Sharon knows best : Fashionable Finds

While in my hometown--Louisville, KY earlier this summer, I came across these cool events, a cutie pie tea house and unique finds in my new favorite part of town, the Highlands

An Annual Community Arts fair held in May

Is this not the coolest -- recycling teapots and silverware as
fancy wind chimes

I wish I had thought of this one -- recyling silverware into
single flower vases

This cute little tea house, which I have yet to enter
(hours are not that convenient) but must

this lovely chair in a corner shop called Cotton and Paper

And a Reggae festival....who would have guessed
we had so much culture

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Zen Family Spa and Reflexology

Finally, my first spa day in Jakarta and what a day it was. They had me at the first touch - one-hour reflexology, two-hour Balinese massage and chocolate scrub. Oh la la! I was treated from head to toe and feel delightful.

Zen, a Balinese inspired day spa, is located at the tip of South Jakarta, not too far from Central Jakarta and easy to locate. Walk in and automatically the cascading fountains take you away from the 'macet' on the outside to the serene feeling of rest and relaxation on the inside. Instantly you feel your Ah ha moment.

A view of the reception area from the waiting room

The staff is lovely and bi-lingual, so no need to use your Indo-lish. Not to mention the prices are unbelievable - a 60-minute reflexology treatment (equipped with a short neck and back massage) is only rph 75,000. Shall we say, this will be my new home away from home.

Up the stairs to Reflexology heaven

Even the sinks in the bathroom are well-designed to fit the Bali theme

Who needs a plane ticket to Bali when you have Zen

Walking the stone mile for 2 hours of pure bliss

My massage/scrub room came equipped with a stone bathtub for a quick after-treatment
bath/shower. Niiiice!

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Hairloom and Carmel Cafe

Went on another stroll today and came across this cafe. Reminiscent of the new 2 for 1 retail models which are popping up all over the west, Hairloom and Carmel cafe is a small beauty salon (in back) and eclectic cafe front and center to street view.

I was quickly drawn to the vintage decor and fashion photography by well known street-style blogger, James Bent of La Mode Outre. So I indulged in a homemade bread and butter pudding, a la mode, de-li-cious!

Besides the occasional whiff of hair chemicals and products, which could be a little off putting--I found this cafe to be very comfortable, convenient and budget friendly.

James Bent photography - Singapore's Satorialist

Unfortunately it will be closing October 2012. Shame.

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LADURÉE - The French have arrived in London

Beautiful macaroons tree

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Southern Charm in London - Bea's of Bloomsbury

Beautiful, elegant, fun, burlesque but best of all delicious. Go for afternoon tea or just a nice place to relax and enjoy with self or friends. Two locations - Bloomsbury and St. Paul.

Oh and did I mention Bea is American (I thought my fellow Americans would be happy to know that).

Blueberry, red velvet, lemon, vanilla, raspberry and so many more!

Banana bread, meringue, lemon cake - no diets allowed here.

-Photos taken with my handy iPhone

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Kurious Yellow Kafe

I found another one, a serene cafe tucked in an unsuspecting, high-trafficked area, Holloway Road, London. Kurious Kafe is a female-owned establishment with tasty pastries and soothing drinks (cafe lattes, chai and tea, that is). Opened a year ago, Kurious Kafe already has a few loyal fans - identified easily by name as she greets them with a smile when walking through the door. However, this place was definitely off the radar to me for weeks. Often I walk this road in search of a nice and cosy cafe and come up empty. But not anymore.

Seating is limited however, so don't anticipate a lengthy stay during busy times. But do stop in.

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A little bit of Europe in Los Angeles

In my opinion, finding a fashionable, boutique-style dessert shop or a happening market style eatery or even a swanky yet demure clothing shop in LA is not an easy task. It is not like New York, San Francisco, London or Italy, for that matter, where a nice stroll down any major or side street (in a safe area, of course) would lead a little leprechaun to an unsuspecting pot of gold. Nope, here in LA I found a fashionable find is more of a seek-n-find or an in-the-know.

But have no fear I will always find cute places for you to explore whilst visiting a city. So what did I find?

Sweet Lady Jane

This whimsical little place with a garden-like facade caught my eye as I took a long stroll down Melrose-in West Hollywood. It looks a little out of place amongst the busy road, scaffolding next door and a discount boutique shop but do step in. The cakes and pies looked divine, so it was hard to choose at first, but I settled on the carrot cake. OMG!

The red velvet cake appeared to be the most popular. But I am sure you will not be disappointed with whatever you choose. Take it to go or have a sit down with tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Louie

I was escorted by my little sister to this 'in the know' location right in downtown Los Angeles.

Again, not a place you would just walk past unless you worked in the area - since there is not much near it except Skid Row (which I would advise not to walk this area alone or at night-just sayin') or the Fashion district a short walk or drive up.

Nonetheless, Louie's presence is made known by the white building with gold writing on the corner. The architecture is very European in style and the inside is bright and inviting. The patisserie sets off a feeling of an alfresco dining experience in Italy and the restaurant is completely open to the kitchen - genius idea!

At 7th and Grand - Downtown LA

The food and experience were fantastic!

A cup of Earl Grey - loved the honey stick

Smoked Salmon Benedict was nothing short of divine.

Turkey sausage and egg whites with fixings - my sister couldn't stop eating

The patisserie - Yummmmmm!

Macarons and more Macarons!!!!

Don't leave without your special gift bag and box of delectable macarons to devour later.

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EAT, SEEK, FIND and EAT in NYC

Whilst in NYC, do yourself a favor and delight in the cuisine. I would love to tell you about the Sweet Potato cheesecake at Eat My Cake in South Harlem and Red Velvet Twinkies at Lulu's Boutique in Chelsea, but that would be bragging about my sinful sweet tooth.

And if I introduce you to the fantastic Italian food at Bar Pippi in Chelsea, Regional Thai in the city and fabulous Portobello and cheese foccacia at Fratelli's in Upper East Side you'll swoon with envy--yum!

So by popular demand - a list of all those cutesy places I came across or indulged in whilst hanging in NYC.

Lilly O'Brien

...on a budget and what did I find fashionable, reasonable, tasty or just plain fan-tabulous!

Red Velvet Twinkies at Lulu's Cake Boutique...OMG! Enough said.