From elegant decor reminiscent of the famous Monaco playground to top-name entertainment, the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino offers visitors a taste of all that is Las Vegas.

The business and pleasure traveler may enjoy many amenities including the excitement captured in the 90,000 square foot casino featuring state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, plenty of exciting table games, meeting facilities, a wide variety of dining establishments and entertainment by world-renowned magician Lance Burton.

The more exclusive amenities would not be complete without the full-service spa, extensive fitness room and a luxurious pool area.

Overall, the Monte Carlo is a good resort to utilize if you have children that enjoy having fun and you as an adult want to experience Vegas simultaneously.

The casino offers single zero roulette that makes your odds of losing smaller and they have a nice sized poker room. Obviously they offer all other casino games. If you’re looking for double deck Blackjack you will have to bet a bit more, $25 a hand for that luxury.

Join the “One Club” and you can enjoy benefits at more than one casino. The pools, a wave pool, a lagoon pool, a kiddie pool and a river ride. The Spa for stress release, Swedish massage, facials, body exfoliation, aroma therapy and a workout.

Spacious rooms that offer great views of the pool or the strip in a comfortable decor.

The Monte Carlo Brew pub doubles as a great sports bar, but I found the beer a bit lacking in taste.  The Monte Carlo street of dreams shopping area offers cigars, beers, magic and clothing.

The craze is back. The sexy women from New York City are hitting the big screen. Our favorite gal pals from “Sex and the City” are bigger than ever in the new movie-version of the highly successful HBO show.

The film catches up with Carrie Bradshaw and her friends four years after we last saw them, and promises to answer all our lingering questions: Will Carrie and Big finally tie the knot? Can Samantha really be satisfied with just one man? Will Charlotte ever get pregnant? Can Miranda and Steve actually live happily ever after?

But, before you strap on your Manolos and run out to the theater, here’s a reminder of who the major “Sex and the City” players are – including the drinks and shoes.

THE GIRLS

Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker)

“Sometimes it is important to have a 13-year-old moment, to remember a simpler time when the best thing in life was hanging out, listening to records and having fun with your friends.”
The scoop: Carrie’s freewheeling spirit is reflected in her eclectic wardrobe. Think Saks Fifth Avenue meets the YWCA thrift store. A hopeless romantic, her job as a newspaper sex columnist allowed her to ponder the nature of male/female relationships. And Carrie’s on-again/off-again attraction to the charming Mr. Big provided her with plenty of fodder.

When we last saw her: Carrie had left Aleksandr Petrovsky (Mikhail Baryshnikov) after moving with him to Paris. After getting the blessings of Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha, Big arrives in Paris just in time to sweep Carrie off her feet. Carrie and Big, realizing they’re meant to be, returned to New York, ready to start over … again.

Now: Carrie is no longer writing her newspaper column, but is a sometimes contributor to Vogue magazine and is working on her fourth book. She’s a more mature Carrie, who’s hiring a personal assistant and still in a stable relationship with Big.

Charlotte York (Kristin Davis)

“… Women just want to be rescued. I’m sorry but it’s true. I’ve been dating since I was 15. I’m exhausted. Where is he?”

The scoop: Charlotte is accustomed to the finer things in life. However, the discerning eye she used to critique artwork in her former job as an art dealer failed her when sizing up men. Charlotte always believed that a Prince Charming – handsome, dashing and, of course, rich – would arrive and together they would live happily ever after.

When we last saw her: Charlotte had converted to Judaism and married her divorce lawyer, Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler). After many thwarted attempts to become parents, she and Harry finally had learned they’d been approved to adopt a baby girl from China.

Now: Charlotte and Harry are proud parents of Lily, the little girl they adopted from China. The newfound happiness has changed Charlotte, who’s now focusing more on other people.

Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall)

“If you’re a successful single woman … you have two choices: You can either bang your head against the wall and try to find a relationship, or you can just say screw it. Just have sex, like a man.”

The scoop: It’s no surprise Samantha’s a success in the competitive, image-conscious world of public relations. She is in her element among the movers and shakers of New York’s high society. Samantha’s a fashion plate whose thirst for designer clothes is matched only by her thirst for men.

When we last saw her: Samantha was facing some hard realities, including a battle with breast cancer, and the realization that she loved Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis).

Now: Samantha is still with Smith and has followed him (and his acting career) to Los Angeles. Living in a beautiful beach house in Malibu, she misses her life back in New York.

Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon)

“I would love to be one of those people who’s all: ‘We loved, thank you, you enhanced my life, now go, prosper …,’ but I’m much more: ‘We didn’t work out, you need not to exist.’ ”

The scoop: Armed with a sharp tongue and a quick wit, Miranda uses her cynicism to shield her from the stress her job (she’s a corporate lawyer) and romantic relationships (or lack thereof) generate. Don’t let her bark fool you. Her sarcastic remarks and serious pantsuits belie a soft, sensitive side. Miranda’s pessimism doesn’t protect her from heartache and insecurity as much as her controlled facade lets on. She always has been a source of strength for her friends.

When we last saw her: Miranda, now a partner in her law firm, had done several things she swore she’d never do: Married bartender Steve Brady (David Eigenberg), had a baby boy (though not in that order) … and moved to Brooklyn.

Now: Still in Brooklyn, Miranda feels cut off from her former life in Manhattan. A working mother going in five different directions, she’s experiencing the pressures of modern life.

THE BOYS

Mr. Big (Chris Noth)

Carrie’s long-time, on-again/off-again love interest Mr. Big is back for the film, although in a new role: fiance. And this time, he’s engaged to Carrie.

Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis)

Boy toy Smith proved his worth and his devotion to Samantha during her bout with cancer. Now his hot acting career has taken him (and Samantha) to L.A.

Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler)

Charlotte’s divorce lawyer turned husband may be the opposite of preppy dream, but he’s all heart and a supportive husband.

Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone)

Charlotte’s former wedding planner turned into Charlotte’s confidant and fashion consultant.

Steve Brady (David Eigenberg)

Miranda’s husband and father of her son, Brady, Steve still is a stand-up guy who will do anything for the people he loves.

Brady Hobbes (Joseph Pupo)

Little Brady is no longer a baby anymore. Now he’s a little boy in Brooklyn.

Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson)

Talent agent Standford comes with a lot of drama, but he may be the only man who has stood by Carrie’s side.

By Wendy Zang and Eric Goodwin

On the nine-mile long stretch of sunny Kohala Coast, Hilton provides the ultimate luxury resort – The Hilton Waikoloa Village. There is no other hotel like it in Hawaii.

This 62-acre resort has everything: a 4-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon, 3 freshwater swimming pools, sun-drenched beach, interactive dolphin encounter program, more than 7 million dollars in art, waterfalls, exotic gardens, trams and canal boats.

The Hilton Waikoloa is a destination in itself. Arriving guests cruise on mahogany boats along tranquil waterways to expansive guest rooms.

All rooms have lanais and whether you have a garden, mountain, golf course, full or partial ocean view, the view will be absolutely spectacular.

Guests may choose to travel through the resort by boat, by air-conditioned trams, or by strolling along walkways flanked by Polynesian and oriental artwork.

This Hawaiian playground offers virtually every activity under the sun, from snorkeling and swimming to scuba diving and nearby deep sea fishing, and some unique adventures such as the Dolphin Quest Interactive Program with bottlenose dolphins. this activity Is conducted under the expert guidance of professional staff.

Encounters with the Waikoloa dolphins, in the warm waters of their private lagoon, are a unique experience enjoyed by a few lucky guests each day and one that will stay with you forever. And there are many more Big Island experiences to be found at Hilton Waikoloa Village, where guests cruise to their rooms via mahogany boats along tranquil waterways, or aboard Swiss-made trams.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses. The Beach Course is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. And the King’s Course by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish.

Set among the lava fields and by the adjacent Pacific Ocean, The Hilton Waikoloa courses are among the very best in all of Hawaii.

As you approach the Paris Hotel Las Vegas, you simply can’t miss the amazing, half-size re-creation of the Eiffel Tower.

Not that you’ll need to leave the hotel, but when you do, you’ll discover that the hotel is located in one of the most illustrious spots on earth, at the heart of the strip. Within short distance of the hotel you will find almost any attraction that you may care to visit in Vegas.

The impressive array of amenities at the luxury Paris Hotel includes high-end services and features include a concierge, children’s cribs, an on-site ticket agent, 24-hour security, wake-up calls, free parking, rollaway beds, valet parking, daily housekeeping, currency exchange, and everything else you would expect from a world-class resort.

The hotel’s ample (over 80,000 square foot) casino can be found next to the Paris Opera House. In true European tradition, you will find every table game imaginable, including Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, and more. For high rollers, there is also a high-limit area. The casino at Paris Las Vegas also has a myriad of slots and video poker machines.

The Rue de la Paix shopping promenade comprises numerous exciting shops. The hotel also has a gift and convenience store. If you’re seeking superlative shopping, the hotel’s superb location puts you close to some of the finest shopping adventures in the world.

Risque, the new nightclub is extremely popular – when you want to party late into the night, come discover why… The hotel’s lounges and bars are always a great place to sit back and enjoy a drink.

When you finally do leave Vegas, you will truly be able to say that you’ve been to Paris. The architects of this phenomenal resort have done a superb job of creating a structure that brings much of Paris to Vegas.

For another amazing European themed resort, consider staying at The Venetian Las Vegas (see photo below)

Photo Attribution: Georges Biard

The last year has been a challenging one for mega-star Usher.

He’s had to endure relentless media scrutiny and deal with very personal matters — getting engaged, canceling the Wedding only to finally see it through, falling out with his mother, and seeing the death of his father shortly after becoming one himself.

Usher has also learned to change his lifestyle and settle down.

“I was going out night to night, having a different woman in my bed every time I chose, and I began to wonder: Am I really being a playa or am I a whore?”

Usher (Usher Raymond IV) was born on 14 October 1978 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1994, he released his debut album, Usher.

Usher was able to break into super-stardom with the release of his sophomore album, My Way in 1997. Containing the hit songs You Make Me Wanna and My Way, the album gave Usher a handful of awards including a Soul Train award and 2 Billboard awards.

After a four year break, Usher finally returned with the much anticipated 8701 album, which became multi-platinum and gave Usher his first two Grammys.

In 2004, Usher released Confessions, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts, setting seven Soundscan sales records and selling 1.1 million albums in the first week alone.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Usher feels that he finally has a chance to tell his side of the story and tell all what really happened in both his professional and private life.

”This should be the last time that I have this type of dialogue about my wife or my family, and it’s because I’ve never really had the opportunity to speak,” he says, answering a question that hasn’t even been asked, his smooth Southern drawl infused with a hint of combative aggression. ”But I really don’t wanna make my business the focus of what this is.”

Usher’s new CD, Here I Stand (out May 27), which mirrors the singer’s transformation from carefree bachelor to devoted husband and father.

The album’s first single, the sleek and seductive ”Love in This Club,” is already a ubiquitous dance-floor staple that’s hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and notched 1.5 million digital sales.

Ames Friedman, CC BY 2.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Have you always dreamed of traveling to an exotic place in a far corner of the world? What about staying on your own deserted island in the Pacific, or climbing the heights of Macchu Picchu?

Why not also get married there, in an authentic Andean ceremony? If you think that sounds amazing, but would possibly be a logistical nightmare, you’re right.  That’s only  if you’re thinking of planning a traditional wedding. Consider eloping and now ….. it’s a little more feasible.

Forbes Traveler has compiled a list of some of the most stylish and unique places to elope, because, as they put it: “The classic elopement … has been modernized and redefined. It’s less about keeping secrets than keeping the experience personal-and perfect.”

The popular image of an elopement is that it’s a spur-of-the-moment decision made by a young couple sneaking away to get married before anyone (read: parents) can stop them.

Of course, we all know that’s not always the case anymore. Instead, elopements can be as elegant or complex as any other wedding – except for the fact that there is no guest list. (Which let’s face it, is a major source of stress for many engaged couples.)

Check the article for some truly amazing locales, and get some inspiration for your perfect elopement!

Looking for cool timepiece? Ever wanted to live in the undercover spy world, like James Bond? Well then, you may want to check out the Veldini Q wristwatch inspired by 007.

Designed by Taylor Welden, the Q ‘Bond-inspired’ luxury wrist watch has been inspired by the gadgets, luxury, class, character, and darker side of James Bond.

The design team really wanted to avoid Pierce Brosnan and the laser cutting watch, but instead provide the customer with a beautiful masculine watch, equipped with ’spy tools’ that they can actually use.

The plans are for three modular card designs – outdoor, spy, and everyday. Each of the wristwatchs has its own set of tools. Currently the ‘Q’ wristwatch is in pre-production, and the company owner plans to release at least 3 models.

Sterling silver will likely sell for $2-3k, Gold or Rose Gold will be in the $5-7k price range, and the Platinum version will be priced in the $10-15k range.

The spy tools include a set of pick locks, a glass cutter, a blade, and much more. For everyday use, this 007 watch features a mirror, a blade, bottle opener, and more. The watch also echoes the design of the hammer mechanism of 007’s Walther PPK pistol, which releases the previously mentioned card.

You never know, but the ‘Q’ may be appearing on 007’s wrist on the big screen some day soon.

This superbly crafted Elliott Lucca handbag is pure luxury. It’s made of opulent Italian leather cinched at the top for a cool casual look.

The two bold buckled front pockets don’t just look stylish. They’re also very functional, with magnetic snap closures to keep your goodies safe. There’s even more storage inside, with clever compartments designed to store your PDA and cell phone.

The interior is lined with a durable canvas fabric, so spills just wipe away without damaging your bag. This is perfect for girls who love to carry water bottles or messy hand creams!

Tote this purse with the dual handles, or attach the long strap to sling it over your shoulder. That gives you two great looks from this one beautiful bag!

The Estella is available in a range of colors, but I can’t go past this metallic gray graphite variety. It’s got a real space age, futuristic look about it that should out you light years ahead of the current fashion trends!

More Features of This Elliot Lucca Luxury Tote Bag

• Signature “EL” logo medallion on a leather hang tag
• Top zip closure with leather pulls
• Graphite variety has gun metal hardware, while other colors have gold hardware
• An interior zippered pocket
• Detachable shoulder strap with lobster claw clasps and a 16 inch drop
• Dual carry handles with a 5 inch drop
• Measures 15 x 12 x 4 Written by: www.bagbunch.com

2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a two-plus-two-seater. The V-12 flagship grand touring coupe has been overshadowed the past two years by the 599GTB sports coupe, so the 612 was chosen as the debut vehicle for Ferrari’s new customization program, called Ferrari Atelier.

This is a new, organized marketing effort to allow Ferrari customers to have their 612s tailor-made to their specific tastes.

In other 612 Scaglietti news, the car has been fitted with the latest version of the F1 SuperFast automated manual paddle-shift transmission, so 612 drivers now enjoy the same gearshifting times – about 100 milliseconds – as 599GTB drivers.

The 612’s steering wheel now has the Ferrari manettino switch, which controls stability control and other chassis systems, on the right spoke, plus a red engine start button on the left spoke. (You can still get a manual transmission for the 612, in theory, but virtually no one does.)

Carbon ceramic brakes are now standard, as they have been on all other Ferraris since October 2007 production. The 612 also gets a new, standard, full-glass roof with electrochromatic tinting.

By: automobilemag.com

There is no question that people love their pets, and we’ll do almost anything to make them happy and give them the very best available. Including where they sleep.

One trendy way to spoil our furry friends is buy them their very own mini-mansion to live in.

These luxury doghouses are artistically designed and built from the ground up with meticulous attention to every detail. Almost any possible amenity can be custom designed into the doghouse.

Dog owners can expect the highest level of quality construction and building materials. Of course this is what they would expect or want to use in building your own custom home. It’s interesting to note that many dog owners choose to have their custom dog house actually match the style and construction of their own residence.

La Petite Maison often models its handcrafted luxury doghouses after buyers’ own homes.  Even stars like model Rachael Hunter (pictured above), spare no expense for their dogs.  Most luxury homes sell for between $6,000 and $25,000 and they often come equipped with luxury features, such as air-conditioning.

Full article

Private jets are getting faster, more expensive, and offer more luxury features. But what does the future hold for private jets?  Halogen Guides looks at four key trends they feel will reshape the world of private aviation.

1.) Materials

Aviation has been well served by aluminum. It is strong, durable, and easy to repair, but it has its drawbacks. Limitations of the metal itself, its strength, flexibility, and most of all weight, are a major factor in aircraft design. Manufacturers have long looked to composite materials as a way of breaking free from these restrictions, but have been hampered by both the high cost of composites as well as their brittleness. But new developments in the fields of thermoplastics and metal alloys, in particular aluminum-lithium, and a drop in the price of more time tested materials like carbon fiber, mean that private jet designers are at last able to employ these materials in their plans. Grob Aerospace’s forthcoming “spn” light jet is using carbon fiber to create a roomy cabin on a plane whose size generally dictates that customers remain hunched over while standing. Moving forward, we can expect that new materials will allow for higher speeds, greater fuel efficiency, and more maneuverable aircraft.

2. Supersonic

The dream of supersonic civil aircraft has largely been hampered by public outcry over the prospect of sonic booms echoing loudly over the land. But new research suggests that planes may be able to circumvent, or at least dampen, the once seemingly inevitable sonic boom. The advancements involve changes in fuselage shape, which can break up and reshape the waves which cause the boom. The Nevada-based consortium, Supersonic Aerospace International, has already taken orders for its QSST jet. Designed by aerospace pioneer Lockheed Martin, the jet will be able to fly from LA to New York in a little over two hours.

3. Greener Technology

Private aviation is often considered one of the worst culprits for greenhouse gas emissions. With a growing recognition of the dangers of global climate change, not to mention the ever-increasing cost of jet-fuel, manufacturers are pursuing designs for the next generation of jets that emit less and fly further, while burning less gas. The pair of Rolls-Royce BR725engines which will be mounted on Gulfstream’s next generation G650will have four percent better fuel consumption and 21 percent better NOx emissions than previous models.

4. Personal Jet

Very light jets may be getting the most buzz these days, but they may have to make room for an even daintier competitor. Designs for personal jets, single pilot, owner-operated aircraft with room for one to four passengers are springing up all over manufacturer’s whiteboards. Maverick Jets offers its SmartJet, a pint sized plane not unlike the Smart Cars one sees careening through European cities. Meanwhile, Cirrus has been generating the most buzz of late with mockups of its personal jet, called simply “The-Jet.” The Jet’s single engine mounted above the fuselage will power the plane to speeds up to 345 mph, at an altitude of 25,000 feet, and a range of 1,000 miles. And for anyone who might feel uncertain testing their flying skills in a jet, The-Jet comes complete with its own nose-mounted parachute.
Article by: Halogen Guides