The story of Estrella Damm is one of immigration, love, passion and the sun kissed Mediterranean: over 140 years ago, August Kuentzmann Damm, a young master brewer from Alsace, flew the Franco-Prussian War with his wife Melanie and immigrated to Spain. Here, at the Mediterranean coast, they settled down and realized their dream: brewing beer. In 1876 they set up their own brewery and created a beer that was adapted to … more »

Playa del Carmen is located in the state of Quintana Roo in southern Mexico and currently has more than 200,000 inhabitants. Only 35 years ago, it was still a small fishing village with only 200 local fishermen. Today it is one of the most popular places in all of Mexico. I lived in Mexico for four months, three of them in Playa del Carmen. I call it the paradise on … more »

On Saturday 4th March, Cubanisto, a beer flavored with rum, was launched in Lausanne, Switzerland. True to the nature of the brand, I did not quite know what to expect when I received the invitation, as it was rather mysterious. Still, I was sure that the event was going to be fun and original. Not being in Lausanne myself that evening, I invited Alice and her friend to join the … more »

When I got the opportunity to spend two days at hotel The Chedi Andermatt, I was delighted and looked very much forward to it. After all, travelling is my absolute passion. Being able to travel and discover the world is priceless, but there is also a small downside to it: after seeing many amazing places and staying at wonderful hotels, with time, you start getting a bit spoiled somehow and, suddenly, … more »

A passion for vintage, mixed with a creative spirit, that’s the magic potion from Zurich that led to the creation of The Loving Spoon. The Maxim: re-purpose. re-value. re-love. Across Europe, in the United States and Canada, Maya Chelmis hunts the flea markets and unearths great finds of the last century. Obsolete in public homes, abandoned in attics and tarnished old-fashioned by time, she rekindles these antiquities for a second life. … more »

Michel Couture ready-to-wear fashion draws its inspiration drawn from London streets, clearly displaying a penchant for a chic but relaxed look. From T-shirt to cardigan, from the indispensable jeans to the must-have duffle coat, from tie and bow tie to irresistible socks: Michel Couture offers an elegant and sleek style that manages to be playful, carefully shaped and singular at the same time. A touch of extravagance is thrown into … more »

Sébastien Buemi was born on 31st October 1988 in Aigle, in the canton of Vaud – my home for the last 16 years. So we have that in common. And this: an attraction to fast cars and strong sensations! And then, there is one more thing: our friendship with mood! Sébastien Buemi: Swiss professional racing driver Drawn to motor sports from a very early age, Sébastien soon felt very much … more »

Gandys is more than just a fashion brand. Created by Rob and Paul Forkan, it endorses a humanitarian mission: helping Tsunami orphans and other orphans around the world. How can anyone take this incredible drama and transform the experience into something positive that eventually leads to an amazing philanthropist business? Let’s have a look at what we know. It’s 2004, just after Christmas. A devastating wave surprises Rob, Paul, the … more »

Propercorn is a low-calorie popcorn, certified vegan, wheat free and gluten free! Cassandra Stavrou has brought a youthful look to the long known corn grain. The new generation of popcorn is healthy and can be enjoyed by all. This is not just a snack to attack cravings or accompany aperitifs: Propercorn, as the name suggests, is popcorn crafted correctly. A healthy and crunchy snack! Today, the trend goes towards upscale … more »

This February, I am celebrating the eleventh anniversary of my love encounter with Champagne Deutz. It was at a picnic on top of Mont Pèlerin in Switzerland that my epicurean boyfriend at the time organized at the occasion of Saint Valentin. Here, surrounded by the astonishing views 700 meters above Lake Geneva, it was the first time I took a sip of this heavenly nectar. Refreshing, surprising, crisp and clear… with its distinctive … more »

Located in the heart of Geneva, Hotel Tiffany is a chic brasserie and intimate boutique hotel nestled in the charming neighbourhood known as “Quartier des Bains”, famed for its art galleries and cool vibe. Housed in a 19th century building, Tiffany Hotel combines the timeless elegance of Art Nouveau style with a modern and contemporary twist, creating a cosy, relaxing and beautiful setting for business or pleasure. Whilst sills and wrought … more »

The Steampod by L’Oréal Professionnel and Rowenta Salon is the world’s first care styler. When it was launched in Switzerland, we got to help by matching this hairstyling innovation with Swiss beauty bloggers and influencers in order for the ladies to review it. Today I am happy to share some of the great contents they created with you. The secret to the innovation is in the name: Steam and pod. Morgane from … more »

Barcelona mood… I cannot believe how fast time is flying by! It’s been almost a year since I moved to Barcelona and already I must leave. Somehow, I’m not ready to turn the page yet. This city has given me so much more than I expected. The sun, the sea breeze; loosing myself in the small alleys, feeling free, alive… It has been such a gift, a true treasure! I … more »

In time for Valentine’s Day Fifty Shades Darker is released and hits cinemas around the globe. We see a super sexy Dakota Johnson aka Anastasia Steele in hot and steamy scenes with Christian Grey, impersonated by Jamie Dornan – otherwise called “The Golden Torso” (and if you have seen the first part of the trilogy, you will know why). Filming these hot scenes must have gotten Dakota quite thirsty, because … more »

One thing I absolutely love about the coolbrandz experience is the fact that I can connect with so many cool people on so many different levels: entrepreneurs, startups, digital strategists, consultants, PR agencies, brand managers, other influencers, designers, beauty, food, fashion, gadget, travel bloggers… Since I started blogging my network has expanded enormously. We now count over 55’000 registered users on coolbrandz and although I do not know everyone personally, … more »

In my job I get to test an enormous amount of beauty products, but not everything gets a feature on coolbrandz. One reason is that the aim of this platform is not so much to express my own opinions but rather to imply our blogger and influencer community in testing and reviewing new products and sharing their stories. I rarely publish actual product reviews myself, unless… I really, really like … more »

When I first travelled to Sardinia years ago it was love at first sight. I truly fell in love with this magical island and I can’t stop but going back every summer. Why do I love Sardinia so much? Well I think the island has really so much to offer, dreamy beaches and blue Sea but also a captivating culture, cuisine, traditions and beautiful wild nature. Let’s face it: Sardinia’s beaches … more »