TREEBONES RESORT

My friend Shane is driving down the coast from SF to LA with her new man-friend hottie in a few weeks. She has been looking for some cool places to stay along the way. I told her about all the regular places like Post Ranch, Deetgen's, and a few others but its sort of EXPENSIVE. She found this one place, and it might be a bit too cold to go now but come June, I think this would be an amazing place to take a significant other. The propert consists of something called Yurts. These are tent-like circular fabric structures with wood lattice frames. I guess you would call it the A-list way to camp.

Treebones yurts are tastefully designed with queen-sized beds wrapped in soft linens and comforters, a heat source, electric lighting and a hot & cold sink vanity. They all open and have french doors that open to a redwood deck with spectacular views of the coast. The showers and restroom are just a short walk away. This is fancy camping for the high maintenence. Meals are included in the price and prepared by chef de Cuisine Chris Watts. Fresh ingredients from their OWN ORGANIC garden, and free range beef will detox you from all the dining out you do. There have beauty treatments available also in your Yurt! There is a heated pool and jacuzzi for guests which is a one of my favorite amenities.


Check this place out by clicking on the title above.

RENT THE RUNWAY

This is genius. This is every fashion stylists dream assistant... if they were booked two weeks in advance for shipping. You can shop for one time use. This site allows fashionista's borrow designer pieces for a fraction of the cost. There is a waitlist to join but something to look into!
Check it out by clicking on the title above.

FLOH CLUB FOR SENIORS

Actress and icon Florence Henderson (Carol Brady) recently launched a TELEPHONE BASED technical Support service that is geared to older adults. Its for the computer challenged and its purpose is to teach senior citizens how to learn to use or solve simple computer issues. Its $25 a month, and the users will get unlimited access to an expert, 7 days a week between 8am and 2am who can teach them how to use email, facebook skills, install virus-protection software and just about anything they need. This is a more common issue for our grandparents and some parents still and this seems to be a great gift since the older folks want someone on the telephone rather than reading a screen that may be difficult to read. The website is flohclub.com

Check it out by clicking on the title above.

WILDFOX COUTURE

I am living in LA now and my wardrobe has obviously been adjusted for this new lifestyle. Layering my Warm cashmere coat, cute wool hats,colorful scarve and warm riding boots back to jeans, cool boots and lighter jackets has been depressing. Its alot of fun for someone like me to dress seasonally. In order to cure this depression, I have been searching for fun fashionable sportwear. This is something I Found that seem to be VERY LA, but fun and trendy. The prices are reasonable I guess, but still on the high end. Check this line out by clicking on the title above. This sweatshirt which has been featured in Vogue and on Halle Berry is my favorite.

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

I just posted below s site for bedtime stories for little toddlers. For the kids older than 5, why don't you get one the Pippi Longstocking videos. KIDS LOVE PIPPI. She was my idol when I was a kid. THis would be a great gift for any child and adult for that matter. Check it out by clicking on the title above.

BEDTIME STORIES

I was at my brother's house the other day with my two neices who are 8 and 5 years old. The last time I was there, I sort of made up a bedtime story using Murakami's cartoon characters, Kai Kai and Kiki. I sort of made up a story based on the video I saw, where they run away from home and get on a big blimp shaped in an animal cartoon and explore. My story progresses into sort of a Pipi Longstocking type of journey and the kids went wild. I have to find out where I can get some Pipi Longstocking movies that I watched as a kid. So the point is, now when I got to their home, they insist that I tell them more stories, especially the 5 year old. The problem is, I am so retarded and can't remember any. I found this website online that might be helpful for all you tired, parents that can't tap into your imagination by the end of the day. Check it out by clicking on the title. It may work for the smaller kids...maybe not exciting enough for the 8 year olds. Let me warn you there is nothing about Kai Kai and kiki or Pippi on this...that is up to you to read one of these and possibly create a story, but at least you can get some ideas?

MISSONI HOME

I was browsing for a gift under $100 for a friend that recently moved into a new apt. I know that she LOVES Missoni, so I found these Elvis placemats that are a bit colorful and the quinessential Missoni pattern. Check it out by clicking on the title above. Placemats are under $100 and the runner runs a little over $300.

ANGRY LITTLE ASIAN GIRL

My friend Kimberly Reiner told me about this blog after I told her that she was a gay man stuck in a little jewish girls body. She forwarded me this website and told me that I reminder her of the angry little asian girl. Never heard of her but once I saw this, I fell in love with her. For all you Marni wearing fashionistas, I am sure you have outgrown this tee-shirts with smart ass writing, but for those of that are still child-like and don't care what people think, these tees would sure look cute underneath your Marc Jacobs velvet blazers or Anthropologie sweaters. It would also be a good little gift for that fashionable asian girlfriend you have that has everything.

For a good laugh, check Lela Lee's creative by clicking on the title above.

SO FUNNY!

BOTTLROCK in DOWNTOWN LA

I am living on the east side and looking for tasty places to eat that won't hurt my wallet. I read about Bottle Rock on LA Magazine's website and it looks nice. There is a Sunday special for 50% off their wine list with 1000 wines and huge beer list which caught my eye.

Its located downtown near the Staple center.

THe executive chef is Jared Levy formerly at Providence, and focuses on small tasty dishes. Check it by clicking on the title.

BODIUM MAKES TEA

I think this would make a GREAT holiday gift. Its under $20. I have been drinking alot more tea lately and this seems like the perfect way to make delicious but visually appealing if you have guests over. Check it out by clicking on the title.

LOTTE LAMPS

I am trying to find some cool lamps and I am not sure if I am going to get these ones, but I think they are a great deal.

Danish immigrants Lotte and Gunnar Bostlund designed the lamps and lampshades the heart of the post-WWII Danish Modern. The thing I like about most is the price and also, they have an extra heavyweight fine stoneware base and the lampshades come in linen or cotton. $155 for this model pictured..MODEL 1800.

MERIDIAN PENDANT LIGHT

These lights are just downright cool. Why?

They are handblown and have a cool vintage fell to them. Hardwire only Buy two or more for the special price of $150! You can purchase the Mazda tungsten bulb too with it which makes a perfect set of minimal chic lighting for the dining room or kitchen area. Click on the title to purchase.

WM J. MILLS & Co NEW BAG

I have blogged about this company before this past summer but I can't get enough of these WM J. MILLS & CO bags since I use them everyday for groceries, lugging random things around, laptop, and would be good for mom's.

Its a cotton canvas bag so easy washing in cold water, and the thing I love about them is that the company is 127 years told, and all bags are handmade in the North Folk of Long Island so it gives local people jobs in the area. Its $100 per bag, which is on the high end, but it will last you at least 4 years until you get sick of it. I like them cause it not to showy but not the regular LL Bean or Jcrew bag made in China and as of late, they are very fashionable to the fashionista crowd due to a NY Times article recently to promote the coolness factor. To purchase one, click on the title.

Dimensions: Measures 13" long x 8" wide x 10.5" deep. The 12" strap allows you to comfortably carry the bag over your shoulder or by your side.

SEAVEES FOR THE ARTSY

This chocolate suede oxford shoe is by a company called SEAVEES. They teamed up with Panton Color Matching System to design a modern shoe with a 1963 color design. For all those art directors or interior designers out there, this would be the perfect shoe for you or your significant other. (Thinking of you in particular Cynthia C,Michelle B, Kelly W...)
There is a Pantone logo and a PMS number on the back of the shoe which is pretty cool.

A nice feature is the suede lined collar on the shoe for secure fit. $125 price, but a vintage modern shoe that is hard to find anywhere. You can order it by clicking on the title.

CEASAR MILLAN UMBRELLA

The Dog Whisperer, Caesar Millan's foundation has a limited edition umbrella to help raise money for his rescue in Los Angeles that rehabilitates abandoned/abused dogs.

What a great way to give to his cause and also, be stylish and have a unique umbrella that is purse size. Its only $35. Click on the title above and you can order it from my favorite store in Brooklyn called Epaulet on Smith Street.

CIRCA 60 NEW YORK

I have been looking for cool vintage furniture with a modern edge in New York. I used to shop with Alex and THISISNOTIKEA.COM in LA but in New York, was at a loss. I found this place on Craigslist. Not bad, and most items are under $500. Check them out weekly by clicking on title above. Each week is they post new items for sale and things go fast. I think they have the best credenza's in town.

LARDER AT TAVERN LOS ANGELES

Suzanne Goin and Carolyn Stynes third restaurant together and Jeffrey Alan Marks LA chic restaurant is on my "new restaurants to try" list.

This restaurant looks a bit more LA/Hollywood than Lucques but I guess that is what you get when you have a celebrity chef like Suzanne Goin's name on the menu. The restaurant seems HUGE with a beautifully interior decorated bar and dining room for the agents and suits doing their business. I think the smaller casual brasserie style to go section called Larder, is more up my alley. I just want good food without all the botoxed faces and all the Marni/Zegna wearing LA scene talking about something super important. Is that mean?

The sound of the to-go salads, cheese and their own line of pantry staple items such as homemade honey and olive oil sound like a very cool gift to give to a home cook.
You can see the menu by clicking on the title which will take you into their website.

Tavern
11648 San Vicente Boulevard
Brentwood, CA
310.806.6466
Tavernla.com

STUDIO PATRO TEA TOWELS & APRONS

I need to do something to energize the kitchen area. Check out these cool dishtowels and aprons I found by clicking on the title. I think these would be a great gift for a home cook for the holiday season. I hate to tell you but they are as my sister says, retardly expensive, but I Think they are worth the $42 for the pair. Aprons are around $48. (I know, retardly expensive).

STELLA MCCARTNEY AT BABY GAP

There are three must have's. I don't even have a kid and I want to get this tuxedo blazer, $87, and the winter coat, $98 and my favorite...the skinny jeans, $58. Check out her collection by clicking on the title above.

21 SAI KAY FACIALS NEW YORK

If you are on a budget in New York and want excellent skincare without the fluff of a fancy room or sounds of a waterfall in the background, try this skincare chain.

No, they don't use YONKA or Sonya Dakar for their skincare. They use Sothy's (FRANCE) and G.M. Collins (French-Canadian). I am a product snob. I use Skinceuticals and Dr. Hauska skincare BUT when I left there, my skin was glowing and definitely rejuvenated.

The facilities are bar bones. Not a zen like facility. Its more like a clinic feel. The ladies don't speak english and you are sharing a room with other women while they are talking to each other in Chinese...TOTALLY BARE BONES, but for $55 for almost an hour its amazing what a facial can do for your face.

What you will get are Asian ladies that takes their time on you without worrying which session you gotten-the 30 mins or the 60 mins., a deep and firm face massage, and a good knap!



Here are their other locations:

163 Mott Street
115 Mott Street
Grand Street (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS LOCATION...Ladies are pushy and lazy)
144 Hester Street
777 57th Street (Queens)
135-03 Roosevelt Avenue (Queens)
5106 51st Street (Brooklyn)