My Review of Seabourn Odyssey on Liquid Atlas

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The Seabourn Odyssey is a sexy ship, that is renewed my interested in cruising.   The cabins are spacious and luxuriously appointed.  The in suite entertainment was all encompassing with movies and music  galore to choose from.  The bathrooms have bathtubs and double vanities.

All the public rooms, from the Observation Deck proved to be the perfect place for pre dinner cocktails. while the club on the 5th deck was perfect for after dinner drinks and dancing. The band was "rockin', and we danced every night.  Don't miss the Rock The boat party where all the entertainers  strut their stuff. There were so many places to enjoy the beautiful Dalmation Coast.

The cruise started in Venice.  What a perfect way to begin with a sailaway through the  Grand Canal.  The passengers seem to come from world.  Although, I expected more passengers from the US, I was delighted to see and hear accents from everywhere especially, Australia and Brazil.  The crowd was energetic and young.  The spa and the pool were always busy and inviting.

I was traveling with my son  who was 21 years old .  He was pleasantly surprised to find many peers to hang with.  Many Americans travel as a family in July , while many Europeans seem to choose august for a family vacation.

Dinner in the dining room , named the Restaurant was always excellent, with wine pairings that always pleased the palette.   It was hard to select which entree to choose and sometime we even had too.

Breakfast and  lunch are served in The Colonade , with buffet and table service available.  Sometimes you just want to eat outside.   These tables fill up quickly so dine early.

We really enjoyed the Patio Grill, where a casual lunch was served till 3:30pm.

There was a coffee bar located on 7, next to Seabourn Square.  Seabourn Square is where you go to  speak to experts about any question you have concerning your cruise, such as excursions, or ideas of how to spend your day.

Of course I must mention room service.  We ordered shrimp cocktails every single day, not to mention caviar on occasion.  It was delivered in a timely fashion, no matter what time we ordered.

Although most of Seabourn's itineraries are 14 days, this cruise was 7 days and proved perfect for myself and my family.

See Seabourn Odyssey Pictures from this Reviewer

Fireworks Over 3 Mile Harbor in East Hampton

The Great Bonac Fireworks Show is a three-decade Long Island tradition of staging a dynamic midsummer fireworks show for residents of East Hampton, New York and  visitors  The event is staged each year over Three Mile Harbor at East Hampton.  The tradition almost faded into history, but in 2009, the East Hampton based Clamshell Foundation began reviving the popular event.

Formerly the Boys and Girls Harbor Fireworks show, the Clamshell Foundation now hosts the event with fireworks by the Grucci family. The fireworks will be shot off from a barge in the middle of 3 Mile Harbor, so there are many viewing locations. This summer will mark the 31st annual display started by George Plimpton and Tony Duke

9 Ideas to Create a Valentine’s Day to Remember

Waited Until the Last Minute for Valentine’s Day?
Limos.com Has 9 Easy Ways to Make It the One She’ll Remember

Win Car Service for Valentine’s Day!

For every guy who’s struggling to make his wife, girlfriend or target-of-affection feel cherished on Valentine’s Day, Limos.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for chauffeured transportation, has introduced nine easy ways to create a special last-minute Valentine’s Day. Be prepared for her friends to say, “Why can’t my man be like that?”
Name Those Flowers-Tailor a bouquet with flowers that each have meaning, and write it in a heart-felt card. If you have children, send two bouquets – one from you and one from your kids – and make sure one of them is sent to her office so her coworkers will see how loved she is.
Invitation by Text Message-Design an Invitation to Romance Create a romantic invite in 5 minutes on Evite.com. Make it an invitation to an exclusive event… your exclusive event.
Detail Your Look- Invest in a new outfit and show up in something she’s always wanted you to wear. At worst, you only have to wear it for one night. Tiny details like this mean a lot.
Surprise her with a gift certificate and a day of shopping while you tend to the house and/or kids. Throw in a manicure, pedicure and facial, and make the appointment for her to take place on the day of your V-Day date.
Chauffeur in Style-Use Limos.com to surprise her with a chauffeured car for the evening. Find the perfect car at the right price… after all, it’s hard to be romantic when you’re suffering from road rage. Create a special moment in-between each of the night’s venues so the ambiance continues when you’re on the road. Reveal a small but meaningful gift at each stop and the romance meter will be off the charts.
Romantic Food Tour-Research and make reservations at OpenTable for a restaurant based on her taste. Surprise her with reservations at multiple destinations – one for appetizers and drinks, one for the main meal, and one for dessert. And order dessert no matter what she says!
Jazz it Up-Use Citysearch to find a stylish, upscale hotel lounge with live jazz, or take her dancing at a place designed for romance.
Call on Cupid-If staying in a hotel for the night, tip the concierge to stock your room with champagne and strawberries, candlelight and wine, her favorite tunes… Or do the same for the ride home by making friends with your driver – soft music, candles and champagne can turn a simple ride home into a night to remember.
Use The Gift Insider to find an individualized gift that will have meaning for her. Even the smallest gift will leave a memorable impression if chosen thoughtfully. A night filled with extravagance and a simple gift from the heart can be the most meaningful of all.

Two Ways to Win!

  Limos.com is offering the chance to whisk you and your date away in a chauffeured car for Valentine’s Day. Today through Thursday, February 10^th, 2011, we’re naming a winner a day. Visit our Facebook page and tell us why you’d love car service for Valentine’s Day.
  We’ve teamed up with OpenTable for another Valentine’s Day giveaway! Share a fun photo of you with or in a limo on the OpenTable Flickr group for a chance to win one of four limousine rides + $200 AMEX gift card packages we’ll be giving away every day for four days, starting today through Thursday, February 10, 2011.
Limos.com is the largest online marketplace for chauffeured transportation worldwide, enabling leisure and business travelers to compare and book pre-screened car services at specially-negotiated discounts of up to 40% off standard rates. With exclusive search technology, thousands of quality local vendors and helpful customer reviews, Limos.com consistently delivers more ways to find the perfect car service or limousine for any occasion. Learn more at www.limos.com.

Stark Is My Office Solution

Normally, I wake up, get on the computer, check my stats, fight with my husband over what channel is on playing on the television, and finding the remote control is an exercise in futility. I have to make my own coffee, bring it back to my bed, and work from bed with the dog next to me.  The dog wants to get up and go out every 5 minutes and chase squirrels and my husband is yapping on his cell phone and doing his own thing, which makes it very distracting for me to productively work.  Plus, my kitchen is calling me with snacks, food and omelets to be made.  Needless to say, when I found out @sparklingruby got a new office at Stark in Mt. Kisco, I literally jumped out of bed at the offer to come see her new sparkling space filled with Rubies.
It was so nice to be greeted by a lovely receptionist and I know members of the Stark team like Sherri Malone, who was a great resource for issues that I never could have resolved on my own.  It was so refreshing to have a warm cup of coffee that I made in the coffee room, as opposed to standing online at Starbucks for 30 minutes.  Sparklingrubys office was clean, fresh and very large! I loved how it was decorated, and the 2 of us were even able to share one desk with plenty of room.  I forgot how it felt to work in an office. I was able to work a lot more productively and cranked out 6 blog posts from Starks Mount Kisco office.  When David Hoffman and Ruben Garcia of Search Smart Marketing walked in her office, it felt like a party with all 5 of us, and it made me realize how lonely it is working from bed at home. Next time I want to get work done I will definitely rent out an office at Stark. It would be great if they had a tweetup there- it would be a great place for a conference, tweetup or hosting a speaker series.  Definitely a fan of Stark!

Take Me To Taster's In Tavernier

Tasters Market and Grille is a treat.  I have been coming to the Florida Keys for almost 20 years.  Needless to say I have tried my fair share of restaurants.  Tasters Market and Grille is one I will be coming back to again and again. Flat bread pizzas, mussels and curry sauce and bacon encrusted yellow tail  are all a treat. The chicken had an Asian flair that was crusty on the outside and delicious on the inside. There were about 100 bottles of wine on the list,and our dining companion who is a wine connoisseur was pleased and  impressed. “Hard to Find - Hard to Beat”

Taster's Grille has fabulous food and an extensive wine and beer selection. The tapenade is delicious, as is the flat bread pizzas. The specials are always fresh and ever changing. The staff, Chef George and Tom the Wine Guy make your dining experience very personal. Ask questions. They love it. It can get noisy if the place is packed, so go early.

Located at mile maker 91 which is the town of Tavernier in the Florida Keys .  This unassuming restaurant located next to the post office in a shopping center has one of the most innovative farm to table menus that I have sampled  to date.

Related articles

• Pencil This In: Tom Morello, David Rosenboom Septet, Posers & Wine Tasters (laist.com)

Colin Quinn Invades Broadway

Human nature just steps in everytime and ruins everything.

HISTORY OF THE WORLD
IN 75 MINUTES.

DON’T MISS OUT ON A COMEDIC NIGHT OF HISTORICAL PROPORTIONS!

Comically channeling the demise of great world empires, Colin Quinn uses his “articulate brand of comedy” in taking audiences through an uproarious history of the world in 75 minutes. From his personification of Caesar as the original Italian mobster to his complaints about Ancient Greece and Antigone giving way to Costco and Snooki, Quinn is at his satirical best, taking on the attitudes, appetites and bad habits that toppled the world’s most powerful nations. Colin Quinn Long Story Short proves that throughout human history, the joke has always been on us.

The show is playing at THE HELEN HAYES THEATRE – 240 West 44th St. (Between 7^th and 8^th).  For more information, visit www.ColinQuinn.com

Tips For Family Weekend At College

Ideas and Tips for Entertaining Parents and Relatives on Campus

I am getting  ready to embark on Parents Weekend –Sophomore year.  This means I need to learn from my mistakes  freshman year. Not that I made any.  I just want this year to be even better.

Tip #1-Make it about the student. (Last year my husbands luggage was stolen off the carousel.  Lets just say it wasn’t a good thing).

Tip#2- Make reservations.  Have them invite a friend. Not everyone’s parents will come for the weekend. There is always room for one more at my table.

Tip #3 –Remind your sleepy children that you are only there for a few days, if they want there  precious evenings   free , they need to get up early and spend some quality time with you.

Tip #4-Plan Plan Plan- Get tickets for the football game in advance. Seek out local attractions. Plan a hike or at least a stroll.

Tip#5- Be prepared for some shopping.- All students need something. Whether its clothing, food, or other supplies, college students always need something. Just remember this is part of the plan.

Tip#6- Ask to meet their friends.  You can learn more about your child and there college experience by meeting there friends more than anything else.

While college family weekend might be a stressful event for students, students can plan ahead and organize activities to cope with the stress and ensure a fun time.

What ever you decide to do, please don't spend the time you have with your children arguing about how little time you have together. Enjoy the few precious moments. More is not necessarily better.

10 Places In Westchester County I Haven't Been But Want To Go

1.Blue Hill at Stone Barns-  its been on my list forever.  Every foodie I know in Westchester has told me Its a must go. So I'm going.

2. The Cookery-the other night I was at The Mondavi Wine dinner at Mortons Foundation I was seated next to the ultimate in Westchester Foodies and the way she raved about this place. I am sold. So I'm going

3. Luv2Bfit and Susan Blake Jewelry- 480 Mains st . Armonk. My friend and fitness guru Patty Palmieri has teamed up with jewelry desinger Susan Blake .  The store is opening up any day now  located next to Lilies and Lace. If I know Patty and I do, this store we be chocked full of not only great exercise clothes to work and go out in , but it will have great accessories for you and your home. The Susan Blake Fine Jewelry Collection is taking a fresh approach to casual elegance with their new 18kt gold and diamond collections.  Classic shapes and subtle patterns fashioned with a modern twist highlight this handcrafted collection, each piece a new classic that is destined to become tomorrow’s keepsakes.  Susan Blake pieces bring versatility to the jewelry wardrobe of the modern woman by focusing on simple sophistication for everyday. Effortlessly satisfying the modern woman’s desire for both rare beauty and ultimate wear ability.

4.  Pleasantville Farmers Market- Word on the street, says this is one of the best in the area.  I'll let you know just as soon as I get there.

5.  Oasis Spa.- Somehow I missed all the rooftop parties but I am on a mission to try the Oasis Day  Spa.  Massages, facials, scrubs and wraps sign me up. Oxygen, collagen, seawead facials, I want them all. Brown sugar scrubs,and Blueberry Smoothie, Antioxidant Exfoliating Peel sounds delicious.

6. Landsberg Jewelers-I have a significant birthday coming up and  don't I deserve it.

7. Frank Pepe's Pizza-Pepe's originated the New Haven-style thin-crust apizza (closely related to Neapolitan-style Italian pizza) which he baked in a coal-fired brick oven.  The clam pie is calling my name . Nobody really knows how the clam pie got started .  It is Pepe’s signature dish. Try it with bacon; fans say it tastes like clams casino, only better.   I tried to go when they first opened but the line was to long. I wonder if the line has calmed down.  I doubt it.

8 April Marin Each item featured at AprilMarin is custom-made and uniquely personal. In addition to customizing each item to your individual measurements, AprilMarin has added the feature of choosing your own jacket fabric color and lining color. Customers can choose from over 72 color combinations to ensure a personally unique look. From AprilMarin pink, sunshine yellow to standard black etc..…there is definitely a color for everyone. I am sure there is a color for me.

9.Bikram Yoga of  Yorktown Heights- Not sure why I am intrigued by doing yoga in a 104 degree room, but I am.  It must be all the benefits I have heard about. Number one being weight loss.


10. Rockefeller State Park Preseve-My husband claims , this is the most beautiful park in the county, and he knows beauty.  He claims he used to ride horses there, that I'd have to see.   Approximately 30 miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Preserve is an idyllic spot for strolling, jogging, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. With 180 recorded species of birds and its IBA (Important Bird Area) designation by the National Audubon Society, the Preserve is a must visit area for birders.

Related articles

• Are You A Westchester Foodie? (stacyknows.blogspot.com)
• Michelle Obama Hosts Farm-To-Table Lunch At Stone Barns Center For Food & Agriculture (PHOTOS) (huffingtonpost.com)

Bed Bugs On Campus?

 If you have watched any news channels in the fall of 2010, you’ve definitely heard about the rash of Bed Bugs that have seemed to infest hotels, homes and YES .. DORMS. 

These hard to kill critters are disgusting and many people are left concerned about a solution.  Although Dorm Co is not going to get all scientific trying to explain how due to conditions X, Y & Z these bugs have increased, we will tell you how to prevent & protect your dorm bed.

Universities are vigilant and nothing ruins a college’s good name faster than the press talking about their residence halls having Bed Bugs.   Rest assured your college does not want bed bugs, but at the same time it is hard to know, which student introduced them to the dorm or which room they originated in. By not knowing the exact source or room, it becomes all that more difficult to eradicate the problem should a dorm outbreak occur.

In the meantime the best defense is a good offense!  Prevent your dorm bed from having bed bugs by having a solution before a problem occurs.  There are two ways to ensure your Twin XL dorm bed won’t be Bed Bug ridden.

1.    Bed Bug Relief Mattress Cover – This Twin XL bed encasement ensures Bed Bugs won’t get in or out.  Your university provided dorm bed is probably several years old and needs to be covered anyway, so the best solution is to encase it with a bed bug proof case to ensure your dorm bed is safe and bed bug free.
    

2.    Bed Bug Killer and  Repellent - Rest Easy – This preventative spray is all about turning your TXL dorm bed into a place that bed bugs can’t and will not be able to call home.  This means you won’t have to worry about sharing your dorm bed with bed bugs!  Should you already have bed bugs, we are sorry to hear that, but the good news is this spray KILLS them.  You can hire a professional or find a way to heat your bed past 120F degrees  or you can go with our Bed Bug Spray for under $10.00.

There are lots of things you can worry about when living in the college dorms, but Bed Bugs should not be one of them.  Use a preventive measure, be smart and you’ll most likely be fine. 

Zumba Masquerade Bash

AN EPIC EVENING OF ZUMBA FITNESS® MASQUERADE S.T.Y.L.E! WAIT…SO organized group dancing in masks? Can we say “scene straight out of a music video?!” OKAYYYYYY??? FEATHERS, SEQUINS, GLITTER…WE WANT IT ALL!

WEAR YOUR MASK BACKWARDS!!!

This is going to be a laughter-filled, calorie burning evening and if you don’t know the Ansari Entourage you are in for a treat…no tricks;-) Join ZJ Shahidah Ansari, mother Helen and sister Tarajee as they (booty) shake the burbs. DJ S.T.K. (Shaka the King) will be spinning for the duration dropping only the hottest beats to Zumba to and slipping in a few vintage goodies!

ZJ FRIENDS/SPECIAL GUESTS: Colleen Zieser and Sarah Rozek

Saw Mill Club is a BEAUTIFUL facility and NON-MEMBERS are welcome for this event - BE SURE TO “DROP-IN” October 23rd!!!

Commuting in from NYC? Take the Metro-North Southeast train from Grand Central to Mount Kisco, NY.

4:00PM Doors Open, 4:30PM-6:00PM Master Class

Max capacity is 100. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To purchase visit this link  http://bit.ly/cFuOzJ

Expert Offers Summer Vacationers Travel Tips for Keeping Bed Bugs Out of Your Home

  When travelers begin heading home next week from summer vacations, they may be bringing back more than great memories. Hidden in their luggage and other belongings may be bed bugs.

Largely eradicated in the developed world in the early 1940s, bed bugs are making a comeback invading homes, hotels, businesses, college dorms and retail stores. The resurgence in bed bugs has been attributed to a number of factors including the lack of potent pesticides and the increased ease of international travel.

“One of the main reasons why bed bugs are back is that people are unwittingly bringing them into their homes in their luggage. Fortunately, this can be avoided by taking some simple steps before and after you travel,” said Seth Tokson,  co-owner of Top Dog Scent Detection of Armonk. NY.

Mr. Tokson’s family owned company, which he operates with his wife Marcia, uses a specially trained dog named Trace to accurately identify sites of bed bug activity. Trace, a lab/pointer mix, graduated with more than 800 hours of bed bug scent detection training from the renowned Florida Canine Academy.

Mr. Tokson, who has been in the pest control business for over three decades, recommends the following travel tips for keeping bed bugs out of your home:

• Inspect your hotel room before you start unpacking. Look around the headboard and mattresses for evidence of spotting and/or actual bed bugs. Check night table and dresser drawers.
• Bring a large, black plastic bag with you when you travel.  When you pack to come home put all of your clothes in this bag inside your suitcase.
• Keep your toiletries in a sealed Ziplock bag when you’re not using them.
• When you arrive home, leave your suitcase outside. Take out the plastic bag and immediately run your clothes through the dryer.
• Inspect your luggage for any evidence of bed bugs. Better yet, let Top Dog inspect your suitcases before you bring them into your house!

“Taking these simple steps when you travel can save you the emotional and financial pain of ridding your home of these insidious pests,” said Mr. Tokson.

For more specific information on how to prevent bringing bed bugs into your home from a trip contact Top Dog Scent Detection at (914) 219-5635 or visitwww.bed-bug-sleuth.com

Montauk It's Not The Hamptons

There is a life style that some of us crazy, busy, working people still crave on our weekends.  A quiet, on the DL, what I like to call 5 Star rugged, kind of place.  Welcome to Montauk.  Yes it’s far and yes its ok if you don’t want to travel “out there.”  We aren’t looking for lots of cars, or stores, or traffic or dressing up to run to Citarella’s.  We have 25-year old Land Cruisers (although the Jags, Porsches and Mercedes seem to be multiplying) and a Volkswagen bus or two, pink taxis and our pharmacy is more like a 5 and dime than the first floor of Saks. Montauk has been labeled “ The end “ but I seem to prefer “ The beginning “.

So if you want to check it out, here are a few great places but please, calm down before you travel east of Hither Hills, Montauk is a mind-set and it is chill.

Start your day at the Montauk Bake shop (rivals any bakery in the city), just sit and watch as the people walk by- some just waking up and some just coming off the beach after a long night. If you are looking for what is making Montauk explode there is no better place to start then Joni’s where the breakfast / lunch is second to none, all healthy and on any given day you will be sitting next to Julianne Moore and Paul Simon.

After consuming your breakfast its time for the beach and here is where the town starts to shine since getting to the beach and parking is so easy (other then Ditch Plains where they are still handing out $125.00 parking tickets – Insiders tip: if you want to spend the day at ditch and watch the surfers see the manager at the East Deck motel and she will gladly take $15.00 from you and let you park there). Every other beach is easy access on and off- not a hassle to be had.

So you have chilled on the beach and now you are wondering where you are going for dinner. This is not the town your parents remember anymore. Montauk has now become the new “ it “ place for foodies with a wide variety of new owners (mostly the boys from the Meatpacking district) and new restaurants that are starting to draw a lot of praise and attention. Below are just some of the spots that are changing the Montauk landscape.

Best Sunset spots:

Navy Beach: for hanging, laying on big beds and martinis (stay for dinner at the bar and have the Wedge salad, a burger (the burger is fantastic) and parmesan fries).  This is best shared by two. And make sure you get there early since it is quite the happening place.

Duryea’s: for steamers and lobster (BYOB and openers) and an amazing view of the bay.

The Inlet by the airport (yes, Montauk does have an airport) roof deck with views of the Water and Gosman’s.  Sushi is just ok but it’s all about the cocktails.

East by Northeast:  good for drinks and apps only and a fantastic view of the water

Dinner:  There are so many amazing restaurants with such a variety of things to eat its difficult to explain but here goes…

Dave’s Grill:  the mussels are off the chain.  Everything there is good but expensive.  It’s a great night out and you’ll pay for it.  (Reservations can be tricky since they are on a same day basis)

South Edison:  Fun mix menu.  The spicy tuna chulupa is a must have and the corn soup presentation is like nothing I’ve ever seen.  The menu is eclectic and the chef is a young guy from NYC that has had experience in some good places and it tastes it.  Home made sorbet including fresh peach and ginger (a personal favorite).  Sit family style without reservations, meet great people and get ready to talk loud!

Harvest:  Single best, roasted chicken I’ve ever had. It is just perfection with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies.  It’s a pretty restaurant, very comfortable warm friendly people and family style dining to boot

Clam and Chowder house:  This is as local as it gets but some people will tell you that the sushi (right off the boat) is as good as any they have had and the food is outstanding. The bar scene is fun with great views of the marina. If your stress level here is still high it could be time for a major life-change.

The Hideaway: Not easy to find but people swear the best fish tacos on the planet and well worth the trip just for the scene itself and when there is a full moon out against the water its amazing.

Night Life:

Sole East:  Early hangout (pre dinner) stay for dinner, restaurant is beautiful, limited menu all fresh for the day food (a very South beach kind of mood has taken over Sole East with the kids from the city laying on the day beds and on Saturday nights around 7:30 you can hear Rufus Wainright, Pete Yorn and Norah Jones just playing free shows there unannounced all sponsored by Bing with free cocktails)

Surf Lodge:  late night, dancing, live music, fire pit, young crowd (place gets unbelievably crowded so get there early and hang out on the deck with everybody overlooking the bay and take the whole scene in)

Memory Motel (The place the Rolling Stones made famous) Late, late night, who knows…

Nicks on the beach: shorts and flip-flops required.  On the beach, bring a sweatshirt and just listen to the live music and the kick back atmosphere.

Montauk Yacht Club: weekends at the Yacht club have become quite the scene with live music on Saturday afternoons and a really good lunch menu. Dinner at the new Robin Haas restaurant and the late night gatherings there have even made page 6 on a number of occasions.

For those of you who aren’t into the beach during the day there are a lot of other things to do around town. Rent bikes, head out to the lighthouse loop. So amazing and beautiful.

Ride horses on the beach from Deep Hollow Stables, hike the cliffs at Shadmoor State park. Hula-hoop at Love Yoga (quite the workout) next to Joni’s.  Buy fresh local produce, olive oil and bread on Thursdays in the town circle by the gazebo.  Buy a CD at the Bakery of the boys that work there (its pretty good actually).

Most of all remember this is NOT THE HAMPTON’S.  Please be chill, be respectful, be quiet, no need for your Porsche or Bentley, leave the Jimmy Choo’s back in East Hampton and slip on your Havaiana’s.

Related articles by Zemanta

• The Hamptons Where To Stay (stacyknows.blogspot.com)
• Mellowing out in Montauk: Long Island, N.Y., hamlet is cheap, quiet during off-season (cleveland.com)
• South Edison, Montauk (gothamgal.com)

Thanks Steven Pfeffer who I like to call Mr. Montauk for this guest post.

Istanbul to Athens Seadream Yacht Club Style

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Gemvelopes

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to take your jewelry off, and you had absolutely nowhere to put it?  And ...once you take off your jewelry you spent the rest of the day worrying that you lost it?  Well worry no more!   I have the solution for you. Gemvelopes has created a unique and stylish travel jewel pouch.   The style of the pouch is slim and sleek so you could slip it into your pocketbook, gym, beach, or tennis bag.  They are perfect for a weekend getaway or a business trip.   The Gemvelope is the perfect gift for not only yourself, but also      birthday gifts, graduation presents, mother's day gifts, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and many more.   The trendy jewelry pouches come in many different styles and patterns, so you could even please that picky mother-in-law or daughter-in-law.  The can be purchased on line at Gemvelopes.com

Tealightful, The Art of Tea Living

While sailing last week on Sea Dream Yacht Club from Istanbul to Athens , I attended a tea tasting.   Surprisingly, it was extremely well attended, and now I know why.

Tea---the healthiest beverage on earth.

People have been exploring tea's benefits 5000 years.  Mental alertness, protection against disease, or renewal of spirit. there are so many reasons to drink tea.

It just depends on the processing. Tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide playing second fiddle to water.

It is rich it antioxidants , can shield our immune systems, stop infection and even help us shed some pounds.

Of course , what would make tea taste better.  How about Coco Truffle Scones made with Coco Truffle  loose tea.

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

6tablespoons sugar

1/2 golden raisins

1cup milk

3 tablespoons Coco Truffle  loose tea

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Warm milk on Stove and add  Coco Truffle tea in an infuser,  let steep about 5 minutes, set aside.   In a medium bowl, stir the flour  and baking  powder together until well blended.   Using a pastry cutter, 2 knives, or your fingers, cut or rub the butter in  until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.   Stir in the sugar and  raisins and mix well.  Quickly stir in the m ilk to make a firm dough.   Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead lightly until smooth .   Roll out to a 3/8 in thickness and cut into 2-on rounds with a pastry cutter.   Place the scones 1 inch apart on  a parchment -lined or greased baking sheet, brush with a little milk, and bake or 15-20 minutes, or lightly golden .   Let cool slightly on a wire rack.   Serve Warm.

Hampton's for Less- BuyWithMe Hampton Pass

Knowing Stacy just got better.  Are you going to the Hamptons?  I can save you $1000 dollars.  Use the code VIP to get $25 off the pass, so it will cost only $75 - plus you get $25 credit from BuyWithMe!  

I am GIVING AWAY 3 HAMPTON PASSES.  Tell me why you love "The Hamptons" and share this post with your friends, either by email, facebook, twitter, etc.

BuyWithMe's Hamptons Pass gives you access to exclusive discounts and freebies at 36 of the hottest restaurants, spas, salons and services in the Hamptons.

You can take advantage of these great deals all Summer long!   From free drinks at The Boathouse to a free appetizer at Serafina, and a complimentary vet checkup from Dr Cindy Bressler, this pass will save you $$$$.  

Actually, there's more than $1000 of value, for only $100.

There are many great deals for Hamptonites - check it out at BuyWithMe.com/Hamptons

The Hamptons Where To Stay

The question of the week.  Where should I stay in The Hamptons?  Well, that all depends on what's most important to you.

If you like to wake up on the ocean, there  are a number of choices, be forewarned  there are no Four Seasons or Ritz Carltons here. The rooms , in my opinion are adequate, and like I said they are on the ocean.  These are in Amagansett or if want to be technical Napeague , which is the stretch of land between Amagansett and Montauk.   If the weather is good, it doesn't matter what you room looks like because you will be on the beach all day.

Hermitage

Ocean Colony

Windward Shores

Sea Crest

A little further down 27 East toward Montauk. I would suggest.

Gurney's -  You can get a great a massage there.

Panaromic-

Ocean Beach- This has an indoor pool.

If you like more of a resort, stay at the Montauk Yacht Club.  Lots of activities and a large marina.  Plus endless people watching.

Now for my shoppers.  East Hampton is a mecca.  For me ,I always drive the long way, just to go through town. East Hampton is one of the prettiest places to spend your money.   For those of you who like to wake up, slide on a pair of sandals and shop, I suggest staying right in town.

My top choices would be

1770 House

Maidstone

The Baker House

Last but not least. The nicest place to stay, is

East Hampton Point-  Stay in the newly renovated Palmer House.  The beds are so comfortable,  they will give you a beach pass, there is a fabulous restaurant on premises, that has gourmet and casual dining, there is a Sunday brunch, and if you are  here on Sunday evening don't miss Reggae night.  You never know, if you mention my name, you might even get a discount.

9 Things On My To Do List In The Hamptons This Holiday Weekend

Main Beach
The sand is just powder . It is impeccable.  From the grass dunes and huge mansions that line beach, to the shake-shingled "chowder bowl" stand that offers anything you want to eat , to the American flag breezing from the huge flagpole, to the plethora of Hamptonite families, this place is really a great place to spend the day.

Cyril’s Fish House

Cyril’s is what it is. If you want to keep the party going after the beach in a chill out door setting  between 4 and 7 its an awesome option.  Cyril’s is a great, fun place to swing into while in Amagansett.     You can't have a more perfect drink while there than the Bailey's Banana Colada (BBC) or a Mudslide.    The crowd is a fun one too, not pretentious and usually good spirited.  I've never really had a problem with meeting new and interesting people while there.  Hey, one more thing, they don't accept credit cards, so pack accordingly.


 Round Swamp Farm

The best farm stand in “The Hamptons” .  Family owned.  The best shrimp, berries and baked goods I have ever tasted.
The fruit is fresh, juicy and not to mention local. The baked good are baked on the premises. There is a slew of ready to eat food such as roasted chicken, barbecued ribs, a wide variety of roasted vegetables, to name a few. The guacamole will knock your socks off.Don’t forget to visit Round Swamp Farm on Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton. They have delicious baked goods as well as fresh fish and fruit. Its a country market filled with delicacies fresh from the farm.


The Palm 
Memorial Day Weekend wouldn’t be complete without  a Martini made by Doug,a kiss from Tomas , a  NY Strip cooked rare, creamed spinach, and a slice of creamy cheese cake.

Exhale Spa 

Why am I excited to get back to exhale spa? 1. I need a dose of positive energy. 2. I feel better when I take care of my body + soul. 3. I always feel + look my best when I go to class on a regularly. 4. With all of my stress in life, exhale balances me + shifts my energy.

Navy Beach
16 Navy Road, Montauk
From four fabulous Italians comes a chic new Montauk spot—trust me. Live music and fresh seafood in a beach-house atmosphere every Saturday night at Montauk’s newest family restaurant. And the best part about Montauk? You can eat on the beach.






East Hampton Point
There's a time for eggs Benedict and there's a time for magnums of prosecco with sparklers raining down on Belgian waffles. When the afternoon calls for the latter, this is your spot. Some call it a pre-party. Others call it recovery from the night before.  Saturdays, 2pm, Day & Night, East Hampton Point, 295 Three Mile Harbor Rd, East Hampton 631-329-2800



 

FREE INTRO TO CYCLE CLASSES, PILATES, UNIQUE GROUP FITNESS CLASSES, BOOTCAMPS, ALL LEVELS OF TRX CLASSES

OK, here's the deal: You'll need to budget an entire day to play this course, as it is located at the furthest point east on Long Island and takes an eternity to get to. If you drive into the Atlantic Ocean, you've gone to far, but not by much.Your reward for the lengthy jaunt along Route 27 is one of the most scenic and fun, not to mention challenging, courses imaginable.
The course is tucked on piece of land between the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, meaning wind. Lots of it, all the time.Montauk Downs is annually rated in Golf Digest as one of the top 50 public golf courses in the country. The signature hole? Just about all of them.

Why I Love The Ocean Reef Club

Ocean Reef Club.. http://www.oceanreef.com/ located just 60 miles from the Miami airport or better yet you can fly into the resort!!

Prepare for relaxing days on the water, on the golf course and the tennis courts at one of the safest communities in the country!!



Fishing in our backyard for sailfish, snapper, and bonefish...
Two championship golf courses… one with elevated t’s over the mangroves…

Clay tennis courts with round robins, cardio tennis, private or group lessons.

State of the art fitness center and spa. Classes are offered in karate, zumba, pilates and private personal training and much more.

Spa Services including massages, facials, micro-dermabrasion, salon services, manicures and pedicures

Mini golf for the kids Teen center with state of the art flat screen TV’s and every game imaginable.

Pre-teens are welcome until 5:00p.m!! This is a staffed game room thus there is supervision!!! Everything is just a golf cart ride away from your front door.

The main mode of transportation throughout the property are golf carts. The adults do it and children over twelve can do it too!!!

The children love it because it creates independence. It becomes their vacation too because they don’t need mom and dad to cart them around!!

Nine restaurants, several bars, room service.

If you don’t feel like leaving your rental home you can have catering create a feast for you and your friends.

If you want to learn how to prepare a new dish, you can attend the cooking school and they will teach you.

Quaint shops in the Fishing Village with unique gifts

Wake Boarding and sailing lessons along with eco kayak tours

If you are thinking of coming down to paradise, please contact Helena Morton @ 305-522-2196 for accommodations.
helena@russellpostproperties.com

Cap Cana/Pristine Beaches/Magnificent Golf/Great Rates!!!

Cap Cana/Pristine Beaches/Magnificent Golf/Great Rates!!!

Cap Cana is a glorious Caribbean Paradise, and a well kept secret among the rich and famous. Known as The World's Next Great Destination, Cap Cana's white powder beaches, tropical temperatures, outstanding golf course, and Mega-yacht Marina are magnificent!. The turquoise colored waters are calm, inviting and breathtaking. Come see for yourself, you will never want to leave.The Sage Condo, located directly on the water, has unsurpassed views of the marina and yachts. There is an ocean view from guest bedroom. The condo is newly constructed, decorated, gorgeous, and spacious. The expansive patio, accessible from living room and master bedroom, optimizes Caribbean life on the water with views and warm tropical breezes. Cap Cana's marina features world class restaurants, shopping, bars, night life and walking paths

Still not convinced look at these pictureshttp://gallery.me.com/jillsage#100072