Cruising – Travel

Last year, when I found myself with extra money to spend, I decided to treat myself to a vacation.  I took myself on a dream vacation to Alaska on Princess Cruises.  Cruising was both exciting and relaxing.  Planning for the cruise was just as much fun as going on the voyage.  First, I booked the cruise with the help of a cruise vacation planner.  Lea was extremely knowledgeable and helped me select a cabin location on the ship, plus she helped me select shore excursions.  When you go on a cruise, the ship docks in ports along the way.  There are numerous things to do at each port, so if you want, you can book tours, go on guided walks, shopping trips, visit museums, etc. (for an extra fee).  You can book in advance, or book your shore excursions right onboard the ship. 

Planning:  I recommend using YouTube for help on what to pack.  I watched many videos to see what cruise experts suggest you bring with you.  Everything from clothing to other items like Dramamine and Tums, tea lights, sippy cups and towel clips.  Videos can also help you to decide where to cruise and who to cruise with.  Plus, watching videos gets you excited! Start by determining how many days you would like to cruise.  Next pick the time of year you want to go.  You might have a special occasion like a birthday or an anniversary to celebrate.  Then select what part of the world you want to see.  Caribbean, Asia or Europe for example.  Cruising is one of the most affordable ways to see the world.  For $150 per day (on some cruise lines) all transportation, food, entertainment and accommodations are included.  Extras include excursions, drinks, specialty dining, WI-FI, taxes and tips.  Be sure to calculate these extra fees as they can significantly change the price of your voyage.  The ships are enormous floating hotels, some with the capacity to have over 3,500 passengers plus the crew.  Use YouTube to take a virtual tour of the cruise ship you will be travelling on.  It will give you a good idea of what to expect when you board. 

Cruisecritic.com is a website that will help you select a cruise line. They also have tips for first-time cruisers, deals and comparisons between cruise lines.

What’s For Dinner? – Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray, creator and star of “30 Minute Meals” hosts a new daytime talk show “Rachael” in which she chats with celebs, investigates interesting topics and prepares a “square meal” all in a 60 minute format.  Actor/comedian Ted Danson visited with Rachael today looking handsome as ever as they discussed his recent projects and happy family life and marriage to actress Mary Steenburgen.  Seems they have both been busy making us laugh and with work protecting our oceans as part of  Oceana.org.  Check out Racheal’s website for more information  about the show and for today’s recipe for Pork Chops with “Blue” Butter and Sage, Sauteed Pears and Red Onions and Mashed Sweet Potatoes.  Yum yum!!!

Master Class

Have you ever wanted to learn a skill and wished you could speak to an industry leader?  Now you can.  Master Class is for you.  Star instructors have come together to teach online classes in topics that range from Arts & Entertainment, Home & Lifestyle, Business, Food, Music, Writing, Design & Style, Sports &Gaming, Community & Government, Science & Tech and Wellness.  Explore a topic today.  A Master Class can be life changing for you or make an excellent gift to someone you love.

Gordon Ramsey teaches Cooking II: Restaurant Recipes at Home.

Book of the Week – Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

From New York Times Book Review

Week of February 14, 2011

Synopsis:  BATTLE HYMN OF THE TIGER MOTHER by Amy Chua (Penguin Press $25.95) Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.  Chua, Amy (Author) “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” is an awe-inspiring, often hilarious, and unerringly honest story of one mother’s exercise in extreme parenting, revealing the rewards–and the costs–of raising her daughters the Chinese way.

Fashion of the Week – Channel

Enter Karl Lagerfeld’s House of Chanel and see the Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear and Couture Collection.  Byzantine inspired bejeweled garments and headpieces are this year’s theme resulting in a return to nobility and grace.  Visit Chanel.com for the latest in fashion, makeup and accessories.  Elegance is just a click away!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Magazines – December 2012

Stay up-to-date on all your favorite fashion magazines courtesy of Life Accessories Blog.  Click on each magazine for December editorials and other feature stories.

    

     

        

        

Artists Corner: Michael Stanford – Pointillism Master

“Snow Maid”

The definition of Pointillism in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is:  In painting, the practice of applying small strokes or dots of contrasting colour to a surface so that from a distance they blend together. The term (and its synonym, divisionism) was first used to describe the paintings of Georges Seurat. See also Camille Pissarro; Paul Signac.  Marin County Artist, Michael Stanford uses this technique to create surreal images of mythical characters, landscapes, animals and other worldly creatures that enter his imagination.  Self-taught, he is an artist whose attention to detail and high standards result in extraordinary works of art to be appreciated by young and old alike.  Both haunting and sensual, Michael makes Fairytale heroines come to life, one dot at a time.  For more information about Michael and about how to purchase his artwork (both Original Works and Fine Art Prints) visit his page on ArtSlant Worldwide.

“Wolf”

“Fort Baker”

Need Interior Design Help? – Candice Olson to the Rescue

In search of decorating ideas?  Distressed homeowners have no fear.  Candice Olson, Canada’s Top Interior Designer and Star of HGTV’s Divine Design can turn any room into a showplace!

When Candice answers a call for help, she listens with an intuitive ear to what kind of space her clients wish to create.  Then, like a magician, she whips out her pens, paints, fabric swatches and samples to draw a detailed guide for her band of merry helpers to follow.  Next, “The Team” (Chico, The Electrician, Sewing Specialist, Edmond, Paul, The Carpenter and Andrew, The Painter) lead by Candice proceed to have a rollicking good time bringing that vision to life.

Her drawings are legendary and an Art Form onto themselves.  They are usually presented to the client at the end of the show.  As an interior design “Weekend Warrior” myself, it is a delight to watch her transform “Drab and Dreary” into “Inviting & Fabulous”, plus it is always entertaining to see the big “Reveal” at the end of the show.  Wouldn’t you feel at home in one of these rooms?  I know I would.  Catch an episode of Divine Design for yourself and let us know what you think.  Sweet Dreams!

Click Here for more information about Candice Olson, her TV Show and her new Furniture Collection, Fabric Collection and Design Gallery.

The Golden Globes: Women, Men & Couples Hit The Red Carpet

Absolutely everyone looked FABULOUS at this year’s Golden Globe Awards held Sunday, January 15, 2012, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.  Some stars took to the Red Carpet solo, while some of Hollywood’s Power Couples posed together. It must be a lot of pressure to have to look so good knowing there is Paparazzi everywhere, but these Stars make it look like a walk in the Park.

The gowns worn by the women ranged in style and color with perhaps the most notable statement being made by Maria Menounos in a body-hugging bright yellow sequined gown. Lea Michele was another one to watch in a sophisticated and sexy shimmery grey number. The Men, well what can I say, they all wore the basic black suit & tie well (with a variation here and there – Gervais).

The Globes, hosted this year by Ricky Gervais (reason alone to tune in) treated fans and Celebs alike to a night of fun and humor.  The Golden Globe, awarded by The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which honors achievement in both Film and Television has a rich history and is well respected by those in Hollywood since its inception in 1943.

Notable stars present included a special appearance by Johnny Depp and music icon Madonna (who won Best Original Song in A Motion Picture). George Clooney won Best Performance by an Actor for his performance in “The Descendants”, Christopher Plummer won Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in “Beginners” and “The Descendants” took home Best Motion Picture.  This year’s winner for a Lifetime of Achievement (The Cecil B. DeMille Award) was presented to actor Morgan Freeman. For a complete list of all Nominees and Winners click here for The Official Golden Globe Website.

 

Make-Up Trend: All That Glitters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The “Natural Look” is OUT and Bold/Gold is IN this Spring/Summer according to make-up experts at British Vogue (BV).   Metallics, even Gold Leaf is what you will see at your make-up counter this year.  Everyone is doing it from MAC to Dsquared2, so don’t be the last one on your block caught without it!  As seen on the runway,  BV shows 12 examples of this hot new trend in make-up.  Another notable trend in make-up this year appears to be the “invisible brow”!  What do you think?  Love it.  Hate it.  We’d love to hear from you.

Cruise Does It Again in “Mission Impossible IV – Ghost Protocol”

Tom Cruise is back as Agent Ethan Hunt in “Mission Impossible IV – Ghost Protocol”, which hit theaters in worldwide release on December 21, 2011.  In “MI:IV” Cruise is joined by Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker, The Town), Simon Pegg (MI:III, Star Trek) and Paula Patton (Precious, Hitch) as the team attempts to clear the IMF as a suspect in the bombing of the Kremlin.

Known for his outrageous stunt work, Cruise holds nothing back in the franchise’s latest installment.  Scaling the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building, is just one of the trilling sequences Cruise treats us to in this action-packed triller.  Shot in IMAX and directed by Academy Award Winner, Brad Bird (Ratatouille, The Incredibles), “MI:IV” has struck box office gold, bringing in $324.9 million worldwide as of Jan 1, 2012.

As we have grown to expect, watching a Mission Impossible movie is like taking a virtual trip around the world.  Locations for “MI:IV” include Seattle, India (Vancouver), Russia (Prague) and Dubai.

Special Effects are another reason the Mission Impossible films never disappoint.  Industrial Light & Magic Director, John Knoll and a team of 20 special effect artists are responsible for making signature scenes like the “Sand Storm” a reality.

Like “MI:I”,”MI:II” and “MI:III” before it, “MI:IV” seems to have what it takes to entertain and please audiences of all ages.  Put it all together and “MI:IV” is a definite “Must See” for anyone, with a pulse!

For more trailers and other “MI:IV” details visit the Official Ghost Protocol Website:   www.missionimpossible.com