New Orleans Cuisine Experience – Maison Dupuy

If you’ve been intrigued with Cajun and Creole-inspired cooking, you won’t want to miss “The Ultimate New Orleans Cuisine Experience”. This unique tour immerses you in the southern hospitality, charm and scrumptious food that personifies

New Orleans. You’ll be a guest in the luxurious in the heart of the French Quarter.

The tours are available in 2016 on June 5-9, June 26-30, July 10-14, August 21-25, September 11-15 and November 27-December 1.  This is a turnkey vacation tailor-made for foodies, home chefs who want to sharpen their skills, and couples and girlfriends seeking an unusual getaway. Prices start at $2,271.00 (double shared accommodation).

You’ll experience the cuisine firsthand in two private, highly interactive cooking classes at the respected New Orleans School of Cooking. The vibrant atmosphere of this perfectly equipped instruction kitchen will leave you excited to learn how to cook Southern favorites and buzz-worthy new dishes. Join your small group in preparing—and enjoying–a delicious Louisiana lunch one day and dinner the next, all with locally sourced ingredients.

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During a food tour through the French Quarter, you’ll meet chefs of some of the most popular restaurants in town, hear their take on food trends and taste several of their offerings.

You’ll be captivated by the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, a 38-acre estate reminiscent of the stately mansions in “Gone with the Wind.” In a private tour of this “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road” you’ll explore the grandly furnished house, outbuildings and verdant gardens. Then it’s a stop at the Turtle Bar where the bartender will make a classic Southern cocktail for everyone. Finally, linger over a creole-inspired lunch in a gracious setting.

And as a special treat, join New Orleans’ food critic Tom Fitzmorris for a private dinner in one of the city’s finest restaurants. Lively discussion, foodie wisdom and complex wines make for an unforgettable evening. Fitzmorris knows of what he speaks, as he proves with his popular restaurant blog and radio show.

To prepare for each day, you can opt for a morning yoga class and breakfast in the hotels’ picturesque courtyard surround by five stories of wrought iron balconies overlooking a lush garden, outdoor pool and fountain.

The Retreat: What to Expect

  • Morning yoga and breakfast in Maison Dupuy’s charming courtyard
  • Free time to explore the historic French Quarter
  • Courtyard Welcome Reception
  • Visit Houmas House Plantation and Gardens with luxury transportation
  • Dinner with local food critic Tom Fitzpatrick

The Retreat Includes:

  • 5 days – 4 nights at historic Maison Dupuy in the French Quarter
  • Meal plan which includes breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (additional meals outside of hotel are not included)
  • Shuttle service to and from the airport
  • Houmas House Plantation excursion
  • 2 cooking classes (lunch and dinner) at the New Orleans School of Cooking
  • All taxes, tips and service at the hotel restaurants
  • Retreats Unlimited daily gift bag

These tours are being offered by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation, review this itinerary or for additional information visit Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat and tour  announcements, promotions and discount offers.

About the Masion Dupuy

Come and experience one of the few, and most unique New Orleans hotels in the French Quarter, the Maison Dupuy. This elegant hotel is situated just a couple of blocks from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street. This luxurious property offers guests a distinct mixture of history and pampering unlike any other and beckons you to relax and escape the hustle of modern life. The hotel’s Bistreaux is a casual concept restaurant that delivers a comprehensive dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other amenities include a fitness center and outdoor pool in a lush courtyard. Business facilities include a business center and 5,697 square feet of function space.

Hilton Chicago: The Perfect Summer Getaway

The Perfect Summer Getaway: Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood

Top Ten Tourist Attractions for Families

The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just steps away from some of the most iconic must see Chicago attractions. Families can park their car

and walk in any direction to enjoy one or many unique attractions found on Chicago’s famed gold coast.  Attractions that are great for families include:

–        American Girl Place

–        Chicago’s Pizza Tours

–        Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop / Hershey Chocolate World Store

–        Millennium Park

–        Oak Street Beach

–        Historic Water Tower

–        Chicago Observation Deck

–        Tilt 

–        Water Tower Place

–        Broadway Playhouse

All of this activity calls for a home away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place for a summer family stay. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top pick. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center.  It’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests.

Today’s connected travelers will appreciate free lobby Wi-Fi plus business travelers can also take advantage of connectivity stations and printing capabilities. The property is group and business friendly with 10,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space for events to include destination weddings, business and exhibit events. Host a fundraiser for 300 guests in the Lakeshore Ballroom or choose amongst 14 stylish meeting rooms with A/V capabilities: including the Gold Coast Board Room featuring classic lakeside views, and a 52-inch flat-screen monitor.

The resort also provides guests two onsite dining options. The Local – Chicago, a restaurant that infuses local Chicago fare with traditional courses, is a delicious dining experience. Sushi lovers will want to dine at Mirai Sushi featuring a three-star menu of traditional Japanese options layered with a modern day twist – serving the freshest sashimi, specialty rolls and small plates. Families can take advantage of the children’s menu offering kid favorites and adult approved entrees. Of course, the Magnificent Mile and nearby neighborhoods are dotted with unique eateries from fine dining establishments to mom-and-pop neighborhood favorites.

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Flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway Airport. The hotel is easily accessible with valet and self parking options: click here for driving directions.

About:

All of this activity calls for a home-away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top choice. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center, it’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests. Upgrade to a Lakeview Suite to savor views of Lake Michigan while business travelers may want to book an Executive Level suite with private access to the Executive Lodge where complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar is available daily.

Sonoma Wine Country – Fearless Fabulous You Retreat

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Are you a type A personality, aka a woman that puts business, family and obligations first while neglecting you? Today’s the day to invest in yourself. It’s time to recharge your mental batteries, restore your energy and reset your life intentions with Melanie Young. She too once cared for everyone but herself and has great lessons to share. Young dedicated time to re-frame her life and today she is successful wellness coach, author of Fearless Fabulous You! Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms, and host of the inspiring national iHeart Radio Show for women, Fearless Fabulous You! Are you ready to experience a relaxing, heartfelt and sumptuous getaway at Sea Ranch Lodge, a sublime escape tucked away on the Sonoma Coast, in California’s wine country. Trip dates are May 18-22.

Here’s what’s included:

4 nights/5 days accommodations (taxes and gratuities), meals, wine tastings, ground transportation
Arrive Wednesday / Depart Sunday
Daily hikes to recharge your spirit
Daily meditations and breathing exercises to calm and restore
Re-energize with healthy meals and recipes to take home and share with others
Unique wine tastings/dinners with local vintners specially selected for this retreat
Inspiring workshops plus private 1:1 coaching sessions with Young to reset your life intentions
Reflect with time for yourself to nurture your spirit

The retreat is priced at $2,586 or double occupancy and $3,227 for single occupancy with the early bird special. This special expires April 15, 2016.

This retreat is presented by Retreats Unlimited. To make a reservation or review this itinerary in detail click here Retreats Unlimited or call 312-961-3280. Join Retreats Unlimited on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for upcoming retreat announcements, promotions and discount offers.

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About Melanie Young: Young knows how to face challenges with grit, grace and wit and re-frame them to make things happen for the better. She a motivational muse for anyone who feels stuck and who wants to reignite their personal or professional brand. She is a living example of turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. After surviving breast cancer, she wrote her first book, Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor’s Guide to Staying Fearless & Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer to help newly diagnosed women stay focused and make smarter choices about caring for their well-being during and after treatment. This book received both the 2014 International Book Award and USA Best Book Award for Cancer Health topics. Young’s second book, Fearless Fabulous You! – Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms is filled with inspirational insights to recharge your spirit and revalue your self-worth. Website and blog: www.melanieyoung.com

About Sea Ranch Lodge: A small, secluded property on Northern California’s rugged Sonoma Coast, Sea Ranch Lodge is a serene destination that embraces the beauty and bounty of nature in myriad expressions. A getaway here features nature untamed – ocean vistas, pristine bluffs, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife – with miles of hiking trails to enjoy it just steps from your door. This sublime natural setting melds with efforts to live lightly on the land. We respect an ethos of sustainability in lodging, dining, activities, service and more.

Wine Loft Birmingham – Tapas and Cocktails

I served as the host for a birthday party during the holiday season.  It was a milestone celebration and I wanted the event to special.  I selected the Wine Loft Birmingham for several reasons:

  1. Everybody loves a glass of wine!
  2. The atmosphere is very cozy and a great place for conversation.
  3. It’s a hidden gem, in the heart of Birmingham city.

 

The southern charm of the Wine Loft Birmingham lived up to my expectations.  I was able to make a direct reservation and due to the extended amount of guests, the restaurant had no problem accommodating any changes.  The menu was (also) unique and provided a Tapas experience, along with a diverse selection of wines.

I suggest if you’re in the Birmingham area to visit the restaurant for networking, laughs, and an awesome glass of wine!

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Target Style – Red Cable Sweater and Faux Leather Leggings

There are so many reasons why I adore this holiday outfit.  Number one, I had no idea what to wear while visiting my family for the holiday season.  Number two, I was striving to look stylish and comfortable.  Number three, I’m a mom of two boys (and stepson) and my holiday budget consisted of several additional gifts.

Kim West Target Style

I was pressed for time and needed to finish packing!  On a last-minute shopping trip (for wrapping paper) I spotted this gorgeous red cable pull-over sweater in Target.  It was on sale and paired nicely with my faux leather leggings.  I also wore my Guess booties for a chic, edgey look.

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Both pieces can be worn with a variety of different items; such as a classic button-down shirt, denim jacket, or fur vest.  The possibilities are endless!  I love it when a great fashion moment happens on a budget.

Women's Ripe Red Cable Pullover Sweater - Merona

Packing Tips for The Everyday Girl – Infographic

It’s no secret that I’m a Pinterest addict and this week would be no different!  I’m packing for a holiday trip and want to ensure that everything’s organized.  My biggest obstacle is planning my attire for the entire week.  There’s nothing worse than realizing I left something at home and instantly start to locate the nearest Target.

Regardless, there are some girls that get it right (in terms of packing.)  We all know them and recognize them in the airport. They’re the ladies wearing dark sunglasses, a Tory Burch Carry-On, bottled water, and portable cellphone charger.  This elite group of women are effortless, cool but most importantly have not left anything.

To help the rest of us (that are like myself) with packing tips, I want to share the infographics below.

Click on the photos to visit the site that provides more details for proper packing.

Holiday Travel Essentials – Must Have Products

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what essentials you need to bring for your holiday travel needs.  Pack light by bringing only the most important essentials.

Your 6 Holiday Travel Essentials

Travel Essentials
1. The Refresher: During this crazy time, you want to clean and refresh your face AM and PM. For one that refreshes skin and foams away makeup and impurities –

Lumene’s Bright Tough Refreshing Cleansing Foam ($10.99, CVS)

2. The Best Face Base: You want to look airbrushed, who doesn’t? For an optical line and pore minimizer with instantly beautifying effect –

Lumene’s Bright Now Line & Pore Minimizer ($19.99, CVS)

3. The Perfect Brows: For easy shaping and filling go to the all-in-1 helper –

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go ($28, Sephora)

4. The Winter Glow: Get the perfect rush of color with a silky powder blush –

Smashbox Blush Rush ($24, Sephora)

5. The Perfect Red Lip: Pucker up with the perfect pout in your favorite holiday shade –

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick ($20, Sephora)

6. The Secret Weapon: Through all the highs and lows of the holiday season, make sure you have a spot treatment on-hand to fight against any surprise breakouts –

DDF Acne Control Treatment ($46, DDFSkincare.com)

Holiday Travel Essentials – How To

The holidays prove to be a busy travel time! From escaping the cold weather for a warm relaxing vacation to traveling to your loved one for a long weekend, make sure you have those key travel necessities on hand such as:

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Wipes will fit into any carry-on bag! This package of pre-moistened cleansing wipes are formulated with nourishing Greek yogurt to easily remove stubborn face and eye makeup while softening skin. Each pre-moistened, textured, and non-irritating cloth effectively removes stubborn face and eye makeup, leaving skin refreshed and deeply nourished. A calming duo of chamomile and calendula oils relieve stressed or sensitive skin while gentle macademia and jojoba oils help skin retain moisture. Perfectly packaged for on-the-go cleansing, skin is left revitalized, smooth, and hydrated ($15; Sephora.com).

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Take freshness on-the-go with the mini versions of Lavanila’s bestselling deodorant! This All-Natural, freshly scented pure vanilla deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment ($8; Lavanila.com).

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Don’t let your scent be compromised during travels! Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Eau de Parfum Rollerball features tahitian vanilla orchid, sweet white peony, fresh & crisp apple, madagascar bourbon vanilla, luminous jasmine petals, soft & whipped fluffy musk, Mexican vanilla bean absolute and glowing amber ($18; Kohls.com).

Katy Perry Rollerball

Get comfy with Hästens Travel Pillow. With 100% duck down this travel pillow is the perfect accessory to guarantee a little beauty rest while you’re traveling – whether by air, train, or automobile. Or use it as a makeup bag and zip it up with your loose beauty items with the rugged blue check fabric out. Then when you have settled in to your seat for your long trip reverse the pillow to expose the soft cotton and down interior. Comes in three colors. ($150; Hästens Stores nationwide; for more information, visit: www.hastens.com).

Travel Pillow

Add a pop to your hair with Hairdo by HairUWear French Braid Band. Add a finishing touch with the Hairdo French Braid Band that’s as much fashion accessory as it is hair accessory. Effortlessly chic, it attaches in an instant. What better way to add cachet? Use to hold your hair back for a classic look or hold your ponytail or bun in place with this braid band, just like you would use an elastic ($10; Ulta.com).

Braid Band