Entries by Tracy G
Every hotel tells a story
I love to travel, but the same old cookie-cutter hotels just don't do it for me. If you're going to spend hard earned money on a hotel, it better be worth it, right? There is one hotelier that always delivers -- Kimpton Hotels.
Kimpton Hotels is a boutique hotelier with chic and stunning properties across North America. Kimpton prides itself on providing discerning travelers with a unique, luxurious experience each time they stay.
I have stayed at two Kimpton properties, the Serrano Hotel and the Hotel Triton -- both in San Francisco. Each was completely different in style and form, but the level of service was excellent at both. From allowing us to check our bags hours before check-in, so we could start our vacation, to the fresh cookies, wine receptions and even tarot card readings at the Triton -- Kimpton is sure to provide you with ease and stylish comfort.
Each Kimpton property has its own style and vibe -- ready to match any lifestyle and preference. The Serrano is a luxury hotel in the middle of San Francisco's theatre district with rooms outfitted in rich reds and golds, and with a slight aristocratic flair. The Triton is a super-hip, funky hotel across from the Chinatown Gate, offering preternatural surroundings.
Kimpton properties are always close to the action, including shopping, restaurants and nightlife, so you urbanites (or those looking to be urban for a weekend) will feel right at home. All properties are eco-friendly and provide countless services and amenities, such as Aveda body products, spa services, high-speed Internet access, fluffy robes and so much more. And Kimpton Hotels welcome pets, so you don't have to leave Fido at home.
To find out more about Kimpton Hotels, log on to kimptonhotels.com and enjoy your stay!
Posted by Tracy G on August 4, 2008
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
| 
Nice shave
If you are like me, you have tried all the ways out there to get rid of unwanted hair, including shaving, waxing, hair removers, etc. And with summer in full swing, smooth skin isn't just nice -- it's a necessity.
If you aren't into spending $80 on a wax and would like the type of shave you only can get from a men's razor...try the Schick Quattro for Women. With four blades, a pivoting head and conditioning strips -- the Quattro gives a smooth, close shave every time. And it looks pretty, too! The Quattro even works well with just water. For summertime purposes, you may still need to shave everyday or every other day, but your effort will not be in vain.
The Quattro for Women can be found in most discount and drug stores. You can also go online and find out more information at quattroforwomen.com.
Posted by Tracy G on July 9, 2008
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|
These clothes rock
From the moment you hit the site, you realize you aren't in Kansas anymore -- you're in DuvNic Industries.
DuvNic Industries is an Encino,CA-based specialty clothier for the girl looking to push the boundaries and bring a little piece of L.A. into her wardrobe. Think of it as vintage L.A. chic. DuvNic creations are like nothing you will find at the local mall. DuvNic currently has over 30 designs with over 25 more on the way. And these designs are not your wannabe-cool graphics. The designs, all created by DuvNics Todd Maidy, are intricate, unusual and a little bit on the dark side.
When you slip on a DuvNic Industries creation, you are ready to hit the club, rock out at a concert or simply hang with friends (although, you'll have the coolest shirt!). DuvNic fits are flattering; require almost no ironing and the fabrics are so comfortable. They feel as if they have been through the wash a million times, without looking like they have. I have the Burnout Crest tank, the DuvNic Couture T and the Scoop Neck Skull long-sleeve T. I found the Burnout Crest fabric the most interesting. It has the most unusual treatment. Throughout the fabric there are sections that look worn -- to the point one can see skin -- like the favorite shirt you simply can't part with. Yet, the tank doesn't look old or tattered.
The construction on DuvNic Industries apparel is solid. You won't find threads hanging off or fabric imperfections (unless they are supposed to be there). And you can't shrink these shirts -- I tried.
DuvNic.com has all the styles you're looking for, including tops and bottoms. And their clothes aren't just for women. Looking for a hot shirt for your boyfriend -- DuvNic.com has great styles for men, too.
Posted by Tracy G on July 3, 2008
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|
Guide your way with Style
Do you love to travel, but dislike having to flip through the same travel guides your parents and grandparents use? Good news -- now you don't have to. StyleCity guides from Thames and Hudson are the ultra chic city guides for the young, discerning traveler. From New York to Paris, San Francisco to Rome and London to Istanbul -- just to name a few -- StyleCity guides can help you plan your next escape to some of the trendiest cities on Earth.
I love StyleCity because they contain the most gorgeous visuals; photography you will not see in any other guides. Thames and Hudson have taken conventional travel guides and turned them into books worthy of your coffee table.
StyleCity lets you in on the secret places locals don't want tourists to know about. The guides break down destinations with maps, restaurants, hotels, museums, shops and more.
I was given the San Francisco guide as a gift. Now, having been a resident of San Francisco, I didn't think there was anything I didn't know about it. StyleCity proved me wrong. And not only did it offer some of the tastiest insider treats, but it also did an excellent job of slicing up each neighborhood, so even someone from a small town would feel comfortable in this urban wonderland.
Whether you are a tried and true traveler, or just starting to explore this amazing planet, check out StyleCity guides. I guarantee you will find no other guides more visually stunning or containing the information you really want to know.
Posted by Tracy G on June 26, 2008
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|
Why paint when you can stick?
Recently I moved from a house I owned to a house I rent. I was happy to get rid of the mortgage, but moving back into a rental property did not allow me the freedom to paint rooms as I saw fit.
I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on artwork or punch countless nail holes into the walls. Nor did I want to live in a big cream box with no character.
So I searched for alternatives and discovered removable wall decals and found two excellent sites to get high quality, creative options.
The first is AdZif out of Canada which produces gorgeous and funky decals with endless options. I purchased "Wind of Love" by Lucie Gauthier (see image on right).
I was a bit nervous about applying it to the wall -- I don't have the steadiest hand, but no worries. With a little elbow grease, the decal applied beautifully and looks awesome!
The second site I recommend is dVider. It's decals are wild and outrageous. I chose the Mini 01 in red. Application was even easier than AdZif and it looks so cool! This time, just $16 brought whimsy and inspiration to my office space.
You cannot beat the imaginative forms and figures available from AdZif and dVider. If you are looking for something to make your home pop with originality - look no further than wall decals from these two great online retailers.
Posted by Tracy G on June 20, 2008
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|
Outshines them all
If you're anything like me, you love the look of lip gloss, but hate the sticky feel. I've tried so many different lines, but found that Vincent Longo's Perfect Shine Lip Gloss is the best.
Available in countless colors -- the gloss is the least sticky out there. With a quick blot on a tissue, the heaviness you normally feel with gloss is gone, but the vibrant color stays for hours. It really is a quality product and worth the $22 a tube.
You can order Longo's Perfect Shine Lip Gloss at Sephora or at Vincent Longo.
XOX!
Posted by Tracy G on February 13, 2008
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|
Truffles by any other name are not the same.
Target's Choxie truffles are okay in a pinch. Godiva truffles are delicious to say the least. But if you are looking for the finest, most luscious handmade French truffles... look no further than XOX Truffles in San Francisco.
The chocolate truffle is said to have originated in France, and due to its appearance, was named after the French mushroom-like fungus used in the finest dishes. Authentic French truffles are usually small, irregular-shaped and coated in cocoa, sugar or chopped nuts -- something you do not often see on American truffles. And above all else, French truffles contain the smoothest ganache and the finest shell of decadent chocolate.
I've sampled truffles across the United States and in Paris. Yet on a recent trip to San Francisco, I stopped by XOX to taste for myself if Chef Gorce's truffles were truly better than the rest. I no longer doubt the hype. The little packages of heaven were perfection! With over 20 liquored, non-liquored and vegan flavor choices, there is no doubt that one (or all 20) will entice you. Tempting flavors include traditional dark and milk chocolate, Hazelnut, Orange and Raspberry. But if you are feeling adventurous, try the Rum Coco, Triple Sec, French Roast or Earl Grey. No flavor will leave you disappointed -- just craving more.
You can purchase XOX Truffles at their store in San Francisco, other locations throughout the Bay Area or online. Prices start at $30 for a box of 30 truffles. If you purchase online, it is better to order during the colder months, as XOX Truffles are wax-free and delicate. Delicieux!!
Posted by Tracy G on February 1, 2008
Comments (2) | Tell a friend
|
Fiberwig Lashes Out!
They say blondes have more fun. Well, as a blonde I can tell you that the saying doesn’t apply to blondes’ eyelashes. My eyelashes aren’t exactly blonde, but they are very light brown — making them look puny.
I have spent years and countless dollars trying to find mascara that would increase the appearance of my lashes without feeling like I had stage make-up on. I tried brands you find in drug stores and discount chains, in department stores, even those found in upper-end cosmetic boutiques. I had just about given up until luck shined itself upon me.
I decided to give my unfulfilled mascara search one more try and sought out Fiberwig by Imju. Standing in Sephora, staring at the package I thought to myself, “Is this really going to help me?” The salesperson said it would dramatically increase the appearance of my lashes and supported the product’s claim that it is like painting on false eyelashes. I was a bit skeptical, but decided to give it a shot.
What a difference from all the others! Fiberwig not only increased the appearance of my lashes, there was no clumping or heavy goop feeling. And it doesn't smudge, run or wear off until you take it off.
A tube of Fiberwig will run you $22 and can be found online and at Sephora. So for all those blondes out there with wimpy-looking lashes (and you brunettes, too) — stop worrying and wasting money. Try Fiberwig and you’ll be batting your lashes in no time!
Posted by Tracy G on February 3, 2008
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|
