Fashion is the Passion and Travel is the Need

( Credit- www.style.com: Chado Ralph Rucci) 

  The holiday season allows me time to catch on my Fashion television Podcast because  there is a lot of waiting going on especially now with the airlines.  

 Well, Chado Ralph Rucci  is the truth. His clothes are beauty in the rawest form giving women  in my opinion especially  professional women that edge. The clothes utter nothing but grace, poise, elegance, funky, independent, and my favorite comfort. Like many women who are in professional settings now that sometimes the clothes we wear to these meetings, after five events, and to the other various office events are not that comfortable. I personally believe that we as women do not have to sacrifice comfort for beauty all the time.  

While Chado is dominating  the runways and high fashion were do we women look for these nice crisp looks without going into bankruptcy.  Especially for the fellow up and coming young women professional I recommend H&M, The Limited (every once in a while they have nice stuff) , New York & Co. , and Express to start. If you now any leave it and share it with the other readers. 

Well let's not forget the tradition of  travel Sundays. The two places I am suggesting is Los Angeles and Toronto. These places are  great for my west coast, mid-west, and east coast friends because either one of these great places is a hop skip away.  

Well LA-LA land as I love to call the lovely city of Los Angeles is that of cultural mecca for those of us who end up miss-planted Midwesterners and east coasters who seem to complain of the lack of culture in other western cities.  If you go onto travelzoo.com and southwest.com you will be able to find dirt cheap deals to LA.  For lovers of the arts I  recommend  the Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Pantages Theater, and much more.  Why not do a show package enjoy the city and the theater.   

The shopping in that city is to die for and the restaurants is an epicurean wet dream. So to all the west coast people what are you waiting for? 

Now to the heart of the country  and those who are so busy just being busy.  My east coast and Midwestern people take a weekend and visit our friends to the north. Canada a beautiful country with lots to offer.  The city of Toronto which one of the cultural centers of the world offers not only a world renowned film festival, but world class theaters, restaurants, nightlife, and more . 

Since the lovely southwest.com has hooked up with westjet now its easier than ever to find good deals to go to Canada. The arts scene in Toronto is just amazing to say the least with shows such  You're a good man Charlie Brown, Hairspray, Jerry Springer The Opera,   and much more.  The  nightlife in Toronto is great with an array of choices just not nightclubs, but  actual jazz clubs, pubs, bars, and whatever to tickle your fancy.   

The neighborhoods each having their little special feel to them. The shopping in that city is great with quaint little boutiques, malls, open markets, and more.    

So, what are you waiting for getting to saving and packing go explore the great neighbor to the north. BUT remember don't forget your passport which is required to go into Canada. 

Until next time...... Au Revoir :) 

2008 what a year

Who would have known that Sam Cooke’s song “ A  Change is  Gonna Come” would have not only defined the 60s civil rights struggle, but become the anthem of 2008.  As  this year comes to a close we have all witnessed the change. The 1^st African American president something not only the United States, but the world was in awe of . That moment of solidarity in some sense has not been seen since September 11^th. 

 

 Now that was one of the most heart wrenching  changes this year, but oh so much more happened. Our economy has taken a nose dive to the point where big businesses are asking for bailouts for their bailouts. Our economy has not look this bad since Regan, but as Americans we will rebound, but when?  War, Banks, Automotive, Oil (when are they not complaining), Real Estate, Hospitality, and  pretty much everything is in the toilet. Thousands are losing their jobs, careers, homes, and hope.  But don’t get discouraged be innovative and see where you can make a living (Be Legal J )  If  we start to band together this change will happen sooner than you think.

 

So as this year comes to a close share what you look forward to, predict, and hope for?  Post it tell the world of your views it is your time to be heard. Please remember to advantage of this change and do something. Be Proactive don’t complain, be part of the solution. 

Travel Sundays

 The new tradition on Spitting of the Mind is Travel Sundays. Sunday is a chill day, so lets look at where in the world you can go. Two places I have been and recommend deeply Lake Geneva and French Rivera.

Lake Geneva located in Wisconsin  home to many world class spas, skiing, and just plain beauty.  If you want a more traditional Christmas or  whatever your holiday celebration is why not do it in a true winter wonderland. Horse drawn sleighs, hot coca,  ginger bread, cuddling up by the fireplace mmmm sound soooo good right about now.  A chance to withdraw from hectic holiday running around.  This trip is not that bad on the wallet either :) If you live in the Midwest I recommend driving up, but be careful of the ice and snow.  For those who are flying I recommend going into O'hare and then driving up or you can arrange pick up from the airport with select resorts.  The resort that I recommend is Grand Geneva a beautiful picturesque resort nestled by the lake.  The resort offers many affordable packages one of my favorites Christmas in the Country  which includes a gingerbread house competition , dinner and show,  carriage ride, spa treatments, and more.   Now you are picturing how it would be with you cuddled up in your suite by the fire sipping a hot cocoa just  relaxing :)  Well go check out the site. Just Google Grand Geneva Resort.

Now for those who want something  a little different and crave going to different countries I recommend the French Rivera  a place of beauty. The architecture, landscape, food, people, and the just the all around of the Rivera is great. The best time to go for your wallets is before the Festival De Cannes or any Festival.  The French Rivera consist of Nice, Antibes, Monaco, Cannes,  Saint-Tropez, Saint Raphael,  and few more cities. Getting there can be expensive I must admit if you fly into Nice Airport. The best option and most scenic would be to fly into Paris and take the Train down which not expensive at all and gives you a chance to see the French country side. There are so many things to do such as wine tasting, shopping, beaches, try unbelievable seafood, and peek into the world of the ultra rich. A day trip to Monte Carlo  is a must the city is just impeccable the architecture, skies, hills, and the crystal blue waters are so romantic giving Paris a run for its money being the city of love. When choosing where to stay in Cannes there is the Martinez Hotel which is very famous and very nice, In Monte Carlo you have the Fairmont  which is very nice as well. The option I chose was to rent out a villa  since it was a group of us it saved us money on a hotel and gave us the chance to embrace the local charm of Monte Carlo which was beautiful. To search for a vacation rental go to www.vacationhomes. com  

Well I hope you enjoyed indulging the travel reads this Sunday now go and book your next journey. The world is yours go and discover. 

Change has come. What are you going to do with it?

 November 4, 2008 the nation saw the 1st African-American be elected to Commander in Chief.  People overcome with joy and tears seeing a man who had all odds against come to power. This gave a nation courage and hope again, but soon after that hope falters a little. The auto industry is about to collapse, the stock market brings a tear to many eyes, and thousands are losing jobs. Now everyone is yelling for help which is understandable.  But don't let this get you down. Now that the economy is in the toilet take the chance do what you wanna do. Start a home business by yourself or with friends. As Americans this nation can and has made something out of nothing.  Take this great time of change and do the most with it. 

So tell me what are you going to do with this change?