Archive for the ‘Discover’ Category

where do you want to go?

Thursday, March 3, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

Today, WeHo, LA

When I’m asked for recommendations — in any city — it turns into a full 3 day itinerary and a blog post. Flashback… Years ago when apps were new — imagine that, pre app life. I partnered with a company who provided an app platform. My app was Live Local – I broke down multiple vacation destinations and included places to eat, stay, cocktail, coffee including highlights and things to experience and do.

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Recently I was out to dinner with a childhood friend who asked for restaurant recommendations in West Hollywood. She actually lives in  Calabasas — which is actually in LA, but West Hollywood is about an hour away on a good day sans traffic — and wasn’t familiar about where to sip, stay and play as a guest in my home away from home.

Here are a few of my favorite West Hollywood and LA hot spots — Note: I don’t pay that much attention to the food (I know that’s odd); I’m all about design, energy and ambiance first.  However, I am sure the food is good too.

Thursday, or your first  night.  

Dinner @ Olivetta located down from the infamous celebrity hangout, Craigs LA – Olivetta is an elegant space, a designer’s paradise. It can’t be taken all in, in a single sitting. The patterns, the textures, the way they mix and match, and each room is something quite unique. Translation: you must go back multiple times and dine in various rooms even at different tables and booths each offering a new outlook.

After dinner head up to Santa Monica Blvd for dessert @ Bottega Louie – although an Italian caf, it is perfect for a late evening pastry or dessert. The colorful display of macaroons is certainly instagramable!

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Start your Friday in LA 

at one of the Korean Spas. WiSpa, Olympic Spa or my favorite SPA LA  in the heart of Koreatown. Before, or after your spa treatments, brunch at Openaire, amid the twinkling greenhouse of the Line Hotel patio, where seasonal California fare awaits.  Native Angeleno, surfer and two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin serves a culinary vision built around California’s bounty from land and sea at Openaire. The menu embraces each season and reflects the melting-pot culture of LA.

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Take a break shopping N Robertson then get ready for dinner @

Laurel Hardware and if dancing is of interest there’s nothing like a gay bar — and that’s The Abbey. 

Saturday Night – Merois @ Pendry West Hollywood on Sunset. Enjoy the magnificent views of downtown LA. Begin your journey with a martini in the striped pattern bar with subway tiled wall, this lounge brings me back to Miami –bold, elegant and colorful, this art deco lounge is filled with beautiful bold colors of blues and greens appointed with palms. Then move from the open air  bar into the dining room and experience another extraordinary Wolfgang Puck menu.

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Sunday Brunch @ The Henry, from coffee to cocktails, the greatest neighborhood restaurant – definitely my favorite anytime of day. I meet friends for coffee, work at one of the high tables, dine for lunch, happy hour and dinner. Not many places can say they offer something for every time of day. My only complaint — they don’t open early enough.

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 or opt for old school and always popular, The Ivy across the street or the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Want more 

Shop Rodeo Drive, Sunset to Melrose, 3rd and Beverly Drive

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Hike Runyon or Wattles Canyon

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Beware Of

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Workout, Box, Cycle, Spin or …

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Meander through the Museum of Modern Art in Downtown LA

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walk down Melrose or just around town, the streets are filled with art and art galleries

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Need a hotel recommendation?

Stay Kimpton La Peer, in the heart of WeHo

Or on Sunset @ the Pendry WeHo

or the Mondrian next door.

Interested in touring homes, reach out and book an appointment. For a list of Open Homes, shoot me an email Debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranIcon.com

Check out these unique and beautiful LA neighborhoods in and around town.

Whether I am working out, hiking, working at a cafe, hotel in or at home, visiting with friends, sitting in a cafe, people watching our touring and showing homes, LA is where I find and redefine what inspires me. I hope you enjoy this journey.

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5 Best Apres Ski Spots

Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Debbi DiMaggio

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If I must be honest, I definitely look for the best spot to eat lunch, take a break, meet up at the end of the day to Apres ski, and of course, where to dine.

Pictured here, Chase and Katja enjoying Apres ski in Aspen Snowmass. What you don’t see is the band playing just beneath the ski slopes, people dancing and the outfits. One South American financier flew in a few (50+) of his best friends for a party. We were the lucky benefactors — music, outfits, entertainment.

I was inspired to write this blog after receiving Gray Malin’s email yesterday. Gray Malin is one of my favorite photographers discovered during my journey of the Empty Nest while producing my book, Contained Beauty, Photographs, Reflections and Swimming Pools to which he featured on Pages 74 and 122 … Click To Preview  The Making of Gray Malin in Aspen.

Here are my top five places I have discovered over the years, and enjoy–  from Aspen to Park City/Deer Valley and Vail to Telluride and Lake Tahoe.

  • The 10th @ Vail, Colorado. My daughter and her friends turned me on to this beautiful restaurant set on the top of Vail Mountain. Make a reservation, it is a sit down restaurant. Highlight: Remove your ski boots and jackets and slide into a pair of cozy slippers to borrow during your long leisurely lunch. The 10th
  • Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, Aspen, Colorado. Adam and I discovered this little jewel while skiing Aspen Highlands at the top of Cloud Nine Lift. Highlight: Perched beneath the chair lift you are right in the center of it all. Ski in, ski out or book a dinner reservation and arrive by snowcat. Lunch, Apres ski and Dinner. Charming, quaint and reminiscent of a resort in the European Alps. Cloud 9
  • Alpino Vino @ Telluride, Colorado. We discovered Alpino Vino while skiing Telluride’s tallest mountains one Christmas vacation. Alpino Vino sits at 11,966 vertical feet and is the highest fine dining restaurant in North America. Got Oxygen! I highly recommend drinking a lot of water and keep a bottle of O2 on hand. They sell cans of O2 at almost every store, including clothing boutiques. Highlight: The views, the stunning location, the beautiful plates of charcuterie and cheese exiting the kitchen or the effervescent glasses of crisp white and sparkling prosecco. Grab a cozy, luxurious throw and wrap it around you while you linger at Alpino Vino. Cheers!

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  • Fireside Dining @ Deer Valley adjacent to Park City, Utah. Chase, Katja, Adam and I drove from California to Colorado skiing our way back at the end of Winter Break from home to CU Boulder — back to college. We started in Lake Tahoe at the Ritz Carlton, NorthStar, to Park City, Utah and through Vail, Co and back. While in Park City — it was a chilly, snowy, winter wonderland — cold yet gorgeous, but we made the best of it. Of course! One evening we dined at Fireside Dining located in the Empire Canyon Lodge. Check days and hours of operation, it’s not always open. It is European dining at its finest. Enjoy 4 courses served from stone fireplaces. It was the first I had ever heard the term raclette. The raclette fireplace serves warm, melted cheese accompanied by cured meats, potatoes, baguettes and more. It’s delicious! And a first for me. A little like fondue, perhaps. Fireside Dining, Deer Valley — add this one to your list of places to experience.
  • Manzanita, Northstar, Lake Tahoe. Anytime of day. As you approach the Ritz from below the gigantic structure situated high on the mountain reminds me of Hogwarts, Harry Potter’s boarding school. Relax, work or read in the expansive lobby with dramatic wall of windows, or dine at Manzanita, an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks after a long day of skiing or spa–ing. Sit indoors or out, and experience fine dining overlooking the snowy peaks.

Happy Skiing and of course, enjoy your Apres Ski experience whether you ski or not!

XOXO

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Favorites come in 5’s

Friday, January 3, 2020
Debbi DiMaggio
Styled Stock Photos for Instagram and Social Media, Flatlays, Social Squares from the SC Stockshop

I can’t watch a movie, read a book or flip through a magazine without focusing on the words, the images and the design. I am always seeing something deeper, my mind begins to wander, just like it did this afternoon as I was flipping through the pages of Elle Decor. Within the first few pages I was inspired once again to pick up my laptop, begin to dream, Blog, and share. While watching a movie I can become distressed just trying to fathom how an actor can memorize lines while feeling the passion of what they are saying. How do they do that? Sifting through a magazine I am mesmerized by the beauty and simplicity of a well placed objects on a coffee table, the layout of a room or if I love or dislike a light fixture. And when reading a book I oftentimes re read as my mind wanders I have to pull myself back… did it really say that? did I misread it, or wow, that was an amazing passage. How did the author weave those words together so brilliantly? Or if let’s say they are writing about a place I love, like Nantucket or the Hamptons, the book will transcend me back. Who knows, maybe your mind wanders too. Sometimes I wish I could just turn it off, my mind that is, and simply watch to experience what’s in front of me. Then again, if it’s truly a great piece, it will, and it has. Any great books, TV shows or movies I should read or watch please share. I would love and appreciate your recommendations. The last time I truly recall being immersed into a show was one holiday season between Christmas and New Year’s my husband and I binged Breaking Bad. I recall becoming so immersed I felt I looked as disheveled and drugged out as the characters on the show. I wasn’t, mind you, I was just really into it. While flipping through my recent copy of Elle Decor a few of my Top 5’s came to mind. So I grabbed a Sharpie and began taking notes on the glossy pages. So here goes.

Top 5 Places I Enjoy Stopping into while visiting New York ( oftentimes, every time! )

IMG_10621. RH Home Flagship Store in the Meatpacking District – RH Home is filled with more than just furnishings. RHNY Flagship has a barista bar on one level and a beautiful restaurant on the top floor. It’s a visual journey. Preview Video Below.

2. ABC Carpet and Home – Multiple levels of beautiful accessories and things for the home, small and large. IMG_36753. Eataly in the Flatiron District – Yes, it’s chaotic, hectic and you’ll be on sensory overload, but it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate. IMG_70444. Chelsea Market – What can I say but, come hungry. One can find anything from lobster rolls at the Lobster Place and sushi, to unique food stands like Takumi Taco a delicious combination of Japanese and Mexican. The list goes on. Chelsea Market also has great shopping, artisans, music and events. I can never get enough. IMG_33565. International Spy Museum – My latest find. It’s a hands on experience with a plethora of interesting historical facts. Spy movies just so happen to be my favorite genre.

And 5 Historical Favorites Not to Be Missed — The Whitney, The Met, Museum of Modern Art, Central Park and Rockefeller Plaza.

 

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And New York would not be NY without exploring the city with my beautiful daughter Bianca who is a current resident working and living the dream in Manhattan.

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workouts in review

Monday, April 8, 2019
Debbi DiMaggio

Each week I try one, two, even three new workouts or health & beauty treatments. What I noticed as I embarked on new workouts was that I wasn’t working all my muscles by just doing SoulCycle. I still love SoulCycle, don’t get me wrong, but I wasn’t really strengthening my stomach or arms. I noticed how weak I was in class at Physique 47 and especially when I was swinging from the silks in Aerial Yoga. I had to forgo some exercises like climbing the silk, pulling my body up while using my upper arms strength. It was a bit disappointing. At least I now know what I need to do. Abs and arms, beware.

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An Accidentally Beautiful Afternoon with Myself

Friday, January 4, 2019
Debbi DiMaggio

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Accidentally with purpose. Law of attraction. Think it, will it. If you build it they will come.

I write as I think, so bare with me.

New Year’s Resolutions & Bucket List Things To Try and Do.  ( But you won’t see Skydiving or Scuba on the list! ) I tried Scuba… OMG! I thought I was going to suffocate. And Skydiving… definitely DO NOT want to try.  I did, however, when I was younger and had the guts.

Finding Your Purpose.

I think a lot. I don’t give myself much down time. Although, I am trying.

Mindfulness and Meditation is my focus this year. Seeking to tame the “Monkey Mind”. I will say, I have been trying for the last few years, however, unsuccessfully. I even read an entire book from one reporters  journey as he tried to sit in meditation and mindfulness. Not just using an app, but through first hand experience. He attended a retreat in Marin, CA. And he is from New York! You can only imagine how difficult it was for a New Yorker and a Reporter to slow his mind! I know. I read his book. And the very thought of sitting for a week in absolute silence seems virtually impossible, even a bit scary, even lonely. If you’re wondering, no, he did not stay quiet the entire time. But you’ll have to read the book if you’re intrigued, if only 10%.*

I stumbled upon his book at an airport. Or was it, really … by accident? My life seems to be a jumble of things that have happened to me, for me.. “Accidentally with Purpose”, created by the “Law of Attraction” and something I needed then, now and tomorrow? That thing or tool always seems to come at the exact time I needed it or was calling it. You know those times? They are always amazing, oftentimes inspiring but can even be a bit unnerving, like a horoscope reading that is dead on.

Well, a few of my goals & bucket list desires this year are …

  1. Write my Blog without feeling I need to write a novel. (Debbi DiMaggio A Grateful Life, www.DebbiDiMaggioBlog.com ) Keep it simple until the next one. I’ve missed so many opportunities to jot down my thoughts or teachings because I didn’t take the time to write out my experiences which would be as good for my growth as for some others who might relate.
  2. Bucket List: I have been overwhelmed with the fact that I don’t have traditional hobbies. I don’t golf or play tennis, knit or crochet. My hobby is working with my clients, meeting new people, learning new things, and of course traveling, but you can’t do that nonstop.  That was a long way of stating this year’s Fun & Inspiring Activity I have on my New Year’s List, which is to visit more museums and galleries. TJOxklxiT0CsFShiV9QD0w

I’m happy to report I started out the New Year with two of my favorite people who agreed to go with me on New Year’s Day… SFMOMA. And thanks to my friend Pam who has a membership got Bianca and I in with her passes. I used to have a  membership but like many things, I subscribe and don’t go. I am going to work on that too.

And today, after I was dropping off gratitude gifts to a few San Francisco Realtors who refer us business (note the Blog title, Debbi DiMaggio A Grateful Life, grateful for their referrals, and to the beautiful afternoon.) I noticed a few art galleries so I stopped in.

I am super inspired and excited to have found a new activity I can do in any city I visit including my own. Repeats are A OKAY! I have many more goals and items to add and check off my Bucket List but I’ll save that for another glass of Rose.

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(Written from The Cheese School of San Francisco while looking out to the San Francisco Aquatic Center from the top of Ghirardelli Square one a beautiful chilly but mesmerizing day.)

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I had no idea the simple errand would turn out to be such a wonderful afternoon enjoying some Me Time after the hectic holidays.

XOXO!

Gratefully Yours,

Debbi

PS It’s been years since I’ve been to Ghirardelli Square.

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As a native we tend not to revisit places we have been a million times, figuratively speaking. But I forgot how beautiful it is. And so much had changed as had stayed the same. I didn’t get a chance to take it all in as there was so much to see, but look forward to going back again to explore the rest. Including the cannery and the other nooks and crannies and of course, the galleries.

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The book I referred to above is called 10% Happier by Dan Harris

Summary: Dan Harris’ 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works: A True Story.

Two of my favorites of the day:

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and

the girlbut there were so many more 🙂

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