The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things

lululemon athletica in Las Vegas!

I'm thrilled to have hosted one of the first lululemon events in Las Vegas. It happened in the form of a "kitchen party" - aka a home shopping party - held in my very own...kitchen. Sue and Heather, the lovely and gracious lululemon representatives in Las Vegas brought in delicious munchies from Whole Foods and ordered lululemon clothing for our guests to try on. This party served as an event to raise brand awareness before the store opens in a couple of months.

I think that everyone in attendance bought something...

Oilily Clothing for Women and Children - For the Young and the Young at Heart

I have been wearing Oilily Clothing for almost ten years now. It wasn’t a new discovery even then as I remember my mom buying an ultra colorful winter coat for my younger sister years and years ago. But the store was new in

Costa Mesa, CA when I rediscovered the brand. And I remember being immediately attracted to the playfulness of the colors, the patterns, the details in the design. Like the petticoat under the skirt, laced with ribbons and other tactile details and which main function - since this part of the garment is not visible - is simply to delight the wearer. Of course, upon closer inspection, you discover even more enchantments, like the tiny patterns in the buttons, the interesting pockets, the layering of ribbons and findings at the collar or at the sleeve or at the hem.

There was a store here in Las Vegas until about 18 months ago. It was in a beautiful but ill-fated location and did not surmount the landlord’s fickleness....

Cinch that gorgeous waist with Chelsey Loren's One-of-a-Kind Belts

BELTS ARE BACK! Thank goodness! The Succulent Wife is quite excited to see that belts are back in style. And, she is especially thrilled to introduce this exclusive line of belts by Chelsey Loren. Whether you are curvy or straight as a pole, a belt is a feminine and beautiful way to accent your figure AND your outfit. Wear it with your favorites jeans or wrap it around a sweater or a jacket. Just gorgeous dahhhlin'!

Each belt is a ONE-OF-A-KIND, made, signed and dated by Chelsey. Her unique belts are handcrafted from antique, Victorian and vintage findings on authentic vintage buckles.

Visit this page to find out more about Chelsey herself and this page to view her entire collection.

... AND exclusively for The Succulent's Wife VIP readers:  20% off any Chelsey Loren Belt. Use Coupon Code “Chelsey” to receive your discount! Only valid until Oct 15/07!

A JOLLY GOOD TIME: SPAMALOT AT THE GRAIL THEATRE, WYNN LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas Show Review

Well, to start, let me admit that I not a Monty Python follower. I have “accidentally” seen a few scenes from some of their movies and skits but have never actively sought them out. Men seem to be disproportionately attracted to Monty Python humor. All my ex-boyfriends and now my husband and son are big fans. My daughter and I… we could take it or leave it. Yes, I’m definitely more the historical novel type than historical (hysterical?) farce type. 

Anyhoo, it is still with some enthusiasm that I made my way to the Grail Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas for my very first Spamalot performance. Not having seen the productions in other cities, I won’t be able to tell you how this one compares. But we do know that the Las Vegas show has been cut down to 90 minutes and has no intermission. It goes without saying that the Vegas hotels want their guests in the casino, not in the theatre.

Like all good Las Vegas theatre venues, the Grail Theatre’s lobby has been planned to “get you in the  mood” of the event before you are even seated. This one does it quite successfully with various collages and vintage images (yes, we can call them vintage at 35+ years) of Monty Python characters. I enjoyed the humorous interpretations of historical artifacts that line the walk to the theatre. I wasn’t the only one taking photos (see the "Knight Mare" and the "Trophy Wife" at left). This was entertaining from the get-go. The bar, called the Snack-a-Lot, runs with the theme and you can buy giant drinks in Holy Grail goblets. Themed souvenir glasses, that’s just so ... Las Vegas.

We find our seats. The live orchestra is practicing. Love a live orchestra. That’s always a good sign that a production is taking itself seriously… Not sure if seriously is the right adjective here, but you get the gist.

And so, the parody begins, with plenty of puns and song and dance. And our analysis begins as well: how much of this show will be exactly like the movie? I’m happy to report that, contrary to all advertising (see the show’s own promotional blurb), not all of the show was ripped off from the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie. In fact, a large portion of the show was different. For one, this show is a musical. And there are many other new scenes and new concepts in “character development”. For instance, we find out that Lancelot is gay and breaks out in this wonderful Carmen Miranda type routine. Loved it. I also loved the Fiddler on the Roof spoof and the ridicule of the French soldiers.

I usually don't enjoy slapstick and easy,obvious humor, but I found myself – gasp – laughing out loud on several occasions. I guess that the cleverness of the humor is why Monty Python endures so well. No one is immune to their mockery and that’s what makes it perfectly acceptable. It’s the universal put down.

Aside from the obligatory “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” reference, this production was a delight. Great performers, dancers, sets and costumes that are supporting great material.

I would highly recommend it, wherever you might find yourself. Not knowing any better, I was quite pleased with the Las Vegas version!

Cool Concept Portable DVD Player

How cool is this PDP (Portable DVD Player) prototype?  Twist it open and insert your favorite DVD. Designer Yeon-shin Seung plans on using the Sony full color flexible organic electroluminescent display for the screen. A thin and lightweight solution.

Via Yanko Designs

 

The Succulent Wife's Deal of the Moment: D.A.Y.S. by Stepania's New Collection at 25% off!

D.A.Y.S. by Stepania, a Bold New Collection: “The Known and The New”

This new collection by  Stepania was created to match this fall’s favorite fashion trends: the simple yet bold lines of this jewelry will add a pop of color to the new deep greys, plums and espresso palettes that are so prominent for winter.       

Natural semi precious and caged stones dangle on gold filled or sterling silver chains to add character and flirtyness. A rich and bold look… just like you always wanted.

And now, 25% off until September 30.

      

Need an  additional perk?  There is FREE SHIPPING on all D.A.Y.S.  Collection Jewelry, also till  September 30, 2007

Papier D'Armenie - The BestEST Natural Air Freshener

I have been using the Papier d' Armenie for over 20 years. Maybe more. It dates me, I know!!. And, until just now, it never dawned on me that I should share this magical product until I used it today and found that I was down to my very last sheet... Oh no!

I replenish my supply of Papier D'Armenie every time I visit my hometown, Montreal. I know where to find it there but have never seen it in any store in the US, although I know it's bound to be sold somewhere... (Actually, I just found it on Amazon.com and you can buy it directly from the  product link here or the link in the left column).

Anyhoo, if I can't find it in stores in the USA, it probably means that most of you don't know what it is, which is why I am so excited to be telling you about it. This natural air freshener does not come in a spray, or a candle or a plug-in. No. I comes in paper form. Huh? yep. The paper is soaked in an alcohol based solution whis is then passed through a natural saline solution so that it will burn slowly.

The Papier d'Armenie was invented 120 years ago to share the benefits of Benzoin.  Well know in Armenia. Benzoin is an organic compound that has been used for ages to perfume homes. It has been recognized since the time of antiquity for its antiseptic, healing and expectorant properties. It is also known to relieve the psyche of negative emotions and to eliminate all coarse emotions and thoughts. Well. I just really like that my home smells clean and fresh after I have toured the burning strips of Papier d'Armenie through the house. 

Here are the very simple instructions on how to burn the Papier d'Armenie. You can imagine that you would want to create a ritual of burning these little leaves of paper. Cleanse that air!

TheBeautyBrains.com – Real (Fun) Answers to Serious Beauty Questions

TheBeautyBrains.com. This is one of the few blogs that I subscribe too and read faithfully. It always contains useful, well researched and trustworthy information, presented in a readable way and infused with humor.

I like that The Beauty Brains (the people who write this blog) have real clinical experience. They are a group of cosmetic scientists who understand what the chemicals used in cosmetics really do, how products are tested, and what all the advertising means. Their expertise covers the latest development in science and technology as it pertains to the beauty industry, human interest and advertising claim stories and aesthetic considerations of the beauty industry.

Their purpose in their own words?

We’re here to help you cut through the confusing, misleading and sometimes false information that the beauty companies bombard you with. Our goal is to explain cosmetic science to you in a way that’s entertaining and easy to understand. We believe the more information you have, the better you’ll be able to find products that you like at a price you can afford. So, you can listen to the advertising. Or advice from a friend. Or what your stylist tells you. But if you want to really understand cosmetic products in an unbiased, scientific way, Ask The Beauty Brains. You’ll get answers from a team of scientists who have no sales pitch and nothing for you to buy.

And you can ask your questions here: http://thebeautybrains.com/ask/

 Here are some examples of great posts:

1. Do antiperspirants cause cancer? An old myth demystified.
2. The Angel dusting practice. Consumer beware.
3. Why it’s OK to use baby wipes for removing makeup: 5.5 cents each baby wipe vs. 33 cents each for the “official” makeup remover wipes, with no added benefit. I'm in! 

There is also a Beauty Brains Forum if forums are your thing.

 I’m sure you’ll be learning something new in your first minute on this blog.  Enjoy!!

The Desert Pearl Inn, Zion National Park - Our Pearl of a Getaway

I don't know why I have not written about this truly lovely inn before. We like to discover new destinations and hotel properties, so for our family to go back to the same location more than once is an exception. Indeed, The Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale, Utah is exceptional and has been my family's getaway oasis for about 5 years now. We try to go there at least twice a year to recharge and to take a break from our own Las Vegas desert (climatic and cultural!).

We discovered the Desert Pearl after our first visit to Zion National Park, at which time, not knowing any better, we stayed at a less than satisfactory place.

This is the type of sharing of "best kept secret" that is hard to do. When too many people know about a good thing, it becomes too popular for its own good. Not that I think that I have that kind of influence, but you know what I mean...

Anyhoo, here are the facts. We love the Desert Pearl Inn for so many reasons, but mainly because:

• of its location, right smack in the center of cute Springdale, Utah, walking distance from restaurants and little shops
• it's about 1 mile from the entrance of Zion National Park. You can drive or take the shuttle, with a stop conveniently located in front of the Inn. We prefer taking the shuttle than fighting for a parking spot
• its owners, Robin and her husband have built this place with passion and it shows. Besides the idyllic location, the inn was built with every detail & amenity that a guest could want or expect. Rooms are very large and sleep 4 very comfortably. The decor is a cool contemporary southwest style, totally in keeping with the surroundings. The whole is enhanced by handcrafted furniture and local art
• we love reserving one of the first floor rooms which open either on the pool view (with a wonderful grassy area perfect for Frisbee or football throwing) or on the other side of the property, on the river view. Either way, the personal patio space is fitted with two comfortable Adirondack chairs, perfect for watching the children play on the grounds, for savoring our morning coffee or indulging in a glass of wine. Usually our kids make new friends and adults start talking. It makes for a real sense of community.
• we love the heated pool and the generously sized spa
• we love that the rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and microwave. Makes snacking and appetizer preparation easy.  You know, need some hors d'oeuvres to go with the wine
• always first on the list for me: free WiFi. Registration not even required
• the Inn has just completed some suites, 1100 sq. ft. each (we visited. They are Fab with a capital F) that we hope to stay in next time.

So, what is there to do in beautiful Zion? Well, just being in Zion quiets the mind and rejuvenates. But, we really love the hiking. Most especially the Virgin River's "The Narrows" hike in warm weather. We do a 6 mile return hike through the river. Always an exhaustingly satifying hike. Other than that, we love going to Zion to catch up on reading and family time and conversation and to just plain relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. There is also plenty of cycling and mountain biking, ATV-ing, horseback riding and tours. Lots of equipment rental places are around if you don't have your own. And then there are sites like the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and the tiny ghost town of Grafton, UT. This one is fun for a 20 minutes detour; parts of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were filmed there.

I hope that you get to discover this wonderful and very scenic part of the American Southwest.