More Clever Packaging...

While perusing The Lovely Package, I stumbled upon this quirky packaging from The Spice Outfit in Chicago. They sell authentic gourmet Chicago-style meat rubs and blends with fun names such as, 'Bugsy's Kosher Nostra', 'With the Fishes', 'Cookin' the Books' and more.

Love the vintage mafia mugshots on the packaging. I'm a fan of gangster films, (Godfather I & II being my favorites), so these spices are right up my alley. You can purchase The Spice Outfit's products online here. They'll make you an offer you can't refuse!

Photos from thespiceoutfit.com

Just in at Paris Hotel Boutique...

Valentine's Day is around the corner and we've just added over 50 new pieces at Paris Hotel Boutique. Perhaps a monogrammed teapot from the hotel you honeymooned, or a handsome pair of cufflinks for that special guy! You can check them out here...

Claudia Visits the City

photo (SF shop) from the paris apartment

I was delighted to find out that my friend Claudia, of The Paris Apartment, was in San Francisco for a long weekend. I hadn't seen her in a few years and what fun it was to spend some time together. On Sunday, the talented Lisa, of Lisa Golightly, and I picked up Claudia and had lunch at Citizen Cake in Hayes Valley (you have to try their fried donuts), and did then did some shopping. So much fun! Lisa is an amazing artist that I met years ago via eBay. She sells on Etsy and has a blog as well.

Yesterday Claudia and I ran around the City visiting some of our favorite antique shops, French cafes and Smoke Signals, the best magazine shop in the City. It was a rainy day, but we had a lot of laughs and Claudia took some spectacular photos. Thanks for the fun time! Come back soon Claudia!

La Boulange de Polk - photo from the paris apartment

The girls

Going, Going, Gone!

Today marked the 4th annual Gentlemen's Library Sale at Bonham's auction house in London. Can a gal be more disappointed than to have missed this? The auction featured library furnishings, science curiosities and eccentricities from around the world.

I was looking through the online catalog and would have loved to have purchased half of the items auctioned off. And, the prices realized didn't fetch as much as I had imagined they would. Here are some of my favorites...and, believe me, there were hundreds to pick from! I think I'm going to purchase a catalog since the items are so fantastic!

20th Century Ebonised Chesterfield Settee (fetched £1,440)

Victorian Gilt Timepiece (fetched £120...that's it? Why so cheap?)

Victorian Black Museum Cabinets (fetched £2,880)

Early 19th Century Magnifying Glass (fetched £1,080)

Collection of 19th Century Chemist Bottles (fetched £1.020)

Magnificent 18th Century French Ivory Game (fetched £336)

Oak Club Boards (fetched £168)

19th Century Bone Alphabet Hand Plaque (fetched £240)

Elephant Oval Tooth Box (fetched £216)

William IV Traveling Inkwell (fetched £216)

Silver Royal Coat of Arms (fetched £720)

Photos from bonhams.com

"You Rock, Dad!"

One of my favorite moments yesterday (there were many) was watching Malia and Sasha walk out with their adorable coats (how cute is Sasha's pink/red/coral combo?) and Sasha giving her Dad a big "thumbs up." Precious!

Did you have a favorite moment?

Mr. President

God Bless President Obama and God Bless America!

Wiener Dog Party!

It has been unseasonably warm in San Francisco this past week, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. Totally crazy since most of the country is in freezing cold weather, AND San Francisco is not known for its warm climate!

Yesterday I decided to take a break from antiques and advantage of the weather. I took my poodle, Vito, to the beautiful Pine Lake Park at Stern Grove. It is a great off-leash dog park. There were oodles of dogs frolicking around the park.

I saw about 50 dachshunds in one area. Turns out that there is a monthly dachshund meet-up group at this park. So cute! All of these "wiener dogs" running around! My little Vito crashed the party as seen in the video below. I had never heard about "meet-up" groups. So, I'm starting a San Francisco poodle meet-up group. If you're interested in dog meet-up groups, check meetup.com and find a group near you!

Video of Dachshund Meet-up at Pine Lake Park, S.F. ~ Vito is crashing the party!

Dubai 7 Star Hotel: IXS -hotel

Dubai 7 Star Hotel: IXS -hotel

The Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai is the only 7-Star hotel in the world. It is a place where imagination becomes reality. Designed to look like the blowing sail of a yacht it is an impressive structure at 321 metres tall. It is also the tallest hotel of the World.Its sight at night is unforgettable. It is surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer.


It is a stricking 28-story All-Suite Hotel housed in unique sail-shaped building overlooking Jumeira Beach. It charges from 1,000 US dollars per night for a one-bedroom Deluxe Suite to 10,000 US dollars for a Royal Suite. It has enjoyed growing popularity and 90 per cent occupancy rate six years after it opened in Dubai.


The hotel boasts of offering the world's best service, and continues to attract guests from all over the world despite the emergence of more luxurious hotels, like the three-billion-US dollar Emirates Palace which opened in March, also in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).


Burj Al Arab (http://united-arab-emirates.ixs.net/hotels/burj-al-arab-hotel/index.aspx ) does not have rooms; it has 202 suites, each one arranged over two floors. Ranging from a capacious 169 sq. mts to an astonishing 780 sq. mts in size, the floor to ceiling glass windows offer simply breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.


Decorated with lavish textures and exuberant colours, each suite features a sumptuous living and dining area, state of the art entertainment system and office facilities. Their sheer opulence in every tiny detail is underpinned with technology that does everything from controlling the 42 inch Plasma screen TV to closing the curtains.


With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, you can be assured of a highly personalised service throughout your stay.

Offering the highest levels of personalised service in the most luxurious surroundings imaginable, your private butler will ensure that every little need is met. Designed to provide maximum comfort, our unique service levels mean that even your check in will be in the privacy of your suite.


Its Deluxe suite having 1 Bedroom is ideal for life. With beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, the Deluxe Suite features a handsome spiral staircase that leads you from one floor to the next, perfectly separating the entertainment and living spaces. Area - 169 sq. mts Lower level - Living room with large lounge, dining table for 4, private bar counter, guest washroom Upper level - Dressing room, bedroom with king size or twin bed, luxury bathroom with Jacuzzi Occupancy - 2 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 3 Adults. Transport - Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or BMW available at a charge

Burj al Arab is full of Leisure Facilities. Assawan Spa & Health Club situated on the 18th floor with magnificent views over the Gulf. Treatment rooms, hydrotherapy baths, oriental massage, stand-up solarium, sauna, steam rooms and jacuzzi, two swimming pools, squash court, two fully equipped fitness studios and an aerobics floor. It also provides Unlimited access to Wild Wadi Water Park.


The wonderful Royal Suite of this only 7 Star Hotel in Dubai is located on the 25th floor. It is indeed the last word in luxury, with its lavishly appointed interiors, majestic colour scheme and sumptuous furnishings. The Exclusive privileges include private elevator and private cinema. Its special features are Marble and gold staircase, leopard print tufted carpets, Carrarra marble flooring and mahogany furniture Lower level - Dining area, Arabic majlis (reception) style lounge and library Upper level - Master bedroom with rotating four-poster canopy bed and second bedroom, each with adjoining marble bathrooms with spa bath, walk-in shower, fine porcelain fittings and full sized Hermes 24 - Faubourg fragrances and body products Occupancy - 4 Adults and 2 Children below the age of 12, or 5 Adults (only). Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or BMW are also available at surcharge.


The world's most luxurious hotel has its very own helipad 200m above ground, but it appears unlikely any helicopters will be landing.


Burj Al Arab ties to provide an international atmosphere to make guests from all nationalities feel comfortable. Its staff come from many countries and speaks 15 languages.


A Heritage Of Hospitality, A Vision Of The Future : Burj Al Arab is a Monument Worthy Of A New Millennium. The Arabian Experience, its Influence and achievements, can all be found in this true reflection of a culture of hospitality.


For more information about Dubai 7 Stars information visit: http://united-arab-emirates.ixs.net/hotels/dubai-7-star-hotel/index.aspx



About The Author:
Jackie Gates spent her childhood on the prairies of Wisconsin. Jackie however was fascinated by the distant deserts of the Middle East and the Arabian Nights. She pursued Arabic and Near Eastern Studies at Columbia and headed to the middle east in 1992. Jackie has travelled extensively throughout the region and resides in Dubai. While not teaching English or smoking Sheesha, she writes for united-arab-emirates.ixs.net

What's Your Favorite Candy?

Do any of you still have boxes of chocolate stacked up from the holidays? We still have some, but I've finished up all of the fun candy! I must confess, I am a candy addict. Not chocolate per se, but things like gummies, sour candies and licorice. My lowest point was my addiction to Nerd Ropes.

When I received my holiday box in the mail from my dearest friend Janet, I was overwhelmed as always. The presentation was so amazing that I didn't want to open anything! Janet and I always send candy goodies with our gifts. Janet had the advantage of going to Paris this past fall, so I was thrilled to receive some really special candy.

First of all were these amazing Jordan almond-shaped coated chocolate "dragees" made in France. Janet sent a pastel variety from Fauchon and a Chanukah-colored mix (blue, silver & gold) from the famous chocolatier, Debauve & Gallais in Paris. For over 200 years Dabauve & Gallais have provided some of finest chocolates in the world, and are the prettiest I've ever seen.

Introduced by Sulpice Debauve, the royal family chemist, this range of chocolate "coins" was first developed for Queen Marie Antoinette in order to ease her distate for taking medicines. She was so delighted with them that Monsieur Debauve was commissioned to create an entire collection called the Pistoles de Marie Antoinette. (You can purchase Debauve & Gallais chocolate online and they now have a shop in New York City.

Back to Janet's gift candies...

These fun "school chalk licorice" are the best things you've ever tasted. White coated black licorice with a creamy center. A nice hint of mint as well. I finished mine up right away and bought some more online.

Then there are these yummy pink watermelon sour balls. Pretty and tasty!

These crunchy fruity gummy bears are delicious if you haven't tried them.

These sugar sticks are really pretty, but a bit sweet. Thanks for all of my candy Janet! And thanks for introducing me to Nerd Ropes! We are a sick bunch.

You can find most of the candies mentioned here or here. You can even shop by color...

What are some of your favorite candies? I must know!

Paper Relics

Witty Marie Antoinette greeting cards from Paper Relics

I was thrilled to discover the talented Hope Wallace of Paper Relics, while perusing through this month's Country Living magazine. I visited her website and had fun filling my shopping cart with these unique greeting cards!

I love the images and fonts on these cards designed by Hope

Hope is a collage artist and designer who works out of her home studio in the outskirts of Baltimore. She sells the most whimsical greeting card line, collage prints, ephemera and even does design services!

I contacted Hope and we had a wonderful chat on the phone. She is going to do some design work for Paris Hotel Boutique. I'm thrilled to have found her and can't wait to see what fun design she comes up with for my greeting cards.

These whimsical postcards incorporate antique elements and evoke a bygone era

1800's type fonts designed by Hope

You can view Hope's paper goods here and her design services here.

Photos courtesy of Paper Relics

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong-hotel

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong-hotel

by Naveen Marasinghe
voteWith the onset of the Chinese New Year, Hong Kong readies itself to make it better than the last. Street adorned with red lanterns and merriment all around, the New Year dawns on people as they wait with smiles on their faces.
As the New Year arrives, flock to the street of Hong Kong to view the procession of colourful street performers as they dance in vibrant costumes. Watch the Lion Dances and Dragon Dance creeping through the streets, and even indulge in delicious delights at the hoards of street food vendors waiting to serve visitors dumplings, sticky rice cake, spring rolls and more.

The Chinese New Year is said to have been originated in conjunction with the end-of-harvest celebrations. This practice was only formalised during the Han Dynasty. However, Hong Kong has come a long way since the rule of the Han Dynasty, and thereby the traditions have respectively evolved. New traditions that surround the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong include the city shops shutting down for two days prior to the New Year; adorning the city in bright colours in the form of red ribbons and vibrant flowers; visiting the temple at the onset of the New Year; gift giving; and spending time with family and relatives.

Take time to indulge in the spectacular celebrations of the Chinese New Year while staying at a Hong Kong hotel and view the fireworks as you sip on a glass of champagne. The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Hong Kong ensures a comfortable stay to guest with cosy rooms couple with quality amenities.




About the Author
Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

"Mind the gap" on hotel rates - Travel & save in Europe's "superstars" Rome, Paris, Madrid & London-hotel

"Mind the gap" on hotel rates - Travel & save in Europe's "superstars" Rome, Paris, Madrid & London-hotel

by Florian Wiesinger

Saving money with low-cost hotels in Europe's "superstar" cities - Clients who book with budgetplaces.com can visit Rome's classic Colosseum or the timeless Eiffel tower in Paris with the money they save on the hotel.
Barcelona, 11 December, 2008 - Thanks to Ryanair, EasyJet, Skyeurope, and other low-cost carriers, cheap travel is "en vogue". Accommodation from budgetplaces.comcompletes the deal: Centrally located in the most exciting cities in Europe, the hotels, hostels, apartments and B&Bs listed on budgetplaces.comhave a target price of 30 euros per person per night. Compared to the average daily rate (ADR) for European hotels of 58 euros, every guest saves 28 euros per night- a saving which could surely pay for some entertainment in Europe's classic cities of superlatives -Rome, Paris, Madrid and London.
"The Historic City" - Almost 3,000 years of history justify Rome's reputation as Europe's "Eternal City". With 3.3m inhabitants, the Italian capital has figured amongst the biggest cities of the "Old World" up until today. A visit to the Colosseum (entry 9€) is unforgettable. Strictly speaking not part of Rome, yet inseparably connected to the city: the Vatican, smallest city state in the world (museum: 14€). A relaxing minute's break (literally!) with the locals is best enjoyed in one of the numerous bars where a typically Italian "Espresso" usually costs less than 1€. Young Romans like to go out in the "Trastevere" quarter, where unpretentious evening bars are lined up and "eternal party" seems to be the motto.
"The Elegant City"- The epitome of beauty and style among Europe's mega cities would be Paris, yet another destination where travellers can save with budgetplaces.com. With nearly 12m inhabitants, the "région parisienne" is agglomeration number 4. Sparkling highlight and emblematic of the city: the 324 meters high Eiffel tower (12€). Maybe not as famous is the "Grand Arche", the modern counterpart to the "Arc de Triomphe": Located in the middle of the business disctrict "La Défense", it offers an amazing view over the "City of Lights". The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world (from 6€) where da Vinci's world famous "Mona Lisa" keeps on smiling at visitors… "The Latenight City" - If Madridis called that, this reflects the undimmed lust for life of the 5.2m "Madrileños". Madrid's "Movida" today stands for nightlife which never stops and which attracts locals and tourists alike. An absolute must is dropping into one of the countless Tapas-bars, where the Spanish really celebrate their leisure time (e.g. "El Tigre" - beer+tapa from 1€). Madrid hosts a range of world class museums, first amongst them the Museo del Prado, where works from Titian and Albrecht Dürer are on display (6€). Not a classical museum, but a true insider hint for foodies: the Museo del Jamón (ham-museum), great for a snack in between more traditional attractions (4€). A great view from above of the "Spanish big apple" can be had from Madrid's "lighthouse", the Faro de Moncloa (1.50€).
"The Cosmopolitan City" - trend-setting when it comes to lifestyle, and a centre of business and finance: Londonis the superstar among Europe's "big ones". An estimated 14m inhabitants make the capital of Great Britain the most populated amongst the "grand cities". Impressive symbol of the new millennium: the "London Eye", Europe's biggest Ferris wheel (about 16£ per ride). Nothing less then amazing: the collection of the National Gallery, where masterpieces by Michelangelo, van Gogh or Titian are waiting for you. Although the British kitchen may be struggling with image problems - the variety of cuisine available throughout the city, from African to Indian, from Thai to Italian, more than makes up for this.
By booking with budgetplaces.com, an average stay of three nights for two people results in a saving of 168€ compared to the average daily rate (ADR) for European hotels - Money that travellers can spend on the fun!

About the Author
Go & save with budgetplaces.com, part of the EnGrande network - more than 3,000 budget establishments on-line, 35,000 bookable low-cost beds across 20 city-break destinations, more than 12,000 reservations processed per month. EnGrande websites had more than 56 million pageviews in 2008. budgetplaces.com destinations include Barcelona, London, Paris and Madrid. More company details can be found at www.engrande.com.