Mom & Pops

Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season. Please support your local shops and boutiques. During these tough economic times, they need our support. And, if you're like me, I much prefer the experience of shopping charming, unique shops, as opposed to large chains.

Mouche Packets from bellocchio

Today I'm off to one of my favorite little shops, Bell'occhio, here in San Francisco. It's a charming shop, full of curiosities. The owner Claudia has a keen eye. Each purchase is beautifully gift-wrapped and I never walk out empty-handed. After that, I'll mosey over to North Beach and visit some of my favorite boutiques. Tomorrow I'll head over to the San Francisco Antique & Design Mall to look for some one-of-a-kind items. It's much more fun than fighting crowds of shoppers downtown, and a way to find something unique for that special person.

Chocolate bars from bellocchio

Paris Map boxes from bellocchio

North India Tours - Luxury India Travel Services-hotel

North India Tours - Luxury India Travel Services-hotel
by goutham

NorthIndiaTravelServices.com is the one step online resource to tour and travel services in North India; was created two years before, for provide best travel services and customer satisfaction. We believes in best tour and travel services and good relationship with tourist or customers who come to visit India provide them language supporting tourist guide for both domestic and overseas clients, best accommodation and lodging options in luxury and budget hotels in Delhi, Agra Jaipur, Shimla, Mussorie Nainital.

If you plan travel and tours to India must visit the sightseeing places in North India. Adventure tours and pilgrimage tours in the Uttranachal/Uttrakhand, Camel Safari Desert Tours in Rajasthan and Golden Triangle tours combine the places Delhi - Jaipur - Agra tours. Agra is famous due to the incredible and wonderful Taj Mahal, Wildlife and Sanctuary. North India is famous for its natural beauty and during the vacation tours and holiday trip you can enjoy the hill station tours in shimla, mussoorie and cultural and wildlife tours, sanctuary, in Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu-Kashmir -the only heaven in India.

Travel agents at Northindiatravelservices.com help to make your journey pleasure inbound tours inside India. Best deals to visit Rajasthan, Goa, Cochin, Kerala, Agra (The City of Wonderful Taj Mahal), Gaya- the Buddhist place, and other memorable tour destinations provide you best support round-the-clock.

Vacation tours to Rajasthan, Haridwar, Rishikesh and the highness Himalaya you will find the complete 24/7 hour supports, stay options in luxury and budget hotels in North India. Bharatpur Ghana Sanctuary in Rajasthan, Corbett-National-Park in Nainital Uttrakhand has a rich tourist attraction.

North India Travels services provide travel to north India by airs, railway and the bus, coach and luxury car. Our tour Operators and travel agents provide round-the-clock support to tour bookings, hotel bookings; provide complete tour information, air bookings, and car hiring services. The train Palace- on- Wheels to Visit the complete Rajasthan will make probably memorable. Make your tour itinerary to visit the incredible North India.

About the Author

Author Gautham is an associated member and editor of the company Cosmovision Tours. With a Vision to provide and set up best tour and travel services in India. He has a dream in his eye to make best tour informative, and travel services provider to CosmoVision Tours with the help of NorthIndiatravelservices.com

Luxury Living At The MGM Grand Hotel And Casino Las Vegas-hotel

Luxury Living At The MGM Grand Hotel And Casino Las Vegas-hotel

by Larry Austin

If ones idea of a holiday includes gambling and partying till the break of dawn, then Las Vegas is definitely the place to visit! Those wanting to truly immerse themselves in the city's energetic atmosphere should look for accommodation in the area known as "The Strip" where one will find most of the famous casinos and resorts such as the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

Situated along the south side of The Strip, the MGM Grand Hotel is a well known Las Vegas landmark that caters to those looking to enjoy some luxury living and personal pampering! Located only around 2.5 miles from the McCarran International Airport, the hotel is ideal for those planning to explore Vegas and is suited for business travellers as well.

Of course most people visit the city in order to hit the jackpot and at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas one can try to do just that! Home to its very own luxurious casino, the hotel offers a variety of table games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Craps. Poker players can make their way to the stylish Poker Room which is open 24/7, while the casino also has a modern race & sports book centre as well as numerous slot machine games including one that offers a million dollar prize! Guests stepping outside the MGM Grand Hotel will soon find themselves surrounded by the chaotic carnival setting of The Strip which is an experience in itself. The Guggenheim Hermitage Museum and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum are only about 1.5 miles away, while the popular Fashion Show Mall and the New York-New York Hotel with its rollercoaster ride are also easily accessible.

Other attractions along The Strip worth visiting include the fascinating water fountain ballet at The Bellagio, the King Tut Museum at The Luxor, the Sirens show at Treasure Island, Circus Circus with its live acrobats, the erupting volcano at The Mirage and the Grand Canal at The Venetian.

Home to a captivating lion habitat, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas is an attraction in itself and guests staying indoors will have plenty to keep them occupied. Those after some much needed R&R can head to the onsite Grand Pool Complex, the lively Wet Republic Ultra Pool area or to the Grand Spa & Health Club. Retail therapy is on hand at the hotel's many designer boutiques and luxury shops.

Entertainment at the MGM Grand Hotel comes in way of Cirque du Soleil's thrilling "KA" show, the titillating Crazy Horse Paris cabaret as well as a wide range of sporting events and performances that take place at the Grand Garden Arena and the Hollywood Theatre respectively. Corporate clientele have access to over 593,000 square feet of meeting space including a modern conference centre and a ballroom.

Dining options abound at the hotel which is home to such fine-dining establishments as the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak and a restaurant run by the renowned French chef, Joel Robuchon. Meals in a more informal setting are available at Emeril's and the Grand Wok & Sushi Bar. The nightlife at the MGM Grand is a mixture of sophisticated style and a trendy club atmosphere which can be found at such hotspots as the Tabu Ultra Lounge, Studio 54, Zuri and Centrifuge.

The rooms at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas are tastefully designed and provide guests with an intimate living space in which to chill out in. The rooms have air conditioning, cable television with pay movies and high-speed wireless and / or wired internet access (additional cost) which is ideal for those needing to email back home. An in-room safe and an iron / ironing board are also available, while guests wanting to truly live it up can book one of the Terrace Suites, the Celebrity Spa Suites or Skylofts Penthouse Suites.

Surrounded by all the excitement of The Strip, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is a great place to experience the non-stop thrills and spills of Las Vegas, even if lady luck does not make an appearance on ones holiday!

About the Author

Larry Austin is a freelance journalist, currently working for RoomsNet.com and who writes on topics related to travel, hotels and destination reviews. MGM Grand Hotel is one of the most popular holiday visiting place in Las Vegas and Roomsnet.com is a specialist for Hotel Booking.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, 1937, Pinocchio floating through Times Square with his 44-foot nose (photo from flickr)

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Tips for selecting Singapore Hotels-hotel

Tips for selecting Singapore Hotels-hotel

by Kevin Laura

Many people like to live like the locals when they visit a new place or country. They are mostly on the lookout for a home outside their home. Others have varied choices. Some like comfort, some desire modern facilities, some look for glimpses of the past and nostalgia, while still others look for economy.

Since its independence from British in 1963 followed by its separation from the Malaysian Federation in 1965 when it gained complete sovereignty, the Republic of Singapore has gradually evolved into one of the richest economies of the world. Trade, manufacturing and tourism are the three pillars of its economy. Naturally this has resulted in a steady stream of visitors to the country. These visitors looking for accommodation of their choice is a natural corollary to such situation. An attractive place for the multination corporations, it is the fourth largest center for foreign exchange trading in the world.

What the best hotels in Singapore has to offer

Despite rapid urbanization, most of the top hotels in Singapore have continued to maintain their link to the tradition and heritage while providing its visitors all the modern facilities. Most of them are also located close to the Grand Hyatt, known for its abundant beauty.

When you reside in one of the best hotels in Singapore it not only offers you all the amenities but also the facilities to visit a number of places that are worth visiting. For example, there is the Botanic Garden, and art and craft shopping complex that are two of the most popular and visited sites in Singapore.

Singapore hotels are good for relaxation as well as business

Top hotels in Singapore are the sources of great inspiration for you when it comes to business oriented works. At the same time they are equally great for recreation and relaxation. You have swimming pools, spa, games facilities for indoor and outdoor games, gyms for work out and a number of other avenues to relax your over burdened mind and body.

These hotels also provide you with a unique blend of the modern and traditional. You will find a judicious yet very attractive mixture of modern and traditional architecture together with sophistication. If you are a lover of the past heritage, you can also find colonial luxuries in a few places like the Raffles or the Fullerton hotels. The styles are exemplary and the cuisine is delicious.

Great hospitality is a great influence

Wherever you might be staying in Singapore, either in the luxury hotels in Singapore or in some of the budget or economy hotels you will never find scope to complain about the hospitality in these hotels. The services are one of the best in the world and the food is special not found in many places across the globe.

Getting the taste of local life while staying in a Singapore hotel can make your experience a special treat of your life. The experience will certainly be unforgettable in your life. The best thing about the hotels in Singapore is that they try to match all your requirements with utmost sincerity and you feel as if you are in a home away from your home.

About the Author

The author is presently working as the Communication Executive in a leading international firm. With his vast knowledge about the hotels in Singapore he has been writing regular columns on Singapore hotel in many travel and tourism magazines. Currently he is also the advisor of the local tourism department's East Asia Travel and Tourism branch.

Creative Gift Wrap

A vintage music-lesson card strikes a personal note paired with a costume jewelry brooch and a bright blue ribbon.

It's so much fun using vintage finds to dress up a package. And... it is a great way to recycle. Aren't these fun?

Recycle vintage boxes and tins, such as these French pastel chalk boxes, to hold gift cards, spa certificates, or concert tickets. Silk ribbon and tiny ornaments add festive flair.

Images from Country Home Magazine - December 2008

Holiday Cheer at PRIZE

I wanted to share some fun photos of my friend Jen's store, PRIZE, in Ashland, Oregon. All decorated for the holidays, PRIZE celebrates in style!

A "PRIZE" ribboned Christmas tree and cement reindeer dress up the store window

Fun ornaments to decorate your tree!

Charming vignette of framed vintage paintings

Vintage jewelry for some holiday "glitz"

John Derian decoupage

If you're visiting southern Oregon be sure and stop by PRIZE:

PRIZE
264 East Main Street
Ashland, Oregon 97520
(541) 482-0345

Dessert Bar Delight!

Now this brightens up my day! I just stumbled upon the website of event planner, Amy Atlas. Located in New York City, Amy specializes in high end dessert tables. She treats each endeavor as a unique, art project and designs each dessert table to fit the client. The photos of her work are mouth-watering. Take a look and check out her website here. Time to plan a party!!

Candy Shop Dessert Table filled with nostalgic candy, old-fashioned taffy, barber poles, Sweet Tarts and rock candy. {My favorite... I want to have a party now!!}

Birthday Dessert Table --{love the packaging}!

Bridal Brunch Dessert Table --all white with torrone nougat, coconut macaroons, and dusted truffles

Bridal Brunch Dessert Table --all white with torrone nougat, coconut macaroons, and dusted truffles. White lemonade with hand calligraphed "Best Wishes" {Oh my...this is lovely}

Mod Dessert Table with a graphic cake, custom yellow and black chocolates, licorice mints and lemon cupcakes. {So Hollywood Regency}!

Wedding Dessert Table. Fuschia cherry blossom tree cake inspired by the wedding invitation. Custom lollipop trees, raspberry truffles, chocolate and mini cupcakes.

Mother's Day Dessert Table with a cone-patterned cake, petit fours and macaroons. {Beautiful color, isn't it?}

Mother's Day Dessert Kid Table with Jordan almonds, malt balls, taffy and jelly beans, for the kids!

All photos courtesy of amyatlas.com {visit her site!!}

Collecting Cecil Beaton

Centenaire de Monte Carlo 1866 - 1966 (Beaton)

International Poster Gallery

I'm a huge fan of Cecil Beaton's work. Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton , 1904-80, was a designer, photographer, writer, painter, and diarist. After designing his first stage show in 1935, Beaton worked on numerous productions from Gigi to My Fair Lady. He is also recognized for his photography, particularly his glamorous portraits of the rich and famous, many of whom were either friends or acquaintances, and for the numerous books he wrote and illustrated.

Cecil Beaton's first edition books at Paris Hotel Boutique

At Paris Hotel Boutique, we sell first edition Beaton books. They are difficult to come by. The covers are exquisite, and the content, most entertaining. Beaton wrote over 20 biographies in his career.

During a buying trip in Southern California awhile back, I spotted an amazing Beaton poster behind the cash register of an antique shop. I went crazy for it. I don't remember the content except that it was a design I'd never seen before. Unfortunately it was not for sale. I begged and pleaded, but the shop owner didn't want to part with it.

Audrey Hepburn photographed by Cecil Beaton

One of these days I'd love to purchase the "Centenaire Monte Carlo" poster, photo above. Do any of you collect Beatons' work? Books? Magazines? Photos? I'd love to hear!

Cecil Beaton's living room in his suite at the Plaza Hotel, New York, 1946
Photographed by Dmitri Kessel, Life Magazine

'Beaton Beauties'

Award-winning design from the 'Sketchbook Collection'
{click on image to enlarge!}

I recently posted about the Cecil Beaton fabric collection. The other day I was contacted by someone at Beaudesert about their newest line, "The Sketchbook Collection." The line is inspired by Beatons' fashion sketches from his book 'The Glass of Fashion', featuring Dior's 1950's Couture Collection. Lovely color-tinted sketches.

'Glass of Fashion' from Parishotelboutique.com

This print will be available on silk, linen and wallpaper, and was named "Winner-Best New Fabric Print" in the 'Best of the Best' Focus 2008 Awards, London. There will be more designs out the first of next year so check out, Cecil Beaton Fabrics. Can't wait to see the new designs!

The MGM Grand Hotel And Casino In Las Vegas And Life On The Strip-hotel

The MGM Grand Hotel And Casino In Las Vegas And Life On The Strip-hotel

by Larry Austin
Home to monolithic hotel resorts, dazzling show spectaculars and of course action packed casinos, Las Vegas is a manmade oasis in the Nevada dessert that has to be experienced to be believed even if ones budget may not encourage the kind of indulgence the city expects! The best way to experience a typical Vegas holiday is by finding accommodation in the area known as "The Strip" and the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino is definitely an option worth considering.
A great place to start ones Vegas adventure, the MGM Grand Hotel has become a familiar landmark along The Strip and offers one a taste of the high life. The hotel embodies the style and sophistication one would expect when looking for luxury accommodation and gives visitors a chance to experience the trappings of Las Vegas all under one roof.
As with most of the large hotels, the MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas has its own casino where one can get down to some serious gambling or indulge in the less risky pastime of people watching! Such Vegas favourites as Blackjack, Roulette and Poker are just a few of the many games on offer here not forgetting the countless slot machines which offer those on a strict budget the chance to become instant winners.
Of course to truly experience life on The Strip one needs to head outdoors at night when the city becomes a colourfully chaotic centre of fun and entertainment where anything goes! The family friendly Fashion Show Mall and Madame Tussauds are within easy reach of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, while other attractions along The Strip worth visiting include the water fountain ballet at The Bellagio, the Sirens Show at Treasure Island and The Mirage's erupting volcano.
Those looking to escape from the crowds of thrill seekers that throng The Strip can stay inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino which has plenty of attractions to keep one occupied. Home to the popular Lion Habitat, the hotel also has two sprawling swimming pool complexes, a wide variety of both formal and informal dining options, designer boutiques and such nightlife hotspots as the Tabu Ultra Lounge where one can rub shoulders with the who's who of Las Vegas. The property is also used as a venue for several entertainment shows including the well known "KA" by Cirque du Soleil.
Ranging from standard to opulent suites, the guestrooms at the MGM Grand Hotel are tastefully designed and make for simple living spaces where one can getaway from the bright neon lights of Las Vegas! Air conditioning and cable television with pay movies are standard, while rooms also come with high speed wired and / or wireless internet access (additional cost).
Las Vegas may not be for everyone, but it certainly makes for an experience of a lifetime be it in winning a small fortune to going dangerously close to bankruptcy! Those wanting more information regarding the MGM Grand Hotel and the attractions along The Strip can refer, "The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas: Living It Up In the City That Never Sleeps!"
About the Author
Larry Austin is a freelance journalist, currently working for RoomsNet.com and who writes on topics related to travel, hotels and destination reviews. MGM Grand Hotelis one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain and Roomsnet.com is a specialist for Hotel Booking.

The Work of Shepard Fairey

I hadn't heard of Shepard Fairey until I saw the iconic poster of Barack Obama that has become a cultural phenomenon. Los Angeles-based street artist, graphic designer, and illustrator, Shepard Fairey's "Hope" and "Progess" signed/numbered posters are selling for thousands of dollars on eBay.

His work has a very vintage feel to me, using beautiful colors and graphics. "Utilizing currency motifs and a Norman Rockwell aesthetic, Fairey employs the graphic language of the subjects they critique. Blending Art Nouveau, hippie, and revolutionary propaganda styles, he celebrates subjects advocating peace."- Kellis Landrum

You can read an interview with the artist here.

How about this cover?

Reservations, please...

I've never been to Buenos Aires, but after looking at photos of the Faena Hotel + Universe, it's time to start saving my pennies...

The 110-room hotel and residential complex is the brainchild of local iconoclast Alen Faena, a fashion designer turned real estate entrepreneur. He tapped fellow visionary Philippe Starck to drape the spacious interiors with a decadent decor rich in velvets, reds and golds, plus contemporary, all-white touches; imagine Belle Époque-meets-21st-century.

Upon arrival, I think I'd check in and head straight to the spa for some relaxation and pampering after a long plane flight. Perhaps the 5-star treatment massage and a facial treatment with La Prairie products. Oh, I'm relaxed now.

Now I'm off to "The Cellar" for a glass of wine. The Cellar has the largest collection of wines in Argentina. Love this sophisticated room!

A gal's gotta shop! La Boutique offers some exquisite items and I love the decor. I think I'll pick up a couple of things.

Pretty pooped now. I think it's time for sleep in one of the Executive Rooms, with wonderful views of the sunset.

Wake up time and I'm off to the Library Lounge to people watch, have a light breakfast and read the paper. Such a comfortable setting.

After a long day of sightseeing through lovely Buenos Aires, it's time for a bite at "El Mercado." They have an excellent menu with Argentinian cuisine. The decor is amazing with vintage and antique pieces throughout.

Loving this room.

What's a night in a swanky hotel without a show. El Cabaret has great live shows and you can't help but love the gold Chiavari chairs against the red backdrop. Wow.

After a full day, it's off to zzzzz.....

A girl can dream, right? Thanks for joining me at the Faena!

All photos courtesy of Faena Hotel + Universe

Cheap Chicago Hotel Rates-hotel

Cheap Chicago Hotel Rates-hotel

by David H. Urmann
Chicago hotels offer an affordable rate for your accommodation needs. Choose from a wide array of hotels within the area of the city.
Whether you are on vacation or business travel in Chicago, you will surely find a good place to stay with so many hotels around that offers great discounts to its guests.
Affinia Chicago The Affinia Chicago is located in the neighborhood of Streeterville. It is just blocks away from some of the shops and tourist attractions such as the Michigan Avenue Magnificent Mile, Historic Water Tower and Museum of Contemporary Arts.
The Affinia Chicago is a high- rise building, with 29 floors that consists of 215 fully- furnished guestrooms. The guestrooms feature wooden bookcases, antique benches, and sofa sleepers with matching scalloped curtains, combined with intricate bedding sets. In addition, modern amenities like 32- inch TVs, MP3 adapters, wired and wireless Internet access; mini bars and in- room safes are available in all the guestrooms.
Other room amenities: • Video Games • CD Player • Refrigerator • Coffee Maker • Hair dryer • Iron and ironing board
Bathrooms include Aveda bath products, bathrobes and other essentials.
The C-House restaurant offers hotel guests with variety of cuisines and wine. Guests are served with their favorite seafood by the renowned Chef Marcus Samuelson's staff.
Other hotel amenities are: • Fitness Center • Spa Services • Jet-Set Program for pets • Bar • Limo or Car service • Multilingual staff • 24- hour front desk
Best Western Grant Park The Best Western Grant Park is a 9- storey building with 172 guestrooms located in Chicago, Illinois.
Room Amenities include: • Desk • Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet • Complimentary local calls for 30 minutes • Tub/shower combination • Heat lamp • Hair dryer • Iron and ironing board • Coffee maker • In-room safe which can accommodate laptop • Satellite TV • Clock radio
Hotel Amenities: • Seasonal outdoor pool • Fitness Center • Fornetto & Mei's Italian and Chinese restaurant • Bar • LaVazza Italian Coffee Bar
Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront The Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront is very near the Lake Michigan lakefront. It is a 17- storey property. The blue line trolley station which is just across the hotel provides a convenient way in going to places like the Michigan Avenue shops, Navy Pier and the Tribune Tower.
The 455 guestrooms offer its guests an outstanding view of the lake side. Rooms come with kitchenettes that include microwave oven, refrigerator and coffee maker. Entertainment equipments such as colored TVs and MP3 adapters are provided. A free Internet access is available to keep in touch with the world outside.
Hotel Amenities: • PJ Clarke's restaurant • 511 North Bar • Indoor pool • Sauna • Fitness center • Spa service
Room Amenities: • Sofa bed • Desk • Flat-panel TV with satellite channels • Pay movies • Refrigerator • Microwave oven • Coffee and tea maker • Hair dryer • Iron and ironing board • In-room safe • 24- hour front desk
University Club of Chicago The University Club of Chicago is a 14 storey building which was established by a group of college alumni. It caters to club members and non members looking for an affordable place to stay for vacation or business travel.
The property is ideal for adventurers or students who want to learn the cultures and traditions of the country with the plenty of galleries and museums in the area while having a relaxing accommodation.
Room Amenities: • Complimentary high- speed wireless Internet • Free newspaper • Alarm clock • Bath robes • Cable TV • Coffee maker • DVD player • Direct dial telephone
Hotel Amenities: • Restaurants • Art gallery • Fitness center • Indoor pool • Coffee shop • Bar • 24- hour front desk .

About the Author
For more information on Chicago Discount Hotels and Los Angeles Discount Hotelsplease visit our website.

Airspace... Brilliant!

I just stumbled upon the fabulous website, Airspace , via Anna at Villa Anna and Di at Designer's Block. I think I'm going to be spending countless hours on the computer perusing their site!

Airspace, based in the UK, is an inspiring website filled with magnificent locations for film and photographic industries. Their selection of locations are broken down into categories of every style imaginable from French, feminine and grandeur, to quirky, retro and eclectic. You must visit the site. Whatever 'look' inspires you, you'll find it there. I just spent time looking at their "quirky" & "grandeur" locations. Here are some of my favorite photos...

This home is called "Mile End" and is 'Napoleonic chic meets opium den'!

"Mile End" is a four story Georgian house in East London...beautiful wooden floors!

Many antique props and furniture...{I love the juxtaposition of periods and colors}

Elements of whimsy...

This house is under "grandeur" and is called "Richmond Road." It is a spacious home in London. I LOVE this bathroom!

Stunning feminine, antique and romantic interior--love the portraits!

Beautiful French boudoir furniture and mirrors...

Great display of apothecary bottles...

And how cute is this room? Look at the two black poodles!

All photos from airspace.. have fun!