Jet Setter

October Playlist - Music We're Lovin'

Here are some funky classic remixes and French pop.

1.  Angel Eyes (Layo & Bushwacka Remix) by Ella Fitzgerald, Layo & Bushwacka

2.  Who Needs Forever? (Thievery Corporation Remix) by Astrud Gilberto

3.  Last Kiss by Ishtar

4.  Summertime (UFO Remix) by Sarah Vaughan

5.  Des que j'te vois by Vanessa Paradis

 

Snapshots: Take a Whirl Thru Japan

Here's a quick and fun intro to Japan. Zaji Girls Akiko and Jessica hang out in the seaside village Ise, Japan. Also check out the slideshow featuring Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

For a Monday - 4 In The Morning by Gwen Stefani

A Zaji Girl Guide to Nice and the French Riviera

false

LA's Cocktail Cult - Varnish

Los Angeles' often missed attraction is its downtown. The City of Angels was just a few decades ago supposed to herald the "city of the future." And it has a mish-mash of architectural styles that only the forward-thinking could really appreciate.

And one of those century-old buildings with loads of character houses Cole's, "the originator of the French Dip." The French Dip is a roast beef sandwich on a French roll. Cole's has been around since 1908, but it's what lies behind the restaurant that's getting all the buzz.

Fall's Dance - Repetto's Ballet Shoes

Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of the cooler weather and take in the latest exhibitions at art museums, concerts at the symphony or perhaps ballet performances.  My mother tried unsuccessfully to impart some natural elegance by making me take ballet classes for one or two very long years when I was a child.

Too much discipline for me. But I loved the shoes.  Was muddling around on Rue du Four one Saturday and came across Repetto, a Paris boutique with gorgeous ballet flats.  They make a great update to any Fall wardrobe.  Simple and comfortable. 

What else is in this Fall?  Ruffles are everywhere. Seems the inspiration must be from ballerinas with poufy, ruffly and very pretty clothes this year.  It's also a good time to invest in some classic jackets that'll look good and last forever.

Life is but a dance....

- Denise

Websites

Repetto - www.repetto.com

JCrew - jcrew.com

Photo Credits: Repetto store front by Denise Mpinga. Ballet shoes courtesy of Repetto. Ruffle Blouse and Winnie Jacket by Jcrew.

Techie Girl: Voyager 4 Language Translator

In the global village, English is the language of business. It's easy to get complacent as a native English speaker when it comes to learning other languages.  But I've learned in all my travels, as I'm sure many others have that speaking a bit of the local language goes along way.  It shows in one way or the other that you care that you're a guest in someone's country, and you're open to connecting. 

Not so long ago, I found myself struggling to figure out the right train to get on in Tokyo.  My Japanese friends had written a few handy phrases, but that didn't really help much when people asked additional questions. I came back ready to shop for a translator I could take anywhere.  

If you have an Iphone, there are tons of multi-lingual translators to check out. But so far, I think the "ultimate global interpreter," is the Voyager 4. It's a 14-language talking translator, covering Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Italian, Hebrew, Spanish and more. 

With a built-in recorder, alarm clock and a New Oxford American Dictionary, it's pretty efficient.  You put in the words or phrases. It spits out the foreign language equivalent and shows you how to pronounce the phrases as well as "articulates the translation in a crystal clear voice."

It's a stylish little gadget that also includes a metric and currency converter. I like it.

- Denise

Website

Voyager 4 - Lingo Translators