Location Spotlight - Anytown, USA

It’s been a tough few weeks. I’m sure my stresses are no different than many of you and your girlfriends – family responsibilities, kid duties, stressful work situations, dismal news on every TV station, bailout this and recession that. Seriously, I need a break!!! Just this week, I mentioned to a close girlfriend that I was researching summer vacation trips. She replied “A vacation sounds like heaven right now”, followed with my response “Anytown, USA sounds like heaven right now!”

We don’t all have the time to hop in the car this weekend on a road trip or the funds to catch a last-minute flight to Florida. Anytown, USA is a destination that can be reached with little effort and cash but makes a huge difference for calming your mind and escaping your present zoo life.

Need to book a trip to Anytown, USA? This weekend, I challenge you to tick one of these off your list:

- Wake up an hour earlier and read a chapter in that book on your nightstand that’s been collecting dust

- Call a girlfriend that you haven’t talked to in months. And no, sending her a text message doesn’t count!

- Go to Starbucks alone or with a girlfriend, order your favorite latte and people-watch

- Watch Sex and The City, Will & Grace, Bridget Jones Diary or Legally Blonde. Trust me, the chuckles are well worth it!

- Go shoe shopping and buy a fun pair of pumps

The stress we deal with may not go away instantly, but we can take ourselves on an instant escape. Create your own Anytown, USA destination and book a "trip" whenever you need it!

Location Spotlight - Las Vegas, baby!

Still torn on the ultimate location for a girlfriend getaway? Look no further than the famous Strip of Las Vegas! Cliché? Perhaps but Vegas truly is an awesome location for a fun, relaxing, party filled weekend!

The main reason why I love Vegas for girl getaways: You can’t help BUT have fun!

There is truly something for everyone in Las Vegas. Obviously, Vegas is well known for gambling in the beautiful, extravagant hotels, but how about your gal pals that would rather spend their cash in places other than the slots? Here are a few non-gambling ideas for a Diva-licious Vegas getaway:

Splurge and stay at the Strip hotel you love (or at least, the nicest you can afford). I’ve had friends go hang out for a weekend in Vegas, only to stay at the cheapest, dinkiest (won’t name any names) hotel. Pick a hotel that mirrors the personality of your group. I love the new Planet Hollywood – it’s swank and of course, has a true Hollywood feel. The Palazzo is new and captured my attention when it opened last year. I’m definitely making a point of checking out their suites – I love the chic, first class atmosphere. The Palazzo is also home to the Canyon Ranch Spa, the most expansive spa in North America – book appointments for you and friends for a signature cocoon wrap, peppermint pedicure or rock-wall climbing.


Eat to your heart’s content. Seriously, now is NOT the time to watch your waistline. One look at the lavish hotel buffets and all diets will be out the window! Visit Paris hotel's Le Village Buffet for Sunday brunch for an amazing meal and conversation. It’s more expensive than most but believe me that it’s well worth the 5-star rating! Another one of my favorites is Jean Philippe Patisserie at the Bellagio. It’s a TEENY café in the center of the hotel and well known for their amazing chocolate displays, gelato and the MUST-try crepes.

Adventure is the name of the game. Sin City is the perfect backdrop for trying out something new and releasing your Inner-Diva ;) Sign your group up for tickets to the sizzling new arrival, Peep Show, a sexy striptease theatre show, told through dance and contemporary music that's performed by an all-female powerhouse band!

Put your friends on center stage and take a Stripper 101 class – with a studio set like a nightclub, women of all ages can learn some pretty hot moves to take back to your significant other. Trust me, it’s a hoot! Be sure to smile pretty for the professional photo, as you aren’t allowed to take photos with your own camera.

Pull an All-Nighter. Yes, I know you typically go to sleep every night right after the 11 o’clock news, but you are in Vegas, baby! One requirement of the ultimate weekend is to stay out (and awake) ALL night, laughing and hanging out with your girlfriends. Whether you are hotel-hopping and taking in the sites, or dancing until you burn a hole in the floor, a weekend in Vegas is not complete until you hang out into the wee hours of the night.

Most importantly, relax. There’s definitely plenty to see and do along the Strip but be sure to carve out some downtime. The hotel pools are beautiful and perfect for laying out with friends, catching up on gossip. For a fun day that will feel like a road trip, have brunch at the House of Blues at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay and then go check out the Mandalay Beach. The world-famous “Beach” is made up of 11 acres, including a wave pool, beach, lazy river and swimming pools, complete with beach chairs and a DJ pumping the hottest tunes. Once you stake out your area, you’ll be there all day! Now, rumor has it that only hotel patrons (or patrons of affiliate hotels) are allowed into the Beach – but I’ve been, simply by “tipping” the gatekeeper ;)

This is really only a snippet of Vegas activities for your girl getaway weekend - the list can go on and on and we haven't even gotten to the shopping! Whether your group is made up of party gals and low-key divas, or a wild combination of both, there’s definitely something for everyone in Vegas....Just remember the Cliché, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas….

Girl's Night In - The Traveling Vineyard

With the recession looming, hopping on a first class flight may be a bit of a stretch. While we're all suffering the effects of the Big "R", that's certainly no reason not to gather up a few girlfriends for a fabulous Girl's Night In!

This week's Girl's Night In is hosted by Eryn Cadoff with The Traveling Vineyard. Imagine it: Saturday night + fab friends + appetizers + In Home Wine Tasting = Fun Girl's Night In! When you host a Traveling Vineyard tasting, Eryn will bring the Tasting Room to your living room with five full bottles of wine for you and your friends to enjoy! Your group will get to experience a variety of wines, accessories and a tasting lesson that will make you feel like you're at a world-famous winery (from the comfort of your living room ;). Oh and as a special bonus, Eryn brings all the glasses, so you won't have to worry about the stress of cleaning dishes! For an added twist, put all of your names in a hat to pull for a mystery hostess, who'll earn discounts and shipping deals!

Learn more about The Traveling Vineyard at Eryn's website: http://www.myttv.com/eryn7903. Not in the DC Metro area? No problem, simply contact Eryn and she'll put in contact with a local consultant in your area.

Go ahead, Uncork the Possibilities!

Low Cost Mini-Breaks

One thing I know about men, is that they ALWAYS make time for themselves. Whether it’s signing up a basketball league, scheduling monthly golf rounds or watching the game with friends, men never seem too “busy” to make time for themselves. Women on the other hand (at least most that I know), make up a zillion excuses why we “can’t” make time for ourselves…kids, job demands, budget tight, etc, etc, etc.

Now, with gas prices hitting records highs (since when is $3.09/gallon at Costco considered cheap gas???) and airfare prices hitting the roof, going on a simple roadtrip or weekend getaway may be too costly. Here are a few ideas for getting your Queen Bee time in, without breaking the bank:

1. Book a night or two in your own city’s downtown area. Check out the ultra-trendy, Kimpton Hotel chain. Definitely created to make the everyday traveler feel like a VIP, each hotel has a variety of themed suites and packages, perfect for a fabulous night out with friends! Check out Chicago’s Hotel Allegro’s Rock Star Suite and settle in for a swank night of fun and gossip with your diva friends. Or book one of their specialty packages, such as the Celebrity Hedonist which includes the following:

Imagine a little celebrity of your own. Be a star and paint the town red with this package:
~ Accommodations in a Premier King Guest Room
~ Pre-party, top shelf, cocktail hour in your sparkling, newly renovated guestroom
~ Get VIP access to the hottest clubs—no long lines, no cover charges
~ Option for a late checkout—feel free to sleep in the next morning
~ Day After kit that includes bottled water, a baseball cap and an eye-cooling mask
~ Hosted evening wine reception in our lobby living room
~ Needs to be booked three days prior to arrival
*Must contact the concierge for pre-party set-up and night club choices

DC’s Hotel Helix also offers various getaway packages, such as the Dive into Divadom, which includes a personal shopper, limo service, champagne and other fun extras!

2. Hail a cab and book a Nail Taxi party. Nail Taxi, a mobile nail boutique, brings the nail salon to you! What could be better than relaxing in your own basement-turned salon or hotel suite, with cocktails/mocktails, while getting a superb manicure and pedicure!?

3. Shop indoors – Simple and fun. Hunt down your friendly Mary Kay, Passion Parties or Body Shop at Home consultant for night in of SHOPPING! A new trend that’s hitting the streets of DC and LA, AccessSoiree parties bring hip handbags and accessories to you and your girlfriends, while you shop in the comfort of your home. Hello!

Stay tuned for more budget-friendly escapes that will keep you calm and connected, without maxing out your plastic! More cool ideas - post them in the comments section! ;)

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Mini Girlfriend Getaways

The coolest thing about an annual girlfriend getaway is swapping gossip and catching up on laughs. Why wait until once a year or two to catch up with friends? This past weekend, instead of making excuses or camping out on the sofa in sweats, a few friends and I decided to make time for US and headed to The Melting Pot - the ultimate fondue restaurant and bar, the perfect spot for catching up on lost times.

There are plenty of ways to catch up with girlfriends, without traveling across the country. Try a cooking class, dinner and cocktails, or even a spa party. This week, drop the excuses, give a girlfriend a call and GETAWAY! ;)