Family Travel: Mamapedia

Lately, we've been hanging out with a bunch of real babies.

And we don't mean the adult kind that are too afraid to climb mountains or repel into valleys. No, we're talking about the burping, crying, eating, and napping kind. It sure made us realize a few overwhelming things about life (which we'll save for another story). It also made us realize that even cool moms need travel advice. So, just as school is out, families everywhere are looking for great getaways, vacation ideas, and summer camps - and we found a website that makes it easier than ever.

Mamapedia is a one-stop-shop where moms can ask a question or pose a search on an array of topics - everything from local day camps to cheap vacation ideas, or how to entertain the kids on a long car ride - - and get fast and complete answers from the real experts- other moms!

There's no registration or fee required to search and find, with just a few clicks of the mouse, the right spot for your own crying, eating, burping, napping family. Every time a question or search is entered, a series of answers will come into play - and then moms can take the answers and insight that make sense for their family. More than a million answers are at their fingertips.

So, if you got knocked up and now need to figure out how to relax (or send your little darling away for the summer), we think you should check it out.

www.mamapedia.com

Virgin Atlantic: Le Tourment Vert!

Either that's a hot green fairy or I've had one too many absinthe cocktails aboard my Virgin America flight. Check this out! Authentic French absinthe Le Tourment Vert announced its partnership with Virgin America as it becomes the first airline to serve absinthe cocktails in the sky.

We think there's no better place to ride high, don't you? Le Tourment Vert, imported from Cognac, France, is a real treat, hand-crafted in small batches by master distiller Bruno Delannoy, and made with anise, fennel, grand wormwood (artemisia absinthium) and aromatic herbs including rosemary, eucalyptus and sage. As a tribute to this fine elixir, on May 1st, 2009, Virgin America began serving Le Tourment Vert cocktails complimentary in the airline’s First Class and Main Cabin Select and available for purchase in the Main Cabin.

Tres chic.

“Virgin America is reinventing the typical flight experience... and the addition of Le Tourment Vert absinthe is sure to be a hit with our discriminating guests,” says Porter Gale, VP of Marketing Virgin Atlantic. We are so discriminating, Porter, particularly when it comes to our alcohol.

Launched in August 2007, Virgin America, in just over a year flying, was named "Best Domestic Airline” in the Condé Nast Traveler 2008 Readers' Choice Awards and "Best Domestic Airline" in Travel + Leisure’s 2008 World's Best Awards. No surprise when you've got hottie Branson at the helm. The inaugural absinthe journey featured the “Mile High Cocktail,” made with Le Tourment Vert, Sprite and a lemon wedge.

So we say, "Get green with absinthe, not envy."

www.virginamerica.com
www.LeTourmentVert.com

Carry It On: Dermalogica's Concealing Spot Treatment

So you've just traveled 8+ hours to Paris for a little bit of work (and, okay, one hot inter-continental blind date) and guess what's staring back at you from the mirror of your humble pension near Les Tuileries? You guessed it. A nasty under-the-skin blemish that won't come to a head. Have no fear. Dermalogica is here!

During our many travels, the staff at Jaunt has learned a thing or two about packing light. No unnecessary cosmetics, no overstuffed suitcases, but here's the one thing we can't travel without. So important to our repertoire of natural beauty, we had to mention our solution to the pesky skin problems that come hand-in-hand with dry cabin air and humid, smoggy cities.

Dermalogica's Concealing Spot Treatment
An intense treatment with a natural-looking tint that quickly conceals and clears breakouts. Upon contact, concentrated Sulfur and Zinc Oxide help clear skin by eliminating bacteria associated with acne while clearing excess oil and congestion in the follicle. Niacinamide, Zinc Gluconate, Yeast and Cinnamon Bark extracts, Caffeine and Biotin purify and inhibit overactive sebaceous gland activity while soothing irritation. Salicylic Acid sloughs off dead skin cells that contribute to clogged follicles, helping to prevent future breakouts. The best part? There's no artificial fragrance or color. And trust us, it works. Matte, easily blendable, and drying, it's the perfect alternative to greasy foundation or traditional concealer.

A little goes a long way.

And really, when you're traveling the distance, looking flawless sometimes takes a little bit of work.

$31.00

www.dermalogica.com

LAX: The Luxe Layover

Finally! A hot hotel near LAX for the design-driven diva in need of some budget-conscious digs.

The Custom Hotel, located at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Manchester near Marina Del Rey, is Avi Brosh's answer to the luxe layover. An ultra-modern 250-room hotel intended to fill a void in the LAX area, The Custom was originally designed by Welton Beckett, the renowned mid-century architect known for his modernist approach with LA landmarks like the Capitol Records building, Cinerama Dome, and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Now, with the help of Brosh's Palisades Development Group, the 12-floor hotel has undergone an extensive renovation, transforming the tower into a sleek contemporary space.

Accents include a stadium sundeck, an outdoor heated pool, poolside tapas bar, fire pit and DJ lounge.

“We saw a need in this area of Los Angeles for a lifestyle-driven hotel that caters to a customer looking for great design at a modest price,” said Avi Brosh, President of Palisades Development Group. “Over 80% of transient business to L.A. stays near LAX, and those travelers are craving some place fresh and fun to visit. It will be the antidote to boring beige airport hotels.”

We agree, Avi. Beige is such a snooze.

The hotel boasts some of the city’s most panoramic views, including those of the ocean, Malibu, Hollywood Hills and Downtown LA and features espresso check-in, a 24-hour restaurant, live DJ’s nightly, layover rooms and numerous lounges. Rooms include flat screen TV’s, iPod docking and stocked mini bars. Other creature comforts? Complimentary wireless, high-speed Internet and organic bath amenities!! That's right... our eco-loving spirit gets giddy at the thought of organic products.

Room rates start at just $119/night.

Jaunt says, “Have a lay….over.”

www.customhotel.com

A Flair Necessity: For the Quick Jaunt

This just in from fashion savvy friend, Matt Meyerson. Hip, travel-friendly goodies perfect for Valentine's Day. We here at Jaunt carry six sturdy canvas shopping bags (@ $4.00/each) for all our grocery shopping needs. We then personalize them with our own cute needlepoint, but Local Celebrity’s new organic tote bag is ready-made and benefits Global Green USA. $22.00
www.localcelebrity.com

We also love:

Assorted Local Celebrity Motivational Tees (www.localcelebrity.com) - $25.00-$27.00



The WWF Vintage Tee - $25.00



www.chasermerch.com
$2.00 donated to the World Wildlife Fund. It may not be much, but hey, it's better than nothing.
www.worldwildlife.org

We know it's winter, but it's always summer SOMEWHERE, right? Cameron Diaz shimmies around in Le Doux so we do too.

Le Doux Swimwear (www.ledouxswimwear.com) – $120.00



Guess what? Bootcut is back! Wide-leg jeans, high-waisted pants, the flare... do you dare? The hippie girl in Jaunt says, "Finally! Down with the skinny jean! Down!"

Try out Fidelity Denim's assortment of chic cuts. Make sure you order 1-2 sizes larger as they're cut small (no, you're not fat, gorgeous). We like the 'Lily' High-Rise Bootcut and the 'Hyacinth,' a Five-Pocket Trouser Leg (www.fidelitydenim.com) - $198.00



Last, but not least... we get cooolllllddd when we travel which is exactly why we need the following:

True Love and False Idols (www.trueloveandfalseidols.com) hoodies. Prices vary anywhere from $60.00-$325.00 for cashmere hoodies. We like their vibrant intricate prints and silky lining.



Next up? Stay tuned for The Amazon, baby. We'll feature a swanky organized Peruvian adventure, as well as a shamanistic journey deep into the jungles of your troubled little soul. As always, send suggestions or questions to our Editor-in-Chief and we'll be sure to answer your travel queries as soon as goddessly possible.

Carry It On: The Physician

Believe it or not, sometimes the best part of traveling is staying in one place. Whether you're parked by the sea reading a good book or waiting to board the plane, it is often the solitude of the journey and those periods 'in between' that teach us more about ourselves and world around us.

To that end, part of that glorious discovery is what we read along the way. I'd love to say that I remember where - and what - I was doing in the Czech Republic when I encountered a book that carried me to an ancient world and exposed me to an author that continues to excite me, but alas... it was many years ago. The most I can recall is a summer spent in Prague, gargoyles atop a Medieval castle, and the stark Polish countryside roll past as I flipped the page.

And yet, rainy days spent traveling throughout Eastern Europe are also tinted with a hint of gold for when I rested my head at the end of a long day in Krakow, the sweeping historical tales of Noah Gordon came alive to accompany me. So much so, in fact, that last week I picked up another book by Mr. Gordon and was thrilled to discover that he's still got 'it.'

So what's my vote for adventurers, readers, lovers, and traveller's worldwide?

The Physician by Noah Gordon.

If you've been stuck in the city for months on end and haven't had the chance to hitch a plane to Mozambique or Montreal, here's what you do. Pick up a copy of any of his books. In 1999, The Physician was voted by the Madrid Book Fair as one of the ten most beloved books of all time. You'll be starting with his first book in the Robert Jeremy Cole trilogy. A fast, historically rich, yet easy read, it takes place in the 11th century so your imagination will run wild with the story of Robert Cole as he journeys from his childhood in England, througout Europe, and all the way to an Arabian medical school in Persia.

Timeless, full of intrigue and amusement, The Physician, along with my two other favorites (The Last Jew and Shaman, winner of the James Fenimore Cooper Prize by the Society of American Historians), breathe new life into ancient times.

PS. I also hear The Physician might be coming to a theater near you. If my crystal ball tells me anything it's... 'Oprah's gonna put this on her Book Club List soon'.

And won't you be thrilled to say you knew him when?

Carry It On: Sodashi Jet Lag Recovery Kit

I was sitting on the patio of my Four Seasons Koh Samui bungalow when my favorite Head of PR, Maria Kuhn, mentioned jet lag, the harshest of travel ailments (second, of course, to E. Coli and Montezuma's Revenge).

While lapping up the fresh island breeze, Ms. Kuhn filled me in on a little travel secret.... Sodashi, an Australian line of products second to none in the realm of travel goodies. Combining Sodashi’s most refreshing and uplifting products to rejuvenate during extensive periods of travel, their Jet Lag Recovery Kit features convenient travel sizes of their top travel products including:

• 30ml Jet Lag Recovery Gel
• 50ml Jet Lag Recovery Mist
• 30ml Eye Lifting Gel
• 30ml Rehydrating Face & Neck Moisturiser
• 30ml Hand Rescue Cream

My favorites include the Jet Lag Recovery Gel, a cooling gel formulated to 'uplift and revive the mind and body during long periods of travel.' Applied to pulse points every three hours during travel, it strengthens mental clarity and awareness and helps the body’s digestion with key active ingredients including grapefruit, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass and ginger. The Jet Lag Recovery Mist, a fortifying mist, can be used regularly during and after travel to cool the skin and keep the mind and body feeling fresh when you're about ready to fall over. One of the key active ingredients includes geranium which provides a balancing effect on the skin. All products are available online so stop dragging your feet and start feeling jet set fresh.

www.sodashi.com

Stay tuned for the next two weeks where Jaunt will uncover the best off-the-radar picks for LA and Maui!

Carry It On: The Sonya Dakar Jet Set

Listen here. If I have to throw out one more bottle of fancy product because it's two squirts more than 3/4 of an ounce or get out of line at security to buy some silly plastic bag to hold my liquids...

I'm 'a gonna scream!

So I'm leaving for Singapore and Thailand in a week. Guess what I need to get MY little paws on?

The Sonya Dakar JET SET.

I've known Dakar and her family for years. They're good peeps. Tough, and kind. Warm, and honest. Her whole family runs the business, one that was once conducted out of a spare bedroom in her home. She says always knew she wanted to solve skin care woes. Later, after she married her loving husband, they had kids. Her four children stirred pots of skin cream in the kitchen while her husband searched Madagascar to the Maldives for every root, twig, and remedy that could calm and cure unruly skin. Now they're living La Vida Splendida in a fancy schmancy building in Beverly Hills.

You gotta love the American Dream.
Better yet, just love Sonya Dakar.

Here's one difference between Dakar and other Skin Care Specialists around town. She's Israeli. That means she practically went to Medical School so that she could do facials in the homeland. She's bottom line, fast, gives obvious results, asks you a question or two about your long distance love, and she'll never, ever leave you scarless. I still haven't figured out how. Ancient secrets from the Exodus? Herbal remedies from the Holy Land? Who cares?! She gives THE MOST EFFECTIVE FACIAL I've ever had and there are pictures to prove it. Me, looking like Britney Spears after a fast food bender, weeks later transformed into Jessica Alba after hair and make-up. But no amount of money in the world would let you see my 'Before' photos. Sonya's got 'em under lock and key. So when the best Hollywood dermatologists could do NOTHING for my skin, she was the only one.

She and her products are so good, in fact, that I haven't seen her in about a year, which is exactly why... I need to travel with them. Lucky for me, she's just created the Sonya Dakar JET SET, a perfect travel companion with just enough of each product (about ¾ of an ounce) to last on your two week jaunts to Africa, Greece, or Singapore and Thailand (hint, hint). It includes the three basics of your regimen – facial wash, anti-oxidant primer and ultra-light moisturizer – in a satin travel case with a waterproof compartment and room for whatever else travels 3000+ miles with you. She's even created three sets geared to each major skin type - dry, normal, oily. Fortified with the natural extracts like Frankincense, Geranium and Rosewood, the JET SET retails for $72.00.

But can you really put a price on after-flight glow?

It's available in August via phone: at 877-72-SONYA
www.SonyaDakar.com

Carry It On: No Cooties, No 'Mo!

Picture this: You’re flying into JFK or LAX. You’ve caught a morning flight, maybe the Red Eye. You’ve had coffee to wake up, a V8 to settle that Hang-over Stomach, and one vodka tonic to brush off the hair of the dog that bit you. You’ve watched half a bad comedy starring some actor that was hot five years ago, and now... here’s the real clincher, you’ve inhaled, or absorbed, the stench two hundred peanut eating travelers who can’t possibly hold in all that high-altitude gas. Who wants to hug your long-distance lover or even get close enough to shake a colleague’s hand after sitting in a cloud of burps, coughs and farts for five hours? Sure as hell not me. That’s where Hankansson’s No Cootie Vitamin Spray 4 Pack Set comes in. Don’t cover it with Coco or Kors. Just take your trusty set of 6 travel-sized sprays formulated to deliver vital nutrients to thirsty skin with a blend of natural floral, fruit and vegetable extracts and get back to the basics. Sprays are each a different scent, greaseless, quickly absorbed, and ideal for all skin types. Bottom line? Anyone’s pick for ‘Accoutrement of the Year for Hygienic Travel Junkies.’ At the very least, it’ll eliminate some of that eau de toilet. And we don’t mean the fancy kind.

www.flight001.com

Welcome To The Jaunt Life

After traveling for over fifteen years in search of every hidden speakeasy from DUMBO to Krakow, handsome men bred south of the equator or east of France, the perfect flowing white dress, random hole-in-the-wall soccer clubs/dining halls, and all those hot-to-trot swanky restaurants with lounge music and light finger foods fit for the scandalous demimondaine (or perfectly legit diva), I'm bringing sleek travel junkies the best gear for high falootin' free wheelin' living, the most unique travel suggestions both local and exotic, and all those secret little gems we often spend hours, days, weeks, even months... looking for.

I'm the Wikipedia of travel junkies with a certain taste for the refined, the ecological, the pampered, and the pleb.

So I'd like to personally welcome you to 'The Jaunt Life,' a place where you'll find select leads for a proper life of clever and conscious adventure. A place where all your questions about what to do, where to go, how to do it, and what to wear (and gear), will be answered to the very best of our ability.

We've decided that you deserve it. After all, you're here, aren't you? Seeking it out in relative secrecy.

Want to find the best dim sum in China?
Or do you simply want to know what to wear in BA?

We'll tell you.

Along with a fiction story or a poem (and maybe a few noble quotes from a Trappist monk), just know this:

You will eventually become a Jaunt Traveller.

Otherwise known as a 'bon vivant misfit with a taste for well-tuned adventure and plenty of cultural savoir-faire.'

Otherwise known as 'a real babe in search of all things sexy, sweet, saucy, relevant, and heart warming.'

Otherwise known as 'you.'

Welcome to The Jaunt Life.