Ignorance used to be bliss. But, not anymore. As our knowledge about the state of our environment grows, we are forced to find ways to honor our environment and expand our human potential.

Destiny USA, a shopping center in Syracuse, N.Y., seems to understand this on a massive level. The 2.4 million sq. ft. “destination” (as its being called) is now the sixth-largest shopping center in the United States, and is in the running to be the nation’s largest LEED Gold-Certified commercial retail project. In addition, it expects to have more than 100 of its retail tenants also be LEED-certified. Continue reading →

It had been a long drive down Washington State’s I-5 when my guy and I realized we needed some serious coffee support to keep going. We took the first exit we could, cheering when we saw a coffee cart immediately to our left.

He was driving, and quickly placed our order. I (in my usual fashion) flipped down the visor to smooth my hair and gloss my lips.

“Um, hunny.”

“Yeah, babe.”

“That girl isn’t really wearing any clothes. “

I quickly turned to take a look, only to stare directly at a pink lace thong. My mouth wide open, I readjusted in my seat, staring back at him. Continue reading →

Let's face it…hotels in Miami's South Beach (SoBe) district are all over the place. In terms of quality, it’s got it all—ranging from well known, big-name chains like the Loews and the newly opened W South Beach, to the infamous (and uber-expensive) Delano to the dozens of boutique hotels and a handful of cheap (and dirty) holes in the wall.

Any SoBe hotel search on TripAdvisor will return results that would shock—and likely terrify—even the most seasoned of travelers. With nearly every hotel in SoBe boasting a “great location” (perched atop a nightclub that parties till 7 a.m.) and  “excellent amenities” (cockroaches with your turn-down service and a used bar of soap with a few stray hairs), choosing a hotel in SoBe is quite the daunting task. Continue reading →

I don’t consider myself an expert food maven or restaurant critic, but I do know a few things here and there about what makes a great customer experience—whether it be a shopping or dining environment. And conversely, I also know what makes one horrible. Allow me to explain and entertain you with the details…

Firstly, I’ve never been a fan of Las Vegas—I don’t gamble, have no interest in seeing The Thunder from Down Under and find Barry Manilow intensely creepy. Combine that with the stale-cigarette-scented casino aroma looming around every corner, which makes me want to yak, and that pretty much closes the deal. Continue reading →

Oh W Hotels, how I love thee! And now, with their latest property debuting in Hong Kong, I have even more fabulous hotel space to dream about. That’s right, I’m talking about the new W Hong Kong from W Hotels (a line of boutique hotels owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.). Located in a waterfront skyscraper in the heart of the city’s new commercial, entertainment and cultural district, W Hong Kong features 393 guest rooms, including 42 suites. The hotel also introduces Asia’s first Bliss Spa and boasts two signature restaurants, a 73rd-floor modern fitness facility, 8,200 sq. ft. Continue reading →