As you glide along in the sky, gazing out the window, just before landing, there is a pivotal moment of being lost, lost in the spell of Ireland; the spell of the patchwork of lush and picturesque land—a land that measures from warm, golden yellow hues to indescribably rich shades of jade, malachite, and emerald.
But beyond the land, the wondrous Irish landscape is surrounded by almost architectural, asperous cliffs, offset by soft beaches, kissed by sparkling waters.
The third-largest island in Europe, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. The lush vegetation of this 'Emerald Isle', as it is poetically known, is attributed to the mild but changeable oceanic climate; the land is made up of low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain and several rivers running inland . . .
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{take me away № 23 | dublin, ireland}

{take me away № 15 | bora bora, tahiti}
Though we have certainly visited a number of beautiful wintry destinations, from elegant train tours and exquisite St.Petersburg, to romantic wintry gardens in England and enchanting ice hotels, often the promise of warm sunshine calls us away from home for an escape from it all . . .
. . . an escape away from snowy slopes, boots and layers upon layers, to endlessly blue waters and an indescribable golden sky, to Bora Bora, Tahiti . . .
Here, beautifully warm and languorous days await.
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{take me away № 14 | the magic of winter gardens}
For many, it is the dream—the dream to travel abroad and to walk the very grounds in which were walked upon by great literary artists long ago—their words replaying in our minds and lives today. The dream to breath in the scent of the famously fragrant roses, lovingly kept and carefully maintained . . .
. . . to take tea as was traditionally planned and created, to touch upon the stones that were laid so many years ago and to gaze up to the thatch roof lines of centuries gone by.
The heart of England lies within the very threads of its culture—the language of customs, of beauty, of traditions, of arts. Indeed, the dream does not lie in sights alone, but in scents, tastes, sounds, and feelings of the heart itself—a secret that whispers about, and if we listen, we might just catch on.
And just when most life is asleep for the duration of this winter season, we might see a whole new angle to the respected art of one of the most integral parts of England: English gardens. And in truth, the lines and forms of such spectacular gardens might be most appreciated in their simplicity, draped in alabaster frost.
. . . and so, today we ask you to join us as we set along on foot, imagining a walk in and amongst some of the greatest gardens in the world there ever were . . .
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{take me away № 09 | st.petersburg, russia}
St.Petersburg’s rich history can be found as one strolls up and down every street, and inside every little shop and restaurant; within the grand walls of every awe-inspiring palace, painted in the past, and with every foot that touches upon every stage.
The city is, simply put, brimming with history and sprinkled with endlessly beautiful [and fortuitous] points of culture to take in; and of the endless list of possible places to visit, Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a breathtaking palace also known as the Russian Versailles, The [lavish] Winter Palace, as well as The Winter Canal, and St.Isaac’s Cathedral, are just a few of the must-see sites. Here, tradition is recognized, remembered and celebrated.
And if possible, one must take in a performance or two while visiting, as Russian ballet is known all over the world for exquisite performances, there is luckily, [and nearby] The Hermitage Theatre—just one of the lovely possibilities.
Come away with us, on an adventure in beauty and culture, as we catch a glimpse of the enchanting city of St. Petersburg, Russia . . .
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{hello & mid-week musings}
. . . the morning began with coffee and balmy late-spring breezes, water fountains and farmers' markets for butter tarts and honey, meetings & appointments and a late-lunch of barbequed salmon & asparagus, and now, emails and macarons and a little tea and the days have been so sunny lately, can hardly stand it . . .
happy wednesday! hope you're having perfectly lovely week so far,
roséline xo
{p.s} more high tea
{images: photography by kristina at krisatomic}

{have a cozy weekend + links}
. . . the first week of the new year has come and gone and it was filled with new year's things -- organizing and exercising and rationalizing; and two days and a paper shredder later, things in the office are now perfectly organized into files with beautifully hand-lettered labels and all neatly sorted into a brand new cabinet that is certain to be gilded soon enough . . . and now, as the last of the late-afternoon light fades, there bouquets of roses scattered all about, and it's the weekend . . .
hope you're having a beautiful time, wherever you may be,
~ roséline xo
{p.s.} fun news on monday!
{a few lovely links:}
* at home: conservatory apartment
* colour inspiration: coming up roses
* at this moment: the art of winter
* in the kitchen: food & flowers
* party inspiration: for little princesses {via black*eiffel}
* fashion: gold bars
* photography: dreamy landscapes
* recipe: jam drops
* at home: a seaside cottage
* travel inspiration: to be a guest at versailles {via a cup of jo}
{as always, a few things you may have missed:}
* a new year & hello
* january thaw: coming up roses
* colour inspiration: shades of blush & champagne
* at the shops: lady grey, brooklyn, new york
* paris in the wintertime & hello
* travel inspiration: to sleep perchance to dream
{& new for the weekend:}
* how to: a pretty peony bouquet
{images: lopp; olivet; patterson maker; jac jagaciak & frida gustavsson; jenna lyons's brooklyn home, via the style files; what katie ate}

{travel: new york city}
"One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years."
. . . a few summer weekends ago, spent a few hot and hazy days in new york city, days filled with early morning swims, bellinis and brunches and sundrenched terraces, afternoon markets and dusky shops with herringbone floors, glasses of perfectly chilled champagne and red velvet cupcakes, sunset in the park and long, lingering moments soaking in the intoxicating energy all around, leaving with memories of dinner on the very last night among topiaries and carrera -- oysters to start, followed by seared sea scallops, rocchetta, medjool dates, lardoons with champagne vinaigrette . . . and it was farewell until next time . . .
