­If you're in the market for quirky and unique housewares in San Francisco, check out the newly opened General Store in the Outer Sunset district. The shop is the brainchild of  Serena Mitnik-Miller and Mason St. Peter, who handpick a selection new, handmade and vintage items. Shoppers will find a little bit of everything, including tools, plants, jewelry, utilitarian items like laundry bins as well as art, books and clothing, and many of the goods are created by local artisans. General Store, 4035 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122. Phone: (415) 682-0600. Closed Monday.

­Children's clothes are inherently cute because they are so small, but little girls' clothing just seems, well, so much cuter. It's hard to get excited about boy's cargos and tshirts when the girls' section is selling adorable sundresses, tunics and stripey leggings. Well, for all the fashion conscious moms of little boys, you're in luck. New York-based Baby Susu sells stylish clothing for boys up until age 4. You can find Liberty print button down shirts, hip tuxedo style tops and jaunty blazers. Available to purchase online (there's a great sale happening now) or at various locations in NYC. You can also buy online here at Trifle, which sells lots of stylish clothes for babies and children.­

­West Elm is always one of designers' favorite go-to places for stylish but affordable pieces. I love the company's rugs and bedding, which are contemporary but never too cute or too country. There are 38 West Elm stores across the country, and the company has just opened its first Chicago outpost in Lincoln Park, close to sister property Pottery Barn and PB Kids/Teen. West Elm, 1000 W. North Avenue, Chicago. Phone: (312)867-1770.

­"Get thee to a nunnery" may not be such a bad thing after all, considering the recent slew of monasteries converted to luxury hotels. There's the Four Seasons in Prague, as well as The Augustine there, and the Certosa di Maggianoin Tuscany. One of the most interesting hotels with a divine pedigree is the Parador de Santo Estevo in Galicia, Spain, a former 10th century monastery. There are 77 rooms dotted around three cloisters, and one of the hotel's top selling points (apart from its secluded location) is its new $2 million spa. The 9,6000 square foot space features a flotation tank, Vichy showers, and an extensive spa menu (Celtic massage, anyone?)­

­One of the main problems that comes with being a New Yorker is that you expect New York levels of service – and style- everywhere you go, and this can often lead to disappointment. If you’re a New Yorker looking to escape this winter to someplace warm but also groovy, then consider the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos, a Wymara resort.

­­Don’t you hate it when you are handed a steaming cup of coffee in a shop.. and ­even with two cups and a cardboard holder it is still way too hot to hold? (Hello, Financier patisserie, I mean you). The folks over at Contexture Design (Nathan Lee and Trevor Coghill) in Vancouver have come up with an ingenious and stylish way to tackle this. They have come up with a coffee holder slash cuff bracelet made from reclaimed ebony veneer wood. I love it- although I can’t quite imagine whipping it off my arm the next time I am in Starbucks.

Book a holiday season getaway at El Careyes, a 51 room beach-side resort on Mexico’s Costalegre between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, between December 20 and December 28, 2009 and they’ll toss in a whole host of additional reasons to celebrate. Special package rates (from $480 per night double occupancy, minimum four night stay) include a bevy of festive freebies including a welcome mocktail and fruit platter, a complimentary bottle of wine, a surprise Christmas gift, daily breakfast for two at La Lantana Restaurant (don’t miss the chilaquiles), a one-hour massage per couple, airport transfers, a one hour horseback ride plus complimentary use of the tennis courts, Jacuzzi, steam room and fitness center.

­Looking outside my window right now I’m faced with 30 mph winds blowing the first snow of winter sideways in 20 degree weather that feels like nine degrees when you factor in the wind chill. This has got me thinking (no, dreaming) about a place where that never happens. A place where the sun shines all year, the breezes are always gentle and the margaritas flow. A place called Casa de Mita.

­Some people love The Plaza because it's home to the fountain where F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda once romped. Others love it for its old school glamour and gilt. But for many people, The Plaza will always be the place associated with Eloise. In honor of the hotel’s most famous fictional guest, the Plaza recently opened a 2,100 square foot Eloise shop. The pink boutique sells everything Eloise inspired- Eloise books, Eloise-inspired bathrobes and bath towels, and Eloise dolls. But it’s also more fun that just a regular store.

­Every once in awhile I will come across a shop and think, this is so me, and I want to buy everything in sight. I felt this way when I clicked on Bungalow. This Copenhagen-based shop sells Indian hand-blocked textiles infused with a modern Scandinavian design sense. There are plenty of florals and paisleys (my favorite) popping up in adorable kids clothes, bedding, cushions, curtains and even paper products. The humble storage box has been transformed (pictured) by this acid green print. Bungalow goods are available in stores across Copenhagen and in many European countries (but I can’t seem to find the products Stateside, boo).­