“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller
Quote of the Day
November 18, 2009 by KimberlyFall Fashion Foward
November 17, 2009 by KimberlyFashion Forward: Get Ready for Fall
Just because we don’t experience a prominent change of season in the City of Angels, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the newest looks for the fall. Check out some of these hot looks:
Neon Pink
Shockingly sexy neon pink is seen on everything from frilly dresses to bold accessories. Ultra feminine Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors were seen sporting the high wattage hot pink hue down the runways of Fashion Week.
One Shoulder
Show a little skin this fall when the one-shoulder look makes a comeback in everything from cute tops to sophisticated dresses.
Structured Shape
Flaunting your figure will be back (goodbye billowy baby dolls!) with structured, built lines. Everything from jackets with square, boxy shoulders to an edgy, fresh update on the little black dress will be popular.
Classic Black and White
This refined, sophisticated combination holds strong for the fall months. Bold graphic patterns make a statement, while dresses tend to be capricious. Always a good choice: high quality separates.
Dark Glamour
Sporting an understated, Goth-inspired look will be big on the west coast as casual chic wearables. West Coast designers flaunt velvety jackets, distressed knits and old Hollywood-inspired Vintage.
Mod Metals
Metallics add shine and glam to the season with everything from sequins, shimmer, sparkle, glitz and embellishments.
Courageous Cuts
Cutting edge creations are bold, sexy and provocative. From plunging necklines to daring cutouts, this time of year exhibits a fresh new way to look at fashion.
Five Reasons You Should Travel
November 10, 2009 by Kimberly
1.) Learning experience.
Heading out into the world is a great way to experience new things and learn. Travel and pick up bits of other languages, customs and of course, FOOD! If you have ever wanted to learn a foreign language, nothing compares to the experience of total immersion.
2.) Have stories to share.
No matter where you end up, from the B & B outside of the city, to an around-the-world voyage, you will always bring back a story to share. Whether it be sweet, funny, sentimental or caring. Build character while having a ball.
3.) Appreciate your own culture.
After a month of gloomy weather in London and people not understanding the line concept in France, you can bet I was happy to be back home in sunny Southern Cali!
4.) Meet New People.
It could be the person you sit next to on the plane, or the tour guide in your next vacation spot, but you are bound to meet people of different cultures and walks of life when you travel. Not only do you notice the differences in people, but how we are all alike.
5.) The Price is Right.
With the economy still sort of sketchy, deals and steals for travel are abound! Flights and hotels that used to cost an arm and a leg are now going for a fraction of the cost.
Travel Essentials
November 10, 2009 by KimberlySince Oct. 1st I have been pretty much on the road, going from SFO-COL-BIRM-LAS-LAX-MAN-NYC-NCE. Two of those trips (Birmingham/Vegas and New York/Nice) I never went back home to repack. Along the way, I noticed that there are some things that will make your travel life so much easier…
No matter where you are in the world, a wrap sweater comes in handy. I use it as a sweater, scarf, pillow and blanket. Comfy, cozy and dresses up any outfit.
These mini-bottles fit nicely in any purse or small pocket, and come in a variety of great scents like coconut verbena and japanese cherry blossom.
You never know what the weather is going to be like, and these will keep you warm under flimsy skirts and dresses. Leggings can also do the trick if you want something a bit warmer.
As a scarf, wrap or even blanket on the plane, a Pashmina is a must have, especially for the girl who is always cold! I have brought my Pashmina all the way from tropical Manila, Philipines to slightly cold Nice, France in November.
Even if you are not in business class, enjoy the same comforts with a great pair of socks to keep your feet snug. Not only great for the plane, but ideal for padding around the hotel.
Good for running around in the day in cities that have cobblestone walk ways, beaches and trips to the shower.
This stain stick comes in both a regular and mini size. Saves the day on many occasions when little spills happen and you don’t want or don’t have the time to send out your laundry.
There are so many versions of ipods on the market now, but this one is my favorite. Great to zone out the crying child in the row behind you or relaxing in the hotel.
This little miracle in a bottle keeps my knit dresses wrinkle free and smelling fresh.
For coutries that reserve flip flops only for the beach (Europe…especially France, England and Spain) flats make walking comfortable and fashionable.
Jet Lag Pills
I learned the hard way when I forgot my jet lag pills on the way to Manila. By the time I adjusted to the time difference and stopped waking up every morning at 3am, it was time to go home. All natural!
Happy Travels!
Art Gallery Showing
November 6, 2009 by Kimberly
Regarding Gold Painted Images:
” P.S. I had my first photo show up in Seattle last month and I exhibited some of your shots. I sold them for a charity and yours was one of the first to sell!”
November is National Novel Writing Month
November 4, 2009 by KimberlyNovember.
The month before Christmas. A mere 30 days, with a nice food ridden holiday(and 3 day weekend) thrown in.
November is also National Novel Writing Month.
Join 100,000 participants as they try to write a 175 page, 50,000 word novel in 30 days or less. (In 2007, over 15,000 finished.) NaNoWriMo.com is a non-profit organization that sponsors the event, and everyone (that finishes) is considered a winner.
Good Luck!
Quote of the Day
October 31, 2009 by KimberlyTravel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.
-Mark Twain
Mabuhay Manila!
October 30, 2009 by KimberlySofitel Philippine Plaza.
Viva Las Vegas
October 30, 2009 by KimberlyMid October I spent in my second home, Las Vegas. It was nice to finally unpack, do laundry and sleep in my own bed. I was also meeting 2 friends in town to join in on the Vegas debaucher..um,..festivities. After a couple of nights in, I ventured out on Thursday to the Hard Rock Cafe for a Jimmy Buffett company party, then to an ole’ Vegas standby, Tao. The rest of the next 3 days was pretty much a blur. Some of the highlights: Joe’s Stone Crabs, Tao, Prive, Strip House, Mr. Lucky’s, shopping at Caesars Place.
Birmingham, Alabama
October 21, 2009 by KimberlyBack in Alabama!
I actually love coming here; the city has the perfect balance of upscale cosmopolitan and small-town charm and ambiance. There is no shortage of Southern Hospitality or great food!
This trip took me to the brand new Hyatt Place in downtown. This new division of Hyatt is made for the trendy business travelers, and the rooms are modular and sleek. Downstairs The Gallery is a coffee and wine bar built into the check-in desk, and a guest kitchen serves 24-hour snacks and entrees from a touch screen. One huge perk: breakfast and internet are complimentary. This is the type of place I don’t mind spending time lounging in my room with my blackberry, laptop and 42-in. TV.
Speaking of Blackberry, Hyatt Place is giving away FREE Blackberry smart phones as part of their web promotion, no night stay required. Just got to HPFreeblackberry.com and enter promotion code P132.
Dinner the first night was at Jim and Nick’s. In business for over 25 years, this BBQ joint has a loyal following. Following the basket of hot, cheesy biscuits came chicken wings and tortilla chips with spinach dip. The salsa was actually amazing, with a strong hint of lime. My entree was the 4-ribs with a side of fries and creamed spinach.
The next night we were back to the Hot and Hot Fish Club. Chris and Idie Hastings’ run a world-class joint in Bham. Classy yet casual, and AMAZING food. For starters we had an appetizer plate with head cheese, foie gras and pate. Quail with a delectable oyster stuffing followed, along with shrimp and grits and a bouillebase. Another item I love there is the Earl Grey vodka tea. My tea will never be the same.
The last two nights were spent at Sweet Bones Alabama (to sample more Alabama BBQ) and Surin Thai. The BBQ place was located in The Summit, an upscale area that reminds me of Scottsdale, AZ. The Thai place was in the area, casual and good food. We sampled the basil spring rolls, spicy beef and noodles.
After 4 nights out, good thing I found one of these:
at the hotel. I love the Life Fitness treadmill that you can control everything from the central screen; tv, ipod, virtual trainer, scenery and much more.
I love Alabama.
