Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 225
February 16, 2012
Travel Guest Post: How to See the World Without Breaking the Bank
Being able to travel the globe is often perceived as a luxury that only the more fortunate people can afford to do. For most people it seems like a far-off dream that's completely out of reach, unless you're willing to pour your savings into it or wait until you're ready to retire to begin travelling. However, despite what most people think, travelling doesn't have to break the bank. With a few money-saving tips you can be packing your bags and out the door in next to no time without forking over an absurd amount of money.
Work while you travel
The biggest factor that holds people back from travelling is money, and jet-setting around the world can rack up some serious expenses if it isn't done right. However one way to counteract the cost of travelling is to work while you travel, which can be done any number of ways. You can research local odd jobs, do freelance work that isn't dependent on your location, and even look into different careers like teaching English as a second language.
2. Stay in hostels
If the focus of your travels is exploring what your destination has to offer in terms of local attractions and not just tourist hot spots and you're willing to part with a fancy hotel stay then booking a room in a hostel is a great way to save money. And by staying in a hostel you're almost guaranteed to meet new friends as well!
Do research
Instead of booking flights or cruises through the major providers take some time to do your homework. There are a plethora of travel sites out there that are geared at finding you the cheapest flight or cruise. Plus some websites out there will let you book way ahead of time to score even more savings.
4. Study abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to not only travel but also immerse yourself in a new culture, giving you an entirely different experience then travelling would on its own. Not to mention a lot of different ways you can get scholarships for your studies abroad, making it much cheaper, if not free, to travel abroad.
5. Skip unnecessary expenses
Don't get caught up spending money on things you don't really need, like souvenirs or fancy dinners. Most of the local fare that really allows you to experience a culture isn't going to be found in upscale tourist restaurants, so take some time to find out where the locals dine. And let's be honest, are souvenirs ever really worth it anyway?
The next time you wistfully think about travelling around the world do some research! You'd be surprised how many places you can see without spending the rest of your savings account.
Author Bio:
This is a guest post from Laura Backes, she enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects and topics related to internet service providers in my area. You can reach her at: laurabackes8 @ gmail.com.
Filed under: guest post, holiday, travel, travel planning, travel tips, Uncategorized
February 14, 2012
Books: Wanderlove
Got the travel bug? You will after reading Kirsten Hubbard's new YA novel WANDERLOVE, an evocative backpacker's journey through Central America which Kirkus calls "thrillingly romantic, smart and funny… a thoughtful and meandering travel narrative." Regal Literary is celebrating its upcoming release by giving away 10 copies signed and illustrated by the author. See below for more information about the book, and enter to win at http://www.regal-literary.com/contests/wanderlove.
Looking for another chance to win the book? Follow Kirsten's Tumblr and submit a photo of a place that sticks in your heart to enter her giveaway. Kirsten will also be exploring the stunning locations Bria visits in WANDERLOVE, answering all of your backpacking questions, and documenting her own upcoming trip through Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Join the adventure at www.wanderlove.com.
Filed under: books Tagged: books, travel, valentine's day
Lifestyle Guest Post: 6 Ways to Uncelebrate Valentine's Day
Thanks to the barrage of advertisements featuring pink hearts and devoted boyfriends — coupled with endless floral deliveries received by your smitten coworkers — there's no way to avoid Valentine's Day today. But before you resign yourself to a lonely evening at home, consider these six anti-Valentine's Day celebration tips.
1. Host an "Ex Roast"
Going out with your single friends on Valentine's Day is not a bad idea, though you'll quickly find yourself immersed in affectionate couples. Host an at-home event instead and take turns roasting your exes over a glass (or bottle) of wine.
2. See a Slasher Film
Skip this season's latest romantic comedy for a good ol' fashioned slasher movie. Though it's becoming a bit of a trend, nothing drains that romantic feeling faster than watching people get chopped to bits. Hit up Fandango.com for local listings.
3. Go Shopping
Just because you're not celebrating Valentine's Day doesn't mean you can't take advantage of retailers' heartwarming deals. Avoid the kissy couples buying each other trinkets and shop online. Find coupons for Macy's and other retailers from CouponSherpa and fall in love with a new pair of shoes or killer dress.
4. Volunteer
Though Valentine's Day is pretty challenging for singletons, consider how challenging every day is for lonely residents of nursing homes or struggling patrons of your local food kitchen. The best way to combat your personal blues is to make someone else's day, so get out their and volunteer!
5. Cozy Up to a TV Series
Nothing takes your mind off reality faster than ongoing plot lines in your favorite series. Rent from your local movie store or better yet, see what's available to stream from Netflix or Hulu. If you're in the mood for some serious eye candy, check out Matt Bomer in "White Collar," or hone your lie-detecting skills with "Lie to Me."
6. Save on Goodies
Let the doting dingbats pay full price for candy and flowers on Valentine's Day. You can satisfy your chocolate craving for 50 percent off on Feb. 15, plus pick up a festive bouquet to brighten up your dining room. Beat that, suckers!
Author: Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com. For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.
Filed under: guest post, holiday Tagged: anti valentine's day, valentine's day
Travel Guest Post: LA Valentine's Day Dinners
Looking for something luxurious to do for V-Day?
Couples that choose to dine at Oliverio, a modern Italian restaurant utilizing seasonal local ingredients, or Whist, a Mediterranean restaurant with a contemporary twist between February 10th – 14th will be wowed by the enchanting dishes executive chefs Mirko Paderno (Oliverio) and Tony DiSalvo (Whist) have put together. These sophisticated, decadent Valentine's Day menus (below) feature delicious, mouth-watering confections like Homemade Garganelli Pasta, Roasted Caribbean Lobster Tail, Akaushi Rib Eye, and a Chocolate Tasting for Two.
For guests looking to turn Valentine's Day into an overnight affair, the Avalon Beverly Hill's is offering a romantic Penthouse Package for couples, which includes overnight accommodations in the luxurious Avalon Penthouse, in-room champagne and strawberries upon arrival, dinner for two at Oliverio for the Valentine's menu, in-room breakfast and complimentary overnight parking. Rate is $1,200 per couple and bookings are available online at www.avalonbeverlyhills.com from Friday, February 10th - February 14th.
For reservations to Oliverio, please call 310-407-7791, or reserve online at http://www.opentable.com/oliverio-at-avalon-beverly-hills. For reservations to Whist please call 310-260-7511, or reserve online at http://www.opentable.com/whist-at-the-vicer
VALENTINES DAY 2012
AKAUSHI KOBE BEEF 3 WAY
sonoma fois gras over akaushi tenderloin carpaccio
white pearl onion, micro arugula
seared akaushi rib eye
white sunchoke, black winter truffle
slow bake akaushi short rib
sauerkraut, crispy speck
……………………………………………
HOMEMADE GARGANELLI PASTA
akaushi kobe "brasato"
OR
ROASTED CARRIBEAN LOBSTER TAIL
akaushi beef reduction
OR
AKAUSHI RIB EYE
spicy puntarelle, Modica chocolate fondue
…………………………………………
BLACK PEPPER PANNA COTTA
Includes a glass of prosecco and coffee or tea
Tax and gratuities are not included
$65
Executive Chef Mirko Paderno
[image error]
Viceroy Santa Monica
VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER MENU
FENNEL CURED HAMACHI
rose petal gelee • fresh wasabi • pickled fennel
LOUIS DE GRENELLE • rose champange
PARMESAN AND BLACK TRUFFLE TARTLETTE
prosciutto • artichokes
2009 dollarhide estate – sauvignon blanc
NEW CALEDONIAN BLUE PRAWNS
wild nasturtium soup • cucumber-shallot marmalade
2010 virtu – semillion sauvignon blanc blend
ROASTED BLACK COD
smoked potato-miso puree • bonito • ginger
2009 rutherford estate – merlot
or
BEEF TENDERLOIN
beef cheek ravioli • foie gras and truffle sauce
2008 elu – rutherford estate – cabernet sauvignon
CHOCOLATE TASTING FOR TWO
2010 st supery estate – moscato 2011
$85.00 per person for the 5 course pre-fixe menu
Additional $40.00 per person for the wine tasting
About Avalon Beverly Hills
Named one of the best city hotels in Town & Country's "Luxury Survey," Avalon Beverly Hills is an innovative hideaway that merges contemporary updates with classic mid-century style. Designed around three unique buildings, the 86 rooms, suites and penthouse studios range from intimate guestrooms to expansive villas designed to accommodate long-term stays. A vintage hourglass pool, fitness center, and expansive views of the Los Angeles skyline complete the picture.
About Viceroy Santa Monica
At the crossroads of Ocean Avenue and Pico Boulevard in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in L.A. , this urban retreat at the shore overlooks the Pacific and is minutes away from a wide array of upscale shopping, dining, entertainment and recreational options, including the historic Santa Monica Pier. A fresh addition to Santa Monica 's cosmopolitan setting, each of the 162 guestrooms and executive suites are meticulously appointed with applied moldings, custom armoires, Lucite and glass tables and clean-lined bed frames. The property also is home to two refreshing plunge pools located in the indoor garden, a poolside sundeck, private cabanas, fitness center and in-room spa services.
About Viceroy Hotel Group
Viceroy Hotel Group delivers luxury lifestyle experiences that marry provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. Managing hotels under third-party agreements, Viceroy Hotel Group operates two luxury brands, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and The Tides. Current Viceroy properties include hotels and resorts in Santa Monica , Palm Springs , Miami, Anguilla, Snowmass , Colorado and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as well as forthcoming openings in Beverly Hills (currently L'Ermitage Beverly Hills), the Maldives and Bodrum , Turkey . The Tides collection includes resorts in South Beach , the Riviera Maya and Zihuatanejo , Mexico as well as a forthcoming development on St. Lucia in the Caribbean , currently Jalousie Plantation. Viceroy Hotel Group's Urban Retreat Collection includes Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills; Maison 140 in Beverly Hills ; and Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica .
Filed under: beverly hills, california, dating, drink, Uncategorized Tagged: avalon beverly hills, restaurants, valentine's day
February 13, 2012
Travel & Fashion Guest Post: NYC Fashion Week
Designed by Boticca the marketplace for independent designers.
Filed under: fashion, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips
Beauty Guest Post: The Finer Things of Valentine's Day: Beauty Products
Treat your skin to the luxury of Valentine's Day with these innovative products from Koh Gen Do and Zelens that contain silk, pearls and silver!
Prep your skin for V-day with Zelens Radiance Luminous Facial Cleanser (SRP $60). This luxurious, high performance, creamy-textured hydrating facial cleanser was inspired by traditional Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo) and Japanese skin cleansing rituals. It effortlessly removes impurities and makeup, leaving skin clean, soft, smooth and radiant. This cleanser contains pearl extracts, which contain 16 amino acids, proteins and polysaccharides to help the skin retain moisture; gives a smooth appearance and enhances the skin's radiance.
Camouflage uneven skin tones with the unique, ultra-fine pearl AND silk powders, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Natural Lighting Powder (SRP $42). The soft, refined pearls diffuse light to cover pores and balance skin surfaces for a natural, luminescent sheen. Moisture retaining Hyaluronate allows powder to be gentle for dry skin.
It wouldn't be Valentine's Day if you didn't have kissable lips! Koh Gen Do Chiffon Lip Balm (SRP $39) contains natural color pigments that give lips a healthy glow and rich emollient oils treat lips continuously for 24 hours. The Chiffon Lip Balm not only contains silver, but also treats four major lip problems: dullness, creasing lines, peeling and sensitivity!
You can't forget roses on Valentine's Day. The Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist (SRP $21) leaves the skin balanced, refreshed and hydrated.
Zelens is available for purchase at Space NK | Koh Gen Do is available for purchase at Barney's New York and Sephora | Jurlique is available for purchase at Sephora
Filed under: beauty, holiday
February 9, 2012
Travel Guest Post: Sultry Napa Valley for Valentine's Day
New flames just matched via dot-coms or counterparts set up long ago by conspiring mothers, couples can enjoy a mid-month getaway this February, courtesy of St. Valentine and the Napa Valley. Romantic fireplaces, sweet spa treatments and that supple Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon set a Valentine's Day tone like no other. Below are some of the sultriest places to snuggle up this Valentine's Day.
BY THE FIRE
Auberge du Soleil
Valentine's Day at Napa Valley's Auberge du Soleil offers couples the Heart and Soul package, a picture-perfect stay over one or two nights beginning with sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon check in, followed by a special 6-course Chef's tasting menu at the hotel's Michelin-starred Restaurant and romantic after-dinner treats. Upon turning in for the evening, guests will find their Garden View King Room transformed into a lovey-dovey hideaway with lit fireplace, streaming romantic music, and room full of flickering, mood-inspiring candles. Should couples require additional Valentine's Day inspiration, a copy of "Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider's Guide for Couples" is included in each guest room. One night of Heart and Soul is available to book for February 14, rates beginning at $1465 per couples. This package is also available for a two-night stay, February 13 and 14, with rates beginning at $2290 per couple.
Harvest Inn
St. Helena's classic Harvest Inn offers the coziest of Napa Valley Cabernet Season romance with its Celebrate Love package. Guests can delight in the romance of two nights in a King Vineyard guestroom, which includes a handcrafted brick fireplace and private vineyard-view terrace. Lovers receive a bottle of sparkling wine and one dozen roses upon arrival, as well as a 6-inch signature cake and a rose petal turndown service. Also included are two spa treatments either in the Garden Sanctuary, for those able to escape their guestroom, or in-room for those who prefer to hideout as long as they can. To remember this Valentine's Day, guests also take home two signature Harvest Inn bathrobes. Celebrate Love is available to book through the month of March, rates begin at $570.
Silverado Resort and Spa
Set amidst majestic wine country foothills and towering oaks, Silverado Resort is offering a Create Your Own Romance package for February getaways. Couples enjoy a stay in a one-bedroom fireplace suite that includes a welcome bottle of Napa Valley sparkling wine. Breakfast for two is served the following morning at the Silverado Grill. Guests can then choose from one of the following four romantic activities : three course dinner for two including bottle of wine and a 50-minute couples massage or massage lesson; four-hour private limousine wine tour; balloon ride with café-style pre-flight snacks and post-landing brunch; or three-course dinner for two with wine, one dozen roses delivered to guestroom, and $150 resort credit. Create your own Romance is available from February 1 though February 29. Rates begin at $679 per night, based on double occupancy.
BACK-SEAT SNUGGLING
Milliken Creek
The 12-room Milliken Creek hotel, a charming retreat tucked away in Napa Valley's countryside, welcomes visiting Valentines to indulge in 48 hours of Napa swooning. The Heart of Napa Authentic Trio package offers lovebirds a chance to sip in the romance at three of Napa Valley's most elegant private wine estates with a five-hour private tour, snuggling between visits in the back of one of Peralta Luxury Tours' luxury vehicles. Stops along the way include a cave tour and tasting at Keever Vineyards, barrel tasting at Fontanella Family Winery, and gourmet boxed lunch and wine tasting at Crocker & Starr winery.
Upon return to the hotel, guests are treated to a 90-minute Chocolate Decadence experience at the Milliken Creek Spa. The treatment includes a dry brush exfoliation, salt scrub, and warm chocolate mud application, followed by a massage using warm chocolate oils to detoxify and unwind. Guests will also receive a special romance turndown that includes rose petals, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a split of sparkling wine. The Heart of Napa Authentic Trio is available on stays from Sunday through Thursday, February 1 through July 31, 2012. Rates begin at $640 per night, based on double occupancy.
IN THE KITCHEN
Cedar Gables Inn
Chef Mike C and Somerston Wine Company are welcoming couples in search of some literal 'spice' to partake in Valentine's cooking classes on the weekends before and after the 14th. The Valentine's Seduction Cooking Class features Chef Mike C and the Somerston Wine Company on Saturday, February 11, and the Valentine's Extravaganza Cooking Class on Saturday, February 18 features Chef Richard Haake. Guests work side-by-side with chefs to prepare a four-course dinner, which is then enjoyed with wine pairings in the inn's elegant dining room. Culinary-inclined lovers receive recipes for all dishes, a souvenir Cedar Gables Inn apron, and 25 percent off of any Messermeister knives used in the class. Valentine's Day cooking classes, with dinner, are $175 per person. Room rates begin at $219.
For more information on Napa Valley Valentine's Day and February special offers, please visit http://www.legendarynapavalley.com.
About The Legendary Napa Valley
Napa Valley is home to the founders of America's fine wine industry – legendary entrepreneurs who showed the world that the art of winemaking had crossed continents – and is prized for its natural beauty, phenomenal culinary scene, world-class hotel accommodations, robust arts community, and one-of-a-kind wellness experiences including the region's famed spas, mud baths and healing geo-thermal springs. The area's restaurants were awarded 14 Michelin Stars for 2012, and the Napa Valley, in partnership with San Francisco, is internationally recognized as one of only nine "Great Wine Capitals." Visit www.LegendaryNapaValley.com for more information or to download the award-winning Visit Napa Valley Mobile App and join "The Napa Valley" community on Facebook, and follow @legendarynapa on Twitter.
Filed under: california, guest post, holiday, luxury, Napa Valley, travel, travel planning, wine Tagged: holiday, Napa Valley, valentine's day
February 8, 2012
Lifestyle Guest Post: Fun & Free Valentine's Day Date Ideas
Not interested in jumping on the expensive Valentine's Day wagon? Then it's time to remember that romance isn't intrinsically linked to throwing cash around. There are many ways to treat your loved one to a special date without emptying your wallet, and Mr. Free Stuff has compiled a list of "44 Free Date Ideas for Valentine's Day" for your consideration. Here's a sampling to get the wheels turning:
1. Attend amateur night at a coffee house
Many local coffee houses have amateur nights, when people can come in and perform or simply read their poetry. If you're bold, you might jump in and participate.
2. Play poker
Instead of gambling with cash, play for things like M&M's, peanuts, raisins, or any other edibles. The best part is that, at the end of the game, you get to eat your winnings.
3. Go sledding
If you don't have a traditional sled, you can use such common household items as garbage bags, cardboard boxes or cookie sheets. You could even turn it into a contest to see who comes up with the most successful make-shift sled.
4. Host a wine tasting
Turn your dining room into a vineyard's tasting room with tasty finger foods and vino from your wine rack. Comment on the tannins and oaky flavor of each glass and celebrate the "bottomless" nature of your at-home tasting.
5. Create a photo shoot
Sick of those grainy iPhone candids? Create something memorable by taking more professional-style portraits. Avoid the mundane by getting creative with costumes, backdrops and camera angles.
6. Go to a playground
Channel your inner child and hit up your neighborhood playground for some old-fashioned fun. Race across the monkey bars, trade personal stories of playground antics and hallenge each other to go higher on the swings.
7. Cook together
Leave the crowded restaurants and overpriced filets for Valentine's Day rookies and prepare something at home. Cooking a tasty meal is a lot more fun in pairs and offers a great opportunity to catch up. Pour a couple glasses of wine, turn on some Louis Armstrong and bond over vegetable chopping.
Filed under: Uncategorized
February 7, 2012
Fashion Guest Post: What to Wear on Valentine's Day
If you've got a hot date this Valentine's Day, knowing what to wear so you're dressed to impress can be a nightmare, and it's easy to find yourself desperately rummaging through your wardrobe or scouring the shop on the big day, hoping you'll suddenly spot the perfect outfit. Luckily, we've come up with a few outfit ideas to help you prepare for the big day – wherever your guy is taking you.
- Restaurant
Nothing says "Valentine's Day" like a red dress. We love this silk-chiffon Grecian dress by Sophie Theallet, because it's simultaneously sexy and sophisticated. Wear with art-deco inspired heels and a colour-clashing clutch bag and you'll cut a romantic figure.
- Gig
If you're spending Valentine's Day at a gig this year, you can afford to be more casual. Comfort is key, but you don't have to sacrifice style; team black skinny jeans with an animal print top like this one by Alexander McQueen, and add stylish, flat ankle boots and a leather jacket. Finish the look with some cool jewellery and a back that provides a pop of colour, and you'll be ready to dance the night away.
- Cinema
Embrace the neon-brights trend with this pink and beige silk-chiffon washed dress by Bottega Veneta. Wear it over leggings, and add gold jewellery and neutral shoes and bag for an enviable on-trend outfit that strikes the balance between casual and dressy; perfect for a cinema date.
- Picnic
If you're picnicking, you'll look the picture of contemporary elegance in this multi-coloured butterfly-print cotton dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Wear with functional but stylish flats, and add a bright cashmere cardigan and tights to ensure you keep warm in the great outdoors! Add a straw tote-bag to keep all your goodies in and enjoy dining al-fresco.
Author: Libery Howard is a writer for MatchesFashion.com.
Filed under: fashion, guest post, holiday Tagged: valentine's day, wardrobe
February 3, 2012
Lifestyle Guest Post: Voli Skinny Vodka
[image error]
Flavors:
· Lyte – extra smooth vodka with a light finish (74 calories per 1.5 oz serving)
· Lemon – a strong and zesty flavor paired with a mellow verbena taste (81 calories per 1.5 oz serving)
· Espresso Vanilla – the delightful aroma of coffee with vanilla and a hint of cocoa (81 calories per 1.5 oz serving)
· Raspberry Cocoa – an irresistible fusion of raspberry and cocoa (80 calories per 1.5 oz serving)
· Orange Vanilla – a fusion of orange and vanilla resulting in a delicious creamsicle flavor (81 calories per 1.5 oz serving)
Skinny Cocktail Ideas:
Red Lips
1.5 oz Raspberry Cocoa
2 oz diet cranberry juice
4 raspberries
1/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 packet natural sweetener
Splash of club soda
Muddle raspberries, add ingredients, shake and strain. Top with a splash of club soda
Glass: Martini
Garnish: lime and raspberry
Approx 86 calories
[image error]
Voli Crush
1.5 oz Orange Vanilla
1 oz fresh orange juice
Splash of diet sprite
LShake and strain Voli and orange juice. Top with a splash of diet sprite
Glass: Martini
Garnish: Orange twist
Approx 94 calories
[image error]
Cocoa Kiss
1.5 oz Raspberry Cocoa or Espresso Vanilla
3/4 oz Irish cream liqueur
Serve over ice and stir
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Fresh raspberries or espresso beans
Approx 110 calories
[image error]
Prepare for Spring with these delicious Spring-themed Voli Cocktails! Light and refreshing, they will get you in the mood for Spring!
Skinny Citrus Crush:
1 1/2 oz Voli Lyte (works with Voli Lemon too)
1/2 oz Agave Nectar
2 Lemon wedges
1 Lime wedge
Top with soda water
Squeeze lemons and lime and drop in a glass
Add Voli Lyte, Agave and ice. Shake and top with soda water.
APPROX CALORIES: 105 (APPROX 110 with Voli Lemon)
[image error]
Volito:
1 1/2 oz LYTE or Lemon
1/2 fresh lime
8 mint leaves
1 packet sweetener
Club soda
Muddle lime, mint and sweetener. Add Voli, light shake and pour all ingredients in a glass. Top club soda
Glass: Highball
Garnish: Mint Sprig
APPROX CALORIES: 85 calories
(can add fruits to this e.g. Blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, red berries, mango)
[image error]
Blushing Berry:
1 1/2 oz Raspberry Cocoa
1/2 oz Raspberry liqueur
Splash of diet cranberry juice
Served over ice
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Raspberry and lime twist
APPROX CALORIES: 130.
[image error]
Filed under: drink, guest post, lifestyle Tagged: cocktails
