Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Getaway Girl at Daytona's Rolex 24

Many thanks to Ashlei Newkirk and J Lowe Racing for inviting me to the Rolex 24. We had a great time and I loved getting to see the "behind the scenes" prepping of the car and drivers. Thank you to Tim Sugden for the great interview and educating me on the race. To see my interview with Tim, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFkBaE1IEqU.

Hope to see you at the Rolex 24 next year....Girls Getaway to Daytona???

PHOTO: International Race Car Driver Tim Sugden & Casey Wohl.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Leave Your Baggage at Home® Crystallized Fashion Tee

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 http://tinyurl.com/dfytu6.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Still Time to Enjoy the Florida Film Festival

Ali and I had a great time at the Florida Film Festival's VIP Opening Reception on Friday. If you missed this great event on March 27, there is still time to enjoy this amazing festival. Plan now to attend the Florida Film Festival, which ends Sunday, April 5.
The 2009 Florida Film Festival emphasizes the origins of passion and creativity through the theme "Original Cinema." This year's celebrity attendees include film icon Glenn Close, legendary director Ken Russell and Academy Award winning actor Jon Voight. Tickets may be purchased online at floridafilmfestival.com or in person at the following locations: the Enzian Theater; the FL Theatrical Association; and the Regal Winter Park Village 20.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl & ali enjoy a fabulous Girls Night Out (GNO) at the Florida Film Festival in Orlando.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Girls Night Out at Special Olympics Fundraiser

We had a great time during our Girls Night Out to Orlando's new Cuba Libre to raise money for the Special Olympics. It is important to give back to the community and support great organizations such as Special Olympics. Many thanks to Cuba Libre for hosting such a great event and providing a great new venue for us to enjoy in Orlando.

PHOTO: Crazy about plaid, Casey Wohl joins two "wild and crazy guys" at the Special Olympics fundraiser at Cuba Libre Orlando.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Join Me at MEGA Book Marketing University in Orlando

Join the World of Best-Selling Authors AND Build your Own Multi-Media Publishing Empire!!

Mega Book Marketing University
June 5 – 7, 2009
Hosted by Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Orlando, FL


Whether you've only thought about writing a book, have already written a book, or just want to see what it's about, this is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up.

I’ve attended this event on numerous occasions and learned something new every time. You’ll get access to the world's top best-selling authors and book marketing strategists, proven book marketing blueprints that you can put to work immediately and valuable advice from agents and publishers PLUS phenomenal networking opportunities with the “who’s who” of the publishing world.

If you're serious about becoming a successful, published author, there's no way you can afford to pass up this incredible offer. Click here to learn more and reserve your seat today:
https://mvhansen.infusionsoft.com/go/MBook/a746

Special for Getaway Girl subscribers & followers: Get the inside scoop! Once you’ve registered, email me your confirmation number and I’ll send you a VIP invite to be part of the “inside track” with my own book marketing expert Wendy Kurtz, President of Elizabeth Charles & Associates, LLC (http://www.elizabethcharles.com/).

Billed by Mark Victor Hansen as the “Empress of PR,” Wendy has worked with Mark for years and was the first person he called when he and Art Linkletter wanted to develop the marketing and publicity plan for their book How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life.

Wendy has been involved with Mark's Mega events for years and is willing to share her insider's tips with Getaway Girl readers to help you maximize your conference experience. Wendy has been “behind the green curtain" and knows what works. In a complimentary teleseminar before the event, Wendy will provide details on how to prepare for the conference, including pointers for creating a book proposal that ROCKS in case you want to pitch some of the many agents and publishers that will be at the conference (Wendy says that contrary to what you may think, it really isn't that hard).

You must use this specific link to register https://mvhansen.infusionsoft.com/go/MBook/a746/. I hope to see you there!

PHOTO: Chicken Soup for the Soul co-creator Mark Victor Hansen, Empress of PR Wendy Kurtz & The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl at MEGA Book Marketing University 2008.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Do You Have a Girlfriend Getaway to Promote?

Due to an overwhelming amount of requests for Girls Getaway destinations, accommodations and activities, The Getaway Girl™ is launching a new component to her current web site (http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/) for women searching for Girls Getaway travel information. It will also be hosted at (http://www.getawaygirltravel.com/). The Girlfriend Getaway market is currently a $200 million market, representing 4% of all U.S. travel. Experts predict this market will increase significantly in future years.

Purpose
The purpose of this new addition is to allow women to book pre-packaged Girl Getaway trips based on location and getaway experience. Developing a “one-stop shop” for Girl Getaway trips will eliminate the hassle of conducting research and visiting multiple sites to determine the best getaway destination for her group and budget.

Opportunities for Site Visitors
Site visitors will be able to browse for their ideal Girls Getaway by the following criteria:
1. Location (State, City, International)
2. Getaway Experience/Focus (Beach, Spa, Adventure, Culture, Shopping, Cruise, etc.)
3. Additional travel information (i.e. transportation, destination info/CVB, dining, etc)

User Experience
Upon landing on the Girls Getaway Guide home page, visitors will be able to click on the “Getaway Girl Travel” button, which will take them to a page and help them better plan their girl getaway travel. The user will be able to easily locate a Girls Getaway destination, resort and related travel needs and activities. Girl Getaway packages and resort destinations will be organized alphabetically by state. Users can browse through the resort profiles and select the one that best fits their group’s need. Upon finding the appropriate getaway, the user can then read a summary of the resort, which will include a brief overview, logo, photo and website. Once a user is satisfied with their selection, they can click on the hotel’s website for booking details or call them directly.

Giveaways
Due to the popularity of the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas, we are creating a section on the website for “Giveaways.” Travel-related businesses can donate “prize giveaways” to be featured in this section of the website for a specified period of time. Contact information for site visitors who enter to win will be shared with the donating business. The posting of prizes will increase visibility of the donating business, promote and encourage travel excitement, and increase traffic to the website.

Promotion
The Getaway Girl will continue to promote the Girl Getaway concept and drive traffic to the website (http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/) via the following communications channels:
· Media appearances on TV, radio, online and print in local and national markets
· Social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, GetawyGirlConnect.com, etc)
· Monthly E-newsletter (4,000 current subscribers)
· Girls Getaway Guide website and blog (>5,000 unique visitors/month)
· Promotion at all Girls Getaway Guide special events

Timeline
March 31 Deadline to secure participating resorts and businesses @ $250 rate
April 1-30 Webmaster designs new component of site
May 1 Soft promotional launch for travel component
June 1 Formal promotional launch for travel component released

Partner Benefits
· Receive direct access to target audience of female travelers looking for travel options via Girls Getaway Guide.
· Receive publicity for participation via blog, E-newsletter and social media outlets for the Girls Getaway Guide
· Mention in media interviews via local and national TV, radio, online and print.
· Partners who donate to the “giveaway” section will receive contact information for potential visitors.

To promote your Girlfriend Getaway Package with the Girls Getaway Guide, please email Info@GirlsGetawayGuide.net or call (863) 224-6326 by March 31, 2009.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco Comes to Florida

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that the Saltimbanco arena tour will perform in seven cities across Florida from April to July 2009. The high-intensity acrobatic spectacle will perform in local arenas in an intimate theatrical setting. For Saltimbanco tickets and information, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/saltimbanco.

Saltimbanco is a signature Cirque du Soleil show with a style that borrows from theatre, dance and music and where spectacular costumes, lighting and make-up take pride of place. The international cast of 50 artists hails from 20 countries. Saltimbanco is a show full of color, amusement and amazement.

Since its world premiere in 1992, Saltimbanco has toured the world and thrilled more than 10 million people on five continents. For 14 years, the show performed in the trademark Cirque du Soleil big top.

In 2007, Saltimbanco embarked on a new arena tour across Canada and the United States. This model allows Cirque du Soleil to bring its shows to new cities, giving more people than ever the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

Saltimbanco Florida Tour 2009
April 29 – May 3 Lakeland Lakeland Center
May 6 – 10 Gainesville Stephen C. O’Connell Center
May 13 – 17 Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center (FSU)
May 20 – 24 Jacksonville Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
May 27 – June 7 Sunrise Bank Atlantic Center
June 25 – July 5 Tampa St. Petes Times Forum
July 8 – 12 Estero Germain Arena

Saturday, March 21, 2009

12 Hours of Sebring's Hairpin Spin

Many thanks to The Peabody Orlando for donating a Girls Getaway to Orlando at their fabulous property. The Hairpin Spin (part of the 12 Hours of Sebring car race) raised thousands of dollars for local charities and provided a great time for everyone who attended. Thank you to the celebrity drivers for stopping by and adding to the success!

PHOTO: Casey Wohl with Dario Franchitti (Mr. Ashley Judd).

Friday, March 20, 2009

Getaway Girl on Lazy Moms Blog

Thanks to the Lazy Moms for the post opportunity: Pamper Yourself With A Girlfriend Getaway! To read the post and check out the Lazy Moms, visit http://www.lazymoms.com/pamper-yourself-with-a-girlfriend-getaway/comment-page-1/#comment-493

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Shop Key West

I'm always so excited to shop in Key West to find unique and fun things. Here's where shopped while on island:
Key West Art Bar (http://www.keywestartbar.com/) I love this place! This is my favorite place to shop on the island. Owner Barb Grob has a great eye for super cool things, including gifts, art and more. Cathy found some great gifts here.
Besame Mucho (http://www.besamemucho.net/) Located on Petronia Street, this cozy store offers unique goods such as Mexican jewelry, artwork and Kiehl’s products in a shabby chic environment.
Ocean Key Resort Gift Store (www.OceanKey.com) Better than your average gift shop, Ocean Key offers some great gifts, clothing and Key West souvenirs. Even if you don’t stay here, it is worth a trip to the gift store.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Delish Dishes in Key West

We received several recommendations for Sarabeth’s (http://www.sarabethskeywest.com/) so we checked it out Saturday for lunch and loved it! This quaint little restaurant opened in 2005 as the only Florida location for this popular New York restaurant. In 1981, Sarabeth and Bill Levine opened a tiny bakery-kitchen in NYC to make and sell her preserves and baked goods. A few tables and chairs were soon added, first for breakfast and then for lunch. The little store, with its unique charm and wholesomely delicious products became an instant success with discriminating New Yorkers. Located on Simonton Street and managed by David, the Key West location is fabulous! We split the Griddled Smoked Mozzarella Sandwich and the Open Face Tuna Salad Sandwich, and I loved my Bloody Sara and Cathy enjoyed her Antioxidant Intoxicant. This place is a must stop!

We also had lunch at Bagatelle (http://www.bagatellekeywest.com/) on Sunday. A great place to watch people on Duval Street, this lovely Victorian home with a wraparound porch provides a casual and relaxing atmosphere. We were starving, so we ordered big. I devoured my Cheeseburger! We loved our Expresso Martinis, which were just what we needed on a Sunday morning.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Wishing everyone a very happy and safe St. Patrick's Day! Leaping leprechauns...it's a Girls Getaway!
PHOTO: Casey, Liz & Laura celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Tampa.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Loving Hats at Key West Mad Hatter

Thank you so much to Dorcas Robertson for inviting us to her terrific hat store, the Key West Mad Hatter (http://www.keywestmadhatter.com/), next to the Westin. Cathy and I had a blast trying on hats…from Kentucky Derby hats to St. Patrick’s Day head gear, the Key West Mad Hatter has it all. They even do custom hats from your fabric sample. Dorcas gave us great advice and told us you should buy your hat first, and then find the outfit to wear with the hat. Good to know for my trip (one day) to the Kentucky Derby.

PHOTO: Casey & Dorcas show off some fabulous hats!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Can We Just Live at Ocean Key?

We were so excited to check in to the fabulous Ocean Key Resort & Spa in Key West (www.OceanKey.com). Nestled between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square is the resort, which captures the essence of island resort living with oceanfront hotel accommodations. I love sunbathing here…with the resort pool on one side and the tranquil waters (where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean) on the other side. We were excited to wake up Saturday morning to see Kenny Chesney’s tour bus outside our balcony. Looks like Kenny loves Key West too!
Cathy and I had an amazing dinner at the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Hot Tin Roof (HTR). Described as “conch fusion” the resort’s waterfront dining restaurant provides great cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting with beautiful sunset views. We loved our Pan Seared Mahi Mahi and the Broiled Local Yellowtail Snapper, as well as the glowing plates that the Shrimp Cocktail was served on. The resort’s spa, SpaTerre, is the signature spa of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. This boutique spa and fitness center is designed to replicate a Florida beach house with treatments that span from across the globe. Although very nice, Cathy and I agreed that watching the people in the fitness center made us tired and we headed straight to the pool to find a cabana.
The property has experience some upgrades since I was here last, including the new tiki bar in the Liquid Lounge area of the pool deck, 42” plasma TVs, I-Home units and the new covered bridge that allows you access to the entire property. In addition, they have a really nice gift shop that has some great take home items for you, as well as family and friends.
Many thanks to the entire staff for making us feel so welcome, especially Prince who checked on us often to make sure we were well taken care of. Can we just live here?
PHOTO: Casey & Cathy enjoy a "conch fusion" dinner at Ocean Key Resort's Hot Tin Roof.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Key West Express Makes Getting to Key West Fun!

After waking up at 4:00 a.m. and driving to Ft. Myers, we boarded the Key West Express (http://www.seakeywestexpress.com/) in route to our getaway destination. This 170’ catamaran was awesome, complete with plasma TVs, a full lounge/bar area, indoor and outdoor seating and a terrific captain and crew. The three-hour trip was so much fun. We met with Captains Eric and Robert in the Wheel Room (that has no wheel; the boat is controlled with a joystick), made new friends (Mike and Amy on the trip there; Scott and Alex on the way home), and played cards to pass the time. The boat sails daily from Ft. Myers and Marco Island, and it is a great way to get to Key West. Some people even go for just the day. So, next time you are wondering how to get to Key West, just jump aboard the Key West Express.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl with Capts Eric and Robert in the Key West Express Wheel House.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Girls Getaway to Key West at Ocean Key Resort & Spa

After all of our Getaway Girl & Booty Party fun at Fantasy Fest in October, it is time to head back down to America’s only Caribbean island for some fun in the Florida sun. Follow us as we road trip to The Conch Republic and “Duval Crawl” our way around town!

We will be staying at the fabulous Ocean Key Resort & Spa (http://www.oceankey.com/), so be sure to join us during our adventures via my blog, Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Best U.S. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.
Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest celebrations, St. Patrick's Day has been honored in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore, and Russia. Here are some of the most popular St. Paddy’s Day celebration destinations in the U.S.:

Savannah, GA
Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration is the city's largest annual gathering. Compared by many to a Mardi Gras celebration, Savannah's St. Patrick's Day festivities attract roughly 400,000 Irish and “honorary” Irish visitors each year. Popular events include the traditional Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade, a packed street festival along historic River Street, as well as parties at City Market with live entertainment and many other celebrations, including green-dyed fountains.

Chicago, IL
A city with strong Irish roots, Chicago comes alive with its annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Come rain, snow or shine, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is always held the Saturday before March 17 (if St. Patrick’s Day is not on a Saturday) and begins at noon. The Parade route begins on the corner of Columbus Drive and Balbo. A tradition since 1962, the dyeing of the Chicago River starts at 10:45 a.m. the day of the parade with ideal viewing areas at the intersection of Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive and the river.

New York City, NY
Home of the world’s very first (1766) and largest (150,000 participants and 3 million spectators). New York City’s St Patrick’s Day parade is always held on March 17 and lasts about five hours. The city’s largest parade marches up 5th Avenue, from 44th to 86th streets starting at 11:00 a.m. St. Patrick's Day is serious business in New York City. Even non-Irish New Yorkers Wear the Green, drink Guinness and get excited about the St. Patrick's Day Parade. In NYC, you will see green beers, green bagels, green water fountains, and even a green Empire State Building!

Boston, MA
Even if you don't live in Southie and your name isn't O’Donnell, Casey or Shannon — you're Irish by association on St. Patrick's Day in Boston, which is draws more than 500,000 visitors to the city with a long-standing Irish tradition. Boston held America's first St. Patrick's Day celebration in 1737, and the city still boasts one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades. Join the estimated 600,000 people who will attend the annual parade, which starts at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2009 beginning at the Broadway MBTA station and ending in Andrew Square. Your best bet for viewing the parade is to stake out a spot anywhere along Broadway and arrive early. The three-hour parade features floats and dozens of marching bands and pipe bands from Ireland and the U.S.

Atlanta, GA
With more than 1 million Atlanta residents claiming Irish ancestry, Atlanta ranks as the 7th largest “Irish City” in North America. The Georgians host two weeks worth of St. Patrick’s Day festivities kicking off with Lucky Fest, beginning March 7, and then culminates with Atlanta’s biggest street party. The annual parade, which has been held since 1858, will be held on March 4 at noon and includes more than 200 entries. The route is 1.1 miles from the start at Ralph McGill to the end at Martin Luther King at Underground. Get there early for good seats, and be sure to stop by Fado Irish Pub for a pint.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Casey Wohl on 10 Connects - Spring Break Travel Deals


I had so much fun on 10 Connects today! Many thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome. To view the video on Spring Break Travel Deals, visit http://www.tampabays10.com/video/default.aspx?aid=80099

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Submit Your Girls Getaway Photos

Thank you to Ginger McIntyre and Denise Brooker, both from Florida, for this photo of them looking for their "flat pennies" during a Girls Getaway to Montana. For details on how you can enjoy a fabulous Girls Getaway to Montana hosted by a personal trainer and Italian culinary enthusiast for only $749/person, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/Montana.html.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Getaway Girl Travel & Vacation Giveaways Coming Soon!

Due to an overwhelming amount of requests for Girls Getaway destinations, accommodations and activities, I will launch a new component to my current web site (www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net) in May for women searching for Girls Getaway travel information. The purpose of this new addition is to help women search for and book pre-packaged Girl Getaway and trips based on location and getaway experience.

Developing a “one-stop shop” for Girl Getaway trips will eliminate the hassle of conducting research and visiting multiple sites to determine the best getaway destination for a group and budget. In addition to the Travel Section that will launch in May, we are creating a section on the website for “Giveaways” due to the popularity of the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion.

Travel-related businesses will donate “prize giveaways” to be featured in this section of the website for a specified period of time and website visitors can “Enter to Win” the prizes of their choice. Resorts, hotels, B&Bs and destinations interested in being included, please email Info@GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Daytime TV Recap: Affordable Getaway Ideas

For those of you who missed my Daytime TV interview yesterday, here's a recap of my picks for an affordable getaway ideas:

Nashville – Located within a 1-day drive to two-thirds of the nation’s population, Nashville is not just country music. The city is rich in culture with wonderful museums, historical attractions and sporting events (Parthenon, Frist Museum, first-class symphony, NHL hockey, NFL football & minor league baseball). I love the fact that it is a large city with a small town feel. Lots of friendly people who are helpful to tourists. It is easy to feel at home here, especially with the amazing Southern food and warm hospitality.

Orlando – This city relies heavily on tourism, so it is not surprising that they are offering great value packages during their “Bundles of Free Smiles” campaign that runs through June. Many hotels offering buy 2 nights, get one free. Other offers include adult admission for price of kids, as well as many buy one get one free specials.

Napa Valley – Typically a pricey place to visit, but they are offering some amazing deals. I know of one hotel that is offering a wine tasting package that includes lodging for 2 w/complimentary room upgrade, bottle of wine, and complimentary wine tours for $139/night. If you have ever wanted to visit Napa (or want to go back), now if the time to go.

Hawaii – Another state that relies heavily on tourism for its economy, Hawaii is offering some great deals to entice visitors. With offers such as 50% off companion air fare, buy 2 nights/get the 3rd for free, and $75 dining credits, a trip to Hawaii can be more affordable than you think. Now is the time to say “aloha” to this tropical destination and the place our new President calls home.

Off-Season Trips – If you are willing to travel to a destination during its “off season,” you will also find great deals. For example, a trip to Lake Tahoe in the spring (between its peak ski season and summer) will result in 38% savings and I’ve seen reports of discounts in Steamboat Springs of 75% off lodging. Avoiding peak season travel will ensure you find great deals no matter where you are going.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

New Survey Reveals Destination Preferences of Affluent Travelers

Urban destinations continue to top the list of vacation destinations preferred by affluent leisure travelers, with New York City and Las Vegas receiving top mentions, according to the just-released Ypartnership Portrait Of Affluent Travelers. Maui, San Francisco and Honolulu round out the top five in this nationally representative survey of 800 U.S. adults living in households with a minimum annual income in excess of $150,000 (the top 8% of all U.S. households defined by current income), conducted during August of 2008.

According to the survey results, three-in-ten affluent leisure travelers are interested in visiting New York City and Las Vegas during the next two years. One-in-four is interested in visiting Maui, San Francisco and Honolulu, and approximately two-in-ten are interested in traveling to Orlando or San Diego.

Four new destinations made the top ten domestic list in the most recent iteration of the survey, which is conducted every two years: Honolulu, Orlando, Napa/Sonoma and Hilton Head.Interest in visiting Europe during the next two years remains strong, with seven-in-ten affluent travelers citing the region as their preferred international destination. Within Europe, Italy continues to reign as the number one choice for almost one-third of affluent American leisure travelers.

The Far East, Mexico and Australia follow respectively. Interest in visiting the Caribbean, South Pacific and Africa declined since 2006, with interest in visiting the Caribbean reflecting the most significant decline.“The preferences measured in this survey auger well for the listed destinations because the survey also revealed that affluent travelers plan to take slightly more trips in the year ahead than they did last year,” said Peter C. Yesawich, Chairman and CEO of Ypartnership.

For further information on the Ypartnership Portrait of Affluent TravelersSM, please visit the Publications section of ypartnership.com or call Holly Boland at 407-838-1869.

Source: Ypartnership

Monday, March 2, 2009

Hairpin Spin at the "12 Hours of Sebring" Car Race


To celebrate the 57th Annual Mobil 1 “12 Hours of Sebring” International Car Race, the Girls Getaway Guide has partnered with The Peabody Orlando (http://www.peabodyorlando.com/) to donate a Luxurious Four-Star, Four-Diamond Two Night Orlando Getaway for Two. Join us at noon on March 18 in Sebring, FL as we “Spin to Win” fabulous prizes and help raise money for area charities. For tickets to the exciting event, call (863) 386-0505 or email HairpinSpin@Yahoo.com.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Money Saving Make Up Tips

You spend hundreds of dollars on cosmetic products and when you least expect it, you open your makeup case to discover broken eyeshadow, dried out foundation, or clumpy mascara. Certified Image Consultant Kelly Machbitz provides some quick fixes to salvage your precious (and expensive) makeup:

1. Broken Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow, blush or powder that comes pressed in a compact can be fixed by adding a little rubbing alcohol and smoothed back in place with a butter knife. Let dry completely before using. Another alternative is to transfer powder to a small sifter jar you can find at your local beauty supply store.

2. Dried Out Foundation
Liquid or cream foundation that has dried out can be re-hydrated with a dab of your favorite moisturizer...or olive oil. Be sure to stir or shake well before using.

3. Clumpy Mascara
To get the most out of mascara that has started to clump, take a tip from the pros and use a small fan brush to apply product to lashes instead of the traditional wand. Mascara will also go on smoother if you coat lashes with a small amount of Vaseline before applying.

4. Dull Eye Pencil
If you don't have a sharpener on hand and your eye pencil is too dull to get a nice clean line, use a small, blunt eye lining brush to apply. Simply run brush over end of pencil to pick up product, then run brush along lash line to apply. If your pencil has dried out (has a white-ish or flaky appearance), try soaking the end in a little olive oil for 30 minutes. It will soften and rehydrate for a smooth application.

5. Broken Lipstick
One of the messiest of makeup mishaps, broken lipstick can be salvaged. If it is a clean break, heat one end with a lighter and press broken halves together firmly. Place in refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to set. If it is too mangled or misshapen to go back in the tube smoothly, use a small knife to transfer lipstick to a palette you can find at your local beauty supply store for just a couple of bucks. Don't waste your money replacing damaged cosmetics. Get a little creative and save yourself a lot of dough.

For more beauty and fashion tips, go to Kelly's website at http://www.totalfashionmakeover.com/.