Luxist

The Tanning Butlers of the South Beach Ritz-Carlton

Annie Scott — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:03:00 EST

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has created an unusual profession: The Tanning Butler.

Affectionately known as the "world's greatest job," tanning butler duties include strolling around the luxury hotel pool and rubbing attractive people (and presumably unattractive people, but let's not think about that) with complimentary Hampton Sun products from 12pm to 4pm.

The tanning butlers wear signature "Tanning Butler" t-shirts -- so don't believe that guy in a Speedo who's pretending to be a hotel employee -- and are armed with various SPFs, Evian spritzers and sunglasses cleaner in a custom-made holster.

"Good afternoon, I'm the Tanning Butler," they've been instructed to say. "Can I offer you some complimentary sunscreen? If you like, I can apply it to your back and shoulders that might burn easily, as well."

In my fantasy, that line is delivered with a very sexy accent. I hope the Ritz-Carlton's HR department is reading this.

"This modern twist on the English butler is beyond guests' expectations," says Michelle Payer, creator of The Tanning Butler. "It's a light-hearted service we created to cater to our guests as they sunbathe by providing an unexpected, luxury service they won't see anywhere else in the world."

An added perk of the profession? Celebrity rubbing. Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, Johnny Knoxville and Vivica A. Fox are just a few names the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach claims to have tanned.

If you're interested in staying at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami's newest oceanfront hotel -- "a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark hotel in the city's historic Art Deco district" -- visit the website to book.

Alternatively, click here for job openings.

The Tanning Butlers of the South Beach Ritz-Carlton originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carefree Boat Club Provides Sea Rays for Days... or More

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Services, Water

It wasn't long after acquiring your pass to the executive lunch room that you learned one of the first rules of the plutocrat's personal finance: if it floats or flies, rent it. When it comes to floating, the job has got easier with the Carefree Boat Club, now available in marinas along the East Coast and in Texas.

With the same structure as any of those other clubs that allow you to enjoy the finest without having to actually maintain and deal with it, becoming a member is a matter of an initiation fee and monthly dues. Sign-up money is "usually between $4,000 and $15,000," while the monthly amount ranges from $199 to $499. That gets you a spectrum of access to boats from a 20-foot Grady White fisher in Annapolis, Maryland to a 26-foot ski boat in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to a 39-foot Carver in Clear Lake, Texas.

All boats in the fleets come with radios, GPS, and safety equipment, as well as people who will attend to those ungainly things that boats infer, like "swabbing" and "barnacles." After joining, the club will give you a day of classroom instruction and an hour of on-the-water training with a Coast-Guard-certified trainer. There are 24 locations along the Eastern Seaboard and Texas, so when you're ready to play Admiral Frolic on the Water, you know who to call.

Carefree Boat Club Provides Sea Rays for Days... or More originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cashmere Toilet Paper?

Rigel Celeste — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Services

All those opposed to chafing raise your hands. Now all those who would invest in cashmere toilet paper raise your hands.

I really wish I could see who's all hands were raised.

Regardless, cashmere toilet paper is real. A supermarket in the UK is selling the super luxurious 'loo rolls' as part of their premium bathroom tissue collection geared towards their most discerning customers. It's unclear exactly how much cashmere is used in the making of every square but we do know that no actual fibers are included -- instead oils extracted from cashmere goat hair is used to coat the t.p. and make it softer. A pack of 4 rolls will cost you £2.29 (compared to £1.19 for the non-cashmere stuff).

First human bed warmers and now cashmere toilet paper, what's going on over there in the UK?

Via bookofjoe

Gallery: Strangest Bathroom Items

Cashmere Toilet Paper? originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Expert-Guided Prom Shopping in New York City

Annie Scott — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Services

If you know a young lady who deserves the very best for this year's prom, ShopNYC Tours has created a specialized prom shopping experience for her which is budget-conscious, fun and guided by a New York City shopping expert, Natasha Malinsky. Here's more about what the tours include:

Watch videos highlighting the hottest prom trends for 2010
Visit a variety of boutiques that carry Contemporary Prom Dresses, Vintage Prom Dresses and Celebrity Consignment Prom Dresses
Enjoy spot-to-spot transportation while sipping "teeny" (alcohol-free) cosmos and enjoying world-famous cupcakes
Sightsee some of the hippest NYC neighborhoods with a savvy tour guide
Get a prom make-up tutorial at Makeup Forever with a professional make-up artist

Natasha was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about shopping tours and how she stays in touch with what's cool for school:

Luxist: What inspired you to create a prom shopping tour?

Natasha Malinsky: Our Teen Fashion Tour is extremely popular and a lot of the people interested in that tour started to inquire about prom shopping in NYC. I thought it would be cool to not only offer a tour for prom dress shopping, but for everything prom including dresses, accessories, and even makeup. Shopping for prom in NYC gives teens the opportunity to stand out and have something unique that no one else will have, which is really exciting to them.

L: What kind of girl is this for?

NM: I'm hoping to attract a wide range of teens -- everyone from NYC locals to domestic tourists. And since the tour is so diverse, covering everything from contemporary prom to vintage prom to consignment prom, there will be an opportunity for everyone to find something that fits their own style and, more importantly, budget.

L: How do you keep up with teen fashion trends?

NM: Teens look up to a lot of celebrities, so it's important to keep the red carpet in mind when researching teen trends. It's also important to keep the youth factor in mind. Teen fashion should be young, fun and affordable. The runway shows can be an inspiration for teens, but often times, ready-to-wear is too sophisticated and definitely too expensive. Fashion magazines like Teen Vogue and shows like "Gossip Girl" are great sources for teen fashion trends along with shows like Extra and Access Hollywood. Oh -- and giving Teen Fashion Tours helps me to stay on top of what teens want to wear.

Where was Natasha when we were in high school? (We mean that figuratively ... she was in high school.)

If you'd like to send a teen on the prom shopping experience of a lifetime, the cost is just $59 for groups of 10 or more, and $99 for smaller or private tours. Visit ShopNYC Tours or call 1-800-619-2795 for more information or to book.

Expert-Guided Prom Shopping in New York City originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earn Brownie Points on Valentine's Day With This Sweet Gift

Lisa Palladino — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Services

Right after the winter holidays ended, the Valentine's Day promotions went up and I thought, good grief, already? But yes, already. You have just a few days left to get a special gift for that special someone. Here's an idea: gourmet brownies from Brownie Points. I received a gift from here a few years ago and remember just how luscious these chocolately creations were.

There are brownie gift boxes ($17.99 - $71.99) as well as individual brownies (only $3 each, but really, who can stop at just one?), in flavors such as cappuccino toffee fudge, chocolate caramel sea salt, butterscotch sensations, peanut butter passion, raspberry caramel fudge, and even classic double chocolate chunk. Up now on the site is the special Valentine's Day collection ($17.99 - $125.99), if you'd rather let Brownie Points help you choose a gift. Some items in this collection also feature popcorn and other candy confections.

I may place an order for myself tonight, and hit the gym, pre-emptively, tomorrow.

Earn Brownie Points on Valentine's Day With This Sweet Gift originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"The Best of Beef & The Beauty of Barolo" With Chef Michael Lomanaco, February 9

Lisa Palladino — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Services

A few months ago New York's famed Time Warner Center opened a new culinary club, Circle of Taste, free to join.

COT has just announced its first ticketed event -- "The Best of Beef & The Beauty of Barolo" -- a dinner to be hosted within Porter House New York's wine cellar by Chef Michael Lomanaco (shown) and Master Sommelier Roger Dagorn. All the wines will be a selection of highly-sought-after and difficult-to-acquire Barolo wines produced in limited quantities.

Erpacrife Nebbiolo Metrodo Tradicionale

Bollito Misto
Tender poached filet mignon, cotechino sausage and salsa verde
La Querciola Barolo Donna Bianca 2004 'cru Costa di Rose'

Brasato al Barolo
Homemade Pappardelle Pasta, Braised Beef Short Ribs
Scarzello Barolo 2004 'cru Sarmassa'

Arrosto di Costata
Roasted Dry Aged Prime Rib of Beef
Cascina Ebreo, Torbido VDT 2001 'Novello di Monforte'

Dessert - Torta al cioccolato alle pere
Pears with mascarpone and chocolate
Ca'de' Mandorli, Brachetto d'Acqui 2008

Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $175 per person, and the multi-course tasting menu is all-inclusive. COT members may reserve two seats. Perhaps get an early start to the Valentine's Day weekend!

"The Best of Beef & The Beauty of Barolo" With Chef Michael Lomanaco, February 9 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DEX NEW YORK Modern Minerals Makeup

Lisa Palladino — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Services, Cosmetics and Fragrance

Soon after I wrote this post on mineral makeup, I heard from DEX NEW YORK Modern Minerals, and that e-mail has changed my life, cosmetically speaking. I have tried mineral products (Bare Escentuals/Bare Minerals) and mix and match them with other products. While the BE line met most of my expectations, I wasn't entirely thrilled.

I was kindly offered a few samples of the DEX line, and I tried them, and loved them, immediately. As compared to BE, the DEX products are gentler, more moisturizing, and wear longer. I especially like the gel eyeliner, which applies in seconds and then doesn't budge. The eye shadows and blush also stay put all day and night, but everything washed off easily. The colors are fun and vibrant, as you would expect in a mineral line, but you also can get more subdued, natural colors.

All the colors are named after iconic streets (Wall Street Onyx, High Line Metallic Blue, and Schubert Alley Cantaloupe), music-filled neighborhoods (Harlem Nights Sapphire, The Met Star White, Rockefeller Gold), idyllic New York getaway spots (Sag Harbor, Montauk), and even once-existent notorious nightclubs (Twilo, Limelight, Studio 54).

DEX Modern Minerals are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, using already recycled packaging materials and refillable, magnetic portfolios for repeated use. The mineral powder makeup formulations are talc- and paraben-free. There are products for skin, eyes, and lips, as well as brushes and accessories. Prices range from $16 - $100.

Special -- Get 30% off through February 22 when using Lucky Magazine's "Local Breaks" code. If shopping online or at the store, use the code "lucky3" to save. When booking an appointment, mention "Lucky."

Click "Read More" below to learn more about the line -- which was created by Dexter Phillip -- as well as the extensive DEX photo studio and Beauty Atrium. I'm headed there on January 28 and can't wait to see it and buy some products!

Gallery: DEX NEW YORK Modern Minerals Makeup; Beauty Atrium; and Studio

Continue reading DEX NEW YORK Modern Minerals Makeup

DEX NEW YORK Modern Minerals Makeup originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Sweets

Carrie Coolidge — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Services

Is there a maker of fine chocolate candy that makes your mouth water just thinking about it? Who makes the most sumptuous chocolate truffle you've ever had? Which bakery makes the most magnificent cupcakes in the world? Can you recommend a bakery that makes cakes that are worth telling the world about? Which bakery makes the best cookies? If you know where to find the best chocolate, truffles, cupcakes, cakes and cookies, we want to hear from you!

The Luxist Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Sweets will be awarded based on your nominations and voting. We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Chocolate Bar
Best Chocolate Candy
Best Cupcake
Best Cake
Best Cookie

One nomination per category, please. Submissions can be filed until February 15, 2010.

Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Sweets originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Human Bed-Warmer Service Offered in UK Hotels

Rigel Celeste — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Journeys, Services

Three Holiday Inn hotels in Britain are doing a trial this month of a very strange new take on a very old-fashioned service: they're offering human bed warmers.

Yes, on a cold winter's night you can have a Holiday Inn staff member climb into your bed and pre-warm it for you to the optimal temperature of 68º F (they carry a thermometer). Details on exactly how this service plays out are a little sketchy but we do know the staff member will wear an all-body fleece sleeper suit while they're in your bed and cover their hair, plus they'll get out before you get in. Unless they fall asleep, of course. Then you might have to give them a nudge.

Holiday Inn spokeswoman Jane Bednall told Reuters "It's kind of like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed." Um, no. It's kind of like when you sit in a chair that's still warm from the last person and you can't help but feel a little dirty.

So why not just use one of those old-fashioned bed-warming pans that looks like a frying pan with a lid and a long handle? Slip that between the sheets with some nice hot coals inside and that bed will be nice and toasty in no time, minus the creep-factor. Or even an actual hot water bottle would work. There's something very luxurious and pampered about having a staff member come warm the sheets right before you get in (like you're royalty or something) but there's something distinctly not luxurious about having a stranger show up in a giant Snuggie with feet and a hair net ready to climb into your bed while you're brushing your teeth.

'

Gallery: Wild Hotel Amenities

Human Bed-Warmer Service Offered in UK Hotels originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cosmetic Medical Procedures Via Home Delivery

Rigel Celeste — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Services

Southern California is the land of cosmetic procedures and medical spas, and although many customers are happy to go in for their treatments there are those that want more discretion and prefer to get them at home. Destinations Medical Spa makes it possible by sending a board-certified physician in an unmarked SUV (your nosy neighbors never have to know) to your home with all the equipment and expertise needed to perform basic procedures like Botox injections, chemical peels, and laser hair removal. They offer pretty much everything a traditional medical spa does (more in some cases) and prices are comparable.

Certainly puts a new spin on the phrase "I'll just order delivery."

Cosmetic Medical Procedures Via Home Delivery originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CanvasPop Might Make Your Point-and-Shoots Worthy of Posterity

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Decor, Services, Art

It was synchronicity: you happened to have your camera ready and Mother Nature just happened to look at you in that special way and smile. On your camera's tiny screen it looks divine - like nearly every other shot. But when you get it on your computer you blow it up to its full resolution and you find out... it looks divine. There is no Facebook page nor inkjet printer that can do this image justice. Obviously, it's time for CanvasPop.

That is where you can have your keen timing committed to high quality canvas - you know, just like a real artiste. Upload your photo and then choose from a hefty number of options such as filter effects, like oil painting or hand sketch effect, multiple canvases to create diptychs, triptychs, and quads, and six different types of rolled canvas depths and floating frames. It works even for low-resolution images, or you can send them an image you need scanned, and CanvasPop will send you a free proof to make sure you approve.

Then choose any one of their 14 standard sizes or choose your own custom size, and pretty soon the mailman will be delivering your vision made real. Shipping is free to the U.S., Canada, and the UK, while unbranded drop shipping to the rest of the world requires just $14. With CanvasPop having it made it that easy, a few more moments of inspiration on your part and Cartier-Bresson and Adams might find themselves giving up the parlor for the spare bedroom...

CanvasPop Might Make Your Point-and-Shoots Worthy of Posterity originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Travel + Leisure's Annual List of the World's 500 Best Hotels

Lisa Palladino — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Journeys, Services

On December 16, Travel + Leisure revealed its annual list of the 500 best hotels in the world. There are at least 10 properties that are new to the list this year. In addition, there are 66 properties on the 2010 T+L 500 that offer rooms for $250 a night or less. T+L editors also spotlight the 500 hotels with notable rooftop scenes, culinary excursions, and wildlife treks. You can look up hotels by region (United States as well as abroad) or get started by checking out the top 50.

Based on readers' ratings, the 2010 T+L 500 is a guide to the top places to stay in six continents and also is featured in the January 2010 issue of Travel + Leisure. Beyond the guide in the magazine, which lists each property by region and includes each hotel's score, an overall description with contact information and starting room rates, TravelandLeisure.com has added information about these top properties, including the best rooms to book, amenities, exclusive T+L 500 hotel deals, and more.

The complete 2010 T+L 500 guide is based on 2009 World's Best Awards readers' survey results. As part of the survey, T+L readers rated hotels on several characteristics including rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food, and value. The complete survey methodology is available here.

The 2010 World's Best Awards readers' poll is live through March 31, 2010. Cast your vote.

Travel + Leisure's Annual List of the World's 500 Best Hotels originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Win a Zappos Gift Card

Lisa Palladino — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Services, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Shoes, Holiday Guides, Men's Style

When Zappos offered Luxist a $50 gift card, I jumped at the chance. I had a lot of fun browsing the site, which started out as a shoe mecca and now includes bags, clothing, housewares, and beauty items. The tough part was making a choice. I gave in to footwear trends and bought a pair of chocolate brown UGG boots, chipping in the rest of the price on my own, of course.

Then I thought, what about Luxist readers? So I asked Zappos if it would offer a $50 gift card to one reader, and the nice folks there agreed. Use the card to buy a gift for someone else, or for yourself. Or just save it until you need something. The card doesn't expire and doesn't incur fees.

Some other important details:
* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed by December 25, 2009 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive a Zappos Gift Card valued at $50.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See complete contest rules here.

The contest has ended. Thank you for your participation. The winner will be notified on December 28, 2009.

Win a Zappos Gift Card originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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François Chocolate Bar at Mauboussin in NYC

Lisa Palladino — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Services

If you live in the NYC metro area or will be visiting for the holiday season, and love chocolate, let me share with you a sweet spot I recently learned about: François Chocolate Bar. Famed pastry chef and chocolatier François Payard has teamed up with Parisian jeweler Mauboussin to open the François Chocolate Bar on the fourth floor of Mauboussin's Madison Avenue flagship boutique. Described by Payard as "a chocolate jewelry shop," the Chocolate Bar is entirely devoted to chocolate and features signature pastries from Payard as well as a new line of verrines, macaroons, and the "François Quatre Quarts" (pound cakes), along with hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and cappuccino. All the chocolate items are reasonably priced -- from $2.00 for the macaroons to $6.50 for the verrines. The Chocolate Bar also offers signature gifts.

The Chocolate Bar is running a special holiday promotion. Until December 24, customers who spend $100 or more at the store (or a bit more if ordering online) will receive a complimentary Payard signature Voyager Bag and a 15% discount at Mauboussin. One idea for how to ring up $100 is a gift basket. The Chocolate Bar's baskets range from $100 to $200, or you can customize one starting at $15. See the gallery for photos of the Chocolate Bar as well as four gift basket options.

François Chocolate Bar
714 Madison Ave. (between East 63rd and 64th Streets)
Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
212-759-1600

There are 11 tables of two and three seats at the bar. Save me a spot!

Gallery: Francois Chocolate Bar at Mauboussin in NYC

François Chocolate Bar at Mauboussin in NYC originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tips for Tipping

Deb West — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Services, Holiday Guides

It is unfortunate that holiday tipping causes so many people anxiety. We all want to be generous but need help figuring out who to tip and how much or what to give.

The golden rule seems to be that cash is king. That being said, a small gift demonstrating that you know people's likes and dislikes is a nice touch, usually best appreciated when given in addition to cash inside a card. Don't give liquor or chocolates unless you know it is a favorite item of the recipient. If you don't like to give cash there are now gift cards for everything under the sun including, Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, gas stations, local restaurants, town parking meters and more.

There are people like your nanny, housekeeper, driver or dog walker that you may depend on everyday. In this instance a holiday tip more closely resembles a corporate bonus. Depending on their length of service, cash or a gift equal to one or two weeks of salary is the minimum and can be significantly more if they are a long term employee.

Continue reading Tips for Tipping

Tips for Tipping originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Designer Consignment at CovetShop.com

Lisa Palladino — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Services, Shoes

I've been consigning for years. I took a break for a while and tried the eBay route, but the return wasn't always worth all the work. So I'm back to consigning at a local store. They do the work, I get 50% of the sales price. No packing, no shipping, no extra fees.

Do you have designer items you want to consign? Or are you interested in buying consigned items? Try CovetShop. Hitting the main categories of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, the site does have high standards, such as "items will only be accepted if they are 100% authentic, seasonal, and in perfect condition" (read more here, and check out the high-end brands they "covet"), but you make 50% of the final sales price if you're a seller and are guaranteed authenticity if a buyer.

Designer Consignment at CovetShop.com originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holiday Shopping Tips From Grace Lockwood

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Services

As the days tick by, Christmas is nearly upon us and many are scrambling to finish their holiday shopping. Some lucky shoppers in New York City can find help in the form of Grace Lockwood, a service which offers personalized shopping for any occasion. Grace Lockwood is directed by personal shopper and designer Kristen Coates. Coates has worked with a multitude of clients and has handled personal shopping affairs for private clients for the last five years. She created Grace Lockwood to publicly offer vendors and products she has used for years privately, showcasing the most sought-after gifts. GraceLockwood.com includes an online shop where customers have the ability to purchase gift concepts comprised of hand-selected components in various themes such as "Welcome to New York", "Decadent Delivery" and "Personal Assistant." Gifts arrive to the recipients with the finest packaging and with free delivery in the Manhattan area. They can also ship anywhere in the world via telephone or email orders. Better yet all purchases made through the online store will result in a 10 percent donation to The Global Fund for Women through the holiday months.

We asked Kristen Coates for her thoughts on creating great themed gifts like the ones that she has created for Grace Lockwood. Themed gifts show a level of personal attention and don't necessarily have to be expensive. Coates has great ideas for making even items like gift cards seem personal and special. See her tips after the jump.

Continue reading Holiday Shopping Tips From Grace Lockwood

Holiday Shopping Tips From Grace Lockwood originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gizmobies Protect Your PDA in Style

Lisa Palladino — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Services

Whenever I get a new cell phone, I obsess over protecting it from every scratch, but after fruitless shopping for a case that's not too bulky or too expensive or too blah, I usually just give in to the basic black leather case. Yawn. Now that I'm finally ready to join the modern era and get myself a BlackBerry, I started noticing all the cases for those and discovered ... Gizmobies. Forgive my excitement, but now NYC area residents can buy these at the Gizmobies store in Midtown or via its online store (more below).

Made of a thin yet durable gel-like material, Gizmobies provide superior padded protection, come in tons of colors and patterns, and are thin enough that your phone or PDA slips in and out of your pocket or purse easily, yet provide a great grip so that your device won't fall off a table or your lap. You can easily change skins without any trouble at all -- they peel right off, and don't leave any residue.

I recently chatted with Andrea Balkin, who owns the New York area Gizmobies franchise, and here's what I learned: Gizmobies were started about three years ago by a successful technology start-up team with the goal of inventing a product that allowed iPod and cell phone owners to customize and protect their device but keep it pocketable and enhance its aesthetics without adding bulk or weight.

Andrea noted, "I purchased a Gizmobie for my iPhone 1G at the beginning of 2009 and fell in love with the fact that my phone, my most used possession, now felt great in my hand, looked really cool, and had excellent protection! No more ugly bright pink rubber case, which got stuck in my pocket, collected dirt in it, and looked so very pedestrian.

"I loved my Gizmobie so much that I wanted to get another one, but found that there was no place on the East Coast to purchase them. A budding entrepreneur myself, I knew that Gizmobies would be an instant hit out east -- especially in the iPhone Apple mecca of Manhattan!" And so ...

If you're in the NYC metro area, you should stop by Andrea's kiosk in the Manhattan Mall, on 6th Avenue at West 33rd Street. It features more than 130 designs, with new ones arriving regularly, for most BlackBerry phones, Nintendo DSi and Lite gaming systems, Nokia N97 mobile phone, and the Apple suite of devices; iPhone, iTouch, iPod, and Nano ($20-$25). Gizmobies for laptops are due out before the Christmas holidays.

Gizmobies offer a lifetime guarantee that allows the customer to mail the product back to the company's headquarters in Las Vegas if anything should happen to the product. Gizmobies are made in the USA.

Check out the gallery for examples of the array of patterns available, and how Gizmobies look on some popular devices.

Gallery: Gizmobies Protect Your PDA in Style

Gizmobies Protect Your PDA in Style originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chocomize Custom Chocolate Bars

Lisa Palladino — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Services

Chocolate-lovers, brace yourselves: Chocomize lets you create custom chocolate treats. You pick the chocolate (dark, milk, or white, all premium Belgian), then select from more than 80 ingredients (nuts, fruit, herbs and spices, candies such as Gummies and marshmallows, decorations such as edible gold, or "other" -- try bacon!), then select one of three charities, to which Chocomize will donate a portion of its profits. Gift certificates are available, or you can join the Chocolate of the Month Club, and even order in bulk for weddings and parties. Check out their fun blog, too.

Chocomize Custom Chocolate Bars originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Readers' Choice Winners for Best in Food

Carrie Coolidge — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Dining, Services

Votes have been cast for Best Gourmet Grocer/Food Hall, Best Online Gourmet Goods, Best Cheese Shop, Best Caviar Retailer and Best Bread Bakery. The Luxist Readers' Choice Award Winners are all leaders in their respective industries.

Dorothy Lane Market is the Readers' Choice Award Winner for Best Gourmet Grocer/Food Hall. Dorothy Lane Market, also known as DLM by its loyal customers, has several well-known gourmet supermarkets in the Dayton, Ohio area that are recognized for great food and service.

The Readers' Choice Award Winner for the Best Online Gourmet Food is Dean & DeLuca. Though the New York institution is now one of America's finest online grocers -- offering a wide array of food, wine and even kitchenware --- the company got its start well before the information superhighway received its first coat of pavement. Dean & DeLuca's staff travel the world in search of great artisan-produced foods.

The Readers' Choice Award Winner for the Best Caviar Retailer is Petrossian. New York City-based Petrossian has grown to become the premier buyer and importer of Russian caviar worldwide. Its Tsar Imperial label graces some of the finest Beluga, Ossetra and Sevruga on the market. To this day, the company insists that members of the Petrossian family personally select the best of every Russian caviar catch.

Zingerman's Bakehouse is the Readers' Choice Winner in the Best Bread Bakery category. The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Bakehouse is comprised of a group of 130 dedicated foodies and skilled artisan bakers that use traditional methods to hand make all of their breads and sweets and sell to over 100 wholesale customers in addition to a growing crowd of retail shoppers.

Farmstead is the Readers' Choice Winner in the Best Cheese Shop category. A husband-and-wife team own this Providence, R.I.-based company that develops close relationships with producers and hand-select fine foodstuffs, specializing in small production, limited release cheeses. As an extension of this hands-on approach, Farmstead aims to educate its customers on the subtleties and history of cheese, offering product tastings, cooking demonstrations, and cheese and beverage pairing classes.

Readers' Choice Winners for Best in Food originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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