Inside Out Magazine highlights the countries' charm and must-see modern gems. Mount Lycabettus - is a limestone hill in Athens, at 277 meters above sea level, the hill the highest point in the city that surrounds it. Perivolas Traditional Homes in Santorini, a group of restored 300 year- old caves that have been transformed into a cluster of 17 private houses. The complex is set within an amphitheatrical landscape of curves stepping down to a central stone terrace with a pool that flows over the edge of the cliff into an Aegean horizon.
Millions of Smiles is a New York based sweater company whose mission is to make the world a happier place, one colorful sweater at a time. "Rooted in preppy heritage with a modern attitude," available at shopbop.com.
Zara's collection for the home is a modern mixture of classics and ethnic style for incredibly reasonable prices.
Every city could use one of these...a converted elementary school gone - casual hotel. McMenamins Kennedy School is an Inn, with all the amenities. A 1915 school, marks this historic location that has transformed itself into a bed and breakfast, brewery with beer garden, movie-theater and restaurant. With a mosaic tiled hot soaking pool and rooms decorated and themed after nursery rhymes, you'll perk up when you hear detention...Because the small room down the hall called Detention makes delicious margaritas. 10 minutes from Portland Airport, rooms range from $99-$130.
Decorate plates and platters for homeware and entertaining from Mottahedeh & Co, whose china represents present style and dates back to 17th century collections.
A beautiful eco adventure resort on the California coastline, Costanoa was one of my favorite destinations when I lived in San Francisco. Stay in the lodge, log cabin, tent bungalow, or pitch your own. You don't have to stray far from the grounds, as beautiful hiking and biking trails are as plentiful as the lush mountain views from your cabin porch. You can also horseback ride on the beach across the way or take surf lessons. After the outdoor action, pamper yourself with access to the sauna, yoga classes, hot tub or spa treatments. Cook at the open camp, or sit down for casual organic fare at the bar and grille. A little over an hour south of SF, rates range from $95-$365 per night.
Jo Malone candle selections from 'home', to 'luxury' to 'travel' - are perfect to surround yourself with, in relaxation and cozy ambience.
Coming upon April showers, it's time to suit up for the rain and get ready to splash in puddles.for toddlers:
A few stunning and vibrant views, two of my fav's on Flickr. The one to the far left captures a south facing view of the Indian Ocean near the island of Mauritius. From the top of this hill you can see the blue ocean in the horizon. Both of these photos were posted by user Asadbabil.
Drew Barrymore and business partner Nancy Juvonen started Flower Films production company in 1995. They started off back in the day in Drew's laundry room, but now the red door leads to a beautiful office space for the movie makers, that is featured in Domino Magazine's gallery.
Korres, is a botanical beauty company from Greece, whose natural skin care collection on Sephora is a favorite. With organic ingredients and herbal extracts, it is no wonder the inspiration of beauty comes from the Greek Goddess. Bath and body care, as well as face and eye care products are designed to pamper and protect.
Lazy Sunday, wake up in the late afternoonCall Parnell just to see how he's doing Hello? What up Pas! Yo Sandburg, whats rocking?You thinking what I'm thinking? Narnia! Then it's happening!But first, my hunger pangs are sticking like duct tapeLet's hit up Magnolia and mack on some cupcakesNo doubt, that bakery's got all the bomb frosting.I love those cupcakes like McAdams loves Gosling 2, no 6, no 12 bakers dozen! I told you that i'm crazy for these cupcakes, cousin! *The humble cupcake craze is a dose of wholesome frosted tasty heaven in a cup. It's led to trendy bakeries all over the world putting their own chic spin on the dessert and building a booming business. You can have your cupcake and eat it too...here are a few favorites from east to west:NY:
Babycakes
Billy's Bakery
Little Cupcake Bakeshop
Magnolia Bakery
Sugar Sweet SunshineChicago:
Cupcakes
Molly's Cupcakes
SF:Citizen CupcakeKara's Cupcakes Miette PatisserieSibby's CupcakeryA favorite Cupcake blog is on the rise...Cupcakes Take the Cake. *Have a few bites while you watch the SNL Narnia Rap. Or if you dare take the matter into your own kitchen, here's a recipe from Magnolia Bakery.CAKE 1 c (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 2 c sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1 1/2 c self-rising flour 1 1/4 c all-purpose flour 1 c milk 1 t vanilla extractBUTTERCREAM FROSTING 1 c (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very soft 8 c confectioners' sugar 1/2 c milk 2 t vanilla extract -Prep:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour three 9- x 2-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with waxed paper.2. To make the cake: In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flours and add in four parts, alternating with the milk and the vanilla extract, beating well after each addition. Divide batter among the cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire rack.3. If you're making cupcakes, line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers. Spoon the batter into the cups about three-quarters full. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched, about 20 to 22 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans and cool completely on a rack before icing. When cake has cooled, ice between the layers, then ice top and sides of cake.4. To make the icing: Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and the vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, until icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency (you may very well not need all of the sugar). If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. Use and store icing at room temperature, as icing will set if chilled.
Inside Out Magazine highlights the countries' charm and must-see modern gems. 
