Cruising Question SOS-What About My Diet Coke?

Growing up I never acquired a taste for coffee.  Maybe because my parents drank so much of it, maybe because I am just a bit wierd, but for whatever reason, I just can't stand the taste.  So needing to get my "jolt" from somewhere, I turned to diet coke.  I drink it for breakfast and need a couple to get the neurons firing in the morning.  It's like you probably are with your coffee--I don't prefer it--I need it!  Funny but two or my three sisters are the same way.  You should see us at family gatherings, each packing a 12 pack of diet coke under each arm, trust me I have pictures!

So when clients ask me about the availability of their favorite (and necessary) soda on board their cruise ship vacation, I completely understand.  After all, it's not as if you can pop by the 7-11 and stock up in the open sea.  So let's address this question and  see what's available, what's free, and what's for sale.  Here we go:

• Coffee, tea, iced tea, water, are free all day
• Milk and juice are free during the breakfast hours
• Soda is available by the glass at the bars, dining room, pool, and theatre for $2-3 each,
• Alcholic drinks are available at any bar, in the dining room, pool, and theatre $5 and up
• "Drink of the Day" are daily specials and can be made virgin if requested
• Fountain soda cards can be purchased on most cruise lines for $6 per day adults, $4 children (approximate)

The soda fountain card is what I always get--first thing--at the "sail away" party!  (I always get a fruity ptooty sail away drink too, but that's another story).  Considering I drink at least 3 sodas every morning and a gingerale with my evening routine, it's well worth it.  Plus I just like to relax with my diet coke while reading out on the pool deck or having popcorn with the movie out by the pool.  So the soda fountain card saves me a good bit of money. 

A couple of things to remember!  All prices are for example and not a contract.  Prices change, usually going up, these are the latest I found today and vary a bit by the particular cruise line.  Secondly, drinks whether sodas or alcholol brought to you by waiters are subject to a 15% gratuitiy.  Lastly, not all lines may have the soda fountain card, so you will want to check with your travel professional or check the line's web site.  Fortunately for me, most do!

Now sit back, kick off your shoes, and enjoy your favorite drink!

Until next time, keep the questions coming!  Email me here with your question: sandy@cgta.com

Sandy

Sandy, the divacruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, an independent contractor with Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her web site www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Have a question about cruising or one of our trips?  Email Sandy  at: sandy@cgta.com. 

A Brand New Series--The Great Shrimp and Grits Survey of the South

As a lifetime Southerner, there are some things I just take pride in.  Our beaches, mild winters, friendliness, culture, great cities and small towns; I love it all. 

One of the best things is our food--fried chicken, red eyed gravy, church picnic potato salad, barbeque, and green bean casserole are the stuff of Southern culinary legend.  A particularly Southern item that is probably misunderstood is the classic dish of shrimp and grits.  First, let's dispel one myth.  The grits used in shrimp and grits are not your typical grits most of the country thinks of when the name "grits" is mentioned.  These grits are especially made for this dish and have an altogether different consistency and taste than anything you may have experienced with products from the grocery store straight out of the microwave.

As a true fan of this uniquely southern treat, I decided to work my way through the south sampling shrimp and grits.  I have had shrimp and grits in Savannah and Charleston--the holy grails of southern cuisine and most people assign the origins of shrimp and grits to one of these. I want to find lesser known locations; the small town take on the subject. At the same time I will be reporting on some interesting bed and breakfasts, resorts, and other accomodations that you may not have even know exist.  I know it's a tough job, but as always, I am willing to take one for the team--you gals my readers! I appreciate your  input, and if you know of a lovely local spot that serves a great shrimp and grits--send me an email.  I would love to hear from you!  Well, I better go to the gym, all this delicious food--I am going to need it!  Until my next installment--happy eating!

Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  She can be reached for comment on this or any other of her blogs at sandy@cgta.com.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @divacruiser or www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.

Reading Labels Can Save You Money!

Label reading has become a passion of mine while trying to eat more healthy food, lose weight, and keep my blood sugar under control.  It's amazing the things you can learn about processed foods, they almost all contain too many chemicals, too much salt, and too many carbs.  A real reality check--if you haven't started reading labels, I recommend you do it, you will be surprised!

These however, are not the labels this blog is about.  Recently, I took a gander at the ingredients list of my cosmetics line.  It's a great line and I enjoy using it BUT the ingredients list on my toner said "witch hazel".  Witch hazel was the only active ingredient.  Everything else was inactive--fragrance, etc. I say again, the only active ingredient was witch hazel!  Worse than that, I was paying $39.50 for witch hazel!  Good smelling witch hazel; in a pretty bottle; but none the less, plain witch hazel.  Geez!

I immediately hit the web and found that witch hazel was an active ingredient in several toners, some costly, some not.  I then went to my local Walgreens and looked at the witch hazel selections.  The kind I chose was Dickinsons.  It cost me $5.95 for a net savings of $33.85 per bottle.  As I probably use 3-4 bottles a year--well we are looking in a savings in at least $100 a year! WOW!

Now I am known for being an advocate for women pampering themselves.  In fact, I insist on it.  But, there's a difference between pampering ourselves with a superior products and spending money for no good reason.  Go into your cosmetics storage area right now.  Examine the labels and do some research.  Throw away any items that are over the expiration date; particularly eye items like mascara and shadows which can harbor germs.  See if you, like me, are overpaying on any items.

Need a suggestion for the extra money you can save?  How about using that extra as your downpayment for our October, 2010 Chicks at Sea ladies cruise?  Visit my web site or email me for more information.

Now go read some labels!

All the best! Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.  Email me for more information about our Chicks at Sea ladies cruise. 

One Step At a Time OR Plodding is a Good Thing!

One day last summer a new  woman showed up in my pool aerobics class and seemed to be working very hard for a newbie.  Being the busy body I am (I like to refer to it as "friendly") I asked about her and we were all told that she was indeed new to the Y, and was scheduled to get married soon and wanted to shape up.  Since most brides feel this way, I thought nothing of it until she further replied her wedding was only 2 weeks away!  I was floored as were the other members of the class as she mentioned her dress was too tight and she needed to lose 20 pounds in these two weeks to fit into it.  And that she intended to take at least 5 classes that DAY!  Since she was at least my age, I thought "she's going to kill her fool self"  but her enthusiasm was not to be shaken, even though our instructor tried to make her see that fitness and weight loss was achieved slowly over time.  I don't think I ever saw her again, but the lesson has stayed with me.  Some things don't happen overnight and are best done a bit at the time OR plodding along.

One thing I think fits this same principle well is spending money on travel.  Some people enjoy the thrill of finding a last minute trip and plunking down their cash and heading out! That's super and if you are of that mindset, call me, I always have last minute trips and cruises ready to book.  But for me and a lot of people, well we may not have a lot to cash to plunk.  Or enough leave from our employment, or quick-as-a-flash childcare available.  But with the right planning--especially financial planning, almost anyone can take the trip of their dreams.

So to help all those planners and plotters, Connie, (our esteemed leader) came up with the idea of a "payment plan" for our trips and cruises.  Two such trips where this would work well are my New Orleans at Christmas escorted bus tour or the Chicks at Sea cruise.  Pay $200 down this month and $100 a month (or more you decide) and pay until you are all paid up! With New Orleans coming in at $879 and Chicks at Sea 5 day ladies cruise prices starting at $500, it won't take long to make your trip a reality.  Plus to me, part of the fun of a vacation is the anticipation--you will have a few months to savour your trip--all paid for without taking too much out of the budget at one time.  I will be happy to work for you on a payment plan that suits your needs.  I will be delighted to help you join the ranks of the planners and the plodders--it's a good thing!

Happy travels AND happy budgeting,

Sandy

PS Just IN!  We have an absolutely fabulous value on board Holland America Line cruise ships.  Book during our Cruise Sale and receive an exclusive Onboard Value Booklet valued at $354.  Sail anywhere--these onboard services will enhance your voyage!   

PSS  Sail on our Chicks at Sea voyage and have dinner every night with Sandy the Diva Cruiser herself.  Have your picture taken for free!  Chances like this to mingle with celebrities don't come along every day!

Sandy, the divacruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her web site: www.SandyWheelerTravel.com

My Trip to the Sanderling, Part II--The Massage!

Hello again, it's Sandy here with more information about my great visit to the Sanderling Resort and Spa.  Be sure to read the first installment which describes the property and our room.  Now it's time for my favorite thing--a massage. Since I have been experiencing some shoulder spasms and a really tight neck, I had asked for a "deep tissue" massage, which is a bit more ($10) but in my case well worth it.  I had asked for a 50 minute massage and was impressed the massage therapist didn't spend much of my alloted time talking--actually spending 50 minutes working on my pain.  But let me back up and take it through the experience.

The Spa is located across the street and has very nice views of the Currituck Sound.  The building also houses the indoor heated pool and hot tub, so I knew I would spend a good bit of time there.  Upon entering the building, I was greeted by Ashley, the spa manager at the front desk.  To the left of the reception desk is built in space for bath and spa products, candels, spa clothing and other gal friendly items to purchase and enjoy.  To the right was the manicure, pedicure, and hair salon areas which although seemed busy, were very quiet and serene.  The Sanderling has 9 treatment rooms and once inside one you feel as if you are the only one there.  I was welcomed and led into the ladies dressing room area where I was given a key for my locker which contained a thirsty robe and sandals for my feet.  I appreciated the material of the footware, noticing it could be easily sanitized, which always makes me feel better.  I was then shown the "quiet room" with relaxing couches and chairs as well as a glass container of water with cucumber slices floating in it.  There was a short form to fill out, and I was really getting into the relaxation mode thumbing through a ladies magazine and sipping this theraputic water.

In approximately 8-10 minutes (watches are left in the locker of course) I met my therapist, Jackie.  After asking a few questions, she immediately got to work.  She assured me that she would give my neck and shoulder adequate pressure to relieve my problem, but that I was to immediately tell her if the pressure became too much.  I use massage therapy routinely to manage stress and fibromyalgia, so I know my stuff when I tell you this was a great massage. 

I did not mention the room, so let me back track a bit--it was above standard, well ventilated, and best of all had a view of the Currituck Sound.  The Resort has rooms for couples massage and a screened gazebo for water front massage when the weather permits.  This I definitely have put on my "bucket list" girls, what a super indulgent way to relax away the stress!  They have a complete line of facials and jetted tubs for scented, relaxing soaks.  The only thing I could say negative about the experience was the price is a bit high, considering it was the winter season. 

After the massage, I reversed the process and went back to the quiet room and enjoyed another glass of water and gave myself a few minutes to just breathe.  After checking out at the front desk, I wandered around out back of the spa, checking out the pier, gazebo, and more.  It was warm enough for a leisurely stroll and as usual, these unplanned moments were some of the most relaxing of my visit.  I finally wandered back to my room for a quick nap and when my husband returned from his tennis outing, (Pine Island Tennis Center) we made way back to the spa to use the pool.

The indoor heated pool was an absolute joy.  Glass enclosed, with a gorgeous view,  we really enjoyed working out swimming laps and in my case, treading water.  After about 30-40 minutes in the pool, we made our way to the indoor spa.  What a great way to end a relaxing, but busy day.  Everything in the pool area was immaculate, well stocked, and  "cozy" I guess is the best word to describe what I felt.  I did not see an attendant during our swim and soak, which left me feeling a bit disconcerted.  Somehow I thought someone would be near by, allowing for a point of contact should an accident arise or a problem--maybe that's just my own insecurity speaking?  Since we live only an hour or so from the Outer Banks, we ate dinner at one of our favorite spots and came back to our room exhausted but refreshed too.  A great massage and swim--a wonderful afternoon!

Check back for Part III in my series--having breakfast at the award winning LifeSaving Station Restaurant on property and being given a  personal tour by the Sanderling's Exective Chef, Joshua Hollinger.

More to come!

Remember gals, Relax, Refresh, and Realize Your Worth!

Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler, independent agent for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventure on Twitter @thedivacruiser or on her website www.SandyWheelerTravel.com

My Visit to the Sanderling Resort and Spa,Outer Banks, NC ! Part I

WOW! was my first thought when I  entered the "lobby" of the Sanderling on the sunny but cold (40-50) Friday in February.  I had driven by the Sanderling for almost ten years on my way to Corolla, putting it on my to do list every time.  When a group of gals requested information about a long weekend get away there, I decided to was time to make my way to the Outer Banks for an explore.  Now back to the wow! 

I was greeted by a two story staircase that led up to a large seating area complete with couches, chairs, bookcases, fireplace, and two different glorious views.  The Sanderling property is fourteen acres uniquely situated on both sides of Highway 12 with some of the buildings having views of the Currituck Sound and the others looking out onto the ocean.  The registration desk is tucked into the right corner of the lobby so as not to detract from the beautiful symetry of the staircase.  After checking in, I immediately hit one of the porch rocking chairs overlooking the sound--short but sweet--as I was reminded by the nip in the wind it was still February.  I was disappointed that I was not offered concierge services, although there was a sign that said they were available.  As a woman traveling alone (my husband came in that evening), I was in need of help with my bag and laptop case. 

But let's move on, I have a massage to get to!  The North property is perfect for a girls' getaway weekend, with 2 queen beds in each room, so I chose that room type to get the look and feel for my recommendation.  The room was decorated in what I would call "beach chic" with cool and comforting furnishings and linens,  and sea shells, lots of sea shells!.  The private bathroom was well suited for women too--I was instantly in love with the glass enclosed shower.  My hubby has no clue why I was so impressed, but girls you know.  The towels where thick and thirsty and there were two great robes in the closet ready for a cozy evening.  The vanity and mirror were large enough for two women getting on their makeup and doing hair, but two sinks would have been an even better idea.  The certified organic soap, shampoo, and other toiletries were just one more piece of the feel good experience. 

The dresser seemed adequate for two ladies clothing and doubled as the TV table.  The middle section of the bureau held a small frig and room safe.  We need to feel our baubles are going to be safe while we are  walking the beach or dancing the night away right?  The best thing about the room was the deck or porch depending on the floor you were on,  complete with wicker chairs and a built in bench for talking with friends or just communing with the sounds of the beach.  The room we had directly faced a gorgeous looking and sounding waterfall.  There is no more pleasant sound to me than trickling water--I spent some really quieting and restful time there sipping hot tea and listening to the waterfall.  Unfortunately, the North Inn is not handicapped accessible.  While the steps have more than adequate handrails and a good spacing between the steps, (I was fine since this was a "good day" with my silent handicap) the steps were there  making this girl friendly, less expensive part of the property not accessible by people with problems climbing stairs or wheelers. 

We totally enjoyed a small seating area two doors down from our room that shared the gorgeous view of the waterfall, complete with comfortable seating and a fireplace.  Hubby and I sat and propped our feet up near the fire and nibbled complimentary gourmet cookies--I can totally see this property as a honeymoon spot too!  Besdie this cozy couch was a dining table and chairs--great for a snack or family conference.  At one point I did find this area taken over by the maids/waitresses ? for a meal and what appeared to be a break time.  Somehow this was a bit disappointing,  was there not an adequate space for break or dining for the staff?  My husband says I am too picky, maybe so--just reporting my findings, dear readers. 

Soon it was time for my massage.  See the lengths I go to for you my readers?  I'm really taking one for the team here girls.  The Sanderling Spa was across the street on the Sound side and I couldn't wait for the pampering to being!  That ends this installment; check back soon for the rest of the story. 

Gals remember you need to "Relax, Restore, and Realize Your Worth".

And another old adage "If Momma Ain't Happy, Nobody's Happy"

Love you, Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, Independent Agent for Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow Sandy's adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser and on her web site www.SandyWheelerTravel.com.   Email Sandy for more information about this or any other of my blog entries!