holland's Top 10 Skimbaco Moments of 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/wes-hollands-top-10-skimbaco-moments-of-2013.html) - As we are well into the first week of 2014 and the New Year, I would like to reflect on my top 10 Skimbaco moments of 2013 along with my colleagues Satu, Reeta, Leigh, Adrienne, and Katja. When I joined the Skimbaco team during the fall of 2013 I wrote that for me, the Skimbaco
- [Ireland Special: Visit to The Pepper Pot Cafe, Meet the Ladies who Made a Cake for Lady Gaga](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/visit-to-pepper-pot-cafe-dublin.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also the previous posts: Seeing Dublin in a day with a toddler, experiencing Ireland in three very different ways on a week-long vacation, ideas on where to have lunch in Dublin, where to start your shopping experience
- [Lipton Iced Tea and Italian Limoncello Meet in these Two Cocktails](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/iced-tea-and-limoncello-cocktails.html) - Iced Tea & Limoncello in harmony Sometimes you don't have to go all the way to Rome to do like the Romans do. Sometimes you can spend a weekend in a nearby hotel decorated in the Italian flair like Leigh just did and spent a weekend at the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, North-Carolina, and
- [Travel Insight: Defining "luxury" in in-room coffee in luxury hotels](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/espresso-the-new-in-room-coffee-luxury.html) - I’m one of those people who despise going to a hotel lobby for a morning cup of coffee. If you could see me in the morning, then you would know why. I also need a hot form of liquid in my body as soon as my eyes open in the morning. I’m not alone in
- [Just in: Skimbaco Lifestyle's first magazine issue is out!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/skimbaco-lifestyle-magazine.html) - Introducing Skimbaco Lifestyle global lifestyle e-magazine The first issue of the Skimbaco Lifestyle e-magazine is out!! This is something we have been planning for over a year, and done extensive amount of research and truly deciding how we want to be different and what we want to offer you. This is a labor of love,
- [IGTT News: Instagram fastest growing social media network {and more} #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/igtt-news-instagram-fastest-growing-social-media-network-and-more-igtravelthursday.html) - Thank you so much for all of the over 80 bloggers who participated in our first larger #IGTravelThursday event at the Klaus K hotel in Helsinki, Finland last Thursday. First we held a closed event for Finnish bloggers, lead by Satu who has been heading the #IGTravelThursday project in Finland. Later on international bloggers from
- [Living The Rich Life on California's Central Coast: Adelaida Cellars  ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/living-the-rich-life-on-californias-central-coast-adelaida-cellars.html) - During the month of January, The Rich Life is shining the spotlight on the Central Coast of California, specifically the charming and historic town of Cambria, nearby Moonstone Beach and the Paso Robles Wine Country. Since the beginning of January, I have shown you a tranquil inn with scenic views of the Pacific, and an artisan
- [European Easter Traditions Galore](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/easter-greeting-from-europe.html) - Easter Greeting from Europe! I'm happy to participate to Holiday Headquarters with fellow lifestyle and entertaining bloggers this spring and summer season, and since my spring has been traveling around Europe, living in hotels, I am sending you a little bit different kind of Easter Greeting this year. As I started writing this post about
- [Mother's Day Brunch Recipe: Pear & Brie de Chevre (goat milk Brie) Tart](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/mothers-day.html) - Welcome to Holiday Headquarters! I'm joining with several other bloggers with a series of posts of spring and summer holidays and giving you tips how to celebrate them. Pamper Mom with Food Whether it's breakfast in bed, or Mother's Day brunch, there is nothing like pampering mom with great food. And better yet when it's
- [Kids Room Design Inspiration from Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/07/kids-room-design-inspiration-from-italy.html) - Some eye candy from Italian Di Liddo & Perego, children's modern furniture manufacturer. Unfortunately the furniture isn't available in the US, but I wanted to share these photos of inspiration with you. My only question remains... how do you get to keep any kids' rooms this clean? Not buy any toys for them? Ever?
- [Nesting Dolls Galore](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/11/nesting-dolls-galore.html) - Russian nesting dolls, Matryoshkas, are the most famous Russian souvenirs. I shared a shelf full of souvenier Matryoshkas with my sisters when growing up, and seeing the nesting dolls be such a big trend now brings back childhood memories. We have a nesting doll store close by, a huge pink house full of Matryoshkas directly
- [Modern Ventless Fireplaces that will take you from Winter to Spring](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/03/modern-portable-fireplaces.html) - While the weather is getting nicer and spring is getting closer - there is still time to cozy up in the front of the fireplace and enjoy the colder winter nights. Yes, I said enjoy! Living life to the fullest is enjoying what we have right now and making the absolutely best out of it.
- [Home Tour of Julia Beck of Forty Weeks](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/10/home-tour-of-julia-beck-of-fourty-weeks.html) - I am so excited to share you the first ever (but hopefully the first of many) home tour of one of Skimbaco Home readers. These photos were sent by Julia Beck of Forty Weeks, a consulting firm focusing on products for pregnant and new moms. You can also find Julia blogging at the Forty Weeks
- [Disney Cruise in the Mediterranean Sea in 2013 and Why it is a Smart Choice](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/disney-cruise-in-the-mediterranean-sea-in-2013.html) - Great way to see Southern Europe Last week we featured some of the highlights of Disney Cruise Line's US cruises for upcoming year 2013, and today I'm featuring a dream vacation to you: Disney Cruise in the Mediterranean Sea in Europe. Think of romantic boulevards, historic buildings, bustling bazaars, iconic locations like Rome, Nice and
- [10 Ways to Live Life to the Fullest in Reykjavik, Iceland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/10-things-to-do-in-reykjavik.html) - Iceland is perhaps at its best as an adventure travel destination, but my visits have been always short, and the main purpose has been to have a short relaxing stop between the USA and Europe. Yes, I admit, I go to Iceland for a great spa and swimming experience, and for the amazing sea food.
- [English Outdoor Inspirations for Family Days Out](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/english-outdoor-inspirations-for-family-days-out.html) - The school year in England is almost over for the year and it's time to start thinking about summer plans. And of course there are the dreams, and then the not-always-so-sunny reality, which can still be fun. Either way, one needs to be well prepared. My latest summer inspirations come from the outdoor-focused Country First Direct shop,
- [Special feature: BaselWorld Kicks off with Visit by Felix Baumgartner](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/baselworld-2013.html) - Watch for our coverage from BaselWorld The biggest event in the watchmaking calendar is now upon us – I am, of course, referring to BaselWorld 2013 which kicked off yesterday (April 25th) in the luxurious Swiss town of Basel. The event serves as a platform for the world’s leading watchmakers to showcase their wares and
- [Interview with Jessica Cohen of Found the Marbles](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/interview-with-jessica-cohen-of-found-the-marbles.html) - Today I'd love to introduce you to Jessica Cohen of Look who Found the Marbles, who lives life to the fullest by sharing great human interest stories. Jessica inspires with her positive attitude and shares in the interview why she doesn't just want to share her story, but others' stories as well. Interview with Jessica
- [Interview with Naomi Shapiro of Superdumb Supervillain](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/interview-with-naomi-shapiro-of-superdumb-supervillain.html) - This Friday I'm featuring one of my dear friends, Naomi Shapiro of Superdumb Supervillain. I love Naomi's sense of humor - she is one of the smartest people I know yet she is known online as "Superdumb," and she is always helping others yet she combined Superdumb with Supervillain when naming her blog. Read how
- [For Men: Omega Watch for James Bond “Skyfall” Combines Luxury & Action](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/james-bond-omega-watch.html) - Daniel Craig as James Bond in Skyfall Daniel Craig takes to the screen in the 23rd film of the James Bond series, Skyfall. The film premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in London with attendees including the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. Thus far it has received rave reviews in the UK and
- [Be part of our live IGTT Event in Helsinki, Finland today! #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/be-part-of-our-live-igtt-event-in-helsinki-finland-today-igtravelthursday.html) - Greetings from Finland! Today's IGTT post is a super quick announcement and I will resume to normal posts next week. I am in Helsinki, Finland to participate to Matkamessut, the largest Nordic travel show. A lot of friends from Instagram are participating as well, and Satu organized an Instagram Travel Thursday evening to connect with
- [Living The Rich Life on California's Central Coast: Pasolivo Olive Oil](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/living-the-rich-life-on-californias-central-coast-pasolivo-olive-oil.html) - During the month of January, The Rich Life is shining the spotlight on the Central Coast of California, specifically the charming and historic town of Cambria, nearby Moonstone Beach and the Paso Robles Wine Country. Last week I showed you the relaxing and comfortable Sand Pebbles Inn. This week I’m taking you to Pasolivo Olive Oil. Pasolivo Olive
- [WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Opens Alpine Lodge at Pitti Uomo](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/want-les-essentiels-de-la-vie-opens-alpine-lodge-at-pitti-uomo.html) - As Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy opens its Fall/Winter 2014 edition, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie invites visitors to discover and explore their new Alpine Lodge, their new exhibition of next season's inspiration and offerings. The brand utilized a similar tactic to introduce last season with a freestanding, custom-designed Garden House, and co-founders Byron
- [The Best Music Mashup Video of ALL the Best Songs of 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/best-music-mashup-video-of-all-times.html) - Got the after-Holidays-blues of getting back to the daily grind? Click play, adjust the volume and listen to this brilliant music mashup by Robin Skouteris with 56 best songs of 2013. It literally has all of my favorite songs from 2013 and it will hopefully take you back to some of your best memories of
- [Living the Rich Life on California's Central Coast: Sand Pebbles Inn in Cambria ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/living-the-rich-life-on-californias-central-coast-sand-pebbles-inn-in-cambria.html) - This post was made possible by a media visit. During the month of January, The Rich Life is shining the spotlight on the Central Coast of California, specifically the charming and historic town of Cambria, nearby Moonstone Beach and the Paso Robles Wine Country. I am starting off the series at Sand Pebbles Inn located along
- [Destination Unknown: 3 Sporty Reasons to Travel to Trentino in Italy this Winter](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/winter-events-trentino.html) - The way you really know that winter has arrived, even if the snow is still lacking in some places in Europe, is the start of the winter event season. Even though there are interesting events taking place across the whole central Europe, the reason I chose to highlight Trentino, situated in the northeastern corner of
- [The biggest New Year's Eve Party in IG photos and other Instagram News #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2014/01/new-year-on-instagram.html) - Happy New Year! I hope your 2014 is off to a great start. My year started by a little road trip to Denmark. Greetings from Copenhagen, I hope you will follow my trip photos via Instagram this weekend. I was in 15 countries last year, and most likely will not be able to top that
- [Reeta Laaksonen's Top 10 Skimbaco Moments of 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/reeta-laaksonens-top-10-skimbaco-moments-of-2013.html) - 2013 was very adventurous year for me and my family. Little did I know when we moved from California to China in 2012 that the following year I'd already be packing our bags again and heading back to the old continent and England. I am not sure how, but we manage to travel to all
- [Katja Presnal's Top 10 Skimbaco Moments of 2013 ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/katja-presnals-top-10-skimbaco-moments-of-2013.html) - Happy New Year! As the year turns to new, many are busy making resolutions or thinking their theme for the new year, or even defining the "word of the year" or "three words for the year". You might be writing your bucket list wishes for 2014, or making plans what you want to accomplish in
- [For Men: The Gatsby Look to Celebrate New Year's Eve](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/gatsby-look-to-celebrate-new-years.html) - It is hard to believe the calendar is already changing from 2013 to 2014. I can remember the start of 2013, ushered in with excitement and a great ski trip in Aspen. The year progressed, filled with exciting moments, great travel by myself and all my Skimbaco colleagues, and everything else in between. New Year's
- [Adrienne Shubin's Top 10 Skimbaco Moments of 2013 ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/adrienne-shubins-top-10-skimbaco-moments-of-2013.html) - What is a Skimbaco Moment? I think it depends who you ask. For Skimbaco's editor-in-chief Katja Presnal, a Skimbaco Moment happens when she is living life to the fullest, embracing it with zest, and spreading her passion for living well with her readers and with the world. For me, a Skimbaco Moment is an unforgettable hour,
- [The Most Instagrammed Places in 2013 and other IGTT News #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/the-most-instagrammed-places.html) - Feature photo of Times Square by legocontrol Instagram announced some big news and a new feature last week with the new update. I, however, find other Instagram news much more interesting since it relates to traveling - and tourism industry. Instagram announced the most-Instagrammed locations around the world in their blog this week, and that,
- [New York City during the Holidays](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/new-york-city-during-the-holidays.html) - New York always has an amazing energy and vibe, however, this is amplified around the holidays. The city becomes a magical place during the month of December as trees goes up, department store windows are decorated, and Christmas markets open. In fact, a survey by NewYork.com states that 80% of locals are planning to stay
- [Christmas on Instagram #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/christmas-on-instagram.html) - Where are you spending your Holidays this year? If you are like millions of others, the answer would be "on Instagram". Join us for sharing the joy of your Holiday season, but remember that first and foremost enjoy the season with the people who you are with, and secondary with Instagram-friends. Enjoying the moment is
- [Living The Rich Life at Kimpton's Hotel Monaco in San Francisco ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/kimptons-hotel-monaco-in-san-francisco.html) - Meeting fellow bloggers is just one of the many things I love about blogging. Last summer I met two of my favorite bloggers in person: Kim of Northern California Style and Heather of StyleMindChic. When Kim and I had lunch in San Francisco last September, we came up with a plan to return
- [Introducing IGTT Weekly Top 5 News and other #IGTravelThursday New Features](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/host-the-linky-igtravelthursday.html) - Join us for Instagram Travel Thursday I started the Instagram Travel Thursday to unite travelers on Instagram. We've had hundreds of bloggers and Instagrammers participating to our weekly Linky, and adding travel photos on Instagram with #IGTravelThursday hashtag. As of writing this, we have over 4,200 photos tagged with #IGTravelThursday. I have given a lot
- [What kind of a Gentleman Are You? 20 ways to be a Modern Gentleman ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/what-kind-of-a-gentleman-are-you.html) - This post is brought to you by CLEAR Men Scalp Therapy™ shampoo. Gentleman 1. a chivalrous, courteous, or honourable man. 2. a polite or formal way of referring to a man. 3. a man who treats others in a proper and polite way. How to be a modern gentleman? 1. Being a gentleman is a
- [Luxury Hotel Review: Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu Philippines](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/luxury-hotel-review-shangri-la-mactan-in-cebu-philippines.html) - Typhoon Haiyan was an exceptionally powerful tropical cyclone that devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, just last month, in November 2013. I visited Cebu, Philippines earlier this year, and was happy to hear that the Shangri-La Mactan resort were I stayed was not damaged. The resort and nearby Cebu airport are functional and
- [Exclusive Interview with Menswear Designer Peter Manning](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/exclusive-interview-with-menswear-designer-peter-manning.html) - When shopping for fashion, it is all about the fit. What is an amazing blazer or pair of chinos if the fit is not correct? This is what inspired Peter Manning to launch his own line, catered towards men 5'8'' and under (25% of adult males). Now, Peter Manning NYC is the go-to label for
- [Cliff Jumping in Sai Wan in Hong Kong](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/12/take-a-risk.html) - Hong Kong has many breath taking beaches, but there is no other place like Sai Wan. The hike required to reach the beaches ensures that no big crowds find their way here. Let the pictures speak from themselves - the water really is clear and sand is white. I did it - I jumped! We
- [Share Your Holiday Magic with Us ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/skimbaco-holidays-on-instagram.html) - Share your Holiday pictures & be featured Happy Thanksgiving!! Happy Hanukkah! This year we would like to invite you to share your Holiday photos with us and we would like to feature how YOU celebrate the season and how the Holiday season looks where you live and travel. Please tag your Holiday time photos on
- [Living the Rich Life at Domaine Carneros in Napa Valley ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/living-the-rich-life-at-domaine-carneros-in-napa-valley.html) - Domaine Carneros is one of the most recognized wineries in Northern California’s world famous wine country. Located in Napa Valley, not far from Sonoma Valley in the Carneros appellation that encompasses both regions, many people recognize Domaine Carneros as a landmark and as the enormous French château high on a hill and that would
- [For Men: Footwear Selections For The Season](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/for-men-footwear-selections-for-the-season.html) - Fall seems to be one of the best seasons for footwear with iconic styles ranging from loafers to riding boots. This season, there is a large focus on classic styles that we are all familiar with, namely loafers, brogues, boots, and even sneakers. It is the perfect time to invest in rich browns and blacks,
- [Learn to Insta-Pin: add your Instagram pictures to Pinterest #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/insta-pin-add-your-instagram-pictures-to-pinterest.html) - From Insta to Pinsta Like the name Instagram suggests – it is instant. The picture gets snapped, the fingers on the phone screen adjust it to crop the image, a filter is applied and “share” button clicked and the photo is posted for the Instagram users to see on the top of their Instagram feeds…
- [For Men: Contemporary and Classic Seasonal Outerwear](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/for-men-contemporary-and-classic-seasonal-outerwear.html) - When it comes to selecting appropriate outerwear for the season, there are a myriad of choices from pea coats, trenches, and vests to officer's jackets. This season, I recommend trying a new contemporary style as well as a classic style that can never steer you in the wrong direction. When selecting outerwear, look at the
- [Travel Insight: Seasonal Luxury Spa Trends in Las Vegas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/travel-insight-seasonal-luxury-spa-trends-in-las-vegas.html) - As coffee shops brew up the latest coffee and seasonal pumpkin delights this fall, luxury spas are getting in on the action and offering autumnal services as well. That’s because both coffee and pumpkin are powerful natural antioxidants. Pumpkin is also a natural exfoliate for dead skin. According to Julie Shintaku, Lead Aesthetician at Spa ARIA in
- [Just In: Sensational Umbria Exhibit Opens In New York](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/just-in-sensational-umbria-exhibit-opens-in-new-york.html) - Sensational Umbria, an exhibit by photographer Steve McCurry, has opened in New York at the Italian Trade Commission. This exhibit, commissioned by the Italian region of Umbria, contains over 100 photos that highlight this important region. The exhibit was on preview before opening to the public, and I had the chance to view selected images
- [Living the Rich Life at The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/the-fairmont-san-francisco-hotel-photos.html) - Each year instead of a tangible gift wrapped up in decorative paper and tied with a festive bow, I ask my husband for my favorite present, travel! For the last 12 years we have made it a point to not be home on either of our birthdays. We love traveling and can’t think of a
- [How to Get More Instagram Followers  #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/how-to-get-more-instagram-followers.html) - I have been speaking about Instagram in several conferences this year. I wrote a book how to use Instagram as your travel guide. I have given tips on using Instagram here on Thursdays as part of Instagram Travel Thursday. I've heard some people calling me the "Instagram lady." I take all of this with gratitude
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- [For Men: Artisanal Italian-made Bicycles by Iride](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/for-men-artisanal-made-italian-bicycles-by-iride.html) - Urban biking has become a very popular method of transportation among city dwellers. Major cities such as Paris and New York have even implemented bike sharing programs to make buzzing around town even easier. Our editor, Katja Presnal, has recently been traveling throughout Italy, and sharing amazing photos from her Instagram. All the inside glimpses
- [Stylist Angela Scanlon's Travel Product Picks](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/stylist-angela-scanlons-travel-product-picks.html) - As promised - here are more pictures from stylist Angela Scanlon's travel product picks from my meeting with her at the Kildare Village designer outlet mall in Ireland. 1. Statement Sunglasses Never travel without a pair. Angela picked a few of her favorite sunnies from the shops at Kildare Village, including pairs from Furla and
- [Ireland Special: Very Soft Adventures in The Buff Day Spa, Dublin](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/11/buff-day-spa-dublin.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also the previous posts and read more about Ireland in my personal blog Destination Unknown. Ireland and especially the Ireland Special series for Skimbaco Lifestyle have been keeping me busy for some months now, and I have
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- [Faces of Italy in Instagram photos #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/faces-of-italy.html) - Greetings from Italy! I am still in Italy, but I am suffering from a bad knee injury and many of our travel plans have changed this week. However – I am still Instagraming as much as I can, and today I wanted to do something different. Today I am sharing a series of photos I’ve
- [Living the Rich Life at Vineyard 29 in Napa Valley ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/living-the-rich-life-at-vineyard-29-in-napa-valley.html) - Located just north of the quaint town of St. Helena in the world-famous Napa Valley is Vineyard 29, a stately and modern winery known for its handcrafted wines and its combination of state-of-the-art and ancient winemaking techniques. I arrived at Vineyard 29 to experience their new “Essentials Tastings” which focuses on their Cru family of wines,
- [For Men: Top Bag Picks for Work and Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/for-men-top-bag-picks-for-work-and-travel.html) - Today's man on the go needs something to carry every day essentials- iPad, paper, laptop, notebooks. Bags for men have a stigma around them according to some, being called "murses" or "man bags." However, there are many stylish, refined bags perfect for the man about town when it comes to work and travel. As someone
- [Instagram travel with me to Italy #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/instagram-travel-italy.html) - Greetings from Italy! I spoke at the TBD Italy 2013 conference in Italy’s Rimini last week, and attended a four-day-long media trip to Abruzzo area afterwards. I am currently in Venice with my family and will continue my travels in Italy the following week. Last year I asked Skimbaco Lifestyle-readers if they could travel to
- [Gracious Me: Little White Lie Trickery ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/gracious-me-little-while-lie-trickery.html) - In the spirit of our October Gracious Me series on tricks or treating, today we turn our Halloween eye to the art of the trick. The tricky thing about the “trick” is it seems harmless, when really it has the potential to not only harm our personal brand but those on the receiving end, see
- [Travel Insight: Ghost Lovers Will Love These Three Historic Hotels](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/travel-insight-ghost-lovers-will-love-these-three-historic-hotels.html) - I love black cats and pumpkins, but I’m a big scaredy-cat when it comes to ghosts. Since this is the season for spooky tales and pumpkins, I’ve been in touch with some of my favorite hotels asking them about possible supernatural guests. And boy, did they give me a big BOO! I learned that three
- [Our Haunted Mansion Halloween Party Pictures](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/haunted-house-halloween-party-photos.html) - Ever since we moved to our rental mansion in the Swedish countryside, and we saw the line of dead trees on the long driveway leading to the house, I have wanted to host a Halloween party (I love posting photos of the driveway on my Instagram account @Skimbaco). The trees, the country setting outside the
- [Famous French Houses Launch Creative Collaboration](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/maison-kitsune-pernod.html) - When it comes to lifestyle, luxury, and fashion, the French seem to nail it every time. The recent collaboration between legendary spirit brand Pernod Ricard and fashion house Maison Kitsuné is no exception. The partnership includes a limited-edition Pernod Absinthe bottle design which debuted in New York City on October 15th. In speaking about the
- [Stockholm Travel Massive and Instagram Photo Walk #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/stockholm-travel-massive-and-instagram-photo-walk-igtravelthursday.html) - Happy Instagram Travel Thursday and greetings from Italy! Today's post is again a quick announcement post. I teamed up with the amazing photographer Lola Akinmade-Åkerström in Stockholm to host the first ever Travel Massive meetup in Scandinavia, happening in November. We are also hosting a blogger cruise with Tallink Silja Line from Helsinki to Stockholm
- [Travel Insight: Dare to Explore Haunted Williamsburg After Dark](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/travel-insight-dare-to-explore-haunted-williamsburg-after-dark.html) - Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Well, not me. I’m a big scarey cat. But I still get assigned these spooky little stories around this time of year. I think it’s because I tend to gravitate toward historic properties that have a story to tell. Rumor has it that Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where
- [Just In: Release of Fashion 2.0: Season of Change](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/just-in-release-of-fashion-2-0-season-of-change.html) - On October 8th at STORY in the Meatpacking District of New York, author Yuli Ziv celebrated the release of her second book in the Fashion 2.0 series, Season of Change. The trendy Meatpacking District was the perfect setting to celebrate the debut of this new book that aims to analyze the major technology trends and forecast
- [Instagram - a window to the world (including to Ireland) #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/ireland-windows.html) - Did you follow my trip to Ireland on Instagram this week? I hope I was able to give you a quick window to Ireland (pun intended) and get your interested in planning your trip to visit there as well. From Saturday to Tuesday I participated to a press trip to South West Ireland with 18
- [Living life to the fullest in Hong Kong](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/living-life-to-the-fullest-in-hong-kong.html) - The month that I’ve now spent in Hong Kong passed by so quickly yet I feel like I’ve been here forever. I love to challenge myself and place myself into situations where I need to create my life from a scratch. Might sound odd but I think that this is the best way to focus
- [For Men: Sweaters For The Fall Season](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/for-men-sweaters-for-the-fall-season.html) - One of the best things about the change of seasons from summer to fall, in my opinion, is the return of sweaters to the wardrobe. Days are slowly turning chilly as the calendar changes, which means its sweater weather. Whether you are going to be wearing old favorites that last season after season, or looking
- [Instagram Travel with us to Ireland #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/10/instagram-travel-with-us-to-ireland-igtravelthursday-2.html) - Greetings from Ireland! I am currently in Dublin and I will be speaking at the TBEX conference tomorrow about Instagram strategy for travel industry, and I couldn't be more excited. And to top the inspiring travel conference, meeting new people, and networking with others in the travel industry there is the main attraction - Ireland.
- [Join me in TBD Italy Travel Conference in Rimini, Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/tbd-italy-travel-conference-in-rimini-italy.html) - I'm excited to announce I will be speaking at the Travel Blogger Destination Italy, the TBDI conference in Rimini, Italy in October - only a few weeks after speaking at the TBEX conference in Dublin! I would love you to join me this great new conference to learn from travel bloggers around the world and
- [For Men: Custom Clothier Martin de Tours Presents Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/for-men-custom-clothier-martin-de-tours-presents-collection.html) - Made-to-measure clothing is a rapidly growing trend in the world of men's fashion. As a a stickler for fit and tailoring myself, the money spent on a customer made suit and shirts is well worth expense. Men all over are forgoing in large names of Italian fashion houses in exchange for a smaller, boutique like
- [Travel Insight: How to Travel the World without Leaving your Hometown](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/travel-insight-how-to-travel-the-world-without-leaving-your-hometown.html) - It’s no secret that I have a luxury-hotel obsession. I seek out great properties when I travel, but I also spend a lot of time in luxury hotels in my own hometown. Not in terms of spending the night, but rather I soak up the atmosphere by dining on property or attending special events. Many
- [Living the Rich Life at The Lodge at Sonoma ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/living-the-rich-life-at-the-lodge-at-sonoma.html) - In my last post, I wrote about my fun and educational distilled spirits tasting I had at The Lodge at Sonoma's Bean and Bottle recently as part of the "Sommelier Spirits Selection" getaway package. Once our tasting concluded, my husband and I made our way to our luxurious room, admiring the exterior of the property
- [Explore Canada: Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/explore-canada-mahone-bay-in-nova-scotia.html) - Nova Scotia, Canada is one of those destinations, where the cooler weather just adds to the charm. Is it just me who loves the brisk Atlantic breeze, foggy mornings, wearing thick cable knits sweaters, eating blueberry pie and having lobster bisque for dinner by the fireplace after a day outdoors enjoying the coastal scenes? This
- [Instagram Travel Thursday Meetups are coming! #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/instagram-travel-thursday-meetups.html) - Instagram Travel Thursday is a way to connect travel bloggers on Instagram with each others, with travelers and with the travel industry. During the past few months we have generated hundreds of blog posts, over 100 travel bloggers have been involved, and we have together generated over 2000 photos on Instagram using our #IGtravelThursday hashtag.
- [Spring 2014 Trends at New York Fashion Week](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/spring-2014-trends-at-new-york-fashion-week.html) - As the runway shows move from New York to London and Milan, I would like to take a moment to look back on some of the trends we saw during New York Fashion Week Spring 2014. Overall, we saw new takes on button downs from designers such as Alexander Wang, black and whites in many
- [Is there a right way of using Instagram? I give you 7 ways! #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/ways-of-using-instagram.html) - I had an honor to speak about Instagram strategy at TBEX conference in Toronto earlier this year, and I will be speaking about the same topic at the TBEX Europe in Dublin next month. The past few months I have also been sharing a lot of my Instagram tips here at Skimbaco Lifestyle. During this
- [Just in from New York Fashion Week: Fashion Shenzhen presents Ellassay and Deng Hao](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/just-in-from-new-york-week-fashion-shenzhen-presents-ellassay-and-deng-hao.html) - Fashion Shenzhen took to the Studio at Lincoln Center to present 2 collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion week- Ellassay and Deng Hao. The city of Shenzhen is China's fashion capital, being the home to over 800 brands. The city attracts very talented designers, and the fashion business is flourishing here. The collections presented at
- [Ireland Special: Outdoor Experiences in Dublin](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/ireland-special-outdoor-experiences-in-dublin.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also the previous posts: Seeing Dublin in a day with a toddler, experiencing Ireland in three very different ways on a week-long vacation, ideas on where to have lunch in Dublin, where to start your shopping experience
- [Pamela Gonzales Debuts Spring 2014 Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/pamela-gonzales-debuts-spring-2014-collection.html) - Peruvian designer Pamela Gonzales debuted her spring 2014 collection at her SoHo store and showroom on September 4th. The event showcased the designs of Gonzales while interacting with individuals in the fashion industry such as buyers, representatives, and select personal. The atmosphere was great- a beautiful evening in SoHo with the front doors of
- [Living the Rich Life at Bean & Bottle, The Lodge at Sonoma ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/bean-and-bottle-the-lodge-at-sonoma.html) - Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the “Sommelier Spirits Selections” getaway package at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa, a luxurious hotel located in the quaint yet sophisticated town of Sonoma in California’s wine country. Upon arriving at the hotel, my husband and I were warmly greeted by the friendly, helpful staff.
- [Ireland Special: Feeling Good in Dublin](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/feel-good-dublin.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also the previous posts: Seeing Dublin in a day with a toddler, experiencing Ireland in three very different ways on a week-long vacation, ideas on where to have lunch in Dublin and where to start your shopping
- [Get Instagram Travel Book for Free #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/instagram-travel-book-for-free.html) - Thank you so much for all of the positive feedback the past few weeks when I have been publishing some content from my ebook Instagram as your Guide to the World - How, What and Who to Search and Follow on Instagram to Help You Travel the World as part of the Instagram Travel Thursday.
- [Luxury as a Lifestyle in Milan](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/luxury-as-a-lifestyle-in-milan.html) - Milan is renowned as one of the fashion capitals of the world,and home to men's runway shows in June from designers such as Cavalli, Ferragamo, and DSquared. On my recent visit to the city, I fully understood just how fashionable Milan actually is. For me, experiencing the city meant experiencing luxury as a lifestyle. What
- [5 Things Obama Should Bring to Sweden](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/what-obama-should-bring-to-sweden.html) - I rarely touch any political issues here at Skimbaco Lifestyle, but I can't resist bringing you this week a few posts related to President Obama's visit to Sweden. President Obama is coming to Sweden tomorrow, and I wanted to give him a few tips what he could help to bring for the Swedes. 1. I
- [Living the Rich Life at Hello Cello of Sonoma ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/living-the-rich-life-at-hello-cello-of-sonoma.html) - Last week, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa’s fantastic getaway packages, the “Sommelier Spirits Selections” first hand. The package includes a one-night stay in a Cottage Room at The Lodge at Sonoma, breakfast for two at their Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar, and a spirits
- [15 Must Have Beauty Products for Natural Look (with red lips)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/09/products-for-natural-look.html) - One beauty trend that I absolutely love at the moment is the minimalistic natural makeup combined with bold red lips. With correct products I can get myself out of the house looking decent in less than 15 minutes. The natural makeup look alone is great, but when you add a strong lip color, the entire
- [Travel: Visit the Summit of the Eiffel Tower ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/travel-visit-the-summit-of-the-eiffel-tower.html) - The Eiffel Tower, or la Tour Eiffel, as the French call their iconic structure, is the most visited paid landmark in the world having surpassed 250,000,000 visitors in 2010. Built of iron and completed in 1889, the 1050-feet tall latticed tower weighs 7300 metric tonnes and took two years, two months and five days to
- [Hot Travel Destination: Discovering Dubrovnik, Croatia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/hot-travel-destination-discovering-dubrovnik-croatia.html) - Summer is all about long days on the beach and relaxing evenings eating and drinking al fresco. Croatia, all the buzz of the travel world, is the perfect place to experience all that the Dalmatian Coast has to offer. For those seeking beaches and crystal clear waters, Croatia offers an array of destinations such as
- [Travel Insight: What Happens when Moms & Kids Go Traveling without Dads](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/moms-kids-go-traveling-without-dads.html) - Here at Skimbaco, we want to inspire you to live life to the fullest on all budgets and in many different ways, whether that be traveling as a family with a toddler in Ireland, cruising in France with a friend, or as a young professional traveling with friends to Aspen. I have to admit that
- [Sharing Your Instagram Photos is Overrated #IGtravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/sharing-your-instagram-photos-is-overrated-igtravelthursday.html) - Today has to be our most exciting Instagram Travel Thursday yet - we are hosting a Twitter chat at noon New York time, and at 5PM in London time TODAY on Thursday August 29th to chat more about Instagram, details in the last week's post. And speaking of Twitter - I am today giving my
- [When the opportunity knocks, are you ready?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/ready-for-adventure.html) - Often on Fridays I send out a newsletter (subscribe it here, next Friday I will be giving a free copy of my ebook in my newsletter, great time to sign up). With newsletter I aim to inspire people to make their dreams to reality and I share the ways I have been able to accomplish
- [Travelers Be Aware: Cultural Differences Alter the Customer Service Experience](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/customer-service-differences.html) - I read an article about the Tourism Board of France working to make customer service in Paris better in the International Herald Tribune by Liz Alderman earlier this week. In my last two trips to France this year, I did encounter what you could call "bad service" in Paris, and one of the (two) experiences
- [Ireland Special: Insider's Guide to Shopping in Dublin](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/guide-to-shopping-in-dublin.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also the previous posts on doing Dublin in a day with a toddler, experiencing Ireland in three very different ways on a week-long vacation and ideas on where to have lunch in Dublin. Want even more? Check
- [10 tips for Instagram Beginners #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/instagram-beginner-tips.html) - I hope you join us today again to learn more about Instagram and how it relates to traveling! Instagram is such an amazing app for daydreaming of traveling and literally seeing images from all over the world as they happen. I personally use Instagram as a travel guide all the time to also plan my
- [Iconic Summer Moment Pictures Help Charities](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/iconic-summer-moments.html) - What was your Iconic Summer Moment? Whether you like it or not, summer will end sooner rather than later. In many places the schools have started, and the summer vacation is over. People are starting to cook more indoors than BBQing outdoors, and the jeans are becoming part of the everyday wardrobe again. You know,
- [Travel Insight: Survey reveals what women really want to do in bed on vacations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/relaxing-vacation-survey.html) - As a mom who has two kids, I’ve been known to say that traveling with kids is not really a vacation, but rather a trip. So what’s the world’s view of the perfect, relaxing vacation? I guess everyone agrees that leaving the kids at home is a good start, but can a husband and wife
- [12 Hot Nail Trends for 2013](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/nail-trends-for-2013.html) - Hot Nail Trends It's time to break the winter blues! One easy way to get an instant and inexpensive lift for your look and your mood is to get your nails done. It's also an easy way to be trendy without making huge investments nor cluttering your closet. Feel adventurous and try a new bold
- [The Little Island that could: Galveston, Texas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/galveston-texas-pleasure-pier.html) - When you think of Texas, beach isn't the first thing that comes to most people's minds. However, the Galveston Island, just an hour from Houston is a perfect spot for enjoying the beach and having good old fashioned family fun at the Pleasure Pier amusement park. Galveston is only 50 miles from Houston, making it
- [Travel Insight: It's not just Tea that's Sweet in the South ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/south-carolina-vineyard.html) - When you think of wine, you automatically think Napa, not Carolina! But the Muscadine grape thrives in hot, sandy soil and humid conditions off the coast of the Carolinas. And just like California, the Carolinas are great for the trendy combination travel of combining beach vacation with a little wine sipping. When I was in
- [Why Instagram Matters for Travel Brands & Travel Bloggers #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/why-instagram-matters-for-travel-brands-travel-bloggers.html) - I'm super excited to announce that I will be speaking at the TBEX conference in Dublin, Ireland this fall about Instagram strategy for travel brands. Are you going too? I hope you are coming to Dublin, and I will get to see many familiar faces there! I highly recommend TBEX for travel bloggers, and travel
- [The Rich Life on a Picnic: Classic Wine Country Picnic Accessories ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/wine-country-picnic-accessories.html) - One of the most enjoyable ways to spend time in the Sonoma Wine County of California is to have a picnic, preferably at one of the many picnic-friendly wineries in Sonoma Valley. If you plan on picnicking during your wine country visit, be sure to bring along some accoutrements to make the most out of
- [Ireland Special: Where to Have Lunch in Dublin? ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/where-to-lunch-in-dublin.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also the previous posts on doing Dublin in a day with a toddler, and experiencing Ireland in three very different ways on a week-long vacation. Want even more? Check all the Ireland posts in my personal blog
- [Beat the Heat in NYC in style and Check out the best Cocktails in the City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/beat-the-heat-in-nyc-in-style-and-check-out-the-best-cocktails-in-the-city.html) - It has been a very hot summer in New York, and I'm sure anyone up and down the East coast can attest to that! The heat becomes oppressive quickly in the city, and when we had a week of days reaching 100 degrees, it can become difficult to look put together when stepping out the
- [The Most Important Tip for Awesome Instagram Photos #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/08/tip-for-awesome-instagram-photos.html) - Last week I wrote 3 tips for taking better Instagram photos and I focused in the story telling aspect and how with simple things you can truly bring the story of your travels alive. I also liked Kim-Marie's post How to suck at Instagram. Today I am only sharing ONE tip, but it is probably
- [Ireland Special: Dublin in a Day with Toddler](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/dublin-in-day-with-toddler.html) - This post is part of the “Ireland Special Series” for Skimbaco to celebrate “The Gathering Ireland 2013”. See also last week’s post on three very different experiences in Ireland, all within a week-long vacation, and Day in Dublin post in my own blog Destination Unknown. Several cities have been labeled with the “city that never
- [Travel: Living the Rich Life at Figone's of California Olive Oil Company ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/figones-of-california-olive-oil-company.html) - When you think of Sonoma Valley the first thing that usually comes to mind is wine and for good reason. This Northern California wine region is home to over fifty wineries and thousands of acres of scenic vineyards. While I highly recommend experiencing as many wineries as you please during your visit, I also suggest
- [Ireland Special: From Basic to Luxury, One Week and Three Experiences](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/ireland-special-from-basic-to-lucury.html) - Ireland Special for Skimbaco I landed in Ireland for the first time in 1998, fresh from school and ready for my university studies in Dublin. As I sat in the taxi from the airport to my hostel, I did not understand a word the taxi driver was saying with his thick northern Dublin accent. All
- [3 Tips How to take better Travel Photos on Instagram #IGTravelThursday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/better-travel-photos-on-instagram-igtravelthursday.html) - This is our 3rd week of Instagram Travel Thursday (Tip: click the link and add your Instagram account there), and it was amazing to see so many new people to join in last week! If you would like to have a reminder email each week when the linky is posted, please subscribe to the special
- [This will give you a reason to do the right thing at BlogHer (or not to go at all) ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/blogher-conference.html) - Next week I am heading to BlogHer Conference in Chicago, and will attend the largest women's blogging conference in the world. I wanted to dedicate a post to say hello to all of the others going (and to those who wish they were going but are not) and also perhaps give you a new way
- [The Royal Suite at the New York Palace: Special Occasions in Luxury ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/the-royal-suite-at-the-new-york-palace-special-occasions-in-luxury.html) - Special moments come up in all of our lives, whether it be big birthdays, weddings, baby showers, or proposals. Celebrating these moments the right way makes them that much more memorable and is a great way to live life to the fullest. The New York Palace Hotel, a Manhattan icon, will complete a $140
- [Instagram Travel Thursday: Going Global as Finland is the First One to Join!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/igtravelthursday-going-global.html) - Going Global and the largest travel site of Finland joins in We kicked of Instagram Travel Thursday, #IGTravelThursday, last week with 22 blog posts. Many more joined us on Instagram sharing travel photos with the #IGTravelThursday hashtag (a few pictures featured above!). Several bloggers who write in a different language than English contacted us and
- [6 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Enjoy Food More, like the Europeans Do](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/ways-to-enjoy-food-more.html) - My entire last year was dedicated to giving you ideas how to Live a Little and every week I posted one idea how to live a little. An olive oil company called Olivari dedicated this year the “One Year of Little” to recognize and celebrate the “little things” in life that bring us joy. If
- [Global Kitchen: Easy Bruschetta Recipe from Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/easy-bruchetta-recipe-from-italy.html) - I dedicated an entire post to little ways to enjoy food more, like the Europeans do and mentioned several examples how Italians enjoy food. I also wanted to share an easy recipe inspired by our trips to Italy, and to celebrate the little things in life. A new olive oil company Olivari dedicated this year
- [New Weekly Feature & Linky: Instagram Travel Thursday - Join us!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/instagram-travel-linky.html) - *NEW Linky* I am so excited to launch a new weekly feature at Skimbaco Lifestyle and a new weekly Linky called Instagram Travel Thursday with a few fellow traveling lifestyle bloggers. What is a linky? Linky is a link collection that anyone can participate in. Scroll down to the bottom of this post and you
- [Destination Unknown: Traveling while Pregnant](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/traveling-while-pregnant.html) - It has been an exciting and at times tiring winter, spring and now summer here in Norway. Our little family is almost embarking on a new adventure and heading to the unknown destinations: travel and outdoors with two babies/toddlers/kids instead of just one! As the due date is creeping closer and closer, I thought I’d
- [Destination Unknown: Five Tips for Camping with a Toddler](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/five-tips-for-camping-with-toddler.html) - I thought we would be camping with our baby pretty soon after her arrival, but it took a 1,5 years to get to this point. This is how our recent camping adventure in Ireland began, the very first one with our toddler. Granted, she was born in the winter, but as we spent most of
- [Travel: Explore Montreal by Bicycle ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/montreal-bike-tour.html) - Montreal is a fantastic city in Quebec, Canada, only an hour and half flight from New York city, making it a perfect weekend getaway destination for New Yorkers and a travel addition to those who visit NYC and want to add another city destination to the same trip. My favorite way to travel to Montreal
- [Home: Welcome to my Swedish Country Kitchen (I'm serving Breakfast)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/home-welcome-to-my-swedish-country-kitchen-im-serving-breakfast.html) - We recently moved into a mansion in the Swedish countryside and I wanted to invite you in to see what is a pretty typical Sunday breakfast in our house: crêpes made by my daughter served in our country kitchen. Now when it's summer time, we enjoy this treat more than just Sundays. This is our
- [Living the Rich Life at Schweiger Vineyards and Winery in Napa Valley](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/07/schweiger-vineyards-and-winery.html) - My husband and I have always enjoyed giving gifts of travel to each other for our birthdays. Some years we travel to far away places and other years we stay close to home. For my husband’s June birthday this year, we opted for a nearby getaway because we found out about a special lobster dinner
- [Travel Insight:  Room Service Still Delivers When it Comes to Family Vacation Planning](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/hotel-room-service-must-for-family-travel.html) - After a long day of sightseeing or even traveling, the thought of going to a restaurant in the evening puts some parents on edge. What do they do? They order in. Many families who stay in hotels, especially luxury properties, expect the in-room dining amenity. I asked the HinesSight Blog Facebook community if room service
- [Destination Unknown: Summer Outdoor Adventures in Switzerland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/summer-outdoor-adventures-in-switzerland.html) - Sometimes the destinations you mainly visit in the winter are even better in the summer season. Ski resorts clear off the crowds and offer special deals for holiday-makers, and you can see the familiar place in a totally new light. For me this was the case with Lillehammer when I moved to Norway (aww my
- [Travel: Train Travel in Canada with VIA Rail ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/travel-train-travel-in-canada-with-via-rail.html) - I didn't quite travel across Canada, but I got a good taste of Canadian railways and train traveling with VIA Rail on my recent trip to Canada. I flew to Halifax, Nova Scotia on the East Coast Canada and participated in a ten-day-long trip organized by the Canadian Tourism Commission and Via Rail that ended
- [Experiencing the Adriatic coast of Italy: Idyllic fishing village Cesenatico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/experiencing-the-adriatic-coast-of-italy-idyllic-fishing-village-cesenatico.html) - For me, fascination of a place lies within its history. Europe is an endless playground in discovering history and culture. I think the best way to take everything out of traveling is to explore old towns with beautiful streets and ancient buildings. I seek to find the most idyllic places, away from the touristic spots
- [What do local business, the best cookies in Halifax and Go Daddy have in common?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/godaddy-nowebsitis.html) - I know, it's not like I could catch you often thinking of what local business, the best cookies in Halifax and Go Daddy have in common. However, today I would like you to think of all of those local small businesses you have discovered. Maybe they are in your hometown, maybe you found them on
- [Just in: Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 Launched](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/dom-perignon-vintage-2004.html) - This one is for you my champagne-loving-friends. Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 was released a few weeks ago, and the word goes that the champagne-enthusiasts in Europe have been buying this vintage out from wine sellers cross Europe. Many also already now recommend that the Vintage 2003 is for drinking - but Vintage 2004 is for
- [Just In: Release of "Becoming a Fashion Designer"](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/just-in-release-of-becoming-a-fashion-designer.html) - A career in the fashion industry is the dream and aspiration of many, but the world of fashion is very competitive and can be difficult to navigate. Lisa Springsteel, author of A Guide to Careers in Design: Becoming a Fashion Designer, answers all the questions about achieving success in her new published work. The
- [Travel Insight:  Blue Ridge Mountains' Family-Friendly Resorts for Summer Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/blue-ridge-mountains-family-resorts.html) - Many of you may already have your vacation plans mapped out, but others of you may still be searching for the perfect place to spend a few days with your family this summer. I thought now would be a great time to revisit a few mountain resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains, all visited by
- [Destination Unknown: The "How-To" Guide to Rafting the Grand Canyon](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/how-to-guide-to-grand-canyon.html) - Last week I revisited an adventure of a lifetime here on Skimbaco: Kayaking through the Grand Canyon, and I wanted to continue with the same destination just a little more. If you have dreamed of experiencing the Canyon by water but don’t have the necessary skills, there is nothing to worry. Grand Canyon is easily
- [Destination Unknown: Road trip through British Columbia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/road-trip-through-british-columbia.html) - For me, successful road-trips consist of three elements: time, flexibility and only partially set plans. I don’t necessarily need a lot of time to have a great road trip but just enough to cover the area, region or destination that I have been planning on visiting. It could be a weekend. Or a week. Or
- [Just in: Bang & Olufsen Launches B&O Play Headphones - Perfect for Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/06/bang-olufsen-headphones-perfect-for-travel.html) - B&O Play by Bang & Olufsen is launched two new headphones in June 2013 and the new B&O Play products should be available in US Bang & Olufsen stores in approximately July 2013. The two new models include the H3, and in-ear headphone for people in action, and the H6, a flexible over-ear headphone. Both
- [For Men: Dressing for Memorial Day Weekend in the Hamptons](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/for-men-dressing-for-memorial-day-weekend-in-the-hamptons.html) - Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer season and a great time to take a long weekend trip. There are plenty of destinations on the East Coast, but the Hamptons is one of the top places to be for Memorial Day weekend. The towns come back alive after the slow winter
- [Ask Your Questions from the TODAY SHOW Producer Moms! ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/03/todays-show-moms-book.html) - Buy the Today's Moms book: TODAY’S MOMS: Essentials for Surviving Baby's First Year ($11.55) Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo are Emmy-award winning producers, and have been part of the Today Show team for nine years. They also have more in common: they both have two children. After coming to the realization that more and
- [Today's Moms Book Launch Party in Rouge Tomate](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/04/todays-moms-book-launch-party-in-rouge-tomate.html) - get the book Last night I attended the Today's Moms book launch party with a dear friend of mine, Amber, @JerseyMomma. Remember how much fun we all had at the Twitter party with Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo, the authors of Today's Moms: Essentials for Surviving Baby's First Year ($11.55)? I had a change
- [Interview with Instagram Traveler Katy Paterson](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/interview-with-instagram-traveler-katy-paterson.html) - Interview with Katy Paterson of ChamorroChica In my book Instagram as your Guide to the World I feature several great Instagram travelers, and one of them is Katy Paterson from Singapore, she is Chamorro_chica on Instagram. Katy is an American expat living in Singapore with her Australian husband. You can read about her travels on
- [Instagram Travel with me to Canada](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/instagram-travel-with-me-to-canada.html) - Instagram Travel with me to Canada I'd like to invite you to Instagram travel with me to Canada the next two weeks. (Follow me as Skimbaco) The Canadian Tourism Commission and VIA Rail invited 28 of the world's best travel bloggers, writers and photographers from 11 different countries to discover Canada on an epic journey
- [Just In: Skagen Denmark Previews Autumn 2013 Collection Watches ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/just-in-skagen-denmark-previews-autumn-2013-collection-watches.html) - Skagen, known for its enduring, simple Danish designs, hosted a preview of its Autumn 2013 collection at small Danish Restaurant nestled in TriBeCa, New York City. I was able to preview watches and jewelry that will be hitting stores in late summer/early fall and was also able to chat with the Skagen's new creative director,
- [Just in: The First-Ever Book about Instagram Travel is Published](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/first-instagram-travel-book.html) - I am beyond thrilled to announce that my first ebook Instagram as your Guide to the World – How, What and Who to Search and Follow on Instagram to Help You Travel the World just published this week and it is now available on Amazon.com for an introductory price of $4.99 for a limited time.
- [Just In: Wallis Fashions Debuts Premier "W" Label](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/just-in-wallis-fashions-debuts-premier-w-label.html) - Wallis is a London based fashion company with multiple locations in London, and an online presence here in the United States. Wallis debuted its Autumn/Winter 2013 collection for a new, premier label "W", alongside current offerings of the spring/summer collection. The new collection was showcased at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York. I was
- [Travel: Finding My Inner Peace in Mexico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/inner-peace-mexico.html) - We are used to constantly be ”effective” and on a rush. Once in a while perfection is to escape the everyday life, and take your time to enjoy to little things in life. No harm traveling far away of the everyday surroundings and for a week, forget your to-do list. Enjoy company of your closed
- [For Men: How To Get The Gatsby Look](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/for-men-how-to-get-the-gatsby-look.html) - When I think of Jay Gatsby, I think of classic, impeccable, enduring style. This is exactly who Gatsby is as he embodies a throwback to the polished styles of the roaring twenties. Today's modern man can recreate Gatsby's style with classic pieces, attention to detail, and great tailoring. One of my favorite iconic brands, Brooks
- [Food & Wine Trip to the Heart of Burgundy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/food-wine-trip-to-the-heart-of-burgundy.html) - Exquisite French food, wine tastings, delicious appetizers, regional cheese selections and cocktail hours - this is the culinary heaven you'll experience on board - and on excursions from L'Impressioniste, the river barge in Burgundy. From the moment we boarded the barge and were handed our champagne flutes and nibbles of little Dijon mustard-filled savory bits it
- [Paris Boutique Hotel Review: Select Hôtel Rive Gauche ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/paris-boutique-hotel-review-select-hotel-rive-gauche.html) - Paris has many faces and if you like the continuous buzz and lively scenes, the place to be is on the Left Bank of the city - and more specifically in Latin Quarters. Our latest hotel tip from this area is the Select Hôtel Rive Gauche - a little four-star boutique hotel with a modern and edgy
- [Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Those Far Away ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/last-minute-mothers-day-gift.html) - When you have a toddler, every day is a Mother’s Day. The kisses, cuddles, smiles and giggles always put a smile on my face and make me thankful of what I have. At the same time though every day is a 24h work shift. Tantrums, nappies, sleepless nights, food thrown on the floor, laundry basket
- [For Men: Aquadive Releases Updated Version of Rare Dive Watch](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/for-men-aquadive-releases-updated-version-of-rare-dive-watch.html) - BaselWorld, the biggest event in the world of watches, just concluded in Switzerland. This event features the most luxurious brands in the horology industry, and this year's event was even kicked off by Felix Baumgartner. As a lover of timepieces and luxury goods myself, this event is very exciting as brands showcase new models and
- [Instagram Travel with me to Bali](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/instagram-travel-to-bali.html) - Virtually Travel with me to Bali This week make sure to check out my photos on Instagram directly from Bali, Indonesia! I will be in Bali as a guest of Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran and will be attending the hotel's ribbon cutting and opening ceremony, and a press conference on Thursday to learn more about
- [Destination Unknown: Learning to Make Pasta in Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/making-pasta-in-italy.html) - Even though in the springtime Katja covered a good bit of Italy here in Skimbaco, I thought that I would dare to do one article more. Or two. A little while back I got the chance to join the BlogVille project of the Emilia Romagna region in Italy, and consequently me and my baby girl
- [Parenting Without Borders - Raising Children with Multicultural Parenting Principles](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/parenting-without-borders.html) - Parenting Without Borders I love this picture of my girls - my middle daughter is saying "I was born in Germany" and my oldest one is teasing her "but you don't speak any German, I do!" taken from our last trip to Germany after 10 years we moved from there to United States. Now my
- [For Men: Fashions For Both Spring And Summer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/for-men-fashions-for-both-spring-and-summer.html) - Building a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from one season to the next will make your pieces that much more versatile. Spring is a create time to infuse some fresh pieces into your wardrobe, and selecting pieces that transition from spring to summer will allow you to get that much more wear out of your investment.
- [Travel: Living the Rich Life in Paris at Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/hotel-caron-de-beaumarchais-in-paris.html) - When I began planning my recent trip to Paris, a high school graduation gift to my stepdaughter who has been taking French classes since she was 13-years-old, the easiest part was choosing where to stay. Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais is my favorite boutique hotel in Paris, having stayed for a week in October of 2010.
- [Searching for What's Trending (Bing It On Challenge)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/05/searching-for-trends-bing-it-on.html) - Searching the spring trends Would you like to know my secrets for knowing what's trendy? I would like to say it's just "a hunch" but predicting and claiming what is trending right now takes a lot more work than you think. It's all about searching and going through a lot of information. In fact, searching
- [Living The Rich Life in the VJB Vineyards and Cellars in Kenwood, California](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/living-the-rich-life-in-the-vjb-vineyards-and-cellars-in-kenwood-california.html) - VJB Vineyards and Cellars VJB Vineyards and Cellars, one of Sonoma Valley’s most popular new destination, brings a bit of Italy’s Tuscan countryside to Kenwood, the small wine country town where I live about 75-miles north of San Francisco. They opened their doors to the stunning ten thousand square foot property last summer. Prior to
- [Travel: Living the Rich Life at B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/b-r-cohn-winery-and-olive-oil-company.html) - B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company in Sonoma Recently, a friend gave me a special gift. She bid on and won a private tasting for six at B.R. Cohn during an auction then gave it to me because she knows how much I love wine and visiting wineries in Sonoma. Since my friend didn’t
- [Instagram Travel with me to France {river cruise to Burgundy}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/instagram-travel-with-me-to-france-river-cruise-to-burgundy.html) - River Cruising is the trendiest cruise form at the moment River barge is the new cruise ship. Taking a river cruise in Europe is the fastest growing cruising niche at the moment. Who doesn't love a good cruise, right? But if you have read any of the news about the latest cruise ships in the
- [There is no privacy in social media](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/there-is-no-privacy-in-social-media.html) - Photo by Legocontrol. Repeat after me: there is no privacy online I received an email from my daughter's teacher urging us parents to take more notice what some of the children in my daughter's class are posting on Instagram. Last week a friend of mine was tagged in a very unflattering and inappropriate photo on
- [Just In: Vendôme Macaron Launches at Saks Fifth Avenue](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/vendome-macaron-launches-at-saks-fifth-avenue.html) - New York speaks Paris well The macaron, a simple and classic French patîsserie, has become quite popular on the dessert scene here in New York. Made of egg whites and sugar, the macaron comes in a variety of flavors and colors to match. On April 24th, New York based Vendôme Macaron celebrated its launch at
- [10 Things in My Bucket List I Thought I'd Never Do (but I did anyway)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/bucket-list-done.html) - Are you living your bucket list? When somebody tells you that things in your bucket list are "impossible" or "never gonna happen," don't believe them. Anything can happen in life, and YOU are in charge of your own experiences and destiny more than anyone else. I have trust in you, you can make your bucket
- [12 Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/12-cinco-de-mayo-party-ideas.html) - 12 Ideas for Cinco de Mayo Party Are you ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mexican culture on May 5th? If you are planning a Mexican soiree or a fun Cinco de Mayo party with your friends, here are my 12 ideas to make your night a success. I created my Cinco de Mayo
- [Mango Salsa Recipe {perfect for Cinco de Mayo}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/mango-salsa-recipe.html) - Mango Salsa for Cinco de Mayo I've been making different kind of salsas for a while to test different flavor mixes and to give the same old salsa a new spin. I like this mango salsa, it's perfect with chips, but even better with fish tacos or even with grilled chicken. It would make a
- [Lime Sangria and Sauza-Rita Cocktails {perfect for Cinco de Mayo}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/lime-sangria-and-sauza-rita-cocktails.html) - 2 Easy Party Drinks It's perfect time to start thinking of spring and summer parties, and for example hosting a party on Cinco de Mayo. I'm featuring several easy party recipes and ideas to make your Mexican themed soiree a success. Today I'm featuring two super easy cocktail recipes, both you can serve from a
- [Travel: Iceland is the Perfect Weekend Getaway & Stopover Destination](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/visit-iceland.html) - Iceland for various adventures & getaways Iceland has quiet beauty not found anywhere else in the world. I have been to Iceland a few times but can not say I know her well yet, she is like the new friend who you want to hang out more with, but who still holds a lot of
- [Finnair Kicked Off Flights to China's Chongqing with an on-air Concert](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/finnair-kicked-off-flights-to-chinas-chongqing-with-an-on-air-concert.html) - Finnish airline Finnair is doing an excellent job cornering the Europe-Asia flight market. They have been adding several new routes to Asia the past few years, and as many of you might remember, I was able to even attend their virgin flight from Helsinki to Singapore last fall. On the flight to Singapore Angry Birds
- [Expat Living: Surviving One Year Mark ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/expact-living-surviving-one-year-mark.html) - One year in Sweden A few days in a new place is enough to know if you ever want to go back. Couple of weeks in a new place is enough to fall in love, and know a little how locals live. A few months and you have a wonderful honeymoon period of learning the
- [Global Kitchen: Mexican Ceviche Recipe ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/global-kitchen-mexican-ceviche-recipe.html) - Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez One of my travel memories from last year was to travel to Mexico and spend a day in Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez, as a day trip from La Paz. The day was amazing cruising on a boat and swimming with the sea lions,
- [Barcelona: A City of Architectural Marvel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/barcelona-a-city-of-architectural-marvel.html) - Experiencing a new city is always exhilarating, especially for many of us here at Skimbaco who have a passion for traveling. My recent excursion to Barcelona was not exception. I have traveled to many parts of Europe, but this was my first time visiting Spain and Barcelona. We all have opinions and expectations regarding certain
- [Destination Unknown: Traveling as a Lifestyle and How to Afford It](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/traveling-as-a-lifestyle.html) - Sometimes the line between everyday life and travel gets little muddled. Between me and my husband our calendars fill up with dates of who’s where and when, and friends frequently re-check what address wedding invitations or thank you cards should be sent this time. However, these days “oh, you are still there?”, has been the
- [Instagram Travel with me to New York ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/instagram-travel-with-me-to-new-york.html) - New York! Greetings from one of my favorite cities in the world: New York City. We are here only for a very short time, and spending some time also in Connecticut and in Beacon, NY in our old neighborhood. Follow me on Instagram to see my travel photos from New York and Connecticut. A reminder,
- [Travel Insight: North Carolina Celebrates Craft Breweries with NC Beer Month](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/north-carolina-beer-month.html) - North Carolina Beer Month If you love food and spirits then a trip to North Carolina should be on your agenda this April. 2013 marks the first year for the month long celebration of North's Carolina's craft brew industry. The Tarheel State boasts the largest number of craft breweries in the American South, with more
- [Tag Heuer Celebrates 50 Years of Carrera](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/04/tag-heuer-celebrates-50-years-of-carrera.html) - On March 14th at Highline Stages in New York, TAG Heuer celebrated 50 years of the iconic Carrera collection with honorary chairman Jack Heuer. Guests mingled for a night of luxury with cocktails, watches, and vintage Porsches. The event was hosted at Highline Stages, located in the Meatpacking District. The venue was filled with rare
- [Travel Insight: Traveling with Kids to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/travel-insight-traveling-with-kids-to-the-biltmore-estate-in-asheville-n-c.html) - Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina Set on 8,000 acres in Asheville, North Carolina, is America’s largest home, The Biltmore Estate. This gorgeous, 250-room, French Chateau mansion, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, is impressive, and it is a top tourist attraction for North Carolina. The winter season (January-March 20) is the estate’s low season,
- [Nina Varis](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/nina-varis.html) - Nina Varis Lives: Helsinki, Finland Skimbaco expert topics: fashion Skimbaco feature: Tyylitila, a fashion column in Finnish. Nina's own blog: Ninan Tunnetila Contact: ninan.tunnetila(at)gmail.com with fashion event invitations in Europe, and fashion product pitches. Professional background I've been working at Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE TV1, more than 10 years. I'm specialized in documentary production. My
- [For Men: Brighten Your Spring Wardrobe With Jack Wills](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/jack-wills-spring-summer.html) - Note from the editor: Please vote for Wes Holland for the Jack Wills Seasonnaires - the ultimate summer internship by voting him up to 3 times at http://www.jackwills.com/en-us/bestsummerjob. Spring is a season of new- new weather, new life, new colors, and of course new clothes. The spring season has always been one of my favorites
- [Instagram Travel News: Fodor's feature, my book and Skimbaco Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/instagram-travel-bloggers.html) - News: my Instagram Travel book coming soon I am so happy to announce that my book Instagram as your Guide to the World - How, what and who to search and follow on Instagram to help you to travel the world is almost done and I am so thankful for so many great people who
- [Forget about Downton Abbey - Mr Selfridge comes to TV next to you](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/mr-selfridge-tv-show.html) - Mr Selfridge arrives in style Mr Selfridge has been charming us on TV in Scandinavia for a while and as we just saw the 7th episode, and I am happy to hear that this new TV show is going to start filming its second season soon. You may still miss Downton Abbey, but don't worry,
- [Instagram Travel with me to Paris](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/instagram-travel-paris.html) - Travel to Paris with me at Instagram I'm making one of my dreams into reality right now! I'm going to Paris, and I'd like to invite you to virtually travel with me on Instagram! The past week I have been asking great suggestions from Skimbaco's Facebook friends what to do in Paris and got some
- [Destination Unknown St. Patrick's Day Special: Top Activities in Ireland ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/top-activities-in-ireland.html) - The start of the year has gone past in a haze. I still think it is only the beginning of 2013, but here we are in mid-March after just having celebrated the “greenest” day of the year with festivities across the continents, even though the origins of the day are born in one of the
- [Just in: Converse Spring Collection with new Marimekko prints](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/marimekko-converse.html) - Converse ♥ Marimekko collection has arrived The success of the first Marimekko-Converse collaboration was so big that Marimekko and Converse unite again for a fun shoe collection for spring/summer 2013. The Converse ♥ Marimekko collection includes colorful Marimekko prints by Maija Isola and Maija Louekari, and the collection will be available in Chuck Taylor All
- [For Men: Must Have Travel Products ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/travel-products-for-men.html) - Must have travel products for men Packing for a trip, whether across town or across seas, can always be stressful. I tend to be a last minute packer, which may not always be good, but I have gotten good at knowing what I need to grab. Having go-to travel items makes the packing process a
- [Book Swap Party: Upcycled Invitations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/07/book-swap-party-upcycled-invitations.html) - We hosted a Book Swap party in our home this summer for kids to promote reading and recycling! My kids read a lot, and we were running out of space in the bookshelves, and thought other kids might be having the same problem. Book swaps are not only for the kids though - why not
- [Take a Coffee Break and Shop with Sweet Relish](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/shop-with-sweet-relish.html) - Shop with Sweet Relish Today I would like to encourage you to take a coffee break and shop with Sweet Relish. Sweet Relish is a new social shopping site where you can create lists of things you would like or what you recommend for others. And before you say you use Pinterest for that -
- [Men's Denim Guide (and top pick for each style)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/03/mens-denim-guide.html) - Men's Denim Guide Shopping for denim can be quite stressful and even challenging these days. Many options exist aside from the traditional 5-pocket style that so many of us grew up with in our closets. Now, decisions must be made not only about style, but also about fit, color, cut, and finish when buying your
- [Live a Little: Tips how to Turn Life's Lemons into Lemonade](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/04/tips-how-to-turn-lifes-lemons-into-lemonade.html) - Life gives you lemons, so what? It's time for Live a Little Monday! Simple ideas how to live life to the fullest. I posted a quick Facebook note last week "The past 4 days: Monaco, France, Italy, Sweden. We cut our vacation short & came back to Sweden for hubby's work" and there was guessing
- [For Men: PROJECT Las Vegas Showcases American Menswear](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/for-men-project-las-vegas-showcases-american-menswear.html) - Menswear has been gaining much momentum in the American fashion industry. However, many of these brands do not have the budget to have runway presentations to showcase their collections during New York Fashion Week. The PROJECT show, part of MAGIC MARKET WEEK, offers American brands a platform to showcase to retailers and the press.
- [Travel: Living the Rich Life at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/ferrari-carano-vineyards-sonoma.html) - Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma Last week, I had the pleasure of going on a private tour and wine tasting at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County's wine country. Established in 1985, Ferrari-Carano is owned by Don and Rhonda Carano and remains a family-owned and operated business. The architecture, gardens, and overall feel of
- [Instagram Travel with me to Rome](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/instagram-travel-rome.html) - Instagram Travel with me to Rome! Last month I traveled to Paris and many of you traveled with me via my Instagram photos! This week, I'd like to invite you to travel to Rome, Italy, with me and follow my trip to Rome on Instagram. If you are not following me yet - I'm @skimbaco
- [Just in: Exclusive Interview with Alexandre Birman about his NYFW Spring 2013 Debut](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/alexandre-birman-interview.html) - Shoe designer Alexandre Birman In 2008 the Alexandre Birman brand came to market. Birman, following in his father’s footsteps, has been surrounded by fashion for much of his life. Regarding his brand, he has always focused on creating luxury designs with imported raw materials. Birman is recognized for his iconic use of exotic skins such
- [Travel Insight: Italian Romance with Southern Hospitality at The Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill, N.C.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/the-siena-hotel-in-chapel-hill-nc.html) - Italian Romance with Southern Hospitality in Chapel Hill Nestled along quaint Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a little slice of Italy in the middle of North Carolina’s Blue Heaven, as this Southern University town is nicknamed. I have a special place in my heart for Chapel Hill because it is the town
- [What we brought home from Tuscany, Italy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/souvenirs-tuscany-italy.html) - Let travels inspire you One of the best things about the travels really is what we can bring home. And by this I don't just mean souvenirs we buy, but how travels really effect and change us and how we arrive back home somehow changed. I think that's what traveling is really about. Traveling is
- [Paris Hotel Deal in 15 Exclusive Paris Hotels](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/paris-hotel-deals.html) - Book your Paris shopping trip now! I enjoyed my quick trip to Paris so much that I am actually going back this spring! Paris is the perfect long weekend trip destination, or I am even dreaming of renting an apartment for the entire summer, or a month, or a few weeks. Since the long weekend
- [Travel Insight: Lilly Pulitzer Catalog takes you to The Cloister on Sea Island, Georgia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/02/lilly-pulitzer-catalog-destination-sea-island.html) - Lilly Pulitzer Spring Catalog takes you to The Cloister on Sea Island When my mailman delivered the Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2013 catalog to my home last week, I not only started dreaming about owning the blue-striped Briella dress, but I also wanted to pack my bags and vacation at The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia,
- [Drink: 5 Valentine's Day Cocktails ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/valentines-day-cocktail-recipes.html) - Valentine's Day Cocktail Recipes We asked a few of our friends what kind of cocktails are hot this Valentine's Day and got tips from Hollywood and Las Vegas hotspots, and even from our friends at Nespresso. Hollywood hot spot cocktails The two first Valentine’s Day cocktails are courtesy of Hollywood hotspot, Lexington Social House. Celebrity
- [The first pictures of H&M's new brand & Other Stories](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/other-stories-launch-collection-photos.html) - H&M News Nina posted already today in her Finnish fashion column Tyylitila these first pictures from the launch collection of H&M's new brand & Other Stories. & Other Stories will launch in 7 cities in Europe and with online stores in selected European countries this spring (you can read the cities and details in my
- [Just in: I'm writing a book about Instagram Travel](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/book-about-instagram-travel.html) - Book about Instagram Travel If you have been wondering about the quietness here on the site the past few weeks, I have been busy not just traveling to Paris, but also busy writing a book! In fact I have been so busy writing a book that I am missing only one more chapter and the
- [Aspen: Hot Spots Around Town](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/aspen-hot-spots-around-town.html) - Aspen is of course renowned for its picturesque setting for winter activities and good snow conditions for ski lovers, but the quaint town itself offers an array of options for those who are not taking to the slopes. Within a few blocks radius, some of the world's best shopping, dinning, and art galleries are at
- [Travel Insight: From Nature Lovers to Families, St. Lucia offers a Great Tropical Escape](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/travel-insight-from-nature-lovers-to-families-st-lucia-offers-a-great-tropical-escape.html) - Temperatures in my home state of North Carolina are hovering around 30 degrees this week. That’s cold! It kind of makes you want to run to the Caribbean, doesn’t it? Thanks to non-stop flights to St. Lucia on American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue and US Airways, getting away to the tropics is a fast
- [Aspen: The Residences at The Little Nell](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/aspen-the-residences-at-the-little-nell.html) - The Little Nell in Aspen I have always enjoyed luxury travel, and my recent trip to Aspen, CO was no exception. I stayed at the Residences at the 5 diamonds The Little Nell which is nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain (often referred to as Ajax Mountain by the locals). The Residences' location give
- [Dreams to Reality: Don't Let Your Pride Prevent You from Making Dreams come true](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/dream-to-reality-dont-let-your-pride-prevent-you-from-making-dreams-come-true.html) - Dreams to Reality Last year one of the large themes we had at Skimbaco Lifestyle was Live a Little and I had a weekly feature of ways to enjoy life in a small way. Join us this year making our big dreams reality. 2013 is all about allowing yourself to dream big, make plans to
- [Travel Insight: “First Lady” Spa Experience at the Four Seasons, Washington D.C.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/michelle-obama-spa-washington-dc.html) - All eyes will be on Washington, D.C., for the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 21. It’s definitely a hot destination to visit in the new year. If you are making a visit to the capital city and want to do something for your own “First Lady,” the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, D.C.,
- [Travel: Living The Rich Life at Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/argonaut-hotel-san-francisco.html) - Last Minute San Francisco Getaway Last weekend, my husband and I took a quick getaway to San Francisco to spend some time alone after a busy Christmas holiday. San Francisco is our favorite west coast city, and a short one-hour drive from our home in the Sonoma Wine Country. Spur of the moment getaways aren’t
- [Introducing Skimbaco Lifestyle Trendspotters on Pinterest {you can apply!}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/skimbaco-lifestyle-trendspotters-on-pinterest.html) - Introducing Skimbaco Trendspotters on Pinterest We started something new last year: we added several carefully selected contributors to Skimbaco's Pinterest boards and started assembling an international trendspotter team. Many of our Pinterest boards are organized by lifestyles in different locations and we believe that who else would be the best experts on those locations than
- [Travel Insight: Staying in the World's Best Hotels](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2013/01/travel-insight-staying-in-the-worlds-best-hotels.html) - As we start a new year, it’s time to plan new travel adventures for 2013. Last year was a very good travel year for me. I checked into six luxurious properties throughout North Carolina and Virginia; two of the hotels were even ranked in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels for this year. The
- [Happy New Year 2013!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/happy-new-year-2013.html) - Over these holidays the Skimbaco Lifestyle team has been living life to the fullest with our families, friends and loved ones. While we will be back in business as normal by the end of the week, for now we wanted to take this time to thank you for 2012 and wish you all the best for
- [Travel Insight: A Capital Christmas in Raleigh, NC](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/travel-insight-a-capital-christmas-in-raleigh-nc.html) - It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost here.I have buckeye brownies to make, and gifts to wrap, but I didn't want Santa to arrive without giving you a glimpse of my hometown. This month, I've taken you to Asheville, and Charlotte, but Raleigh, N.C. has a special place in my heart. I've lived in North
- [Give the Gift of Family Tradition](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/give-the-gift-of-family-tradition.html) - Every year since I became a stepmother to my husband’s three children, we have shared a special family tradition during the holiday season. Our tradition began as a fluke in December, 2000 when the kids were 6, 7 and 9. They were on holiday break from school and were bored, antsy and bickering with each
- [Travel Insight: The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte Offers Chocolate Trees, Tea, and Priceless Family Memories](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/travel-insight-the-ritz-carlton-charlotte-offers-chocolate-trees-tea-and-priceless-family-memories.html) - December is one of my favorite times of the year to travel. I think the reason is because my son and I have post-Christmas birthdays, and nothing makes me merrier than a little travel “pick-me-up” as I get a year older and wiser. I firmly believe that a luxury hotel check-in makes birthdays that much
- [Live a little: take action and focus in family](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/live-a-little-take-action-and-focus-in-family.html) - Taking action I am a writer, and yet I am faced with lack of words describing how I feel about the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. What I do know is that Skimbaco Lifestyle isn't the type of online magazine where you come to read about news stories like this, but it is hard to
- [Travel Insight: An Inside Look at Christmas on The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/travel-insight-an-inside-look-at-christmas-on-the-biltmore-estate-in-asheville-nc.html) - When you think of Christmas in North Carolina, a grand, magical place comes to mind. America’s largest home, Biltmore Estate, is located in the mountains of Asheville, N.C. Every holiday, more than 300,000 people visit the Estate during the Christmas season. The 250-room French chateau is adorned with 68 Christmas trees this year, which is
- [Travel Insight: Myrtle Beach, S.C., Delights Shoppers, Golfers, and Seafood Lovers ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/12/myrtle-beach-south-carolina.html) - The great thing about the Carolinas is that it could be 74 degrees during the first week of December. That’s what it has been this week. I’m not joking. It is a little high for this time of year, but December is still a relatively mild month, and, as a result, many people flock to
- [Live a little: reflect ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/live-a-little-reflect.html) - Time to reflect I had a great talk with my almost 10 year old son this weekend. We talked about memories, and he said he could almost see his life in small moments, small memories, that are not really special memories, like Holidays or vacations, but just normal everyday moments in life that he remembers.
- [Travel: Living The Rich Life in Harvest Inn in Napa Valley, California ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/harvest-inn-napa-valley-california.html) - Harvest Inn in Napa Valley, California World-famous Napa Valley, in Northern California, is home to some of the world’s greatest wine, best food, and most luxurious accommodations and it's a perfect travel destination. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending a night and two days experiencing that and more when I visited Harvest Inn. Harvest
- [Destination Unknown: Uganda, the Best Travel Destination of 2012](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/uganda-best-travel-destination-2012.html) - It’s been couple of years that I traveled to Uganda, but the winter weather, as much as I love it, always puts me in the mood to dream about and look back to the warmer destinations I have been to. My mother tells me that as a kid, I swore never to travel to Africa
- [Marie Christophe's Sculptures](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/08/marie-christophe-paris-artist.html) - I had an honor to meet Lisa Fontanarosa at the Vegas Market earlier in August, and get to see some work from the artists she represents. Lisa has an eye for unusual and curious mind for design not yet discovered, and she brings several artists to our attention. One of the artists is Marie Christophe,
- [Happy Thanksgiving](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/thanksgiving.html) - Giving Thanks Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers celebrating Thanksgiving today! Our team is spread out around the world from California to East Coast USA spending time with family and friends to us in Scandinavia in Norway and Sweden, where it is just another day. We are celebrating Thanksgiving here in Sweden, and making
- [Destination Unknown: 10 Things to do Outdoors This Autumn](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/outside-in-autumn.html) - So it might be raining and miserable. The amount of sunlight visibly decreasing from day to day and with even the rays hitting the ground having no power anymore. Or it could be beautifully sunny. With bit of warmth and an array of stunnig colours everywhere you look. The trees in bright yellows, reds, and
- [Destination Unknown: Visit Bologna in Italy - The Red, Fat and Wise One](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/visit-bologna.html) - Last week I jumped straight to the Italian food and ignored the whole beautiful setting that surrounded us. Italy. Emilia-Romagna. Bologna. I must have been hungry. Hence I wanted to now revisit with you some of the beautiful scenery and buzzing city life that surrounded us. Tasty wines. Good food (yes, again), pleasant strolls around
- [Destination Unknown: Planes, Trains & Automobiles. And a Baby.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/traveling-with-baby.html) - Even before our baby was born I went to the discussion forums and parenting sites in search of information on how is it really to travel with a little one. And I gave up pretty quickly. Especially the forums put me off with the negativity and the impossibility of it all as traveling parents were often criticized for
- [Destination Unknown: 10 Feel Good Experiences and Destinations](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/10-feel-good-destinations.html) - Katja’s Live a Little post yesterday on living healthier and taking good care of yourself while having fun got me thinking of destinations and activities that have made me feel good in a way or another while traveling. Although these may not have any actual health benefits, feeling good is the foundation of being healthy,
- [Destination Unknown: Two City-Breaks in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/visit-lisbon-and-porto.html) - On the edge of the southwestern corner of Europe lies a nation of sun and surf, long history, tradition, culture, gastronomy, vibrant colors and soft-spoken language with almost a Slavic twang. I have been to Portugal two times before, always for the outdoor experience in the mountains. Even though our recent holiday to Portugal was largely
- [Destination Unknown: Having More Fun when you Travel on Vacations ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/having-more-fun-on-holidays.html) - Vacations and traveling are fun. Or are they? This week is all about fun and traveling is something that it is supposed to be fun for sure, especially when it comes to holidays. But things do go sometimes wrong on holidays too. Families bicker. Passports and wallets go missing. Food is bad or next to
- [Destination Unknown: Escaping the Autumn, Travel Daydreams](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/travel-daydreams.html) - Here in the northern hemisphere, in the very northern corner of Europe, it's getting closer and closer to that season when everything is grey and bleak. I mean everything. The leaves are gone leaving trees bare naked, rain and dust turn cars into moving grey blobs, and the sun makes an appearance for a shorter
- [Destination Unknown: Traveling Independently, To Go or Not to Go](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/traveling-independently.html) - There are many ways to travel. I try to keep my eyes open. Respect the local culture and people. Learn something new. And avoid leaving a big footprint in the nature. Most of the time I do this by traveling independently. I don’t necessarily get a better deal by organising everything by myself, nor have
- [Destination Unknown: Adding a bit of Adventure to Everyday](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/adventure-everyday.html) - ADVENTURE |adˈven ch ər; əd-| noun an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity : her recent adventures in Italy. • daring and exciting activity calling for enterprise and enthusiasm : she traveled the world in search of adventure | a sense of adventure. Adventure can indicate many things. For me personally, it’s a
- [Destination Unknown: Feeling like Royalty in Ireland, Weekend Break in a Castle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/weekend-break-in-a-castle-ireland.html) - At the time I lived in Ireland, almost ten years ago, I remember hearing time and time again how Ireland had more sheep than people inhabiting the small island. If you also look at the amount of castles there are, you could think that the natives all lived in castles. Nice thought, which is quickly
- [Destination Unknown: Traveling Slow, Experiencing More](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/traveling-slow-experiencing-more.html) - After returning from our recent trip to Ireland, I scrolled through the photos on my computer and my thoughts drifted back to our vacation. For a weekend we lived almost like royals in the Durrow Castle to celebrate a friend’s wedding. After, we traversed the country in a borrowed camper van, landed in the west
- [Live a little: say thanks](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/live-a-little-say-thanks.html) - Time for thanks I can't believe how fast this fall has gone, and Thanksgiving is already this week. While traditionally Thanksgiving is a holiday to celebrate the harvest season and be thankful for its bounty, I love how today's traditions also include celebrating family and being thankful for all the small and big things in
- [Feeling Thankful? Pay it forward. ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/its-just-coffee.html) - Time to be thankful.. and pay it forward A moment in my life... Today was freezing in New York. The wind was brutal, and all I wanted to do the entire day was to stay home and sit by the fireplace and drink hot tea. And most of the day I did, until I had
- [100 Ideas for Enjoying Life This Season](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/100-ideas-for-the-season.html) - 100 ideas for enjoying life this season Our 100 ideas for the season is a collection of our some of our favorite posts this season. We have been posting great ideas how to enjoy the season the entire autumn. From tips how to get most out of your vacations to tips where to plan your
- [Travel Insight: From Paris to Aspen, My Five Boutique Hotel Picks for a Luxury Holiday Adventure](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/travel-insight-from-paris-to-aspen-my-five-boutique-hotel-picks-for-a-luxury-holiday-adventure.html) - As a luxury-hotel lover, it’s difficult for me sometimes to choose one luxury hotel over another because that would be like picking a favorite child. Who does that? Not me! But I will admit that I am a fan of luxury boutique properties. Just like going into your favorite clothing boutique, a boutique hotel offers
- [10 Ways for the Cultural Connoisseur to enjoy Sonoma Valley, California ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/10-ways-for-the-cultural-connoisseur-to-enjoy-sonoma-valley-california.html) - 10 Culture Experiences in Sonoma While Sonoma Valley has much to offer in the way of wine tasting, sightseeing, shopping and outdoor activities, it's also a thriving cultural region. Whether your passion is music, art, theatre, history or all of it, you will find something to satisfy the Cultural Connoisseur in you during your visit.
- [Travel Insight: A New Level of Luxury Awaits Ritz-Carlton Reserve Guests at Dorado Beach this December](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/travel-insight-a-new-level-of-luxury-awaits-ritz-carlton-reserve-guests-at-dorado-beach-this-december.html) - Ritz-Carlton Hotels have captivated me since I was a child. I will never forget visiting a Ritz-Carlton hotel on a trip when I was about 12 years of age, but I was not staying there as a guest at the time. As soon as I saw the beautiful bathroom in the lobby, I immediately started
- [10 Ways to Fight The Seasonal Blues](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/11/prevent-seasonal-blues.html) - Argh! The Darkness is here! Just this morning I walked kids to school and it was still dark. We ate dinner in the moonlight just yesterday. And in the normal dinner time. Fall darkness is here, and winter time blues is just ahead of us. Don't let the season take you down, instead enjoy it
- [Live a Little: Enjoy & Appreciate the Old Things & Traditions](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/live-a-little-enjoy-appreciate-the-old-things-traditions.html) - Live a Little: enjoy the old I know we feature here a lot of the newest of the new, the trendy products, the latest travel news, latest fashion and just released movies and music. There are so many new things that are perfect for enjoying life, but living skimbaco lifestyle does not mean living life
- [Fashion: Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe's Many Red Carpet Looks](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/fashion-bond-girl-berenice-marlohes-many-red-carpet-looks.html) - Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe French actress Bérénice Marlohe joins the gorgeous lineup of Bond girls in the James Bond movie "Skyfall". Bérénice Marlohe plays "Sévérine" in the 23rd James Bond, releasing in the US on November 9th. We here in Europe welcomed James Bond already this week, and I am hoping to see it this
- [Movies: James Bond Skyfall Movie Review](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/movies-james-bond-skyfall-movie-review.html) - James Bond Skyfall Moview Review (Be warned: This James Bond Skyfall review comes with spoilers!) News alert: I saw the newest James Bond movie Skyfall this weekend on a date with my husband. Now, seeing James Bond before the US premiere of November 9th is sort of newsworthy, right? For me personally being on a
- [Travel Insight: How to Have Luxury, Education, and Fun In Your Travels with Kids](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/travel-insight-how-to-have-luxury-education-and-fun-in-your-travels-with-kids.html) - I talk a lot about luxury vacations here on Skimbaco. It’s my travel beat. Yes, I love posh hotels, spas that pamper, traditional afternoon tea, and farm-fresh foods that delight the foodie gourmet. But, please … I’m not dripping in diamonds and dropping $100 bills everywhere I go. Far from it. Sometimes, I think people don’t
- [Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection {A sneak peek}](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/maison-martin-margiela-for-hm-collection-a-sneak-peek.html) - UPDATE: The Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection Look Book Photos are here for women and the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection best picks for men also published. H&M announced last week a collection by Maison Martin Margiela for fall 2012. The Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection will include men's and women's clothing
- [For Men: Maison Martin Margiela H&M Collection Best Picks for Men](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/for-men-maison-martin-margiela-hm-collection-best-picks-for-men.html) - Editor's note: Please welcome our new men's lifestyle writer Wes Holland of Life Through Preppy Glasses and his new feature Monsieur Curations, sophisticated and trendy fashion and lifestyle tips curated for men. Maison Martin Margiela H&M Collection for Men H&M is set to launch its next collaborative collection, and this time around its with Parisian
- [Maison Martin Margiela H&M Collection Look Book Photos](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/maison-martin-margiela-hm-collection-look-book-photos.html) - Maison Martin Margiela H&M Collection The very anticipated Maison Martin Margiela H&M Collection will hit the H&M stores November 15th. The collaboration between H&M and Maison Martin Margiela consists of a re-edition of several Maison Martin Margiela's iconic garments and accessories. The collection is part of fashion history, recreated for today. Each clothing is marked
- [Music News: Moa Lignell's debut album "Different Path"](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/moa-lignell-different-path.html) - Shining Star from Sweden: Moa Lignell I have a music recommendation for you while we are all waiting for the Lana Del Rey's new album to be released on November 12th. The album that is on my non-stop play on Spotify right now is "A Different Path" by Moa Lignell, and my favorite song from
- [10 Things for The Outdoor Lover to do in Sonoma Valley, California](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/10-outdoor-activities-to-do-in-sonoma-valley.html) - Sonoma Valley, California for Outdoor Lovers There are few places in the world that have more to offer the lover of the outdoors than Sonoma Valley. From beaches to mountains, rolling hills of vineyards to Redwood forests, Sonoma Valley has it all! And most of the year, our weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Having
- [Live a Little: Go Outdoors ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/live-a-little-go-outdoors.html) - It's time to enjoy outdoors I am looking outside of my window and the beautiful fall colors, and I'm still thinking how refreshing my morning walk was. Sometimes I only see the cloudy sky and the chilly weather and I admit, I'm tempted to stay indoors, make another latte, and eat another cookie, maybe play
- [Fall Foliage Pit Stop: Roanoke, Virginia](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/fall-foliage-pit-stop-roanoke-virginia.html) - Fall Foliage in Virginia There is not a better way to view fall foliage than to take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile noncommercialized route in the mountains that begins in Waynesboro, Virginia, and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina. Two favorite North Carolina pit stops of mine off the parkway are the
- [Cocktails & Dreams: Pimm's No 1 Cup in London](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/05/cocktails-dreams-pimms-no-1-cup-in-london.html) - Cocktails & Dreams: Pimm's Cup in London Today I'm dreaming of spending a day driving around London in a cute Mini Cooper only to realize that the driving on the wrong side of the street isn't for me, but I should stick to shopping and drinking. I think the one day I actually visit London,
- [Cocktails & Dreams: Exclusiv Vodka's Fourth of July Cocktail in Southampton](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/cocktails-dreams-exclusiv-vodkas-fourth-of-july-cocktail-in-southampton.html) - Cocktails & Dreams: Exclusiv Bomb Pop in Southampton Today I'm dreaming of spending a 4th of July with friends on a Southampton beach house and sitting on a beach chair watching the sea and drinking cocktails until the early morning hours. Now, one thing about cocktails on the summer house in Southampton.. it sounds expensive,
- [Cocktails & Dreams: The Charlie Chan in Halekulani in Waikiki](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/cocktails-dreams-the-charlie-chan-in-halekulani-in-waikiki.html) - Cocktails & Dreams: The Charlie Chan in Waikiki Today I'm dreaming of a hot summer night, scent of orchids, feeling my husband's hand in mine... Listening to Hawaiian music under the century-old Kiawe tree in the Halekuni's House Without A Key outdoor restaurant in Waikiki, Hawaii, and enjoying one of their new cocktails this summer.
- [Cocktails & Dreams: Cachaca Samba in Hawaii](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/cocktails-dreams-cachaca-samba-in-hawaii.html) - Cocktails & Dreams: Cachaca Samba in Hawaii Today I'm dreaming of a breeze from the ocean, watching the sailboats on the horizon, and having a cocktail in Orchids, the waterfront restaurant at the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki, and then taking a swim in the resort pool. Dream responsibly! Cachaca Samba 1 ½ ounce Cachaca ½
- [Live a Little: Be an Adventurous Foodie (yes, YOU)](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/live-a-little-be-an-adventurous-foodie-yes-you.html) - Live a little: be an adventurous foodie This post is specifically written for you, who does NOT think words "foodie" and "adventurous" could ever be used in the same sentence when describing you. Don't let others define what your "adventurous" means. Being an adventurous foodie doesn't have to mean you try eating raw fish, wild
- [The North Face Purple Label Liberty Outerwear Collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/the-north-face-purple-label-liberty-collection.html) - The North Face Purple Label teamed up with classic fabric-maker Liberty to create a two-piece collaborative collection consisting of a down jacket and vest. While Purple Label is mainly sold at the Japan market as far as I understand, this is such a fun mixture of the classic brands teaming up together to create a
- [Southwestern Turkey Soup Recipe](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2010/11/southwestern-turkey-soup-recipe.html) - Southwestern Turkey Soup - or Tortilla Soup, which ever you want to call it - is our family's traditional Holiday leftover meal. Sometimes I wait for this turkey soup more than for the turkey dinner itself! I've shared this recipe a few times before at Skimbaco Lifestyle, but wanted to add it here at Skimbaco
- [Fashion: 4 Tricks How to Fall Refresh Your Wardrobe on a  Budget](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/cheap-fall-trends.html) - Fall Refresh for Your Wardrobe If you didn't hide those flip flops yet, now is the time. It's October people, time to do a little fall refresh for your wardrobe. Check out the top 10 trends this fall and make a fall fashion plan. I know it might be too early to tell which one
- [Disney Cruise: Taste of Magic from Grandmother's point of view](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/disney-cruise-taste-of-magic-from-grandmothers-point-of-view.html) - My first Disney Cruise I was on my first Disney cruise trip on board Disney Magic this summer, on a cruise from New York City to Canada. I knew I would have fun, because I was getting to spend time with my grandkids, daughter-in-law and daughter. I was curious if the trip would be as
- [Live a Little: Refresh for Fall](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/10/live-a-little-refresh-for-fall.html) - Live a little: refresh for fall It's the perfect week of the year for little REFRESH! Starting to get the rainy gloomy weather, summer is all gone, but fall celebrations like Halloween are quite not here.. This week I am encouraging you to live a little and refresh for fall! This weekend my husband moved
- [Just released! Listen Lana Del Rey's "Ride”](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/listen-lana-del-rey-ride.html) - Listen to new single Ride by Lana Del Rey Lana Del Ray just released her new single "Ride" from the upcoming re-lease album Born to Die: The Paradise Edition. Lana Del Rey's Born to Die album is probably my favorite album that I've listened to over and over again for a very long time, I
- [Olympic Fashion Games: The Opening Ceremony Clothes & The Winner](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/olympic-fashion-games-the-opening-ceremony-clothes-the-winner.html) - Stay tuned with latest fashion and trend news and subscribe to our weekly fashion update. London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony I hear the Olympic Opening Ceremony divides people in those who just thought it was plain weird and to those who thought it was brilliant. I can see it both ways, but we had so
- [Finding Myself in the Islands of Sea of Cortez in Mexico](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/finding-myself-in-the-islands-of-sea-of-cortez-in-mexico.html) - The cold dark fall is here in Sweden, and I figured it was a great time to look back to some of my travels and write about the trips I've been the past year. I've visited 11 countries on three different continents the past year, and it's probably about the time to share more of
- [Live a little: have more fun](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/live-a-little-have-fun.html) - Live a little or lot.. but have fun! When is the last time you said "this is fun - we should do this more often"... and then haven't gotten to do it ever since? I wrote last week about meeting my husband and how marriage takes a lot of work, because I truly believe that
- [Stop Scheduling Your Fun, Start Living Fun](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/10/start-living-fun.html) - It suddenly came to me that this very Carnival Cruise Line commercial is exactly what's wrong with many people. The commercial shows a dad who "seems different" because he is dancing, having fun, joking on a vacation and not talking about work, not tugging in his shirt and not checking his messages. It all looks
- [Tips How to Set Up The New Pinterest Profile Page](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/pinterest-profile-page-how-to-set-up.html) - Hey! If you like this post - you might want to subscribe to Skimbaco Lifestyle via email! We keep you up to date what's in right now. Pinterest just rolled out the new profile pages last night, and before you start setting your profile page, please read these tips. New Pinterest Profile Page Features The
- [5 Luxury Resorts That Make You Daydream About a Vacation](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/5-luxury-resorts-that-make-you-daydream-about-a-vacation.html) - When Katja wrote her piece telling us to daydream a little, it didn’t take me long to come up with a list. As a luxury-hotel-obsessed stay-at-home mama, I daydream a lot about some of the resorts I follow on social media. I have tons of resorts that I would love to visit one day. Hmmm,
- [Live a little: Daydream on Pinterest!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/live-a-little-day-dream-on-pinterest.html) - I just came home from our amazing trip to Germany, and guess what we did the entire day today driving home? We talked about our next trip(s), where we wanted to go the next and what we wanted to do. It doesn't matter how much or how little I travel, a huge part of traveling
- [10 ways to live healthier while having fun](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/10-ways-to-live-healthier-while-having-fun.html) - Live a little: Take care of YOURSELF Last week I encouraged you to focus in you and defining your wants and needs, and doing more things for yourself, and even to be a little more selfish sometimes. We women way too often just think about the well-being of other people, like our kids or husband,
- [Imprinting the memories and renewing the vows](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/imprinting-the-memories-and-renewing-the-vows.html) - I was right the night we met when I felt deeply inside of me that it was the defining moment and my life was changing forever, and there was an International Love Story of Our Times in the making. It IS the love story of our times, and to me it even beats the Nicholas
- [He got me before hello](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/he-got-me-before-hello.html) - The famous movie line goes "you got me at hello" but he had me before that. (read about it here) And for some reason I had thought I had him, and we were connected in some mystical very romantic yet practical way (practical and logical somewhat, because I quite didn't really believe in all of
- [The moment I saw him.. ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/the-moment-i-saw-him.html) - I knew it immediately when I saw him. It was September 13, 1997, and I was in an Irish Pub in Sachsenhausen, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The place was crowded with American soldiers, British wannabe-bankers, and Scandinavian au pairs, a hole-in-a-wall where you oddly felt like home despite the smell of beer. It was
- [5x Enjoying Life in Houston, Texas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/5x-houston-texas.html) - Texas in my mind Can you believe that a few years ago we almost moved to Houston, Texas? We moved to outside New York City instead. My husband was born and raised in Austin, so we try to visit family around Texas as often as we can (not often enough), our last visit to Texas
- [Fashion: Mulberry Del Rey The New IT Bag](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/mulberry-del-rey.html) - The New IT Bag: Mulberry Del Rey I'm in love with the Mulberry Del Rey bag, inspired by the gorgeous soulful singer Lana Del Rey. The elegant handbag is the perfect mix of old world glamor and sophistication and contemporary minimalism, just like Lana Del Rey herself. Click on the icons on the photo above
- ["Taking to the Waters" at The Homestead Resort Puts A New Spin on Taking Care of You](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/taking-to-the-waters-at-the-homestead-resort-puts-a-new-spin-on-taking-care-of-you.html) - Hot Springs, Virginia, located about an hour and a half from the city of Roanoke, has attracted visitors for generations because of its natural, healing mineral springs that flow through the mountainous area. As you drive down Highway 220 a few miles away from the majestic Homestead Resort toward the town of Warm Springs in
- [Live a Little: Focus in YOU](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/09/live-a-little-focus-in-you.html) - Focusing in myself.. easier said than done? This week I encourage you to live a little and focus in YOU and what makes you happy. This should be and could be a sunshine filled post, but it's not. Because I get it. I totally get why this is not as easily done as said for
- [Ciao from Italy and United {Spring} Colors of Benetton](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/spring-colors.html) - Ciao again from Italy! We are in Monte Carlo, Monaco, as I write this, but will probably be back in Italy tomorrow by the time you read this. I am finally getting into this work-play schedule, and a hang of truly living life to the fullest while still keeping up with the blogging, and I
- [You Recommended Going to Italy - Let's Go Then!](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/you-recommended-going-to-italy-lets-go-then.html) - Photo Two months ago I posted a question at the Skimbaco Facebook page If you could have one week vacation in any city/country in Europe, where would you go? You said ITALY and as a second runner up Edinburgh, Scotland. "Italy is one of my favorite places. It is also not a bad drive from
- [Our European Adventure Started by Swimming in Hot Springs in Iceland](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/03/travel-in-iceland.html) - We left New York three weeks ago, and in many ways it seems longer than that. I feel so at home, that it's almost like I never left. We kicked off our European adventure by swimming in hot springs in Iceland, and are getting settled in our hotel room living here in Sweden, while waiting
- [ Move from New York to Sweden in Photos](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/move-from-new-york-to-sweden-in-photos.html) - Picture tells more than thousand words Hopefully one of these days I will have more time to tell our story more in depth in words, but for now here are some photos that many of you have been asking for. New York will always feel home to us, and it is in fact the state
- [The Never Ending Moving Story](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/02/the-never-ending-moving-story.html) - We had to make our decision to move to Sweden within 24 hours, and part of me hopes that the actual move would have been a shotgun move as well. There is nothing worse than waiting, and moving forward slowly and not knowing what comes ahead. The uncertain times still continue, and truth to be
- [Uncertain Times, Sweden Is Still Waiting Us ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/uncertain-times-sweden-is-still-waiting-us.html) - Did you notice..? I took a little unannounced blogging break. I think you took a little break too and spent some time with family. Truth to be told, this entire beginning of the winter has been sort of crazy, ever since we found out we are moving to Sweden, and I have been trying to
- [Visiting Family & Spending Christmas in Texas](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/01/christmas-in-texas.html) - We visited family in Texas during the Holidays, and got to see our extended family and friends, and eat our bellies full of Southern comfort food (I had my first ever fried pork chop, who knew you could even get pork chops fried?) and Tex-Mex (Chuy's and Pappasitos, hello!). It was a bitter sweet trip..
- [Nomadic Life with Children Can Be Easy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/12/nomadic-life-with-children-can-be-easy.html) - After the initial shock when we told our children we are moving to Sweden, they immediately knew what to do. They know the drill, and they started getting ready for move sooner than we did. We still had our everyday work to go to, clients to take care of, blog posts to write. Life didn't
- [Provincetown Cape Cod Instagramed ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/08/provincetown-cape-cod-instagramed.html) - I have been traveling a lot this summer but I haven't really shared many of our trips on my blogs yet. I just posted about my trip to Cape Cod. I took my kids and mother-in-law to Provincetown for a few day beach getaway to sit on the beach and relax. Read more about the
- [Disney Dream Christening full of Magic: Princesses, Mickey Mouse, Navy Band, Pirates, Jennifer Hudson](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/01/disney-dream-christening.html) - Read the Disney Dream special on Skimbaco blog network to get the scoop on the this beautiful new cruise ship with old world charm and feeling, with the newest technology and inventions. Disney Cruise Line's newest and the largest vessel Disney Dream was christened on Wednesday morning on January 19th, in the sunny Port Canaveral
- [Travel Insight: Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/colonial-williamsburg-virginia.html) - I’m not going to lie. It gets hot below the Mason-Dixon line in August. It’s downright sultry at times. But the good news is that you can snag some good luxury vacation deals before school starts back in September. One of my favorite places to visit is Colonial Williamsburg. I think it’s because I feel
- [ Travel Insight: What Drives Your Decision In Selecting a Hotel? ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/travel-insight-what-drives-your-decision-in-selecting-a-hotel.html) - It’s easy to decide where to go on vacation, but deciding where to stay can be a little more challenging. There’s so much to think about. Location, Price, Deals, Amenities, Free Wi-Fi, Reviews. Some travelers are brand-loyal, while others hop around for the best bang for their bucks. Some travelers look for boutique charm, while
- [Travel Insight: Live Life As If Every Destination Is A Vacation](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/travel-insight-live-life-as-if-every-destination-is-a-vacation.html) - Some of you may be missing out on something wonderful. You have it in your head that a vacation has to be some sort of destination or, at least, a place that would be too far to drive back and forth in one day. Do I see your head nodding in agreement? Well, toss those
- [Garance Dore for Kate Spade New York collection](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/garance-dore-for-kate-spade-new-york-collection.html) - French graphic artist and blogger Garance Dore collaborated with Kate Spade New York and created this beautiful collection mixing her Parisian print with Kate Spade's signature looks. The prints are fabulous, and make me feel like Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris movie, which I had to watch again this weekend (click the link above for
- [Bergdorf Goodman 111 Years of Luxury - Big Anniversay Event ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/bergdorf-goodman-111-years-of-luxury-big-anniversay-event-next-month.html) - Celebrating the non-round numbers is the new black, at least according to Bergdorf Goodman. Bergdorf Goodman will be throwing the biggest celebration ever on its 111th anniversary. Bergdorf Goodman’s 111th anniversary is on September 4th, and the number 111 doesn't just signify the number of years in business, but the #1 status in every way
- [My Week(s) in Instagram Pictures](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/my-weeks-in-instagram-pictures.html) - Yes, I totally skipped posting my Instagram photos last week, and focused on spending as much time with the kids on their last week before the school started. The kids went back to school on Monday, and I was sure now I'd have more time to focus on working - I was wrong! Our kids
- [Venice Hotel Recommendation: Residenza Ca’Foscola](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/venice-hotel-recommendation-residenza-cafoscola.html) - I love the Italy posts Satu has been writing the past few weeks. I know it's one of your favorite countries, at least according to our Facebook poll this spring! If you are inspired to book a trip to Italy and visit Venice, here is my hotel recommendation for you. The above photo is taken
- [Back to school looks - for mom](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/back-to-school-looks-for-mom.html) - I admit, kids and I did most of our back to school shopping in New York City already in June, and the rest of the shopping we did online, and in the past two days, no big fuss. Kids are as ready for school as they ever will. But I do have a plan.. once
- [Live a Little: Educate Yourself](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/live-a-little-educate-yourself.html) - Live a little: educate yourself Today I am encouraging you to live a little and educate yourself (a little). Ok, there is nothing "little" about education, and I am not really talking about going to college here, but I'm talking about skills or knowledge you can learn when you are an adult. It's back to
- [Destination Unknown, Baby on Board](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/destination-unknown-baby-on-board.html) - It’s not so long ago I wrote about following your own path and dreams and jumping out of the nine-to-five leaving everything you know behind. And guess what happened shortly after? I got a job. A real nine-to-five office job that I truly enjoyed. Although let’s just say that the terms “nine-to-five” and “office” are bit
- [Who are your social media influencers? How they reflect on your life?](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/who-are-your-social-media-influencers-how-they-reflect-on-your-life.html) - This post is sponsored by BlogFrog.What is a social media influencer?Simply said, you are a social media influencer. We all are. Anyone who has a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest account (or insert several other social networks here) is a social media influencer and can influence the other users in the various platforms and contribute
- [Live a Little: Savor Summer ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/live-a-little-savor-summer.html) - Live a little.. savor the last days of summer Kids are going back to school, some of us are crying of sadness, some of us are having joyful tears. Either way, while it may seem that way - summer isn't over yet. We have stayed home the past 6 weeks, and it's very unusual for
- [Summer recipes! Free Recipe Booklet from ALL YOU and Seattle's Best Coffee](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/summer-recipes-free-recipe-booklet-from-all-you-and-seattles-best-coffee.html) - Love coffee? Check out these cool coffee summer recipes from ALL YOU magazine and Seattle's Best Coffee. Go over to ALL YOU and get your Free Seattle's Best Coffee™ Summer Recipe Booklet with recipes inspired by Seattle's Best Coffee™ Red Cup Showdown Tour. Chocolate Cream Cookie Sandwich Iced Coffee by TV Chef Jeff Mauro Coffee
- [Tea with Alice in the Wonderland in the Kingsbrae Garden in New Brunswick, Canada](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/tea-with-alice-in-the-wonderland-in-the-kingsbrae-garden-in-new-brunswick-canada.html) - Kingsbrae Garden One thing what makes the Disney Cruise Line's cruises special is the ultimate "Disney Experience" they offer. Annie from Mama Dweeb asked me does the Disney cruise give the full Disney experience like the Walt DisneyWorld, and here is one example what kind of special Disney Experiences you can only experience on the
- [Live a Little: Share the Joys of Life](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/live-a-little-share-the-joys-of-life.html) - Live a little: weekly inspiration Live a Little is a weekly post here at Skimbaco Lifestyle, and hopefully you've already gotten used to starting your week with an inspiration of a small way how to live life to the fullest and learn to live Skimbaco lifestyle of enjoying every moment. The past few months several
- [Achieve Your Dreams! Tips from US Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/08/achieve-your-dreams-tips-from-us-olympic-gold-medalist-swimmer.html) - Kids and I had an opportunity to meet the US Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Aaron Peirsol last summer in an event organized by Auro-Dri, and meeting him was very inspirational for all of us. When I watch the Olympics and see the athletes and their dreams coming true, I feel so inspired to work towards
- [My Week in Photos: Enjoying Summer Edition](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/my-week-in-photos-enjoying-summer-edition.html) - The past three weeks we have been lucky. We've had visitors from three different countries, from the US, from Finland and Satu from Norway with her beautiful daughter. Satu is starting to write for Skimbaco Lifestyle now regularly and you will be able read more of her travel adventures - this time with baby on
- [Bizcation as a Lifestyle & Rent a Car for Free](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/avis-car-rental-free-day.html) - Staycation & Bizcation as a Lifestyle Avis is our family's preferred rental car company, and we are "super users" if you could say so. In fact, we've been driving an Avis rental car almost daily since last Christmas. We are what you could call permanent staycationers and bizcationers. We move often (every 2 months to
- [Ways to Have a Royal Good Time in North Carolina’s Queen City](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/ways-to-have-a-royal-good-time-in-north-carolinas-queen-city.html) - Welcome Leigh Powell Hines as one of the Skimbaco Lifestyle's new contributors! Leigh will be covering luxury travel insights in the US for us. Charlotte, North Carolina, is my state’s largest city. Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte was founded in 1769 and was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III in England. Over
- [Sleek Minimalistic Kitchen Design: Slide N Hide Counter top](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/sleek-minimalistic-kitchen-design-slide-n-hide-counter-top.html) - This moving counter top looks amazing! The Slide N Hide kitchen counter top was designed by Bradco Kitchens and Baths, and they launched it at this year’s Dwell On Design exhibition. This sleek, remote controlled, motorized sliding island counter top slides to reveal a Miele cooktop and downdraft, and it is one of the best
- [Live a Little: Say/Sing it Aloud](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/live-a-little-sing-aloud.html) - Have guts to sing it, preach it, say it aloud I have one regret from our Disney Cruise to Canada. Not singing in the karaoke. No, really. I hate singing, and I am not good at it, at all. My daughter really wanted all of us to get on the stage and sing together, and
- [Fashion Friday: GANT New Stores & Summer 2012](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/06/fashion-friday-gant-new-stores-summer-2012.html) - Get ready to spend summer at the East Coast, but even if you are not heading to the Hamptons or Rockport this summer, GANT gets you feeling you are. GANT's summer 2012 collection gives you the easy-going, preppy but cool look even if sailing isn't in your summer agenda. I've always loved GANT, even before
- [Live a Little: Say more "I love you"](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/live-a-little-say-more-i-love-you.html) - Today is our 14th wedding anniversary, and while I wish I could tell you the secret to a happy long marriage, I can't. We are still on the honeymoon stage, working on it and trying to figure it out. Maybe that is the secret: never get over with the newness and the excitement, never take
- [Shoes that fit your inner Cinderella & Ask The Stylist](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/shoes-that-fit-your-inner-cinderella.html) - When the shoe fits.. It's #TrendsTues and today we discuss and share our love for SHOES, especially in the special occasion-sexy-heels- type of shoes! It doesn't take Cinderella to know that the right shoe can change everything and make the entire outfit rock. Join us on Twitter to share your favorite shoes and remember to
- [My Week in Photos: We Bought a Car & In-Laws are here Edition](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/my-week-in-photos-we-bought-a-car-in-laws-are-here-edition.html) - If you are on Instagram, leave your handle in the comments so I can follow your photos! And please tag your photos with #skimbaco hashtag to share how YOU live life to the fullest and what you enjoy in your life. Skimbaco Lifestyle isn't about my lifestyle - it's about how we all enjoy life
- [Live a Little: Dance](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/live-a-little-dance.html) - There is no mercy. While I try to keep my family's privacy, and don't post many things here, nor share the ridiculously funny pictures we snap of each others, nor the semi-inappropriate things we talk and have us rolling laughing, when it comes to living life to the fullest and this story, it's just too
- [My Week in Photos: Tourist in Sweden Edition](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/my-week-in-photos-tourist-in-sweden-edition.html) - I am still living life to the fullest and enjoying the short but sweet Swedish summer and not online as much as normally. I hope you are out enjoying summer as well! Like mentioned before.. when I'm traveling, I try to truly unplug and enjoy the moment (I recommend the same for you!) but I
- [Live a Little: Jump](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/live-a-little-jump.html) - Live a little: JUMP When is the last time you have JUMPED? Either literally jumped in the air, jumped when exercising or metaphorically speaking "jumped" and done something in an accelerated form, up, up, up? Jumping can be thrilling, exciting and even scary, especially if you jump down from high, or try to jump up
- [Queen Wears Pink. Best Pink Summer Dresses for YOU.](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/the-queen-wears-pink-dres.html) - The Queen Did it AGAIN! Remember my post a while ago about how real princesses and the Queen wear pink? She did it again! This time she also topped it with a little parachuting off a helicopter - see, you can do ANYTHING when wearing pink! Her majesty was dressed in a spectacular pink sequin
- [Disney Cruise Line Reveals New Itineraries and Ports for 2013 in the USA](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/disney-cruise-line-reveals-new-itineraries-and-ports-for-2013-in-the-usa.html) - It's probably no surprise to you that I like the Disney Cruise Line from the amount of posting I do about the cruises. It's the only cruise line I've ever been to in the US waters and the ones I've been in Europe don't come even close to pair up, and I highly recommend experiencing
- [Fashion Friday: Strawberries & Bike Rides](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2012/07/fashion-friday-strawberries-bike-rides.html) - Summer is: Strawberries and bike rides. Picnics and jumping in the water. Sun shine and bright colors. Flowers and everything green. Eating outside and playing more. Farmer's markets and boat harbors. Strawberries and bike rides. Today's Fashion Friday post's inspiration comes from strawberries and bike rides, and I am dying to buy a bicycle for
- [Disney Wonder and magical time](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/2009/01/disney-wonder-bahamas.html) - Good morning, it is 8 AM and I just got my breakfast delivered to my stateroom on board the beautiful Disney Wonder. I am going to enjoy it on my private balcony with a view to the Caribbean sea and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. I am on the Mommy Blogger Cruise and it has

## Pages

- [Skimbaco Lifestyle](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/) - LATEST STORIES BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT This ad is set to only appear on mobile devices Crush Event | Helsinki, Finland BUY TICKET NOW Shop Second-hand, Support Women's Movement shop the crush collection at emmy INSPIRATION BUSINESS LIFESTYLE
- [Contact](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/contact) - Advertising and Partnerships Travel and Event Coverage Speaking Engagements Interview & Guest Blogging Requests Contact Editor-in-Chief Katja Presnal at katja@presnal5.com
- [About Skimbaco Lifestyle Media](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/about-us) - Skimbaco Lifestyle Skimbaco Lifestyle was founded by Katja Presnal in 2007 in Durango, Colorado. The name Skimbaco comes from a Finnish slang word for ski/skiing "skimba" and "CO" is for Colorado. The Presnal family lived nomadically for 20 years moving an average every two years. The question Katja got the most often was "What is
- [Crush Movement](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/crush-movement) - CRUSH MOVEMENT Crush the patriarchic norms and crush on rebel leaders. Founded by Katja Presnal and Anna Pyykkö. Intersection of Inspiration and Business Action for New Rebel Leaders. BUY TICKETS WATCH CRUSH MOVEMENT VIDEOS
- [Big Rich Money](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/big-rich-money) - BIG RICH MONEY Business advice for founders by Katja Presnal and Candice Kilpatrick Brathwaite YOUR BUSINESS GOALS, ACHIEVED enroll now
- [About](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/about) - Skimbaco Lifestyle online magazine is owned by international lifestyle expert and business strategist Katja Presnal. Skimbaco is modern carpe diem. Skimbaco is the Nordic lifestyle of having the guts to go after your dreams, and finding happiness in your everyday life. Not just sisu, hygge or lagom - all of them: Skimbaco. We enjoy life
- [Work with us](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/pr-service) - OUR AUDIENCE The majority of our readers are 27-45-year-old higher-income professionals, who have children, and around 55% of our readers are from the United States. Our social media following consists of equal parts of female and male followers although our site readership is more female. Around 55% visitors are from United States overall. Over 60%
- [Katja Presnal](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/katja-presnal) - Katja Presnal, Lifestyle Expert & Marketing Strategist Owner and Founder of Skimbaco lifestyle brand and editor-in-chief of Skimbaco Lifestyle online magazine. Owner of Presnal5 marketing agency. Best-selling author of the Big Rich Money book and e-course. Co-founder, talk show host, and co-owner of Crush Movement, an equality-focused media and event company in Finland. Founder of
- [Skimbaco Lifestyle - Nordic Lifestyle Magazine](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/front-page-2) - [vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1523835205580{padding-top: 120px !important;}” el_name=”Great Brooklyn Stories”][vc_row][vc_column][ut_grid_blog hide_meta_categories=”on” hide_meta_footer=”on” hide_date=”on” button_add_icon=”yes” numberposts=”9″ button_text=”Read all” button_icon_bklyn=”BklynIcons-Light-Bulb”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section bklyn_overlay=”true” background_position=”center center” background_attachment=”fixed” css=”.vc_custom_1626271291342{background-image: url(https://skimbacolifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/katja-presnal-3.png?id=53209) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” el_name=”Full Width Image Section” bklyn_overlay_color=”linear-gradient(to top, #ffffff 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5) 100%)”][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1626270787175{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][ut_animated_image image=”52268″ size=”full” custom_width=”” custom_height=”” custom_crop=”on” image_opacity=”100″ image_border_radius=”0″ align=”center” align_tablet=”inherit” align_mobile=”center”
- [Press](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/press) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Press, Features, Media * This is not a full list, but an overview of some of the press Katja Presnal and/or Skimbaco has received* Some Press links: The Insider, March 2008 IT Business Edge, June 2008 AdAge, November 2008 360 Digital Influence by Ogilvy, November 2008 Mashable, November 2008 Fast Company, November 2008 Commercial Alert,
- [Search console](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/search-console) - google1613eeee2882564a (1)
- [Terms and Conditions of Use](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/terms-and-conditions-of-use) - Read also disclosure policy and Privacy Policy and User Agreement. Web Site Terms and Conditions of Use 1. Terms By accessing this web site, you are agreeing to be bound by these web site Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable
- [Privacy Policy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/privacy-policy) - Privacy Policy Your privacy is very important to us. Accordingly, we have developed this Policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate and disclose and make use of personal information. The following outlines our privacy policy. Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for
- [Disclosure Policy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/disclosure-policy) - Disclosure Policy Skimbaco Lifestyle is a personal blog written and edited by Katja Presnal. As the owner of this blog, I do accept forms of cash advertising, or sponsorship. There might also be paid topic insertions, which are clearly labeled as such. I will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets,
- [Privacy Policy](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/privacy-policy-2) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque aliquet ex purus, quis dapibus ante ultricies non. Donec bibendum consectetur odio, id feugiat odio. Cras quis massa massa. Suspendisse potenti. Nullam odio sapien, eleifend id magna sed, sollicitudin congue quam. Suspendisse egestas, elit eu vehicula suscipit, libero nisi tristique enim, non volutpat leo leo tincidunt
- [My Work](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/my-work) - [vc_section el_name=”My Work Section”][vc_row][vc_column][ut_header title=”My Work”]Creative artist from Brooklyn, NY.[/ut_header][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_name=”Showcase Portfolio Shortcode”][vc_column][ut_showcase_shortcode showcase_id=”2501″ css=”.vc_custom_1525383214310{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section bklyn_overlay=”true” bklyn_overlay_effect=”true” bklyn_overlay_effect_randomize_opacity=”true” bklyn_overlay_effect_opacity_animate=”true” bklyn_overlay_effect_connect_particles=”false” bklyn_overlay_effect_mouse_interaction=”false” bklyn_overlay_effect_activate_boundaries=”false” bklyn_overlay_effect_moving_direction=”right” css=”.vc_custom_1525389474388{background-color: #fafafa !important;}” bklyn_overlay_effect_particle_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)” el_name=”Quote Section”][vc_row][vc_column][ut_header style=”pt-style-7″ title_font_source=”google” title_google_fonts=”font_family:Poppins%3A100%2C100italic%2C200%2C200italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:100%20light%20italic%3A100%3Aitalic” font_size=”35″ line_height=”35″ title=”“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” “]― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry[/ut_header][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section el_name=”About Section”][vc_row][vc_column width=”7/12″][ut_header title=”Amanda Hawk”]Creative artist
- [Instagram Travel Thursday Linky](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/instagram-travel-thursday-linky) - What is Instagram Travel Thursday? Instagram Travel Thursday is a weekly project with a mission to unite travelers, travel bloggers and other travel industry professionals and destinations on Instagram. We welcome anyone to post travel photos with #IGTravelThursday hashtag and to answer travel questions and give travel inspiration for others. In addition we host a
- [User Agreement ](https://skimbacolifestyle.com/user-agreement) - User Agreement Terms of Use This Terms of Use Agreement (the “Agreement”) is between you (”You”) and Skimbaco Lifestyle (www.skimbacolifestyle.com). In this Agreement, “We” or “Us” refers to www.skimbacolifestyle.com, its owner, and agents. This Agreement sets out the terms and conditions applicable to Your access and use of www.skimbacolifestyle.com (the “Website”). By Your use of

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