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In this weeks podcast Rob tells you about his NYC rub & tug experience, we replace ourselves for a day hosting Jet Set Life and Kim uncovers the racket of table service in NYC!

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In This Episode:

In this weeks podcast we tell you how we accidentally got caught in the middle of a bar fight, how we get into a fight with a hotel owner and how our New Years Eve countdown got hijacked.

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In This Episode:

In this weeks podcast we tell you how Rob almost got thrown in jail in Buenos Aires, the do’s and don’t’s of flying with kids and one of Rob’s most embarrassing moments that has now become a You Tube sensation.

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Personally, I really despise the “New Year Resolution”. I just feel like you are setting yourself up to fail! Why? Because you’re setting goals that are most often unattainable, unmeasurable and you’re only doing it because the calendar told you to, not because you really want to.

Very often, we get so busy in making “resolutions” or “goals” that we forget to ever acknowledge our successes, and lessons learned throughout the year. It’s almost like we’re a child that is always asking for new, shiny things, but never saying thank you for the things that they do have. We need to learn to be truly grateful before we can ask for more in our life.

So, this year, take these last two weeks of 2011 and make a list of everything you accomplished this year. Include everything, from the smallest achievement to the greatest. Whether you took the steps to re-pair a relationship with a family member, finally got a new job, smiled more to strangers or cured cancer- take the win and write it down. If you can’t think of things, ask your closest friends and family what they saw bright in your life in 2011.

Then on the same paper, create a list of no more than three 2012 goals that are:

(1) Attainable
(2) Measurable
(3) Short-term (1 year or less)

Once you make your list of 2011 achievements and 2012 goals, keep it somewhere you’ll see it daily. Then, everyday practice gratitude by thanking your “higher power” whether it’s God, the Universe or whatever- for what you already have in your life AND thank them for the things that you hope to receive during 2012.

Once you truly harness the power of gratitude, your life will change. Why? Not because you “wished it” to change – but because your focus will be on the positive things in your life and you’ll naturally work toward more increasing the positive things in your life. GRATITUDE is the fuel that you need to finally reach your wildest dreams.

Happy New Year! Make it BIG, make it SPECIAL, make it MAGIC!

XOXO,

Kim

In This Episode:

In our first episode we take you inside our experience at Cave Paradiso in Mykonos this summer for the Tiesto event. We walk our neophyte bodies into a world of music, partying and chaos that we’ve never quite experienced before. Next, we move on the the comical story of Rob “leaving the key up”, suffering the consequences of the Greek-God of Pavement and sticking his big toe into the world of the scooter mafia. Then we’re on to the latest ball-breaking experience of booking a prime table at 1 Oak for New Year’s Eve. Finally Kim treats us to her favorite new, low calorie cocktail that she basically stole from Andy Cohen.

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There’s a reason this little spot in the desert has been hot for so many years. Las Vegas is really anyone’s playground. Wanna gamble the penny slots? They have it. High stakes poker at 3am? No problem. Concerts? The best international artists! Family shows? Sure thing! Cool pools? From kiddie pools to clothing optional.
Amazing Restaurants? You have no idea. Day clubs? Of course. Night clubs? Without a doubt!

Personally, I’ve recently found a new fondness for this extreme-city. But when I hit Vegas, like most, I want to party. As you know, I’ve traveled the to the world’s hottest destinations and been in some really fabulous night clubs. I can honestly say that Las Vegas night clubs are hands down, some of my favorites . They attract the best of the best on international DJ scene. They’re over the top and stunning to look at. They are truly some of the best in the world. And- they have the lines to prove it! The catch is knowing which clubs are worth the wait, and which ones have long lines outside and no one inside. Currently, we our two favorite night clubs in Las Vegas are LAVO and Marquee.

Now, if you’re like Rob and I, we want the sexiest night club, no wait to get in and a VIP table so we can ensure a great night for us and our friends without drama. When we hit Sin-City, we call on the #1 VIP Host Jordan Andrew Spitz. This guy is the real deal, and can definitely make your Las Vegas nightlife experience one for the record books! From the moment you speak to him, you’ll understand why he’s been voted Jet Set Life’s #1 Vegas hook up!

You may think a VIP table is only for the rich and famous- but I assure you, it’s not. Here are Top 5 Reasons Why Going VIP in Vegas is the ONLY way!

Reason #1: Avoiding Velvet Rope Bouncers & the Inevitable Face Control
If you’re hitting Las Vegas with a group, which most people do, you can’t control who the door man is going to let into the club and not let into the club. Often clubs have dress codes, guy to girl ratios and some are just more selective about the type of patrons they want in their clubs. Unless you get there before doors open, you are almost guaranteed to WAIT in line for a ridiculous amount of time. Getting a VIP table gets you out of the line, puts you ahead of the crowd and with your own guest list, you control who gets into your table (of course everyone needs to follow the dress code).

Reason #2: It’s all about Real Estate
If you’re in the #1 club, it’s going to be packed. A VIP table keeps you out of the push-and-be-pushed crowds on the dance floor. You have your own space to dance, drink and enjoy yourself without getting knocked in the head by someone’s elbow or worry about someone dropping their drink all over your girl’s new party dress!

Reason #3: Save Money & Aggravation with Bottle Service
You may think bottle service is too expensive. But think about this- if you’re in a group of 8-12 people, and each person has a minimum of 3 drinks at $30 per drink, plus tip- your group just spent $800-$1200 or MORE for the night. Plus- you had to wait in a crazy ass line to just get into the club and then another pushy line each time you wanted a cocktail. If you and your friends all chip in, you’ll probably pay the same or maybe a bit more for the night, BUT you’ll never wait in line and you’ll have a personal waitress to make sure your drinks are perfect!

Myself and our security, Ginger!

Reason #4: Top VIP Service All Night
You don’t know top Vegas VIP service, until you’ve had VIP Host Jordan Spitz take care of you! This guy handles everything and makes your experience perfect! . He’ll make sure you’re not only settled into your table area easily, but he’ll provide you with special security to make sure you’re always taken care of, a fabulous waitress/personal bartender to make your night seamless! He has the knowledge, connections and experience of 20 hosts. Seriously.

Reason #5: Take a Walk on the Dark Side
Life is about learning, loving, sharing and growing- but it’s also about having exciting experiences, once-in-a-lifetime experience. No party-guy or gal can leave this planet without experiencing a VIP table in one of Las Vegas’s hottest nightclubs. Simply put- it’s just FUN. To have the royal treatment, be pampered all night and enjoy dancing, laughing and chilling with your closest friends until the sun comes up- that’s just something you HAVE to do. Even if it’s just once, take a walk on the dark side- and Vegas is the perfect place to do it!

New Year’s Eve Alert!!!!

You may not have any plans, or maybe you’re already heading to Vegas. Do yourself a favor and hook up with our favorite, #1 Las Vegas VIP Host Jordan Spitz! He’ll take care of everything you need. Here’s his contact details!

Jordan Spitz
Cell: 973.432.0263
Email: Jordan.Spitz@Lavogroup.com
Twitter: @J_Spitz

Steve Jobs and Apple provided the tools to match our dreams.

Years ago, before we started Jet Set Life, we found ourselves in a rut. Like many people, we had an normal life- work, kid, school functions, family, Saturday date night. I wouldn’t say boring, just not inspiring. So we brain stormed how we could begin to enjoy our lives more. We loved to travel and share our experiences, pictures etc.. with family and friends. Then when Apple announced that they were going to be launching the “video podcast” we knew what we wanted. We wanted to create our own travel show!

Apple gave us all the tools. We bought the Macbook with iMovie to edit the show, uploaded it to iTunes and began our journey in the virtual world. Now, 5 years later- we’re a real company, with a worldwide audience and a real income and more importantly, we love what we do. Who knew that Steve Job’s would have an idea that would so profoundly change the course of one couple’s life.

Podcasts have made the common man a celebrity and the celebrity into a common man.

Steve took the idea of a podcast to a whole new level. He gave everyone and anyone the ability to share their thoughts, talents and passions with the world, not just the rich or the famous. He took out the red tape and politics out of the average Joe getting a radio gig, or TV show. He allow people to create their destiny. He inspired people to share their gifts with others. He gave us all an outlet to express ourselves or to simply find others like us. Podcasts skyrocketed the virtual careers of normal people, who many now make their entire living from Podcasting.

Podcasts have re-launched the careers of many celebrities. Finally giving actors like Jay Mohr a true voice and comedians like Adam Corolla are building a new and loyal larger fan base. But more importantly, listeners can get to know the celebrity on a different level, without the interruption or censoring standards of TV and radio. They have a peek into the a world that is so foreign, yet oddly similar to their own. With podcasts, there is something for everyone. And, if there’s something missing you want, you have the option to create it yourself.

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” ~ Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs has inspired people to follow their dreams, uncover their passions and make a virtual career a reality. He has provided the inspiration and the tools to create your own destiny. He’s more than a phone or a computer – he’s a gift that was put on this planet to change the course of your life, support your passions and live your dreams.

Simply put. Steve Job’s changed the world.

So….without further adieu, here are my picks to create the perfect weekend in NYC!

Where to Stay

With a million to choose from it comes down to finding a chic spot with the right price and perfect location. Where do you want to be? For me, when traveling with my family, I want to be close to the action. Think near Central Park, Times Square etc.. But if it’s a cool trip with the hubby and friends, I’m heading downtown to Tribeca, SoHo or the Bowery. If I’m in the city for a few days with great weather, I may head over to Brooklyn and experience something a little fresher.

On the Cheap:

Gild Hall
Location: Financial District
Starting at: $79.00
Vibe: This price-friendly, location-iffy hotel is full of character and typical-Thompson design. This is not the party-hotel and is often quiet after the nearby Wall Street closes for the day.

Ace Hotel NYC
Location: Near 29th & Broadway
Starting at: $159.00
Vibe: Newly hitting the scene, everyone is talking about this little slightly-odd hotel.
Room categories range from bunk-beds (yep, bunk beds) to small, medium, large and loft.

Downtown Chic:

Smyth Hotel by Thompson Hotels
Location: Tribeca
Starting at: $179.00
Vibe: With a concierge that knows his sh*t, to a funky cool design- it’s no wonder this happening hotel is a favorite amongst the cool-kids.

The Bowery
Location: NoHo
Starting at: $325.00
Vibe: Coming on the hotel scene strong is this hotel that demands a quiet environment is kept. The perfect NoHo chic hot spot and favorite of visiting celebs, is great for a chill escape the chaos of the NYC streets. No bar scene here!

Pamper Me:

The Setai Fifth Ave
Location: NoHo
Starting at: $495.00
Vibe: With 24-hour, top notch service, gorgeous decor and a Hammam it’s easy to see why it’s all about pampering at the Setai.

Trump SoHo
Location: SoHo
Starting at: $369.00
Vibe: All the benefits of Trump property without that gaudy gold from 1982! Finally a super chic, luxurious hotel with an 11,000 sq ft spa in a prime local. Love it!

Across the Bridge:

Hotel le Bleu
Location: Park Slope Neighborhood- Brooklyn
Starting at: $175.00
Vibe: Clean, classy and in a cool neighborhood make this Brooklyn boutique hotel one to watch. It’s also only steps from a subway station so getting into Manhattan is easier than ever!

NU Hotel
Location: at the intersection of 4 neighborhoods (Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens)
Starting at: $175.00
Vibe: Perfect spot if you’re wanting to get the most for your money and really explore the neat, trend setting neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

Enjoy the Day:

Eataly
Location: Flat Iron District, 23rd Street
Perfect for: Lunch or just to walk around- great place for a rainy day activity
Vibe: Eataly brings my favorite Italian markets to the States! Walk around this HUGE warehouse style market and taste the authentic espresso and gelato or buy some freshly made pastas and bread for a special dinner. I could literally get lost in this place for hours. And, if you’re hungry there are many restaurants to choose from- enjoy anything from pizza and pasta to fish and meats- all Italian!

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO
Location: Brooklyn, under Brooklyn Bridge
Perfect for: Get a little extra exercise and some great views of Manhattan as you cross the Brooklyn bridge on foot. Then, head down to DUMBO for lunch, shopping or maybe a festival.
Vibe: Exercise with a view!

Ping-Pong at Spin NYC
Location: East 23rd Street
Perfect for: An afternoon gathering or a cool night out with friends that doesn’t include a velvet rope!
Vibe: Ping-pong meets the social scene.

Where to Eat:

Norma’s for Brunch
Location: Le Parker Meridien NYC
What to Order: Where do I begin…Lobster Mac n’ Cheese, Hazelnut filled crepes and Chicken pot pie!
Vibe: Comfort foods at their finest. This is the go-to spot from brunch in NYC!

Bistrot Bagatelle for a Brunch Party!
Location: Meatpacking District
What to Order: The food is slightly better than average- but, you go for the party so…order mimosa’s!!!!!
Vibe: Get ready to dance on the tables, spend lots of money and have the time of your life for this Saturday brunch party!

Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto for Casual Italian Lunch
Location: Amsterdam & 73rd St.
What to Order: Definitely order a Selezione del Salumiere & Formaggi ( meat & cheese) platter for the table so you can sample their specialty!
Vibe: This tiny Italian spot specializes in cured meats. And it’s as close to Italy as you can get!

Di Fara for Pizza
Location: Brooklyn
What to Order: Anything! Just be prepared to wait in line.
Vibe: Famously superb, this sizzling slice comes with crisp but not crumbly crust, perfectly balanced sauce, and perfectly melted cheese.

The Meatball Shop for Lunch/Dinner
Location: LES
What to Order: Beef, pork, chicken, special of the day…naked balls (yep, I said it), sliders or heros or kitchen sink…so many options- only so much room in the tummy!
Vibe: Fun concept, great food, no reservations and light and friendly atmosphere make this one fun spot to hit with friends.

Macelleria Steak House for Meat
Location: Meatpacking District
What to Order: Share the ravioli du jour and order a prime aged NY strip!
Vibe: Simple seasonal menu, homemade fresh pasta, perfectly grilled meats and whole fish cooked to order- what’s not to love?

Lupa for Italian
Location: NoHo
What to Order: The Pasta Special!!! Always order the pasta special- what ever it is! (don’t order the fish- it’s bland)
Vibe: Casual and fairly priced Italian from a protege of Mario Batali. Friendly staff, rustic appearance and great wine list make this a definite must for great Italian in NYC.

Find Dessert:

Magnolia Bakery
Location: 4 Locations- Bleeker St, Columbus Ave, Rocefellar Center, Grand Central Terminal
What to Order: Devil’s Food Cupcake! Light and fluffy- perfectly sweet!
Vibe: Sex and the City may have made it a famous tourist spot, but the perfectly baked goods keep ‘em coming back for more!

Mille-fueille Bakery Café
Location: Greenwich Village
What to Order: Salted Caramel Macaroons
Vibe: It’s all about this tiny Parisian-style Café in the heart Manhattan! Absolute macaroon heaven!

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary
Location: East Village
What to Order: Micro-brew  Root beer Float!
Vibe: NYC”s first natural, non-dairy frozen dessert shop!

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Location: Chinatown
What to Order: Almond Cookie is #1, but Zen Butter is also worth a shot!
Vibe: American’s most popular dessert with an exotic Chinese twist.

Where to Drink:

1 Oak
Location: Chelsea, 17th Street
What to Order: Mixed Berry Gimlet is my favorite!
Vibe: An intimate, exclusive, classy and seductive nightclub with mile-high models, fun DJ beats and a shockingly unpretentious crowd that isn’t scared to bust a move on the dance floor or the VIP booths.

Butter
Location: NoHo
What to Order: The Veranda – Sparkling Cava, St. Germain and Green Grapes!
Vibe: Super-sexy decor in the lunge makes anyone feel like an A-lister. FYI: Monday is the night to go…right now

The Boom Boom Room
Location: The Top of the Standard Hotel
What to Order: Tell the bartender your pleasure, and let him create something magical for you!
Vibe: Stunning views…located atop the Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district, this lounge boasts almost a 360-degree view of the skyline!

Sakagura
Location: Near Grand Central in a basement of an office building
What to Order: Sakagura offers over 200 kinds of sakes, various authentic tapas-style dishes, and homemade desserts.
Vibe: Feels like you walked into Tokyo!

The Lobby Lounge
Location: Inside the Mandarin Oriental NYC
What to Order: Your favorite martini and the Dim Sum Sampler or Kobe Beef Sliders!
Vibe: The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or light meal with dramatic views of Central Park and the City skyline.

Rood Garden Café at the Met
Location: Roof of the Met
What to Order: A glass of your favorite vino and the roasted portobello mushroom sandwich.
Vibe: Open seasonally, when the sun sets in NYC, there’s no better view than this rooftop!

You’re walking through the packed, narrow, primarily pedestrian streets of Mykonos Town. You pass bar after bar, restaurant after restaurant, shop after shop – loud music, high energy, crowds of beautifully dressed travelers- then you realize, it’s 2pm, not 2am. Yes, Mykonos is one of those towns where you can always find a party and you can always find an adventure, but finding a little peace and quite- that’s much harder. This creates a bit of an issue if you want to be in town, but eventually would like to get some uninterrupted sleep!

What’s a jet-setter to do? Well…

Option 1: You can stay away from the town in a villa or hotel on another part of the island. You’ll definitely have more quiet, but now you have a transportation problem. The island of Mykonos only has about 20-30 taxis, which means in the high-season, getting one means prearranging it- which doesn’t allow for changes or spontaneity.

Option 2: Stay in town and deal with the noise at night by either joining the all-night party or sleeping with a really great pair of ear plugs!

Option 3: Stay at the Mykonos Theoxenia! The hotel is adjacent to the windmills and offer a completely serene and relaxing oasis- perfect for escaping the Mykonos party by foot!

The Location: This hotel definitely has a perfect location! Just behind the famous windmills and a few steps from the favorite in-town sunset and party spot of Little Venice- the Mykonos Theoxenia has the ideal location for those wanting to be ‘in the action’, with the ability to also be ‘out of the action’ within minutes by foot!

The picture shown is Rob, still inside the Mykonos Theoxenia Hotel grounds with the windmills behind him. Really- is there a better location? Nope!

The Hotel Design: The Mykonos Theoxenia is a member of Design Hotels of the World. The hotel itself was built in the 1960′s. The design of the hotel was rather rebellious at the time, as it went against the traditional Mykonos look of white washed walls and soft curves.

The hotel later caught the eye of Jackie’s Onassis and soon became her favorite hotel on the island. More recently, the hotel was acquired by the Louis Group who commissioned a major modern renovation of the decor while preserving the Pop-Art sixties theme.

The Rooms: The Mykonos Theoxenia offers six categories of rooms ranging from Standard to 2 Bedroom Suites.  During the recent renovation they also added great in room modern touches like a superior hi-fi sound system and complimentary internet (best connection on the island!). Although each room category may offer slightly different amenities,  the at-home feeling and exceptional service are complimentary with any room.

My suggestion would be to book a Deluxe Ocean View room or higher category. I mean, you are in Mykonos, shouldn’t you be looking at the sea? And yes, it’s absolutely worth it! There is absolutely no better way to wake up, than being greeting by a smiling face, and a delicious breakfast, that you can enjoy on your private balcony, overlooking the sea in the plush robe provided.

The Pool: The beaches of Mykonos are magical! However, the oasis that has been created poolside at the  Mykonos Theoxenia is worth a day or two of your attention. Feel free to chillax poolside on one of the many extra-comfy cabanas, order a delicious poolside lunch and enjoy the shade or sun- it’s your choice. Then, wait for the sun to dip into the sea with your own private and uncrowded view from the hotel’s pool terrace.

The Plate: The main restaurant of the Mykonos Theoxenia offers a full buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner that is available in the restaurant, poolside or in your room. Breakfast begins early around 7am- which is brilliant as many people are just coming in from their night-adventure in the town and need a bite to eat before bed. Then the rest of the non-party crowd trickles in a little later. The spread has everything you could imagine from made-to-order omelets to pastries, traditional Greek yogurt and fruit, breads and cereals. For lunch, dine poolside on lighter items like the king prawn salad or slightly heavier fresh pastas, sandwiches or burgers. Dinner can be arranged in the dining area or even poolside if you desire. Among my favorites were the beef carpaccio appetizer and the baked rack of lamb.

Extra Special Things: In every hotel, I hope to find a few things that really make it unique and special. At the Mykonos Theoxenia , I found it so refreshing that all guests  receive a welcome drink upon arrival and are greeted, as we were, with a plate of fresh fruit and a bottle of wine in their room! I was also excited to find my absolute favorite, Greek line of deluxe body, hair care items & cosmetics from Korres in my super-luxe bathroom!

But, I think the best part of this hotel is the staff. they’re always friendly, helpful and ready to assist you with anything you may need. They’re there when you need them, and disappear when you don’t. This is the mark of a highly trained staff and a superior luxury hotel that just gets what the clients want.

That in itself, is priceless.

Watch Rob’s interview with Sakis Spyrou Mykonos Theoxenia of the on Jet Set Live!