Icebreaker Clothing - New Zealand

I just spoke to my friend Mac who lives in New Zealand, and it reminded me that I should post on the clothing company she works for: Ice Breaker.  Based in Wellington, Ice Breaker makes stylish athletic wear, perfect for skiing, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. All garments are made from light weight Alpine merino wool which naturally wicks away moisture while providing extreme warmth.  Their clothes are available at various sporting good stores around the U.S. as well as in New Zealand: www.icebreaker.com/site/dealer.html

Rigaud Travel Candles

Whenever I look up reviews of budget hotels on Trip Advisor, it seems that one of the criticisms is always "hotel has a funky odor."  I have rejected many a hotel based on those words, but I started to think --  if everything else about the hotel is great and the price is right -- maybe there's a solution: a Rigaud travel candle!  These candles have been around for over 100 years when they were used to freshen Madame Rigaud's Champs Elysee boutique. The most famous and original scent is the Cypres, a woody pine scent, but now the line carries many others. Plus, they come in a stylish zebra print tin.

Liberty Online - London

Liberty, my favorite department store in London, is now selling merchandise online! Their style is Barneys NY meets Anthropologie by way of India. Many of the items on the website are Liberty products available exclusively through the store, and I found those items to be cheaper than the other lines they carry. Although, with the current exchange rate, you won't be finding any bargains.  Even though I can't really afford to buy anything at least now I get to "window shop!"

Kiss My Bundt Bakery - Los Angeles

Kiss My Bundt Bakery just opened on 3rd street in West Hollywood, and aside from having a great name, I'm happy to have a new dessert shop that's offering something other than cupcakes and yogurt.  They offer a large selection of bundt and mini bundt cakes with flavors that change daily such as: Callebaut chocolate with chocolate glaze, Red velvet with cream cheese frosting, Luscious lemon drop cake,  and Cinnamon pecan coffee cake. They also offer organic coffees and teas. 

Matouk Factory Store - Massachusetts

So Fall River, Massachusetts is not exactly  a tourist destination, but if you happen to find yourself passing through on your way to Newport or Providence Rhode Island, it's worth making a stop for the Matouk outlet. Matouk makes beautiful, but expensive bedding and towels that are available at the outlet for significant discounts. Some of the merchandise is slightly damaged or discontinued, but when I was there this summer, they did have the above Lulu DK Paradiso pattern discounted. The best deals seem to be on towels, table linens, and sheets in the King and Twin sizes, but inventory changes so you never know what treasures you might find. 

Miette Bakery - San Francisco

The arrival of Sweetiepies  reminded me of another beautiful bakery in San Francisco: Miette. I can't wait to stop by this shop on my next trip to San Francisco. The decor of this place is perfection, from the sweet wallpaper to the gum drop topiary! Miette is everything a candy store/bakery should be. What a magically place for a child's birthday party, or -- who am I kidding -- my birthday party!

Hotel Palomar - Los Angeles

Hotel Palomar, Los Angeles's first eco hotel, has opened in Westwood. The hotel utilizes all eco and organic friendly products down to to the food in the mini bar, and energy efficient lighting and water fixtures, without sacrificing their old hollywood style. Another perk is their pet friendliness. With the help of the super cute Director of Pet Relations, Jackson Oscar (above), they promise to properly pamper you and your pet during your stay. Rates start at: $225  www.hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com