Are We There Yet?

We woke up bright and early this morning to catch our 8:00 AM (EST) flight to Bozeman, Montana. I always say travel is about the experience and did we ever have an experience today. Without going into too many details, we were delayed in Orlando and missed our connection in Denver. This “glitch” resulted in a 10-hour layover in Denver. With our bags in tow (and our new friend Rob we met in the airport), we headed to downtown Denver for a few hours of sightseeing. We stopped at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa (http://www.brownpalace.com/) where Derek was so helpful with directions and storing our bags. We walked down the 16th Street Mall, a 16-block pedestrian and transit mall, and then made our way to Larimer Square (or known as LoDo). Here we shopped in cute boutiques like Violet (www.VioletDenver.com), Eve (http://www.eveinc.net/) and Dog Savvy (http://www.dogsavvy.com/), where I found the perfect “necklace” for my girl Zoe. All that shopping worked up a sweat J so we stopped at Corridor 44 (http://www.corridor44.com/), Denver’s only champagne bar, for refreshments. This ultra cool place had a great vibe and the menu looked delicious…we wish we could stay for dinner. We loved the great quotes on the wall and the private back room you passed on the way to the restrooms.

With our batteries re-charged, we made our way back to the Brown Palace to get our bags and cabbed it back to the airport. Our place finally departed Denver at 10:00 PM (MST) and we arrived in Bozeman by midnight…just in time for our 30 minute drive to Livingston to the Flatpenny Inn. All we wanted was a place to sleep. Today, our Girls Getaway was Girls Napaway. Lights out!

PS Did I mention I was sick all day and almost passed out on the Orlando flight?

PHOTO: Tanya and Casey in downtown Denver.

Destination=Livingston, Montana

Livingston, Montana is located in Park County where the Rocky Mountains give way to the plains that stretch to the horizon, blue-ribbon fishing streams turn to the Missouri River and the “Big Sky” opens up.
Livingston came into being in 1882 in consequence of planning by the Northern Pacific Railway, which deemed it a good location for railroad shops to service its steam trains before their ascent over the Bozeman Pass. Though Livingston is a small town, it is popular with tourists and is a small art haven, filming location (A River Runs Through It, The Horse Whisperer), fishing destination, railroad town, and writers' and actors' colony. Actors Peter Fonda and Margot Kidder call Livingston home, and Jimmy Buffett fans will recognize the town named in several of his songs.

Follow our adventures on this blog, www.Twitter.com/GetawayGirl and Girls Getaway Guide on Facebook!

Hotel Monaco for Great Girls Getaway to Chicago!

The Hotel Monaco Chicago, a Kimpton boutique hotel, is an AAA Four Diamond Property overlooking the Chicago River and located just steps from the North Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping districts.
Hotel Monaco Chicago tells a story of “Great Taste – Fashionably Flavored.” Throughout the hotel, you’ll find hints of great taste… from the nightly wine hour, to the gourmet candies you may find at the front desk, to the delicious comfort foods at South Water Kitchen…. all in a fashionable French Deco inspired setting.
Playfully opulent, Hotel Monaco’s stylish design incorporates whimsical elements such as pistachio and butter cream stripes in the guestrooms, and rhubarb red walls on guest floors. Our rooms are known for their soothing and picturesque window seats that beckon guests to reflect on the views of Chicago’s towering buildings, complemented by the calming Chicago River below.
We invite you to experience the charm and warmth of our boutique hotel located in the heart of Chicago.

We stayed here last year for a Girls Getaway to Chicago and loved it! Great location! For more details or to make a reservation, visit http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/monacochicago.html

Check out the Doubletree Grand Key Resort Key West

You'll find the island's warmest welcome at Key West’s Doubletree Grand Key Resort. Only minutes from Key West International Airport, or a few hours from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, this pet-friendly, certified Green Lodging facility provides an unbeatable location to experience Key West and the Florida Keys. Surrounded by the tropical beauty, charm and colorful character of Key West, Doubletree Grand Key Resort’s 216 guest rooms feature cottage-style décor, complimentary wireless and high-speed Internet access, all the comforts of home and all the conveniences of a full-service resort.
From connecting double-queen rooms to luxurious king suites, Doubletree Grand Key Resort is designed with a distinctly Caribbean style.
Unique touches include a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, sweeping paddle fans, gingerbread trim and a 2,500-gallon saltwater aquarium in the lobby. The spectacular courtyard area incorporates a zero-entry pool with a waterfall, hot tub, several poolside cabanas where massages are offered, plus a Tiki bar and outdoor dining venue.
There is an on-site restaurant, in-room dining, indoor lounge, gym, business center and a full-service concierge. The resort provides complimentary transportation to the Key West International Airport, historic Old Town, a Rees Jones-designed golf course, Sunset Watersports Beach Club and most marinas.

For more details or to make a reservation, visit http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/doubletreegrandkey.html.

The Getaway Girl Chats With WPCV!

It is always a pleasure speaking with Andrea Oliver, news director for WONN/WPCV in Lakeland.

On Father's Day, Andrea and I chatted about the latest and greatest in Girls Getaways and travel trends.

To listen to the interview, click http://tinyurl.com/mye8be.

The Getaway Girl Talks Travel Trends for 2009 on Daytime

What are the most popular travel trends for 2009? Listen to The Getaway Girl's TV interview on Daytime to get the latest in fabulous travel destinations! To watch, visit http://tinyurl.com/normu8

Are You Fearless?

I was recently interviewed on 'Fearlessly Speaking by Jacqueline Wales.' (To listen, click http://tinyurl.com/lp9m76). It is a great reminder that we should all be "fearless" in life.

Tell us how you are fearless in your life!!!!

Get The Best "Bang" For Your Buck This July 4th

There are some great travel to help you celebrate Fourth of July this year with a "bang." From American Idols to the Boston Pops to island celebrations to the wild, wild west, here are a few of the amazing deals we found to help you plan the ultimate July 4th getaway:

Celebrate America’s Independence with American Idol in Asheville, NC
The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville, NC, has a fun and unique Fourth of July vacation package. Available July 3-5, the package features American Idol Bo Bice in concert, a barbecue cookout, pool parties, scavenger hunts for the youngest guests and taste of history with the "Asheville Tea Party." Highlights include:
*Two nights resort accommodations at $559 (2-night minimum)
*Breakfast daily per adult; choose Blue Ridge Dining Room or In Room Dining
*Independence Day Southern BBQ
*American Idol Bo Bice in concert July 4th at 8:00 p.m. (request tickets when making reservations)
*Tickets to the Asheville Tea Party
*Admission to all of the weekend’s events and activities
For more information or to make a reservation, call (800) 438-5800 or visit http://www.groveparkinn.com/.

Celebrate the Wild, Wild West This July 4th in Livingston, MT

Overlooking the magnificent Absaroka Mountains of Southwest Montana, the Flatpenny Inn (named for countless guests squishing pennies on the tracks of passing trains) will play host to a fabulous summer girls’ getaways this July 4th. Just 23 miles from the Bozeman Airport and close to Yellowstone National Park, this Inn is perfect for a fabulous vacation at an unbelievable low price. The $749/person package includes:

*5 nights/6 days accommodations

*All ground transportation including transfers to/from airport

*Most meals, an open kitchen (feel free to nibble on healthy snacks whenever you wish)

*An end-of-stay massage

*Daily workout with your hostess, a certified personal trainer.

The July 4th weekend will host the Livingston Roundup Rodeo and hundreds of professional cowboys will inundate this charming town. The rodeo is held July 2, 3 & 4 at 8:00 PM each night with fireworks in the arena and in the sky. For more details and to register, visit http://www.girlsgetawayguide.net/.

Celebrate July 4th with Red, White and Pink in the Bahamas!
Enjoy ‘pink’ sand this Fourth of July when you buy three nights at the Pink Sands Resort (http://www.pinksandsresort.com/) and enjoy the fourth night free from July 2-7 on Bahamas’ Harbour Island. Pink Sands was recently awarded #2 for Top Resorts in the Atlantic Ocean in Conde Nast Traveler’s 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.Guests will receive a complimentary welcome cocktail reception on July 3, a $200 four-course wine pairing dinner on July 4 created by celebrated chef Claudio Giordano, and a discounted rate on a deluxe garden view suite. Rate per night is $500+ w/3-night minimum. The fourth night is free in celebration of the Fourth of July, in all a savings of 35%.Reservations are limited and can be made directly through Pink Sands by phone (305) 788-2796 or http://www.blogger.com/info@pinksandsresort.com.

Boston Pops Spectacular Fourth of July Dress Rehearsal Package

Package includes overnight accommodations in a guestroom, breakfast for two at CLINK and two tickets to the July 3 dress rehearsal (everything but the fireworks) to the Boston Pops Fourth of July Spectacular. The Liberty Boston is the official sponsor of Boston’s 2009 Fourth of July festivities. It’s conveniently located close to the Esplanade: the center of all of the weekend’s activities. Some of the Liberty’s guestrooms even offer magnificent views of the Charles River. Packages start at $445 per room, per night; two night minimum stay. For more details or to make a reservation, call (866) 507-5245 or visit http://www.libertyhotel.com/.

South Beach Nightlife Lasts All Night

Saturday night we took in the nightlife at Skybar at the Shore Club (http://www.shoreclub.com/) in South Beach. Unlike many of the SoBe clubs, Skybar offered a relaxed outdoor and indoor atmosphere for guests. It was very chill, but still full of the Miami scene. At 4 a.m., we headed home to order late night pizza. When in Rome…

PHOTO: Emily, Casey & Liz all dolled up in South Beach!

Shopping, Beer & People Watching on SoBe's Lincoln Road

Known to be a great hangout and dog-friendly, we drove to South Beach’s Lincoln Road (http://www.lincolnroad.org/) on Saturday afternoon. We found Zeke’s Roadhouse where they offer more than 200 beers each at $4. Don’t expect a menu or table service. You must go inside to see what they offer and to place your order. They do provide outdoor seating so you can people watch (note the sunglasses at night fashion trend) while you enjoy a unique brew. Liz and Emily (and even Stella) enjoyed a Philippine beer, San Mig Light…very tasty! We also tried on clothes at BCBG Max Azria (http://www.bcbg.com/). Zoe didn’t see anything in her color and none of their shoes came in sets of four.

PHOTO: Stella enjoys the San Mig beer at Zeke's Roadhouse.

Stella & Zoe Lovin' Hotel Life!

We were so excited to arrive at Miami’s new Epic Hotel (http://www.epichotel.com/) for a Girls Getaway with our dogs. Liz brought Stella (a Cocker Spaniel/Shih Tzu mix) and I brought Zoe (my Weimeraner who also goes by ‘Sexy Bitch’). Emily also joined us minus a dog. Upon arrival, the dogs were thrilled to find the room stocked with toys, their own beds, bottled and food and water bowls. Zoe and I quickly found a grassy area that was located just beyond a bridge a minute from the hotel. Each time we passed the bridge there was a different modeling photo shoot taking place, and each time, Zoe was asked to be in the photos. I think she has a solid future as a dog model now that she has perfected her “looks.”

With the dogs comfortably situated in the hotel room, the three, two-legged girls headed to the pool for some R&R. The Epic has two pools and several cabana options. Guests can even get a massage in a private cabana poolside. They also offer some uniquely-designed (and comfortable) pool furniture. Very nice!

PHOTO: Liz & Stella; Casey & Zoe arrive at Epic Hotel in downtown Miami for a Girls Getaway.

Girls (and Dogs) Getaway to EPIC Hotel Miami

Where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay, the EPIC Hotel (www.EPICHotel.com), a Kimpton property, is located in one of Miami's most flourishing neighborhoods. There is an energizing buzz to the physically beautiful and culturally thriving environment here. Yet the surrounding waterways soothe the soul. This dynamic contrast helps define the area, giving it a unique and vibrant atmosphere. With attention to every detail, the EPIC has not forgotten about our four-legged friends with their fantastic pet getaway with no additional charge to bring your pet.

Join us as we spend the weekend with our favorite four-legged "girls" for a weekend of pampering and "paw-dicures" at EPIC Hotel in Miami.

The Ultimate Girls' Getaway Cruise Is All About YOU!

Call your mom, sister or BFF! Reunite, reconnect, relax and laugh, laugh, laugh! Sail aboard Royal Caribbeans' Majesty of the Seas on July 17 - 20, 2009 from Miami to the Bahamas. Participating girls will enjoy the many benefits of cruising: all inclusive pricing, unlimited entertainment, scrumptious dining options, an incredible menu of activities and exotic ports of call. Exclusive onboard events such as Midnight Martini Party, Little Black Dress Wine Party & Girls on a Cruise Treasure Hunt, along with our surprise gift bags make Girls' Cruise Getaways unforgettable!
For more information, visit Girls On A Cruise at http://www.getawaygirltravel.com/.

Also, be sure to register for a $300 air fare credit to cover travel costs to your next cruise at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/Win.html.

Fit For A Queen, Girls Royal Getaway

Can you imagine renting a luxurious hotel and having the whole place to yourself? This is what people say when you rent the California Castle. With all the amenities of a 5 star hotel and the privacy of your own home, the 10 bedroom, 12 bathroom, 9,000 SF California Castle, which offers a steam room, tanning bed, 2 Jacuzzis, tiled pool, movie room, bar, poker, and pool table room, lighted stadium tennis and basketball court, free costumes to wear, free ATV rides, four kitchens, lots of room and top-of-the-line sheets and linens. The castle is fast becoming the place where celebrities and guests from all over the world come to unwind and getaway from it all.

For more information about California Castle, visit http://www.getawaygirltravel.com/.

Girls Night Out with Working Women of Tampa Bay

Join me Thursday, June 18th for a Girls Night Out networking event with the Working Women of Tampa Bay (www.WorkingWomenofTampaBay.com) at Syd Entel Art Gallery (www.SydEntelGalleries.com) in Safety Harbor from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

I'll be there talking about Career Reinvention, and we will also enjoy a fashion show. Stop in and register for an amazing prize donated by Saddlebrook Resort (www.Saddlebrook.com). We are also giving away a 2 night stay in a 2 bedroom suite at Saddlebrook with green fees.
The cost for the event is $20.

Tips to Packing Lighter on Your Next Getaway

Check out my guest blog post on Shop It To Me featuring 'Tips to Packing Lighter on Your Next Getaway,' which you can read at http://tinyurl.com/kueshl.

Girls Getaway to Ireland

Tenon Tours has taken the concept of a "girls night out" and dedicated an entire week-long tour to just that - a girlfriends getaway. Tour the best places Ireland has to offer with other groups of girlfriends like yourself for a vacation like you've never experienced before. What's more, you get a complimentary spa facial or massage to help you relax. You'll laugh till you cry, shop till you drop, and leave this Ireland tour begging for more, with memories that will last a lifetime. Experience all Ireland has to offer its visitors as you travel with the ladies who mean the world to you.

For more information about Tenon Tours, visit Getaway Girl Travel at http://www.getawaygirltravel.com/ireland.

Also, be sure to enter to win a free Girls Getaway to Ireland (minus airfare). Register by June 30 at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/Win.html.

Tune in to Fearlessly Speaking w/Jacqueline Wales & Her Guest The Getaway Girl!

The Fearless Factor is dedicated to the idea that we all have fears, self-doubt and anxiety, and we can all overcome it. By making right choices and right decisions that allow you to move beyond the limitations and challenges in life, you can truly become YOUR BEST SELF NOW.

Join me on Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 PM (EST) as Jacqueline and I discuss the Girls Getaway Guide and Career Reinvention. Tune is at http://achieveradio.com/.

What can you learn from a Black Belt Millionaire, mother of four and global nomad who earned her black belt in karate at age 49; has written five books, performed in front of thousands of people, and developed a system to help people go beyond the fears, doubts and anxieties that hold their lives in limitation instead of abundance? - Plenty!
Jacqueline Wales is an author, speaker and coach of The Fearless Factor, a motivational company for people who are ready to turn off the fear, self-doubt and anxiety and turn on the confidence so you can live your best life now. Her unique programs have helped women around the globe develop strong personal success, confident communication and clear visions of their goals.
She learned her motivational speaking skills on the steps of her tenement building in Scotland at the tender age of 9 advising neighborhood children how to stay out of fights, and eventually took up martial arts at 43. After earning a red belt in Tae Kwon Do, she switched disciplines and earned a black belt in karate at the age of 49.
Jacqueline is also the author of a semi-autobiographical novel When The Crow Sings, and recorded a CD of original songs written and produced by her called Secrets of the Sun. For five years she was lay-cantor for synagogues in Paris and Amsterdam during High Holiday services.
As host of her weekly radio show Fearlessly Speaking on Achieve Radio, and soon Women’s Radio, she enjoys meeting and having conversations with fabulous women.
By applying the skills she learned in over thirty years of making change in her own life, Jacqueline has gone on to achieve remarkable success after a lifetime of overcoming the odds.
She has appeared on many radio and television shows including PBS Night Business Report, ABC Business Week Weekend, Sirius Radio’s Be Happy Dammit with Karen Salmonson and Broad Minded on XM radio, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Dr. Pat Show, Louie Jones and Women Power Talk Radio among others.

Find Your Inner Child; Girls Getaway to Orlando

Located in the heart of Lake Buena Vista, the Orlando Vista Hotel is minutes away from all of the major attractions, dining and shopping to be found in Central Florida. Our oversized rooms have two queen beds or a king and include wonderful amenities. We also have suites available for a minimal upgrade. Free wireless internet access in the lobby. In room amenities include: coffee maker, data port, in room movies and gaming systems (for a small fee).

For mroe information, visit Orlando Vista Hotel at http://www.getawaygirltravel.com/.

Also, check out Orlando Vista Hotel's "Getaway Giveaway" at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/Win.html.

Tips For Traveling Healthy!

After years of traveling and trying to stay fit while “on the go,” I had the opportunity to chat with Lisa Celentano, a personal trainer, about ways to travel healthy. Here are some of the tips she shared with me. Lisa is also our host for the Girls Getaway to Montana. There are three spots still available for June 30-July 5…just in time for the popular Livingston Rodeo. For more details, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/Montana.html.

Getaway Girl®: When traveling, what are some ways to maintain your usual exercise program?
If traveling by vehicle, stop often enough to stretch your legs. Use a park bench at a rest stop for step ups, push ups and tricep extensions. Make a goal of two or three sets of 12-15 reps. Try to put in 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times per day. Always end your day with a walk, maybe around a hotel, new city, campground or resort. Of course you can always incorporate a hotel gym on your travels, but it's also fun to mix up your routine, but stay consistent! Also, be sure to pack healthy snacks and avoid fast food.

Getaway Girl®: What are some great exercises you can do in your hotel room? Hotel rooms (and hallways) are actually a great place for a workout. If you have a buddy with you, avoid the elevator and use the stairs if available. (it can be scary alone, so avoid this unless you have a buddy). Do walking lunges down those long corridors on each floor. They're great for your legs and butt and you can do them quietly without disturbing other guests. In your room, do as many squats as you can while drying your hair or watching TV. The bigger muscles burn more calories, so use your legs and butt for as many as you can. For crunches, place your calves on a chair, back on the floor, curl your shoulders up to your thighs, hold for two seconds, ease down and repeat. Always exhale on exertion. Breathing correctly enhances your workout.....and your results...tremendously.

Getaway Girl®: What are some diet dos & don’ts while traveling?
Don’ts: Biggest don’t is not eating all day, then overeating at dinner time and then going to bed. Do not open a bag of chips and sit them in your lap while driving. Do, get a few ziploc bags and split up things like chips into normal portions so that when they're done, they're done! And lastly, don't forget fiber rich foods. Traveling is one of the worst culprits for digestive problems. Our body clock "knows" when, but the inconvenience of being on the road will definitely throw you off your routine. Also, don't sit for long periods of time.

Dos: Again, pack healthy snacks for your trip (maybe even a small cooler), such as yogurt, light cheese sticks, almonds, carrots, celery, an apple.........and a candy bar! Yes…. a CANDY BAR! Nibble on it throughout the day and you'll still feel like you're on "vacation" without completely depriving yourself. Do make it simple...calories in, calories out. If you eat 250 calories, you probably need to walk almost an hour...is it worth it? If not, eat half!! Dining out DO's - get rid of half (or all) of your bread. Opt out of sauces. Use half your salad dressing and skip the croutons. Ask for heavy sauces and dressings on the side....or not at all. Drink water instead of iced tea or soda. Add lemons and Splenda, make a no-cal (and free) lemonade. Do stay hydrated.

Lisa Celentano has always been athletic, but it wasn’t until after high school when she gained 20 pounds that she joined a gym. After a few months at the gym, she was asked to teach a class. She enjoyed her work so much that she started working at the gym full time and became the health club manager at the age of 18. She acquired her first certification as a personal trainer at the age of 20. About two years later, she quit college and opened her own gym, BusyBODIES. Now, 23 years later, Celentano has expanded her love for fitness and travel by hosting an Adventure Camp in Montana during the summer months. The majority of travelers are seeking a relaxing stay and a rewarding experience that may just change their lifestyle........for the better. Her motto has always been "do what you love, and inspire all you can."

The Getaway Girl Talks Great Beach Getaways on Daytime

Many thanks to my friends at the Daytime TV show (http://www.daytimeonline.tv/) for having me on again to talk about great beach getaways. From Laguna to the Hamptons to St Tropez, watch the video at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net/news to listen...and see what Dave will be wearing to the beach!

Win Almost $2,000 Worth of Getaway Girl Travel Prizes

Who says nothing is free anymore? I have teamed up with some amazing travel-based businesses to offer almost $2,000 in prizes for our "Win Free Stuff" section of the www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net website. You can enter to win one prize or all of the by visiting the website. Hurry...the deadline to enter is June 30! Here's a list of prizes:

Five Night Girls Getaway to Ireland (Value $920)
Prize includes 5 nights premiere hotel accommodations, airport transfers, transportation from town to town, all hotel taxes/fees, 5 full Irish breakfasts, complimentary spa treatment, pub crawl with pub journal, tour host or emergency contact 24/7, complete listing of optional tours, and farewell party in Bunratty (weeks with 10 or more travelers). Prize has a value of $920, based on double occupancy, cannot be combined with any other offers, is non-transferable and has no cash value. Value can be used towards an upgraded package. Airfare not included. Travel dates: September 29, 2009 - October 4, 2009.
Donated by Tenon Tours http://www.tenontours.com/.

Airfare Credit (Value $300)
Win a $ 300 credit towards your airfare to attend the Ultimate Girls Getaway III July 17-20, 2009. Credit is eligible to be used towards Airfare or Cruisefare for the Ultimate Girls Getaway III.
Donated by http://www.girlsonacruise.com/.

Orlando Getaway to the Orlando Vista Hotel (Value $250)
With this 3 Day/2 Night stay you will enjoy the 3 fun filled days and 2 exciting evenings at this family-friendly hotel at the heart of Downtown Disney. With everything from shopping, dining & entertainment within walking distance, you're sure to have a great time!
Donated by the Orlando Vista Hotel http://www.orlandovistahotel.com/.

Saddlebrook Spa Package (Value $175)
Package includes luxurious and comfy spa robe with Saddlebrook logo, spa body brush, and “scent”sational signature spa products….all to enhance a relaxing and unwinding stress free “time out” for the well deserving recipient.
Donated by Saddlebrook Resort http://www.saddlebrook.com/.

Dove® Visibly Smooth Spa Package (Value $115)
A luxurious Dove® Visibly Smooth spa robe, a beautiful Lucite and stainless steel razor and a sample of the New Dove® Visibly Smooth anti-perspirant/deodorant, the first anti-perspirant/deodorant formulated to help women feel stubble free for longer!
Donated by Dove Visibly Smooth http://tinyurl.com/kpenoo.

Love In 90 Days Book (Value $21.99)
Hi, I’m Dr. Diana Kirschner and I’ve dedicated the last 25+ years of my life to finding the holy grail of love. Armed with an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I realized success leaves secrets. This is why I went on my own personal journey of demystifying the complex mystery of finding true, lasting love. While on this quest I studied happy couples (hard to find, but I did) and apprenticed with Eastern and Western mentors, teachers, other psychologists, self-help gurus and sages, so I could find the hidden knowledge that would make my own love life complete. And finally I “got it!” But most importantly what I learned can help. You find and keep the love of your life in just 90 days!
Donated by Dr. Diana Kirschner http://www.lovein90days.com/.

Join Me at Conversations & Cocktails June 11 - Tampa

Join me this Thursday at Conversations & Cocktails as we discuss the importance of friends. When it comes to support, no one provides it like a friend. But as your life changes, and you enter into new stages, the friends you need the most also seem to change. You probably see this when you look back at your closest relationships 10 years ago compared those you have today.

Join us as we talk about friendships:
The friend that listens when you vent.
The friend that will join you out on the town in search of "Mr. Right."
The friend that shares your career aspirations and inspires you.
The friend that reminds you where you came from and shows you the important things in life.

Come share your stories on what friendship means to you and how you handle the change in support you need today. Join me, The Getaway Girl®, as we discuss how to delight in those relationships and "leave your baggage at home®."

When: THURSDAY, June 11th
Networking 5:45 - 6:30pm
Guided Conversations 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Westin Tampa, 7627 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL 33607.
Free self park by Starbucks, space is limited; valet reduced rate of $5.

To Register: The cost is $10, payable by cash or check, which includes one drink and appetizers. To make a reservation contact nstokes@opbi.org, 813.514.9555 ext. 116

Tired of Carrying a Heavy, Cluttered Handbag?

Is your handbag weighing you down? Do you find you can't find anything in your purse because of all the clutter? Follow these seven simple tips provided by our friend Kelly Machbitz to help you clean out your bag, lighten your load, and still have the essentials you need when you need them.

1. Empty it Out
Remove everything from your bag, empty the pockets, and shake it thoroughly over a trash bin to remove any dust and debris. Turn your bag inside out and use a lint roller or brush to remove any leftover crumbs.

2. Clean it Off
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and inspect for any holes, tears or loose threads that need repairing. If you find anything in need of mending, don't delay. Many shoe repair shops do an excellent job in minor handbag repairs.

3. Streamline
Only carry one or two credit cards and keep the rest at home in a safe place. Your wallet should contain your driver's license, health and vehicle insurance cards, AAA card, and any frequent shopper's cards you use on a regular basis. Everything else should be left at home until needed, including your social security card, birth certificate, and passport. It can be a real problem replacing items when a wallet is stolen, so the less you have in it the better.

4. Hold the Change
Make a habit of emptying change into a dish each night. At the end of the month, take the coins to your local Coinstar machine, available at most grocery stores, and convert into bills. You will be surprised at how much it adds up and how much lighter your handbag is.

5. Reign in Your Receipts
Keep an envelope in your wallet just for receipts. This keeps them from cluttering up your bag and you can easily pull them out at the end of the week and file them in the appropriate location.

6. Manage Your Makeup
If your handbag starts to look a lot like your makeup bag over time, set some ground rules for yourself. Only carry the essentials, which should include a compact, lipstick and lip gloss. Any other makeup products should go in your cosmetic case. Then, when you know you are going to need to reapply your makeup (and only then) you can pack your makeup case with you as well.

7. Use it or Lose it
Finally, if you haven't used an item you have been carrying around with you for a week or more, leave it at home. Especially things like pocket knives, scissors and other tools, as they are rarely needed and can usually be borrowed in an emergency.

For more beauty and fashion tips, go to Kelly's website at www.TotalFashionMakeover.com.

Wall Street Journal Says Travelocity, Orbitz To End Ticket Fees

Travelocity.com and Orbitz Worldwide Inc. are reportedly planning to stop charging a fee when customers book airline tickets over the Internet. According to a report filed by The Wall Street Journal, Travelocity and Orbitz will still charge the fee on multi-carrier itineraries and flights originating outside the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Since its no-fee promotion started in March, Travelocity has seen an increase in the number of people booking airline tickets, as well as an increase in the number of people clicking through to purchase other types of travel, said Tracey Weber, president of Travelocity North America. The report added that Travelocity also plans to make permanent a price guarantee on travel packages booked on the site.
Under its PriceGuardian program, which began as a temporary promotion, the site promises to refund a price difference from $10 to $500 if another Travelocity customer buys the same package at a lower price at a later date. Last week, Expedia.com made changes to its service policies, eliminating change fees and cancel fees on all hotel, car rental and cruise reservations and on virtually all flight reservations. In addition, Expedia.com no longer charges online air booking fees.

Source: Eye for Travel

Changes in Leisure Travelers' Online Search Behavior

While the percentage of leisure travelers who report making reservations online has grown more than thirty-seven percent (37%) since the year 2000, "Consumers' search behavior has changed in recent years as people have become more familiar with search technology and the number of travel planning/purchasing sites has grown exponentially," said Peter C. Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Ypartnership.
According to the just-released National Travel MONITORSM, fully sixty-six percent (66%) of leisure travelers now use the Internet to plan some aspect of their travel (versus 35% in 2000), while fifty-six percent (56%) now report making reservations online. The nationally representative survey of 1,590 active travelers was conducted during the months of February and March, 2009, and is co-authored annually by Ypartnership and Yankelovich, Inc. Travelers visit search engines such as Google, Yahoo or MSN first when considering vacation destination alternatives.
The Web sites of specific countries or destination boards are visited next, followed by online travel agencies such as Expedia and Travelocity. Only one percent (1%) of travelers commence their search for a vacation destination by visiting a blog. Search patterns for selecting an airline or lodging accommodations are understandably different. Consumers who are searching for these travel services first visit the Web sites of online travel agencies.
Brand-specific sites follow closely when leisure travelers are selecting an airline, yet significantly less so when they select lodging. Meta search engines that compare fares are visited first by just over one-out-of-ten travelers when selecting an airline.

Source: Travel Daily News

Girls Ranch Getaway

Check out the video from our Girls Ranch Getaway!

Getaway: Summer Festivals & Events

Summertime fun means tons of festivals and events for everyone. Why not plan your summer trip around a fabulous special event? Here are a few of the popular "happenings" going on this summer.

Luminato Festival in Toronto
June 5-14
How much art and free activities can you pack into a weekend or extended trip? Try it at the Luminato Festival, one of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary arts festivals in North America, which features events ranging from high level curated performances and elite street creativity to cultivate the inner artist, rock star or foodie in all of us. Luminato 2009 will host over 100 different scheduled events, 80% of which are free. Acts include Emmylou Harris, Cirque du Soliel, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller. To sneak a peek, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hngvjd2D-mI. For more information, visit http://www.luminato.com/.

Taste of Chicago
June 26-July 5
Held in Grant Park, there’s food for everybody’s taste at the annual Taste of Chicago where you’ll find more than 200 menu items at over 50 restaurants. The Family Village offers activities, entertainment and amusement rides just for kids. Be sure to take advantage of fun and fit things to do at Taste Sports!, including days devoted to Chicago teams. Local musicians take center stage at the Taste Stage located at the south end of Taste and international fare performs at the Buckingham Fountain where you’ll also find a market selling wares from around the world. Major concert headliners include Counting Crows, Barenaked Ladies, Ne-Yo, The Wallflowers and fireworks (of course). For more information, visit http://www.tasteofchicago.us/.

CMA Music Fest in Nashville
June 11-14
Known as the ultimate country music fan experience, each summer for four jam-packed days, Nashville's signature music event features concerts and autograph signings from country music superstars and fan favorites, as well as family activities. For 38 years, the event (which started as Fan Fair in 1972) has been an unparalleled celebration of America's music, drawing thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. The 2009 CMA Music Festival benefits music education in Music City. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.cmafest.com/.

Hemingway Days in Key West
July 21-26
During his Key West residence in the 1930s, Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most enduring works and spent his leisure hours fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle come together for Key West’s Hemingway Days to celebrate the author’s birthday. Scheduled events include a Hemingway look-alike contest, readings and book signings by nationally acclaimed authors. For more information, visit
http://www.hemingwaydays.net/.