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A Perfect Match: A Guide to Wine and Cheese Pairing

wine and cheese

They both have an extensive, prestigious history; both are created naturally, and tend to age well. What better pair than the elegance of both wine and cheese together.

Although we each have our own intricate palate, there are specific combinations of cheese and wine that are naturally pleasing to a majority of enthusiasts. The guideline reflects that red wines usually complement hard cheeses, while white wines harmonize with soft cheeses.

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360º Focus : Gyrofocus High Ceiling Fireplace

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Voted by the Pulchra Design Awards 2009 as “World’s Most Beautiful Object,” this is the world’s first ceiling suspended fireplace that rotates a full circumference. Designed by Atelier Dominque Imbert in the south of France, this fireplace can not only hang from high ceilings, but can also handle vaulted ceilings. The Gyrofocus is sold internationally and suits nearly all home fashions, from ultra modern to traditional or time warped retro or even eclectic|diverse. Becoming a global classic since 1967, the original designs have become a symbol of innovation for Focus.

Visit www.focus-creation.com for more information.

“Peking-to-Paris” with Spyker D8

Everyone was spying on Spyker’s D12 concept, only to find that their factories in the Netherlands were preparing a new and innovative D8 for a production debut. Hence the name change, Spyker’s new concept features a V8 instead of the V12 500hp Volkswagen engine. This decision is not to be looked down upon— rumors have indicated that the D8 will use a CTS-V engine, with a supercharged V8 556hp. Times have changed since the old days of “the sports car.” With a high demand of exotic SUVs in these modern days, Spyker certainly is not alone in their design as a four-door super sport sedan.

Written by SMZ, Photo courtesy of Spyker

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Leather Bally Medaki Shoe Bag

bally medaki shoe bag

Price: $1,610.00

Find it: www.Bally.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bally presents us with a chic leather design shoe bag. The Medaki design carries up to three pairs of shoes, protecting your footwear from any travel mishaps. Embossed Italian leather evokes an inventive style for your traveling needs

Ridiculously Sleek: Nokia Aeon Concept

Haus Bold by Thomas Bendel

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Situated in Germany, Bendel’s design makes a bold and modern statement. Named Haus Bold, this fresh house takes the simple shape as a rounded cube, made of prefabricated concrete, walls of glass, and anodized aluminum facades. The architect created a raw yet refined look with oversized polished and textured stone tiles. A steel-plate handrail leads up to the second level, following a 10-meter long concrete staircase. Above this all, large skylights flood the stairwell with natural light. The house is finished with ultra chic and modern furnishings and stainless steel accessories. This modern, industrial-chic style is carried throughout Bendel’s design, where concrete is the material of choice for walls and ceilings, giving interiors this same cool, contemporary aesthetic.

haus bold

Courtyard House Architecture: Ancient Design Adds a Modern Touch

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Offering a serene mélange on nature and modern design, this particular design incorporates the indoors into its layered levels of outdoor living. Korean architects IROJE KHM craftily designed this house using concrete and wood. The modern spin on the home is arranged through the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, with one level below ground and two levels rising above. The structure’s base, made of concrete, secures the design, and the above levels, made of wood and glass, evoke light, clear, and airy freedoms. As in Korean culture, there is a rather distinct impression of naturalism. The warm wooded upper levels adds living spaces to the house and the lower levels are dedicated to gardening, both levels very much alive and transitional.

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Model Profile: Kate Moss

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Real Name: Katherine Moss Nationality: British Birthdate: 16 January 1974 

Famous Campaigns: Gucci, D&G, Versace, Calvin Klien, YSL, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Rimmel, Dior

KateMossTopShop2009.jpg image by fashionising

Chic and Sensible Warmth this Winter

Choosing a winter coat can be rather tedious and at times leaves us out in the cold. Ladies, remember to purchase a coat that will keep just as warm as flattering to your figure. Understanding fabrics can truly lend a hand to easing the process.  Italian or French wool are trustworthy selections and experience shows they tend to last up to three years. If you the option to buy a designer piece, then do so. Designer houses have released a plethora of choices this winter, giving us the freedom for true personality.  Nonetheless, keep in mind that fashion never dies but fads last long enough to take a few breaths. Here are a few timeless pieces to possibly inspire your search…

viviennewestwoodcoat-1Vivienne Westwood AngloMania Wrap Coat, $1,438.00

vintagesilhouettecoatSchumacher Frosted Wool Blend Coat, $847.00

johnlewiscoatJohn Lewis Collection Woman Tie Coat, $261.00

Wood Exterior, the Proper Way.

Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Wood exterior? No, my friends, this is not another trial replica of Chrysler’s …interesting… PTCruiser.   Inspired by 1930’s racing yachts, the Phantom Drophead Coupe is trimmed with teak wood, spanning from the rear level to the front side panels of each passenger’s top door. The teak reaches and touches upon a brushed steel surface that gives the car a yacht-like experience. Floor mats of woven sisal and a fabric convertible top only add to the fun spirit of this model. The only criticism arising from this particular model is the teak wood rather needy, requiring a great deal of maintenance.

 “If the Phantom sedan is for the guy in the three piece suit, the Drophead is for his pleasure-seeking brother in the Hawaiian shirt,” says duPont Registry’s Exotic Car. With that said, $448,000 isn’t such a heavy price on this desired excitement.

Written by SMZ, Photo courtesy of Seriouswheels.com


Arts + Fashion

Leather Bally Medaki Shoe Bag
Leather Bally Medaki Shoe Bag

Price: $1,610.00 Find it: www.Bally.com                             Bally presents us

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Auto + Technology

“Peking-to-Paris” with Spyker D8
“Peking-to-Paris” with Spyker D8

Everyone was spying on Spyker’s D12 concept, only to find that their factories in the Netherlands

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Design + Lifestyle

360º Focus : Gyrofocus High Ceiling Fireplace
360º Focus : Gyrofocus High Ceiling Fireplace

            Voted by the Pulchra Design Awards 2009 as “World’s Most Beautiful Object,”

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Explore + Travel

Destination Dining: Beirut
Destination Dining: Beirut

Beirut has two gems, one called Le Chef in Jemayzeh and one called Barometer in Hamra. Le Chef is a

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Ladies + Gents

A Perfect Match: A Guide to Wine and Cheese Pairing
A Perfect Match: A Guide to Wine and Cheese Pairing

They both have an extensive, prestigious history; both are created naturally, and tend to age well.

More in Ladies + Gents