Getting ready for Chamonix

Working during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period was well worth it, as I’m now preparing for the first ski holiday of the year in the lovely Chamonix. It’s the second time I’m going there (I’ve been one during summer and it was amazing – the Aiguille du Midi was simply breathtaking).

It will be the first time I’m skiing there and I’m very excited, pray the snow will be good considering the warm weather.

Anyway, I have prepared a list of things to do and eat and I just hope I’ll have the chance to try everything.

The first and most important thing on my list (besides skiing of course) is the crazy ‘Step into the Void’ installation. Built on the uppermost terrace of Europe’s highest mountain peak, Aiguille du Midi,  the glass cube offers the most amazing and thrilling view of the French Alps. 

The rocky peak, standing at 3842m, is known the world over for its magnificent 360 degree panoramic views and its unique high mountain setting. I can’t wait to step onto the cube’s transparent floor and admire the magnificent mountain range from the height of 1,035 meters. The brainchild of Pierre-Yves Chays, Into the Void resembles the glass walkway overlooking the Grand Canyon in Arizona. I just hope I won’t faint.

Each of the glass panels is custom built,  12mm thick, and consist of three layers of glass that have been bound together. According to creators, the structure can withstand winds of more than 220km/ h and a maximum temperature of 60° so a few humans hanging in the room aren’t too much stress on the structure.

Plus, I have prepared an extensive restaurants list that I can’t wait to test; will keep you posted with the outcome.

Micro Brasserie de Chamonix – for the beer and the best burger in Chamonix

The Chachacha wine bar – for a relaxing evening after ski with a glass of red wine and a plate of charcuterie

The Hotel Eden restaurant – the small (and cheaper sister of the Michelin starred Albert II restaurant) for a gourmet dinner

La petite kitchen for the amazing cookies

Maison Carrier for the traditional food and the desserts buffet

And finally the Munchie restaurant – for the moment when I will be fed up with French food and I will feel the urge for an Asian meal.

Plus, I dream I will find a blueberry tart as good as last year in Tignes, where I have discovered the best thing I have ever eaten in my life. Both resorts are in Savoy so I hope they share the know how...

New Year resolutions

New Year resolutions are a pretty new thing for me, I have always preferred to cease the day and be grateful for everything the moment brought. So planning or setting very specific written goals have never been my cup of tea…until this year. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m getting older (of more mature), but I have suddenly felt the urge of making lists for my personal life as well (I’m doing this all the time at work).

So my first list includes the perfect objects I need to write down my resolutions.

Of course I start with an inspiring Moleskine, a special creation for the British brand Cath Kidston, one of the most beautiful Moleskines I've ever seen that you can find here

Funny and creative pencils

A good playlist - I'm still obsessed with the new Robbie Williams album

And of course a scented candle

Now I'm ready to plan for 2014.
Have you written down your resolutions?

Christmas spirit

It’s Christmas Eve and although I’m working, it’s windy (Dirk is here) and I miss my family, Pinterest is always there for me when I need something to lift my spirits up.

So here are my five picks that best describe the Christmas spirit for me.

Family

 Giving thanks

Cosy

Fairytales

And food of course

Plus one to celebrate the newest guest in our home, this amazing cat that is visiting for two weeks and is waking me up at impossible hours in the night, but spreads so much good energy that makes up for everything.
 

What does Christmas mean to you?

I wish you all very happy holidays and don’t forget to enjoy time with your family and friends!

Robbie Williams – Swing Both Ways

Robbie Williams has always had a constant presence on my playlist and although he had some ups and downs in his career he managed to get back on track and find new inspiration. The Take the Crown album, although is not bad, lacks mojo and song are quite safe, so it didn’t bring any emotion in my life.

But the new Swing Both Ways is amazing – it has that old fashioned vintage feel of the old movies and spreads good feelings everywhere. It’s so relaxing; I can just imagine myself listening to it in front of a fireplace, with a glass of Prosecco, cuddled in a warm and fuzzy blanket.
 

As for Robbie, he has announced a European Tour to promote the new album next year, but he will again perform on big stadiums, which I don’t think is a good idea for this kind of music. I would have imagined a nice show at Royal Albert Hall, like he did in the past, but no, he preferred the O2 Arena in London…Money in the bank…

But today I’ve just heard a great news - he will perform at the closing of the ski season in Ischgl – a resort famous for its Top of the mountain concert. 

Now that’s something I would like to see.