January 2009

“A passport to stylish living” as a tagline is a great entree into what gets Ronda excited. This passionate founder/ blogger of Allthebestblog.com has a main focus I find really interesting: she gets behind the designers, wine makers, restaurant owners etc - what inspired them,their secrets..she interviews other passionate people from all over the world and shares with all of us readers. To me, the analogy that best suits is one I’ve used about my Insiders — Ronda has created a virtual cocktail party of talented, fascinating people. Love it!

She launched in January 2007 as an online guide to stylish living and has garnered attention from press and readers around the world. In October 2008 she was invited by Architectural Digest magazine to New York as a featured speaker on the ‘Influence of the Design Blogger’ panel. Cool. The blog is read in more than 40 countries. Cooler.

Do go check it out for yourself - Daily posts include topics ranging from design, shopping, travel, fashion, food/wine and art. What sets All the Best apart from other similar blogs are her interviews with industry icons. A few notables include—Rita Konig, Kelly Wearstler, Ivanka Trump, Vicente Wolf and Jonathan Alder.The questions posed to these people range from: “What is your favorite CD at the moment?” to ” What is your idea of earthly happiness?

If you could ask Ronda to interview anyone in the design-lifestyle world, who would it be… and what question would you want asked?  www.allthebestblog.com

I wrote earlier in the month about Iceland Skyn…. Dr Murad Skin Care is another truly quality, effective skincare line.

Dr Murad skin care has been around for a long time, especially recognized for its many anti-aging regimens. I must admit I was suspect but …was recently really impressed with their product line I tested at The Boston Harbor Hotel.  The night cream is rich and delish, the eye cream keeps under-eye concealer from caking all day long! Then, I tried the sun protection products on a recent trip to Oman. Felt great on my skin - they even smell effective! One of the most imperative things I’ve learned—especially after living in sunny havens like Buenos Aires—is how crucial it is to protect yourself from the sun. This brand has a great line of lotions and creams to protect against sun damage and those scary premature wrinkles. At least make the effort, while enjoying the heat.

I’ve ordered the whole product range and will report back after 6 months with: RESULTS!

What is your most favorite skincare line?

Eco Salon is a great concept I thought I’d share—not just because…

I’ve always been a big proponent of all things green, way before it became chic by the way. I thought this way naturally; guess that’s how I was brought up! When you skim through my files you’ll see various eco-friendly fashion, spas, products, etc. It’s no surprise then that Eco Salon caught my attention when it launched about nine months ago. I’ve been keeping an eye on it since.

If you haven’t heard any of those annoying articles that purport that: “green is the new black”  (ugh, yuck, silliness) this site has got tons of great fashion ideas like bamboo dresses and chic hemp shoes. I’ve become so excited in the last few years with how many facets of my life can now be “green.” Ladies, we don’t have to sacrifice fashion anymore to be eco-friendly!  This is a site I’ve referred to for gift ideas for my friend’s birthdays and special occasions. Well done and well-meaning, while being market-savvy.

http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com

Here is a blog I stumbled across that strives for the same unique travel experiences as Suzanne’s Files presents. Dr Paul Johnson has spent the last 20 plus years traveling the globe and he shares my passion for discovering the best. Can’t wait to meet him someday.

I’m a big fan of blogs that are differentiated, as I think they are a great way to relay info and advice on a really casual plane. You can almost imagine you’re reading letters from a friend. One of Paul’s more recent entries highlights a 14-day luxury cruise through South East Asia, launching from a favorite metropolis of many: Hong Kong.  Check it out!  If you like Suzanne’s Files, I think you’ll enjoy this.  Give me some feedback.

Skyn Iceland - a top notch new skincare range I just had to tell you about…

I’m always on the look out for new skincare lines. So many are BS - marketing ploys. Only very few actually garner any effect. If you’re anything like me and almost every other woman I know, the pursuit of caring for your skin is a lifelong mission.

This new collection is specifically tailored for stressed skin and most of us city living gals know a thing or two about that! Living in big cities with exposure to the elements, heating and air conditioner can play havoc with your skin. Iceland is renowned for its holistic spa and hot spring therapies but unfortunately we don’t always have the time or money to jump on a plane to revive ourselves. Now, you can bring a bit of Iceland to you at a fraction of the cost, I figure!

I particularly love the anti-oxidant calming serum.  When I put it on I can actually feel the active ingredients tingling on my skin and getting to work. Arctic Mist is refreshing and the night cream nice and rich to banish yucky dryness.  Highly recommend this one.  Order online or see their list of stockists: www.skyniceland.com

NB: Their travel pack is the perfect size for an up to 2 week trip in a transparent cool blue plastic cary case.  Cooooolllll.