Merry Christmas! And the December Newsletter

December Newsletter

2013 is almost over, and so as I reflect on this year's past travels, its ups and downs but certainly all its fulfilling moments, I wish you all to do the same. Have a very Merry Christmas next to your friends and family and many travels for 2014! As for me, greetings from Costa Rica! … [Read more...]

Cuban cigars and how they came to be the world’s finest

Famous cigar rollers at the Partagas factory in Havana, Cuba

What comes to mind when you hear Cuba? Is it the tempestuous history, the legendary music or the old classic cars? Perhaps it’s a bit of everything, but most probably it’s the world-famous Cuban cigars. "If I cannot smoke in heaven, then I shall not go," Mark Twain famously once said. Cuba is far from being defined only by Havana’s bustling streets and cultural sights, for the country’s scenic lands of mountain vistas and vast tobacco … [Read more...]

FlipKey: top 10 trending vacation rentals destinations for 2014

Renting an island with Flipkey

As people are becoming more savvy travelers on a lookout for custom experiences to match their travel styles and personal needs, vacation rentals are at an all-time high. Whether it's finding the perfect family rental for the holidays, or simply a quick city getaway, FlipKey helps you find the perfect vacation rental. I caught up with Tess Morton from FlipKey to tell us more about the most popular destinations for 2013 and the top 10 trending … [Read more...]

Street art at its best: murals of Williamsburg

Jane's Closet mural Williamsburg

Forget about the factories turned lofts, the whimsical coffee shops and the stylish boutiques; in Williamsburg, street art is what all the rave is about. Those who know me well are aware that graffiti and industrial design are not my style; cool artwork, however, is. And after having lived for over two years in the hip, trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg, industrial has grown fond on me.  More specifically, its countless murals of artwork … [Read more...]

An Angelys Balek Fashion Sketch Session

Ellie-Rahim-sketch-Angelys-Balek-fashion-4-blog

Not too long ago, I had the chance to play dress up again in front of an illustrious group of illustrators at the Society of Illustrators here in NYC. Brandon Graham of Would You Rock This? hosted the evening with clothes by fashion designer Angelys Balek. "The urban chic energy of New York combined with the playful sensuality of Thailand is executed in an exquisite blend of exotic European and Thai fabrications," says Graham. I loved the … [Read more...]