Tag Archive for SniqueAway

Affordable Art for All!

Share:

As much as we love art, we admit that the often-high price points can deter us from actually buying it. Art should be fun and accessible, we say! And the Lancaster Arts Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, seems to agree. The former tobacco warehouse displays more than 250 pieces of fine art, along with rotating art exhibits, for all its guests to enjoy. Taking inspiration from this historical hotel, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite affordable-artwork sites that can turn any art lover into a buyer:

Lancaster Arts Hotel

Photos courtesy of 20×200, Tiny Showcase, The Working Proof and Etsy

{Clockwise from left}

20×200: Founded on the equation “(limited editions x low prices) + the Internet = art for everyone,” this user-friendly site offers small-batch, original prints starting at just $20.

Tiny Showcase: Each week, Tiny Showcase chooses a piece of artwork from an up-and-coming talent to turn into a limited-run archival print. The best part? A portion of the profits from each sale are donated to a charity of the artist’s choice.

“Museum: Third Gallery” by Rui Tenreiro (print: $20, framed print: $125)

The Working Proof: Similar to Tiny Showcase, The Working Proof promotes art and social responsibility by donating proceeds from sales to artist-selected charities. Plus, the prints are unique and affordable, so you really can’t go wrong.

“Bleuités” by Irwin Barbé (photograph: $30)

Etsy: The ultimate one-stop-shop for everything handmade, Etsy is a great source for affordable (and original!) paintings and more.

“Abstract Landscape” oil painting by wendydoakart ($40)

Dive into an Underwater Museum!

Share:

Not far from the Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort, you’ll find a museum unlike any other on this earth—and that is because it sits at the bottom of the sea.

Photos courtesy of underwatersculpture.com

The Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) is located in the National Marine Park surrounding the Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Punta Nizuc area. During a snorkeling trip, you can view more than 400 underwater sculptures designed by eco-sculptor, Jason de Caires Taylor. These breathtaking creations are not only incredible pieces of art work, but they also encourage coral growth and act as a natural habitat for fish. There is no doubt that this is definitely one museum swimming with possibilities.

 

Old-Time Hollywood Meets Your Living Room

Share:

Known as “Hollywood’s Playground,” Palm Springs easily conjures images of lavish living and star-studded vacation homes. And when we got to reading more about the Movie Colony Hotel, we learned that it has played host to many of the entertainment industry’s famous names (including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin).

If you can’t make it out to this mid-century-chic, Palm Springs destination then you can take a little bit of Hollywood’s mid-century elegance home with you. Here’s our list of classic movies with star-studded casts and a touch of West Coast opulence.

50s Movies

Photos courtesy of IMDB

Ocean’s Eleven: Starring several members of the Rat Pack (yes, including Sinatra and Martin), this 1960 classic holds a defining place in the heist genre’s history. Besides, is there anything classier than watching world-class entertainers rob a Las Vegas casino?

The Great Gatsby: In honor of the upcoming Baz Luhrmann remake, we thought we’d call out the original film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, released in 1974. Sure, it’s a little past “mid-century,” but with roaring 20s mansion parties and a hint of classic Robert Redford film style, this Hollywood staple will definitely put you in the upscale spirit.

A Streetcar Named Desire: starring Marlon Brando (arguably one of film’s most iconic stars), the 1951 version of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning stage play is a true picture of Hollywood excellence. Did we mention that it garnered Oscar wins in 3 out of the 4 acting categories the year it was released?

Singin’ in the Rain: Starring (and directed by) Gene Kelly, this musical classic earns a spot on almost everyone’s “50s classics” list. And for good reason; screen this 1952 standby during your movie night, and you’ll find yourself humming along to some quintessential examples of mid-century songwriting.

Make Today a Spa Day with Mineral-Rich Products

Share:

Let’s face it: Sometimes we don’t even have enough time to throw a coat of clear polish on our nails, let alone treat ourselves to a full day at the spa. So while writing about the Mount View Hotel & Spa in Calistoga, California, we were inspired to bring the spa to us. Once a wellness retreat that catered to wealthy Californians, Calistoga entices travelers with its natural, mineral-rich hot springs. The hotel even offers mineral mud baths that help warm muscles, increase circulation and detoxify skin. Here are a few mineral products that we’re eager to add into our daily routine.

Photos courtesy of Glamour Box, Metro Beauty and Infomercial Reviews

{From left}

Aqua Mineral Redefining Facial Mud Mask ($149): Based on Dead Sea mud and water, this mineral-rich mask reduces blemishes, freshens skin and improves skin completion, making it worth the splurge.

Evian Mineral Water Spray ($11): Made with 100% pure Evian mineral water, this spray soothes and rehydrates dry skin, so it’s perfect for the office, the beach or just about anywhere.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum ($27): This award-winning powder is packed with crushed minerals like zinc oxide (a calming ingredient with UVA and UVB protection) and mica, which makes skin appear smoother and more radiant.

Five Favorites in English Literature

Share:

The beauty of Bovey Castle has us daydreaming about some of the memorable characters we have met while reading great literature from across the pond: Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Dalloway, Heathcliff, Jane Eyre and Earnest. And with summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to add a few of our favorite classics to your must-read list.

Photos courtesy of Goodreads

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen