the boudoir.

Travel Advice: What To Do in Milan, Italy

2012-02-11T15:57:00.002+03:00

Other than having gelato and Italian food, Milan is rich in history, especially the artistic kind. This city is famous for its exhibitions, art, design, and fashion. Its better if you check out what exhibitions will be on at the time of you visit.

When staying in Milan, Italy, its better that you get a hotel close to the Duomo Cathedral, as every place worth visiting is very near the Piazza del Duomo.

The number one place and the most important thing to see in Milan, if you're an art fanatic like myself, is Santa Maria della Grazia, where lies Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper at its refectory.

If you still want to see more of Leonardo de Vinci works, visit the Ambrosiana Library and Bramante Sacristy where you will find the Atlantic Codex. You can purchase tickets to visit all of of these places (includes the Last Supper) at this website.

The Duomo Cathedral should be on your list of places to visit, have a look inside and get a ticket (you'll get tickets outside on the side of the cathedral) to go up to the roof. You can also pay museum a visit if you're interested, its in anoher building across from the side of the cathedral.

Not far from the Duomo is the Teatro alla Scala, the famous opera house, book a show and visit its small museum.

At the end of Via Dante, a famous street, is Castello Sforzesco or Sforza Castle is another Milanese landmark worth visiting. It had been occupied by Milan's strongest families. Inside the castle is the museums very worth the visit because like the Santa Maria della Grazia church, inside is another gem. Michelangelo's final unfinished masterpiece is found inside. In addition to one of its rooms having Leonardo da Vinci frescos.

San Siro Stadium is the city's pride, everyone flocks to the stadium at the time of a game, even if they're not soccer fans.

Brera Art Gallery and the Poldi Pezzoli Museum (located near the Duomo on Via Manzoni after Theater Scala and before Armani) are in my opinion the two most important art museums in Milan if you don't have the time to visit all other museums.

Other churches you might want to look at are Basilica of Sant Ambrogio and Church of San Lorenzo Alle Colonne.

The segway tour is another way of roaming the important streets of Milan and you can book your ride through Viator.

If you want to a whole day trip outside of Milan, there are lots of choices. Popular choices are Lake Como, Lake Maggiori, Venice, Cinque Terre, and some Swiss villages.

Travel Advice: Finger's Restaurant - Milan , Italy

2012-02-10T13:30:00.000+03:00

If you want popular and hip, book a table in Finger's. Its the place to dine and be seen in, and if you're lucky enough like we were, you might get to meet some of Milan's famous soccer players, its the place they go to! I would never think of dining in a Japanese restaurant when visiting a food haven country like Italy, but the restaurants in Milan, like the previous Armani Nobu and this one are a must in you food itinerary. Finger's has opened in 2004 by a Brazilian/Japanese chef, and has already hosted parties for Armani, Gucci, and Calvin Klein. Book a table at least a week in advance or even before visiting Milan, and make sure to ask for a table outside or in the first section and not after the kitchen area. And make sure to try their maki rolls!

Opening hours: 8pm-midnight and until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays.

Address:Via San Gerolamo Emiliani, 2
Tel.: +39 02 541 226 75

Dukkan Al Downtown at Emaar Boulevard - Dubai, UAE

2012-02-07T11:00:00.003+03:00

Snog

2012-02-06T19:31:00.000+03:00

I must be the last person who came across SNOG, weather in Kuwait or in the UK. I love gelato like you have noticed, I'm not a frozen yogurt person, have it occasionally, once every five months. But when I came across their super cute shop in Souq Sharq, I couldn't help but enter to try their organic fro-yo. I'm a boring fro-yo customer. I go for the smallest size fruit flavored fro-yo, strawberry or mango, without any toppings. I chose strawberry, mango isn't in season. This post is soley for the purpose of checking out the cute interiors.

New Hotel: Belgraves - London, UK

2012-02-01T11:30:00.019+03:00

Opens today.

Belgaves is a Thompson Hotel located in Belgravia, very near Sloane Stree. The interiors of this 85 room hotel is a cross between British and bohemian American, very much different than what you are used to in any hotel in London, UK.

Travel Advice: Gelato in Milan, Italy

2012-01-27T14:49:00.001+03:00

Gelato is everywhere in Milan, Italy, and you can never have enough gelato. There are lots of stores I wasn't able to try because there wasn't enough time or they were far away from our accomodation. As you may have noticed, I combined one of the older posts in this post. And I'll write two more posts with places that have good gelato.

Grom
Grom is one of the most popular gelato shops in Milan, they have five branches scattered around the city, including the one near Dogana Del Buongusto restaurant (previous post), one in Via S. Margherita (near Piazza Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II), and on Corso Buenos Aires, the longest shopping street in Milan. I had the darker than dark chocolate (without milk) and Cassata Siciliana. The first chosen flavor was a mistake, it was way too bitter. The latter was better than I could have imagined, tastes exactly like the Cassata Siciliana pastry, a lemony and orange ricotta flavor. In another visit I had the normal dark chocolate and it was just perfect.

Lato G

Nearby on Via Santa Margherita 14/16, is another gelato store called Lato G. Even with the weather being freezing cold I couldn't help but try the lemon mint sorbet gelato, because lemon mint was my favorite juice. It tasted as refreshing as the real juice, in my opinion would be best eaten in the summer. Of course, dark chocolate was my second flavor.

Gelateria Vanilla

Gelateria Vanilla is located on the same street as the side door (lounge cafe) of Starhotel Rosa Grand. Gelato here was also good. The Cassatta Siciliana and dark chocolate were my choices again.

Il Massimo Del Gelato

I've been dying to visit this gelateria but didn't have the time to. It's one of the best gelaterias in Milan. It closes on Mondays.

Address: Via Castelvetro, 18

Crunchy

2012-01-25T11:23:00.000+03:00

I'm sure a lot of you guys have heard about this home business. Crunchy. I didn't, until my friend brought their yummy mini burgers to one of my gatherings. I don't care what you guy think, I personally liked the burgers so much. There was a crunchy mix and a really tasty sauce inside the buns. We also had their crispy potato chips that came with a dip. The business looks really professional, I skimmed through their menu and liked what I saw, the pictures and the array of salads and other dishes, salty or dessert they create.

For order call: 99227244

Email: crunch.crunchy@ymail.com

Lily & D

2012-01-24T16:07:00.000+03:00

My experience in Lily & D Nail Care was a really good one. Its located in AlGhawali Mall, the mall facing AlRaya Mall. A really quite small complex. The interiors were nice! Peaceful and simple, with a large flat screen showing E!. I went for the Go Natural manicure and pedicure. A fruity (might have been fresh) treatment. My friend recommended it. The manicurists did a really good thorough job, again I know I always give positive reviews, but I do mean it. Their nail polish collections and colors are up to date, I had a hard time choosing. Only con about the place is parking.

Tel.: 22441585

Travel Advice: Hotel Straf - Milan, Italy

2012-01-19T11:00:00.004+03:00

The second hotel we stayed in was Hotel Straf, a hotel that was number one on my list if I ever visited Milan, Italy. The best location, even closer than Rosa Grand, its door facing the famous department store La Rinascente and exactly by the Duomo Cathedral. An extremely trendy modern design boutique hotel and its a member of the Design Hotels. I am surprised that its a 4-star hotel, it felt like it was 5-stars.

I loved the room, which I have chosen carefully, called the Well Being room. A room fitted with a Japanese massage armchair, complete wih aroma and cromotherapy. The massage chair is seperated from the bedroom by a glass wall and door. When you're in the chair you can dim the lights and use the relaxing blue tiny star-like lighting. You can choose the aroma and enjoy your massage. Perfection. The pitch black bathroom is a piece or art which you can see from the picture. The service was excellent couldn't have asked for better service. I recommend this hotel to design lovers and the trendy. Definitely not suited for children and people not accostumed to the unique different use of things especially the bathroom where you have to reach down to the extremely low sink.

World's Highest Ferris Wheel

2012-01-18T12:37:00.001+03:00

You may have heard that the world's tallest Ferris wheel is found in Singapore, the Singapore Flyer, which was completed in 2008. If not then you know now. Each of its capsules hold up to 28 passengers. You can also get a butler service dining in a capsule for $1000.

Enough about Singapore, the newest attraction to the Ferris wheel world is China's Guangzhou TV Tower Ferris wheel which opened in August of last year. As you may notice its notyour typical Ferris wheel and has smaller capsules.

Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment, announced plans to build the tallest Ferris wheel, even taller than that of Singapore.

Travel Advice: Venchi Chocolates - Milan, Italy

2012-01-01T14:11:00.004+03:00

When I was in Milan, I came across this little chocolate shop called Venchi by chance. We actually visited this shop every single day whether to get chocolates or to check if we were lucky enough to get a hold of their always sold out gelato. Sadly we never had the chance to try their popular gelato. As for their chocolates, I brought back a travel bag filled with boxes of their chocolates, as gifts to friends and to fulfill my addiction. Branches of Venchi are found around some of Italy's cities. The one in Milan is located really close to Piazza del Duomo, and you will also find it in Malpensa airport.

I highly recommend these two chocolates

Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate Spreads- A Must!

Location in Center of Milan: Via Mengoni 1, angolo Via Tommaso Grossi
Website: http://www.venchi.it/en

Pre-Order Darmaki

2011-12-29T11:00:00.000+03:00

DARMAKI is offering its clients the chance to pre-order their favorite styles from the Spring Summer 2012 collection.

Check out the Lookbook

Contact DARMAKI sales team and pre-order your styles now:
sales@darmaki.com

Fishfayce Digital Photobooth

2011-12-29T10:38:00.001+03:00

I got an email from Hello965 about a this fun business based in Dubai, Fishfayce, that has been brought to Kuwait.

"Who are we? They’re the most talked about part of your next event, that’s who. Our digital photobooth concept will preserve the funkiest funniest most impulsively crazy moments of any event you will be hosting. We empower your guest to get involved whether it be with your brand or with each other or with you. The Fishface booth is a great compliment to any gathering.

Step in front of Fishfayce, frame your shot and click the remote. Your picture can be seen on the photobooth screen and can instantly projected on any large surface to share with your guests. each new picture is added within seconds to a slide show continuously throughout the event.
The Fishfayce digital photobooth is fully portable, and managed during your event by one of our staff. It can travel anywhere, anytime. We can provide instant on site printing and after the event, guests can download their photographs from our web site."

Fishfayce worked with brands like Blackberry, Maserati, Armani Prive, Adidas, Dubai International Film Festival, Okku, Hermes, Sony Playstation, Kitsche Cupcakes Saks Fifth Avenue, among others.

Location: Sahab Tower, Level 18, Salhiya
Telephone: +965 22273916
Email: info@fishfayce.com

Poca & Poca

2011-12-15T20:25:00.002+03:00

I got information on a popular brand I have heard about previously from a fellow blogger friend. Poca & Poca is a new designer brand, created in 2010, that comes from Poland and is based in Dubai. This brand is being sold now online at Goji Boutique for anyone who's interested. I find the collection eye catching, simple, chic, girly.

The Burger Hub - Reopened

2011-12-15T19:07:00.002+03:00

Travel Advice: Armani Hotel Milan - Italy

2011-12-10T11:37:00.001+03:00

Opened: 10th November 2011

The second Armani hotel to open after Armani Hotel Dubai (which I have visited earlier this year) is Armani Hotel Milano, and its only natural that it would open in the city of designer Giorgio Armani himself. The hotel has opened in the famous fashion district, within the extraordinary palazzo at Via Manzoni 31 (the same building as the one I mentioned in my Armani Nobu post)

The 95 rooms embody the hallmarks of the Armani brand: elegance, comfort and sophistication, and provide in-room amenities that are specially tailored for the utmost convenience of the guests.
All the public areas are concentrated on the seventh and eighth floors which have views of a spectacular and unexpected panorama encompassing the city, from the historic Duomo to the latest skyscrapers. The Armani/Ristorante is located on the seventh floor, where it offers superb traditional Italian gastronomy, an exclusive wine list, a private dining room and a Chef’s Table within the kitchen itself. On the opposite side, the Armani/Lounge with the Armani/bamboo bar looks out over the skyline: the double height ceiling, the wall with its huge window softened by louvered blinds and sections in backlit onyx and a good choice of music ensure a relaxed ambience in which to enjoy an informal meal, afternoon tea, or a light bite before dinner.
The Armani/SPA consists of six dedicated treatment rooms, a Couples Suite, a fitness gym, and a pool designed for relaxation with a temperature control system for maximum comfort. The sunscreen walls that filter out the bright light and the roof with its magnificent view across the skyline establish a slightly surreal mood. The gym also offers a wide choice of equipment for cardiovascular and muscular training, and is open 24 hours a day.

hotel website

Chanel 11/12 Meteirs D'Art Show

2011-12-09T16:08:00.001+03:00

The Bombay-Paris show is a spectacle. I fell in love with the runway setting probably more than the clothes. I loved the skinny above knee off-white boots and a some of the Chanel classic tweed jackets. Check out the full runway (link).

The Yas Hotel becomes The Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi - UAE

2011-12-09T15:25:00.002+03:00

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts is proudly celebrating Yas Viceroy, the rebranding of Abu Dhabi's architectural icon Yas Hotel (which I wrote about a while ago) and the first Viceroy in the Middle East.

An architectural triumph acting as the centerpiece of Yas Island, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hovers over land and water and spans the Yas Marina Circuit, the favored racetrack for Formula 1™ legends.
Underneath the hotel's sparkling canopy, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi presents guests with a new perspective for a resort, perched between city sophistication and jet-setting island glamour, completed by Viceroy's distinctive service.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi provides the utmost in choice and diversity, from 499 stylishly appointed rooms and suites to a menu of signature treatments at the spacious resort spa by ESPA.

TOMS is Giving in the Philippines

2011-12-07T13:13:00.001+03:00

TOMS is giving out shoes to children in need in the Philippines!

“With new shoes children are better protected against preventable diseases and infections and are also given a sense of dignity. The kids are ecstatic and so grateful for their new shoes!” - Geni Psinakis, Director of Development, TOMS Giving Partner WE International Philippines

Watch as children in the Philippines are given their first pair of TOMS Shoes.

Travel Advice: Armani/Nobu - Milan, Italy

2011-12-03T21:28:00.000+03:00

Armani/Nobu is the one of the most popular restaurants in the whole of Milan. Anyone going to the city has to visit this hip Japanese restaurant located in the huge Armani building on Via Manzoni. It is on the other side of the building which also houses Armani Prive and Armani Cafe. The atmosphere in the downstairs area although a smoking area is nicer than the upstairs one. I'm against eating Japanese in Italy, but a Nobu is always an exception, along with another restaurant I will write about later. All the food was really good and up to the Nobu standards. Reservations are required.

Address: Via Pisoni 1 (at the side of the Armani building on Via Manzoni)
Opening times: Mon-Sat noon - 2:30pm & 7pm - 11:30pm
Sun 7pm - 11:30pm
Tel.: 0262312645

Pretty Little Things Event

2011-12-02T11:46:00.001+03:00

Vendors:

Baking Tray
May Jewelry
Green Bar Inc (from Bahrain)
The Yard
Silsal Ceramics
Goji Boutique
Baby B

Daily giveaways from:
Firin Gluten Free Bakery
F.Naqi Institute

Outdoor seating, heaters, complimentary pots of tea.

Facebook event

New Hotel: Aloft Bangkok - Thailand

2011-12-01T14:20:00.002+03:00

Opening Today.

Located on Sukhumvit Road.

hotel website

Useful Office Accessory

2011-11-29T11:36:00.002+03:00

I got the Office Survival Kit (Hers) by Touch of Ginger from my friend who just came back from London. Such a unique gift and so me! This hand size kit is in my opinion so useful and can be kept in your handbag for emergencies. It contains a nail file, lip balm, refreshing wipe, mints, moisturizer, sewing kit, cotton buds, cotton pads, make-up remover, and elastic hair band. There's also a "His" version of the Office Survival Kit and many other useful Urban Kits available on their website. I want to collect all the Urban Kits! This would make a nice gift or a gift add on.

Travel Advice: Dogana Del Buongusto - Milan, Italy

2011-11-27T13:30:00.002+03:00

We visited a very old and well known rustic Italian restaurant called Dogana Del Buongusto based on various online reviews. Its around a 10-15 min walk from Duoumo Cathedral. The building itself is said to be historical and have been through a lot from war. I have never seen an excellent service as the one we have been showed in this restaurant, the waiters were extremeley nice and patient with us, one even translated the whole Italian language menu. The dishes are very unique, so unique that it was hard for me to choose anything and I'm not THAT adventurous when it comes to dishes. What I loved the most is the their burrata. I have never had one like it in the whole of Italy!

Address: Via Molino delle Armi
Tel.: 0283242444
Opening times: 6:00pm - 2:00am
Closed Sundays
restaurant website

Travel Advice: Starhotels Rosa Grand - Milan, Italy

2011-11-26T20:16:00.001+03:00

One of two hotels I've stayed in during my stay in Milan, Italy was Starhotels Rosa Grand, a very touristy boutique hotel and it was far from being a hotel of my choice, but I had to stay in it for lack of hotels available in such a short notice. The prices are extremely reasonable. Just recently renovated, its a must that you ask for the newly renovated rooms, which are the deluxe and executive and above, otherwise you will be very disappointed. This hotel overlooks Piazza Fontana and is exactly at Piazza Duomo, takes a minute to reach the famous cathdral. Closeby is Milan's best department store, La Rinscente, and one of the beautiful malls in the world, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Lots of restaurants and cafes nearby also. Overall, excellent location.

hotel website