The iconic Waldorf Astoria New York hotel—world-renowned for five-star accommodations and premier amenities—is notorious for its impeccable standards whereby luxury and refinement reign supreme in all that it offers. This includes the property’s award-winning food and beverage program that has stood the test of time, making itself as relevant and revered today as in storied years past.

One need not be a guest of the hotel to partake in gastronomic pleasures at the Waldorf Astoria New York. Whether you're staying at this prestigious Park Avenue hotel or are simply seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of Manhattan, this haute hotel boasts two premier epicurean experiences that are a perennial draw unto themselves: Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse and Sunday Brunch at Peacock Alley. These two dining options are very different, but both deliver everything a patron would expect of fine dining in one of the world's most illustrious luxury hotels.

Bull & Bear Steakhouse
Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, the signature restaurant located inside the Waldorf Astoria New York, is home to one of the most historic and well-recognized bars in New York City. Here, Italian fabrics, leathers, dark wood, plush carpet, decorative mirrors and painted artwork lend an air of casual sophistication to the old-school lounge ambiance of this former men's club. The signature bronze Bull & Bear statues stand behind the legendary bar as commanding reminders of the steakhouse's significance to city's financial sector and its rich history—ultimately serving as the location’s namesake.

"In the late 1800s, the New York Stock Exchange was the place where businessmen and burgeoning industrialists staked and won their fortunes,” explains General Manager Gilbert Bolivar. “At The Waldorf Astoria Bar, now Bull & Bear Steakhouse, New York’s giants of real estate and finance hammered out deals while drinking elbow to elbow. In honor of this patronage, the hotel placed two magnificent bronze statues–a bull and a bear. Over time, so many deals were struck 'at the Bull and Bear' where the gilded statues stood that regular patrons adopted the moniker as the bar’s unofficial title."

Mere steps away from numerous Fortune 500 companies, the Bull & Bear caters to sophisticated tastes. Bolivar notes, "Our food and beverage is top notch–everything is sourced as locally as possible, including ingredients coming from the hotel’s rooftop garden. Bull & Bear is also one of the only restaurants in NYC to offer real Satsuma Wagyu beef [Grade A-5 Black, “600” day grain fed, hand cut and aged 35 days] imported from Japan. We are constantly working to lead the food and beverage trends. We change our signature cocktails seasonally and our culinary team is always looking at ways to enhance our dishes. I continue to be my own critic and every day we look for ways to improve.”

And those efforts are paying off amid the modern marketplace, with Bolivar pointing out recent accolades, including a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor, Yelp and Opentable, and earning the 2014 OpenTable Diners' Choice Award. The New York Times also cited the restaurant's mahogany bar as one of the world's greatest. In his quest to continually curate exceptional dining experiences, Bolivar also shared that among the restaurant’s short term goals is achieving a 5-star rating on all platforms, “exceeding the expectations of customers daily." This the restaurant will work toward one divine dish at a time.

For his part, Bolivar’s favorite item from this fairly traditional steakhouse menu is the 30-ounce Porterhouse ($62), a robust combination of a sirloin and a filet. In my own visit to the eatery, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to indulge in the 6-ounce Satsuma Wagyu New York Strip Steak ($115). Although the house recommends this superlative steak be served at rare temp, my personal preference (in line with recommendation on how to optimally prepare Wagyu steak), is to achieve medium temp to achieve the peak richness and flavor point. Sauce options for all of the steak dishes include peppercorn, bordelaise, béarnaise or Bull & Bear’s own steak sauce.

Baroque beef aside, I can also personally vouch for the restaurant’s Chilled Maine Lobster Cocktail starter—a half lobster served with a fine herb aioli ($29); Dover Sole Meuniere in brown butter sauce ($59) entree; Parmesan Truffle Fries ($14); and the Lobster Mac & Cheese ($16). Of course, don’t miss the opportunity to eat a fresh, crisp and light Waldorf Salad ($19) at its birthplace. The Bull & Bear also serves the Waldorf Astoria’s Private Label Caviar (Gold Selection $100; Premium Selection $130). For dessert, you simply can’t miss with the New York Cheese Cake ($16), of course, served with an orchard fruit sorbet. Divine indeed.

Peacock Alley and Sunday Brunch
While the Bull & Bear is the quintessential venue for making high-octane deals and celebrating life’s good fortune, Peacock Alley is another popular place to "see and be seen." This eatery’s scintillating Sunday brunch, held seasonally from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ($98/adult, $65/child), flows out of the restaurant’s various dining rooms into the Waldorf Astoria's expansive main lobby—the promenade area that connects the once separate Waldorf and Astoria hotels. Today, the space is utilized to deliver a lavish power brunch like none other—one that that pays homage to the hotel’s culinary history as the birthplace of American breakfast staples like Eggs Benedict.

Executive Chef David Garcelon elaborates on the scope and significance of what has become a highly anticipated weekly affair: "I believe we are the only hotel in Manhattan with a full, gourmet buffet brunch. The buffet features over 100 meal options and is highlighted by a seafood station with shellfish, smoked fish and caviar, chefs preparing omelets, eggs benedict and carving beef wellington and, of course, a bountiful display from our pastry chefs around a molten chocolate fountain. I love our latest chef station that features one of our a pastry chefs making made to order 'Baked Alaska Lollipops' using Top of the Waldorf Honey Ice Cream, coated in meringue and browned with a blow torch."

"While dining with us at the Sunday Brunch, you will be able to taste the best that New York has to offer while enjoying the legendary and renowned Waldorf Astoria New York lobby atmosphere," states Julien Pierlas, Director of Restaurants who can be seen meandering through the dining rooms to meet and greet patrons tableside.  "Then, you will be transported back in time as you listen to the pianist perform on Cole Porter’s piano while the harpist in the back room lulls you into a relaxed Sunday mood."

Pierlas continues, "Our beverage program is also of the best out there. With specials like the Waldorf Buzz Beer made exclusively for us by the Finger Lakes’ own Empire Brewing Company, with the honey produced on the rooftop. In fact, many of the ingredients grown in the hotel’s rooftop garden are used in Peacock Alley specials, from daily dish specials to creative cocktails. Or, try 'The Bloody Bunny,' a twist on the original Bloody Mary, made with fresh carrot juice."

I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Peacock Alley’s Sunday Brunch, and the bounty can overwhelm at first.  One sumptuous station unfolds after the other, each with an allure all its own. Among other notable aspects of the buffet is the abounding raw bar replete with various types of caviar and accoutrements as well as clams, oysters, lobster and shrimp. Multiple soups, salads, breakfast fare, pasta dishes and a bevy of meat carving stations are among the other fine fare options rounding out the savory pageant of provisions.  The sweet finish consists of more than 100 gourmet desserts displayed in delectable form. At this buffet, check your diet at the door and fully immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Indeed, this is a brunch designed to be distinctive. When asked about future plans for Peacock Alley, Pielas replies, "Our goals are to keep food quality, food presentation and drink specials at such a high level, that guests won’t find it anywhere else." Garcelon concurs. "Of course we want to continue to focus on quality and continuing to tweak the offering while maintaining the items that people love. We are very fortunate to have a large group of loyal New York guests who come on a regular basis."

For over a century, the chefs of The Waldorf Astoria New York have been renowned for their culinary excellence. This heritage continues to be celebrated through Bull & Bear and Peacock Alley’s Sunday Brunch—two classic dining experiences that inspire patrons to slow down, soak in the scene and savor a life being well lived.

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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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

Turnstone Buoy ‘Active Seat’ (www.MyTurnstone.com) - $199
Designed for today's active person, the Buoy by office furniture and design company, Turnstone, is an active seat that helps encourage movement, which fosters increased productivity. Mixing up how students sit while they do homework and study can improve overall well-being, which improves the ability to think clearly and be productive.  A riff on the stool, Buoy can tilt, swivel, wobble and adjust for height. It stands at a slight 5 degree angle and can tilt even further—up to 12 degrees—to lean into your work. Users can change the seat height up to five inches with a quick lever pull. Buoy is also customizable by color for both the base and the cap, choosing from a mix of bright and basic colors and fun patterns. Example colors are Wasabi Green, Picasso Blue, Chili Red and Element Grey.

Printed Lap Desk (www.Overstock.com) - $25.99
Students can work from the comfort of the couch, their bed, out on the lawn, in the car or just about anywhere else with this stylish printed lap desk. This decorative, portable desk features a cup and pencil holder while a soft bead-filled pad allows the lap desk to rest comfortably on the lap. This handy lap desk measures 17.29 inches long x 13.36 inches wide x 1.965 inches high--just right for a laptop computer, tablet, or even good old fashioned paper and pencil. Lightweight, the lap desk is made with MDF (Medium-density fibreboard), PVC plastic, polar fleece, polyfoam, and non-woven fabrics.

Acer Iconia One 7 (www.US.Acer.com) - $129.99
With Intel quad-core performance powering games, videos and web browsing, the Iconia One 7 will satisfy a student’s need for speed this New Year. Students also love that the device comes in a rainbow of colors and is light and easy to tote around. With neat features that create a bright and clear screen, speedy and responsive use, and great HD media playback, users get up to 7 hours of use in a slim package. The HD LCD with IPS1 technology brings out every detail of the display from any angle, and Zero Air Gap technology provides brighter and crisper images with higher contrast and notably good visibility in sunlight.

Five Star Folder, Notebooks, and Shelf (www.MeadOnline.com) - Prices vary
The Five Star line is rife with products helping kids be more efficient and organized throughout their school day. One great option is the Flex Hybrid NoteBinder, which acts like a notebook and works like a binder, creating a fail-proof system that helps students keep it all together. The unique TechLock rings in 1- and 1.5-inch sizes accommodate as much as traditional binders of equivalent sizes. Each Five Star Wirebound Notebook comes with uniquely designed features that enhance durability, including reinforced storage pockets that help prevent tears, and water-resistant front and back covers that protect notes and documents all year long. Five Star’s Wireless Notebook feature a durable one-piece plastic cover that opens to lay flat, making notetaking less cumbersome. The sturdy interior pocket allows for quick and easy paper storage and the Neat Sheet perforated, college-ruled pages make turning in assignments and tearing out notes simple and stress-free. Another great item is the Five Star Stackable Locker Shelf that fits securely in the bottom of a standard locker. Quick and easy to assemble, the shelf has a tall clearance designed to fit high-capacity and sewn binders. Students can use one shelf alone to create additional usable space within the locker, or stack two locker shelves for even more room to store and organize. The shelf is designed to withstand up to 150 pounds!

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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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

With each New Year comes an abundance of health resolutions. However well intended, many people often fall short of meeting their wellness goals. This year, increase the odds of realizing resolution success with the help of practical and purposeful diet, fitness, self-care and other healthy living products. The marketplace is teeming with ingenious solutions, such as those cited below, which can help ensure you look and feel your very best from top to bottom, and from the inside out, all year through.

Theradome Laser Hair Restoration Helmet (www.Theradome.com) - $895
Theradome LH80 PRO is the first and only FDA cleared, over-the-counter laser hair restoration helmet for at-home use. This incredible invention has proven to grow new, healthy hair, double the follicle size of existing hair, and slow down or stop hair loss. In clinical trials, 100% of users experienced improvements to their hair growth, with 98% experiencing medically significant improvements. And the process is so easy. Users simply wear the helmet around the house for 20 minutes, twice a week. Theradome utilizes 80 specially developed, high-efficiency lasers to deliver the maximum amount of light at an optimized wavelength all over the scalp. Also very noteworthy is the fact that Theradome has zero side effects, unlike almost every other type of hair loss treatment.

SUPREME Advanced BOTO Targeted Age Defying Wrinkle Filler (www.PremierDeadSea-usa.com)Specially developed to target wrinkles, this breakthrough, dual action formula is fortified with an exclusive fusion of actives that immediately go to work filling creases and re-plumping skin. SUPREME Advanced BOTO Targeted Age Defying Wrinkle Filler is a unique, potent, paraben-free formula that contains phospholipids and stem cells to cultivate beautiful looking skin. Supreme is the newest line by Premier. The entire line is paraben-Free and features plant based-stem cells. BOTO, a play on the word BOTOX, provides intense moisturization and both short and long term wrinkle relief by “plumping” the surface to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Just apply the filler directly into the wrinkle base in soft movements, lightly tapping until absorbed. The product can be used alone or as part of the full BOTO Age Defying Kit that includes Age Defying Cream, Serum, Mask and, of course, the Targeted Wrinkle Filler.

Colorescience Anti-Aging Serum (www.Colorescience.com) - $150

Experience immediate results and continued benefits with Colorescience Anti-Aging Serum, a 3-in-1 treatment product clinically shown to improve your appearance. This serum is designed to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin’s resiliency, clarity, texture, tone, hydration and luminosity. The product contains Decaplex-10—a synergistic peptide complex that improves the signs of aging, improve skin firmness and texture to appear smoother. This Anti-Aging Serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with increased hydration and firmness. One clinical study of this product showed that 97% of patients experienced overall improvements in fine lines, skin texture, and clarity while 100% experienced improvements in the overall appearance of crow’s feet, radiance and firmness. Colorescience Anti-Aging Serum is ideal for all skin types.

Luxie Rose Gold Synthetic 12-Piece Makeup Brush Set (www.LuxieBeauty.com) - $110
The Luxie Rose Gold Collection Synthetic 12-Piece Makeup Brush Set is a 100% Animal Cruelty Free brush set with high quality synthetic hair bristles that are soft to the touch. From a health perspective, I particularly like this set because it’s coated with a revolutionary antibacterial solution for minimal brush cleansing, ensuring your brushes remain fresh and clean for longer periods of time. Also well designed for makeup application, the density of the brushes allow for an even application without any wasted product and does not absorb the product into the bristles. Each brush is cut to precision in order to perfectly apply products to the natural contours of the face. With its Vegan makeup qualities from bristles to ferrule, this Rose Gold brush set is a great addition to your makeup collection.

PanOxyl Acne Products (www.PanOxyl.com) - $7.99-$11.99
Start the New Year off right by putting your best face forward with the help of PanOxyl’s dermatologist-recommended skincare products. The 10% Acne Cleansing Bar is perfect for the shower and for managing breakouts from head to toe. Have problems with dry skin? The 4% Acne Creamy Wash is pH-balanced to kill acne-causing bacteria while maintaining your skin's hydration. The best-selling 10% Acne Foaming Wash eliminates 99% of acne-causing bacteria with its maximum strength Benzoyl Peroxide formulation while the Advanced Acne Spot Treatment is the perfect on-the-go solution for fighting blemishes fast. The spot treatment is effective in killing acne-causing bacteria while being gentle on skin. With this set pimples don’t have a chance!

AeroOne Air Disinfection System (www.Amazon.com) - $899
Breathe easy this year with unparalleled indoor air quality courtesy of the AeroOne. The AeroOne is much more than an air purifier. It is an air disinfection system, designed to kill and remove living microorganisms from the air as efficiently as possible. Unlike standard physical air filtration systems, this device uses a unique, patent-pending solid reactor system which combines ultraviolet light with a solid matrix of UV-transmissible lenses combined with a filtration system stout enough to be used in hospitals. The AeroOne is creating a new generation of home air disinfection systems. Made in the U.S.A., the AeroOne uses high quality steel and components to ensure high end performance. This unit is especially helpful for people with asthma, allergies, and those who suffer from weak immune systems.

ZzzQuil Plugged-In Sleep Enhancer (www.Kaz.com) - $10.99
Quality sleep can be tough to come by, but with the ZzzQuil Plugged-In Sleep Enhancer you can create the ultimate sleep environment with the soothing aromas of lavender and chamomile. More than just spa-centric scent, lavender has actually been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, potentially putting you in a more relaxed state and leaving you feeling more vigorous in the morning. Equipped with heat activated ZzzPads, this purposeful plug-in gradually releases the calming scents for non-medicated comfort and a better night’s sleep. The compact, portable design also has adjustable scent levels to accommodate any sized room with up to 8 hours of aromatherapy relief.

The Smart Alert Nightlight (www.Leeo.com) - $99
The Smart Alert Nightlight is easy-to-use device with a beautiful sleek design that monitors a home’s existing smoke and CO alarms, tracks temperature and humidity, and alerts residents of any changes or issues via the free Leeo smartphone APP. The device also contains an LED light, which allows minimal energy consumption, and gives you access to over 16 million colors to customize based on mood, time of day or home décor. With no monthly fees or complicated installation required, homeowners and renters can secure their homes by simply plugging the device into a centralized power outlet. The associated Leeo APP works with the iPhone 4S or later and the iPod Touch (5th Gen or later) with iOS 7+.

Nutri Ninja Blender (www.NinjaKitchen.com) - $89.99
The Nutri Ninja combines a powerful 900-watt motor with Pro Extractor Blades, designed to break through skins, seeds and even stems, allowing you to enjoy the full natural benefits of your favorite foods. The Nutri Ninja is ideal for the fitness enthusiast, commuting professional or busy student, as it is capable of blending whole fruits, vegetables and ice into nutrient-complete juices within seconds in convenient single serve cups. Compared to traditional juicing, nutrient and vitamin extraction maintains healthy fiber to help keep consumers fuller, longer.  Product features include 18 and 24 ounce single serve cups, 2 Sip & Seal Lids, 30 recipes and a wellness guide. Its compact design provides for easy storage. This blender is also BPA free, dishwasher safe and microwave safe.

Powered ON Energy Beverage (www.PoweredOn.com) - $1.99 per bottle

Powered ON is for health-savvy individuals who work hard and play to win. Powered ON is the first and only U.S. beverage to feature ornithine, an amino acid that recently received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in October of 2013. Combining the proprietary, energy boosting and sustaining blend of ornithine and caffeine, this refreshing energy beverage is naturally sweetened, low calorie, and infused with essential B vitamins. Powered ON fuels endurance, increases stamina, and enhances focus. An added perk: it’s flavorful too! Finally, there’s a functional beverage that truly tastes good. When you want to perform at your full potential, join the “bevolution” and Power ON.

As one of the premier wine and food festivals in the nation and the largest in Southern California, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival continues to captivate the hearts, minds and mouths of epicures seeking to savor the best in food and drink while schmoozing with power players from America’s prolific gastro-scene. This year’s 11th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival again culminated with the legendary Grand Tasting Event, this year held on November 22, 2014, which was a magnificent mélange of some of the nation’s most celebrated chefs, local culinary rock stars, renowned winemakers and brewmasters, sommeliers, mixologists, authors and other F&B talents who titillated and satiated the collective palate of more than 10,000 eager event-goers.

As with years past, the famed Grand Tasting Event (this year presented by Kia K900) turned the San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park North into an epicurean epicenter where the city’s preeminent chefs and other distinguished culinary masters from around the nation converged with an international showcase of the world's premiere wine, beer and spirits purveyors to showcase tasty new food and drink trends and innovative techniques. This food lover’s paradise featured no less than 200 wineries, breweries and sprits from around the world, 70 local restaurants plus dozens of gourmet food companies, and an exciting “Chef of the Fest Competition” where San Diego’s best chefs take center stage. The magnitude of culinary talent at this one locale never ceases to amaze.

Grand Tasting spectacular aside, this year’s week-long San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival set out to deliver the most indulgent fête yet. For one, the 7-day experience highlighted San Diego’s vibrant culinary community with over 20 citywide events, wine and cooking classes, chef dinners, and multiple tasting events held throughout the week. These included rare tasting experiences like the highly-coveted tasting of the great Spanish wines of Vega Sicilia’s Unico from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as well as a First-Growth Bordeaux tasting of all five First Growths of the 1855 Bordeaux wine classification including Chateaux Lafite, Latour, Mouton, Margaux and Haut Brion.

As mentioned, this year’s Festival also attracted culinary greats from across the country, including James Beard award-winning chefs Nate Appleman, Gale Gand, and RJ Cooper, Iron Chef America winner Katsuya Fukushima, and Chef Richard Blais of BRAVO TV Top Chef fame. Local San Diego culinary greats rounded out the roster of chef-lebrities, including Bernard Guillas of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and The Marine Room, Ivan Flowers of Top of the Market, Aron Schwartz of Marina Kitchen, and Brian Bonney of The Oceanaire Seafood Room, among throngs of others.

Even amid all of this grandeur and gaiety, the annual Grand Tasting Event—the drool-inducing apex of the sizzling, star-studded week-long Festival—is what I consider to be the singular can’t-miss occurrence.  With restaurants, wineries, spirit and specialty food companies galore, it’s a marvelous opportunity to meander alongside the beautiful San Diego Bay as you partake in one of the largest and most lauded wine and food events in America.

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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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

Let’s be honest, today’s trend-focused teens can be hard to please. Sure, well-intended gifters can play it safe and go the gift card route but, in addition to these cards being decidedly boring to receive, they’re also easily lost and often forgotten. Some teens even trade them with friends for cash of lesser value, which is certainly not the desired result for the gift-giver.  This year, take heed…it’s easier than you think to give the teen or tween in your life something “cool” and on-trend that will elicit their elusive accolades. Here are a few great ideas.

Alpinestars Jetlag Sound Disk Beanie (www.Alpinestars.com) - $44.95
In collaboration with Aerial 7, the Alpinestars Sound Series is the integration of sound and sport through the combination of advanced technology with stylish, on-point apparel. For example, the company’s Jetlag Sound Disk Beanie features built in earbuds making it a fashion-forward way to keep the head warm and still be able to listen to high quality music output. Alpinestars Jetlag Sound Disk Beanie is designed to offer a perfect knit hat fit that also boasts adjustable speaker placement. In fact, the removable ultra-slim sound disk speakers are designed for comfort without sacrificing the music experience. This Beanie, available in blue and burgundy, also features a built-in microphone for use with iPhone or Blackberry. Alpinestars has outfitted countless world champions past and present and produces the highest level of performance and protective footwear and apparel. This boss beanie is case in point.

Nemesis Leather Cuff Watches (www.Overstock.com) - $46 - $52Keep your teen on time and on trend with a leather cuff watch, which is are all the rage right now. These timepieces make an edgy fashion statement and are practical to boot. Whether dressed up or down, a cuff watch can be that statement jewelry piece that commands all of the attention. Overstock.com carries many leather cuff watch designs but one of my favorites suitable for teens is the Nemesis Men's Brown Roman Numerals Watch with Brown Leather Cuff Band.  This watch features a brown background with silver dials while a 1.5" wide brown leather strap and steel alloy case finish this trendy timepiece. Movement is Japanese quartz and water resistance is 10 ATM/100 meters/330 feet. For gals, I love the somewhat similar . With its brown leather cuff and contemporary Arabic numerals, this timepiece will add modern style to any outfit. The polished alloy case gives this watch added shine and durability. Like the men's watch, movement is Japanese quartz and water resistance is 10 ATM/100 meters/330 feet.

Seventeen Magazine Fashions (www.Sears.com) – Up to $50
Teen and tween girls will simply love fashions from Seventeen Magazine’s collection that’s available at Sears—perfect pieces for those girls wanting to warm up with the hottest styles. The line is bursting with stylish and playful looks, including super-cute sweaters and funky footwear well-suited for the holiday season. Being a premier teen style authority for the past 70 years, Seventeen’s holiday collection is sure to satisfy any trendy girl’s wish list as well as the gifter’s budget, since each piece retails for $50 or less. From stylish surprises to stocking stuffers, the full holiday collection includes apparel, accessories, footwear, handbags, and jewelry girls can easily wear from the early months of fall straight into the holiday season and beyond.

Big Feet Pajamas (www.BigFeetPJs.com) - $16-$50
Footed PJs have made a comeback in recent years and no company does it better than Big Feet Pajamas—a trusted brand with over 340,000 Facebook Fans. This company’s flannel onesies for teens and adults, alike, are made of 100% cotton flannel and are double-brushed for added softness and comfort. These pajamas button up the front and have non-slip soles. They even have a fun, drop-seat option! Also available are uber-soft fleece footed pajamas that are made of 100% micro-polar fleece that’s durable enough to last until the teen outgrows them. The fleece fabric this company uses is said to be higher quality than other fleece pajamas and will not pill when taken out of the dryer, so they’ll always look and feel great. These pajamas also button up the front and have non-slip soles, and are available with or without the drop seat. Both flannel and fleece are available in nine colors and fun prints.

CanvasPop Canvas Prints (www.CanvasPop.com) - Starting at $30
Have a photograph or cool graphic image that would make fantastic canvas wall art? Here’s the perfect solution: CanvasPop. You can print any photo or picture onto canvas, even turning tiny Instagram, Facebook and iPhone photos into big, bold and beautiful wall art. CanvasPop is a quick and easy way to get photos off of a device and onto your teen’s walls. CanvasPop uses the highest quality materials and every print is hand-crafted in the USA. It always arrives ready to hang—the package even includes the nail! CanvasPop was reportedly the first company to print Instagram photos as canvas prints, and utilizes their proprietary technology to ensure even small, low-resolution images can be a stunning décor addition. You can even work one-on-one with a personal designer from the company to ensure your print is perfect. CanvasPop also offers a 100% lifetime guarantee on its products.

Selfie, The Game of Silly Expressions (www.USAopoly.com) - $14.95
What does your Selfie Say? Find out with Selfie–The Game of Silly Expressions. Draw a card, take a selfie, then watch as your friends and family guess your expression. The favorite guess gets a point and the player with the most points at the end wins. Make a silly face and SAY CHEESE because today is the day to play and share with #theselfiegame. This 4-player game is great for parties, sleep-overs and get-togethers with friends for ages 13 years and up. A 20-minute quick play time means there's always time for a Selfie!

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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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

Holiday travel is tough enough in the best of circumstances and is all-too-often fraught with challenges, including crowded freeways, overbooked flights, Wi-Fi downtime and generally not having necessary items at hand. While on-the-go, trying to look stylish, feel good, remain safe, and comfortably tote important belongings around is often harder than it needs to be. Relief and assists are readily available as exemplified by the following collection of handy travel helpers—all of which will help keep the happy in your holidays.

AT&T Unite for GoPhone Mobile Hotspot - (www.att.com) - $99.99
When traveling, there are times when WiFi access is essential and you don’t want to be limited to just the network configured with your phone, laptop or other device.  Or, perhaps your network is unavailable, leaving you in a lurch.  To better ensure you have connectivity when needed, consider the AT&T Unite for GoPhone—a mobile hotspot device that connects to AT&T's wireless network and turns that wireless connection into a WiFi hotspot. The AT&T Unite provides *secure* internet access for multiple tablets, laptops, iPod Touches, phones and other WiFi devices. It works just like a WiFi hotspot at a coffee shop or at home, except it goes where you go. With no annual contract or credit check, you can simply buy data when you need it so you can stay connected to the Internet while you’re out and about.

Solo Executive UNIVERSAL FIT Tablet Padfolio and
Solo Active Universal Tablet Sling (www.Solo.net) - $32.99 - $69.99
As you travel, you need a case that’s as ambitious and hardworking as you are. Solo bags and cases certainly fit the bill, offering that coveted combination of performance, style and quality.  Two great options are the Executive UNIVERSAL FIT Tablet Padfolio featuring patent pending technology—a proprietary tension clip design—to assure a secure hold.  The “universal” nature of this case provides flexibility to use the same case for countless brands and models of tablets and eReaders like all generations of the iPad and others by Samsung. With a handsome full grain leather body, this Padfolio also contains slip pockets for important papers, a pocket for business cards, a pen loop and zip around closure. Another fantastic ubiquitous option for wrangling your tablet or eReader is Solo’s Active Universal Tablet Sling, which is also compatible with all iPad generations as well as Samsung tablets. The durable case features a padded, adjustable sling strap for over-the-shoulder convenience and has a removable clip to facilitate left or right side use. The lightweight bag also has a padded compartment to protect all tablets and eReaders up to 10.2” and a zip down organizer section.

JILL-E Leather Career Bag (www.Jill-E.com) - $189.99
The Jill-e Career Bag is a high-performance professional carry bag that's as suitable in the boardroom as it is on the town. Made with genuine leather, this chic carrier protects devices and other contents while providing the professional look and beautiful feel of top quality leather. The padded interior laptop pouch includes a strap to securely protect a 12" laptop or a tablet device. Organization is assured by dedicated pockets for smartphones, pens, sunglasses, cards, etc. The interior of the bag also features an additional zippered pocket for storing personal items. The JILL-E Leather Career Bag also features a removable shoulder strap, as well as comfortable handles with an 8.5 " drop.

Topricin Foot Therapy Cream (www.Topricin.com) - $16.95 - $24.95
Traveling is tough on the body and can be particularly hard on your feet. From running through the airport to catch a flight to taking one tour after another, our feet get quite the workout. This can result in aches and pains that can even ruin an experience. For this reason, consider packing Topricin Foot Therapy Cream. This handy travel companion is specially formulated with 14 natural medicines in an odorless, greaseless, moisturizing base to soothe and relieve foot and ankle aches, pains, cramps, and injuries. When you apply Topricin to the legs, ankles and feet before air travel, it quickly maximizes the body’s healing and repairing process keeping you comfortable the entire flight! Also safe for Diabetics, Topricin Foot Therapy is free of parabens, petroleum, counter-irritants, and other harsh chemicals, and is patented for the treatment of pain associated with neuropathy. Apply the crème before wearing high-heels for a great post-pedicure treatment. Made in the U.S.A., all Topricin products are federally-regulated over-the-counter medicines with no known side effects.

Spoiled Naturally Lotion Bar (www.SpoiledNaturally.com) - $8.50
Travel, especially air travel, can be quite dehydrating and keeping skin soft, smooth and healthy can be a challenge. But, consider re-thinking your approach to how you hydrate your skin, as there are more natural and decidedly neater alternatives to chemical-filled creams and messy lotions. One great option are the Solid Lotion Bars by Spoiled Naturally. Shaped like a bar of soap, Spoiled Naturally’s Solid Lotion Bars are designed with ease, convenience and well-being in mind. Just rub the bar lightly on your skin and your body heat with melt just enough of it to allow you to rub it onto your hands and skin. It absorbs quickly, penetrating the dermis to help keep your skin soft and smooth for hours. The bar form allows you to utilize every the last drop and the convenient carrying case will let you hydrate on-the-go without the threat of spills. Because it’s not a liquid, it’s also TSA friendly! Wherever you're heading, carry a Spoiled Naturally bar to keep your skin silky smooth. The company offers various fragrances such as pineapple strawberry, chocolate strawberry and lemongrass.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush (www.ColoreScience.com) - $52
Getting from point A to point Z, and everywhere in between, often requires a good deal of sun exposure and it’s important to keep your facial skin protected to avoid skin damage. Of course, you also want to put your best face forward makeup-wise to stay fresh looking all throughout the day or night. Here’s a product that has you covered on all fronts. The Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush easily fits in your purse, making it an ideal holiday travel beauty tool. With it, you’ll stay protected from sun damage and its aging effects while benefitting from the make up’s soft focus finish. This Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush has SPF 30 that provides safe, non-irritating UVA and UVB sun protection, while the self-dispensing powder brush makes it easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day or night for continual coverage. This product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and also refillable.

Shave Well Travel Mirror (www.Amazon.com) - $9.99
Guys, when you're away from home the last thing you want to do is be slowed down by shaving—or inconveniences and complications related thereto. I know many men prefer to shave in the shower because it’s more comfortable, and also because the warm water relaxes your hair follicles, making shaving quicker and easier to perform. With the portable Shave Well Travel Mirror, you can still shave in the shower even when you’re not in your own home. In addition to being non-breakable, lightweight and easy to affix to any shower surface, this cool tool is also fog-free. In the few seconds you hold it under the shower spray, the temperature of the moist air and the mirror equalize to create a long lasting, truly fog free image for the duration of your shower. No more temperature difference—no more annoying fog. The benefits are crystal clear.

Carmex Moisture Plus (www.MyCarmex.com) - $2.99
No matter what the season or the reason you’re out and about, healthy lips are always in style! With four super cute, fashion-focused patterns on the product’s exterior, Carmex Moisture Plus lip balm makes it easy and stylish to moisturize on-the-go. Each charming stick is made with aloe, vitamin E and shea butter to provide extreme moisture that’ll keep your pout pretty for an extended period of time. Of course, Carmex products are always gluten-free and never tested on animals. Also eco-conscious, since 2010 Carmex has used 20 percent less plastic in its containers that has reduced their plastic use by 70,000 pounds annually. With Carmex, you can keep your lips soft and revel in using a socially conscious product as you jaunt to and fro.

Little Viper fashion pepper spray bracelet (www.LittleViper.com) - $19.99
Travel with confidence this holiday season with your own personal safety chaperone: Little Viper—the world's FIRST and ONLY fashion pepper spray self-defense bracelet. While extremely lightweight, weighing in at only one ounce, Little Viper packs a peppery punch. The inconspicuous bracelet contains 10% OC pepper spray that offers 3-6 bursts with a full 3' range—no need to remove the bracelet to use it, so it’s always at-the-ready. Other pepper sprays on the market are only advantageous if you are carrying them in your hand. The Little Viper is an adjustable bracelet you can wear any time without having to even think about it. Little Viper is one size fits most, 8.5" long, and made from comfortable adjustable silicone. It has a fashionable, low-profile design so nobody will know you're carrying, albeit wearing, pepper spray.

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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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

While poor posture is long-proven to cause a litany of adverse medical issues, one less tangible yet critical aspect is often overlooked: our personal image. Just look around any public venue and you’ll notice that nearly everyone tends to slouch, making them far less alluring and seemingly less confident than if they were simply sitting up straight. Indeed, those with good posture exude a greater air of elegance, self-assurance, poise and, in a work environment, professionalism and a stronger presence overall.  With these and other benefits of maintaining good posture well in mind, Parisian clothing company UpCouture has developed the “Up T-Shirt”—a revolutionary, fashion-forward line of women’s and men’s posture stabilizing shirts that are as sophisticated as they are salutary.

As the world's first anti-slouching T-shirt, UpCouture’s innovative Up T-Shirt is a modern, chic and stylish improvement over posture-promoting garments of yore, including back braces, corsets, vests and other tops that marginally address society’s enduring droop. However, the Up T-Shirt takes posture apparel to a whole new level.

Thanks to a pioneering patented active mechanism, extra-thin elastic film built in-between organic cotton layers within the Up T-shirt comfortably and gently pushes and maintains the shoulders in a straight position. The effect is more aesthetically pleasing, making the wearer look more composed and even slimmer.

The Up T-Shirt is a marvel of ingenious action melded with modern textile technology and leading edge fashion practices. The extra-thin configuration of elastic bands that are sewn and bonded into the garment proffer the optimal level of pressure, which makes the t-shirt less comfortable to wear when slouching than when maintaining good posture. The shirt doesn’t actually force the wearer's posture into position, which would weaken his or her back muscles, but rather uses an optimal level of pressure to redirect the wearer’s shoulders into the right position when they leave their correct alignment. In addition, Up T-Shirts employ a particularly resilient and high quality form of elastic resistance that encourages better posture without degrading over time. And, the Up T-shirt gets even more comfortable as the posture improves. All of this as the rest of the ethically respectful and environment friendly t-shirt’s 92% organic cotton makeup ensures a soft and flexible fit. In fact, Up T-Shirts have earned a GOTS certificate ensuring ethical and organic production standards for the cotton, itself, are adhered to. As fashionable as they are functional, the Up T-Shirts are available in a range of styles and colors for both women and men.

The Up T-shirt line is the brainchild of lawyer Neda Naef, CEO of UpCouture, who was working most of the day at the computer and longed for a more empowering posture. Naef never had any back problems or pains, but was concerned about the non-aesthetic appearance caused by her slouching. Naef was a fitness enthusiast and in great physical shape, so she felt that if she herself had trouble maintaining good posture through the day, then a great number of other people probably have the problem. In fact, Naef noticed that bad posture was rampant throughout society.

“Whether people are sitting at the computer or using their handheld devices, standing at the bus stop, or simply moving through a day's routine, most have poor posture—some to an extent that seems debilitating and most certainly does not enhance their appeal or attractiveness.” Naef notes.

In attempting to solve the problem, Naef found devices that would either uncomfortably and inefficiently compress the torso, or just have no effect at all. She began studying the physiological mechanisms that promote optimal posture and, with that knowledge, she began a lengthy R&D process to facilitate those mechanisms through an elastic resistance, activated by the natural movement of one’s arms. Once perfected, the unique double-8 mechanism of elastic resistance she created was then merged with beautiful fashions that would resonate with today’s style savvy marketplace. The result is the ground-breaking Up T-Shirt line that has amassed devotees around the globe. In fact, UpCouture’s proprietary mechanism has been acknowledged as being completely new, having been accepted for international patent without any restriction.

"Rather than focusing on what are valid medical and health benefits of good posture, our goal is to offer beautiful, fashion-forward d garments that not only foster a feeling of wellness the entire length of time it’s worn, but also enhance the wearer’s presence, presentation and manner in a way no other piece of apparel can achieve. Back, neck and shoulder pain, or the lack thereof, aside, every adult needs to strive to maintain good posture. The Up T-Shirt is truly a unique fashion fix."

The t-shirt which loves you

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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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

For a foodie, eating isn't just about filling the proverbial tank it's about stirring the senses and satiating the soul. It's about sourcing the best ingredients and the perfect way to prepare and present them. For a passionate epicurean, there's nothing like having the right kitchen tool for the job at hand. For this sect, killer kitchenware is more than a luxury—it’s fundamental. With this in mind, enjoy this tasty buffet of gastronome gadgets and gear sure to satisfy.

Jura ENA Micro 9 One Touch (www.us.Jura.com) - $1,399
For those who are truly serious about their java and can’t live without a high caliber cappuccino, the Jura ENA Micro 9 One Touch is a dream. Cappuccino and other tasty coffee beverages are just one touch away with this automatic coffee center, which was named “Best of the Best—Silver” and “Best in Category” in the 2013 Housewares Design Awards. Also space savvy, the Jura ENA Micro 9 One Touch is the world’s smallest one-touch automatic cappuccino machine, featuring a new micro brewing unit and Jura’s fine foam technology to assure delectable crema coffee, espresso, latte macchiato and more. Jura’s famed fine foam technology froths or steams milk with a feather-light consistency. The Jura ENA Micro 9 One Touch also includes a built-in burr grinder, rotary switch and height adjustable dual spout.

Harley Pasternak Power Blender (www.Salton.com) - $249.99
Perfectionist foodie’s will love Salton’s Power Blender by Harley Pasternak, a Fitness & Nutrition Guru to the Hollywood Stars and New York Times Best-Selling Author. Complete with an 8-Blade Blending System, this power blender’s stainless steel blades blends, crushes, emulsifies, chops, purées, liquefies whole fruits and vegetables, ice, frozen fruit, nuts and other foodstuffs with Japanese precision. The two quart BPA free Tritan jar features a unique cloverleaf shape that creates a vortex, which eliminates pockets of unblended food. This combination of features make it easy to prepare beverages as well as hot foods, including soups and sauces, in minutes. In addition, each Harley Pasternak Power Blender comes with a Harley-approved color recipe book.

Juicepresso (www.JuicepressoUSA.com) - $499.99Taking cold press juicers to the next level is Juicepresso–a sleeker, easier-to-clean machine with a patented one-piece extraction system that reduces moving parts, is dishwasher safe, and makes using a juicer use easier than ever. Users enjoy all the benefits of cold press juicing–including 40% more juice volume, 72-hour juice life and a bigger nutritional punch than centrifugal juicers–along with the smallest footprint and lowest maintenance of any in-home slow juicer on the market. Juicepresso’s unique three-in-one extractor system merges the auger, strainer and rotating brush components that do the heavy lifting of a cold press juicer into a single, easy-to-clean, BPA-free unit.

Magic Chef 28-Bottle Wine Cooler (www.HomeDepot.com) - $199.00
The Magic Chef 28-Bottle Wine Cooler is a freestanding, classically designed and fully equipped device that adds a sleek and sophisticated look to any kitchen and is a perfect gift idea for the wine aficionado in your life. The cooler’s exterior consists of a sleek black cabinet and elegant door frame, while the interior features six removable chrome racks that secure the wine bottles into place. White illumination stage lighting showcases the entire bottle collection. This device features a thermoelectric cooling system that chills wine quickly and quietly to the desired temperature between 54° – 66° F), set with an easy touch electronic control panel and digital display. The Magic Chef 28-Bottle Wine Cooler also has an auto-defrost feature. It also comes with a one-year warranty.

Rabbit Wine-Chilling Carafe (www.Metrokane.com) - $50.00
White or rosé wine from the fridge can lose its chill and taste appeal rather quickly. In an 80 degree environment, wine can seem too warm in just 15 minutes or less. With the Rabbit Wine-Chilling Carafe, wine drinkers can enjoy a bottle of chilled wine at leisure—for 90 minutes or more. The Rabbit Wine-Chilling Carafe keeps wine cool in a natural way with no plastic ice chamber and no freezable chemicals. It’s a highly effective chilling carafe because the stainless ice chamber is an extremely efficient cold-transfer material that is far superior to glass or plastic. This carafe holds a full 750 ml bottle, and its beautiful design brings a touch of elegance to serving wine both indoors or out.

With so many hotel options in New York City it’s difficult to be distinctive. But the Sofitel New York hotel effectively sets itself apart from the pack by bringing the French style of luxury living to discerning guests taking a bite of the Big Apple.

While boutique in its service sensibility, Sofitel New York encompasses a 30-story building overlooking 44th and 45th streets. The hotel offers a full 398 guest rooms and 52 suites—including a presidential suite—that exude a sophisticated, modern European ambience and a Paris-to-New York jet-set style. In fact, the hotel’s structural design is one of masterfully executed Parisian Art Deco melded with 1940s Manhattan glamour, courtesy of architect Brennan Beer Gorman who was awarded for the “best new skyscraper for design and functionality” upon the property’s 2000 opening.

Throughout the interior, the property’s Art Deco yet contemporary interior décor, designed by renowned Parisian designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, is reminiscent of an upscale, formal private club but also radiates the warmth of a gracious home. Perched majestically near the lobby staircase is l’Oiseau–the Bird–a sculpture by Jean-Michel Foulon, which is said to be soaring upward to convey a feeling of flying in silent tribute to the bicentennial of the French Revolution. Overall, the sensory effect is quite transportive as Sofitel New York emanates a sophisticated Parisian-chic countenance.

Parisian Immersion
In a town where it can be difficult if not impossible to distinguish oneself, Balendra Nagesvaran, Vice President of Hotel Operations for North America and General Manager of Sofitel New York, is eager to point out precisely why he feels this hotel offers its guests a distinctly different level of hospitality. He explains, “The hotel is infused with the French art de vivre and brings elements of French culture to the guest experience such as a ‘bonjour’ at check-in, Parisian Art Deco-inspired guestrooms, elegant floral displays, and exquisite Brasserie cuisine at Gaby.” Nagesvaran continues, “The hotel’s location is also a differentiator. We’re in the heart of Manhattan’s bustling theater district and just minutes away from Fifth Avenue, the center of Manhattan’s business, art and cultural scenes.”

Nagesvaran also commented on Sofitel New York’s commitment to impeccable internationally-oriented service. “The passion and attention to detail that is generated by our hotel staff is a stand out for me. Our hotel is staffed with French-speaking ambassadors in each department, and our staff speaks a combined total of 52 languages.”

Distinctive Digs
True to Nagesvaran’s word, I myself was greeted by multiple hotel staff with a friendly, “Bonjour” making me feel like I was actually in the City of Light. Even once settled into my room, which incidentally had a direct view of the Empire State Building off to the left, the feeling that I was in a Paris flat remained. All rooms at Sofitel New York feature spacious marble baths outfitted with a separate tub and rain shower, wood-framed beveled mirrors, and marble vanities stocked with imported French bath amenities by Lanvin or, if you’re staying in a suite, by Hermès.

The focal point of each guest room is a custom maple or rosewood three-paneled, full-wall headboard with a recessed, spot-lit niche—the perfect display for the large colorful painting above each bed. And, speaking of beds, New York may be the “city that never sleeps” but with Sofitel’s signature feather-top and duvet “SoBeds,” catching a few winks to recharge for a night on the town is wonderfully indulgent. To further evoke a sense of geography, the walls in the rooms are like an art gallery, showcasing both vintage and current black-and-white photography from Paris and New York. Of course, windows provide various Manhattan vistas that range from 44th Street to the Chrysler Building. All rooms are bathed in natural light, and if you’re looking for something extra, two of the rooms feature private balconies.

On the practical side, each guest room includes a built-in or standing desk with integrated data port and multiple phone lines, flat-screen television, BOSE music system, wireless internet access and a fully stocked minibar.

Relative to hotel services, Sofitel New York include everything you would expect from an AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel brand such as 24-hour room service, concierge service, nightly turn-down service with Evian water and international newspaper delivery.

French Fare
No visit to Sofitel New York is complete without a visit to Gaby, the hotel’s acclaimed on-site restaurant that is another source of pride for Nagesvaran, who remarked, “Fine French cuisine served at Gaby Brasserie Française is another differentiator for us. Executive Chef Sylvain Harribey, who won Food Network’s Chopped among many other culinary achievements, serves up classic French cuisine with tons of personality.”

With such an endorsement, I eagerly visited Gaby for dinner service where I reveled in the restaurant’s creamy Eggplant and Porcini Soup, Mesclun Salad topped with exquisite shaved parmesan; and a classic Duck Confit all capped off with a seductive Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée topped with fresh berries. Gaby is also known for fusion fare, with a range of international dishes with Asian, Latin or African influences. The bar at Gaby is a great spot for happy hour, where patrons can partake in 40 different wines by the glass that can be perfectly paired with artisanal cheeses that the restaurant rotates monthly.

A Look Ahead
When asked about the hotel’s plans for the future, Nagesvaran is excited about a bevy of upcoming changes that will continue to position the hotel as a premier reference point for the Sofitel brand in New York and globally. “Renovations to the hotel are definitely top of mind for long and short term, she said. “We have plans to renovate the lobby, bringing a modern and contemporary feel to the space. Updates will also be made to Gaby Brasserie and Gaby Bar. In the long term we’re looking at room renovations.”

Sofitel New York has it all with world class service, well-appointed accommodations and an array of on-site amenities, but what truly sets this hotel apart is the authentic cultural character expressed in art, style, food, drink, and that certain je ne sais quoi only the French can deliver.

Sofitel New York: Parisian Chic in the City
Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit: Sofitel

“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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

Courtesy Sundance Helicopters

When visiting Las Vegas there’s no better VIP experience than buzzing the famed strip by helicopter en route to a tour of the Grand Canyon—especially one paired with a champagne picnic in the colossal canyon, itself. And, no company does this better than Sundance Helicopters that for nearly 30 years has been making passengers feel high and mighty in Sin City.

Partner Power

Founded in 1985, Sundance Helicopters is the most experienced tour company in Las Vegas. Its litany of mission critical partnerships is a testament to the company’s sound business practices and aviation expertise. For one, Sundance has the longest standing relationship with the Hualapai Nation Native American Indian Tribe—a partnership that itself extends over 25 years—which has facilitated incredible access to their reservation within the Grand Canyon. Sundance Helicopters is also the partner of choice to assist the U.S. government in military support missions. Additionally, Sundance works with top production companies in the entertainment industry such as Disney, Warner Brothers, the E! television network, and Paramount. However, perhaps the company’s most important partnership is with Air Methods Corporation, making it the world’s largest provider of helicopter tours. With nothing taken for granted, rest assured Sundance Helicopters is at the top of its tour game.

Lounge Lizards

Paramount among the company’s luxe offerings is the VIP Deluxe Grand Canyon Champagne Picnic Tour. This elite experience begins with a complimentary limo pickup from any property on the strip. Tours start early, and there are booking time options available all day long. As would be expected, the sunrise and sunset tours are particularly popular, since the Grand Canyon—unforgettable and magnificent in any moment—is nothing short of awe-inspiring when the rising and setting sun gleams over the majestic terrain.

The limo drops guests off at the revamped Sundance Helicopters terminal—a 13,000 square foot facility complete with a VIP lounge where celebs and other A-listers and high rollers can enjoy added privacy and security as well as charging stations, a patio waiting area and a conference room. Visitors are greeted at the terminal by a walkway shaded with a 25-foot canopy leading into a bustling reception and registration area. A gift shop sells an assortment of apropos keepsakes, including stunning hand-made art and figurines from the Hualapai Nation.

Earth tones and comfortable leather seats set the scene in the adjacent VIP lounge while photographs on display, taken by artist Paul Michael, provide a show-stopping glimpse of the tour ahead, including incredible scenes from both the Grand Canyon and the Las Vegas Strip. A decidedly impressive view from the VIP room is the Sundance helicopters, themselves, which include five new state-of-the-art choppers soon to comprise the entire fleet.

Haute Helicopters

Sundance offers 16 different Grand Canyon tours with its fleet of 25 helicopters. However, the face of that fleet is changing, with five new EC-130T2 helicopters and plans to replace the entire fleet with these sleek new models by 2018. The more technologically-advanced, environmentally-friendly EC-130 provides better performance and more comfort and luxury than its predecessor with features such as ample leg room and leather, energy absorbing, forward facing seats; a Bose sound system; larger, wraparound windows; and air conditioning—a blessing during the blazing summer months. Additionally, while the EC-130 helicopter overall is 23% larger than the older choppers, it is also the quietest aircraft in its class, adhering to or exceeding stringent noise standards.

Aesthetically, the EC-130 is a stunner with a sleek body that gleams with reflective chrome plating, embellished with genuine gold and silver detail. It’s sky bling at its best!

Tour-Tacular

Once everyone is secured on board and headsets are in place on all passengers, the Sundance Helicopter tour is poised for take-off. Once airborne, the first point of interest on the tour is the Hoover Dam, even more impressive from this sky-high vantage point, and then Lake Mead. The headsets play strategically timed and themed music interspersed with an audio recording—available in nine languages—distilling facts and figures about the sights below. The friendly and knowledgeable pilot adds interesting first-person perspective and commentary as well. Passengers really hit pay dirt amid a breathtaking approach to the Grand Canyon, flying above and within the behemoth, beautifully striated stone formations. Like a magic carpet ride, the helicopter ever-so-smoothly descends 3,200 feet to fly passengers over the Colorado River and in between the walls of the Canyon as they’re bathed in the golden light of the desert sun.

Bubbles and Boulders

There is no restaurant on the planet that can compare to a picnic on the floor of the Grand Canyon. While the company offers various picnic options, I basked in the champagne breakfast tour that was simple yet stylish, made all the more delicious by the spectacular surroundings. Various tour groups convene at a picnic site owned and leased to Sundance by the Hualapai Nation. The pilots make an extraordinary effort to respect the land, ensuring no litter is left behind. On the day of my tour the continental breakfast consisted of a blueberry muffin, Nature Valley granola bar, croissant, fresh grapes, orange juice, bottled ice water and champagne for the 21-plus crowd. Amid the splendor that surrounds, photo opps abound and the pilots are perfectly happy to oblige and take pictures of you and your companions in front of the helicopter, stone crests and any other available vista of choice. These are photographs certain to be cherished for a lifetime.

Amazingly, the tour continues to surpass expectations with an after-breakfast flight through the Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. The final leg of the helicopter tour is a spin down The Strip itself, impressive and interesting at any time of day. Of course, for those with a burning desire to see The Strip at night, Sundance offers twilight tours as well.

A Fab Finish

With the VIP tour option you can take a complimentary souvenir pre-recorded tour DVD and personal souvenir photograph (taken in front of the helicopter before take-off) home with you. While you’re certainly welcome to take your own pictures and videos, it’s good to have the option of professional quality photographs and video footage.

The tour, which lasts about three and a half hours in total, culminates with complimentary limo service back to your hotel. The current per-person cost for this tour is around $538 and includes all taxes and fees. Considering the high level of service, the exciting ride and the unparalleled scenery sure to leave an indelible mark on your memory as a remarkable life experience, this tour is truly priceless.

Courtesy Sundance Helicopters

“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.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific seacoast in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is famous here as the source of Tequila.

Guadalajara is the capital of the state, but lying inland among mountains, its climate and cuisine are different from that of the coast.

A recent visit to Puerto Vallarta introduced me to some intriguing new culinary delights as well as new spins on familiar favorites.

It also brought a few surprises, for foods with familiar names sometimes turned out to be far different from what I expected.

But you have to get away from the resorts and tourist magnets to find the real food. Fortunately, that’s easy to do, and what you’ll find is inexpensive as well as tasty.

Also note that the food isn’t necessarily very spicy, just flavorful. However, as in other parts of the tropics, hot sauces are popular, and you can spice up the dishes to the level you like. The favorite commercial

As in other parts of the tropics, hot sauces are popular there. The favorite there is Salsa Huichol, which is available in local Mexican markets. It reportedly contains cascabel peppers, cumin, salt and vinegar.

Tapatio is a nickname for the native for natives of Jalisco, but Tapatio hot sauce is made in California by a native of Guadalajara. It appears to contain garlic but not cumin.

Luxurious spas are de rigueur at any high end resort. However, the Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort takes the integrative spa and fitness experience to an impressive level. Arizona’s stark beauty provides a stunning backdrop for this revered retreat—a behemoth 65-acre sanctuary neighboring the Sonoran Desert with the McDowell Mountains in view beyond.

The initial approach to this property, which is Arizona’s longest running AAA Five Diamond hotel—24 years to date, is like happening upon a desert oasis replete with picturesque palm trees, lush landscaping and cascading fountain beckoning guests into the resort’s front entrance. Mere milliseconds after I drove into the covered valet I was greeted by the property’s resident “cowboy,” offering me and my guests cold water and a warm welcome. No surprise given the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort is well-known for its award-winning service.

On this aspect of the experience Pam Gilbert, the property’s Director of Sales and Marketing, underscores an impressive point that most of Guest Services/Bell Stand team has been at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for at least 10 years, if not 20 or more and prides themselves on offering personalized service—often getting to know returning guests by name. She cites that the resort’s Director of Guest Services, Thomas Williams, was named “Outstanding Manager of the Year” by the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association and went on to win the national award from the American Hotel & Lodging Association in Washington, D.C.

And so my vacation began. After regarding the resort’s gorgeous Spanish architecture from the outside, now a neutral beige versus the princess pink exterior of yore, it was time to settle in to my accommodations. There are ten different types of room options at this property that start with the simple yet meticulously detailed 525-square foot Fairmont room appropriately decorated in Southwestern décor. On the high end, the property boasts a 2,100-square foot Presidential suite complete with a living/parlor area that seats six, two bathrooms, a 600-square foot bedroom and a covered patio among other inducements. Also available are stand-alone Casita Suites, 850-square foot versions of beautifully appointed Spanish Colonial estates. The separate living and sleeping areas are a boon for families or those on a working vacation, and the gas fireplace sets a more romantic mood for couples in the winter months. The wet bar with Nespresso machine and the 42″ LG flat screen television are crowd pleasers for all. The Casita area of the resort features its own private pool area with Jacuzzi, which makes staying in these detached dwellings perfect for those who truly want to get away from it all.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

But, no matter where on the property guests stay, beauty abounds. According to Gilbert, the resort grounds are one of the hallmarks that set this property apart. Sonoran Desert cactus blends with lily pad lagoons, a fragrance garden and a “living wall” of flowers. With the desert flora comes local fauna, the most popular of which is Cecil—a desert tortoise with his own habitat where guests can feed, touch and otherwise ogle this gentle creature. Bunnies, blue heron, ducks, fish and water turtles are other on-site inhabitants that guests will likely see during their visit. For youngsters, the resort offers a Trailblazers Kids Club where children will meet the mascot, a bearded dragon named Skittles, plus see spiders and snakes kept in aquariums.

With bags unpacked and having soaked in my surroundings, it was time to focus on what I really wanted to do at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: hit the spa! Well & Being is an expansive on-site destination spa that bills itself as one that “embraces a foundation of whole health, inspiring guests to be healthy, balanced and a more energetic version of themselves,” which is achieved by delivering a “personal and sustainable wellness program to guests who wish to incorporate optimal health and lifestyle choices with guidance before, during and long after they leave the resort setting.” I aimed to see for myself how these laudable yet lofty goals would be achieved.
It turns out that Well & Being fuses health, wellness, nutrition, integrative medicine, cutting edge fitness classes, advanced skincare and personal care to offer an exceedingly broad range of innovative spa experiences that suit any guest’s needs or wants.

For those seeking to get, or stay, in shape while in Scottsdale, one great option is the individualized “Fitness Prescription” program. It starts with a consultation with the resort’s resident exercise physiologist who performs a fitness assessment and risk analysis and discusses fitness goals, lifestyle and exercise preferences. The assessment includes three diagnostics: the BodPod, the Body Gem and the Fit Mate Pro. Quite notably, the BodPod measures body composition of fat versus lean muscle tissue while the Body Gem measures resting metabolic rate. The Fit Mate Pro is also extremely comprehensive, measuring maximum oxygen uptake, anaerobic uptake, anaerobic threshold predictions, individual training zones, strength and stamina. Wellness Coaching and Nutrition Consultation services are also available.
When you’re ready to sweat, there are any number of compelling options: Aerial Hammock Yoga, Pilates, spinning, body sculpting, Zumba, TRX and CrossFit to name a few. There is also themed programming by SICFIT and Krank Fusion. Of course, there is a fully stocked fitness center with all of the free weights, Nautilus and cardio equipment one would need to achieve health goals, whether that be to build strength and stamina or slim down. Staff fitness pros are readily available for group or one-on-one instruction.

After the fitness and nutrition endeavors, it’s a must to indulge in some relaxing spa therapy. The facilities and services offered at Well & Being are truly world class, comprehensive and rife with creature comforts that include an open air rooftop adult pool with private cabanas, co-ed grotto waterfall for the ultimate natural massage, Health Spa Cuisine and beverage services available inside the garden atrium or poolside, a wet steam room, eucalyptus inhalation room, Swedish dry sauna, hot therapeutic whirlpool, cold plunge pool and a Swiss shower. In addition to the full range of traditional spa services you would expect, such as massage, salon services, skin care, and body wraps, the resort also offers acupuncture and acupressure.

If outdoor activity is more your thing, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort also boasts a famed TPC Scottsdale Stadium Golf Course, which is home to the Annual PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open (closed for renovations until November 2014), and the Champions Course. Or, the concierge can arrange any kind of excursion to get your adrenaline flowing, including bike riding, rock climbing, hiking and more.

Of course, no spa-driven sabbatical is complete without some nutritious and delicious eats. Luckily, the resort features a Healthy Cuisine menu that serves up fitness-driven fare both day and night. Offerings include made-to-order smoothies, breakfast items like house-made granola, and lunch and dinner dishes like Grilled Shrimp & Edamame Succotash, Black Bean & Quinoa Burger, and Poached Atlantic Salmon. Healthy eating options are offered at the spa café, at any of the property’s pools, or for in-room dining so there’s no excuse not to stay the dietary course. When you are ready to indulge a bit, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort does offer some incredible dining options.
Gilbert notes, “Bourbon Steak, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, has a cellar with over 3,000 bottles, a sommelier and a Bar Commander who teaches cocktail classes twice a month. La Hacienda, named #1 Best Mexican Food by Arizona Business Magazine for three consecutive years, has a ‘Tequila Goddess’ who is one of few in the country who traveled to Mexico to be certified as a tequila expert by the Tequila Regulatory Council. La Hacienda also has more than 240 tequilas, including their own private barrels from Herradura.”

Also according to Gilbert, coming this fall the property is introducing and operating a new restaurant concept in conjunction with celebrity chef Richard Sandoval. The restaurant, which will be named Toro, will reside at the TPC Scottsdale, and its launch will coincide with the re-opening.

Having sweat it out on the fitness front, gratified myself on a range of healthy grub, and basked in more than my fair share of spa services, it was time to bid the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort adieu. Sad though that was, I left the property invigorated and ready to get back to the grind of everyday life. With my proverbial batteries recharged, I waved goodbye to that ever-present Guest Services cowboy and rode off into the Scottsdale sunset.

“The Luxe List” Executive Editor

marileenMerilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.LuxeListReviews.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://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.***

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