Thanks, Joanna! It's tremendously time consuming.

I've all ready sent Don my invoice for services rendered! I did give him an LCT discount!

Denise: I received your latest invoice for services rendered....Dr Federoff wears many hats .... ;) ;) ;)

:D :D :D

:hug: :hug: :hug:

I just went onto the Regent website and noticed that this was now added to CROSS:

Style Circle of Interest, November 3, 2007
Fashion Savvy or Fashion Faux Pas?

Style Circle of Interest, November 3, 2007

Fashion Savvy or Fashion Faux Pas?

In a world of first impressions and ever-changing fads, who couldn't use a little extra help in the style department? In this Style Circle of Interest, our internally-known fashion consultant and personal shopper will help you learn what colors and styles of clothing and accessories highlight your unique assets, saving time, energy and money. Add an onboard wardrobe consultation and guided shopping ashore, and this Circle of Interest promises to help you get dressed every day knowing you look terrific. Good for both men and women.

Host: Marta S. Wendillinger's fashion consulting and personal shopping business was launched in Barcelona in 2005 after having worked at one of the most prestigious fashion schools in Spain, organizing fashion catwalks and events. In addition to her business, Wendillinger is the Fashion Editor for various local newspapers and magazines, including Catalonia Today, Barcelona Reporter, BCN Miniguide, Expatica, and Horizon, and she has been featured in Spain's most read newspaper paper, El Pais. She is also on local television and radio programs, as well as featured in specialized fashion magazines. Her column, "Fashion Savvy or Fashion Faux Pas?" critiques the dress sense and style of famous and not-so-famous locals. In addition to the planned onboard and shore activities, our host will facilitate small community events as desired.

On board: On November 3rd, join Ms. Wendillinger for a Circle of Interest welcome cocktail party. Here you will meet your other Circle guests and also sign up for your private, 2 hour session for a wardrobe choice assessment, color consultancy evaluation, body shape analysis for finding ways of flattering your figure's assets, and much more. On the morning of November 4th, Marta will present a private, interactive lecture entitled "How to Find Your Best Style." The evening of November 6th, Marta will host a private dinner with other Circle of Interest guests.

On shore: From the port on November 5th, join your Circle group, Ms. Wendillinger and a local guide for a very comprehensive and full day of finding the height of Fashion in Barcelona. You will depart the pier with Marta, who, despite being an American, is a resident of this vibrant and trend-setting city. She will point out a variety of internationally recognized and local designer shops, the best in the city. Here, shop to your heart's content and Marta will be on hand to advise you on what best suits you in terms of tendencies, colors, and styles.

Your expedition begins either at the entrance of El Born, also known as La Ribiera, or at the top of Passeig de Gracia and Avenida Diagonal. El Born is an area situated in the one of the oldest parts of the city which encompasses the spirit of Barcelona, its past and future. It is a one-time district of craftsmen and guilds, now a vibrant center of art, fashion, gastronomy, and clubbing, and a focus on trends and creativity. The Passeig de Gracia was previously the residential center of wealthy Catalan merchants, now considered by all as the most exclusive and luxurious commercial shopping street in Barcelona and an architectural gem. From its spacious sidewalks, visitors may conveniently enjoy the views of some of the most important Modernist buildings, including La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.

The adventure will finalize as you discover the Passeig del Born, a pedestrian street lined with restaurants and bars, or at the bottom of Passeig de Gracia, near Plaza Catalunya, which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the idea arose to create an area connecting the Old Town and the new Barcelona. It's the city's nerve-center, where major thoroughfares including Las Ramblas, Rambla de Catalunya, and Portal de l'Angel intersect. Time permitting, you'll be able to relax after a few hours of shopping with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and discuss you purchases.

Circle of Interest Fare: $250 per Person

Terms & Conditions
This Circle of Interest must be pre-purchased and is not included in the regular tour program. Contact your travel consultant or RSSC Reservations at 800.285.1835 to purchase. You may also check upon embarkation to see if space is still available on this limited, exclusive program. A 100% cancellation penalty applies to Circles of Interest programs cancelled within 10 days of departure.

"Body shape analysis..." :eek: I don't think I am ready for this!!

What about you Denise, is this your "Circle of Interest" ? ;)

I choose to step away from that circle and move towards more "positive, less self-image deflating" circles! ;)

Maria and Denise: I am loving your posts - $250 to point out flaws? I think not - you are both fine!! no extra help needed :hug: :hug:

Joanna: LOL!!!! I think Marta would probably consider my "style" a "Fashion Faux Pas"!

This defines my "circle of interest" better!

I'm joining your circle, Maria! That and the chocoholic tea circle!

We can get "schnockered" while they go shopping!

Denise,

Oh my gosh, chocolate!!! My other weakness! It's a plan!

You're on, Maria!

Having met all of these ladies personally, I have to say it would be great to cruise with all of them on the same cruise (you, too, Priscilla!)

So wishing you were on CROSS with us, Olivia!

Ditto!! That would have been great!

OK, girls, I am joining the chocoholic Circle of Interest. For our Circle of Interest we can discuss the merits and do tastings of 60% dark cocoa versus 72% versus (for the yet-to-be-initiated) milk chocolate. I have experience in these matters and will be able to lead the group discussions.

As for the fashion circle -- well, let's just say I am someone who makes a wide circle around makeup counters at department stores in fear that one of the beautiful salespeople will grab me and use me for a makeover example. You think I'm kidding? I swear I am not!

Olivia, one day we HAVE to cruise together. I really really wish it would have been on CROSS! By the way, I was very interested in the Silversea Dubai-Athens cruise you have booked next April, but it's not going to work for us. What an experience that trip will be!

I'm in!! Can we have wine with our chocolate???? :D

Yep me too, I don't need to pay to find my flaws - they are right there in front of me ---- and in back --- and on every side ---- and in the mirror!!!!

Priscilla,

I am very partial to milk chocolate, but the key thing for me is : NO NUTS or any strange fillings! 100% chocolate!!

JoAnne,

What about champagne??!!

I know that two couples on CROSS were on the CHOCOLATE CRUISE this last December. I think we won the Chocolate Trivia that day too.

Count me in for the Chocolate Circle of Interest--I'm a chocoholic from way back. I'm into the really dark chocolate, higher the dark cocoa %, the better--no milk chocolate for me--and don't even think about giving me "white" chocolate.
I'd fail miserably at the Fashion Circle of Interest--I have so many flaws they wouldn't have time for anyone else :D .

Kathy,

What kind of questions they had on Chocolate trivia??

Peggy,

Too funny!!!! But I don't believe it is that bad! :)

You really don't like white chocolate? Good, you can have the dark and I'll have the milk chocolate and white ;)

Now that's a deal!!! One thing I have learned, though--don't eat dark chocolate with white wine!

I'm a white chocolate/milk chocolate lover, too, Maria! And, don't get me started on truffles! Strawberries dipped in chocolate - My, oh my!

Dark chocolate and white wine just sounds wrong!

We have the makings of a great Circle of Chocolate Interest Group! Bring it on - champagne and chocolate! No talk of flaws. In fact, pretty much no talking, because our mouths will be filled with chocolate!

Wait, leave some dark chocolate for me, thats my favorite too. Peggy - really? why not? I do it all the time!

Maria - champagne, wine, either/or they both go great with chocolate!

Kathy - we will put you in charge of the chocolate trivia team! Hopefully you will already know all the answers. :app:

Peggy, you and I will hoard the dark chocolate and let Maria and Denise have the milk and white chocolate. (Oh, okay, I might try some of that also, just to be sociable and all.) As a general rule, the darker the chocolate the better for me. Actually, dark chocolate and port go well together. :)

Maria, I agree -- no nuts! Just chocolate. I can see we have a very compatible group!

Kathy, a chocolate cruise would be my undoing, I'm afraid. Scary thought.

Priscilla,

I thought you were a chocolate and beer aficionado :D

I think I know one of the Chocolate Trivia questions - How much chocolate can this Circle of Chocolate Interest group of women consume during the entire CROSSing?

Maria,

What Wine would you serve with Chocolate?
Where is the original of chocolate?
What is the percentage of cocoa in white chocolate?
What food group would chocolate belong?
Does Chocolate have cholesterol?

The answers were all part of the daily lectures from the Chocolate expert. We did have special chocolate from his on our pillows at night.

Denise, I may be a lowlife, but even I have some standards! :rolleyes:

Priscilla,
Ok, we'll reserve that cold beer for pizza!

Kathy,
Do you know the answers? Bonus tokens if you know the answer to my trivia question ;)

The answer is as much as we want! Reminds me of the old joke about the all you can eat restaurant. Patron to waitress: Is it true it's all you can eat? Waitress (looking at the patron's plate) - "yes, it's true - and that's all YOU can eat!"

As much as we want is a given :D

Do you know the answers to the other trivia questions, Kathy?

You lucky Crossers! My problem is I want to cruise on all LCT trips!! We so enjoyed Fred/Pat, JoAnn/Frank, Priscilla/John and now the icing on the cake is Denise, Maria, Peggy, Don and spouses! WOW are you going to have fun -

What Wine would you serve with Chocolate? Champagne of course!
Where is the origin of chocolate?
I think it was Mexico, which surprised everyone
What is the percentage of cocoa in white chocolate?
No, I don't know that one
What food group would chocolate belong?
Chocolate is a fruit!
Does Chocolate have cholesterol?
Who cares?

Thanks. I knew you'd have most, if not all, the answers, Kathy.

More chocolate facts -
The origins of chocolate, which is derived from the Theobroma cacao tree, stretch back at least 4000 years.The plant is believed to have originated in the Amazon or Orinoco basins in South America and was regarded by the Aztecs as being of divine origin ('Theobroma' means 'food of the gods'). They used the tree's beans as currency - 100 beans would buy a slave, 12 beans the services of a courtesan and 10 beans a rabbit.

Chocolate Classifications
All chocolate, except for white chocolate, is made from cacao beans that are fermented, dried, roasted and ground creating cacao nibs. These nibs are pureed and mixed with sugar and cocoa butter to create a liquid, called chocolate liquor. This liquid is tempered, which is a process of heating and cooling to exact temperatures, resulting in a creamy, smooth solid bar of chocolate. Use this guide to choosing the richest, most flavorful chocolate with the highest concentration of heart healthy antioxidants.

Milk Chocolate: 30% to 40% Cacao
Rich, creamy and often mixed with caramel, nuts, dried fruit or espresso beans, milk chocolate tastes great, but doesn’t offer the same health benefits found in dark chocolate.
Ingredients: sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, milk or milk powder, and vanilla

White Chocolate: 0% Cacao
White chocolate doesn’t contain any cocoa and is made with cocoa butter. It also tastes great, but doesn’t offer the same health benefits found in dark chocolate
Ingredients: sugar, cocoa butter, milk or milk powder, and vanilla

Dark Chocolate: 45% to 85% Cacao
Dark chocolate is often classified as semisweet, which means it contains some sugar and bittersweet, which is usually contains little or no sugar: the higher the percentage of cacao, the higher the health benefits. Dark chocolate is often used in baking, as well as savory dishes such as molé sauce.
Ingredients: sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, and vanilla (optional)

Cocoa: 100% Cacao
Cocoa is chocolate liquor with the cocoa butter removed. It is usually unsweetened and used for baking unless made into a convenient mix for hot or cold chocolate drinks. It is a great way to add rich chocolate flavor to baked goods without adding extra fat.

Chocolate as an Aphrodisiac
The reasons why chocolate is the preferred gift on Valentine’s Day are no secret. Not only does chocolate taste delicious, it also contains a chemical called phenylethylamine, which mimics the feelings of euphoria associated with being in love. In the 18th century, French doctors even prescribed chocolate for women who suffered from depression or heartbreak.

"The 12-step chocoholics program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!" - Terry Moore

I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter.

Nuts just take up space where chocolate ought to be.

"Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump

Life is like a box of chocolates - full of nuts!

"There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate." - Linda Grayson, The Pickwick Papers

After a bar of chocolate one can forgive anybody, even one's relatives.

The bank of friendship cannot exist for long without deposits of chocolate.

There are only three things in life that matter - good friends, good chocolate and, oh dear, what was that other one?

WOW: Sign me up for Denise's trivia team - I'll be there in spirit :cool: :cool:

OMG Denise, Kathy - this is definitely a given for a trivia team!!! Whoohooo. And with Joanna's thoughts with us, we can't loose. We can even call her with our free phone time!!! :D :D :p

Joanna - wish you were cruising with us too, we enjoyed meeting you and Tony on MUSH, and felt we never had very much time to spend just getting to know each other - hopefully someday soon we will cruise together again - but then you and Tony are so far ahead of us, doing really exotic things now and we are just barely learning/getting acquainted with Europe.

JoAnn: Use me as one of your life lines similar to "Who wants to be a Millionare"? I'd prefer current events - nothing related to math or science! We all had such a full schedule on Mush and we had 5 couples from here with us - I look forward to meeting you and Frank again - Joanna

Leave it to you, Denise! Lightning fast and thorough on your research, as usual. I want you on MY trivia team. The only answer I knew was that there's no cocao in white chocolate, and I might have guessed Mexico. Kathy, if chocolate is a fruit can I use that factoid in planning my daily nutrition pyramid????? Okay, maybe not. :(

JoAnn, you are right, we need Joanna and Tony with us on CROSS. If only .... then we would have perfection!

As long as we have Joanna as our definitive lifeline and Google access, we can't loose!

Math or science? - Fuhgetaboutit! I'd be owing the ship tokens.

Joanna and Tony on CROSS = HEAVEN!

DENISE!!!! :app:

And I thought I knew about Chocolate!!! Yes, definitively, I want to be in the same team as Denise and Kathy. I can't remember, is there a maximum # of people for the Trivia groups?

Joanna,

OK, What will it take to get you to CROSS- over??? LAMB sounds nice but...... you know you'll have more fun with us! ;) Who else is going on LAMB, so we can talk to them too!!? Please!!!!!

NO doubt we have would have a ball with you guys!!!! I selected Lamb as price was right for 21 nights and no Xmas stuff here as we don't get back till few days before the 25th (sound like the grinch??) - if I had it to do over I would be with you lovable zany ladies - my kind of women !!!!! :hug: :hug: :hug: