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The “New” Provence

 

Domaine de la Chateau La Coste, provence travel, travel in provence, MiamiCurated
Alexander Calder sculpture on the right at Chateau La Coste

Those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile know my travel coverage has focused on less well traveled destinations — Ethiopia, Iran, Crete and others, and surprising discoveries in each. On a recent trip we went to the “new” Provence, or as the Wall Street Journal described, “Not Your Father’s Provence”. The attractions that have appealed to some of history’s greatest painters, from Cezanne to Van Gogh, still shine, but it’s becoming a new place thanks to global modern day billionaires in the tradition of the Medicis. Here are images and facts from travel in Provence that surprise, from visits to Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon and Arles. Enjoy!

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Fabulous Friday: Better Than Cashmere

Softer, lighter and fluffier than the finest cashmere I’ve ever felt is – would you believe – wool made from the fine undercoat fibers of wild goats from Kyrgystan, in the foothills of the Himalayas . It’s called Yangir. And then there’s the wool made from baby camel hair in Mongolia which it’s said “drives you to sin”   They’re the latest innovation and product of eight generation French company Brun de Vian-Tiran, founded in 1808, and  based in one of my new favorite towns — L’Isle Sur La Sorgue in Luberon, Provence. There’s a museum you can visit and the products are sold online.
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Things to do in October

Get out your calendars! Here’s our monthly list of things to do in Miami in October 2019, from a Maroon 5 concert and fashion, film and seafood festivals, to a unique art fundraiser, a boat show and more. Looking for something new to do in the Magic City? Try one of the events listed below. We love them—and we think you will, too!
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Fab Lunch Special at La Petite Maison

La Petite Maison is a very attractive, stylish place. It also ranks up there on eye candy, as in people watching, and quality of food. So when I heard about a new Dejeuner D’Affaires (business) lunch special for $29  that included two appetizers, an entree, and an enticing selection of menu items, I was off and running. I enlisted a good friend who’s French, and whose uncle headed up the prestigious Cordon Bleu school to be my lunch companion. We both agreed the lunch was outstanding.
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Pivot Mkt, Sustainable Fashion, Home and Beauty Market

Pivot Mkt, billed as the first all inclusive marketplace in Miami to exclusively house sustainable brands, has opened with over 30 brands in fashion, beauty, home and décor offerings. Products are for men, women and children.The 7,200 square foot space in The Citadel in the Little River District also has a sustainable beauty bar and learning center with instruction and “hands on” activities. Coming up October 5, a workshop in making your own lipstick and candles. In other news, the Nu-Deco Ensemble which is one of my favorite cultural offerings in Miami, has announced The Citadel will be its new home base this fall season with the first concert October 11 (see my writeup here).
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Destination Fashion: Sunset Harbour

Sunset Harbour shops are becoming a serious fashion destination with distinctive stores for men and women that often are one of a kind. Find everything from stylish active wear to consignment shops and a unique selection of  local and international designers. Several new boutiques, too, that have opened in the last few months.  Plus, there’s a wide selection of appealing places to eat, have a coffee, or try the best gelato in Miami. Here’s a guide to my favorite shops:
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