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Elan Flowers , the elegant and innovative flower studio in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is New York’s top floral resource for 2019. Founded over three decades ago, Elan Flowers has been a mainstay in the city for weddings, events, celebrations and special occasions – conceptualizing and creating some of the most incredible floral masterpieces and ideas we’ve seen. Patrick and Christine are co-owners of the studio and they operate with a “be kind” mission. Everything they create is made through kindness and love – and you can literally feel that in their work. Both of them come from an arts background and their work is very theatrical, elegant and regal – oftentimes seeming ethereal as if it were plucked right out of a dream. We worked with the team at Elan Flowers to create three arrangements that would enhance a central living area of our office. We wanted to showcase their work, and give it a space to be at its best. All we had to do was give the Elan team our colors of choice, and they took t from there. It couldn’t have been easier. What we love about Elan is that they never shy away from anything, no job is too big or too small. They put the same effort in across the board. You can navigate to their website where you can easily shop occasion-specific arrangements, or call them for something totally custom. Some of our favorite mainstays are “Dusty Whites”, “Meadow” and “Vintage Pinks” – all from their signature collection. If you’re a flower lover like us, you might want to sign-up for their subscription service – which allows you to choose your budget for a weekly flower delivery. They will select the freshest, most beautiful picks from what is new and seasonal – and delivery an innovative flower moment right to your door. For all these offerings and more, we love Elan Flowers.

When designing an invitation for an event, it has to be perfect – and that’s why you can turn to nowhere better than Papel & Co. in Miami, Florida. Founded by artist and visionary Natalia Otalora, she and her small team conceptualize, design and create wedding and event invitations that will literally take your party to the next level. So many “experiences” and events fall flat because the invitation isn’t up-to-par, but Papel & Co.’s attention to detail and otherworldly vision will set the tone for something truly amazing. We worked with Nat and her small team in Miami, from New York, to create a bespoke invitation that would be sent to 28 guests in an effort to entice them to join us in Ireland for a weekend they’d never forget. We found Papel & Co. through Instagram and knew, instantly, that their aesthetic and commitment to perfection was what we needed to bring the event to life, before anyone even set foot in Ireland. We contacted Nat and showed her our venue, Lismore Castle. This stunning and historic private home was ours for the weekend, and we needed to show our guests exactly why traveling the distance from across the world was worth it. Papel & Co. specializes in everything paper – stationary, announcements, invitations and more. We organized several phone calls with their team and gave them our vision – Ireland. We wanted everything about the invitation to scream Ireland, elegantly, and nudge our invitees to come. Mission achieved. The team in Miami helped us source all the supplies we needed – a handmade wooden box, key and locks, Irish moss, special black matte paper, gold foil, printed vellum and more. The Papel & Co. team assembled the invites – and that wasn’t an easy process. They purchased the boxes, in their raw form, from an artisan source and hand-stained them to echo rich, deep ancient wood you might come across in an Irish forest. They sourced Irish moss to place inside the box, for our invitation to rest on. The words were printed in gold foil on matte black card stock. A ghostly pencil drawing of Lismore Castle was printed on sheer vellum that would house the black invitation. The locks and keys for the box were sourced separately. A custom wax seal closed the vellum over the invite and the crown in the center echoed Lismore’s long royal history. The invitations were mailed to our guests in two parts, received a week apart. The first part was a simple key that was attached to card stock with hand-dyed green silk ribbon. The card read one simple line, in the Irish Gaelic language. It read, “Tá mo chroi istigh ionat,” which translates to, “I love you”. This saying echoed our love for our guests and people that were traveling to celebrate – our readers and more. The second part of the invitation was the box, in which the key opened. And, inside the stunning invitation rested on the Irish moss. Papel & Co. helped make this dream happen and they never hesitated, not once, to make it perfect. They made sure each part of our packaging was flawless and invented new ways of doing things, to make the dream a reality. This invitation, as elegant, inventive and sexy as it is – set the mood for the celebration and made such an impression that not once invitee declined.

Lismore Castle , located in the quaint village of Lismore, Ireland, is a magical dreamland waiting for you to explore. The private Irish home of The Duke of Devonshire, this castle brings guests into a fairytale all too familiar – one with a complex history, royal beginnings and well-known people who have graced its rooms. But, through all of this, it remains a home and a cozy one at that. We rented Lismore Castle recently for a private event, one that saw 28 guests invited-in to its interior to experience the magic that exists here on River Blackwater, in stunning County Waterford, Ireland. Over the course of three days, 28 people took-in the best Ireland has to offer, and did so through the lens of Lismore. The castle’s history is far too storied to explain here, but it dates back to 1185 and has seen many iterations over the years. Its owners have included members of a monastery, The Cavendish family and the families of the Dukes of Devonshire throughout the generations. Each family and each guest has left a mark and a story to tell. This is what makes Lismore so interesting. Lismore is not a hotel – it’s a home. And, you feel that immediately. The castle is not open to the public, but does open its storied gardens and Lismore Castle Arts museum to locals and visitors. The only way to get inside its living interior is to know The Duke of Devonshire personally, or to rent it. And, the price tag to rent it isn’t for the faint of heart. It is, alas, a luxury experience where you are Duke for a time, and the castle becomes your home when you are there. Lismore is large, but comfortable. The team of lovely staff who work within its walls include lead butler, Dennis (a real gem, and absolutely lovely gentleman), young lads in charge of service, baggage and other odds and ends, as well as office managers who handle bookings and coordination. When renting Lismore, you go through them – but as a guest of the castle, you mainly interface with Dennis – who sees to your every comfort. He is the only full-time resident of Lismore, and knows it inside and out. Aside from being a home, Lismore is a collection of art. As you walk through its rooms you cant help but notice the stunning furniture, tapestries paintings, photographs and wall hangings that make-up the unique decor. Getting to know Dennis, and as you get to know the history of the castle through his experience and vast knowledge, you begin to have a whole new appreciation for where you are staying. Augustus Pugin, the English famed architect, is responsible for most of the furnishings, lighting and wall coverings at Lismore – most of which are invaluable. Mr. Pugin designed such notable landmarks as Big Ben in London, as well as the chandelier hanging over your dining table in The Pugin Dining Room at Lismore. Everywhere you look here, there is a chair, an ottoman, a chaise – something he designed. There really are no words for the beauty that exists here. When you rent Lismore Castle, you can customize your entire stay with the team. Before you arrive, you are contacted to help them get to know your wishes and habits. Do you prefer dinner at 7:00 pm or 9:00 pm? What would you like served at breakfast? What type of flowers and candles would you like on dining tables during dinner? Any particular requests for afternoon tea? It’s all up to you. You’ll receive countless menu options that are filled with choices like: Irish beef and lamb, River Blackwater salmon, game hens and homemade desserts. We couldn’t get over the incredible array of food choices here, and each one better than the next. The salmon is caught just outside the door. The beef? It’s from a pasture up the road. The salmon? It was caught this morning in the river you are staring at out the window. Lismore Castle is littered with priceless works of art. Each bedroom, hallway, bathroom – they’re all galleries for some of the most beautiful paintings you might ever see in Ireland. You can even located one painted by Prince Charles, given to The Duke of Devonshire when the prince was a guest in the castle a few years back. You can scroll through the guest book and see names like: John F. Kennedy, Fred Astaire and J.K. Rowling. Dennis will tell you who slept in which room. The beds slept in by John F. Kennedy and Fred Astaire are still standing, and grace the room in which they slept. Every room here has something to share. The staff at Lismore Castle cut flowers from the garden to help liven-up each space. The simple florals add such a nice touch and create a warm environment. Each guest has flowers in their room, and it’s just perfect. When renting Lismore Castle you can place your guests in 15 bedrooms, give or take. If you have a few more or few less people, the staff will work with you on how best to place everyone. For our group, it was easy. The only issue was selecting the perfect bedroom for each person – because each one is better than the last. In fact, they all have names like: The Doctor’s bedroom, The Duchess Suite, The Duke’s bedroom – each name corresponding to a story. Bathrooms at Lismore Castle are big enough to have a party in, literally. Most bedrooms have their own private bath, and each one is more than ample in size – with their own dressing rooms and living spaces. What we loved about Lismore Castle and the bedrooms and public rooms in particular were the small items. Looking through the books of the Drawing room, notes in the bedroom…or the guestbook. What amazed us was that each item belonged to the Duke of Devonshire, and not once were we told not to touch something, look at something or sit on something. There are pieces of furniture, a chair for example, that might be worth as much as $50,000 in today’s market – and we were never told not to sit on it. We were made to feel completely at home. This is truly your home away from home. The staff of Lismore Castle will help you plan your days before you arrive. We had three days to plan for 28 people, and wanted each one to be interesting and different – keeping our guests thoroughly entertained. We worked with Dennis to organize a private falconry experience at Lismore Castle. The staff helped us locate a gentleman who travels around the country to bring falcony, an age-old tradition, to visitors of Ireland wherever they are staying. One afternoon we were met in the courtyard with the most beautiful hawks, owls and more – each species with a story of its own and each guest with the ability to handle the birds, and fly them around the courtyard. Archery was organized so that interested guests could learn how to properly use a bow and arrow, and shoot at targets in the expansive lawn. Each guest was given the opportunity to canoe down River Blackwater on a warm day through a guided tour. The green hills and cliffs springing-up around each bend. The canoe trip was capped-off with a stop at the private estate of the Jameson sisters, heiresses to Jameson Whiskey. We were invited-in to their stunning home for coffee, tea and, of course, a whiskey tasting. Some guests took advantage of the incredible access Lismore Castle offers to River Blackwater, which is one of the most important sources in Europe of freshwater salmon. The local guides take individuals into the river where you can spend a morning or afternoon soaking-in the peace of the bubbling water and fish for some of the most delicious salmon you’ll ever eat. In fact, if you catch one, you can have it brought back to the castle and the chef will prepare it for dinner. We worked with the Lismore Castle staff to plan one major activity per day, but left time for guests to just sit and revel in their surroundings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were events unto themselves. Each table set perfectly. And, everyone dressed for the occasion – which was part of the fun. Not one moment was overlooked by the staff or guests. The transition from day, to afternoon and evening was seamless. And, of course, the party went well into each night. What started as a celebration and intimate affair turned into memories that will last a lifetime. Ireland is full of beautiful manor houses, castle hotels and special experiences – like nowhere else in the world. But, Lismore Castle is different. You have the entire place to yourself, you are in charge and the beauty that surrounds you is unparalleled. It’s here where you will be wowed, but will eventually settle-in and begin planning your next celebration to be had within its walls. This is not the ordinary, but extraordinary – and you feel that in each part of your time here.

Irish Distillers is a Pernod Ricard brand, based in Ireland, that represents and distributes the most incredible Irish whiskeys across the globe. A representation of true artistry, craftsmanship, tradition and innovation – the Irish Distillers brands are untouched and incomparable to anything else. We worked with the team at Irish Distillers to assemble a rounded collection of whiskeys that represent Ireland and its whiskey-making heritage to be a part of a celebration event at the stunning Lismore Castle in Lismore, Ireland. They hand-selected some of their favorites and walked our guests through the tasting notes of the best bottles on offer. The weekend at Lismore Castle included a whiskey tasting. Irish people and true lovers of whiskey, the world over, take their product very seriously, so it was important for us to impart the history, brand heritage and tasting notes in each and every variety selected by Irish Distillers. We had twelve bottles on hand which included: Jameson , Jameson Caskmates , Jameson Crested 10 , Jameson 18 Years , Powers Gold , Powers Johns Lane , Green Spot , Yellow Spot , Redbreast 21 , Method and Madness Single Grain , Method and Madness Single Pot and Method and Madness Single Malt . To honor each and every whiskey we gave the guests a program that outlined the nose, taste and finish of each whiskey on offer. This was incredibly important to explain and educate them on the differences, some albeit subtle, of whiskey and the nuances involved in their making. Guests were led through each profile in-depth. If we were tasting Jameson they might come across a floral and peppery nose with a smooth finish. If we were tasting Jameson 18 Years they might notice an aromatic nose with a touch of wood, spicy toffee and a taste of nuttiness, gentle sherry and vanilla. The unbelievable Redbreast 21 captured everyone instantly with aromas of tropical fruits and nuts, communicated with the palate through a taste of soft vanilla, sherry and fruit notes, and finished with oak and pot still spices. The Method and Madness brand offered three various bottles that ranged from single grain that had a nose of fresh pencil shavings, a taste of warm toasted oak and a finish of sweet cereal. The single pot was a hit with a nose of red licorice, a sweet fruit and spice taste and green tea finish. The Method and Madness Single Malt offered a nose of black licorice and succulent fruit, a taste of creamy honey and a finish of endless dark wood. Irish Distillers’ brands are all unique – offering lovers of whiskey and those who are just beginning to explore it a  range of flavors and profiles that help unravel the legacy of this spirit which has become an important part of Ireland as a country and brand. The collection is unique, diverse and will take you a long time to explore. Our guests at Lismore Castle were floored by the range on offer. Everyone walked away feeling more enlightened, educated, appreciative and a little tipsy. Irish Distillers is the name and place to turn to when sourcing that perfect Irish whiskey brand that speaks to you. You really don’t need to go anywhere else.

SKIN by Olga is the top destination on the island of Ireland for healthy, radiant skin. A beacon of light for those suffering from jet-lagged skin or for locals who want to keep their face fresh and lifted at all times, Olga Kochlewska is the only person worth seeing while in the capital city of Dublin. Olga’s clinic is located on a charming road in Dublin, between the neighborhoods of Donnybrook and Ballsbridge, and is surrounded by boutiques, small cafes and other neighborhood hangouts that make the area stand out. She has been in the skincare and beauty industries for years and, upon moving to Ireland, decided to take her commitment to the profession to another level – with her own business. An advocate for favorite French skincare brand, Biologique Recherche, Olga has studied, practiced and taught around the world to perfect her craft and offer her clients nothing but the best. People walk into her clinic looking tired and saggy, and in 90 minutes she revitalizes their faces and gives them a manual lift unlike any others we’ve seen. I visited Olga on a recent trip to Ireland to aid my own jetlagged face. I had landed the morning of my appointment after a very early flight from the coast of Croatia. I ran-up to her office and the staff welcomed me with open arms. Into her lair I went, removing my shirt and getting cozy underneath plush white linens. As she entered and began working on my face, I could tell with the strength of her hands, knowledge of the face’s anatomy and personality that the result would be amazing. I was right. The facial took roughly 90 minutes and, over that time, she exfoliated, masked, hydrated, sculpted and lifted my face into a place of perfection. I left glowing, dewy and fresh – ready to take-on a 28-person weekend event we were hosting at Lismore Castle, in County Waterford. Olga was a delight, charming and kind. For anyone looking for serious skin results and the best facial in town – a little lift without the needle or knife – visit SKIN by Olga.

Ristorante Rafele , in New York, is the best Italian restaurant in the city for 2019 – without question. Chef Raffaele Ronca, who hails from Naples, Italy, has created an inviting and warm environment where the mood is casual, but the food is serious. The restaurant is always full, hungry patrons cutting into hunks of burrata cheese, twirling freshly made pasta on their fork and biting into bubbling hot pizzas. I dined at the restaurant recently and knew of it for a long time. The neighborhood feel with an intimate dining room on 7th Avenue South and Bedford Street in New York’s West Village neighborhood, is perfect. Arriving to Rafele you’re always greeted warmly, and shown to your table or to their large bar where some of the best Italian wines are poured or expertly crafted cocktails mixed. When I dine here, I always like to dip into the chef’s collection on Italian Barolo wines – each one better than the next. The hard part about dining at Rafele is choosing something to eat, as each dish sounds better than the next. Chef Raffaele Ronca has designed a menu that speaks to the heart of every Italian food lover. He is affiliated with the James Beard Foundation, has won the hit Food Network Show, Chopped , and has won several awards for his stunning Buffalo Ricotta Cheesecake (which is amazing). On the menu you’ll find fried calamari, unbelievable pizzas, fresh salads and some of the best homemade pastas you’ll ever eat. My personal favorites include the homemade Spaghetti alla Napoletana and cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe. To begin your meal, you might want to order several appetizers, like the crispy artichokes. Or, the stunning fried balls of homemade risotto. The staff at Rafele knows how to help you choose appropriate items from the menu. You’ll never feel rushed or hurried here, as they truly want you to enjoy you experience. The service is prompt, but never invasive – and you’re encouraged to experiment. Over the course of my two-hour dinner, I was able to try many dishes I’ve seen on the menu before, that I haven’t yet experienced. Not one dish disappointed but, instead, exceeded my expectations wildly. Even a simple dish, the fresh fish of the day, was stellar and artful with the combination of herbs, lemon and spinach. Anyone who lives in New York or who is visiting must put Rafele on your list of dining options. It really is the best. But, a word of caution, once you eat here – it will be hard to go anywhere else.

Husband and wife baker duo, Jen Rojas and Jay Vista, founded Ireland’s preeminent custom cake atelier, Cupcakes and Counting , in Dublin, Ireland – and their penchant for design and flavor will take your breath away. When planning an intimate and special affair at Lismore Castle in Lismore, Ireland, we turned to the couple and Cupcakes and Counting, to envision a custom celebration cake that would wow our guests in every way. Jen, a nurse by day and cake artist by night, was our direct liaison and helped us conceptualize something unique and special – something that spoke to the elegance and beauty of Inspired Citizen as well as the location of Lismore Castle in Ireland. She and Jay have designed countless cakes for celebrations and weddings within Ireland, as well as outside of the country – but their atelier is based in Dublin. We worked together via email correspondance to make our dream a reality, and bring the cake to life. Cupcakes and Counting was born out of tragedy when the village Jay was born in, in the Philippines, was hit by a tsunami. The couple began baking and selling cupcakes to raise money for relief efforts, and the rest is history. We worked with Jen to finalize the design. She is incredible at taking an idea and expanding it in such a way that brings your thoughts to life. We wanted the cake to be matte black, something dark, sexy and unusual. We wanted handmade green and gold clovers to look as if they had fallen and settled on the three tiers. We wanted a custom crown, referencing Lismore’s royal past and present, to grace the top. We wanted metallic gold dripping down the side of the cake from a “melting” crown. The answers to all of these desires from the Cupcakes and Counting team? Absolutely! Nothing was off limits and creativity and collaboration was welcomed. But, what were we going to do about the flavor? Cupcakes and Counting offers an incredible array of unique varieties – so it’s hard to choose. But, one did stand out to us because of its utter decadence and ties to Ireland. The “Genuinely Guinness” offering is a dark chocolate cake infused with Guinness draught, an Irish icon, and layered with Bailey’s Irish Cream frosting. Can you think of anything better? We couldn’t and it not only satisfied our guests, but made such an impression that there were countless follow-up questions about the cake’s origins, flavor and creation. Cupcakes and Counting offers a delivery service at an extra cost, and Jen’s husband, Jay, was kind enough to drive the cake three hours Southwest of Dublin to Lismore Castle to personally deliver the cake. The atelier has concocted a fantastical collection of cakes in their history – some with flavors like: Royal Red Velvet, Lucious Lemon and Salted Carmelita. All of this paired with award-winning designs and you’ve got yourself the perfect cake operation. We cannot recommend Cupcakes and Counting high enough, and know that for anyone looking for something custom in Ireland or elsewhere, you won’t find better.

Husband and wife baker duo, Jen Rojas and Jay Vista, founded Ireland’s preeminent custom cake atelier, Cupcakes and Counting , in Dublin, Ireland – and their penchant for design and flavor will take your breath away. When planning an intimate and special affair at Lismore Castle in Lismore, Ireland, we turned to the couple and Cupcakes and Counting, to envision a custom celebration cake that would wow our guests in every way. Jen, a nurse by day and cake artist by night, was our direct liaison and helped us conceptualize something unique and special – something that spoke to the elegance and beauty of Inspired Citizen as well as the location of Lismore Castle in Ireland. She and Jay have designed countless cakes for celebrations and weddings within Ireland, as well as outside of the country – but their atelier is based in Dublin. We worked together via email correspondance to make our dream a reality, and bring the cake to life. Cupcakes and Counting was born out of tragedy when the village Jay was born in, in the Philippines, was hit by a tsunami. The couple began baking and selling cupcakes to raise money for relief efforts, and the rest is history. We worked with Jen to finalize the design. She is incredible at taking an idea and expanding it in such a way that brings your thoughts to life. We wanted the cake to be matte black, something dark, sexy and unusual. We wanted handmade green and gold clovers to look as if they had fallen and settled on the three tiers. We wanted a custom crown, referencing Lismore’s royal past and present, to grace the top. We wanted metallic gold dripping down the side of the cake from a “melting” crown. The answers to all of these desires from the Cupcakes and Counting team? Absolutely! Nothing was off limits and creativity and collaboration was welcomed. But, what were we going to do about the flavor? Cupcakes and Counting offers an incredible array of unique varieties – so it’s hard to choose. But, one did stand out to us because of its utter decadence and ties to Ireland. The “Genuinely Guinness” offering is a dark chocolate cake infused with Guinness draught, an Irish icon, and layered with Bailey’s Irish Cream frosting. Can you think of anything better? We couldn’t and it not only satisfied our guests, but made such an impression that there were countless follow-up questions about the cake’s origins, flavor and creation. Cupcakes and Counting offers a delivery service at an extra cost, and Jen’s husband, Jay, was kind enough to drive the cake three hours Southwest of Dublin to Lismore Castle to personally deliver the cake. The atelier has concocted a fantastical collection of cakes in their history – some with flavors like: Royal Red Velvet, Lucious Lemon and Salted Carmelita. All of this paired with award-winning designs and you’ve got yourself the perfect cake operation. We cannot recommend Cupcakes and Counting high enough, and know that for anyone looking for something custom in Ireland or elsewhere, you won’t find better.

When searching for the perfect private coach hire in the magical country of Ireland, look no further than Tony Doyle Coaches . A company based of efficiency, convenience and the commitment to transport guests safely throughout the country, Tony Doyle is a cut above the rest when transporting yourself from point A to point B. We held a private event at the stunning Lismore Castle in County Waterford. We were faced with the challenge of transporting over 20 people from Dublin, four hours away, to the tiny hamlet of Lismore, to enjoy an elegant weekend celebrating our magazine’s 5th birthday. So, we called Tony Doyle. Tony Doyle offers an impressive range of coaches, ranging from small, elegant buses to large, almost home-like options that can accommodate more than 50 people. On board you’ll find everything from TVs to DVD players, washrooms and refrigerators. In essence, they make spending time on the road enjoyable and genuinely a good time. Tony Doyle picked-up our guests at The Marker Hotel in Dublin, a central meeting spot, and took them comfortably and safely to Lismore Castle. They arrived rested and happy, which isn’t always guaranteed after a four-hour journey. Tony Doyle also transported our guests from Lismore back to Dublin, and to the airport – getting everyone to the terminal quickly in time to make their international flights. Whether you have a corporate event, a private tour planned or need a transfer somewhere far-flung, for a group of any size,  – look no further than Tony Doyle.

Aer Lingus’ new business class is the best option from the United States to Ireland, and one of our personal favorites in the sky. I flew the airline recently between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Dublin, to spend about 10 days in one of my favorite places in the world, Ireland. I had heard about the airline’s investment in new seats, a new look and a revamped food and entertainment offering – so I had to see what the experience was like from point A to point B. First off, Irish people are the friendliest on the planet – so you can imagine what it’s like being greeted on-board with bright smiles and a helping hand in storing your baggage and hanging your coat. I scanned the cabin and saw how elegantly it was designed, the use of Irish green and silver clover accents that made for a modern look that still referenced the airline’s heritage and tie to it’s home country. I settled-in to my seat, which when put in the lie-flat mode, stretches to a whopping 6.5 feet. The width is 22 inches, so you have enough room to move around and switch sleeping positions while trying to rest on your short Transatlantic journey. Of course I was able to charge my phone with both a traditional plug as well as a USB port, which made making sure my devices were booted-up and ready to go upon landing, a breeze. I was offered a glass of champagne and water before take-off, and, as the plane filled-up with passengers, was consistently offered refills to be sure I was content. Meal service began immediately. I turned-on the large entertainment display and found an incredible array of offerings from new releases, to old classics to choose from. Many airlines don’t offer entertainment options this varied, so I was pleased that Aer Lingus Did. What I love about the meal service in business class on Aer Lingus is that it is prompt, elegant and they source a good deal of ingredients from Ireland. Everything is fresh and delicious. You might enjoy a starter of Burren smokehouse salmon with dill or a Toons Bridge Mozzarella salad with tomato and pesto. Main courses could be anything from Irish beef to a filet of salmon from one of Ireland’s pristine rivers. Desserts are usually homey and simple, and very satisfying. I enjoyed an apple pie. The beverage selection on-board is excellent. You’ll be able to choose from an array of wines from various European producers, or sip Irish whiskey. I had Bailey’s over ice with my dessert – which I loved. As I drifted-off above the clouds, I felt completely comfortable and was woken-up just 30-minutes before landing by the captain’s announcement. The in-flight crew on Aer Lingus didn’t wake me, as I made it known that I preferred sleep over breakfast. But, they still hurried breakfast to me before we touched ground. The combination of service, friendliness, amenities and space, along with a usually affordable price, makes Aer lingus’ business class one of my favorites. For anyone traveling from the U.S. to Ireland (direct to Dublin from cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago), you won’t find a better experience.

Truphae isn’t an ordinary online shopping destination. A mecca for gentlemen and collectors, those who know luxury and seek to find the best source to shop the latest in fountain pens, cigar accessories, lighters and small leather goods – it really is the best. Founded by Chris Henline, Truphae has blossomed into a go-to destination for those “in the know” that are looking for the best of the best in writing instruments and more. What we love about Truphae is their attention to detail. Collectors can rely on them to curate items to their liking. They offer their customers something called, The Ink-redible Pen Box, a fun and playful box that is personalized to your budget and liking. In it, you can find ink, a fountain pen, paper and more – all tailored to what you want. Truphae can create a one-off gift like this, or you can even request a monthly shipping. Truphae knows what’s best in the industry and they offer such names as: S.T. Dupont, Visconti, David Oscarson, Davidoff, Montegrappa and Mont Blanc. We spoke with Mr. Henline about Truphae; its beginnings, operation and future. IC: Why did you start Truphae? CH: One of my best friends in college introduced me to Montblanc, and the amazing writing instruments they offer for sale, and I was instantly hooked. Truphae started as a way to earn a little supplemental income while I pursued a career in investment banking. I was blessed to work on Wall Street through an internship, tied with a continuing education program. After the internship ended, I began struggling to interview for firms in New York while being located in my hometown in North Carolina. Because of this, I eventually decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my own company, Truphae, full time. IC: Who is the Truphae customer? CH: We cater to collectors…anyone who is enthused by writing instruments or cigar accessories. My hope is to cater to collectors in all income levels, by offering fountain pens from under $20, all the way up to over $50k. The aim is to have something for everyone – and to treat everyone as though they are our best customers. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love for a living. Each and every customer plays an important part in growing this company. IC: What is unique about Truphae’s offerings online? CH: We like to offer a personal experience by making sure to communicate with each customer to the best of our ability. We’re also sick of the stock, white background photos online today. Each item has an effect on our emotions, so I feel as though our images should convey these feelings. We try to have genuine, romanticized photos of as many of our products as we can, so that the customers can truly see what their dream item will look like in a real life situation. We also offer a rewards program through the website, so you can earn rewards on purchases, newsletter signups, referrals, and even your birthday! Spend rewards points on merchandise with the click of a button. Our customers reward us with their loyalty, so it’s only right of us to repay the favor! IC: Describe the Ink-redible Box CH: The Ink-redible Box was an idea that was developed over the course of two months following the Washington D.C. Fountain Pen Supershow. We wanted to provide a unique experience to our customers that they couldn’t get elsewhere. The idea is that you pay a monthly fee, and receive a fountain pen-themed subscription box to your door every month – it’s like a monthly gift to yourself! There are a lot of enthusiasts that enjoy all types and colors of ink, so we offer the Inkmeister. This box is $25/month, and features a surprise ink bottle, along with a sample fountain pen. You can test out the ink with the budget fountain pen prior to putting it in a more expensive pen. For the adventuresome, we offer the Penthusiast. With this box, it is 100% tailored to each individual customer. Buyers can choose from fountain pens, ballpoints, rollerball pens, ink bottles, pen sleeves, and notepads. They can also make special requests, so they can tell us if there are any brand preferences, color preferences, nib size preferences, etc. This allows us, not only to tailor each box to the customer’s desires, but also to learn more about our customers’ desires so that we can grow our offerings to cater to their tastes. The Penthusiast comes with at least $100 worth of merchandise, so it’s also a fantastic deal! For the real connoisseur, we have the Collector. This is the same setup, but provides at least $200 worth of merchandise, and a coupon code for 10% off web prices (sale items included) as long as the subscription is active. Brands included in the Ink-redible Box include: Aurora, BENU, Pilot, Platinum, LAMY, Noodlers, Visconti, Esterbrook, Robert Oster and many more to come, soon! The more people invest in this idea, the more variety we are able to offer in the future! IC: What are the ultimate must-haves in 2019? CH: In the world of lighters, S.T. Dupont has some magnificent offerings coming in 2019, including a spectacular tribute to Monet, which also includes a limited edition pipe. In the realm of fountain pens, we believe the Ink-redible Box is a must-have, as it allows you to try out brands and items that you may otherwise never get to try! As for brand offerings, we are very excited to see what new editions come out in 2019, but you can be sure that there will be some unique items that you just cannot live without! IC: What is your S.T. Dupont favorite? CH: My current favorite is a couple years old, but it is the Phoenix Renaissance limited edition. It’s absolutely stunning in it’s deep red and gold color combination. The symbolism of the Phoenix is very important to the Truphae brand as well, as we literally started from nothing – our first inventory purchase was one pen that we purchased with a credit card. It has grown from this to thousands of items in just 3 years! IC: What are your plans for Truphae in the future? CH: I hope to continue adding new brand offerings to Truphae. We also have some exciting projects in the works to produce our very own ultra limited editions that will be available to our loyal customers in 2019. We will also be running promotions with the Ink-redible Box, where subscribers to the Collector Box will be entered to win some very valuable pens. It’s been an exciting 3 years, and I can only imagine what life has in store for us in the next years to come! Truphae is unique, special and you know when shopping here that they’ve done the work for you. They’re experts who only offer the best – including this S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Atelier Blue and Palladium lacquer lighter. After all of our research, it’s evident that there is no better place to shop for these important, beautiful accessories.

Founded in 1912, outside of Epernay, France, J. de Telmont is one of the last remaining familial champagne houses in the region. Founded by and currently still run by the Lhopital family, brother and sister Bertrand and Pascale manage the estate with three core principle in mind: conviviality, hospitality and sharing. The 82 acres in eight villages that make up the family’s vineyards are stocked with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties. And 30 of these acres are dedicated to organic production – an amazing accomplishment. We hosted an elegant and intimate event recently at the beautiful Lismore Castle in Lismore, Ireland. We needed a champagne that was rich, elegant yet drinkable – one that was innovative and unique while not straying too far from the roots of champagne culture in France. Of course, we looked to J. de Telmont. The J. de Telmont vineyard offered the stunning Grande Réserve Brut – an elegant champagne marrying all three grape varieties. The flavor is soft, rich, subtly fruity and fresh. The aroma is of light shortbread with caramelized apples on the palate, and toasty bubbles. Guests were welcomed to the castle with a Waterford champagne flute filled with J. de Telmont Grande Réserve Brut. The champagne not only added a layer of elegance, but set the tone for the weekend – one that was memorable, sweet and full of surprises. J. de Telmont offers classic champagnes, vintage champagnes, Vintage Cuveés de Prestige, The Originals and The Heritage Collection. Each collection offers something different, varying flavor profiles and years of creation – where temperature, rainfall and other outside forces effect the finished product. From the house’s organic production, consumers can expect nothing but innovation and a delicious product steeped in history.