KOREAN STONEWARE DESIGN: WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

During a press conference this week to unveil the Museum’s spiffy new logo I slipped away to enjoy a self guided tour of the latest exhibition, “Poetry in Clay”. This well rounded collection comprised of Korean buncheong ceramics is from the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art.

Full disclosure: I know absolutely nothing about these beautiful well crafted Korean ceramics which look nothing like the 86 BC pots I memorized for my fine arts degree. Luckily I happened upon Docent Extraordinaire Dinny Chase. If it wasn’t for her PhD level knowledge of ceramics and my reliance on Wikipedia, you wouldn’t be reading this.

Let’s begin with the buncheong ceramic style, known for having bluish-green tones. Buncheon style replaced the previous celedon fad. During the five century long Joseon Dynasty, Korean artists started coating their pots with a white slip, painting with iron pigment. Buncheong once again fell out of favor in Korea due to the popularity of white porcelains after the 16th century. That loops us back to modern times with the current Korean buncheong revival.

Humor is clearly evident in the many renderings of turtles, elephants, birds, dogs and half fish, half dragon designs. Did you know that double fish symbolizes a harmonious marriage? The pot with the inlaid fish/dragon represents passing a high level in the civil service. I’m getting t-shirts made up immediately! But wait, there’s more.

You probably already knew that cranes represent longevity. The lotus is the Buddhist symbol of purity. The elephant ceramic in this show was used as a ritual vessel. The incised dog flask from 1450- 1500 is an excellent example of the artisan’s whimsy. Strolling around the collection you will see magnificent examples of stamping, inlay, paint, incising and carving.
The Korean bucheong collection is available for viewing from September 16th through January 8th, 2012.

Asian Art Museum
Closed Mondays
Tuesday through Sunday:
10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Thursdays:
10:00 am – 9:00 pm

Asian Art Museum is on Facebook

In response to a recent question kindly asking “What is a Gal to Do” in Las Vegas, I ventured out to the infamous city in early September to discover the answers first hand.

My trip was limited to four days and five nights. As an accomplished Travel Diva, I was up for the challenge… confident in my abilities to master the City that Never Sleeps in under a week.

Navigating the Strip:

First and foremost –this is no walking city. When looking at a map, hotels and streets appear very close in proximity; but don’t be fooled. The Strip is may be only 4 miles in length (generally not a great distance for someone who is active); But be forewarned, the effort and the time it takes to navigate the Strip from end to end can be frustrating and exhausting even to someone who loves to walk like me. The trek often feels like a lifetime especially during the summer months. Perhaps it is the congestion, constant distraction and heat of the afternoon that impact all sense of time; but no matter, Divas save the heels for later! Your feet will thank you. Cars, taxis and limos crowd the main drag leaving traffic to nearly a standstill at peak hours so don’t count on getting to your desired destination quickly. And, taxis can be expensive. Think NYC with a few dollars added on for the often miscalculated route.

Travel Tip: Taxis do not stop on the street. You can’t waive them down. You must pick up a cab at a designated hotel taxi stop. And, don’t be surprised to find a line.

But do not dismay, visitors have options:

• The Monorail. The jury is still out, especially with locals, on whether this is the most efficient form of transportation. The Monorail is a seven-stop, elevated system (3.9 mile route) that connects major hotels and attractions along the Strip. It may not be the best option for time sensitive travel; sadly, most of the monorail stops are buried within the bowels of casino hotels. Be clear, upon arrival to your destination, it could take you another 20 minutes to find your way to the Strip. My journey, via monorail and on foot, from the Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas Station to the Harrah’s /Imperial Palace Station to reach the Encore for a show nearly took two hours one way. Absolutely crazy! Despite the shortcomings, there is a silver lining. For large trade shows, conferences and conventions, the Monorail lives up to its reputation as the quickest trip on the strip; business travelers can skip the rental car and enjoy direct and stress free service to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Daily Rates are $5. Unlimited Ride Passes are also available.  Visit the Las Vegas Monorail Website to learn more.
• RTC Bus System.  The bus system covers the Strip and beyond. I learned very quickly that the bus can be your best friend. It is a Clean, Affordable and Efficient (before 12 noon and after 12 midnight) mode of transport. During peak hours (1p.m.-12 midnight)…expect the bus to be part of the traffic gridlock. In the late evening, one is likely to see a few colorful Las Vegas locals onboard. Great people watching and never a dull moment! A Three Day All Access Pass is only $20. And a 24 hour pass is less than cocktail -$7. Passes can be purchased at automated electronic kiosks at major stops on the Strip like Planet Hollywood. Special Note: There are a few special buses that run to the north end of Las Vegas (Fremont) on an alternate route - labeled WAX; these buses eliminate the multiple stops at hotels, completely avoiding Strip traffic. Be sure to pick up a bus schedule onboard or visit the Regional Transportation Commission website for a detailed schedule information prior your trip.
• Taxi Service: Expensive.Words to live by: Know and communicate your preferred route to cabbie before departing. Specifically, if you want to go to Wynn via Paradise Road…be crystal clear and concise in your instructions. Otherwise, you may be taking the scenic route.  Average Taxi Cost along Strip: $12-15 (one way)
• Limo Service/Private Sedan: All services are not the same. In a city where gambling is sport, it is not prudent to roll the dice on a private transport experience or you may end up on a CSI episode. Whether it is a wedding/bachelorette party, anniversary event or private corporate outing, On Demand Sedan and Limo delivers. I put the company to the test with a last minute early morning request for transport to the airport. I was not disappointed. The driver arrived ahead of schedule. He was professional, courteous and engaging! Bottled water was readily available as was a friendly update on the local airport weather conditions. Expect competitive pricing (10-15% less than other car services) and exceptional service. For more information, visit the On Demand Sedan and Limo Website.

Hotels & Resorts:

Accommodations are as plentiful as the slots machines on the Strip. But as with the slots…it takes experience and a good eye to spot the winning properties in Las Vegas. I had the pleasure of visiting several and staying at four distinct hotel/resorts during my short visit.

A Favorite:  The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

This high energy property, located at the intersection of Harmon and Paradise, is a walk (less than a mile) or shuttle ride to the Strip. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas offers guests perfect balance- a “stay and play” power vacation experience. The Hard Rock will keep you engaged, active and entertained….never having to leave its celebrity-infused party domain. Rooms are as distinct as the Hard Rock clientele. Choose from the Casino Deluxe Room with front row access to the wild weekend REHAB pool party. Or, opt for quiet luxury in the HRH or Paradise Tower with a beautiful suite complete with separate living/lounge area, oversized bathroom, private tower pool and all the benefits of an exclusive concierge service desk. At the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas….every guest is a winner!

Girlfriend Getaway Activities:

My calendar and cup runneth over! 

Las Vegas is the epicenter for sensational shows, spa experiences, shopping, dining and excursions.

• For some SAFE SEXual healing – don’t miss the hot and steamy All Male Revue — the Thunder from Down Under Show at the Excalibur Hotel. Hunky male specimens with sexy Aussie accents will quickly get you fantasizing and fired up with their electric and erotic dance numbers. But, not to worry… what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. So enjoy every naughty naked moment!
• Aria Spa Experience. A soothing and sensual experience. Whether you opt for a spa day pass or a signature treatment, you will not be disappointed.  The Aria Spa is best known for its unique Shio Salt Room and Gabanyoku Stone Beds; both are medicinal with holistic healing qualities… improving respiration, circulation, and metabolism and cleansing the body of toxins and stress. End the afternoon with a dip in the Spa’s Infinity Edge Pool where you can relax, unwind in temperate waters and catch a glimpse of the Las Vegas Cityscape. For an exclusive pampered escape, reserve an Aria Spa Suite. Each Suite is a private heavenly haven complete with a Jacuzzi tub, comfort treatment tables and full access to a spa cafe menu as well as specialized services like manicures and pedicures. You even get your choice of music…so getting into the groove is easy.Visit the Aria Spa Las Vegas website to learn more about special promotions and schedule your visit.

• Pink Jeep Tours. Choose from guided city to desert adventure tours with daily pick up from all Las Vegas hotels. Enjoy a small group tour experience with less than ten passengers. Explore the rugged beauty of the desert landscape, learn about native traditions and the local flora and fauna or immerse yourself in the history of Las Vegas with Pink Jeep’s popular night city tour. I opted for the Red Rock Canyon Tour (four hours) to visit the National Park Conservation area just 20 miles west of downtown. Here you will see spectacular fossilized sand dunes and marvel at the colorful sandstone rock formations of the surrounding Calico Hills. To learn more, visit the Pink Jeep Tours website.

• Jersey Boys (The Palazzo) A tribute to legendary music group, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The inspiring performance will ignite fond memories of young love and have you singing along in your seat. For tickets and schedule, visit the Jersey Boys website.
• Le Rêve (Wynn Hotel).  A dream storyline set on a grand aquatic stage featuring an oversized custom water tank, a sophisticated hi-wire trapeze system and phenomenal lighting design. Add in an extraordinary team of artists, dancers, gymnasts, synchronized swimmers and vocal talent…and you have a recipe for a magical experience. Le Rêve is sure to capture your heart. For more information, visit the Wynn Las Vegas website.

• Dinner and Dancing at ENCORE. Ladies…the Encore’s Society Cafe has worked up a special promotion to please even the most discerning diva. The “Still Single Bliss Package” is the perfect way to get the party started with a few of your closest friends. Indulge in a private dining experience. The pre-set menu includes a welcome cocktail, appetizer, a juicy Petit Filet served with your choice of crab or shrimp and the perfect finish … a decadently delicious chocolate layer cake for dessert. Savour the bliss by dancing away the calories with included VIP admission to one of the Strip’s hottest poolside night clubs – Surrender – a 60,000 square foot oasis. Total Package Price: $100 per person (a $200 Value) Visit the Encore Website for reservations. 

Fashionista Tip: Head out early and get in a little shopping before dinner at the Wynn Esplanade (right next door to the Encore)where you will find a plethora of upscale shops ranging from Dior to Louis Vuitton. Here, you can enjoy a little “Sex in Sin City” with a stop at high-fashion shoe designer Manolo Blahnik’s only U.S. boutique outside of the Big Apple.

Stay tuned in October for more; Tango Diva brings you the inside scoop on lodging complete with reviews of several Las Vegas area hotels and shares a fabulous find in Lake Las Vegas.

Photo Credits:

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Photos courtesy of HRH Las Vegas Press Office

Aria Spa Photos courtesy of MGM Resorts Press Office.

Thunder Down Under Photo courtesy of Show Management.

Society Cafe Photo Image courtesy of Barbara Kraft.

Surrender Club Photo Image courtesy of Russell MacMasters.

This Just In:
Olympus Camera is giving out 1000 “Pen E-PM1“ cameras in San Francisco and Miami through this Thursday, Sept 29.
By following the international movements of Santa Olympus on http://twitter.com/getolympus you can receive hints on finding the give-away.

I got this tweet today:
“Where in San Francisco did Francis Ford Coppola shoot scenes from his movie The Conversation? #penready #hint” ( ahhh, Union Square !)
After Thursday the team move on to another city. They’ve already been to Toronto, NYC & Pennsylvania.

What’s the catch? Nothing more than a promise of uploading 20 photos to a
new Tumblr blog at http://penready.com, which will also enters you into a sweepstakes to win a $1000 travel prize from Jet Blue. Go there now to feel really really jealous and plan just when you will have to take a long lunch break. Speaking of jealous, an entire Jet Blue plane full of passengers received suprise Olympus camera gifts on a recent flight. It’s all been recorded on YouTube.

You can keep track of the PEN Ready team on the ground in key cities by reading the blog at http://penready.com/blog.

Luxury isn’t necessarily defined by the walls around you. The Tree House Lodge has certainly got that down. This Costa Rican resort includes four luxury tree houses: the Tree House, the Beach Suite, the Beach House and the Garden House. Each unit is spacious and private, offering the ideal location for a romantic getaway or even a trip with the girlfriends. If you even want to venture outside, the resort’s got you covered with tons of activities and there’s always the beach right at your doorstep, or should I say ladder. Finding the kid (or Tarzan) in you is made simple here. With the cold weather lurking around the corner, I’m keeping this escape in my back pocket.

For more peeks at vacation treehouses – see Treehouse Chic

 
Fillmore Street will be showing itself off again on October 15th, with the 3rd annual Taste of Fillmore event. Guests will cruise down Fillmore between Jackson and Post from 3 to 6 PM, tasting the delicious bites, drinks, and sites (tasting with your eyes, of course) that Fillmore shopping has to offer.
 
Shop owners will be opening their doors and offering goodies like wine tastings, skin consultations, raffle prizes, discounts, and sidewalk fashion shows. There will be live jazz music to add to the festivities.
 
As if that wasn’t sweet enough already, Taste just so happens to fall on my birthday. Come out to help a party girl celebrate in true San Francisco fashion.
 
Participants and perks will include:

·      Zinc Details: showcasing a home living vignette and serving KOKOMO wine
·      Jurlique: raffling a basket worth $200 and giving complimentary samples
·      Gallery of Jewels: serving wine and raffling $100 worth of jewelery
·      DOSA: delicious bites and Spice Route cocktails
·      Kiehl’s: samples, skin consultations, and hors d’oeuvres by La Med
·      Renaissance Salon: complimentary product demos and styling
·      Eileen Fisher: serving refreshments and a drawing
·      Salon Yuni: serving bites and a $10 gift certificate
·      BoConcept: showcasing a home living vignette and serving Terra Savia Organic wines and hors d’oeuvres
·      Design Within Reach: showcasing a home living vignette and serving wine from Verge Syrah
·      Fraiche: offering yogurt tastings
·      Paolo shoes: serving wine and champagne
·      Limu: putting on a Peter Cohen trunk show and serving canapés and Gloria Ferrer champagne
·      Heidi Says Shoes: serving pizza and wine from Dino’s and raffling a $75 gift certificate
·      Timeless Treasures: offering a 10% discount
·      Betsey Johnson: offering a 10% discount and serving champagne
·      Hi Ho Silver: serving wine and hosting a $100 raffle
·      The Shade Store: serving refreshments and wine, raffling $500 worth of goods, and offering free samples, catalogs, and tote bags
·      Benefit Cosmetics: hosting a raffle for a private beauty bash for 10 women
·      Toujours: serving refreshments, raffling a $75 gift certificate, and putting on a fashion show celebrating 25 years!
·      Crossroads Trading: raffling a $25 gift certificate
·      Black Fleece: raffling a Thom Browne bag designed exlusively for Black Fleece
 
As if that wasn’t freakin, spankin awesome enough, wineries will be pouring at the different shops as well.
 
Notably, Terra Savia, made by Jim Milone at Sanel Valley Vineyards, will be pouring their delicious, organic wines. Jim is a wino after my own heart. “Producing organic wines is better for the small piece of the planet that we get to take care of,” he said. “Well-made wine in general is a pretty natural and healthy beverage.” Good for the planet AND my body? Count me in…
 
VERGE Winery will be serving Syrah from a similar vein of vineyard, one which is organic and bio-dynamic. Keeping it local, Gloria Ferrer will be pouring champagne made just 40 miles north of our own fabulous city.  

TASTE OF FILLMORE
Saturday, October 15th
3 pm – 6 pm
Fillmore Street – between Jackson and Post
$20
BUY TICKETS HERE

In honor of the newly released Design*Sponge at Home book, inspired by the most popular single-site design blog, (in case you haven’t already noticed I have just a teensy obsession with design) I wanted to share one of their amazing resources for those of us who are travel as well as design-inclined.

Design*Sponge has been a daily read for me for about a year now and one of my favorite parts of the website is the places section. It features cities in over 35 countries written by locals who share a passion for design. Each city features cute little shops, delectable looking restaurants, bars, coffee shops, hotels, and more. There are the big cities (New York, Washington DC, London) and small, quirky cities (Tulsa and Louisville).

I’m a sucker for a good city guide and when it’s put together by someone who shares my interests, it’s even better. I hope this page provides you with as many lazy-cafe-interior-decorating-store-browsing afternoons as it has me.

The new book full of goodies!

In the hills of Tuscany is a transformative experience. This may sound cheesy (and you may not believe me), but let me tell you a bit about The Hill that Breathes.

The Hill that Breathes is an award-winning retreat center that runs yoga and holistic holidays (but much, much more they say). It’s home to some of the world’s best yoga instructors and the famed “F**k It” week run by the owners (which inspired the bestselling books).

The outlook at this renovated farmhouse on a 100 acre wooded hill is light-hearted. It is the place Elizabeth Gilbert should have started her post-divorce pilgrimage.

I may be a bit bias, as a yogi myself, but the attention to providing a holistically rejuvenating experience for everyone is admirable and fantastically done.

For non-yoga converts “a holistic holiday, like one of ours, is simply a way of having a great holiday, relaxing even more than you normally would, and taking something home that will last longer than your suntan,” reads their website.

There’s no strict schedule. It’s all about what you want to do and how much guidance you want along the way.

“We don’t take anything too seriously … so there’s no getting up at the crack of dawn to chant, no strict regimes … there’s as much emphasis on pizza as there is on peace, as much giggling as there is contemplating.”

That’s my kind of holiday.

It seems that these type of holistic-focus-on-the-soul-holidays are popping up everywhere (check out another Tango Diva blog entry about one in India). But, The Hill that Breathes combines the impressive venue, with an eco-friendly outlook, and guidance along the way to a better self.

To assist in refreshing yourself there is The Dome, a geodesic dome in the middle of the woods known for its ideal energy for yoga.

There’s a salt water pool with a view of the surrounding hills. Hammocks pop up all over the hill and well-groomed pathways are ideal for exploring and finding some peace and quiet.

The Hill that Breathes is a breath of fresh air to the travel industry and to our hectic lives.

Hotels are cool, yes, but rentals are totally in. And a rental that is posh, artistic and inspiring? Totally, totally in.

Creative Flats is a Montreal-based rental firm that offers up the perfect example of what happens when an attention to detail and style are made priorities. Since 2000, Nathalie Bouchard and Annie Horth – two very trendy women – have decorated eight flats ranging from one to three bedrooms. Each flat has a very different feel. Whether it’s industrial chic, happy chic, or modern chic, each flat is impeccably done and, well, chic.

“There are all different sizes and layouts which we try to give to each of them a uniqueness and a personal touch,” says the Nathalie Bouchard, the owner and founder of Creative Flats. “Annie [Horth] and I like to mix classic, retro, modern and industrial pieces, with a few antiques and art pieces.”

Nathalie says that whenever she travels she is always on the lookout for design inspiration.

“We can’t wait to go to Morocco to find Oriental inspirations,” Nathalie says. “Annie has this book on la Mamounia wonderful classic hotels in Marrakech, which give us the taste to infuse a few of these exotic details in the next project.”

On the business side of this idea, it makes complete sense. Creative people travel all over the world, and they are often looking for inspiration. Creative Flats are practical and extravagant, a paradox that is too good not to take a look at…

Photographs courtesy of Creavitveflats.com 

As we rally back to school and our flip flops and shorts are replaced by wool sweaters, jackets and cold weather gear, it is time to prepare for old man winter. When cooler temps, rain and snow are part of the daily forecast, protecting and conditioning your outerwear is highly recommended.

Nikwax, an earth-friendly manufacturer, leads the global market with an innovative line of waterproofing and maintenance products designed for all-weather clothing, footwear and gear.

Safety, Quality and Social Responsibility are words to live by for this European family-owned company. Nikwax’s commitment to their customers and employees around the world has directly contributed to the success of the brand.

Nikwax’s water-based products offer higher concentration waterproofing agents than aerosol products…up to five times more concentrated.

The Nikwax product line is safe for you and the environment - no chemical solvents so Nikwax is non-toxic. And, when you use Nikwax, you will be pleased to know that you are not contributing to global warning or ozone depletion. The products are non-flammable, emit no fumes and require no heat to activate water repellency.

Skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts who love to play in the wet powder will love Nikwax’s TX Direct, a wash-in high performance re-proofing treatment that is easy, safe and quick to use. No hand washing needed; it works in a basic washing machine. TX Direct together with Nikwax’s Travel Gel Tech Wash, a non-detergent cleaner that won’t damage special coatings, will extend the life of your winter wardrobe.

And, every serious backcountry skier’s arsenal should include two of Nikwax’s best sellers –Nikwax’s SkiSkin Proof  and Down Proof.

SkiSkin Proof is an effective sponge-on waterproofing product that prevents damaging ice build-up on ski skins. SkiSkin Proof also stops saturation, reduces kick and keeps your skins in perfect glide condition season after season. Down Proof is a biodegradable wash-in treatment for down-filled clothing and gear. The product adds and renews water repellency, revives breathability and optimizes performance in wet weather keeping you comfortably warm and dry in unfavorable conditions.

The newest addition to the Nikwax line is a Wool Wash in a gel -  especially formulated for the care of woolens and packaged for safe ” no spill” transport in your carry-on bag or backpack. This product not only gently cleans, the wash also enhances the wool’s natural wicking properties.

Adventurers will want to sure to pack along Nikwax’s Travel Gel Base Wash on their next trip. This product wash was created for cleaning synthetic base layers and will work wonders on keeping you and your clothes clean, dry and fresh-scented on those upcoming holiday escapes.

Nikwak products make the perfect stock-stuffers for friends and family members who never let the weather stop them from having a good time.

Retail Pricing:

• Travel Gels (2 fl oz) – US $ 4.99-$5.99
• TX Direct Wash-In (10 fl oz) -US $12.55
• SkiSkin Proof (4.2 fl oz)- US $7.85
• Down Proof (10 fl oz) – US $11.85

To learn more about Nikwax products, corporate philanthropic efforts and to find a retailer near you, visit the Nikwax Website.

You know those cute little boutiques that can often lend you your favorite objects and clothes? The ones where just being in them makes you feel … hip? The hip new website, hipshops, is a haven for those stores (and all who shop in them) where unique clothes and one-of-a-kind finds are what it’s all about.

The website features 14 different cities (all in Europe, excluding New York) with listings of hip shops to visit. But this is no craigslist format. The website features a stunning, minimalist and clean layout which lets the stunning photography take center-stage. I feel cool just looking at the website.

Each shop is carefully reviewed and must have: “a premium quality of the merchandise (hard to find items, local source products are a bonus) coupled with an original and inspired interior design (with a penchant for the use of eco-friendly building materials), well-groomed staff (a good knowledge of the items on sale, willingness to help and serve clients’ needs, nice attitude and a look in line with the shop’s image are a must) and of course, last but not least, a coherent graphic concept for the shop’s identity and communication tools (printed materials, website etc).”

That’s quite a criteria. But this way you know that every store on the website is the hippest of the hip.

But the website doesn’t end there. You can make an account and create a personalized list of shops you want to visit, and then print off a nifty little guide to accompany you on your trip. You can also recommend shops to be considered for the website.

With an idea this fresh and so well-executed, I just couldn’t resist sharing. Now, go out in search of the hippest shops (and let us know what you find)!

Just one of their London shops (click through to hipshop website)