9 to 5 The Musical - Los Angeles, New York

9 to 5 The Musical opens this Saturday at the Ahmanson Theatre here in Los Angeles. It features all new music by Miss Dolly Parton and stars Allison Janney in the Lily Tomlinson role. The show will be running here through October 16th and then heading to Broadway's Marquis Theatre in March. Tickets are available now including Hot Tickets which can be purchased for just $20 for seats with slightly obstructed viewing. I've always loved this movie and have my Hot Tickets reserved for this Saturday's performance. I'll let you know how it goes!

Posh Jewelry - Nantucket

Jessica Hicks designs and sells gorgeous silver and gold jewelry in her little Nantucket shop Posh. Many of the designs are subtle animal prints like the above zebra and giraffe earrings but her new designs seem to be leaning towards the celestial. Nowhere near Nantucket? You can also order from her website: www.jessjewels.com

Las Paletas - Nashville

You would thing living in Los Angeles, we would have access to the best Mexican popsicles. The big shocker is that the best paletas are actually in Nashville! Las Paleta's popsicles are all hand made and come in delicious and unexpected flavors including: honeydew, chocolate banana, chai tea, coffee, hibiscus, and grapefuit. Next time you're in Nashville stop buy their shop on 12th street. It's a great way to beat that Southern humidity!

Vin et Fromage a Maison 140 - Los Angeles

Every Wednesday night the ultra lux Bar Noir in the Maison 140 hotel is holding wine and cheese pairings for $25 a person. Wines are all California varieties, and cheese is supplied by the comprehensive Cheese Shop of Beverly Hills. 

Calypso Pom Pom Throw

I am always freezing-cold on planes, and keep thinking I should pack a small throw in my bag for long trips. This cute Pom Pom Throw from Calypso seems like a good option. 
Made from soft cotton, you can roll it up for easy packing, and it it comes in all of the above fun colors. When you're not traveling, it would also look great thrown over the back of a side chair and the best part is it's only $50. 

Books & Movies to Get You in the Mood - Florence

 I thought I would start a new category on this blog for inspirational movies to watch before you travel, and books to read either before your vacation, or to pack in your suitcase. So, without further ado:

Florence, Italy

What to Watch Before You Go: 

A Room With A View - One of the most Romantic movies of all time, set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It will make you want to roam the Italian countryside and kiss foppish English men. Key scenes in the movie are filmed in the Piazza Della Signora, Santa Croce, and Fiesole (the countryside outside Florence.)

Books to Pack in Your Suitcase: 

1. Birth of Venus, by Sarah Dunant - This book is set during the Renaissance in Florence, at the time when the Medici were over thrown, and Savonarola ruled the city. The plot gets a bit soapy, but the historical details are accurate and fascinating, particularly the depiction of the Bonfire of the Vanities. After reading the book, you can visit Savonarola's cell (along with his hair shirt) at San Marco Church in Florence. 

2. Portrait of A Lady, by Henry James - I read this book on my first trip to Italy and loved it. The heroine travels the continent, but spends a good deal of time in Florence.

3. A Room With A View, by E.M. Forster - See above. Even if you've watched the movie, the book is still wonderful.

The Violet Hour Bar - Chicago

When I asked my friend Norm what bars he would recommend in Chicago, he immediately suggested The Violet Hour, and I think this bar is right up my alley.  The glamorous decor has the look of a French salon, combined with the coziness of an English Library, and the delicious sounding drinks include The Honeysuckle and The Fox Hunt. Food and Wine calls The Violet Hour one of the top bars in the country, and it already has one of my requisites for a perfect bar: a fireplace!