Archive for October, 2008
A Jet Set Weekend: Boston
Boston is one of the most historical towns in the country and home to the first North American college, Harvard, the original Dunkin’ Donuts, Cheers, The Boston Tea Party, the Red Sox and of course Paul Revere. But what you may not know is that Boston is one of the hippest cities in the US. Let me take you on a tour of my old stomping grounds.
The Place to Stay
Boston has some beautiful, culturally historic yet über chic hotels. I’d urge you to stay at one of these to get the real feeling of Colonial and Jeffersonian styling the is Boston.
My Pick: XV Beacon
This is (and most likely always will be) my favorite jet set spot in Boston. The hotel’s historic yet obviously modern decor and supreme customer service are the best in the city. XV Beacon’s Back Bay location, only a block from the Boston Commons and a short walk to the famed shopping of Newbury Street definitely keeps me coming back. There may be new hotel blood in the city, but nothing compares to XV!
Another Great Choice: The Liberty Hotel
The talk of the town is the Liberty Hotel. Once an old jail that was built in 1851, The Liberty Hotel has been transformed into one of the new hotel hot-spots. The hotel definitely plays upon its history with the CLINK restaurant and Alibi Lounge. FYI: The first bar of its kind in the country, La Grande Dame bar offers a selection of premier Champagnes by-the-glass from Veuve Clicquot.
The Best Shops
Newbury Street began in the 1970’s as a hip street of unique shops, kind of like SoHo. Now, the 8 blocks offer some of the most prestigious shops like Chanel and Ralph Lauren along side trendy inexpensive shops like H & M. However, Newbury Street still has tons of one of a kind boutiques.
My favorites:
Best High End: Louis Boston
Cool Consignment: The Closet
Simple Fashions: Calypso
The Tourist Trap that Can’t Be Missed
Top of the Hub: Enjoy the sunset at the best tourist trap in Boston because on a clear day you can see up to 100 miles away. This bird’s eye view of Boston from the Prudential Center includes Hancock Tower, Boston Commons, Fenway Park and beyond. Skip the Skywalk and dinner and just order a drink and an appetizer in the restaurant and enjoy the view.
Where to Eat
Most Inventive Small Plates: Cuchi Cuchi
The Best of Boston: Oleana
2nd Best Clam Chowda (My Mother’s is #1) :The Union Oyster House
Best Sweets: Mike’s Pastry
Hottest Table: Mistral
Best New England Seafood: B & G Oysters
Things to Do
See the Green Monster at Fenway Park.
Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
Boston Harbor Sailing
Where to Sip a Cocktail
Rumor: Plan to dance on the tables on Thursday nights.
33 Lounge: The South End’s home for inventive cocktails like Raspberry Intrigue.
Venu: Guest DJ’s from around the world, great place to dance the night away.
Alibi Lounge: Liberty Hotel’s hot new night spot for a cocktail.
Top Eleven Movies That’ll Get You in the Mood (to Travel)!
Sometimes you just want a good movie to get you in the mood to travel. You can watch them before you go for inspiration or on the plane for excitement. Either way, here are my favorites:
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Woody Allen movie ever! Two American woman plan to spend the summer in Spain together before one of them is to be married. Both fall for the same man, who already happens to have a crazy ex-wife. Beautifully acted, amazing scenes and undeniable passion. You’ll be able to sit for hours after this film and discuss the European mindset and it’s cultural differences with America.
Blame It On Rio
A romantic comedy about to men who vacation with their daughters in Rio de Janeiro. One of the men reluctantly falls in love with his best friends daughter. Silly, and with sort of disturbing plot, this movie won’t win any Oscars but is definitely great for a mindless movie with great views of Rio!
It Started in Naples
A lawyer, Mike (Clark Gable) is given the task of settling his late brother’s estate in Italy. In the process he finds out that his brother had a son that is being cared for by nightclub dancer, Lucia (Sofia Loren). As Mike struggles with doing what is best for the child, he’s forced to look into himself for his own faults. Wonderful!
Under the Tuscan Sun
(Just in case you haven’t seen it) Fresh from a divorce, Frances finds herself engulfed in a sometimes comedic, Tuscan villa restoration project. Searching for love and independence, she finds herself in the process. The scenes from the Amalfi Coast are spectacular!
The Talented Mr Ripley
Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) assumes the identity of a wealthy Princeton graduate and accepts an offer to travel to Europe to convince (real Princeton grad) Dickie Greenleaf to return home form Europe. Tom does anything and everything to protect his true identity and the lifestyle that he became accustomed to on his voyage to Europe.
Shirley Valentine
Shirley, a housewife finds herself unhappy with how her life has turned out. She dreams about the life she used to have. Luck hits when her best friend wins a trip for two to Greece. She joins her to explore the Greek Islands and inevitably herself. The restaurant used in the scene from a Mykonos taverna is still there and delicious!
7. Casablanca
Casablanca
This Oscar Award winning, 1942 film is a true classic. It is set in World War II Morocco. Sadly, the whole movie was filmed in California! Casablanca offers one of the most memorable exit lines in movie history, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
A Little Romance
An wealthy American girl (a very young Diane Lane) meets a poor French boy while attending school in Paris. They’re “star crossed lovers” of a sort. They decide to solidify their love by journeying together to Venice.
Summer Lovers
A flirtatious, scandalous and somewhat cheesy look at life in the 1980’s on the Greek Islands. A young Daryl Hannah and Peter Gallagher flirt with the idea of a “non-traditional” relationship during their summer vacation in Santorini. The scenery of the Greek Islands is breathtakingly beautiful and provides a perfect backdrop.
10. Borne Supremacy
Borne Supremacy
This Matt Damon super action packed spy thriller takes you are the globe. The movie moves quickly but gives you many of the world’s flavors. The movie was filmed in Berlin, Naples, Munich, Amsterdam, Goa India and the ending is filmed in Manhattan USA.
11. Il Postino
Il Postino
Il Postino is an Italian film that was filmed partly on the island of Salina, in the Aeolian Islands near Sicily. This is the love story of a postman that gets the help of the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda to help woo his lady interest.
Top Eleven Jet Setter Must-Reads
Reading can be a great escape, expand your knowledge or life altering. The right book can inspire your imagination to be come your reality or help you solve a nagging problem in your life. Jet Setters have lots of time to read while in flight, on a train and especially lounging on the beach or by the pool. So, here are my favorite eleven jet setter must-read books to pack in your Tumi carry-on. There is a nice mix of travel, enjoyment and personal growth. These are in no particular order (except maybe putting Bill Mahr after the Playboy bunny, that seemed appropriate).
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The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian
by Phil Doran
- The Reluctant Tuscan
Culturally Entertaining
This is a very well written book about the experiences of a couple from L.A. that transplant themselves into the Italian culture. Similar to “Under the Tuscan Sun”, this is based on the real life of an expat in Italy. You’ll be laughing (probably out loud) as one thing leads to another and they find themselves renovating a 300 year old farmhouse in the middle of Tuscany. If you’ve ever experienced the red-tape and quirky cultural norms of the Italians, then you will especially appreciate this book. Having been married in Italy, I can tell you that it is all true! Sometimes, you just have to laugh when bad gets worse.
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by Randy Pausch
- The Last Lecture
A Life Changing Book
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” –Randy Pausch
If you haven’t seen the video of Randy Pausch last lecture then you must be living under a rock. This is the single most tear jerking, yet inspiring story of how delicate life truly is and a reminder to live your life NOW!
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Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures: Funny Women Write from the Road (Travelers’ Tales)
by Various Funny Women
- Sand in my Bra
A Collection of Humorous Travel Stories
With story authors like Ellen DeGeneres, it’s not hard to see why this book is hard to put down. It’ll make you rethink about all of your own travel mishaps and how when you look back, they are really very funny. This is the perfect book to read on the beach because each story is only a couple pages long, so you can take a refreshing dip in the water in between the travel tales.
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Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Eat Pray Love
When Happily Ever After Comes to an End
This book took the world by storm. Women can relate to the emotions, hardships and excitement of Elizabeth’s journey to truly finding herself through travel. She shows you that there is life after divorce, but you have to find it because it’s not going to find you. It’s about finding your inner strength, finding yourself and ultimately finding true happiness. Definitely a chick book.
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by Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
- Skinny Bitch
The Tough Truth About Food
This is an in your face, shut up and sit down book about finally learning the truth about the foods you eat. It swings vegan for sure, but if you’re not ready to give up on your meat, it’s okay. There’s plenty of other information on food that you can apply to your diet. It’s a fun, easy read. When is the last time you heard of a vegan book topping the NY Times Best Sellers list? My point exactly.
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La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
by Beppe Severgnini
- La Bella Figura
A Comical Look at Italia
Everything in Italy is dramatic and emotional. I love it. Once Rob and I found ourselves at a four-way stop sign in Naples, Italy. However, no one was stopping. I was sure my life would end in that moment. If only I had read this book prior. This book gives you a look into the mind of the Italian. Be warned that once you get into their mind, you may never return:)
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by David Deida
- The Way of the Superior Man
Man’s Guide to Actually Becoming a Real Man
Ask a woman to name male celebrities she’s most attracted to and all the usual suspects show up: Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Sean Connery etc… Why? It’s not their looks, it’s not their bank accounts, it’s their masculinity. Masculine men are confident, driven and live from their deepest core. It’s time to take off those superman underoos and man-up. BTW, being masculine doesn’t mean being a jerk, that’s a common misconception. For men only.
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by Rolf Potts
- Vagabonding
Choosing The Road Less Chosen
If vagabonding was an Olympic sport then Rolf Potts would be it’s Michael Phelps. In this book, Rolf gives you advice on how to find your independence and live each day on it’s own merit. Even for the Jet Setter there is a lot to be learned. The style of travel is different, but the desire, passion and core is the same. We all want an experience to remember regardless if it’s on a shoestring or with a private yacht.
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by Tim Ferriss
- 4HWW
Flips Your World Upside Down
It’s no shocker that Tim’s book makes my list. Tim inspires you to stop living 9-5 with one weeks vacation and find out what you REALLY want to do with your life. He gives you great tips on how to outsource the crap you don’t want to do and earn an income that will support you lifestyle as you live your passion. Stop procrastinating and complaining about your bank account or your cubical, and do something about it.
* Read Rob’s interview with Tim here.
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Bunny Tales: Behind Closed Doors at the Playboy Mansion
by Izabella St. James
- Bunny Tales
Voyeuristic Mindless Entertainment
Hugh’s platinum blond, almost-a-lawyer, ex-girlfriend lets you inside the gates of the Playboy mansion. Discover the ins and outs of the life of a “girlfriend”. It’s not as glamorous as you may think (or maybe it is). Beware, there are some parts of the book that will give you mental pictures you probably didn’t want and that you will never be able to erase.You won’t become enlightened, but you will be entertained!
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New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer
by Bill Mahr
- New Rules
The Things You Wish You Had the Balls to Say
Bill Mahr tackles every topic that your Mom told you never to discuss over dinner, and makes New Rules for the things that bother him the most. Whether you agree or disagree you can’t deny that he is hysterical. I personally love this book on audio, Bill reads it himself, so it’s more like a stand-up comedy routine.
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Hopefully you’ll hit the closest Barnes & Noble or log onto Amazon to find my picks!
Ciao!
5 Tips to be Bikini Ready in 90 Days
Picture Above: Bikini Beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Bikini season? Again! She must be crazy! Nope, in the Southern Hemisphere, summer is on it’s way and it’s coming whether you are ready or not! So, if you’re heading South to an exotic destination like Buzios, Punta del Este or Sydney (or want to just look like you are), here are my tips on getting a bikini-ready-bod in 90 days or less.
1. Let’s Get That Butt “High & Tight”
If you live above the equator then that probably means your 2008 bikini body is getting ready for plush sweaters, warm Winter coats and maybe a couple of extra pounds to keep you warm at night (or maybe that’s just what you tell yourself as you eat your way through the holidays). My suggestion is to find a workout that keeps kicking (and lifting) your butt year round. For me, it’s P90X. This home workout is tough and not meant for the beginning exerciser. You’ll need a chin up bar, free weights or bands and a lot of dedication. Three days per week you’ll focus on different body parts such as “Chest & Back” or “Arms & Shoulders” plus “Ab Ripper X”. The other three days you’ll do either “Kenpo X” (think cardio-kickbox), “Yoga X” (1.5 hours of ass-kicking yoga) or “Plyo X” (various jumping exercises for one-hour straight). Every three weeks it’s a different phase, total muscle confusion. Between each phase you do one week of “Core”, “Yoga” and “Stretch X”. The program has many variations such as classic, fat burning and even a double-day workout program for the psychos. It’s enough to keep you interested, not to mention it keeps your heart rate up and your body fat down. Stop making excuses.
2. Finding the Perfect Fit + Personal Style = Bikini Nightmares
It’s almost impossible to find bikinis that fit your shape and personal taste. Add to that the desire to wear a swimsuit that isn’t on every other girl at the pool and you’ve got one complex situation! I’ve complied a list of my favorite swimsuit designers and shops worldwide. You’ll be sure to find great fits and unique styles. Just double check the return policies!
Tooshie Bikini
Sold in eight stores worldwide or buy online at Net-A-Porter
Salinas Swimwear
Shipping Worldwide, No Returns
Stephanie Hoos
Shipping to US & Europe
Tica London
Shipping Worldwide
Flamingo Sands
Contact directly for purchase and shipping options.
Ave Swimwear
Contact directly for purchase and shipping options.
Nina Swimwear
Free Shipping to Continental US States & Fed Ex to UK, Canada & Other territories worldwide.
Brett Sandler
Purchase online at Shop Bop, Intermix (US) and many other local retailers worldwide.
Sugar Free Swim
Purchase at many local retailers worldwide or call to order directly.
Loér Bikinis
Purchase online.
3. Getting Hair-Free
There’s nothing worse that having to shave your legs (or anywhere else) while on holiday. You have temporary options like Bikini Waxing, or you have permanent options like Laser Hair Removal. You need to plan ahead for both so make a decision and throw away that razor.
4. Smooth Sun Kissed Skin (minus the sun)
No one wants wrinkles, but we all want the golden tan. Sunless is the way to go. Keeping the skin smooth and silky is a must for sunless tanning. I’ve complied a list of my favorite exfoliates and tanners to help you achieve a non-blotchy perfect summer tan.
Exfoliate:
Philosophy Coconut Frosting Salt Scrub
$25 for 23 oz.
Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads
$36 for 8 oz.
Korres Basil Lemon Body Scrub
$17 for 5 oz.
Sunless Tanners
Only in Salons:
Mystic Tan
Fantasy Tan Airbrushing
At Home:
Clarins Radiance-Plus Self Tanning
$51 for 1.7 fl/oz.
Too Faced: Tanning Bed in a Tube
$22.50 for 6 fl/oz.
5. Moisturize & Protect
Taking care of your skin is especially important during and after a day in the sun. You want to make sure your skin stays protected from the sun’s harmful rays, as well as the chemicals in pools or the drying salt in the ocean. Here’s a list of my favorite moisturizers and sunscreens.
Moisture:
La Mer Body Creme
$130-$190 for 6.7-10 fl/oz.
Fresh Sugar Lemon Body Lotion
$28 for 10 fl/oz.
Bliss Body Butter
$35 for 8.5 fl/oz.
Sunscreen for the Face:
Natura Bisse Oil Free SPF 30
$95
Shiseido Ultimate Sun for Face
$33 for 2 fl/oz.
Sunscreen for the Body:
Peter Thomas Roth: Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
$28 for 6 fl/oz.
Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection SPF 33 PA++
$28 for 3.3 fl/oz.
Fresh Sun Shield SPF 30 for Face & Body
$48 for 5.1 fl/oz.
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Rob and I are headed to Buenos Aires & Rio de Janeiro over the next couple of months. Let us know if you’ll be in the neighborhood!
Ciao!
Kimberly
Jet Setting Without A Hotel
Traveling the world in stylish boutique hotels is definitely high on my list of priorities. However, in some destinations renting an apartment or villa for your holiday can be a better choice. For instance, if you choose a city that you are truly going to want to explore, instead of a getaway where the main focus is to sit near the pool all day, then finding the perfect apartment or villa should be on your list. A great example of this is the amazing city of Buenos Aires. Hip hotels in the Palermo district are inexpensive ($125-175/night). But, renting a luxury apartment in the Palermo district is just as easy and even more affordable (especially if you are doing a mini-retirement for a month or more). I explored this option and found that I could rent a beautiful 1-bedroom apartment for $500 per week and $1,200 per month through a company called Buenos Aires Habitat. In this case, renting an apartment is almost one third of the cost compared to staying in a boutique hotel. Now, I know South America is ridiculously inexpensive, so I came up with a few more examples in other destinations around the world.
Example 1
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
# of People: Two Couples (4 people total)
Duration: 1 Week
Cape Town is perfect for a beach getaway with friends. I used Cape Town Villas and found a two bedroom villa directly on the beach 30 meters from Camps Bay Beach for $283-591 per night depending on the season (remember this can be split between the two couples). Now, the luxurious boutique hotel 12 Apostles Hotel (also located in Camps Bay) is $645-$1567 per night per couple!
Example 2
Where: Florence, Italy
# of People: One Couple (2 people)
Duration: One Week
Florence is a beautiful city and you’ll definitely enjoy being on the streets living La Dolce Vita instead of in your hotel suite. I used The Smart Cactus to find a beautiful apartment witin walking distance on the city center. The cost per week is about $1,250 which compared to paying $2,030 per week at the Lungarno or $2,450 at JK Place.
Example 3
Where: St. Bart’s, Caribbean
# of People: One Couple (2 people)
Duration: One Week (not Christmas/New Years)
A great way to enjoy St. Bart’s is by renting a villa. They’re typically tucked away in the hillside with spectacular views (from their private pools) of the surrounding islands such as Anguilla. I found a beautiful luxury villa on the Villa Caribe website for $2,500-$4,000 per week for all weeks (except Xmas/New Years). The Eden Rock luxury hotel’s cheapest rates range from $4,585-$6,426 for one week.
Tips for Not Getting Screwed or Surprised
* When choosing an apartment to rent, ask for references of people that you can contact that have actually stayed in the villa or apartment that you are interested in.
* Rent from a company rather than an individual.
* Make sure you read the agreement. Are utilities, linens, towels, maid service etc.. included?
* Confirm that they have wi-fi/internet access and air conditioning/heating? (Dont’ assume they do)
* Is there parking available?
* In what area of the city is it located? Check the area thoroughly to make sure you’re exactly where you want to be.
* Print a copy of your agreement and keep it with you.
* Ask if there are any additional charges.
* Ask for the rules regarding the deposit. Make sure you follow them to ensure you get the deposit back at the end of your stay.
80°F Sunny & No Humidity
Next Trip: 
