Kingsmill Golf and Spa Resort – Holiday Travel 2015 {Lifestyle}

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Fall Weekends Frighteningly Busy as Halloween & the Holidays Near

* Low Gas Prices, Means Holiday Travel/Get-A-Ways Are On The Rise*

The countdown to Halloween is on, and as we creep closer to the holidays, Kingsmill Resort’s reservation system is spooky busy with many key weekends in October, November and December starting to fill up.   The reason, according to Kingsmill Resort, is the increased desire to create multi-generational memories by establishing new traditions for family travel during the fall and Holidays.  Low gas prices and high demand for Kingsmill’s riverfront cottages and spacious condos featuring full kitchens support this trend.

Kingsmill Resort is the only AAA Four Diamond condominium resort in Williamsburg and the only property with direct access to the majestic James River.  Sitting on 3,000 acres of land, Kingsmill Resort is ripe with stories of fright and holiday delight dating back to America’s beginnings.  It’s also a fall/early winter harvest of golf, watersports, heated indoor pools, a million dollar spa, restaurants, tennis, biking and just a cannon-ball shot away from the area’s iconic major attractions.

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What does this all mean?  For travelers planning a visit to Greater Williamsburg this holiday season to take in the fall foliage, ghoulish frights at Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream, or Greater Williamsburg’s holiday lineup, that means it’s best to book now or beware.   There may be no room at the proverbial “inn.”  A word to the wise, if you are thinking of calling Kingsmill Resort ‘home’ for the upcoming holidays it is best to book now, or the resort may be stuffed and your family will be crying foul.

Fall/holiday packages that are exceptionally value driven and popular include:

·       The Howl-O-Scream package through October 31 which includes accommodations for two nights in a  guest room (upgrade to condo available), daily breakfast, complimentary shuttle service to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg and access to Busch Gardens with two Fun Cards.

·       The Thanksgiving package, featuring a two-night stay in a one bedroom condo, breakfast daily, complimentary transportation to Colonial Williamsburg, and of course a traditional Thanksgiving buffet.

Three distinct Christmas Season packages:

1.     Christmas Town: a two-night stay and multi-day tickets to Busch Gardens

2.     Let It Glow: spacious accommodations in a condo for two nights, breakfast daily and curbside transportation to Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg.

3.     Holiday Traditions:  featuring two-night accommodations in a holiday-decorated condo including a tree and fireplace, meals, and more…

Kingsmill Resort is an AAA Four Diamond condo resort and member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Located on the James River off I‐64 between Richmond and Norfolk the property is within minutes from Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

C O Bigelow Freesia Candle – Breast Cancer Research Foundation

All year long, C.O. Bigelow donates 10% of all sales of their Freesia Candle to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a leading organization which fights breast cancer by advancing promising research around the globe.

Freesia is one of the brand’s most popular perfume oils, which inspired this soft, floral scent featuring a heart of tart quince, jasmine, pink freesia and tender muguet. The feminine and uplifting power of this candle honors the spirit of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Price: $42.00

Available: bigelowchemists.com, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries: 414 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10011

Ann Taylor Fall Boot Collection

As the weather grows colder, warm up your closet with fall favorites from Ann Taylor. Grab all your fall shoe must-haves and most sought after trends including, fringe booties, braided booties and leather riding boots.

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Feel and look luxurious in the Ellen Leather Riding Boots from the Ann Taylor ICON collection for all your fall festivities. Transition from your desk to evening fun with the suede fringe bootie or opt for a braided leather bootie paired with your favorite pair of skinny jeans for a more casual look.

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Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week – The Mall in Columbia

Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week started on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at The Mall in Columbia.  I attended the event because I love beauty products and wanted to learn more about the cosmetics brands featured.

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The event (taking place now) specializes in providing promotions such as Oxygen Facials, Hand & Arm Massages, and tips for achieving the perfect Blow Out.  To conclude the week, Nordstrom will present a live interactive morning talk show with a special guest panel!

Visit the online site to register for the Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week near your location.

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Retinol Anti-Aging Eye Gel Pads: Rev-EYE-talize for Fall

They say your eyes are the windows to your soul, so what are your eyes telling the world about you?  To keep eyes moisturized, de-puffed, and prevent the early signs of aging, look to the retinol revolution with Retinol’s *new* Anti-Aging Eye Gel Pads, which launch in-stores this month.

With the changing season, the fade of summer tans, and fewer daylight hours, it’s easy to fall prey to a tired, run-down appearance which are instantly made noticeable through the tell-tale signs of puffy, irritated eyes. Fight back this fall with Retinol’s vitamin enriched eye products:

  • *NEW* Retinol Anti-Aging Eye Gel Pads (SRP $16.00) offer quick, soothing treatment that provide visible improvement in the appearance of fine lines and puffiness while hydrating the sensitive and fragile skin under the eyes. It is a perfect treatment before a night out or any time you want to look or feel refreshed.
  • Retinol Eye Gel (SRP $22.00) is formulated to reduce the visible signs of aging around the delicate eye area. This gentle gel will help minimize the appearance of puffiness, dark circles and restore tone and elasticity. Formulated without fragrance for use on even the most sensitive skin.

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  • Key Ingredients: Retinyl Palmitate, Phyto Collagen, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Aloe Vera and Allantoin
  • Reduces Puffiness and Fine Lines
  • Hydrates and Refreshes

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Retinol Eye Gel – ($22.00 – 0.5 Oz.)

  • Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, E and Glycerin
  • Micro-beads encapsulated with Retinyl Palmitate
  • Smoothes to minimize the appearance of fine lines
  • Moisturizes to improve texture, clarity and radiance

 

*Products available online and in-store at ULTA Beauty stores, Harmon Face Values at select Bed Bath Beyond stores, as well as online at as well as www.retinoltreatment.com

About Skincare L de L Cosmetics®

Skincare L de L Cosmetics® is the original Retinol-based anti-aging skincare line developed in 1987. These proprietary and multi-benefit products are formulated with Retinol Palmitate (Vitamin A) as well as Vitamins C & E to safely and effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Retinol products in the regimen help improve skin texture through exfoliation, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This intensive blend of hydrating ingredients absorb quickly, leaving your skin looking firmer, brighter and more radiant. Find more information on Retinol at www.retinoltreatment.com.

The Aginging Gracefully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS Book Review

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Everyone wants to age with as much poise and grace as possible. While there are many books about super foods and supplements, few provide at-a-glance guides in each recipe detailing key ingredients and how they increase health and longevity.

Delicious foods and rejuvenating nutrients combine in Grace O’s The Aging GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS To Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life, a collection of enticing, nourishing recipes that promote health and a joyful, sustainable life. The age-fighting recipes here are crafted based on a foundation of scientific research and many different cultures’ ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients.

Grace O’s cookbook focuses on five categories of natural anti aging properties of food that are essential to healthful living:

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Immunity Boosters
  • Mind and Beauty
  • Disease-Preventing

 

About the Author: Grace O has been cooking and baking professionally all of her adult life. As a young adult in Southeast Asia, she managed her family’s cooking school and eventually opened three restaurants. She is also the creator of FoodTrients, a unique program supported by current research that positions food as an anti aging strategy.

Book Review – 

This particular book intrigued me because we can learn about the health of our bodies through the various foods we eat. The Aging GRACEfully Cookbook is no ordinary cookbook because the author’s not listing recipes based on taste alone.

The cookbook truly combines recipes that are in connection to the properties (previously) listed such as immunity boosters which is vitally important this time of the year.  Also, the natural ingredients are in line with the expected health benefits such as the use of flax-seed or coconut oil.

I would recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in changing their lifestyle and health through food.  It’s also great to have in your kitchen for guests with dietary concerns.

Click on the link to purchase the book and remember that true beauty starts from within!

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The Annapolis Sailboat Show 2015 – Lifestyle Tip

The Annapolis Sailboat Show is a historic event that takes place in the Annapolis district.  This is a show for sailors (and family members) searching for equipment, clothing, and boating accessories.  It’s also a great place to visit and enjoy the sailboat tour!

Aside from enjoying the beautiful boats, guests can sip on cocktails, listen to music, and indulge in authentic Maryland cuisine.  My personal favorite is the jumbo crab cake and ice cream.  The boys and I walked around to vendors; we even viewed a gorgeous two bedroom yatch and considered taking sailing courses.


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The Annapolis Sailboat Show’s considered to be one of the largest and oldest in-water sailboat shows.  Here are a few style tips for boat dressing:

1.  Sophisticated Sunglasses

2.  Beautiful Tunic or Afghan

3.  One-Piece Swimsuit

4.  Stylish Clutch Handbag

5.  Maxi Dress

6.  Wedge Platforms or Flip Flops

7.  Straw Hat

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BJs Wholesale Club Ethically Sourced Coffees

We’re going into the winter months and that includes drinking warm beverages.  Coffee is generally the number one source because it keeps us awake and the flavor is delicious.  We don’t want is to run out of our favorite beverage so the next option is to purchase a bulk quantity.

BJs is the number one source when buying home goods for your family on a budget.  The warehouse club has an array of brands for shoppers but most importantly they offer ethically – sourced coffees from Wellsley Farms:

In honor of October’s Fair Trade Month, BJs Wholesale Club announces today the expansion of its Fair Trade Certified™ selection to include 11 ground and whole bean coffee varieties from its own brand Wellsley Farms™.

“From the lush mountains of Indonesia to the highlands of Guatemala, we travel the world to deliver Fair Trade Certified™ coffee to our Members while ensuring farmers receive fair-minded prices for their harvests,” said Melissa O’Brien, coffee buyer for BJs Wholesale Club.

Working with farmers that respect their land and their workers is the foundation for producing high-quality Wellsley Farms Coffee. All coffees are made from 100% Arabica beans from the current crop year only – carry-over beans are never used.  Size, color, defects and freshness at picking are also carefully inspected. After fresh harvested beans pass a visual test, a sample is roasted. Once approved, only then will they become Wellsley Farms beans.

“With coffee farmers typically not having much land to support their whole family, by sourcing Fair Trade, we’re increasing the amount of money the farmers are receiving to help improve their social, economic and environmental conditions,” said Scott Williams, assistant vice president of quality assurance and environmental stewardship for BJ’s Wholesale Club. “On top of the Fair Trade price, farmers also receive a Premium, which is an additional fund for them to use to build schools, purchase medical supplies or use as they see fit for their communities.”

Wellsley Farms Coffee Highlights

  • Breakfast Blend Ground Coffee – A great way to start the day is with a cup of this signature, medium roast of 100% Arabica beans and a rich warm aroma!
  • Organic Sumatra Estate Whole Bean Coffee – For a uniquely earthy yet fruity flavor, this medium dark roast of 100% Arabica brew is sourced from the Selected Sumatra Estates in Indonesia.
  • Colombian Supremo Whole Bean Coffee – Classic, sweet flavor with a crisp finish makes this medium dark roast of 100% Arabica beans a real crowd-pleaser!
  • Guatemalan French Roast Whole Bean Coffee – A dark roast with a full body and 100% Arabica beans, this makes for a bold choice in the morning.

BJs Wholesale Club is not only a company that offers high-quality coffee, it’s also a company with a uniquely authentic commitment to the people who grow it,” said Jennifer Gallegos, Director of Coffee at Fair Trade USA. “This is even more apparent with the introduction of their Wellsley Farms line, making BJ’s the first major retailer to shift the most own brands coffee varieties to Fair Trade Certified™.”

Wellsley Farms Fair Trade Certified Assortment

Whole Bean Coffee

  • Organic Sumatra Estate, 40 oz.
  • Espresso Blend, 40 oz.
  • Guatemalan French Roast, 40 oz.
  • Costa Rican, 40 oz.
  • Columbian Supremo, 40 oz.

Ground Coffee

  • Decaffeinated Blend, 40 oz.
  • Breakfast Blend, 40 oz.
  • Colombian Ground, 40 oz.
  • Organic Peruvian, 32 oz.
  • Hazelnut Flavored, 32 oz.
  • French Vanilla Flavored, 32 oz.

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About BJs Wholesale Club
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJs is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 208 clubs in 15 states.

BJs provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with more top-quality, leading brands including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, which are all backed by BJs 100% money-back guarantee; more fresh foods from USDA Choice meats to premium produce to delicious organics in many supermarket sizes; and more great value and amazing savings every day. BJ’s is also the only membership club to accept all manufacturers’ coupons and for greater convenience offers the most payment options.

To check out all the MORE BJ’s has to offer, visit www.BJs.com  and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

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Balmain x HM Collection Launch

Everyone’s waiting for the much-anticipated launch of the Balmain x HM Collection.  Rumor has it, the collection leaked today but we waited too late to jump on the story!  At any rate, Balmain is considered to be one of my favorite designers and I have no problem waiting for the entire collection.

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Jason Merritt / Via Getty Images

The collaboration with Oliver Rousteing will be available on November 5, 2015 at HM stores nationwide. Customers can shop online or in-store for the designs.  Kendall Jenner’s also one of the models for the famous campaign.  The collection will be for menswear, womenswear, and accessories.

No worries Balmaination, Style + Life + Fashion will wait for the November launch and wave our flag for the Balmain Army!

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Photos shared via Instagram:

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National MotorWeek Celebrates 35 years in Public Television – Episode

National series MotorWeek celebrates 35 years in public television with a special anniversary episode

 

The 35-year anniversary special of television’s longest-running automotive series, MotorWeekpremieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

In this special anniversary episode, the MotorWeek crew has dug deep into the archives to put together an entertaining and informative ride back through time.  Feature segments will track the evolution of automotive styling over the past 35 years; re-visit MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award winners to see which picks have stood the test of time; showcase the most iconic and influential vehicles we’ve road-tested; reminisce over our favorite adventures, destinations and people; and poke a bit of fun at ourselves with a classic selection of humorous bloopers, flubs and spins.

Throughout the rest of MotorWeek’s 35th season, Host and Executive Producer John Davis will continue to lead a team of on-air reporters in rigorously testing and evaluating new vehicles and assessing cars’ performance, practicality, efficiency, and safety.  More than 150 cars are examined annually for the benefit of viewers.

MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments such as Goss’ Garage with MotorWeek’sresident Master Technician Pat Goss offering know-it-yourself car care advice. Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in “Motor News” segment. Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive during the “Over the Edge” segment. Lauren Morrison delivers timely information on driving and automotive safety, money-saving advice and technological advances in the “FYI” segment. Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look of the two-wheel experience reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in the Two Wheelin’ segment. MotorWeek will also accelerate its coverage of the use of alternative fuels and advances in green-power technologies as consumers’ race toward a cleaner driving future.

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, MotorWeek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/MotorWeek. Viewers can also find MotorWeek on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.