Giving Ourselves a Break--Traveling By Car

I remember fondly packing the car with a goodie bag when my kids were toddlers and we would take car trips, particularly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. The goodie bag was a curious assortment of toys, clothes, snacks, books, tapes, and anything else I could think of to keep them happy, healthy, and entertained during the trip. I was reminded of this as I made my list of things to take along to keep my fuzzy four-legged babies happy, healthy, and entertained as well during our car trip to "Granny's".  Although the items in the goodie bag are certainly different than those needed for my toddlers way back when, the idea is the same.  Make them more comfortable and feeling special.

I started thinking more about this and then my thoughts zeroed in on a recent trip I took by car during the Thanksgiving rush.  And I asked myself "where was my goodie bag"?  If memory serves me, I drove relentlessly as if a human life depended on my arriving by a certain time.  I wove in and out of I-95 traffic pedal to the medal with no stretch break, no lunch break (unless you count a fast food drive through) and no preparations to make my trip easier or less stressful.  Had I had my toddlers in the car, or even my pups, I would have stopped, walked around, and given them a chance to settle and get the kinks out.  I would have fed them healthy snacks from the goodie bag instead of the diet coke and crackers I allowed myself at my hasty bathroom break. 

What's wrong with this picture?  Why is it OK to stop for 10 minutes and play chase with the kids or even the dogs, but not OK to take 10 minutes to stretch my weary bones?  I like to think that as  gal's travel coordinator, I know how to help women have relax and have fun.  I am producing a series for women called "Relax, Refresh, and Realize Your Worth" for heaven's sake!  I should have treated myself better.  And I want you to learn from  my experience.  There may be times when you have to be in rush--but most of the time I think women are just conditioned to not take care of themselves.  It's a habit and habits can be changed.  So your next car trip--think ahead, take breaks, eat well, and pack a goodie bag for you too!

A Visit to the Village at Pinehurst

A couple of weekends ago, I had the priviledge of hanging out with some of my favorite people--my sister Peg and her zany husband Eddie, my mom, and of course my hubby doing some shopping, sightseeing, and just enjoying the laid back atmosphere of the "Village" at Pinehurst, NC. As anyone who has ever raised a golf club knows, Pinehurst is one of the golf meccas of the South and is also quite well known for it's tennis events, training camps, and tournaments.

It was a glorius day weatherwise and we were able to explore the shopping, dining, and other options in our shirt sleeves. One of the brochures I picked up while strolling mentioned that the Village personified quaint New England charm--but with the abundance of pine and magnolia trees scattered about, this Southern girl may have to differ on that point.

Since it was lunch time, finding a place to eat was first on our agenda. My brother in law had heard good things about Dugan's Pub while playing golf the day before, but on investigation found it pretty crowded and reported back and our hungry little horde decided to keep looking. The next spot we found was Theo's Taverna, reported by the signage to be an authentic Mediterrean/Greek restaurant. Since Greek cuisine is not my favorite thing, Eddie asked for a menu and brought it out so we could all see it. Directly beside Theo's was another establishment, The Darling House Pub and Grill that looked good and I wanted to compare the menu offerings. The Darling House stated they were a Celtic experience and they had a charming outside eating area that looked inviting on such a pleasant day. No sooner had we gathered around the two menus to see what was available than the owner/manager of Theo's came out into the doorway and started to chastise us for taking his menu. He didn't smile and make a joke of it, he growled, frowned, and rolled his eyes at us. After returning the menu (no gold gilt or buried treasure map-- just a laminated piece of cardboard--not even in multi-color), we of course ate at the Darling House. I had the special--a huge, tasty 1/2 of a chicken sandwich with a salad that my mom described as "cheerful". The service was excellent, the food was good--a perfect luncheon treat.

Our stroll then took us to several shops with interesting and unique merchandise. I particularly liked Cameron & Co, Le Faux Chateau, and a little jewelry, purse and accessories shop called Teramsu where I received excellent, personal service like we received years ago in any retail establishment. The items were cute, funky, and not too pricey. I purchased a watch that I really love with a flip over band for less than $50.

Probably the worst part of the day was that the visit was so short. We have already made plans to come back and visit in January. Check back then when I review the fabulous Pinehurst Resort--just looking at the huge spa facility makes me smile; and well, yes, the golf course looks pretty good too!

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler. Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her web site http://www.sandywheelertravel.com/. Sandy is an Independent Agent for Connie George Travel Assocites. Email me for help in planning your next trip!

The World is Shrinking, So Why Won't My Waist?

I just finished reading Rhys Bowen's latest book called Royal Flush. The herionine, Georgie, is a relative of the "royals" and is at the castle when the Royal Grouse Hunt is being held. As an aside to the event, a group of the locals volunteer to take a group of haughty American visitors on a "haggis hunt". Since haggis is a Scottish sausage concotion and not an animal to be hunted--well you get the point.

Reading this reminded me of an old Southern tradtion called the "snipe hunt". Good ole boy locals would take visitors out at night hunting for snipes with some interesting results. And if by chance the visitors were haughty; then they were taken to an especially thick part of the woods and left till morning. Strangely enough, no one has ever bagged a snipe in the woods. (They are actually shore birds.) Go figure.

The world is different now. Myths like the snipe hunt are easily debunked by just
Googling the words "snipe hunt". There's even a Wikipedia entry for it. Easy access to information about other cultures, peoples, and places to visit are at our fingertips. New and exciting venues have recently developed into the "it" spots to visit. Costa Rica has become one such place, and the requests for Costa Rican womens' adventures have been coming in.

So, tada! We are offering a ladies only trip for November 2010. A 9 day, 8 night adventure in Costa Rica including the following sites and activities: a visit to the Poás Volcano, a cooking class, yoga on the beach, a painting lesson with the local artists community, a boat ride on Lake Gold, the Museum and National Theater in San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Orchid Garden, Tortuga Island Excursion & Snorkeling, and much more. Plenty of exercise, activities, and unique opportunities to see culture, art, peoples, and places that give you a profound experience of development as a woman. All in the company of exceptional women just like yourself! Here's the link to this great trip http://www.sandywheelertravel.com/id14.html.

Yes, our world may be shrinking, but you don't have to shrink with it. Decide instead to grow and join us on this super adventure!

And remember, don't go hunting after dark!

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, Independent Travel Consultant for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser.

Email Sandy to ask questions about any of our great trips and check out www.SandyWheelerTravel.com for more information about our escorted tour to Costa Rica!.

Looking for a Few Good Men..and Women!

I get absolutely thrilled when I can announce that I was able to make a good thing better! It's awesome and I couldn't wait to share. . . so here goes!

As you may have heard, we have a great themed cruise sailing April 11, 2010; a Marines' cruise for active, retired, and spouses and friends of Marines. It's a 7 day sailing on board Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas with ports of call in CocoCay, Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Marteen. Three great sea days are perfect for mingling with friends and fellow Marines and their families. We have group space set aside especially for our group in the categories of Inside, Promenade, Ocean view, and Balcony cabins.

Now for the news! They say good things come in threes, so watch out!

#1)For a limited time we are offering $200 per cabin shipboard credit on new bookings. $200 worth of specialty dining, drinks, shopping, gambling--your choice! A great addition to an already awesome cruise experience.

#2) Since "Toys for Tots" is a project near and dear to the hearts of many Marines and their families, we can now $500 Toys 'R Us gift card to Toys for Tots to any marine league, organiation, or individual for every 5 cabins brought into the group.

#3) There is no limit to the number of gift cards you or your group can earn! What a wonderful Christmas memory this will make.

You see why I am excited? I love giving goodies to my clients!

Now, get your friends and fellow Marines together and let's make this happen.

Call me 252-339-9614 for more info or to book.

*Toys for Tots gift cards will be available after the cruise.

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler from SandyWheelerTravel.com. She is an independent agent of Connie George Travel Associates and looks forward to hearing from you. Email her for more information. Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser

Chicks at Sea 2010

Chicks at Sea

It’s one of my favorite times of the year, when I start booking our annual Chicks at Sea Girl’s Getaway Cruise, and this year is no different. I get jazzed up when I remember the fun and deep relaxation I get when on a cruise and the idea of sharing that with other women—well I get excited—I really do. I love, love, love the idea that I am a tiny part of giving women something positive to help them restore, relax, and rejuvenate. Having been a working mom while raising two kids; I know how hectic and tiring it all can become. My mentor and friend told me to be successful one must find their “bliss” and I think I have. Helping women feel better about themselves, to become nourished and renewed so they can go back to their family, friends, and career ready to take on the world.

This year’s Chicks at Sea is a five day cruise departing from Tampa, FL on February 20th, 2010. We will be making port stops at Key West (can you say fun) and Cozumel, Mexico. We also have 2 sea days for visiting the spa, taking in the entertainment, making new friends, and enjoying the many other activities of the ship. Or maybe just lounging by the pool doing something special—absolutely nothing! How long since you did nothing?

We have a range of rooms reserved for our group ranging in price from $574 to $924 per person based on double occupancy. Your price includes everything including your prepaid gratuities. Also included is a swag bag with spa goodies, a pretty journal, and other goodies just for the gals. We do recommend you add Travel Insurance. Deposits of $100 per person or $200 per cabin are due November 19th. Final payment date is December 12th, 09. Find a roommate and get your deposit in. I feel pretty good about saying you will so glad you did.

Chicks at Sea is near and dear to my heart and I so look forward to talking to you more about this special gals getaway. Feel free to visit my web site: www.SandyWheelerTravel.com fore more information or just give me a call 252-339-9614. You can also email me for more information.

Love and peace, Sandy


Sandy Wheeler, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures at www.SandyWheelerTravel.com or on Twitter @thedivacruiser

Gold Stars For My Girls!

I ran across some little gold stars in the back of my desk drawer the other day and had to laugh. I’ve used them for a number of “teacher” type activities through the years, but the laugh came from a memory, way back in the day when my daughter was in Sunday School. The girls received gold stars for memorizing verses and the competition was hot and heavy for these special tokens. While listening to one little girl recite her verses I had to stop and ask her to repeat. I tried hard not to roll with laughter when I realized she was using the words “barn dance” instead of the word “abundance”. Since her whole family was into square dancing, I can see how the error occurred. I still laugh when I hear the word abundance. Actually though, it’s a pretty good word, don’t you think?

Abundance brings to mind having enough money to have a comfortable existence. Enough of the green stuff to pay all the bills, save some, and enjoy some. But that’s certainly not all that we aspire to, and I speak here for and to baby boomer aged women in particular. It also means good health for ourselves and our grown children, love and romance, meaningful friendships, a chance to make a difference and give back. A sense of accomplishment, a career we love, hobbies that ease our stress and open our minds and a little more time and fewer responsibilities in which to enjoy the mix. It’s time to start treating ourselves to a few special things we may not have had money or even time to do before. Things like a cruise or trip with gal pals, an afternoon in the hammock with the latest in chick lit, gym membership, or getting ourselves those flowers we admired so much in the florist window. It’s our time and it’s very much OK to treat ourselves well.

It bothers me when I see women still trapped in the role of victim or feeling as if they have to put themselves last every time. A well nourished, relaxed, and happy woman makes a better mother, wife, worker, and citizen. The abundant life is for everyone, even you girlfriend. And heck, who knows, a barn dance might be fun too!

Sandy Wheeler, the diva cruiser, is in reality an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates who sponsors the Chicks At Sea cruises especially for women. Follow Sandy's adventures at www.SandyWheelerTravel.com and on Twitter @thedivacruiser.

Facebook Fun and Games

I admit it, I absolutely love Facebook! I check it every morning just after I check my business and personal email. I update it most every morning, sometimes several times a day. I check it before I go to sleep at night--I confess I love Facebook! To my friends and family, this comes as no surprise, to those of you who don't know me--well don't judge until you try.

Why do I love FB? Several reasons divided into two different categories. First personal reasons. Did you know I hardly ever miss a friend or family member's birthday now? And, I have reconnected with a friend I started elementary school with. In fact, more than one. Several people I went to high school with, people I knew from 25 years ago; it's amazing how many people I am finding. I found a lost cousin, people I love that I used to work with, and about a hundred kids I taught while they were in high school who are now raising kids of their own. I see what my own kids are doing even when they don't take the time to call their mom, and can take pride in my nieces and nephews as they enter their high school years. It's wonderful--I LOVE Facebook.

The second reason I love it is for business. I use it to introduce cruise specials, connect with clients and post my blogs, tweets, and pictures. I met my business coach and have received help, advice, and a chance to mentor from several like minded industry leaders and new friends. I have found suppliers and resources as well as inspiration from other small business owners working their way through the joys and problems of business ownership. I LOVE Facebook.

Some people maintain you really need to have two separate accounts, and they may be right. I tried it and didn't like doing it that way. I wound up mixing the two parts of my life by accident or lack of time anyway; plus I feel a person is the sum of their parts, so there you go.

However, I have a little advice that I would like to pass along.

• If you are like me and use FB as a personal and professional tool, be careful that you keep a decent balance. Too much info either way may be aggravating.
• Don't use your FB as a political, moral, or economic platform. Think before you expect other adults to change their minds about any of the before mentioned, no matter how eloquent your debate.
• Be careful the information you list in your updates. I freely give my business phone, but almost never give out my home phone or home address.
• Remember your Facebook page may be indexed by Yahoo and Google. Often my FB page will come up higher than my actual web page. And while most of the info is protected, any entry level hacker can figure out a way around the safeguards, so again discretion is advised.

Just some friendly advice, some unfortunately I learned the hard way. I am certainly no expert, but then that's another one of the beauties of Facebook--anyone can learn to use it and enjoy the product for personal and professional benefit. Just another reason I LOVE Facebook!

Keep on posting,

Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, an Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow her adventures on www.SandyWheelerTravel.com and on Twitter @thedivacruiser