Another Fall

I've been trying to be good and work today, but, I'm finding it hard to kick into gear after the long weekend. It's a bit too warm and my mind is wandering a little too off the beaten path to be productive, so, I'm allowing myself a rare "goof-off" day and hopefully the motivation will return to work later this evening or first thing in the morning. I've found that - at least for me - when I am experiencing one of these days, it means my mind is in overdrive and I need to just chill and let things fall into place. I have lots on my plate this Fall including Fashion's Night Out on Friday night.

I also have a very special friend coming to visit at the end of October, and, I'm trying to figure out a great weekend for us. I want enough to do without running ourselves ragged and not having time to talk about things and events that have transpired this year.

Yes, per usual, my Fall social schedule is heavy, and, as always it is self-imposed. I keep myself busy because I find the Fall a bit depressing - like the end of things. Another year has passed - my New Year's resolutions and things to do list is only about half done (par for the course) and I face another birthday in November.

This year will be tougher than some recent past years. No, I don't have a milestone birthday or anything like that taking place, but, I did have a friend betray me in every possible sense. I saw it coming from a mile away and he certainly wasn't the guy I was going to marry or have any type of long term relationship other than friend with - but - it was still a blow to find out he was the cause of my of personal troubles this past year. I'm am still struggling whether or not I want to press legal charges against him - that's how serious this was - but, that is why this Fall will be harder than past Falls in recent years.

So, with that I am going to head outside and enjoy the weather, and, with any luck, I will kick into gear and get working this evening...

Pardon me - I have one anger feline waiting for me

Yes, I've been bad - the last time I blogged was back in July and here it is September 2, 2010. Sorry things in my life have been in turmoil - I've been the victim of ID theft and getting my life back in order has been nothing short of a nightmare.

Anyhow, since I'm getting back to normal or as normal as one can get after having their life invaded and stolen from them... Here is what I found absolutely interesting today...

I signed into my Twitter account for the first time in God knows when and it turns out I have nearly 300 followers. Strangely enough most are women, well, I guess it isn't so strange, after all - when you hit a certain age there are always more single women than single men - even with the high divorce rate.

Anyhow, if you'd like to follow my Tweets - be forewarned, I don't use Twitter often, my link is: http://twitter.com/swf42

So if you have been kind enough to follow me - you will now find that I am following you. Thank you for your loyalty and readership.

Of course I have other things happening in my life but for now this is all I will blog. I'm actually on my way out to the food store. I am out of cat food and I'm dealing with one very impatient feline at the moment!

Stay tuned... I'll be blogging more as Fall and Winter set in

QM2 World Cruise 2012 Itinerary and Lead-In Pricing

FULL WORLD CRUISE

January, 2012

Jan 10 Southampton, England Embark PM
11-12 W-TH Cruising the Atlantic Ocean
13 F Madeira (Funchal), Portugal Full Day
14 S Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands Full Day
15-21 SU-S Cruising the Atlantic Ocean (cross the Equator)
22 SU Swakopmund (Walvis Bay), Namibia Maiden Call Full Day
23 M Cruising the Atlantic Ocean
24 T Cape Town, South Africa (Overnight) Full Day & Overnight
25 W Cape Town, South Africa (Overnight) Full Day & Overnight
26 TH Cape Town, South Africa Full Day
27 F Cruising the Indian Ocean
28 S Durban, South Africa Full Day
29-31 SU-T Cruising the Indian Ocean

February, 2012

Feb 1 W Port Louis, Mauritius Full Day
2-7 TH-T Cruising the Indian Ocean
8 W Perth (Fremantle), Australia Full Day
9-10 TH-F Cruising the Great Australian Bight
11 S Adelaide, Australia Full Day
12-13 SU-M Cruising the Great Australian Basin & Tasman Sea
14 T Sydney, Australia Full Day & Evening
15 W Cruising the Tasman Sea
16 TH Brisbane, Australia Full Day
17 F Cruising the Coral Sea
18 S Whitsunday Islands (for the Great Barrier
Reef), Australia
Full Day
19 SU Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia Full Day
20-21 M-T Cruising the Arafura Sea
22 W Darwin, Australia Maiden Call Full Day
23 TH Cruising the Timor Sea
24 F Bali (Padang Bay), Indonesia Full Day
25-27 S-M Cruising the Indian Ocean
28 T Perth (Fremantle), Australia Full Day
Feb 29 W Cruising the Indian Ocean

March, 2012
Mar 1-2 TH-F Cruising the Great Australian Basin
3 S Adelaide, Australia Full Day
4 SU Cruising the Great Australian Basin
5 M Melbourne, Australia Full Day
6 T Cruising the Tasman Sea
7 W Sydney, Australia Full Day & Evening
8-11 TH-SU Cruising the Tasman Sea & the Solomon Sea
12 M Rabaul, Papua New Guinea Full Day
13-14 T-W Cruising the Pacific Ocean
15 TH Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands Full Day
16-17 F-S Cruising the Pacific Ocean
18 SU Osaka, Japan (for Kyoto) Full Day & Evening
19 M Cruising the Pacific Ocean
20 T Hiroshima, Japan Maiden Call Full Day
21 W Nagasaki, Japan Full Day
22 TH Cruising the East China Sea
23 F Shanghai, China Full Day
24 S Cruising the East China Sea
25 SU Hong Kong (Overnight) Half Day - Afternoon &
Overnight
26 M Hong Kong Full Day & Evening
27-28 T-W Cruising the South China Sea
29 TH Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam Full Day
30 F Cruising Gulf of Thailand
31 S Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand Full Day

April, 2012
Apr 1 SU Cruising South China Sea
2 M Singapore Full Day
3 T Cruising the Andaman Sea
4 W Phuket, Thailand Full Day
5-6 TH-F Cruising the Bay of Bengal
7 S Cochin, India Full Day
8-10 SU-T Cruising the Arabian Sea
11 W Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Overnight) Full Day & Overnight
12 TH Dubai, United Arab Emirates Full Day
13 F Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Oman Full Day
14-17 S-T Cruising the Arabian Sea & Red Sea
18 W Sokhna, Egypt (for Cairo & Giza) Full Day
19 TH Transit the Suez Canal
20 F Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
21 S Athens (Piraeus), Greece Full Day
22-24 SU-T Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
25 W Lisbon, Portugal Full Day
26 TH Cruising the Atlantic Ocean
27 F Southampton, England Disembark AM

Lead-In Pricing
D5 Inside Cabin $20,895
C2 Outside Cabin $25,170
B3 Balcony $27,545
D4 Balcony $29,335
P2 Princess Grill $52,245
Q6 Queen's Grill $71,245

3rd and 4th from $10,497

**Third and Fourth guest fares shown are applicable to categories D1-D8. Rates for other categories will vary.
Government Fees & Taxes are based on itinerary, are subject to change without prior notice and may vary for residents of Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico

Amenities from Cunard

• Up to 10% off Early Booking Fares*
  (expires 28 February 2011)
• On-Board Credit of up to $3,000 per stateroom^
  (expires 28 February 2011)
• Up to 5% Group Discounts – equivalent to up to $1,875
  per person in Balcony staterooms and up to $4,250
  per person in Grills*
• 8 Group Amenity Points
• Double Amenity point values for Balcony and Grill bookings

Meet me on Meetup

Welcome! Luxury and Upscale Cruises Group for Singles NYC

I was approached about joining this Meetup club and what the heck? I'm single and I love luxury and upscale cruises. Sounds like a perfect match! Why not join the group with me? Here's the link: http://www.meetup.com/Luxury-and-Upscale-Cruises-Group/

Bermuda on my mind

I know I've been bad about posting in here and I'm trying to do my best to keep up, and, so today I'll simply state that I have Bermuda on my mind. I don't know what it is about Bermuda, but, I happen to love it. I've checked and double checked the strict rules for foreigners buying property in Bermuda, and, unfortunately, I don't think I will able to afford to buy there - ever. It won't keep me from visiting - I do love it so.

I see Elbow Beach just got a major face lift - it's such a nice resort! Of course, if you're a golfer, Southampton Princess is good too.

Yes... I foresee a trip to Bermuda for me in the not so distant future...

World Cruise 2012

Essssh, I've been a bad girl, I haven't written in here since November. Sorry about that but my life has been turned upside down. I was suppose to go on a World Cruise in 2011, but, due to scheduling conflicts - make that MAJOR scheduling conflicts - I will be going in 2012.

Interested in going too? Here is what I can tell you so far:


Opt-in Email to receive information about World Cruise 2012: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001pj6W7ke0zfty3BLwOyFm-Q%3D%3D


Facebook Group for those thinking about going or who book:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=108081605886749

See you on Facebook!

Oppps - haven't posted in a while

There was personal drama, work - more work - the end of a friendship - more work. So that's where I've been the past few weeks. Fall is a hard time of year for me, very depressing. I find it sad to see the end of yet another year coming to a close, and, it does make me depressed. I often find myself thinking about the things I didn't get accomplished and the goals I failed to meet. I also think of lost friends and family who will no longer be celebrating the holidays with me. So, instead of allowing myself to wallow in the sadness for any length of time, I keep myself busy - super busy during the Fall so that's why I haven't had time to blog.

Fact of the matter is that it's 6:30 and I'm still at work and have been here since 7:30 am. And, I've been doing this for 6 days a week for the past few weeks and, it will not let up until after New Year's Day.

On the bright side of things, I've made a great new friend, and, if he's reading this - you know who you are and I look forward to cruising with you this summer (wink). And, addition to the cruise with my friend I have several other great trips lined up for 2010 including one I will reveal later in the year. I'm holding off because once it goes public I am sure it will book up fast and I am waiting for answers from family and friends before announcing what it is that is planned. All I will say is that involved travel, a well known chef and tv personality, and, it will be taking place in Europe.

Intrigued? Stay tuned!

Snow in October in NJ? Guess it's the season...

Photo credit: Robert Sciarrino/The Star-Ledger

Yes, you are reading correctly it is officially snowing in Sussex County, NJ and the date is October 15, 2009. And, yes, this is HIGHLY unusual. You know, it's amazing but being a life long resident of the greater New York City tri-state area - to see snow (even if it is on tv) this early in the season is a bit of shock. New York City's high temperature was on 40 degrees today... Here's the link about the snow: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/flurries_hit_sussex_county_mar.html

As for me, this is a night to skip the gym and head home and make a big bowl of pasta. Oh and if you're curious - yes, I make my sauce from scratch. And, no, you can't have my recipe. It's from my Italian Grandmother so you know it's got to be great and it is... :P

Are we Carrie and Big or what??

It's been a trying week in every possible way, and, in the middle of it all was my own version of "Big" (referring to the Chris Noth character on Sex and the City). My own version of Mr. Big had a birthday this week, and, of course, being the good friend I am, I tried to do everything right. And, in true "Big" form, I got a dig of sarcasm for my efforts. It wouldn't be so bad, but, I really did try to make everything perfect for him, but, sometimes the best laid plans (no pun intended, we don't do that - anymore) fall to the wayside due to work commitments.

I also hurt another friend because of my work commitments and sometimes I feel like my life is spiraling out of control. And, to my other friend - whom I hurt this week, if you happen to read this - again my apologies. I hope you read your email...

Anyhow, my own Mr Big and I made up and laughed about this week. The truth is his schedule is worse than mine, but, was reminded that I am to circle the weekend of November 14th in red letters. It's a weekend we've been planning since Spring time - my birthday weekend which includes going to the theater and finally getting to see Billy Elliott and dinner is still up in the air, but, 21 is a real possibility at this point. However, when it comes to my own Mr. Big all bets are off. When we were dating it wasn't unusual to have such plans in place only to have them tossed into the wind and we'd be off to Atlantic City or some other destination on nothing more than a whim.

I miss those days when my life wasn't so complicated, no so jammed packed I literally carry around a daily planner and breath a sigh of relief if I have 15 minutes to myself... Speaking of which, I need to wrap this up because yep, you guessed it - I have a work related meeting in about 30 minutes.

Can someone stop the world for a minute? I want to get off!

A summary of Fashion Week: Spring 2010

It was a long, busy and sometimes overwhelming week as I covered Fashion Week for my editor. Fashion Week was a bit different from years past - swag bags ("goodie bags" with high end merchandise) were pretty much non-existent. However, celebrities were present from Madonna to Courtney Love. And, of course, the stars of the show were the clothing by the various designers.

Overall the Spring 201o collections feature bright colors as well as neutrals (and even some matalliacs) and all have an overall positive feeling. Cut-outs and peak-a-boo features not to mention feathers will be seen in many garments in the Spring. Other trends to watch are: the return to the preppy look with blazers and knee socks; and the return of leisure suits (thankfully not the horrid ones of the past) but rather up-to-date casual clothing; and there is a hint of the 80s in the air. Dress hem-lines are all over the place but overall seem to be coming in at or just below the knee. It's going to be a great Spring!

My verdict? Thumbs up!

Christmas Catalogues

It's already starting... Christmas Catalogues are beginning to get sent out and if your mailbox is like mine, you'll start seeing an increase in your "snail mail". While some people hate getting holiday catalogues, I actually look forward to them - mainly because I have friends and family who pretty much have everything and coming up with ideas for presents can be time consuming and frustrating!

My favorite catalog of the year is always the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog. You never know what you're going to find. A speed boat, a hot air balloon, a BMW - if it's unusual then NM will probably have it in their Christmas catalog. If you want a peak at the 2008 catalog it can be found here: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/sitelets/christmasbook/christmasbook.jhtml and I will post when the 2009 catalog is available.

In the meantime, I am still trying to come up with an idea that doesn't involve stuffed animals or clothing for my 4 year old niece. Talk about the girl with everything, this child wants for nothing! And, while I tossed the idea of taking her to Radio City for the Christmas Spectacular around - my brother and sister-in-law pointed out that she probably doesn't have the attention span to enjoy it this year and so my search for a great present continues.

Tomorrow I will wrap up Fashion Week and all the fun things I saw. And, yes, I enjoyed my three day weekend - I earned it!

The Last Day of Fashion Week

It has been a week of celebrities, fashion, parties and sometimes bizarre behavior. The clothes have been a mix of classic elegance to artistic to a few leaving many to wonder what the heck the designer was thinking.

Stay tuned as things wrap up for Fashion Week: Spring 2010 comes to a conclusion.

Narciso Rodriguez or Courtney Love? Which one was on display?

Can someone please pay attention to Courtney Love so she doesn't have to attend fashion shows to drive attention to herself? Ms. Love sat in the front row fidgeting, pointing, hair twirling, and, overall was a huge distraction to the Narciso Rodriguez show. Not only was it rude and lacking any class, it has people talking and not in a good way.

Getting back to the Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2010 collection (by the way, the show started 30 minutes late), Rodriguez as always, presented a classic collection (sticking to elegance and sophistication for which he is known.) One of the most memorable garments was a beautiful white gown that had a high/low effect (coming to the knee in front and cascading down into a full gown length in back.) Then again, this writer has always been a sucker for the high/low dress.

You can look forward to seeing Narciso Rodriguez on E-Bay in 2010. Yes, really.

Announcing My Trip of a Lifetime - World Cruise 2011

Well, it's official I am now booked on the maiden World Cruise aboard Cunard's Queen Elizabeth which sets sail on January 13, 2011 from New York City. I will be reporting live on this sailing which will be followed up with a book about the 2011 World Cruise aboard Queen Elizabeth.

I am currently working with fellow travel writer and travel agent, Jackie Thresten about an on-board Meet and Greet and we are arranging for signed copies of my book about the 2011 Maiden World Cruise on Queen Elizabeth for all who book through Jackie Thresten. For more information about this sailing please visit: http://www.worldcruise2011qe.websiteworks.com/

Now back to fashion week!

Christian Siriano: Spring 2010

As Fashion Week continues I want to introduce you to someone I met over this weekend. She is truly an inspiration and I urge you to follow her blog: http://howtoattractthem.blogspot.com/ If you've ever felt alone, unwanted or full of self doubt this woman will inspire you along with her true story.

Back to Fashion Week...

Christian Siriano: Spring 2010

If you are a Project Runway fan this man needs no introduction. Christian Siriano's collection was a bit of everything but, the most notable statement of the show...THE SHOES! The outrageous spiky 6 inch heals had models walking (or was it shaking from instability) down the run way. One model actually gave up and took them off during the final walk. These shoes cannot be meant for real people, can they?? And for the Payless discount shoe store market? I'd think again Christian!

Couture Fashion Week Ball at the Waldorf Astoria September 12 2009

Fashion week continues to be an amazing blur of fashion, parties, fun, oh and work (wink). Last night was the Couture Fashion Week Ball dubbed the "Red Carpet" at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. The black-tie event was kicked off by a runaway show followed by a wonderful dinner and entertainment.

Andres Aquino continues to turn his shows into a true performances and this year has been incredible, and, I say BRAVO to the maestro!

A full report on the entire week's events is forthcoming so keep checking back. In them meantime, I am off to yet another event.

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Things to do in Fall 2009 in NYC

Just helping a friend out by helping her earn some clicks. If you have nothing better to do please click through this link: http://www.examiner.com/x-21128-Newark-Luxury-Travel-Examiner~y2009m8d27-NJ--NYC-Fall-And-Holiday-Events-2009

Oh yes, I am off to another event this evening, this is merely a pit stop!

A new sponsor for this blog AND Fashion Week updates

What a way to end a great week! This blog is now being sponsored by Uprinting.com and I couldn't be more thrilled! Thank you Uprinting for approaching me, I will continue to work hard to make this blog better and better! Please visit and sponsor Uprinting.com

Fashion Week has kicked off with huge success. As part of Fashion Week last night (Thursday, September 10) stores, celebrities and designers sponsored "Fashion's Night Out". I attended the event at Saks Fifth Avenue and was graced with the presence of Carolina Herrera, Chris Benz and Elie Tahari who also attended the event along with Vogue’s Editor In Chief, Anna Wintour and Justin Timberlake. Fashion week continues with shows and parties through September 17, 2009.

Lastly remember today is 9/11 and never let any of us forget the events of that horrible day in 2001.

Fashion Week September 2009 featuring Spring 2010

Fashion Week September 2009 featuring Spring 2010

Today marks the first day of Fashion Week in NYC. For those unfamiliar with Fashion Week it is the week when designers reveal their spring clothing lines. The schedule is as follows - the shows in Blue Text are being attended by yours truly.

THURSDAY	SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
9 AM	MICHAEL ANGEL Salon
10 AM	BCBGMAXAZRIA Tent
11 AM	DAVIDELFIN Promenade
1 PM	DUCKIE BROWN Salon
2 PM	MARA HOFFMAN / NICHOLAS K / WHITNEY EVE Promenade
3 PM	PORTS 1961 Tent
5 PM	ROSA CHÁ Salon
6-11 PM	FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
7 PM	CESAR GALINDO M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W 28th Street

FRIDAY	SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
9 AM	CYNTHIA STEFFE Salon
11 AM	YIGAL AZROUËL Promenade
Noon	TWINKLE by WENLAN Salon
2 PM	CHARLOTTE RONSON Promenade
3 PM	MONARCHY COLLECTION Tent
4-6 PM	LEIFSDOTTIR 209 W 38th Street, 7th Floor
6 PM	NICOLE MILLER Salon
7 PM	ARISE: AFRICAN PROMISE COLLECTIVE Promenade
8 PM	ERIN WASSON x RVCA Tent
9 PM	VENEXIANA Salon

SATURDAY	SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
10 AM	LACOSTE Tent
11 AM	GEORGES CHAKRA Promenade
1 PM	ANDY & DEBB Salon
2 PM	ADAM 450 W 15th Street
3 PM	ACADEMY of ART UNIVERSITY Tent
4 PM	CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Promenade
7 PM	CHADO RALPH RUCCI Tent
8 PM	VIVIENNE TAM Promenade

SUNDAY	SEPTEMBER 13, 2009
10 AM	LELA ROSE Salon
11 AM	DEREK LAM Promenade
Noon	TONI MATICEVSKI Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
1 PM	DKNY 711 Greenwich Street
2 PM	THUY Salon
3 PM	HERVÉ LÉGER by MAX AZRIA Promenade
4 PM	DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Tent
5 PM	REBECCA TAYLOR Salon
	Y-3 Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave
7 PM	TULEH Promenade
8 PM	CUSTO BARCELONA Tent
9 PM	VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS Salon

MONDAY	SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
9 AM	ZAC POSEN The Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
10 AM	CAROLINA HERRERA Tent
11 AM	CARLOS MIELE Promenade
Noon	JILL STUART New York Public Library
1 PM	TRACY REESE Salon
2 PM	DONNA KARAN NEW YORK 711 Greenwich Street
4 PM	YEOHLEE 225 W 35th Street, 16th Floor
5 PM	TADASHI SHOJI Salon
6 PM	TONYCOHEN Promenade
7 PM	GOTTEX Tent

TUESDAY	SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
10 AM	BADGLEY MISCHKA Tent
11 AM	BRIAN REYES Promenade
1 PM	PAMELLA ROLAND Salon
2 PM	MAX AZRIA Tent
3 PM	DENNIS BASSO Promenade
6 PM	WILLOW Salon
7 PM	TIBI Promenade
8 PM	NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Tent
9 PM	TONI FRANCESC Salon

WEDNESDAY	SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
9 AM	TORY BURCH Salon
10 AM	MICHAEL KORS Tent
11 AM	NANETTE LEPORE Promenade
2 PM	3.1 PHILLIP LIM Tent
3 PM	MILLY by MICHELLE SMITH Promenade
5 PM	ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH Salon
6 PM	ANNA SUI Tent
6-9 PM	MARIA PINTO Banchet, 74 Gansevoort Street
7 PM	DOO.RI Promenade

THURSDAY	SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
9 AM	RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
10 AM	RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
11 AM	RALPH LAUREN Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
1 PM	ALLUDE Salon
2 PM	ISAAC MIZRAHI Tent
3 PM	TRIAS Promenade
4 PM	CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION 205 W 39th Street, Ground Floor
5 PM	CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION 205 W 39th Street, Ground Floor
6 PM	CHOCHENG Salon
7 PM	ARGENTINE DESIGNER COLLECTIONS Promenade
8 PM	TOMMY HILFIGER Tent

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SHOWS ARE BY INVITATION ONLY.