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NYT Talks Diamonds

Filed under: Jewelry

Since jewelry is always a hot choice for the holidays, it's important to stop for a moment and take into consideration what it is you are purchasing. Those special prices can look tempting, but it's worth putting in a bit of extra effort (and perhaps a bit of extra cash) to ensure you get something worthwhile. It will pay off in the long run when you have a lovely diamond that will probably increase in value. In fact, that is just the point that the New York Times makes with their tips on the ABCs of diamond-buying. The first thing to do is forget the setting and look at the quality of the stone. Color, clarity and cut are paramount. Once you've got a good one, you can think about the setting and the jeweler. But don't let yourself be blinded by a special sale price unless you're blinded by the brilliance of the diamond you're buying, too.

Uberreview Coolest Gadgets Guide

Filed under: Gadgets

While only a few of the items are of note for their luxe status, it's a pretty good list none-the-less. Uberreview.com has posted a list of the "11 Coolest Toys on the Planet." Among them are a temporary tattoo gun, a remote-control flying Superman, and my favorite, Frigits. It's like Marble Madness for your fridge. The upper end of the price spectrum is reserved for Laser Bowling, a home arcade machine, and a pretty cool DNA kit (complete with hilarious caption), but The Blue Car appears nowhere on it.. I'll trade you three super high end scrabble pieces for some Frigits. Seriously.

Mr & Mrs Smith

Filed under: Journeys

Mr & Mrs Smith is a site that is dedicated to finding romantic getaways for you and your significant other, with extensive guides and reviews to finding the perfect luxurious boutique hotel. They focus primarily on Europe, but offer some selections in New York, the Northern Atlantic and around the Mediterranean, as well, and continue to expand their scope. Their panel of reviewers includes trusted anonymous sources as well as some famous names, like Stella McCartney and Anna Richardson, and every piece is written with a bit of humor and in a voice that you could easily hear checking into a hotel as the anonymous "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" with their lover. There are also books available, for Europe and UK/Ireland, if you want to take the guide along as you travel.

[via Hotel Hotsheet]

The Chocolate Connoisseur

Filed under: Dining

Chloé Doutre-Roussel was the chocolate-buyer for Fortnum and Mason for 3 years and has a broader and deeper understanding of the medium that almost anyone. She also knows how to find the best bars and appreciate them. Her book, The Chocolate Connoisseur, is meant to provide an introduction to the world of chocolates that includes stories, history and a guide to when, why and how to select and taste chocolates. There are only 1,500 of the limited edition version of the book, which comes with a box that includes 9 of the main chocolate bars refereed to in The Chocolate Connoisseur. Price: $95, but be warned that you may find yourself making significantly more expenditures on chocolate after finishing the book.



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