Creating Balance with Getaway

It must have been May or June when Getaway first popped up on my radar. Their tiny cabins nestled in nature were instantly appealing to my boyfriend, Aaron, and I – we’re not very outdoorsy, but loved the idea of getting off the grid for even an evening and were thrilled that dogs are welcome. We’d originally planned for a trip timed to the changing leaves in autumn, but life intervened and we weren’t able to make it happen. Lucky for us, Getaway reached out last month to see if we wanted to try out their Beaver Creek outpost in Ohio that’s only a short 35 minute drive from our house.

Our overnight trip was scheduled for early December, the perfect time to sneak away during the holiday hustle. (Also, part of my plan to not over-stress this month!) In the weeks leading up to our visit, Getaway kept us updated regularly, from confirming our reservation to what necessities were provided to which cabin we’d been assigned to the morning of.

Getaway Beaver Creek includes 26 mini cabins grouped together, but you’d never know there were so many. One of the first things we noticed upon arrival were the earthen mounds built up in between cabin to add an extra layer of privacy, as well as the fact that the other guests were respectfully quiet.

When we pulled up to our cabin – Catherine – we immediately felt welcome and like they got us, right down to the dog tether tied around one leg of the picnic table. The mini cabin itself was sleek and minimal from the outside with no extra frills, but with that setup and the view none were needed. The Adirondack chairs spread around the fire pit wouldn’t get used on our December visit, but I don’t think we were inside the door before starting to talk about a return trip during nicer weather.

Our dog-friendly cabin (don’t worry, there are designated dog-free cabins as well!) had two queen size beds, one lofted above the other. If you’re at all familiar with Getaway, you’ve likely seen photos of the gigantic window that’s part of every cabin, and I promise it did not disappoint in the slightest. Our two dogs – Piper and Bebe – were especially impressed, as you’ll see.

The locks to the doors use touch pads, you’ll receive your code a few hours before arrival along with your cabin’s name. All of the cabins are named after people significant to Getaway’s crew, we were assigned Catherine.

This is what awaited us on the other side of that door, a small yet incredibly organized space that didn’t feel cramped. To the left were the two beds, a small table with two chairs, and a built-in bench along the side of the bottom bed. And yes, even a landline for emergencies.

Straight ahead was this well-appointed kitchen that included a small refrigerator, two burner cooktop, and sink with potable water. Along with a kettle, dishes, bowls, cups, mugs, one pot, one pan, and other kitchen tools, there were also various provisions available for purchase that had clearly been chosen with care. Under the sink we found two bowls for the dogs and poop bags, plus paper towels and a small garbage can.

To the right was a small bathroom with a standard toilet, shower stall with shampoo and conditioner, and a first-aid kit. There were fold down hooks both here for towels and behind the front door for jackets, leashes, etc. The bathroom had a narrow shelf on one wall to accommodate toiletries as well as clean white towels stacked up ready and waiting.

The little touches went a long way, like this welcome folder and the s’mores kit awaiting us on the table. Included inside were the outpost’s general rules and regulations, local necessities, and important wildlife precautions. There was also a map, inspiration and ideas for your escape, postcards, and a set of mini colored pencils.

Cell reception in the area wasn’t great to begin with (we weren’t expecting it to be), but if you really want to test yourself and get away from technology there’s a handy Cellphone Lockbox at the ready.

We played music over a small but fantastic Tivoli speaker. Above it sat a small selection of books just right for the low-key environment, along with cards and dice.

A USB-charged camping lantern hung to the side of each bed that could be used as a reading lamp, a nightlight, or carried outside to the picnic table/fire pit area. We also loved that the outlet included USB ports for charging devices when necessary.

Piper and Bebe were obsessed with exploring “the woods” and keeping watch outside of the cabin’s windows. The dark shades came in handy not only during the night, but when they spied a neighboring dog they wanted to say hello to! Each cabin is equipped with both heat and AC, and it was pleasantly warmer than our 119 year old house. The sheets were soft and cozy, the duvet nice and heavy, and the pillows so comfortable (this, coming from a pillow snob). Piper was an especially big fan of the Pendleton wool blanket at the foot of the bed. The pups were so relaxed afterwards that they slept the entire way home as well as throughout the next day.

We ended up setting their dog beds on the large ledge next to the bed when it came time to sleep, and they loved it. It was also a nice spot to lounge and acted as a nightstand.

Dinner was pasta we’d brought from home and cooked there – the pot provided even had a built-in strainer in the lid. Like I said, they really considered and thought of just about everything. (We did forget the pasta sauce and had to make a run to the local grocery, which we knew about thanks to the info they’d provided in our welcome folder.) For breakfast we made some protein pancakes with mix we’d carried along. Aaron enjoyed coffee from the provisions – a one time use, disposable, recycled, pour over bag – while I enjoyed mint tea from home.

Like I mentioned above, we loved the location as well as the drive time to Beaver Creek. All of the mini cabins were organized around this grove of beautiful trees, and we really lucked out with some of the most beautiful weather the area had seen in a few weeks. Getaway has partnered with One Tree Planted to plant a new tree for every cabin that’s booked – so far they’re at +8,500 trees!

I really don’t get much more relaxed than this! And we really are already planning a return trip, there’s a loyalty program in place – The Getaway Often Club – and if you spend seven nights the eighth is free. And as a special treat Getaway has setup a $25 off code – DESIGNCRUSH25 – for you to take advantage of! Whether you’re already looking for a post-holiday wind down or thinking ahead to summer, I highly recommend the Getaway experience.

This post sponsored by Getaway. Thank you for supporting the brands that help Design Crush create fresh content!

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Suitcases + Bags Plus 9 Packing Tips

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Hamilton Perkins

Well hello there November, and hello craziest traveling time of the year! Now’s the time to access your travel gear – before the day of your flight – because there some great deals out there this month. Maybe you’re someone who wheels their bag or maybe you’re the hold it by the handles type, either way we have a carry-on that’s right up your alley!

And just for good measure, 9 fast tips for packing like a pro.
1. Wear your biggest pieces (i.e. coat, sweater, boots) on the flight.
2. Plan out your outfits so you don’t overpack.
3. Roll your clothing rather than fold it to avoid creases and save space.
4. Tuck socks and other small things into your shoes.
5. Place shoes in shoe bags or plastic bags to keep your clothing clean.
6. Pack an extra plastic bag (or the like) to stash dirty socks and underthings.
7. Add a dryer sheet or two to your packed bag to keep everything smelling fresh.
8. Place liquid toiletries in individual snack-sized baggies to avoid a mess if they spill.
9. If you’re staying somewhere unfamiliar pack a travel sized favorite candle for a familiar scent.

 

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Arlo Skye // Angie Round Weekender // Astyll Carry-On

 

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The Bigger Carry-On // Benton Duffle Bag // The A22 Carry

 

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Chebeague Island Duffle // Ultralight Cabin Multiwheel // Lacie Oversized Vegan Weekender

 

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The Catalina Canvas Weekender // The Premium Leather-Base Weekender // Clear Trunk

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Happy Weekend

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1/ Shower to the People, a mobile unit that provides free showers to St. Louis’ homeless
2/ Japan’s Ghostbusters-inspired marshmallow burger
3/ Beautiful tooled leather bike saddles
4/ Paris’ first floating hotel
5/ Bit Leaves: square flowers and plants by Baku Maeda
6/ The lunar cycle displayed through 15,000 colorful origami birds
7/ Vibrant, realistic frescoes painted over old building facades
8/ Charming cut paper silhouettes transform famous U.S. landmarks
9/ How to give a car a wicked paint job using gravity
10/ Sweet Dreams
11/ This musician tattoos the names of suicide survivors among his fans
12/ Greenlid compostable compost bin

 

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1/ Alexandria Coe
2/ Print Edition: September 2016
3/ Lisa Sofield
4/ Nick Pena
5/ Oxford Pennant
6/ Thomas Mailaender’s Illustrated People
7/ 12 places to find great bedding
8/ Where to Eat Pizza
9/ The world of Whirlpool

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Happy Weekend

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1/ Giant living painting with 26,500 real flowers at London’s National Gallery.
2/ Spanish street artist Pejac hangs gravity-defying shoes over city streets.
3/ Rocking chair bed.
4/ Inside the crazy world of Olympic pin trading.
5/ Aerial photos that capture the divide between rich and poor in South Africa.
6/ The creative projects inspired by the 2016 Rio Olympics.
7/ A glimpse inside a handmade amusement park 40 years in the making.
8/ Mesmerizing kinetic sculpture at the 2016 Olympics glitters like the sun.
9/ DNA-shaped suspension bridge inspired by the Olympic rings.
10/ A clever ring that let’s women point out the obvious.

 

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1/ We’re giving away a George Nelson Bubble Lamp on Instagram!
2/ bunglo
3/ Daniel Entonado
4/ Eight new notebooks
5/ Lorraine Nam
6/ Michael Nykamp’s Mid-Century Modern Homes
7/ Ring Soap
8/ Sigrid Calon Memory Game
9/ Snapbacks are where it’s at

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Happy Weekend

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1/Rent this floating house on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef  2/Brian Finke captures sad desk lunches  3/Emillie Ferris’ hyperrealistic embroidered pet portraits  4/Check out the new IKEA museum  5/Nike’s summer shoe collab is a floral dream come true  6/Haroshi carves stacked skateboard decks into colorful sculptures  7/Japanese restaurant serves noodles in elegant ice bowls  8/A dizzying infographic takes us through 146 years of music  9/Instagram chef turns junk food into next level cuisine  10/A collection of colorful crafted ceilings  11/Send your friends an envelope of the night sky

 

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1/Backpacks + Rucksacks  2/Conrad Crispin Jones  3/Designer Fund / Moniker  4/Graham Yarrington  5/Kate Hush  6/Laura Jane Scott  7/Tips + Tricks: Food Styling and Photography  8/Print Edition: August 2016  9/Tacopedia

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Happy Weekend

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1/Edward Hopper’s paintings are brought to life by film director Gustav Deutsch.  2/Ralph Graf documents the emptiness of abandoned houses and military bases.  3/In Pizza Hunt friends travel the world taking photos of old Pizza Huts.  4/Laura Zalenga creates dreamscapes inspired by the Brothers Grimm.  5/Lee Stewart‘s minimal tattoo style mimics brushstrokes.  6/Haruka Misawa‘s 3D printed waterscape aquariums.  7/Molekule, the molecular air purifier.  8/A wheelchair that might actually change lives.  9/Truck-A-Float, a hotel in Rockaway.  10/Vivid Sydney cloaks the city is a display of vibrant lights.

 

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1/Angel Oloshove  2/Cecile van Hanja  3/12 July DIYs  4/Katy Ann Gilmore  5/Nicole Tijoux  6/My 3 Cats + Helping Purina Help Cats in Need  7/Su-Jeong NAM  8/4 Manicures I Might Actually Try

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Happy Weekend

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1/Jidouhanbaiki is a photo series that explores Japan’s obsession with vending machines   2/Chihiro Ogura creates cookie masterpieces inspired by cultural Japanese motifs   3/Inks, a modernist art app disguised as a pinball puzzler   4/Rippling liquid marble mimics a flowing river in Petit Loire   5/Serpentine tattoos by Mirko Sata weave black and white ink together   6/A model painted with glowing makeup lights up beautifully under UV light in Neon Dream   7/Paper flowers by Haruka Misawa   8/Hair stenciling in the new trend everyone will be trying   9/France has a wine theme park, La Cité du Vin   10/The Beach Vault will keep your stuff from getting stolen at the beach

 

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1/Happy 4th of July   2/Print Edition: July 2016   3/Bonnie and Neil   4/Anna King   5/WKNDLA   6/Endre Penovác   7/To Wallpaper or Not to Wallpaper   8/Leslie Weaver

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Happy Weekend

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This week on Design Crush:
Fifteen fresh pieces of art for your walls in this month’s Print Edition: November.
A shop full of fantastic handmade and vintage goods over at Lostine.
Maggie Chiang‘s art is inspired by real and imaginative places.
Loving these Takenaka Bento Boxes.
Mirador has created the most beautiful collection of scarves.
I’d happily fill my kitchen cupboards with Hasami Porcelain.
Annie O’Dorisio takes mixed media pen and embroidery art to another level.
A Design Crush x fashionABLE table linens collection was released yesterday – enter for a chance to win a set of your own!

Design Crush elsewhere:
My latest post pairing rugs and rooms is up over on Rugs Direct.
Check out how to be a tailgating superstar.

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Happy Weekend

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This week on Design Crush:
Super emotive paintings by Roos van der Vliet.
A recipe roundup to enjoy stew 12 ways.
Beautiful illustrated piece embellished with embroidery from Izziyana Suhaimi.
Four tips for finding your scent with MCMC.
Loving these bright tribal-like embroidered pieces by Elizabeth Pawle.
Up your vinyl game with this tooled leather turntable slipmat.
Matt Leines‘ mask-like portraits are Halloween perfect.
You should definitely make hot apple cider this weekend!
Check out the brilliant lady behind the snarky cards in PGH Maker Profile: Sapling Press.

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Happy Weekend

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This week on Design Crush:
Fanny Nushka Moreaux‘s sentimental, blurry women.
Actually, it’s easy being green – in your home and your wardrobe!
Love these colorful geometric quilt art pieces from Andrew Steinbrecher.
Fourteen notebooks to keep you organized page by page.
Kirra Jamison‘s paintings have perfectly captured my brain as of late.
My makeup routine is simple, but here are some F/W2015 looks I might actually try!
Oliver Hickmet‘s explorations of tourism fantasies are incredible.
From critic to advocated, see how I’m balancing life with the UP2 activity tracker.
DIYs, libations and more – it’s your one-stop Halloween roundup.

Design Crush elsewhere:
Tips on decorating with one of my favorite patterns – stripes!
Check out 5 ways to decorate a pumpkin without making a cut.
Or take it further and host a pumpkin carving party this weekend.
How to make a fall gift basket that’s full of coziness.
If your fireplace is non-functioning like moi’s, here are 5 ways to fill it.
Maybe you should make next Saturday an all black Halloween!

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