Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 232

Travel Guest Post: How to Save on Dining Out

Enough with the home-cooked meals. It's time to get out of the house and let someone else prepare your food for a change.

In response to tight budgets, frugal advisers have recommended for some time now that we stay at home to save money. But such deprivation grows old fast, so maybe it's time to consider these six tips to help you spread your dining wings without crash landing your budget.

1. FourSquare Deals

Members check-in to various locations on their mobile phones using this service, but did you know you can also receive offers for freebies and discounts simply by letting FourSquare know where you are? Check out a recent segment on FOX & Friends for a "how to" on using the app for restaurant savings.

2. Track Daily Deals

Restaurants are one of the most common frequenters of daily deal offerings, so it pays to keep an eye out for vouchers that can greatly reduce the cost of dining at a new or favored eatery. Just make sure you read the small print and are aware of expiration dates and exclusions. For example, most restaurant vouchers don't include drinks.

3. Get Happy

Eating early isn't just for our elders. Happy hour ad early bird deals have become more common as restaurants try to fill in slow-traffic times. For example, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill offers full-size appetizers for under $5 before 6 p.m., plus $3 drink specials.

4. Split It Up

American restaurants usually overload our plates — unless they're into nuvo cuisine — so there's often enough food for two in a single order. You can cut your costs down to around $20 by simply sharing an appetizer, entree and dessert with a friend or date.

5. Gift Yourself

We tend to think of gift cards in terms of what we can offer others, but they're actually very useful for individual purchases. Sites like GiftCardGranny.com let you purchase gift cards for several restaurants at a discounted rate, yielding immediate savings of up to 50 percent.

6. MatchPin

If you live in one of nine major cities, you might download the free MatchPin app. Membership brings you offers, rewards, contests and announcements from a variety of local restaurants.

Author: Andrea Woroch is a 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.

For all media inquiries, please contact Andrea Woroch at 970-672-6085 or email andrea@kinoliinc.com.

Filed under: food, guest post Tagged: dining out, food #savemoney [image error]

Travel Guest Post: Top Gourmet Cities to Visit in France

From baguettes and croissants to cheese and champagne – France is famous worldwide for its food and drink. While Lyon is the food capital of France, Paris is home to some excellent restaurants in the country. This article gives other top gourmet cities of France for food lovers to visit.

French cuisine is also hugely popular the world over. Food lovers from the UK can board a Dover Calais ferry and visit this country for some gastronomic delights. There are many  delights on offer for travellers visiting by France ferries and they

would definitely love to taste some of the famous French dishes. A wonderful

breakfast of breads and croissants, Bouillabaisse for starters and for lunch a

main dish of Foie Gras, Cassoulet, Confit de Canard and salads, followed by a

choice of cheeses is sure to give a unique treat to the taste buds. Mousse au

chocolat for dessert and some sparkling wine would add icing to the cake. Here

are some of the top cities to visit in France to get a true taste of France.

Lyon - The southern city of Lyon is the gastronomic capital of

France. The city may be two thousand years old but the food cooked up in its

cosy bouchon restaurants is as fresh as can be. Yes, as Lyon is located near

the major agricultural regions of France, the city gets a steady supply of

excellent fresh produce. Local dishes include sausage and St Marcellin cheese.

Bordeaux - This is a must-visit place for foodies who would love to

taste some superb food. The famous foods of this region include a special dish

made with local Pauillac lamb, oysters from Arcachon or steak with Bordelaise

sauce. Lamproie a la Bordelaise is the famous seafood, which is eel cooked in

red wine.

Dijon – Dijon is famous for its food and wine. Gingerbread and

crème de cassis are the specialities of this place. The famous Kir cocktail,

made by adding blackberries to white wine or Champagne also originated from

this city. Dijon also hosts the annual food fair "Foire

Gastronomique" in October, which attracts thousands of food lovers from

across the world.

Bayonne - The traditionally prepared famous Bayonne ham is popular

worldwide for its distinct flavour and gorgeous colour. Apart from cured Hams,

chocolate and red peppers from nearby Espelette are the other special offerings

of this place.

Toulouse – Toulouse offers some of the best traditional dishes of

Midi Pyrenees with great French wines from regional vineyards. There are many

restaurants here that satisfy both appetite and taste buds. Cheap and popular

is the Saucisse de Toulouse. Other specialities include garbure, haute-Garonne

Cassoulet, and foie gras served with crouton.

 

Filed under: food, france, guest post Tagged: ferries in france, france ferries [image error]

Travel Guest Post: 4 Unique Winter Break Activites

Looking for an unusual and inspiring winter break idea? Look no further. We've put together 4 great suggestions that are certain to give you a memory-making winter trip.

1.Dog sledding

This is one of the best ways to take in the snowy surroundings as well as giving you an unforgettable holiday experience. You don't need to be overly athletic, as the dogs do most of the work for you. You can find husky safaris or dog sledding adventures in a number of different countries namely, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Canada. You'll also be able to

choose from a range of different ability levels- from easy, short trips to longer, more challenging expeditions.

2.The northern lights

The northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that draws travelers from across the globe. The ethereal, color-changing spectacle is caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. There are a number of places where you can go to seek out the lights in the cold northern latitudes – most commonly in Greenland and arctic Scandinavia. There are many tours available which will take you directly to the best places to spot this natural light show. Although it's not guaranteed you'll see them, the effect if you do is sure to be jaw-dropping.

3.Tobogganing

Unleash your inner child by enjoying an adrenalin-filled toboggan run. Both natural and man-made toboggan runs can be found in many ski resorts across Europe. Some even have illuminated runs to provide thrilling night time rides. Toboggan runs can vary in size and

steepness, so if you're taking a family make sure that the run at your resort

is suitable for children. The runs are usually groomed every day and are manned

by experienced staff, making them a safer way to get that toboggan thrill.

4.Ice hotel

Ever fancied waking up in an igloo? Well, now you can get ever closer to the arctic landscape by spending a night in your own ice palace. The original ice hotel, the world's largest, is based in Jukka, Sweden – 140 miles north of the Arctic Circle. There are different rooms to choose from, from a simple snow suite up to a decorative ice-sculpted 'art

suite'. Alongside the sub-zero accommodation, there's also warm, cozy chalet

accommodation and it's recommended you spend time in both.

And finally…

Remember, although beautiful and serene, a winter wonderland can also be treacherous if you don't take ample care. Make sure you pack appropriate footwear and sufficient clothing for the freezing weather and don't head out into bleak landscapes alone or without the proper equipment.  Also, make sure you take out travel insurance

before setting off.  Be aware that certain activities may not automatically be covered under a standard policy, so if you're planning specific winter sports or activities – check to make sure your chosen policy will cover them.

Author: Munveer Garcha

Filed under: adventure, europe, guest post, holiday, luxury, outdoors, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: dog sledding, northern lights, winter wonderland

Travel Guest Post: 4 Practical Tips for the Solo Traveler

There's something empowering about traveling alone—it can be a very liberating experience and is something I recommend everyone adds to their bucket list. But no matter if you are male or female, traveling solo can be intimidating, not to mention that it does come with more safety risks. If you are considering going on your own adventure, make sure you follow these tips before jet setting.

1. Notify Someone of Your Destination. By far the most important task you must check off your to-do list is tell somewhere where you're going. It doesn't matter if it's a friend or family member, but someone needs to know of your whereabouts. Tell them exactly what country, city, providence etc. you are traveling to. You also want to give them details about what hotel you are staying at and let them know what day you are suppose to return from your trip. In case something happens and you don't return on time, they'll know where to start looking for you.

2. Do Research. Because you'll be traveling alone, you may be subject to ploys by scammers and con artists. Do thorough research about everything, including the average price for a taxi ride from the airport to your hotel. You don't want to get jipped for your money. While on this topic, you also don't want to make it public knowledge that you are in fact alone—when traveling to a museum for example, and the taxi driver asks if you're by yourself, say you're going to meet up some friends or family members.

You also want to do research about the way your host city/country typically dresses. You don't want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself by wearing flashy or provocative clothing. Dressing accordingly will help you blend better and will make you feel more comfortable to explore. Whatever you do, you don't want to scream "tourist." So don't constantly keep your nose in your guidebook and lose the fanny pack.

3. Bring Multiple Forms of Identification. It's every traveler's worst nightmare to go to an exotic location only to lose their passport or I.D. Since accidents do happen, you want to make sure that you bring with you multiple forms of identification so that you can prove who you are. And of course, don't keep all of these forms in your wallet or purse for example. If it gets stolen, then you're up a creek without a paddle.

4. Use Your Intuition. Lastly, while you want to make sure that you don't voluntarily put yourself in a bad predicament because you made a bad judgment call, i.e. you walked down a dark alley, trusted the wrong person, or got too wasted—in fact, drinking is fun but can get you into a whole heap of trouble if you aren't familiar with the people or your surroundings. Bottom line, if something seems sketchy, trust your instincts. Also, also be aware of your surroundings—keep seeing the same person surround you? Go to a public area immediately and alert authorities.

Like stated before, traveling alone can be a really fun, self-discovery experience–think a la Eat Pray Love. Just make sure that you don't let your guard down too much and take safety measures to ensure you return in tip top shape.

Author: This guest post is contributed by Lauren Bailey, who regularly writes for best online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99 @gmail.com.

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

Travel Guest Post: Honeymoon Holidays Vietnamese Style

Deciding where to go on a honeymoon holiday is not always an easy choice so why not go for something a little bit different. Vietnam is fast becoming an incredibly popular holiday destination and is perfect for honeymooners and indeed families alike. This mysterious and wondrous land offers everything a newlywed couple could want – fantastic beaches, stunning interior forests, mountains and lowlands as well as the bustling metropolises of Hanoi and the UNESCO protected town of Hoi An.

As a country whose geography follows a relatively slender, linear course travelling across Vietnam rewards tourists with an ever changing physical and cultural landscape. Although touring the whole country in one go would be a near impossible task particularly popular attractions include; in the north the capital of Hanoi and the famous Halong Bay; Hoi An and Da Nang in the central provinces and Nha Trang, Phan Tiet and Saigon in the south. The country has over 3,000 km of coastline, running almost its entire length, so honeymooners will not want for lack of picturesque shores or soft sands. Spread across this extensive geographical spectrum Vietnam actually experiences a number of diverse microclimates which can bring cool weather and frosts to the mountains of the north and soaring 40 degree temperatures to the communities of the south. Overall the best months to visit Vietnam are April, May and October although if you intend to spend much of your time in the south then anytime between October and February should provide drier and pleasantly cooler (though still warm) conditions.

When contemplating a Vietnamese honeymoon the best thing to do is to start by considering how much you actually want to travel or whether you would be content to simply enjoy a more intimate experience of just one or two locations during your stay. Those seeking culture should perhaps spend a few days in Hanoi's old quarter and then head down south to Hoi An. Or if you are simply seeking, sun, sand and relaxation then you may be better off journeying to the up and coming island resort of Phu Quo or more established destinations such as Phan Thiet, Mui Ne or Nha Trang.  If you are a champion of maritime history or simply appreciate stunning natural beauty then a trip to the renowned Halong Bay for a cruise in your own private junk boat is certainly recommended.

In regards to accommodation; one particularly favoured property for honeymooners is the Six Senses Con Dao, which is only a 45 minute flight from Saigon, just off the south east coat of Vietnam. The resort is located on Con Son which is the largest of the islands in the Con Dao archipelago. The hotel is situated on a beautiful long stretch of beach, a halo of white sand which gives way to the dense and verdant foliage of the islands' interior forests.

The Six Senses was only opened in 2010 and was specifically constructed sympathetically to the fragile environment of Con Son. The resort is comprised of 50 villas nestled along the stunning private beach each of which can enjoy breathtaking sea views. All of the structures have been crafted using natural and sustainable resources, with a majority of the materials sourced locally on the island. The public reception rooms as well as the personal guest suites have been appointed to the highest standard featuring authentic carvings, crafts and artifacts.

The villas offer a private retreat for honeymooners, as each one features its own infinity pool and spectacular panoramas of the East Vietnam Sea.  They also enjoy a terrace as well as all the modern luxuries one might expect such as TV, DVD and iPod docking. The hotel also boasts its own spa where honeymooners can choose from a range of holistic treatments, applied by experienced and dedicated staff.

Vietnam is an ideal destination for honeymooners and promises the perfect backdrop to celebrate the union of two loving people. A world of incredible beauty, fascinating culture, mystery, intrigue and romance; for a memorable honeymoon Vietnam certainly offers the full package.

Author: Craig is an experienced travel writer who believes that a honeymoon holiday to Vietnam provides the ultimate romantic break.

Filed under: guest post, holiday, honeymoon, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: holiday, honeymoon, Vietnam

Travel Guest Post: Travel Tips for Expecting Parents

Dear Expecting Parents:

Before you dive into the world of dirty diapers and sleepless nights, take advantage of your current freedom and go on a babymoon! This pre-baby vacation helps you connect as a couple while relaxing and rejuvenating before the stress of parenthood hits. If you're planning on having more than one child, make sure you take an extra long babymoon, since you may not have the luxury of traveling sans children for many more years.

Consider the following tips to ensure comfort, value and fun as you plan this important getaway.

1. Travel During Your Second Trimester

This is the most comfortable part of your pregnancy. Hopefully morning sickness has passed and your growing belly isn't making you feel like you're coming apart at the seams. Keep in mind, however, that some cruise lines won't sell tickets to women who are pregnant beyond 24 weeks, so check out this comprehensive list of cruise line policies before booking.

2. Visit Child-unfriendly Locations

Find a location you won't visit when children are part of your family. For example, a Disney Cruise is easy to do with little ones, but a spa and shopping mall is next to impossible with a toddler. A two-hour flight is relatively easy with children, but a flight to Hawaii or overseas will bring parents to their breaking point.

3. Eat Together

Plan plenty of quiet meals with your partner and cherish those uninterrupted adult conversations. It gets significantly harder to have a relaxing meal when a toddler is throwing food and screaming at the dinner table.

4. Visit a Spa

During your second trimester, you can again indulge in a relaxing massage and planning this during the beginning of your babymoon will help set the tone for the rest of your trip. Pedicures are also great, since it will soon be increasingly difficult for you to reach your toes.

5. Use Gift Cards

Save on your babymoon costs and buy gift cards at a discounted rate for your airfare, hotel stay, dining, car rental and spa treatments. Sites like GiftCardGranny.com have hundreds of travel-related discount gift cards for purchase, from airlines to bed and breakfast websites. Remember to buy your gift cards a couple weeks in advance to account for order processing and mailing time.

6. Be Adult-only Active

Participate in adult-only activities, such as going to a movie, dancing the night away, visiting museums, catching a theater show, going to a sporting event, or eating in a nice restaurant. Basically, think of everything you would not do with a squirmy toddler in tow, then plan on doing those things. Read "8 Best Babymoon Trips" from Parents Magazine for destination ideas.

7. HAVE FUN!

Delight in being adults; you have plenty of years ahead to enjoy being a kid with your kid. Take advantage of this time to do grown-up activities.

Author:

Maisie Knowles is a working mother of two with three-year's experience writing on parenting and partner issues.

For all media inquiries, please contact Maisie Knowles at 970-672-1136 or email maisie@kinoliinc.com.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Guest Post: Relationship Reset- 10 Ways to Weed Out Relationships That Won't Work

It's been a rough few years. As a nation we've lost many things. Jobs. Companies. Homes. Retirement funds. A sense of security. Here in the post-Madoff, post-Great Recession era, many of us have even lost our faith in the bedrock American certainty that old-fashioned hard work leads to a comfortable and happy life. These are surely losses worth grieving. And yet, as we pick through the rubble of our old lives, many of us are discovering some pretty remarkable gifts, says psychologist and author Susan Apollon.

Most notably, we've come to realize that our relationships with loved ones mean far more than driving the right car and living in the right house ever could. "When the trappings of materialism fall away, we can see that true joy and satisfaction are found in meaningful time spent with our partner, our children, our friends, and even our pets," says Apollon, author of Touched by the Extraordinary, Book Two: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope. "Most of us know that intellectually, but it can take a little nudge to realize it on a heart and soul level."

Our attachment to material things—and our dogged pursuit of them—has a way of distracting us from the people we are supposedly working so hard for, she points out. But when circumstances change, we come to see that what we thought was so important really isn't. This can be a shocking, and deeply gratifying, wake-up call. "Since they're not working 60-hour weeks anymore, husbands and wives are rediscovering the pleasures of shared time together," Apollon points out. "Children love the fact that their parents are now able to attend their school and sports events. Friends are enjoying weekend visits. And while, yes, people may need to look for a new job, they realize they're no longer willing to sacrifice these deeper relationships in the process.

"What's fascinating is that these are lessons similar to those people learn when they're facing their own death or the death of a loved one," she adds. That said, these challenging times are a blessing and an opportunity. Even if your economic reality hasn't changed—and very few people have been totally unaffected by the events of the past several years—now is the perfect time to take stock of your relationships."We all have limited time," notes Apollon. "We all need to think about whether we are spending ours on the right relationships—whether those relationships are related to our work, our social life, or whatever. To the greatest extent possible, we need to be sure we're choosing our relationships and not enduring them out of obligation."

In other words, before you can fully focus on creating meaningful relationships, you need to weed out the ones that aren't working—those that are draining your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Here's how:

First, get clear on what your values are. Really spend some time thinking about how you want to live your life and what you look for in others. Trustworthiness? Honesty? Mutual respect? Forgiveness? It might help to write out a list. When you have consciously identified what is important to you, what feels right, and what makes you feel comfortable and safe, you'll be able to determine whether those things are present in your relationships. If you've never really given much thought to your own values, your intuition won't be developed enough to zero in on the red flags.Here's how it works, says Apollon: your thoughts are energy, and energy vibrates. When you're interacting with another person, you intuitively sense his or her energy. When you're clear on your own values, you'll know whether the two of you are a good fit. You'll feel safe, and the relationship will feel authentic."Knowing yourself—and also accepting and honoring who you are—will enable you to feel good about yourself," Apollon promises. "What's more, you'll feel more comfortable trusting that still, small guiding voice within you."

Start paying attention to how people make you feel. Chances are, at some point in your life, you've met another person who just didn't feel "right," even though you might not have been able to put your finger on why. Maybe you called it a gut feeling, a premonition, or intuition, but you simply knew deep down that this relationship wouldn't go anywhere good. According to Apollon, trusting such feelings is usually a smart idea even if there is no "rational" reason to do so. "When you're with someone and you start to feel uncomfortable—edgy or ill at ease—pay attention," she urges. "How many times have you ignored that feeling because you wanted to trust someone else, only to regret it when you found yourself in a toxic or draining relationship? It is so important that you listen to your own inner wisdom, especially if you are beginning to notice that something does not feel right deep within your core."

Listen with your heart, not your ears. Whether you've just met someone or are spending time with a friend, coworker, or acquaintance you've known for years, really listen during your conversation. According to Apollon, that doesn't just mean using your ears—it also means using your heart. In other words, look for a lack of congruity between the words being said and the way those words make you feel. "When someone is trying to lie to you, betray you, or fool you—whether they're malicious or 'just' telling a white lie—you can usually tell," asserts Apollon. "Try to get into the habit of assessing yourself physically and emotionally on a regular basis. How are you feeling? Are you off-balance, is your energy dropping, or do you not feel totally 'there'? Remember, when your values are aligned with another's, you'll feel good. And also, keep in mind that a disagreement in this area doesn't necessarily mean that another person is bad…just bad for you."

Ignore popular opinion and trust your higher self. You might think, Everyone else just loves the new guy at work, but he rubs me the wrong way. What am I not seeing? Or perhaps, On paper this high-profile client seems perfect for our company…so why does signing this contract make me feel so nervous? Instead of wondering what you're misinterpreting, trust yourself. Whether it's a person, idea, or choice at stake, when you trust what you know intuitively, things will work out for the best—even if you can't see how at the moment. "Realize, though, that first you need to love and honor yourself," says Apollon. "This is the basis for all peace and happiness. Once you love and honor yourself, you'll be able to trust yourself rather than second-guessing that you know what's right for you. It does take practice, though—you may be working to reroute a behavior that's been ingrained for years."

Don't feel bad about letting relationships that don't work fall away. As you begin to get more comfortable with trusting what your intuition tells you, you'll inevitably identify relationships that are unhealthy. (Again, another person or group can be bad for you without being inherently bad itself!) Your first instinct might be to try to "make it work"—after all, no one wants to hurt another's feelings unnecessarily. Realize, though, that it's okay to extract yourself from a negative relationship, or at least to back off and relate to the person on a more superficial level."You're not betraying or dishonoring the other party—you're honoring yourself," says Apollon. "This is something we all need to do more often."

Practice the fine art of forgiveness. If you've ever realized that a relationship was bad for you—especially if the other party treated you with malice, disrespect, or spite—you might have walked away with hard feelings. First, acknowledge your anger or resentment. Then, get rid of it through forgiveness. Refusing to forgive other people for their wrongs (or for what you perceive as their wrongs) is one of the most toxic acts a person can commit against herself, while forgiveness is a function of love, says Apollon. "Forgiveness doesn't stop with other people," she adds. "You must also forgive yourself for any mistakes you think you may have made, including selling yourself short by accepting a less-than-ideal relationship. It may help to remind yourself that right now we are all exactly where we are supposed to be on our spiritual journeys. That doesn't mean you should stop striving to improve the aspects of yourself you know need work. It does mean realizing you are human."

Pamper yourself regularly (wine, chocolate, and massages encouraged!). Think about it this way, says Apollon: if you are frazzled, tired, and overextended, how are you really going to be able to show other people genuine concern, compassion, and love? In order to be a fair partner in a relationship, you need to have a good stock of energy and positive emotions. And that means taking good care of yourself. In other words, make sure you eat healthy (and delicious!) foods, get out in the fresh air and exercise, and allow yourself plenty of spirit-nourishing downtime. Regularly allow yourself little treats that make you feel calm and happy: a bubble bath, a coffee break, a walk in the woods, or a rejuvenating nap (preferably in high-thread-count sheets!). "People tend to think they 'should' deny themselves and lavish attention on others, but they're wrong," says Apollon. "You are God's creation just like everyone else. Why wouldn't you honor yourself? You really can't love others if you don't first love yourself. You are your most significant other. Do not forget this—ever!"

Visualize and expect better relationships. You've heard of the Law of Attraction: like energy attracts like energy. If you spend time obsessing over the relationships in your life that aren't going so well, you'll end up attracting even more negative people and situations. On the flip side, if you think positive thoughts, you will attract positive things, people, and events into your life. That's why it's so important to be clear about your intentions. You need to decide what a healthy, comfortable relationship looks like for you and keep that picture in your mind. "What we focus on causes us to 'vibrate' at a particular level," Apollon explains. "Thus, focusing on thoughts or images that make us feel good—like our favorite people, or how we feel when we're with our best friends—will enable us to be at a higher level energetically and, consequently, will draw to us a higher level of vibrational experience. You can also send out a simple prayer to God or to the Universe that you're seeking to be connected to more positive people, and make sure you do so with a sense of expectation and gratitude."

Practice positivity. The Law of Attraction isn't just limited to what you visualize for the future; it also applies to how you're behaving right now. Specifically, frequent complaints and negativity breed more of the same. Remember that every morning when you wake up, the ball is in your court in regards to how you want to spend your day. If you exude bitterness, anger, or self-pity, you may be bringing those around you down, too. Indeed, it's possible that some of the people in your life are right and healthy for you, but that you are poisoning the relationship with constant negativity. "Make a conscious choice to surround those people with love," Apollon advises. "By putting a smile on your face and greeting someone else with a cheerful, 'Hi! Glad to see you!' you can set the tone for your interaction, as well as change your energy and the energy of those around you."

Take time to nurture the good relationships. Yes, it's certainly worth your time, energy, and intentions to improve less-than-healthy relationships and to attract wonderful new people into your life. But don't forget about the family members and friends who have been sources of joy and inspiration for you all along! Be sure to give these relationships regular "maintenance." Make a point to spend meaningful time with those you love. Don't just go through the motions or put in face time—really connect on a heart-to-heart level! "Happiness can come only from embracing unconditional love as often as possible," says Apollon. "Whether you give your spouse a hug and a kiss or reach out to a good friend you haven't seen in awhile, you'll let the other person know that they are important to you…something all of us need for a more meaningful and beautiful life!" "If you use this current 'slump' as an opportunity to focus on attracting and cultivating good relationships, you might look back at it as one of the best times of your life—a period that was filled with positive growth and increasing joy," Apollon concludes. "Make a real effort to focus on loving feelings. The peace that follows will take you away from painful memories and fears that cloud your day-to-day existence. Find the unconditional love that has survived in your heart, and you will be amazed at the new and joyful places it will lead you."

If you would like to win a copy of this book, "like" this post or leave a comment below.

Filed under: books, guest post [image error]

Travel Guest Post: Travel with the Stars

If you can't be a star, join them.

Hotels and villas

Richard Branson: Necker Island (British Virgin Islands)

The goateed man behind Virgin, Richard Branson has opened up his home on his private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands to visitors. It's all his, and you can get exclusive use – rooms in the Great House, as well as the six Bali Houses scattered around the 74-acre island – for $54,500 a night (for up to 28 people). Prices at least include all meals, all drinks as well as service from the 60 staff members. If you're on your own, couples can book during are a handful of 'celebration weeks' when individual rooms are available (from $26,500 a week). Best are the Bali Houses, each coming with a private pool, open bedrooms catching sea breeze and private beaches.

Keith Richards: Rocky Point Villa (Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos)

For beach-time luxury, Keef really does home here – it's just one of a series of celeb-studded three-bedroom villas with big sundecks, private pool and butler service in the Turks & Caicos that start at $10 million if you're looking to buy. To rent, it runs $8100 a week in peak season, but $4500 from June through October.

Kate Pierson of the B-52s: Lazy Meadow (Woodstock, New York)

Far far far more economical – and funky – is Kate Pierson of the B-52′s boutique hotel, a renovated '50s cabin complex a couple hours from New York City in the Catskills. Rates start at $175 a night. Each cabin was decorated by the artists who lent their colorful home for the B-52′s 'Love Shack' video, and there are '50s-era Airstream Trailers to rent out too. There's nearby streams, hiking trails and towns to explore.

Doris Day: Cypress Inn (Carmel, California)

Most equate Carmel with former mayor Clint Eastwood, but Doris 'Que Sera Sera' Day calls it home too. Airy, terra-cotta hallways give a Mediterranean feel to this historic hotel, open since 1929. And Doris' seriously pet-tastic rules (quote open to canine guests) is quite, um, 'que sera sera' too.

Clint Eastwood: Mission Ranch (Carmel, California)

Speaking of Clint, his Carmel ranch features a complex of 1850s buildings spread across sea-facing fields in Carmel too. There's some surprising deals from $135 a night for a room in the ranch house.

Francis Ford Coppola: Coppola Resorts (Belize & others)

Coppola's not just in it for the tourist dough, he steps in to help rebuild communities. Highly regarded resorts like Placencia, Belize's Turtle Inn are made from hurricane-wrecked predecessors transformed into a dose of paradise, with nice beaches and diving opportunities. Summer rates start at $285.

 

Restaurants and bars

We all know about Bobby DeNiro's Nobu sushi francise (seriously, he's even opened one in the world's most remote English-speaking city, Perth), so we've focused on a few you might have missed:

Mike Dirnt of Green Day: Rudy Can't Fail Cafe (Oakland, CA)

The recently opened second rock'n'roll themed café – named for a Clash song – is set next to the historic Fox Theater in Oakland's rising 'Uptown' neighborhood, which was pretty much a ghost town a few years ago. Makes sense to co-owner Mike Dirnt (Green Day's bassist), who was born in town. It's a bit of a '50s throw-back, with thematic dolls and a hearty gamut of diner fare.

Morgan Freeman: Ground Zero Blues Club (Clarksdale, Mississippi)

Near the fabled crossroads – down on Highway 61, where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul for guitar prowess – Clarksdale is a slightly worn Delta town with a heavy dose of blues and barbecue. (April's Juke Joint festival is a sidewalk-spiller scene of ribs and blues bands; unreal). The town's focal point, right by the tracks, is the paint-peeling brick building known as Ground Zero, a blues bar co-owned by Morgan Freeman. It's only 10, but looks 80 – in all the right ways.

Carlos Santana: Maria Maria (Walnut Creek & San Diego, CA; Austin, TX)

The Grammy-winning guitarist named his mini chain (four locations) of modern Mexican fare after his hit song. Food makes regulars forget any celeb connection, though if they look closely at the artist signature they can remember (Carlos' art decorates the walls).

 
Shops and clubs

Jack White: Third Man Records (Nashville)

Jack Whites – of White Stripes (and 'Cold Mountain' let's not forget) fame – opened this record shop in Nashville a couple years ago. He won't likely be manning the register when you go by, but it's clearly a business true to his unique aesthetic and something he means. It recently starred on the Comedy Central TV show, the Colbert Report, where the mock-conservative talking head recorded with the label's band Black Belles. (See Jack hold his own with Colbert.)

Dave Eggers: 826 Valencia (San Francisco)

Eclectic author, the guy behind the ever-artful McSweeney's literary journal, created this not-for-profit writing center/shop to inspire youth to write in San Francisco's Mission District. It's also a shop, famed for its pirate supplies for the 'working buccaneer.' When all else fails, what's wrong with a little fun and a lot of inspiration? See Eggers talk, nervously, on how he started it for TED Talks.

Susan Sarandon: SPiN (New York City)

She doesn't know how to play ping pong, or really care to learn, but sees her ownership role of the star-studded ping-pong club in Manhattan as something like 'Miss Kitty' from the TV show Gunsmoke. Why though? She said, after getting beaten in China, she likes any sport where a little girl can beat a tough guy. It's as much playing as, the site confesses, drinking or people-watching. The catch is to play you must apply for membership – starting at $65 a month (the application requires self-evaluation at ping-pong skills, a seven-tiered rating from 'embarrassing' to 'professional').

Carly Simon: Midnight Farm (Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts)

In Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard – the town that still makes boats, true to the island salty past – Carly Simon co-owns the shop Midnight Farm, a precious little shop that covers most bases: wall art, sundresses, hand creams, books, and signed copies of Carly's CDs (her music always makes the website).

 

Author: This article was contributed by Lonely Planet.

Filed under: adventure, food, holiday, luxury, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: celebrity, keith richards, martha's vineyard, necker island, new york, richard branson, turks & caicos [image error]

Travel: Think Pink for October

October is breast cancer awareness month. The American Cancer Society states the chance of a woman having breast cancer sometime in her life is about one in eight.  Check out these pink items that will not only make travel easier and more stylish for you, but benefits a great cause. Our top picks:

HEALTH

E'mergen-C pink Lemonade, For every $11. box sold, .20 is donated to The Keep a Breast Foundation. Emergenc.com

BEAUTY

Sonia Kashuk Proudly Pink 5 Travel Brush Set from SoniaKashuk.com. 15% to BCRF.

Precision in Pink tweezers from $20. @ Tweezerman.com. $1. to Komen and Cancer for Careers.

OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Polish. $9. @ OPI.com. $20,000 to Komen.

China Glaze Live in Coulour Nail Polish @ ChinaGlaze.com.

FASHION

Pink Eddie Ballet Flats from ToryBirch.com, $178. 15% to BCRF.

Pink Liberation Bracelet by HauteBetts.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Read Pink Collection by Penguin.com. $8. each, $25,000 to BCRF.

Pink Playing Cards $4. @ bicyclecards.com. .15 cents per sale to BCRF.

TRAVEL SUPPLIES

Master Lock Speed Dial Lock, $9. on amazon.com, $25,000 to BCRF.

Warriors in Pink Travel Mug, $18. FordCares.com 100% to Komen.

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Tote $135 @ RalphLauren.com. 10% benefits the Pink Pony Fund.

Mini Pink Pony Handbag $45 @ Ralphlaurent.com. 10% benefits the Pink Pony Fund.

Filed under: charity, travel Tagged: breast cancer awareness, charity, pink

Travel Guest Post: Holiday in the Flowery Land

Florida flowers by Kathern Welsh.

Florida holidays 

It seems that travellers to Florida can't help but give the State a nickname; La Florida, as it was christened by the earliest package tour operator (the Spanish Empire) means the flowery land – and Florida likes to live up to its reputation.  Better known today as the Sunshine State – again the area likes to live up to its promises – it could also be called the 'best of all worlds' land'.  If Disney World holidays conjure up images of hyperactive children fuelled on a diet of sticky, messy junk food and oversized Mickey Mouse wannabes sweltering in the tropical sun, think again.  OK, Florida is well known for its theme parks – but there is far more to the State than meets the eye.  Disney holidays in 2012 are a great option for families – offering plenty of fun and activity for the kids.  But Florida holidays can also offer so much more.

Historic sites

Florida has, like many strategically important locations, a very varied history indeed.  Its tropical climate made it popular with native tribes as did its abundant natural resources.  In modern times the State has been variously administered by the French, Spanish, British and ultimately the US, although not necessarily in that order.  The state boasts the oldest continually-inhabited European city, St Augustine, on mainland US soil with its own historical attractions.  These include the Castillo de San Marcos, once the refuge from invading British troops.  Highly prized for both its location and climate, Florida continues to attract invasions of visitors from all over the world.  The different historical influences give the region its own peculiar feel and its own character.  The constant warm temperatures add a laid-back attitude amongst Floridians that makes the State a perfect place to take a holiday!

Theme park fixes

The best thing a cheap Florida holidays is that you really can have it all!  The climate means that the State is ideal for holidaying at any time of the year and the attractions on offer mean that there is something for everyone.  Theme parks are plentiful – Orlando is the area to visit.  In addition to the well-known Walt Disney World® Resort theme park there are plenty more in the area and a visit to the city itself is not without its rewards.  Keeping the kids entertained is crucial if it's a family holiday and with the quality of attractions and theme parks high this is doesn't make your Florida holiday seem like hard work!  Many of the theme parks are also decidedly geared to adults and can help you to discover that child within – often not as far below the surface as you would imagine!

Leaving it all behind – but not that far behind

When it comes to theme park saturation point – although your kids may not reach that, even in Florida – then the State has plenty to offer for those long extremely lazy days on the beach.  The Space Coast, only 35 miles from Orlando, is renowned for its peaceful stretches of coastline, which have remained undeveloped, thanks ironically to the presence of the Kennedy Space Center.  The beauty with holidays to Florida is simply that you are never far from civilisation and yet you can feel as if you have truly left it all behind.

Filed under: florida, guest post, holiday, travel, travel planning, travel tips