credit Keep the Peace Bedding

Ah, summer…a time to brighten up our wardrobe, shamelessly take a barrage of selfie and ussie photos, enjoy music into the warm summer nights and benefit from lengthy restful slumbers amid vacation downtime. To help you do all of that and more, here’s an assortment of product picks that can promote and even prolong some summer pleasures.

******STYLE & BEAUTY******

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Rhea Footwear (www.RheaFootwear.com) - $55 to $150
The right shoes aren’t just stylish, comfortable and durable, they also keep feet firmly on the ground, protecting from the slips and falls that send millions of people to the hospital each year. That’s the premise behind Rhea Footwear, which is designed to take technology and style to the streets one thoughtfully-designed pair at a time. Now, men and women can slip into shoes that feel as good as they look, while enjoying unprecedented security on all surfaces, from slippery floors at poolside parties to rain-slick concrete. The outsole of every Rhea shoe features an exclusive rubber compound with a patented micro-channel tread pattern that pushes liquids away from the bottom of the sole to provide more sole-to-surface contact and prevent slipping and sliding. This season you can stride in secure style!

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Credit Tosaly	Credit Tosaly	Credit Tosaly

Tosaly Masterpiece Tote and Twill Scarf (www.Tosaly.com) - $2,026.40; $90.73 scarf (both vary with the current Euro exchange rate)Fluorescents remain all the rage this season, and luxury European designer, Tosaly, is taking full advantage of this trend with its timelessly classic Masterpiece tote collection—this summer’s must-have bags for jaunting around town…or jet-setting around the world! The range of Tosaly Masterpiece totes, crafted from the finest Italian leather and hand stitched by master artisans, includes bold vibrant fluorescent summer shades like hot pink, orange, green, and yellow as well as some neutral tones. All bags have the signature gold crown stamp that assures it’s an authentic Tosaly design. The sizzling haute Masterpiece tote also features a buckle opening mechanism with envelope details on the sides and an interior boasting Italian lambskin leather with various pockets and compartments that help keep things organized. Gold pyramid studs adorn the base. You can even kick this baroque bag up a notch by tying on a beautiful twill scarf to protect the handles while acting as a colorful accent piece. Prepare for stares with these attention-getting accessories.

Credit Keep the Peace Bedding	Credit Keep the Peace Bedding	Credit Keep the Peace Bedding

Keep the Peace Bedding (www.KeepThePeaceBedding.com) - $280 to $400Now here’s a “cool” invention for the hot summer months! Keep the Peace Bedding is an innovative comforter invented to help couples sleep better, together. Designed as a solution for couples battling different temperature preferences while sleeping, Keep the Peace comforters feature a unique zipper concept to create separate but connectable comforters that allow individuals to choose the desired warmth—vis a vis the material—for their “side.” The zipper makes it possible to fold back or completely remove one side of the comforter without impacting the preferences of the person sleeping on the other side. The intended result is an end to bedroom disagreements about temperature and a better night's sleep for both people, which in turn promotes increased health benefits. Maybe even a healthier, happier marriage to boot?

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Savvy Sleepers 100% Satin Pillow Cases (www.savvysleepers.com) - $36-$42Savvy Sleepers Pure luxury satin pillowcases are an ultra-smooth indulgence or your hair and skin while you sleep. Celebrities have been using this anti-aging beauty secret for years, and you can too! Savvy Sleepers protect your skin from facial creases that can lead to wrinkles and, because the satin is so smooth as compared to cotton, it also saves your hair from split ends or breakage. These posh pillowcases will make your blow outs last longer, averting crazy “bed-head” when you awake. Savvy Sleepers are unisex and soothing for sensitive skin as well as men with facial hair. They’re also dermatologist recommended and reportedly used by plastic surgeons from California to Switzerland. And, every Savvy Sleeper has a secret built-in pocket for love notes, lavender or a sweet surprise. These pillowcases are great for home or to pack for traveling. They’re also a great gift for birthdays, bridal showers, new moms and anyone who is looking to sleep better and without undermining their beauty. Available in 7 sexy shades like White Russian, Nappuccino and, ‘Rendezvous Blu’.

Credit Hair La Vie

Hair La Vie “Revive” Deep Hydration Masque (www.HairLaVie.com) - $35
Summer sunshine, swimming and other activities can be harsh on your hair, but take heed: Hair La Vie’s “Revive” Deep Hydration Masque can keep your locks looking and feeling great all season long! This all-natural moisturizing and strengthening treatment is infused with 11 vitamins, essential oils and nutrients to repair damaged hair while deep conditioning the scalp. This masque uses keratin and bamboo extract to rebuild the structure of your hair from the outside. Unlike many other moisturizers, this all-natural treatment was formulated to produce maximum, long term results. Formulated specifically for those with weak, damaged, brittle hair due to coloring, chemical processing, heat styling and harsh climates. It does not contain any parabens, phthalates, dyes or alcohol.

credit Skinn Cosmetics

Skinn Cosmetics Tight & Tone Body Contouring Serum (www.Skinn.com) - $42.50
It’s summer, so skin is in. Ensure your bod looks its best with Skinn Cosmetics’ Tight & Tone Body Contouring Serum, which is specifically formulated to target three of the most common but hard to treat problems on the body: saggy skin, dimpled skin and those pesky stretch marks. Skinn Cosmetics' T5 Complex uses plant-based extracts, potent actives, and a master blend formulation to create an effective body serum that instantly penetrates and yields fast results. Unroasted Shea Butter and Avocado Seed Extract entrapped in Bentonite fight the appearance of stretch marks and increase firmness to diminish the orange-peel look. Boosting the formula even more are caffeine, a blend of artichoke extract and Levan to diminish fat deposits. Today is the day you can restore the youthful contour, texture and tone of your body…before it hits the beach.

******FUN******

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Lenovo Tab S8 (www.Shop.Lenovo.com) - $169.99
The Intel-powered Lenovo Tab S8 is a great device for all your summer activities—especially when you need a tablet that’s super small, lightweight and speedy! The device’s Intel Atom processor allows for quick processing speeds and better app functionality. This tablet is especially great for those who like to take a ton of photos to capture those precious summer vacation moments. Actually known as “the photographer’s dream tablet,” the Lenovo Tab S8 has both front and rear cameras and produces images with vibrant color and clarity. You can also jam to your favorite tunes while out and about, as this tablet also has twin front speakers featuring Dolby Audio that output stellar sound quality. It’s also great for binge-watching your favorite TV program or streaming a summer blockbuster. Because it’s so small and light, you can just toss it into your bag and head out—whether you’re hitting the pool, the gym or the airport.

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VocoPro TabletOke (www.BestBuy.com) - $149.99
Having a summer soirée? Getting together for family game night? Do you just looove to sing? How about karaoke to add even more fun into the mix! VocoPro makes that easy with the TabletOke—a digital karaoke mixer with two digital wireless microphones and a built-in Bluetooth music receiver that’ll turn a smartphone, tablet or laptop into a fully functioning karaoke machine! All you need is a sound system or portable powered speaker with an 1/8" audio input to connect to the TabletOke and you have the setup for a great karaoke party. You can connect to the TabletOke via Bluetooth with any compatible device that connects with the included 1/8" to 1/8" cable. Search for thousands of songs on the Internet, or use any of the many karaoke apps available on either the iTunes store or marketplace for Android users.

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BeatBuddy (www.MyBeatBuddy.com) - $299
Know someone who likes to play guitar and sing, but has no drums?  No problem!  Take their summer jam sessions to a new level with BeatBuddy—the first drum machine in a pedal that allows users to have control over a live sounding beat. Audio technology company, Singular Sound, invented BeatBuddy out of frustration at not being able to find a drum machine that enabled hands-free live control. Other drum machines were either complicated table-top devices that are difficult, if not impossible, to control while jamming, or are poorly made afterthoughts in loopers that grant no control of a single repetitive beat loop—no fills, no rhythm changes, no accent hits, no tap tempo, no pause/unpause feature and, of course, no computer interface. The BeatBuddy was designed to be the perfect solution to this frustration, proffering the power of a drum machine with the simplicity of a pedal.

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Courtesy Lee Kum Kee

With summer soirées underway, party throwers and goers are on the lookout for fabulous foodstuffs that’ll elevate the at-home entertaining experience. This season proffers a brilliant bounty of gastro gems, from fiery gourmet condiments to smoke-infused grilling staples to heat-and-eat chef crafted meals, that’ll ensure you savor your summer like never before. Enjoy this tasty food and beverage roundup.

Deni Hand Held Food Smoker with 2 oz. Smoking Chips credit QVC

Deni Hand Held Food Smoker (www.QVC.com) - $55
Quickly smoke your edible summer staples with the Deni hand held food smoker. Simply fill the heated chamber with the included hickory or maple wood chips, insert the device into a covered pot, pan or dish, and let the smoker do the rest of the work! This convenient little culinary tool lets you enjoy fully smoked flavor without the bulky size or lengthy preparation of a traditional smoker. Not just for meat proteins, this gadget is also great for infusing smoky goodness into sauces, fruit, teas, cocktails, meats, seafood, butter and even chocolates! Its small size delivers big, deliciously deep flavor to your favorite foods with ease.

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Mrs. G's Hot Pepper Jellies (www.MrsGsJellies.com) - $8.50/jarMrs. G’s began one Christmas, 20 years ago, when Cindy Greaver had more time than money to invest in holiday gifts for family and friends. Instead, she made several batches of hot pepper jelly and soon after everyone was asking for more! Mrs. G’s is now in its second year of business. While the company has grown substantially, the products haven’t lost the small batch charm that keeps fans coming back again and again. Mrs. G’s uses only the freshest non-GMO ingredients, all prepared in a local FDA-certified kitchen to ensure excellence in both taste and quality. Available flavors include Ja-Ha, Jalapeno Garlic Lime, Mango Ginger Habanero, and Peach Habanero. 

Lee-Kum-Kee Sauces Credit Lee-Kum-Kee

Lee Kum Kee’s Sriracha Chili Ketchup (www.LKK.com) - $4-$5 per bottleThe heat is on! Looking to spice up your BBQ spread? Lee Kum Kee offers an array of condiments, but their sriracha-infused sauces are summer cookout essentials! Not only does sriracha add a fiery kick to each meal, it contains red peppers which are known to help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss—think of swimsuit season! Lee Kum Kee’s Sriracha Chili Ketchup is deliciously zesty, blending sweet tomato ketchup with sriracha chili sauce. It gives your summer dishes the best of both worlds by adding a lively and feisty bite to your grilled meats and veggies, sandwiches, spreads, salad dressings, dips, sauces and marinades. In this same vein, swap your traditional mayo for their Sriracha Mayo. It combines traditional flavors of sriracha with the cool and creamy texture of mayo to create a spicy yet versatile condiment. For hundreds of years Chili Sauces have been used in Chinese cooking, adding flavors and heat to dishes. With an impressive 125-year history, Lee Kum Kee is a quality brand that has stood the test of time.

Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau	Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau	Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau

Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau	Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau	Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau

Fromager d'Affinois credit Fromagerie Guilloteau

Fromager d'Affinois Cheese (www.FromagerdAffinois.com) - $8 per 8 oz./$16 per pound
Celebrate summer with sinfully delicious cheeses from famed French cheese producer Fromagerie Guilloteau. Its Fromager d'Affinois plain is a double-cream cow’s milk brie-like cheese offering a mild and smooth flavor with a hint of sweetness and a bloomy edible white rind. It is the perfect addition to any cheese plate or picnic basket, and can be paired with all manner of crackers, baguette, fruits, and sparkling wine. Add it to traditional recipes to elevate the flavor! The company’s Fromager d’Affinois Florette, dubbed as a “goat brie,” is a double-cream, one hundred percent goat’s milk version of the company’s famed cheese. Unlike most goat cheeses that deliver sharp and almost pungent tangy flavors, Florette offers a more refreshing and subtle taste–delicate in consistency and creamier and softer than most goats’ milk cheeses. Florette is also distinctive for is its pillowy, velvety rind and unique shape. The luscious texture of this cheese makes for a perfect snacking cheese–pair with fresh strawberries or fig preserves for a sweet-salty bite. Both are outstanding complements to traditional summertime fare and are sure to satisfy the tastes of all your cheese-loving friends

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Three Bridges Chef-Crafted Meals (www.ThreeBridges.com) - $7.99
Three Bridges’ fresh chef-crafted meal solutions make “real” foods deliciously accessible and easy to prepare. Never frozen, Three Bridges meals are made fresh and are meant to be refrigerated. The high quality ingredients are evident with every bite, and you can see and taste the gastro-goodness in each thoughtfully created recipe. With seven different meal options, Three Bridges Chef-Crafted Meals are great by themselves or as a tasty summer BBQ side dish. With options like Chicken Paella, Sausage & Basil Lasagna and Sausage & Jalapeno Mac & Cheese, there's a recipe to satisfy every palate.

Bow-Tie-Pinot  credit Courtesy  J Vineyards & Winery	Bow-Tie-Collection credit Courtesy  J Vineyards & Winery

90PT-Sparkling-Collection credit Courtesy  J Vineyards & Winery	Bow-Tie-Chardonnay  credit Courtesy  J Vineyards & Winery

J Vineyards & Winery’s “Club J” Membership (www.JWine.com) – Varies
Whether you are raising a glass every night around the family table or choosing wines for a special event, J Wines seeks to enhance those special moments in your life. The varietal and sparkling wines of J Vineyards & Winery are the result of the finest Russian River Valley cool-climate fruit combined with gentle, respectful winemaking. A great way to experience all J has to offer is by joining its Club J. Membership opens up access to small production, single-vineyard Pinot Noir favorites as well as special cuvée sparkling wine bottlings—many of which are limited to only Club J members. The winery sends out four quarterly shipments a year, in March, May, September and November. Membership to Club J also provides access to invitations to its elegant events, private tours, concierge gift service and travel recommendations, complimentary wine tastings and other unique opportunities. There are various membership levels as well as customization to your personal tastes.

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Kura Protein Smoothie Powder (www.KuraNutrition.com) - 24.99 For those seeking to stay fit, trim and healthy during the summer months, and even where children are concerned, Kura is a unique protein smoothie powder unlike anything on the market. Each serving offers 14 grams of pure, pristine New Zealand-sourced dairy protein—long considered the gold standard of dairy since the cows and dairy are grass-fed, free-range and non-GMO. Kura also has 26 essential vitamins and minerals, five grams of fiber, and both prebiotics and probiotics, which support a healthy gut. And get this: the product has 4 times the omega 3s found in a piece of salmon! During the hot summer months, just pour your Kura smoothies into popsicle molds to create fun and healthy frozen snacks for your kids! Whether frozen or not, adding Kura to your family’s smoothies, you have the peace of mind that your brood is getting delicious fuel and energy during their day.

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Courtesy JSix Kimpton Restaurants LOWRES

Located in San Diego's kinetic, community-centric East Village, JSix is a neighborhood bar and restaurant offering warm hospitality alongside culinary whimsy and craft cocktail ingenuity. With a seasonally-driven menu committed to hormone-free, sustainable and organic “farm-to-fork” dishes, JSix patrons are sure to experience stellar food and drink with a side of gracious hospitality.

My personal favorite aspect of the offerings at JSix is its cryptic “Chef's Mercy" experience—an entirely customized and randomized five-course tasting menu allowing chefs to go “off road” and dish up whatever suits their fancy—with the goal of dazzling the awaiting palate, of course. Unlike a typical "chef's choice" menu where actual menu items are tapped for selection, JSix's Chef’s Mercy allows executive chef, Christian Graves, and his able brigade to prepare any dish they can conceive based on that day’s, or moment’s, available ingredients and inspirations. The result is an enigmatic epicurean adventure well worth the price of admission—certainly the $65 cost-per-head or $85 with wine pairing.

If you’re a culinary control freak who needs a little more convincing, here are six reasons to succumb to the JSix Chef's Mercy menu:

1.  Dishes are a manifestation of what the chef feels is the best use of, and result from, that day’s ingredients. JSix prides itself on utilizing organic ingredients that support local farmers and the local economy, so the printed menu changes seasonally and the Chef’s Mercy menu, well, in real time based on what’s in the refrigerator, the pantry and the heart when the order presents. Chef Graves also strives to utilize as much of the ingredient as possible, whether it's an animal protein or produce, which also can affect the dishes making it into a Chef’s Mercy course. I had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Graves recently and he emphasized his lighthearted approach no matter which menu direction a patron decides to go: "To have fun while you cook, which translates into the dish. To keeps things fresh, playful and unfussy. The ingredients speak for themselves, staying true to their flavors."

2.  The Chef can express his culinary prowess with more creativity and flair than the more “mass appeal” items inscribed on the menu. Chef Graves boasts an impressive background with accolades that include being named San Diego's hottest chef by Eater and winning the Silver Fork Award from San Diego Home and Garden. While regular menus are typically strategized to best ensure dishes will resonate with the masses, Chef’s Mercy allows the kitchen crew to stretch their culinary legs and take imaginative risks they may not have the opportunity to otherwise. As well, in addition to creating incredible flavor and textural profiles on-the-fly, JSix dishes are always a visual delight with impeccable plating duly showcasing the high level of culinary skill and technique.  

3.  Allows patrons to savor a more complex cross-section of flavors available at the eatery. JSix's seasonal fare is "as eclectic as the East Village neighborhood." Chef Graves creates each of his dishes in response to what is available locally at the given time, including ingredients indigenous to California's coast. As the Chef’s Mercy courses unfold, in total the experience delivers a diversity and range beyond what a typical dinner would entail.

4.  Gives adventurous, non-finicky eaters the chance to participate in informal “field testing.” Since the menu at JSix is ever-evolving with Chef Graves continually considering menu items to add up ahead, the Chef’s Mercy menu allows patrons to actually help shape the culinary direction of the eatery—something hardened foodies will especially appreciate. Not only is the Chef's Mercy menu a brave, fun, exciting and mysterious culinary adventure for the guests, it's also an adventure for Chef Graves and his team as well. While the dishes are based entirely on Chef's whim and what is available, as well as what has stimulated him in that day or moment, the intrepid guests' reactions to the fare could actually shape future iterations of the regular menu.

5.  Through expertly strategized pairings, patrons can experience a wide cross section of domestic and international wine varietals by the glass. The wine pairings for each course are impeccable and often showcase international and domestic varietals from boutique wineries that you may not otherwise know about—or consider pairing with a certain kind of food. Being introduced to these wines with low commitment by the glass, oenophiles can readily expand their repertoire and their own wine pairing prowess. Of course, in addition to copious wine varietals, JSix has an impressive artisan craft cocktail menu spearheaded by head bartender, Chris Burkett, who balances a classic approach and timeless techniques with ingredient-focused concoctions.

6.  It’s distinctive dining at its finest. The JSix Chef’s Menu proffers a dining concept not readily replicated elsewhere and, of course, the dishes themselves are entirely unique—perhaps never to be seen again. That's what makes the Chef's Mercy menu an experience unlike any other: the dishes and pairings you taste have probably never been tasted before, and may never be tasted again. So many factors contribute to the creation of these meals, it’s like capturing culinary lighting in a bottle. The possible combinations and endless variety make every Chef's Mercy menu a gastronomic marvel.

So there you have it. Six rock solid reasons that will hopefully inspire you to head to JSix for a Chef’s Mercy exploit all your own. Amid the excitement and mystique of impulse-induced fare, rest assured you’ll be served scratch-cooked American cuisine that’s curated with care.

San Diego’s ‘Chef's Mercy‎’ Menu

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Lobby 1 Courtesy of Hotel Casa Velas

Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood just a 5-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport sits Casa Velas—a serene adults-only luxury boutique resort that’s helping set new and noteworthy standards in the all-inclusive realm.

As one of the many properties in the Velas Resorts portfolio, which have earned no less than 43 diamonds by AAA, I had high expectations for my own stay at the location—especially given it has garnered 8 of those diamonds in its own right. What I had not anticipated, however, was how “at home” I would feel while on site, which felt as much like a private estate home with an ever-attentive staff rather than a slick hotel operation with pre-programmed employees. Indeed, the layout of the grounds and the casually elegant and intimate atmosphere evokes the sense of being in a private hacienda. Furthering this sensibility is a staff that all regard guests by name, who welcome you “home” upon arrival (with each outing) and generally do their utmost to ensure each guest’s needs and wants are being duly catered to.

All 80 traditional Mexican-styled suites at Casa Velas are top notch, with each boasting a private terrace with plunge pool or in suite Jacuzzi, goose-down comforters, free WiFi, L’Occitane bath products and a fully stocked mini bar. For even more privacy and space, the exquisite 3,000-square foot, four-bedroom Presidential Suite, which sleeps 8, is replete with original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante and also features a large dining room, living room, master suite with a spacious marble-laden bathroom, and an expansive terrace with an oversize plunge pool and Jacuzzi.

While the Spanish style architecture and interior design captivates, the setting in which it all resides is truly breathtaking. Lush tropical landscaping abounds with abundant flora and fauna at every turn that, of course, attracts wildlife. In fact, a bevy of wild peacocks have taken up residence at the property and can be seen meandering about throughout the day and night. A pack of “pet” snapping turtles live in a pond-like water feature at the hotel’s front entrance for which the valet staff will eagerly provide you with food to feed them.

Adding to the serene green vistas is the fact that the resort overlooks the lovely Marina Vallarta Golf Course where Casa Velas guests enjoy special privileges like free greens fees. Other on-site amenities include a full fitness center with Life Fitness cardio and Nautilus equipment, a full service spa and salon, and a pool area with plush lounge chairs, shady cabanas and a swim up palapa bar. If surf and sand are high on your vacation agenda, have no fear as the hotel will provide you with complimentary, on-demand shuttle service to and from its private and exclusive Casa Velas Ocean Club where guests enjoy cushioned loungers and cabanas on the beach itself, along with food and beverage service, as well as access to a pristine pool area and al fresco eatery all overlooking Mexico's Pacific Riviera beyond.

Even amid all of this haute hospitality, what is incredibly impressive about Casa Velas is its elevated gourmet food and beverage program that has significantly raised the bar for all-inclusive hotels worldwide. With its on-site gourmet restaurant, Emiliano, one of only two restaurants in all of Puerto Vallarta that have earned the AAA Four Diamond award, guests are treated to unlimited access to high caliber cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24/7 in-suite service. Beverages at Casa Velas are equally progressive, particularly for an all-inclusive, with guests enjoying premium wines and liquor without restriction and can partake in fun nightly events like wine pairings; tequila, mescal and martini tastings; and other events that also allow guests to get acquainted and socialize.

If you’re a foodie seeking a culinary-oriented resort retreat, Casa Velas is for you. I particularly love the concerted and continual effort the property makes to keep its culinary options interesting and innovative, ensuring guests can have a unique atypical all-inclusive experience time and time again. 

Gourmet Tasting Menus
In addition to its regular menu, Emiliano also extends six different five-course meals (a new one each evening) that are masterminded by head chefs from Casa Velas' sister property, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Menus draw from all three of their AAA Four Diamond restaurants: Frida, Piaf and Lucca . These dynamic menus rotate each evening and run for a week, starting with a French tasting menu and martini tasting hour on Sundays led by Piaf's head chef. On Monday, Lucca's Italian-Mediterranean sampling and wine pairing takes center stage. Tuesdays and Thursdays are an extra special treat as 20 guests are invited to a private "dinner with the chef." Here, Chef Eliseo Ibarra Ramos prepares a special menu while television cooking personality, Yolanda Yanar, gives step by step explanations on the menu's preparation. Wednesdays, Frida's head chef hosts a Mexican tasting menu and tequila tasting hour. Fridays offer a truly elegant experience as Chef Ramos prepares a gourmet French menu while a renowned pianist provides accompaniment and live entertainment. Saturday rounds out the week with cuisine and seafood specialties from Veracruz, Mexico.

Authentic Street Food
While Emiliano's gourmet tasting menus have proven enormously popular, the revered restaurant also features dishes that bring to mind the temping aromas and "tantalizing visions" of the street foods found in Mexico's colorful markets. Guests can sample entrees, appetizers and desserts from six different regions including Veracruz, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Jalisco, and the Yucatan. Each day a different region is featured alongside Emiliano's larger menu of additional Mexican and international selections. What's more, servers are dressed in corresponding regional costume and are happy to answer questions about ingredients and preparation to any foodie's satisfaction.

Where the Gastro Garden Grows
During my stay I strolled down to Casa Velas’ impressive on-site organic botanical garden where the resort grows its own herbs, flowers and vegetables. These uber-fresh ingredients find their way into fresh cocktails and culinary creations as ingredients and garnish. For example, home‐grown albacar, thyme, mint, lemon and cactus are used in the kitchen, while home‐grown mint is used for mojitos, cilantro for margaritas and hibiscus flowers in martinis. Want to bring the taste of a Casa Velas specialty cocktail home with you? The chefs will gladly send guests home with their favorite recipe. Guests will also spot, or better yet smell, clove, mint, aloe vera, spearmint, and basil leaves in the resort’s spa treatments.

A Mighty Mini Bar
Casa Velas' commitment to luxury, well-being and elevated eats extends beyond the bounds of the resort's restaurants and bars—extending right into the guest rooms. Instead of the usual boring, calorie-laden mini bar fare, Casa Velas provides freshly "made on demand" crudités. Guests can choose from the "Mexican turnip," a combination of carrots, cucumber, jicama, or an alternative selection featuring celery, beetroot and pineapple. Guests can also choose from three different light and healthy dressings including mango, chipotle or albahaca (basil). Crudités are available upon request from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and, of course, are included in the all‐inclusive daily rate.

Service Standouts
I had the pleasure of dining with Luis Angarita, Casa Velas' General Manager, who spoke about what sets the resort apart from others in the region. He underscored that, more than anything else, Casa Velas prides itself on providing top-notch service at every level of the operation. He also reiterated the resort’s focus on food as part of an all-inclusive, noting it’s a major draw. "Food, creativity and presentation comparable to top restaurants in world capitals,” Angarita gushed. “Name your favorite specialty cuisine–Mexican, French and Italian, it’s exquisitely prepared by award winning chefs…everything, from unlimited food and wines to premium beverages, in suite service, and even gratuities and tax are part of the all-inclusive daily rate."

With its efforts to continually innovate coupled with the quiet, private and secluded nature of this Puerto Vallarta oasis, it’s no surprise U.S. dignitaries the likes of Condoleezza Rice, and two Mexican presidents have been hosted at Casa Velas. But, one need not be a dignitary to be treated like royalty here, as the staff goes over and above to ensure each guest is having a personalized and pampered experience.

With its heightened level of hospitality, Casa Velas is playing an integral role in re-defining the all-inclusive category at large, and is a decidedly fine choice for the standards-driven jet setter.

Epicurean Exploits Abound at Casa Velas Hotel Puerto Vallarta

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Credit TheLuxeList.com

Let's face it. For some Dads, gifting a tie, a bottle of aftershave or a pair of slippers for Father’s Day just won’t do. And a “fallback” gift card from a drugstore carousel reeks of desperation—or utter laziness. For many men, life is all about experiences…and beer, lots and lots of beer. Luckily, San Diego boasts an inspired service—Brew Hop Tours—that’ll make Dad truly “hoppy” this holiday. Whether he’s a hardened beer connoisseur or just likes to have a good time over a cold brew, this gift idea is for you!

San Diego has evolved into a hotbed region rife with micro and craft breweries catering to folks who favor the hoppy, yeasty goodness of a painstakingly formulated, expertly executed beer. Brew Hop Tours lets beer lovers get up close and personal with San Diego’s burgeoning craft brew culture at its source, providing a far more sophisticated version of a beer-driven bar hop experience.

All of this company’s tours are private and customized especially for each guest’s particular tastes and desires. Will it be just you and Dad on the tour, a small group, or a dozen (or more) of his closest friends or family members? Would he like to be picked up at home, a hotel or a trolley stop? Will a plush VIP luxury SUV suffice or will he need a limo or an even larger transport? Does he want to spend just a couple of hours or make a whole day of it? How many different breweries would you like him to visit during the tour? Would his group like a guided behind-the-scenes tour? No matter what your preferences for the experience you wish to gift, from the very first phone call staffers will be “foaming” at the proverbial mouth to accommodate you.

All tours do include a private vehicle with a driver who doubles as a VIP host who will guide Dad and his guests through the tasting experience. When making the arrangements for dear old Dad, you may choose from over 60 local breweries, including Stone Brewing Company, The Lost Abbey and, my personal favorite, Ballast Point where the craft beer ingenuity is matched by an elevated culinary program and all is served up in a super cool and relaxing atmosphere.

Gift-givers may opt for a two and half hour tour featuring one or two breweries (starting at $75 per person) or a full five hour tour featuring three or four breweries (starting around $119 per person). The experience includes guided tours at each brewery (when available), copious sample-size beer tastings at each brewery his tour visits as well as gratuities for all bar staff. Any additional tip for the driver, who serves as your personal host, isn’t included but is certainly appropriate. And note: while food isn’t part of the tour experience itself, guests can certainly choose to order eats at any of the locations that offer a menu and pay for that aspect separately.

This tour experience is a truly thoughtful, unique and super-fun way to say "thanks" to Dad this Father's Day. Go ahead, arrange a day for him to Brew Hop on down to some of San Diego’s best and brightest craft beer houses where he’s certain to raise a frosty glass in your honor.

Brew Hop Tours San Diego a Failsafe Father's Day Gift

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Copyright Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd.

Even with TV technologies seemingly advancing at light speed, one innovation—Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED)—will undoubtedly be a truly revolutionary change in the world of color televisions. Designed to offer the richest colors, outstanding clarity and deepest contrasts, OLED TVs are also lighter in weight and use less power when compared to traditional televisions. They are also adaptable in that they can be further optimized with sophisticated features like Cinema 3-D, Smart TV, Motion Clarity and more. These TVs have entered the American market thanks to the likes of LG, and firms such as China’s Skyworth are poised to dominate the East Asian market.

The High-Tech Transition
Around 10 years ago, TV manufacturers had a choice. Some chose plasma, but most chose Liquid Crystal Display or “LCD” (also known as Light-Emitting Diodes or “LED”). Over the last decade, consumers have been able to buy TVs based on one of two display technologies, LCD or plasma, and this has undoubtedly been great for competition. However, over the years the industry seemed to consolidate, and several manufactures have quit production and even fundamental research. Plasma essentially disappeared in 2014.

Today, OLED is poised to position itself as the display technology of the future. Unlike LEDs, OLED uses an organic element that glows when the electric current begins to flow. This organic substance is only one aspect of the new design approach that reduces the weight as well as the thickness of the TV. When that glow passes through a series of filters, viewers get a more spectacular high definition image. And, while both OLED and LED TVs use light emitting diodes, the design of each is quite different. LED TVs simply use an array of LEDs as the backlight for a traditional LCD TV, shining through a screen of LCD pixels. But, with OLED TVs, because the organic element creates its own light source for each pixel (which, for the consumer, translates into less power needed), the improvement over LED's color, clarity and black level is downright dramatic.

Super-Sized Screens
The OLED display innovation is changing the way we will think about television. LG’s latest line of OLED TVs are going big using this innovative technology on expansive 55-inch, 65-inch and even 77- inch screens. LG’s CURVED ULTRA HD TV features a massive 105-inch screen (measured diagonally) with 5120 x 2160 5K resolution. This LG model’s sleek design and exceptional picture quality are complemented by a forward-facing 7.2 multi-channel sound system created in partnership with Harman Kardon. Embodying LG’s new ULTRA Surround concept, the speakers create a sound environment that’s very close to live quality.

Bold Beginnings
Whenever technologies change in the electronics field, Skyworth, known as a forward-thinking powerhouse, is usually one of the first companies to invest to bring innovative solutions to market.  Early in 2011, Yang Dongwen, Executive Director and CEO of Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd. and CEO of Skyworth Group, and other company’s executives teamed up with South China University to create the Guangdong OLED Industry Alliance where manufacturers, universities and researchers could come together to create and develop products. Because of that singular vision, in November of 2013, Skyworth launched China’s first OLED TV thus edging itself into the list of the world’s top brands in the field of OLED TV.

Given its range of features and benefits, it’s no wonder Skyworth has been the fastest growing brand in the color TV sector for 6 consecutive years.  Always forward-thinking, Skyworth is working ahead on research and development for the third generation OLED display technology, which will leverage all of the software and hardware through the system to deliver a whole new and unparalleled user experience.

For example, rather than providing consumers with a nondescript information display and bland set of controls, Skyworth plans to not only transform the visual display experience for the user, but also the entire live experience in a way that’s never been offered in the home or even in 4D cinemas. Imagine watching a thrilling movie on TV, and your home’s lighting, stereo system, air conditioner, and even humidifier automatically adjust to the change of scenes in the movie you’re watching. This is the wholly immersive, high-level cinematic experience the company is aiming for.

On the Horizon: The World’s First ‘Truly’ Smart TV
According to Yang Dongwen, the strategy for the development of Skyworth’s “smart home” platform is based on research uncovered among every family member, making it the first to establish a viable working model for the home theater experience of the future. This platform will integrate aspects of online and offline features based on how they are used in the daily routines of most families. One of the ways they will accomplish this is to roll out Smart TV 5.0, what the company considers to be the world’s first truly smart TV system. In building out its “smart home” platform, the company seeks to establish itself as an early entrant into the smart home market and create an Internet ecosystem that provides users with smart terminal products, content and services meant to guarantee an unparalleled experience for the user.

“In the last 5 years, we’ve seen the most important change in the media and TV landscape: the notion that TV is no longer a broadcast signal receiver but rather a smart entertainment device,” Yang Dongwen notes.  “Our integration-friendly OLED TVs are now equipped with USB, Internet connection capabilities, plus operation systems that can install software.”

As a home theater devotee, it’s exciting to look back at the recent changes in TV over the last 5 years in particular.  It’s even more thrilling to consider what the near future holds with new developments poised take the home entertainment experience to an all-encompassing new level. Stay tuned.

Mind-blowing TV Technology Intensifying Home Entertainment

Copyright Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd		Copyright Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd

Copyright Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd		Copyright Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd

Copyright Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor 

"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Photo Credit Rich Mackey

If you're someone who seeks to exclusively or primarily eat foods that are locally produced or sourced within relatively close proximity to your home and not moved long distances to market, than it’s official…you’re a “locavore”! Wikipedia explains that the locavore movement in the United States and elsewhere was spawned due to the growing interest in sustainability and eco-consciousness becoming more prevalent. Whatever the impetus, locavores are dining out in droves and, happily, there’s a growing number of restaurants catering to guests with this specialized mindset.

Among these is Table 926—perhaps the best kept secret in San Diego’s North Pacific Beach area. This reverential restaurant embodies the very essence of being locally-oriented, even taking its name from its address at 926 Turquoise Street.

Table 926 is small, but don’t let its modest size fool you. This is an independent, family-run eatery serving up seriously bold and fresh flavor. Even Executive Chef and owner, Matthew Richman, himself is locally sourced, having grown up less than 10 minutes away from the restaurant's location.

Chef Richman has honed an eclectic culinary point of view through a career journey that's taken him all over the United States, including stints in gastro-meccas like San Francisco and South Florida. From these experiences and others, Chef Richman mastered methods and flavors that he’s adapted with foodstuffs showcasing premier provisions from the region in which he operates. He also taps into his own cultural heritage for inspiration, blending California ingredients and French cooking techniques with Latino and Mediterranean flavors for dishes with flare, like Braised Pork Cheek Tacos with corn tortillas, pickled red onion, queso fresco and tomatillo-avocado and smoked chili salsas ($13.50).  Flare indeed. Amid all of these influences, Table 926 extends an ever-evolving, varied menu highlighting each season’s best.

In a recent conversation with Chef Richman, I asked about his personal favorite dish.  He was hard-pressed to choose just one item, conceding, "It’s not easy, but I’d have to say the Grilled Octopus Salad [$14, with Spanish sausage, fried potatoes, frisée and paprika aioli] because it blends classic Mediterranean flavors that always taste perfect in the Southern California climate settings. The dish is fun, different, has a variety of flavors going on, and the fresh octopus is delicious."

Having eaten this dish, I could not agree more. Awards and accolades also attest to Table 926’s approach. Not long after it opened, San Diego Home and Garden magazine named the restaurant a “Silver Fork Winner.”

"As far as the dinner menu, we do not have ‘signature dishes’ per say," Matt goes on to explain. This is understandable since the menu is continually in flux—probably the foremost feature of the eatery.  "We’re constantly changing with the season to best highlight local, farm-to-table cuisine.” And, the seasonal shifts are not just reserved for food. “We have a seasonal homemade sangria and homemade Limoncello occasionally as well," he notes.

On the evening of my own visit I was fortunate to sample a broad cross-section of that evening’s iteration of the menu. While I did largely enjoy it all, there were a few superstar standouts. The Braised Pork Cheek Tacos mentioned above were by far my favorite appetizer. The meat in this Spanish delicacy was melt-in-your-mouth goodness that was also seasoned to perfection. The tangy and salty pickled onion added just the right amount of tang and texture. The crisp greens and creamy cheese added that earthy freshness, and the dual salsas married all of the components to make this a very cohesive dish.

I had not originally intended to order the Char Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($9), but the table next to me had been served the dish and the smell was intoxicating. I had to have a serving all my own. The vegetable, which was crisp from roasting on the outer leaves and tender underneath sans bitter notes, was tossed in a sassy Dijon-white anchovy vinaigrette and topped with grated parmesan and Spanish paprika

Entrée-wise, the Grilled Natural Pork Chop ($23) earned top honors at my table.  Well seared on the exterior and succulent and moist inside, the amply portioned chop was served with a delightfully savory smashed Yukon potato-cheddar cheese cake that was perfectly browned with a crisp outer layer. Asparagus and sundried tomato butter completed the ensemble

Running a close second was the Natural Chicken Breast ($21) in all of its plump and juicy glory. This cooked-to-perfection poultry was served with roasted baby carrots, king oyster mushrooms, small and aptly sweet caramelized cipollini onions, and pea tendrils—all served over a creamy salsify purée suitably spotlighting this root vegetable native to the Mediterranean region of Europe

Dessert-wise, my fave was the Butterscotch Pot de Crème ($8)—an insanely decadent pudding that was more thick and mousse-like than it was runny as I prefer, served with caramelized cocoa nibs, a spiced tuile wafer and a sweet and cinnamony snickerdoodle cookie.  The Loaded Brownie ($8) with candied nuts, peanut butter chantilly cream, ganache and praline ice cream was certainly tasty, but I personally found the richness of each component, delightful on their own or with lesser counterparts, to be a bit overbearing in large combination. That said, plating was cute, and I especially liked the chocolate “926” garnish.

I also liked the menu price points, which are decidedly affordable and accessible for food of this caliber—and quantity given the generous portion sizes.  In fact, when I asked Chef Richman what qualities set Table 926 apart from other area dining options in the area, he points out that, despite its elevated approach cuisine, the relaxed, beach-town ambiance of the locale makes it unpretentious and inviting for all. "Table 926 is the perfect culmination of seasonally-driven food in a laid-back, yet upscale setting. Wearing casual attire to enjoy our Roasted Duck Breast with pomegranate molasses is totally acceptable," he urges.  Chef Richman eagerly added that his favorite non-food aspect of the eatery is the warm and knowledgeable staff who he regards as “the heart of the restaurant.” I would agree as the staff was affable and attentive throughout the entirety of my visit.

Even beyond its inspired epicurean endeavors, Table 926 also takes pride in engaging the local community through events, such as participating in dinners, tasting events and fundraisers that directly benefit the community.

Having opened its kitchen in December of 2011, Table 926 may only be a few years old but it’s well on its way to becoming an entrenched San Diego staple. Its brand of hyper-local and imaginative cuisine combined with a casual atmosphere and endearing hospitality could very well entrench it as one of the finest locavore-minded restaurants in America’s Finest City.

Locavore Love at Table 926 Restaurant San Diego

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

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The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Photo Courtesy of Edelman Portland

For most of us mere mortals, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen can be tough. Those who really struggle with weight loss and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices can feel a lot like Sisyphus, the mythological Greek figure eternally doomed to push a giant boulder up a hill over and over only to see it roll to the bottom again and again. Even with the best of intentions and even if you do achieve your weight and fitness goals, progress can all-too-easily slip back down that proverbial hill just like Sisyphus’s burdensome boulder. The ensuing disappointment can be enough to prompt even the strong-willed to head to the emotional dark side and devour a pint (or two) of chunky monkey.

The reality is, willpower alone isn't enough to sustain healthy habits and maintain fitness over the long-term. Unless you base your diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices on correct, factual information from credible sources, backsliding remains an ever-present threat. Sadly, the health and fitness information superhighway is strewn with myths and misinformation. Incorporating faulty ideas into your diet and exercise routine is like stepping in a huge pothole. You go forward in good faith only to find your progress sidetracked at best, severely derailed or completely obliterated at worst.

In my quest to help health-seekers keep their “body boulder” at the top of that hill, I've sought out advice from health, food and fitness industry field experts. These are pros who have been around the block or two and, in many cases, have literally written the book. Their insight and advice runs the gamut, including what food choices to make for a healthy lifestyle and how to effectively multitask your exercise regimen. When I asked them for their best slimdown secrets, this is what the food and fitness pros had to say:

"Restrict calories without hunger. This means balancing protein to carbohydrate at every meal. If you do it correctly you will not be hungry for five hours after a meal."
--Dr. Barry Sears, ZoneDiet.com

"After a long day, cooking is the last thing on my mind. My new obsession is meal delivery services. It’s a great way to guarantee veggies at your doorstep for every meal. Growing fresh herbs and tomatoes on my kitchen windowsill also keeps me connected to the food I eat."
--Padma Lakshmi, Top Chef

"Get fit with fiber. Dietary fiber does more than contribute to what we delicately refer to as ‘regularity’—it also aids in digestion and can play a role in preventing heart disease and colon cancer, among other conditions. Fiber is also an effective tool for weight management: it fills you up quickly despite being very low in calories, slows digestion and keeps blood sugar on a level plane, which maintains normal insulin levels associated with a healthy weight. Aim for at least 10 grams of fiber with each meal (and 5 grams with each snack)."
--Harley Pasternak, HarleyPasternak.com

"Skip the bread basket and the olive oil usually served in fancy restaurant as soon as you sit down. This represents about 400 calories of oil and white bread at each sitting on average. 15 meals with bread and oil and it is 2 pounds of extra fat on your body (indeed, you need to eat 7,000 extra calories on average to gain 2 pounds of fat). Do like the French, only eat one slice of bread with your meal. Don't stuff yourself before the good food is put on the table."
--Valerie Orsoni, LeBootCamp

"Maintain your exercise routine and change it up even when living a fast paced lifestyle, traveling or on set! Take the time to experience new gyms, exciting workouts and taking your workout outdoors while traveling. This will keep you motivated and refreshed in your workout goals. Consider wearing a Fitbit and tracking your food intake on My Fitness Pal to stay on target as well. Get out of your comfort zone — try a barre, Flywheel, Boot Camp, or Yoga class in the local area."
--Stacy Goldberg, SavorFull.com

"There are tons of fad diets out there that promise results, but what these diets don’t disclose is the extreme calorie deprivation and lack of substantial nutritional components. Cutting too many calories makes your body think that you are too lean and slows down your metabolism and holds up the fat burning process to conserve energy. Every individual's body is different in what to consume and how much to consume."
--Steve Saunders, PowerTrainSports

"Always cook with cast iron. It’s the oldest pan in the book, but there’s a reason for it. Cast iron allows you to cook with less oil and helps the meat cook at an even temperature. You’ll never have to worry about the pan releasing any unhealthy toxins, like nonstick."
--Chef Chris Kydes, The Flaming Greek

"As a co-host, I’ve learned that cooking with someone in the kitchen promotes more than just good food. It demonstrates positivity in a relationship because you are both cooking for the greater good (meaning each other). It also creates a camaraderie in the kitchen. If one is trying to change themselves, either eating better, losing weight, cooking together helps achieve that."
--Kami, Co-Host, The Flaming Greek

"Add heart healthy cocoa flavanols to your diet. Cocoa flavanols are powerful phytonutrients that are scientifically proven to help promote a healthy heart by supporting healthy blood flow. CocoaVia is a cocoa extract supplement that delivers a high concentration of cocoa flavanols. It can be consumed either before or after exercise and scientific studies demonstrate that within a few hours of consuming a product with cocoa flavanols, the cocoa flavanols enter the body and start to help support your cardiovascular system. Add this product to yogurt, oatmeal, coffee or your morning smoothie. It’s a delicious way to support your heart health."
-- Harley Pasternak, HarleyPasternak.com

“When time is of the essence opt for compound, multi-joint exercises – squats with shoulder press, walking lunge with bicep curl. This will give you more bang for your buck by engaging more muscles and burning more calories.”
--Ray Grayson, Mr. Shut Up And Train

"You need only cut 100 calories per day, on average, to lose 10 pounds in a year. So be mindful of everything. Cut just one tablespoon of olive oil per day and you’ll lose an average of 12 pounds in a year. Cut calories where you won’t even miss them."
--Devin Alexander, Celebrity Chef

While these experts cover a breadth of territory, what's most notable is the overwhelming message that eating a healthy diet and making smart choices about fitness doesn't have to be complex. Small choices made consistently each and every day is what’s needed if you want to  lose weight, get fit and stay healthy. You certainly don’t need to feel deprived…and may actually enjoy the process.

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern Merilee Kern is a wellness industry veteran, consumer health advocate and influential media voice. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “Making Healthy Choices—A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids,” along with the corresponding smartphone APP, “Kid’s Making Healthy Choices, (available on iTunes.)” She may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: Art.com

Digital photography has revolutionized the way we take, share and store photos. Whether you're a pro looking for a better way to showcase your portfolio or simply striving for the perfect selfie, these four photography tools will bring your shots to life in entirely new and exciting ways.

***TAKE***

LuMee Case (www.LuMeeCase.com) - $39.95- $44.95

The LuMee case is a unique cell phone case with embedded lights that surround the front of your phone, allowing for perfectly lit selfies, FaceTime sessions and even makeup applications. LuMee was designed by a professional photographer who was fed up with poor lighting while Skyping with his daughter abroad. LuMee comes with its own charger and battery so it won’t drain your phone's battery, and it has a dimmer button to achieve just the right amount of light. LuMee will provide perfect light for any epic-selfie/ussie moment, even in low light situations. LuMee also makes the perfect nightlight for reading or midnight walks to the fridge. Walking alone to your car at night? Use LuMee as a flashlight to guide the way.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: LuMee

Smart iReach Selfie Stick (www.SmartiReach.com) - $49.95 - $69.95

Selfie sticks are all the rage right now, showing up everywhere…even at red carpet events! With the Smart iReach this gadget is cooler, more fashionable and easier to use than ever before. This selfie stick is designed for the everyday adventure, enabling users to quickly and easily capture moments and experiences. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, you can capture the moment with just the click of a button. Featuring a lightweight carbon fiber pole, it extends the reach of your arm so you can capture everything and everyone in your individual or group selfie still image or video. It’s compact enough to fit in a purse, pocket or backpack, and weighs less than 6 ounces. While light enough to tote, it’s still plenty strong enough to hold your phone securely. Simply click the button on the specially designed, form fitting handle and “SNAP!”

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: SmarTech Products LLC

***CREATE***

Art.com’s ‘SwitchArt’ App for iPhone (www.iTunes.Apple.com) – Starts at $35

Life moves fast and tastes change quickly–now your décor art can too! Turn your photos into easy-to-update magnetic art using Art.com’s SwitchArt Magnetic Frames and Prints! Special peel-and-stick customized photo prints adhere to magnetic frames like magic. Hang your frame once, and replace prints as often as you make new memories or change the design of the space. Easily upload photos directly from your iPhone’s camera roll or social media accounts, and quick-edit images within the app to create personalized SwitchArt Prints. Customers can buy prints in a pack to keep a steady stream of fresh and current art on-hand. Packs include one magnetic frame with your choice of size and color; and either 1, 6, 12, or 24 prints--the more you buy, the more you save. Say sayonara to stale art!

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: Art.com

***STORE & SELL***

Zenfolio (www.Zenfolio.com) - $30

For those who have a quick photo trigger finger and amass a lot of images, storage can become an issue. Zenfolio is a great online solution that allows photographers to professionally manage their entire online presence under one “digital roof.” Not only does it provide ample secure storage, Zenfolio will also help you create a beautiful web site, or revamp your existing one, with its powerful organizational tools. With various galleries, Pinterest-style grids and design options, you can customize your site to create an appealing online presence. Also notable is that you have the option to set up your site to sell photo books, products and more, which you can custom-create within Zenfolio, to your clients and fans. Zenfolio also has a new app called Photo Moments, which allows photographers’ clientele or other private groups to instantly gain access to their digital photos, view them in a beautiful presentation, download to their device and share with others. This app provides a more accessible, streamlined, pocket-friendly way to access photos in their pocket.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: Zenfolio

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

~~~ "The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList. ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Spring is that perennial time of renewal. It’s a season that beckons us to revitalize our body and surroundings and take a fresh approach to life. Whether you desire to breathe new life into your personal care regime, beautify your home décor or add some trendy new elements to your wardrobe, here are some spring pick-me-ups that’ll have you sitting pretty all season long.

SVELTA Tan’s Skin-Perfecting Self-Tanner (www.SveltaTan.com) - $38The sun is shining, the temperature is rising and it’s time to put your best flesh forward…with a healthy tan, that is! SVELTA Tan is packed with potent natural ingredients designed to deliver a bronze sunless tanand make skin look flawless. Its natural formula uses botanically-derived,eco-certified DHA for a healthy and natural-looking tan, while mineral bronzers provide an instant boost of color for easy, streak-free application. In addition to a sultry glow, SVELTA Tan’s formula also delivers a wealth of key skin-perfecting botanicals including guarana, poppy, sacred lotus, aloe vera, and olive leaf. It also contains Camu-camu, which is rich in vitamin C and not only prevents free radical damage, but also is essential for collagen synthesis that keeps skin looking young and firm. SVELTA Tan is ECOCERT certified, vegan and cruelty-free. 

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:SVELTA Tan

DermaSilk’s 1 Minute Wrinkle Erase Pen (www.DermaSilk.com) - $15No time for a hardcore beauty regime? No problem! DermaSilk’s 1 Minute Wrinkle Erase Pen is a revolutionary treatment formulated to effectively minimize five key imperfections--forehead lines, “eleven” lines, crow’s feet, smile lines and marionette lines--for visibly more youthful looking skin. The 1 Minute Wrinkle Erase Pen optically plumps, diffuses and smoothes lines and wrinkles with its Micro-Diffusing Complex, which helps to reduce “crease” memory and lines.Use the pen-like applicator, which fits into any travel bag, for precise application every time. With one brushstroke applied to the desired area, fine lines and wrinkles appear to vanish.  

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:DermaSilk

Swell Skin’s Face Treatment Bar and Serum (www.SwellSkin.net) - $16 - $17

This two-product set—a face treatment bar and a concentrated Oil of Sea Buckthorn serum--is a simple, all-natural, multitasking skin care line purported to manage 90% of skin's requirements. The products feature what the company cites as “the most powerful anti-oxidant in nature” that’s extracted from the Sea Buckthorn plant--a powerful workhorse with a 1,000-year history for healing and regenerating skin. The beauty bar will clarify skin for a clear, even-toned luminous glow. Once the face is clean, place the serum on any area where you would like to see an improvement. Many reportedly use the oil to minimize lines, acne, rosacea, eczema, rashes, age spots, burns, fight free radicals, moisturize and reduce inflammation. 

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:Swell Skin

Rowenta Beauty Versa Style Iron (www.Ulta.com) - $129.99

If you seek salon-quality hair styling from home, here’s a handy tool for you: the Rowenta Versa Style Iron. This salon-quality master tool does the work of five salon tools – a flat iron, roller set, and three curling irons! Ready to use in less than 30 seconds, the iron not only straightens but also uses exclusive ProCurling technology with lateral edges and surrounding silicone rubbers to curl, wave or create incredible root lift in one easy step. Featuring hard anodized nano-titanium plates and tourmaline-boosted ceramic coating, the Versa Style Iron produces non-damaging infrared ionic heat with even heat distribution and high resistance to scratching for smoother, shinier, frizz-free results.It comes with a heat resistant pouch for convenient storage and travel.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:Groupe SEB

Hot Iron Holster (www.HolsterBrands.com) - $19.99 - $39.99

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:Holster Brands

SLIM Sonic Toothbrush(www.Violife.com) - $14.95

Not only are the battery-operated SLIM Sonic Toothbrushes from Violife stylish, they’re also incredibly compact, making them great to use anywhere like the gym, office, or while jet-setting around the world.Its vented mascara-style cap keeps the toothbrushdry, safe and clean, no matter where you stash it.Hot date? No problem! Just pack it in your clutch to keep those pearly whites on point. It delivers 22,000 brush strokes per minute! The portable Violife Slim Sonic Toothbrushes come in an array of fashionable colors and patterns, and each includes an extra replaceable brush head and AAA battery.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:Violife LLC

Carlos by Carlos Santana Handbags (www.Macys.com) - $39 - $69Pretty spring fashion is now literally in the palm of your hand with these twodesigner Carlos by Carlos Santana clutches. I’m obsessed with fringe this season, and the pristine white Daryll clutch features fabulously long faux leather fringe that's sure to turn heads. When you need to go hands-free, a hidden strap converts the clutch into a cross body style. Another great spring style is Carlos by Carlos Santana oversized Kailee wristlet clutch, available in white or orange,which features a gorgeous, intricate laser-cut, faux leather shell. With the entire Carlos line, you can look good and feel good about your purchase, too. Santana supports the Milagro Foundation—a charitable organization that makes grants to community based organizations around the world working with children in the areas of the arts, education and health. Now that’s a good look!

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:Carlos by Carlos Santana

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:timi & leslie

Saffron Marigold’s Luxury Bedding and Linens (www.SaffronMarigold.com) - $29.99

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image:Saffron Marigold

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

HC low Courtesy Hotel Coral and Marina

A mere 80 miles from San Diego lies the port city of Ensenada, a charming Mexican enclave that runs along 700 miles of Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortéz coastline. The city, which is Mexico’s largest municipality in the area, offers endless possibilities for vacationers since the region is replete with culture, adventure, inspired cuisine, fine wine and gracious hospitality that’s all tempered with a relaxed beach and marine mindset.This certainly holds true forthe Hotel Coral & Marina—a luxury Mexican resort that truly has it all for families, couples, groups or any well-heeled traveler seeking an easily accessible, all-encompassing escape South of the Border.

Well-Appointed Accommodations

A glisteninggetaway on the shores of Todos Santos Bay, Hotel Coral & Marina boasts the area's only world-class marina with 353 slips that offer shared access to the property's impressive array of amenities. But, for those seeking accommodations on land, the property offers a comprehensive set ofconveniences and creature comforts that start with the 147 rooms and suiteswith each featuring flat-screen TVs, included high-speed Wi-Fi and a coffee maker. Upgrade to a specialty suite for an added refrigerator, dining area, double bathtub, Jacuzzi, wine cooler or fully equipped kitchen.

While standard rooms start at 635 square feet, the luxury suites start at 721 square feet (the “Deluxe” suite in which I stayed at 1,022 square feet) and top out at over three times that with the Presidential Triple Suite, which providesa whopping 2,034 square feet of vacation space. In speaking with Lizette Sanchez, Director of Public Relations at Hotel Coral & Marina, she cited many elevated amenities available with the opulent top-tier suites, such asa wraparound ocean-view balcony, chic bar, modern living area, Jacuzzi, hydro-massage shower, dining table and wine fridge.

With thoughts of the grand room options in mind, I asked Sanchez if any celebrity guests have stayed at the property. She enthused, "We’ve hosted a variety of celebrities, including Matthew McConaughey, Olivia Wilde, Nicolas Cage, Harrison Ford,Esteban Loaiza,VinicioCastilla and the late Paul Walker, in our ultra-luxurious Presidential Suites." Nice to know Hollywood A-Listers are privy to this delightful property.

Amenities-a-Plenty

However fabulous your room may be, don’t stay in it too long as there’s so much more to do and see at Hotel Coral & Marina. Whether your idea of a good time includes indulging in “Baja-Med”style cuisine at the on-site Bistro & Cava indoor/outdoor restaurant or more casual fare at the Marina Grill indoor/outdoor restaurant; cocktailing at the patio bar; taking a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool or in the large outdoor Jacuzzi;pampering with a service at the fully-equipped “CSpa”; sweating out the stress in the state-of-the-art fitness center; or playing an exhilarating game of tennis, the property offers all of this and more to keep you and your companions duly engaged and entertained. 

Guests can also enjoy various water activities like water bikes, paddle boarding and kayaking all throughout the the marina.  With these enjoyable exploitsas well as an on-site playground and professionally staffed Kid’s Club, the Hotel Coral & Marina is decidedly family friendly. 

What’s more, all ofthis is located just minutes from downtown Ensenada, San Miguel beach and the Las Cañadas campground where you can purchasea day pass allowing you to partake in an incredible assortmentof ground, water and air activities like ATV rental, horseback riding, mountain biking, zip lining, canopy tours, water slide and swimming. It’s also advisable to spend some time in Baja's burgeoning wine country.  I did mention the Hotel Coral & Marina has a Kid’s Club, right? For locations closer to the property likerestaurants and shops, the hotel will even provide complimentary ground transportation.  

Speaking of ground transport, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the hotel can also provide reasonably-pricedpick up and drop off service from, and back to, the U.S. Border, which is only about a 90-minute drive each way on the scenic toll road. 

A Magnanimous Marina

For those whoprefer to travel by sea, one of the hotel’s unique qualities of having its own marina is how effortless it is for oceangoing guests to arrive and settle in. Sanchez explains, "Our marina offers a high-quality experience that is convenient to those who choose to dock in Ensenada for a short vacation or a long-term stay. Ensenada is the very first port of entry into Mexico, and our property makes the immigration and vessel import process seamless for marina guests.”

“Guests docked at our marina also have access to the hotel’s world-class amenities, specialized yacht maintenance services, a fuel dock and special discounts at the spa and restaurants,” she continues. “Those guests who fish particularly love to have their own catch-of-the-day grilled up at ourMarina Grill restaurant!"

Eat, Drink and Decompress

Speaking of restaurants, Bistro & Cava is the hotel's award-winning signature gourmet restaurant featuring a blend of traditional Mexican entrees and locally-sourced Mediterranean cuisine.  But the food isn't the only notable aspect of the bistro, as it also happens to housethe largest local wine cellar in Baja California. From this locale, patrons can enjoy more than 150 labels.

Those seeking a more casual atmosphere will enjoy eating at the waterfront Marina Grill restaurant or at the Pool Bar, where I highly recommend ordering the ceviche and a margarita. If this doesn’t put you in a vacation state-of-mind, probably nothing will.  The Arrecife Lobby Bar is another communal space offering sports on the flat-screen and a two-for-one drink Happy Hour.

SpaSatisfaction
In my book, no luxury escape is complete without a trip to the spa. Hotel Coral & Marina’s own newly designed CSpa is full service, offering a wide array of beauty salon servicesalong with a number of luxurious and locally-sourced treatments. Among these isa service called “VinoTherapy”—a treatment I myself have experienced that uses organic wine byproducts like grape leaves, stems, skin and seeds to exfoliate, moisturize and replenishskin all over the body. It’s a highly relaxing 50-minuteservice that will leave your skin feeling soft and supple.

A Look Ahead
Short-term, Sanchez indicated that the hotel’s CSpa plans to launch a more comprehensive wellness program later this yearthat will give guests another way to unwind and revitalize through a guided program of yoga, spa treatments and health discussions covering a range of topics–from nutrition to meditation and exercise.

In discussing the overall longer-termfuture of Hotel Coral & Marina, Sanchez indicated the property’s efforts to continually improve all facets of the hospitality it proffers, with a concerted focus on delivering “top-notch customer service.”This I experienced first-hand with an affable, mostly English-speaking staff willing to facilitate nearly any need or request. Continuous attention to cosmetic upgrades, employee training and innovative new guest programs will further enhance the guest experience.

Whether you’replanning a family vacation, a romantic respite or a group getaway, Ensenada’s Hotel Coral & Marina enchants as a one-stop oasis where leisure, recreation and gastronomic pursuits await.

Ensenada’s Hotel Coral & Marina

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Actress Angie Harmon’s new "X Red Earth" is no ordinary jewelry line. Her edgy, socially conscious collection combines chic designs, unconventional materials and artisan craftsmanship that takes skull and bone baubles to a sophisticated new level. 

Angie Harmon X Red Earth is a labor of love designed in partnership with Red Earth--an ethical lifestyle brand that creates “ruggedly elegant jewelry with a purpose.” The company employs talented artisans and craftsmen in rural, poverty-ravaged African villages who are enabled to sustain their own families through their hard work and creativity while also creating jobs for others in their community. Red Earth helps these artisans grow their businesses and, in turn, gives even more people in the region hope and opportunity through gainful employment.   In this way, Red Earth tells a different story about Africa—one of beauty and entrepreneurship rather than of charity.

As a UNICEF ambassador, Harmon, who is best known for her starring role as Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael on NBC’s Emmy-winning drama Law & Order, “was a natural fit for our first celebrity partnership,” notes Red Earth founder Travis Gravette. “Angie’s sense of design and fashion is totally in sync with our brand and she ‘gets’ that the heart of our company is to use business for good. We are so excited to have released this collection.”

And what an amazing collection it is, with each unique handmade piece exuding substance and character.  In further alignment with Red Earth culture, all pieces in the collection are also notably created from recycled materials such as old locks, door knobs and ethically sourced animal bone from Africa. The exquisite pieces are designed in the U.S. but are hand-crafted by the artisans in and around Kenya.

While one might expect Harmon’s A-list celeb status to command a hefty price tag for her wares, the cost of the items in this collection are decidedly affordable--ranging from $195 on the high end to just $30 on the low end--assuring it’s accessible for most style-seekers.

Then there are the designs, themselves. I am admittedly a sucker for edgy statement jewelry and the Angie Harmon X Red Earth line more than fits the bill. The collection features skull rings and bracelets, and black-beaded “refined bone” necklaces and bracelets as well as super sexy reverse choker necklaces, chain link necklaces and bracelets, stud earrings, and a simple yet striking brass ear cuff.

Angie’s “signature piece” also happens to be my personal favorite item in the line and one I wear often: the 17.5” long black-beaded Skull + Bone Necklace ($165). It’s a truly memorable piece that commands attention everywhere I wear it. It’s made by an artisan named Raymond in Kenya who works with his wife and employs four others just outside of Nairobi.  I love to wear this piece in combination with the elegant Simple Reverse Choker ($85), which is incredibly versatile for both day and night looks. Together they proffer an unexpected aesthetic that’s a true standout. Pair these with the Skull Cuff ($68) and Bone + Brass Bracelets ($45) along with the Skull Ring ($78) and Ear Cuff ($30) and you’ll have yourself a cohesive, uber-cool look that’s sure to get you noticed time and time again.

Of course, if skulls and bones aren’t your thing, the Angie Harmon X Red Earth collection does feature other pieces that are quite delicate and feminine.  Though not a hugely expansive line, there is enough design versatility to suit a wide variety of tastes and styles.

As if all of the above-described do-gooding isn’t enough, cause-conscious accessory aficionados can also take heed that a percentage of all revenue from this collection is donated to UNICEF.  My hat’s off to Red Earth—a shining example of how to cultivate hope and opportunity through commerce.

Actress Angie Harmon Photo Gallery

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***