diva in a carry on

relastin skin revitalizer – perfect for travel-stressed skin!

2009-12-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

$69.00 USD / 1.7 oz.

relastin skin revitalizer is a skin firming lotion that works through all seasons, day or night, for all skin types. it helps:

reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
make skin appear firmer and smoother
skin feel more elastic
improve the appearance of skin texture

immediate results: skin looks soft and hydrated. in just 2 to 4 weeks: skin appears smoother and tighter; wrinkles visibly diminished.

95% said their skin was smoother
84% saw a significant improvement in skin firmness
80% experienced improved elasticity
75% saw a decrease in fines lines and wrinkles
89% said it improved their skin's texture

relastin skin revitalizer is a light facial treatment with slight exfoliating effects, helping to reveal smooth, even, younger-looking skin. our patent pending zinc firming complex™ penetrates your skin's upper layers to reach the dermis, where it helps your body produce more elastin, the connective protein that makes skin spring back and become smooth again after you laugh or smile.

elastin explained. elastin is a protein in your skin that makes it smooth again after contracting and stretching. your skin virtually stops producing elastin in adolescence (just when things were starting to get good!). over the years, you lose the elastin you have and your skin becomes less capable of springing back. enter wrinkles.

beneath the surface. relastin absorbs deep into your skin. it penetrates the top layer, the epidermis, to get to the dermis. this is where elastin is formed and where relastin's zinc firming complex® goes to work.

the proof. clinical studies have shown skin treated with relastin contained more elastin than untreated skin.* after two weeks of using relastin, users said they saw the diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; smoother, firmer skin; and visibly decreased dark circles and puffiness around their eyes.

skin revitalizer ingredients: water,c12-15 alkyl benzoate, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, cetearyl alcohol, glycine soja (soybean) oil, polysorbate 60, squalane, xanthan gum, dmdm hydantoin, ceteth-10 phosphate, dicetyl phosphate, algae extract, methylparaben, tetrasodium edta, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, propylparaben, zinc complex, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, acer saccharinum (sugar maple) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) extract, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) extract, sodium hyaluronate, ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, retinyl palmitate, tocopheryl acetate.

new tinted moisturizer from boscia …

2009-11-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

boscia, the well-known, preservative-free and botanical-based skincare collection entered the cosmetic arena for the first time on october 23^rd at sephora on 5^th avenue with the launch of their new sheer tinted moisturizer spf 15 - a lightweight, oil-free, natural formulation that delivers a flawless finish and healthy-looking coverage to the face.

not only was emmy-award winning, celebrity makeup artist patti ramsey bortoli there to join in on the celebration, but dancing with the stars, pro dancer edyta sliwinska rejoiced with a live dance performance on-stage to show her excitement for her favorite skincare collection.

if you haven’t tried the boscia line of products, now’s the time. this sheer tinted spf 15 moisturizer ($35.00 USD / 1.4 oz.) contains loads of great stuff for your skin, and is a perfect size to tuck in your carry on bag:

alanyl & glutamine – amino acids that help to resurface skin by softening and improving skin texture, provide moisture retention and help to repair and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
mulberry – helps to even out skin tone and lighten spots caused by sun damage.
zinc oxide – a natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps protect skin from uv damage and provide antiseptic power to absorb excess skin oils.
titanium dioxide – a broad spectrum uv blocker that adds to uv protection.
jojoba leaf – helps to prevent free radical damage while it protects and nourishes skin.
willowherb – a botanical that provides soothing relief from inflammation and reduces redness.

guest traveling diva wendy lemlin: getting my fix in lafayette …

2009-11-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

getting my fix in lafayette
by wendy lemlin
photography by wendy lemlin

hello. my name is wendy and i’m an addict.

no, i’m not strung out on drugs. i rarely take a drink. haven’t had a cigarette since i was 19 years old (and that was many, many years ago!). i’m not addicted to food, sex or adrenaline rushes. i’m not even addicted to love, though i always did like that robert palmer song. no, my drug of choice, the thing that gets my heart and endorphins going like crazy, the thing that i crave constantly, is--- zydeco and cajun dancing!

that’s me in the middle, feeding my addiction to zydeco.

for those unacquainted with the genre, cajun and zydeco music have their roots in the traditions of the french acadians (aka cajuns), who settled southwest louisiana after their ouster from nova scotia (acadie) in the mid-1700s. this is music made for dancing, at parties known as fais dos dos, or in the clubs and dance halls, where dancers hold their partners and move in joyous coordination together. the wilder, looser sister to cajun music, zydeco stems from the mixed-race creole people, taking the airs and waltzes of the french-speaking cajuns, and infusing them with african, caribbean and even native american influences, resulting in a rollicking, up-tempo, heavily syncopated sound. it’s impossible to listen to the highly infectious music and not want to dance for joy. and like any feel-good experience, the more i do it, the more i crave.

i’ll go just about anywhere to get my zydeco and cajun fix---dances and festivals can now be found regularly in such diverse locations as san diego, boston, san francisco, houston, philadelphia, new york, and denver--- but the supplier of the best stuff is the city of lafayette, louisiana, in the heart of the area of southwest louisiana known as acadiana.

especially if it’s a festival weekend, there is music and dancing everywhere in lafayette. and as one favorite zydeco song says about this addiction “it’s so hard to stop when you’re having fun…”

at festival acadiens et creoles, held this past october, it didn’t matter that it rained, that the outdoor festival grounds were at times a field of mud—as soon as the lively music started, everyone was grabbing a partner and moving to the beat, even if, like me, they had to trade in cowboy boots and dance shoes for rubber galoshes. the free, three day annual celebration of the culture, music, and food of acadiana, held annually since 1972, usually attracts about 100,000 participants--- not only locals, but an ever-growing swell of zydeco and cajun music aficionados from throughout the us who come to lafayette to dance, dance, and dance some more.

this year’s festival was dedicated to doug kershaw, joel sonnier and jimmy c. newman, musicians who were taking cajun music out to a national audience and into the future well before it was cool. the all encompassing music line-up ranged from these long time legends to young new bands who are already garnering grammy nominations and international attention, such as cedric watson & bijou creole, feu follet, and the pine leaf boys. they, along with other well known favorites, like steve riley and the mamou playboys, geno delafose and french rockin’ boogie, and nathan williams and the zydeco cha chas, had the crowd blithely ignoring the occasional rains and happily dancing up a storm in the muddy fields of girard park.

i indulge my addiction in lafayette and the surrounding towns at a number of other festivals during the year, as well.

the biggest party of all, mardi gras, is celebrated in lafayette with rural cajun traditions, with the 2010 festival beginning on february 6 and culminating on the day of mardi gras, february 16. parades, carnivals, a traditional “courir” (the mardi gras “run” where masked and costumed revelers ride on horseback throughout the countryside, begging for ingredients for a communal gumbo), dances, musical events and parties galore all add spice to this most raucous of holiday seasons, when every home and business is decorated in purple, green and gold, king cake is consumed by the ton, everyone is adorned with beads, boas and masks, and the strains of “the mardi gras song” continually issue forth from every radio and cd player.

the eclectic festival international de louisiane, held april 21-25, 2010, celebrates french-speaking cultures from all over the world. music, food, and the arts experienced at the free celebration transport festival goers from paris to quebec, haiti to zaire, louisiana to mali.

the following weekend, april 30- may 2, the neighboring town of breaux bridge hosts its 40^th annual crawfish festival, when thousands of pounds of crawfish will be enjoyed in every imaginable way --- boiled or fried, in étouffée and jambalaya, in pies and bisques, in stews and gumbo. of course, there will be continuous music and dancing!

zydeco brunch at cafe des amis

the best part of dancing my socks off in lafayette? i don’t have to wait for a festival to get my fix! there is so much music in the dance halls, bars and cafes all around the city and in the surrounding towns, that the dancing seems to go on non-stop. on weekends at the blue moon saloon, or el sido’s zydeco and blues club, the dance floors are often so crowded, that the packed-in crowds can barely move. undaunted and getting off on the frenetic energy, i squeeze in wherever i can, even if it means just dancing in place. vermillionville, grant street dance hall, whisky river landing, randol’s, la poussiere—so many places to dance, so little time!

proving that, for me, there’s no such thing as too much zydeco when i visit southwest louisiana, on saturday mornings, no matter how late i was out dancing the night before, i haul my butt out of bed at some ungodly hour, so that i can enjoy my omelet with a side of zydeco at the zydeco breakfast at café des amis in breaux bridge, about 10 miles east of lafayette. well before the band starts up at 8:30---yes, that’s am---i’m joining the long line of hungry dancers waiting to get in the door, hoping to start my day with some great food and energetic 2-steps during the three hours when the band plays. when the music and dancing is this good, nobody minds waiting for a table, and after i’ve totally pigged out on everything from beignets to boudin (cajun sausage), i can just work it off with more dancing!

when i travel to lafayette from my home in san diego, i usually fly into new orleans, partially because it’s easier and more economical, but mostly so that i can get a head start on indulging my dance addiction at mid city lanes rock’n’bowl. every thursday, some of the top names in zydeco music play at this legendary dance hall/ bowling alley, where locals and visitors alike go to dance until the wee hours, and the air is filled with the sounds of not only accordions, rubboards, guitars and drums, but also rolling bowling balls and falling pins. if i schedule my flight into nola right, i arrive in time to meet some of my fellow addicts for a fantastic dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, the newly remodeled ye olde college inn, which shares a parking lot with rock’n’bowl. while my plane is touching down, i’m already thinking about oyster po boys, succulent gulf shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and decadent bread pudding.

geno delafose playing at rock ‘n’ bowl in new orleans

so my fellow divas, pack that carryon with your best dance boots and join me in a fais dos dos in lafayette. heed this warning, though: it will become habit forming! but as they say there, “it’s all good”!

good to know:

want to see some zydeco and cajun dance footage and music? there’s plenty on youtube, including videos from festival acadiens!

lafayette convention and visitors commission:
www.lafayettetravel.com 800-346-1958

new orleans visitor and convention bureau:
www.neworleanscvb.com 800-672-6124

blue moon saloon:
215 e convent st., lafayette
www.bluemoonhostel.com

el sido’s zydeco & blues club:
1523 n saint antoine st, lafayette

mid city lanes rock’n’bowl: 3016 s.carrollton ave., new orleans
www.rocknbowl.com

ye olde college inn in new orleans is a great place to stop in for food and atmosphere.

ye olde college inn restaurant & bar:
3000 s.carrollton ave., new orleans
www.collegeinn1933.com

café des amis:
111 washington st. breaux bridge
www.cafedesamis.com

hotels:

in new orleans, the perfect place to stay is the inn on bourbon, a ramada plaza hotel smack dab in the middle of all the action in the french quarter. outside—the party on bourbon street never stops; inside—an oasis of peace and sophisticated comfort. if you’re a party animal, ask for a room with a balcony fronting bourbon street, if you want to get away from all the frenzy, ask for the much quieter back courtyard rooms.
541 bourbon st. 1-800-535-7891 www.innonbourbon.com

hint: the extremely convenient airport shuttle new orleans will transport you door-to-door to and from the airport for a very reasonable $38 round trip.
866-596-2699 www.airportshuttleneworleans.com

lafayette has a number of moderately priced lodging options. an inexpensive option favored by visiting dancers is the la quinta inn.
2100 ne evangeline throughway 800- 531-5900

***

about wendy …

guest traveling diva, wendy lemlin

wendy lemlin has lived in all four corners of the country, including several places in between, but has enjoyed calling san diego home since 2004. a well-published writer, copywriter and photographer, she has enjoyed immersing herself in everything her new home has to offer, including a surprising amount of zydeco dancing. whether traveling to the far-flung parts of the globe, or the near-flung corners of her own backyard, wendy is constantly seeking out, and writing about, new experiences, often in the company of her favorite companion, sophie the wander-dog. for her part, sophie can't believe that she actually gets to live someplace with so many dog parks, yappy hours and dog beaches! she might even learn to dance one of these days. learn more about wendy at her website: www.wendylemlin.com.

hot debate: fingers or brushes for makeup application …

2009-11-27T20:13:00.001-07:00

to use your fingers or brushes when applying makeup? the answer to this question is simple: it’s a matter of preference! both methods can be equally effective depending on what you are most comfortable with (or depending on whether you have brushes on hand.)

galit strugano, creator of girlactik beauty makeup and celeb makeup artist explains the techniques of applying makeup with your fingers and applying with tools to achieve the perfect makeup look (www.girlactik.com).

finger application: mind your pressure points!

each of your fingers has a different pressure point affecting the pressure of touch. knowing them can be useful in applying makeup. a bonus with finger application is the oils and heat from your skin melts the product better when it transfers to your skin and provides the coverage you want!

ring finger for concealer - applying concealer with your ring finger gives a soft touch around the eye area with no pulling of the skin. the ringer finger pats product perfectly.

index finger for shadow application - this finger possesses a little more pressure making shadow spread evenly but still has that soft touch.

middle finger for eye crease - the middle finger has the most pressure so it is perfect to use to frame your eye, creating definition as you move your finger back and forth.

pinkie for inner eye – your smallest digit is perfect to apply makeup to those hard to reach parts. great when applying an eye brightener or when you want to highlight. your pinkie has a light touch so you won’t accidently glob on makeup when you’re trying to be precise!

brush application: it’s all about the texture!

when it comes to brushes, it isn’t about synthetic vs. natural but rather the firmness of the brush that affects your makeup look. a rule of thumb:

- the firmer the brush, the more color transfer you'll have.

- the lighter the brush, the lighter the color transfer will be.

think about it this way. you can be using the same exact blush and end up with 2 different colors depending on whether you are using a firmer or lighter brush. switching up brushes is a great way to use your makeup in fun, different ways!

celebrate new year’s eve with chateau on the lake …

2009-11-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

if you’re looking for something fun to do on new year’s eve, you should definitely consider the big new year’s eve party being thrown on thursday, december 31, 2009, at the aaa four-diamond mountaintop chateau on the lake resort & spa in branson, missouri. known for always putting on a very festive new year’s eve party, the resort has themed this year’s bash as a “50’s sock hop,” according to the resort’s vice president and general manager stephen marshall. entertainment will be provided by sh-boom, the midwest’s premier show band, which will perform rock ‘n’ roll music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, and which will do fun parodies of sonny and cher, ike and tina, the blues brothers, elvis, buddy holly, tom jones, and more.

the resort’s “new year’s eve party package” includes: accommodations for the night, with a nice late 6 p.m. check-out time; admission for two people to the party; complimentary hors d’oeuvres at the party’s reception; two drink tickets for use at the cash bar throughout the evening; a sumptuous three-course meal featuring surf ‘n’ turf; a dessert reception; champagne toast; and party favors. the party will begin at 7:30 p.m., and sh-boom will take the stage at 9 p.m. a balloon drop will be conducted at midnight, which will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display outside.

the “new year’s eve party package” is $399 per couple for a double room; $419 per couple for an elegant king room; $454 per couple for an oversized chateau king room with a sitting area and full lake view; or $509 per couple for an ambassador suite with a private bedroom, living room and wet bar area. tax and gratuity is included in the price. additional nights are available for 25% off of the resort’s regular room rates. you must be 21 or older to attend the dinner/dance party. for reservations or additional information, call 1-888-333-lake (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.chateauonthelake.com .

“if you’re looking for something fun to do on new year’s eve, you should definitely make plans to experience what promises to be a very enjoyable evening,” said marshall.

situated on a beautiful ozark mountaintop overlooking missouri’s scenic table rock lake, the 301-room chateau on the lake resort & spa is just minutes from the many attractions and shows of popular branson.

recreational options at chateau on the lake resort & spa, which is branson’s only aaa four-diamond resort, include the luxurious 14,000-square-foot spa chateau. the full-service spa features 10 treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing infinity tub that is filled from the ceiling; an opulent roman bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking table rock lake; a lake-view movement therapy studio for yoga; and a unique barber spa.

additional recreational offerings at the resort include a full-service marina, a 24-hour fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails, the sassafras movie theater, crawdaddies kids club, and full-service concierge. golfing at six area courses, which includes two of missouri’s finest, also is available to guests.

widely regarded as the “live show music capital of america,” branson features more than 100 live shows per day, and a variety of impressive attractions. among the offerings are dick clark’s american bandstand theater, and the new $420-million branson landing which features festivals, musical events, waterfront dining options, and more than 400,000 sq. ft. of national brand-name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops.

dining options at chateau on the lake resort & spa include the chateau grille, which features a stunning view of table rock lake and is known for its elegant presentation and exceptional cuisine. casual fare options include: the 9^th street italian deli, serving bistro-style sandwiches, hand-made pizza, and “to go” box lunches; the atrium café & wine bar, located in the lobby beside an indoor waterfall and stream; and the sweet shoppe, offering hand-dipped ice cream, baked goods, candies, and specialty coffees.

the resort’s 301 spacious guest rooms and suites boast cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, complimentary wi-fi access, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, and in-room movies and music (at a nominal fee). select pet-friendly rooms for pets less than 25 pounds are also available.

additional features at chateau on the lake resort & spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace.

owned and managed by springfield, missouri-based john q. hammons hotels & resorts, the resort also features 43,500 square feet of meeting space.

for more information or reservations, call 1-888-333-lake (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.chateauonthelake.com .

beach, golf, spa, shopping – naples beach hotel & golf club has it all …

2009-11-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

whether you’re interested in a beach vacation, a golf getaway, a spa experience, or a shopping excursion, a trip to the naples beach hotel & golf club could be just what you’re looking for. as southwest florida’s only resort directly on the beach with an on-site championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an award-winning tennis center, it has long been a popular choice for vacationers. adding even more to the allure is the fact that the beachfront resort has just completed a multi-million dollar remodeling of all 319 guest rooms and suites.

a great way to experience the newly-renovated resort is by taking advantage of the special “value rates” that are now being offered by the 125-acre resort. in addition to accommodations in a newly-remodeled guest room, the special rate includes two reserved beach chairs, unlimited tennis, access to the resort’s world-class spa and complete fitness center (with use of the exercise room, whirlpool, sauna and steam room), valet parking, afternoon tea and cookies at 4 p.m. daily, and admission for children ages five to 12 in the morning activities of the beach klub 4 kids supervised child activity program. the special rate is from $159 per room, per night through december 20, 2009, or from $289 per room, per night december 21, 2009 – april 11, 2010.

for reservations, or for more information, call 1-800-237-7600 or 239-261-2222, or visit www.naplesbeachhotel.com.

the resort has just completed a dramatic remodeling and renovation of all 319 guest rooms and suites. the first phase of this multi-million dollar guest room project included new bedding and fabrics, flat-panel televisions, rich new furnishings, and accents in calming tropical shades. this second (and final) phase of this project included totally-remodeled bathrooms in all guest rooms and suites, new carpet in all guest rooms and guest room corridors, and new sliding glass doors in guest rooms and suites.

the totally-remodeled bathrooms in the guest rooms and suites are larger, with a sizeable new walk-in glass-enclosed shower with striking sea-blue tile. the newly-remodeled bathrooms now feature new double sinks, spacious new vanities, beautiful new tile floors, new fixtures, and vanity mirrors. in addition, another vanity outside of the bathroom (complete with a sink, a large mirror, a vanity mirror, and towels) has been added so that another person can get ready while the bathroom is in use. this remodeling of the bathrooms kicked off in november 2008, and was done in phases so as not to adversely affect guests.

“the resort has invested more than $16 million on our guest rooms and suites since 2007, and more than $55 million on enhancements to our resort since 2000,” said jim gunderson, general manager of the resort. “we made these investments to ensure we’re providing an exceptional experience to all of our guests. with all of these impressive enhancements, it really is like a new resort.”

in addition, the resort is nearing completion of its all-new pool complex. the new, much larger, beachfront pool complex is just north of the existing pool area, and features two pools (a free-form pool for families, and a secluded oval-shaped pool for adults), whereas the existing area features just one pool. the area also features two new whirlpools, with one located by the family pool, and the other by the adult pool. there also are eight new cabanas that may be reserved, which provide views of both the pool and the gulf. the $5 million pool project also includes new restrooms, new locker facilities, a pool bar with food service, and a new pool shop. picturesque tall palms encircle this new large pool area, and there is easy access for guests to walk right onto the beach. the pool project will be complete by december 2009. the existing beachfront pool will remain open until the new pool complex is complete.

“guests will love this new pool complex,” said gunderson. “not only is it be much larger, with the option of two different pools, and two whirlpools, but it also provides a much better view of the beach than the existing pool area provides.”

standard offerings in rooms and suites include a private balcony or patio, with a view of the gulf, lush grounds, or picturesque golf course. standard amenities include in-room refrigerator, two telephones with voicemail, modem access, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, in-room safe, in-room coffee, climate control, and security keycards. high-speed wireless internet access is also available.

owned and operated by the watkins family for more than 60 years, the resort features an enviable beachfront location in the heart of scenic olde naples. recreational offerings at the 125-acre resort include: 1,000 feet of pristine white-sand beach on the gulf of mexico; an on-site par 72 championship golf course; a world-class spa; complete fitness center; the mary c. watkins tennis center with six har-tru courts; beach klub 4 kids, a recreational program for children ages five to 12; and an orchid house, home to over 3,000 tropical plants.

in addition, guests can take advantage of multiple great restaurants, including the beachfront hb’s on the gulf, the gulf-view everglades room, and the seminole store that serves deli sandwiches, ice cream, gourmet coffees, pizza, pastries and desserts. the resort also features three bars, including the popular sunset beach bar, consistently named “best place to view a southwest florida sunset.”

the resort is just blocks from naples’ renowned shopping districts of fashionable 5^th avenue south and historic 3^rd street south. venetian village, waterside shops, bayfront and tin city are minutes away.

guests can experience the area by taking tours of the everglades, caribbean gardens, or the conservancy nature center. in addition, boat and fishing trips can be arranged at the hotel. other leisure time activities can include naples’ wonderful museums, theatres, and art galleries.

“combine these new offerings at the resort with the fact that the naples beach hotel & golf club has everything on-site – the beach, golf, tennis, our world-class spa, great meeting space, and beautiful outdoor gulf-front venues – and it is an ideal choice for guests,” added gunderson.

the naples beach hotel & golf club is located at 851 gulf shore blvd. north. for information, call 1-800-237-7600 or (239) 261-2222, or visit www.naplesbeachhotel.com .

leave snow behind for sun and sand at the reefs …

2009-11-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

dream in pink this holiday season – bermuda’s pink sands at the island’s best hotel. book a holiday vacation to the reefs and receive a special gift – christmas day free.

the reefs christmas present is available on every stay of five-nights or more between december 14 and 27, 2009, and is valid on any room at the reefs.

take in the best views in bermuda from the hot tub on the private balcony in a point suite. celebrate with the entire family in a two- or three-bedroom luxurious beachfront club residence. available for a limited time until all are sold, the residences at the new reefs club offer a unique bermuda vacation experience.

infuse island style into holiday traditions while celebrating at the reefs.

§ enjoy bermuda’s tropical breezes and starry nights while strolling along the reefs secluded pink sand beach.

§ relax and get pampered with luxurious treatments at the new la serena spa overlooking the ocean.

§ adorn the reefs’ tree with ornaments from home while singing carols at the christmas eve tree trimming party.

§ celebrate christmas day with eggnog and presents at coconuts on the beach.

§ dine on delicious holiday culinary creations while enjoying ocean views at christmas brunch at ocean echo.

§ toast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate and munch on s’mores at the beach bonfire.

§ kayak along the reefs shoreline exploring bermuda’s turquoise waters.

widely recognized as bermuda’s best resort, the reefs was honored with four major awards in 2009 alone. most recently, the reefs was named the number one resort in the atlantic in the 22^nd annual condé nast traveler readers’ choice awards. this marks the first time a bermuda resort has topped the list.

daily rates for poolside rooms begin at $369 and include breakfast, afternoon tea and gourmet dinner for two. to book a holiday getaway to the reefs or for more information, call (888) 466-0288 or visit www.thereefs.com/gift.

about the reefs hotel & club

crowning a limestone cliff overlooking a secluded pink sand beach, the reefs hotel & club attracts travelers who seek a bermuda vacation in an intimate atmosphere with fine dining and personal service. with only 65 guest accommodations, the reefs is consistently recognized as one of the world’s best hotels from leading travel industry publications including condé nast traveler and travel + leisure.

in 2009, the reefs opened the reefs club, 19 luxurious, fully furnished two- and three-bedroom beachfront residences available for purchase on a fractional ownership basis. like the reefs, the reefs club delivers exceptional service and offers unobstructed ocean views from each private residence including from every bedroom.

‘tis the season to invest in some silver …

2009-11-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

cor silver wrinkle serum / $125.00 USD / 1.0 oz.

silver’s hot for the holidays, and not just for clothes and makeup. silver is the key ingredient in this remarkable anti-aging serum sized just perfect for your carry on bag.

here’s what cor has to say about their silver technology:

silver is fast emerging as one of the best natural anti-bacterial agents. silver blocks the bacteria’s ability to transfer oxygen through its cell walls. silver also has healing properites and has been used by doctors and in hospitals to speed cell repair. silica prepares the skin to accept the ingredients of cor. the sponge-like nature of silica draws the silver and all of cor’s active natural ingredients into its particles so that it can richly nourish the skin. csc is an uber compound comprised of collagen, sericin and chitosan, developed using the latest beauty technology from japan. the molecules of csc are broken down into their minutest yet active size to ensure maximum delivery, absorption and performance upon reaching the target layer. collagen starts to disappear at the rate of 1.5% per year in adulthood. cor’s soap contains marine collagen from japan. collagen can add a more youthful appearance to your face. sericin is a natural, soluble protein made from silk. highly moisture-binding and film-forming, sericin imparts a unique and highly aesthetic skin feel. sericin has film forming abilities that have been shown to protect the skin against the harsh effects of the sun. chitosan is a natural fibre that acts to even out skin tone. used in the dieting industry, it also can absorb 4-6 times its weight in fat and so washes away the unwanted oils. cor’s soap balances out the skin’s oil levels, especially in trouble areas like the t zone.

cor’s silver wrinkle serum contains the following to repair and enhance the skin:

palmitoyl pentapeptide is a unique molecule that has been shown to imitate the skin’s natural rejuvenation process, stimulating renewal and natural exfoliation of the skin’s surface without the use of harsh ingredients. pp regenerates the dermal layer by developing new collagen, elastin and glycosamainoglycans.

copper tri-peptide has been well documented to improve the healing of various types of skin lesions, such as scarring, lesion, sun and acne damage, breaking down the abnormally large cross linked collagen and also at the same time stimulating the production of regular collagen found in normal skin. in other words copper tri-peptides can help restore the damaged area to its original look.

add a little silver to your skin today and see how beautiful it is tomorrow!

four properties, TONS of holiday cheer!

2009-11-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

halekulani (oahu, hi – www.halekulani.com):

december 12 – 24: twelve days of christmas at halekulani

each day, guests of halekulani are treated to surprising, thoughtful, exclusive and complimentary holiday festivities. from poolside snow cones and limo transfers to the ‘rodeo’ of hawaii…this is a tradition beloved by return guests.

december 24: halekulani’s santa claus arrives by outrigger canoe

as the sun sets over waikiki, young children of hawaii dance hula and sing in anticipation of halekulani’s beloved santa claus who surfs into waikiki beach every year. santa hosts an exclusive halekulani children’s party and an elegant adult’s reception together with the general manager.

december 31: halekulani new year’s eve extravaganza

halekulani celebrates new year’s eve with a formal gala of fine dining at la mer and orchids featuring festive entertainment by the honolulu symphony and a fireworks extravaganza over waikiki beach.

waikiki parc (oahu, hi – www.waikikiparc.com):

happy holidays and welcome to the parc. this year, the hotel is pleased to present its third annual “a cool christmas at the parc” which is inspired its guests. from december 16th – 25th waikiki parc invites guests to experience daily festive experiences. enjoy daily matinee holiday films poolside in the roof-top home theater, merge and check out the chicest nine days of festive fun in paradise, including events at nobu waikiki, leading up to the big day!

the lanesborough (a st. regis hotel, london – www.lanesborough.com):

from december 13 – january 3 the lanesborough is offering special holiday rates which include champagne and petit fours, daily car parking, sony vaio laptops in all guest rooms, high-speed wireless internet access, unlimited movies on demand, fresh fruit and mineral water replenished daily, tea and coffee on arrival and with wake-up calls, as well as 24-hour butler service. nightly rates start at 355 gbp for a deluxe double to 575 gbp for an executive junior suite.

from the 1st november 2009, ‘apsleys – a heinz beck restaurant’ at the lanesborough offers its collaboration with dom pérignon, a nine course tasting menu. served throughout november and december, the heinz beck and dom pérignon tasting menu represents the exclusive partnership of two globally respected names in the world of fine living. this exceptional menu comprises some of the finest ingredients and wines in the world, including herbal infusion with tuna tartar and tea sorbet and a selection of rare dom pérignon oenothèque vintages, such as vintage 1995 and vintage 1969 – of which there are only a few bottles remaining.

london’s premiere hotel warmly welcomes guests over the festive season to experience and enjoy the delights that the city’s foremost address has to offer. soft candlelight, open fire and traditional decorations create the perfect ambiance for a luxurious christmas. in addition, michelin-starred chef heinz beck and his team have created a sumptuous array of temping menus to be enjoyed with friends and family, accompanied by the finest wines and champagnes.

nemacolin woodlands resort (southwestern pa – www.nemacolin.com)

the resort is currently offering 3 – 5 night nemacolin holiday packages for stays between december 20, 2009 – january 4, 2010. enjoy accommodations and a $300 per day resort amenity credit to be used towards holiday special events, dining, spa services, retail and much more! the possibilities are endless and the memories are long lasting!
nemacolin elf tuck-ins - nemacolin elves tuck in children with classic bedtimes stories and stocking full of goodies (1/2 hour visit).
in addition, the resort is hosting a number of events in conjunction with the holidays from a visit with santa at heritage court, gingerbread workshops, holiday cookie decorating & hot chocolate gatherings, and a christmas day holiday movie marathon to make this a truly memorable time.

perfect curls for the holiday season …

2009-11-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

got curly hair? know someone who does? check out this great travel sized stocking stuffer kit, just in time for the holiday season!

ouidad classic curls kit

give the gift of great hair. ouidad is offering awesome holiday gift sets with her best sellers at a discount. the sets contain everything you need to stuff stockings with gorgeous looking curls, or treat yourself!

celebrate classic curls kit includes:

clear & gentle essential daily shampoo (2.5oz)
balancing rinse essential daily conditioner (2.5oz)
climate control heat & humidity gel (2.5oz)
botanical boost moisture infusing & refreshing spray (2.5oz)
12 minute deep treatment intensive repair (2.5oz)
wide-tooth detangling comb
ouidad’s how-to guide to effortless curls

suggested retail: $35 ($46 value)

visit www.ouidad.com for a complete list of all 2009 holiday kits – there is something for every curl!

happy hour is something special in san francisco …

2009-11-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

“happy hour” in san francisco isn’t just for office workers marking the end of another day’s work. at the bars and lounges located in the city’s hotels, it’s a chance for visitors to celebrate their good fortune just to be in san francisco.

fortunately for both visitors and locals, several hotels are offering special drink prices and nibbles to make those hours even happier.

the san francisco convention & visitors bureau (sfcvb) has some suggestions:

345 club lounge / mo bar at the mandarin oriental
222 sansome st.
www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco/dining/mo_bar/
in the tradition of great hotels, mo bar is the social center of the mandarin oriental, in the heart of the financial district. the bustle of city streets gives way to an intimate setting perfect for enjoying cocktails with taste.345 club lounge offers a "vip happy hour" mon.-fri., 4:30-8:30 p.m. with specials that include $3 bottled beers, $5 sangria and $7 premium wine selections. guests may enjoy watching sports or joining others for one of the bar's fun event nights including poker night, ladies movie night and more.

bar 888 at the intercontinental
888 howard st. at 5th st.
www.grappabar888.com
bar 888 features in san francisco’s newest hotel features classic and contemporary cocktails – including specialty grappa-based drinks - and pour fine wines from both the old and new world. happy hour is mon.- fri. from 4-8 p.m. with $5 and $6 beer specials, $7 wines, cocktails for $8.88 and delicious bar bites created by chef dominique crenn of newly michelin-starred luce restaurant.

bar 1915 larkspur hotel
521 sutter st.
www.larkspurhotelunionsquare.com
bar 1915 in the heart of union square, offers half-off wines by the glass and draught beer along with specials on pizzetta, panini and hand crafted salumi. chef robert helstrom of kuleto’s restaurant has designed an interesting menu to appeal to visitors and locals alike. happy hour is 4:30-6:30 p.m. daily.

caruso’s at the westin st. francis
335 powell st.
www.westinstfrancis.com/unwind
caruso’s was named after the caruso the distraught opera singer who moved from the palace hotel to the westin st. francis after the great earthquake and fire in 1906. he walked over in his bathrobe wit his entire entourage. caruso’s, located in the historic westin st. francis, is offering a new signature social experience, the unwind hour, featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of napa valley and beyond. sample premier wines paired with fine hors d' oeuvres. tues.-sat., 5-7 p.m.

cityhouse at parc 55 hotel
55 cyril magnin st., second floor of parc 55 hotel
www.parc55hotel.com
“cityhouse” restaurant and bar, located on parc 55’s renovated second floor, presents a modern take on american classics, specializing in steaks, chops and seafood flame-seared on the hotel’s signature wood-fired grill, while the lounge provides a hip and convivial setting for relaxing, connecting with friends, sharing small plates, and enjoying selections from the extensive wine and cocktail list. from 3 –7 p.m. tues.-sat., buy any drink or bar bite and get a second round for just 55 cents.

daffodil restaurant at the orchard hotel
665 bush st.
www.thedaffodilrestaurant.com
daffodil restaurant, located on the lobby level of the orchard hotel, serves hearty meals and delicious desserts that comfort the soul and the budget; its street-level bar is terrific for people watching while sipping on a glass of local wine. receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any signature cocktail 4-7p.m. daily.

infusion lounge at the hotel fusion
124 ellis st.
www.infusionlounge.com
infusion lounge is an asian-inspired sub-rosa lounge located in the heart of union square. happy hour special: tues.-fri., 6-8 p.m., $3 beers, $5 wine and $5 mixed drinks. a three-course prix fixe menu is available for $33.

knuckles at the wharf at the hyatt at fisherman's wharf
555 northpoint
www.hyattatthewharf.blogspot.com
knuckle's happy hour (mon.-fri.) is 5-7 p.m., with half price draft beers and house wines. also featuring thursday night $6 house martinis, as well as themed buffet nights and monthly winemaker events.

kyo-ya restaurant at the palace hotel
2 new montgomery st.
www.sfpalace.com
located in the heart of downtown san francisco in one san francisco’s historic hotels, kyo-ya is the perfect place to meet friends, relax and unwind - all in a beautiful modern setting. happy hour in kyo-ya is mon.-fri., 5-7 p.m., with complimentary bar bites, $3 sapporo beer and $6 specialty cocktails, and award winning sushi at affordable prices.

la scene café & bar at the warwick hotel
490 geary st. at taylor
http://www.warwicksf.com
la scene is a personable yet vibrant bar in the heart of the theater district, steps away from union square. happy hour specials tues.-sat., 5 -6:30 p.m., with $2.99 beers, $4.99 house wine and $5 well cocktails.

lobby lounge at the ritz-carlton, san francisco
600 stockton st.
www.ritzcarlton.com
located convenient to the hotel entrance and to the ritz-carlton bar and dining room, the popular lobby lounge offers striking floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city. the popular gathering spot for guests and locals is set in a landmark nob hill building which is currently home to the ritz-carlton and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.the hotel’s weekly raw bar menu features a generous selection of fresh oysters and shellfish, complemented by optional paired wines, wed., 5-7 p.m., and the lobby lounge features a new diverse farm-to-bar bloody mary menu available daily.

redwood room at the clift
495 geary st.
www.clifthotel.com
the redwood room, a haven for san francisco bon vivants since the 1930s, is now offering a different specialty cocktail each week for $8, available during 5 p.m.– 2 a.m. sun.-thurs.;
4 p.m.–2 a.m., fri.-sat.

roots restaurant at the orchard garden hotel
466 bush st. at grant ave.
www.therootsrestaurant.com
roots at the orchard garden hotel serves contemporary american cuisine with a mediterranean flair and is committed to featuring local produce, naturally raised meats and sustainable seafood whenever possible; its cozy bar is a great spot for enjoying organic cocktails. happy hour special: receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of a glass of wine or signature cocktail between 4 -7 p.m. daily.

urban tavern at the hilton san francisco union square
333 o’farrell st.
www.urbantavernsf.com
urban tavern is a newly transformed modern gastropub serving approachable food in a casual but sleek setting. happy hour specials include: half-priced cocktails, wine by the glass and $4 beer 3-5:30 p.m. a food menu of burgers and small bites are also available.

xyz lounge + w café at the w san francisco
181 third st.
www.whotels.com/sanfrancisco or
www.xyz-sf.com
keen to be green? w san francisco's eco-licious cocktail menu uses local, organic, sustainable and seasonal ingredients whenever, wherever possible. five at five for five-- five days a week. happy hour includes a selection of handcrafted organic cocktails, micro brew beers and biodynamic wines paired with organic bar bites by executive chef paul piscopo, all for $5 each. mon.-fri., 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the w café or xyz lounge.

for general information on hotel packages and reservations; events; activities and transportation in san francisco, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com. for lodging reservations, call 800-637-5196 within north america or 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (tty/ttd) elsewhere.

the san francisco visitors planning guide is available at the visitor information center, 900 market st., at the corner of powell and market streets, lower level, hallidie plaza. a virtual edition of the guide is also available online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/weaver/sfovg208/ a visitor's kit may also be ordered online at www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com, by phone at 415-391-2000 or 415-392-0328 (tty/ttd), by written request to the san francisco convention & visitors bureau, 900 market st., san francisco, ca 94102, or via email to vic1@sanfrancisco.travel. domestic and international shipping charges apply.

san francisco international airport (sfo) offers non-stop links with more than 30 international points on 25 international carriers. the bay area's largest airport connects non-stop with more than 65 cities in the u.s. on 20 domestic airlines. for up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com.

rent your travel reads …

2009-11-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

if you’re anything like us, you buy tons of books for those travel situations when you know you’re going to be stuck for long periods of time in one spot – in an airport, on a plane or train, etc., etc. the problem is that these books can take over your apartment pretty quickly. why buy them, though, when you can rent your travel reads?

bookswim, the netflix for books is offering a $10 gift certificate for everyone on your holiday gift list! start the year off with a reading head start by suggesting your favorite book for your friend!

you can send all of your friends, family, coworkers, and service people in your community a holiday e-greeting from bookswim and include a $10 gift card free to them (and to you!).

you can select delivery dates and choose to send e-greetings and a $10 gift via email, or text message, or even print out your e-greeting and gift card to hand it directly. you can print out as many $10 bookswim gift cards as you need to include them inside each holiday card you send.

it takes only five minutes to send to everyone through easy connection to your address book (outlook, gmail, yahoo, etc.) or via facebook and twitter. or just select a few email addresses to receive a bookswim holiday e-greeting. there’s no limit to the number of people you can send free $10 e-greeting gift cards to.

personalize your e-greeting message: you can even suggest a book your gift recipients should rent with their $10.

give more get more!:

select the special readers on your shopping list, add money to their gift card to give a few months or a full year of bookswim.

remember the first $10 of every gift card is on bookswim.

*add $50, get a bonus gift of $50 restaurant.com certificate for you or the gift recipient.

*or double it with $100 to restaurant.com with each $100 bookswim gift card.

*or just keep everyone's gift card at $10 to help them get started reading with bookswim.

elliott lucca valeras saddle bag … a hot pick for winter!

2009-11-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

check out the new elliott lucca valeras saddle bag with its sensual leather and sultry fall colors. shop now at www.elliottlucca.com and receive free shipping on orders over $200!

traveling with gifts? forgetaboutit!

2009-11-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

you’ve got your tickets. you’ve planned all your side trips. you’ve even packed your bags. but have you packed all those gifts you need to take with you to your destination this holiday season? yikes! don’t worry, though … you can ship virtually everything!

you've heard of black friday and cyber monday. now there is free shipping day, a one day online shopping event on dec. 17, when participating merchants offer free shipping to their customers with guaranteed delivery by christmas.

though the economy is still sluggish, more people plan to buy their holiday gifts online, according to the results of the most recent e-customer service index (ecsi), which indicates that 93 percent of people intend to surf the net for presents this holiday season. more than 71 percent are prepared to complete at least half of their christmas shopping online. free shipping day founder luke knowles says the level of interest in the second annual free shipping day shows that retailers have high hopes for the online holiday shopping.

more than 300 merchants have already signed up for this year's event and founder luke knowles expects more than 500 merchants will participate. merchants like toys r us, jcpenney, apple store, nike, sears, babies r us, eddie bauer, pacsun, petsmart, and adidas have confirmed they will be involved.

“merchants who participated in last year’s first free shipping day received such a tremendous response they almost immediately committed to being involved in this year’s event,” said knowles, whose site, freeshipping.org, is a one-stop destination for consumers to find online retailers that offer free shipping deals. “a growing number of retailers have contacted us to participate in free shipping day, thanks to all the media attention it has received."

black friday and cyber monday have become household names in the holiday shopping vocabulary. free shipping day is emerging as a widely known event among cost-conscious consumers during the holiday shopping season. in fact, free shipping day is the third part of the holiday shopping event trifecta.

“free shipping day is unique because it extends the holiday shopping season for merchants and allows shoppers who procrastinate to still find a good deal online,” knowles said.

knowles hatched the idea for free shipping day just two weeks before the event last december. in a sudden brainstorm, he thought that merchants would relish the opportunity to extend online holiday shopping, which typically peaks around dec. 10 because consumers are concerned about their gift orders arriving in time for christmas.

knowles expected a favorable response from retailers and consumers last year, but didn’t anticipate the overwhelming interest the event actually received. freeshippingday.com had 250,000 unique visitors in a 10-day period, including more than 100,000 on the day itself. regional and national media outlets (including woman’s day, smart money, oprah.com and numerous newspapers and tv stations) covered the event.

free shipping day is a one day online shopping event on dec. 17, when participating merchants offer free shipping to their customers with guaranteed delivery by christmas. participating merchants include toys r us, jcpenney, apple store, nike, sears, babies r us, eddie bauer, pacsun, petsmart, and adidas. for more information, visit www.freeshippingday.com.

great gift ideas for the holiday season!

2009-11-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

we know, we know … black friday is not even here yet, but we have some great gift ideas for you to get a jump on your shopping from avalon communications. take a look!

practicality and affordability are two buzzwords swarming around holiday gift-giving this year. avalon communications takes pride in representing clients whose products cater to both of these recession-induced demands.

according to a recent survey by black & decker and zogby, a staggering 70 percent of consumers plan to ask for necessities over luxuries this season. what’s more, the associated press reported in november that “this is the year of $25 and under gifts.” of course, that’s not to say that consumers no longer want to be pampered.

regardless of which camp shoppers fall into, avalon communications’ clients have everyone on your list covered. featured clients and their ideal gift-giving products include:

games for dames, manufacturer of the laugh-inducing– what’s a dame to do?! board game. retails for $29.00 USD(http://www.gamesfordames.com)
spibelt, the original small personal item belt that affords on-the-go athletes hands-free freedom. retails for $19.95 USD (http://www.spibelt.com)
cool-it caddy, the revolutionary grab-and-go clutch bag that keeps health and beauty products cool in the hottest conditions. retails for $39.95 USD (http://www.cool-itcaddy.com)
explorer’s bounty, manufacturer of certified organic food products including coffees, teas, chocolates and puffed fruit snacks. retails for $2.49 to 12.59 USD (http://www.explorersbounty.com)
thermacell, maker of effective and affordable mosquito repellent lanterns and appliances. retails for $31.99 USD or less (http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/ )
lovelyskin – provider of lumiere, skin medica, lumixyl and colorescience holiday gift sets. kits retail for $35.00 USD and higher (http://www.lovelyskin.com)
brondell – developer of the perfect flush water-saving system and breeza and swash lines of luxurious and practical toilet seats. newly reduced prices begin at $79.00 (http://www.brondell.com)
raw creations, creator of raw, gluten-free desserts that make ideal hostess/housewarming gifts; pricing begins at $9.00 USD (http://www.raw-creations.com)

“we’re fortunate to count among our clients companies whose products appeal to every consumer’s holiday wishes,” says kristyn moll, avalon communications managing director. “whether they’re seeking affordable, practical, luxurious or all three, shoppers will find something to check off their gift lists with our clients.”

we know you’ll find something for everyone when shopping one or more of these outstanding companies. who needs to fight the crowds on black friday when you’ve got such great gifts just a few keyboard strokes away?

diva editor’s tip: if you won’t be able to make it to some of your gifts’ destinations this holiday season, make sure you have the online companies you shop ship to your gift recipients to cut down on double shipping!

wazzamba – virtual travel made real …

2009-11-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

check out this cool new virtual travel world, wazzamba, and sign up for the beta for the chance to win your dream trip!

hats off to philip pelusi’s tips for winter …

2009-11-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

hats are the must have accessory for the fall and winter months, and nothing can mask a multitude of hair sins when you travel than a smart and fashionable topper.

but it is not always so easy to look good in a hat--here is the secret it is all about the hair.

celebrity hairstylist, philip pelusi reveals how to make your hair look great under the most common hat styles of the season.

hat style: fedora
hair style: contrast the angles of the hat with loose feminine waves.
why this works: loose feminine waves are a great way to wear your hair under a fedora. this type of hat has very sharp “menswear” angles. this is off-set by the softer hairstyle.
how to achieve this look: this type of hair style works best on medium to longer length hair. if hair has a natural wave, simply apply a curl enhancing products like p2® by philip pelusi® recurl to boost waves and beachcomber to add texture and let hair dry or dry with a diffuser attachment on your blow dyer. if hair is straight, use a big barrel curling iron to add curls, some facing towards and some facing away from the face.

hat style: newsboy cap
hair style: create ballerina-esque bun at the nape of the neck.
why this works: wearing a ballerina-esque bun at the nape is perfect combination with this tomboyish type newsboy cap look. also the newsboy cap is supposed to be worn low on the forehead and this tends to cover most of the entire forehead. wearing a ballerina bun pulls the hair back off the face opening to face up.
how to achieve this look: part hair in the center and smooth hair back into a low ponytail at the middle of the nape. use a hair smoothing bore bristle brush and a hair smoothing product like tela® beauty organics composure. apply product to the ponytail also and brush smooth. twist ponytail in one direction and wind around ponytail and secure with a few hair pins. put on newsboy and you are ready to go.

hat style: beret
hair style: tuck the hair back into a side pony so that soft strands peek out.
why this works: a side swept ponytail is a perfect way to wear your hair under a beret. a beret has a french romantic look and this feminine ponytail really compliments that. tuck the hair back into a side pony so that soft strands peek out.
how to achieve this look: this look works best with straight or smooth hair. create a side part and use a bore bristle paddle brush and a hair smoothing product like tela® beauty organics encore and brush into a low side ponytail at the nape on the opposite side of the part. secure ponytail and put on beret. the back of the beret should slouch to the opposite side of the ponytail.

hat style: shearling hat
hair style: pull the hair half-way back, then unclip when the hat comes off to get the hair's bounce back.
why this works: shearling hats are beautiful and warm but they often crush the hair. a hair half-way up look is a great idea to make the hair look great while the hat is on and preserve the hair for when the hat comes off.
how to achieve this look: style hair as usual and then apply a product that can act as a dry hair setting lotion like p2® by philip pelusi® increase. then divide hair in half from ear to ear and twist up the crown of the head and secure with a clip. this will work as a dry set. once you take the hat off and remove clip, toss to separate hair and revive hair with a hair refreshing product like as p2® by philip pelusi® refreshair®.

a timely discount from black dog publishing … 40%!

2009-11-23T18:24:00.001-07:00

just in time for holiday shopping, diva in a carry on is delighted to offer our readers a 40% discount on featured titles at black dog publishing!

this offer is open until 31st december 2009.

from explorations of the personalities, events and movements that make up the fascinating history of fashion to design theory to the impact of the environment, sustainability and ethics within the industry, these books featured cover all aspects of fashion practice. we are also proud to include titles delving into the more specialist fields of fashion and design, from textiles to jewellery, and from paper to ceramic design – black dog continues to profile the work of most innovative artists and designers from exciting, emerging talents to established figures. black dog has also released eclectic craft books for the new millennium of craftsters, playing testament to a trend that is only going to get bigger.

interested readers simply need to email black dog publishing directly at jess@blackdogonline.com, with the subject line “diva in a carry on 40% discount” to receive the discounted rate. check out these great titles available for your diva discount!

covergirl’s got a look for you!

2009-11-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

we love covergirl for it’s affordability (important in this economy!) but also for it’s amazing range of products – we’ve never been disappointed in their colors, textures and wearability. true to form, they update their lines frequently, and here’s a look at what’s coming in january 2010!

start shopping early, and update your look!

CONTINUED MISSING PERSON SEARCH – KAILA MORRIS – COLUMBUS, MS …

2009-11-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

MISSING PERSON NOTICE FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN THE COLUMBUS, MS AREA!!!!!

This is a post regarding my friend Bonnie Morris Triplett and her missing daughter, Kaila Morris. If you live in the Columbus, MS area and/or know the family, PLEASE read and help with the search.

From Bonnie Morris Triplett - PLEASE HELP ME AND MY FAMILY.!!!

My daughter Kaila Morris is missing.

SHE HASBEEN ADDED TO THE NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DATA BASE.

Kaila Morris disappeared Thursday, September 17, 2009. She was last seen leaving her home in Columbus, MS around 8:00 P.M. She was seen getting into a dark colored van/SUV.

Kaila is a 21-year old female with dirty-blonde hair and green/grey eyes. She is 5'6" tall and weighs 230 lbs. She has the following tatoos: rose on left toe, keltic star and moon on tailbone, and 2 wolves on left hip.

Anyone with information in regard to Kaila Morris should contact CrimeStoppers at 662-494-0109. There is a reward for any information leading to finding Kaila Morris.

UPDATE: An Amber Alert has been issued for Kaila Morris. Also, she has been placed on the National Missing Person's list. Please, if anyone has any information please contact CrimeStoppers.

If you have any information about Kaila, please contact her mother at 662.327.3155

new years eve in nyc …

2009-11-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

nyc & company announces details of new year’s eve celebration in new york city

times square to be focal point for hundreds of thousands
of revelers and television viewers on december 31, 2009

nyc & company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for new york city, today announced activities surrounding the 2009 new year’s eve festivities. the year-end celebration brings hundreds of thousands of people to times square, one of the most famous gathering spots in the world. as visitors and residents watch the world-famous new year’s eve ball descend from the flagpole atop one times square at midnight on the last day of the year, the eyes of the world are squarely on new york city.

“there is no more exciting place to be on new year’s eve than times square in new york city—and revelers will find even more space to spread out, with this year’s closure of times square to traffic,” said george fertitta, ceo of nyc & company.

the times square new year’s eve ball is a 12-foot geodesic sphere weighing 11,875 pounds. covered in 2,668 waterford crystals and powered by 32,256 philips luxeon rebel led lights, the ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns, producing a spectacular kaleidoscopic effect atop one times square. the ball has been on display since jan. 1, 2009, and is a year-round attraction for visitors from around the world.

more than 100 million television viewers in the united states and more than 1 billion worldwide are expected to watch the ball drop, bringing even more visibility to the crossroads of the world.

the schedule for the new year’s eve festivities is as follows:

4pm

the revelers

revelers start arriving late in the afternoon on new year's eve. by approximately 4pm, the “bow tie” of times square (42nd–47th streets, between broadway and seventh avenue) becomes a focal point for the festivities. the nypd will direct revelers to gather in separate viewing sections. as one section fills up, police will direct new arrivals to the next section. as the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill the times square neighborhood along broadway and seventh avenue, and as far north as central park.

6–6:03 pm

lighting and raising the times square new year’s eve ball

the celebration begins with the lighting and raising of the new year’s eve ball atop one times square.

11:59pm

the 60-second countdown

new york city mayor michael r. bloomberg and the times square 2010 special guest (to be announced) will push the waterford crystal button that signals the descent of the new year’s eve ball, and lead the 60-second countdown to the new year atop the countdown stage at duffy square (the center island from broadway to seventh avenue between 46th and 47th streets).

midnight

2010 sign

at the stroke of midnight, the lights on the new year’s eve ball are turned off as the numerals “2010” are illuminated high above times square.

several events will take place leading up to the ball drop, including:

confetti wishing wall–the confetti wishing wall will be at the times square information center, located at broadway between 46th and 47th streets). new year’s eve is a time when people of every background come together to express a collective hope for renewal; a yearning for a better personal or global future can sometimes take the form of resolutions or wishes. with that in mind, visitors to the information center are invited to write their wishes and resolutions for 2010 on pieces of paper, which will be displayed on the wall. for those who cannot make it to times square to add their wishes, a virtual wall has been created at timessquarenyc.org. at midnight on december 31, the wish papers will become part of the confetti that rains down on the city. (note: specific dates of confetti wishing wall to be posted at timessquarenyc.org).

good riddance day—the co-organizers of new year’s eve in times square (times square alliance and countdown entertainment) are inviting the public to say good-bye, once and for all, to those bad memories at the third annual good riddance day. shredders will be available for use in duffy square so everyone can discard their distasteful, embarrassing and downright depressing memories from 2009. (note: specific date of good riddance day to be posted at timessquarenyc.org)

other new year’s eve events in nyc:

for those seeking other new year’s eve entertainment options beyond times square, circle line sightseeing cruises is offering a new year’s eve party cruise, which includes a full open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a nonstop dj, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. tickets for the three-hour cruise are $120 (must be 18 for the cruise, and 21 to drink alcohol). for more information, click on the ”special events” section of circleline42.com.

if a new year’s eve run around central park appeals to you, check out the emerald nuts midnight run, hosted by new york road runners. there will be a dj and dancing at 10pm, a costume parade and contest at 11pm, and fireworks and a four-mile race at midnight. more information can be found at nyrr.org.

brooklyn residents and visitors can take part in the borough’s largest new year’s eve party at grand army plaza, which will include fireworks and live music. the best viewing locations for the fireworks are within grand army plaza, along west drive in prospect park, and along prospect park west between grand army plaza and ninth street. for more information, go to prospectpark.org.

for more information about visiting new york city, check out the city’s official tourism website at nycgo.com.

about nyc & company:

nyc & company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the city of new york, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of new york city worldwide. for more information on visiting nyc, visit nycgo.com.

super specials from the carlton, nyc …

2009-11-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

radio city christmas spectacular

the radio city christmas spectacular is a glittering present full of fun and surprises for the whole family! enjoy the flawless precision of the radio city rockettes' in numbers like legendary "parade of the wooden soldiers" and thrill as santa takes you on a magical ride to his workshop at the north pole, where playful ragdolls come to life. everyone marvels at the stunning reenactment of the first christmas in the "living nativity.”

rooms start at $229, discounted rockette tickets through the hotel are $35, $45 and $65.

city shopping tour

where can you find the world's best shopping' new york city, of course! let the carlton hotel guide you to the best shopping opportunities manhattan has to offer on this exciting two night package. this package includes a private appointment with a shopping concierge, special coupons to local stores, and tickets to a shopping tour of nyc's trendiest boutiques in soho & nolita with shop gotham.

room rates start at $269.99 per person for a standard room.

both packages are available through the end of the year and can be booked by calling 1-800-601-8500 or at www.carltonhotelnyc.om

CONTINUED MISSING PERSON SEARCH – KAILA MORRIS – COLUMBUS, MS …

2009-11-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

MISSING PERSON NOTICE FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN THE COLUMBUS, MS AREA!!!!!

This is a post regarding my friend Bonnie Morris Triplett and her missing daughter, Kaila Morris. If you live in the Columbus, MS area and/or know the family, PLEASE read and help with the search.

From Bonnie Morris Triplett - PLEASE HELP ME AND MY FAMILY.!!!

My daughter Kaila Morris is missing.

SHE HASBEEN ADDED TO THE NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS DATA BASE.

Kaila Morris disappeared Thursday, September 17, 2009. She was last seen leaving her home in Columbus, MS around 8:00 P.M. She was seen getting into a dark colored van/SUV.

Anyone with information in regard to Kaila Morris should contact CrimeStoppers at 662-494-0109. There is a reward for any information leading to finding Kaila Morris.

UPDATE: An Amber Alert has been issued for Kaila Morris. Also, she has been placed on the National Missing Person's list. Please, if anyone has any information please contact CrimeStoppers.

If you have any information about Kaila, please contact her mother at 662.327.3155

hang with santa in beautiful paso robles, california …

2009-11-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

california beaches, wonderful wines and seasonal color? yes, virginia, there is a place with all of this: central coast california’s paso robles.

located right between san francisco and los angeles, it’s the perfect last-minute destination for thanksgiving celebration and unique holiday shopping.

with 180 wineries, a quaint downtown chock full of must-shop boutiques, 1000+ guest rooms from the family-affordable to the fabulous-luxe, paso robles is the perfect turkey day get-away for families, couples and friends alike.

to make the prospect of turkey, paso robles-style, even tastier, paso robles is hosting some wonderful pre-holiday activities, and many of the restaurants, hotels and spas are offering special packages and delightful dinners. dinners ranch from fabulous steak house extravaganzas to locally-grown gourmet fare, with plenty to see and do to work off the effects of holiday feasting.

highlights:

november 27^th: tree lighting ceremony

december 5^th: holiday parade

and santa will be downtown, with full schedule coming soon!

full details can be found at: http://www.travelpaso.com/cm/experience_paso_robles/promotions.html.

follow paso robles on twitter: @travelpaso or facebook: travelpaso for last minute news and deals.

great new iPhone app that helps you shop!

2009-11-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

seventeen, cosmo and marie claire were included as part of an iphone/itouch holiday gift guide that launched recently.

you can download the app by logging on to:

http://itunes.apple.com/webobjects/mzstore.woa/wa/viewsoftware?id=334096900&mt=8

the app was created by nearbynow and includes, in addition to the pubs mentioned above all you, real simple, sunset, details, southern living and cooking light magazines to fold their holiday gift selections into the app. in addition, the app included gift guides from retailers including nordstrom, bon-ton, macy’s, charlotte russe and buckle.

tonce users find products they wish to investigate further or purchase, they simply tap the “find nearby” button at the bottom of their iphone screen, and nearbynow's concierge service goes to work, ensuring the item the customer wants is in stock at his or her nearest store. nearbynow sends the customer an e-mail verification, typically within 10 minutes, and the customer can stop by the store and check out the item. there is also a “find online” option for those shoppers who prefer to buy online.