myretroperspective

Celebrity Chef Todd English’s Bluezoo Restaurant is one of Walt Disney World’s best-kept secrets. Who knew that a restaurant with a Miami-like, energetic vibe was housed at the Swan and Dolphin Resort complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida? The idea of “bluezoo” came from English’s interpretation of a movie about sea creatures on IMAX that he watched with his kids. The diversity of sea life sparked the idea of a “bluezoo” in his mind. “Having a restaurant in Walt Disney World is very exciting,” said English. “My hope is for bluezoo to be a mix of other Olive Group Restaurants combined with the merriment and fun of Disney.” Bluezoo is the place to make a splash… you’ll marvel at the interior, created by highly acclaimed designer Jeffery Beers. It’s sleek and sexy with blue lights illuminating a curved bar with a school of aluminum fish completing the backdrop. Iridescent bubbles hanging from overhead light fixtures in the dining room add an aquatic feel that flows throughout the room. Blu

An American Bistro in Hyde Park is one of the things that make this cozy Chicago neighborhood Haute! Park 52 is Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner’s latest addition to his long list of cool restaurants like Red Light and Carnivale in the windy city. Each has the Kleiner touch when it comes to décor dramatic lighting, hues of red throughout with a touch of soul. If you’re living the cosmopolitan life in Chicago… this is the spot for a fabulous meal and meeting place for cocktails and conversation. It’s also blocks away from the Obama house along with a special menu selection celebrating the 44th President and first lady. Park 52 is where the beautiful, sexy people move and shake in Hyde Park just call or text your party and have them meet you at “The Park.” The menu consists of an array of contemporary dishes like the BBQ Glazed Atlantic Salmon, Roasted Duck Breast and Shrimp and grits. Each selection is flavorful and cooked perfectly. The food is simply good and the service is wonderful. The o

When I’m on the go the one thing that makes me crazy is bad hair. On a recent trip to Chicago, I made a beeline to Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa on Michigan Avenue for a little TLC.   When it comes to haute, healthy hair, I leave it to the professionals. Veteran hair professional Frankie took me under her wing and whisked me over to the shampoo bowl to cleanse my hair and scalp opening up the hair shaft to remove product buildup. A relaxing head massage and conditioning treatment left my hair healthy with plenty of shine restoring moisture to keep my hair hydrated.   Frankie added a keratin infused product and blew my hair straight. She followed up by pressing small sections of my hair until it was silky with lots of body and bounce. An hour later, my hair was healthy, lustrous and fabulous! When you're in Chicago and you need a little attention for your hair... drop into Mario Tricoci so they can indulge and delight you with innovative services and amazing hair care. To learn mo

June Jacobs offer’s the Vanda Orchid Body Balm as part of her spa collection. The balm is rich and creamy, but not oily offering an intense hydration saturating the skin with a delicate bouquet of orchid extracts, Shea butter, jojoba and sunflower seed oils to soften and protect the skin. A powerful anti-oxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with Gobi berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts help to combat free radicals and environmental toxins designed rejuvenate the skin. Retails for $60... To learn more visit http://www.junejacobs.com/ Haute Tip! The June Jacobs' Vanda Orchid Mist leaves the skin refreshed and energized! Retails $48 Will you try this new body balm or mist?

The Four Seasons Hotel London has undergone a major transformation. During the closure, guest rooms, suites and bars have been totally reconfigured and redesigned for discriminating travelers who only want the best. My favorite part of the renovation—the new rooftop spa with treetop views of Hyde Park. The spa is housed on an entirely new floor and takes guests to new heights when it comes to total relaxation. I get anxious just thinking about it… talk about “luxuriating.” I can’t wait to sink my toes into a pedicure bowl and rest my aching muscles on the massage table. A new sophisticated Four Seasons Hotel in London is anticipated in late 2010—I’ll be there with bells on. Now that’s HAUTE! Would you like to check into the Four Seasons in London?

French skincare line Darphin introduces Hydraskin Essential, the company’s first-ever $50 face cream, formulated with organic shea butter and butterfly lavender. In celebration of the launch, Darphin wants to know how you indulge with just $50. On April 21st, the 50 most creative entries will win a preview of Darphin’s favorite $50 luxury- a full-size Hydraskin Essential. And a grand prize winner will be treated to a New York City Spa Getaway for two with transportation, 2 nights at the Surrey Hotel, Darphin treatments and more. For each submission, Darphin will donate $2 to the IDEAL Providence Farms to buy school supplies for children in Ghana, where the product’s organic shea butter is harvested and used in Hydraskin Essential by women in Ghana via a fair trade initiative to support their community. Visit http://www.50littleluxuries.com/ to share your tips and chance to win your own Hydraskin Essential and trip to New York City! What's your $50 indulgence?