What mother wouldn’t appreciate a destination spa getaway. Since this gift idea is a bit costly, I suggest the family pitching in for the spa fund instead of buying separate gifts for their mother. For some interesting destination spa getaways and more, please click here:
By the 31st of December, I was completely restless, sentimental and somewhat anxious for the day to end. I honestly can’t pint point the why behind the way I felt, but I just did. So with champagne toast in hand at almost midnight, I did my normal countdown to (now) with Ryan Seacrest in New York and then after watching the after party show, I went to sleep After sleeping in on New Year’s day and then driving home in heavy traffic, back to San Francisco, I decided that if the weather permitted, I would spend day two of the new year somewhere outdoors. So, of course on January 2nd, when I saw the sun shining and the weather unusually warm for the season, we got in the car and drove up to Muir Woods, just 40 miles or so North of San Francisco and spend the day walking about the beautiful redwoods, while my friends and I contemplated how we foresee the new year to be. Actually, while they talked, I took photographs. Check …
My other half and I often discuss gift ideas for one another, but ultimately we come to the decision (every year) to buy something unique or exquisite for us, which we both can enjoy for years to come. I am not a fan of uniformity when it comes to furniture and love just picking pieces which would, not only compliment one another, but will also give me the feel of classic Europe or just Parisian 🙂 So for this year’s gift to ourselves, we are shopping for a multi-purpose chest for our current small but stylish apartment. I have found some ideas here and was glad to discover all the pieces are crafted in the US, which of course make for happy purchase. Merry Christmas to us 😉
Unique gift ideas for the woman over 40 is sometimes challenging when the person you are shopping for has various self conscious issues. To play it safe, I have complied some gift ideas from here, which I feel are pretty low key even for the most conservative woman you have ever known. 1. Jimmy Choo Sepia two tone pumps 850USD 2. Gucci 1973 leather bag 850USD 3. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold plated earings 495USD 4. ACNE Pistol suede ankle boots 570USD 5. Miu Miu I-Pod case 150USD 6. Tara Matthews hand embelished swimsuit 495USD 7. Nixon Chromo watercolor Sterling silver watch 450USD 8. Maison Martin Margiela distressed suede boots 855USD 9. Illesteva sunglasses 295USD 10.Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch 550USD 11.Alexander McQueen Leopard Cashmere silk blend scarf 725USD 12.John Hardy Sterling silver and saphire ring 895USD
Every year I play it safe, when choosing a holiday party dress, by wearing a simple black dress. This year however, I decided to search my favorite site for an unusual alternative and I have come up with the following choices as inspiration. Let me know what you think?
There is something to be said about a great fitting pair of jeans, a gray t-shirt and a pair of the sexiest designer shoes. It’s funny how far accessorizing a simple pair of blue jeans has come, and because of that I have included my favorite selection of designer shoes to compliment my collection of jeans. Well, of course I had to throw in my favorite bag as well 🙂 which I plan to duplicate. 1. 7 for all mankind midrise bootcut USD160 2. James Perse drapped neck cotton jersey USD95 3. Current/Elliot roller low rise bf fit jeans USD195 4. Black Joffe faux nappa boot USD1095 5. Valentino Studded Suede ankle boots USD995 6. Chloe Mountain Canvas and suede wedge USD650 7. Drumas patent round toe shoes USD785 8. Sofft Shoes Belvedere ankle boots USD110 9. Chloe Marcie large python and leather tote USD3995 (Must find an imitation)
Fall is a perfect time, in my opinion, to escape to a resort and spa hotel. I think, even though the weather may be a bit brisk and unpredictable, the romance of such a property do more than make up for it. I know I just got back from Italy but, I can’t help think about a weekend escape right before the holidays. My favorite is the Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, California. I not only enjoy the drive down to Santa Barbara, but once at the hotel, I seldom leave for the entire weekend.
I just can’t snap out of it, I know I have said this before, but it really is difficult to go to Europe, even for two week, then come back to the states and adjust to the every day norm. While I was in Tuscany, the day tour I took drove through some of the most beautiful landscapes in that part of the world and the guide pointed out numerous villas perched up on the hillside. Of course, every woman on the bus awed and oohed, while the husbands rolled their eyes or laughed at us for fantasizing about owning one. Now, I for one, have always dreamed of moving to Paris some day but in addition to my fantasy of living in Paris, I wouldn’t mind owning a Tuscan villa just for the summer months :). So, to make my day less gloomy, I found my villa of choice from here. Happy Monday.
Finding just the right sweater for Winter is probably the most challenging, in my opinion, since there is always some sort of drastic temperature change going from outdoors to indoors. I, for one, would prefer to dress in layers just so I can peel them off when it’s too hot indoors and put everything back on when it’s too cold outdoors. But once in a while I do enjoy wearing sweaters throughout the entire day, no matter how hot or cold I am throughout the day. For that, I have selected some of my favorites from here:
The best thing about walking everywhere, while on vacation, is accidentally stumbling upon a gem of a place that you just know you must discover. That’s what happened to me with Day 4 in Rome. I happen to be walking about Piazza Navona, when I noticed an insignificant small street and decided to take it because I wanted to see what was past the main plaza. About 50 meters in, I came across what was labelled as Hotel Raphael, a five-star luxury property, hidden behind a wall of leaves. I walked towards the main entrance and was immediately greeted by a bellman, who so kindly waved me inside, even though I am sure he knew I didn’t belong there. He escorted me to a small elevator leading to their roof garden and suggested I have a drink while I rest my weary feet from all the walking. Of course I wasn’t going to argue, I simply followed his instructions and rode the elevator to the fifth floor and exited towards a small set of steps …
rawsilkandsaffron.com 