Examples of structures that set megalophobics into anxiety-filled downward spirals: cruise ships, giant squid, superdomes, large statues, blue whales, stadiums, roller coasters, dams, the Statue of Liberty, Epcot, Palm Springs windmills…

Oh yeah, and clock towers.

I almost had a heart attack in the Trump Tower bar looking at the Wrigley building. Lord help me if I ever see the Burj Khalifa.

That said, the rest of my recent vacay to Chicago was awesome. Let me walk you through it.

I stayed at The Wit in the center of the Chicago loop for five nights. Check out this awesome lobby.

That man just chills there with his guitar. For realsies!

It was a fabulous place to stay- so close to everything, with a fantastic restaurant, rooftop bar and spa all attached. Not to mention the nicest doormen ever and super-mod rooms. Two thumbs up.

The first morning we had free, we stood in line for doughnuts at this place called The Doughnut Vault, which was recently on TV somewhere.

Taste you next time.

They serve do-dos from 9:30 a.m. until they run out. We stood for 20 minutes and didn’t move an inch in line, so we bolted. Funny though, I ran into one of my two friends from Chicago when I was there. Those must be some glorious doughnuts.

The ridiculous line.

Later that day, we went to Pops for Champagne, the cutest Champagne bar ever, for a little lot of day drinking. It got sloppy, not going to lie. I busted a glass. It was worth it, though.

I want to live here.

Because I don’t own close-toe shoes besides Nikes and it started pouring, I got a pair of Hunter Boots next. I know we live in the desert, but if you are ever in need of rain boots, these are top-notch.

Staple footwear for Chicagoans.

On Easter, we went to Park Grill Chicago and had mimosas and brunch. Lemon Poppyseed pancakes were a winning choice and the setting was glorious.

We hopped the train to Wrigleyville and visited Wrigley Field for the Cubs game. It was super chilly out, but fantastic seats. I proceeded to celebrate the holy holiday with a huge bread bowl of nacho cheese, soft pretzels, tater tots, beer, skee-ball, batting cages, five-hour energy and a tour through a head shop. What am I, 19 years old? I guess in Wrigleyville everyone acts that way.

View from the bottom.

The final night, we met a friend at Sunda, a newish Asian restaurant in River North. I had seen a hilarious review of it on Check Please! when I was in the hotel, and had to go. It was total and complete fresh deliciousness and a superchic setting!

“Sunda-licious” -Manase Latu

We ended our trip with cocktails at Sixteen in the Trump Tower, a fantastic bar on the sixteenth floor, where I re-discovered my aforementioned megalophobia.

Check it:

TJ had a drink that tasted like band-aids

Also worth your perusal, check out this condo model in the Trump Tower- they start in the low $800′s.

Tell me that view doesn’t freak you out.

Off to go Wiki the list of the tallest buildings and structures in the world.

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What else is up? Well lately, I’ve been minorly obsessed with everything vacation-related. The first five months of the year are difficult for those of us who don’t happen to be in school. No real holidays for five whole months! Memorial Day can’t come fast enough.

Amber Valetta for Vogue, I want to be you right now.

There are so many cool trips out there for your perusal, and I’ve found two awesome sites that feature luxurious vacays aplenty for super-discounted prices. We’re talking first-class, five-star international destinations.

LuxuryLink.com is my new favorite site to drool over. It offers special rates via auctions at the most incredible resorts in the entire world. And there are LOTS of options. You can find trips for two nights for two people or villas for eight people for a week. All have different perks, like spa credit, included meals, butlers, yoga classes, transportation and more, all at jaw-dropping prices.

The site offers “Buy it Now” options and auctions for stays 4-6 months out, but the real deals come when you flirt with the vacation auctions with nearing expiration dates. If you have airfare and wait it out, or are flexible enough with your schedule, you could score a three-night stay for two in a Premium Room at the Ista Amritsar in Punjab, India, for example. Did we mention the package is $206?

Check out this vacation porn.

Ista Amritsar in Punjab, India. Only $206 for three nights.

Ready for adventure?

My dream vacay is a trip to the Viceroy in Bali, Indonesia. Can you imagine having breakfast on this balcony? This five-night stay for two includes a king bed, private indoor pool, roundtrip air transfers to the hotel, welcome drinks and cool towels, chilled Champagne upon arrival, a choice of continental, American or Asian breakfast each morning, one six-course dinner for two, comped non-alcoholic minibar consumption, a 120-minute couples massage, private shuttle service to and from town and free Wi-Fi.

Free Wi-Fi? Sign me up.

Viceroy in Bali, Indonesia. The current bid is $2,040 for five nights.

Drooling on my keyboard right now.

Another cool site is Rue La La, boutique sale site that offers different brands of men’s and women’s clothing, home decor, and vacays. Each sale is available for a limited time only, and offers huge cuts off of the retail price.

The site is invitation-only, but guess what? You’re invited.

The Capella El Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas is where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.  A three-night stay in an Ocean View Room with $100 credit to the Auriga Spa will set you back only $1,766 (retail value: $2,354) and the five-night stay with $200 to the Auriga Spa is only  $2,974 (retail value: $3,966). Stays include a private terrace, private infinity pool and breakfast each morning.

Capella El Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, $2,974 for a five-night stay for three

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…

Another deal available now is at the The Waikiki EDITION in Waikiki, Hawaii. For anywhere between $1,208-$1,324 (retail: $1,740-1,917) you can have three nights for two in a lavish Ocean View Room with views of the Oahu oceanfront, pools and yacht harbor; complimentary use of a pool bed for one day of your trip, an included deluxe rental car, and much more. Prices vary based on stay dates.

The Waikiki EDITION

Where’s my floppy hat?

Where are you traveling (or pretending you’re traveling) this Spring?

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But I’ve left out my favorite part…

Melanie McBride (E.B. Lane’s VP and Director of PR) happens to have a hot little son in an LA-based indie rock band called Toy Bombs, who performed. We loved them! Picture hipsters in black suits with pink shirts and white shoes, smacking themselves around with maracas. In a good way. Check them out here. We bought their E.P. and have been listening to it all day.

Another awesome outing I had this week was a tour through the new Westin in Downtown Phoenix, and lunch in the beautiful restaurant inside, province. This Westin opened this month, and only seven months ago was a concrete shell of a commercial space! What was originally set to be offices has been transformed into a boutiquey, luxurious resort downtown. Stay tuned for a full review.

And because I can’t go for a post without getting all materialistic, an awesome sample slid across my desk this week and I can’t stop playing with it.

Estee Lauder’s Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator sounds like every other creme out there, but it actually promises to minimize puffy or dark undereye circles in four weeks, something I have a constant battle with. What are dark undereye circles, anyway? Get this- pools of blood under your skin!

This promises to help soothe your lids with “Triple-Optic Technology” and a Dark Circle Correcting Complex, and is tinted to match either fair or darker skin like a concealer. The coolest part (literally) is the patent-pending ceramic applicator, which is always ice-cold. I’m using morning and night as instructed, and will report back in late April!

Estee’s Cooling Eye Illuminator ($58) and accompanying Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, which evens skintone on your face, ($85) are both out in June!

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Throughout the month of November, The Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Muskoka, has created unique Muskoka getaways at great package prices starting at $150 per person per night, including:

“Whodunnit at The Rosseau” Arts & Culture Weekend – Taking place November 5-7, 2010, join artists Gord Miller and Ron Leach for a multi-disciplinary arts weekend, including mixed media, acrylic painting and soapstone carving workshops. Learn a variety of professional techniques and browse through amazing art pieces during the weekend exhibit. Then on Saturday evening, unleash your inner actor at the first annual Rosseau Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre.

The hotel package includes:

Accommodation in luxurious guestroom or suite
Breakfast for two daily in Cottages Restaurant
Dinner for two Friday evening (select menu)
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Saturday evening
Select indoor and outdoor resort activities as scheduled including art workshops, guided hikes and astronomy (subject to availability)
Rates from $599-$775 CAD (two- and three-night packages available)

“Be Good to Yourself” Wellness Weekend – Taking place November 12-14, 2010, relax with the deep meditative breathing during yoga, discover healthy eating choices and “let go” to funky Latin rhythms during the professionally-led Zumba fitness class. Also enjoy guided nature hikes and other unique activities.

The hotel package includes:

Accommodation in luxurious room or suite
Breakfast for two in Cottages Restaurant
Dinner for two Friday and Saturday evening (select menu)
Healthy cooking workshop
“Good Nutrition is Yummy” seminar with Registered Dietitian
Yoga, Zumba, Yogalates, and Power Yoga classes as offered (subject to availability)
Select indoor and outdoor resort activities as scheduled, including art workshops, guided hikes, astronomy events (subject to availability)
Rates from $549-$725 CAD (two- and three-night packages available)

About The Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa

The first JW Marriott in Canada, guests will enjoy natural, unspoiled surroundings at this Ontario resort overlooking Lake Rosseau. Only 2-1/2 hours north of Toronto, this Muskoka hotel offers nature – on your terms.

To register for either package, please call 705-765-1900 or go to www.jwrosseau.com to book your inclusive weekend package.

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Luxury Retreats, the world leader in full-service luxury villa rentals worldwide, has just released its list of the top villas for the holiday period. With a holiday collection ranging from intimate homes for small families to large estates built for multi-generational travel, their list encompasses elite vacation rentals suited to anyone and everyone wishing to get away over Christmas and New Year’s.

View the full list here: http://www.luxuryretreats.com/promotions/christmas/index.aspx

“Villa rentals are an extremely hot commodity over the holidays,” said Ben Tuff, Luxury Retreats’ Director of Sales and Marketing. “It’s our busiest time of year, and the top villas usually get booked up quickly, at least a few months in advance. In other words, this availability list will change soon.”

One of the top villa rentals still available for the holidays is Casa La Laguna, a six-bedroom beachfront estate located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Casa La Laguna is fully-staffed with a personal chef and in-villa masseuse, and offers a private pool with Jacuzzi above the beach.

In Maui, four-bedroom Garuda Estate is an Asian-style home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. One of the most exclusive rentals still available in the Caribbean is Rum Punch, a beautiful beachfront villa with contemporary style.

“It’s difficult to describe the excitement that occurs around this time of year, as our guests start booking their Christmas and New Year’s vacations,” said Tuff. “It can get hectic, but we love seeing our top villas get snapped up and helping those guests plan dream trips.”

Luxury Retreats is the world’s largest specialist in luxury villa rentals, offering almost 2,000 elite properties in over 70 worldwide destinations. Founded in 1999, the company has grown into a respected leader in the industry, with over 100 employees in its Montreal headquarters and satellite offices in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe.

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• Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Hot Hotels and Hot Spas list
• LEED Gold certification (one of only a handful of luxury hotels in the world to receive this honor for green building initiatives)
• AAA Four Diamond Rating – recognized as Oregon wine country’s top-rated resort
• Food & Wine Magazine named The Allison’s Food & Wine Director as one of America’s Top 7 Sommeliers
• CNN named Oregon’s Wine Country & The Allison one of the Top 9 Spots in the World for Savvy Luxury Travelers – the only US mention
• Top raves have also been received from The New York Times, The Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, The Oregonian, Hemispheres, SPA Magazine, Northwest Palate, American Spa, Sunset Magazine, The Seattle Times, Smart Meetings, Celebrated Living, Elle Décor, Alaska Airlines Magazine, etc.
The Allison appreciates the prestigious awards and media coverage, but what individual guests have to say perhaps means the most:
• 5-Star TripAdvisor review of The Allison: “My wife and I are fortunate to have traveled to many fine resorts, none better than the Allison…We only wished we had stayed another night. We’ll be back and will bring a host of friends.” – StockbrokerCharlotte, NC, Sept. 1, 2010
• 5-Star Yelp review of The Allison: “If you are visiting Oregon wine country, you simply must stay here. If you made reservations someplace else, change them. If the Allison is sold out when you want to come, change the dates of your trip…The Spa: This place is awesome. I had a massage there immediately after checking in and the spa facilities rock and the staff is the best ever (it is apparently the only destination spa in this part of the Northwest so they were able to hand-pick the very best masseuses and masseurs).” – Tom J., Washington, DC, August 8, 2010
• 5-Star Yelp review of JORY: “After that meal, I asked to see the chef to personally thank him for the meal. Something I’ve never done before.” – Kent M., Newberg, OR, Sept. 1, 2009
• 5-Star TripAdvisor review of JORY: “Two members of our party who have eaten at some of the finest restaurants said the New York steak was the best they have ever had. The salmon I had was exceptional. The service was absolutely impeccable from start to finish. First-class dining experience.” – IrishWoman97333, Corvallis, OR, August 9, 2010
• 5-Star Yelp review of JORY: “Stellar farm-to-table cuisine.” – Dan G., Chicago, IL, July 22, 2010

JORY’s Wine Country Cuisine Infinity Edge Swimming Pool Wine flights on the Terrace

The Allison Inn’s success has been a boon to the entire Willamette Valley and its more than 200 wineries, too. According to TripAdvisor’s latest poll, Willamette is second only to Napa and Sonoma Valleys as a wine region destination.
The Allison, thoughtfully placed on 35 hillside acres, is independently owned and operated, has 85 deluxe guest accommodations, inclusive of eight suites, and guest rooms span four levels. All accommodations have fireplaces, window seats, a balcony or terrace and spa-like bathrooms. Room rates are reasonable by California luxury resort standards while delivering a similar quality guest experience: $295 – $1,100 based on single/double occupancy.
JORY, The Allison’s 100-seat signature restaurant, offers Oregon Wine Country Cuisine with an emphasis on a seasonal menu and fresh, local ingredients, many from the Chef’s Garden. The wine cellar boasts 700 wines and 50 wines by the glass. A private dining room, JORY Bar, a Chef’s Table and an Open Kitchen complete the culinary offerings, along with 24-hour in-room dining. Live jazz performances take place in the Living Room on Friday and Saturday evenings. Thursday nights, the Celebrity Wine-Tender events showcase local vintners. (Consult the calendar on the website for other special events.)
The Allison Spa, nearly 15,000 sq. ft., the largest in Oregon, features 12 treatment rooms, three lounges, outdoor, landscaped garden terraces and fire pits, organic spa products complemented by ingredients grown in the garden, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms, Fitness Studio and a retail boutique.
Additionally, The Allison boasts 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting and catering facilities on one level with a separate entrance, Grand Foyer for receptions, a ballroom, two conference rooms and a dedicated Board Room, all with terraces and hillside views. Estate and meadow gardens are ideal for outdoor ceremonies and gatherings.
For information or reservations, phone toll-free 1-877-294-2525 or 503-554-2424. Please visit www.theAllison.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter. The Allison Inn & Spa is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Boutique segment and is located at 2525 Allison Lane, Newberg (Willamette Valley) , Oregon 97132 (less than an hour from downtown Portland and two hours from the Oregon Coast)

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Asia’s highly sought-after designer Andre Fu, is responsible for the lobby interiors and the hotel’s three signature restaurants. The open-air bar, Lantern, offers guests a 25-meter mosaic pool and jaw-dropping views of the Marina Bay. Illuminated by splendid 33ft high floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, Clifford, a modern brasserie, greets guests with a magnificent 800-bottle handpicked fine wine library. The Landing Point, positioned alongside an impressive indoor promenade paved in bespoke marble mosaics, grants guests panoramic views while sitting at a 43ft long bar and spacious outdoor terrace.

LCL Architects, the group behind the hotel’s glass façade, is also responsible for the creation of the luxuriously appointed hotel rooms. The sophisticated ambience in the bedrooms has been created utilizing polished rosewood and latticed screens, as well as leather and chrome. Equipped with state-of-the-art in-room technology the hotel’s modern travelers are always kept in touch.

To take a virtual tour of the architecture and design that sets The Fullerton Bay Hotel experience apart, visit:

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The Second Night and Companion on Us package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe room, with the second night at no additional cost, and companion charges are also complimentary when experienced together at the Spa and at EDGE Restaurant & Bar. Some restrictions apply; offered through February 28, 2011.

The Eat Shop Spa package can be booked for one person or two, and will include a one-night stay in a deluxe room and exclusive shopping savings and offers from a variety of retailers. The package also includes a 90-minute spa treatment in the Hotel’s new Spa, and lunch at EDGE Restaurant, the Hotel’s signature street-side restaurant. Exclusive offerings include a USD 25.00 gift card to Cherry Creek North shopping district; a USD 25.00 gift card to any of the shops on Larimer Square; a gift with purchase from both Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue; a USD 100.00 gift certificate to Hyde Park Jewelers; and an amenity and VIP experience at Hermès. Transportation will be provided to and from Cherry Creek North shopping district, Denver’s upscale neighbourhood of designer and boutique shopping, while Larimer Square is just one block from Four Seasons Hotel Denver. The Victorian-era block features a variety of independent boutiques and upscale eateries. This package is available through December 31, 2011.

The Experience More package will include a one-night stay in a superior room and a USD 25.00 credit for either breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks at EDGE Restaurant & Bar. Alternatively, the credit may be used in the Spa at Four Seasons. This package is offered through January 31, 2011.

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“We are so thrilled by the enthusiasm expressed through the application videos and essays,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. “The Ultimate Powderhound will be an integral part of the Ski Utah team and we look forward to selecting the winner soon.”

Ski Utah has never before awarded a Sliver Pass as a contest prize. In exchange for the coveted Silver Pass, the Ultimate Powderhound will be required to contribute 1-2 weekly blog posts throughout the 2010-11 winter season. Entrants are required to fill out a short application and submit a 30-second video on why they should be selected as the Ultimate Powderhound.

Ski Utah is looking for a Utah ski or snowboard enthusiast with a passion for The Greatest Snow on Earth® and the state’s 13 incredible resorts. Entrants should prove their ability to communicate their resort experiences through writing and video production. All entries must comply with the rules specified in the application. The deadline to enter is September 17, 2010 at midnight MDT.

For information on the Ultimate Powderhound search or to view submissions visit: www.skiutah.com/powderhound.

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This holiday season, The Westin St. Francis will be transformed into a festive oasis, embellished with more than $60,000 in spectacular holiday decorations created by Joe Vincent Designs. Upon entering the historic Main Lobby, a 15-foot, glimmering white and silver holiday tree decorated in energy saving LED lights will transcend into different colors. Families will delight in the whimsically adorned Tower Lobby, featuring a soaring 18-foot tall tree. A winter wonderland will be displayed over the front desk with clusters of beautiful metallic apple green and pale gold Christmas trees and an assortment of glittering green boxes surrounded by gold garland, patches of snow and clusters of dripping LED icicles adorning the length of the overhang. Travel down the shopping arcade to find the perfect gift, enjoy a delicious seasonal meal at The Oak Room Restaurant and indulge in a spa treatment St. Francis Health Club.

Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-François Houdré, aka “King of the Castle,” is currently hard at work day and night perfecting his signature 12-foot rotating holiday sugar castle, to be unveiled in the historic Main Lobby of The Westin St. Francis on Wednesday, November 24.

Originally created in 2005, this magnificent castle continually grows larger and more spectacular each year. Since then, it has become a holiday tradition for many families to visit the hotel during the holidays to see this magical palace. Resembling a French château, it weighs over 1200 pounds and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by a quaint village and a running train.

During this festive season, The Westin St. Francis is offering two special packages sure to enliven the holiday spirit:

Macy’s Shopping Package

Find just the right holiday present at the West Coast’s largest Macy’s, located just steps from the hotel, with a $100 gift certificate and then spend the night in luxurious comfort. This package includes a one-night stay and a $100 gift certificate to Macy’s. Rates start at $269 excluding tax and based upon availability.

Glide Into The Holidays Package

Ice skate in the center of all the holiday magic under the festive Union Square holiday tree at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink. Guests will enjoy admission for two to the ice rink, skate rentals and a one-night stay. Rates start at $189 per night, excluding tax and based upon availability. This package is valid from November 10, 2010 through January 8, 2011.

For reservations, call (888) 627-8546 or visit www.westin.com/stfrancisholiday.

The Westin St. Francis on Union Square

Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis on Union Square still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco’s center of social, theatrical and business life. Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, the hotel completed an extensive $40 million transformation in 2009 that preserves its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco’s famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is located right on the classic cable line and is just steps from first-class shopping, world-renowned dining, award-winning theater and a bustling arts district. For reservations and more information, please call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

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