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Las Vegas...
- luxeTravel |
LAS VEGAS...
Vegas, baby... Vegas! In the city that never sleeps, you won't sleep until your flight home. Las Vegas is a 24/7 entertainment town where anything goes... which is why it's such a popular venue for bachelor parties. Sipping cocktails in giant pools? Check. Playing blackjack in ritzy casinos? Check. Watching the much-ballyhooed Las Vegas stage shows? Check.
The seasoned Las Vegas vets already know their favorite spots, but as a first-timer, this is your chance to absorb as much of the Las Vegas Strip as you can in three days. Are you game?
Day 1: The top of the world
Airline visitors arrive by way of McCarran International Airport, five miles away from the main business district. Your transportation options are a limousine ride, a shuttle bus trip or a rental-car ride. Be warned that traffic can be an issue, especially once you get to the main drag. Once on the strip, many tourists take the tram, enjoy the monorail or walk with comfortable shoes and lots of water.
The Las Vegas economy is based on year-round entertainment for tourists. As a result, there's a hotel on the famous Las Vegas Strip to meet your wildest traveling dreams if you're willing to pay for it. Among the major casino hotels on the Strip, we prefer the Bellagio, which is elegantly based on the Italian resort of the same name. There's a first-class casino inside, a picturesque lake outside and the unforgettable Bellagio fountains, which spring to life every 15 minutes and are set to music. For first-timers who'd rather stay in a luxury casino-less hotel (some quiet away from the storm), try the Four Seasons Hotel. There's much comfort here and extras are included -- a change from the standard pricing on the Strip.
Start your Vegas tour with some thrill-seeking from the highest observation tower in the country: the Stratosphere, which is at the northern end of the Strip. At an impressive 1,149 feet, you can see the entire Strip. If you're feeling daring, try the aptly named Insanity, which holds and spins you off the tower's edge via a mechanical arm. Don't leave until you have a bite at Top of the World Restaurant, where Chef Mario Andreoni offers award-winning wine and a three-course gourmet lunch.
Back at street level, make your way down to the Imperial Palace, located between Sands Avenue and Flamingo Road. Here you'll see The Auto Collections, the most sizable showroom of classic automobiles in the world. The 250-plus cars on display are worth over $100 million dollars. If you look carefully, you'll spot an old 1939 Royal Sedan of Johnny Carson's and a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback from Gone in Sixty Seconds.
When you arrive at The Venetian, Vegas's Venice-themed standout, you'll be ready for dinner. Thomas Keller, coined America's Best Chef by Time, has just the meal at Bouchon, located at the top of the Venezia tower. Start with some gnocchi à la Parisienne before moving on to chocolate mousse for dessert.
What's next? Gambling, of course. The marble-floored Venetian casino covers over 100,000 square feet of gaming with a nearby lake and hand-painted ceilings. There are games galore, including slots and table games with the Venetian Poker Room never too far away.
For shows, there's The Phantom of the Opera in the Palais Garnier-themed theater. When you're ready to unwind, head upstairs to the TAO Nightclub where fast energy and good drinks go hand-in-hand in two dance rooms and on a substantial outside deck. And if the Venetian hasn't got you into trouble yet, there's much more to come.
Day 2: From New York to ParisYour second day in Las Vegas is a perfect New York day. At Tropicana Avenue on the Strip, you'll find the Brooklyn Bridge leading to New York-New York, a smaller-scale version of the Big Apple. You'll spot the Statue of Liberty outside, along with other Manhattan fixtures like the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. Play a few rounds at the Central Park-themed casino or check out the Greenwich Village replica (complete with manhole covers). For lunch, try the Mexican-themed Gonzalez Y Gonzalez. If you don't want tequila with your chicken tamales, have a cold one at Nine Fine Irishmen, a Victorian-style bar with a heavy Irish influence. There's nothing like New York in Nevada.
Cross the Strip and fly one way to Paris, just past Harmon Avenue. Another famed re-creation, this one has replicas of the L'Arc de Triomphe, La Fontaine des Mers, the Paris Opera House, and the Louvre. Most noticeable is the Eiffel Tower, standing at half the scale of the original, with an indoor casino elevator to take you to the observation level. There's also a pool that's shaded by the Tower and complemented by a scenic French garden. Why not challenge the casino folk to a Euro-friendly game of roulette and walk through the cobblestone "streets" of Paris like Le Boulevard? Street performers, statues and fresh pastries are waiting. Ah, the comforts of Paris without flying over the Atlantic.
Go past Flamingo Road and back West to our preferred dinner spot, Spago, located within the entity that is Caesars Palace. There you can enjoy Wolfgang Puck's transplanted California cuisine from an indoor patio that peeks into Caesars’ colossal Forum Shops, one of the best people-watching spots in town. Try Executive Chef Eric Klein's chilled main lobster salad for an elegant introduction to Caesars Palace.
It's gambling time and Caesars Palace has been a classic Las Vegas institution for players since 1966. Fountain statues are common here and the uncanny architecture lends itself nicely to a large casino that is 30,000 square feet larger than your first night at the Venetian. Slot machines are a Caesars favorite because they're known to host more million-dollar jackpots than anywhere else. Take note of the playing cards, which are carefully decorated with insignias of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.
Caesars hosts live events in the Coliseum, which has been home to Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld. Higher up, there's Pure, a nightclub covering 40,000 square feet with four sets of DJs. Have a few drinks and brave the twisting staircase to the elongated outdoor terrace. For late-night entertainment to end day two, try The Pussycat Dolls Lounge for some perky burlesque performers.
Day 3: Golfing and beachingGolf at the Bali Hai starts your last day in Las Vegas. It sits close to the Mandalay Bay Resort on the southern end of the Strip. A 7,000-yard Indonesian-themed course, the green is surrounded by palm trees, tropical plants and water features with white sand and volcanic rock used for separation. After your game, eat at the nearby Cili Restaurant and let Executive Chef Stan Carroll introduce you to his cashew chicken extravaganza.
Relax while you explore the rest of the Mandalay Bay Resort, starting with the Shark Reef Aquarium. A water display of sea predators, it's a close-up view of sharks, piranhas and crocodiles, among others, in the third largest tank on the continent. With water on the brain, take a break on Mandalay's stunning 11-acre beach with multiple swimming pools and real sand. There's even the Moorea Beach Club with dipping pools and spa treatments for extra rejuvenation.
For your final night in Las Vegas, the MGM Grand, a movie-themed mainstay, will be your destination. Travel north and then east toward the bronze MGM lion that guards the Grand's doors and find dinner at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House. At this Cajun-themed eatery, Emeril Lagasse brings Bourbon Street flair to a mostly seafood menu. Try the steaming grouper for a seafood smorgasbord.
What better place to go for your last night of slots, table games and poker than to the biggest casino in Vegas? With classic movie-themed interiors, there's an aura of class and respectability in the MGM Grand, and a lion habitat for you to peer at on gambling breaks.
At the MGM Grand people know how to party. Besides visiting concert acts and Cirque du Soleil's KÀ spectacle, there's Studio 54, a take-off on the original NYC disco haven. Inside are four dance rooms with all of the dazzling colors you could ask for, with wall walkers for good measure. Also have a cocktail with flavored ice cubes at the stylish Rouge or tempt your luck at Tabu, where scantily clad models are your bar servers. This deluxe nightspot of MGM's is certainly grand enough to serve as your Las Vegas finale.
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Cell Phone Speakers...
- luxeTechnology |
Cell Phone Speakers...
Though the idea of tiny cell phone speakers may seem a bit strange to you, we advise you to reconsider. As far as we're concerned, they're some of the coolest cell phone accessories around. Just pair them with a snazzy music phone and you can share your tunes with the world. Cell phone speakers are perfect for a trip to the park, a weekend getaway or an impromptu dance party. Keep in mind that the sound quality won't compare to your living room's sound system, but it will rival even the nicest pair of headphones. We've chosen some of our favorite cell phone speakers models here.
The Sony Ericsson MPS-70 cell phone speakers bring true stereo sound in a compact design, while the Sony Ericsson MPS-75 cell phone speakers offer a more compact solution. Both models include antennas for using FM radios. The LG MSP-200 portable speakers offer good sound quality, but the design is relatively dull for cell phone speakers. Nokia offers a high-end solution with its MD-7W Bluetooth stereo speakers. These beauties offer an easy-to-use design and quality performance without a pesky wired connection. If these cell phone speakers are too rich for your blood, Nokia offers a budget option as well; the MD-6 cell phone speakers won't win any performance awards, but they offer a compact design at an affordable price.
Cell Phone Speakers
The good: The Sony Ericsson MPS-70 portable speakers deliver excellent sound quality for tiny cell phone speakers. They also have a compact, stylish and user-friendly design.
The bad: The Sony Ericsson MPS-70 portable speakers offer few features and work only with certain Sony Ericsson phones.
The bottom line: The Sony Ericsson MPS-70 portable speakers are an ideal accessory for the music-loving Walkman phone owner. Check Prices
The good: The Sony Ericsson MPS-75 cell phone speakers have a simple, functional design and good audio quality.
The bad: The Sony Ericsson MPS-75 cell phone speakers work only with certain Sony Ericsson phones. Also, the FM antenna wire can be difficult to secure.
The bottom line: The Sony Ericsson MPS-75 cell phone speakers offer good sound quality in a minimalist design Check Prices
The good: The LG MSP-200 cell phone speakers have decent sound quality, and they offer a volume control and a choice of connecting cables.
The bad: The LG MSP-200 speakers have a dull design, and the twin speakers are close together.
The bottom line: The LG MSP-200 cell phone speakers are an ideal accessory for the music lover with an LG phone. Check Prices
The good: The Nokia Bluetooth Speakers MD-7W are easy to use and they offer quality audio performance.
The bad: The Nokia Bluetooth Speakers MD-7W are expensive and their design is somewhat unstable.
The bottom line: If you have the phone and the cash, the Nokia Bluetooth Speakers MD-7W make an ideal accessory to maximize your music handset. Check Prices
The good: The Nokia Mini-Speakers MD-6 offer an easy to use, compact design and respectable performance.
The bad: The Nokia Mini-Speakers MD-6 suffer from static at the highest volume levels. Also, the hinge construction is rather loose.
The bottom line: The Nokia Mini-Speakers MD-6 are far from perfect, but they offer decent performance for what they are. Check Prices
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Swap Fat Out Of Your Diet...
- luxeHealth |
7 Ways To Swap Fat Out Of Your Diet...
To have success on a fat loss diet, creating a calorie deficit through your food intake, exercise program or a combination of both is essential. If you want to see fat loss, you have to give the body a reason to start using up its body-fat stores as fuel. If you don't, be prepared to struggle along, seeing only modest results at best.
One of the simplest ways to create a calorie deficit is to trim off some of the fat from your diet because, gram for gram, fat contains the most calories. If you can shave off even 25 grams of fat each day, that's the equivalent of 225 calories, which would have you seeing almost half a pound of pure body fat loss each week.
Think eliminating 25 grams of fat will be quite the challenge? Think again. The following are some of the best ways to instantly cut fat from your diet and see great fat loss results quickly by swapping out bad fats for good fats -- or not fat at all.
Fat swap: Choose skim milk instead of cream The first simple change you can make to help shave off fat is to swap the cream you use in your morning cup of coffee for skim milk. Skim milk is virtually fat-free, thus, this move will save about 4 grams of fat per cup (based on a 30 ml cream serving).
If you find that milk doesn't add enough flavor to your coffee, try some vanilla protein powder or one of the fat-free flavored creamers available -- just make sure that it doesn't contain too much added sugar.
Fat swap: Choose cottage cheese instead of cream cheeseCream cheese is one of the most popular bagel spreads men use. Instead, try cottage cheese. You'll save about 15 grams of fat in the process, assuming you use low-fat cottage cheese, and significantly boost the protein content of this meal.
If you need more flavor, try drizzling on some low-sugar maple syrup or sprinkling cinnamon over the top.
Fat swap: Choose ham on your pizza instead of pepperoniPizza can be a very high-fat choice if you're not careful. By simply choosing ham as your meat source over pepperoni, you can save as much as 9 grams of fat per ounce of meat used.
Another great way to lighten the amount of fat with this meal is to ask for reduced-fat cheese or, if that's not available, ask for less cheese than what they would normally put on.
Fat swap: Choose an egg white omelet instead of a regular egg omeletA home-cooked omelet is a great way to start your Saturday morning off right, but make sure you prepare it without the yolk. By simply doubling the egg whites used and tossing the yolks, you'll save 15 grams of fat per 3-whole egg omelet.
Be sure to add plenty of chopped vegetables as well to boost the nutritional value.
Fat swap: Choose a grilled chicken burger instead of a hamburgerWhen the summer months hit and you're in the mood for a grilled sandwich, make it a grilled chicken burger to save on fat instantly. On average, frozen burger patties contain 22 grams of fat, while if you opt for a chicken breast you'll only take in a mere 3 grams of fat.
This swap alone is almost enough to reduce your total daily fat content by the 25 gram goal mentioned above.
Fat swap: Choose a baked potato instead of French friesExchanging a baked potato for your usual fries on the side of that burger will really help cut fat. The typical small (2.5 oz) serving of French fries contains at least 10 grams of fat, and most don't stop there. It's not uncommon to eat 5 or more ounces in a sitting, so you'll want to double those numbers.
A baked potato topped with salsa or some fat-free sour cream and fresh chives is virtually fat-free and will provide a great source of carbohydrates to help provide fuel for your muscles to get you through your workouts.
Fat swap: Choose turkey bacon instead of regular baconFinally, if bacon is what you're craving, swap in turkey bacon and swap out regular bacon. This switch will save you 7 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving. This will also help you save a number of calories as well, furthering your fat loss progress.
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New Music...
- luxeGifts |
New Music - Danni Ai / "Storyteller"
Danni Ai (Pronounced EYE)
Danni Ai....her music reflects the reality of a young girls’ transition to womanhood. The strength within these lyrics, promises to bring renewed hope, wonder, and possibility. This project should embrace you with a desire to sing, dance, live, believe and love again.
Born in Jamaica, Danni is an exotic mix of Asian decent. Danni can recall always being a little bit different. With her dynamic personality and energy, she has always stood out from the crowd. Her sweet and sultry voice, infused with her poetic native chant, versatility and stage performance, lend to her universal appeal. Danni the artist, strives to break through barriers with her latest endeavor, just as she made her way through the "iron gates". When asked, at what age she began singing, Danni chuckles, as she recants this "iron gate" story, which was her family's first indication of her passion to sing. “Well, I was a year old when I figured out how to open the ‘iron gates’ around our property. I found my way across a busy street and into a church, where my mom discovered me singing three hours later." To no one's surprise, her debut came about four years later with an astonishing stage performance in a recital. Some of Danni's musical influences include Kim Burrell, Whitney Houston, and Pink.
Danni's music is versatile and infused with the production of the Grammy nominated producer, Allen "Allstar" Gordon. Through Allstar’s musicality and creative influence, an undeniable artist has emerged. This project promises the essence of music that makes you feel good again. "The vibration of my music should touch everyone...that's what I want....bringing you music that makes you want to move!”
"Your reality is what you make it...though tears may have been shed along life's journey, I celebrate in the essence of living the life you love, and loving the life you live"...With songs such as "Unlucky", "Make Him Wait" and "Lose The Loser" undoubtedly, "Storyteller", is just the introduction.
Danni Ai - "Storyteller" available on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/storyteller/id342463780?i=342463781&ign-mpt=uo%3D6
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Jullaria Feature by LADI CHIC
- luxeFashion |
Jullaria Feature
by LADI CHIC
Looking for cutting edge, A-list style, with modern versatility when it comes to accessories? Look no further! Checkout Jullaria, the newest trend in Jewelry!
Inspired by the “chunky” theme in accessories, Jullaria, is a mix of bulky hardware, with buttery soft leather, that embodies one long piece you can wrap around to create the perfect look for your A-list style!
Jullaria, was an idea started by ‘girlfriends’ who love jewelry and wanted to give women the desirable taste of luxury, with multi-faceted range and accessibility. Every piece is hand-made in the USA, with delicate precision and detail. All items can be worn as bracelets, necklaces, belts, even a head-wrap; giving you vibrant colors, girlish appeal and a sexy edge!
Jullaria, became notably ‘buzzworthy’ after being picked up by one of NYC’s high-end department stores, Bergdorf Goodman, talk about luxury at its finest! Since then, Jullaria has been featured in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen Magazines. Jullaria is currently working on a partnership with a charity called “Shoe Revolt” who takes a stand against human trafficking. They are creating custom bracelets specifically for the aid organization and 50% of all proceeds will be donated to their cause. Fashion with a purpose, I love it!
In the upcoming years, Jullaria is looking forward to gracing the wrists of modern trendy women and celebrities, as well as branching to different cities and boutiques.
Checkout Jullaria online at www.jullaria.com or in Bergdorf Goodman and find that signature piece to compliment your A-list Style!
Below you can find a few of my favorite picks from the Jullaria collection!
Luxury*Attraction*Desire*Innovation
LADI *CHIC
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