Celebrate Oct. 1 as Official Bitch Day!

Join me at the Celebration of Life Luncheon Oct. 3 in Orlando

Join me on Oct. 3 in Orlando at the fourth annual “Celebration of Life” breast cancer awareness luncheon, which will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The event, featuring a wonderful luncheon and a silent auction, is co-sponsored by WESH 2, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and the Florida Institute of Research, Medicine & Surgery Cancer Center.

Once again, the Girls Getaway Guide has teamed up with the Gaylord Palms Resort to provide a fabulous Girls Getaway Vacation Package ($1,500 value) for the silent auction fundraiser. Last year, the entire event raised more than $20,000 for the Susan G Komen Foundation.

For more information, contact Rhonda Kuhlman at (407) 539-7988.

Inconsistent Baggage Fees Confuse Travelers & Increase Overall Airfare

With people starting to book their holiday travel and airlines continuing to increase their fares due to gas prices, it is more important than ever for travelers to pay close attention to the airlines’ various baggage fees and limits.

Research shows that more and more airlines have instituted fees for the quantity and weight of passenger luggage. However, not all airlines fees are consistent, which makes booking your flight and calculating your total air fare (ticket and baggage fees) difficult.

Passengers must not just pay close attention to airline fees but also how they pack for their travels. In some cases, it may be best to pay a little more for a ticket and travel on an airline that doesn’t have strict baggage fees. For a look at how the major airlines measure up, visit the Tip Section of my website (www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net) for a detailed comparison chart of the top airlines baggage fees.

Here are several recommendations for packing light and reducing your luggage needs:
·Ship holiday gifts before departing to and from your destination
·Pack kids together versus allowing each child to have their own suitcase
·Pack backpacks for children so they have their own carry-on bags
·Wear or carry your heavier items, such as jackets or boots, on the plane with you
·Plan on layering your clothes, which is space efficient and will help you dress for the weather

For more tips on how you can save money on your next trip, see what baggage fees airlines charge are currently charging or see how the top airlines compare with each other, visit my website at http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/ for a complete chart in the Tip Section.

Fashion Week Tampa Bay Hosts Fundraiser for Best Buddies

Fashion Week Tampa Bay concluded on Saturday, Sept. 27 with a lovely lunch and silent auction to benefit Best Buddies, which was held at Pacific Wave Restaurant in St. Petersburg. Once again, I made new friends as I dined with Channel 10's very own Kelly Machbitz.
A special thank you to Saddlebrook Resort for donating a two-night stay that accompanied the Girls Getaway auction item. It was the most popular and highest-selling item of the day. Also, thank you to Nancy Vaughn and her wonderful staff for a wonderful event. I cannot wait for next year!

PHOTOS: Top - Girls Getaway Guide & Saddlebrook Resort donated the highest-selling item with proceeds going to Best Buddies. Bottom left -Casey Wohl, designer Essence, model Jenna. Bottom right - Sarah Coombs (Best Buddies), Nancy Vaughn (Fashion Week Tampa Bay) and Casey Wohl.

Orlando Hosts Central Florida Small Business Summit

On Friday, Sept. 26, Orlando hosted the Central Florida Small Business Summit at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center. It was a great event and featured terrific speakers, such as Les Brown, Michael Gerber, Sheila Stewart, Michelle Anton and Alex Mandossian.
Many thanks to Elizabeth Charles & Associates for the invitation to attend and network with such an amazing group.

PHOTO: Wendy Kurtz (L) and Casey Wohl (R).

Fashion Week Tampa Bay Runway Show

The Thursday evening fashion show at The Ritz in Ybor City was awesome! We had so much fun and were thrilled to sit in the VIP section for this first ever Fashion Week Tampa Bay runway show. Our favorites were the JCagua Swimwear by Trineice Cagua and Ice It By Bebe Z. by Bebe Ziegler. In addition to the fabulous fashions, we made new friends and were excited to be a part of this wonderful event.

TOP PHOTO: Casey Wohl with Super Bowl Champ Seth Joyner.
BOTTOM PHOTO: Runway fashions modeled at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.

Fashion Week Tampa Bay Begins!

We had a great time last night at Fashion Week Tampa Bay's VIP Party at the Tampa Bay Arts Emporium in Hyde Park. It was wonderful to meet all the designers and the talented people who have made this such a fantastic event. In addition, we loved the art displayed at the emporium. There are some very talented artists displayed here, so stop by next time you are in the Tampa area.
While we loved meeting everyone, we were excited to meet Mark Byrne, who creates cool fashions from balloons. He had a few items on display (including this two-piece cow girl outfit) and showed us some amazing pieces he recently displayed in Japan. Be sure to visit his website at www.BalloonGuy.net.
The fashion shows begin tonight, and we are very excited to see what Tampa has to offer.

Celebrate Oktoberfest 2008!

Each year, millions of people celebrate Oktoberfest, which runs September 20 - October 5 this year. Originating in Munich, lively Bavarian music and the smell of sauerkraut, beer and bratwursts fill the air during the “largest people’s fair in the world” held annually late September and early October.
Originally held as a commemoration of the Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage in 1810, the modern festival continues to celebrate the German heritage.
Can’t make it to Germany this year? Don’t worry. Several U.S. cities offer their own version of this festive German event. Be sure to plan your getaway now and reserve your seat at this year’s Oktoberfest!

Cincinnati, Ohio – During America’s largest, most authentic Oktoberfest, hundreds of thousands of people pack the streets of Cincinnati during “Zinzinnati” (their version of Oktoberfest). Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati USA is an outdoor festival held in downtown Zinzinnati, Ohio that showcases the rich German heritage of Southwestern Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food and beer. First held in 1976, the event has grown to be North America's largest Oktoberfest with more than 500,000 people attending each year. Here, vendors line the streets promoting potato pancakes, sauerkraut, sausages and knockwursts.

Helen, Georgia – Dubbed Georgia’s Alpine village, this quaint town was formerly home to a logging industry. The city resurrected itself by becoming a replica of a Bavarian town - in the Appalachians instead of the Alps. Located on the Chattahoochee River in the Blue Ridge Mountains (northeast of Atlanta), Helen hosts a fantastic Oktoberfest September – November each year.

New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, Texas – Who knew you could find a bier garten (translation is “beer garden” or bar) in the middle of Texas hill country? This area represents the best of Texas combined with the best of Bavaria. Located in the very center of Texas (about an hour north of San Antonio and an hour west of Austin), this area’s Oktoberfest is one of the most celebrated events as the towns pay tribute to their German heritage. Enjoy German food, German beer, German music, artisans, souvenirs and much more. In addition to Oktoberfest, Wurstfest is a 10-day festival featuring every kind of German sausage imaginable.

EPCOT, Orlando, Florida – For a taste of Germany in Florida 365 days a year, there is no better place to visit than EPCOT’s Germany. Dine at The Biergarten Restaurant, an indoor German "courtyard" featuring a German Oktoberfest buffet. Pile German sausages, sauerbraten, and red cabbage on your plate and feast away! Near the restaurant, enjoy yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians perform. The German band, Oktoberfest Musikanten, plays in The Biergarten about once an hour.

Pamela Maynard Wins Girls Getaway Guide Tote!

Congratulations to Pamela Maynard who won the Girls Getaway Guide tote at the Central Florida Women's Expo today! It was a fantastic event. I enjoyed meeting everyone and cannot wait to come back next year!

PHOTO: Girls Getaway Guide tote winner Pamela Maynard with author Casey Wohl.

The Central Florida Women's Expo

The Central Florida Women's Expo

Come join me at the Central Florida Women's Expo at Lake Stella Park in Downtown Auburndale on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. I'll be at booth #126!!

Intermix Celebrates 15th Anniversay!

I just found out that one of my favorite stores, Intermix, is celebrating their 15th anniversary and want you to celebrate with them! Now through October 13, Intermix customers are eligible for gift cards when you make a purchase here. It's up to $400 in gift cards! This is a rare deal and requires a trip to the store to check it out. To see what they have, visit www.intermixonline.com. Happy shopping (and savings)!

Thanks to Jennifer at the Orlando Intermix for this great tip!

Join us at Fashion Week Tampa Bay!

Join us Sept. 24-27 at Fashion Week Tampa Bay! This four-day event will epitomize the fashion scene in the Bay area with an annual event that celebrates the style that’s uniquely Tampa Bay. This event will bring together the area’s most talented fashion and accessories designers and showcase their work for local and national retail buyers, local boutique owners and consumers. For more information, visit www.fashionweektampabay.com.

What's Your Favorite Girls Getaway Activity?

While we are all anticipating the November presidential election, voting for your favorite girls’ getaway locations and activities are almost as important. Thank you to everyone who voted on last month’s Girls Getaway Blog Poll. The results are in! Key West and Chicago tied for first place as the favorite girls’ getaway destination, each receiving 23% of the votes. New York City came in third with 17% of the votes. Now that we know where you like to go, what do you like to do? Vote for your favorite girls’ getaway activity. The poll will only be open for a few days, so vote now!

City Superlatives? See Where Your Favorite City is Ranked!

According to an online survey of "America's Favorite Cities" by Travel + Leisure magazine, Florida's very own Miami ranked as #1 for most "attractive" city with the most beautiful people.

The online survey of 125,000 people ranked 25 U.S. cities in 45 categories ranging from most affordable to friendliest people. A few highlights include:

Best City For a Wild Weekend - Las Vegas & New Orleans
Friendliest City - Charleston, SC
Smartest City - Seattle
Best Shopping, Arts & Skyline - New York City
Most Affordable City - San Antonio, TX

To view the full article, visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26674900/?GT1=43001

French Cuisine at Le Bilboquet

The girls made sure I tried some of NYC's best restaurants, so a lunch at Le Bilboquet (located on 63rd between Park and Madison) was a must do. The place is super small so you may have to wait, but it is well worth it. With both indoor and outdoor seating, lunch and dinner here will not disappoint. Nikki highly recommended the Poulet Cajun (Cajun Chicken). It was fantastic! The staff is very European and the atmosphere is lively with fun music.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl & Nikki Breedlove at Le Bilboquet.

World's Best Corn!

Who would have thought a girls favorite snack would be corn? But that is one of Lauren's top picks for an afternoon snack in Soho. Lauren had been talking for hours about the corn on the cob at Habana Cafe (located on Prince Street). After much hype, I had to try some for myself. The corn is grilled and rolled in queso cheese and chili powder. It was amazing! Not only does this place serve delicious food, but it is an eco-eatery as well. If you are in the area, be sure to visit.

PHOTO: Lauren shows off her fave snack - the grilled corn!

NYC - Fashion Show at Tavern on the Green & Big Drop

I arrived in NYC yesterday and hit the ground running. I walked up and down Prince Street looking at the fantastic stores, then met my girlfriend, Sharmen Lane, for a bite to eat at The Cub Room. Shar said she ate some of the best calamari there ever! After a two hour late lunch, a group of us went to a fashion show at Tavern on the Green. The atompshere was great and the setting was beautiful.

This morning I walked throughout the Soho area. It was a little rainy, which kept me from exploring as much as I would have liked. After lunch with Lauren at Zoe Restaurant on Prince Street, I took her recommendation and stopped in at a great store called Big Drop. It is sort of like an Intermix. They carry various designers, such as Black Halo, T Bags and L.A.M.B. They have several location in NYC, and just opened a store in Miami. At the Spring Street location, I purchased an awesome black dress there. Thanks to Inda for all her help. Stop by and ask her to help you find something fabulous next time you are in NYC.

We Will Never Forget!

On my way to New York today! Everytime I travel to the city, but especially today, I cannot help but think about the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. I'll never forget where I was or the horror I felt as we watched the events unfold on the news. My heart goes out to those impacted by that tragic day. We love you!

New York Fashion Week Happening Now!

For all you style-crazy gals out there, New York Fashion Week is happening now, and I will be there later this week.

Be sure to check out the latest styles and fashions and see what will be hot for Spring 2009! For photos, videos and celeb news, be sure to visit http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/fashion-week/. There is a video clip of Diane von Furstenberg's collection...it is incredible!

PHOTO: Dress from the Carolina Herrera collection.

Interesting Travel Stats

I just read some interesting information on the travel industry that I thought I would share (you never know when you need good stats to bring up at your next cocktail party).

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, global travel is growing at 6-7%. Research shows that international travelers comprise 22% of room sales in the U.S. However, in New York City, they actually comprise 52% of total room sales.

About 22% of people in the U.S. are doing “staycations” where they stay at local hotels to avoid high gas and travel prices. This proves that we still want our “down time” but without the high costs.

Don't Miss the Orlando Farmers Market Each Sunday

With a gorgeous view of Lake Eola, Ali and I walked to the Orlando Farmers Market yesterday morning. Located on the corner of Central and Eola, the market enters its 21st year and is continuously growing as it expands to add new vendors, a brand new wine and beer garden, live entertainment, an outdoor restaurant, and themed Sundays to promote pet-friendly, family-friendly, food and wine as well as arts in the park programs.
Stroll through the vendors to see arts and crafts, prepared food and, of course, fresh produce. The Orlando Farmer's Market is a great place to be in Downtown Orlando every Sunday from 10am to 4pm!

PHOTOS: Below - Ali shows off her "neon eggplant" (yes, it really is bright purple) and selects tomatoes (top).

Casey Wohl Hosts Shopping Video for VISITFLORIDA.COM

I am thrilled to annouce that VISITFLORIDA.COM has posted the shopping video I hosted on their website. Get the inside scoop on all of Orlando's fantastic shopping by watching the clip.

To view it, click http://www.visitflorida.com/Orlando/videos/video_id.184.

Expedia Reports Strong Travel Bookings

Americans still arranged vacations this summer despite economic and fuel-price concerns, says a new report from Expedia Travel Trendwatch, a marketing newsletter of the Internet travel Web portal.

Citing its own business, as well as research by Smith Travel Research and others, Expedia Inc. concluded that "Americans are flying and staying at hotels about as much as they have in recent summers." Expedia noted that its own North American gross bookings were up 10 percent in the second quarter of 2008, compared with the same period last year.

"Frankly, the notion that Americans are staying home this summer is just plain wrong," said Chris McGinnis, editor of Expedia Travel Trendwatch.

During August, Orlando was Expedia's third-most-popular destination, following Las Vegas and New York City. Orlando was listed as Expedia's sixth-fastest-growing destination for the first six months of 2008. New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Antonio topped that list.

Source: Scott Powers, Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel

Chair Painting Fundraiser Benefits Highlands Art League

What a fabulous girls day out! We had a great time painting chairs to benefit the Highlands Art League. Girls of all ages came out today to support this great organization and add their artisitc talents to the chairs that willl fill the new art center. Many thanks to Heather and Emma Mello for helping me paint the Girls Getaway Guide chair. It looks fantastic!

PHOTOS: Finished Girls Getaway Guide chair (top); Heather, Emma & Casey (middle right); Marie and Jeri paint their chairs (middle left); and Addie adds her artistic flair (and lots of pink) to a chair, as well as her hair (bottom).