Where Would You Go?

If someone came up to you and said “You’re a winner, you won an all expenses paid trip, airfare and hotel accommodation!”, where would you go?  Of course, you would have one eyebrow raised in disbelief, skip all that. 

Say if it’s absolutely legit and you could choose, where would you go?  Where?   I am not talking about visiting your Aunt or maybe you would?   If you had to give a response by 11 p.m. this evening, where would you go?  Aren’t I pushy?  I know,  but I’m real excited about this!

Well, I got this same question asked to me and it was not hard for me to reply.  In a matter of seconds, I gave them my reply!  You see, I’m attracted to classics and remembered as a little girl watching Agatha Christie’s Orient Express <No, not Murder She Wrote!>.  In pure fascination, my choice would to go on the Orient Express, not to partake in the mystery murder part, but to see the land in this fashion;  a luxurious train ride where I could really enjoy the cultures and most of all see the decor and design of the past era, mixed with today’s amenities!

Back then, even now I know how  it played a part of what I do today; I am so intrigued of it all, the look, the design and the fabrics!  The silk upholstery, lacquered furniture, mahogany wood door frames, paisley velvet wallpaper, mirrors, Tiffany lamps, the solid brass handles and the luxurious Turkish carpets at your feet <Can you picture what I’m talking about? Can you?> .  I could go on and on and on!  <giggle>  

Then the icing on the cake would be to stop at each destination I’ve heard about in the classic movies, bringing me back to it’s time periods and of course the culture of people!  Yes, I’ve been to Europe, but this would be a treat, to see the countries in this fashion.  It would be so much better than flying. 

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I know someone will read this and would want me to state the facts about the Orient Express, so I letting everyone know that the movie was actually Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express and it’ was not set on the Orient Express, it’s set on the Simplon Orient Express.  By the 1920s and 30s there were a whole inter-connecting network of Wagons-Lits company trains with ‘Orient Express’ as part of their name in addition to the Orient Express itself. 

The Orient Express has always run from Paris Gare de l’Est via Munich, Vienna & Budapest, whereas the Simplon Orient Express started running in April 1919, taking a Southerly route from Calais and Paris Gare de Lyon to Milan, Venice, Trieste, Zagreb, Belgrade, Sofia and Istanbul, with a portion for Athens.  So, there’s some history for you!

Yes, without hesitation! I would pick the Orient Express.  Now, of course I would ask if this marvelous trip includes some  spending money, probably not!  But, I sure would ask!  With careful planning of the trip and special instruction here at home, I would plan to be away for a long time!   I am such a dreamer and perhaps one day, one day I will experience it.

Now, I have looked at Venice Simplon Orient Express’s website and it is quite fascinating!  You never know!

 http://www.orient-express.com/web/vsoe/venice_simplon_orient_express.jsp. 

All this dreaming has given me an idea, since we are talking about the time period of the 1920’s and 30’s, the Art Deco period, I will get some additional  information about this period and post, for those who are interested!

So, what would you pick? It’s such a great question!  You never know, you have to be ready with an answer!  Leave a comment and let me know!

Be well – Lee  😉

Are You On Facebook®? Twitter® Nation? And the Reason Why Is????

Howard out of Chicago, IL found my blog and wanted to know, was there anywhere else besides the social network sites, he could participate in my Q/A’s.  Which left me perplexed because, he was not on any of them, personally and for his business.  Yes, there are still people who haven’t joined; they either are skeptical or feel that it’s too time consuming! 

Did you know many interior decorators and designers are now on a social network sites to show their work, show their style and boost their clientele, plus keep abreast of what’s in and what’s OUT? 

My experience so often than not after an introduction with a friendly HELLO and talking with a potential client for 10 minutes, the conversation always ends up with the nice meeting you and “Are you on Facebook®?” or “Do you have Twitter®?” 

Now in the past, designers and decorators usually relied on word of mouth from their clientele; sending recommendations their way.  Twitter®, FaceBook®, MySpace®, do the same thing!  However to a larger forum, links to websites, links FlashPlayer® portfolios and sharing all sorts of ideas via e-mail through our cellphones!  Who would have thought.   With this technological communication, it allows YOU to be shown in person, which is so much better than giving out a mere business card!

I think it’s quite wonderful.   I began using YouTube® to  make videos recently, it’s a lot of work involved in the editing process; but I must say, I LOVE IT!  As I keep at it, it gets better and better!  For the few videos so far communicated through the social networks, the responses took me by surprised; all thanks to the social network sites!

As I told Howard and for others, if you are not on a social network, you are going to find yourself thinking about getting on one.  With the added pressure, you might have to ask your teenage son or daughter; or even hate the fact that you are going to make that call to your  nephew to come over (for a small fee) to set up an account at first (somebody!).  Then after setting it up and reviewing the social network’s highlights, the embarrassment will quickly subside. 

It will change your mind to thinking this is really cool and start in on the fun.   Let me warn you, you’ll be surprised how many people are looking for you!!   It is all so intriguing; before you know it you are hooked and looking for people yourself.   You’ll be partaking in playing games; only to receive messages from your friends to stop asking them to work for them on your farm via Farmville, the virtual game!

After becoming comfortable, then you can think about the business aspect of it all.  Yes, there are privacy concerns and they should not be taken lightly; still continue to be cautious as you are today.   Just recently, Facebook®  announced  it was a rumor that they have software to show where you are at and post it on your profile!  I know,  you probably thinking what I thought “It’s the government!!!”.   And it may be true, there is a consorted effort to find criminals and pedophiles, so it  may be an inside initiative, but keep in mind, Facebook® does give the user the option to change their profiles under their notifications.  But it was only a rumor!   Also, if you do join any of the social network sites, please don’t get caught up with the number of “friends” that actually clicked “LIKE” on your Facebook® business page, the number of Twitter® followers or MySpace tags! 

People will be driven to your business via a mere search engine inquiry, the numbers will surprise you.   The main goal is to get the interest of the viewer to be interested for the first 14-15 secs; remember it’s based on their mood that day and especially what’s on their mind; believe me ….a mental note will be stored to come back to your page or website at a later time.

I cannot tell you how many wonderful people I’ve met or got reaquainted with via Facebook®, MySpace® and Twitter® ; including my blog site.  If not connected, I probably would never have gotten the chance to be introduced to them.  Yes, the exposure is quite wonderful, but with the economy being in such dire straits, people have looked on ways to cut costs and I’m happy to give the answers to their questions on sprucing up their homes with their specific budget in mind.  These sites allow me to do it easily.

Personally, it’s a great way for me to connect with family and friends easily, be part of humane causes, find the latest shopping finds, see the latest on NYC’s Fashion Week, be a breast of world-wide issues, take surveys and watch those crazy videos for the mere entertainment to make me laugh!  You name it, there is someone who has thought of it!   Besides, how would I know the latest on what’s happening with 1stDibs wonderful designer items, Justin Bieber (nice young man..cameo appearance this Fall season on CBS’s CSI via a tweet!), Anderson Cooper and Sam Fine!   

Hey, if you have already taken advantage of the sites; including the blog sites to be part of some great literal work (giggle); nevertheless, you are intrigued to be part of it all.  There are others who are quite afraid on having a computer; much less thinking about on-line banking; so a social network site is definitely out of the question!  There are people who are just fine in their world, as it is and there’s nothing wrong with that.  However, for those who are thinking about it, the sites can be quite useful to show your niche, whatever it may be! 

So let me ask “Are you on Facebook®?”, are you thinking about it?  Now, with my little segway to say….if you have any questions or need tips, just log on to my Facebook page; my website has a link (www.lmlifestyleanddesign.com); or e-mail me at lee@lmlifestyleanddesign.com.  Or do you think it’s going to get out of control?  I would love to hear from you!! 

Let me know your thoughts and tell me your experiences on the social network sites. Have you surrendered to join one?  Howard, is going to let me know, he’s still on the fence about it!

As always, be well – Letia! 🙂

Facebook logo trademark owned by Facebook®  

Twitter logo owned by Twitter®  Photo by Yahoo! 

Quoted phase by Project Runway 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – Vera Wang Spring 2011 Collection

Vera Wang

 

Vera Wang, a native New Yorker; whose contribution to couture fashion is impeccable and she is still going strong! 

In 2005, she was named “Womenswear Designer of the Year” and is the most sort out designer for her fabulous bridal collection in her company-owned workrooms in the United States. www.verawang.com 

Her couture wedding gowns are works of arts and is a bride-to-be’s dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

The “Vera” touch can also be found in publishing, beauty, bedding & other home items, such as flatware, there are her signature fragrances and now stationery. 

More and more, designers are trying to have women experience their designs, so it can be affordable to all. Vera Wang continues to keep the woman in mind. 

Her high level of design can be found in her signature stores or in Kohls Department store, SimplyVera Vera Wang. 

Her 2011 Spring Collection set off such a buzz! To understand why she is Vera Wang, notice the drapery of her clothes and the detail in the video below!   F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!! 

And Beehive hairdos are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Be well – Letia 

Video by MBFashionWeek on YouTube®