Kosmopolight

Pack it up for Montreal

2009-09-30T22:01:00.005-04:00

Time for another weekend getaway! I'm off to Montreal on assignment for Examiner .com. The best part? I'll be driving up from NYC (I love a good autumn road trip), and the hubs gets to come along on this one (road trips are much more fun when you have someone to share 'em with). Pics and reports to come!

P.S. Thanks to the fab packing tips over at onebag.com, I've managed to keep my load slightly (if only slightly) lighter than noted in the pic above.

Weekend Inspiration: Fall Color

2009-09-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

Stowe, Vermont [Photo via p d b r e n /f l i c k r]

Fall's here! Isn't this the most idyllic autumn scene? Just a picture perfect day in Vermont. Happy weekend!

China Once Again Bans Visits to Tibet

2009-09-22T22:00:00.001-04:00

Training exercises in Beijing for Oct. 1st National Day parade [photo by gadgetdan/flickr]

Just days ahead of the 60 year anniversary of communist rule in China, the country has closed Tibet to foreigners and deployed soldiers armed with machine guns into the streets of Beijing. Even kite flying has been banned "as a precaution against aerial hazards" according to the Associated Press. The AP is also reporting the Chinese government has also expanded blocks on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, and there has been a marked increase in e-mail spam to foreign journalists that contains spyware.

Prayer flags in Tibet [Photo by Jan-Christian Teller/flickr]

The is not the first sensitive occasion China has closed Tibet to foreign tourists. In March of this year, Beijing banned foreign entry during the 50th anniversary of the failed Tibetan uprising against China that caused the Dalai Lama to go into exile. According to the AFP, state media reports say the strict security controls and travel bans have obliterated Tibet's tourism industry, with visitor arrivals dropping from 4 million in 2007 to 2.2 million in 2008.

Tweet! Only 5 Travel Brands Offer Exclusive Deals on Twitter

2009-09-21T17:11:00.005-04:00

Tweet! Tweet! We all know Twitter has become a huge platform for travel companies who want to market their sweet deals. But with so many people logging into the Twitter universe, how do you know who's really going to give you something you can use and who's just adding to the Twitter "noise"? Dealbase.com recently conducted a survey to pinpoint the travel brands that tweet the best offers. According to the survey, only a few brands actually post exclusive offers on their Twitter feeds. Here are the winners:

Kimpton (@Kimpton)

Omni Hotels (@OmniHotels)

Joie de Vivre (@JDVHotels)

JetBlue (@JetBlue)

United Airlines (@UnitedAirlines)

Check out the rest of the survey results here.

Weeekend Inspiration: Norway's Valley of the Glaciers

2009-09-18T16:05:00.004-04:00

Oldedalen valley, Stryn, Norway [Photo by Mr. Jacobsen/flickr]

Happy Weekend!

Montreal Market Moment

2009-09-16T14:46:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Montréal-based foodie and blogger Katerine Rollet while she completed a whirlwind tour of NYC. (Judging from her recent blog post, I don't think she was very impressed with our Big Apple bagels and smoked meats. She did, however, seem quite pleased with the ceviche at Dos Caminos, where we had lunch.) The lovely Ms. Rollet was kind enough to bring along some yummy maple candy from her home city and, even better, she agreed to be my guide when I head to Montréal in October to explore the nightlife, culture and culinary offerings. Watching her video on the Jean-Talon Market is making me giddy with excitement.

Unusual Hotels: Find 'em Here

2009-09-15T17:37:00.008-04:00

Okay, okay; I've been a bad blogger...again. Smack me on the wrist and give me my punishment. There's really no excuse for my behavior, apart from the fact it's been a busy summer and I've been gearing up for an autumn onslaught of bigger, better blogging. That said, here we go...

Ice Hotel, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden Photo via UnusualHotelsOfTheWorld.com

Your travel dollars are hard-earned these days. When you do decide to spend the cash and hit the road, you don't want to stay in just any old hotel. You want something different. You want something exciting. You want something underwater, in a cave or carved out of ice. What? Thanks to unusualhotelsoftheworld.com, it won't be such a tall order to find just the place to suit your atypical standards. The site contains tons of information on a bevy of unconventional shelters in all corners of the globe. It's easily searchable, infinitely interesting, and some of the photos are downright amazing. Happy hunting!

Weeekend Inspiration: Life on the Caldera

2009-07-24T11:25:00.001-04:00

Santorini, Greece [Photo by Wolfgang Staudt/flickr]

Greece Anyone? Happy Weekend!

Flying the Pet-Friendly Skies

2009-07-22T11:24:00.004-04:00

Photo via PetAirways.com

If your furry bundle of joy is a little too large to accompany you on an airplane, and you just can’t bear to make him ride in the cargo hold, Pet Airways may be the perfect solution for you. The brand new all pet airline just started flying last week, and currently serves several airports in the New York area, along with the Washington DC/Baltimore area, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.

Ticket prices start at $149 each way, and pets fly in style in the air-conditioned main cabin of a turbo-prop aircraft, constantly monitored by a trained pet attendant. Rumor has it snacks get handed out every 15 minutes or so. Sounds like Pet Airways customers have it better than most frequent flyers of the two-legged variety.

For more pet travel tips, check out my recent article over at examiner.com.

Weekend Inspiration: Underwater World

2009-07-17T13:53:00.001-04:00

Hawaiian Sea Turtle [Photo by Jurvetson/flickr]

When I go to a tropical destination, I always try to at least do a little snorkeling to check out what's going on underneath the surface. Sea turtles are some of my favorite sightings. I just love this pic. He looks so happy and relaxed. Then again, he's in Hawaii. How could he not be? Happy Weekend!!

Enchanting Beach Read: Audrey's Bio

2009-07-16T16:40:00.006-04:00

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? Her style and grace has captivated audiences for decades. But did you know that, as a young girl, Hepburn endured incredible hardships, seeing family members murdered and nearly starving to death while living in Nazi-occupied Holland? As a teenager, Hepburn even acted as an operative for the resistance, collecting money and delivering secret messages for the Dutch Underground.

In Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn, author Donald Spoto explores the deeper side of the glamorous legend, offering wonderful insights into Hepburn's personal life and her illustrious career. The book is star-studded -- Gregory Peck, Fred Astaire, Gary Cooper and Cary Grant are just a few celebrities that get a mention -- and you can't help but come away loving and respecting Hepburn even more.

Wake from the Packing Nightmare

2009-07-15T13:25:00.005-04:00

[Photo by Coco Rina/flickr]

So, you're going somewhere fabulous for a week-long getaway. You've got a closet full of dresses, at least 5 pairs of shoes and a pretty substantial jewelry collection that absolutely have to come with you -- not to mention the hair products. Guess you'll have to check that bag and waste precious vacation time waiting to retrieve it when you reach your destination. But wait, there may be another way! The packing expert at onebag.com has spent years learning "the art and science of traveling light." The site has a wealth of information on what to pack, what to pack it in and how to pack it. You may just find a way to fit all your necessities in that carry-on after all.

Happy Bastille Day

2009-07-14T08:41:00.013-04:00

Eiffel Tower, Paris [Photo by Ka13/flickr]

Two hundred and twenty years ago today, angry mobs gathered in Paris to storm the Bastille prison, sparking the beginning of the French revolution and, eventually, the end of the French monarchy. The occasion is being marked in France with a parade through Paris (India is this year's country of honor), and a slew of parties and exhibits across the country (check out BBC photos of the festivities here). On the blog, we're paying homage to Bastille Day and the lovely country of France with a few beautiful pictures from a particularly beautiful part of the world...

St. Cirq- lapopie [Photo by Fr Antunes/flickr]

Colmar, Alsace [Photo by Fr Antunes/flickr]

Montreuil-Bellay [Photo by Fr Antunes/flickr]

White Cliffs of Cap Griz Nez, Wissant [Photo by **Maurice**/flickr]

Happy Bastille Day!

Africa Remixed

2009-07-13T16:00:00.004-04:00

You'd love to pick up a new bikini for that upcoming trip to the beach, but you're feeling a little guilty about all the shopping you've been doing lately. Weren't you planing on doing more for those less fortunate this year? Enter Bantu. The Bantu swimwear line is made entirely in Africa, providing jobs, sustainable improvements and a sense of empowerment to poor African communities -- and the styles are amazing...

Using traditional African wax cloth prints on modern, versatile Lycra, the suits are a beautiful, modern twist on African tradition. The folks at Bantu call it "Africa remixed."

All photos from Bantu Women's Swimwear via bantuwax.com

Weekend Inspiration: Viva Mexico!

2009-07-10T09:40:00.007-04:00

Today, I'm starting a new tradition for the blog. Every Friday, I'll post an "inspiration photo" from a beautiful place around the globe. The idea, of course, is to inspire great ideas for planning your next escape!

August 1st will mark 10 years since my husband and I first met at a club in Ibiza, Spain. (He's a Brit, and I'm all American, originally from Atlanta, Georgia.) So, I'm trying to convince him to head down to Mexico for a few days to mark the occasion in style. Just for a little extra nudge to the hubs, today's inspiration photo comes to us from Riviera Maya...

Tulum, Mexico [Photo by lightmatter/flickr]

Happy weekend!!

A Perfect Day in NYC

2009-07-09T09:22:00.000-04:00

After a particularly rainy and chilly start to summer, the weather in New York has been absolutely gorgeous the last couple of days. My husband and I decided to take advantage of the sunshine; we spent some time hanging out at the new Highline Park (read all about the park in my article over at examiner.com), took a stroll along the Hudson and topped it all off with some mojitos and dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, Sea. (You can't beat $10 for a Thai curry in the middle of the Meatpacking district -- and it's right across from an entrance to the Highline!). A few snaps from the day...

I love that the Highline design incorporates lots of lounge chairs for taking in the sun. It's a beautiful place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

You can still see the old tracks in many areas of the park.

And, since the park is elevated, you usually get a nice breeze...and a great view over Tenth Ave. (yep, that's me!).

I need a sailboat...This one looks so beautiful, gliding across the Hudson. You get this kind of view all the time from Hudson River Park.

The mojitos at SEA are amazing...and large. This one lasted me well into my meal, and, believe me, I can usually make quick work of a mojito!

The outdoor seating at SEA, with the Highline in the background -- a perfect location!

Above photos by James Lloyd :)

Scentsational Dreams

2009-07-08T14:45:00.009-04:00

Photo by ***j9***/flickr

If you have trouble falling asleep in unfamiliar hotel rooms, Sleep Scentsations have you – or, ahem, your pillow – covered. The adhesive-backed pillow liners contain essential oils to induce a restful mood. Just place them right on the pillow, underneath the case, take a deep breath and drift off to sleep. Choose from a range of scents with charming names like Day at the Beach, Relaxing, and My Boyfriend’s Shirt. Each one comes individually wrapped, so it packs away easily in your suitcase.

Endless Vacation

2009-07-06T19:13:00.009-04:00

It's always hard to leave a great holiday weekend behind. No matter how you chose to spend the Fourth of July (Our crew opted to watch the NYC fireworks from the rooftop at Soho House and take in a late-night swim. Who needs a swimsuit when you have a perfectly good dress?), drudging back to work can be a real drag.

If you're still finding it hard to say goodbye to your vacation time, check out earthtv.com. Not only do they have interesting footage of Fourth of July events from all across the U.S., they show live streaming video of beautiful places all over the globe. So, even though you may be stuck at your desk, the vacation's never really over.

screenshot from "The World Live" on earthtv.com

Above photos taken by James Lloyd.

Getting Color in Florida

2009-07-02T14:55:00.008-04:00

When I was recently on assignment in Florida, I had the pleasure of staying at the WaterColor Inn and Resort. This lovely complex features 499 acres of planned neighborhoods, parks and bike trails, along with a particularly charming inn located right on the beach. Nestled between Grayton Beach State Park and Seaside on the Northwest Florida coast, the beach at WaterColor is arguably one of the most beautiful in the U.S., with sugar white sand as far as the eye can see...

Not much of a beach person? The pool areas are equally impressive, with an "adults only" pool (this is a family resort, so adults only areas come in handy if you're not up for sharing swim space with toddlers) located just outside the inn...

And when you're ready to head back to your room, there's plenty of space to relax. Particularly impressive: a walk-in shower with an ocean view. (What can I say? I take long showers. I like to have a nice view while I'm cleansing.)

Travelers' Tales

2009-07-01T19:00:00.003-04:00

On the hunt for an appropriate father's day gift (obviously, this was a few weeks ago, but, of course, I couldn't post this till after the big day), I came across A Sense of Place: Great Travel Writers Talk About Their Craft, Lives, and Inspiration (Travelers' Tales).

In A Sense of Place, author Michael Shapiro sits down with some of the best travel writers in the business -- Bill Bryson, Peter Matthiessen and Arthur Frommer, to name a few -- and finds out what makes them tick. The result, according to reviews, is a highly enjoyable and uplifting read for anyone who appreciates the life-changing power of travel. I can't wait till Dad's done with it so I can borrow and read it myself!

The Naked Truth About Flight Safety

2009-06-30T19:01:00.008-04:00

Air New Zealand - screen grab from safety video

Air New Zealand is taking in-flight entertainment to a whole new level. The crew is stripping down to nearly nothing (just a little body paint...and perhaps a captain's hat) for their new safety video. Guess that's one way to make passengers pay attention! You can view the hot little piece of instructional cinema here. I've gotta go book my ANZ ticket...

On the Road...

2009-06-30T15:43:00.011-04:00

After nearly a month on hiatus, I'm back to the blog -- with lots of travel info to share. The last few weeks have taken me to Florida (as below noted), Niagara Falls and Toronto, with a few days down time in NY to work on an amazing new project I'll be launching soon. In the meantime, a few pics from the road...

I adore the sweet smell of fresh gardenias. This was one of many perched on a bush in an old southern garden. I was delighted!

One of my favorite things about northwest Florida (besides the beautiful beaches) are the majestic moss-draped oaks -- so beautifully southern.

Niagara Falls: every bit as impressive as its reputation. I'm not sure you can appreciate the sheer magnitude without standing right in front of it.

The obligatory Niagara Falls pose!

Blue skies in Toronto. Lovely weather in a lovely city.

Off to Florida...

2009-06-03T00:52:00.001-04:00

Destin, Florida sunrise [Photo by bcmom/flickr]

I'm off to the northwest Florida coast on assignment, covering "off beat and off-road" attractions in the panhandle. I'm not too excited about my 6am flight, but if I get to see a sunrise like this while I'm there, it'll be well worth it :) I hope to be posting from the road. Stay tuned...

Chic and Shady

2009-06-02T12:20:00.011-04:00

Several people have commented (privately and publicly) on the parasol in my last post. As the lovely Miss Eve from Absolutely Ladylike pointed out, parasols are all the rage among Asian women overseas. But what if you want to rock a little chic portable shade in the U.S.?

The creator of Carasol Parasols, a young NYC resident by the name of Carol, developed her company after getting multiple compliments stateside when she trotted around Manhattan carrying a parasol her aunt brought back from Japan. A few years later, Carol is providing elegant, sturdy parasols to the masses, each with a protective UV coating that blocks 85-99% of UV rays. They come in a variety of styles and colors (I have the Grace in taupe), and they're lightweight, so they're super easy to throw in a suitcase.

Also check out Carol's blog, I'd Rather Carry a Parasol, for more great health and skin-related tips.

Sun Savior

2009-06-01T10:40:00.002-04:00

[Photo by Malias/ flickr]

Being caught off guard by the weather can ruin your day fast. Stuck in the rain without an umbrella? Get ready for "drowned rat" hair. Stuck in the blaring sun without sunscreen (or a parasol)? Hello lobster face. Good thing they make purse-sized umbrellas, and now, they're doing the same with sunscreen. Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen is the perfect thing to throw in your bag and dust on whenever you're in need of a little extra sun protection.

It's a powder, so no more of that greasy residue, and its' totally compact (the brush is attached), so it's great for travel. Bring on the sun!

The Cheap Seats

2009-05-29T10:00:00.002-04:00

[Photo by egmb757lover/flickr]

One positive thing about the recession: cheap flights. But a nine dollar airline ticket? Still pretty hard to come by...until now. On July 13th, a brand spanking new airline called JetAmerica will begin making 34 non-stop passenger flights a week to mid-sized U.S. cities like Melbourne, Fla.; South Bend, Ind.; and Newark, N.J. The best part? The first 9 seats on every flight will go for bargain price of -- you guessed it -- $9 (prices top out at $199). So, what are you waiting for? Get booking!

Perfect Timing

2009-05-28T12:44:00.005-04:00

I've been bad. A week-long trip to Atlanta (my hometown) to celebrate a dear friend's birthday and a subsequent Memorial Day blowout in NYC (complete with a visit from one of my best girlfriends who, without my permission, decided to move to Arizona) has meant I've neglected this precious blog. I'm back in the game now, though. I've got my head on straight (kind of). And, of course, I've got some info to share...

[Photo by Al Lanni/flickr]

You've booked your summer vacation time. You're thinking Europe. You're not exactly sure what part. Don't finalize those plans without checking out joobili.com. This sweet little site holds a database of all Europe's festivals, sporting events, cultural fairs, etc. Just enter your travel dates, click "inspire me" and get a report of the cities where you'll find the best travel experience for the particular time you'll be visiting. Perfect!

Island Flavor

2009-05-12T10:51:00.013-04:00

Bottom Bay, Barbados [Photo by gemteck1/flickr]

Stress at work, annoyance at home and a serious case of wanderlust have you wanting to hit the Caribbean ASAP, but your recessionista wallet says otherwise. No sweat. This yummy summer treat -- snagged right from the recipe books at the ultra posh Sandy Lane resort in Barbados -- is sure to have you sailing away in no time (even if it's only in your mind).

Sandy Lane Low-Fat Granola Wild Berry Parfait

1 cup fresh vanilla yogurt
½ cup homemade cherry granola (Dried whole cherries & fresh granola of choice)
4 sliced strawberries
Handful raspberries
Handful strawberries
Handful blackberries
Handful blueberries
2 TB candied pecans
1 sprig mint leaf

Mix the fresh granola and dried whole cherries in a mixing bowl. Pour a quarter of the granola mixture, along with blackberries and blueberries into a glass Mason jar, and pour ½ cup fresh vanilla yogurt on top. Then, layer sliced strawberries and whole raspberries on top of the yogurt. Pour the remaining ½ cup yogurt into the jar, and layer the remaining fruit and pecans on top of mixture. Finish off the parfait with mint leaf sprig.

Wanna make a whole meal? For more recipes from Caribbean hot spots, check out my article over at examiner.com.

The Verdict

2009-05-11T14:11:00.009-04:00

"Reporting back" may have taken me more than a few hours (it was the weekend!), but I'm happy to announce that the Zeno Mini is, in fact, a completely adequate -- and portable! -- blemish-busting system. After one treatment around noon, my offending pimple faded to near nonexistence by 6pm. This little jewel (the Zeno, not the zit) will definitely be hopping in my suitcase and joining me on my next jaunt. Dry airplane air, greasy food, little to no sleep: travel can definitely bring out the blemishes. But next time, I'll be ready...

Want one of your own? You can buy it over at Amazon.

Blemish Buster

2009-05-08T12:36:00.012-04:00

I woke up this morning with a pimple on my face roughly the size of a planet, so imagine my joy when the FedEx man turned up with a press sample of the Zeno Mini, a new zit treatment that uses low-level heat to kill acne bacteria.

I ripped open the packaging like a kid at Christmas. (Hey, it's Friday, I've got places to go and people to see tonight.) Within 5 minutes, I was feeling the warm comfort of blemish-busting power on my poor marked face. After the 2 - 1/2 minute treatment, I pulled back the Zeno to reveal....ummm...a tiny red circle (this thing gets pretty hot). Now we wait. They say most blemishes need 2 or 3 treatments over a 12 to 24 hour period, but I'm hoping for a super quick fix. I'll report back in a few hours with status...
Top photo by MR+G/flickr

Thai Charm

2009-05-06T12:14:00.012-04:00

If you've always wanted to experience remote Thailand but can't stomach sleeping with the snakes in one of those ill-assembled huts, the new Anantara Si Kao Resort is your dream come true. Perched on the edge of Chao Mai National Park (a sanctuary covering islands and coastal areas in Thailand's enchanting Sikao district), this luxury hotel claims a perfect location for diving and snorkeling -- they even have a 5-Star PADI dive center right on site. Prefer activities that don't involve a limited air supply? There's also plenty of untouched land to survey. Geography of the area is wild and unspoiled (think white powdery beaches, rugged limestone cliffs, unexplored rainforests, thick mangrove reserves, hidden caves and cascading waterfalls)...

The accommodations, however, are first class. Who wouldn't want to drift to sleep in a room like this: luxuriously appointed and snake-free...

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2009-05-05T14:18:00.002-04:00

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico [photo by Mdanys/flickr]

Wear it Well

2009-05-04T15:45:00.003-04:00

I think I've found it: the perfect uniform for the glamorous global jet setter. The silk chiffon dresses and blouses in Austin Jade's new resort wear collection fold-up easily (more room in that suitcase for shoes!) and they're super lightweight. Even better, the signature looks are reversible! Each piece can be worn up to three different ways. But these beautiful clothes are sooooo much more than practical -- they're absolutely gorgeous....

High functionality and high style...I'm in!

Tourmented...

2009-05-01T16:17:00.009-04:00

In keeping with their rep as the hippest airline out there, Virgin America just announced they're proud to be the very first carrier to offer Absinthe in-flight!

Le Tourment Vert authentic French absinthe is now available on all VA flights. The signature cocktail? The Mile High is "a Tourmenting and satisfying blend of Le Tourment Vert Absinthe, sprite and lemons shaken and served over ice." Hello, Green Fairy...

Lost and Found

2009-04-30T13:36:00.006-04:00

Whether the airline recently misplaced a prized piece of your luggage or you just like nosing around in other people's stuff, you'll want to check out isthisyourluggage.com. This guy collects lost luggage (the airlines actually auction it off if they can't find the owners), photographs it (yep, the entire contents, too), and posts the pics on the website. Why? "Lunalaboo,"as he's called, admits it's mostly to satisfy his "weird voyeuristic passion," but says he also truly hopes to find the suitcases' rightful owners. Too bad it's not before the whole world has seen their dirty underwear!

Thanks to Raffy for letting me know about the site!

Earthy Exercise

2009-04-22T12:23:00.014-04:00

[Photo by Prabhu B/flickr]

Frequent travelers usually like to stay in shape (you never know when you're going to have to sprint to your next flight gate or squeeze into that tiny bikini), but while we're looking out for our bodies, we can also look out for the planet. In honor of Earth Day, here are seven ways to green your exercise routine, courtesy of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel...

1. Donate your used fitness shoes.
Soles4Souls (soles4souls.com) donates shoes to those in need. Nike also accepts shoes and recycles them into sports courts around the world (letmeplay.com/reuseashoe).

2. When participating in a race, walk or other event, carry your own water or sports drink in a reusable plastic bottle (if you don't mind the extra weight).

3. Leave your car in the driveway and ride your bike to the gym (especially on weekends, when you have more time).

[Photo by Tuftronic1000/flickr]

4. Carpool to races.

5. Wear eco-friendly training clothing.

6. Sign an "eco-pledge" created especially for athletes, at AFitPlanet.com/pledge.

7. Designate a cleanup day for your running, cycling, inline skating or fitness club, where you agree to pick up the garbage along your usual route.

[Photo by Per Ola Wiberg/flickr]

Happy Earth Day!!

Ocean Dreams...

2009-04-17T16:36:00.002-04:00

[Photo by Muha/flickr]

Just a little inspiration for planning your next escape. Happy Weekend!!

Bronze Beauty

2009-04-16T16:14:00.005-04:00

[Photo by XirannisX back on/flickr]

The warmer weather has me dreaming of a fantastic beach vacation, which immediately got me thinking about bronzer (naturally fair-skinned, I don't get too much summer color that's not from a bottle or compact). When I head for the beach, I never leave home without Laura Geller's Bronze-n-Brighten.

This creamy, baked powder bronzer gives my face a lovely glow with a quick sweep of a brush, and it never looks orange or cakey. Who could ask for more?

Free Roxana

2009-04-15T14:24:00.009-04:00

[Photo by Eustacio Humphrey/ZUMA Press]

Recently, my in-box has been flooded with messages about Roxana Saberi, a 31-year-old American journalist of Iranian descent who is currently being held in Iran on charges of espionage. Roxana is a fellow graduate of the Medill School of Journalism, and several of my former professors and and fellow alumni have set up a blog, freeroxana.net, to keep her case in the public eye and lobby for her release. A former Miss North Dakota, Roxana moved to Iran six years ago to work as a freelance journalist, reporting for NPR, the BBC and other news organizations. She maintains -- along with everyone who knows her -- that the charges against her are completely unfounded. (According to the committee to protect journalists, Iran was the sixth-leading jailer of journalists in 2008.) Please visit freeroxana.net regularly to view updates, sign petitions, etc.

Bring Your Own

2009-04-09T12:10:00.006-04:00

[Photo by delgaudm/flickr]

In this economy, everyone's looking for a bargain. One of my personal favorites is a BYOB restaurant. These little gems can save the day (or night) when you want to have dinner and cocktails, but you don't have the cash for an expensive evening out. The only problem? BYOB's can be pretty hard to find...until now. GoBYO.com is a new site that has complete listings of BYO restaurants in cities across the country. Just enter the zip code you're in and -- voila! -- a list of restaurants in your area that don't mind at all if you bring in a bottle of 3 buck chuck to enjoy with your meal. Cheers!

First Class Seats...In Coach

2009-04-08T22:44:00.006-04:00

[Photo by Lin Pernille/flickr]

Wanna make sure you always get a seat you love, even when you're flying coach? Check out my interview with SeatGuru .com founder Matt Daimler over at Examiner. Matt shares all sorts of tricks for getting the perfect seat (one with lots of leg room and a little chance of being near a screaming baby), and even dishes on his personal favorite: seat 9A on a United Airlines 757. I know what seat I'll be requesting on my next trip!

Rain, Rain, DON'T Go Away!

2009-04-06T12:14:00.007-04:00

White Lipped Green Tree Frog [Photo by whotheheckareyou/flickr]

All the rainy weather in New York today got me thinking about...the rainforests! Some of the most beautiful and diverse places on earth, we all know our planet's beautiful rainforests are in grave danger of disappearing -- and we certainly don't want that to happen. Doing your part to save them is as easy as a click a day. Head on over to The Rainforest Site right now and "click to give." It's free!

Costa Rica [Photo by baxterclaws/flickr]

Each time you click, you're shown the list of site sponsors. The Rainforest Site donates 100% of these sponsors' fees to charities who buy endangered rainforest land. In the five years they've been operating, the site has raised the funds to purchase and protect over 5,650 acres! When you're done with your "click" (bookmark and do it every day), check out the on-line store. They've got lots of great goodies, and, of course, the proceeds go towards --you guessed it -- saving the rainforest.

Safari Time

2009-04-02T17:34:00.005-04:00

Photo by Michael Poliza

Aren't these guys adorable? This photo was taken at a Wilderness Safari s camp in Botswana. This ecotourism company hosts safaris from top-notch camps across southern Africa (including a super-lux camp in the Seychelles).

North Island camp, Seychelles, Photo by Dana Allen

With such beautiful sleeping quarters, how could you not want to go? You can read more about Wilderness Safaris in my article over at examiner.com.

Environmental Chic

2009-03-31T19:34:00.009-04:00

Looking for a few comfy yet stylish frocks to hit the beach in this summer? I love these dresses from Toggery by Kate D'Acry. All are available at luxgreenliving.com, a new site dedicated to fashion-forward pieces that are also environmentally friendly.

Right now, they're having a pre-Earth Day sale with 50% off everything on the entire site -- nothing is over $100! I think I know where I'm getting my summer wardrobe...

Drive Like A Woman

2009-03-30T20:22:00.007-04:00

Female Cabbie in Yuncheng, Chia [Photo by Helga's Lobster Stew/flickr]

There's a great article on MarieClaire.com that includes lots of fun facts about how women around the world take to the wheel. A few highlights:

In SWITZERLAND, some shopping centers offer women's-only parking spaces close to stores to ensure apres diem shopping safety.

In MOLDOVA, twice the number of women as men applied for their licenses last year.

In TURKEY, a members-only car service especially for women picks up in pink BMWs stocked with disposable cosmetics, healthy snacks, and magazines. All drivers are female and trained in self-defense.

In CHINA, 25 percent of Ferrari owners here are women. (Compare that to 10 percent in North America).

Blissful in Barbados

2009-03-27T18:35:00.007-04:00

You may recognize the name as the place where Tiger Woods tied the knot a few years ago: Sandy Lane. This amazingly beautiful resort in Barbados (complete with golf course, of course!) has long been a luxury destination of choice for the upper-crust. With rooms like this, it's easy to see why...

I've just received word that for spring and summer 2009, Sandy Lane will be offering 7 plush new packages including free nights and lots of value-added goodies like spa vouchers, lunches and rounds of golf. You can check the website for more details.

The resort just completed a multi-million dollar renovation last fall, and the spa now boasts a panoramic sauna, experience showers and a Rhassoul bath (the only one in the Caribbean). The new amenaties certainly sound great, but what I really wanna do is hang out on a floating bench like this and drink fruity cocktails all day...

Only in England...

2009-03-26T12:49:00.005-04:00

[Photo by Katie Tegtmeyer/flickr]

If you plan on heading to Mansfield, England, anytime soon, better make sure your complexion's in check. In an effort to stop local teens from loitering, residents of the central-England town have installed bright pink fluorescent lights (the kind normally used by dermatologists to make pimples show up) on the streets. In addition to deterring vain teens with the threat of acne embarrassment, AFP reports residents think "surly teenage males might find it 'uncool' to hang around in a bright pink underpass." Apparently, it's working. Gotta love the ingenuity!

Benevolence by the Sea

2009-03-25T20:58:00.017-04:00

This spring, take a sweet retreat and be a do-gooder at the same time. The lovely Inn by the Sea, an eco-luxury resort in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is slashing rates on seaside cottages by 50 percent Sundays through Thursdays in May to support "Hospitality for Humanity, a program that raises money to help build homes for needy families.

Guests enjoy paying half the regular rate for a two-bedroom cottage in exchange for a $35 check made out to Habitat for Humanity -- a pretty amazing deal any way you look at it. Plus, you get to spend your days exploring the beautiful Maine coast and your nights enoying a glass of wine in cushy diggs like this...

Now that's a pretty good incentive to give to charity!

How the World Makes Love

2009-03-24T15:43:00.009-04:00

Talk about making the most out of a bad situation! After being dumped at the alter, Franz Wisner didn't want to miss out on his planned 2-week honeymoon in Costa Rica. So, in the absence of a new Mrs. Wisner, he took his brother. Turns out, they had so much fun that 2 weeks turned into a 2-year round-the-world trip and a New York Times bestseller called Honeymoon With my Brother.

Kurt and Franz Wisner [Photo by Stephen Brown]

Now, Wisner has just come out with his second travel-related book, How the World Makes Love (wonder what researching this one entailed). In all seriousness, though, word is this is a fantastically entertaining book that chronicles not only love rituals in Egypt, Brazil, New Zealand and Nicaragua (to name a few countries), but Wisner's own rocky love life back home in L.A.

I can't imagine a more appropriate springtime read! You can get a copy at Amazon

Colombia in NY Part 2

2009-03-23T15:57:00.009-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I spent the better part of Friday night driving around New York in La Chiva -- the Colombian Party bus. It was a fun time. (That's me in the middle with my man, James, and best friends, Zofie and Raffy -- don't we look HAPPY?) I think four hours on a bus may have been a bit much, though, even with a DJ and drinks.

My friend Kristin and me taking a break

After the trip, I got curious about this Colombian tradition and did some research. A little background: Chiva buses are old buses modified by artisans and used for regular transportation in rural Colombia. Here's the real deal...

More recently, the Chivas have been used as "party buses," for touring areas like Bogata and Cartagena, Bolivar. A few sights you might see along the way on a typical Chiva...

Mountains surrounding Monseratte, Bogata [photo by lornapips/flickr]

Smiling Tucan in Cartagena [Photo by LUZA lack of inspiration/flickr]

Cartagena, Bolivar [Photo by LUZA lack of inspiration/flickr]

Makes me wanna head to Colombia ASAP!

A Little Bit of Colombia in NYC

2009-03-20T17:30:00.005-04:00

Tonight, I'm off to a surprise birthday party on La Chiva, otherwise known as the Colombian party bus. Apparently a group of Colombian entrepreneurs decided to bring their country's grand tradition of drinking and dancing in large vehicles to the streets of NYC. Hummm...this could be interesting. Updates next week. Gotta go catch the bus!!

Boost Your Spirits

2009-03-19T18:38:00.009-04:00

[Photo by Carlos Mendoza/flickr]

Want a morning pick-me-up that helps you feel and look amazing? One of my favorite little indulgences is Dr. Brandt's blueberry flavored anti-oxidant water booster. Just a few drops have the anti-oxidant power of 15 cups of green tea. It's great for your skin, gives a caffeine-free energy boost, and makes a regular glass of water taste super yummy. Even more perfect, the 2 oz bottle size means no problems packing it in your carry on so you can take it with you on your travels.

Feed Them with Knowledge

2009-03-18T16:22:00.010-04:00

[Photo by foto morgana/flickr]

Got some down time at your desk? Spend a few minutes on freerice.com and build your brainpower while helping those in need. Free Rice generates a series of questions to test your knowledge of basic subjects (vocabulary is my personal favorite). For every answer you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to help end hunger through the UN World Food Program. If you miss one, they give you another shot at it later in the session. So, you learn something new and feed the hungry all at the same time. Genius!

Irish Secrets

2009-03-17T17:49:00.006-04:00

[Photo by Tomsaint11/flickr]

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here are 10 fun facts about Ireland the ferries have kept quiet until now, courtesy of Irish Central:

1. Technically, it is an offense to be drunk in public in Ireland

2. An Irishman founded the Argentinean Navy

3. Only two members of U2 were born in Ireland

4. The British Embassy in Tehran is on a street named after an Irishman

5. Until the early 1990s, Ireland had a low per capita consumption of alcohol

[Photo by wanderlustphoto/flickr]

6. A Belfast hospital is a world leader in kneecap reconstruction

7. Ireland has the fourth largest stadium in Europe

9. Playboy was banned in Ireland until 1995

10. More Guinness is sold in Nigeria than in Ireland

[Photo by apesara/flickr]

Cape Town's One and Only

2009-03-16T16:17:00.011-04:00

Cape Town, South Africa [Photo by Coda/flickr]

As South Africa gears up to host the World Cup in 2010 (I'm hoping to be in attendance), the country is quickly earning a reputation as a new "hot spot." Turning up the heat even more: the launch of One&Only Cape Town. The brand new luxury resort will open its doors to the public on April 3, 2009, and they're offering a pretty sweet deal to celebrate the grand opening. First guests of the hotel (staying between April 3rd and September 30th) will receive two complimentary spa treatments and a bottle of Cape Estate wine. With accommodation like this...

it's easy to imagine never wanting to leave the room. But, if you do decide to venture out (and I'd certainly hope you'd get out and explore at some point), you won't have to go far to find world-class dining. Gordon Ramsy's Maze and Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's Nobu are both on property, as well as the tri-level Wine Loft, which is home to more than 5,000 bottles of South African wine.

Recessionistas will be pleased to know the exchange rate in South Africa is great if you're traveling from the U.S. or Europe (10 rand is currently equivalent to just $1), and, starting June 1st, Delta will offer direct flights to Cape Town. Horray!!

Sleep Guru

2009-03-16T12:09:00.006-04:00

[Photo by Poupee Yvonne/flickr]

You may have noticed a recent pause in postings. Simple explanation: I spent most of last week in Vegas on a writing assignment for American Airlines. The trip was great. However, taking the red eye back to New York Saturday night wasn't quite as exciting. Unable to get comfy on the plane, I was completely wiped out when I got home and spent all day (yawn) in bed. Hopefully, though, this will be the last time I suffer a sleepless overnight flight. Today, I discovered seatguru.com. This site weighs the pros and cons of every seat on every commercial plane (with specific info on limited recline, reduced legroom, mis-aligned windows, and more) to help you pick the one that's most conducive to beauty rest -- a dream come true.

Award Season

2009-03-09T12:26:00.007-04:00

Thanks so much to Valerie over at Being Red for this lovely award -- my very first one!

The feeling is definitely mutual. In turn, here are 10 more fabulous blogs I'd like to pay it forward to:

Single Gal in the City

The New Black

This is Glamorous

Keep the good stuff coming, ladies!

Confused About What to Pack?

2009-03-05T17:50:00.018-05:00

[Photo by Digital Spohia/flickr]

Packing for your next trip got you feeling overwhelmed? Universal Packing List can take away some of the pain. I just stumbled on this fun little gem today. You to enter a few trip details like the length of your stay, max and min temperature where you're going, where you'll be staying and even the size of your bag. Click "create packing list," and it generates a packing list for you based on your entries. Granted, you'll want to add your own special touches, but it's a great way to make sure you don't miss the basics!

Kenyan Couture

2009-03-04T16:10:00.019-05:00

After more than a decade of collecting African textiles, Max Osterweis didn't want to keep his colorful Kenyan kangas all cooped up anymore. So, he took to the streets and created SUNO, an amazingly modern fashion line -- all one-of-a-kind pieces -- that blends traditional Kenyan fabrics with urban style.

Max says the inspiration for his very first collection (spring/summer 2009) comes from both the women of coastal East Africa and the women of downtown New York. The real catalyst for starting the line, though, was his worry that post-election turmoil in Kenya would keep foreigners from visiting or investing there. He sees SUNO as a highly-visible way to showcase Kenyan artistry, employ local talent and, hopefully, promote some positive social and economic change.

Wondering how it works? All the design and development happens in New York. Then, they take the patterns and samples to Kenya, where the garments are produced by skilled artisans in small workshops.

Beautiful designs that are glamorous and globally conscious -- couldn't love this more!

Photos by Tina Tyrell

Snow Angel

2009-03-03T18:20:00.011-05:00

The snow and bitter cold that's just pounded the east coast is a less than gentle reminder spring's not here yet -- in New York, anyway. But it's got me thinking about escaping to a winter wonderland. (You know, somewhere with stunning mountain views, powdery white snow and a personal assistant to cater to my every whim.) Capella Telluride may be just that place. This brand-new super lux boutique ski resort nestled in the heart of Mountain Village in Telluride, Colorado (with ski in/ski-out access, of course) is in the perfect setting for some serious winter sports.

But my FAVORITE part is that every guest in the 100 guest room/60 condominium resort gets a personal assistant for the duration of their stay. The place is so new (they just opened the doors for the first time on Februsry 12th) they don't even have the exterior images ready yet, but the setting is breathtaking...

And this hot-off-the-press pic I just recieved of the inside of the property looks like it's a more-than-cozy place to retreat after a day on the slopes.

Smile Like You Mean It

2009-03-02T16:17:00.008-05:00

[Photo by ontwerpplus/flickr]

All that post long-haul flight coffee consumption got your pearly whites looking less than, well, pearly? No worries. Smashbox is coming out with a brand new lip gloss that'll help brighten your smile while you jetset between cleanings. The new, aptly named, Smile Brightening Lip Gloss is made to look good on all skin tones and contains specially colored pigments that actually make teeth appear whiter (whether you wear it alone or layered over your favorite lipstick).

The gloss should be hitting your local Sephora soon. If you don't care to wait, do what I did and order some from QVC. Now, where did I put my coffee...

Shotgun Wedding in Iran

2009-02-27T14:34:00.010-05:00

I can't wait to get my hands on this book: Honeymoon in Tehran by Azadeh Moaveni.

Azadeh, an American journalist, was working as a foreign correspondent in Tehran in 2005 when she fell in love with a local guy and ended up pregnant. This is a sticky situation in Iran, where Islamic authorities serve up some pretty harsh punishment for evidence of premarital sex. So, Azadeh was forced to arrange a rushed muslim wedding (she's of Iranian descent) while trying to find ways to disguise her bump until the marrige was legit.

From her new home in London, where she lives now with her husband and son, Azadeh wrote Honeymoon in Tehran to chronicle the ordeal. Wanna read it with me? You can pick up a copy at Amazon.

A Night at the Opera

2009-02-25T22:43:00.011-05:00

Yvonne Naef as Fricka in "Die Walkure" [photo by Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera]

You don't have to be in New York City to attend an opera at the Met. Nearly 850 local movie theaters around the globe are showing the performances live in HD. Next up: Puccini's Madama Butterfly on March 7th. Check for a venue near you, buy tickets and watch the Live In HD trailer here.

Catch a Wave

2009-02-25T19:27:00.005-05:00

[Vincent Boiteau/studio.es/flickr]

When you're out taking on the world, the last thing you wanna' do is waste time styling your hair. Besides, those tousled "I don't have a care in the world" waves are sooooo sexy. But every time I tried to accomplish the look, I ended up looking like a frizzy mess. After years of searching (seriously), I finally found THE perfect product(s) for wash-and-go gorgeous hair: Tools by Calista Energy Activating Spray and Energy Forming Gel.

Two minutes to mega hottie.

Easy Being Green

2009-02-24T19:07:00.016-05:00

Turtle Island, Fiji [Image courtesy Turtle Island Resort]

Going green has never looked better. Islands magazine has just honored the Turtle Island Resort in Fiji with the "Blue List" award for Green Resorts. The remote island hideaway -- they host just 14 couples at a time -- is one of 24 locations around the world to receive the distinction.

[Image Courtesy Turtle Island Resort]

Since buying the island and building the resort back in 1972, owner Richard Evanson has planted more than 500,000 native trees and championed multiple projects to restore the landscape to it's original beauty (it had been ravaged by wild goats when he bought it) and support the local economy and ecosystem. Each bure, for example, was built by local craftsmen using natural materials grown right on the island.

[Image Courtesy Turtle Island Resort]

Now that's green LIVING.

This Just In...

2009-02-20T16:18:00.009-05:00

Prague, Czech Republic [Christopher Woo/Flickr]

On May 14th, the Rocco Forte Collection plans to open their 12th property...in Prague. The Augustine will have 101 guest rooms housed in a seven building complex, most of which are historical monuments, including the 13th century St. Thomas Monastery -- a few practicing monks will keep living in a separate part of the building...

London-based designer Olga Polizzi of RDD used local materials and traditional craft methods to create a beautiful modern interior that blends with the monastery setting...picture perfect!

Devil May Care

2009-02-20T15:28:00.003-05:00

[sfmission.com/flickr]

Rio's Mayor is vowing a "shock of order" campaign to try to quell a rash of violence in the sinful city during this year's Carnival. The mayor's rant comes after more than 40 young travelers visiting Rio for the festival were robbed by men who ambushed their hostle with guns and grenades. At least 23 other revelers have reported robberies in other areas around the city. Mayor Eduardo Paes says he plans to punish even the smallest offenses in an effort to make Rio safer. But, most Brazilians say there's no way that kind of zero tolerance policy will work in Rio, a city where all things are tolerated -- especially during carnival.

[sfmission.com/flickr]

Take Me Away...

2009-02-19T17:28:00.013-05:00

This sweet sun dress by Zimmermann is the perfect little frock to run away in this spring and it's on SALE right now over at Gilt. Also up for grabs, this sexy Rosa Cha bikini...

Makes me wanna hit the beach ASAP. The sale is on till tomorrow night. Don't have a Gilt membership yet? Leave your e-mail and we'll hook you up.

Eye in the Sky

2009-02-18T17:19:00.008-05:00

Bora Bora, Tahiti [Satellite Image Courtesy of Geoeye]

Suffering from a serious case of wander lust but stuck at your desk staring at a computer? Geoeye has the cure: a collection of super high-res satellite images snapped all around the planet. Jet over to Bora Bora (above) or check out ancient sites like Stonehenge and Easter Island. On a more serious note, you can also view images of natural disaster areas (they've got pictures of Myanmar taken before and after last May's cyclone) and get a bird's eye view of newsworthy events like Barack Obama's inauguration. Everything's easily downloadable, too.

Conventional Wisdom

2009-02-17T16:23:00.016-05:00

San Francisco, CA [ Sully T64 Photography/Flickr]

According to an AP article published in several of today's papers, the recent crack-down on business travel by companies under economic duress may actually be a good thing for people looking to travel on their own time. The logic makes sense. Cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas that are used to bringing in millions of dollars every year from conventions are feeling the sting of a major slowdown. In turn, they're offering some amazing deals to leisure travelers to try to entice them to pick up the slack. A media rep for Priceline says the site's seeing winning bids at half-off retail prices for 4-star hotels in big convention cities across the U.S.

Admittedly, "big convention city" isn't exactly the most tantilizing description for a vacation spot. But, factor in that New York, Miami and New Orleans are all on the list and things start to sound a little better. And, hey, you might just discover an unexpected gem. A recent trip to Orlando (wasn't expecting much, to be completely honest) proved that there's life beyond Disney World in the inland Florida city. The Grande Lakes resort is an oasis worth checking out...

Lip Luscious at Thirty Thousand Feet

2009-02-15T23:18:00.014-05:00

For me, one of the most uncomfortable things about a long flight -- besides when the guy in front of me decides to spend the whole journey reclined into my lap -- is dried-out sandpaper lips. Airlines deliberately keep humidity levels at or below 4% in flight to prevent corrosion. (By comparison, the relative annual morning humidity in Phoenix, Arizona is 50%.) The parched air up there can suck the moisture out of your lips in as little as three hours. One of my favorite hydrators to keep on hand is Dior Lip Maximizer. It keeps lips moist and plumped, fills in fine lines and tastes a little like mint ice cream. (What can I say? I like ice cream.)

Feeling at home in Turks and Caicos

2009-02-15T18:26:00.008-05:00

V-day love hangover got you wanting to play house with your sweetie? The Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos has you covered. This weekend, the posh Caribbean resort opened an entirely new section dubbed "The Estate." It's made up of 22 custom-designed ultra swank residences with all the comforts of home -- times 100. Each "residence" features 11-foot ceilings, a full-service kitchen, living room, media room, dining room and oceanfront terrace. Then there's the exclusive access to a 25-yard infinity pool, 24-hour personal concierge, poolside cabanas, priority access to all resort facilities...you get the picture.

Oh, and your backyard would be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Get Your Money, Honey

2009-02-13T13:27:00.009-05:00

Annoyed because you purchased your airline ticket last week when you thought the prices were great, only to see them go even lower this week? Don't despair. You may be able to get your money back. Yep, you heard -- er, read -- me right. Many airlines will REFUND THE DIFFERENCE (in the form of a voucher) if the fare goes lower than what you paid. Some carriers charge a "change fee" of between $25 and $150 to apply the new price, but there are a few -- Southwest Airlines, for example -- that don't charge a thing. (In fact, Southwest offers cash refunds instead of vouchers in some cases.) Want a quick way to keep track of your fare? Sign up for fare alerts from your airline or use a website like Farecast.com. Happy travels!
[Photo by flygraphix/Flickr]

Go Ahead...You Can Afford It

2009-02-12T00:35:00.010-05:00

With a recession in full swing, eating out can put a serious strain on the bank account -- especially if you're eating out in NYC. But who wants to sit in their apartment (or hotel room) and eat sandwiches every night? Enter my favorite new website: DiningFever.com. These guys provide a listing of great deals for fabulous restaurants all over New York. Bon Appetit! [Photo by Qurrty/Flickr]

Oh, Mummy!

2009-02-11T11:48:00.006-05:00

Saqqara, Egypt [Flickr/liquid.blue.ocean]

Egypt's top archaeologist just discovered a completely preserved mummy inside a limestone sarcophagus sealed 2,600 years ago -- and he's not alone (the mummy, that is). The old guy was resting in what Dr. Zahi Hawass calls a "storeroom for mummies" with seven other -- as yet, unopened -- sarcophagi and 22 more preserved bodies from Egypt's last independent Kingdom. You can check out pics here.

Sweet on Sweden

2009-02-10T22:57:00.009-05:00

According to a new report highlighted in Marie Claire, Sweden is the best place in the world to live if you're a woman. (In case you're wondering, the U.S. was ranked #17.) Any country that starts "Sexism Awareness Training" in kindergarten and shows uncut reruns of Sex and The City at 6pm is tops in my book.