The idea of a weekend in New York never stops being exciting. Brimming with culture, trend and spectacle — what draws us to the greatest city in the world is an experience that is familiar and yet somehow new each time. And when the accommodations you choose are prime, everything else is a bonus. Enter: The Chatwal, New York.
In the heart of Manhattan, conveniently located on 44th Street, The Chatwal is steps from entertainment, dining, shopping and Broadway theaters. This grand landmark hotel built in 1905 by Stanford White was restored and renewed by master architect Thierry Despont, re-launching in 2010. And nuanced luxury is the key to its charm as no part of your stay —from the first greeting to the last farewell — is left to chance. The Chatwal is a boutique hotel with just 76 keys, of which 29 are themed suites with a total of 14 terraces: the highest concentrations of terraces for any hotel of that size in Manhattan. Since it resides in a landmark institution, constructions couldn't alter the façade — and thus had to proceed with building upwards and towards the back of the building — resulting in naturally carved terraces that add a flare of extra space and connection to the city. In-room, an apt introduction and arguably the jewel of each space is the ultra glamorous bathroom — bathed floor to ceiling in mirrors. Inside, Despont designed custom furniture inspired by the historic Louis Vuitton travel trunks. Every piece of furniture, from the desks to the wardrobes to the maxi bars, is reminiscent of the trunk; while the walls are covered in featherweight, light tan suede — an accent that will make you rethink what you’re doing with your own decor at home. Clean and streamlined, the chic masculine feel and earthy tones flow from the rooms to the shared spaces. The bars, both in the lobby and on the mezzanine floor, are a true celebration of Art Deco with Empire State Building — shaped light fixtures cascading onto the bar counter. Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is the visionary behind a well-considered menu of Modern American cuisine at The Lambs Club within the hotel. Open for all three meals, the 90-seat restaurant has a luxe Empire Deco ambiance with walls that could tell a thousand tales. If you’re headed to a production, The Lambs Club is where your evening should begin with Pre and Post-Theater dining, including a three-course menu and the promise to get you to your show on time for just $54. If you’re in town with no theater plans, you’re ideally situated one block from Times Square and less than a mile from attractions like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and The Modern Museum of Art. It really doesn’t get much better.
thechatwalny.com
At the start of this year, literally just a few days in — I heard two back-to-back sermons that set the pace for how my year would proceed without me even realizing (in that moment) how profoundly I was being redirected. Bishop T.D. Jakes preached about getting a grip on a promise God has given you and my pastor came right behind that with a charge to let go of whomever or whatever is delaying the promise of increase in your life. I'm guilty of having heard numerous talks and messages about how holding onto something old can delay the arrival of something new in your life. It sounds good and exciting to think that there is more ... and better, even, waiting in the wings; but the reality is — so often, we are comfortable with what we know. We're also lulled at times by our limited vision of how wonderful things can be, when God on the other hand always has a more superior blessing for us than we ever imagine. We know this ... I know it, but I have been at this impasse, too many times to count, where God has had to force movement in my life to give me his best or cause me to produce more. More precise change has happened for me in the first 14 days of this year than all of 2018. It's a little frightening but also inspiring in that I have been able to see a few glimpses of what is to come. Nothing beats looking forward to what God will do for you. He never disappoints.
- xMVL
Anyone else planning to be waiting at Sephora when they open in the morning for this Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer. I'll be traveling to see my ailing Gram (ya'll pray for her, please), but as soon I get a break in the day I'll be heading over to the nearest Sephora. I'm a loyal fan of the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation as it has been the best foundation I've ever used ... and I've tried way too many to count. My shade match is precise, the finish is smooth and I don't shine through. People constantly compliment me on my skin and I almost always tell them that this foundation brand puts in work for me. From what I have read about this new concealer, the shades correspond with the foundation shades so you can skip the step of having to be color matched. I love it more already.
Do you or have you used the brand? Let me know your thoughts.
