Girls Getaway Cruise 2009

This summers Girls Getaway Cruise started with extreme apprehension!

For days before the cruise, the whole North East watched Hurricane Bill’s every move. Many worried that this storm would ruin their weekend summer vacation plans. Rented beach houses, amusement park plans, camping or hiking for the weekend. Hurricane Bill had the power to destroy everyones plans. Including ours!

My phone was ringing every 5 minutes! I was constantly reassuring my Girls “No need to worry...the Captain would never take a chance with a Hurricane. Carnival would make sure to keep the Triumph, its crew and passengers safe.” I do believe that 100%...but I will admit that I said a little prayer everytime I got off the phone! Yes, I was watching the Weather Station VERY CLOSELY!

Everyone decided to stick with our plans and boarded the Carnival Triumph. As we sailed away from Manhattan in the gorgeous evening sky, I found myself confidently reassuring my Girls once again. We were starting our Cruise Getaway and not even Bill could put the brakes on our fun!

*On our Girls Getaways, everyone has thier own agenda...

*Some are coming on with friends to feel stress free for the weekend.

*Some women come on in the hopes of meeting other like minded women and relaxing.

*Mothers come on with daughters who have been away at college, so they can reconnect and spend quality time together.

*Some Girls are celebrating important birthdays or even upcoming weddings!

No matter what you came for, they all have one thing in common... they came to laugh!

Even though some Girls choose to stay in small sets, is a nice feeling to seeing familiar faces while on your Getaway. Our first evenings cocktail party is designed to introduce and get comfortable. We started this Girls Getaway Cruise with “The Gossip Girl Game”. The objective to win - Meet the most Girls and find out the Best Gossip! And let’s not forget that the Girl who gave the BEST Gossip also wins!! It is a fantastic way to tell fun, unexpected information about yourself and learn the same about others! It was a room full of laughter and absurdities! FUN!

Our first day at sea was relaxing. It was actually nice ot get out of the oppresive heat as we sailed up north toward Canada. Perfect sun, calm seas and great weather for sunbathing. Others spend the day in the Spa. We had quite a few winners in the Casino! And one lucky Girl treated herself to quite the diamond necklace! I watched from the top deck as a group of our Girls danced the reggae beat around the pool and laughed hysterically at the “Hairiest Chest” contest. That’s the best thing about our Girls Getaway Cruises..Everyone does exactly what THEY want to do! So many choices. So much fun!

We were informed by the captain in the late afternoon that we wouldn’t be making it to our Port of Call (St John, NB) due to Bill. He had planned to head south and avoid meeting Hurricane Bill at sea. Sounded good to us! 2000 people onboard and not one complaint! No one was interested in coming face to face with Bill.

I could go on and on telling you about the perfect weather we had as we sailed for the whole 4 nights and days. I could tell you all the exciting details about our Midnight Martini Party, Project Runway Show, TV Trivia games and dancing till all hours....but you will have to join us on one of our Getaways to find out all the details!

Girls Getaways is not just about a vacation. It’s about bonding: sleepovers at your best friend’s house, staying up all ight giggling about cute boys at school, mother/daughter lunches that last longer than the time it takes to eat a chicken caesar salad (dressing on the side). On Girls Getaways we’re not about the details. We’re about the memories and the emotions. It’s all about you!

Join us on our Girls Getaway to Bermuda - May 2010! CLick here for details!

Payson Coopers' Transformational Jewelry

I have gone through phases throughout my life. Not just “Diet phases”, “Health Food phases”, “Gardening phases”...but also “Jewelry phases”.

As a teen, I was into gold. Gold chains, charms and hoop earrings. Typical teen stuff. Stuff I would hunt for in Claires Boutique. It was fun. Fun shopping and Fun jewelry. I never wanted to spend alot on my jewelry, mostly because I didn’t have much to spend, but also because it had a life span of about 1 month with me before I lost it!

Then I got engaged. My first introduction to DIAMONDS!! That started another phase. A much more expensive phase. That first diamond was so brilliant and filled with promise of a wonderful life...and also just beautiful to look at! In the years to follow, diamonds were my jewelry of choice. Diamonds, gold and Emeralds were a 10 year phase! Okay, maybe 15! Okay...the diamond will probably always be a phase!

I would not even consider wearing anything that wasn’t real gold. I didn’t have a huge collection. I had collected a few pieces at important holidays or celebrations, and was very happy and appreciative. A pair of Diamond studs, a ring or two. Not much, but all the basics. After time, I realized that my “basics” were repeating themselves and started to loose their delight. They started becoming merely “staples”. I wanted the fun back!

So here I am, in my “I like things different, more variety” phase. OF course, it would be a great thing if I could have entered this phase with a bigger variety of diamonds and stones...but this thing called “reality” seems to always interfere!

The “reality” is that money IS an object! So I started to appreciate the value of nice jewelry that wasn’t diamonds! And realized the true value of jewelry that was different and unique. Forget the Canary Diamonds, forget the Pink Diamonds....the world is full of beautiful jewelry that isn’t diamonds! How about Glass Jewelry? White Gold? Silver? Semi precious stone? Silver? Swarovski? The options are endless!

I have acquired some amazingly fun, stylish bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings over the past few years. I love to collect while traveling. I love to find unique accents that will make people notice and ask “Where did you get that?”!

So there I was, at Savor the Success’ “Rock the World Event” when I found the most interesting, inspiring Jewelry Collection. Payson Cooper was preseting her Transformational Jewelry line and I was impressed! I love when something makes me say “I HAVE TO HAVE THAT!” And I did, have to have that!

Payson Coopers' Transformational Jewelry was fresh and inspirational. Simple yet high quality pieces that actually makes you feel good. Jewelry that makes a statement. I have entered a new phase! The “Jewelry that expresses how I feel” phase. I immediately felt a connection to her line. I feel like I have built my life around my passion and it is evident that she has designed her Jewelry with her passion. And she has done so very successfully, because I can feel how much she cares about each piece.

I bought my first Transfomational piece right then and there! I am the lucky owner of the “expect Miracles” bracelet you see above. I wear it every day and it reflects my faith and passion about life. I couldn’t have said it better! She read my mind! Ever person should have a powerful, meaningful, beautiful reminder hanging on their neck or wrist or wrapped around their finger. I have mine! I think I will start getting them for my hubby and kids! Be sure to get your inspiration!

Payson Coopers Transformational Jewelry can be seen by clicking here!

The Chambers Hotel, NYC

I am a total Boutique Hotel Junkie! So on our last trip into Manhattan, staying the Parker Meridian, when we walked down 56th Street and passed this “Cool” looking Hotel entrance, I HAD to check it out! We entered the huge wooden doors and instantly felt the cozy, classy, boutiquey atmosphere. I was impressed. Impressed enough to want to see more!

Denvil (from the front desk) greeted us with a casual welcoming smile and offered to show us a few rooms. I must say, 1/2 of the experience of a Hotel stay comes from the service and 1/2 from the actual accomodation. If Denvil was an indication of the service guests receive at Chambers...the first 1/2 is a charm! He is an asset to the hotel.

It is always interesting to imagine what the rooms are going to be like before we enter the room and discovering if my mental images were correct.

I expected the rooms to be very nice, but did not expect the “loft” style that is evident in every aspect of the room. SOOO COOL! Spacious and not quite like any other hotel I have been in. The concrete ceilings and eclectic loft furnishings felt raw and hard. Yet the bedding and leather furniture accents softened the hue. Calm colors inspiring a fresh feeling of newness. Feels like I could live here!

We saw several rooms, all equally impressive yet different. Same “feel” different layout. Each floor had a different decor that gave a imaginative and creative aura. Loved it! A surprise every time the elevator door opened. I KNEW we would return to experience a stay at Chambers.

And so here I am, sitting in room 113 after arriving yesterday. I must say that the experience of staying here is even better then my first impression! The room was fresh, inventive and spacious. The view from our room is wonderful. But the best treat is being able to actually open the windows like elegant french doors. LOVE It! There is a great advantage to opening a window and feeling the weather, hearing the “city sounds” and just breathing! It sounds rather simple, but is a rare commodity in a NYC hotel. Such a treat!

Another attribute to the room is the bathroom. Just behind the apothecary style, green glass door is a cozy yet industrial feeling bathroom. Whoever knew concrete floors and vanity could be so inviting.

White and clean are the 2 words that describe this bath chamber. Although the size is not enormous however the open shower gives an open airy feeling. DId I forget to mention the shower head? How could I not! There is nothing better then a great shower in a hotel. And this is it! Form the rain style shower head to the Red Flower luxury bath products...I feel pampered. I can really live like this!

Service issues...NONE!

Needed an iron, here in 5 minutes. Ice, 3 minutes. Complimentary Continental Breakfast, 10 minutes. All with a smile and pleasant greeting. I am happy!

One of the things I love about small Boutique hotels is that when entering or leaving, the staff treats you as if you are a special VIP. Chambers staff is not only attentive, but obviously well trained in communicating that special invitation. Again, HAPPY!

We will be back. Sooner rather then later! If you are going to stay in Manhattan, I highly recommend this wonderful retreat. Escape to the city for a weekend this summer at Chambers Hotel. You too can experience HAPPY! Click here and see the Chambers!

WIN A ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE!

Cruising the Caribbean with Pat Guadagno

Celebrity Solstice

Let's do it Again!

Think we had fun last year? We were just getting started! It was so great to meet everyone who came to Cruise with Pat Guadagno! If I might say so, it was a fun, happy, adventurous and friendly group of people!

The ship was beautiful! Classy, elegant and informal all at once. And who ever thought a grass lawn on a ship would be so relaxing? Care for a little Bocce Ball competition?

The pool and sun deck felt as if it was a Slinky and Hip as a Miami South Beach Resort. Very adult and pampering.

Cuisine was sumptuous. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were equally impressive. The dining room itself was a cavernous room filled with shades of whites and sparkles. I felt as though I was sitting in a glass of Champagne. Very bubbly!

The Martini Bar and the Wine Cellar were perfect for pre-dinner cocktails & after dinner cocktails & afternoon cocktails & well, cocktails ANYTIME! Fun bars, great service!

The ports of call were tweaked. We kept our favorites - San juan and St Marten and added St Kitts! PERFECT! And it even leaves us 3 days at sea to relax, play Bocce, dine, have cocktails and let Pat entertain us!

We definitely need more Pat in 2010! He was great on the cruise. We all listened, sang, danced and laughed with him. Michaels Club was the perfect venue to spend an hour with Pat. The staff really liked him too! Once again, Pat kept us entertained!

So do you even have to ask WHY? OF course...Let’s do it again!

Be sure and reserve your cabin today!

This one’s going to be good!

Call CruiseOne / Janet DeVito

732-577-9150

e jdevito@cruiseone.com

My favorite links

• Pat Guadagno
• Meetup and find out more about the Cruise
• MorethanjustaCruise.com

MORE PHOTOS AND FACTS

Solstice Photos click here

Solstice 360 Views click here

* must be booked through Janet DeVito / CruiseOne to be included in special Pat Guadagno Performances and parties.

The Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park

Ever wonder what the phrase "Very Bohemian" means? I think you can find the definition at Asbury Parks Langosta Lounge. The "very comfortable, relaxed style" is evident in everything from the decor to the staff, the menu and the clientele. Every inch is consistently inconsistent! "Very Bohemian!" We mosied in feeling like we just "fit". We never expected to fall in love with this eccentric treasure...but we did!

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, there is nothing better than putting down the convertible top and cruising to the beach. Yesterday we ended up in Asbury Park seeking something a little different. And we certainly did find it in the Langosta Lounge. Their business card says "Vacation Cuisine & Libations" - inspired by the places we travel and the people we meet. That fascinated me. I love travel and I love food. Was this the place near home that could "take me away?"

We sat at the bar and decided to order a few menu items. Just like the atmosphere, the selection on the menu was intriguing. We compromised and settled on 3 items. Calamari 3 ways (Brazilian Vatapa, Dialdo Sauce and Thai), Tuna & Shrimp Ceviche and the Langosta Enchilada. 3 Fabulous choices! The Ceviche, with its mango, onion and limy goodness literally was a celebration of flavor! The Tuna truly melted in my mouth. I would have been satisfied with just that, but was too curious about what was next. The Langosta Enchilada is something that I normally would not order, but was very glad that I expanded my horizon. It was excellent. Of course, I could never recreate that dish at home...so I will have to go back! The Calamari was crunchy and the sauces were each very deliciously different. But I was actually too stuffed to truly enjoy it. I will have to start with that next time!

We were not as adventurous with our Cocktail choice. We had a very nice bottle of Savignon Blanc but while probably should have tired the Sangria. It looked so refreshing! Filled with fruit. Watching the Steve, the bartender, make his exotic concoctions was fun! From Bloody Marys from scratch to Blue Margaritas, he was really fun to watch. A "mix Master"!

Did I mention the entertainment? Again, the phrase "very Bohemian" comes to mind. The "Stringbean and the Stalkers" were great! If I closed my eyes, I wouldn't be able to decide if I was in either New Orleans or the Tropics. They were so eclectic. Very soulful, very cool, very jazzy. The scruffy surfer dude with his harmonica and voice was so fun to listen to. An amazing asset to the Langosta Lounge. Again...very consistent!

Next time the suns comes out on a beautiful afternoon, you can find us at the Langosta Lounge!

The staff tshirts say:

"Tranquillo"

Hay percados

mas grandes para frier

which means:

Stay Cool

There's bigger fish to fry

I think that will be my new motto!

Visit the Langosta Lounge website today!

SHECKYS GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Sheckys

Girls Night Out

What?

Shecky's is an online and event destination for what’s cool and undiscovered in FASHION, BEAUTY and FUN with the girls.

From emerging designers to great beauty discoveries, delicious cocktails to free giveaways— Shecky's offers a wonderland for girls to SHOP, SAMPLE & SCORE the world of things girls love.

How?

Shecky's partners with 1200+ cool companies a year to bring women the latest and greatest in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and more in unique web and event experiences that can be shared with friends.

Why?

Because once in a while, women need a place to escape, where we can indulge, pamper ourselves and have some quality girl time—without the boys!

What’s Shecky’s Mission?

To spoil girls with fashion, beauty, fun and the best girlfriend group experiences.

Become a Shecky’s Insider today and start experiencing fashion, beauty & fun with Shecky’s in your social circle.

Ever been to a Sheckys Girls Night Out? Why are you waiting?! NYC Girls Night Out is coming up soon! I went to my first Sheckys event and had a great time with my friends. The vendors were fantastic! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EXCITING VENDORS!

• San Francisco – Jun. 17th-18th
• New York City – Jun. 23rd-27th
• Hamptons – Jul. 11th
• Philadelphia – Jul. 22nd-23rd
• Boston – Aug. 12th-14th
• Hamptons – Aug. 22nd
• Chicago – Sep. 15th-17th
• Minneapolis – Sep. 22nd
• Philadelphia – Sept. 29th-Oct.1st
• Washington, DC – Oct. 13th-15th
• Dallas – Oct. 29th-30th
• Houston – Nov. 5th-6th
• Atlanta – Nov. 12th-13th
• Los Angeles – Dec. 9th-10th
• Las Vegas – Fall 2009
• Miami – Fall 2009
• St. Louis – Fall 2009