NORDSTROM -  Shop the Fall Clearance Sale for Men, Women & Kids through November 13

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Monterey County Named one of the Top Ten Wine Travel Destinations in the World



Wine Enthusiast has just selected Monterey,CA as one of the 2013 Top Ten Wine Travel Destination in the World.  Monterey County is the only California wine region to make the 2013 list.

 "Monterey County offers so many unique and top-class experiences in not only wine and food but in everything from outdoor adventures to art to sightseeing. It has an undiscovered, offbeat, creative flair while at the same time offering very elegant experiences. We feel Monterey represents our reader - extremely modern, approachable, sincerely quality driven.  Glamour without pretense," says Wine Enthusiast Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa.  To get details on wine tasting in Monterey, visit www.SeeMonterey.com

"The wine country in Monterey County is less commercialized and provides a more authentic experience for the devoted wine enthusiast," said Tammy Blount, CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, adding, "A wine country itinerary in Monterey County is perfectly complemented with our incredible array of intimate dining options, world class shopping and spa experiences, and the most beautiful coastline in the world."


Monterey County has seen a stunning forty percent increase of tasting rooms in the last year and is home to over 40,000 acres of premium vineyards.  Wine enthusiasts are able to take public transit to tasting rooms in rustic Carmel Valley which is home to the new East End Wine Row.  Shoppers can mix finding their latest treasure with wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Fifteen  tasting rooms are now located in the walkable one square mile known for unique shops.  Vineyard experiences along River Road are also gaining momentum with A-T-V rides through the vines.

 If you're thinking of visiting Monterey county, and looking for affordable lodging, check out the Hyatt Monterey.  The hotel regularly offers specials.  Benefits of the Hyatt Monterey include the fantastic Accista spa, the fire grilled pizzas at the TusCA Ristorante and the golf course.  Of the amenities at the Hyatt Monterey, the spa is the most worthwhile in my opinion.  I visited last fall and was blown away by the quality of services offered.  The staff is top notch and both the facials and massages are relaxing and nuturing.  Even if you don't stay at the hotel, the spa is worth visiting.  Check out their Facebook specials to save. The only drawback of the Monterey Hyatt is the rooms are not all connected via an indoor walkway.  That means you have to walk outside to get to your room.  But, for the price, that may be an inconvenience  you can live with.

If you're looking for a more luxurious accomodation, perhaps to celebrate Valentine's day or another special event, check out the Hyatt Highlands Hotel.  The location is conveniently located between the charming village of Carmel and Big Sur.  It really is the "gateway" to Big Sur.  The rooms are luxurious condos with fireplaces, kitchens and jacuzzi tubs.  For R&R there is a full gym, swimming pool and trails you can run or hike through the property.  The hotel restaurant, Pacific's Edge, is an excursion itself with fantastic food and wine on the menu.

Friday, November 30, 2012

The Recessionista Relaunches



Since 2008 when our sister site, The Recessionista,  was discovered by The New York Times as “A Label for a Pleather Economy ",  the site and its traffic have steadily grown.  That's no mean feat in a tough economy, where it's harder than ever for small businesses to survive and thrive. With a small budget, and  love for living chic on the cheap The Recessionista has grown from a blogspot to a dot com, and now to a complete new design with a new logo.  Don't be confused by sites that scream out "Fake it til you make it.The Recessionista is not about faking it in any shape, manner or form. There's nothing chic about a fake.  The site is about being chic on the cheap.  You'll recognize the new site by its distinctive new logo that pays homage to Chanel’s simple “little black dress.”  We think the little black dress is the essential garment for recessionistas. A great little black dress can take you anywhere.  Take a look at the newly designed The Recessionista today with streamlined navigation and new sections (Travel, Wine/Food and Beauty.) The new site offers more pages and enhanced images.  Click here to subscribe.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Los Angeles: Divine Design 2012 Offers Great Shopping for a Great Cause

Shop Project Angel Food 
 Save the Date Savvy Shoppers in Los Angeles! The 2012 edition for Project Angel Food's super  Divine Design sale has officially been announced.  The sale will kick-off to the general public after Thanksgiving  in Los Angeles with General Shopping Days from  Dec. 1 to 3.    This unique shopping extravaganza offers fabuless fashion, home, beauty and gift items at 50-90% off. Check their website for details and tickets at Divine by Design.  Be sure to get the $10.00 off discount coupon  offered on the website page. Click here for details for details about the Gala Opening Event and VIP shopping party. Divine Design will kick off on Thursday, November 29th with an Opening Night Rock ‘n’ Roll Party which will be held inside the Divine Design Marketplace at 9900 Wilshire Boulevard (the former Robinson’s May building).  Designers David Meister and Project Runway's Mila Hermanovski will be featured in the opening festivities. Mila will co-hosts Divine Design’s VIP Cocktail Shopping Party on Nov. 29th at 6:00 pm in the marketplace. The sale benefits a cause that is near and dear to my heart: Project Angel Food. Project Angel Food is a free meal-delivery program that serves men, women and children debilitated by HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The program literally brings nourishment to the needy.  Next week the sale will bring retail nourishment to holiday shoppers looking for a bargain.  Over 200 designers will contribute to this year's sale including:  David Meister, BCBG, LAMB, Ports 1961, Trina Turk and many more.

The sale features men's clothing (Ted Baker), children's clothes, toys, plus designer brands favored by savvy shoppers everywhere.  Another key attraction of the sale is top of the line skincare products offered by Kiehl's.  Last year the Kiehl's products seemed to sell out in a hot minute.  Kate Sommerville beauty products will also be featured.  A new addition to this year's sale is a technology area sponsored by Time Warner cable.  Time Warner Cable (TWC) is sponsoring a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired Signature Home Lounge outfitted with guitar wall fixtures, cobalt carpet, gunmetal walls and modern technology twists.  Attendees will be able to participate in Social Media activities from the lounge by blogging, post or tweet, their messages which will them be displayed in the big lounge for all to see. If you haven' t shopped this sale before, remember the prices are reduced more each day of the sale, with the last day having the lowest, or final clearance prices.  The only issue with going the last day is there may not be the best selection or everything, but on the other hand, you won't have the all the temptations either. For more information, visit the Divine Design Website.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

eBay Launches their Holiday Collective with Top Designers and Worldwide Shipping


The new eBay Holiday collective featuring top designers : Billy Reid, Chris Benz, Fallon, Jonathan Adler, Ruffian, Steven Alan and Tibi, has announced the eBay Holiday Collective - an original, limited-edition gift collection of men's and women's apparel, jewelry, travel and electronics accessories and home décor.  My favorites in the collection are the Chris Benz lounge wear and the Tibi fashions.   For men, the Billy Reid travel items and the Steve Alan tech items maybe of interest. Everything is under $100.00 US and the sale is on until Dec. 10th until 8 am PT or while quantities last. If you check it out, let me know what you think. My personal pick is the Chris Benz cashmere scarf for $55.00 US.  The holiday collection is available to all eBay customers worldwide, so check shipping based on your area/country.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Los Angeles: Get Free Tickets to the Sassy City Chicks Shopping Party on Nov. 1


The Sassy City Chicks LA Fashion Bash is back in Los Angeles on Nov.1 with the perfect opportunity to score all-new Fall/Winter designer trends, pampering spa treatments, feminine-chic cocktails, and fabulous, NEW, girly swag bags! The Petersen Automotive Museum will once again play host to the one of the best Sample-Sale events of the season, The Sassy City Chicks LA Fashion Bash Event!  Last year I scored some amazing deals from Jessica Elliot jewelry, Excess Baggage and Brit Boy.

Pictured: Shopping one of my favorites from last year's event, Brit Boy
 Guests can expect to find deep discounts, up to 80% off, on designer clothes, handbags, and accessories all across the show floor. Top runway brands such as BCBG, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and many more can find their way into your closet at only a fraction of the retail price!   I enjoyed shopping Renee Vintage, BritBoy, Shop Excess Baggage & Jessica Elliot at last year's event. Event sponsors Pixi, POP Beauty will also be showcasing their newest products for sale – there will be no shortage of goodies to be found at great prices!  Need a ticket? Be one of the FIRST 25 fashionistas to enter code RECESSIONISTA at checkout and you’ll get a FREE Sassy Tote Ticket! Includes admission, swag bag, open bar, & more. CLICK TO ENTER


WHO:        Sassy City Chicks Los Angeles Fashion Bash

WHAT:    Designer clothing at discounted prices, complimentary cocktails, free spa services, and fabulous girly swag!

WHEN:        Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:00-10:00 PM

WHERE:       The Petersen Automotive Museum,
                      6060 Wilshire Blvd (at Fairfax),  Los Angeles CA 90036

Thursday, October 25, 2012

A Guide to the Hot Tickets at the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival 2012.



The 2012 Big Sur Wine and Food Festival kicks off next week on Nov 1st with a full roster of delicious food, wonderful wines, cheese and even auctions.  Now in its fourth year, the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival promises to be a frugal foodie's dream come true.  For the price of a flat rate ticket, attendees can enjoy some of California's best wines and dishes from some of California's best Chefs. Some events are sold out, while a few tickets still remain for other events including tastings and dinners. To help inform visitors and potential attendees,  I sat down with the festival organizer, Toby Rowland-Jones, to get the inside track on the festival.  With 22 events over 4 days, there's plenty going on along the rugged Big Sur coast.

Q.  How much has been raised for charity in the past?
 In 3 years, we have raised over $65,000 for local Big Sur nonprofits in areas of  Health, Safety and Education and the Arts, as well as sponsored a local Big Sur  resident to attend the CIA in Hyde Park, NY as part of her ongoing culinary education.  It's a great achievement given the current state of the climate and that we had very few sponsors in the first three years.

Q. I believe the auction lunch event  at the Post Ranch Inn on Saturday is sold out correct? What other events do you think wine and food lovers should consider snapping up tickets for?
Yes, the Auction lunch is sold out, but for those interested in calling in during the Auction, we will have operators standing by! The best events/hottest tickets will be:
  • The Gateway to Big Sur - Presented by the Hyatt Carmel Highlands - which is, in a way, an homage to the past Masters of Food and Wine - the finest food and wine festival in the world during its peak. 
  • The Pinot Walkabout - traditionally not many attendees due to the Friday afternoon time slot, which means guests get a truly great opportunity to actually chat with the winemakers instead of just asking for whatever they are pouring. The Pinot Walkabout, is not actually a hike, as some might think, but instead a stroll around the Post Ranch Inn's small but glorious kitchen garden with 30 of the top Pinot producers we admire and know.  
  •  Pinot and The Muse -  the concept of this is also SO unique to us - winemakers presenting their current vintages, but also showing and talking about the wines that  originally inspired them to become winemakers. The actual value of the wines being poured is FAR in excess of the ticket price - $50, as some of them are pouring some very rare wines that have been sponsored by a local Big Sur resident.
  • The Hiking With Stemware tour takes guests on to magical and very private private properties for guided hikes with lunch included. For those who do not wish to be so "exertive", the Magical Mystery Tours will be luxury shuttles ferrying people to other private and exclusive, well-hidden homes here along the coast, with wine and tapas at each stop.

Q. What are some of the items that we be featured at the Auction that are unique?
Our Auction, we like to think, is among the finest one could imagine. It doesn't raise the largest sums, such as Auction Napa, or the Central Coast Wine Classic, but where else would one be able to find a private guided walk in Big Sur with the co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Aubert de Villaine? Or the once in a lifetime chance to be on a Turn Boat during the America's Cup, courtesy of Lexus?  Then there's a dinner at some of the most extraordinary architectural gems with winemakers and great chefs here in Big Sur. How about an ornately carved Indonesian Teak Hutch filled with 36 different magnums of wine, each signed by the winemakers? Just a small sampling. This Lunch is now sold out, but we have the capacity to take phone calls for off-site bidding.  If you would like to be an absentee bidder, please contact Toby at toby@bigsurfoodandwine.org.


Q. Can people do "walk ins" to the events and register at the last minute?
Yes, they could, but honestly, they'll be extremely disappointed if an event is sold out - which will happen in most cases.

For up to date information on events and remaining tickets, check the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival Website for details.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

City Target Opens in Los Angeles at Fig and 7th

The new City Target Store Open to a Festive Reception of Seventh and Fig.
The new City Target Store Open to a Festive Reception of Seventh and Fig
Target  previewed their new store opening last week in Los Angeles to press and VIPS.  The store will officially open to consumers on Oct. 17th in  Downtown Los Angeles at Seventh & Figueroa. The Target in Downtown LA will be part of a new retail area called 7thandFig featuring shops and restaurants.
CityTarget will offer commuters, tourists and urban dwellers the convenience of one-stop shopping with urban living essentials, on-trend fashions and exclusive designer collections. The Beverly Connection store will create approximately 200 local jobs and will provide a convenient one-stop shopping option for this busy central Los Angeles area. Target currently operates 58 stores in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

The Downtown Los Angeles Central CityTarget will be the second of three (Beverly Connection, Westwood & DTLA)  CityTarget stores opening in Los Angeles. The store’s grand opening is Sunday, Oct. 14.  That’s good news for all the folks living in downtown where there is not a convenient big grocery store or big box retail store.