things that need a double take

Have you ever passed by something which caught your interest and then took another look, but this time in utter admiration or appreciation or longing? Where here’s what will do for it for

Any view of the Eiffel Tower while in Paris

A writer’s nook in Victorian homes in San Francisco

My family’s countryside home in France

A perfectly decor-ed hotel room

All puppies

White chantily lace

Creative wedding cakes

 

boutique hotel pick – casa angelia – amalfi coast, italy

Now that vacation planning is in full swing and perhaps even late in getting some great deals, I decided it’s time to talk boutique hotel picks.

Every year, I imagine a romantic getaway and although I stick to Paris as my safe haven, I can’t help but think of exotic coastal retreats to spend a romantic week.

One place, which I’ve frequented quite often in my lifetime is the Amalfi Coast and with it, I have fallen in love with many properties to spend six nights/seven days. For that thought and of course a romantic destination recommend, I suggest Casa Angelia.

san francisco gem: the ferry building

I love it when friends show up in town unannounced and beg to spend a day with you.  I really mean it, I do love it, even though it throws me pleasantly off schedule (If that makes sense).

Anyway, I got the word my friends were in town at ten in the morning and asked them to meet me at the end of Market Street at noon for lunch.  When I asked, what they wanted to eat, they mentioned Sandwich shops and fast food and I basically rolled my eyes.

I pointed to the Ferry Building and asked if they had been there and they both shook their heads NO and so we ventured into one of our proudest conversion of a historic building into an amazing waterfront hangout.

wishing everyone a merry christmas

this too shall pass – holiday depression

As I read the article here (in a nutshell) about holiday depression, I couldn’t help but wonder if these types of feelings exist throughout the world or simply in the U.S?   My guess is, mostly in the U.S.  and forgive me if I am going out on a limb about this.

But, having raised a family of my own and of course experiencing most anything you can think of under the stars, I could very well become say, depressed or even bitter during the holiday season, but I choose not to. I always wonder if that has anything to do with my upbringing of expecting the worst and coping with it rather than planning for the best.  Either way, I am tolerant and accepting therefore I am able to cope. 

What I am basically trying to say is, I understand everyone has problems and issues to deal with, and while some can handle them easily and methodologically,  others allow their fears to dictate their emotions. We pride ourselves, here in America, about being a strong nation and one who can rise above anything, so, while the holidays bring you down, find it in your heart  to turn to your religion to help you through it and look for the good in everything, around you, even if it’s just the bell toll  of the Salvation Army Santa standing in front of a department store, wishing you a Merry Christmas and most of all remember, this too shall pass.

gifts for the traveller at heart and the nostalgic

Of course being an avid traveller and having worked in the industry, I often go here to get up to speed on travel related topics and what nots. So, it was really amazing to see the most uniquelly beautiful iphone cases on sale here for someone like me who is both a traveller and a nostalgic.

Check out some of my favorites:

 

holiday gift ideas for the man over 40

Who says stuffy shirts and striped ties are the only gifts to give a man over 40? Here are some of my favorites and ones I have listed for Santa to bring to our household

burberry giant checkered cashmere scarf 395USD

fry james work leather brief 598USD

john var vatos usa driggs chukka boot 245USD

north face beanie 30USD

scott kaymen woven black leather 315YSD

ugg australia ascot leather moccasin120USD

holiday season thoughts and inspiration

traditional holiday gift wrapping

To me Christmas time is all about keeping tradition and although we’ve been now conditioned to shop online or have the gifts wrapped by someone from the store, I think it’s always nice to, along with putting some thought into buying a creative gift, to gift wrap them yourself.

Here are some of my favorite unique gift wraps which also border line eco friendliness.

gifts for the woman who has everything – part one

{from left to right 1. Burberry rubber mid-calf boots 275USD, Diane Von Furstenberg cashmere scarf 250USD, Diane Von Furstenberg travel adapter 95USD, Diane Von Furstenberg stone leopard ipone case 48USD}

{from left to right 1. Herve Van der Straeten 24Kplated earings 195USD, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag 260USD, Sophia Webster glitter finished leather clutch 595USD, Percossi Pai 24K plated earings 1570USD}

{click here to shop for more gift ideas}