Siena International Photo Award: Sharing Experiences with a Camera

The photography competition recently crowned its winners. Enjoy a selection of the best food-inspired images at SIPA contest 2018.

from Fine Dining Lovers

8 ways to discover and enjoy Quito city center

Very few travelers know about Quito and its history. Visitors are often surprised to discover the rich heritage as they walk the ancient streets of this city, and many regret not spending more time there. Many travel agencies and tour operators offer Quito as a stopover before or after their trip to the Galapagos Islands […]

The post 8 ways to discover and enjoy Quito city center appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

from A Luxury Travel Blog

17 Best Michael Kors Watches For Men

Men, looking for a sweet and classy piece to wear on your arm but not sure what to buy? Check out this guide to the hottest Michael Kors watches gift your wrist something special.

The post 17 Best Michael Kors Watches For Men appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Holiday Entertaining with eBay

I’ve shopped eBay for as long as I can remember. I have found so many wonderful vintage pieces of art, china, and silver on the site but they also sell a myriad of new items for every room in your home. Did you know 81% of the items on eBay are new and available with the “Buy It Now” option? No more bidding wars in the final minute of an auction is an amazing update to the site. Many listing on eBay also offer free shipping too.

I put together a little holiday dessert and champagne party for a few friends with pieces I’ve bought from eBay including ornaments for my tree.

I prefer the vintage treasures on eBay but you can find everything new and old to host a party during the holidays. My silver tray is a Cartier Silver Pewter Plate but you can find lots of silver trays for drinks and food.  I love my antique gold rimmed champagne flutes but I only have four. You can find larger quantities of new champagne flutes for larger events. My serving platter is very old but I love this Limoges Serving Platter as a great alternative. I love collecting antique napkins and these 6 AntiqueHand-Embroidered Broderie Anglaise Linen Napkins look very similar to mine. Sometimes, if you get really lucky, you can find them embroidered with your initials. My antique silver dessert forks require polishing which can be annoying. New dessert forks don’t need polishing and can be thrown in the dish washer which is much easier for large parties or family gatherings. My vintage dessert plates don’t have any maker labels so I can’t find any more but if you know the make of your china, you can always find replacement pieces on eBay. Or you can buy new dessert plates if you are worried about people breaking your china. I found the reticulated compote and footed reticulated bowl on eBay recently specifically for pomanders this Christmas.

This blue and white reticulated footed porcelain compote is very similar to mine. You can even find Pomander Botanical Blend Fragrance Potpourri Bowl Filler on eBay so you don’t have to make them yourself.

Don’t forget to look for vintage Christmas ornaments on eBay. Bonus points if they come in their original box. This set of 24 vintage ornaments would get you started. I hang the decorated and more ornate vintage ornaments on my tree and I display others in silver bowls in various sizes around my apartment along with candy in crystal bowls.

This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands and companies who support Habitually Chic.

from Habitually Chic®

Top 7 Smartwatches For Men Under $150

Have you been on the fence about smartwatches in recent years? Here's your chance to see what all the fuss is about with these awesomely designed smartwatches under $150.

The post Top 7 Smartwatches For Men Under $150 appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Jackery Explorer 240 Power Generator

The Jackery Explorer 240 runs on 240Wh lithium battery so it is fumeless and quiet. It powers up just about any electrical gadget even kitchen appliances.

The post Jackery Explorer 240 Power Generator appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Top 12 Cycling Sunglasses For Men

Fly high with a pair of cool aviator sunglasses for men. Whether you're rocking them at the beach or just hanging out with your buddies. they go with almost anything.

The post Top 12 Cycling Sunglasses For Men appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Top 10 Aviator Sunglasses For Men

Fly high with a pair of cool aviator sunglasses for men. Whether you're rocking them at the beach or just hanging out with your buddies. they go with almost anything.

The post Top 10 Aviator Sunglasses For Men appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Whiskey Ridge House

For a cool $29 million, you can own the lush Whiskey Ridge House,a definitive private lodge surrounded by picturesque national parkland.

The post Whiskey Ridge House appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Dominique Crenn: First Three-Star Female Chef in The States

Dominique Crenn is the first ever female chef in the United States to be awarded three Michelin stars.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Beef with Shallots and Grenaille Potatoes

Beef with Shallots and Grenaille Potatoes

from Fine Dining Lovers

Chocolate and Almond Madeleines

A luscious French dessert you can't miss: try this alternative version of madeleines with chocolate and almonds, ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

from Fine Dining Lovers

La Liste Names 1000 Best Restaurants in the World for 2018

La Liste released their third annual rating of the world's best 100 restaurants. French chef Guy Savoy's eponymous restaurant in Paris once again nabs top spot.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Daily Dream Home: Tampa

This renovated home in Tampa, Florida has South Beach style. The home is in walking distance to Hyde Park, one home off Bayshore and is a secure mini estate. The home has a two- story foyer with flowing staircase. The home has a  modern formal dining room and a two-story living room. The kitchen opens […]

The post Daily Dream Home: Tampa appeared first on Pursuitist.

from Pursuitist

MeetIdea Tactical Emergency Flashlight Kit Escape Tool

If you’re on the market for a new bulb, why not consider the excellent and multi-functional MeetIdea Tactical Kit?

The post MeetIdea Tactical Emergency Flashlight Kit Escape Tool appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

The Luxe Merrion Row Hotel and Public House Opens in NYC, Just in Time for Holiday Visits

There’s no need to hop the pond to enjoy the Irish tradition of cead mile failte, or “100,000 welcomes” in Irish, thanks to New York City’s newest hospitality venture, Merrion Row Hotel and Public House, opening this weekend. Standing at just 28 rooms, the intimate hotel is the perfect choice for stylish and welcoming accommodations in the heart of Midtown. […]

The post The Luxe Merrion Row Hotel and Public House Opens in NYC, Just in Time for Holiday Visits appeared first on Pursuitist.

from Pursuitist

Porsche Design P’8478 Sunglasses

Originally launched in 1978, Porsche Design’s P’8478 Aviator sunglasses remains “the exclusive,” a shining symbol of wealth and prestige.

The post Porsche Design P’8478 Sunglasses appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Plux Wireless Fast Charger

The Plux wireless charger powers Apple products simultaneously in one place. It juices up devices 33 percent faster than standard wireless chargers.

The post Plux Wireless Fast Charger appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Microsoft Surface Hub 2x And Hub 2S

Microsoft gives us an initial peek into the evolution of its Surface Hub line, namely the Surface Hub 2S and Surface Hub 2X.

The post Microsoft Surface Hub 2x And Hub 2S appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Peak Design Travel Line Backpack

The Travel Line backpack from Peak Design lives up to its name. Nearly everything about it is customizable to fit the carrier’s preference and it is adaptable to any occasion. It can be optimized with packing tools to fit your travel needs.

The post Peak Design Travel Line Backpack appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T ‘Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac: Artisanship at its finest

For 2018, Chopard introduces a new one-of-a-kind L.U.C Perpetual T ‘Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac’ honouring two realms: Swiss artisanship and 1000 years of Chinese culture

The post Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T ‘Spirit of the Chinese Zodiac: Artisanship at its finest appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

Matcha Macaroons

Here is a lovely green version of French meringue-based macarons made with matcha green tea powder. Just follow the step-by-step recipe to prepare them at home.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Turkey Rolls with Prosciutto and Parmesan

Try this recipe for turkey rolls with prosciutto and parmesan served with zucchini: it's an easy-to-make everyday meal for the family. 

from Fine Dining Lovers

The best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve

After packing away the decorations and preparing yourself to go back to work, it is easy to become deflated after Christmas. As the festive spirits slowly start to dissipate, you may be seeking another source of celebration. Why not perk yourself up by welcoming in the New Year in style? New Year’s Eve is a […]

The post The best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

from A Luxury Travel Blog

Five Places to Go in London This Christmas

There’s nothing quite like London at Christmas and hotels, shops and restaurants are upping their game even more with Instagrammable facades, decorations and Christmas trees. As part of this month’s Christmas themed travel link up I thought I’d tell you about a few places I’ve visited recently that gave me festive vibes.

1. The Connaught

One of my favourite luxury London hotels, The Connaught is even more beautiful at Christmas. There’s always a huge tree on Carlos Place outside the hotel and this year its been designed by influential conceptual artists: Sir Michael Craig-Martin CB. As well as golden decorations adorning the foyer.

If you’re looking for a perfect Christmas Afternoon tea, I highly recommend the one served in the hotel’s restaurant Jean-Georges at The Connaught. Emma, Binny and I sampled the festive-themed tea one afternoon and we were incredibly impressed, especially by the gingerbread man chocolate fondue. 

2. The Brasserie of Light in Selfridges

With it’s gorgeous decor and prime position in one of London’s top department stores, a visit to the Brasserie of Light will definitely have you feeling festive. The 24ft crystal-encrusted statue of Pegasus is actually Damien Hirst’s largest artwork in London and the shimmering statue is an utterly stunning sight to see. 
The space has a totally Instagrammable interior and the loos must be up there with some of the prettiest in London! 
Food-wise you can expect British and International dining and a similar menu to fellow Caprice holdings restaurant, The Ivy.

3. Aqua Shard 

There’s no where in London quite like Aqua Shard. Located in London’s tallest building this glass-walled restaurant has panoramic view across the city. Aqua always impresses with their Christmas tree and this year is no different.

Snowscape at Aqua Shard is designed by Bompass and Parr and inspired by an ornamental snow globe including swirling snow inside. Go and take a look and while you’re at sample the festive lunch menu.

4. sketch

If you’re looking for something a little extra you really can’t go wrong with sketch. Always beautifully dressed inside and out, the Mayfair restaurant really goes all out for Christmas. 
The restaurant is a multi-functional space and immersive art exhibition so you enter through a beautifully decked out grotto and there are festive surprises in every room. 
But the absolute best thing about the Christmas decorations at sketch is the famous loos! The egg shaped toilet are decked out as Christmas presents with shiny wrapping paper and a bow on top. Honestly, it’s well worth checking out sketch just for the loos! It’s rare I mention toilets twice in a blog post, so you know they’re good!

5. The Dorchester

You can seriously count on The Dorchester for festive fun every year and in 2018 , the hotel is celebrating the new Mary Poppins film with carousel horses outside. 
Step into the hotel’s cosy interior and there’s a festive tea on offer as well as other seasonal menus.

 

An InLinkz Link-up

The post Five Places to Go in London This Christmas appeared first on SilverSpoon London.

from SilverSpoon London

Monkfish Fillet with Duck Breasts and Green Beans

Here is how to prepare a classy main course: roasted monkfish fillet coated with thinly sliced duck breasts, green beans and mushrooms.

from Fine Dining Lovers

The Most Authentic Experience in Paradise à La The Royal Mansour Marrakech in Morocco

The splendour of this hotel extends beyond an overnight stay albeit super luxurious – it’s a tradition-infused city in itself.

The post The Most Authentic Experience in Paradise à La The Royal Mansour Marrakech in Morocco appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

Michelin Starred Restaurants San Francisco: See The Full List

The Michelin Guide for San Francisco 2019 has been released with Dominque Crenn becoming the first female chef in the States to receive three stars.

from Fine Dining Lovers

101 reasons to love winter

Are you a winter lover or do you spend every moment of winter counting down the days until spring arrives? I’m going to be honest with you here. I do not love winter! I’ve written this blog post to remind myself that winter is a gorgeous season and not just four months of the year…

The post 101 reasons to love winter appeared first on The Travel Hack.

from The Travel Hack

King Cake: Master This New Orleans Staple With This Video Recipe

This video recipe will teach you the ins and outs of making a festive king cake, a staple of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You'll love the results!

from Fine Dining Lovers

Omni Blade Pocket Knife

The Omni Blade pocket knife boasts the strength of a samurai sword in a 4cm-thick blade. It stays up to five times sharper than normal stainless steel blade.

The post Omni Blade Pocket Knife appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Mauro Uliassi: 'The Ingredients of our Success? The sea, game, research and respect'

The new three Michelin starred Italian chef reveals the secrets behind his great achievement. Meet him!

from Fine Dining Lovers

This & That: November 30, 2018

Books ~The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene Bestselling author Robert Greene’s new book dives into the laws of the social creatures that humans are and how to understand our emotions, understand how our empathy can lead to deeper insight and much more along the road to a deeper and more enjoyable and successful […]

from The Simply Luxurious Life®

Christmas Classic

I spent today pulling boxes of Christmas decorations from the top of my hall closet and decorating my apartment. I’m exhausted and can’t imagine having to decorate an entire house. I’m sure people space the decorating out for a week or have help so I’m sure it’s manageable. One designer who makes me wish I did have an entire house to decorate is James F. Carter. His house in Birmingham, Alabama that was featured in Birmingham Home & Garden is classically decorated and infinitely inspiring. I especially love the chubby tabletop Christmas tree. That would work in a New York apartment until I get a big house.

from Habitually Chic®