Sandra‘s Closet

Last Sunday, I flew from Xian to Kunming (Tianjin Airlines) and from there to Lijiang (China Southern Airlines), at the foot of the Himalayas, very close to Tibet. It was a very long journey with some bizarre moments, as for example the pilot of the first plane sat next to me to eat his lunch during the flight. I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect and have been overwhelmed by the beauty of this peaceful spot.

Admist the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I restored my inner peace, regained energy by doing lots of sports, cleared my head and inspired my soul.

I strolled through the old town and explored its ethnic charm, historical milieu and architectural landscape. Regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets, Lijiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Located in Yunnan province, Lijiang is an hour’s drive from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred sanctuary which has protected the ethnic minorities and their unique cultures since ancient times. The landscape and the mountains reminded me a lot of Switzerland and Bavaria. It is also home to the longest golf course in the world (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club).

An absolute must is to see the Dongba Valley, home and livelihood of Naxi people. Traditional houses of Naxi are open to visit. A trekking route leads through the forest, with memorials for extinct species, a set of temples with huge Buddha statues, and the peace garden, filled with wind chimes. The people were extremely friendly and I enjoyed every second of being there.

I had an amazing time in Lijiang. Soon, I will be off to Guilin with Lucky Air, wish me luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

San Francisco by OPI brings West Coast flair directly to your nails and toes for F/W 2013.

The new collection features 12 nail polishes in shades of sky and sea-colored hues of blues and gray to reds, burgundies and browns inspired by some of the city’s most iconic elements – Chinatown, the Golden Gate bridge and the Embarcadero, along with three limited edition Liquid Sand™ shades.

San Francisco by OPI includes the following 12 shades that will stay permanently:
A-Piers to Be Tan – I shore do like this chocolaty tan.
Dining al Frisco – Just feast your eyes on this fresh-air blue!
Haven’t the Foggiest – Can’t tell you why I love this misty gray…I just do!
Peace & Love & OPI – This holographic sage and eggplant is far out!
Keeping Suzi at Bay – There’s no holding back this assertive navy blue.
Incognito in Sausalito – You better keep this almost-black blue under wraps.
Lost on Lombard – Oh garn-et! I’m all turned around!
I Knead Sour-Dough – Are you bready to wear this toasty warm brown?
Muir Muir on the Wall – This trailblazing plum is the fairest of all.
In the Cable Car-Pool Lane – Good golly, Miss Trolley, this rich burgundy takes me away!
Embarca-Dare Ya! – Betcha can’t pass up this marvelous magenta.
First Date at the Golden Gate – You and me and this shimmery ruby make three.

The three limited Liquid Sand™ nail lacquers (should always be worn without top coat) are:
It’s All San Andreas’s Fault – I’d move mountains to get this textured earthy taupe!
Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! – Dog-gone it…fetch me that textured matte blue!
Alcatraz…Rocks – There’s no escaping this arresting textured gray.

My favourite shade: Alcatraz…Rocks

The collection will be available in Switzerland starting July 25, 2013 for CHF 23.90 each.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI and © Sandra Bauknecht