The receiving department in my office is always a busy one, with everything from CDs and cookies, to cocktail mixes and cake samples to bottles of tequila and even skin care products sent my way.
Together with my team, we do our best to try everything out, always looking to be on the cutting edge of what’s available in the market place. And that’s how I came across a skin care line I’ll swear by.
The timing was perfect. It just so happens that I have used the same skin care line for last 17 years and I had run out and not re-ordered. I opened the box from Somme Institute and started to read about this product and what it can do for your skin. I read all the testimonials and claims but wasn’t convinced. I decided to take the products home and give them a try. The instructions were clear, with each bottle numbered in a fail proof sequence. Seemed simple enough! (Read More)
It was all very spontaneous. My weekend plans were canceled, and at the last minute, Nantucket for the weekend sounded like a great option. I’d been invited by my good friend and über chef, Todd English, who presides over the cuisine at Summer House in Siasconset, an adorably quaint property with guest cottages covered in flowering roses, and large bushes of blooming hydrangea everywhere. Blessed with amazing weather, my cottage was less than a two-minute walk, and passed a rose-infused pool area and quaint dining deck to a very quiet beach; truly a slice of heaven. The beach was quiet and relaxing. No music, no kids, no dogs, just the sound of the ocean and the seagulls. It had an Ambient-like effect on me. After a long swim in the waters, I felt and smelled like a raw bar; the ocean is definitely alive. Its green color intoxicating and its salty taste filled the island’s air.
Immediately after checking in, the first thing I did was rent a bicycle and literally rode for miles discovering as much as I could of this quiet and gorgeous island that I’d heard so much about. I visited the island once many years ago and it felt good to be back. I returned to Summer House ready to partake in Todd’s version of New England classics. (Read More)
I was in Cape Town during the World Cup for the great quarter final game between Argentina and Germany. While I was there, I felt immense pride, and witnessed such national glory as the spotlight of the world was on South Africa, and the country exceeded everyone’s expectations. Many people were skeptical about the efficiency of the new airports and stadiums, but we were all not only pleasantly surprised, but impressed. The new Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport is truly world class and probably the most state of the art on the continent. Architecturally, the stadiums are spectacular and well thought out with the most state of the art of everything! Going to a game and being in a stadium with 64,100 people, is really exciting, and it was a fun and memorable game too. I noticed a tremendous presence of very organized security everywhere, and despite all the rumors, I felt incredibly safe.
The buzz was amazing. I stayed at the Molori Cape on Clifton Beach and felt like I was on a stunning boat on the ocean.
The night before the match, The One and Only Cape Town owned the night. They hosted a party for almost a thousand gorgeous and glamorous people. From there we made our way to Fez Nightclub where the African House music gave me another beat! (Read More)
As the small Caravan twin prop prepared to land at Singita, we spotted a large herd of breeding elephants just south of the landing strip. Less than 10 minutes later, after a chilled welcoming towel and ice cold cocktail, I found myself in the most sumptuous and sensual suite overlooking the river bed and veld beyond. Such chic and tasteful furnishings, with the most inventive use of authentic materials, and on top of that, every possible amenity imaginable. I particularly liked the heated plunge pool and private sun deck with outdoor shower overlooking the magnificent view; it was only moments before I was soaking in the rays and sights of the African bush. The suite’s mini bar magically always had a bucket of ice as well as a chilled bottle of white wine and tasty snacks ready and waiting. The result, a big dose of African Chic. I felt right at home!!
Our days began early with a game ride in an open Range Rover. The cold morning temperatures were remedied with hot water bottles, thermal ponchos and thick wool blankets. As the sun came up, and as the air warmed, we were peeling away the layers of clothing. Our morning coffee break, set in traditional colonial style on trestle tables, took away the last vestiges of chill before heading back to camp for a day of leisure, which could at our option, include a walking safari, a mountain bike safari, treatments in the spa, visiting a local village or chilling and tanning in the privacy of your own pool. (Read More)
I’m planning my cousin’s wedding but I’m stuck with the colors. She wants bronze, beige, and cream. I don’t know what color flowers to use, or should I use flowers as centerpieces? Can you please help me with an idea?
