travel
There are 26 entries for the tag
travel
Since it is Saturday night, I will share a few of my travel pictures. I told before that I enjoy staying at the Gold Floor of The Fairmont Copley Plaza when I visit Boston. I love boutique hotels but I also enjoy the pleasures and attention to details from the old luxury hotels.
Even if I am a modernist, I love history and value the treasures of classical architecture. The Oak Bar décor is reminiscent of a British Officer's Club in the Orient. The Oak Bar at The Copley is a must for martini lovers. They cater Boston’s largest martini menus. One martini order counts for two drinks.
I enjoy the way they serve their drinks. If you order a martini, your order comes in a mini pitcher served on your own ice bucket. This is what I called entertaining in style.
Categories:
TRAVEL
FORMAL entertaining
posted @ Saturday, September 27, 2008 7:29 PM | Feedback (0)
I resist a long time to talk about my adoration for Orla Kiely on my blog. The reason is that the best of her collection is not related to home décor or entertaining. That was until I discover her travel bags.
To celebrate the vacation season, I am thrilled to present her current travel bag collection. That is what I call traveling in style. The patterns and colors are so beautiful.
Luggage Essentials And My Packing Tips
I never bring black luggage because they do not stand out on the airport carrousel. Even if our suitcase meets the requirements of the a cabin luggage the content may not. So it is best to be prepared.
I prefer not to check in my luggage when I travel. Therefore, I learned to pack light. One trick is to bring clothes that you can mix and match. Since I enjoy wearing dresses and shirts, I can manage to be fashionable without carrying too much stuff.
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Thursday, August 07, 2008 3:42 PM | Feedback (3)
This is my daily collection of interesting stuff that I saw on the Web.
+ Having dinner in the streets is a public form of entertaining that is born out of necessity in a mega city. Citizens assemble temporary dining terrace in the sidewalks. Suzanne Seggerman holds “Chez L’Hydrant” dinners in front of the building where six or eight friends share a one-pot dish. Calvin Tsao is more daring; he held dinner parties on the Brooklyn Bridge. Via New York Times
+ I added a new blog to my RSS feed that I must tell you about. This Ain't No Disco (it's where we work) is blog that shows some of the best agency interiors in the world. I foresee lots of creative rooms in sight. Via desire to inspire
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, August 06, 2008 11:38 PM | Feedback (0)
Look at this blissful vacation spot. It is easy to imagine the feeling of waking up on this 180-degree view luxury suite. You wake up looking at one of the most pristine wild territories in Africa.
This resort suite marries cool modern and contemporary furniture to a rustic décor. This is an amazing place is a member of Relais & Chateaux. My to do list grows bigger everyday. I would like to stay at the Singita Lebombo Lodge located in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Take clues from the room. You can reverse the process and add rustic touches to your modern house for the duration of an event.
Magazine Pictures
Paris-based photographer Nicolas Matheus took many pictures for French magazines. Looking at his portfolio, I recognized some of the shots. How the rooms are styled in magazines supplies us with inspirations not just for our home décor but also for party decor.
Categories:
PARTY ideas
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Monday, July 28, 2008 5:11 PM | Feedback (2)
I marked down this hipster bakery and coffee shop on my itinerary for my next visit to New York. Baked NYC is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Baked first caught my attention for their third place as the best cupcakes in New York city. That ranking was obtained on the 2008 New York City Gourmet Shopping & Entertaining survey organized by Zarat. In fact, three NYC bakeries shared the third place.
It is finally the design of the place, the beautiful photos and the stylish cupcakes that convinced me to bookmark Baked. I hope these cupcakes taste as good as they look.
Baked’s Sweet and Salty cupcake
I am curious to taste their famous Sweet and Salty cupcake. This creation is composed of a dark chocolate cake infused with salty caramel, topped with caramel chocolate ganache and fleur de sel. I know this is a winning combination. MSN.com named it the one the best cupcakes in the United States.
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:46 AM | Feedback (1)
Last Friday, I indulged in a Finnish meets modern meets hammam water spa experience. I wanted to try it since Balnea opened a few years ago in the Eastern Township.
Sitting next to Lac Gale with a superb view of the Appalaches, the site is designed around the balneotherapy. I liked my day but Balnea felt short on the drinking water part and in helping me getting the most of the balneotherapy.
How My Day Goes By
Balnea simply provides a small water bottle for the day. Unlike many spas, they do not have a self-served cucumber water station. But you can stop by the café anytime for a complimentary herbal tea.
We booked the Sukhasana package which includes a semi-private yoga (our trio), one hour of massage and the lunch. Be aware that the lunch is up to $13, which means that you eat a soup and a healthy sandwich without extra. Their salad meal bowls are $12-$13.
Categories:
MANNERS
REVIEWS
posted @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:16 PM | Feedback (4)
When we went to San Francisco last winter, we rented a Prius. It is a fun car to drive. We stayed at Hotel Vitale and two Fairmont hotels. My husband and I truly appreciated the fact that Fairmont gave us free valet parking because we drove a hybrid car.
Unfortunately, Fairmont green generosities extend only to California. I find the hip Hotel Vitale with its relaxing and good for the soul experience is missing the boat by not having a similar policy. This is the only area where I give a failing grade to Hotel Vitale.
Opus Hotels in Vancouver and Montreal
As a Canadian, I am proud to announce that the Canadian boutique hotel chain Opus Hotels started to offer free valet parking to anyone who shows up in a hybrid car. Opus Hotels has a blog where they tell how what measures they are taking right now to lesser the impact of environment.
Categories:
TRAVEL
TRENDS
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Feedback (0)
They are plenty of small items that can make your stay at beach or at the park more enjoyable. It is better to shop for them before your vacation starts. These summer essentials display style and function.
Recreational Recliner
The Metro Seat by Picnic Time is a portable, recreational recliner with shoulder strap. The Metro Seat is available in 4 colors. It is color coordinated with the Metro Basket that I introduced last year. Looking similar, the Metro Melrose Bag is an insulated tote with a picnic service for four.
Colorful Dinnerware and Serving Ware
Stock bowls in punch colors to serve ice cream, cereals and cold soups. The Medium Orange, Large Green and Small Blue Birthday Party Cake Stands are currently on sale at Pottery Barn. At $29 for the set, it does not cost an arm to add a festive touch to any table.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
PICNIC
posted @ Monday, July 07, 2008 11:17 AM | Feedback (0)
This week photo is available for one more chance to enter the contest. Want to win a trip for two to sunny Mexico? The rules are simple to play the Meet Me in Mexico contest:
- head on over to Glam.com and
- guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win.
Come Back for More Chances To Win
Remember that a new photo will be posted every week. Do not forget to return every week for more chances to win.
Each weekly correct answer will enter you in a pool where a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the promotion.
Do not wait anymore to enter the Meet Me in Mexico contest. Good Luck!
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:24 AM | Feedback (0)
The new photo is available for one more chance to enter the contest. Want to win a trip for two to sunny Mexico? The rules are simple to play the Meet Me in Mexico contest:
- head on over to Glam.com and
- guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win.
Come Back for More Chances To Win
Remember that a new photo will be posted every week. Do not forget to return every week for more chances to win.
Each weekly correct answer will enter you in a pool where a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the promotion.
Do not wait anymore to enter the Meet Me in Mexico contest. Good Luck!
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Thursday, June 05, 2008 1:50 AM | Feedback (0)
Want to win a trip for two to sunny Mexico? Who doesn’t? The rules are simple to play the Meet Me in Mexico contest:
- head on over to Glam.com and
- guess the destination in the photo for your chance to win.
Come Back for More Chances To Win
A new photo will be posted every week. Do not forget to return every week for more chances to win. Each weekly correct answer will enter you in a pool where a winner will be chosen at random at the end of the promotion.
Do not wait anymore to enter the Meet Me in Mexico contest. Good Luck!
Categories:
OFF topics
posted @ Thursday, May 29, 2008 12:45 PM | Feedback (0)
This is not an April’s fool: Be on the first 100 citizens to book a room at the first citizenM hotel and enjoy one night of casual chic luxury, nice towels, huge king size bed and friendly smile for free.
CitizenM (M for mobile) is a new affordable luxury hotel option for travelers to Europe. The first hotel is located at Schiphol International Airport, an amazing international airport that acts as a gateway.
Like in a boutique hotel, the concept behind CitizenM is hip with a fresh attention to details.
Excellent Services
The new hotel chain concept caters to a new type of travelers. CitizenM targets people who value personal choice, modern design, friendly technology and the proximity to a city at an accessible price. Every room has a wall-mounted LCD television with free movie access and provides a free Wi-Fi internet connection.
Categories:
TRAVEL
TRENDS
posted @ Tuesday, April 01, 2008 12:45 PM | Feedback (0)
Ever since I first heard of them, I wished to stay at Hotel Vitale. The hotel opened March 9, 2005.
I imagined myself taking the complimentary yoga class, available daily, at the penthouse level yoga studio. Unfortunately I was unable to fit a class into my tight schedule. Oh well, one more reason to go back.
To understand the concept of this hotel and its appeal to me, let's go back to their root. Their goal was to create an urbane oasis. In a press release published before their opening, you can read that
Hotel Vitale represents not only a new frontier for the highly successful boutique hotel company, but an entirely ground-breaking concept in the arena of luxury hospitality.
This luxury hotel cleverly mixes old and new modern furniture for their decor. The old appears through the use of materials and finishes. But the shapes always stay modern. The architects and designers managed to create spaces that are soothing, hip and friendly at the same time.
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, March 04, 2008 11:22 AM | Feedback (2)
We stayed in the hip and fun Hotel Vitale San Francisco yesterday. I love the place. We had appetizers and drinks at The Americano. We went to dinner at the famous Tadich Grill, the oldest restaurant in California. It dated back to the Gold Rush era.
We ate breakfast at Frog Hollow Farm, an organic bakery at the Farmer’s Market of One Ferry Building next to The Embarcadero. Their risotto tart is absolutely divine. Now, we are in the Wine Country. The weather is fabulous.
I will write the details of the fabulous places where I stayed and ate in the coming days.
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Wednesday, February 27, 2008 5:02 PM | Feedback (0)
Yesterday, I went to Chelsea because I wanted to taste a fresh-brewed cup at Grumpy Café on the 20th Street in Manhattan.
After reading the January 23, 2008 article on the New York Times, savoring a coffee made with the $11,000 Clover 1s machine was on the top of my list.
And after having a terrible cup of coffee at the airport restaurant plus an average coffee on the plane, going at my Grumpy Café was my treat.
Was it is my appraisal? At first, the coffee was too hot so I could not fully appreciate it. But as it cooled off, I enjoyed the flavors of my freshly brewed coffee more and more. My husband shares my opinion.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Feedback (0)
Experiencing the Fairmont Gold floor was on my priority list for my trip to Boston last week-end. Fairmont Gold is a hotel within a hotel.
Guests at the Fairmont Gold located on the fourth floor of the Fairmont Copley Plaza enjoy unique quarters with the look and feel of a 1912 mansion house from the Back Bays area.
Stylish accommodations for the discerning travelers
This distinctively British style hotel caters 59 rooms. The rooms on the Gold Floor are more luxurious. The gold chandelier on a dimmer and the floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom announce lavish room amenities. Everything is thought to make your stay more comfortable. They do not just provide the robes; a pair of slippers is waiting for you nicely wrapped in a basket.
The moment you arrive at the dedicated check-in / check-out desk, you feel the superior service. Guests enjoy a private lounge equipped with board games, a library and their own reception area. The package includes a delicious complimentary deluxe continental breakfast with a daily hot entrée. I cherished most the relaxing moments provided by the evening hors d'oeuvres at the lounge. All day, guests have access to complimentary beverages and an honor bar. You pay extra to book a Fairmont Gold room at the Club floor but you will get a lot more in return.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, February 05, 2008 7:04 PM | Feedback (0)
With all the traveling I am doing right now, I came to appreciate more than the cool factor of gadgets available at Flight 001.
If you have a friend who travels a lot, these three products would be deeply appreciated as a hostess gift. They are more great products to choose from for their birthday.
As I told you earlier when I gave you my hospitality tips, my hair wants me to use the brand of shampoo and conditioner they are accustomed to. I did not bring my own because of the 10 kg constraints for carryon luggage. To do that, you need carry-on approved bottles.
Fill + Fly Bottle
This set contains 4 reusable, refillable, leak-proof, shatter-resistant vacuum bottles packaged in a zip-top bag. I read on the latest Domino magazine that you can get 20% off the regular price on the Fill + Fly set by typing Domino at your checkout.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TRAVEL
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Thursday, January 24, 2008 4:40 PM | Feedback (0)
An old saying teaches us that Travel broadens the mind. I would add that traveling makes you a better host.
We are so accustomed to how we live at home that we do not notice the small details anymore. But staying at hotels uncovers the fine points that make your stay comfortable or not. Hotel design and functionality have improved greatly over the years. But they are still room for improvements on the comfortable level as I experienced it.
Why this is relevant to entertaining at home? Simply because it can make you better host when you are having guests staying over at your home.
My wish list
More and more hotels got it while other hotel chains are still clueless. I compiled my list of essentials for make your stay over guests absolutely divine.
Makeup station outside the bathroom
If you are sharing the room, you must apply your makeup in the room on the morning while your roommate is taking a shower. You want to save time after all. But low lighting is the norm inside the room, especially near the mirror. This is my biggest complaint about hotel design. I still do not understand because no hotels got it.
Available electric plugs
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:19 PM | Feedback (4)
The Internet connection is on and off at the Westin Casuarina, so I will condense what I want to share with you about my trip to Las Vegas.
Yesterday, we rode on the monorail to see to eat at Quarks and live the Star Trek Experience. My husband is a geek, what can I say. On our way back, we stop at The Venetian to see this out of this world Venice man made universe.
We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican cooking, as much as you can get in America. It was a good choice. The food is delicious at Taqueria Canonita.
Taqueria Canonita is located next to the canal of The Grand Canal Shoppes. On my picture, you see their terrace in the background next to the gondola. We were seated at the most entertaining spot in the house. Watch the video as I am telling you all about my margarita.
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Monday, January 21, 2008 12:50 PM | Feedback (2)
We had a pleasant flight. The weather was gorgeous this afternoon. And at last we are in the hotel room we were supposed to have.
My only regret was that I did have bring shoes to go dancing. But I found a fabulous pair on sale. We have a few clubs in mind so I am all set for tonight.
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Saturday, January 19, 2008 8:55 PM | Feedback (0)
Our next week-end getaway begins in two days. We are heading to Las Vegas this time. The temperature this morning was only 8 degrees Celsius more in Las Vegas than in Montreal. I am already missing last week's sunny California.
We hope to see the Cirque du Soleil shows that are only performing in Vegas. O for sure and maybe Zumanity. The tickets I found so far for O are with limited views. So if you know trustworthy sites where to buy the tickets, tell me.
We will look at the tour for the Grand Canyon. But there are so many to choose from. I saw this helicopter tour with a 30-45 minutes picnic with champagne on the ground. It called Grand Canyon Helicopter Basin Landing Special on LookTours.com. Does anyone have ever tried it or heard comments?
We will visit quickly the hotels that are almost amusement parks. My husband and I, we stay away from buffets. Do you know on great places where to eat?
Sourcing:
Learn more: Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas
Buy online: Grand Canyon Helicopter Basin Landing Special on LookTours.com - price: $299.99
Top picture: Las Vegas Strip by Christopher Chan - copyright photo on flickr
Bottom picture: Visit Las Vegas
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:15 PM | Feedback (2)
Last night we went for sushi. I first spot a sushi restaurant designed by Philip Starck team but we were unable to get a reservation for 8 o’clock.
So the hotel concierge suggested Gonpachi on North La Cienega Boulevard. Watch the video to get a glimpse of the wonderful time we had at Gonpachi. I take about the food when we came back.
Learn more : Gonpachi Beverly Hills
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
DINING
posted @ Sunday, January 13, 2008 1:15 PM | Feedback (2)
That is the right way to greet a guest. Giving them a warm cookie at their arrival. I just finished eating the chocolate cookie that we were greeted with at DoubleTree. It was good!
Our flight went well, we rented a sporty car, life is good as you will see in my first video report on my vacation in Los Angeles.
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:42 PM | Feedback (0)
I am going on a week-end gateway in Los Angeles with my husband Jerome. We are staying in Santa Monica. I visited LA once when I was 9 or 10 years old . I experienced the magic of Disneyland with my cousin and my parents.
We are open to suggestions about to do and see. So far our plans involve cruising on the famous streets of Beverly Hills, Malibu and Venice. Amongst other things I want to do some shopping and touring the Paul Getty Center.
Do you have any suggestions of places to eat, to go out at night and to shop? For my blog, I am looking for tableware, home décor and design stores. I am interested in stores that either have a unique retail concept or that are renowned for the products they carry.
What activities should I do? Any good restaurants to spot celebrities? Where to shop?
Sourcing:
Top photo credit: Santa Monica
Bottom photo credit: Santa Monica taken by hoveringdog on Flickr – beautiful picture with some reserved rights
Categories:
TRAVEL
posted @ Tuesday, January 08, 2008 1:15 PM | Feedback (3)
Following my last week trend report on raw material, I noticed that July-August 2007 issue of French Elle Décoration published several articles about this design style.
Once I reviewed my inspirational styled photographs it became clear that Blue Nature designed most of the pieces I wish to highlight.
Bleu Nature is born out of a wondrous exploration of driftwood-a free-spirited, untamed material by Frank Lefebvre in 1995. They got many lines including one inspired by the novel of Robinson Crusoe.
To keep things simple in this post, I am only showing you the work of Blue Nature for the new Mystique Hotel located in Oia on the Santori Island, Greece. The hotel shows that charms and simplicity can feel luxurious.
A collection of raw material furniture
The raw material trend works so well in bare white rooms of these villas. Many of the furniture and accessories were designed for the Hotel. Forget faux-bois, here all the pieces are made of old wood often found on sea shore.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRAVEL
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Feedback (0)
I am a huge fan of the Canadian fashion brand m0851. I live close by their flagship store in Montreal. My husband can testify that I always stop to look at their store window. I love the simplicity of their streamlined clothes and leather accessories.
I am thrilled about their way in the hospitality industry. You can enjoy the same design philosophy when you travel to Belgium. m0851 just opened three guestrooms on top of the new Antwerp’s store in a popular fashion street.
The balanced modern aestheticism and functionality of the rooms are typical of the m0851’s look and feel. The interior design is urban chic and has pure lines. The rooms seem very comfortable for the guests. An itty mini boutique hotel that is located near museums, trendy cafes and restaurants.
I am showing you the m0851 rooms because they are inspirational for when you having guest spending the night at your house. m0851 guestrooms are my pretext to talk about the ultimate guest room. When you design a guest room in your home, try to think of everything your guests may need.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINING
posted @ Wednesday, April 18, 2007 12:21 AM | Feedback (0)