Shereen Rayle's Blog, page 102

Perfecting Your 3-1-1 Bag for Spring and Summer

Packing light is a must when traveling and those 3-1-1 bags aren't that big, especially when you're flying during the spring and summer and have to squeeze sunscreen in there, too. While you can buy it once you get there, many resorts, theme parks and grocery stores have outrageous prices on these items. I have ways you can find room in your travel bag for sunscreen and still look great in all your pictures.

Tinted MoisturizerYou may be used to taking your foundation wherever you go, but a tin...

A Visit to Mardi Gras World

With Mardi Gras in full swing and Fat Tuesday coming up next week, I though it'd be fun to give you a quick overview of my visit to Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. If a float is being made for one of the parades (did you know there is more than just the one big one?), then it's being made at MGW. Pretty cool, right?

All the sculptures and flowers and other items for floats are handmade by artists in the warehouse. Most things are made by sculpting foam layers to form 3D images, then they are...

How to Fit Airfare into Your Budget

No matter where you go, airfare can be a big chunk of your vacation budget. If you know what you’re doing, it can be a smaller one than expected, even during the more expensive times of the year. Of course, planning your trip in the off-season can save you big time. Here are my best tips on how to get cheaper airfare:

Book/Look on Tuesday or WednesdayAirlines set their prices for the week on Tuesdays, this means that if you're going to find a sale on your chosen destination, this is the likely...

Eating For Cheap In Las Vegas

It used to be really easy to find cheap eats in Vegas, but over the years the prices have risen as more and more haute cuisine options have moved in. While this makes it one of the ultimate destinations for foodies, it's not so fabulous for those on a budget. People I talk to often ask me how I can afford to visit Vegas several times a year. Well, for one, when I go alone, I probably eat one meal in a restaurant the whole time I'm there (which is usually only three days). Two, I avoid the Str...

Ethel M & Free Las Vegas

I just got back from another trip to Vegas. My mom and I had a great time, despite being on a budget. We wanted to spend most of our money on food, and we did, so we filled our time with some activities I purchased tickets for in advance (for her birthday) and with quite a bit of free ones. 

Vegas is constantly changing, so there are always new things to do and eat, but that also means you have to plan what you want to do in advance, because what was there last time might be gone or repla...

A Non-Traditional Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday is on the horizon. February 28th is the end of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which is a week-long celebration of excess. If all the crowds aren't for you, which I can totally understand, then you may want to enjoy some of what else New Orleans has to offer, like its rich history and it's haunted side. You may remember my post on voodoo culture and free art, but what about heading to see some of the most haunted locations around the city? Perhaps you'll even want to stay in one o...

Traveling Cheaper with Children

Almost everyone I know that has kids barely travels. They say they can't afford it and only go on short trips close to home. Little do they know (until I tell them) that they can spend just a bit more - and in some cases less - and go on a "real" great vacation. I know kids are expensive and so is travel, but if you know where to cut your costs and alter your vacation strategies, then it can be very affordable and fun! 

I have tips for kids of any age, so your vacation can recharge y...

Going Behind the Movies in Southern California

I'm a movie buff. I love watching all kinds of movies, even bad ones. I mean, if they're bad in the way that they are still good or at least amusing, like Snowpiercer or those new Transformer movies (please don't hit me). That said, I love to know how movie magic is made and see props. And if, like me, you watch TV and movies and are totally into the clothes, then we have another thing in common. 

While in California before Christmas, we had a fun time learning about the behind-the-scenes...

Romantic Valentine Getaways

If you've been saving up for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your significant other, maybe you can take advantage of a last-minute getaway that will shock your love by how much thought you put into things. Even if you have to take your trip later, that envelope with plane tickets are sure to thrill.

If you want to truly wow, here are some great ideas that will do that and give you the best romantic getaway on a budget.

Head to ParisYes, the City of Lights is also known as the most romantic...

Planning a Romantic Valentine's Staycation

Some of us either don’t have the money to take a romantic getaway or want to spend that extra cash that you could use for a larger vacation later. That doesn’t mean we don’t want to enjoy a Valentine’s Day that will impress and create lifetime memories. Believe it or not, some of the best things in life really are free or at least cheap. Show your significant other that you care by doing something a little out of the box and unexpected that won’t empty out your pockets.
photo credit
Have a Picn...