Restoration Comedy

For the past four years, designer Ralph Lauren has been meticulously restoring 173 Boulevard Saint Germain in Paris. Built between 1681 and 1683, this French Rococo building with a strong Beaux-Arts influence was renovated in close cooperation with historical advisers, artisans, and highly skilled craftsmen to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the building's architecture, style, and finishing. How ironic that this magnificent French maison, which had it's grand opening April 15th, now houses a clothing brand from the States as well as a lavish American restaurant, Ralph's, that will dish up - what else? - burgers! Ubiquitous French film stars, Gerard Depardieu and Jean Reno were on hand for the elegant debut, along with Karl Lagerfeld, and
Marisa Berenson. Among the Americans in Paris? Kevin Spacey, and Lauren Bush.

And while we're on the topic of restoration, Elle is running a Clinique Foundation Brush Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize is $1,000, plus some Clinique products that will best restore the winner's skin. That's enough to buy a ticket to Paris and chow down a burger at Ralph's. (You know I'm not referring to that grocery chain!) Get ready for your own renovation and enter.

Voilà - the link to the Elle magazine Clinique Foundation Brush Sweepstakes:

http://www.elle.com/Sweepstakes/Hidden-sweeps/Clinique-Foundation-Brush-Sweepstakes

Carry On

The older you get, the more baggage you have. Maybe you aren't ready to deal with your emotional luggage, but on the road there's no point in being weighed down. Travel light. The adventure begins before you leave. Lay the groundwork when you pack. If you can't wheel your essentials through customs on your own, chances are you're in for a heavy journey. To make your trip easier, Elle Decor is giving away a luxurious, 3-piece set of Titan's 360° FOUR Diamond Edition luggage. Excellent engineering and innovative design with the lightest and most durable material around (100% virgin polycarbonate) means you can zip through the airport with their 27" trolly like the Fly Girls. Since each hard-shell case is scratch-resistant, it will still look pretty when you land in Paris. On the carousel, the winning, distinctive, crimson color and sleek lines are bound to prevent you from mistaking a stranger's bag for your own. (That's an adventure you could do without!) Roll on over and enter.

Voilà - the link to Elle Decor's Titan Luxury Luggage Sweepstakes:

http://www.elledecor.com/home-sweepstakes/titan-luxury-luggage-sweepstakes