Happy Valentine's Day My Dear ...

It's been a long while since I posted due to my pregnancy. Apologies for those that wrote so many notes and emails to me asking about my site ... this blog is still as alive and well. I recently did an interview segment with Better Morning Show which broadcasts around the country on Valentine's Day gifts for men. As a Luxury Lifestyle Expert, you'd think I know there is all to know about gift giving to the boys in our lives ... put it this way, I got these one of a kind, rare car light bulbs that my husband said he had wanted as part of his Christmas gift and I'm still being laughed at to this day. In any case, here is a list of fun items that will hopefully inspire you to a wonderful gift for the man in your life this Valentine's Day:

For the Bar Enthusiast. Why not give the gift of beer to your love one. Better yet, recreate a bar scene at home with a Beer Tender. Invite his friends over and play bartender for the night (with finger foods of course!). He will sure be pleased not only for the gift but also your effort and thoughtfulness.

For the Man with a Sweet Tooth. Chocolate giving doesn't have to be boring as it sounds ... spice it up with fantastic gift packages from Vosges Chocolat. Here is something else ... heard of bacon & chocolate? Here is a gift set that men (and women) won't be able to resist.

For the Raod Traveler. On New Year's Day - 2am, my husband and I were stuck with a flat tire. Roadside Assistance was going to take about two hours before they can come rescue us. If it wasn't for a friendly police officer, we would have been stranded till the wee hours in the middle of no where. Why not give yourself a piece of mind that in such unfortunate situations, your love one will have the proper safety tools in his trunk and that he will be home safe at the end of the night. This Emergency Kit has everything from jumper cables to hazard signals ...

For He Who Loves Relaxation. A lot of men would love a good massage but are intimidated to walk into a spa setting where they are put in robes. After all, unlike us girls, they don't have the "drill" down packed. That doesn't mean you can't give him a gift of pampering. Hire a mobile spa party like Sparties where they will come to your home and customize a party or day of pampering for you and your man. Better yet, invite another couple and have a double date/spa party! Sparties will actually transform your space into an actual spa with relaxing aromas and beautiful decor. All you have to do is sit and relax.

For the Foodie. My husband and I love steak or a dinner at a good restaurant. We are fortunate enough to have the freshest foods and the best chefs at our disposal in New York City. But for those that simply like to stay at home for dinner or are on a budget, here is the best solution. Gift him the gift of steak! Order a fantastic meal that would have cost you over $200 at fine restaurants and have it delivered right to your door. Whip up a three course meal of filets mignon and lobster tails (Surf & Turf) and end with piping hot chocolate souffle! Not into cooking? Purchase a gift card for a steak subscription that he can use at his leisure. Worried about quality of a home delivered meal ... well Allen Brothers Steaks is my go to delivery site for meat ordering and they are also the go to people for some of the most well known restaurants in the country like Morton's Steakhouse.

For the Expectant Dads. How can I leave this category out?! You've seen our parents do it and you've seen your friends and other new parents do it ... they all run after their children with the best cameras and camcorders so we don't miss a moment of they first of everything - first smile, first crawl, first words ... Gift him this very sleek, Coby camcorder that is compact enough to be carried around and very affordable as well!!

Lastly, here is another wonderful place to get your Valentine's Day (or any day) gifts - Luxe Cause Auctions on Ebay. I have decided to take the annual charity event I founded, Luxe Cause, to a whole new level where everyone can participate. I've gathered wonderful items from my closet as well as closets belonging to my celebrity friends and socialite friends, to have a global auction online all for the name of charity! With this global participation, Luxe Cause, won't stop at making just one child smile or just one man warm. Luxe Cause won't stop at just rescuing one dog from a kill shelter or furthering medical research by one millisecond - though I don't know how much Luxe Cause can do to help, but my goal is to never be satisfied. That said, this is going to be a long term project that will run year round. So the next time you're looking to purchase a gift or designer goods (new or old) please remember to check Luxe Cause Auctions. For Valentine's Day, there are these amazing brand new Moschino cuff links that normally retail for $135!!


Valentine's Day Giveaway. Be a follower and leave a comment for us. On February 15th, we will announce the winners. Here are the items we are giving away:
- Emergency Kit
- Sparties Gift Certificate
- Voges Chocolate Bacon & Chocolate Gift Set
- Moschino cuff links

The Assistant's Notebook

There’s a moment in time where you feel like you’re living in a dream. There’s a kind of ecstasy that builds inside of you, butterflies of excitement that seem to tickle your senses and open your eyes to amazement. I’m proud to say that I have experienced a dream like no other. My experience with NYC Fashion Week had definitely opened my eyes to the world of glitz and glamour; the wonders of the fashion world. When I stepped into the most distinguished and appraised event of fashion, I stepped into a world of beauty and mesmerizing taste. As the buoyant beats of the techno runway music reverberated, the models glided gracefully across the runway in bright colors of extremely structured material and craftily designed to evoke the mood of spring. There is proof that the fashion world continues to live, and live with a vigor like no other. As a personal assistant to one of the Upper East Side’s socialites, Mina-Jacqueline Au, I was lucky enough to attain entrance into the appraised Fashion Week, specifically backstage to the Rebecca Taylor show. At the Rebecca Taylor show, I noticed the hordes of people crowded around the tents, the anxious girls trying to get a glimpse of Gabrielle Union and other famous celebrities in attendance, and most of what I noticed was the mass amount of light; the lights that lit up the runway, the light of the mass amount of cameras, the light from the faces of the people in the crowd whose love for fashion shone on their faces as the clothes were modeled. The fuchsias, oranges, ceruleans, floral patterns and polka dots spoke to me more than anything could ever describe. It was like spring was growing along the runway; the clothes were alive as introductions of the spring season. Fashion is a gift to Mother Nature during the changing of seasons. Fashion Week, a celebratory event is also a gift to us as lovers of one of the most successful industries of our age.

Falling Back into Summer

Instead of feeling the kiss of warm sunlight in the fragrant summer air, we now feel the brisk air that is also infused with hints of red cinnamon, orange tanginess-- the hint of fall that dapples our cheeks with blush. Now, even though we would like our skin to glow with the summery tan and supplements of vitamins from the sun, we should not fret about losing our summer days just yet. As long as the weather continues to be just a tad bit warm, we can still fall back into summer as much as anyone can fall back into love. Here are some ideas...

1) Host events such as a a bbq because as long as the weather is nice, there should be no disregard for a social gathering. It could be a fresh start party! Use decor to reflect a new start, a new season.

2) There's no place like..the beach. The beaches don't close, and especially when you just want to snuggle with a sweetheart underneath a large flannel blanket sipping hot tea from a thermos....summer is guaranteed.

3) As the days get shorter, the nights get longer. As the winter approaches, we tend to get antsy to get away...so why not start planning early? Start looking for vacation deals to travel somewhere warm in the winter like a cruise to the Caribbean, a trip to the spa in the desert, or just travel to a tropical place where summer is always in season like Hawaii.

4) The best days besides summer days can be birthdays. If you have any friends/family members with September birthdays, why not host a party for them? Hold a clam bake on a rooftop, or have a party in the backyard.

5) Lastly, just because we 're past Labor Day, it's not a fashion faux pas to wear white anymore...so get those white dresses, pants, blouses, scarves out and about. White can be right for this holiday!

Bringing a Dream Home

When I was young, I had dreamed to become a ballerina one day.My mother took me to ballet lessons at one of the best ballet academies in the country. Under the pretty pink tutus and the overflowing ribbons and bows, is the art of discipline and determination. I had both, in addition to ballet shoes in every color and chiffon wrap skirts in every shade of pinks and peaches. But as I grew older, my body didn't allow me for a professional ballet career, nor did my mind. My body was growing and the headmaster deemed me unfit to be a ballerina and at the same time, I was too ambitious to explore other business paths, so I traded in my Pointe Shoes for heels…and the dream of being a graceful ballerina slowly slipped away.

One autumn afternoon, when I visited Paris with my sister for the weekend - we walked past Repetto, the famed ballet shoe maker. The shop was as stunning as the art of ballet. In an instant, all my memories of gracing stages all over the world came rushing back to me, being a character only one can dream of being ... a white swan? black perhaps ... or a doll ...

And it was then I realized that my dream hadn't died and I couldn't help but purchase a brand new pair of Point Shoes. For now, it's decoration in my home, hanging gracefully. For if one day, I decide to dance again ... it'll be there for me.

After the Cake, We Open Gifts...

There's always light on the very first birthday or a baby shower. Aside from the candles that glisten on the scrumptious cake, the innocent sparkling eyes of the child or the glistening eyes of the soon to be mother reflects the joy of coming of age into the world. Especially after the cake, the act of opening presents reflects this feeling of joy; these gifts help share the understanding of love. As they venture into the first chapter of their lives, any child should do it as much as possible in luxury and style. With these cute gift ideas, you won't have to ponder too strenously about how to ensure you're giving and promising adventure and love. Whether it'd be a birthday or a baby shower, let it be known that style also runs in adorable.

1. Eau de Senteur. Any baby smells swell, but this added spritz just finalizes the scent we love to keep smelling...a little bit of French fresh.

Smell like a Belle. $74.

2. Pretty Flower Clips. Crafted by Real Housewives of NJ star, Teresa Giudice, these flowers are elegantly crafted. With the two toned purple or pink small flower clip, this makes the perfect accent gift for babies, toddlers, and even big girls. The flower is accented with a gemstone center and comes attached to a lined alligator clip with a non-slip strip. The flower measures about 2 1/2 inches.

Passionate Pink Clip. $15.

Majestic Purple Clip. $15.

3. Blossom Coverall. With elegant design, high quality materials, and classic style, these coveralls would suit any new blossoming child into the world. Comes in three different colors; Chocolate Brown, Ballet Pink, and Snow White.

Delicate & Dainty. $59.

4. Baby "Driving" Mocs in Silver. Modern and handmade,these silver mocs would make any child have happy feet. With nubbies on the soles, comfortable is always in style. The mini version of the JP Tods that are in our closets. Comes in white, pink, and blue.

The Silver Lining. $57.

5. Cute Fur Lined Suede Boots for Infants. Try something different than Uggs. These cute furry footers will surely provide any little one with a sense of adventure, especially in these comfie footsteps. Comes in Black, Brown, Tan, Espresso.

Take a Hike! $34.

6. Baby Shoe. With the cute signature pattern, a little bow, brown leather trim, and the most adorable buckle strap around the tiny ankles, how can anyone not say...

Gucci Gucci Goo! $225.

Traces of Dreams

Change is good. Something new is good. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Here are some beautiful inspirations to bring into your lives today ~ things I wish for you ...:

1. The most gorgeous flowers to brighten your day.

2. A big ice cream cone for you.

3. A moment of pure relaxation by yourself.

4. An enchanted meal with the best of friends and closest of families.

5. Bows & ribbons, feathers & smiles - a leap back to a happy childhood memory.

6. A spontaneous getaway to a place where no one knows your name.

Give Thanks to the Summer Host

Even though most of our summer days have been spent rainy and some cold, and it’s August and near the end; it doesn’t mean we stop throwing parties or attending parties for that matter. And with parties, there’s always a classy and appropriate way to show appreciation to your host/hostess. Whether it's a casual gathering at a friend's home or a summer-themed bash, never attend empty handed or leave your host with 50 extra bottles of wine. Here are some ideas for hostess gifts:

1. Tupelo Honey. Bring something sweeter than wine. A bottle of artisan honey paired with fresh cheese or fruits can savor any taste buds. Tupelo Honey- Flute is my favorite brand of honey.

Oh, Honey. $24.

2. Peugeot Rechargeable Electric Wine Opener. For the wine loving host, their wine collection is probably extensive enough and it might be hard to open up all those bottles of wine. Here is a little bit of unnecessary (or necessary?) luxury they might love to make their wine drinking days easier. Open Sesame! $119.95.

3. Freshly baked bread. Bread is always a nice, thoughtful gift. A loaf from a local bakery and a bottle of top-grade olive oil for dipping can be saved for a light, elegant dinner, or panned out for the party’s events.

4. Monogrammed Oval Soap. A hostess with the mostess would adore these Personalized Soaps. $49.



5. Teas from Fine Estates. Have you heard of "drink tea, live healthy, be happy?" This is something I couldn't live without. A Little Tea for the Soul. Prices start at $19.