Lavinia at Home

Naya – a modern Lebanese-Mediterranean Mezze and Grill serving traditional Lebanese fare in a Midtown East. It’s located at 1057 2nd Avenue (between 55th and 56th Street) New York, tel.: 212.319.7777.

The white and silver design remind me some nightclub and it just does not look like place for good food, but I love it and I go back every few month for mezze dinner there. The mezze is my favorite; just order some 10 kind different appetizers (hummus, sujuk, baba ghannouj, stuffed grape leaves) and salads (tabbouleh), char-grilled meats (beef or lamb) and make the best meal.

‘New York has never had a Lebanese restaurant like Naya,’ claims The New York Times and I agree; this is the best Lebanese restaurant in NYC!

I have been in Akira Sushi Bistro several times and I’ve never had a bad experience – fish is always very fresh. The presentation is simple and minimalist, but special rolls are fun and portions are good size, all what I want. It’s located at 20035 Ashbrook Commons Plaza, Ste 176 in Ashburn, VA, tel.: (703) 723-6799.

Prices are very reasonable, great service and I will go back again; it’s my #1 choice for sushi in this area.

It’s back again – Barneys New York Outlet Winter Sale at 255 W 17th St (Between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue). Tel.: 212-450-8400

Quality, Fashion, Taste! Twice a year you can 40% to 60% off original prices at Barneys Outlet Sale on selected women’s and men’s fashions, shoes and acessories – Armani, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors … Inside was big chaos, but it seemed that only few were leaving empty-handed and remember there’s no dressing rooms. It’s a madhouse, but still fun to search for real bargain. It starts on Thursday, December 10th (Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-7p.m.) Unfortunately for ladies, the menswear has nicer stuff than the women section.

Recently I saw this Apple TV in action and I was very impressed, this is the future TV. So far I have been using Apple iTunes since they come out and love it, but look like Apple TV will be my next favorite thing. There is large selection of HD movies from Hollywood studio and now you can rent or buy them in HD. HD rentals start at $3.99 and you have 30 days to watch them. The standard movie rentals are $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases. If you prefer to purchase a movie, the price start at $9.99 and most titles are available the day they’re released on DVD. I was excited that was able to sync the movies I buy on Apple TV with iTunes and transfer them to my iPod.

Looking to stretch the purchasing power of your hard-earned dollar for the holidays, visit SmartBargains.com. For savings up to 70% (and sometimes more) off retail prices, SmartBargains.com offers great deals on brand-name merchandise across its online departments including Bed and Bath Bargains, Kitchen & Appliances, Home Décor, Women’s Apparel, Footwear, Men’s Apparel, Jewelry & Watches and Kids Toys. With knowledge of the quality and prices of the brands you know and love, you can make your shopping decisions with confidence. Signup for their weekly email program for hot deals and exclusive offers and save even more with extra discounts and free shipping promotions. Moreover, this online department store will save you the time and fuel costs you would normally incur going to traditional brick and mortar shops and you can avoid crowds.

Visit the site now and take advantage of their Massive Brand Liquidation Sale. You can save up to 78% off top brands as Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Raymond Weil, Kenneth Cole, Anne Klein, Charles David, Natori, Puma, among many others. You can also take an extra 12% off for new customers; offer expires 12/01/2009. Act now – great bargains sell fast!