Suzanne's Files

By Mailei Last updated: Wed Mar 4, 2009 4:48pm PST
  • Eight Great Holiday Wines: Top picks for reds, whites and bubbly to celebrate the season

    By Mailei, on Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:35pm PST

    There are few better ways to make the holiday season more festive and memorable than finding the perfect vintage to welcome guests or pair with a lovingly prepared meal. But with so many regions and so many wine styles to choose from, a little guidance goes a long way. We turned to a few wine experts in The International Collective for their best tips and secrets for pairing the perfect wines with your holiday festivities. Read More »

  • Extraordinary Holiday Gift Ideas

    By Mailei, on Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:17pm PST

    To wow your loved one or those hard-to-impress people on your holiday list, we've made things easy by thinking “outside of the gift box” to compile imaginative options from around the world—most of which are memorable experiences that can't be wrapped up with a bow. From learning to make wine to arranging a meaningful volunteer vacation for your family or commissioning art modeled after their own DNA patterns, you'll definitely find something among these clever recommendations to leave a lasting impression ... Read More »

  • Eight Great Hotels for Children

    By Mailei, on Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:17am PST

    Fun-packed activities, delicious food and endless water sports for the kids; pampering spas, golf and romantic dinners for the adults. Here are some of my favorite family-friendly hotels and resorts that will appeal to parents and children alike. Read More »

  • Child-Friendly Travel Resources

    By Mailei, on Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:55am PST

    Every parent knows that traveling with children—especially infants and toddlers—can be a major challenge, but help is at hand thanks to these outstanding child-friendly travel resources. Read More »

  • Cool and Creative Eco-Chic Gift Ideas

    By Mailei, on Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:46pm PST

    Some of you think of "Eco Gifts" as recyclable ... because they'd soon be passed onto someone else! My team and I have sourced an array of eco-friendly gift ideas, from innovative stocking stuffers to stylish fine jewelry, including things for her and him, and presents that will be very well received by your friends and family. Mother Nature frowns upon all the manufacturing, packing materials and fuel involved in global retail, so go Eco, at least for some of your gifts this season. Read More »

  • Vetting charities & giving wisely

    By Mailei, on Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:31pm PST

    <img alt="Charity Watch" title="Charity Watch" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/78gPSBD4_xpG/photos/3ac447a2fad9249aa16afb904718b73b/ori_e5ce49f92ba3a2.jpg?ug_____Di9dwKI23" width="222" align="left" height="213">Every philanthropic gift is meant to do good, but how can you be sure your contribution will bring about tangible results for your chosen cause? These charity watchdogs can guide you to legitimate organizations that produce maximum results from every donated dollar. Read More »

  • Eight Great Museum Gems in Boston & Surrounds

    By Mailei, on Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:21pm PST

    Tired of Colonial and Revolutionary War historical sites? The Boston area is also home to an array of cultural attractions, from exquisite art collections in the city to tree-shaded sculpture parks in the suburbs. Read More »

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About This Author

I am an American who has lived in London since 2001, and have made my home over the years in various spots in the US, Europe, and Latin America. Since attending university in Paris, I have been ‘culture blending’, finding and adding in elements from around the world to enrich my life and those around me. I moved to New York City after university to start a career and found my way into the media and entertainment world where I held a number of senior business development roles. Throughout this time, I was turning a side hobby into a business called Suzanne's Files. Over the years, I grew the files via my own experiences and that of discerning friends and acquaintances to create a compilation of high quality, mostly niche finds, impossible to source elsewhere—and literally worldwide. My notes on where to go, stay, eat, shop and be well serviced all over the world grew to fill an entire armoire. Everyone that knew me personally or through friends and acquaintances asked to tap “the files.” I quickly became a go-to resource for the highly affluent who wanted to, as I like to say, “maximize their time and minimize their disappointment.” What I did not know the answer to, I knew someone who did. While I was sourcing and collecting files, I was also growing a golden rolodex of savvy, interesting people who added personal insights and insider perspecitve to the files. I call this group of more than 300 and growing the “International Collective,” those whom I trust for their taste and experience. Members of The International Collective are not paid contributors; they are lifestyle enthusiasts passionate about sharing their insights and experiences with others like them. Quality, not luxury, is my sweet spot. I am down-to-earth and I thoroughly enjoy editing out the noise of too much choice. The files read like a friend would tell you. My quest continues to find the best and leave the rest and I love to share my finds with those who seek authenticity, quality and that ‘something special.’