Beaches is rolling out the red carpet for you and your girlfriends to go on a 4-night vacation in paradise at very special rates. So, grab your girlfriends, kick back, relax and enjoy Caribbean-style fun at the Beaches Friends Forever (B.F.F.) Girls Getaway.
Packages Start at $1199
B.F.F. Activities
Welcome cocktail reception Island Dance Lessons
Skin-timate Skin Care Sessions
Beach Bonfire Pajama Party
Meditation Classes
Beach Yoga and Seaside Pilates Classes
Chartered Snorkeling
Farewell Dinner
More goodies! $200 SPA GIFT CERTIFICATE
Receive a $200 Red Lane Spa gift certificate for the ultimate in pampering. Plus, receive welcome gifts, a 10% discount at the retail shops and a free 5×7 photograph.
Sunset Sail Away Catamaran Cruise
Sail away on a catamaran cruise for the ultimate party on the water!
Available dates:
October 14 – 18, 2010, May 12 – 16, 2011, October 13 – 17, 2011
Need some help? Have questions? Dates aren’t right? Contact Alyse for help! www.travelwizenow.com
866-408-WIZE (9493)
The cool trade winds are in the travelers favor for an exceptional end of the summer experience at either Anse Chastanet or Jade Mountain, both in the shadow of the majestic Pitons in St. Lucia. These two resorts are offering a summer promotion that creates an unmatchable romantic experience in the Caribbean. Guests who by October 3rd receive every 3rd night free. Those visitors staying a minimum of 6 nights will also receive a $150 USD per person food and beverage credit.
Rates at Anse Chastanet start at $300 for a standard room and increase to $635 for a premium room, per night. Jade Mountain daily rates start at $900 for a sky suite and continue to $1950 for a galaxy suite. Guests have the choice of adding breakfast and dinner to their package for an additional $180 per couple, per day.
Set in a stunning scenic beauty, both of these resorts boast lush gardens, St. Lucia beaches and private pools. To book your vacation now, visit the resort’s web site or call 800-223-1108.
The travel world is a community. Everyone has a story to tell or experiences to share. Learning about fellow travelers will better your own travels and give fresh insight. That’s why, each month, we feature a different Tango Diva member.
About Ashley: I am a mother, stepmother, wife, cyclist, skier, Italophile, business owner, volunteer, baker and in serious need of a nap! I have run my own boutique travel company specializing in adventures of a lifetime in Italy for the past three years. I love sharing my passion for Italy and things Italian with others.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Energetic, friendly, curious
How do these words inspire your travels?
I see travel as an opportunity to learn about other cultures. The most important thing to me is getting to know the people of a country or region. I love hearing about a city or town from the locals and I could sit for hours just people watching and observing.
What inspired you to travel originally?
I have always been curious about other places, but it was a summer in college without a plan that inspired me to travel. Looking for something to occupy much of break, I chose to enroll in summer school in Rome. The rest, as they say, is history.
What is your favorite destination?
How do you deal with stress while traveling?
I try my best to avoid stress while traveling by having a plan but embracing the idea that, especially in travel, things do not always go as planned. I really accept the fact that strikes, flight delays and other unexpected issues are commonplace when one travels and just try to go with the flow. If I do get into a stressful situation, I do find it best stopping and sitting down with a coffee at a café while I assess the situation and compose myself.
Who do you like to travel with?
I love traveling with my husband and children. They are super travelers and I think it is in their genes.
What are you favorite activities while traveling?
Love trying great local restaurants, checking out museums (major or lesser known) or doing what the locals like to do. Last time we were in Montreal, we went to a Canadiens game. It was great to watch a game with people who are so knowledgeable about the game.
What is the best advice you ever learned while traveling?
Be ready for anything.
What travel moment has stuck with you?
I would have to say that my trip to Saint Maarten 8 years ago was the most memorable. My husband proposed to me on the trip!
What is your future travel goal?
My list of places to visit is ridiculously long. My job gets me to Italy so much that it leaves very little time for pleasure travel these days. The next trip we are planning is next summer – we are going to head out West with the kids: Utah, New Mexico, Colorado. Can’t wait!
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Do you want to be profiled? Let us know! Login to your Tango Diva account and send AlexCanedo a message telling her you would like to be interviewed.
The Lanesborough, a swank destination where the global glitterati hide away when they are in London, announces an exclusive partnership with Laurent-Perrier, esteemed brand and avant-garde creator of unique and elegant Champagnes. On 28th September, The Lanesborough will host a unique tasting of Laurent-Perrier champagnes presented by David Hesketh, Managing Director of Laurent-Perrier UK and distinguished Master of Wine.
The master class features the world’s finest champagnes including the Grand Siècle prestige cuvée, Laurent Perrier vintages from 1999 and 1993, as well as an extremely rare offering from 1982. In addition, the champagnes are paired with an 8-course menu designed by Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck.
Blue Lobster, papaya, mango and avocado
Ultra Brut
Langoustine potato and black olive dust
Grand Siècle
Risotto with oyster and champagne
Grand Siècle
Gnocchi with chive and caviar
Laurent Perrier 2000
Cod fillet with “Spellos” beans
Laurent Perrier 1996
Composition of turbot, scallops and shellfish
Laurent Perrier 1993
Lamb variation
Laurent Perrier 1982
Parfait with wild berries, marshmallows and chocolate cannoli
Demi-Sec
It’s back to school …which conjures images of school uniforms, navy blazers and button down shirts. At this point, if you’re in the uniform club, you’ve got to be craving a little variety. Add a punch of flair to the staid look with a backpack that is worthy of a night out on the town (homework first, of course).
Available from Alexander Wang‘s fall collection, the Sydney backpack is made of wool felt with leather trim in a black/gray vertical stripe or a solid dove gray. A long sash provides a feminine classroom exit and a very of-the-moment detail when tied in a bow. For the gals who already have their diploma in hand, this carry all will add a fresh look to your current collection of satchels, messengers, hobos and totes. Clip a brooch on it in the evening and you’re ready to pull an all-nighter… and we’re not talking at the library.
Yes, it’s a painful truth that not all asses were created with the same je ne sais quoi as
J Lo’s. And because of that dreadful truth, ladies like me avoid the wearing of jeans – except those really hot ones that I buy in Stockholm. But, since I don’t get to Stockholm very often, I was hoping to find a jean that would actually fit my truck. You see. I don’t got a big truck, but I don’t really have a cute, sexy waste either. So wearing jeans while traveling has been totally out of the question. Well, until now.
I went on over to the Levi’s store in San Francisco where they were hosting a private party with Levi’s SVP of Women’s Design, You Nguyen. It was super cool because they had three different women who had a size 27 waist, but the amount of junk in their trucks were completely different. One girl had legs that could wrap around the moon, while another was a bit short and athletic. So, You Nguyen explained why ladies like me don’t wear jeans very often – and definitely never on a flight somewhere. It’s because our asses don’t fit the jeans we are wearing.
So, I had someone from Levi measure me, and I ended up being measured as a “Demi Curve.” After a few rounds of trying on jeans, I found a killer pair of rock star Levi’s that fit me like a glove – oh and did I mention – they are size 26. Hell yeah!
So now when you see me strutting through the airport, you might actually see me in a pair of jeans that don’t give me a plumber’s crack when I sit down. At last.
For more information about where you can get your pair of jeans click here.
While London is full of history, museums, and art, my perfect day in London was spent being a girly-girl in proper English fashion. The weather was sunny and warm and the cider was cold and sweet!
Saturday, 10 am: Borough Market
I love a good farmer’s market, and this one offered delicious variety. Fruits, vegetables, wines, oils, breads, cheeses; everything you need to make a fresh meal! They also have vendors selling prepared foods, like curries, salads, burgers, and more. My friend and I opted to concoct our own creation using a fresh baguette, pesto, and goat cheese. Then satisfied our sweet tooth with Burnt Sugar. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Details: 8 am – 5pm on Saturday (also open Thursday, Friday), Metro stop: London Bridge
12:00 PM:Portobello Road
Shopping time! On Saturdays, you can find antiques, jewellery, second-hand clothes and random finds. My favorite souvenirs have been found at markets like this. Located in the Notting Hill neighborhood, there are lots of funky boutiques and restaurants in the area too.
For cider, try The Sun in Splendor Pub. Their cold pint of cider hit the spot!
2:00 PM: Bea’s of Bloomsbury Pop Up Afternoon Tea
(Tip: Don’t eat a big lunch before coming here. These treats will fill you up!)
Hosted by the popular Bea’s of Bloomsbury bakery, this afternoon tea is an original experience from the usual ritzy afternoon tea at hotels. “Pop Up Afternoon Tea” is outdoors on the lawn of Cardinal Place in Victoria, beautifully tucked amid the area’s soaring skyscrapers. Partake in traditional afternoon tea and treats, such as mini meringues, crumbly shortbread, rustic smoked salmon sandwiches, and cupcakes, all accompanied by a glass of champagne and Pimms. The Earl Grey tea was the best I’ve ever had, or try the Jasmine. Dress up for the occasion (i.e. garden party dress) to fully embrace the experience. This was one of my favorite memories from London!
Details: £25 per person, tables can be booked in groups of 2, 4, 6 and 8
4:00 PM: Oxford St Shopping
Dubbed “the heart of London shopping,” Oxford St won’t disappoint. This street has it all and spands 1.5 miles with 548 shops. Check out Topshop, who claims to be the largest fashion store in the world, or pick up some football souvenirs for your sports-loving friend at the Nike or Adidas stores. You will definitely be shopped out and ready for a good meal! Dinner: You can’t go to England without having fish and chips! Check out The Golden Hind at 73 Marylebone Lane for delicious fish and chips with the classic mushy peas. You can BYOB, too!
7:30 PM: Theater
Head over to Leicester Square earlier in the day to buy half-price tickets to a performance that evening. This method has little effect on quality of seats – we ended up with GREAT seats every time. Personally, I would recommend the musical Wicked. My theater-buff travel buddy insists everyone must see it at least once.
Do you have a perfect day in a city? Submit your entry to AlexCanedo and your “Tango Diva Day” could be featured here!
If Lewis Caroll needed inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, he surely would have spent time in the Florentine atelier of Aprosio. The shop is a sparkling space filled with crouching creatures, insects about to take flight, flora, reptiles, and a sprinkling of hearts … all fashioned of Bohemian crystal and Murano glass beads.
Aprosio is always on my list of priorities when I am in Florence. Transported not only physically, but sensually, one goes from from the cobblestone alley with its zipping vespas to a space of quiet calm and wondrous imagination. Ornella Aprosio, the talented artisan who is behind the brand, is involved at every step of production… from boarding a boat to cross the Venetian lagoon for micro glass beads (known as “conteria”) to overseeing her team of artisans who form the works of wearable art. As well, she is often found in the shop helping her clientele select pieces.
A Roman, her earliest years were focused on the repair and alteration of vintage clothing, specifically of the 20s and 40s. This period in fashion often celebrated textiles embellished with beads which which sparked her interest in the medium. She eventually relocated to Florence where her passion turned into a thriving business that now reaches as far as Asia and the United States. Ornella opened her first workshop in 1993 in Florence, a small space near the Pitti. The present location, just a few streets away, is spacious and bright and better showcases the crystalline beads and breadth of designs.
Ornella’s designs are made by hand and therefore have variations that make every piece unique. The three dimensional quality of the more complex pieces and the depth achieved with the different methods of production — crochet, knitting, needlepoint, woven into fabric and also threaded yarn with beads — combined with different shapes and colors of beads attests to her expertise. Her designs range from classic shapes to the more extravagant statement pieces that can take weeks to create. The spider’s web, celebrated for its perfection of design and an Italian symbol of fortune and gain, was integrated in Aprosio’s logo and also undescores her consistent interest in nature as an influence in her work.
Best selling pieces are the simple soft bracelet — very wearable — available in a kaleidoscope of colors, a classic knot necklace and sphere earrings. All excellent choices but why go safe? I’d spring for one of the more outrageous pieces encrusted with beaded shells or festooned with beaded cherries.
This fall and winter look for more in silver and metal greens; shades of lilac to dark violet; contrasting ruby red and black in both shiny and matte.
I just got back from a press tour of the Presidio’s indoor trampoline park, House of Air and all I can say is “What a blast!”
No matter how crappy your day was after an hour of jumping, bouncing and cavorting, there’s no way you won’t be walking out a much happier camper. Talk about a no-brainer: It’s soooo much cheaper than therapy (only $14/hr) plus you’ll be burning mucho calories!
Who:
Consider HOA for corporate team building, a cool birthday party for kids, if you want to pick up some mad skills before skiing, surfing or whatever, or as an alternative exercise program if you’re tired of climbing the Stairmaster to nowhere.
What:
This place is huge. Their main big-boy structure ( bigger than a basketball court) The Matrix, is made up of 42 conjoined trampolines. They also offer an innovative 2X (Double) Bowl freestyle trampoline concept modeled after skateboard park designs, perf for action sport types and described by one of the owners, Dave Schaeffer, as “really gnarley”. The Colosseum, 22 conjoined trampolines running all the way up the side walls, will be used for team sports such as trampoline dodgeball and basketball. There are also trampoline areas available for the little one starting at 3 years old as well as their “Training Ground” performance-based classes geared toward professional athletes.
When:
House of Air will open its cutting-edge trampoline park on Wednesday, September 15th and then you can tramp your little heart out:
• Monday-Thursday: 10 am – 10 pm
• Friday: 10 am – 11 pm
• Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm
• Sunday: 9 am – 9 pm
Where:
House of Air is located in a historic airplane hangar from 1921 at 926 Mason St. in the San Francisco Presidio with plenty of free parking. There’s also going to be a cutting edge retail outlet as well as an on-site healthy cafe.
Why:
BECAUSE IT’S SOOPER FUN! Just check out this video
