My hotel stalking endeavors rarely lead me to places with snow on the ground, but on cold nights like this I really wish I had a cozy fireplace to curl up in front of – complete with smores, a bearskin rug and the whole cliche, of course… Unfortunately my tiny city apartment isn’t furnished with such luxuries, so my thoughts have wandered to the Swiss alps this week…

Nestled in Verbier, known as the sunniest resort area in Switzerland, the Sagittaire is a stylish chalet with all comforts of a cozy ski cabin. I should preface the rest of this with the fact that I am in no way a skiier – I’ve only been a few times (in Europe and South America, oddly enough, never in the U.S) but I don’t particularly enjoy it and would much rather sit by the fire with a stack of fashion mags and a glass of wine!

I’m pretty sure I could spend the whole day lounging around in this den, but in case I get bored there’s always the massage room, gym, or indoor pool all on location to keep me occupied!

A girl’s gotta eat on vacation too, but that won’t be a problem seeing as… wait for it… there’s a personal chef on staff to cook up anything I might desire (and a fully stocked in house wine cellar, of course). I am a huge fan of all kinds of cheese which is convenient since fondues are popular in this region. I’d also suggest rösti – local Swiss potato cakes that are often combined with bacon, onion or herbs. Yum.

And of course, what chalet would be complete without warm goose down duvets, crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and Jo Malone toiletries in the bathrooms. Yes, please. Now on to the packing of course!

Since I’ll just be lounging, I think plenty of cozy sweaters are in order… I’m feeling a tranquil, neutral palette at the moment – perfect for a relaxing getaway! Pictured are: Rebecca Taylor Wool-blend Double Breasted Cardigan ($275), Juicy Couture Faux Fur Trim Wool Cardigan ($280), Elizabeth & James Double Layer Wool Blend Cardigan ($225), Topshop Knitted Textured Cardigan ($70), New Scotland Hand Knit Cardigan ($199), and Haja Oversized Jumper in Cream ($60). Any of these would be perfect over a J. Crew tissue tee.

This is one (very rare) occasion where I’ll actually wear pants (this is a “ski trip” after all) but only comfy pants allowed! The Haute Hippie Silk-cashmere Riding Pants ($195) are great for dressing up or down, the Bundle Up Leggings ($12) are a great cheap option and for a skinny jean alternative I love the J Brand Light Weight Denim Leggings ($145).

I’ve been trying to justify some fuzzy pink earmuffs for a while and this would be the perfect excuse. And of course some sheepskin slippers and a chic, puffy jacket are essentials for a chalet getaway! So who’d like to join me?

SAGITTAIRE is the most excellent ride Tiff & I got from San Diego to La Paz, MX. They have updated their blog with our adventures, check it out at

http://sv-sagittaire.com/Sagittaire_s_Log.html

We’re mentioned in the late October to late November 2009 entries. Dianne (The first mate & author of the blog) cracks me up. She hates weather underway, loves her husband Mike despite his need to go to sea with her onboard, her dog and cooking (which she is awesome at). She reminds me a lot of my mother, so we can’t let them get together…but it’s good reading!

We’re also in the ships photos – you can find them at

http://sv-sagittaire.com/Photo_Album.html

Check it out!

Tiff & I are featured at least 3 times in Latitude 38 (the sailing magazine of the bay area). Our adventures regarding towing a boat in distress, not to mention our first place victory and the story where I nearly get my leg chopped off are in there, so read ‘em before I post the videos! You can download the magazine for free at

http://www.latitude38.com/ebooks.html

just search for our name in the magazine. There are 3 stories that feature us (and two pictures!)

La fin du monde est omniprésente. Il faut se préparer au pire.

Le 21 décembre 2012 arrive à grands pas. L’Apocalypse sera sagittaire. Je déteste les sagittaires.

À quoi bon cotiser mes REER, penser à mon prochain et valoriser le transport en commun plutôt qu’une ballade en Hummer? À quoi bon, si poussière je retournerai poussière et confettis dans l’atmosphère je serai dans trois ans à peine?

Han? À quoi bon? Puisque toute bonne chose a une fin…

Nous craignons la finalité des choses comme la grippe H1N1, peste contemporaine. La “finalophobie”.

Plusieurs personnes s’empêchent d’affronter une fin quelconque par crainte d’être malheureux et de souffrir, oubliant que la fin d’une chose est souvent le commencement d’une autre. Et puis Lavoisier l’a dit : rien ne se perd, rien ne se crée tout se transforme.

Donc rien n’est jamais perdu. Rien n’est inutile. La fin n’est qu’une étape dans la continuité des choses. La vie continue. C’est difficile et ça donne l’impression de déchirer les tripes parfois. Mais la vie continue.

Et puis si la fin du monde est réellement pour 2012, alors j’exploserai en paix. Le pire sera passé.

Au plaisir.

Keep on Keepin on

MS

Here’s the Coast Guard video of their rescue!
http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-10-29&dayid=344