Night Life Diva

Prague Castle Every diva loves a castle!  Prague castle is one of the most well known landmarks in the Czech capital. Perched high on a hill above the streets of Mala Strana, the castle is a great place to start a diva’s visit to Prague.  Prague castle is surrounded by the small houses of the Golden Lane (my personal favorite, and if you’re feeling a little guilt, the Basilica of St. George. The best way to visit is to take a guided tour or an audio tour, and then explore the area after getting oriented. Prague castle offers spectacular views of the city below, and you can best enjoy them after climbing up 287 steps to the bell tower and yelling “Sanctuary! Sanctuary!.” Charles Bridge Charles Bridge is on the top of every Diva’s must-see list. It is also popular with Czech artists, musicians and souvenir vendors whose stands line both sides of the bridge year-round. A great time of day to come to the bridge is at sunset when one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the fully lit Prague Castle against the evening sky. The bridge is almost constantly filled with people. If you want to have it all to yourself, ...

Budapest Budapest is rich in culture, shopping, and nightlife. Budapest is the collaboration of two former cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River. Buda is the western hilly region across the river; while Pest is the flat eastern bank where most of the action lies. Thanks to the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Hungarian forint, Budapest is as affordable as ever. Day 1: Tour the National Museum, which houses the largest collection of Hungarian art. Head over to the Raday utca neighborhood to enjoy quaint cafes, shopping, and art galleries. For independent fashion designers, check out the tiny Retock Deluxe boutique.  For dinner, enjoy one of Budapest’s coolest restaurants Café Deryne (voted one of the best new restaurants 2009 by the Best of Budapest). A local restaurant fave, Csalogány 26 has a great list of Hungarian wine favorites. After dinner during the warmer months, head down to the river for a docked boat-turned-bar like A38 Hajó. For high-energy, Studio Club will not disappoint. The party in Budapest never seems to stop and clubs are guaranteed to stay packed past 6 AM (when some of us just have to go home)! Day 2: Visit the Old Jewish District, which has a ton of bohemian cafes; or stroll around Liszt Ferenctér, a tres chic neighborhood with trendy bistros. Head over to nearby ...

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a Travelista Mama Shelter’s unique name corresponds to its equally new concept.  Normally staying in a boutique hotel designed by  Phillipe Starck does not come cheaply, especially in a major city.  Mama Shelter changes all that.  The rates at Mama Shelter start at 79 Euros.  Anyone who’s stayed in a fine but functional Parisian budget hotel knows this rate can’t be beat. The first photo shows a typical Paris budget hotel room at a cost of around 100 Euros, the second shows the rooms at Mama Shelter. Mama Shelter showcases Phillipe Starck’s whimsical eye with graffiti grazing the ceilings and a unique mix of materials that include concrete, glass, and wood.  The eating areas combine old-school or shall I say Old World long wooden tables and benches.  The tech addicted can dine and surf at tables equipped with built in computer screens.  I-Macs, free Wi-Fi, Kiehl’s toiletries and five star bedding await you in your room.  All I can say is “bonjour, baby” and bye-bye to stiff, scratchy sheets.  You’ll find live indie rock and electronica music across the street at La Fleche D’or. So here’s the deal.  Mama Shelter is in the 20th arrondissement, which in more ways than ...

By Josie Villa-Singleton a.k.a Travelista Rail Europe recently began promoting The Eurostar high speed train that runs from London to Paris. November 14 marked the start of the new service provided by Eurostar which decreases travel time by 20 minutes (at speeds of up to 186 mph), making the journey from London to Paris 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets for the journey vary in price ranging from $97 to $400 depending on when the ticket is booked and what class seat is selected. The cheeky “get a little Paris with your London” Rail Europe campaign touts that “…you’ll be drinking wine in Paris while the lager foam from London is still on your lips”. The accompanying website provides a cute game where you can create “mashups” of London and Parisian animated icons. You can even enter your own mashup version of London and Parisian symbols or icons for a chance to win a trip to London that includes a stay in Paris via the Eurostar of course. Trains leave from the refurbished and central (near Oxford Circus and Covent Garden) St. Pancras station in London and arrive in the Gare du Nord station in Paris (near Montmarte, Sacre Coeur). Otherwise known as ...

Amsterdam Amsterdam has much more to offer than its shocking red light district and its large population of “coffee shops.” What makes Amsterdam a must see city is its contemporary art, its large amount of boutique shops, and heartbreaking history. The best way to explore this diverse city is definitely by bike. Almost every Dutchman in Amsterdam owns a bike and uses it an their main form of transportation. Even though the city isn’t too big to get around by foot, you can cover much more ground by cycling your way through the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam. See: If you enjoy art, you can’t miss the museum dedicated to the most influential impressionist artist of all time: Van Gogh. If you are more interested in learning about an important part of Amsterdam’s history, theAnne Frank House Museum will amaze you with an intimate story of the young woman’s tragic life. Shop: The best shopping is located in the area of Negen Straatjes (“Nine Alleys”). As well as cute cafés and food shops, this area is full of small boutiques ranging from exceptional clothing and shoes, to jewelry, and home furnishings. Make sure to stop in Beaufort Sieraden jewelry shop, Exota, and Spoiled.   Eat: This Dutch city offers a large variety of classy yet affordable restaurants with ...

Not every problem in the world can be solved with a shopping spree, unless that shopping spree includes an original Eliann. Don't be fooled by names like Irishka, Caterina, or Ariella.  As varied and diverse these names are, so are their corresponding bags.  According to Accessories Magazine, the line’s founder and creative director, Anzhelika Steenolsen, names each of her handbags after a friend.  Each as different and unique, as their individual human counterparts. Wow.. to be immortalized in a handbag... Who wouldn't want to be this diva's friend? Traveling Diva's Favorite: Nelly Panther Bag Medium Sized, Rich Cognac Brown Alligator with 18k Gold Panther magnet clasp and hardware. Interior zip pocket in Lamb skin.   From Eliann's website: "Our goal only to captivate a woman's heart and soul. In creating fine pieces, to instigate of womanly draw, set apart with an aura of conviction, an innate sense of style and restrained elegance, yet each cultivates the edge." I'm convinced.  Next time you see me walking by with my new Eliann, don't hate.. .just get your own. For more information on these fabulous bags visit eliann.co/fashion

R & H SEGERSTROM CONCERT HALL – COSTA MESA, CA GIACOMO PUCCINI’S “LA BOHEME” staged in concert APRIL 19, 21, 24, 8 P.M. by Angela Rocco DeCarlo Pacific Symphony’s masterful concert production of Giacomo Puccini’s great love story, “La Boheme,” is the very distillation of operatic chic. With Carl St. Clair conducting and A. Scott Parry directing, the Pacific Symphony orchestra’s vibrant, yet, velvet backdrop to the opera’s sexy lead singers produced a singular intimate sensation.   Frankly, it was a revelation to experience such an affecting “La Boheme” in a concert setting. Last night’s performance at the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, ( next April 21 & 24 ) demonstrates Puccini was and remains a great artist of human emotions. His music – which he orchestrated, as well as composed – apparently doesn’t need elaborate sets and costumes when it has young beautiful actors with fine voices to carry the drama. Hyung Yun as Marcello captivated with his abundant dramatic charm and exasperation at Georgia Jarman’s naughty Musetta. Denis Sedov’s imposing stature as Colline is endlessly graceful, while David Lomeli as Rodolfo and Maija Kovalevska and Mimi make real the unfortunate lovers. Jeremy Kelly’s Schaunard is the resourceful friend. Together they filled a ...

By Angela Rocco DeCarlo Thanksgiving conjures multitudes of memories and impressions in our minds of stupendous family meals.  There is the enduring image of going to grandma’s house where she spent all day in the kitchen cooking up homemade ravioli and other special holiday dishes - a feast for her eager family.  While the adults snuggled around the dining room table, the kiddies caused a ruckus in the kitchen. These days I’m no longer the young mother with small children, but the grandmother, who has never made homemade ravioli. The shame of it haunts me – but only for a little while. Times change. This year I engineered our Thanksgiving dinner, but did not cook it, as we dined in comfort and charm at the splendid Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, California. I’m sure my mother never enjoyed such luxury back in Chicago. The BBC provided the ideal venue for an elegant family Thanksgiving dinner, serenely soothing with tinkling piano in the background, and I knew every song being played, including the lyrics. It wasn’t just recorded noise…it was authentic music. The four-course menu offered several choices ($75 adults; $37 children) – and all were declared “delicious.”  Though I am the only ...

It's that time of the year again... summer is gone and the slow, steady cold winds of winter start to creep up. Angelenos need a break from the everyday. Away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, you'll find a thriving city with the charm of a small town in which to relax. Claremont, once again, a diva's getaway. From LA: Take the 134 to the 210 exit North Towne Avenue South. Ontario International Airport (ONT) - 10 miles; Los Angeles - 40 miles Hotel Casa 425 is just what it claims to be: a home away from home. Located on the town square, within steps of fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries and the prestigious Claremont Colleges, Casa 425 is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spacious rooms with clean lines and understated art. This diva recommends you grab a drink at the hip lounge or a complimentary green apple on your way out.   Another great alternative is the Doubletree Hotel Claremont. DIVA's TIP: All Doubletree Hotels offer a warm cookie at check-in. If you are nice, you can get more than one.... :) Want to float off into winter? Try Essentials Day Spa & Salon at the Doubletree ...

With the economy being what it is today, we all need a cheap laugh.  Included is a list of LA's comedy open mics, for both amateurs and pros come try out their new material.  Feel like a laugh?  Check out these great venues at great low prices: MONDAY HAHA CAFÉ COMEDY CLUB 5010 Lankershim Blvd  North Hollywood, CA 91610 (818) 508-4995 Sign up: 5:00 pm   Show: 6:00 pm Cost: $5 COMEDY STORE 8433 W Sunset Blvd  Los Angeles, CA 90069 (323) 656-6225 Sign up: 6-6:30 pm  Show: 7:00 pm KULTURAS BOOKS (2ND Monday) 1700 Ocean Park Blvd  Santa Monica, CA (310) 450-8707 Sign up: 6:00 pm  Show: 7:30 pm Notes: Music & comedy open mic CAFÉ MUSE 6547 Santa Monica Blvd  Hollywood, CA 90038 (323) 464-6873 Sign up: 7:00 pm  Show: 7:30 pm Notes: Comedy & poetry RAINBOW BAR AND GRILL 9015 W Sunset Blvd  West Hollywood, CA 90189 (310) 278-4232 Sign up: 8:00 pm  Show: 8:30 pm Cost: $2 Notes: Comedy & music open mic SKINNY'S LOUNGE 4923 Lankershim Blvd  North Hollywood, CA 91601 (818) 763-6581 Sign up: 8:00 pm  Show: 8:15 pm Notes: Mostly booked show. Drawing for 2 open mic spots GROUND ZERO COFFEE HOUSE 615 Child's Way  Los Angeles, CA 90089 (213) 821-1484 Sign up: 9:00 pm (USC students)  Sign up: 9:20 pm (general public) Show: 9:30 pm Notes: Music, comedy & poetry open mic LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd  Van Nuys, CA 91405 (818) 997-3818 Sign ...