Paris, the short list

I recently just got back from one of my favorites cities, Paris!
Everyone has their own list of amazing shops, cafes and brasseries. We'll here are a few of my favorites!

ARRIVE: Paris has two airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly. Most overseas flights arrive at CDG. There are many bus and public transit links to both of these airports, but for something a bit more seamless I would recommend Company Shuttle. Their service is very reasonable with professional and punctual staff.



STAY: This trip I wanted to feel like I was not only visiting but living in Paris. Like many before me I have discovered that renting an apartment is a great way to experience Parisian life. With so many options I finally settled on renting a fantastic little place in my favorite area the 3rd arrondissement. Isabelle's apartments are charming and she has variety of locations across the city. Each are cozy and well appointed. Because you deal with Isabelle directly you get very personalized service.



EAT:
Macarons! I could eat these all day. There are many options throughout the city, but I really love the ones from Pierre Hermé



L'As du Fallafel, 34 Rue des Rosiers Not your typical French cuisine, but once you taste one of these fallafels you will be hooked!



SHOPPING:
Frip'irium - 2, Rue de la Verrerie, Le Marais, has a fantastic selection of vintage men and woman's couture.



For more vintage, you cannot beat Vintage Bar, 16 Rue de la Verrerie which has a fantastic variety of woman's shoes and accessories...this place is packed to the rafters, so those with an editing eye will do best here!



Foodies will love a visit to the food halls at Galleries Lafayette or Printemps



Another great shop is Premiere Pression Provence. They have a wonderful selection of olive oils, all of which hail from Provence.



Who can visit Paris without tasting some chocolate? One of my favorites is Cacao et Chocolat.

When flying is a drag!

Some passengers were a bit surprised when they boarded a Virgin airlines flight from Melbourne-to-Sydney! What fun!

Airport dining

Just got back from a quick jaunt to Paris and London (more on that to come later!).
After paying 2.50 euros for a small piece of bonbel cheese in a CDG airport cafeteria I decided there must be a better place to eat. This was not the first time I had left an airport feeling hungry and gouged. Well not anymore thanks to this site, where for a few extra euros I can now make a much better decision on which way I swing my euro, dollar or pounds!

making time fly

Now this is what I call a creative use of time!

Carry On Cosmetics

Beauty Editor and Stylista, Rhonda Riche who contributes to many national magazines (not to mention her fantastic blog Gracious Good which I mentioned a few weeks back) gives us the digs on what the hell we can AND should include in our cosmetic carry on bag....

After a 12 hours in airports and planes, one needs a touch of makeup to
avoid looking like a zombie. But ever since the UndieBomber incident,
increased airline security and shrinking carry on limits been messing with
our beauty routine.

Here is the 411 on the Transportation Security Administration's regulations
-Liquids and gels must be housed containers that hold 3 ounces or less
-Items must be cased in one clear, zip topped 1 quart bag
-1 bag per person

Save your liquid limit for a good moisturizer ­ with all that dehydrating
cabin air you'll need it (Kiehl's travel-sized Ultra Facial Cream is a
favourite) and focus on compact, carry on friendly powder-and cream-based
makeup.

1. Marcelle Minerals Powder Makeup gives nice sheer coverage and comes
with a built-in brush, which also makes in-the-air application less messy.

2. Condition and colour your lips at the same time with Burt's Bees Lip
Shimmer.

3. Mascara is out. And applying eyeliner in turbulence is no fun. Lorac
Red Carpet Reveal Eye & Cheek Palette Eye Shadow Palette (available at
Sephora) comes with a double ended, shadow/liner brush and three warm brown
eye shades and a neutral rouge ­ all house in a sleek compact — to help you
get a nicely defined eye and a brush of blush.

4. On long flights, moist towelettes are the traveler's best friend. I
actually discovered this on a trip to Singapore long before 9-11. Right now,
I'm a fan of Olay Regenerist Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths because they
refresh and cleanse.

5. Spare yourself some hassle and keep non-liquids in a clear bag as well
­it helps keep your carry on organized and it won't confuse security.
Unless you're a frequent flier, a Ziploc bag'll do nicely.

Hotels to love: Marqués de Riscal

Spain + Frank Gehry + Hotel = Marqués de Riscal!

Soap for Africa!

Here is a fantastic program that takes used hotel soap (yes those bars you leave behind in the shower), sterilizes, reshapes it and distributes it to refugee camps...oh and creates local jobs to boot! Check out Global Soap Project for more information and a list of participating hotels!

Book the "lost flight" on kayak.com

I LOVE this! Kayak.com will allow you to book a flight on Ocanic airlines...the fictional airline from Lost! More here from cnet.

laundry list

What can you expect in the bathroom the next time you check into a major hotel?
Here is a quick list:

STARWOOD HOTELS
· Sheraton: Shine by Bliss
· Four Points by Sheraton: Caswell-Massey
· W Hotels: Bliss
· Westin: Made especially for Westin
· Aloft: Bliss
· Luxury Collection, St. Regis and Le Meridien: Signature bath products

MARRIOTT HOTELS
· JW Marriott: Nervae
· Marriott: Bath and Body Works
· Renaissance: Lather
· Courtyard: Davies Gate
· Fairfield Inn: Pantene
· Residence Inn: Davies Gate
· SpringHill Suites: Pro Terra
· TownePlace Suites: Pro Terra

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS (IHG)
· Hotel Indigo: Aveda
· Holiday Inn: Garden Botanika products
· Holiday Inn Express: Simply SmartTM
· Crowne Plaza: Reneu Botanicals collection
· Staybridge Suites: SIMPLY be wellTM herbal bath collection

HILTON HOTELS
Crabtree & Evelyn LaSource

HYATT HOTELS
Varies, but some properties use eShave

WYNDHAM HOTELS
Bath and Body Works

Air New Zealand's amazing new economy "skycouches"

WOW...what a fantastic idea! Why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/01/27/cuddle-class-couches.html

Lao's silver lining

Laos is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Orijyn is a company which connects the countries' master craftspeople with the rest of the world. This revenue goes directly to the artists and the products go directly to you!

Flying high

Check out Air New Zealand's new inflight service...I love the wonderful pillows!

bookshelf

Why not enjoy an old classic in a new package. The illustration and design of these book covers from Penguin will automatically spark your wanderlust.

Seoul 5 star hotel at 50% OFF!

Amazing architecture, exciting art galleries and high-end couture have all put Seoul on the map and 2010 is definitely the year to visit. The 5 star Lotte hotel, one of the cities best has an irresistible offer.
Click here for reservations through March 15
Chick here for reservations through March 22 - April 28

Stylist Lynda Felton's packing list

Stylist Lynda Felton is no stranger to beautiful objects. At any given day she can be found styling items, making sure they look picture-perfect for film or magazine photography. What five items can't Lynda be without when she hits the road? Let's find out...

1.my camera - sony cybershot - Small and super easy to use. And, I always have a picture of my dog Lily on it so I can see her when we are apart.

2.aveda blue oil - It has a wonderful peppermint smell that is perfect any time you need a lift. A little on the temples and I'm good to go

3.converse slip-ons - I've owned various styles since the 80's and really what else in my closet can I say that about.

4.Mountain equipment bag - I love this bag.. Lots of different sized compartments to keep my stuff organized. I have had the same one for 12 years and it is still in perfect condition. It's been everywhere with me from antique shows to Cambodia.

5.Virgina Johnson scarf - it's soft and cozy - nuff said.