Archive for January, 2009
5 Ways to Save on Travel, Clothes & Accessories
With the economy declining and everyone’s budget getting cut, opening your wallet for boutique clothing, new jewelry, designer handbags and high end travel is becoming more and more difficult. Let’s face it, even jet-setters like to have a little extra green in their pockets too! The good news is that there are many companies that offer savings whether the Dow is up or down. You just gotta know where to go!
I have put together a list of five of my favorite money-saving websites that will help you maintain (or even increase) your lifestyle, stay stylish and travel to cooler destinations without depleting your life-savings. Just in case you think these savings are a bunch a bologna, I included my own examples of savings that I have found.
Note: If you have a website that has helped you save some green, share them with me and my readers by posting a comment. Don’t forget to include the web address!
Tip #1: Shop It To Me
Shop It To Me
Shop It To Me is my favorite place to bargain hunt my favorite high end designers like Diane Von Furstenburg, Alice + Olivia, Splendid, Marc Jacobs, James Perse. If high-end fashion is not your thing, they also offer sales form Arden B, Bebe and Express. Shop It To Me lets you customize which designers you would like to hear about and how often you want to receive the Sale Alerts. The best part is, they’ll only email you sale items that are in YOUR size! It doesn’t get better than this folks!
My Example: A section of my own personal “Sale Alert Email”
Tip #2: Airfare Watch Dog
Airfare Watchdog
Airfare Watchdog does exactly what the name implies. You have the option to search their Top 50 Deals, check for current low fares for specific departure or arrival cities and even sign up for email alerts. They offer both domestic and international airfare deals and airline route maps for almost every airline worldwide.
My Example: International Flights form LAX
Tip #3: Travel Zoo
Travelzoo
If you’re looking for a last minute travel deal or have a flexible itinerary then head to TravelZoo. They have a very concise list of airfare, cruises, hotels, car rentals and travel packages for all types of travel. Whether you are looking for a luxury getaway, a romantic hide out or a ski trip, TravelZoo has tons of deals to hook you up with!
My Example: The Mondrian South Beach
Tip #4: Fly Europe
Fly Europe
If you’re looking for an international airfare deal then look no further than Fly Europe. You won’t know the airline or cities you may stop in, but you will have departure and arrival times as well as a GREAT price!
My Example: Flight ~ Boston to London
Tip #5: Bag, Borrow or Steal
Bag Borrow or Steal
This is a great website for those who want to stay current with the trends without breaking the bank every season. They allow you to borrow handbags, jewelry, watches and sunglasses from all the top designers including Cartier, Chanel, Rolex, Gucci, David Yurman, Coach, Fred & Co, Tiffany and YSL. Lower end brands begin at $15/wk and highend or vintage brands go for $150/wk. Rent for a week or a month, it’s all up to you. Become a member and get preferred pricing. Authenticity is ALWAYS guaranteed! And, if you happen to fall madly in love with an item that you are borrowing and want to purchase it, just go online and click “Steal It”. They will tell you if the item is available for purchase and if so, how much it costs. It’s simple, easy and there is never a late fee!
My Example: Gucci Large Babouska Tote
Maybe Marco Polo Didn’t Go There, but Rolf Potts Did
As a self-proclaimed jet-setter, you may be asking why I would want to interview Rolf Potts, since he is a vagabonder. The answer is simple. He is an extraordinary travel writer, accomplished author and yet he is just a simple guy that has a bona fide passion for travel. And if there is one thing that I am passionate about, it’s having a passion for travel. I love that Rolf doesn’t define himself by his luggage. Whether someone carries a backpack or the newest Louis Vuitton, personally, I don’t care. For me, jet setting isn’t about throwing money around so you can sit next to P. Diddy. It’s about experiencing the world with both eyes open. Rolf and I definitely travel differently. Yet, we are on the same earth, under the same stars and staring out at the same oceans. Maybe the thread count is different or the service is better, but at the end of the trip I would assume that we will both remember the same glowing sunsets, the cultures that we’ve experienced and the many locals that we’ve met.
Rolf travels the world and truly engages himself; he’s not just a bystander. His new book, Marco Polo Didn’t Go There
So without further ado. My interview with Rolf Potts.
Rolf’s self-portrait while traveling the Tigris River Valley, Syria.
1. People often envy my choice to travel often, as opposed to living the
normal 9-5 work week with one-week vacation per year. For me, it was just
a decision that I made to live my life on my own terms. You obviously made
a similar decision. How did travel writing begin for you and how did you
escape societies notions of what you *should* be doing with your life?
In some ways I stumbled into it. Back when I was in my late teens/early
twenties I really felt like I had to travel when I was young, because I
felt like it would never happen if I waited until I got older. This
eventually led to my first vagabonding experience — 8 months around North
America not long after I finished college. It was during that trip that I
discovered how easy and enjoyable and inexpensive long-term travel could
be. I was hooked. Instead of getting travel “out of my system,” as I
thought I might do, I made it a part of my life. In some ways I’m still
on that original journey — and writing is something that came along the
way over the years, though a process and trial-and-failure, until it
became something I could do as a living.
2. Of the places you have traveled to, which of them do you find yourself
constantly wanting to revisit? Which would you never go back to? Why?
I love going back to Paris and New York. And I love road-tripping the
American West. India and the Middle East are great, too. And Korea and
Thailand can, at times, feel like home. But I also seek out new places too,
so I don’t regularly go back to some of those places.
I don’t know if there’s a place I would never go back to, at least in
principle. Even lousy places, places where I had bad experiences, might
reveal something new if I go back.
3. One of my favorite parts of travel is participating in rituals,
ceremonies or holiday celebrations in different countries. I especially
love the Reveillon ritual in Rio de Janeiro. Which is the experience that
you have participated in that made the largest imprint on you?
Probably the Kumbh Mela in India in 2001. Something like 70 million
people visited the Ganges near the city of Allahabad over the course of
six weeks — the largest gathering of humans in the history of the planet.
It was amazing to be a part of it, and unlike anything I’ve ever
experienced.
4. When you come back to the States, do you experience culture shock? If
so, how do you deal with it?
I don’t really experience Stateside culture shock anymore — I’ve been
coming and going from the US so much in the past 12 years that I’ve kind
of gotten used to the transition.
5. In your new book, Marco Polo Didn’t Go There, are there any stories
that you really wanted to include, but were cut out of the final copy? If
so, can you give me a brief version of the story?
I had almost total creative control over Marco Polo Didn’t Go There, so
there was very little thematic wrangling or unkind edits. In fact my
publishers specifically requested I add “Death of an Adventure Traveler,”
which I hadn’t originally planned on including — and I’m glad I did,
since that story and its themes are kind of at the heart of the book. So
mostly what got left out are some old stories of mine that I liked, but
either felt redundant or out of place in this book. And perhaps some of
them I can come back to in a future collection of travel stories.
6. Globalization is my travel pet-peeve. There’s nothing worse than seeing
Italians in line at Starbucks. What is your travel pet-peeve?
I get irritated by competition among travelers — who’s traveled the
longest, who’s traveled to the most countries, who’s traveled for the
least amount of money, which nationalities are better than others. Every
hostel lounge in the world seems to have these kinds of social “pissing
contests.” It seems like such a waste of energy, such a misappropriation
of travel time. Better to just quietly make your own travels better than
to constantly compare them to other people’s travels.
As for globalization, I’m all for local industry and local color — but
I’m also of the opinion that Italians should be able to drink coffee
wherever they want, even if it’s a Starbucks.
7. It seems that both you and Tim Ferriss are sticking your big toe into
the world of television. Has this always been in your master plan or is
this an opportunity that just came along?
I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of television, but it was never
really a part of my master plan. Writing is my passion, and it’s what I’m
best at, I think. But in early 2007 the Travel Channel began actively
looking for “qualified insiders” — people with active travel expertise,
not just “actors” — to host their shows. I think 12-15 different
production companies approached me that year, wanting me to send them
clips or make an audition tape. Because I wasn’t really pursuing
television work, I didn’t have many clips to send. But one company,
Pioneer Productions, flew me to Los Angeles to make an audition reel. I
wasn’t cast for the show they had in mind in 2007, but a year later they
cast me for “American Pilgrim,” which debuted last November and was my
first TV hosting gig.
Here’s a little excerpt from Rolf’s travel show debut:
8. How was your experience working with The Travel Channel and are there
any future shows in the pipeline?
Though my show appeared on the Travel Channel, I didn’t work directly with
them; all the hands-on work was carried out by the production company.
And it was a great debut hosting experience — the people I worked with
were very supportive and encouraging. I don’t have any specific TV
projects lined up for the near future, though I do have a TV agent now
that helps me with that kind of thing. I’m just going to continue to
concentrate on my travels and my writing, and if the right TV show comes
along I’ll do it.
9. What is the one place that you haven’t traveled to yet and are dying to
visit?
New Zealand comes to mind. Though I’d love to hit Madagascar. And South
Africa. Most of sub-Saharan Africa, really. I’m under-traveled in that
part of the world, and I’d love to just get out to Africa and wander.
10. Just a quick little questionnaire to get to know you a little better.
Where are you in this exact moment: Rural Saline County, Kansas, where I
live and write in a little farmhouse when I’m not traveling.
What is your favorite lip balm: Blistex — though I use other kinds from
time to time. My lips chap easily, so I’m constantly using lip balm.
What is the most luxurious item you travel with: I probably my laptop,
though I don’t always take it with me. I don’t really do luxury; I tend
to be all practicality when I’m on the road.
What genre of books do you enjoy reading most: Non-fiction. I can’t get
much more specific than that. Travel, yes, but also history and science
and sociology and memoirs and essays and all sorts of topics.
What is your favorite beach for relaxing: I’m not much of a beach person.
If you pressed me I might say one of the wilderness beaches on the
Olympic Peninsula in Washington. But I haven’t been up to that part of
the country in a long time.
Which do you think is the friendliest city: There are a lot of friendly
places in the world. New Orleans comes to mind. Havana. Beirut.
Damascus. Bangkok, even.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done: Many things might qualify
in this category. Probably taking a little fishing boat 900 miles down
the Laotian Mekong in 1999.
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Guest Blog: Fasano Hotel Review for Hotel Chatter
I am back on the always fresh Hotel Chatter website! This time it’s a review of the Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro!
The Fasano Hotel is Rio’s first hip boutique hotel. Rob and I spent ten days over the New Year’s Eve holiday enjoying the roof top pool, the delicious Caipirinhas and the sexiest lounge in Rio. Find out what I thought here.
Guest Blog: Flying Solo for the First Time…as a Ten-Year-Old
Demi after her first solo flight at ATL airport.
Hi, I am Demi Murgatroyd and I am ten years old. For the first time I flew on a plane by myself from Atlanta to New Hampshire. At first, I was excited, but I was also definitely scared! A couple days before the flight I was nervous about flying without my parents, but luckily I have flown on a plane before with them and I know exactly what I need to do. On the day of my flight, I arrived at the Atlanta airport and got in the Delta “unaccompanied minor” line. (I sort of felt like I wanted to throw-up and have diarrhea at the same time.) While in line, I met another ten-year-old girl who told me that she flew from Atlanta to California when she was only six years old! When I heard that, I felt a lot better about my flight. After I checked in, they gave me a wrist band and a sticker to put on my shirt. It told everyone I was an “unaccompanied minor”, something that definitely didn’t make me feel very cool! After I got my ticket, my Smother (my word for Step-Mother) took me through security. Next, we grabbed some breakfast and sat at the gate. While I was eating my breakfast, the gate-agent called for all “unaccompanied minors” to come to the desk. As an “unaccompanied minor” you get to board the plane way before anyone else, which is really cool, but I was not expecting to be called that early. I gave my Smother a big hug goodbye and… then came the waterworks. I was crying because I was going to miss my parents and also I was scared. But I had to go, so off to the plane I went. The flight attendant helped me put away my carry-on and made sure I was ready for flight. Then I began to write in my diary, here is my first entry.
“I am soooooo scared right now. I really miss my parents and friends. I really wish I could stop crying because it is getting embarrassing.”
But, I did stop crying and it actually wasn’t as bad as I thought! After a few minutes, I forgot all about it and started watching movies on my iPod. The best thing about flying is FREE REFILLS! And no one is there to tell you what you can get, so of course I had a whole can of Coke! (Keep that on the D.L. and don’t tell my parents) About two and a half hours later the flight landed. I had to wait for everyone else to get off first so the flight attendant could walk me off the plane (how BORING!). Once we got to the gate, I saw my Memere (which is French for Grandmother) waiting for me. She had to sign a paper and I was free to go! The return flight was a breeze and I can’t wait to fly alone again! So, if your a kid and you’re going to be flying by yourself, I know you’re scare but don’t worry, it’s easy! Here’s a little secret, it’s actually more fun than flying with your parents!
Demi’s tips for flying alone:
1. Bring a DVD player, iPod or MP3 player so you can watch movies, TV shows or listen to music. Make sure you bring your charger so you can have it for the return flight too!
2. Bring a couple books or magazines to read while the plane is taking off and landing because you’ll have to shut off all electronic devices.
3. Bring a comfortable neck pillow and blanket for longer flights so you can take a nap.
4. Bring a couple of snacks on board for longer flights so you don’t get hungry.
5. Remember, if you need anything, just hit the flight-attendant call button, she’ll show you where it is:-)
6. HAVE FUN! It’s easy!
If any kids reading have any questions about flying alone, just post a comment or send me an email through my parents.
B4N (“Bye for now” for those non-texters),
Demi
Top Eleven: Must Haves for Chicks 2009
All chicks love products. We love all the free samples and we especially LOVE the sales. There’s nothing better than sharing a great find with your friends. So, I decided to share my list with my ladies of JSL. (Men, if you’re reading, some of these products will make great birthday and anniversary gifts too!)
You’ll find products on my list that take a few years off your complexion, glam up your smile, give your eyes a little extra sexy at night, fill your closet without emptying your wallet, make your skin appear flawless and just enhance your rockin’ bod on the hottest beaches around the world. If you have products that you love, I’d love to hear about it. Don’t hold back, let me know about your favs too!
Here it is, the 2009 Top Eleven Must Haves for Chicks!
1. Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask
I love Bliss products but this one packs the most punch! Ya know when you skin starts to feel a little rough? Well, using this product takes that sandpaper away. It’s a pinkish gel that turns into a foaming revitalizing mask. I LOVE it. Especially when vacationing in the sun!
Tara Matthews Bikini from Clickini
My new favorite swimwear designer is Tara Matthews. Her Brazilian inspired swimsuits are actually made in Brazil. Her suits are sold solely through Clickini.com (how awesome is that website name, Brilliant!). In addition to Tara Matthews, Clickini has top designers like Chloe, Heidi Klein and Anna & Boy!
3. Korres Sugar Crystal Cream Multi-Vitamin Skin Shield
Korres Skincare
I first found this product on my three week mini-retirement in the Greek Islands. Honestly, it was love at first sight (we haven’t separated since). This lotion goes on ultra smooth and light yet very moisturizing, just like a face lotion should.
Tarte Peep Show
The perfect smokey eye can be difficult without the right tools. I love Tarte’s Peep Show kit because they provide everything you need to make your beautiful eyes dramatically sexy (comes with smokey eye instructions).
Sephora Spray Glitter
New Years Eve, your birthday or maybe it’s just a really fun night out, add a little (or a lot) of gold or silver sparkle with this perfect, non-sticky, totally shimmery spray.
6. Havaianas Brazilian Flip Flops
Havaianas Flip Flops
Brazil’s flip flop of choice! This super comfortable flip flop comes in a ridiculous number of styles and colors. Not to mention they are super cheep so having one in every color is EASY!
7. Natura Bisse spf 30 Suncreen for Face
Natura Bisse
Say NO to those sun-damage wrinkles! Natura Bisse’s spf 30 sunscreen is sure to give you the protection your face needs while providing a little tint of color. The best part is that it won’t clog your pores.
8. Victoria Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
Victoria Secret Beauty Rush
Listen, I’m a self-proclaimed lip gloss whore. I have EVERY brand, make, color of lip gloss from $2.00 to $100.00. This is the BEST one on the market. The added bonus is that it doesn’t taste like crayons! VS has created great flavors to match the colors for your pout!
Shop It To Me
Everyone loves a SALE! High end brands go on sale too! Regardless if you’re hunting J Brand Jeans, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture or Arden B, Shop it To Me allows you to receive the sales via email. The best part, it’s only sales in YOUR favrotie brands, YOUR size and on YOUR schedule! You decide it you want sale emails once or twice a week or even daily. The items link directly to the store where the sale is occuring. What could be easier than that!
10. Davines For Wizards No. 10
For Wizards No.10
Sometimes fly-aways get the best of us. Now you can tame those fly-aways with this perfect polishing potion! Easy to use and lasts a lifetime!
Almay Smart Shade
I’m sure there is some crazy science behind this, but I’m mezmorized by the ability of this new foundation to match my skin shade! No more odd “ring around the chin” or spotty coverage. It’s perfect every time + spf15!
80°F Sunny & No Humidity
Next Trip: 
