New Beginnings

Funny how sometimes we let people hold us from our own greatness. This just not by staying around them, but believing in them and keeping them around. It is true that some people are a reason for certain time in life when there time is to exit let them. Even when the exit is abrupt and sometimes rocky.

Take that exit as a new beginning for you and rejoice set goals to reach them. That new beginning can be many things for many people. Such as moving, the loss of a love one, break-ups and even make-ups. Seize that moment and love self for a while before that next step in your journey where ever it might be.

Another thing we will all be be on the end of the one entering and exiting some one's life. So, think about how you want to be portrayed, respected, and seen before you do anything to harsh that you might regret. Because we all only get one chance so make the best of it.

Until next time.....

Travel

 Every Sunday about I write about a new place to check out. Tonight  I think I will talk about the excitement of travel itself. 

 It starts with the thought of the trip. That place that makes you so relax it's insane. The thought of walking through a city and taking in the scenery, seeing new sights, trying new foods, and just loving life. But the day dreams don't suffice for you, so you start the search. Site after site deal after deal you search until that perfect or close to perfect deals crosses your screen . Then click and book it that initial excitement is setting in as you realize that your dream is coming closer.  

 So after that excitement you start the research on the city you are visiting dining, nightlife, sightseeing, shopping, and more. The more you see the more you are excited to go.  As the weeks near you start to shop for that travel wardrobe, finalize some bookings, and just wait.   

The weeks seems like years until that day arrives. Then once again you feel like a child on Christmas day rushing to see your gift.   You get your airplane survival kit together: Ipod, book, magazine, and water :)  Now you are off to check in and battle the security checkpoint even though you hate it, but its all worth it.   Now  at the gate the butterflies in your stomach start to flutter as they announce your seating area. You rush aboard to get your seat. 

Now you are ready to go the plane takes off you slip on you Ipod and close your eyes  only to know when you awake you will be in the place that you have been looking forward to for a while.  Ah the joy and excitement of travel. 

Jolly Ol' Travel Sundays

  The hot days and nights of summer are here so bust out the Sangria and music. For those this is travel season :)  Today I am recommending a staple for when traveling to Europe that is jolly ol' London. The site of the 2012 Olympics London is truly a melting pot of cultures and people.  

 To get to London I recommend using TravelZoo.com to  help find one of the better fares. If you are still in school use STATravel.com they have deals as low as 300 round trip :) Remember to be patient and like that of Sherlock Holmes himself to find  these  deals. Start looking early also in the off season would be the best to book the tickets such as winter and late summer. 

Now the ideal time to go in my opinion was the summer the weather was great (for London standards). The weather is mild in nature ranging from 70 to 78 Celsius.  So typical summer clothes is okay and might recommend bringing a light jacket and umbrella for the light rain from time to time. 

The list of things to do in London go on and on. I recommend the tours that are offered through  your hotel with Double Decker bus. But if you are feeling a little luxurious I recommend renting a private limousine for the day to have your own private tour of London. It might be a little more expensive, but the experience is much better. You will see the international gems: Big Ben, Tower of London,  Tower Bridge( London Bridge), Baker Street, and so much more.   For the mystery seekers I recommend the Jack the Ripper tour very fun I must say. Another tour would be walking tour of Haunted London for those wanting to know what skeletons hide in this old city. 

 When it comes to places to stay I recommend The Forum Hotel(now owned by Holiday Inn)  located in the Kensington neighborhood which located near a lot of the attractions.  When it comes to the English cuisine I truly recommend having some Fish and Chips at one of the local pubs.  After that I will say the London truly has the world's cuisine in their backyard.  Some of the best Indian Food I have had was from London.  

So now after sharing with you a little about this wonderful city I say go and explore it for yourself.  Until next time ......

The Price

 What is the price when young and the strive to be successful?   

  The social life will take a dive depending on the career field or you might end at the networking events which are not as fun.   Late nights and early mornings. Phone meetings, lunch meetings, dinner meetings, all the while you long to just enjoy one meal in silence or in the company of good people.  Dating? What is that?   You schedule your chill time and work outs.  The airport is your friend. You probably have more airline miles than a pilot.  

  Your best friend just might be your blackberry. When you have the free time you spend it with family and friends. But remember the work you do now will pay off. While everyone else is just deciding to make moves you have already made them.  You will be enjoying the fruits of your labor.   So the price you pay now will give you a great reward in the near future. 

So to all my young professionals please keep up the work it is all worth in the end. 

Until next time..... 

Reflection

As time passes by it makes one reflect on their life. Where they have been and where they are going.  

It seems though it happens at the quietest points in life why is that?  Why can't someone reflect a little each day noticing the little things that have made them who  they are.  Everyday I read  the news I notice the changes my life has had.  Noticing after enduring certain stories touch my heart more as I get older. 

Reflect each day and be thankful for the good and bad. Because no matter the situation it has shaped you as the person you are. 

Until next time......

Travel Sundays

 Happy Easter and Passover to all. I hope you are enjoying this holiday with your loved ones. As always its Travel Sundays.  This Sunday think since this holiday should be spent with loved ones and having a good at home attitude I am recommending Dallas.  

 Dallas is a great city to visit it is a nice blend of traditional and modern.  This city is a pleasant surprise. When one thinks of Texas what comes to mind? Republican, very conservative, and no fun . Well why some might be true about Texas. Dallas is quite a city. 

With its fair share of culture this town has it all. Might one recommend to catch a play while in Dallas with one of the largest urban arts district (interesting) one have nothing but choices.  It has a plethora of galleries, museums, and other little knick knacks. 

The cuisine in the city is as diverse as their arts district. The cuisine scene has been developing over the last five years. Everything from Sushi (Sushi Of Plano great choice) to classic Steak houses ( Y.O. Steakhouse).  The nightlife is great also with N9ne group there you know what to expect nothing but fun. 

Now to the great part... shopping. Dallas is a shopping mecca being home to Neiman Marcus and also the oldest planned shopping site Highland Park.  With all these things to do in a great where to stay?  Fairmont Dallas is a great choice it is luxurious and central with this information I hope this helps in planning a great trip to Dallas.  

Until next time...... 

Pirates, Actors, Crashes, Sword Fights... who needs movies when this is real life

 If you have been watching the news in the past week  it has been action packed and emotional.  

 Today it was reported that 22 year old, Nick Adenhart  for the Angels died in a car crash early this morning.  Baseball just lost a great young rookie.  So young and talented it is very sad and condolences to the family.  

In other news, it has been reported the women are running to Somali's ports to marry pirates !! Really  I did not know that pirates were so hot on the market. It is sad that Somali's economy is so bad that marrying a man who kidnaps and pillage looks great.  The interview that is posted on CNN.com  states how this problem with pirates should be handle. In what a relief talks about how military action may not be the best answer. Meaning maybe shooting and hurting each other would not really help...you don't say. 

In one of the saddest, but also weird stories an elderly woman dies by... sword in Indiana.   Somehow the woman's brother-in-law and grandson get in an argument that escalate into the use of swords.  The woman then tries to break this argument and sadly is stabbed by the sword and later is pronounced dead at the hospital.  While  this is truly sad  all one can say where in the hell did the swords come from?  When is the last time someone had a sword fight? I thought that went out with the Musketeers.  

With all these things going on in the news it makes you wonder the quote "art imitating life."   

Well until next time. 

Travel and Fashion two lovers hand in hand

The images are copyrighted by Firstview.

 Well hello  to all it has been so long since I have written. Promise there will be more post on a regular starting today. Exciting I know.  

 Sunday is travel Sundays and what better city to recommend this week than beautiful San Francisco. The city by the bay is traveler's dream. A relax, artistic,  open,  city that offers some of the best nightlife, cuisines, museums, and attractions.   When in San Francisco one must go to Fisherman's Wharf which has an array of great seafood restaurants, shops, and cool arcades.  There is one of the best New England Clam Chowder  outside of Boston is at Blue Mermaid.   Another must go is Chinatown lovely shops, restaurants, and more. When in Chinatown I recommend to check out the assortment of shops they have some of the best artwork and fine china for good prices. 

  

 Also another gem to check out is the Japanese Tea Garden a true beauty indeed.  A  traveler tip  for those whose love to do tours I recommend limo service for a private tour while it might sound expensive it is truly a saver by getting your family and friends to chip in you save money and a get a more personalized tour of this great city. 

 The neighborhood to stay in is Union Square. A great neighborhood close to all that is happening in San Fran. Hilton is a great hotel, which is in Union Square has a lot to offer and the location  is close to a lot of San Francisco's gems.  Another great travel tip is try the local spots because you save money and might just discover a hidden gem so get out and explore the neighborhood your hotel is in. 

 The nightlife in San Fran has something for everyone.  Great live music, hip hop, house, electronica, and more to get more details  check out www.sanfrancisico.com/nightlife for an overview of  what this great city  has to offer.   A great recommendation is to check out Harry Denton's Starlight Room  with a long history in the city by the bay  it is a must to go see. San Fran is home to many of great concert halls including the Fillmore which  some of the greatest artists have performed on that stage another place to go by while in the city by the bay. 

Getting to San Fran is easy with lovely services of Southwest which flies into the neighboring city of Oakland and you can get fares as low as 49 depending on where you fly from.   Also with the help of hotels.com and travelzoo.com you can find great deals on hotel rooms. So what is holding you back?? 

San Fran is a city of art and while talking about art one must mention fashion.   This week I had a chance to look at beauty with Chanel's Spring 2009 line. Very feminine and capture   the beauty of  a woman's figure.  A lot of use of the classic black and white with a touch of lilac and silver which truly enhances the already classic beauty of  Chanel. 

These are some great ideas to inspire the current career woman on how to spice up the  wardrobe for work. 

 

Until next time.....

Mogul Day

  Variety is the spice of life. So that is why i am writing this little blog about Mogul day.  

 Have you ever have one of those days where you feel like you rule the world?  If you have not I recommend it highly. Mogul days are those days where you put that great business suit go to that meeting  and  knock'em  dead with a presentation.  

I think  that Mogul should be at least two days a week to just give yourself that boost in your career life because if you have these days it will move you to make everyday a mogul day.   

Yep Mogul Day. 

Travel Sundays

 

  Where in this great world is great little hideaway? Phoenix, which is were I am writing from now. Looking out to the serene blue skies, calming breeze, and the warm sheen of the sun.  This valley of the sun is truly nice. While it may not be all glitz and glamour like Las Vegas it has a little more diversity than casinos. ( Thank God) With neighborhoods like Tempe for the college age crowd, Scottsdale for those so fabulously chic, and Glendale for those who want a little peace their truly something for everyone. 

 Some place of interests that one might suggest is Olive and Ivy this chic restaurant located near Fashion Square has a delectable menu and very impressive wine list for all the fans of the grape. A great people watching type of place very intimate lighting and seating with too loud of music.   The other place is Mickey's Hangover this place is a great little bar one could go to instead of hitting the clubs or come to after the clubs. The food is great and drinks are nice. The price are reasonable.  

If you are already to pack the bags and head for  Sky Harbor Airport. I recommend checking out airfare on www.travelzoo.com, www.southwest.com, and also recommend renting a car you can get around if you don't, but  make sure then to stay in Phoenix metro area.   

Until Next Time..... 

 It has been a little over a month since America has been ran by the 1st African American President. The awe is still there, but now we have been coming accustomed to this great accolade.   

 

 Last night was the address to Congress. In my personal opinion it went very well addressing the three major problems economy, education, health care, and some of the others that pester us.   What I hear and see is many agreeing, but also hear the disagreement.

What many need to understand is that in order to make money you need to spend money. No one was saying anything when good old Bush was just spending away, but now that we are up Sh**t Creek with no paddle. Many are whining and complaining for every dollar we spend saying why do we need to.  I say to that if you could sit back and let money go out the window to things that it should have not gone to. 

We are in a time of reorganizing it will not be pretty and pleasant, but if you want a difference you got to deal with for the time being.  

I pose a question with this stimulus what are you wanting to be bailed and changed. Why?   Post away. 

Until next time.... 

Travel Sundays is back

 Well it has been a minute since the last blog.  But life happens like that sometimes.  As always Sundays are travel, but this time instead of suggesting places to go I will suggest how to.  

 Solo travel yep going solo to a different place is not awkward, but liberating and fun.  It is a big world out there so much to be discovered by you why not go out and seek. Sometimes the hassle of a getting a group together is a lot so why not just buy the one ticket and room then go.  

 This is your time to be reflective on your life and experience what you have always wanted.  The biggest recommendation for the first solo trip is go on the weekend solo trip.  Try somewhere close, but not that close.  For you can get use to the travel by yourself and while on your trip make friends. Talk with locals, ask questions, sometimes you can shock yourself by the people you meet.  For great trip ideas I recommend  www.travbuddy.com, www.solotravel.org, and Yahoo Travel.  

So take this advice and discover the world. Until  next time. 

A moment of Change in Vegas

There is a issue brewing in the west side neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada with proposed closure of "F" street. To learn more about this issue and to take a stand check out http://westlv.blogspot.com/  . Obama is making change already now it is our turn to uphold part of our promise of holding up change. Read up on this issue and take a stand. 

A moment

 The moment of America's 44th President and 1st African American was sworn into office. A moment that millions around  the world watched and heard. Change has come and it came with a bang. 

 My family like millions of others fought for our basic rights and to see an African American take office shows that the long, dark, and lonely road was worth it.  To be able to tell ALL children you can be whatever you want even President is now a truth. 

So much happiness this day. 

A letter

  I know that like the millions of news readers this morning read the open letter President- elect  Obama ( it sounds so nice rolling off the tongue) address to his two daughters.  I read that letter and a tear came to my eye because it reminded me of what millions of parents and guardians alike strive for their children.   

 Being a Daddy's girl I thought  of my belated Father and how he wanted those same things for me and my siblings. This letter represented something many have not seen in these last couple of years and that is humanity. 

 Wanting to provide the best for your child and wanting them to be treated equal. Every parent wants this no matter the position they have in life.  It shows us that Obama has the trait that every president and person should have and that is the ability to put others before them self.   

I believe that being a parent is a noble thing and topping president on that is not that bad. What you would say in an open letter to your children, loved one, or family ? 

2009

Well, belated Happy New Years!! So much is going on in this still brand new year. The inauguration in which everyone is anticipating is only days upon us.  It would have been unbelievable  if the inauguration was on Martin Luther King Day. Oh the mascara would have been running even more than it will already be on that beautiful day.   This Inauguration is witnessing the change in front of us as each moment of this event happens. We watch America step into the 21st century.  What does this day signify to you?  

On a more solemn note the attacks continue on Gaza. While I understand that Hamas is that of a danger to the way of living for all people. It disturbs me that in these crossfires are the innocence those who have done nothing more than live their lives.   Also  it  disturbs me that Israel uses the words "peace and tranquility" to describe their reasons for the attacks.   I am the type of person that can understand the reason for physical retaliation, but I do not use words like peace and tranquility to justify them. Simply one could say to drive out Hamas or to confront this organization.  Truly it would be nice for these two sides to sit down and truly achieve some sort of agreement. Will this conflict in Israel/ Palestine ever be  settled within our lifetime?  

While so much  good in the world with President- Elect Obama being elected there is still some huge hurdles to overcome such as the conflict in Israel/ Palestine .  Will 2009  be the year for major changes all around? I truly hope so not just for us, but for those future generations that we sometimes forget about.   

To leave on a happier note while many made the new years resolution to shed the pounds, but hate the gym try something different. If you like ballroom dancing like myself or just looking to meet new people take a dance class. Don't shrug it off because it is fun to be able to just enjoy life and learn new things. There is a dance class out there for everyone . Classes such as Samba technique and cardio so learn the samba while burning calories or take swing dancing it is fun.   Don't feel intimidated either because everyone in the class is looking to do the same thing which is have fun.   So, take the initiative and go to www.danceusa.org/dancesport to find local chapters and classes.   Happy New Year  once again. 

Until next time.