Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 226

Travel Guest Post: How to Eat Healthy While Traveling

 

We all know about the "Freshman 15" — that dreaded 15 pounds most first year college students gain after being away from home for the first time. Well I'd like to coin a new phrase, the "Traveler's 5" – and I'm not talking about five pounds of souvenirs you've packed in your luggage! It can be quite stressful getting out of your natural routine. When we are stressed we sometimes run for comfort food to ease our anxiety. Furthermore, junk food is super convenient when you're a stranger in a strange land. You need your wits about you while traveling and eating unhealthy will just slow you down. So here are some tips to keep you on track:

Fill up before you head out: Eat a nice healthy meal while still at home before you leave for your travels. Something nourishing and filling like eggs, oatmeal, chicken, fish or pasta. If you're nice and balanced on the inside you're more likely to be nice and balanced on the outside.

 

2.    Have Snacks, Will Travel: Pack snacks to take with you. If you have a little bag of almonds in your purse/backpack that you can nibble on, you are less susceptible to turning into a ravenous monster that can't resist the closest vending machine or fast food joint. According to The US Department of Health and Human Services, it is best to eat often (5 to 6 small meals a day).

 

3.    Stay hydrated: Preferably water. You need to be on your game when on the go and sodas and alcohol may calm you down but they will also make you loopy, making it ten times harder to deal with connecting flights and foreign tongues. Your best bet is to keep a water bottle with you that way you don't have to wait around to be served. You're likely to drink more often if it's right there all the time. You also don't want to get stuck paying $9 for a bottle of water in your hotel mini fridge.

 

Savvy Traveler Seeks Mini Fridge: Speaking of mini-fridges, It'll make life easier and cheaper if you can bring food with you on your trip and have a place to keep it cold. Fresh food is the healthiest food you can eat. Seek out hotels that have mini refrigerators in the room (ones that don't require $50 to open, that is). If you're on a road trip, you can purchase a great little mini fridge for your car. They run anywhere from $50 to $100. It's a great investment if you are a frequent traveler.

 

5.    Make it part of the adventure: When you're settling for fast food on your trip, you're missing out on all the great little restaurants you have never been to before. Talk to the locals about the places to eat. You can even research before you go on your trip about the best restaurants in the area. Local hole in the walls can prove some of the best food and charming scenery around.

For many people, traveling isn't even a choice; it's a must. Be sure to pay close attention to your eating habits just like you do at home. Avoid fast food joints as an easy solution. You can have delicious, healthy food on the go, you just need to think ahead. If you're smart and plan ahead, it will make all the difference in the world. Happy, healthy trails to you all!

 

Sources:

USDA, US Department of Health and Human Services. Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 (Advisory Report).

 

Pollitt E, Matthew R. Breakfast and cognition: an integrative summary. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1998; 67(Suppl.): 804S–13S.


MayoClinic.com; Healthy Breakfast; February 2011

Author:  Sarah Stevenson, a.k.a., The Tini Yogini, is a Certified Yoga Instructor in Southern California. She has a degree in Behavioral Psychology and teaches not only yoga classes but also life affirming workshops. She also writes for Beachbody, which provides everything you need to stay fit from popular workout videos including P90X2 workouts and Pump Workout to the Beachbody Ultimate Reset cleanse.

Want the best deals on Charter Cable? Go to www.chartercabledeals.com.

 

 

Filed under: guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: healthy eating, travel tips

Travel Guest Post: Home Swap Travel

Have you ever felt like you needed some time away from everything but you don't have the money to cover the cost of a hotel for an extended period? Or maybe you're a person who enjoys traveling to various places and immersing yourself fully into the new culture. You could be one of the people struggling to sell your property in the slumping housing market and just looking for a change of scenery.

House swapping is an option that's growing in popularity and you can arrange to swap homes for as long or short a time as agreed upon. You need to promote your home and area so people located where you want to go will be interested in swapping.

I have a friend who did it and had a great time out in England for two weeks. We live in the Windy City so he mentioned the most popular Chicago attractions like our sports teams, famous shopping centers and restaurants located close to his apartment and another guy in London saw it and was interested.

At first I honestly thought my friend was crazy for agreeing to do it but there are a lot of benefits to house swapping.

Huge savings

My friend and I have taken trips together during college when neither of us really had any money and we would split the cost of the hotel room and try to find the cheapest restaurants and fast food spots. This time he called me from London talking about how nice (and free!) the apartment he swapped into was and how he had a fridge full of food that the owner welcomed him to eat. So not only did he not have to spend any money on a hotel but he also got to eat well for free and buy the groceries he wanted.

Safety first 

I like to think of myself as a positive person but when I think of a stranger staying in my house I can't help but think of what could end up missing. My friend decided to find a house swapping partner through a paid website. You can choose to bypass paying and search for a partner on your own but you may be taking a risk that way. With the paid site you get to see people who have swapped homes before and read about their experiences. It would give me assurance that I could trust the person that I'm swapping with and not have to worry about returning home from an international trip to an empty apartment.

Pick a spot and go

The biggest attraction to house swapping for my friend was the people willing to swap in cities and countries he's always wanted to see. It's almost like trading basketball cards as a kid because you can find all the places you want to go but you have to be in a spot that others would want to visit. Fortunately for us, plenty of people around the world would love to see Chicago.

My friend has another trip planned in a few weeks and I'm thinking about giving it a shot myself. Have you ever swapped houses or thought about doing it? Email me at meagan@slingshotseo.com.

Filed under: adventure, guest post Tagged: home swap

Travel Guest Post: Haute Chocolate Experiences Stir Chocolate Fantasies @ The Ritz Carlton

A delicious "Countdown to Valentine's" Calendar inspired by rich chocolate in creative variations offers guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead stylish ways to celebrate romance in February. From candy-making classes for couples, to chocolate Spa treatments to cocktails, desserts and more, chocolate lovers are on notice to mark their calendars for rich, delectable experiences.

Wednesday February 1 – Chocolate and Cherry Facial

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Buckhead celebrates Valentine's with a special facial offered the month of February. As luscious as its name, this facial begins with a cherry wine peel to exfoliate and firm, followed by a chocolate wasabi mask to stimulate circulation and boost collagen.

The result is a deliciously dewy and toned complexion. 50 minutes, $155.

Thursday February 2 – Chocolate Afternoon Tea, The Lobby Lounge

Specialties such as Chocolate Chip Cherry Scones, Flourless Chocolate Brandy Cherry Cake, Coconut Chocolate Frangipane and Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Torte are added to our traditional Afternoon Tea pastries, and guests may take home a chocolate keepsake.

Thursday through Sunday, February 2-5 and 9-12 from 2:30 to 4 pm, $34

Friday February 3 – White Chocolate Cherry Martini

Mixologist Christa Sladky created this romantic martini with house-infused cherry brandy,

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and Stoli® Vanil.

February 1-14 in The Lobby Lounge and February 2-4 and 9-11 in The Wine Bar, $14

Saturday February 4 – Haute Chocolate Bar

Our Haute Chocolate Bar will make winter your favorite season! Select from these dreamy chocolate blends, and add our irresistible garnishes to create your very own hot chocolate beverage:

Spicy Dark Chocolate, made with Valrhona Grand Cru Guanaja 70% chocolate


Milk Chocolate Caramel, rich and velvety


Red Berry Dark Chocolate, enhanced with a touch of red berry sauce by our pastry chef

Garnishes: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Secret Spice; House-made Marshmallows;

House-made Whipped Creams; Chocolate Shavings and Cinnamon Sticks

Saturday and Sunday, January 14 through February 26, from 2:30 to 4 pm, $10

Sunday February 5 – The Super Bowl of Chocolate

The champions of chocolate desserts are added to our splendid Sunday Brunch.

Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie, White Chocolate Lemon Bar andBaileys Milk Chocolate Cake made with Baileys® Irish Cream are sure to score winning points.

11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59

Monday February 6 – Chocolate Bark for Children's Scavenger Hunt

Children always get a special wristband when checking-in for an overnight stay denoting VIK (Very Important Kid) status, and enjoy complimentary ice cream and a prize upon completing a self-guided scavenger hunt. In February, children receive our house-made Chocolate Bark at the end of their quest.

Tuesday February 7 – Breakfast Buffet with Chocolate Specialties

Chocolate Chip Belgian Waffles, Chocolate Croissants and Chocolate Muffins are

added to our daily breakfast buffet in The Cafe, Monday through Saturday, February 1-14. $27

Wednesday February 8 – Pairing Chocolate with Port and Aperitifs

Sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon guides Club Level guests in an informal tasting of rich chocolates paired with her very special selections: Quinta do Noval, Tawny Port, "10 Yr Old", Douro, Portugaland Cocchi, Barolo Chinato, Piedmont, Italy. The Club Lounge from 8 to 9 pm.

Thursday February 9 – "Haute Fashion, Haute Chocolate"

Neiman Marcus presents informal modeling of the season's "haute-est" fashions during Chocolate Afternoon Tea. All fashions and accessories are red or pink—the colors of the moment!

Neiman Marcus is the premier shopping destination for finding the perfect gift

for that special someone. The Lobby Lounge, 2:30 to 4 pm, $34

Friday February 10 – Aztec Manhattan

Mixologist Christa Sladky's newest cocktail recipe includes bourbon, vermouth,

house-made spiced cocoa nib syrup and Bittermen's Xocolatl Mole.

February 1 through 14 in The Lobby Lounge and

February 2 through 4 and 9 through 11 in The Wine Bar, $14

Saturday February 11 – "Haute Couples, Haute Chocolate" Candy-Making Class and Lunch

Loving couples join our ingenious pastry chef Dallas Marsteller to make a luscious assortment of

hand-rolled Valrhona chocolate truffles just in time for Valentine's Day. After class, everyone enjoys

a delightful three-course lunch in The Café. Class starts at 11 am, with lunch following.

Limited to five couples only. $125 per couple, inclusive of taxes and gratuities

Sunday February 12 – Haute Chocolate Sunday Brunch

Magnificent chocolate sculptures grace our presentation of glorious chocolate desserts. Look for

White Chocolate Lemon Bar, Whoopie Pie, Dark Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Miniature Chocolate Cream Pie and Baileys® Irish Cream Milk Chocolate Cake. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, $59

Monday February 13 – Love Potion No. 5

This couple's massage features an alluring mélange of five essential oils— cranberry, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and orange—and is offered all month. 50 minutes, $290.

Cocoa Truffle Tea, a light cocoa-infused tea, is complimentary with spa treatments in February.

Tuesday February 14 – "Two Hearts are One" Dessert in The Café

Dessert becomes a romantic work of art: Valentine's couples

enjoy a chocolate dessert for two, which transforms into two hearts melting together. $14

Guests may also select these a la carte selections from February 10 through 14:

First Course: Lobster Raviolis with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Creamed Corn, Trout Roe, $24

Entree: Smoked G.F. Swift Beef Tenderloin, Celery Root Purée, Apple, Bacon, Shallot Jus, $45

To book: www.RitzCarlton.com


Filed under: dating, events, guest post, holiday, hotel, hotels, luxury, ritz carlton Tagged: chocolate, luxury, ritz carlton, valentine's day

Fashion Guest Post: The Millionaire Makeover for Frugalistas

The holiday parties have vanished into the haze of Christmas Past. The weather forecast is "gray to gloomy" for the foreseeable future. Your mood could use a lift. Clearly, a full head-to-toe makeover is in order.

Over the New Year, we all make lists of resolutions to improve ourselves. Yet when money is scarce, sometimes it's hard to figure out how to achieve metamorphosis on a shoestring.

The good news is that transformation without a huge outlay is eminently possible. With some forethought, you'll realize that items already in your closet, refrigerator, and bathroom can be repurposed to give you the makeover of your dreams for free. This year, why not resolve to look like a million bucks without spending any money whatsoever?

1. Treat Your Hair to a Day at the Home Spa

Does your fringe look frazzled? You could make an appointment with a salon to solve the problem, but that would involve tossing thirty, forty, or fifty dollars down your hairdresser's sink. Instead, vow to add shine to your locks for no lucre. Treat your hair to a day of pampering worthy of a magnate-in-the-making with an ingredient that hails from the grocery store: mayonnaise. For deep conditioning, don't hold the mayo. Instead, take a half cup of mayonnaise and comb it all the way through damp locks. Let it sit for fifteen minutes. For best results, cover your hair with a shower cap. Then wash out the mayo (thoroughly!) with your regular shampoo. Your hair will feel salon-conditioned–without the salon prices.

2. Lose Weight Instantly with the "No-Diet" Diet

Did you know that 99% of diets are destined to fail? Few bodies can tolerate deprivation for long. Instead, master a new habit and dress thinner. It's the painless way to lop off weight that won't come off any other way! Wear high heels (every inch visually subtracts three pounds). Brush contour on your cheeks (doing so will appear to subtract two pounds). Slip on monochromatic clothing (you'll automatically look eight pounds thinner). Wear control-top pantyhose (to visually subtract five pounds). And voila—you will have shed eighteen pounds without having to invest in any special diet foods or a support group. Results from most actual diets last but a few months. But results from dressing thin are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

3. Walk Tall

It's hard to trade in one's parents for taller models, but one can always keep one's eyes peeled for clothing that elongates the body. This helps add stature, which can only enhance one's natural elegance. Seek clothes that draw the eye up and out. The trick is to uncover these body stretchers among the stash that's already hanging in your closet. Then pair them in new ways for maximum impact. A slip dress over skinny pants or leggings updates your wardrobe to catwalk slinkiness. Sometimes you can "cheat" a longer leg by wearing skirts that sit higher than your natural waist. Wearing dark pantyhose (or any clothing that creates one unbroken line) can also streamline your appearance, until you look almost waiflike. Supermodels aren't just born skinny; they also learn to walk tall.

4. Sleep Your Way out of a Visit to the Dermatologist

Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles to prevent them from wrinkling. Unfortunately, Botox also promotes long-term wallet paralysis. Before you squander a fortune that you don't have on injections, serums, and potions, try to sleep your skin into peak condition by finding your ideal sleep quotient. How do you find your magic number? Keep a snooze diary. Pay special attention to your mood, energy, and health after varying amounts of rest. Also listen to all compliments. If friends start asking if you've "lost weight" or what you've been doing to look so fresh, it could be a sign that you've found your optimum sleep amount. Before you invest a lot of money in anti-aging injections that supposedly turn back the clock, try setting your real alarm clock for a good night's sleep. Then be sure to do the same thing tomorrow night.

5. Put any Perfumes You Don't Love to a More Spiritual Use

If someone gifts you with a fragrance that makes you swoon, don't automatically toss the perfume in the trash. Instead, try adding a couple of drops to your bathtub and distilling it with several quarts of water. Then bathe in it. The scent may sit better with you that way, and you won't be throwing away hundreds of dollars. The ancient Egyptians believed that perfumes could help one attain spiritual perfection. In more recent times, science claims that certain scents can help lift moods. Citrus-based scents may help promote happiness; rose scents may promote calm; the scent of bergamot may relieve anxiety and stress. Experiment until you find the scent that soothes and promotes your well-being.

6. Twitter Yourself Glamorous

Do you feel like you're six generations removed—not just from Kevin but from anyone who brings home the Bacon? That no longer has to be the case, thanks to Twitter. With its unique micro-blog technology, we are all just one generation removed from the most glamorous stars on the planet. Sign up today to follow your favorite celebrities, many of whom will provide loyal fans with a steady stream of insider tips on everything from dressing elegantly to skin, hair, clothing, and makeup pointers. And the beauty is, all of this top-notch celebrity advice is free. Ain't life tweet?

7: Give Yourself an Online Makeover in Lieu of an Offline One

Department store makeovers only seem as though they're free. These beauty lessons can be risky business for the budget-conscious, as salespeople will be more inclined to try to sell costly makeup products now that the holiday store traffic has eased. Fortunately, an "online makeover" really costs nothing and generates proven results—at least as far as your social life is concerned. Take a good, hard look at your Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles. On LinkedIn, beef up the Summary section. Ask former colleagues to recommend your work. If you're an entrepreneur, add a company website or a link to your Twitter account. On Facebook, update your status and your profile picture. The upshot? More people will reach out to you and you'll activate your social life without spending a cent.

Author: Vicky Oliver is the award-winning author of The Millionaire's Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire, Even If You're Not (Skyhorse Publishing, November 2011) plus four books on career development, including the bestselling 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions (Sourcebooks, 2005) and 301 Smart Answers to Tough Business Etiquette Questions (Skyhorse Publishing, 2010). She lives in New York City, where she helps people turn around their careers and their lives. Contact her at GetTheMillionairesHandbook.com and vicky@vickyoliver.com.

Filed under: fashion, guest post, Uncategorized Tagged: fashion, makeover

Travel Guest Post: Personality Pulse; How Adventurous Are You?

Most of the world may well have been mapped, trampled over, sailed through and written about, but there are still countless unique and exciting discoveries for you to make. Do you dream of scaling tall Himalayan peaks, diving under the Arctic Ocean or wandering through exotic landscapes and ancient villages? If so, have you got what it takes for a full-on adventure holiday?

Are you a born adventurer who loves the thrill, excitement, magic and mystery of discovery? Or if adventure comes knocking do you hide behind the sofa and pretend you're not there?

Try this fun quiz to find out how well you're suited to spine-tingling and invigorating adventure travel.

 

For each question select the answer that best describes your response.

 

1)    You are offered the chance to handle a tarantula. What do you say?

a)    Yes please, and take some snaps of me and my new buddy for my Facebook profile.

b)    Er no thanks, but I don't mind getting close to it for a few seconds.

c)    Arghhhhhh! It's a spider, A SPIDER! Get it away from me now!

 

2)    You are on a hike with your friends and you come across a river.  There's a tree with a rope dangling from one of its branches which would allow you to swing across, do you?

a)    Shout 'Geronimoooo', grab the rope and swing over to the other side.

b)    Suggest using it to cross with, but then sneakily let your friends go first to see if they make it.

c)    Declare to the group that this would be a good place to turn around and head back to the comforts of civilization.

 

3)    Friends have invited you on a boat trip from Spain to northern Italy. Do you?

a)    Don your sea-captain's hat, grab a pipe and start practicing your best pirate voice ready for some swashbuckling fun on the high seas.

b)    Politely decline and say you'll meet your friends at their destination.

c)    Worry that the voyage will play havoc with your delicate tummy and that you'll be eaten alive by sharks.

 

4)    What would you do if you were asked to taste some exotic food that is barely recognizable to you?

a)    Chew with gusto and comment that you had always wondered what dried tree lizard and cow's tongue tasted like.

b)    Bravely take a nibble and then pretend that you are not really that hungry.

c)    Ask for a baloney sandwich instead.

 

5)    Have you ever been to an exotic country?

a)    Yes, and I loved the experience. I can't wait to plan my next trip.

b)    No, I'd rather stick with what I know, thank you very much.

c)    Yes of course. I've even been to different galaxies in Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic. Oh, you mean in real life? Definitely not.

 

6)    It's time for your well-deserved annual vacation. Do you?

a)    Close your eyes and put a pin on the map to determine your destination.

b)    Ask your friends for a few ideas. Then ignore them.

c)    Book the same beach resort that you've been to every single year since 1992.

 

7)    You are sitting in a cafe in a foreign country. What do you order?

a)    The local brew, whatever it is.

b)    A cappuccino – well it's a cafe after all.

c)    A glass of still water. Let's not get crazy here…

 

Quiz Answers:

So how well did you do?

Mostly A's – You are a true adventurer; a person in love with the thrill, challenge and excitement of discovering something new.  The world is your oyster and you want to go out and taste and experience as much of it as you can.

Mostly B's – You could have the makings of an adventurer with a little encouragement.  You like the idea and possibilities of exploration, but are a little reticent to dip your toes in the water.

Mostly C's – I am sorry to have bothered you. Please go back to your sofa, tuck into the takeaway pizza and carry on with your channel hopping.

So, if you are a true adventurer what are you waiting for?  It's time to jump in to find out just how much adventure you can handle.

Author: Daniel Pearson

 

Filed under: adventure, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: adventure, travel

Fashion Guest Post: Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

 

DIY PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLING: EZ CURLER

EZ Curler is a revolutionary styling tool designed to give you professional hair salon results in minutes. With the touch of a button, EZ Curler's bi-plated spinning system curls hair up to the roots, without ever having to turn your wrist. Achieve a wide variety of styles from tight ringlets to create soft, tousled waves. $74.99 – www.ezcurler.com

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THE DRESS: EMA SAVAHL

Ema Savahl's collection of handcrafted designs feature unique patterns and form fitting silhouettes that will make heads turn. Celebrity fans include Katy Perry, Sofia Vergara, Amber Lancaster, to name a few.

 

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FOOTWEAR: CARLOS BY CARLOS SANTANA

Fashionable and affordable (under $100) looks to spice up your Valentine's Day ensemble:

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Destiny $89; Jardin $89; Mixer $99; Serrano $89

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Destiny $89; Iconic $99

GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM & HER

 

JEWELRY: FRANCO PIANEGONDA

The price points are affordable starting at just $125, available at fine boutiques nationwide and SAKS Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus stores as well as in their U.S. flagship boutique in Aventura Mall.

Women's Magic Hearts Collection:

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$660; $165; $285; $125

 

Women's Hearts of Gold Collection:

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$4,270; $1,030; $7,250; $1,100

 

MEN'S: Together Forever Collection

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$235; $390 $295; $285

Filed under: beauty, fashion, guest post Tagged: beauty, fashion, valentine's day

Travel Guest Post: Airplane Etiquette 101

Communication Coach Roshini Rajkumar Offers Tips for Friendly Flights Roshini Rajkumar, Communication Coach and founder of Roshini Performance Group, may offer your audience airplane etiquette for the upcoming spring travel season. As we all know, traveling with others on a plane can be a challenge! Roshini offers communication strategies to make yours a pleasant one, along with those seated next to you. After all, nobody wants an Alec Baldwin incident! See below for Roshini's tips on doing your part to keep peace in the air.

Airplane Etiquette 101

•Use your indoor voice.

•Be aware of how much you drink as to not get tipsy or drunk.

•Share the armrest. The rule tends to be the passengers on the aisle and window each get one armrest; the poor soul in the middle gets two.

•If you are on an aisle or window, lean that direction and give the person in the middle more breathing room.

•When reclining your seat, do it slowly and gently as to not smash the person's knees behind you. Remember that, although you want to be as comfortable as possible, the person behind you needs leg room as well.

•Use headphone for electronic devices. People around you do not need to listen to your music or movie.

•Store your carry-on above YOUR row. Do not grab the first overhead bin you see. That space belongs to someone else.

•Dress comfortably, but appropriately. Remember you will be sitting next to strangers and they do not need to look at your cleavage the whole plane ride. Be freshly bathed and avoid strong perfumes and colognes.

•Consider using the bathroom when other folks in your row are using it as well. Avoid making people get in and out of their seats several times.

•The window shade is not a toy. Put it up or leave it down. Do not continue to play with it. If putting it down, ask others in your row they mind. Some passengers might need it open for a sense of calm and safety.

•Cell phones should not be used on a plane. Games and other devices should only be used when deemed appropriate by airplane personnel and with headphones.

•Do not bring food on the plane that will have a strong or lingering smell.

•Wait until your row has arrived to leave the plane. There is no need to jump on and clog the aisles. Waiting patiently, in your seat, will make the deplaning process much easier. •Try your best not to be annoyed with kids on the plane. Parents are trying to best to make the plane ride as peaceful and as enjoyable as possible for both their child and for you.

•Offer polite chitchat with your seatmate, but know when the conversation should end. If your seatmate is trying to read or waiting to work, give them the change to use the time how they would choose.

•Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle. This will help you avoid hitting other passengers as you walk by them.

•Don't grab the seat in front of you when you are getting up from your seat. You will yank the seat back and bother the person in front of you.

When Traveling with Kids

•Bring all the proper gear for feeding, napping, changing, soothing, etc. so their basic needs can always be met without leaving their seat.

Keep your kids busy. Make sure you bring enough activities to keep them happy.

Do not let them continue to kick the seat in front of them or continuously put up and bring down the tray table.

Be prepared to entertain the entire way. This will not be a relaxing flight for you. You will not get to read your book or take a nap.

Author: Roshini Rajkumar.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Travel Guest Post: Gadgets to Keep Your Home Safe While You're Away

ADT home security Indianapolis is the first phrase I searched on Google when I moved into my new home. My job requires me to travel often, and I'm away from for weeks. For me having reliable security is important but even if you don't travel regularly it is important to protect your home and family.

Fortunately, technology has made protecting your home easier and more convenient than it has ever been before. There are a few gadgets available that give you access to your home no matter where you are. Here are a few good ones to check out.

Best Buy

Best Buy offers the Home Management Solutions system that gives you the ability to control your home while you travel. You can get up to five cameras placed on your property that will give you a clear image of what is going. One of the first things a criminal will look for is whether or not the lights are on and if it seems like there's activity going on inside. With the Home Management Solutions system you can set a timer to turn on the lights during the evening when most people are home from work and have them turn off before you go to sleep to give the appearance of you sticking to your regular schedule.

The Home Security Solutions system will even alert you if one of your doors are not locked, and you can adjust the thermostat while away too. Adjusting the thermostat is a great feature because in the winter months you can have the heat off while you're away to save money and turn it on as you commute back to enter a warm house.

Cost efficient option

If you don't have the resources to buy an expensive security system with multiple cameras to guard your home there are alternative options. If you have a computer with a webcam you can buy security programs that will stream the video of your home to your phone. Yawcam is one program that you can install on your computer that is simple to use, and best of all, it is free of charge. It has many of the features that the more expensive programs have too.

Video streaming-Similar to the security cameras you find at the stores you can set up your webcam to give you a view of home to make sure everything is good.
Snapshots-You can get snapshots sent to you via email if you see someone in your home that shouldn't be there, and you can take the necessary course of action.
Schedule-You can set the time you would like to record from and have it turn off when a family member gets home.
Motion detection-You may not be able to see the intruder on cam but you will be alerted when someone is in your home.

With these home security gadgets you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you can keep an eye on your home no matter where you are.

Author: Meagan Brown

Filed under: guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: home safety, travel safe

Contest: Win a Romantic Trip to New Mexico!

Win a romantic getaway to celebrate Valentine's Day in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque, New Mexico was recently recognized as one of the Top Five Places to Pop the Question, being in a hot air balloon, of course. Wanderlust listed Albuquerque's signature experience of flying high above the city in a balloon as a top romantic experience. This year, a lucky winner will get to experience that romance first hand with a Valentine's Day getaway for two.

Albuquerque is known as the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World. This designation encompasses much more than nine days each October during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloons fly nearly 300 days each year in Albuquerque, and ballooning enthusiasts have participated in the Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally since 1976 over Valentine's Day weekend. During this year's balloon rally, a lucky winner and their guest will be passengers in one of 100 participating balloons.

The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is running a contest to give away a romantic Valentine's package including:

· Two nights of accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque

· A balloon ride for two people at the Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally on February 11-12

· A $200 Visa card that can be used for a romantic dinner, shopping, airfare or gas.

Enter online at www.ItsATrip.org/valentines.

Contest entries much be received by 11:59pm MST on January 31st. The contest winner will be drawn on February 1, 2012 and must be available to fly at 7am on either February 11th or 12th.

Sample tweet: #Win a balloon ride to @see_albuquerque for #ValentinesDay. Enter by 1/31/12 at http://bit.ly/xjgdcD.

A variety of Valentine's Day hotel and restaurant specials and events are also taking place throughout the city. In addition to the balloon rally, sweethearts can get together for a salsa dance competition, festive 5K runs, or even a mating tour at the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

On Saturday, February 11th, the Old Town Sweetheart Stroll celebrates love with "sweetheart deals" from merchants, Valentine's Day dinner packages from 5-9pm and a lovely ambience to stroll with that special someone throughout the evening. Galleries and shops will have extended hours and live entertainment will take place throughout Old Town.

February 11th will also provide a non-traditional look at the complex dance that is love in the animal kingdom with several events at the ABQ BioPark. Indulge your animal instincts with special tours about the exotic, erotic and often curious romantic rituals of animals. Adults may choose from three tours: "Birds and the Beasts" at the Zoo, "Love Bugs" at the Botanic Garden and "That's a Moray!" at the Aquarium.

Details of Valentine's weekend events, hotel packages and romantic meals are all available at www.itsatrip.org/deals-packages/getaw....

Filed under: adventure, holiday, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: new mexico, romance

Travel Guest Post: Must See Art Exhibitions in 2012

London is one of the best places in the world to see pieces of art, as the city centre is filled with museums and galleries. As well as permanent displays, visitors will be able to make the most of temporary exhibitions – and in 2012, there are plenty to put in your diary.

This year, there are more reasons than ever to book a stay in London cheap hotels, as the capital's biggest galleries are holding new displays over the next 12 months.

Picasso and Modern British Art at Tate Britain

One exhibition that you are sure to not want to miss while on a trip to the city is the Picasso and Modern British Art event, being put on at Tate Britain.

If you come to the gallery between February 15th and July 15th, you'll have the chance to see some of Pablo Picasso's most acclaimed pieces of art.

The event also looks at the influence of the Spanish artist on British painters throughout the 20th century.

You will be able to learn about the painter's reputation around the world, as well as take a look at the work of other artists who were inspired by Picasso, including Henry Moore, Francis Bacon and Duncan Grant.

Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy at The Queen's Gallery

For those keen on going further back in art history, the exhibition entitled Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy could be of interest.

This is being put on at the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace and visitors will have the chance to take a look at some of the artist's most famous drawings of human anatomy, including A Skull Sectioned and Studies of the Foetus in the Womb.

These fascinating sketches will give attendees a better idea of the accuracy of the drawings, as well as an insight into the type of work being produced during the Renaissance period.

Yoko Ono at the Serpentine Gallery

If you're looking for a different type of exhibition to visit this year, you might be keen on heading to the Serpentine Gallery between June 19th and September 9th.

This is because it is putting on a display of art produced by Yoko Ono. While you might be more familiar with Ono as being the widow of The Beatles' John Lennon – as well as a musician, writer and peace activist – she is also a talented artist, and this exhibition is an excellent opportunity to see some of her works.

The display comes as part of the London 2012 Festival, which will see the entire city celebrating cultural achievements in the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in the capital this summer.

Yoko Ono at the Serpentine Gallery is the first exhibition in London dedicated to Ono in over a decade, so this could be an excellent opportunity to see her art, in addition to displays about her influence on music and film.

There is a wide variety of exhibitions to see in London this year, so make sure you take time to choose which ones you visit wisely.

You might wish to take in a lot of displays during your trip, or combine presentations of classic artists with lesser-known ones. Whatever you decide to do, you are sure to have an enjoyable time hopping between the capital's most famous galleries, soaking up the city's rich culture.

Filed under: art, guest post, london