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Keep it Simple – Minimalistic Autumn Decoration

October 23, 2020

Recently, I noticed that my friends often expressed their dislike towards autumn decorations. Again and again, it is associated with nothing but forest and moss, which, by the way, can also be beautiful. But a beautiful autumnal table decoration does not always have to be associated with dried leaves, pumpkins and moss.

Autumn offers us so many colorful ideas for an atmospheric and cosy dining table decoration, the place where we meet with friends and family. With a discreet decoration, you could really beautify your next get-together.

With a subtle and modern decoration from Connox, you could embellish your next get-together. And with the code “Annika11” you will even get 11% off everything at Connox up to and including October 26th, 2020, except for a few excluded brands.

Connox, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Herbst Deko, Minimalistisch

Harmonious Room Concept

For a harmonious room image, you should make sure that furniture, textiles and decoration are all in the same color scheme. It is also an advantage if you can find the color of your decoration somewhere in the room.

Since we decided to use a minimalistic dining table, I kept the decoration simple and set specific accents.

Table Decoration with Eucalyptus

In this case, I decided to use a large timeless transparent glass vase. For me, personally, it is always important that my decoration does not need too much care. Therefore, I often fall back on dried flowers or decoration figures.

At our local florist, I was offered eucalyptus as an autumnal decoration. Pure eucalyptus is also very chic. But I decorated it with a pink dried plant. There are many possibilities.

Phalaris or lavender in a darker pink also looks great! To loosen everything up a little bit, I always add some grasses. I also like bright red rosehip twigs.

But to make sure that it doesn’t look too dreary on our dining table, I have set a strong accent with a smaller golden vase. This vase does not necessarily have to contain a flower. A small decorative figure would also add that certain desired warmth.

Atmospheric Light Sources

Since it gets dark earlier in autumn, you can refine your table decoration in the evening with candlesticks or even put a string of lights in the vase.

Many light chains can even be time-programmed so that your room is already lit up for you when you come home.

Filigree candlesticks or small tea lights give the dining area a serene and gorgeous atmosphere. Especially during a romantic dinner, not enough lights and candles can burn.

Take a break and enjoy the cosy autumn days. With the code “Annika11” you get 11% off everything at Connox up to and including October 26th, 202, except for a few excluded brands.

Have fun decorating!

Swimming with a View Over St. Virgil in South Tyrol

October 18, 2020

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Anyone who takes a picture in the Infinity Pool of the four-star superior hotel Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort in San Vigilio will also give those who stayed at home a new taste for vacations in South Tyrol. In any case, the surroundings are breathtaking: the 180-degree panoramic view from the hotel pool extends as far as the imposing Dolomites. One hour north of Bolzano is the 4-star superior hotel in the beautiful Badia Valley in the village of San Vigilio.

Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort, Südtirol, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort

Our room was located in the new building “Dolomites Lodge”, which has 16 rooms. One of them was ours for 2 days. Not only was it inviting, but also spacious. More remarkable was the roomy and half-open bathroom.

Optionally you can book the rooms with your own sauna or whirlpool. However, the impressive Sky Spa area is also located in the same building.

Feasting with a View of the Mountains

For breakfast, you can choose between freshly prepared egg dishes, pancakes and crepes. The buffet offers homemade juices and everything your heart desires (all organic and regional, of course).

Breakfast is served daily until 11 am so there’s no need for any hurry. Later on, there is a light lunch snack and in the afternoon, homemade cake.

In the evening, you can end the day not only with delicious drinks at the bar but also with a 4-course gourmet menu of your choice.

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Spa Time

What do you actually do when you are not on a mountain bike or exploring the nearby national park? Relaxing, of course! Especially relaxing in the Sky Spa (Adults Only!), which is located above the roofs of San Vigilio.

The spa area with its unique mountain scenery offers so much that you don’t have to move anywhere from the hotel for having fun.

The Panorama Infinity Pool provides a unique swimming experience with a view of the Dolomites. When the sun is shining, you can relax on the sun terrace at any temperature. Of course, there is also an indoor relay room. Especially delicious were the dried banana and nut snacks in the Spa Lounge. Not only the panorama pool inspires with a great view, but also the panorama sauna was equally remarkable.

Wellness with a small child is no problem at the Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort! Here too, everything has been thought of: family sauna, indoor and outdoor whirlpool and a children’s pool.

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Hiking in San Vigilio

If you do want to leave the hotel, you can walk up the hill directly behind the hotel, or you can go to the Fanes Sennes Braies Nature Park, which is 10 minutes away.

In the midst of fabulous mountain scenery, numerous bicycle and hiking trails are offered. ABSOLUTE highlight was the wild animals! In the middle of the nature park, we suddenly found beautiful horses and Scottish Highland cattle. We watched them for at least an hour and walked a little with the horses.

Nevertheless, I would recommend keeping some distance for safety reasons.

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COVID-19

Masks are only compulsory at the buffet and in the dining area. At the table, you can, of course, take off your mask just like in the restaurant.

If you can’t maintain the distance of 1.5m, please wear a mask. In the wellness area also, the distance regulation applies, but there’s no mask obligation.

There are still rooms available for the next season. It is therefore advisable to book quickly:

A Dolomites Lodge is available from 159€ per person per night.

Hidden Gem in South Tyrol: Antholz

October 14, 2020

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Falkensteiner Hotel Antholz, Südtirol, Antholz, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

When you enter the Antholz valley, you cannot fail to notice that Antholz is connected to the biathlon. In fact, the annual Biathlon World Championship takes place in Antholz. At the same time, on the way to the Antholz Upper valley, one is already enchanted by the unspoiled nature and the small traditional villages. Before arriving at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Antholz, you will feel an inner peace due to the alluring solitude.

At the foot of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, you’ll find not only those who’re seeking relaxation and love nature but also active athletes.

Adults Only in Antholz

If I summarize our stay in three words, they would be: secret insider tips, idyll & pure nature.

South Tyrol is and has always been a popular vacation destination, especially during the Corona time, many people escape to the nearby vacation destination. I would describe Antholz as a hidden gem. The concealed but central location does not bring many holidaymakers to Antholz.

The modern Junior Suite Deluxe with loggia in alpine style invites you to a relaxing time. Thanks to the fresh mountain air and the great view of the mountain landscape, you start the day full of energy. We were even rewarded with the sight of a clear starry night from our lounge corner several times. Also, Chuck, our French Bulldog, felt very welcome! He and we especially liked the short walk into the forest in the early morning and late evening.

A personal highlight was the ¾ pension. In the morning, we could press our own orange-carrot-ginger juice at the breakfast buffet and enjoy the view through the panoramic windows. In the afternoon, there was always a snack when we came back from our trip. Not to forget, dinner!

A very special romantic moment in itself.

Every day we were surprised anew with an unusual gourmet menu. Not to forget the pleasant and incredibly friendly service. It was always a successful end to the vacation day.

Activities

Lake Antholz

Only at about 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel is the unknown Insta-Hotspot “Antholzer See”. It is the perfect alternative to the Braieser Wildsee. You have to have your camera with you in any case.

The turquoise Antholzer See has a huge advantage – no mass tourism. Here you can still experience and photograph nature in peace, whereas Braies Lake is also only an hour’s drive away from the hotel. However, it is mostly crowded with tourists who are approached by busses.

Around Antholz Lake, you can still walk in peace without being disturbed by a multitude of visitors.

Biathlon Shooting

Up until now, I had no connection to the biathlon at all. So I was all the more pleased that we were able to take a few test shots (5 shots/5€) in the nearby biathlon center (about 10 minutes walk away). Did you know that the pulse is about 150-170 for a biathlete?! A little tip: Withhold your breath so you can aim better!

This will be explained again on site. I found it very, very exciting! You can also watch the biathletes training in the morning.

Hiking

Of course, there are numerous hiking trails from the hotel. The reception has the best tips, or the hotel offers guided hikes every day. Also to the sunrise!

Wellness

If you just want to enjoy a day at the hotel, you can pamper your body and soul in the 1000 m² spa area. The wellness area offers a wide range of saunas, massages and spa treatments for relaxation, regeneration, health and vitality.

Absolutely special is the heated indoor and outdoor pool, from which you have a view of the Antholz valley and the mountains.

COVID-19

Although the coronavirus certainly brings restrictions, we felt absolutely unrestricted during our stay at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Antholtz.

Due to the good organization, we felt completely safe. In the whole hotel, there is mask duty. Of course, you can take off the masks in your room as well as at your place during dinner.

Also, in the wellness area, there is good regulation. Only a certain number of people can enter the sauna. During the day, you simply enter your name in a list for the sauna times.

Basically, like everywhere else, you should keep your distance and act conscientiously.

The arrival/departure

Despite our arrival on a Saturday, it took us only 9 hours from Cologne to the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa in Antholz. We even made a stopover at the outlet at Brenner Pass. Of course, during the pandemic, there are often border controls, and you might end up spending 1-3 hours at the border if you‘re driving during the rush hours.

Enjoy your time in South Tyrol!

Staycation: Tips for a Relaxing Holiday at Home!

August 23, 2020

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Even if your trip has been cancelled or you prefer to stay at home, your holiday is far from being cancelled!

Whether you’re sitting back in your garden, lounging on your balcony, just enjoying nature or are cooped up in the four walls of your house, you can have just as much fun in your free days!

Take the chance, and make the best of summer 2020. Get to know your own city better, get your home back in shape, learn new recipes, or DIY projects or just lie under the bright, warm sun.

For you, I have jotted down the best tips!

A #staycation should be planned like a holiday. Otherwise, you will fall into your daily rhythm and won’t allow yourself any time out!

City Trip at Home

Have you ever had a guided tour of your home town? Do you know all the corners? I must confess that I only know a few districts in Cologne. Get to know your city by bike or on foot. Go to the areas you haven’t been to yet and visit new restaurants and cafes.

Nature Lover

There must be a lake or a forest in your immediate vicinity. Take a trip to see fresh nature in all its glory and enjoy a sunny day with a picnic or with an entertaining book or podcast.

Holiday at Home

Why don’t you design a theme room? We picked out the online shop 4Murs.de and could shop directly by themes such as Tropical Mood or Arty Life. So it wasn’t hard for us to find some furniture and decoration articles for our Boho Beach room.

In our comfortable bamboo armchair, I‘ve already read some books.

But of course, you can also redesign your garden! I have built up a cosy corner with candles and fairy lights. In our hammock, I often like to lie in the evening with a glass of wine and our dogs.

Stacation, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Boho Style, Interior

Meanwhile, I have also tested some DIY projects like my self-made wooden ladder, which we used as a “herb garden”.

DIY, Dekoleiter, Deco Ladder, Do it yourself, Dekoleiter selber bauen, Hänge Vase, Kräutergarten

No matter if you live alone or in several homes, your friends and family will be happy about brunch or an invitation for dinner. Try out new recipes or improve your cooking skills.

Look at the time you’re spending at home in a positive light and make the most of it. Your travel budget for next year is likely to be larger, as home vacations are usually cheaper. You don’t have to worry about missing a plane or train. But the best thing is that you can take the time to do the things you didn’t do before.

Living on the beach in Bloemendaal aan Zee

July 8, 2020

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Bloemendaal aan Zee, Bloemendaal, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Poort Beach Boutique Apartment

It takes just under three hours from Cologne to Bloemendaal aan Zee. We have driven this route far too seldom up to now and have not appreciated it enough!

That’s why after our first tour to Ouddorp we now went to the corner of Haarlem and Zandvoort.

Here you can easily combine a city and beach trip!

Our apartment with sea view at Poort Beach Hotel

I haven’t been in Bloemendaal aan Zee for a long time. So, we were looking forward to the super stylish Poort Beach Hotel Apartments. The tasteful accommodations have so much to offer!

We had planned to spend 2 days on the beach, but when we came to the apartment, we immediately knew that all our time would be spent on the spacious terrace. From here, we could also watch the whole happenings on the beach along with the surfers. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset with a delicious glass of wine.

The apartments are equipped with a lot of love for details. As always, you should think of bringing salt, pepper and oil, in case you do your own cooking. Otherwise, everything is on the spot! Even a Nespresso machine! I always bring my own milk frother for a delicious cappuccino in the morning.

In our apartment, 6 persons could have stayed overnight, and it costs about 250€ a night. You should book the apartments well in advance as they are almost always fully booked.

Things To Do

You’ll never be bored in Bloemendaal aan Zee as there are countless things to do!

– Beach Walk – Every evening, we took a drink from our apartment and walked along the beach with Chuck. Dogs are allowed to run around freely without a leash from 19 o’clock in the evening.

– Water Sports – You only have to walk down the stairs to go to the beach and rent the surf equipment for surfing. Of course there are more water sports available right outside your front door!

– City Trip – It’s only about 10 minutes by car to Haarlem. For a day trip, I would always prefer to go there. The beautiful city of Haarlem has its own charm with its small streets and canals. The place is also known as the “little sister of Amsterdam”. However, I would rather walk all the way to Haarlem because the parking spaces are very expensive. Anyway, the footpath to Haarlem has a lot to offer! You will pass the Kemmerland National Park and some great housing estates. Walking there is an absolute breeze!

– Beach Club, Republiek – Right in front of the apartment door, you have the Beach Club, Republiek. If you prefer to have breakfast in the morning, I recommend you to visit the trendy and new Beach Club. I could have spent the whole day in the lounge chairs in the sand.

– Zandvoort – Do you feel like a walk on the beach? Then you should consider going to Zandvoort! There are also a lot of modern beach clubs here! In the centre of Zandvoort, there is also a small shopping street to stay in. We made a stopover at the photogenic beach club “Ubuntu Beach”; a must-visit for Instagram lovers!

If you want to see more videos of my stay, have a look at the highlights on my Instagram account.

Holland’s Maldivian Water Villas at Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort

June 25, 2020

by fastenurseatbelts

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

In the middle of the nature reserve “De Punt” on the Grevelingenmeer is the modern Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort, which we reached after a good 3-hour drive from Cologne.

The only five-year-old facility in Ouddorp in the south of Holland (near Renesse) is located directly on the Grevelingenmeer inland waterway.

The sea may not be as clear as the crystal blue water in the Maldives, but the villas and studios are located directly on the water! Most of them even have their own beach.

Instead of the Mediterranean palm trees, you look out over the bright green dune grass from the terrace or the panoramic windows.

Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort

We were able to enjoy the wonderful view of the place directly upon arrival in our modern “Hotelstudio Waterfront” for 2-persons. On the ground floor, there is a small kitchenette and living room. From the couch, you can always watch the sea drifting through the wide, panoramic windows.

On the first floor, you reach the bedroom and bathroom, where well-scented Rituals products await you! My personal highlight was, of course, the terrace directly above the sea and the quietness in the resort that makes one really relax.

Also, during breakfast and/or in the restaurant, one always has a direct view of the wide sea!

At the reception, in the restaurant building, you can also rent a SUP or bike.

For your information:

The stairs to the first floor are a bit steep. We always carried Chuck, our Frenchie, upstairs, as he could not walk up them alone. Even for older people who find it difficult to climb the stairs, it is better to choose another type of accommodation in the resort.

The fitted kitchen has a microwave but no stove. You should bring your own salt, pepper, oil etc. if you want to prepare something.

There is no partition wall between the terraces of the studios. If both studios are occupied, you end up sitting very close together on the terrace. Dogs, for example, can run over to the neighbours quickly.

Conclusion

We absolutely enjoyed the peace and quiet and the location. Our Hotelstudio is offered on the website for about 350€/night, including breakfast, which is, of course, an exclusive price.

Therefore, the price-performance ratio did not fit 100% for me, as the equipment of the hotel studio is very ordinary. However, I did look at some villas from the outside, which were very ornate! Especially as a big family or a group of friends, one can have a great time here!

Things to do

Beach Time
- Not far from the resort (about 15 minutes walk) is the 18km long coastal beach. Even during Corpus Christi, there was hardly anything going on here, and we could really enjoy the absolute silence! I definitely recommend a walk to the lighthouse and a romantic picnic at sunset. If during the day the weather is halfway ok, you can expect a beautiful sunset!
Bicycle Tour
- An absolute must in Holland is of course to explore the area by bike. You have a great landscape all around, which you can explore by bike.
Brouwersdam
- Whoever arrives early in the morning by car or camper has a great first-row seat at the sea to watch the kite surfers. Unfortunately, you don’t get breakfast here, but there are plenty of public houses on the Dam!

If you do not want to spend a day at the sea, you can be in Rotterdam or The Hague in less than an hour.