Saturday, February 27, 2010

SIX FUN-FILLED DAYS IN CALI

Hi there Jet Setters! I have just returned from six fun-filled days in Southern California! (Just in time for all of this snow in New York, huh?) But, I can't complain one bit because I saw so much and have loads to share with you all. I incorporated a little bit of city, a little beach and relaxation, and also the wine country (not Napa) on my trip. I started out in Los Angeles where I checked out a bunch of great hotels including the Andaz West Hollywood, the Tower Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Roosevelt, and the Century Plaza. I also tried some wonderful restaurants I can't wait to tell you about.From there I spent some time in Palos Verdes at the incredible Terranea Resort & Spa...And finished up in Santa Inez Wine Country! I saw a lot, I ate a lot, I shopped in some great stores, and put my head on some incredibly comfortable pillows at some cool hotels...this was a great way to spend six days for sure! I am working on uploading the pictures and getting all my information together...so stay tuned for more Jet Set Smart LA, Palos Verdes and Santa Inez in the coming days!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

JET SET GIRL

This is me today (minus the blue eyes, of course :) heading to the airport to jet set somewhere warmer than New York. This February and winter season has been quite brutal between all of the snow and cold weather! I am so much happier in warm weather. I will be gone for a few days so that I can check out some new hotels, restaurants and shops. I will share what I've found with you all when I get back. In the meantime, please take time to check out some of the older posts you may not have read yet. Be back soon!


xoxo- Lori

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

COUPLES RETREAT: BORA BORA

So, the other day when it was snowing like crazy here in New York, we decided to watch the movie Couples Retreat. I have to say I thought I was going to be totally disappointed and bored, but it was actually sort of cute and funny! The real point of my story is that I was completely enamored with the beautiful resort where they stayed in the movie and had to find of where it was. Well, I did...it's the St. Regis Resort in Bora Bora, in the French Polynesian Islands! Oh my goodness, if you've seen the movie then you know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't then I suggest you rent it. Like me, you'll want to be planning your next trip here too!You can rent one of their Royal Over the Water Villas with a Private Pool...This is what the inside of your room looks like, and what you could wake up to every morning... And this what what you'll see as you are having dinner each night... The rooms start at $500 per night and can go up to more than $1000, depending on what you choose and when you decide to go. The rainy season is from November through April, and the peak tourist season when you have the best weather is from May through October. It's not easy getting to Bora Bora either, you must fly to Papeete in Tahiti first, and then either take a chartered plane, helicopter or boat to the island of Bora Bora. What a journey, but how worth it? This could be a honeymoon destination for sure!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE CENTER

Ever wonder what happens to all the baggage that airlines loose? I'll tell you what happens...it ends up in Scottsboro, Alabama at the Unclaimed Baggage Center! Yup! Crazy as it sounds, it's true. Each day, an average of about 100 pieces or more of luggage are separated from jet setters. The Unclaimed Baggage Center basically buys and resells unclaimed baggage from the airlines and it's totally legit! Airlines have 90 days to reunite the luggage with the owner, once that time passes, it's free game for whomever wants it. There is a ton of stuff for sale at the Unclaimed Baggage Center. They stock over 7,000 new items each day into the store, and the store is over 40-thousand square feet...so just imagine! You can buy everything from baby strollers, to snorkels, to digital cameras, perfume, clothing, books, Cd's, DVDs, sunglasses, fine art, wedding dresses and jewelry! So maybe you want to plan a trip there and see what stuff you can find. Who knows, you might find something that once belonged to you if you've ever lost your luggage! :-)

Monday, February 15, 2010

JET-SET GIRL GLAM BOX

I am always looking for the perfect make-up to take with me when I jet set. Depending on where I am traveling, I don't always need to bring a ton of make-up, but there are certain products I cannot live without no matter where I go. Well, I just fell in love with the Jet-Set Girl GlamBox by Glambox Cosmetics! First of all, I love the name (for obvious reasons), but secondly, it has all the great products that I like to have with me on my travels. Here's what is included:

1- Skin Mist: Soothing spray and refining toner in one. It's non-alcoholic, PH balanced with jasmine, bitter orange, and also has stress relieving lavender.
2- Make-up Wipes: Soft disposable sheets infused with make-up remover. A few quick sweeps dissolves everything.
3- Cream Wear Blush: A unique, light formula in with a velvety smooth finish. You can apply with finger tips or blush brush.
4- Supreme Mascara: Built–in foundation with silk proteins that strengthen and guard against breakage, plus it has Panthenol and vitamin E that keeps lashes subtle.
5- LipTox Sheer: Lush, full lips sparkling like precious gems. It's made with real Diamond Dust, so it leaves a soft tint for the sexiest of lips and has a lip plumper that adds volume, boosts hydration and diminishes vertical lines and wrinkles.
6- Automatic Eyeliner: Color-dense liner fortified with aloe vera and chamomile. Goes on smooth and easy. Automatic dispensing pen requires no sharpening.
Price for Jet-Set Girl GlamBox: $48.00

*Glambox Cosmetics also has make-up kits designed specifically for the Blushing Bride, the Busy Mom, the Young at Heart, and the Anti-Aging.*

Sunday, February 14, 2010

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY JET SETTERS!

Happy Valentine's Day Jet Setters! You all are my valentines! It's because of you all coming here to read my posts and share your thoughts and ideas with me that I feel loved and inspired to keep on doing it. So I send you all a big hug and kiss and wish you all lots of love today! Hopefully you have decided to do something fun with your loved one today; whether it was to take a little road trip together, jet set somewhere interesting, or just stay home and cuddle. If you chose the last one like I did, then I suggest making a destination theme to your day. Basically, through food and culture you can feel as though you have jet setted somewhere fabulous with your honey. Here's what I'm suggesting: TRAVEL TO SPAIN (well, sort of...)

1- Buy a great bottle (or two) of Rioja wine.2- Make some Spanish Tapas for dinner. You don't have to be a "Julia Child" in the kitchen...some are really easy to prepare and make! I promise!3- Rent the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It takes place in Barcelona, so you can't get better than that!Sure, you make look around your living room and know that you are really NOT in Spain, but at least for the night you can do something romantic and fun. Plus, if you both really enjoy it, you can think about jet setting to Spain in the future, and letting Jet Set Smart help you plan your trip! Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday, February 12, 2010

FASHION FRIDAY: FIT IN CLOUDS

When I jet set somewhere, I always walk and walk and walk around whatever destination I am in so I can really explore. Of course, that gives me tired and sore feet, and so I am always on a mission to find comfy shoes that are also stylish. Well my female jet setters, I think I found something that is awesome and that you are going to love too...Fit in Clouds!The "Clouds" are the portable ballet flats that fold and fit in a pouch slightly bigger than the size of an i-phone. You can carry this around with you in your purse, and when your feet get tired, just slip on your "clouds." They have thick rubber soles, so while they look like they are indoor slippers, they can be worn while walking around on the street. They come in all different colors, the sizes come in Small (5-6), Medium (6.5-7), Large (7.5-8.5) and X-Large (9 & up), and they range in price from $18.95-$24.95...so they are totally affordable! The ones I want are these Ocean Blue ones...love the color and the bling!If you do decide to order a pair, make sure to let them know that you heard about them through Jet Set Smart! Happy Comfy Jet Setting in Fashion!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

CHOCOLATE SCHOOL

Yes, at first glace the thought of going back to "SCHOOL" might make you sick, but this is Chocolate School my jet setters! I'm talking about the Vermont Chocolate School located in Burlington, Vermont. You and your honey can jet set to this beautiful city and take a chocolate making class of two together this Valentine's Day.You will learn the most important aspects of chocolate making ("totally "hands-on"), in a class that is only you, your loved one, and the instructor. The best part about it is, you will learn chocolate making skills that you can bring home with you. You will master how to make chocolate truffles by using a microwave and just a few simple tools. The classes are held in the basement of the Sweet on Vermont store, which sells gourmet chocolate year round. (Also available to order on-line if you can't make it there.)

The cost per person for a beginner class is $275, and $350 per person for the advanced class. If you book the two courses together in the same weekend, you can get it for $600 total. Yes, it's pricey, but it's an experience you will never forget, plus you can bring your skills home with you and make homemade chocolate in your own kitchen! Classes run from January through October, so if you can't make it for Valentine's Day you can go another weekend.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

LOVE VEGAS

Another great idea for a chocolate themed getaway for Valentine's Day is to head to Las Vegas and go to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Gardens. Located only fifteen minutes away from the Vegas Strip, this place is heaven-on-earth for chocolate lovers.Get to see how chocolate is made, sample all different kinds of sweet treats, wander through their beautiful cactus gardens, and do it all for free! (Except for whatever chocolate you eat :)Ethel M Chocolate Factory's Cactus Gardens is 3-acres big. So grab your honey, head to Vegas, check out their chocolate heaven, pick up some pieces of chocolate and a hot cocoa, and walk hand in hand through the gardens...I think that combo turns Las Vegas into Love Vegas if you ask me!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

CHOCOLATE THEMED GETAWAY FOR V-DAY

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and you know how I feel about flowers, lingerie, or chocolate...SAVE YOUR MONEY, and instead jet set somewhere with your honey. This upcoming weekend happens to be unique because it's Valentine's Day on Sunday and President's Day (holiday/day off from work for some) on Monday. If this is going to be a long weekend for you and your loved one, then this is your chance to plan a great little getaway and I can help you. I will be posting a few different Chocolate Themed Getaways for this weekend on here, so check them out and see if any of them interest you.1- Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
My recommendation would be to stay at The Hershey Hotel and indulge yourselves at The Spa at the Hershey Hotel. It's truly a Chocolate Spa with chocolate treatments...oh my gosh I think I've died and gone to heaven! How amazing does that sound? I mean something that's literally called The Chocolate Spa screams Valentine's Day to me. Sure I think it's kind of cheesy, but a bit sexy at the same time. And not for nothing, Hershey, PA is called the "Sweetest Place on Earth," so how could you go wrong with that? It's just a two hour drive from Philly, and a three hour drive from New York City. Stay for a night or two and book the Chocolate Immersion special package which includes a Chocolate exfoliation with cocoa beans, followed by a chocolate fondue wrap for 1.5 hours for $165.

Monday, February 8, 2010

THINK YOU'RE A JET SETTER? PROVE IT...

Hint #1- The hotels in this location rival palaces and often once were
Hint #2- Voted one of the best destinations to travel to in February by Concierge
Hint #3- It is the largest state in the country its located in
**Leave your guesses in the comment area below. I'll give you guys the answer tomorrow.**

Friday, February 5, 2010

FASHION FRIDAY: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS YOUR HEART?

On this blog, you'll find my ideas on where to jet set, but from time to time, you'll get my recommendations about interesting fashion ideas from around the globe as well. I recently learned about a fabulous jewelry designer from California named Maya Brenner. She creates everything from necklaces, to earrings, to bracelets...But, I absolutely fell in love with her State Necklaces. They come in either sterling silver or 14K gold, and you can also get them with or without a little diamond (Around $100-$300 depending on which state). Many celebrities have sported them, including Eva Longoria-Parker who says she wears hers (state of Texas) because no matter where she is in the world, "her heart is in Texas." Obviously, my heart is in New York, so that's the one I want. I can jet set anywhere now, and bring a bit of my hometown along with me! You can find Maya Brenner jewelry at finer boutiques in the U.S., the UK and Japan, or on her website.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

LOVE YOUR HONEY AND THIS DEAL!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Personally, I have never liked the holiday because I feel that it's made-up, over-hyped, and too commercial. That being said, who doesn't like to do something on that day (myself included), right? But, I say skip the expensive jewelry and lingerie and instead jet set somewhere together and make memories that will last forever. (Not like the necklace that you'll wear three times and then shove in your jewelry box).How can you be "SMART" about doing something like this you ask? Find a good deal like the one the Design Hotels are offering now. It's called their 3for2 Winter Special where if you book before the end of March, you can get three nights for the price of two! The Design Hotels have design and boutique hotels located all throughout the world. We stayed in one in Cascais, Portugal called the Farol Design Hotel. We also stayed in another called the Home Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I have to say they were awesome! The decor is sleek and modern, and the attention to detail is incredible! For my jet setters who read this blog here in the U.S., there is a Design Hotel in New York and one in California. So what are you waiting for? This is a deal you gotta love, and a good way to show your honey you love them too!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

NEW RESTAURANTS IN LALA LAND

I've been thinking about jet setting to LaLa land sometime this year, and have been interested in finding new restaurants to try if I go. Recently, I was browsing through the January issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine, and low and behold there was an article talking about the top three new restaurants in Los Angeles, California (one for breakfast, one for lunch and one for dinner). I went ahead and looked them up on-line and wanted to share what I found with all of you.
Breakfast: They suggest heading to Huckleberry Cafe (1014 Wilshire Blvd. 310-451-2311) in Santa Monica. T&L suggests trying their standout "green eggs and ham" (made with La Quercia prosciutto) and picking up some of their artisan breads to go.Lunch: Go to Church and State Bistro (1850 Industrial Street 213-405-1434) where chef Walter Manzke turns out French classics, from frisee salad and steak frites to house-made charcuterie. Dinner: Check out the rustic Animal Restaurant (435 N. Fairfax Avenue 323-782-9225) and try some of their savory dishes like balsamic pork ribs paired with roasted squash. If any of you have some good restaurant recommendations for L.A., please email them to me at askus@jetsetsmart.com

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

GROUNDHOG DAY

Well, my jet setters, today is February 2nd...Groundhog Day...the day when the infamous Punxsutawney Phil either sees his shadow or doesn't and we either get six more weeks of winter or we don't. Just in case you didn't hear the news...Phil "saw" his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter. BOO, Phil! I hate cold weather! Guess this just means we'll have to jet set somewhere warm within the next six weeks. My top suggestion for where to head this time of year is the town of Jose Ignacio in Uruguay.The beaches are absolutely beautiful...and it's still "undiscovered" enough that you will feel like you've discovered your own piece of heaven.We were there around this same time last year.My favorite thing to do besides hang out at the pool and beach all day was to sip Clerico (Uruguay's version of Sangria made with white wine) and relax.I would suggest jet setting there soon if you are interested, because funny enough, an article just came out about Jose Ignacio Beach in January's issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine, so you know what that means...it won't be long before it's "over-discovered" if you catch my drift!!!

Monday, February 1, 2010

HOME AWAY


This summer was the first time we ever gave Home Away a try...and I must say we loved it! We rented a house out in Wine Country on Long Island for the weekend and it was perfect and so easy. Home Away is a vacation rental website that has everything from houses, to apartments, to condos, to villas, to cabins, bungalows, even castles! They have homes in the U.S., Hawaii, The Caribbean, and around the world! I think it's a "smart" way to jet set because you can save a lot more money than renting a hotel room sometimes, plus it also gives you the feeling of living somewhere instead of just vacationing. It's so easy to rent a place...just 4 simple steps:
1- Search Rentals & Contact Owners - Make sure to contact multiple vacation homes regarding availability and price.
2- Select Rental and Secure Reservation - To secure the rental the property owner will request a deposit. Deposits range from 10% to 50% of the total rental rate.
3- Review, Sign & Send Owner's Agreement - You should receive a written agreement which includes arrival/departure dates, payment schedules, pet policies, as well as cancellation/refund terms and conditions.
4- Send Owner Final Payment - Full payment is generally expected prior to arrival. Submit all payments specified in the written agreement to avoid losing your reservation and/or deposit. Credit cards and Pay Pal are preferred payment methods.

We loved the entire process so much, that we are looking into doing it again when we jet set to California this year!