to & from, january/february 2013
DESCRIPTION
The love issue has the places, people and things we adore throughout the world. As you flip through the pages, we hope you fall in love over and over again.TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 FromTo
the loveissue
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A Sweet Sweet World 12Red & Company 14Indoor State of Mind: Staying Warm in the Big Apple 18Portugal’s Hidden Romance 40Beachin’ in Peru 50Color Puckers 62Kiss It Maybe 64Egyptian Travel 76Getting Married in Vegas 100
FEATURES
100COVER PHOTO: Kristi Jackson
(Check out Kristi’s Etsy store for more of her work!)
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MORE
Editor’s Letter 6Contributors 8Language Lessons 10Book It 32Downton Abbey 37How I Travel: Vacation Gals 70Food: Thai’d Up 94News Travels 120
70 94
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A vow renewal on a bridge in Minneapolis last spring.Love appears out of nowhere sometimes.
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Happy New Year!
I hope Lucky ‘13 brings you adventure, great success and much love. And since we’re on the topic of love, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While this is a day that was created for couples, we’ve decided to use it as a theme for the many places and things we simply adore. My hope is that you flip through the pages of this issue and fall in love over and over again.
XO,
Editor & Founder
RAMBLINGS FROM THE EDITOR
Diana
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NORWAY - It’s my Neverland / “WHO’S THAT GIRL” by Alexandra Potter / The love of my life, aka MY HUSBAND. (He’s also the per-fect travel companion because he speaks 5 languages!)
ITALY - Living there for six months during a semester abroad in col-lege was where I really learned the meaning of La Bella Vita and the joys that only living abroad can bring. / MY KINDLE / KIEHLS LIP BALM #1 IN CRANBERRY - This little white tube just glides effort-lessly over my chapped lips and gives the perfect glossy sheen in a delicious flavor.
PETRA KETELAARScopy editor
My favorite country is the Wonderland that has the freedom and gorgeous nature of THE UNITED STATES, the warmth both in peo-ple and in climate and the language of SPAIN, the fashion and style of ITALY, the (speech) accents of the UK, the food of FRANCE, THAILAND, the US and ITALY combined and the friends and archi-tecture of the NETHERLANDS. / ANY SAUVIGNON BLANC from the Marlborough region in New Zealand / The poem “IF” by Rudyard Kipling because it is about strength and hope.
CONTRIBUTORS
MEGAN EILEEN MCDONOUGH contributing editor
LEORA NOVICK contributing editor
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STEPHANY REIHINGbook editor
JAMAICA - I only spent a few hours there during a stop on a cruise this past year, but it was a magical time that fills me with utter joy every time I think back on those hours and how it changed me / MY KINDLE - There is something to be said about the weight and feel of an actual book, but there’s also something to be said about Kindles and e-readers and how much they have impacted my reading habits. / MOLLY MAHER, life coach of Stratejoy - Molly is one amazing, inspiring lady and I can’t express my love for her and her classes enough!
CONTRIBUTORS
NICOLE GOUGHwriter
BOLIVIA / If not my claddagh, then MY *NYAMINYAMI *NECK-LACE because it reminds me of peace, good friends, and our safari. (I also traded my rugby T-shirt in Zambia to get it) / MY SISTER - She’s smart, silly, strong, and inspiring.
GEORGINA ANDERSONguest editor
SWITZERLAND - I spent a few years there as a child and have many good memories at French school and skiing on weekends. / A MEMOIR WRITTEN ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER’s time in the Royal Air Force and WWII / MAC’S DARK SIDE LIPSTICK - It’s a deep burgun-dy colour and can seem a little scary but I get so many compli-ments when I wear it.
JAMIEYphotographer
COSTA RICA - It’s where my dad lives and where I went on my honeymoon / MY IPHONE - I am such a workaholic and social media addict and my phone lets me stay connected all day every day, plus it has a pretty good camera on it. / MY HUS-BAND AND DAUGHTER - They both make my life complete and fill me with love.
Sharing theirloves
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LANGUAGE LESSONS
I love you.Σ ‘αγαπώ
Em yêu anh.
Ik hou van je.
Ich liebe dich.
Je t'adore.
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Te amo.
Mahal kita.
я тебя люблю.
Em yêu anh.
Ik hou van je.
Eu te amo.
أحبك Je t'adore.
אני אוהב אותך
دو ستت دارم
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A Sweet Sweet World
There is such a simple pleasure that comes with candy, which becomes that much more sweeter when you en-counter new sugary treats during your travels. (It’s also nice when others bring their discoveries to you, which was the case with a couple of candies pictured here.)
IndonesiaChimes Ginger Chews Hol land
Droste ChocolatePastilles
ItalyBaci Perugina Chocolates
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“I just feel such a connection to the little kids
in Naples. I remember being on the street wanting
a small piece of candy.” -GIULIANA RANCIC
HawaiiHawaiian Host Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nut
C olombiaSparkies
PolandMieszko Espresso-filled
Dark Chocolate
JapanGreen Tea Kit Kat
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KURT GEIGER ELLIOT HEEL £220
Possibly the sexiest heels around – the cour t st yle is t imeless but the shape of
the heel keeps them modern.
COMME DES
GARÇON POLKA -DOT
PRINT POUCH £92I love this polka dot Comme Des Garçon pouch. So versati le you could use i t as a clutch bag, make-up bag, or even use i t to store the loose bits and bobs in the bottom of your handbag chicly and t idi ly.
COMPILED BY GEORGINA ANDERSON
TOPSHOP PREMIUM PIPED GEO SHIRT, £45
I’m completely enthral led by the night-wear trend this season. There’s something enchanting about being able to wear your
pajamas in the street (although you have to be careful not to look l ike you’ve l i teral ly just got out of bed). Team this Topshop shir t with
a pair of black skinny jeans, bouncy waves and a cat eye for bedtime glamour.
Navy, black, cream and all
shades of pink are also related
to love...
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DIOR DIORIFIC VERNIS IN MARILYN £20
The packaging is gorgeous and the colour is even better. It ’s a classic pillar-box red that every woman should have in her col-lection. Pair with a matching lip and your
favourite LBD for date night.
TOPSHOP MAGIC LINER IN ENGRAVED $14
Did you know that Topshop uses the same supplier for their make-up as MAC? At a frac-
tion of the price but stil l made with great quality, Topshop’s beauty range has been
much celebrated by the beauty press. Try out their black eye liner pen for a sultry cat eye.
I LOVE YOU BY EDWARD MONKTON
£4.89I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend when we moved in together and it’s been on our coffee table ever since. Everyone picks it up when they come over and chuck-les at the hilarious and cute messages.
Whilst compil ing this l is t, and with the theme of love in mind, i t was hard to look
at products that weren’t red. I contem-plated why we consider the two so synon-ymous but of course, many other colours can be romantic and sensuous too. After al l, Navy, black, cream and al l shades of
pink are also related to love...
PENHALIGAN’S MALABAH EAU DE PARFUM 50ML £68
When a brand supplies the Royal bathrooms with toiletries, you know you can’t go wrong. My current fa-vourite scent is Malabah by Penha-ligan’s with its notes of citrus, Earl
Grey tea and sandalwood.
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CHARBONNEL ET WALKER DUSTED STRAWBERRY TRUFFLES
£11.75 FOR 8Who doesn’t love truffles? And ones with a
decadent strawberry centre are too good to pass up. Spoil a loved one (or yourself) with a box of these and a glass of champagne.
TALKING TABLES TREAT HOLDER BAGS £5.50 FOR 8Organise a movie night with friends and fil l these with salted popcorn
and your favourite candy.
IKEA DAGNY CUSHION £10I don’t think you can ever have too
many throw pillows and this em-broidered IKEA creation is pretty enough for your bedroom or luxe
enough for your lounge.
NIGELLISSIMA ITALIAN COOKBOOK £12
Italina food: who doesn’t love it? Nigella Lawson is the queen of decadent cooking and her new Italian offering is no exception.
Whether it ’s for some private indul-gence or to share the (food) love, Nigellissima is a great addition to
any budding cook’s collection.
SOME NIGHTS BY FUN £5By far one of last year’s best albums in my opinion - and also my current favou-rite driving album! Great as background music when having friends over or equal-
ly bril l iant cranked up for a sing-song. You won’t regret buying this.
anamericangirlintransit.com
An American Girl in Transita blog about finding style and culture around the world
Follow my travels around the world in pursuit of local fashion, culture, art, design, and even food!
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INDOOR STATE OF MINDIt’s cold
outside:
find warmth
in these 8
NYC spots
PHOTOGRAPHY AND TEXT BY MEGAN EILEEN MCDONOUGH
Apple Store (flip to page 26 for more.)
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Channel your Creative Side
Travel Through TimeYou don’t have to be religious to appreciate St. Patrick’s stunning Neo-Gothic interior. Conveniently located along New York’s posh 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, Rockefeller Center and Central Park are within walking distance. The Ro-man Catholic Cathedral features colorful stained glass windows, sky high ceilings, pipe organs and a variety of artwork.
New York’s famous skyscrapers only begin to scratch the surface of the city’s most impressive architectural structures. Check out the Guggenheim during their Saturday evening “pay what you wish” hours and marvel at the building’s multi-level circular construction, rotating exhibitions and permanent installations.
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SLIP INTO A GOOD BOOKCompletely devoid of crying babies and boring decor, the Bryant Park Public Library is as beautiful as it is quiet. Bring you laptop here to work distraction-free or browse through their extensive humanities and social sci-ences archive. For a more informational experience, stick around for a tour or stop by one of their many events hosted throughout the year.
LEARN SOMETHING NEWThe best way to beat New York’s cold winter months is by staying indoors. Use this opportunity to pick up a new trade or sharpen your pre-existing skills. Brooklyn Brainery hosts classes every week ranging from HTML and CSS prep to Intro to Knitting. Get ready to be a more well-rounded person come spring.
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FEEL LIKE A KIDThe holidays may be over but that doesn’t stop kids and “kids at heart” from jamming out to FAO Schwarz’s larger-than-life piano. Browse through the iconic store’s endless surplus of toys. From stuffed animals and delicate dollhouses to princess dresses and Harry Potter wizard hats, It’s easy to get carried away here regardless of your age.
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CLIMB TO NEW HEIGHTS
Release your inner nerd with a walk through Apple’s Meatpacking located store. Far from your typical technology hub, Apple’s version resembles a shrine urging every person to embrace the nerd within. Just steps away from Apple’s winding staircase are upscale boutiques, boozy brunch spots and the scenic High Line public park.
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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
WARM YOUR SPIRIT There is nothing like a warm cup of tea to warm your spirit during a rough winter. The appropriately named OST Cafe (Ost means “East” in German) is an East Village hangout for freelancers by day and European wine connoisseurs by night. This Vienna, old Bohemia-inspired cafe [pictured on the next page] serves freshly brewed coffee, pastries, wine and cheese plates.
Whoever said food trucks had to be outside had never stepped foot inside Tacombi. This downtown taqueria’s vintage taco truck is parked inside the restaurant year-round, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Yucatán beachside joint. It’s the perfect winter getaway for anyone dreaming of a tropical escape.
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As a founder of Twookclub - a monthly book club that takes place Twitter - Stephany Reihing is an avid reader. There is never a moment where a book is not snuggled in her bag or readily accessible on her Kindle to read. There are few things better, in her mind, that curling up with a good book, her dachshund, and a steaming cup of coffee and getting lost in an unfamiliar
world. With that said, here are four of her latest reads:
THE CASUAL VACANCY by J.K. Rowling
With her first novel since the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling is back with a new adult fiction novel that introduces the reader to thirty char-acters within the first few pages. The Casual Vacancy is a book about a community that gets rocked to its core when one of its parish council members dies suddenly. What seems like an idyllic English community is anything but when the dust settles. This book delves into issues of vio-lence, sex, parenthood, marriage, and a myriad of social issues that ev-eryone will understand. While it’s not apparent from the beginning how all these different families connect, it all comes together with a shocking ending that will leave readers breathless.
Reviews by Stephany Reihing
BOOK IT!
J.K. Rowling is back!
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Not your average chick-lit novel
SAD DESK SALAD by Jessica Grose
Sad Desk Salad is a fun, quirky novel about a writer of a gossip blog who gets the big-gest scoop of the year that could completely make her writing career. Letting out this gos-sip means sacrificing an innocent person and bringing down a powerful family. But what is a girl to do when her job is on the line? While this book sells itself as an easy chick-lit book for young twenty-somethings, the issues that the author brings about are anything but: integrity, Internet privacy and ethics as a writer. Readers will either love or loathe the main character, but you can’t fault her heart and passion. It’s chick-lit, but there are real social issues the author brings up that bring about great discussion.
You’ll want a disposable camera after reading this!
CHARLOTTE STREET by Danny Wallace
It’s a novel set in present day that revolves around a disposable camera. Charlotte Street by Danny Wallace is a book that be-gins with a man preoccupied with losing the love of his life. He helps a woman getting into a cab handle all her belongings – yet she forgets about her disposable camera. Jason Priestley (the main character and no, not the famous one) ends up developing the pictures and going on an adventure to figure out who this girl is and why she took these photos. While the book starts off slow and you just want to clap Jason upside the head for some of his idiotic actions, readers will fall in love with him and his mismatched friends along the way. It’s slightly predictable but the jour-ney is worth it.
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The book you won’t be able to put down
A VACATION GAL’S BOOK PICKS: Jennifer Miner
WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ THAT MADE YOU WANT TO TRAVEL? State of Wonder by Anne Patchett.
HOW ABOUT THE LAST BOOK YOU JUST SIMPLY ENJOYED READING?The last book I enjoyed reading was The Passage, and there’s a sequel out now called The Twelve, but I haven’t read it yet!
If you’re looking for a monthly book club, consider joining in the monthly #Twookclub
discussion on Twitter.
THE HERETIC’S DAUGHTER by Kathleen Kent
Martha Carrier was the first woman to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Sarah Carrier is her young daughter who had to watch her mother be ridiculed and ostracized. The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent (a tenth gen-eration descendent of Martha Carrier) follows Sarah’s journey through these trials, as she, along with her brothers, are also accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. It is a dark, sad story of a time of superstition where people needed something to blame for bad things happening. It is the story of Martha Carrier’s courage and bravery, a woman devoted to truth and her family. The be-ginning is slow as it gives readers all the background knowledge needed for the rest of the book. The subject matter isn’t easy, but it’s a book that will leave you feeling something when you finish.
For more on Jennifer, flip to page 70.
The book you won’t be able to put down
Roses are red.Violets are blue.
We heart each of our readers:Yes, you and you and you!
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DOWNTON ABBEY
PREDICTIONS FOR SEASON THREE
While the show’s UK-based fans have been reveling in the dramatics of Downton Abbey since September, American viewers have been waiting patiently to see the direction in which Matthew and Mary’s relationship is headed; if Bates will be released from prison; and of course, the things that will come out of the Dowager Countess’s mouth. With most of the ensemble cast returning (we don’t think the ghost of William is coming back, do we?), we’re excited to see what becomes of them. We share our speculations on the following pages.
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WHERE DO THEY GO FROM HERE?
So we got a wedding = and can we just say that it’s about time!?!?!?! However, since this isn’t a show without its drama, we anticipate an appearance by Mary’s ex-fiancé Sir Rich-ard Carlisle to stir things up. Or because anything could happen, the ghost of Lavinia will come to haunt them.
GREAT DAMES
With the arrival of Cora’s mother (played by the colorful Shirley MacClaine), we’re hop-ing for a little bantering. We aren’t expecting “yo mama” jokes but a whole lot of jab-bing at each other. MEOW.
FREE BATES!
He will get released from prison once there is more evidence that someone else had poisoned his wife. (The Earl will have some-thing to do with it.) He and Anna will live happily ever after...maybe off the show?
The Love Issue
SINGLE LADIES
We’d love to think that Lady Edith will live the fabulous single life, but given the times, it’s unlikely. However, we’re not ruling out that she’ll have a suitor or two. Lacey, on the other hand, will find love with a new staff member.
LOVE OF THE IRISH
Since her marriage to Thomas, viewers have been seeing less of the young-est Crawley sister. We’ll see her this season, but it seems like the Bransons will be living their lives out in Ireland. But not before we get a glimpse of the baby.
HEADS OF THE HOUSEHOLD
Not too many predictions on Cora (maybe she’ll get pregnant again?). Howev-er, we wonder if the servant is going to come back and out Robert for kissing her. Yikes.
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PORTUGAL’S HIDDENROMANCETEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEORA NOVICK
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With an overabundance of Tropical Island destinations, Parisian bistros, and exotic lands, romantic getaways are never in short supply. With each new birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, or Tuesday, the options of where to go are endless. Still, one of the most exciting mo-ments of travel, whether you are traveling with a significant other or a group of girlfriends, is find-ing those unexpected moments of magic.
Lisbon, Portugal, known as Lisboa to the locals, on first glance transports you to the hills of San Francisco, or more appropriately, Judy Garland’s version of it. Crisscrossing trolley tracks line the streets, transporting locals and tourists alike throughout the narrow and winding city, passing the hand tiled homes on every corner. Ancient looking cable cars creak and strain their way up the steep inclines and the cobble-stoned streets are slick underfoot. Just a short train ride from the dark Spanish architecture, Portugal is a breath of fresh air.
While Lisbon has an unexpected charm, its neigh-boring city Sintra isn’t shy about flaunting its ro-mantic reputation. This forested city is filled with castles and lavish homes, paying homage to its former role as summer playground for the Portu-guese royal family. Now it entertains families and couples looking for a bit of old world romance, with killer views to match. The Pena Palace offers panoramic views of the dense forests from its many turrets, and if you reach the palace early enough, you will find yourself all alone up in sky. The inside of the palace is beautiful, but the real draw is its wraparound balconies and towers that surround the entire palace and offer post-card perfect views of Sintra’s natural beauty. If you prefer your delights on lower ground, the Quinta de Regaleira is an unforgettable destina-tion. This former home of a nobleman is small in size compared with the Pena Palace, but its ex-tensive grounds make up for its size. Each visitor
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is granted a map of the expansive greenery, not unlike a child’s treasure map. As soon as you take one step past the high gates, a quiet hush falls over you and it becomes quite evi-dent that you have just entered a real life ver-sion of The Secret Garden. Hidden doorways transport you through secret passageways, and help you to discover every corner of this magical place. From deep tunnels to candle lit lagoons and roman style statue gardens, it is easy to while away the hours, lost in this magical garden. After the thrill of Sintra’s floral scented streets, its hard for anything to live up to those stan-dards, but Southern Portugal has risen boldly to the challenge. Have you ever experienced the sensation of standing at the end of the world? We learned long ago that such a thing doesn’t exist, as the earth’s sphere keeps turning without an end, yet there is a place in Portugal that will leave you, for just
a moment, with some doubt. Cabo de Roca, or Roca Cape is known as the westernmost point of continental Europe. Just a short 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Roca Cape conjures up the magic of an unexplored land. The best way to enjoy this place is slowly. Savor each step as you approach the Cape’s marker, a crimson-
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PREVIOUS PAGE: A picture perfect view of Lisbon.
FROM TOP CLOCKWISE: Pena Palace; the palace from a distance; a cable car in Lisbon; The Monument to the Discov-eries located on the edge of the Tagus River in LIsbon.
NEXT PAGE: Roca Cape.
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JUST A SHORT TRAIN RIDE FROM THE DARK SPANISH ARCHITECTURE, PORTUGAL IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.
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topped lighthouse built in 1722. The approach to the Cape is a bit underwhelming, with its dusty expanse of jagged rocks, but your slow approach will reward you with a gasp-inducing scene. The rocks end in a rough slice, and everything to your eyes ahead is a pristine blue-green expanse. The land and water meet so abruptly, that the feeling is a dizzying jolt to your senses. Stand at the very edge of the rail-ing that guards the many visitors each year. If you catch the right angle, the entire scene before you will resemble an infinity of water, seemingly never-ending in every direction. Let your senses be overwhelmed, as each moment seems to stretch on into a haze of oblivion. The magical feeling experienced at Roca Cape is truly a special moment, and one that can only be magnified by sharing it with the one person you would want to be with, at the end of the world.
Southern Portugal is an unexpected slice of land that provides culture and history, all wrapped up in a blanket of romance and special moments. From natural beauty to manmade gardens, each rounded corner provides a new thrill of excitement and an overwhelming feeling of love. V
HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED THE SENSATION OF STANDING AT THE END OF THE WORLD? WE LEARNED LONG AGO THAT SUCH A THING DOESN’T EXIST, AS THE EARTH’S SPHERE KEEPS TURNING WITHOUT AN END, YET THERE IS A PLACE IN PORTUGAL THAT WILL LEAVE YOU, FOR JUST A MOMENT, WITH SOME DOUBT.
PHOTO: Roca Cape.
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Beachin’ FUN IN THE PERUVIAN SUN
PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS BY LEORA NOVICK
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With a reversed climate making for ideal winter getaways, Peru sees its fair share of sun seekers filling its shores. While most visitors head straight up north to Mancora’s year round beach party, there are plenty of other options throughout Peru to get your fill of vitamin D, and each with their own unique Peruvian flavor.
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Peru’s capital city may have been branded with a bad reputation as far as top tourist destinations, but this coastal town is not to be missed. Heavily pebbled, Lima’s beaches are not the conventional picture perfect sun spot, but they are an ideal location to scoop up some local culture. Perch atop the sun warmed stones, (not unlike a hot stone massage!) and wait. Before you know it hawkers of all kind will approach you, selling wares from beach towels and paperbacks to sandwiches and pisco sours.
Lima
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Anything you could ever imagine is offered right at your feet, just make sure to bargain the price down a few soles or so. Once you’ve had your fill, walk down the beach until you hit the numerous surf shacks. For around 30 soles ($7.50 USD) you and a friend can get a private surf lesson, complete with board and wet suit. It may come in heavily accented Spanglish, but for the typical price of a western salad, who’s caring?
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This tiny fishing village on the path from Puno to Lima is a complete hidden gem, far off the typical Gringo Trail. The locals are not used to seeing visitors so you may find your presence met with stares and curious looks. Use that to your advantage, as they offer you up the freshest produce and fish, caught earlier that morning. Chala may seem like a ghost town compared to the heavily traveled cities of Cusco and Lima, but that is not to its discredit. As you make your way down to the soft, sandy beach, you will find your-self practically alone in a private oasis. Make sure to catch a late bus out of the city so you won’t miss the view of the sun’s soft pink hue dyeing the sky a brilliant color.
Chala
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can be counted on for a good time, 365 days per year.
Mancora
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The widely reputed Mancora, with its parties till dawn and permanent surfer attitude is per-haps the most well-known of Peru’s beach towns. This is the town for hard partying and serious surfing, and if you’re looking for a qui-et beach weekend, you will be sorely disap-pointed. Choose your hotel wisely, as some will have you dancing well into the morning, while others will respect that you came for one thing only: to find the perfect wave. Whatever you choose, you will find it at Mancora, one of Peru’s northernmost cities. Just at the border to Ecuador, the weather here is hot year round thanks to the equator’s proximity, and can be counted on for a good time, 365 days per year.
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Not possessing surf or sand, Lake Titicaca is one of the most overlooked destinations for those passionate for the sun. While most tourists tend to sign up for the daily boat tours of the floating islands, there is one isle that allows visitors to spend the night (or more) atop their floating reed platform, and experience local life at its core. One of the highest navigable lakes in the world, Lake Titicaca’s sun rays are extremely potent. Just one hour lying out on a bed of reeds on Qhantati Island is worth an entire day at a typical beach. Feeling too hot? Just cool off in the icy waters of the lake, and help gather some reeds to continue the constant rebuilding of the islands.
Lake Titicaca
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A surfer’s paradise, this northern Peruvian city is the town that will make you want to stay forever. Filled with western expats and Aussie surfers, Huanchaco is a former fishing village trying to hold on to its roots. You can still find the tra-ditional reed boats, used by the original fisherman, avail-able to rent along the boardwalk. Sign up for one of the local surf camps, or just wander down the long stretch of sand and settle for a plate of ceviche with a killer ocean view. Large enough to host a variety of options for accom-modation and restaurants, but small enough to encourage aimless wandering, Huanchaco will easily draw you in with its sleepy charms.
Huanchaco
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COLOR
Lip color (above): Trish McEvoy Precious Pink, $28
puckers
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NARS Buenos Aires VelvetGloss Lip Pencil, $24
Clinique Sugar Bean Soft Shine Long Last Lipstick, $15
Laura Mercier Tamara Red, $26 M·A·C Red, $15
Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses, $34 Butter London Lippy Lipgloss Queen Vic, $17
e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick Royal Red #6711, $5
Bobbi Brown Blue Raspberry, $24
Confused about all the color options out there? Perk up the winter blues with one of these lovely hues. Once the color is applied, watch out for admirers.
(Lipstick reapplication may be necessary. )
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How many people have you locked lips with in your lifetime? Maybe you
don’t want to answer that question, but if you’re a tourist destination famous for being kissed, the number ends up being more of an estimation than an absolute. What exactly attracts people to these places (that - by all accounts - don’t even kiss you back)? Travel to the following three
sites, pucker up and maybe you’ll find out why people just can’t stop kissing them.
COMPILED BY DIANA NGUYEN
Kiss it maybe
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With some assistance, you’ll bend over backwards and plant a kiss on this centuries-old stone. Since you’re in Ireland, it’s only natural you might feel the luck of the Irish after you plant a wet one on the rock wall. Although ac-cording to legend, kissing The Blarney Stone will give you the gift of gab. So you may have to fight the urge to kiss and tell....
STONE COLD LOVE
COMPILED BY DIANA NGUYEN
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Once upon a time, it was tradition for girls to apply bright red lipstick before kissing - and subsequently - and leav-ing an imprint of their lips on - the tomb of Oscar Wilde at the Père L a c h a i s e ceme te r y in Paris. W i l d e ’ s family has since put a stop to that t r a d i t i o n by install-ing a glass protector. If you get up close, you can still see rem-nants of kisses from the past (look above the glass, and you’ll notice kisses post-ban). For now, it seems you are free to leave your mark on the glass. Better yet, look for the tomb of Victor Noir. You can kiss it although more people visit Noir to rub him - you’ll notice that a certain area is more prone to touching than the others.
GO WILDE
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Get creative as you pose with the bronze showgirls statue outside the Riviera Ho-tel and Casino in Las Vegas. Or if you’ve been known to kiss a few behinds, this may be the time to actually get to do it. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but we all know Vegas is about shedding your inhibitions. After all, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.*
*In the age of social media, this is absolutely not true.
BE A BRONZENOSER
Photo: William Beem
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On a Nap Valley hot air balloon ride.
How I Travel...
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You’re part of The Vacation Gals trio. In the last two issues, Beth described your blog as a way for the three of you to share your love of travel. Kara called it “ an upbeat, friendly, informative online space”. Now it’s your turn: How would you describe thevacationgals.com?The Vacation Gals focuses on women’s travel: girlfriend get-aways, romantic escapes, and family travel. We hope that our friendly tips and advice inspire other women to travel however they like.
When did you get the travel bug?I cannot remember a time in my life when I haven’t been curious about the world...so I guess the answer to “when did you get the travel bug” is, neonatally? Hope that counts!
Where did your last trip take you?My last trip was a romantic weekend getaway to the St Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California.
Why did you pick this resort?I picked the St Regis Monarch Beach Resort for a ro-mantic getaway as part of my current partnership with Starwood’s SGP/AmEx. One detail of this partnership
was to select a Starwood property within driving distance for a “staycation” (although that word bugs me to no end). My spouse and I love our kids, but we also relish our weekends alone, together. The St Regis resort is a 5-star luxury resort with great dining and an internationally noted spa -- so yeah, we had a great weekend there.
What did you enjoy most about it?My favorite thing about Dana Point is that it’s a mel-low, relaxed but upscale Southern California beach
town. Strolling on the beach, you’re bound to see dolphins or whales in the ocean, pelicans gliding and other seabirds wheeling overhead, and in the evening, glorious sunsets. Up a couple of miles, Laguna has a fun art scene.
What did you like least about it?My least favorite thing about our stay at the St.
NAME/PROFESSION: Jennifer Miner, freelance travel writer
SITE: TheVacationGals.com
St Regis Monarch Beach Resort
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What is the best souvenir you’ve ever bought? The best souvenir I’ve ever bought? That’s a toughie; normally I just buy refrig-erator magnets. Last summer, we bought what is supposedly a piece of the Berlin Wall while in Germany, but its provenance is frankly suspect. It is, naturally, also in the form of a refrigerator magnet.
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Jennifer’s daughters during a bike trip along the Berlin Wall.
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Regis Monarch Beach Resort is that it was only Friday-Sunday. I could get used to being pampered!
What was the best thing you ate? The best thing I ate on this weekend getaway was at the property’s Monarch Bay Club. The Ahi Tuna at lunchtime was especially memorable.
Would you do it again?I would absolutely do this again, and highly recommend it for anyone planning a romantic weekend getaway in coastal Southern California. However, keep in mind that this is one of the top-of-the-line Starwood properties -- it’s about as far from a budget hotel as you can imagine.
Any advice for those planning the same trip?My advice for anyone planning the same trip would be to carefully examine their travel budget and ensure that this resort, in this location, is the right fit for their vacation needs and desires.
What do you typically travel with?I typically travel with my family.
How do you spend your time on long flights?On long flights, I usually watch a movie and try to get some sleep. My kids are old enough now that they do the same thing, but when they were younger, long flights usually entailed a lot of card games and that sort of thing.
Do you have any travel habits? My travel habits depend on where I am. If I’m on a tropi-cal island, you can count on lots of relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, maybe a ride on a catamaran, and hiking. If I’m in an Old World country or city, the historic sights, museums and cultural experiences will take up most of my time.
Are there on-the-road beauty products or secrets you swear by?My on the road beauty secret is to not worry about how I look while on the road. It’s much more relaxing and en-joyable to be able to be “in the moment” than to worry if my hair looks good.
Since this issue is focused on love, I have to ask – where was your most romantic destination?My favorite romantic destination is California Wine Country; Napa Valley and the like. I have many positive memories there! It’s not just the wineries -- although of course, that’s it’s raison d’être --it’s also the beautiful vistas, the ambience, the antiquing, and the food. Some of the best restaurants in the United States are there, thanks to Thomas Keller. It’s hard to have a bad romantic weekend up in California Wine Country!
Where are you now?I’m answering these questions in my living room, at home in Los Angeles. We’re having a lazy Sunday after-noon: we came home from our local farmer’s market a hour ago, the sun is shining, it’s 65 degrees in December, one kid is doing homework and the other is texting a friend in Brooklyn. My husband is out on a hike in the nearby state park, with our dog. I’m feeling very content right now!
Where will your next adventure take you?*My next adventure, so to speak, is also due in part to my partnership with Starwood SPG/Amex. My family is spending the Christmas holiday in Maui. We cannot wait.
It’s much more relaxing and
enjoyable to be able to be
“in the moment” than to worry if
my hair looks good.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: This interview was done in late 2012.]
When I’m traveling I feel...
elated, exited and energized.
Or, happy, hopeful and hardy.
Or maybe, calm, chilled out, and content.
I COULD DO THIS ALL DAY, BY THE WAY. WORDPLAY IS FUN!
Now I feel silly, satisfied and sardonic.
- Jennifer Miner
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TEN THINGS TO DO IN EGYPT
PHOTOGRAPHY* AND TEXT BY NICOLE GOUGH
*Unless otherwise noted
A LIST FROM AN AMERICAN LIVING IN CAIRO
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TEN THINGS TO DO IN EGYPT
A LIST FROM AN AMERICAN LIVING IN CAIRO
n the months since Egypt’s revolution, the country has seen a sharp decline in tourism. Most people aren’t lining up to book flights to a place that is depicted as politically and socially unstable, and this is understandable. But as an American who has spent the past year and a half working in Cairo, I can tell you that it’s relatively easy to get around in Egypt safely; all that’s required is a bit of patience. And despite the occasional bus breakdown or check-
point in the Sinai region, it’s totally worth it. Egypt is just bursting with travel opportunities from quiet nights camped beneath the desert stars to the cacophony of car horns and vendors shouting in the streets of Cairo’s bustling markets. If you think Egypt doesn’t have much to offer apart from its desert and its convenient proximity to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, think again. Egypt is not a place to miss.
PHOTO: Pyramids in Giza.
I
It may seem overly obvious to men-tion a visit to the pyramids in
Egypt, but it’s something that never gets old. Hire a driver for the day: your hotel can prob-ably recommend someone reli-able. It’s best to visit Giza early in
the morning – and with a guide. Hawkers in Egypt are graced with
unrivaled persistence that, despite any tourist’s best efforts, will continue undeterred. Spending a bit extra on a guide ensures you avoid being pestered and you get a top-notch history lesson on the pyramids. If you do want to buy something, your guide can tip you off to the best deals. Make sure you don’t limit your pyra-mid experience to Giza; both Sakkara and Dashur are both worth visiting as well, and boast a more quiet ex-perience away from the throngs of tourists. If tight spaces don’t bother you, climb down into Dashur and enjoy a
view of the pyramid’s interior. Head over to the Khan el-Khalily, Cairo’s hectic market, and grab a sherwarma at one of the cheap cafes before putting on your haggling hat. Be sure to pay attention to your surroundings: it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the Khan. Maybe it’s best to bring that ball of yarn. Alabaster, cotton, and turquoise are just a few of the items up for grab here.
Climbing down the interior of Dashur [left] / A view of the Nile from a felucca [top] / Sequoia - a muslin-covered restaurant on the Nile [right]
aperfectday incairo
TIP: A good friend of mine who once convinced a shopowner in Turkey to give her free merchandise has a special little wallet for business cards. She collects cards from the different vendors at the mar-ket and writes their trade on the back along with the price of goods and an idea of the location. Hard work, but she always gets the best deals.
After a day of sightseeing and bargaining, take a relaxing sunset felucca ride on the Nile. If you have a bottle of wine and some cheese, bring it along. If not, grab some fresh lemon mint juice and kick your feet up. You’d be amazed at how quickly the sounds of the city disappear when you’re out on the Nile. Feluccas are generally pretty cheap: an hour on one of these little boats is a mere 10LE, which is less than $2 USD.
Finally, unwind and dine on authentic Egyptian cui-sine at Sequoia [pictured left], a muslin-covered restaurant situated right on the Nile. From the open windows, you can enjoy the glittering lights of the city on the Nile while indulging in tameya and sam-bousek. If you’re with a group, order a bit of every-thing off the appetizer menu. The variety of tastes and textures can’t be passed up.
Egypt is just bursting with travel opportunities from quiet nights camped bENeath the desert
stars TO the cacophony of car horns and vendors shouting in the
streets of Cairo’s bustling markets.
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Got a few days in Cairo but craving a break from the city’s congestion? Grab a cab or
a driver and head out to Cairo’s Wadi Degla Protectorate for the day. A wadi is a dried up riverbed, and that’s exact-ly what you’ll find when you arrive. It’s a whopping 5 LE – less than one dollar
– to enter, and the silence and calm will make you feel like you’ve left Cairo alto-
gether. If you’re athletic, rent a bicycle and bring it along, as the wadi offers winding trails through the canyon and on the canyon ridges. It’s easy enough to run in the wadi, but a nice walk and a picnic lunch is relaxing as well. For the climbing enthusiasts, pack some hiking boots and clamber up the rocky canyon walls for a higher view.
TIP: It’s best to hire a reliable driver to take you to the wadi and back. It’s in a desolate area, meaning cabs are scarce and driv-ers don’t always come back for you when they say they will. Un-less you want to hitch a ride in the back of a pickup – which is exciting, albeit risky - it’s best to pay a bit extra for a driver to retrieve you when your afternoon is over.
EGYPTIAN EXPERIENCES: Wadi Degla [center]; Pharaoh and Queen statues [left] and a Luxor sunset view [right]
Hike & picnic in Wadi Degla
Photo: Susannah WhitcombPhoto: Susannah Whitcomb
Nile cruises have become popular excur-sions in Egypt, whether you simply want a few days outside of Cairo or you plan on visiting Luxor and Aswan and have time to spare. Many cruises take you around Cairo or Luxor and Aswan, hitting all the must-see locations. The upside to tour-ing Egypt on a cruise ship is the added silence of being away from the city and the on-board entertainment: some trips include belly dancers and galabaya parties, depending on the op-tion you choose. And you’re spending your nights on the Nile. You can’t beat that.
Regardless of where you stay in Egypt, you’ll likely feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. Unlike the western world, where relics and historical treasures are roped off, Egypt’s history is the kind you can touch. You can climb up designated areas of the pyramids and revel at the fact that you are touching a world wonder. Enough said. But you can’t get the full effect of Egypt’s history without visiting Luxor and Aswan.
FUN FACT: Egypt is divided into Upper and Lower Egypt. Cairo is located in Low-er Egypt, which is to the north. Luxor and Aswan are in Upper Egypt, which is the south. It all has to do with the direction the Nile flows.
From Cairo, an over-night train depart-
ing at 8pm for Aswan is 390 LE, approximately 65 USD. For train and bus rides in
Egypt, it’s a good idea to go first
class, especially since it’s not much more expensive than coach. If you’re not up for an eight-hour train ride, flights to Luxor are about an hour and ten minutes and cost 151 USD. A day in Aswan might include a visit to the High Dam, Philae Temple, or Elephantine Island. From Aswan, continue on to Luxor via train. The ride takes a little over three
hours and a seat in first class with air conditioning is a mere 8 USD. When visiting Luxor, your options are endless, and the historical, cultural, and archaeological significance of the area is mindblowing. Grab your Indiana Jones hat and venture into the Valley of the Kings, where you can pay a visit to Tutankhamun’s tomb. Later, explore the
Experience Egypt from the Nile
Visit a PHaraoh’s
tomb
Photo: Susannah Whitcomb
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Entrance into Luxor [pictured here]; Waves of silky sand punctured with tower-ing rock formations in the White Desert [opposite page - top]. Make sure to navigate the Desert with the right guide and vehicle [opposite page - bottom]
Photo: Susannah Whitcomb
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When Cairo’s endless expanse of gold desert gets old, hire a driver and head west for
a weekend in the White Desert. Also known as the Western
Desert, the White Desert boasts rolling waves of silky sand punctured with tow-ering rock formations that jut up into the sky. And yes,
they’re white. Leave Cairo on a Thursday afternoon and
drive to Bahariya, a verdant oasis where many travelers en route to the White Desert
spend the night. On the following morning, hop into a 4x4 and hit the road for a foray into the black des-ert that features some off-roading and dune bashing. Most companies will stop at a dune where adven-ture enthusiasts can try sandboarding, which is exactly what it feels like. Don’t be fooled: it isn’t easier than snowboarding and the hike back up the dune is ex-hausting, but it’s definitely worth a try.
It’s best to arrive in the White Desert just before sunset. Unlike the tourist-trodden desert in Cairo, the White Desert appears smooth and undisturbed. Kick off your flip flops and stroll around – or climb – the chiseled rock formations. Guides will make sure you get to see the more famous of the little monoliths
and take the traditional pho-tos with them. At night, camp Bedouin style. Your guides will prepare a dinner meal and lay blankets and mats out beneath the stars. Pull your mat away from the fire and into unobstructed desert where the silence is absolute and the Milky Way stretches breathtakingly overhead.
TIP: Bring a scarf. It protects your scalp during the day and can be used as a pillow at night. And if there’s a sandstorm or a bit of wind, you’ll be grateful to wrap it around your nose and mouth.
$$: Check out Egyptcaltours.com for good rates on desert camping. Our trip came to a little over 400 LE a person from Thursday to Saturday.
temples of Luxor, Karnak, Hatshepsut, and Rameseum. Make sure to spend some time gazing at the statue of Ramesses II, which may or may not have inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias.”
TIP: It’s best to visit Luxor and Aswan in the winter months from December to March when the weather is a bit cooler. It’s hard to visit so many outdoor temples and tombs in the scorching summer heat. Either way, bring a floppy hat and some sunscreen.
$$: Entry fees for the sites in Luxor are approximately 335 LE, or 60 USD per person. If you want to catch an aerial view of Luxor at sunrise, hop in a hot air balloon and take in the sights from above for a little over 400 LE.
CAMP IN the WHitE DeSErt
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“Don’t be fooled: it [sandboarding] isn’t easier than snowboarding and the
hike back up the dune is exhausting, but it’s
definitely worth a try.”
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libRa Ria
You don’t need more than a weekend in Alexandria, but you can certainly combine a visit to the town with a visit to the cerulean North Coast. It takes
about two hours to reach Alexandria from Cairo by train, and anywhere from two to four hours by bus. As with many of the sites in Egypt, hiring a driver can be useful. The town of Alexandria is a bit touristy and the beaches are small and unremarkable. Still, it’s worth taking a trip to the great library and spending some time exploring the massive selection of books and artifacts that have accumulated over the years. Spend the night in a hotel and set off the following day for the North Coast, a
serene stretch of pure white coastline on the unbeatable blue Mediter-ranean. Enjoy the sun and roll in the easy surf, where your toes are always
visible in the clear water.
ExplOre the rEd sEa on a boAT
Whether you snorkel or dive or simply yearn for a lack-
adaisical rest on a boat, the Red Sea is the place to go. Take a driver or a bus to the town of Hurghada and spend the
night on the boat before heading out to sea the fol-
lowing morning. If you’ve never snorke led or dived, this is the place to do it. The explosion of color in Panorama Reef is vibrant in the transparent water and the reefs are teeming with bright anemones, morays, and diaphanous fish. For those who enjoy wreck diving, the Salem Express is a popular site despite its grim history. Once a pas-senger ferry between Jeddah and Hurghada, the Salem Express now lies at the bottom of the Red Sea after running aground on a coral reef. Because many of the passengers still remain entombed in the ship, some boat captains are wary of taking divers here,
as Islam does not condone trespassing on burial grounds. Divers find the wreck worth visiting, even if the trip does not involve penetrating the actual wreck. The wreck site is only about 30km deep, so snorkelers can also view it from the water’s surface, and it is quite eerie.
$$: Dive trips, excluding drivers, can run a bit more expensive. Keep in mind that the price includes the boat, gear rental, and meals for about three days. For divers, a trip can be about 1500 LE, which is a little over 200 USD. For snorkelers, the trip will be a bit less.
A friend once told me that diving in Egypt is unlike diving anywhere else. The
monotonous and rocky desert land-scape stretches out along the coast-line, brown and unchanging. Then you sink beneath the surface of the
water and suddenly the world is col-orful and animated again. If you’ve never
diVe
Safaga Panorama Reef
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EGYPT UNDER WATER: The colorful Red Sea [left] and the remains of the Salem Express ship-wreck [this page].
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dived before, you need to try it, and Dahab is a fa-vorite for divers. Equipment rental and hotel prices can run at about 1000 LE, but the experience is priceless. Just before sunset, dive at the Lighthouse, an easily accessible dive site often used for first-tim-ers. Napoleonfish, lionfish, and iridescent schools of minnows all make the cavernous reef their home, and with the afternoon light quietly penetrating the water, it’s an unforgettable dive. If you’re not keen on breathing through a regulator – which is unbe-lievably cool – and diving isn’t your thing, you can take a swim in the Red Sea or chill out with a beer at the mellow Yalla Bar just nearby. And if diving is your thing, make a trip to the Blue Hole, Dahab’s renowned diving site.
TIP: If you’re a first time diver, remember that you can’t fly anywhere for about 24 hours after you dive. Make sure you’re driving back to Cairo or plan for a day or two of relaxation between your dive and your flight.
Most people are surprised to find that kitesurfing is
a popular sport here in Egypt, but the skies of Hacienda Bay are peppered
with kites from April to November.
About two or three hours from Cairo, Haci-
enda Bay is its own peaceful little haven. It’s quiet and the skies aren’t as clouded with light pollution. The night sky is bright with stars and the occasional roving satel-lite. Villas at Hacienda Bay are cheap and capacious. Three of us spent the night in a ten-person villa for about 250 LE each, a mere 40 USD for bed, breakfast, and din-ner. Kitesurfers overtook the beach during the day, and non-kitesurfers hung out at the Bedouin-style beach bar sipping Sakaras. The entire place has a chill vibe, and the Ki-wis who own the beach bar provide great conversation and heavy blankets when it gets chilly at night.
kitESurf
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Dahab during the day [top]; kite-surfing [left]; a night view from the kitesurfing location in Hacienda [right] and winding down after a day in Dahab [bottom]
TIP: About fifteen minutes down the road is Moon Beach, as popular for its windsurfing as Hacienda is for kitesurfing. Have the hotel ring a cab or, if you’re daring, hop in the back of a pickup and make your way down for a change of scenery.
Sure, there are hot springs much closer to Cairo, but why not head west to Siwa for a long weekend
and enjoy everything the town has to offer? Lo-cated close to the Libyan border, Siwa does not have an airport and requires a lengthy drive to reach, but it provides a relaxing re-spite for the car-cramped travelers. Siwa’s natural hot springs are rejuvenating, and the
thrill-seeker can jump in a 4x4 for some dune bashing. Be sure to pick up the candle holders
made entirely of salt.
Ease thetensION in
a hot spring
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Egypt’s White Desert where at night “the silence is absolute and the Milky Way stretches breathtakingly overhead.”
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Egypt’s White Desert where at night “the silence is absolute and the Milky Way stretches breathtakingly overhead.”
Thai’d UpBy Diana Nguyen
There are a lot of other cuisines out there that might be better categorized as “romantic”, but for my husband and me there is nothing more love-lier than comfort
food. That, for us, is often times Thai food. While we love dining out (and there are many great restaurants - Thai and otherwise - in Chicago!), there is something a bit more expressive when you cook for the one you love.
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pad see ewe(serve with chili garlic sauce)
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pad see ewe(serve with chili garlic sauce)
chili garlic sauce(SPICY SPICY SPICY!)
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sticky rice with mangoCAUTION: More addictive than it looks!
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cucumber salad2 medium cucumbers (about 1.25 pounds)1/2 red pepper, julienned1/3 red onion, thinly sliced2 tablespoons vinegar1 tablespoon sugar1/2 teaspoon salt
Peel cucumbers. Cut lengthwise and then into quarters. Place into bowl and add the red pepper and onion. In a separate bowl, com-bine vinegar, sugar and salt until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the vegetables and mix all the ingredients together. Serve as is or chilled. (It’s tasty either way!)
pad see ewe4 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil5 cloves garlic, minced1 pound Chinese greens*1 pound package of rice noodle sheet12 ounces of yellow tofu, sliced**2 tablespoons regular or light soy sauce2 tablespoons thick soy sauce3 tablespoons oyster sauce4 teaspoons sugarsalt and pepper, to taste
Without unrolling the rice sheet, cut into square (approximate 1x1”) chunks. Set aside. In pan, add oil and garlic. Cook garlic until fragrant (about a minute). Add Chinese greens. Cook until soft (about 3-5 minutes). Add noodles. Again, cook until noodles become soft and start to separate from each other. Add tofu, soy sauce, thick soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 more minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately!
If you’re feeling spicy, serve with homemade chili garlic sauce.
*We love our vegetables, so feel free to use less.
**Yellow tofu is firm and does not need to be pan fried before using. If you cannot find it, use firm tofu, which should be pan-fried separately before adding to pad see ewe.
red hot chili garlic sauce* 3/4 pounds red chili peppers 8 cloves of garlic4 tablespoons vinegar1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cut stems off peppers. Place in food proces-sor with garlic. Process until the peppers and garlic are coarse. Add remaining ingredients and continue running the food processor until the sauce is blended. (We prefer to keep it on the chunkier side.) Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the sauce to “build charac-ter” before using. Feel free to experiment with other peppers!
*Recipe can be halved.
sticky rice with mango1 cup of uncooked Thai sweet rice1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk1/2 cup sugar1/8 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon cornstarch1 tablespoon water1 ripe mango (optional)
Soak sweet rice for about 45 minutes in cold water. When the rice is done soaking, line the inside of a steamer pan with cheese-cloth. Add rice and steam for 25 minutes. In the meantime, stir together 1-1/4 cup of coconut milk and all of the sugar in a large bowl. Add the steamed rice to the coconut mixture and cover. Leave for 20 minutes so that rice can complete its cooking process. In a separate saucepan, boil the remaining coconut milk (about 1/4 cup).. Add salt. Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl before adding. Cook for another min-ute. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Serve the rice with a spoonful of the cooked coconut milk and sliced mangoes.
Enjoy immediately. (We’ve never had success with leftovers.)
Save roomfor dessert!
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Married in VegasPHOTOGRAPHY BY JamieyWe all have ideas of what a Las Vegas wedding looks like. While many of us picture Elvis in a drive thru chapel, Las Vegas-based wedding photographer JamieY challenges us with spots worthy of any Bridezilla. Here, she describes and shares six picture-perfect Vegas wedding venues. (No Elvis sighting here.)
g
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Nelson is one of my absolute favorite lo-cations in Las Vegas for a wedding. It is an old mining town about an hour out-side of the city. It is unlike anywhere else in Las Vegas. Replete with old barns and buildings, it is filled with pieces of history everywhere you look and is one of a handful of places left in the western United States that still resembles the old wild wild west.
ABOUT THE COUPLE: Rusty and Bryan came out to Vegas to get married from our neighboring state of Utah. They dreamed of an intimate ceremony and ended up with just two guests, the photographer, and the minister. They claimed this was their first time ever being in front of a camera for a professional shoot. You couldn’t tell by the pictures, they were naturals.
NELSON
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Las Vegas has almost as many golf courses as it does casinos. TPC Summerlin is one of the nicest golf courses that host weddings and is tucked away in a wealthy suburb of Las Vegas - away from the hustle and bustle of the strip. It has a beautiful grassy hill with a beautiful view in the distance with very little distractions. The banquet area where the receptions are held has an indoor and outdoor area - perfect for that great Las Vegas weather!
ABOUT THE COUPLE: Melissa & Marc were married at TPC this past year. Melissa used to be a local news anchor but has recently opened up a popular women’s clothing franchise called Patty’s Closet while Marc works for the police department. They both agreed that the most im-portant thing for their wedding was that it felt like a big party and that all of their guests would walk away from it saying that it was the most fun they had in a long time. They had a five hour reception, which was packed with dancing until the very end. It was definitely the most enjoyable wedding I have ever attended, and I have been to a lot!
TPC SUMMERLIN GOLF COURSE
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MGM GRAND TERRACE SUITEThere are only a few places in town with breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip. MGM Grand Hotel and Casino has some amazing suites with this view. The Terrace Suite comes with a large balcony that can fit ap-proximately 50 guests and is also spacious enough for a private reception inside.
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ABOUT THE COUPLE: Emily and Jon were married on the super popular and lucky day of 11-11-11. I was thrilled when they were willing to take untra-ditional wedding photos because that is my passion. We took their portraits earlier in the day to have ample time for fabulous shots. When I asked them if they liked industrial looking locations, they informed me that back in Pittsburgh, their home was in a building that was converted from an old Heinz factory.
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THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTELWRAP AROUND TERRACE SUITE
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THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTELWRAP AROUND TERRACE SUITE
One of the only other suites with a balcony overlooking the strip that I know of is located inside my favorite hotel and casino, The Cosmopolitan. The Wrap Around Terrace Suite has a balcony that wraps around two sides of the building and overlooks the Bellagio fountains below. The suite is ultra-chic and modern with a kitchen,
living room and bedroom. This suite is perfect for a more intimate
ceremony because the bal-cony is narrow and long.
When you have an intimate ceremony
in a location like this, you have a
variety of op-tions for your
portraits.
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My favorite spot for that glitzy Vegas look is the Neon Boneyard. The Bone-yard is home to most of the old neon signs that once illuminated the desert skies. It is the only place to find so much of Las Vegas’s history condensed into one area. It is a photography oasis.
ABOUT THE COUPLE: Terrie and Joe are a spontaneous cou-ple with a vintage retro flair from Ohio. They satisfied my voracious appetite for photographing tattooed couples. They wanted to come to Las Vegas for an intimate ceremony with close fam-ily members and to have a fun photo shoot. Their reception was to be held later back home.
...AND THE NEON BONEYARD
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One of my absolute favorite places to photograph in Las Vegas is the Arts District, which is near the downtown area. This is the perfect place to take a bride and groom after their ceremony to get some unique fun portraits. The arts district offers plenty of color contrasts and is home to many old buildings, restaurants, galleries and more. There is an abundance of graffiti everywhere you look and is always exciting because the area is constantly changing.
ARTS DISTRICT
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ABOUT THE COUPLE: Jackie and Kyle had their wedding ceremony earlier in the day at a church just off the strip. Their reception was to be a little later in the day at a popular restaurant on the strip. We had over an hour and a party bus limo to take us all down to the arts district for some fun and unique portraits. The bridal party even partook in a few fake games of craps for the perfect photo op. V
120 FromTo January/February 2013
NEWS TRAVELS...
With travelers these days more eager than ever to remain connected to their mobile devices while away from home, hotels are eagerly searching for new technology upgrades to accommodate them. And many hotels are turning to Intelity, headquar-tered in Orlando, Florida, as the leading provider of in-room guest services technology. The compa-ny’s ICE (Interactive Customer Experience™) soft-ware allows full access to all of a hotel’s guest ser-vices via iPad/tablet, smartphone, TV or laptop. Guests can download the free ICE app to their tablet or smartphone and instantly receive direct access to a virtual concierge. Among the avail-able services are housekeeping requests, wake-up calls, hotel and flight information, and in-room dining orders. Hotel staff receive requests and orders instantly, and they can also track and man-age these with a back-end management tool. ICE is quickly becoming a common in-room amenity, with the software available for use in almost 500 hotels spanning five continents.
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