Luxury Report Magazine

BATTLE THE ELEMENTS: CONVERSE DEBUTS NEW COUNTER CLIMATE BOOTS COLLECTION

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 23:34:00 +0000

The Converse Counter Climate Boots Collection launch in Montreal on September 28th,2016 was a really cool event that went very well indeed, as you can see from the pictures we took at Marché Bonsecours that day. It's great to see that Converse has found a niche product for our ugly Montreal winters that is practical yet still super stylish! No one else has ever thought of this no-brainer concept! And by the way, we tried them out in the slush and our feet were totally dry afterwards.

With a vast selection of colors to choose from, we might have to get a few pairs ourselves! Great job, Converse. These new waterproof All Stars #ChuckII styles are a Hat Trick! For more information and where to buy them, please read the press release below. - LR

Launching for Fall/Winter 2016, Chuck II Leads Converse Footwear Against the Wet Weather With Canvas, Leather and Rubber

BOSTON, MASS. (September 28, 2016) – Converse is tackling the elements of weather head-on this season, combining classic sneaker designs with premium weatherized features, with the debut of the Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Boots Collection. The new collection provides the necessary tools to combat the climate shifts while emphasizing essential weather-beating benefits. The innovative sneaker boot collections feature a bold mix of colors and materials including water repellent canvas, rubber, leather and waterproof neoprene. This collection is intended to stand up against unpredictable inclement weather.

    Function and style go hand-in-hand with this season’s Counter Climate Boots, sneaker boots that have been reimagined to provide superior protection with waterproof and water repellent features such as insulated booties.

    The new Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Boots Collection will launch beginning Thursday, September 29, 2016, at Converse retail stores, third party retailers and on Converse.com.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Boot
    Bridging fashion with winter footwear, Converse introduces the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Boot featuring a premium, mesh-backed waterproof leather. This is our first waterproof sneaker boot crafted to help keep feet warm and dry in harsh winter conditions while maintaining the classic Chuck Taylor look and feel. A waterproof bootie construction with a neoprene collar and heel pull are included to help keep water completely out of the boot while a 360-degree heat barrier helps keep feet warm. The boot also features a rugged, post-applied weatherized gum outsole with deep grooves for better traction and a Nike Lunarlon foot bed for enhanced cushioning.

Available Colors: Egret, Antique Sepia, Black, Dark Chocolate, Grey

Suggested retail price: $140 CAD/$130 USD

Review of the 2017 Redesigned Lincoln MKZ Reserve Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:01:00 +0000

When the people of the Lincoln brand reached out to us about covering the latest redesigned 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve Hybrid, we of course said, ‘Absolutely!’ How could we refuse to cruise in Matthew McConaughey's luxury ride?

First impressions are always important, and with the MKZ's approach detection, we were very impressed indeed! When you approach the MKZ Hybrid with your keys in your hand, purse or pocket, a Lincoln logo welcome mat illuminates on the ground. At the same time, illuminated door handles and other signature lighting fade up to welcome you. This cool feature ties nicely in with the ambient multicolor interior lighting.

For the driver enthusiast who likes hi-tech gadgets, this car has way too many to recapitulate, so be sure to look over the owner's manual for the full list of features, but a few include a back-up camera, a fantastic sound system, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, enhanced voice recognition communications, and even an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

In terms of practicality, what I did truly enjoy while driving were the Active Motion multi-contour front seats, which help reduce the stress of the daily commute or long trips. These heated and cooled seats let you customize different sets of air cushions to adjust the contour of the seat back and bottom cushion, or activate a gentle lumbar-massaging motion. One can never have enough of these massages!

And speaking of enjoying the ride on a nice sunny day, the available fully retractable panoramic glass roof is sick! With easy-to-use push-button activation, a single pane of glass rolls back to create the largest opening among luxury sedans. This luxury car is really a joy to drive and to be seen in!

As for my last impression, I was very pleasantly surprised that the cost of filling up with regular gas was incredibly affordable for this type of luxury sedan. Lincoln, you have our thumbs up on this winner!

Please visit 2017 Lincoln MKZ | Luxury Sedan | Lincoln Canada.

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:34:00 +0000

Epicurean Exploits Abound at Casa Velas Hotel Puerto Vallarta

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gourmet Tasting Menus

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

Authentic Street Food

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

Where the Gastro Garden Grows

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

A Mighty Mini Bar

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

Service Standouts

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

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

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

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 18:09:00 +0000

The Phoenician Scottsdale

A Phenomenal Family Vacation Destination

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

"Family-friendly" and "luxury resort" are often mutually exclusive, however, one Scottsdale luxury resort—The Phoenician—has managed to marry the two concepts in spectacular form. Although this AAA Five Diamond property exudes elegance, understandably attracting the likes of every U.S. President (post-office) since–and including—Ronald Reagan among its VIP guest roster, the resort is also a delightful playground rife with on-site fun and adventure. Here, young and old can genuinely enjoy common ground—a place families can stay, play and parlay into memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Upon my own arrival to the property and upon taking a bit of time to explore, I was captivated by the indigenous desert scenery both inside and around this pristine private resort. The Phoenician, which is located at the base of Camelback Mountain, ensconces guests in 250 acres rife with natural beauty: magnificent gardens (including an expansive private two-acre Cactus Garden), lush landscaping, and water features and fountains. So serene is the setting, here you can’t help but maintain a vacation state of mind.

Adding to the allure is the resort's multi-million dollar art collection that highlights both Old World and contemporary works by European, Native American and Asian artists. Works interspersed all throughout the interior and exterior of the property include Navajo rugs, French tapestries, oil and watercolor paintings, and bronze and marble sculptures to name a few. A complimentary self-guided audio tour is even offered to the delight of true artwork aficionados.

Ample Accommodations

With no less than eight room type options, from a Superior Room to the Presidential Suite, guests at The Phoenician are sure to find accommodations that suit. On the top end, the 4,000-square foot Presidential Suite provides two bedrooms, two and half baths, two sitting areas, a service kitchen, a Steinway baby grand piano and a large furnished patio boasting breathtaking views. And, who wouldn’t love amenities-to-order like a rose petal turndown or a private dinner on the Eighth Tee Box? Yes, I would be remiss to not mention the resort’s recreational facilities do include 27 holes of championship golf. At the other end of the spectrum are the 600-foot "Superior Rooms" that provide their fair share of notable features, including imported Italian linens, signed original artwork, an oversized bathroom outfitted with Italian marble and a private terrace or balcony. Other standard amenities impress, including high-speed Internet and a 40-inch LCD television.

Fun for One and All

Even amid all of this splendor, The Phoenician upholds its appeal for kids as well. For children ages 5-12, the specially-designed “Funicians Club” program offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities. The kiddos venture outside for playground activities, outdoor sports and a tour of the property's aforementioned Cactus Garden while indoor fun includes arts and crafts, board games, charades and video games like Wii and Xbox. Both half day and full day programs, with lunch included, are available.

No family vacation at The Phoenician is complete without spending a fair amount of time splashing and sunning poolside. The resort’s expansive Oasis Pool Complex boasts seven different pools—some with lovely cascading waterfalls—where guests of all ages swim and sprawl below the Sonoran desert sun to their heart’s content. Towel and water service and private poolside cabana rentals ensure guests feel pampered all the while.

While some visit the Oasis Pool to relax, the young, and young at heart, turn it up a notch by taking advantage of the basketball hoop and volleyball net respectively hung above and across the water. But, it’s the 165-foot water slide that seems to give the kids the most glee. For the youngest guests, there is also a children's wading pool and the “Surge Splash Pad” that's a wet wonderland of misting turtles and ladybugs, buckets dumping water and water cannons hitting their aquatic mark.

What I particularly love about the Oasis Pool is the creative kid-oriented programs it inspires among resort personnel, as weekly poolside activates abound. Water bucket relays, dive-in movies, marshmallow roasting, rubber ducky and frozen t-shirt races, and sponge ball challenges are just some examples of the many cute initiatives staffers have instituted at The Phoenician.

Of course, no poolside respite is complete without some light and flavorful fare, and the Oasis Pool Bar & Grill is happy to accommodate. Under the hot Scottsdale sun it’s important to stay hydrated, and adults and children alike can do so with cocktails and kid-friendly drink items, frozen and otherwise, from the Surge Bar located right on the pool deck.

Delightful Dining

Speaking of flavorful fare, food can be a tricky thing for families—especially those with picky eaters. Luckily, The Phoenician has a nice range of on-site resort-level and more casual dining options sure to please everyone in the family… even those with finicky palates. During my own family’s time at the resort, we enjoyed numerous meals at Il Terrazzo. It’s here where, each morning, we ate breakfast al fresco on the expansive patio amongst the cheery birds and soft breezes. Be sure not to miss the restaurant’s Italian Market Brunch on Sundays, which is truly exceptional. This beautifully-staged buffet is a culinary journey unto itself with mouth-watering dishes like hand-made sausage and gnocchi, short-rib pot roast with mascarpone polenta, lemon ricotta waffles, artisan cheeses and house-made desserts. Extra kudos to the kitchen for creating a special and aptly stocked gluten-free station all its own. At night, Il Terrazzo morphs into a gourmet nouveau-Italian dining experience that not only offers seasonal menu items, but also fresh, hand-crafted artisan breads that are baked in-house daily.

For lunch, I highly recommend The Phoenician’s Relish Burger Bistro, which is a casual restaurant offering an expansive and innovative burger menu along with sides like crispy tater tots and garlic Parmesan fries as well as various soups, salads and sweets, shakes and malts. I can assure you the kids will love this dining locale.

While visiting The Phoenician, I had a chance to grab lunch at Relish Burger Bistro with property spokesperson, Denise Seomin. Among other topics, we discussed the resort's food and beverage approach, and she underscored particularly interesting aspects of the award-winning culinary program, noting “All breads, pastries, tea sandwiches and pastas are made in-house. We also have a butcher on property.” Seomin also pointed out that The Phoenician’s beverage program includes one of the largest tequila and vodka collections in the state of Arizona, and that the resort features its own private label tequila as well as its own private label Woodford Reserve bourbon. She said that more than 70 beers (locally, nationally, internationally crafted) are housed at Relish Burger Bistro, alone.

Tech-Tastic
The Phoenician accomplishes the feat of merging together technology with the natural environment in subtle, unobtrusive and even beneficial ways that serve to elevate a guest's experience rather than distract from it. In fact, Seomin discussed how The Phoenician uses technology in this regard for adults and kids, alike. She pointed out, "The Stewart Follow Golf Carts use Bluetooth technology and feature a remote control that allows the golfer to direct the cart to carry his or her golf bag across the golf course. This provides a unique alternative for golfers who would rather walk the course and get some exercise. For kids, the Desert Explorers Program allows them to use their smartphone to access a QR Code that connects them to a virtual guide to learn about animals indigenous to the Arizona desert."

On Fridays and Saturdays, both adults and kids with iPhones and iPads, specifically, can also reserve a spot at the resort’s Photography class where they’ll receive guidance on useful photo enhancing apps “to make images pop.”

So Much More
The list of “things for families to do” at the Phoenician goes on and on, including Koi fish feeding, a guided hike up Camelback Mountain, bicycling and tennis. In fact, The Phoenician’s award-winning Tennis Garden is reportedly the only tennis resort facility in Scottsdale and the Southwest to offer four playing surfaces. And then there’s the on-site Activity Center complete with a movie theater, ping pong, foosball, board games, video game room, basketball court and covered playground.

Another unique and fanciful experience is The Phoenician's "Flight of the Phoenix" experience. Every Friday and Saturday at sunset, guests can gather on the Thirsty Camel Patio to watch as Zopilote Rey, The Phoenician's very own Phoenix, brings the story of the mythical Mayan fire spirit to life. The resort's signature cocktail, Phoenix Rising, is available for adult guests to enjoy throughout.

All told, The Phoenician is a unique luxury resort through and through—a casually elegant property in a gorgeous setting where an abundance of family adventures await. At a location this fun-filled, you just may need a vacation after your vacation!

Fun fact: The first sitting president to stay at the resort was Barack Obama (with the First Family).

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

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

Josh Altman: Selling L.A. a Million Dollars at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:37:00 +0000

AUTHOR: Reba Wilson

The average realtor markets through word-of-mouth, mail-outs and the Internet, but Josh Altman has taken to a new medium: reality TV. The Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star’s personal and work lives are broadcast in 70 different countries to nearly two million people each episode. How’s that for exposure? “As a realtor, the most important thing is having your name out there and marketing yourself,” Altman tells me. Initially wary about the gig, he now says, “it’s basically an infomercial.”

Altman’s skillset centers on marketing the L.A. lifestyle to his many international clients. Recently, he moved to a new firm, Douglas Elliman, to help his team “be more global.” On the staff are people who speak many different languages – Farsi, Russian, Mandarin and Spanish, to name a few. Though viewers saw Altman debut a newly-learned phrase of Mandarin in one episode, he explains that that’s the extent of his Chinese skills; “I barely have time to go to sleep at this point,” so learning a new language is definitely out. That being said, he does focus on the nuances between different cultures, explaining that while he is more assertive when dealing with North American clients, “it’s a totally different story” when working with people of other cultures. “It’s important to know how they look at certain things, how they negotiate,” he says. L.A. real estate has become a popular sell for such clients, as Altman believes “luxury real estate is the new worldwide currency.” He is quick to advocate for the perks of living in L.A., among which is his surprising assertion that “it’s still cheap. Residential property in Los Angeles is still a deal,” compared to other major cities.

If you were followed by cameras between eight and nine months of the year, it’s reasonable to think there would be moments you’d wish hadn’t happen on screen, but Altman tells me he has no regrets, “That’s not how I live my life.” And though the show squeezes whole deals into 60-minute segments, Altman explains that it’s quite true to the deal, minus the fact that the realtors list and sell in a much shorter span.

Altman offers a few pearls of wisdom for would-be negotiators or buyers. The first: “when it comes to negotiating, I think that the second you know that the other party wants the house, they lose all of their leverage. If you act like you don’t need the house, chances are that you’ll end up with a better deal.”

Secondly, Altman advises realtors to conduct open houses, attend all possible luxury events and make sure they tell people what they do for a living. “In the luxury market, I need to be everywhere that’s luxury. That’s part of my job,” Altman adds. For example, the night before I spoke to him was Oscar night and Altman put in an appearance at a party because those kinds of events are where he meets clients. Of course, getting listings is one thing, but keeping them is another. To service a listing, as Altman calls it, he must be in constant contact with the client. While it may just be another listing or deal to Altman, the property at hand is the biggest investment many of the clients will ever have, something he’s careful to always keep in mind.

Though The Altman Brothers sells approximately a million dollars worth of real estate every day, there are deals of which Altman is proudest. Selling the most expensive one-bedroom in the United States for $20.1 million was a highlight, as was selling the most expensive condo in the history of Santa Monica for $11,250,000. Altman is also pleased that he double-ended Tyler Perry’s home and rented a Beverly Hills property for $85,000 a month, one of the highest leases in the area. His other favorite deal was selling his own home, purchased at $2,250,000 and resold for $3.6 million a mere four months after he bought it. “I practice what I preach and invest in real estate,” he says. Through it all, Altman tells me: “I fight for every dollar like it’s my own dollar.” Now there’s a realtor you want to be in your corner.

Read more exclusive content from our latest issue of Luxury Report Magazine here.

Luxury Report Magazine Testimonial - La Trattoria & Petros

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 20:13:00 +0000

We are happy to share with you this great testimonials from our advertising partners at La Trattoria & Petros Taverna.

"We have been very happily working with The Luxury Report Magazine for a few years now. At first, it was for my restaurant- La Trattoria and then Petros followed shortly after. All I can honestly say, is that Luxury Report Magazine has been an INCREDIBLE success for us especially in the latest No.29 edition! The tremendous positive feedback is usually immediate and the ad has already been paid back many times over within the first week. LR always works hard to promote my restaurants directly & indirectly and we really see that because the phone doesn't stop ringing for reservations! And I always ask them where they heard of us and they usually say Luxury Report Magazine! Therefore, I strongly recommend/suggest that if you are indeed serious about getting great/proven value for your advertising dollars, you need to go with Luxury Report Magazine immediately as nobody in Montreal beats them!"
-Ted Dranias, Owner of La Trattoria & Petros Taverna

Paris Hilton Exclusive Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 18:59:00 +0000

Blonde and beautiful, entrepreneurial powerhouse Paris Hilton has had to overcome her fair share of stereotypes. Despite that, she’s built a scent empire – and proven she has sense to spare. Hilton has been in the perfume industry for 10 years and has produced a grand total of 18 perfumes.

Speaking to me over the phone from L.A., she explained: “I’ve always loved perfume. Then when I was a teenager and moved to New York, I wanted to be a businesswoman and I thought that a fragrance would be the best first product to start out with for my brand.” And businesswoman she certainly is. She has developed her own lines of clothing, accessories and other products; opened dozens of stores around the world; cultivated a career as a DJ; and developed her own beach club in the Philippines (with a second on the way).

As Hilton’s business interests grow, she tells me that she derives her inspiration from her family. “I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and that’s always been very inspirational since I was a little girl. I love success, I love my fans – I want to have something come out for them all the time. I’m just inspired by life,” says Hilton. Her drive is something that has been noted by her grandfather, Barron Hilton, who gave her the best compliment she’s ever received. Hilton’s grandfather told his friends, an array of successful businessmen, that Paris “has traveled more than [them] and works harder than [them].” Naturally, his pride is something Paris cherishes.

Though she’s pulled in many different directions, from releasing a new song called “High Off My Love” in the upcoming month, to traveling extensively for her many businesses, Hilton explains that she tries to make time for everything. This often involves working in transit. She shares that Paris Fashion Week is a favorite place to become inspired about designing clothing, while her music is informed by trips to Ibiza and Las Vegas. Tropical places are favorite destinations when Hilton is designing swimwear. One place she’s never visited, but would like to see, is the Maldives.

I ask Paris how she would describe herself to someone who didn’t know her, though it would admittedly be difficult to find a guinea pig for that experiment. “I am sweet, hardworking, love animals, great with my fans and an inspirational businesswoman.” She’s also sporty and enjoys surfing, skiing, snowboarding and skydiving. “I’ve always been pretty much a tomboy,” she admits. “I love going to theme parks and Disneyland, going on rides and playing games, and I’ll always be a kid at heart as well.”

It was as a young girl that she first developed her interest in perfume, which has evolved into a penchant for scents that are “sexy and stand out.” Her favorite of her perfumes is Paris Hilton, her original and best-selling scent. Hilton is constantly dreaming up new names for her perfumes and is herself involved directly in many facets of the production – bottle design, scent and marketing.

Another of Hilton’s new and exciting projects, The Paris Beach Club, opened last year in the Philippines. Now she’s working on a second property, soon to appear in the same country. On whether or not she takes her family’s real estate advice, Hilton says: “I always ask my grandfather and my dad for advice. I’m always paying attention to everything we do in business and I’ve really found amazing partners to work with.” Her business partners in this particular venture hail from the Philippines, so it was only natural their beach club would open there. Hilton describes the club as an entertainment center with spas, movie theaters, restaurants, a nightclub and a children’s area. Paris Hilton is the ne plus ultra of successful young businesswomen. Entrepreneurship is in her blood and she’s making her family proud with her myriad business ventures. And when it comes to the business-scape, remember, we’ll always have Paris.

Writer: Reba Wilson
Twitter: @Reba_Wilson

Read more exclusive content from our latest issue of Luxury Report Magazine here.

10 Things To Know About How Rolex Makes Watches

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 18:58:00 +0000

Read this fascinating article on the iconic timepieces - Rolex. Originially posted on A Blog to Watch, written by Ariel Adams.

Rolex really isn't like any other watch brand. In fact, the privately held, independently run entity isn't like most other companies. I can say this now with a lot more clarity than most people because I was there. Rolex rarely allows anyone into its hallowed halls, but I was invited to visit their four manufacture locations in Switzerland and experience first-hand how Rolex makes their famous watches. Rolex is a universe of its own: respected; admired; valued; and known across the globe. Sometimes I sit back and think about all that Rolex is and does and find it hard to believe that at the end of the day, they just make watches. Rolex does just make watches and their timepieces have taken on a role beyond that of mere timekeeper. Having said that, the reason a "Rolex is a Rolex" is because they are good watches and tell pretty good time. It's taken me over a decade to fully appreciate the brand, and it will probably take longer before I learn everything I'd like to know about them.

The purpose of this article isn't to give you a totally inside look at Rolex. That isn't possible because as of now there is a strict "no photography" policy at Rolex. There is a very real mystique behind the manufacture because they are relatively closed and their operations aren't public. The brand takes the concept of Swiss discreetness to a new level, and in a lot of ways that is good for them. So since we can't show you what we saw, I'd like to share with you some interesting facts that every Rolex and watch lover should know.

1. They Use An Expensive And Difficult To Machine Steel Because It Looks Better

Many watch lovers are familiar with the fact that Rolex uses a type of steel that no one else uses. Stainless steel is not all the same. Steel comes in various types and grades... and most steel watches are made from a type of stainless steel called 316L. Today, all the steel in Rolex watches is made from 904L steel, and as far as we know, pretty much no one else does. Why?

Rolex used to use the same steel as everyone else, but in around 2003 they moved their entire steel production to 904L steel. In 1988 they released their first 904L steel watch with a few versions of the Sea-Dweller. 904L steel is more rust and corrosion resistant, and is somewhat harder than other steels. Most important to Rolex, is that 904L steel, when worked properly, is able to take (and hold) polishes incredibly well. If you've ever noticed that steel on a Rolex watch looks different than other watches, it is because of 904L steel, and how Rolex has learned to work with it.

A natural question is why doesn't everyone else in the watch industry use 904L steel? A good guess is because it is more expensive and much more complicated to machine. Rolex had to replace most of their steel working machines and tools to deal with 904L steel. It made sense for them because of the amount of watches they produce, and because they make all their parts in-house. Most other brands get their cases made from outside suppliers. So even though 904L steel is better than 316L steel for watches, it is more expensive, requires special tools and skills, and is overall more difficult to work with. This has prevented other brands (so far) from taking advantage of it, and is something special that Rolex has. The benefit is obvious once you handle any steel Rolex watch.

Read the rest of the article here:
10 Things To Know About How Rolex Makes Watches

Cyber Monday - Online Exclusive

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 18:13:00 +0000

Written by: SUSAN CAMPBELL
Twitter: @suectravel

Our Thanksgiving may be over, but we Canadians should still be thankful that American Thanksgiving still offers some fabulous shopping bargains! In fact, their “Black Friday” (the day after American Thanksgiving) sales have now been eclipsed by the genius marketing called “Cyber Monday”. The travel industry has jumped aboard this online bandwagon big time with incredible deals that can only be booked online for 24 hours. This year, it falls on December the 1st!

We should rejoice that so many tropical hot spot resorts are offering up to 50% off to guarantee an escape from the next polar vortex. Delightful deals can be found at most Divi Resorts, which are located in Barbados, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St, Croix and Aruba. And as an added bonus for families, children under 12 stay and eat free!

AMResorts has five different brands of all-inclusive emporiums – Zoëtry, Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, and Now – participating in Cyber Monday, ranging from upscale adult-only to family-friendly fun in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Dominican Republic, Puerto Vallarta and St. Thomas. Florida is also on board, with deep discounts at top resorts like The Resort at Longboat Key Club in Sarasota, Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, Sense Beach House in South Beach, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa in Jupiter, and the W in Fort Lauderdale.

More Caribbean deals can be found at Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach in Barbados, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in Aruba, the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort in Curacao, the San Juan Marriott in Puerto Rico, and the St. Kitts Marriott & Royal Beach Casino. The specials also include hot spots in Latin American like Casa Palopo in Guatemala, the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco in Peru, and the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama. The deals also reach as far as the steamy Mediterranean, where savings can be celebrated at Il Salviatino in Florence and Palazzo Victoria in Verona!

So get your fingers poised above your computer keyboard for Cyber Monday to save big on sun destinations! Visit each resort’s website for all information.
For more cyberdeal info and promo codes info see: Cyber Travel Deals

John Schneider - From Duke to Director

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:52:00 +0000

“I play a deliciously villainous guy. I like psychological drama, dark, complex characters whose life or choices have forced them into a position of doing things that they wouldn't do. And then they realize they enjoy it.” And with those words, I was hooked.

John Schneider, best known for starring as Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville's Jonathan Kent (Superman’s dad), was talking about his current dramatic role in Tyler Perry's weekly show The Haves and the Have Nots on OWN.

But there’s something even closer to Schneider’s heart: the first feature to be released by his Louisiana-based production company, Schneider’s new film, Smothered.

The genesis: “I was at a horror convention in Dusseldorf, Germany sitting at a bar with some horror icons who weren't having the best show,” said Schneider a few Fridays ago during our interview. “I said to one of them, 'If I gave you $1000 right now to haunt an RV park and blow off this convention, would you do it?' He said, 'Absolutely.' And that's precisely why a bunch of actors who play serial killers in movies get together and go camping during a weekend.” Spoiler alert: two people die at the hands – ahem – at the bosom of the busty ingénue.

An admitted horror fan, Schneider, who wrote and directed Smothered, was able to see fan reaction at a screening. “The audience went from laughing hysterically to holding hands with someone because they were scared. Well, it is a horror film and there’s gore,” he said. “But, it's not a typical horror film. It’s unique because the audience empathizes with the villain. It’s funny, but it’s not a spoof. We really show the heart and humanity of the characters. You end up caring for them.”

What’s also gotten Schneider so excited is his new year-old production company, Fairlight Films. The plan is to produce two films a year. When I asked him whether he’s a producer type or a director type, he told me he’s the writer-director guy. “I love to go from a blank screen to popcorn. In the creation process two plus two can equal six. Not so much in producing,” he said, smiling. “Ultimately, the team is where the efficiency lives.”

Read more exclusive content from our latest issue of Luxury Report Magazine here.

Mayim Bialik - Interviewed for Luxury Report Magazine No.27

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:27:00 +0000

AUTHOR: REBA WILSON

Mayim Bialik’s résumé must read like an idealistic youth’s bucket list: earn a Ph.D. in neuroscience; become a famous actress, chef and teacher; and publish a book – or two. I spoke with Bialik during a recent trip to Los Angeles. The Big Bang Theory star, who plays neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler, was about to wrap season 7 of the hit CBS show.

Bialik is a true Renaissance woman, dabbling in music, acting, cooking, writing, and science. “My parents raised me to have a broad set of interests and I’m very grateful to them,” she explains. “Even though I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, they tried to make opportunities available to me.” When asked what she would most like to be remembered for, she jokes that she’d like to “bring about world peace.” Like me, you’re probably wondering how she has time to do so much and still engage in her many hobbies. She admits that she doesn’t do them all at once, but also says: “I don’t watch TV, which saves a lot of time. And I don’t sleep a lot so I get a lot done early in the morning and late at night.”

Bialik’s other role is mother of two. I ask her the best advice she could give to her sons and she says it’s “to repair the world. I tell them all the time that it’s broken and it’s their job to fix it.” This seems like a tall order but she breaks it into manageable pieces by explaining that “there are opportunities every single day to be compassionate, to be kind, to hone the skills on a small scale that, when they get older and have the resources, they can use on a big scale.” And while we’re on the topic of advice, does she have any for her onscreen persona, Amy Farrah Fowler? “Don’t mix stripes and plaids,” Bialik laughs. The actress has a charming laugh, which often punctuates her quick-witted speech.

Though she plays a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory, Bialik doesn’t see herself going back to science anytime soon. “My fulltime job and what my contract is for is to be an actress,” she says, though she will “probably continue to teach and tutor as [her] boys get older.” As an intellectual, she has something to say about how we should get other women interested in the male-dominated science and technology fields. We must “introduce girls…younger than we typically have” to science and give them “practical hands-on experience so they can see some of the fun activities that are involved in being a scientist.” She is personally involved in making science sexy as a brand ambassador with Texas Instruments and also works with DeVry University as a spokesperson for their National HerWorld Month, a program designed to provide mentorship opportunities to female high schoolers interested in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

She has also been involved in the writing scene, and has penned two books: Beyond the Sling, about attachment parenting, and Mayim’s Vegan Table, her 2014 cookbook. Her approaches to writing differed in that, in her own words, “for the book on parenting I was…writing the experiences of what it looked like in our house,” while the cookbook is “literally presenting the recipes that I cook most often and the recipes that the non vegans in my life seem to like.” Her sons are also onboard the vegan train because “that’s all they know” and, frankly, “they’re kind of freaked out at the idea that people eat animals.” And, she explains, they’re lucky to live in L.A., with its abundance of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Some favorites include the vegan comfort food of Doomie’s Home Cookin’ (including delicious mac and cheese and croissants) and Real Food Daily.

As far as celebrities go, Bialik is a great role model and an inspiring woman. When asked about her own influences, she cites her rabbi and teacher from college as one of the most influential people of her life and credits him with “opening up [her] mind and giving [her] the knowledge to then decide how [she] wanted to live [her] life.” Bialik’s lifestyle proves she is a wholesome, conscientious person with intellect and personality to back her up. We’re certainly fans.

Read more exclusive content from our latest issue of Luxury Report Magazine here.

Life After HIMYM - Charlene Amoia Hurtles Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 19:12:00 +0000

With four movies due out this year, she’s batting a thousand. “I knew I wasn’t ‘the one,’ but they kept calling me.” It turns out How I Met Your Mother actress Charlene Amoia was not “the mother,” but fans loved her in the recurring role of Wendy, the naïve waitress, in the recently wrapped American TV hit show. “I’m very grateful for that role,” says Amoia. “It was fun to develop a character.”

Amoia and I had a great chat about her film projects, fashion and cooking. A Los Angeleno, Amoia got into modeling and eventually acting on the General Hospital spin-off soap, Port Charles. Amoia has also appeared in a variety of other TV shows, including 90210 and Glee, and films such as Seven Pounds with Will Smith, The Longer Day of Happiness and American Reunion. “Comedy allows me to be funny, goofy and fearless, but I have a real appreciation for dramatic roles. They allow you to delve into a psyche and try to understand why the character is who they’ve become,” she says.

Recently, Amoia was at the Toronto Film Festival for the premiere of Fat. Bowing to positive reviews, the film sheds light on how harsh the world can be to a person suffering from obesity. Amoia, who plays “Jill” in the film, spoke about the project. “It’s a real dark and honest look at a mental illness.”

She just wrapped Vitals, a psychological thriller in which Amoia plays the lead role. Next, she’s off to North Carolina to finalize her part in another film, Adrenaline. She’s also in the upcoming indie film Authors Anonymous, starring Kaley Cuoco, Kris Klein and Teri Polo.

Like every actor, she loves to work, but when she’s not, you’re more apt to find her at the local batting cage than shopping for clothes along Beverly Hills’ Robertson Boulevard.

“I’m a jeans and Converse kind of girl. I love dressing up but my everyday is more about being outdoors,” says Amoia. “Oh, and I love making large batches of gluten-free soups.”

Charlene Amoia: Beautiful? Check. Health-conscious? Check. Talented? Double check!

Read more exclusive content from our latest issue of Luxury Report Magazine here.

Simcha Jacobovici - Holy Journalism!

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 15:33:00 +0000

Who comes to mind when a McGill University alumni generates a tsunami of media debate after claiming he has found the tomb of Jesus? The answer is Israeli-born Canadian Simcha Jacobovici, three-time Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and New York Times best-selling author.

Acclaimed by the Ryerson Review of Journalism as “Canada’s Top Documentary Filmmaker,” Jacobovici gets a great sense of excitement and purpose applying his investigative journalistic skills to biblical archaeology. He can be seen uncovering and sharing his findings on reruns of Canada’s Vision TV hit show The Naked Archeologist and on recent documentaries The Lost Tomb of Jesus and The Exodus Decoded, both collaboratively produced with Avatar director/producer James Cameron. “What a great pleasure it is when you get paid to do what you love,” says Jacobovici. “Contextualizing something physical that came in contact with the bible and using the tools of investigative journalism to do so is a thrill.”

Jacobovici has become an internationally recognized expert in “decoding” the ancient past and has appeared on numerous television shows, including Anderson Cooper 360°, Larry King Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show and NBC Today. “We do a lot on the Hebrew bible but also on the Christian Gospels, looking at this material from a historical point of view, not a theological one. What we do is uncover the science and archeology behind the biblical narratives,” says Jacobovici.

For over ten years, Jacobovici, of Jewish Modern Orthodox faith, has been sparking heated scientific and academic debates for multiple archeological claims. He has argued that he has located the exact coordinates that the book of Exodus provides for the parting of the sea, claims to have identified the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth, and even argues that two Roman nails found in the tomb of the high priest Caiaphas are the very nails of Jesus’ crucifixion. “These claims seem fantastic if we mythologize historical events. My goal is to create a good archeological and journalistic case so that scientists can further investigate,” he argues. Simcha was born on April 4, 1953 to Romanian Jewish parents. His late father, Joseph, and mother, Ida, are Holocaust survivors. At the age of 9, he moved with his parents and sister to Montreal, where his father had been offered an engineering position. Jacobovici earned his Bachelor of Arts from McGill University with a degree in philosophy and politics in 1974. After a year of volunteering in the Israeli Army, he got his Masters in International Relations at the University of Toronto, where he completed all but his dissertation for a Ph.D.

An activist with deep-rooted ties to Israel, Simcha was eager to raise awareness about the oppression of Ethiopian Jews. In the late 1970s, he wrote various articles published by The New York Times on Ethiopian Jewry and soon after he teamed up with Peter Raymont, former National Film Board of Canada documentary-maker, to produce his first film, Falasha: Exile Of The Black Jews, which Jacobovici also directed. Jacobovici became a key player in the advocacy campaign to get the Ethiopian Jews out of Ethiopia. Importantly, his first documentary served as the beginning of a newfound career combining his passion for politics, journalism, Jewish advocacy and travel.

Since then, Jacobovici has garnered three Emmys for “Outstanding Investigative Journalism,” a certificate of Special Merit from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles (the Oscars), two Gemini awards, and a Gold Medal from the International Documentary Festival of Nyon. He has produced programming for virtually every major broadcaster in the world, including CBC, Vision, NBC, PBS, Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic Channel, and BBC.

Most recently, Simcha worked with Montreal-born filmmaker Ric Esther Bienstock to produce the internationally acclaimed Tales from the Organ Trade, the first documentary film tracking all participants in a single kidney trafficking scheme while exploring “the moral ambiguity” surrounding the ethics of kidney transplants.

Jacobovici’s first book, The Jesus Family Tomb, has been translated into more than 16 languages and is an international best seller. His latest book, The Lost Gospel: the Secret Marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is due to come out in November 2014. Jacobovici and his wife, Nicole, have been married for over 23 years and have five children. He commutes between his home in Israel and his office in downtown Toronto. In a new venture, Simcha will be offering his unique perspective on archaeology as part of guided tours of Israel. The first tour will take place in September 2014. It seems Simcha is just getting his second wind. Follow him at Simcha J TV.

by Leslie Perez @LesliePerezPR | April 28, 2014

Read more exclusive content from our latest issue of Luxury Report Magazine here.

Miss America, Nina Davuluri - Beauty, Brains and Ambition

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 19:50:00 +0000

On September 14, 2013, two beautiful women clad in full length gowns held hands on the stage of the Atlantic City Convention hall waiting in nervous anticipation for the name of the next Miss America to be announced. The announcer said, “Your new Miss America is… Miss New York,” and, with that, Nina Davuluri was thrust onto the national stage and made history by becoming the first Miss America of Indian descent. In shock and disbelief, she began her customary runway walk among screaming admirers and camera flashes. “It was such a crazy moment. I was looking for my mom in the audience,” says Davuluri.

After spending about 20 minutes with family and friends following her win, Davuluri was asked to pack up her belongings into two suitcases to begin her year of non-stop travelling. “Everyone wants to win Miss America, but not everyone wants the job of Miss America. It’s very much a year of service,” says Davuluri. “I travel incessantly – 20,000 miles a month.” The Miss America contest, since its inception in 1921 as an exciting local seaside pageant, is still a popular American cultural institution that has become entirely scholarship driven.

Brains, beauty and style are what Nina Davuluri is all about. With the $25,000 in scholarship money she won as Miss Syracuse, she was able to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science, earning a spot on the Dean’s List, a Michigan Merit Award, and a National Honor Society award too.

Since being crowned Miss America, Nina Davuluri’s win has created controversy. However, Davuluri, whose pageant platform is “celebrating diversity through cultural competency,” hasn’t seem bothered. “I have to rise above that,” she says. “I always viewed myself as first and foremost American. Traditionally Miss America has been the girl next door, but that’s evolved as America has evolved.”
The silver lining is that her title as Miss America awarded her $50,000 in scholarship money, which she will apply to her next phase of studies. Amongst her many responsibilities as Miss America is acting as brand ambassador for the internationally renowned brand Joseph Ribkoff.

This article is from our latest edition of Luxury Report Magazine. You can read the full magazine here.

Liz Gaspari - Supplement Business Mogul

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:21:00 +0000

Liz Gaspari

LR: So, tell me about WinesbyWives.com...
Liz: I love WinesbyWives it’s a wine “club” where my fans can share my favorite wine. At the end of a long hard work day I love to relax with a great glass of wine and now my fans can too.

LR: I'd love to hear about some of the charities you're involved with.
Liz: Vitamin Angels, Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, Lyme’s Disease Foundation.

LR: I have to mention as a Jersey girl myself, what is it about Jersey women that makes them so strong?
Liz: Jersey women are strong because we have to deal with Jersey men lol. I think we are strong because we live in a metropolitan area and most of us were raised by strong parents. We have so much opportunity here in business.

LR: Tell me about Gaspari Nutrition.
Liz: What can I say about Gaspari besides the great nutritional products… I spearheaded all the overseas sales and brought Gaspari Nutrition to another level. JERSEY GIRL power!!

LR: So, what else is new with you?
Liz: I am working on some special products and a movie that I am backing and I am really excited to be at this creative part in my career.

LR: I hear you are a definite fashion lover. How do you incorporate this into your lifestyle?
Liz: I am a fashionista at heart! I love shoes and handbags and clothes. I feel like if you dress for success you are already halfway there. My advice to women who want to be successful is get up, get dressed and put your make-up on even if you think you won’t see anyone that day. Be your best for you and no one else.

LR: What do you generally like to do when you aren't doing all of the above?
Liz: I love spending time with children of course. One of my favorite things to do when I am not working is yoga. It helps to center me and bring me back down. Sometimes between traveling, family and work I don’t know whether I am coming or going. Yoga has taught me to be in the moment and enjoy it.

LR: As both a mom and entrepreneur, how do you balance the two?
Liz: Being a mom is the hardest job. I want to be a role model to my children and at the same time I want to be there for them every moment. I do my best when I am home that we all eat dinner together, do homework, watch movies or play together. When I am away we use Skype so we all feel like we are together.

LR: What are you most known for?
Liz: The first woman Sport Supplement Business Mogul and the best mom in the whole wide world (says my little one Sofia).

Follow Liz Gaspari on Twitter: @LizGaspari

- LAUREN WEIGLE @NYCPRTeam

HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 01:29:00 +0000

Why is it that some people reach success with what seems like so much ease, while others struggle at it every day? Let me clarify for a quick moment; when I mentioned success, it ranges from: maintaining a weight loss program, starting a new business or climbing the corporate ladder. Success comes in many different shapes and sizes; there are small successes and quite extravagant ones. None are negligible and all bring meaningful growth to our lives. Following years of reading gigantic arrays of self improvement/success books, picking the brains of people way more successful than I, as well as countless experiences with trial and error, I’ve put together four essential elements required to achieve success in any goal you’ve set for yourself.

1Positive attitude: The first key element and arguably the most important. Norman Vincent Peale once said: “Change your thoughts and you change your world”. A positive attitude will very quickly determine whether or not you will stick to your goals when times get tough. It’s the gasoline that drives your engine, the force that pushes you forward towards your dreams. Once you lose a positive attitude, you risk losing it all.

2Step out of your comfort zone: Successful people do what unsuccessful people won’t do. Whether it’s calling that business prospect nobody else will, or waking up extra early to head to the gym before work. Successful people have a habit of pushing themselves way outside their comfort zone. The more they do so, the more they are able to accomplish what they never thought possible. Whatever you’re afraid to do, do it!

3Begin today: How many of us have goals, dreams or ideas? Now, how many of us have had those same goals, dreams and ideas for quite some time now? Procrastination is the arch enemy of your goals. There's always a reason not to start something right now; I'll start Monday or when the weather gets warmer. I’m sure you’ve heard that you need a set plan, with specific outlines of your goals. Those are important, but you should start right away, the plan will come once you’ve gotten started. Most people are passive; set yourself apart and be proactive!

4Embrace your failures: Failures can either be the catalyst to your success or can completely destroy you. The choice is in your hands. Successful people have the habit of dissecting their failures; really understanding what worked and what didn’t and using that information to propel them forward. Successful people get disappointed, of course they do, but they don’t linger on it. They learn what they can, and move on.

I wish you all the inner strength and the persistence to apply everything here and use it to shape your life for the better. Let me know how it goes!

Find me on Facebook: Daniel Enayatzadeh

3 TIPS TO EATING & FEELING BETTER

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 22:48:00 +0000

So, you want to live a healthy lifestyle, eat well and feel better? You’ve been thinking about it but not really sure where to start? The biggest challenge is actually maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping it sustainable for the long term. I’ve tried all kinds of new age diets, meal programs and a variety of other concoctions. The problem is they all had a strategy to lose weight and feel better until I got to where I wanted to be, but then what? The key is, whenever you begin something, is to ask yourself: Can I maintain this for the long term? A select few changes in eating and lifestyle habits can have an enormous and long lasting positive impact on your body. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to change your whole life and throw out everything in your fridge! I spoke with Ruthy Tanenbaum, a certified holistic nutritionist, she pointed out 3 improvements that almost anyone can begin with. You can check out her web site here: www.rtnutrition.ca

Breakfast: Try to eat breakfast within the first hour of waking up to ensure that your blood glucose levels (insulin) don’t take a dive. The better your nutrition is in the morning, the less likely you are to splurge later in the day.

Hydration: It’s easy to forget, but consider this: your body runs on water, it regulates temperature, carries nutrients, oxygen and cushions your joints and flushes out unwanted toxins. Did you know that even a slight dehydration can compromise your mental alertness?

Sugar: Now, nobody expects you to eliminate sugar completely but one good example is reducing your intake of soft drinks and other high calorie, sugar based beverages. They are highly addictive, contribute to dehydration and can cause your body to begin storing fat instead of burning it. This happens because your body needs important vitamins and minerals to digest the sugar and your body will draw on them when they should instead be used for fat burning and muscle building. Sounds like the complete opposite of what I want my body doing!

So let’s get started; let me know how it goes for you! As always, I will leave you with a relating inspiring quote.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
– Goethe

Follow Daniel Enayatzadeh on Twitter: @Enayatzadeh

UNITED COLORS OF FASHION GALA

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:37:00 +0000

"Be Glamorous: Glamour Gives"

Music legend Dionne Warwick, honorary co-chair of the event, was unable to attend due to her present tour, as was celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch, but honorary chair Nigel Barker was there with bells on, along with supermodel Pat Cleveland and Miss Jay Alexander of America’s Next Top Model. Another honoree was former model and muse to Givenchy, Sandi Bass, who was honored as UCOF’s “Casting Director of The Year” for her efforts at the event. House of Diehl styled the show gorgeously. Famous for their “style wars” across the country, the talented duo definitely helped to make a great event.
            The UCOF aids New York’s underprivileged and aspiring artists in becoming successful professionals in the real world. UCOF partners with South African aid organizations to provide relief to children with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia and paralysis with their proceeds. Taking place at the Museum of the City of New York, this esteemed event acted as a reward to UCOF supporters, philanthropists, esteemed members of the fashion community, and celebrities. Broadway stars Kaye Tuckerman and Thuli Dumakude hosted the gala, which was a packed house. Fashion designers from across the globe showcased their talent on the runway, and the show featured supermodels Sessilee Lopez, Pat Cleveland and Ajak Deng, as well as others. Leila Lopes, international ambassador and Ms. Universe 2011, also lent her support. In addition, Season Nine Project Runway winner and star Anya Ayoung-Chee participated as one of the designers of the evening.
            We passed Miss Jay posing on the red carpet as we made our way to the gorgeous front hall, where attendees were enjoying the open bar and live music. It took a while for everyone to settle down before the event, but once the formalities began, people became connected with the cause and purpose of the evening. All in all, it was a great night with a fantastic message, raising awareness and funds for UCOF.
Special thanks to House of Diehl and Janiece N. Rejba.
            Visit www.unitedcolorsoffashion.org.

- LAUREN WEIGLE

From left to right: Miss Jay Alexander, Pat Cleveland and Nigel Barker at the United Colors Of Fashion Gala.
©HungOver Amateur Photography

BAKING IN HIGH HEELS - Montreal Fall Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Luxury Report Magazine) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:28:00 +0000

On October 24th, 2012 Montreal Fashionistas had an opportunity unleash their Domestic Goddesses at eFashionista's exclusive “Baking in High Heels” event featuring the Food Network SugarStars at PRFKT Boutique, located in the Montreal World Trade Centre.

The location was PRFKT! Housing some of the biggest names in fashion, PRFKT by Europa is catering your every whim and desire... a one-stop shop tailored to satisfy your lavish taste.

Sweet event details included High Heel Expert Tina Karr showing how to perfect your stride and wear heels while baking, SugarStars sweet table designs and pumpkin spice martini making.
Beauty touch-ups were provided by Caroline Theoret.

There was a charitable twist too: a high heel painting by Montreal-born painter Antoine Tavaglione was auctioned off in hopes to funds for a local women’s shelter.

It was a night all about satisfying senses of Domestic Goddesses from the heel up, filled with glitter pumpkins, high heels and sweet decor! Until next time!

Photo courtesy by PRFKT Boutique and Brian Degrace.