myretroperspective

When you’re traveling internationally you may want to think about getting a little insurance in case your checked luggage gets lost. Most airlines are required by U.S. regulations to compensate travelers up to $3,300 in the event their checked bags are lost, stolen or damaged for domestic travel. Unfortunately, the same is not true when you travel internationally with checked bags. In fact, you’d be lucky to get a fraction of that because compensation for international travel is based on the weight of your checked luggage at just $9.07 per pound. So you might want to think twice about checking in grandma’s Louis Vuitton steamer trunk or Aunt CoCo’s Chanel luggage. However, there’s a little secret that may help you recover more of what your items are worth. It’s called Excess Valuation or EV. Most people have never even heard of it because it’s one of those things that “they don’t want you to know.” You must ask about EV at check-in or take your chances in the event of the unthinkable. ...

The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago offers a lesson in wellness and relaxation for the mind, body and soul. During my recent 24 hour stay, I indulged in a relaxing aroma blend massage followed by quiet time in the relaxation room sipping on herbal tea and eating fresh fruit. My signature treatment began with essential oils blended just for me. Acupressure and light massage techniques were executed to perfection by Cheryl, my therapist, while I lay on a heated table with an eye pillow over my lids. I loved the steam inhalation therapy combined with the Eucalyptus essential oil that helped open my nasal passages. I inhaled and exhaled my way to a 50 minute escape high above the chic, but busy Michigan Avenue below. It was a beautiful start to my day. To learn more visit http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs/ Is a trip to the Spa at The Four Seasons in your future?

Chicago is a city known for high quality spas and cosmopolitan lifestyles. So it came as no surprise when I decided to head over to Exhale Spa for a little seasonal pampering during my recent trip. Once inside this Zen-like haute spot, I took a deep breath before climbing the two flights of stairs to check in for my treatment. After slipping out of my street gear, uggs and overcoat, I was ushered into a treatment room for a much needed Grow Restore and Nurture or G.R.N. facial from the Well Bar for the girl on the go. It’s been a really long, bitterly cold winter and my skin is showing signs of dryness and dehydration. Now that spring is just weeks away, it’s time for renewal. The G.R.N. 30 minute facial is designed to combat the negative effects of environmental toxins on our skin. I love the fact that this particular facial is highly effective and eco-friendly. The G.R. N. paraben-free skin care products like the Blue Chamomile Face Cleanser are exclusive to Exhale Spa and formul...

When a southern girl needs a little pampering and finds herself in Chicago, her first stop is the Four Seasons Hotel. I recently checked into this ultra luxe haute spot close to Michigan Avenue to get in a little shopping, exercise and spa hopping during my 24 hour stay. There’s nothing like stepping into the lobby of refined comfort and pure elegance in the heart of Chicago’s gold coast, just minutes from museums, parks and Oak Street Beach. Modern interiors with mid 20th century French décor and a dramatic city skyline view from my executive suite made for an amazing stay. A luxurious marble bath and glass shower welcomed me as I stepped through the French doors leading out of my spacious living room into my private bedroom. An array of products by L’Occitane, comfy robes and a bottle of Voss water paved the way for total relaxation. After pouring a cup of herbal tea, I don’t remember falling asleep instead I sank into my comfortable king size bed with fluffy pillows and my eyes ...

Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa in Chicago nails it with the luxurious Champagne and Roses pedicure in celebration of their 100th Anniversary. I was only in town for 24 hours, but getting pampered and polished was on the top of my list of my things to do. After a whirlwind day, I headed over to the spa and stepped inside the red door to kick my feet up and indulge in a warm foot bath with roses. Once I began soaking my feet in the water, Flori, my therapist began exfoliating with a scrub of champagne and rose extracts blended with shea butter, grape seed oil and vitamins A, C, and D. A footlogix callus softener was applied before my nails were trimmed. A warm neck pillow was brought out for a more relaxing experience, while I enjoyed my Caesar salad with grilled chicken lunch. Once my nails were filed smooth, a nice moisture-sealing paraffin treatment followed. It was in a word—decadent! My silky smooth feet were removed from the cute little white booties and plastic wrap about seven mi...

American food with a healthier approach to southern classics is served up at Sweet Auburn Bistro. This charming little haute spot is located along Atlanta’s historic Auburn Avenue where history and culture meet. Executive Chef and Owner Glenn Law is the creator of the “new southern” cuisine infused with Caribbean flair offering flavorful food at affordable prices. Once inside you’re transported to a modern day version of 1955 Atlanta where the smell of Georgia Shrimp and Cheese grits and double crust peach cobbler along with rhythmic beats fill the air. This cozy little gem offers a menu of dishes featuring exotic creations like the Sweet Auburn Chips made with black pot kettle fried potato chips, drizzled with melted blue cheese, red onions and scallions and Scallop Risotto prepared in Mediterranean fashion. You can also get soups, salads and 171 burgers while you dine with friends or alone for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Casual conversation over Cabbage Town fried green tomatoes, Hot...

What’s new in my travel bag? A pair of After Soles, the portable, rollable ballet flats for the diva on the dance floor or on the GO! When my high heels, wedges or shoes (that hurt my feet) have run their course, I pull out my After Soles and keep it moving. I love the little bag designed to store your shoes, while you wear the flats. They’re perfect for carry on, handbags or totes. They’re stylish and comfortable in silver, gold and black and cost just $14.95. So if you find that you’re in need of a little relief just slip them on and make those stiletto-induced sorrows disappear. To learn more visit http://www.aftersoles.com/ Will you add a pair of After Soles to your travel bag?

Tucked inside the land where wigs, weaves, and natural hair reign supreme among trend-setters is a hair salon that makes giving back beautiful. In a loft-like space with flowing water and master stylists working their magic sisters Najah (pronounced like the river Niger in Africa) and Lateefah Aziz are watching their dream come true with every color, cut and style. “I loved doing hair as a child, but I took the corporate America route,” says Najah Aziz. But after more than 16 years in corporate America¸ she began thinking that it was time to follow her passion and open a salon. “It took courage to give up everything to get something I truly wanted.” Soon after, her sister joined her bringing an expertise in customer service and business management. Just two years later with a roster of professional women, socialites and girls, who just love their hair as clients, the Aziz sisters have become a force in the Atlanta area beauty industry. They pride themselves on being different and o...