Oct 14

Gotta Getaway? WhitePod Provides A Snowy Eco-Retreat In The Swiss Alps!

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imageLooking for the ultimate winter vacay that won’t betray your newfound “save the planet” attitude and go green regime? No, I’m not crazy — you can enjoy a fun-filled snowy getaway without stomping carbon footprints all over the ozone! The beautiful wintry town of Les Cerniers, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is home to WhitePod, the ultimate eco-friendly ski resort that’ll have you relaxing and romping in the snow rather than roughing it for survival. The retreat is comprised of 15 one- and two-bedroom “pods,” all fully equipped with bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, and organic furnishings, that use minimal water and electricity to allow for a more pristine mountain environment experience while still providing the comfort and luxury of high-end lodging. Spend the day skiing (with the help of private ski lifts), snowboarding, paragliding, or even dog-sledding, then relax the night away over dinner and drinks at the community chalet or massages at the hotel spa. I’m sure the Swiss Alps are gorgeous all year round, but you won’t get to experience the mountains quite like this (or quite this eco-chic!) at any other seasonal resort! Take a look at the slideshow for the hotel’s breath-taking surroundings and unique amenities!

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Oct 07

Gotta Getaway? Check Out The Wit Hotel, Chicago’s Hip New Hotspot

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imageWe may have lost the Olympics for 2016, but we’re still kicking. A Chicago girl through and through, I love keeping up on the latest hip places in the city. That’s why I love the Wit Hotel in Chicago, the hippest spot in town since it opened in May. This boutique Doubletree Hotel has become renowned for its bold yellow diagonals through the height of the building, and angular roof, a nod to the reputation of the Windy City. Inside, you’ll find a very comfortable contemporary setting, with bold color combinations, which simultaneously make the senses come alive and calm. The fun details are where it’s at of course – including the luxurious movie style SCREEN theater room, and the infamous ROOF bar, which has quickly become a destination for the stylish in the city. Located in the city’s Theater District, you’ll get the best of downtown Chicago! Come visit, but in the mean time, check out the slideshow for a taste of the Wit Hotel!

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Oct 02

Hot In The Hive: MovieWedge

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imageMan, do I wish I had discovered the MovieWedge in time for my last sleepless red-eye flight to New York! Think of the plushy little media player stand as a bean bag chair for your iPod — it’s tiny, squishy and portable, and props up your device at an adjustable viewing angle so you can watch videos on your device hands-free. Anyone who’s had to entertain themselves on the go knows it’s a pain to have to hold your player for hours at a time (or at least until your downloads run its battery life dry). Now you and your iPod can be cozy just about anywhere as it sits atop its little perch on any tray table, arm rest, or even on your lap!

Price: $9.95
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add MovieWedge to the Hive.

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Sep 23

Gotta Getaway? Stay In A Castle At Ireland’s Adare Manor!

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imageWhile the 18-hole championship course situated within the 840-acre estate of Adare Manor is any golfer’s dream come true, you don’t need to be an avid putt-putter to enjoy the unbelievably romantic expanse of the castle resort accommodations. The 5-star hotel draws visitors from all over the globe with its gorgeous manor architecture and nearby villas, fishing and equestrian activities, wine tasting, historical tours, and of course, fine dining at its sophisticated Oakroom Restaurant. But despite its luxe lodgings and offerings, I have to admit what’s really luring me in — actually staying in a real castle in the middle of that lush Ireland scenery would be like living out my wildest fairytale fantasies I’ve had since childhood! Take a look at the slideshow to be further tempted to book a flight to Ireland for your next princess-worthy vacay!

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Sep 16

Gotta Getaway? Mingle With The Mammals At Kenya’s Giraffe Manor

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imageDying for a chance to embark on an African safari but don’t really want to rough it outdoors and risk becoming a lion pride’s next meal? The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, provides the ultimate forest retreat after a long day of exploring the savannah. A historic manor turned endangered wildlife sanctuary turned hotel, Giraffe Manor is elegant, exclusive, and personally hosted, offering a comfortable home away from home for the ultimate animal lover… and the animals themselves! The property is home to a resident herd of giraffes and other veggie-feeding wildlife who actually interact with the hotel’s guests — and literally pop their heads in to say hello during dinner! While the, er, “up close and personal” vibe isn’t for everyone, it certainly makes an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to walk, talk, and eat with the animals! Check the slideshow for a preview of the manor (and its natives)!

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Sep 16

Harajuku Lovers Makeup Cases For Your Fatal Attraction To Cuteness

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imageHarajuku Lovers has adorable nylon and canvas makeup bags that have the ultimate “awww” factor. From travel bags to brush cases, these super cute bags are the perfect accessory to hold makeup and toiletries. They are easy to clean and fit perfectly into any purse or travel bag, small or large. My favorite is the Summer of Lovers Bag Collection. I also adore the I Love Ice Cream line and the Preppies bags, made especially for anyone with a preppy streak and a “fatal attraction to cuteness.” I might just have to get my hands on a travel bag for my trip to Hawaii next month! Exclusively sold at Sephora, the collections are priced from $20 for a brush case to $48 for a travel bag. Check out Shopdiary.com for more adorable accessory must-haves!
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Sep 12

Dear Fellow People of Carmel, California

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We would like to extend congratulations to ourselves for having the very best town in the world! Although the voting was only open to in-town residents, we think it goes without saying that Carmel really deserved this highly coveted honor once again. That’s twenty years running! To commerate, we have imported the world’s finest small-caps-named artists to create bourgeois paintings of our charming town. These will be for sale throughout our hilltop village in every one of our thirty art galleries, so please grab one for your tea room before visitors get their grubby hands on them. 

We are also pleased to announce the opening of even more jewelers! They will be sprinkled between the authentic alpine-themed cafes proudly brewing starbucks brand coffee. Commemorative diamond studded brioches are being forged, so you can show just how proud you are to live here. 

Congratulations again, people of Carmel. God bless our (award-winning) town!

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Sep 09

Live Like A Queen (Or King) At Turkey’s Mardan Palace

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imageIn Antalya, Turkey, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains that sits right on the Mediterranean coast, lies a resort fit for king. Mardan Palace was made for those rolling in riches, and every penny has been invested into the development of such indulgent design that its majesty defies reality. And what better a location for such a world-class resort than Antalya, a city known for its proximity to great skiing, hiking, and shipwreck exploring as well as its important role in the history of the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires. The hotel boasts its own coral reef and lagoon, a spa so sweet it will make you salivate, and vast swimming pool that appears bigger in area than the resort itself along. Each room caters to this marvelous location with a view of either the Mediterranean Sea, the Taurus Mountain Range, or the pool that an incredible series of bridges encapsulates the span of baby blueness. As if the beautiful view weren’t enough, guests enjoy toiletries by Hermes and a 24-hour butler service. Excursions alone could occupy your entire stay, but guests are also entertained by 24 different spots within the resort to enjoy some luxury food and libations including one with an all vegetarian menu, one with windows made of tropical fishtanks, one within the Palace’s own waterfall, one situated on the rooftop. It’s a shame I’ve spent most of my lifetime without having considered Turkey an instinctual travel destination: It’s now reached the top of my list! Click on the slideshow to experience Antalya’s Mardan Palace!

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Sep 08

Boka Group, Chicago: Covering All Your Foodie Cravings!

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imageTired of that same old question: Where should we eat? If you’re in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, you’re in luck. The Boka Group offers three of the hottest fine-dining restaurants in town – Boka, Landmark and Perennial — where co-owners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz combine award-winning chefs, a hip ambiance, and impeccable service with their expertise in the hospitality biz. Just steps away from cultural icon Steppenwolf Theatre and available for indoor, outdoor or private dining, this trio of top-notch eateries claims Chicago foodie raves. So whether you’re in the mood for an after-work cocktail, a pre-theater dinner, a late-night nosh or a quiet table for two, one of the Boka spots is sure to be the perfect place to begin (or end) your night on the town.
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Sep 02

Gotta Getaway? Get A Taste Of Tuscany At San Francisco’s Villa Florence!

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imageBeen dreaming of that romantic Tuscan getaway but don’t exactly have the spare cash for the overseas accommodations? Good news — now you can enjoy the beauty of Italy right in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square! True, it might not be an equivalent replacement, but the idea is still there, and with its Italian villa-style decor, newly-remodeled accommodations, and authentic wine bar and restaurant next door, Villa Florence is the closet you’ll get to your ideal romantic destination on this side of the world! You’ll get the coziest of VIP treatments as you enjoy the hotel’s warm contemporary decor and modern amenities (complete with L’Occitane products in the room!), providing you an escape within an escape. As beautiful as it may be, don’t hole yourself up in the room, though — with the hotel’s prime SF location, you can shop the day away without having to exchange your currency! Take a look at the slideshow for a glimpse of SF’s take on the Italian villa.

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