Being the jaded restaurant-explorer that I am, it’s hard to get excited over new openings.  I am feeling waves of excitement  over the opening of 9021Pho in my old hood of Beverly Hills today.

This new eatery mixes all of my favorite things; Beverly Hills, Vietnamese food and a clean, sleek dining area. For under $10.00, you will be able to grab a healthy, delicious lunch of the namesake Pho soup, in different varieties of chicken, beef, shrimp or tuna.  Other yummy options include grilled meatballs, vegetarian curries and a charcoal pork salad.

Happy lunching!

Usually visitors from around the world come to the small little seaside towns along the coast for “the season”, which usually starts in May/June and continues until the last day in August.

In the winter months, a sleepy calm overtakes the cities and a blanket of silence envelopes the pristine area. Long gone are the loud and trendy nightclubs, airport rushes and tourist  motor traffic.  Yachts still line the harbors, but the people have seem to have jumped ship.

If you would like to explore the quiet side of the South of France, tour the area during the winter months. The weather is still very mild, with a slight chill at night requiring only a light jacket. From Nice to Monaco to St. Tropez, see a side of Europe that embodies a new view of the typical seaside resort.

Monaco

Avignon

Know for history and theater, the “City of the Popes”  is filled with squares showcasing the many shops, restaurants and courtyards. A perfect way to explore Provence is to walk aimless through the old streets, and experience the local food and wine of the region. Hotel La Mirande is one of the four star properties in the region, and offers afternoon tea, a cooking school and the perfect central location.

About a year ago I met with a friend in Vegas that was debuting a new product in the US that was already hugely popular in Europe and Asia.

The cute little, electronic contraptions are about the size of a memory stick and feature a small person with a large hand. When two pokens “high 4″, information is automatically exchanged.

Poken is your “social network business card”. Each poken can hold as little (or as much) information as you like.   It constantly updates, and accesses all your networking tools at once.

They currently have a release date  in the United States during Superbowl weekend.

Be one step ahead of the crowd and order yours now at poken.com

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller

Fashion 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.

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.

Since 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…

Black Wrap Sweater

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.

 

Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer

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.

 

Black Tights

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.

 

Fuzzy Socks

 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.

 

Flip Flops

Good for running around in the day in cities that have cobblestone walk ways, beaches and trips to the shower.

 

 

Tide Stain Stick

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.

 

iPod Nano (2nd Generation)

 

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.

 

Downy Wrinkle Releaser (Travel Size)

This little miracle in a bottle keeps my knit dresses wrinkle free and smelling fresh.

 

 

 

 

Ballet Flats

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!

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.

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!