Kimberly Fisher's Blog, page 234

Travel Guest Post: 6 Exciting NYC Activities

New York is known for its high buildings, shopping areas, monuments, Broadway shows, restaurants and many other things. Because of those things, New York is the spectacular and popular city it is today. But when you are staying in New York for over a month, it is quite common to want to do something different for a change. Want to see a whole other side of New York? Here are some exciting activities:

Skydiving

For those who are looking for a courageous thrill, experience a free fall over Staten Island. You will have a spectacular view of the Hampton Beaches, Fire Island and the Atlantic coastline. This will be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. You will jump out of an airplane that flies 2 miles above the ground. There is nothing like that feeling of the moment you are about the jump… your heart pounds, adrenaline is pumping through your body and you experience freedom like you have never felt before. And when you´re done, the only thing you want is to get on that plane again.

Helicopter tour

The most exciting and spectacular way to see the great New York City is by doing a helicopter sightseeing tour. You will have the chance to see the great New York City landmarks. For the kids, this will be an experience they will never forget. Flying over the great city of New York, you will see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, the New York bridges, the Statue of Liberty and other skyscrapers.

Six flax Darien Lake

If you are looking for a thrill, you should visit this theme park. It has 8 thrilling rides including some record breaking roller coasters when it comes to speed. This park has also lots of rides for children who are too young for the extreme roller coasters. This park also has a great water park including  interactive water play structure, Flow rider, surfing ride, lazy river, activity pool, wading pool, hot tub, family raft ride, and tube and body slides.

Attend the skate board marathon

A first of its kind, a battle of fitness, endurance, and action sports. The Adrenaline skate board marathon is a 26.2 mile long board race to promote health and fitness.

The Adrenalina Skateboard Marathon is a 26.2 mile long board race set to promote health & fitness, as well as the lifestyle. The Start/Finish line will showcase an expo village where spectators and participants can purchase the latest and greatest in action sports and beyond. There will also be live music and other extreme sport demos. The festival feel will allow for spectators to be entertained throughout the day as they await the competitors of the skateboard marathon race.

 

NYC Balloon ride

A hot air Balloon ride is something that many may dream about for years, and remember forever. Whether you have chosen this adventure for you and your family, or for a special occasion, your experience will be unforgettable as you travel above the treetops and below the clouds.

Kayaking in the New York harbor

If you want to do something with a little more peace and quiet, just go kayaking on the New York harbor. You will have a beautiful view over the sparkling Manhattan and New Jersey skylines.

Article written by J.Besters, blogger and writer for apartime.com provider of vacation rental apartments in New York City.

Filed under: adventure, guest post, new york Tagged: adventures, balloon rides, NEW YORK CITY, sky diving

Fashion: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Returns in February

Zac Posen at MB Fashion Week.

Although fashion week has come to a close for New York's Spring 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, fashion fans can take solace in the fact that it won't be long until fashion takes over New York once more. February is the perfect time for lovers of all things sartorial to book their city break in New York as early February will herald the arrival of the city's first fashion week of the year.

The Autumn/Winter 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will take place in the city between 9th and 16th February and although not much is known about who, or what, will be on show if this year's show is anything to go on then it will be quite the spectacle.

Zac Posen's show at the September fashion show this year was a tour de force, celebrating the hourglass shapes of old Hollywood and the traditional "bombshell" look, while Marc Jacobs' "Marc by Marc Jacobs" show celebrated New York's young and beautiful. The designer himself remained elusive – he's been tipped to replace John Galliano at Dior and reporters hounded his every step throughout the week. Alexander Wang's show as another highlight for September's line-up, with tomboyish slouchiness mixed with body-con dresses and uniform-style outfits.

September's fashion week is all about the Spring 2012 collections and if this week has been anything to go on then fashion mavens should start filling their closets with color – there's been nary a navy or black in sight, with the exception of Prabal Gurung's fetish inspired mesh and corsetry. The Spring 2012 fashion week has been nothing but eclectic so far and it's not over yet. The end of the shows promises to be as spectacular as it is every year, leaving the fashion frenzied thirsty for more – with February's shows a mere five months away, they won't go parched for long!

Filed under: fashion, guest post, new york Tagged: fashion, mercedes benz fashion week, new york city breaks

Food: Chef & Photographer Join Forces to Envision New Art Form

For Tiberio Simone and Matt Freedman, two of the most beautiful things in the world are food and the human body – not necessarily in that order.

"Food is not just sustenance to me," said Simone, a James Beard award-winning chef. "In culinary school, it is taught that how one serves and arranges a meal on the plate is almost as important as the preparation of the dish itself. Our senses are aroused not only by the taste, smell and texture, but also by how food is presented visually."

Freedman, known as one of Seattle's finest photographers and creator of the iPhone app Burning Man: A Photo Essay, agrees with Simone, and also believes that one of the oldest traditions in art is the photographic representation of the human form.

"Photographing the nude is one of the most revered tests of a photographer's mettle," Freedman said. "It's not about sexuality, but sensuality and how a photographer can transcend modern mores and portray the simple, elegant beauty of the human form. When Tiberio – who was already one of my best friends – had the crazy idea of making art by placing fruits and vegetables on people's nude bodies, I knew I had to photograph it. His artistic vision was a perfect match for my own."

That project became La Figa: Visions of Food and Form (www.LaFigaProject.com), a coffee table book that features a spectacular collection of sensual photography – models wearing nothing but Simone's edible creations.

"La Figa examines the relationship between food, touch and the ingredients that make life delicious," said Simone. "It's a unique hybrid of fine art photography and food. We combine the images with stories and even a collection of my favorite recipes. To us, it's about natural beauty and fresh flavors. It's about our human connection with the food that we eat and how fresh food brings our senses to life, and tunes us in to our most primal instincts for flavor and pleasure."

When they first embarked on the project, the models were mostly young and slender women, but Simone and Freedman later added men, partially to fulfill a request made by women who knew about the project.

"Then I realized that fruit and vegetables have something in common with people's bodies – they come in different shapes, sizes, tastes, and smells," Simone said. "So I started adding people of different ages and shapes. The La Figa concept is the idea that we can find beauty in everything and everyone around us. I wanted our pictures to accurately convey my message. On our first shoot, I completely covered a woman's body with over 1500 slices of cucumber. In the five years since then, Matt and I have done more than 50 photo shoots together for La Figa, in hopes that it will help me to spread my philosophy about the importance of food and touch as the basics ingredients of a good life. These photos range from pomegranate lingerie, to a white chocolate warrior. To make these images, I had to create many techniques to keep the food fresh, bright, and beautiful on the body – long enough for Matt to take dozens of photographs. We hope the end result will stir people's souls, pique their curiosity, and most importantly, inspire them to eat well, and make love."

About Tiberio Simone & Matt Freedman

Born in southern Italy, Tiberio Simone is a James Beard Award-winning chef and pleasure activist. He has been cooking for as long as he can remember, beginning in his mother's kitchen. Tiberio started his career by working at an Italian restaurant in Seattle, where he moved at the age of 21. He eventually became the pastry chef at Seattle's Four Seasons Olympic Hotel. Years later – tired of corporate cooking – Tiberio launched his own company: La Figa Catering.

Matt Freedman is both a professional photographer and a professional technologist. In 2007, he was able to combine his passion for photography and technology by becoming the staff photographer and Director of Technology for JUST CAUSE Magazine – a bi-monthly magazine focusing on solutions, with stories of individuals, organizations and businesses doing good in the world. In 2009, Matt once again merged photography and technology to produce Burning Man: A Photo Essay – the first iPhone app about the Burning Man festival. A "coffee table book for the iPhone," the app combines Matt's photography, writing and software engineering.

Article by Ginny Grimsley.

Filed under: art, food, guest post Tagged: art, beauty, chef, food, James Beard winner, photography

Travel Guest Post: Top 4 Castles to Visit in the Loire Valley

There are multiple guides floating for the top ten châteaux to visit in the Loire Valley. But the simple truth is, not many of us are lucky enough to be able to spend a week or more in France, let alone just the Loire Valley. So for those of us strapped for time, I compiled a shorter list of the top four castles that are absolute must-visits when you travel to the Loire Valley.

 

1.    Chambord

A giant, gorgeous château on the eastern part of the Loire Valley, Chambord represents the very pinnacle of French Renaissance architecture. This brainchild of King François I is the largest castle in the Loire Valley.

One of the draws is a dual-helix staircase designed by (or depending who you ask, just inspired by) DaVinci where people would see each other but never meet. The rooftop is also a must-see. The collection of towers feels like its own little city and the view of the park is breathtaking. Disney fans should know that it was the inspiration for the Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast.

Tip: Allow plenty of time to see this castle! Many of the rooms are fully restored and there are thousands of intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings. However, if short on time, head up to the roof first and work your way down. You'll be mad if you miss the roof; you might not be too upset if you miss a collection of royal china.

 

2.    Chenonceau

 

There's a reason that the beautiful Chenonceau is the second most visited chateau in France (after Versailles, bien sur). The way that it juts out over the water to create a perfect reflection is awe-inspiring, and its gardens are some of the best in the country.

The restored rooms of the castles feature décor from different time periods and personal taste. At separate times during the 1500s, King Henri II's mistress and wife controlled the castle, so both style preferences are present throughout the grounds. The castle has a rich history even after the Renaissance. In World War I, the gallery (the large part extending over the water) was used as a hospital, and in World War II, oppressed French citizens would flee the occupied zone by running through the gallery to the free zone on the opposite end.

Tip: Arrive early to explore the castle before the huge wave of tourists hits. This way you can explore the grounds, gardens, wax museum, farm, and other extras at your leisure while everyone else fights their way through the castle.

3.    Angers

Maybe I'm biased because I studied in Angers for a semester, but their château is consistently passed over in the "top ten" posts. And it shouldn't be. This castle dates back to the early 13th century, but also contains a chapel from the 15th century.

Besides the pretty gardens, well-kept dry moat (which at one point held a zoo!), and spectacular views of the city, the castle houses the Apocalypse Tapestry. The tapestry took almost 10 years to complete, and even though 70 of the original 100 panels still exist, it's still the longest tapestry in the world. As you probably guessed, these elaborate tapestries depict the book of Revelation along with weaving in the politic struggles of the 14th century.

Tip: Once you explore the château, take the extra time to stroll down Rue du Vollier and up Rue Saint-Christophe to see the St. Maurice Cathedral. Construction on this cathedral kept starting and stopping, so the end product has distinct features from Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.

 

 

4.    Blois

My personal favorite château in the Loire Valley is in Blois. This stunning building showcases four distinct styles of architecture and is just saturated with French history. Since the castle has been in renovation since the late 1800s, most of the rooms are richly decorated and open to the public.

Art fans will enjoy the permanent and visiting exhibits in the Louis XII and Gaston wings. The staircase attached to the François I wing is a gorgeous centerpiece to the château and truly, a work of art itself. This château has seen many events, including military installations, a visit from St. Joan of Arc, and multiple political assassinations. The Gaston wing has been heralded as one of the best examples of Classic architecture in France.

Tip: For English-speakers visiting between April and September, try to plan your visit to the château on a Wednesday. Wednesday is only day of the week when the castle's stunning Sound and Light show plays in English. You sit in the courtyard and watch as the castle's history is projected in dazzling color onto its inner facades.

While there's no such thing as a bad château to visit in the Loire Valley, I truly believe that these four are the crème de la crème. Among the four castles, you'll get a sweeping overview of French history and a crash course in architecture. The French government has done a beautiful job preserving each place and you'll actually feel like you're rubbing elbows with French royalty.

About the author: Mandy Kilinskis is a content developer at Quality Logo Products and often contributes to their promotional products blog. She is a true Francophile at heart and can never learn enough.

Filed under: europe, france, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: castles, france, loire valley

Food Guest Post: Houston's World Fare

Houston, Texas has the unfortunate stigma that it is all business (which is, to some extent, true).  But what many people don't realize is that food is one of Houston's biggest businesses—and to Houstonians, food is serious business.  (No, I'm not alluding to Houston's status as 9th fattest city in America, which I attribute more to the heat than the food anyway.)

There are countless nationalities represented in Houston's smorgasbord, providing the adventurous eater with endless nights of palette pleasure.  If you're new to Houston, or just visiting, here's a short (geographically organized) list of delightful restaurants that are sure to entice and satisfy your hunger for interesting food:

Moroccan

Saffron — Most Houstonians probably didn't even know there was a Moroccan restaurant in the heart of the city, much less some of the best Moroccan food this side of the Atlantic.  Step inside this elegant and elaborately decorated den, and prepare yourself for lamb so tender you don't even have to chew it, a variety of delicious tagines, aromas and spices you would never expect on meats, and the best mint tea you've ever had.  And cinnamon.  Lots of cinnamon.  Also, belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Indian

The Bombay Brasserie — There is a substantial Indian population in Houston, and therefore a respectable number of Indian restaurants to try.  The best Indian cuisine in the city, however, is not tucked away with the majority of the Indian restaurants on Richmond Avenue; instead, you'll find the most savory, spicy, best (and sometimes outrageously hot) Indian fare at The Bombay Brasserie in Rice Village.  The naan is perfectly light and fluffy, the portions are generous, and the flavors simply cannot be beat.

Chinese

Peking Cuisine — Chinese food, as most Americans understand it, is now commonplace cuisine, a staple in any shopping mall food court or strip mall parking lot.  Traditional Chinese cuisine is much more obscure, and much harder to come by.  Peking Cuisine is as close to authentic Chinese food as I have ever seen in America.  The menu is loaded with traditional Chinese items, such as celery dumplings, jellyfish, and assorted fungi, but the real star here is the classic northern Chinese dish Peking duck, which must be ordered at least an hour beforehand.  It is well worth the additional planning, I assure you.

Japanese

Kubo's — There are more traditional Japanese restaurants in Houston, namely Nippon on Montrose, but as far as sushi is concerned, there is no fresher, no better prepared fish, probably in all of the Gulf.  Every dish is artfully presented, and is as beautiful to the eyes as it is to the tastebuds.  The yellowtail and tuna are personal favorites, but try one of everything!

Pakistani

Himalaya — House in a humble shopping center just off the Southwest Freeway, Himalaya is a gem of Pakistani cuisine.  Nothing about the place suggests its wonderful fare: the tables are cramped, the waiters a little moody.  But when that steaming heap of lamb biryani arrives under your nose, you will immediately know what all the hype is about.  You'll also immediately know that you'll need a to-go box, because there will be somewhere near five pounds of food in front of you.

Turkish

Pasha — Also located in Rice Village, Pasha is a white-tablecloth restaurant with blue collar prices and gold star cuisine.  The pide is exactly as it should be, and there is always a small loaf of it on the table.  The meats are appropriately tender and crisp when they should be, like in the Iskender kebab, which is a magical combination of lamb, pide, yogurt, and a pleasantly hot tomato sauce.  Another winner is the Lahmacun, which is more or less a thin-crusted pizza with Turkish toppings (herbs and minced meat).

Thai

Nidda Thai — Anyone in Houston will tell you that there is no shortage of Thai restaurants in the city.  Even the suburbs have a few.  But with so many places to choose from, finding the best is like finding a needle in a haystack.  In my humble opinion, one Thai restaurant stands high above the rest: Nidda Thai.  Every dish is served piping hot and sautéed, roasted, stewed, or in the case of the delicious Thai tea, brewed, to perfection.  Every dish on the menu is so good, you'll actually want to try new things, instead of just sticking with what you know.  I recommend the Drunken noodles to start.  Stir-fried flat rice noodles with your choice of meat, carrots, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, and the best spicy basil sauce I have ever sampled.

Mexican

Hugo's — Hugo's is excellent not only because the food is outstanding, but because it is one of few traditional Mexican restaurants in Houston, and probably even in Texas.  It's hard to find a place in Texas that isn't Tex-Mex, or some sad American derivative of Mexican food, but Hugo's really delivers.  You'll find some familiar entrees, such as carnitas, but you'll also find some fare you probably haven't heard of, like cochinita pibil, chapulines (sautéed grasshoppers), or conejo (braised rabbit).  Venture out into some unfamiliar territory here, and be ready for the taste experience of a lifetime.

Italian

Dolce Vita — Similar to Hugo's, the appeal of Dolce Vita (in addition to its unbelievable fare) is its traditional take on Italian cuisine.  Especially the pizza.  Some feature the expected combination of tomatoes, authentic Italian cheeses, meats, and basil, but others are totally unexpected, such as a clam, garlic, mozzarella, and tomato pizza, or a taleggio, arugula, pear, and truffle oil pizza, which will surprise and delight your mouth again and again.  And the fact that you can add an egg to any pizza should tell you just how far from Domino's you are.  You might need to bring an Italian friend with you here, though, as most of the menu is in Italian.  Don't fret if you don't have any Italian friends; the wait staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and almost entirely fluent in Italian.

Houston has an whole world (almost literally) of different foods to try.  If you visit, don't content yourself with Chili's or TGI Friday's, of which there is certainly no short supply.  Challenge yourself to finding some of Houston's unique fare, and I guarantee you won't regret it.  Oh, and don't forget to bring shorts.

By-line:

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Filed under: food, guest post Tagged: chinese food, exotic eats, food, guest post, indian food, texas

Travel Guest Post: The Wonders of South America

South America is such a vast continent and finding things to do here is easy. Provided you have a car, you can see the many wonders that South America offers and can spend plenty of time exploring the region.

Locals and visitors alike love to surround themselves with friends and groups, taking trips out to Buenos Aires, Cartagena and São Paulo; just a few of the places in South America with lots to do.

For families, groups and couples the cities in South America are bustling and packed with historical attractions, castles and palaces, theatres, arts and culture – plus there are plenty of dining restaurants to choose from.

And there are lots of natural wonders too – you can take organized trips to see the rainforests and the delightful wildlife it houses, or you can opt to take a trip to view Macchu Picchu.

Macchu Picchu is one of the most wonderful pieces of evidence that has been left from the Inca Empire. The remains of buildings and the views from the 'Lost City' site are outstanding.

Rio de Janeiro, or Guanabara Bay as it's known as by the locals, is a natural harbour. It is a huge expanse of calming water. Set in its streets are abundances of beauty parlours, restaurants, and inviting bars that play samba. An exotic way to holiday and a great excuse to see the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer.

If you are looking for even more natural beauty, then Venezuela is the place to find the amazing Angel Falls – the most stunning waterfall in the world. Water falls 979 metres and the sheer height of the water plunging into the depths of the Mirader Laime Lagoon below with mist escaping into the atmosphere is simply stunning.

Galapagos Islands are renowned for its bizarrely unique animals that live on its barren surface. Tours of the island can be taken by anyone visiting here where you can experience the Volcanic group of islands safely whilst being impressed by the animals there.

Families, backpackers, groups and couples can enjoy all the wonders that South America has to offer. From natural wonders to man-made elegance, it's an expansive continent with plenty to see and do.

Stay on the coast on inland in a luxury, adventure or family hotel that is perfectly located so that you can easily access the many delights of the continent.

About the author: Nisha works as the editor for Holiday365. She has been representing the business for the last 2 years now. Feel free to visit Holiday365 for more details on holiday parks.

Filed under: adventure, guest post, travel, travel planning, travel tips, travel writing Tagged: south america

Motivational Post: Recharge Your Emotional Energy

Vicki Milazzo is a woman that has done it all.

From nurse to successful entrepreneur to author, Vicki knows what it is like to balance a full schedule. "Today's woman has taken on an extreme life crammed to overflowing with commitments and responsibility," observes Milazzo. She also knows that to be successful and lead a life, you need to take a break.   "You wouldn't expect a battery to keep going forever without recharging it, and you shouldn't expect it of yourself either," she says. "Women need to learn to revitalize their minds, bodies, emotions, and spirits frequently, so that they'll have abundant energy whenever they need it."

Here are 19 strategies to replenish your emotional energy:

1. Get away. Take one day off with no responsibilities like Melissa, who assigns Saturday child-care duty to her husband, sends him and the kids to the zoo or park, and enjoys a renewal day.

2. Take a virtual vacation. Women are sensual creatures. We enjoy rich fabrics, exotic fragrances, music, dance, and art. Yet, as we reach for wicked success and attainment, sometimes we leave these restorative sensory pleasures behind. Indulging in the occasional sensory banquet is second only to an actual getaway. Blanche enjoys vacations in her bathtub with candles, bath oil, a glass of wine, and her favorite CD. Maybe you'd prefer to lounge in your backyard or hammock with a favorite beverage or to curl up in bed with a deliciously light book.

3. Hug a tree…or an iceberg! Getting off the grid is not always an easy thing to do. (You don't just hop onto the 5:15 train to Bhutan.) Still, make it a goal at least once a year to get far away, into something so different that it forces you out of your regular relaxation routine into one that entirely disconnects you from day-to-day life. Many people find that nature and wildlife provide two of the most powerful tools for relaxation in the world.

4. Renew with music. Play music that energizes or relaxes you, depending upon what's called for. Choose classical pieces for intense projects and rock and roll for cooking, household chores, or packing suitcases. At night, play slow music to unwind and relax.

5. Choose happiness. The fact is, happiness is not only contagious to others, it's contagious to ourselves. You may not always wake up happy, but wherever you are physically or emotionally, try to focus on the part of the experience that is good. Life will always throw us curveballs, fastballs, and, just when you think you know what's coming next, the occasional change-up. Being happy to the core helps us hit them back—no matter how fast they are or how many come our way. Think of the woman who refused to move out of the drama of a negative experience. For two weeks she dwelled on something that was easily solved in three minutes. How many opportunities did she miss during those two weeks because she chose to grouse? Remember, happiness is more important to wicked success than success to happiness. Decide every day that nothing will get in the way of choosing happiness.

6. Monitor your intimate companions. Nothing drains energy faster than negative thinking. Your thoughts do control your life; in fact, they are your most intimate companions. When you notice that you're wasting energy thinking negatively about someone or something, remind yourself that you're only attacking and harming yourself with such thoughts. This is not to say that you can—or should—ignore your feelings or reality. But when you learn to control your thoughts, you touch new places of feeling that are even more real.

7. Turn off the critic. Do you find that your inner "critical voice" rears its head way too often? For instance, you might wonder, Is it me or was that secretary less friendly than usual? Did I do something? Or perhaps you walk into your house and, in an instant, zero in on everything that's wrong: the messy kitchen, the scratched coffee table, the pile of bills waiting on the counter. However, allowing this inner critic to be your dominant communication style will negatively impact you, your family, and anyone else you encounter. Instead, try to intentionally notice and comment on the good things to fuel your success energy.

8. Be nice and watch how nice people will be in return. There is an economy of emotion with niceness. Few things will give you more energy than the rewards of being nice. Likewise, nothing will drain your emotional energy faster than not playing nice with others.

9. Dump toxic clutter. Because you have important familial, professional, and social commitments, it's important to eliminate toxic or emotionally draining relationships and other social clutter, just as you dump the mess that accumulates on your desk. This gives you time for relationships that matter—husband, family, and best friends. Likewise, guard what enters your mind. For example, it's important to be aware of the world around you, but there's no need to listen to negative news stories 24/7. Remember, each minute is a precious gift, so always strive to keep your energies within your "circle of influence."

10. Detach. Why put your own precious emotional energy into someone or something else that doesn't provide a positive return? Detach from emotional unrest that doesn't serve a purpose in your life and feel the increase in your own positive energy charge.

11. Lighten up. It's tempting to behave as though everything you do is intensely important. But unless you let go of some of that intensity, you'll be emotionally exhausted. When you find yourself making mountains out of molehills, ask yourself, "In one year, will this be significant?" Lighten up. If you push, you get resistance. Be less serious about the outcome of the little things.

12. Learn a new language. As soon as you label something "bad," you limit your ability to have fun. Milazzo used to "hate" the cold, and then one day in Iceland a woman told her, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Since then she has explored the Canadian Rockies, the Antarctic, the Arctic, trekked the Everest and Annapurna sides of Nepal, and stood among prayer flags on a 13,000-foot high mountain pass looking across Bhutan's Haa Valley and the Himalayas into Tibet…and she loved it, because she brought the right gear. When you substitute the right mental gear for the word "hate," you will be amazed at how much emotional energy you gain. Take all such negative words down a notch in mind and voice, and notice how differently you feel.

13. Let it go. Do you suffer from dissatisfaction and frustration? Do you find yourself whining and complaining instead of acting on your passionate vision? Try letting it all go and see the difference that it makes in your day. Appreciate what you have. When frustration happens, take a breath and let it go.

14. Enjoy the moment. How often do you hear or say, "Thank God it's Friday"? Do we want to enjoy only two days out of seven? Why not "Thank God it's today"? If you are living for the weekend, you aren't living. You can't repeat a day or even an hour or minute. You'll never get that time back. Treat every moment as a precious gift.

15. Practice gratitude. For happy people, gratitude seems to outweigh desire. For unhappy people, it's about want, want, want, with little gratitude in return. Now, there's nothing wrong with desire, because desires fire your passionate vision. But gratitude must always be greater. Otherwise, you'll never be satisfied or happy. Acknowledge daily three things you're grateful for, small or large, and express gratitude to others as well.

16. Accept yourself as you are. How often do we let the comparison game rob us of joy? If you're five-feet-two-inches tall, with sturdy ankles, you'll never grow into a lithe five-feet-seven-inches. The fact is, some things we can change and others we can't. Let the things you can't change about yourself go.

17. Find the fun. Fun is healing, and laughter keeps us sane. Laughter raises T-cell counts, relaxes blood vessels, eases muscle tension, and reduces psychological stress, which enhances learning. Laughter can happen when you least expect it…if you let it.

18. Create your own party. Growing up in New Orleans taught Milazzo that you can have a party anywhere—at your house, in your mind, or, as her father says while chowing down on a good muffaletta, in your mouth. Embrace life with energy and joy. Wherever you go physically, emotionally, or mentally, take the party with you.

19. Eat dessert first. Sometimes we treat renewal like a dessert we have to earn by eating our vegetables. Mardi Gras taught Milazzo to celebrate before the hard work. Prior to the sacrifice of Lent, the city of New Orleans would party hearty for two weeks. So feast before you fast, and eat dessert first.

Check out the latest book byWall Street Journal best-selling author Vicki Milazzo entitled Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman (Wiley, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-1181-0052-3, $21.95, WickedSuccess.com). Milazzo shares the innovative success strategies that earned her a place on the Inc. list of Top 10 Entrepreneurs and Inc. Top 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in America.

Filed under: books, motivational Tagged: books, motivation, Vicki Milazzo

Travel: Friday Photo

One of my favorite views, the harbour in Monaco.

Filed under: monaco, photo Tagged: monaco, photo, travel

Fashion: NYC Fashion's Night Out

Today thousands of stores around the world will stay open late for the single largest shopping event of the year. Where will you be?

Who: ASSOULINE

The Plaza, NYC

With Armand Limnander, author of Brazilian Style

With guests of honor designers Carlos Miele & Alexandre Herchcovitch

Address: 59th Street and Fifth Avenue

Lobby Mezzanine

New York City

 

Who: Lord & Taylor

Address: 424 Fifth Ave. 6-11pm

Celebs, free stuff, talks and signings by Ivanka Trump, designer Vince Camuto, singer Solange Knowles and fashion editors Suze Yalof Schwartzand Candy Pratts.

 

Who: Bergdorf Goodman

Address: 745 Fifth Ave., 5:30-9p

Meet Oscar de la Renta from 5:30p-6:30pm, Michael Kors from 6:45-7pm, canine dog show with designers Joseph Altuzarra & Reem Acra.

 

Filed under: fashion, new york

Travel Guest Post: Best Beaches of Southern Spain

I had an amazing childhood. Due to my father's career, I grew up on the move, living throughout Europe and the U.S. I visited quite a few beaches in my travels; in fact, I was considered quite the beach bum in my day.

Southern Spain, with more than 300 days of sunshine, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are three of my favorites:

Cabo de Gata Beach, Almeria

If you are a nature lover, then this is the beach for you! As Andalucia's largest coastal nature reserve, Cabo de Gata is renowned for its vibrant ecological life. Located at the southernmost point of the Parque Natural, this black sands beach is surrounded by turquoise waters and breathtaking rock formations.

I suggest wearing soled shoes, both to protect your feet against the hot black sand, but also in the event that you want to explore the terrain in-between ocean dips. If you plan on staying for more than a day, there are plenty of villas and apartments that the locals rent out to visitors.

Note: Because this is a black sand beach, you will suntan and/or burn a lot faster. I recommend hitting the tanning salons before you go, in order to have a safe base tan.

La Caleta Beach, Cádiz

Cádiz is known for its beautiful weather and awesome waves. In recent years, Cádiz has grown by leaps and bounds, attracting surfers, beach lovers, and visitors of all shapes and sizes.

La Caleta is the smallest beach in Cádiz and is isolated from other beaches in the area, making it ideal for a quiet day at the beach. La Caleta is located in the Old City, between two castles—San Sebastian and Santa Catalina—so there's a lot to do when you're not on the beach, as well. When I was a child, my mother took me on a tour of both castles, and they will appeal to all of you history buffs out there.  As with all of the other beaches, there are plenty of places to rent if you choose to make your stay a lengthy one.

La Malagueta Beach, Malaga

This beach has been awarded a blue flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education, which means it meets the high standards set forth by this organization. La Playa de la Malagueta is located close to the city center of Málaga and is an artificial beach made from sand imported from the Sahara. Because of its location, it is ideal for days when you have absorbed Málagan culture by attending some of its many fairs and festivals and want to relax for the rest of the day on the beach.

A black sand beach, la Playa de la Malagueta has undergone great improvements over the years, and is full of bars and cafés, where you can order pescaito frito, a plate of fried fish that is a local favorite. When visiting, be sure to bring clothes for an evening on the town, and stick around to enjoy the night life!

Whether you're staying for a weekend or a month, Spain is one of those countries that demands more than just one visit. Once you have gone there and wandered the breathtaking beaches, taking in the scenery and local culture, you will never want to leave, so come prepared for a lengthy visit and stay for as long as you like!

Author: Alexa Thomason can be contacted at alexa.thomason@gmail.com.

Filed under: adventure, guest post, outdoors, spain, travel, travel planning, travel tips Tagged: best beaches, spain, travel