It’s still three more days until I get to see Athena and if you’ve been following my posts you know that I’m not taking it very well. Rather than moping around Innsbruck, I’ve decided to indulge in many of the things that I don’t often have time for as a toddler’s mother and Innsbruck’s only 5-star hotel, The Grand Hotel Europa is the ideal starting point for my indulgence. Continue reading
Most women love purses. They spend thousands of dollars on various colors, sizes, and 
designers. Recently, I went into a Coach store with a friend of mine and she drooled over a purse that was $3,495! I didn’t think it looked any different from my Walmart purse and it cost more than my first car, but to her it was perfection. She explained how it was THE color of the season, the design would go universally with everything she owned, and the price was reasonable since she would no longer need any other purse. To each his, or in this case her, own but I don’t understand the infatuation. I’ve never really been one for fashion though. I shop at second-hand stores and once in a while I will go all out and buy something from Old Navy or a vintage store. What the “normal” woman spends on purses and shoes, I make up for in outdoor gear and travel. Give me a versatile backpack over a purse any day. I’ve found my Coach purse of backpacks without the hefty price tag. The Mountainsmith Phantom 40 L panel loader is built with durable, lightweight high tenacity nylon and loads of ergonomic features ensuring years of fast, light, and comfortable use. It fits all of my travel needs and can easily act as a “purse” if need be. Continue reading
With only a few items left on this year’s bucket list, it’s completely conceivable that I will 
finish the entire list. The most daunting task is number 9 – “Lose the baby weight”. I’m still 18 pounds away from my original weight so I need to kick it up a notch if I’m going to make it happen. Each year, I spend hours planning out the list, making it difficult but not impossible. If I can pilot a helicopter, deliver a baby, and fly a jetpack, I can lose 18 pounds by the end of December. The plan: continue with Pilates and add 30 minutes of jogging to my daily routine. Equally intimidating is the constant clothing size change as I transition back to my normal weight, but I found a good solution. Feel Fit Wear offers women’s workout shorts with CompressionFlex technology so they fit my current size, but will adjust as I lose weight. I’ve already had to buy new clothes for each part of the pregnancy. Now, I’ve found a pair of shorts that I can wear throughout the stages of weight loss and I can finally get out of my pregnancy shorts. Bucket list item number nine, be prepared to be scratched off of my list. Continue reading
Most four and five diamond hotels offer more luxuries than you could possibly use during 
one stay. Who uses a phone in the bathroom anyway? And I don’t even know the difference between Egyptian cotton, satin, or silk sheets. There are some luxuries, though, that make me say, “wow” when I walk into a hotel and a hotel room. The Omni Charlotte Hotel envelopes you in comfort with a touch of genuine North Carolina hospitality and a million dollar view. Centrally located in the heart of Charlotte’s financial district, The Omni Charlotte Hotel offers over 300 degree views from the corner suites. I was able to unwind in the Signature Lounge and delight in a dish prepared at Trade Restaurant & Bar. Offering an ideal location, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service, The Omni stood out as a quality hotel with luxuries worth sharing with others. Continue reading
Athena is now 6 weeks old and it’s time I start taking bucket list item #9, lose the baby 
weight, seriously. Just last year, I ran a marathon; now walking up three flights of stairs leaves me winded. I want to run again, I want to see muscle on my legs, arms, and stomach rather than fat, and more importantly, I want to be healthy and active so when my daughter is ready to play so am I. Continue reading
Ultimatesafe 32L: The world’s most secure backpack.
The award-winning Ultimatesafe 32L anti-theft adventure travel pack not only meets international maximum carry-on standards, it’s ideal for long weekends away and is large enough to store all your gear.The covert built-in stainless steel wire cage can be locked closed and to a fixed object, providing the ultimate protection against thieves. A special blocking material prevents high tech identity thieves from downloading and stealing personal information stored on your passport and credit cards. The shoulder strap is reinforced with stainless steel wire which prevents it being easily cut so that the bag can’t be easily taken. The shoulder strap also has a releasable security hook at one end that allows you to attach the strap to a fixture, to stop thieves from easily walking off with your bag. With slash-proof steel wire sewn into the bag and straps, tamper-proof zippers, and an RFID pocket that blocks electronic theft of your credit card and passport info, the UltimateSafe 32L is a thief’s worst nightmare. It includes a removable, wire-reinforced 20L TravelSafe storage bag for locking valuables in your hotel room, and a removable, padded laptop sleeve. Travel with confidence and relax knowing your gear is secure. Continue reading
I have fond childhood memories of playing croquet at my summer home with my family, 
including my parents, my grandparents, and my siblings. Regardless of rain or shine, sun or darkness, we could be found on the front lawn playing croquet or horseshoes. Now that I have a growing family of my own, I want to instill the same sense of happiness with the outdoors in my family. My baby girl may only be 6 weeks old, but finding the right outdoors games and activities is on my mind now more than ever. Baden’s Champions Series Croquet Set is the perfect addition to my collection of outdoor family games. Its high quality and durability will ensure that my family will have years of use yet the price isn’t hard on the bank account. Continue reading
Is it the atmosphere? The comfortable chairs? The lighting? The attention? The magazines? What is it about a good stylist that allows you to have a great experience with them and continue to use their services? What is it about a salon that you’ve visited that makes you look forward to going back? At H Studio Salon, in Mission Viejo, they pamper 
their clients, giving them a mini vacation from everyday life. For the last two years, I’ve cut, styled, and colored my own hair with acceptable success. A busy, active lifestyle allowed me to tie it up and go freely without putting much thought into style or products. I’ve since slowed down a little and at six months pregnant enjoy simple escapes from my daily routine. H Studio Salon helped me feel better about my ever-rounding pregnancy face, my substantially growing belly, and my less-than-flawless skin. They provided the ultimate salon experience with customer service as their top priority. Continue reading
When it comes to baby products, I’m always on the hunt for something versatile, functional, and fun. Many baby products seem to excel in either versatility, form, or function, but not the Peg Perego Sdraietta Melodia Italian import bouncer; it has it all! 
This bouncer looks absolutely amazing, and then you try it out… and it is absolutely amazing! The Sdraietta Melodia is a one of a kind bouncer. Not only does it play music with surround sound speakers and have MP3 compatibility, it easily converts to a rocker from its stationary position and is adjustable for comfort with 2-position recline; it has a carrying handle and buckle closure; it folds for storage with a detachable toy bar and removable, padded seat; and it’s conducive to every situation, whether you are at home, going to a friend’s house, or even hitting the beach and taking advantage of the sun canopy. It may cost a bit more than the average baby seat, but that’s because it has so much more to offer. Continue reading
Bucket List Publications 