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Archive for October, 2011
L’Occitane Ladies First
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
As far as body products go, if I wouldn’t eat it, I wouldn’t wear it. Olive Oil is pretty much my go to product for body, face, eye make-up remover, hair and cuticle conditioner and anything in need of moisture. Olive oil is cheap, non-toxic and it works. But there is one brand for which I will make an exception and splurge, L’Occitane.
I always loved the smell, the feel, the metal tube and the fact that it came from France. ( Doesn’t everything French seem more luxurious?) It’s also non-toxic made of mostly shea butter and almond, lavender and coconut extracts. But I just learned that since 2006 L’Occitane has been working hard at doing good in Burkina Faso, providing literacy and micro-credit programs to foster economic development for the women of this African country.
A new limited edition collection with packaging inspired by traditional African graphics, celebrating regional tribes, is an homage to the women who grow the ultranourishing shea butter- the heart of the L’Occitane lines.
Twenty dollars for a tube of hand cream that supports women (who just want to support themselves) is a pretty inexpensive luxury in today’s economy. That combined with pair of Tom’s shoes could give real meaning to “giving” this coming holiday season.
Tags: Burkina Faso, eco-friendly body products, L'Occitane, non-toxic body products, shea butter, triple green bottom line
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The Los Angeles Interior Designer – Celebrity and Cinema
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
What is it about the Los Angeles Interior Designer that is so captivating?
When your daily drive includes views of the Hollywood sign, when the guy sweating next to you in yoga class is David Duchovny, when your client dresses Angelina Jolie, when you are surrounded by film crews, set designers, writers and producers at every turn… you realize you simply can not escape the glow of the silver screen. It forces the Los Angeles designer to create and compete with multi-million dollar productions and events that mesmorize the entire world. Everything is magnified in High Def, and the Los Angeles interior designer constantly responds by inventing new ways to impress. And if you want to rise to the top of the pack in Los Angeles, you must add acting to your list of design services.
It’s exciting to watch winners Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Kelly Wearstler transform from mere interior designers to bonafide celebrities. And I can’t wait to do the same!
Tags: angelina jolie, david duchovny, kelly wearstle, los angeles interior designer, martyn lawrence bullard, silver screen
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The Simple Pleasures are the Ultimate Luxury
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
I’ve just returned from an idyllic trip in the Cotswolds, the English Countryside. A great part of my trip was working for Volvo, “recording luxury through my eyes”. (In the works, the ultimate, luxury SUV.)
ELLENBOROUGH PARK HOTEL
ELLENBOROUGH PARK DINING ROOM
RANGE ROVING AROUND THE COUNTRY
We stayed in fabulous Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham Spa and drove the sheep dotted, rolling green, hilly terrain in a Vouge Edition Land Rover, visiting charming villages, castles and palaces. Breakfast served on freshly pressed linen, china by the Queen’s designer and formal attention from Sandro, our Italian maitre d, began each day. It could not have been more pleasant. But I noticed I was most impressed by the simple things, like yogurt served in ceramic jars and water in glass bottles instead of plastic. And the bald, old, tire swing in the front “yard” overlooking the manor and the Cheltenham Horse Track, brought immense joy to husband, daughter and me.
TIRE SWING AT ELLENBOROUGH PARK
LA FERMIERE YOGURT IN CERAMIC JARS
Visiting stone clad, charming villages and cities with their fine cathedrals, manors, historical treasures, castles, palaces and more palaces was, of course, delightful, even surreal. But it was the little things like the candy shop displays, glimpses of a dragon or two and the way the sun glowed against the buildings, warming us at the end of a chilly day that felt like slices of heaven cake.
BLENHEIM PALACE
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
CLIVEDEN
FANCY SWEETS
WHAT A DISPLAY
WHIMISICAL DRAGONS
THE SUN ON THE GLORIOUS CRESCENT IN BATH
So the lesson is, at home or away, look out for the small things that make you smile. They are the truest luxuries in your life. Of course if you have the miles or can afford it, going first class doesn’t suck either!
VIRGIN UPPER CLASS- FULL RECLINE BABY!
Tags: Blenheim Palace, Cheltenham Spa, Cliveden, Ellenborough Park Hotel, Gloucester Cathedral, Luxury, SUV, Virgin Airlines Upper Class, Volvo, Vouge Range Rover
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