Here are my affirmations & suggestions for a better 2021…

You Have To Visualise To Realise

It sounds a little hocus-pocus, but visualisation can actually help with personal and professional success. You can visualise with words or images, you just need some paper and a quiet space to imagine yourself five years from now. Where would you like to be living? How much money do you have in the bank? Are you happily single or with your partner surrounded by your three healthy, happy children? Indulge your imagination and put down your heart’s desires. If you don’t believe it, consider this: a make-up artist I worked with recently told me she’d found a list of goals that her billion-dollar beauty boss had written just before starting her company, and sure enough, every one was now ticked. The authoritative read on the subject is Shakti Gawain’s Creative Visualization, now more than 40 years old, but full of timeless wisdom.

Be Kind And Be Quiet

It’s been a brilliant year for doing good. But it was a terrible year for virtue signalling. Make 2021 the year you do something kind every day – but don’t tell anyone and don’t post about it on social media. Try buying a meal for a person who needs it, or just call someone you know who’s lonely. Step back and watch the magic happen.

        “Carry out a random act of Kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you…”

                                                                                                                  Diana , Princess of Wales

Learn To Listen: It’s More Powerful Than Shouting

Perfecting the art of listening is vital, especially when it comes to activism. “Listening, as opposed to speaking, is challenging because it appears to be passive, but good listening is always active,” says Jane Haynes, psychotherapist at The Blue Door Practice. Listening has empathetic benefits, too. “Empathy as a buzzword is overrated – it’s almost impossible to think yourself into another’s head,” says Haynes. “Our only hope is to listen, and not overlay with our own assumptions. 

Exercise yourself…!

Rather than thinking of exercise as a punishment, shift your focus to how it can make you feel, as well as all the other amazing benefits it brings. From boosting your mood and confidence to increasing productivity and improving the quality of your sleep, when we celebrate movement and stop looking at it as a punishment, we are far more likely to create lasting lifestyle changes. If body composition is your focus, prioritising the above will naturally help with this too.

Find something you enjoy doing

“This is the most important because if you’re not enjoying the form of exercise you’re doing, there isn’t going to be any longevity in it. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, HIIT,  tennis, or kite surfing, find something that really gets you going and that you look forward to.”

Set a routine that works for you

Whether it’s daily or weekly, find your own ideal schedule. In my opinion, it’s better to move little and often than to go too hard and burn out. If mornings aren’t your thing, find another time in the day that is better. If doing five workouts a week doesn’t work, start with two. If an hour doesn’t suit you, start with 20 minutes.

Set yourself small, achievable goals

Don’t start a new year saying you want to lose two stone in January – the likelihood is that it’s not going to happen. Create yourself some small goals that you are able to achieve – if you exceed them, your motivation levels will increase even further.

Invest in a professional

With gyms and studios being shut again, seeking some guidance along the way can really help. Sign up to work with a fitness coach online – it will give you some structure without having to think about it yourself. While it does come at a higher cost, it’s money well spent and will make sure you’re dedicated to attending each week.

Pay much attention to your food

Try to cook as much as possible for you and your family. Pick up the most fresh ingredients. Everything starts from there. Stay focused on healthy meals. Treat your body with love & care.

Other than being healthy, cooking for your family can also contribute to the art of communication with your beloved ones . One of the most important things that everyone needs.

Our proposals for your new fitness program:

CHLOÉ Clint low-top sneaker Women’s Delicate Pink Size 10 100% Bovine leather, Rubber

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CHLOÉ Sonnie high-top sneaker Women’s Jungle Green Size 9 40% Calf-skin leather, 30% Cotton, 25% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Elastane

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CHLOÉ Sonnie ballet sneaker Women’s White Size 7 100% Bovine leather

$525

CHLOÉ Sonnie high-top sneaker Women’s White Size 9 100% Bovine

$730

CHLOÉ Sonnie low-top sneakers Women’s Light Eucalyptus Size 5 40% Calf-skin leather, 30% Cotton, 25% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Elastane

CHLOÉ Sonnie low-top sneakers Women’s Light Eucalyptus Size 5 40% Calf-skin leather, 30% Cotton, 25% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 1% Elastane

$620

CHLOÉ Lauren sneaker Women’s DIVINE CORAL Size 10 100% Calf-skin leather

$495

Brunello Cucinelli Sport Trousers Natural

614 euros

Kenzo Kenzo Sport Blouson Little X

473 euros

Black Sport Bra By Adidas By Stella Mccartney. Featuring: – Front Zip Fastening; – Adjustable Straps; – Racerback; – Contrast Elasticated Logoed Hem.

Sport Bra

105 euro

MSGM Cotton Sports Trousers

101 euro

Kenzo Kenzo Sport triple X Hooded Sweatshirt

293 euros

Kenzo Kenzo Sport big X T-shirt

130 euros

Kenzo Sport Jogger Pants

193 euros

Palm Angels Classic Logo Sports Bra

181 euros

Kenzo Leggings Kenzo Sport

185 euro

Kenzo Sport Windbreaker

543 euro

Alexander McQueen Skull Sport Socks

81 euros

Life Energy Reversible 6MM Yoga Mat

Designed with the perfect grip and cushioning in mind, the Life Energy Reversible Yoga Mat will keep you in place during any yoga session. Featuring reversible sides, this mat allows you to choose which color goes best with your mood or practice.

$43

Recommended Reading

The books that can deliver hope, humour and help when you need it most.

1. ‘It’s Not How good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be’, by Paul Arden

Amazon  

From $10.99

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be is a handbook of how to succeed in the world – a pocket ‘bible’ for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and the impossible possible. The world’s top advertising guru, Paul Arden, offers up his wisdom on issues as diverse as problem solving, responding to a brief, communicating, playing your cards right, making mistakes and creativity, all notions that can be applied to aspects of modern life.

In Amazon $15,50

n this eagerly awaited sequel to the phenomenal national bestseller The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,leadership guru and renowned professional speaker Robin S. Sharma shares a remarkable step-by-step system that will transform the way you lead your team and renew trust, commitment and hope within your organization. With masterful insight and brilliant simplicity, Sharma has distilled timeless wisdom for visionary leadership into a series of immensely practical lessons that leaders, managers and entrepreneurs can immediately apply to boost morale, liberate loyalty and send productivity soaring in these topsy-turvy times.

3. Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life

by Shakti Gawain

In Amazon from $9,97

As introduced by Shakti Gawain to more than seven million readers worldwide, creative visualization is the art of using mental imagery and affirmation to produce positive changes in your life. Gawain’s clear writing style and vivid examples make Creative Visualization easy to read and apply to your personal needs and wants. This groundbreaking work has found enthusiastic followers in every country and language in which it has been published, and Gawain’s simple yet powerful techniques are now used successfully in many diverse fields, including health, education, business, sports, and the creative arts. Whether you read it for general inspiration and empowerment or to achieve specific goals.

If looking on the bright side feels harder than usual right now, you’re not alone. After a turbulent year, people are feeling tired, jaded, and in dire need of a spring in their step – and with no immediately obvious remedy in sight.

Taking a proactive approach to positive thinking is, however, important for our health.

Here are my recommendations to ensure that your year ahead in 2021 is exactly what you want it to be.

1.. Make a decision and intend with conviction that: “This year is going to be my best year ever!” Repeat often until you believe it.

2.. Repeat daily or as often as you can during the year: “Everything always works out perfectly for me every single day.”

3.  Be grateful as much as you possibly can. Make “Thank you” your 2021 mantra.

4. Download a well rated fitness App

Fitness App Helps You Start Your New Year’s Resolution

This past year has been an unhealthy one for many of us — not just from a mental health standpoint, but from a physical standpoint, as well. An extended quarantine isn’t exactly conducive to an active lifestyle and with so few things operating like normal, many of us have turned to Netflix and food for comfort. There’s no shame in that, but if you want to get back in shape and improve your health in 2021, it’s time to start planning. That’s why now is a great time to get BetterMe Home Workout & Diet.

BetterMe is a straightforward app that can help you get into the best shape of your life without completely overhauling your routine. Whether you’re looking to lose a little weight at home, improve your diet, drink more water, or even work out with a personal trainer, BetterMe can help. With personalized sets of exercises and nutrition plans, BetterMe helps you get on a fitness and health journey that makes reaching your goals easier than ever. The app features an engaged community with daily articles, tips, tricks, and answers to all of your exercise questions, helping you stay on track.

All of the workouts can be done at home, and all meal plans feature dishes picked according to your preferences and are easy to make with video recipes. Workouts range from advanced down to simple yoga and walking workouts to help you develop a plan that works for your capabilities and your lifestyle. It’s so flexible, it’s no surprise BetterMe has earned 4.5 stars on 88,000 ratings in the App Store and 4.3 stars on 67,000 ratings on Google Play.

Get in great shape in 2021. Right now, a one-year subscription to BetterMe Home Workout & Diet is 91 percent off $240 at just $19.99. Alternatively, you can spring for a three-year subscription for just $29.99, or a lifetime subscription for just $39.99.

6. Save one hour  just for yourself

According to Adrienne Herbert, author of new book Power Hour, getting up an hour earlier might be exactly what you need right now. Why? Because in those magical 60 minutes you really can change your life.

The concept is simple: use that extra hour to work on your goals before the rest of the world wakes up. What you do is up to you (start writing a book, work out, meditate, build a business…), but how you prepare for this time is vital. You don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn only to lose 40 mins to scrolling through Instagram. This is where Adrienne comes in. Her book is a handbook to help you make the most of that hour, sharing the tools needed to improve your mindset, hone your habits and find focus and purpose.

6. Meditate

An everyday meditation practice can actually structurally change the human brain and help ease depression, physical pain and the kind of mind wandering that leads to unceasing negative thoughts, while conversely increasing awareness. Download a meditation app like Calm or Headspace and do it daily, trying not to give up if it feels like it’s not working. It’s not a miracle cure, but it will help boost your mood: It’s free. Do it..!

7. Treat your body and mind 

It might sound simple but self-care should be top of your list when you’re feeling down. Consider the things that bring you enjoy and incorporate them into your everyday routine. That could be indulging in a 15 minute home facial, applying a full face of make-up, or something as simple as making yourself a nutritious lunch. Whatever it is, prioritise it and take notice of the positive feelings it brings.

8. Surround yourself with positive thinkers 

In his excellent book Think Like A Monk, Jay Shetty describes the impact negative friends or colleagues can have on our own mindset – and vice versa. Negativity is infectious so, if you’re in need of a switch-up, surround yourself with optimists and log out of social media sites (bye, Twitter) where others are complaining.

9. Have coffee breaks with your friends 

10. Focus on your beauty routine

Use as many masks as possible and spoil yourself even for a while…

Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

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For your eyes only….

111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask Box

115 euro

Omorovicza Midnight Radiance Mask

125 euro

11. Make changes to your home space, even the smaller ones…!

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By Georgia Papadon & team …!

“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti,” Sofia Loren have said, but that hasn’t stopped the quote from becoming as ubiquitous on Instagram as the photos it’s usually used as a caption for – hot girls eating pasta ,whose own spaghetti posts have spurred a viral hashtag, #CaroCarboLoad. Whoever did coin the phrase, however, isn’t wrong. For years nutritionists have hailed the Mediterranean Diet as one of the best ways to stay healthy and, we have to admit, it’s a lot more fun than the cheese-cube-and-cigarette meal plan of the French girls. From red wine to Extra Virgin Olive Oil and pasta ,

see below for a guide to La Dolce Diet.

“I’d rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero”

Sophia Loren , 1965

Mindset

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Speaking of preparation, all of the special  Mediterranean ingredients should be cooked with some good ol’ EVOO – that’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil for those of you who aren’t captivated with like me . In addition to being a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants, olive oil could help reduce the risk of everything from heart disease to diabetes, and even prevent wrinkles! Use it instead of butter for everything, even on your homemade cake (if anyone’s interested I can send my own recipe for olive lemon cake which it’s really amazing ) or your bread (dipping is way chicer, anyway).  In this case I’m more than lucky , because my dad has his own olive tree farm , so we have our own organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil harvest every year, something that I’m obsessed with…!

Red Wine !

” Wine delights the heart ” Ancient Greeks have said and it is undouptedly  very true.

Oh yeah..! We love red wine..! From a single lonely day at home to big family gatherings, we always enjoy drinking quality red wine !

According to Mayo Clinic  and of course plenty of viral headlines Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease.From heart-healthy antioxidants to mental health benefits, vino has been proven to offer plenty of perks. But don’t use that as an excuse to go full Bacchus every time you’re out to  dinner – science says the benefits really only come from about one glass per day.

Fruits & Veggies

The Mediterranean diet is exceptionally high in fresh vegetables (tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, onions, cucumbers) and fruit (apples, oranges, pears, grapes, figs, melon), which is probably why it’s so healthy in the first place. Hit a farmers’ market and load up on local produce whenever possible, and try to incorporate it into all of your meals .

Pasta primavera, anyone?

Fish & Seafood

We adore Seafood..! Personally I admit …I’m  crazy about it !

Fried calamari aside, you can never go wrong with greek or Italian takes on seafood. Packed with vitamins, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, fish and other seafood, like shrimp, crab, and mussels, are recommended at least twice a week. No wonder  everyone looks so good in Mykonos and  Amalfi.

White meat is the priority

While red meat is eaten rarely and in small portions, chicken is up there with fish as a good source of lean protein on the Mediterranean diet. Of course, it’s all about how you prepare it – grilled and skinless is the way to go (sorry, KFC might be a bit too American to get away with).

Snacks

Mindlessly grazing between meals isn’t really a thing (like we said, mealtimes are sacred), but if you have to snack, grab something healthy and natural – no protein bars, please. Think nuts, organic greek yogurt , honey , seeds, fruits, veggies, or even some olives!

Small tips from a Mediterranean girl…!

Next time you order pasta,  add some healthy fat from the organic cheese (or olive oil/ avocado if you are vegan), followed by some lean protein (meat or plant-based), and then add some fiber from veggies (e.g., mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, etc.).

Don’t be afraid of extra calories! You’re actually doing yourself a favor and helping your digestive system! That way, you can enjoy your alcohol and pasta without feeling shitty the next day… and you will feel more satisfied and full faster because you aren’t just consuming empty calories from carbs! So trust me if I tell you… you don’t have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods, it’s all about “eating smart” and finding the highest quality version, then combining it in a way that stabilizes your blood sugar!

You, being able to enjoy your favorite pasta!  BUT besides that… there are a few more like:

• reduced bloating
• improved digestion & metabolism
• increased energy
• weight loss
• diminished cravings
• improved mood

What more can you ask for?!

Share those tips and enjoy your favorite Italian dish with another pasta lover!

From Greece,

By Georgia Papadon & team

It is really common that quite often the greatest exercise struggle is putting down your mobile phone before you even get started. However, thanks to a whole variety of fitness and wellbeing apps, it’s time to make it your number one workout gadget. Encompassing apps that track your run, those that encourage you to dance more and even ones to workout your mind , we chose the best and we want to share  with you what to download in order  to get active and revitalised .

Nike Training Club

The Nike Training Club app lets you train on the go, whether you have five minutes or an hour you can chose a workout that suits your mood, ability and focus. Designed by professional athletes, we like to think of it as a personal trainer in your pocket to set you and your friends challenges, get tips from pros and train according to your needs. If it’s strength, tone or a specific area you want to focus on, you can chose a workout at the touch of a button.

Myfitnesspal

This genius app helps you manage how much you need to eat in order to be healthy. You input what you consume and how much you exercise, plus it automatically knows how much walking you’ve done, and then does the calculations for you. It teaches you so much about what you are putting in your body and it’s super quick to use. It’s very popular with fitness nuts, which can make you feel like one, even if you’re not.

Sleep Cycle

As well as being useful, this app is just downright fascinating. Suddenly you have information about what happens when you’re unconscious! Weird. You set the app just before you go to sleep, and it uses a microphone to measure your breathing, heart-rate and movements to judge when you’ve been in deep sleep or light sleep. The most useful thing is tracking your sleep for the whole week, and it definitely stops you feeling like you’ve “had no sleep”.

Headspace

If you suffer from an overcrowded mind, this is the app for you. Like a personal trainer for your psyche, Headspace acts like your very own mindfulness coach, teaching you how to use meditation techniques to focus, de-stress and relax. Requiring as little as ten minutes of commitment a day, this app will help you become a master of meditation in no time at all.

Run Keeper

Whether you’re a keen runner or a novice – Run Keeper is a must-try. It tracks the usual information and gives you goals and targets, as well as tracking your route on a map using your phone’s GPS. The real reason we love it? When you finish it goes to a summary page that shows the map and the route you took along with all the important credentials. It also happens to be the perfect size for screen grabbing and posting on Instagram so you can show off to all your followers! #goals

Apple ios9 Health

If you own an iPhone, you may not realise that your daily activity is already being tracked though Apple’s own Health app. On its most basic level, it will count your steps, walking and running distance and flights climbed, but you can also synch it with external apps and use it to chart everything from sleep to nutrition. Best of all, it’s simple to use and easy to tailor to your own personal needs and interests. Yes, another reason to love your iPhone!

Deliciously Ella

The bestselling Deliciously Ella app, created by health food guru Ella Woodward, is a useful on-the-go guide to vegan cooking. Full of the flavoursome recipes that made Ella’s blog an international success, the app has a clear format, a wide selection of simple dishes to choose from and stunning food photography that will have you rushing home to cook dinner.

Flexter

The choice of workouts on this free app range from targeted seven minute challenges to a 60 minute “Total Body Shred”, meaning you can cater your workout to both your strength and energy levels. There are also helpful video tutorials so you can check whether you are doing the exercises correctly. It’s the perfect workout pal.

iDance!

Not just bringing the fun to your fitness regime, iDance! also offers you the chance to learn a new skill and one that will prove useful on the dancefloor. From salsa and hip hop to Bollywood to swing, the app’s instructor guides you through routines that really get the heart racing. Once you’ve got the swing of the 225 individual dance animations or 40 classes, you can take on the role of choreographer and construct a custom sequence that, without the pressure of onlookers, can really get you to let your hair loose.

FitStar Yoga

If you want to become a serious Yogi in the comfort of your own home FitStar Yoga! is the app you should download now. Internationally recognised yoga experts are just a tap away providing you with a completely individual session. Offering a gentler workout that can be tailored to meet your personal goals, FitStar Yoga! is updated regularly ensuring that things are kept fresh and, most importantly, fun.

source: British Vogue

From Instagrammed flat whites to the wave of artisan coffee pop-ups , London has enjoyed something of a love affair with real, good coffee in the past few years. Discover the 10 Best Coffee places, where to get your caffeine fix in the capital, below.

Grind & Co.

The Grind is rapidly taking over London – having started with a sole site in Shoreditch Grind, it has since opened new cafes in Soho, Holborn, London Bridge, Clerkenwell and Royal exchange among others.

Hipster staff, great coffee and offbeat interiors make each cafe a destination in itself, plus evenings see them turn into bars – the espresso martinis (made with their own coffee blend of course) are some of the best we’ve tried. Grindandco.com

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar

Introducing Ralph’s Coffee & Bar, Ralph Lauren’s first dining destination in London and Mayfair’s new hotspot for coffee, cocktails, bar snacks, and shared plates.

 

The equestrian theme is exactly what you’d expect – think saddle leather banquettes, a brass-topped bar and dark wood panelling throughout.

 

The café décor pays homage to Ralph Lauren’s trademark equestrian sensibilities. The interior features a brass-topped bar, saddle-leather banquettes, and equestrian-themed art hung against dark wood paneling and green billiard cloth. An intimate oasis in the heart of Mayfair, the café seats 24, with 12 additional seats at the bar.

 

Kaffeine at 66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia opened in August 2009 with the idea to provide an Australian style café that focuses quite simply on excellent coffee, great food and hospitable service. The speciality coffee scene in London was just starting to kick off and since then, the Great Titchfield street store has been regarded by the media, public and industry as one of the leading cafes of its kind in the U.K..

Serving Square Mile coffee, alongside beans from a guest roaster from the UK every weekend, Kaffeine’s two W1 cafes offer excellent coffee, expert staff, delicious cakes and beautiful decor .

 

The chef prepares their menu freshly each day, while their produce comes from some of London’s best and most respected suppliers. They  use French trained bakers to supply the  breads and pastries,  their bottled juices are from Chegworth Valley organic farm in Sussex and soft drinks from San Pellegrino. All of this is available to be delivered . The  salad and sandwich menu changes weekly in order to keep everything as seasonal and as fresh as possible. The menu is available each Thursday on the web/blog site.

. Kaffeine.co.uk

Allpress Espresso

Workshop Coffee Co.

Workshop’s original Clerkenwell cafe is not only a favourite brunch spot (they also serve lunch, dinner and drinks), but also the site of the brand’s roastery and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a rather beautiful living wall. The baristas are knowledgeable and skilled and coffee very good indeed – take away a bag of the Cult of Done Espresso beans to recreate the experience at home or try out Workshop’s Aeropress or French press coffees in the cafe itself. www.workshopcoffee.com

 

Fernandez & Wells

Great food, great wine and great coffee – Fernandez & Wells truly has it all. Vogue loves the Stumpy, F&W’s trademarked mini flat white, served in a small Duralex glass and just the right strength for a mid-afternoon coffee run. Owners Jorge and Rick met while working at Monmouth Coffee, and have transferred their expertise into choosing the best single-origin beans each season from Has Bean Coffee in Stafford for their in-demand espresso-based drinks. Fernandezandwells.com

 

The Monocle Café

Monocle’s chic Chiltern Street Cafe serves Allpress coffee rather than its own blend, but it’s so stylish that it deserves its own place on the list. Impeccable interiors and Scandi-chic ceramicware set the scene, whilst the food is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian – the cardamom buns (supplied daily by Fabrique bakery in Hoxton) are the best we’ve tried. Cafe.monocle.com

Climpson & Sons

Broadway Market offers an overwhelming wealth of wonderful food and drink options, but Climpson & Sons has stood the test of time. Roasting its own coffee in London Fields, Climpson & Sons offers speedy service in its own cafe as well as supplying beans to venues around the city. Climpsonandsons.com

 

Saint Espresso, Angel

 

Angel’s Saint Espresso is the second location from the team behind the popular Leyas next to Mornington Crescent station. Taking inspiration from their location and its moniker, the owner Leon, has clearly enjoyed putting the cafe together. With an impressive attention to detail, he has created a distinctively austere, almost religious atmosphere, complete with stark, custom-made black shelving. The cafe is framed with piumbing pipes which create intricate wall displays. Communion is taken before a black, customised Strada. A black light fixture hangs dramatically from above, while candlesticks and an undercurrent of bronze reinforce the theme.

 

 

Of course this is just a backdrop, which alongside the simple food menu places the coffee centre stage. Saint roast their own coffee for espresso-based and filter options. The Lalani & Co tea menu looks equally impressive.

 

 

As Saint is owner Leon’s second café, and couldn’t be more different from his first, Leya’s in Camden. Saint is an almost religious homage to the coffee bean. It’s an instagrammer’s dream, with austere, graphic interiors bathed in light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The food is very nice, but it’s the coffee and teas that take centre stage.

 

 

 

 

 

According to the SF Heritage Legacy Project, here are some of the San Francisco restaurants that were cooking up love back in 1967.

After detailed ispection We chose the12 Best  for you.

1. Top of the Mark , 999 California St.

The legendary Top of the Mark, a San Francisco landmark since 1939, is known for breathtaking, wraparound views of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

In 1910, engineer George D. Smith walked past the eventual site of the hotel and declared he would one day build a hotel there, on the corner of Mason and California Streets.

The Mark Hopkins Hotel quickly became a social center of post-earthquake San Francisco. Smith created a San Francisco institution when he converted the 11-room penthouse on the 19th floor of the hotel into a cocktail lounge walled only by glass, with unparalleled views of the city. Designed by architect Timothy Pflueger, the penthouse became known as the Top of the Mark. The lounge was an immediate hit upon its opening on May 11, 1939.

B M-Sa 630-11am, L M-Sa noon-5pm, light dining nightly 5-10pm, Br Su 10am-1pm, M-Sa afternoon tea 230-5pm. Cocktails nightly from 5pm. Live entertainment Tu-Sa. $$. AE, CB, DC, JCB, MC, V.

(950 Mason St.) , Nob Hill

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights our Happy Hour includes an extensive buffet of Pacific Rim delicacies with items such as spicy chicken wings, fried rice, edamame, daily composed salad, chow mien & spring rolls.The all-you-can-eat buffet is a ‘steal’ at only $15 per person with an additional one drink minimum.

To complement this feast fit for kings and queens, the tropical restaurant and bar serves tantalizing cocktails at Happy Hour prices.

Breathtaking views from the cliffs overlooking Seal Rocks, the Pacific and Marin coastline with two restaurants, serving seafood, omelettes, sandwiches, California cuisine style menu for Sutro’s and a Sunday champagne buffet brunch.

The Cliff House (1090 Point Lobos)

Dine in the casual Bistro Restaurant on the main level with a classic San Francisco menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner with amazing views of Ocean Beach and the Pacific Ocean.  Enjoy a seasonal California coastal menu for lunch or dinner in the elegant Sutro’s at the Cliff House where two-story windows offer panoramic views of Seal Rocks and the Marin headlands.

6.  Alioto’s #8 , 8 Fisherman’s Wharf

7. Original Joe’s , North Beach – Telegraph Hill

8. Little Shamrock (807 Lincoln Way) Sunset

As the Sunset District’s oldest business, the Little Shamrock has been serving drinks on Lincoln Way since the late nineteenth century. So the legend goes, Antone J. Herzo (born in Austria) and his wife, Julia Herzo (born in Ireland) opened the doors in 1893 to serve workers at the Midwinter Fair in Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco city directories, however, indicate that the Herzos resided in the Richmond District and operated a saloon at Seventh Avenue and Fulton Street. Following her husband’s death in 1893, Julia Herzo moved the Richmond bar to 733 Fifth Avenue and established the Little Shamrock around 1896, as well as another bar at Ocean Avenue and Arlington Street the following year.

Around 1900, she married Jason P. Quigley, and the couple resided in the same building as the Little Shamrock. Since the 1930s, the Little Shamrock has attracted athletes and sports fans due to its proximity to Kezar Stadium.

9 .Schroeder’s (240 Front St.)

Originally founded in 1893, Schroeder’s longstanding history has made the Bavarian inspired beer hall a favorite of San Francisco residents and business professionals for the past 120 years.

The original structure was opened at 545 Market Street and was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire. After relocating to 16th and Mission for a period of time, Henry Schroeder, who was actively involved in downtown San Francisco’s reconstruction, reopened the restaurant at 240 Front Street. It was famous among downtown male clientele until the 1970’s when they started welcoming women.

With a new page beginning in Schroeder’s history, the restaurant is reinventing the way San Francisco views German Fare. Chef Manfred Wrembel’s passion for the cuisine of his ancestry and love of California’s seasonal styling is embodied in the dishes he creates.

The restaurant’s decor pays homage to its Bavarian Heritage with Herman Richter murals, Historical Wall of Steins, and the Original Mill Work throughout. A rosewood bar stretching the length of the beer hall with 22 German influenced beers on tap is sure to captivate the thirsty.

www.schroederssf.com

10. The Garden Court and the Pied Piper Bar (2 New Montgomery St.) SoMa

Both housed inside the Palace Hotel, the palm-filled Garden Court debuted in 1909 with the reopening of the hotel after the 1906 Earthquake.

Known for its magnificent stained-glass atrium, elegant Austrian crystal chandeliers, and lush tropical flowers, the Garden Court has been one of San Francisco’s most prestigious dining halls since its inception.

The Pied Piper Bar & Grill also dates back to 1909. The establishment is named after the Maxfield Parrish painting that was commissioned for the opening of the bar. The painting, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin,” is one of only two Parrish barroom artworks in the country, and the only one to remain in its original location.

11.  Tadich Grill (240 California St.)

Tadich Grill first opened as a coffee stand on Clay Street in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. Croatian immigrants Nikola Budrovich, Frano Kosta and Antonio Gasparich set up a tent and served fresh fish grilled over charcoal to the merchants, sailors and argonauts that populated the waterfront.

In 1887, John Tadich, an immigrant from the Dalmatian region of Croatia and a bartender at the saloon, purchased the establishment and renamed it the “Cold Day Restaurant” in 1882. Following the destruction of the restaurant’s home in the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, John Tadich reopened his business in a series of locations, settling at 545 Clay St. in 1912 with the name “Tadich Grill.”

Tadich sold the restaurant in 1928 to the Buich family, who continue to own and operate the establishment that is best known for serving traditional seafood today.

In 1967, the restaurant moved to its current location on California Street after the building on Clay Street was purchased for redevelopment.

The old-school, storied atmosphere—mahogany walls, 20-foot ceilings, and efficient waiters clad in white coats—attracts singles in suits during the week and born-and-bred die-hard locals on the weekends. Make the trip to Tadich Grill for its house special—it’s a classic cioppino brimming with crab, clams, whitefish, scallops, and bay shrimp.

Renowned for its interior details, including distinctive Art Deco lighting fixtures, the owners took great care to preserve the original atmosphere and design, including relocating the original Clay Street bar to the new location. www.tadichgrill.com

12. Sam’s Grill (374 Bush St.)

The story of Sam’s Grill begins in 1867, when Irish merchant Michael Molan Moraghan began selling fresh Bay Oysters out of a vendor stall in the California Market, which was located in the neighborhood that later became the Financial District. He quickly became the area’s leading seafood and shellfish merchant, giving him the title “The Oyster King.”

Though the California Market was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, the Moraghan business continued operating at various spots around the city. By 1919, the California Market had been rebuilt between California and Pine Streets, and Moraghan’s business was renamed Burlingame Oyster Company.

Bought in 1922 by businessman Samuel Zenovitch, Burlingame Oyster Company became Bay Point Oyster Co. and Zenovitch & Zenovitch before arriving at Sam’s Seafood Grotto.

In 1936, under the ownership of Frank Seput, the seafood establishment became Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant, and the name has endured ever since.

The business relocated to 374 Bush St. in 1946, and Seput’s sons joined the business after the end of the war. www.samsgrillsf.com

Source : San Franscisco Travel ,

http://www.sftravel.com

Big Thanks !

E at Equinox

And you thought your Kiehl’s was fancy. Both locations of this Equinox off-shoot (up-shoot?) in NYC and Greenwich, CT are tranquil and nearly unpopulated, because hey, how many people can shell out $26,000 a year for a gym membership?

When you dish out the big bucks, though, you’ll get freshly laundered athletic gear, personal training, nutrition guidance, and private changing cabanas. Plus, it’s invitation only and you can only enter after a retina scan, so no running into your former gym-nemesis here!

The East Bank Club

Photo via @ebradley_co

One of the world’s most exclusive clinics, this “healing hotel” on the shores of Lake Geneva is renowned for its revitalization treatment, which is reputed to boost the immune system and slow the aging process.

Arrival at the Clinique La Prairie

Aging is a normal part of our existence. Now, with the advances of modern medicine, human beings are living longer.

Taking care of our health is important at any age, even when we feel good. Healthy living is the key to slowing down and preventing health problems connected with age.

Restaurant

At Clinique La Prairie, every effort is made to help you better live your life in order to counteract the drawbacks of aging while adding quality to your existence.

In the medical centre, using La Prairie therapies, treatments and advice,   every effort is made  to ensure optimal prevention of aging and of the development of possible risk factors. This is part of their holistic vision of health and of comprehensive care for their patients (physical, mental and emotional).

Enjoy the lounge specifically designed for consultations, while those seeking complete privacy can enjoy our discreet VIP Spa suite.

Let us take care of your body and mind so you emerge rested, replenished and completely restored.

No free nights in your diary until the first week of Jan? Us too. It’s overwhelming, but you can’t avoid work events, pre-Christmas dinners (with different friendship groups, nonetheless) and family traditions. Don’t stress. You can survive it all with a little smart preparation. Follow this three-step plan to stay strong through the party-season. May the force be with you…

Find these on the menu? Order them. They’re great for your liver: broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, watercress, cabbage and cauliflower.

When hunger strikes at midnight, ensure you have wholemeal bread, eggs, nut butter and avocado. These ingredients work for a pre-bed feed or for a morning-after breakfast to stop you hitting the greasy spoon.

The booze

It’s fairly inevitable that there will be more alcohol than usual in your system this month, but there are some tricks to lessen the damage.

Tea for your liver. Daniel O’Shaughnessy recommends tea before bedtime involving milk thistle, dandelion or artichoke to help support your liver as it breaks down the alcohol in your system.

When it comes to booze, you need to choose your poison wisely, so if you’re hosting or going to parties arrive armed with your own drink. Red wine has redeeming qualities (it contains heart-healthy antioxidants) and a simple spirit with a clean mixer such as soda water, will keep your sugar count down.

We know you’ve been told 1000 times but, when you’re drinking have a glass of water for every alcohol unit consumed. This is a must for re-hydrating your body and avoiding waking up with a case of cotton mouth.

The sleep

A lack of sleep can be the biggest problem during December. With more late nights than sensible bedtimes, you might not get the recovery time you need. To ensure you get quality sleep when you can, now is the time to stock up on certain sleep helpers.

Lavender. A few drops of lavender oil on your pillow each night can work wonders to help you wind down. Studies have found it both increases the depth of your slumber and helps you to drift off, which can be needed after a lot of late-night stimulation.

Sleepy tea. There are tons of sleep-promoting teas on the market. Opt for something that is caffeine-free and includes chamomile or valerian as these are both used to help you drift off.

source:

elleuk.com

If you’re like me, having so many options actually makes it harder to find the best choices for my lifestyle and needs. I’ve actually gotten into “app ruts”—periods where I only use the same 10 to 20 apps over and over again.

Well, good news. I’ve rounded up the 15 best choices for every type of person. After checking out the list, you’re guaranteed to break out of your own rut and be inspired to download a few new ones.

For a healthy diet game:  SlimKicker

For those underwhelmed by the monotony of eating healthy and staying fit, the calorie-counting and diet-tracking app SlimKicker has turned the process into a winnable level-up game with small victories. After entering your overall goals (weight loss or improved health) and personal stats, the app will provide you with a diet summary and recommended nutrition goals. You then begin earning points and badges based on what you eat (whole foods are worth more than processed ones) and what you do for exercise as you work towards personally set rewards (a spa treatment, a cheat meal, etc.). You also can sign up for one of the seven- to 30-day diet and fitness challenges at a variety of difficulty levels (“Resist Baked Goods,” “Move During Commercials”), which are used to encourage positive long-term habits as well as earn you more points.

For the well being passionate   :  Livifi

Keep your body, mind and relationships in shape with exercises and goals to help you create and live a healthier life.

Body: Pick from 12 behaviors related to exercise, diet, and sleep that are important for good health and psychological well-being. Potential benefits include increased energy, reduced stress, protection against illness and disease, better weight control and enhanced mood and productivity.

Mind: 17 behaviors to help you reduce stress, develop calm and awareness, increase focus, productivity and creativity, develop more resilience and experience more joy, emotional balance and overall happiness.

Relationships : 12 behaviors for strengthening bonds, enhancing understanding and empathy, and increasing trust and acceptance.

For the fitness passionate:   GAIN Fitness

Use this digital personal trainer to build a customized workout based on your body, goals and schedule. This is the  self-guided workout apps have helped over 1 million people work towards achieving a wide range fitness goals, from weight loss to muscle gain, flexibility to injury recovery.

For the Sleep lovers:    Sleep Machine

“Sleep Machine is simply the best customizable relaxation, sound atmosphere, and alarm clock application available for your iPhone or iPod Touch. ”

Sleep Machine is a professional ambient sound and white noise player that helps you sleep or relax. With it’s uniquely elegant multi sound player design, it’s easy to create a truly lifelike sound experience and relaxation ambiance. Mix in your favorite iPod Music ! With it’s full-featured alarm clock and sleep / meditation timer, you can time your sessions to fall asleep and set your alarm to wake up to Sleep Machine’s huge assortment of 91 high quality “stereo” ambient sounds. You can wake up to your favorite iPod music or even full playlist of multiple songs too! Sleep Machine is perfect for sleeping, concentration, relaxation, meditation, yoga, napping, noise masking, or just having fun mixing real sound environments and or your favorite music together.  A highly customizable ambient sound and white noise player that allows you to get an often undervalued good night’s sleep.  $1.99

For the   Healthy – Food lovers:    Fooducate

This is a great app for helping you make healthy decisions about the food you eat.  The tracking is helpful for keeping you on your path, and the food grades and daily information help you make informed decisions and keep you motivated.

• Use the free Fooducate app to achieve your diet, health, and fitness goals. Scan food barcodes in the grocery store, find out the food’s health value (graded A to D) and discover healthier options.

Lose weight and improve your health through a real-food diet. Get motivated by the most supportive community in the world. The most advanced nutrition tracker – look beyond the calorie, track your food and workouts, and watch the pounds melt off.  This is the Apple’s Best of the iPhone Health & Fitness category :
• 1st prize – US Surgeon General Healthy App Challenge
• Media praise: USAToday, NYTimes, Dr. Oz, Oprah, WSJ, ABC, FOX,

Free

 For the iPhone Photographer: IceCream

 For the Networker: Treatings

Treatings analyzes your professional experience, career interests, and favorite coffee shops to find the best person and place for your next networking meeting. Plus, there’s a local activity feed, so users can see who’s influential in their area and build up their own reputation.

Available On: iOS, Android

 For the Jetsetter: Weekend Getaway

Once you’ve installed this app on your web browser, you’ll see four weekend vacation options each time you open a new tab. Since every suggested destination is less than four hours away, the only thing holding you back is how fast you can pack!

Available On: Chrome, Firefox

 For the Introvert: Avoid Humans

This app will show you which local restaurants, bars, cafes, and parks are full of people—and which are nice and quiet. If you know someone who frequently expresses a wish for a calm place to do work without being overwhelmed by crowds, passing along this tool will earn you the person’s eternal gratitude.

Available On: All devices

 For the Social Butterfly: Flashgap

Think of this app as one of those old single-use cameras, but for your phone. Flashgap is designed to be used when you’re out and about. You take a picture, and it disappears instantly—but shows up again the next day, when you’re ready to relive the experience.

Available On: iOS and Google Play

For the Inspiration-Seeker: Nugget

Quotations are a powerful way to change your mood, focus your efforts on a specific goal, or motivate you to keep chugging away. That’s why Nugget is so awesome. It shows you visual quotations from business and personal development books, so you’ve got a constant source of inspiration in your pocket. In addition, you’ll be introduced to tons of thought-provoking and educational books—when you find a quotation you love, just click on it to see the source!

Available On: iOS and Google Play

For the Ambitious Professional: Elevate

“Soft skills” like focus, comprehension, public speaking, and memory are critical to career progression. However, unlike learning how to code or use Google Analytics, learning these soft skills isn’t straight-forward or structured. Until now. The Elevate app helps you zero in on the abilities you most want to develop, then creates a personalized “brain-training program” that includes short games and lessons. Not only is Elevate really fun, watching yourself progress via both the in-app progress tracker and your personal experiences is highly rewarding.

Available On: iOS and Google Play