Catalano Architects
Quality and Style throughout
By Michele Oberoi

To architect Thomas Catalano it’s no compliment when one of his sumptuous custom homes is recognized as a ‘Catalano.’ Although proud of his work, the 48-year-old president of the Boston, Massachusetts firm Catalano Architects strives to match each home to its setting, rather than his name. "The houses are not unique, per se," he says. "You can’t look at one of our houses and say "that’s a Catalano house." So diligently does the 15-person Catalano Architects team work to ensure their homes fit into the existing neighborhood, Catalano says "the ultimate compliment…is when people are not able to tell if this is a brand new house." Creating upscale, single-family homes for discriminating clientele has interested Catalano since he graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in the 1980s. A five-year stint at New York’s famed Robert A.M. Stern Architects solidified his desire to build his homes in a way that reflects their individual surroundings.
For more information...

BREITLING for BENTLEY
"A Luxury Collection Timepiece"
By Kellie K. Speed

IA luxurious collection, exquisite design, high precision and specialized functionality are key ingredients of the Breitling design for Bentley timepiece. The Breitling Watch and Bentley Motors alliance began as a tribute to the esteemed automaker. Breitling participated in the styling of the Bentley Continental GT and accompanied the victory of Team Bentley in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race. Because of this unique partnership, Breitling for Bentley was formed. This gave rise to a new line of chronographs dedicated to the British carmaker. The impressive collection is notable for a variety of technical features, finish and styling. The unique collaboration is a testimony to the passion for precision that both organizations are well known for. Two models are available in the collection. They include the Bentley 6.75 and Bentley GT chronograph.
For more information...

Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson
"Ship-Shape Chef sets sail for sumptuous services"
By Matt Robinson

New England natives and immigrants alike are privileged. They have access to some of the best seafood and the best chefs in the world. How much better can it get when you are able to put those two benefits together? Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, a GA based super chef, has been doing exactly that for over seventeen years. In addition to being a certified Executive Pastry Chef and Chef de Cuisine, she is also the founder and co-owner of Creative Arts and Media (www.creativeartsandmedia.com). This full-service media company deals with types and styles of food…and so much more! "[CAM] offers food styling from implementation to creation and design. We provide food photography and copy-editorial work as well as interior styling for all forms of media," explains Lawton Johnson. "I really want to just sit down and get it all out on paper," says the author and columnist who regularly contributes to a number of luxury publications, including Upscale Living magazine. While these credentials and venues provide a variety of ways to flex her culinary muscle, Lawton Johnson feels most at home when she is at sea. "As a professional chef in yachting," Lawton Johnson says, "I am in an industry where it is all about first class service and five-star cuisines…You can’t have an off day and say you will do better tomorrow. You only have one chance to get it right the first time."
For more information...

A Taste of the Good Life
By Kellie K. Speed

Although hand rolled cigars are more expensive than those produced by machines, they are worth the higher price. Just ask Altadis, the world’s largest cigar company. They make some of the finest cigars on the market. Whether you are a cigar aficionado or just starting out with your first taste, Altadis offers something for everyone. Novices might start with a mild flavor corona shaped cigar. Coronas offer three flavor levels: mild, medium, and strong or full bodied. Altadis was founded in 1918. That’s when Julius Lichtenstein, president of American Sumatra Tobacco Co., brought six independent cigar manufacturers together. The six originally competed for sales of regional brands in local markets. Three years later, the Consolidated Cigar Corporation, Altadis’ predecessor, was officially formed. Today, Altadis is a global corporation. They operate production facilities in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama and Florida. The company also has production affiliations in Mexico, Brazil and Holland.
For more information...

"2007 Holiday Fashion"
Photos by Ron Harden

Entertaining for the Holidays? Looking for that special Gown? We have what you've been looking for! Turn the pages and indulge in elegance & style with our latest fashion couture
For more information...