Spotlight on Food: Loving Penthouse808

Far off the beaten path, in Long Island city, lies a seemingly quaint hotel, the Ravel Hotel, that is anything but old-fashioned. The hotel is the first luxury boutique hotel in the area and its rooftop is home to the Penthouse808. This dinning location, which seems out-of-place in this industrial yet quite neighborhood, contains a 6,000-square-foot outdoor garden terrace with a spacious 40-feet-long bar. The restaurant, with strategically adorned tropical plants, plush seating, sleek décor, lively music and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline is clearly a welcome oasis to city dwellers and out-of-town visitors alike. Indeed, even notable personalities like Lamar Odom, Al Pacino, DJ Clue, to name a few, have been spotted enjoying the delicious bites and amazing ambiance that Penthouse 808 has to offer.

Come, eat, and enjoy this wonderful place. The food is – Asian fusion with some traditional American inspired dishes; so choices are great. Don’t leave without trying the Parmesan Truffle Fries – they are delicious and don’t seem to create guilt; want something healthier? Then, try the Mixed Green California Salad, it’s a surprisingly filling salad that is sweet and hearty at the same time. Greens or fries not your thing? Then try the Japanese BBQ’d Salmon – it has subtle hints of ginger accompanied with mushroom stir-fried rice that is simple yet quenches the appetite. Want something meatier? Try the Sesame-Ginger Churrasco Steak, a take on the traditional meat and potatoes dish, this creation will surely leave you satisfied (I saw the effects first hand).

While the food is impressive the true beauty of Penthouse808 is the vibe it offers. Whether you want to impress a date, relax, or party, this little place offers you the option to do so in style. Now, who doesn’t like that?

Penthouse808
8-08 Queens Plaza South
Queens, NY
Long Island City
718.289.6101

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Previews the Machines

Java lovers, have I got news for you that will surely energize you just like the much needed caffeine fix to get you through your day.  Nescafe Dolce Gusto is launching a series of new machines and products to suit just about every busy (and fashionable) gal needs.  And, boy are these machines affordable, slick, functional, pretty and best of all messy free.  We love the fact that these machines are not only  easy to use but they also make the morning routine so much easier.  Just pop your desired capsule into the machine and then watch it do the work. A minute to two minutes later comes out a hot beverage that tastes delicious.  Cleaning is done in seconds.  Who doesn’t like that?

I was thrilled when I receive an invitation to preview the machines.  Of course not one to pass an opportunity to preview and the new and exciting products, I said yes and I am glad that I did.

The preview was hosted by renowned home and style designer Stephen Saint-Onge and held at TFR favorite Robert Verdi lounge – the preview allowed guests see the machines and to sample the new products.  I LOVED the peach iced-tea.  Its delicious.  In addition to sampling the products and seeing the machines, Stephan explained the design philosophy for each of the machine.  And, I think you are going to love them as much as I do.  So much that I can’t wait to get my hands on my own(free) machine.

While entire the collection won’t hit till the holiday season, we think you may just want to preview so here’s a glimpse of what to expect.

Circolo (made by Krups) – “I’m the most stylish of the bunch.” And I even have awards to prove it.”

• Winner of the 2010 International Design Award
• On-trend and chic design with useful LED backlight
• Available in Titanium and Metallic Red $129

Creativa – “I’m the smartest one out of my friends.” That’s right, I memorize your preferences – your wish is my command.”

• No Rush. No Mess. No Worries
• Creativa will prompt you through the preparation experience of your favorite bevarage
• Built-in custom cup option lets you customize your beverage settings and memorize multiple users preferences
• Available in Titanium and Metallic Red $169.99

Melody 2 – “I’m the original and the set Standard for great tasting coffee.”

• Classic Nescafe Dolce Gusto design
• Contains updated “key hole” pod holder for effortless use
• Available in Red and Piano Black for $129.99

Piccolo – “I may look small but I pack enough power.”

• Perfect for tight, narrow spaces
• Available in Piano Black and Titanium. The NDG version is available for $89 at Walmart – exclusively. While the Krups Version is available for $99.

Get Kissable Lips Thanks to EOS Smooth Sphere

I am in love with the EOS Smooth Sphere and must share my NEW HOT PICK with you.  I started using the EOS smooth Sphere last month and I can already feel the difference.  My lips feel smoother and I reapply less frequently, the balm truly moisturizes them.  I just adore the hint of fruit flavor and it’s ability to keep my lips absolutely kissable. I also appreciate the natural ingredients because that’s good for me and for the earth.

Did I mention EOS Smooth Sphere comes in a fun package? It looks like a cute toy in the shape of an egg, doesn’t look like your standard lip-balm. But, you will probably never lose the lip-balm in the bottom of your handbag.  It’s easy to use.  Just twist off the cap and glide onto your lips.  This product is 95 % organic, 100% natural and is free of petrolatum and paraben. Some of EOS ingredients include shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, fruit oil and beeswax.

You can purchase EOS lip balm for under $3 at your local grocer, drug store or online www.evolutionofsmooth.com. EOS motto perfectly states it “Twist off top. Pucker up. Smooth on. Smile.”

Delicious Lips,

Maisha A L Dang

www.MaishaDang.com

Product Review: Carol’s Daughters: Hair Milk – The Curl Collection

As a loyal customer of Carol’s Daughter, skin and hair line, as well as The Original Hair Milk,  I was delighted to sample the new hair product line from Carol’s Daughter.  I was lucky to sample the Hair Milk- The Curl Collection which includes a Hair Milk Shampoo, Conditioner, Original Hair Milk (Curl Definer)  and Hair Milk Lite (Curl Boost).

I tried the whole line and I love the way my hair feels and looks.  Typically, I am unsuccessful in finding an entire hair line that works for my hair. My hair is curly, unruly and full. So, I have a difficult time finding products that manage, moisturize and strengthen my hair. Usually, I use a shampoo from one company, use a conditioner from another and use a random moisturizer to tame my wild mane. But, that’s all changed with this series.

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Collection, allowed me to have a one stop shop for my hair.    Using Carol’s Daughter was exhilarating. And, I could feel the natural ingredients working instantly. I kid you not.  The shampoo cleansed my hair without stripping it and had a faint citrus scent. The conditioner detangling my hair, preventing unnecessary breakage. The Hair Milk Lite defined my curls without weighting down my curls. All in all my hair feels stronger, is less frizzy and looks shiny.

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk –The Curl Collection does not contain Petroleum or Mineral Oil . It does contain hair quenching ingredients such as Apricot Oil, Cocoa/ Shea Butter,vitamins B5, A & E.

Happy Curly Girl,

Maisha A L Dang

www.MaishaDang.com

Product: Hillhouse Naturals Linen Mist

It was my pleasure to experience the Hillhouse Naturals Linen Mist ($20) from their new Bloom collection.  A floral bouquet of water lily, lotus flower and jasmine with undertones of refreshing bamboo and vetiver makes this scent burst through the air wherever it is sprayed.  I tried the scent for two weeks, spraying it on my sheets, bath towel, and clothes before and after ironing and without ironing.  I thoroughly enjoyed the scent at night as I went to bed.  It was like sleeping in a meadow of spring flowers.  The floral aroma engulfed me as I happily relaxed completely before drifting to sleep.  I felt invigorated after showering with the scent on my bath towel.  I noticed an extra pep in my step in the morning when I am normally sluggish.  It was a definite mood booster.  I enjoyed the scent on my clothes, although it didn’t blend well with some body fragrances I love to wear.  Spraying the scent before and after ironing without the use of a body fragrance was wonderful.  I was cheerful and vibrant all day and the scent lasted until it was time to wash clothes.  Whenever a down feeling arose, the smell of the Bloom scent rejuvenated me.  I especially enjoyed the scent on my gym clothes while working out.  I sweated like a dog yet still smelled lovely and feminine.

Hillhouse Naturals has numerous delightfully fragrant collections that are captured in candles, body washes, body creams, linen mists, house fragrances, and more.  The Bloom Collection is their newest fragrance and I am in love!  With their competitive prices, why not envelope your home with an original and rich fragrance.  Check out Hillhouse Naturals at www.hillhousestore.com.  Once you experience the luxuriousness of their scents, there is no turning back!

Cheers,

Lori Richardson