Tiffany Allen Wins Girls Getaway to Crowne Plaza Key West - La Concha

Congratulations to Tiffany Allen of Orlando, FL for winning a Girls Getaway to Key West donated by the Crowne Plaza Key West - La Concha (http://www.laconchakeywest.com/).

Everyone who purchased a Girls Getaway Guide to Key West: Leave Your Baggage at Home in 2008 was entered to win this fabulous vacation. Tiffany and a friend will enjoy a two night stay, a 2-hour Wind & Wine Sunset Sail, breakfast for two and two drink tickets, all valued at $795.

Many thanks to everyone who purchased books and the Crowne Plaza Key West - La Concha for partnering with us on this great prize....and congratulations again to Tiffany!

The Daily Buzz was a blast!

Appearing on The Daily Buzz was so much fun today! Everyone there is very nice and a lot of fun to hang out with. If you don't watch this show....you should! Hopefully, I will get the video clip soon so I can share it with everyone (I haven't even seen it yet). I shot two segments: 1) tips for saving money while you travel and 2) tips for New Years Eve.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl with Andrea Jackson of The Daily Buzz.

Casey Wohl to Appear on Daily Buzz on Dec. 29!

Girls Getaway Guide series author and travel expert Casey Wohl, known as The Getaway Girl™, will appear on the nationally syndicated morning show, Daily Buzz, on Dec. 29. With the girlfriend getaway market representing four percent of all U.S. travel spending (about $200 million), the media interest in this topic and Wohl’s unique story is no surprise. This will be the author’s second national television appearance this month as she also appeared on Daytime on Dec. 4.

The Daily Buzz is a nationally syndicated morning news program and is one of the fastest growing syndicated shows in America. It is currently carried in 148 markets, encompasses 39% of American TV audiences and is broadcast every weekday morning. For more information, visit http://www.dailybuzz.tv/.

Leave Your Baggage at Home® Crystallized Fashion Tee Available

Grab Your Girlfriends and Go (in fashion)!

Announcing The Getaway Girl’s™ newest, “must-have” custom shirt, which combines the brilliance of Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and studs and captures the popular phrase “Leave Your Baggage at Home®”. Wear it on your next girls’ getaway, to make a fashion statement or simply as a reminder to leave it all behind!

The shirt comes in black, pink or white and is available in S, M, L, XL. Retail price = $38. Call or email for bulk discounts and wholesale prices. To order, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net in the Store Section.

What Are You Doing For New Year's Eve?

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to focus on the next holiday....New Year's Eve! It seems that the day after Christmas, the most popular question is: "What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" In an effort to help all Getaway Girls answer this question, here are a few ideas from The Getaway Girl herself:

If you are up for traveling, here are some top New Year's Eve celebration party spots:
·New York City – Times Square & STK
·Miami – The Shore Club & Mansion
·Las Vegas – Palms Hotel
·Seattle – The Indulgence New Year’s Eve Bash
·Los Angeles – LAX
·New Orleans – Jackson Square

Want to stay home (or close to home) and still celebrate the end of 2008? Here are some New Year’s Eve party ideas that are appropriate for all ages:
·Ring Out the Old Year Party – Play up the “out with the old, in with the new” phrase and pick a decade or time in history to represent the nostalgia of years past. Ask guests to dress according the era and decorate accordingly.
·Fortune Telling Party – Invite friends over to predict their good fortunes for the New Year. Guests can dress as gypsies and the party site can be decorated as a gypsy or palm readers’ house. Activities may include a poker table (for anyone who feels lucky), lottery card scratch offs and a hired fortune teller or palm reader.
·New Year’s Eve in New York City – Cannot actually be in NYC for New Year’s? You can still throw a NYC-themed party to help friends and family ring in the New Year. Ask guests to dress up and decorate the location NYC-style. You can also borrow some Sex and the City ideas and serve Cosmos or have a replica of the NYC ball in the room.
·Casino Night – Wish you could be in Vegas for the end of the year? If not, bring Vegas to you and your friends. A very cool New Years Eve Casino Night is a fun way to ring in the New Year. Ask guests to dress in black tie and rent poker tables, dealers, etc and make your party more than just a “roll of the dice.”

Whatever you decide to do for New Year's Eve, be safe and careful and have a great time!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to everyone from the Girls Getaway Guide!

Shanna Elsberry Wins Ocean Key Resort & Spa Getaway

Congratulations to Shanna Elsberry of Windemere, FL who is the Grand Prize Winner in the Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas holiday promotion. Shanna won a 3 day/2 night stay in an Oceanview Suite at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa (www.OceanKey.com), two spa treatments and breakfast for 2 each morning, a prize valued at $1,500!

Thank you to everyone who entered the 12 Days 'til Christmas promotion and all of the generous businesses who donated fabulous prizes.

12 Days Winner Stephanie Grinmanis Wins a Girls Getaway to Disney's Swan & Dolphin Resort

Congratulations to Stephanie Grinmanis of Melbourne, FL who won a Girls Getaway to Walt Disney World's Swan & Dolphin Resort (http://www.swandolphin.com/) in Orlando for a 3 day/2 night stay valued at $900.

Tomorrow we will announce the Grand Prize Winner to be sure and check the blog and website!

Congratulations to Allison Sferrazza of Melbourne, FL Winner of a Girls Getaway to Key West

Congratulations to Allison Sferrazza of Melbourne, FL who won today's 12 Days 'til Christmas prize today. Allison won a "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" vacation package that includes 2 nights' accommodations, a 2-hour Wind & Wine Sunset Sail, breakfast for 2, and 2 drink tickets all donated by the Crowne Plaza Key West - La Concha (http://www.laconchakeywest.com/).

The prizes just keep getting bigger and better. Tomorrow's winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort, a $900 value. Check the blog tomorrow to see if you won!

Ho, Ho, Ho Party

Happy holidays! My girlfriends and I had our annual "Ho, Ho, Ho" Party last night and, as always, had a great time and laughed until our cheeks hurt. It is true, there is nothing like your girlfriends, and I am so lucky to call these great girls my friends.

PHOTOS: Casey, Heather, Traci, Leigh, Gina & Anne. Far right, Anne shows off her tacky gift - a mushroom vase.

Happy Birthday Ali!

We had a great time celebrating Ali's birthday in downtown Orlando Thursday for a Girls Night Out (GNO). We started with sushi at Shari and them went to The Beacon. Happy Birthday Ali!!

PHOTO: Hildie, Ali & Casey at The Beacon.

Anissa Bradley Wins Omni Orlando Resort Getaway

The winner of Day #10's Girls Getaway Guide 12 Days 'til Christmas prize winner is Anissa Bradley of Riverview, FL. Anissa won Deluxe Resort Accomodations for Two with Breakfast at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate (http://www.omniorlandoresort.com/), a $658 value!

Check back next week when prizes 11-13 will be given away!

Congrats Angela Lamson!

Congratulations to Angela Lamson of Savannah, GA for winning the Frivole Butterfly Necklace valued at $625 donated by Baccarat/Lalique at Prime Outlets International Orlando (http://www.primeoutlets.com/). Angela was Day #9 winner in the Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas promotion.

Regal Sun Resort Girls Getaway Winner: Ivonne Cobo

Congratulations to Ivonne Cobo of Sebring, FL who is today's winner of the Regal Sun Resort Girls Getaway valued at $600, which includes a 3 day/2 night stay for two with breakfast and admission to the MurderWatch Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando. Ivonne is the 8th winner in the Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas promotion.

Elisha Ellis of Brooklyn, NY Wins 12 Days 'til Christmas Prize #7

Congratulations to Elisha Ellis of Brooklyn, NY for winning today's 12 Days 'til Christmas prize - a $500 value that includes two night stay at Orlando's Marriott Village and a $50 shopping spree and VIP tote from Orlando Premium Outlets (www.PremiumOutlets.com/Orlando).

Tomorrow's winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay at Regal Sun Resort valued at $600!

Today's 12 Days til Christmas Winner is Carreen Krapf

Congratulations to Carreen Krapf of Oviedo, FL who won today's Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas Prize. Carreen won a 3 day/2 night stay in a 2-bedroom villa at Blue Tree Resort in Lake Buena Vista (http://www.bluetreeowners.org/) valued at $350.

Check the blog tomorrow to see who wins the Orlando Premium Outlets & Marriott Village prize valued at $500!

Join Getaway Girl Connect Today!

The Getaway Girl, Casey Wohl, has recently launched a brand new social networking site just for women travelers called Getaway Girl Connect (www.GetawayGirlConnect.com).
Visit the site today, create your profile, then start chatting with other female travelers about what to do at a certain destination or where you have been. The site is designed to help women share information and experiences about their travels with other female travelers.

It is free, so join today!

The "Sky" is the Limit

I had so much fun visiting my friend Erin in the Ocala area this week. Erin and I have been traveling together since 2001 and have many wonderful and hilarious stories (massages and bikinis just to name a few) to share when we get together. Erin is also the owner of The Market Place (http://www.tmpstyle.com/), the marketing agency that is the genius behind my website.

After an afternoon of strategizing and planning for 2009, Erin and I went to SKY for dinner. This new Asian fusion restaruant has a location in Ocala and The Villages. Leigh Gallups, the General Manager, was awesome. We even got to sample some of the sakis they are interested in carrying.

As always, Erin and I reminisce about where we have been in life, where we are today and where we plan to go. If you cannot share this with your girlfriends, who else is there? Our final decision about the future - the "Sky" is the limit.

Today's 12 Days til Christmas Winner is Lisa Ballesteros

Congratulations to Lisa Ballesteros of Temple Terrace, FL who is today's 12 Days 'til Christmas prize winner. Lisa wins a 3 day/2 night stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Buena Vista (http://www.orlandoslbvsuites.hamptoninn.com/).

The next Girls Getaway Guide winner wil be selected on Monday, Dec. 15, so stay tuned!

Laura Nelson Wins Ritz-Carlton Prize

Congratulations to Laura Nelson of Brighton, MA for winning today's 12 Days 'til Christmas prize - an on-property, guided eco-tour for two on Shingle Creek donated by the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/).

Jennifer Nelis Wins Emeril's Tchoup Chop Tasting Dinner

Congratulations to Jennifer Nelis of Orlando who won the third prize in the Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas Getaway Giveaway Promotion. Jennifer won a Tasting Dinner for Two, plus Wine Pairing at Emeril's Tchoup Chop (http://www.emerils.com/) in Orlando.

What Age Do You Feel Sexiest?

A new study has found that women feel most sexy at the age of 34. Researchers have based their findings on a survey of over 1,000 women who were questioned about their sex lives - the majority of respondents said that it was at the age of 34 when they had felt more sexy.

So...at what age do YOU feel sexiest???

Read more about the study:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HealthSci/Women_feel_they_are_sexiest_at_34/articleshow/3810703.cms

Sylvia Rodriguez Wins $100 at Zou Zou Boutique

Congrats to Sylvia Rodriguez of Miami for winning a $100 gift certificate for Zou Zou Boutique in Orlando. Sylvia was the second winner in the Girls Getaway Guide's 12 Days 'til Christmas Getaway Giveaway Promotion. For more information about this fabulous boutique, visit http://www.zouzouboutique.com/.

Congrats to Kate Bruce, Winner of ICE! Tickets

Congratulations to Kate Bruce of Jacksonville for winning 4 VIP tickets to see ICE! at the Gaylord Palms. Kate was the very first winner of the 12 Days 'til Christmas Getaway Giveway Promotion. For more information about ICE!, visit www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/.

Girls Getaway Guide to Key West on Tour!

The Girls Getaway Guide to Key West: Leave Your Baggage at Home is currently on tour! That's right, the book is on its very first blog tour!

Below is the book's Blog Tour Schedule:

Dec. 1 - Teresa Morrow at Virtual Blog Tours
Dec. 2 - Dominque Goh at Dominqueʼs blog
Dec. 3 - Judy Davids at Mydols
Dec. 4 - Wendy VanHatten at Travels and Escapes & Claudia Meydrech at Ebook & Book Reviews
Dec. 8 - Beverly Mahone at Boomer Diva Nation
Dec. 11 - Heidi Richards Mooney at WE Magazine for Women

For more information, visit Virtual Blog Tours (http://www.virtualblogtours.com).

Boarding Project Set to Help Ease Air Travel

I haven't used this yet, but thought I'd go ahead and pass it along since so many people wil be traveling for the holidays:

If you're going to be traveling solo in a few weeks for round two of the holiday season, worth checking out is the Boarding Project. It's a social service that uses Twitter to help you meet up with others at the same airport. To use it you simply tweet #boarding along with your airport code. It'll send you a reply with a link to the other Twitter users who you can message directly to meet up with.
Boarding's system does not require users to sign up for anything. It also keeps an eye out for any FAA or IATA airport code mentions in public tweets, and will send a reply to that user urging them to check in to see who's there.
The service plans to make money by offering special coupons to travelers, which could be shaped around any contextually relevant information from their Twitter stream.

Casey Wohl to Appear on Daytime Dec. 4!

I was thrilled to find out that the nationally-syndicated morning show, Daytime, has asked me to appear on their Dec. 4 show.

Daytime is taped in Tampa and currently syndicates to the following markets: Tampa FL, Jacksonville FL, Raleigh NC, Savannah GA, Charleston SC, Columbus GA, Wichita KS, Las Vegas NV, Washington DC, Lexington KY, Panama City Fl, Alexandria LA, Tri-Cities, TN-VA, Columbus OH, Cincinnati OH, Birmingham AL, Providence-New Bedford, Mobile-Pensacola FL, Jackson MS, Augusta GA.

Visit www.DaytimeOnline.tv to find out what time the show airs in your market.

Even Holidays Are Great Times With The Girls

Thanksgiving was so much fun! I am very lucky that some of my best girlfriends are also my family. We enjoyed some wonderful gal pal time at Rafter T Ranch and took an afternoon buggy ride around the property to enjoy the amazing wildlife and stunning sunset. I cannot wait until next year.

PHOTOS: Above - Sarah, Carly & Jeri. Below - Katie, Dot, Casey & Gayla

Girls Getaway Guide to Key West Receives Rave Reviews

The Girls Getaway Guide to Key West: Leave Your Baggage at Home received a fabulous review by Associated Content. Many thanks to Carine Nadel for taking the time to review the book and for her glowing recommendation. To read the review, visit http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1167704/girls_getaway_guide_to_key_west_by.html?cat=38.

Key West Legend Passes Away at 92

Sad news! Key West legend Capt. Tony recently passed away at the age of 92. He was friends with Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet. In fact, Buffet pays tribute to him in his song "Last Mango in Paris." Capt. Tony owned the famous bar named after him, which was the original location of Sloppey Joe's. He was mayor of Key West from 1989-1991. He was married four times and has 13 children.

Just last year, during a Girls Getaway to Key West, we made sure to stop by and see one of the island's most unique and iconic figures. For more details about Capt. Tony, visit http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20081102/BREAKINGNEWS/81102005/1086/?source=nletter-breakingnews

PHOTO: Nikki, Casey Wohl, Capt. Tony & Kelly during November 2007 Girls Getaway to Key West.

Don't Forget to Register for Free Vacations!

The Girls Getaway Guide is pleased to announce The Getaway Girl’s™ second annual “12 Days ‘til Christmas” holiday promotion. In an effort to help all girls beat the holiday madness and Leave Your Baggage at Home™, the Girls Getaway Guide will host a countdown to the big day. Women everywhere can visit the Girls Getaway Guide online at http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/ to sign up for nearly $7,000 in fabulous giveaways, which are sure to provide welcome holiday cheer during this stressful time of year. The winners will be selected on each of the 12 business days starting Dec. 8-23, with the Grand Prize selected on Dec. 24. Each day leading up to Christmas, a terrific Girls Getaway Guide prize will be given away to a randomly-selected entrant.

Date Prize
Dec. 8 Gaylord Palms Resort
4 tickets to ICE!
Value: $100
www.GaylordHotels.com/gaylord-palms/

Dec. 9 Zou Zou Boutique Shopping Gift Card
Value: $100
www.ZouZouBoutique.com

Dec. 10 Emeril’s Tchoup Chop
Tasting Dinner for 2, plus Wine Pairing
Value: $200
www.emerils.com/restaurant/7/Emerils-Tchoup-Chop/

Dec. 11 The Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes
On Property, Guided Eco-Tour for Two on Shingle Creek
Value: $200
www.RitzCarlton.com

Dec. 12 Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Buena Vista
Three day/two night stay
Value: $250
www.OrlandoSLBVSuites.hamptoninn.com

Dec. 15 Blue Tree Resort
Three day/two night stay in 2-bedroom villa
Value: $350
http://www.bluetreeorlando.com/

Dec. 16 Orlando Premium Outlets & Marriott Village
Two night stay at Marriott Village, $50 shopping spree and VIP gift bag
Value: $500
www.PremiumOutlets.com/Orlando

Dec. 17 Regal Sun Resort
Three day/two night stay for 2 with breakfast, admission to Mystery Dinner Show
Value: $600
www.RegalSunResort.com

Dec. 18 Baccarat/Lalique at Prime Outlets International Orlando
Frivole Butterfly Necklace made of lead crystal on a silver chain, topaz in color
Value: $625
http://www.primeoutlets.com/

Dec. 19 Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate
Deluxe Resort Accommodations for 2 with Breakfast each morning
Value: $658
www.OmniOrlandoResort.com

Dec. 22 Crowne Plaza Key West – La Concha
Girls Just Want to Have Fun Vacation Package with two nights accommodations, two-hour Wind & Wine Sunset Sail, breakfast for 2, 2 drink tickets Value: $795
http://www.laconchakeywest.com/

Dec. 23 Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
Three day/two night stay
Value: $900
www.SwanDolphin.com


BONUS DAY & GRAND PRIZE
Dec. 24 Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Three day/two night stay in Oceanview Boutique Suite, two spa treatments & breakfast for two each day (subject to availability and black out dates)
Value: $1,500
www.OceanKey.com

GNO at JLWH Merry Market

The Junior League of Winter Haven's Merry Market Girls Night Out (GNO) event Friday night was awesome! From wine tasting to manicures to shopping, this event had it all. The Getaway Girl™ was there for a special book signing and got to witness Jen Myers sport a Balloon Dress, which was created by Mark Byrne (http://www.balloonguy.net/).

For some reason, I am a little worried the photos of me in a Balloon Bikini in NYC may re-surface soon. Thank you to the JLWH for hosting a wonderful event.

PHOTOS: Left - Jen Myers, Mark Byrne and Casey Wohl at the Junior League of Winter Haven's Merry Market Girls Night Out (GNO). Right - Marcy Bishop & Casey Wohl.

New ebook: Travel Writing as a Freelancer

People often ask me about travel writing and how they can get involved, so I asked travel writing expert Wendy VanHatten to share some information about her new ebook, Travel Writing as a Freelancer. Here's what she had to say:

Getaway Girl: Why did you write this ebook?
Wendy: I have given a variety of classes about writing and travel writing and was asked if I had a reference manual. I decided to put an ebook together for writers to use as one.

Getaway Girl: Who does this ebook benefit?
Wendy: This book will benefit both new travel writers as well as those who have written a few articles. It will also benefit writers who want to break into the travel market. Plus, once again it can be used as a reference.

Getaway Girl: What areas does this ebook cover regarding Travel Writing as a Freelancer?
Wendy: You will get the basics in this ebook. Some highlights are query letters, working with editors, telling your story without telling a story, markets, rights, and other basics of travel writing. Travel writing is different from other types of writing and I give example of how that is.

Getaway Girl: Aside from this ebook, what other products and services do you offer?
Wendy: One service is editing articles for other travel writers. Another one is coaching one on one with writers that are new or established. I also speak at workshops and classes. In addition, I have photos for sale. I am in the process of writing another ebook on success, which will also be available on my website.

Getaway Girl: What did you learn about writing an ebook that you plan to pass along to your readers?
Wendy: As with most writing, I use an outline. Not a “formal” outline…but still an outline. This helps me focus, put things in the right order, and allow the book to flow or make sense. It’s ok to jump around…as long as your audience can follow it! That’s why I use one.


This interview was part of a virtual blog tour.
Yesterday the blog tour was with Going Green Marketplace. And tomorrow the blog tour continues with Cynthia Norris at Original Impulse blog.

You can pick up your own copy of Wendy’s ebook at http://www.travelsandescapes.com/ebook.html.

LBD Party at The Kennedy

Everyone had a terrific time at the Little Black Dress Party at The Kennedy in Tampa on Thursday. Girls indulged in spa and salon treatments, makeovers, complimentary champagne and a dessert bar. Many thanks to Brian and Dustin for taking care of my lighting and refreshment needs, as well as Larissa for making it all happen. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. Cannot wait until next time!

PHOTO: Casey Wohl with new friends Janice, Janette & Maria at the Little Black Dress Party at The Kennedy.

Join Me at the Winter Haven Merry Market Tonight!

Join me tonight, Friday, Nov. 21, for a fabulous Girls Night Out (GNO) at the Junior League of Winter Haven's Merry Market. Shop more than 10,000 square feet of retail space with just one stop!

Buy any Girls Getaway Guide book and register to win a fantstic Girls Getaway to Key West (a $795 value)! Hope to see you in Winter Haven. For more details, visit www.jlgwh.org.

Getaway Girl to Attend Little Black Dress Party in Tampa

Join me tonight from 7:00 - 10:00 PM at the Little Black Dress Party at The Kennedy in Tampa. Guests are invited to indulge in spa and salon treatments, sip complimentary champagne and enjoy sweets from the dessert bar.
The first 100 ladies will receive a signature goodie bag and door prizes all night long. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. For more information visit www.TheKennedySoho.com or call (813) 259-9669.

Great Time at the FPRA PRowl!

Thank you to everyone who attended the FPRA PRowl in Lakeland last night. It was great to see everyone and catch up with the girls. Many thanks to Susan Black for putting this wonderful event together and for Bonefish Grill for hosting us.

Getaway Girl Scheduled for Encore Presentation on Best Life Barb Show

Great news! The Best Life Barb Show has selected me to be a part of their Encore Presentation Show on Nov. 29. Tune in to station 1190 WAMT Orlando from 9:00 - 11:00 AM to listen!

The Getaway Girl™ was thrilled to be interviewed live on Oct. 4 on the Best Life Barb Show. She chatted with “Best Life Barb” and “Sweet Lou” about the importance of girl getaways and revealed exciting news about the “12 Days ‘til Christmas” girls getaway promotion. The Best Life Barb Show is all about the BEST of the BEST whether it be food, drink, products, services, or even relationships. After appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Barb Simon (aka Best Life Barb) helps listeners LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE. For more information about the Best Life Barb Show, visit www.bestlifebarb.com.

Getaway Girls of All Ages at Cats On Main

Thank you very much to Elizabeth Durrance at Cats On Main for a great event yesterday. I had so much fun meeting everyone and exchanging girl getaway stories! Be sure to visit this fabulous store for all your holiday shopping!
PHOTO: Savy Conerly models the "Leave Your Baggage at Home" visor.

Mark Your Calendar for Nov. 21 in Winter Haven!

Mark your calendar for the Junior League of Winter Haven's Merry Market Nov. 21-22. I'll be co-hosting a fabulous Girls Night Out (GNO) on Friday, Nov. 21 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM, so I hope to see you there! Click on the link below for more details.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwbkFFDZXTA

Girls Getaway Guide Makes Top Twelve List for Girlfriendology.com

I am thrilled to announce that Girlfriendology.com recently featured the Girls Getaway Guide website as one of the Top 12 travel websites for women! What an honor! Girlfriendology is an online community for women based on female friendships.

You can check out the full list at: http://girlfriendology.com/1575/top-ten-womens-travel-sites-2/

The Getaway Girl on GirlfriendCelebrations.com

I am thrilled to announce that I am a new contributor to the fabulous website www.GirlfriendCelebrations.com. This site is packed full of helpful tips and great stories for celebrating life's special occasions and the everyday joys we get from our girlfriends.

Be sure to visit the site and read my recent post about a girls getaway to Music City USA!

MEGA Speaking Was Awesome!

Today is the last day of the MEGA Speaking Conference and I am so glad I attended this great event in Los Angeles!

As always, Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, assembled a fantastic roster of speakers, including author of Life’s Golden Ticket Brendon Burchard, hypnotist Marshall Sylver, movie producer Peter Gruber, marine life artist and conservationist Wyland, NYT best-selling author Andy Andrews, business strategist Christine Comaford, networking guru Keith Ferrazzi, corporate trainer Berny Dohrmann, wealth and lifestyle strategist Chris Howard, motivational/inspirational speaker and best-selling author Barbara DeAngelis PhD, as well as Mark Victor Hansen himself.

Thank you to Mr. Hansen for hosting this wonderful event and to all the speakers for sharing their knowledge. This was one awesome conference!

Visit to Wyland in Laguna Beach

For anyone who has watched MTV’s Laguna Beach show, you’ve seen snippets of this quaint seaside community. Although I have seen the show, I never realized that Laguna is such an artist haven. Locals say that artists began arriving more than a century ago, as they were inspired by the wonderful weather and picturesque beauty of the area. Visitors (and celebs) from around the world come to Laguna Beach to enjoy the numerous art galleries, cozy restaurants, and idyllic resort atmosphere. During our time in town, we stopped by the flagship Wyland Gallery (www.wyland.com). Wyland is the world’s leading marine artist and has been internationally recognized for his marine conservation efforts. I was aware of Wyland due to his gallery in Key West, and the opportunity to check out this gallery was not to be missed.
PHOTO: Casey Wohl & Wendy Kurtz outside Wyland Gallery.

Laguna Niguel is Top Surf Spot

As we trekked down to the ocean from the resort, we made new friends and enjoyed the scenic flora and fauna of the area. Despite the cold temperatures, we wanted to make sure our toes hit the water. After running in and out of the tide, we made friends with some surfers to get the surfing scoop. Sean the Surfer was gracious enough to answer our questions (and even be interviewed on video…stay tuned for the video clip). As we had our fill of surf and sand, we hiked back up to the hotel and convinced ourselves that the hike up was strenuous enough to be our daily workout. We sadly packed up, said our goodbyes and headed to the town of Laguna Beach.

Does it get any better than this?

Located about an hour south of Los Angeles, the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/) is an amazing property with every bit of the perfection you expect from the Ritz Carlton brand. Situated on top of a 150-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the grounds and view could not be any more serene and wonderful. On a clear day (which we enjoyed), you can even see Catalina Island. Guests on a girls’ getaway will enjoy the on-property spa, which features 12 treatment rooms (each one features a crystal chandelier and tranquil water amenities. There is also a salon and (for the die-hard exercise queens) a fitness center complete with gorgeous views of the ocean. Highlights for us (in addition to ENO) were the Adirondack chairs on the back lawn of the hotel that overlook the ocean, as well as the dining room with a complete view of the ocean via floor to ceiling windows. Both were perfect for total relaxation and for checking out the hundreds of surfers in their wet suits. The resort also offers wellness classes, such as yoga, pilates and T’ai Chi. For the adventurous girls, the resort can also arrange for surf lessons and whale watching excursions during the peak whale migration season. Does it get any better?

PHOTO: View of Pacific Ocean from the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel's backyard. I was sitting in an Adirondack chair soaking up the cool weather and sunshine when I took this photo.

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel's ENO is Amazing

We arrived at LAX Wednesday afternoon and were looking forward to getting down to Laguna Beach to the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. After a little bit of traffic, we made our way onto the Pacific Coast Highway. Unfortunately, it was already dark so we did not have a fabulous scenic drive alongside the ocean.

Upon arriving at the Ritz, we were greeted by Deanne French, Director of Public Relations. After checking in and getting settled in our rooms, we met Deanne in ENO, the Ritz’s wine, cheese and chocolate tasting room. We had a fabulous time indulging in all the above! I chose to try to Lasting Laguna Reds wine flight, which included a sampling of three red wines presented in order of lightest to heaviest. My favorite was the Ahnfeldt Merlot, which was perfect. Next, we sampled the cheese flight, which included cheeses from across Europe. I loved the Spanish brie made from goat’s milk…delightful. Shannon was so helpful and informative and an absolute pleasure to have assisting us with our decisions. She recommended we try a sampling of meats as well, which include roasted chicken, ham and shaved pepperoni, along with olives and flatbread. I was thinking that I should not have already eaten dinner! Once again, everything was wonderful and the wine and gal pal chit chat kept flowing. Soon we were ready for dessert, and Shannon presented an absolutely wonderful chocolate flight to our table. The “must try” was the caramel sea salt covered in chocolate cocoa…yum!

Not only is the food and wine at ENO amazing, but the atmosphere is as well. With a full floor-to-ceiling glass wine tower in the middle of the room, and the surrounding high-top tables are perfect for socializing in any size group. In one area, they feature great wine gifts, such as books, glasses and wine-related items.

Of course everything is wonderful at the Ritz, and we had a terrific time chatting with Deanne and gaining interesting information from Shannon. Many thanks to both of them for making our Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel evening spectacular!

I cannot wait to get up in the morning and see the Ritz Carlton grounds and coastline of the Pacific Ocean.