Latest Articles

• JUICY COUTURE CELEBRATES ITS ARRIVAL TO SOUTH BEACH

  Mar 25, 2011 by Administrator / 1,638 Views

  
  ¡VIVA MIAMI!
  JUICY COUTURE CELEBRATES ITS ARRIVAL TO SOUTH BEACH
  
  Exclusive Cocktail Event Featuring DJ Performance by The Nervo Twins
  
  
             Last night,  Actress, Camilla Belle along with Wilhelmina models, Holly Owens, Lacey Nelson and Quinn Gaillard celebrated Juicy Couture’s new home in the heart of South Beach at the architecturally iconic 1111 Lincoln Road, offering guests a first-look at the new 1,600 square foot art deco retail space. The vibe of the exclusive opening was set with a Miami-esque cocktail party highlighted with a DJ performance by Mim and Liv Nervo, the renowned 28 year old Australian twins.
  
  The Miami location not only offers the perfect beachy, day and night pieces from the Juicy Couture collection, it also debuts lifestyle options including art and literature, a first for the brand. Featured works include A Place in the Sun by Slim Aarons, Pools by Kelly Klein and Cecil Beaton - The Art of Scrapbook by James Danzinger. Custom designed surfboards and artwork by various artists including Hannah Hooper are on display, signifying just a glimpse into the future of the evolving brand.
  
  Additionally, Juicy Couture dedicated proceeds from the event to Women of Tomorrow, a Miami based organization founded by multi-Emmy Award winning journalist and award winning author Jennifer Valoppi. Women of Tomorrow empowers young women through a unique mentoring program with highly accomplished professional women and scholarship opportunities.
  www.womenoftomorrow.org
  
              Thursday, March 24th, 2011           
  
               Juicy Couture Store
               1111 Lincoln Road
               Miami South Beach, Florida
  
  Photos by Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com
  Read more »

• Spa Week: 7 Days of Pampering on a Budget

  Mar 21, 2011 by Administrator / 1,314 Views

  Spa Week’s April 2011 Event offers the most cost-conscious way to refresh and renew this Spring
  
  MARCH 2011: Spa Week’s Fall 2010 Event took the country by storm by expanding its reach in more than a dozen new markets nationwide, reaffirming its status as the largest and most successful Spa Marketing Event in the spa industry. Thousands of consumers across North America were able to experience luxurious spa treatments for the first time while millions more were exposed to some of the most innovative services ever offered during the Spa Week Event. Moving into the 14th season of Spa Week this Spring, Spa Week will continue to raise the bar and deliver the most modern, unique and trendiest treatments available – all of course at its branded $50 price point.
  
  Taking place from April 11th - 17th, Spa Week’s Spring 2011 Event will further expand into even more cities across North America, diving deeper into the next generation of spa-goers. Day spas, medical spas, resort spas, fitness centers and other wellness facilities will offer 2-3 of their most exclusive services for a discounted price of $50 each. Yoga/Pilates and Fitness/Weight Loss Centers, Eyelash Boutiques and even Salt Rooms are just some of the beauty and wellness institutions becoming regulars on the Spa Week roster.
  
  What could be better than indulging in a well-deserved spa treatment after a long, cold winter – guilt-free? Spa Week is the answer for every frugalista on the map seeking some pampering relief on a budget. Whether it’s enjoying a massage at a four-star resort, trying acupuncture for the first time, or starting fresh with a new hair color, Spa Week has something for everyone to rejuvenate from the inside out. Many spas will book up just hours after SpaWeek.com launches on March 14th with a list of participants and treatments, so it is recommended that consumers sign up in advance and book their appointments immediately. Keep up with news, deals and updates on the go with Spa Week’s Mobile App for iPhone & Android.
  
  As always, Spa Week’s goal is to open up the spa industry to the masses by making spa treatments accessible and affordable to all. Aligned with their commitment to reaching the next generation of spa-goers and infusing much-needed new blood into the industry, Spa Week’s social media director Michelle Joni Lapidos maintains the most popular and active spa page on Facebook, a well-read off-beat spa lifestyle blog, Spa Week Daily, an impactful Twitter presence (#50dollartreatments), and a YouTube channel that has stirred up some controversy in this otherwise relatively quiet industry.
  
  Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Spa Week is thrilled to announce its 2011 Presenting and Title Sponsor: CAREFREE®; Exclusive Destination Sponsor: Vdara Hotel & Spa, CityCenter Las Vegas; Exclusive Cosmetic Sponsor: YOUNGBLOOD® Mineral Cosmetics; Exclusive Food Sponsor: Dole; Exclusive National Media Sponsor: Allure Magazine; and Exclusive Spa Association Partner: ISPA.
  For more information, visit www.spaweek.com Read more »

• JOHN LEGEND TO HEADLINE SAINT LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL

  Mar 19, 2011 by Administrator / 1,310 Views

  20th anniversary draws top musicians from around the world;
  special festival packages and offers available
  
   
  
  Saint Lucia (March 17, 2011) – In celebration of the 20th anniversary, Grammy-award winning multi-Platinum artist John Legend will headline this year’s Saint Lucia Jazz Festival.  The singer, in his album collaboration with The Roots, recently picked up three awards on February 13, 2011 at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards show for Best Tradition R&B Vocal Performance for “Hang On In There,” Best R&B Song for “Shine” and Best R&B Album for Wake Up!.  Legend has sold more than five million albums worldwide, garnered multiple hit singles ("Ordinary People," "Used to Love U," "So High," "Save Room," "Heaven," "Another Again") and has received countless awards.  Legend demonstrates a rare ability to fuse classic old school soul music with the edgy flavor of 21st century hip-hop.
  
   
  
  From April 30 to May 8, 2011, this year’s festival lineup is comprised of an international roster of renowned musicians featuring the genres of jazz, R&B, pop, soul and world music from the United States, UK, France, Africa and Saint Lucia, including:
  
   
  
  -          Trey Songz – The highly acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter Trey Songz debuted his first recording album in 2005 with I Gotta Make It followed by Trey Day (2007).  His third album, Ready, was released in 2009 while his fourth studio album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, was released in September 2010, all garnering him multiple BET and Grammy award nominations, including winning the 2010 BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist.
  
   
  
  -          Ledisi – Singer-songwriter Ledisi returns to the jazz festival stage sharing highlights from her Grammy nominated albums Lost & Found and Turn Me Loose.
  
   
  
  -          Regina Carter – American jazz violinist, Regina Carter, lauded as one of the finest violinists of her generation, will share African folk tunes from her newest album, Reverse Thread.
  
   
  
  -          Bad Ass Brass – Formed in 2008, the band takes its influence from the sounds of traditional New Orleans brass bands but adds its own unique twist. The group won the opportunity to play at this year’s jazz festival through a Facebook contest in the UK hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.
  
   
  
  -          Maceo Parker – American funk and jazz saxophonist, who had a long term association with the late, great James Brown, will get the audience dancing with hits from his latest album Roots & Grooves, which won a Jammie for best Jazz Album in 2009.
  
   
  
  -          Saint Lucian Collective – An ensemble of Saint Lucian’s jazz icons who will perform a mélange of sweet pulsating Caribbean beats.
  
   
  
   “As the leading and longest running jazz event in the Caribbean, year after year we welcome thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe to our legendary island to celebrate the premier voices in the music industry,” said Saint Lucia Tourist Board Director of Tourism Louis Lewis. “We’re thrilled to be marking our 20th anniversary with another sensational lineup. Combined with our world-class resorts, unique activities, exotic cuisine, unspoiled nature and warm people, this is still the best party in the Caribbean.”
  
   
  
  The festival will feature multiple complementary daily shows of acoustic, new age, jazz, soul, reggae, and R&B sounds held in a variety of locations and venues around the island, including Jazz on the Square in Castries and Jazz in the South at locations in Vieux Fort and Laborie.  Headliners will perform at the main stage performances which will be held at Pigeon Island National Park and Gaiety in Rodney Bay, the island’s epicenter of musical entertainment, featuring local clubs, lounges and restaurants.
  
   
  
  MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
  
  Wednesday May 4
     
  
  Thursday May 5
     
  
  Friday May 6
     
  
  Saturday May 7
     
  
  Sunday May 8
  
  Gaiety on Rodney Bay
     
  
  Gaiety on Rodney Bay
     
  
  Pigeon Island National Landmark
     
  
  Pigeon Island National Landmark
     
  
  Pigeon Island National Landmark
  
  7:00 p.m.
     
  
  7:00 p.m.
     
  
  8:00 p.m.
     
  
  4:00 p.m.
     
  
  2:00 p.m.
  
  Ledisi
     
  
  Sixun
     
  
  Morgan Heritage
     
  
  Trey Songz
     
  
  John Legend
  
  Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread
     
  
  Augustin 'Jab' Duplessis featuring Derede Williams
     
  
  Carimi
     
  
  Maceo Parker
     
  
  Chuck Brown
  
  Allison Marquis & Eclectic Pan Jazz
     
  
  Bad Ass Brass
     
  
  Angelique Kidjo
     
  
  Yellowjackets
     
  
  Mike Stern with Richard Bona, Bob Franceschini and Lionel Cordew
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
  Mervyn Wilkinson
     
  
  Taj Weekes & Adowa
     
  
  Saint Lucia Collective
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
  Anacaona
  
   
  
  For a full concert schedule, festival tickets and updates, visit the official Saint Lucia Jazz website www.stluciajazz.org.  For information on accommodations and attractions visit www.saintlucianow.com.
  
   
  
  Several resorts on the island will be celebrating the jazz festival with special packages.   See below for a complete list of offers from properties including Bay Gardens Hotel, Bay Gardens Inn, C’est La Vie, Cotton Bay Village, Fond Doux Holiday Plantation, Habitat Terrace, Harmony Suites, Juliette’s Lodge Hotel, Mango Beach Inn, Marina Haven Villa, Stonefield Villa Estate Resort & Spa, The Downtown Hotel, Village Inn & Spa, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort and Zamacà Saint Lucia Bed & Breakfast.
  
   
  
  Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn
  
  5-Night/6-Days Jazz Package
  
  ·         Accommodations for two in a Superior Room
  
  ·         Caribbean buffet breakfast daily
  
  ·         Three-course dinner at Trios Restaurant (valid one night only)
  
  ·         One day sail to Soufriere with complementary drinks and snorkel at Anse Cochon
  
  ·         US$10.00 coupon, per person, redeemable at Treasure Bay Casino
  
  ·         Complementary transfers (one way) from Bay Gardens Hotel to Pigeon Island Landmark for Main Stage Jazz Performance
  
  ·         Bay Gardens Resorts’ Jazz Souvenir
  
  ·         Rates: starting at US$990 based on double occupancy and includes all taxes
  
  ·         Book by: May 8, 2011
  
  ·         Travel April 30 through May 31, 2011
  
  Visit baygardensresorts.com for more information
  
   
  
  C’est La Vie
  
  Springtime Jazz
  
      * 4th night free
      * Includes breakfast, concierge, butler service
      * Travel May 1 through May 20, 2011
  
  Visit www.villacestlavie.com  for more information
  
   
  
  Cotton Bay Village
  
  Jazz on the Beach
  
      * Five nights accommodations
      * All meals included
      * All beverages by the glass included
      * One complementary spa treatment per adult
      * One ticket to the Jazz concert of choice per adult
      * Rates: starting at US$1010
      * Book by: April 30, 2011
      * Travel for any five night stay between April 30 to May 8, 2011
  
  Visit www.cottonbayvillage.com for more information
  
   
  
  Fond Doux Holiday Plantation
  
  Jazz Sulphur Jamboree
  
      * Spend seven nights or more and receive complementary tickets for two to Jazz in the North
      * Round trip transfer to Jazz Festival venue
  
  Visit fonddouxestate.com   for more information
  
   
  
  Habitat Terrace
  
  All That Jazz
  
      * Includes breakfast, t-shirt, and round-trip shuttle arrangements to the Jazz venue of choice
      * Book by: April 1, 2011
      * Travel April 30 through May 8, 2011
  
  Visit www.habitatterrace.com for more information
  
   
  
  Harmony Suites
  
  Jazz Special
  
      * Receive 15% off rates
  
  Visit www.harmonysuites.com for more information
  
   
  
  Juliette’s Lodge Hotel
  
  Just Jazz Special 2011
  
      * Special rates for the following accommodations:
            o Single occupancy US$55 per room per night plus taxes (max 1 person per)
            o Double occupancy US$65 per room per night plus taxes (max 2 people per)
            o Family room two beds US$90 per room per night plus taxes (max 4 people per)
            o Two bedroom apartment US$125 per room per night plux taxes (max 4 people per)
      * Single, double and family room rates are inclusive of continental breakfast per person
      * Book by: April 15, 2011
      * Travel April 24 through May 16, 2011
  
  Visit www.julietteslodge.com for more information
  
   
  
  Mango Beach Inn
  
  Jazz Fans – Beat the Traffic
  
      * Travel by boat from Marigot Bay to Pigeon Island
      * 10% discount off normal rates
      * Travel April 30 through May 8, 2011
  
  Visit http;//www.mangobeachmarigot.com for more information
  
   
  
  Marina Haven Villa
  
  Jazz Special
  
      * Stay seven nights and pay US$180 per night per villa
      * Complementary arrival airport transfer
      * Book by April 30, 2011
  
  Visit http;//www.bensconcierge.lc/marina-haven-villa.html for more information
  
   
  
  Stonefield Villa Estate Resort & Spa
  
  Enjoy the south of the Island and still Jazz in the North
  
      * Water taxi roundtrip to Castries
      * Complementary beverage on route to Jazz Festival
      * Daily breakfast for two
      * Ocean view villa and pool
      * Rates: starting at US$450 per couple inclusive of taxes
      * Book by: April 30, 2011
      * Travel April 1 through May 31, 2011
  
  Visit http;//www.stonefieldvillas.com for more information
  
   
  
  The Downtown Hotel
  
  Fun in the Sun
  
      * Special rates for the following accommodations:
            o Deluxe Downtown View US$65
            o Sea/Piton View US$75
            o Royal Suites US$85
            o Soufriere Suites US$95
            o Family Suites US$110
            o Rates are subject to 18% tax
      * Book by: April 30, 2011
      * Travel through May 8, 2011
  
  Visit www.thedowntownhotel.net for more information
  
   
  
  Village Inn & Spa
  
  Jazz Special
  
  ·         15% off rates
  
  ·         Breakfast daily
  
  ·         Complementary golf
  
  ·         Complementary spa treatment (conditions apply)
  
  Visit http;//www.villageinnstlucia.com for more information
  
   
  
  Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
  
  Jazz it Up!
  
      * Althurium Lily Suites
      * Daily breakfast buffet
      * Round trip airport/hotel transfers
      * Rates: starting at US$465 per night double occupancy includes taxes and service charges
      * Travel through May 9, 2011
  
  Visit http;//www.windjammer-landing.com for more information
  
   
  
  Zamacà Saint Lucia Bed & Breakfast
  
  Concord of Sweet Sounds and Colors of the Caribbean
  
      * Stay five nights and enjoy the sixth night free
      * Stay 12 nights and pay for ten
      * Upon check-out, receive a gift certificate for credit on next trip to Zamacà Saint Lucia Bed & Breakfast
      * Breakfast is included in rate
      * Rates: starting at US$112.10 per night per double occupancy
      * Book by: April 10, 2011
      * Travel April 28 through May 10, 2011*
      * *Extension of stay upon request
  
  Visit http;//www.zamaca.com for more information
  
   
  
  For more information about the island of Saint Lucia; its product offerings and resort vacation packages, visit http;//www.saintlucianow.com.
  
   
  
  About Saint Lucia
  One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.
  Read more »

• DINING BY DESIGN 2011

  Mar 12, 2011 by Administrator / 1,653 Views

   

  DIFFA’s

  2011 DINING BY DESIGN

  LAUNCHES WITH COCKTAILS BY DESIGN

        The Exclusive Event Will Feature New York City’s

  Finest Restaurants and Designers

   

  New York, NY (March 8, 2011) – DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS  tour will run concurrently with the Architectural Digest Home Design Show from Thursday, March 17^th through Monday, March 21^st. The tour will launch with “COCKTAILS BY DESIGN” on Thursday, March 17^th from 6pm to 10pm located at Pier 94, 12^th Ave. at 55^th Street in New York City.  COCKTAILS BY DESIGN will bring together some of the most talented and celebrated individuals in the worlds of fashion, food, interior design, and architecture to create and celebrate spectacular, over-the-top dining environments.

  For just $150.00 a ticket, guests will be able to view the amazing design installations while sampling culinary treats paired with delicious wine and cocktails from EFFEN Vodka. The menu for the evening will be provided by New York’s top restaurants including: Estiatorio Milos, Murray’s Cheese, ilili, Buddakan, Kittichai, Bar Boulud, North Square and Spice Market. Guests also have their choice of delicious menu items from one of NYC’s leading caterers, Canard, Inc., such as white truffle arancini, mini tacos stuffed with roast duck and mango-onion salsa and cracklings, and ahi tuna with cilantro cream.

  “DIFFA is delighted to have such amazing designers and restaurants participating in DINING BY DESIGN’s kick-off event, COCKTAILS BY DESIGN,” said David Sheppard, Executive Director of DIFFA. “Their contributions bring us one step closer in the fight against AIDS and we could not be happier with the wonderful support we have received.”

  In addition to the installations from renowned designers, DINING BY DESIGN will once again feature the Student Design Initiative. Participating design schools include: Fashion Institute of Technology with mentor Preston Bailey, Pratt Institute with mentor Alfredo Paredes, and New York School of Interior Design with mentor Philip Gorrivan. Design mentors guide their student team through the creative process from conception to execution, working within a strict budget.  The goal of the Student Design Initiative is to give the next generation of great designers the rare opportunity to work with some of the best design veterans in the business and participate in one of the industry’s most anticipated events.

   

  Sponsors include EFFEN Vodka, Benjamin Moore, United Airlines, Merchandise Mart Properties, and the New York Design Center. Media sponsors include Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Manhattan magazine and ABC-7.

  The schedule of events for DINING BY DESIGN New York is as follows:

  COCKTAILS BY DESIGN
  Thursday, March 17 6PM-10PM
  Designers and guests mingle at Pier 94 during this dazzling preview of the amazing design installations, while sampling treats from NYC’s top restaurants paired with delicious wine and cocktails. Tickets are available for $150 per person.

  PUBLIC TABLE VIEWING
  Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20^th; 10AM-6PM Daily
  Explore the latest in design trends as you view the amazing installations and shop the silent auction.

  GALA DINNER
  Monday, March 21; 6:30PM-11:00PM
  Cocktails and table hopping are followed by an elegant seated VIP dinner accompanied by dancing and a silent auction loaded with hospitality experiences and luxury items.

  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.diffa.org or call 212-727-3100.

  About DIFFA

  DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Since being founded in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $38 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide.  For more than 26 years, DIFFA has been one of the country’s largest supporters of both direct care for people living with AIDS and preventative education for those at risk.

  For more information visit diffa.org.

  Read more »

• Siudy Between Worlds A Flamenco Dance Fantasy To benefit AID FOR AIDS Intl.

  Mar 2, 2011 by Administrator / 1,519 Views

  On March 10, 2011, a special Off-Broadway performance of “Siudy: Between Worlds,” will be
  held to benefit AID FOR AIDS International (AFAI). The “Flamenco fantasia,” will be have a
  special benefit performance at the New World Theatre in New York City, and will explore a
  whole new form of storytelling, combining the raw emotion of Flamenco and urban dance, with a
  powerful percussive beat.
  
  Pioneering dancer and choreographer, Siudy Garrido, brings together her dance troupe of 22
  dancers and drummers from around the world to tell the tale of a future where water is scarce and
  desperate tribes battle over dwindling natural resources. Directed by four-time Grammy Nominee
  Pablo Croce.
  
  AFAI’s collaboration with Siudy Between Worlds is the first in a new series of cultural
  performances aimed at expanding AFAI’s fundraising and city-wide outreach.
  
  When: Thursday, March 10, 2011
  Curtains rise at 8:30 pm
  VIP Cocktail reception to follow the performance *
  
  Where: New World Stages
  340 West 50th Street (between 8 and 9 Ave)
  New York, NY 10019
  
  Tickets: Performance only $100 donation
  Performance & VIP Party $200 donation
  *VIP Party Celebrate with cast and supporters after the performance.
  Open bar and hors d’oeuvres.
  
  To buy tickets call: Eduardo Guzman 212-337-8043, ext 335 or visit
  www.aidforaids.org
  
  AID FOR AIDS International (AFAI) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization committed to
  improving the quality of life of people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHAs) in Latin America and
  the Caribbean as well as immigrants to the United States of America. We work to empower
  PLWHAs, their caregivers, and the community at large by providing access to treatment and
  medication, health education, HIV prevention strategies and advocacy and by promoting
  leadership and capacity building for individuals and organizations. Read more »