All posts filed under: anniversary gift ideas

boutique hotel pick – hotel martinez – cannes, france

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Right about now I begin to crave a trip to the French Riviera and a fantasy stay at the Hotel Martinez. I mean seriously, I don’t think I need to sell anyone on the idea of experiencing pure luxury and elegance, while getting the most golden tan possible and dining at some of the finest restaurants along the French Riviera. However,  I do want to point out one of my favorite 5-star properties in Cannes, Hotel Martinez as the choice hotel for romance and special occasion celebration or simply a place for rest and relaxation.  Of course the modern classic room decor doesn’t hurt either. Anyway, enjoy the photos and have a wonderful weekend.

boutique hotel pick – royal hotel – san remo, italy

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As I organize my impending trip to Italy hopefully very soon, I can’t help but reminisce about some of the places I have visited and the boutique hotels I have stayed in. One particular hotel which comes to mind is the Royal Hotel in San Remo, Italy – just so you understand where it is, San Remo is about 64 kilometers from Nice, France. It’s a well know resort town located along the Italian Riviera between Genoa and the French border.  San Remo is also known for its casinos and the beautiful harbor lined with cafes and shops. Considering I haven’t seen much sun this summer, I am longing to spend a week in San Remo and staying at the Royal Hotel for a much needed rest and relaxation.

boutique hotel pick – grand hotel de bordeaux – france

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I suppose being busy is a good thing in one’s life, but not having the time to do the things you love is not so good. I have been experiencing this lately with too much to do and not enough time to do my writings and blog. So, you ask what does that have to do with today’s entry. It doesn’t, I just wanted to throw it out there for those who have asked  why I haven’t posted on a daily basis. Anyway, the beauty of researching online for a hotel is the fact, the ultimate choice is in your hands. I say this because, in the past I have had a terrible time working with those in the travel industry, who have blindly reserved what they believed was the best hotel for me to stay, during my travels. I think one of those unmemorable hotel stays was in Bordeaux, France. During that experience, I realized how important a descent hotel was to making the trip worth while, because since our hotel was, not only …

the other bag for the working woman

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Why is it so difficult to find a bag, in addition to the purse, to carry lunch and walking shoes while commuting to work? (I know a mouthful) Well, for some strange reason I have had alot of trouble locating the perfect tote bag to do jus that. I have, over the last 6 months, purchased and returned 12 bags and at this stage, as a result of my frustration, have settled on a simple Eddie Bauer Rippac Everyday tote for 20.00  to do the trick, as well as hold me over, until I can find the best tote bag to carry my necessaties every day to and from work. I am not picky, it’s just most bags are not designed properly to hold everything in place or if the compartment is designed correctly, the handles are not, if that is just fine, then securing the bag isn’t designed to detour theft while commuting on a crowded train. So, I suppose I either need to design the perfect bag myself or hire someone to create …

happy blog anniversary to me

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One year ago, I decided to start a blog different than my other blog here. I dabbled at first at another blogger site and after a few entries and not knowing which direction I wanted to go, I opted to join the WordPress family to get inspired. Sure enough, within a week I knew what I wanted to write about and quickly imersed myself into the project. One year  later, here I am with over 50,000 hits worldwide and several hundred, subscribed loyal followers. Not bad if you ask me for a years worth of work. However, I hope year two will inspire me enough to keep the blog alive and fresh for my readers and for myself. I want to thank everyone for encouraging me to continue and praising me for a job well done. I can honestly say, if it weren’t for this blog, I  would probably be working at Starbucks to get my pop culture on 🙂 With sincere appreciation, your truly Manya

leather jackets for spring to summer to fall

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Leather jackets and I just don’t seem to mix very well. However, in the past year I have been contemplating on buying one just because the variations or choices, I should say, are pretty enticing.  Besides, leather jackets work well in San Francisco throughout the entire year and  especially (at the rate we are going with the weather) this year. By the way, leather jackets are great mother’s day gifts as well for the trendy woman who enjoys dressing up a pair of designer jeans or complementing a pair of khakis.  

fashion: neutrals for spring to summer 2011

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I do love neutrals and as we all know it can  surely be a staple to most any outfit you put together or not, depending on your taste and what the fashion industry dictates. But, I am one, who, although appreciates fashion and trends, I do always go with the sure and safe thing for me.  However once in a while I also appreciate some things that may not look good on me. So, I have included a collection of pieces which I love and some will certainly wear this Spring to Summer. 

embracing all things inspirational

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Once in a while I have trouble, like everyone else, in getting going for a work week. I pout the entire weekend and by Sunday night, I am hyperventilating because I am once again obliged to carry out a regimented lifestyle for five days out of yet another week. This is not to say I hate my job or anything, it’s just that I appreciate my freedom a great deal and wish I had the luxury to escape the norm more often than I can. Anyway, knowing the much-needed break is nowhere in sight, I turn to some random photos of beautiful things for inspiration,  just to get me by for the week.  Hope you enjoy the slideshow and here’s  hoping for a smooth week.

decor ideas: vintage cupboards

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You know the funny thing about vintage cupboards is that, you either like them or hate them.  I happen to be one who loves seeing them when I go to Napa or Sonoma, California because, cupboards are used in most boutique stores, wine shops, deli’s and some bakeries to house their goods. I really can’t imagine a store without them in the wine country, but having one in an apartment just doesn’t seem ideal in my opinion. So, although I shop for cupboards at antique stores and online, I always talk myself out of bringing one home. I tell you though, if I were fortunate enough to have my own coffee shop, I would most certainly incorporate them into the decor of the shop. What’s your take on cupboards?

oh la la – i want i want

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Don’t you ever just walk down the street, especially in the business or financial sector of a metropolitan city or even the French Riviera and say to yourself, I want that, where did she get that?  If you aren’t one of those women, than just turn the page, otherwise take a look at my most recent wants. Oh how I wish money grew on trees 🙂 – but since it doesn’t I can only dream right?