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

The Gentle Art of Listening

Although my blog is technically about women’s travel opportunities, I also like from time to time to comment, ask questions, or make observations that might be beneficial to other women. Some of these observations are common sense that we just need to be reminded of from time to time—travel safety tips for example. Other things I share with my readers are about lessons learned or even grey hairs earned. And these are the blogs that seem to generate the most emails and comments, many of them off the record. For example, I was gratified that my blogs about weight issues during the holidays prompted many of you to write and share your struggles with me. So, with this in mind, here goes a little blog about an important issue; learning to listen.


When a friend confides in me, I consider it an honor and a blessing. I think women are a powerful force, more powerful than we imagine. The sharing of a confidence or concern is something that women do for other women that is so different from sharing with a man; no matter how loving or well intentioned. As I age, I am learning that the art of true listening is a skill I am developing after having done it the wrong way. It’s taking time, and I still don’t have all the answers, but here goes a few things I have learned.

I have always wanted to be supportive of people. But until recently if you tried to share a problem with me, I would listen attentively for a few moments, get the big picture of things and then jump right in—talking, talking, talking. I would immediately offer well intended advice and a plan for correcting the situation if MY ideas and action plan are followed. And often I would blow it with the friend trying to express herself. I want to “fix” things, it’s what I do, but not very helpful at all in a listening situation. Maybe it was my ego, I like to believe not—but everyone loves to hear the sound of their own voice, hey? I really did want to help and I certainly didn’t want to come across as bossy. So what IS good listening?


Most people just want your undivided attention when sharing with you. Making eye contact, a hug if appropriate, and active listening—really getting involved with what they are telling you. No recriminations or judgment during this time either. My favorite saying when a friend begins to chastise herself for a mistake is: “stop talking about my friend that way”. Just that bit of humor dispels the idea that you might be judging. I make soothing noises like “aw”, but I think the main point is stay engaged, continue with eye contact and provide a safe haven for your friend. A safe haven is a priceless gift you can give and by learning the art of gentle listening you will have made a difference to someone in a huge way. And chances are when your time comes to need counsel, she will be there for you too.  Listening is a skill that we may not have been born with, but it can be developed over time.  Good luck with your journey!

Have fun and be sure to visit our webpage.  We have a great new New Orleans escorted tour ready to book!  Email me at sandy@cgta.com to talk about this blog or to ask questions about our upcoming trips!

Sandy, the Diva Cruiser, is actually Sandy Wheeler,Indpendent contractor with Connie George Travel Associates.  Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser or through her website http://www.sandywheelertravel.com/ 

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!

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

The Fruit Bowl Blog Post

I get aggravated when I see cruise ads for outrageous prices like "5 Day Cruise for $200". I have to ask 'cruise where and on what?' seeing in my mind a johnboat floating down a river with the theme from Deliverance playing menacingly in the background. What gets me even more aggravated is when my hardworking clients call me thinking they have found the deal of the century and want to book a well deserved vacation for their family at these prices. Sadly I have to inform my clients this price they found does not include the total cost of their vacation. They are not making a comparison "apples to apples" as my partner Connie loves to say. You can't compare apples to pears and have an adequate understanding of the value of your vacation. Cruise prices should include your base fare + your port fees + taxes+ any other items you wish to add on such as travel insurance, transfers to and from the cruise port, airfare, shore excursions, cruisetours, hotel stays before or after the cruise, prepaid gratutities for your crew members, AND anything else you wish to add to the mix. Your price quote must include the components you want and need to make your vacation the success you deserve. Your travel professional can walk you through each step saving you time, money, and lots of aggravation. One size does not fit all and clicking the NEXT button on your computer is not a good way to choose your vacation options! Your travel professional can help you compare apples to apples so your next cruise is as tasty and fun as a fresh baked apple pie!


Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, an outside agent for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow Sandy on Twitter @ladiestravel; and @thedivacruiser.

Girls getaway and inspirational cruise! Key West, Cozumel and 2 days of "reaching for the star in you" sessions. http://tinyurl.com/onr3xg

Sell 5 cabins and get $500! Easy way to get together any sized group, CRUISE, & make $ doing it! More details .http://tiny.cc/500265

To Each His Own!

The best lobster I have ever eaten was onboard NCL’s Norwegian Crown on their first “formal” night of a 7 day cruise. It was so moist and tasty, I can still remember it. In fact, I ate two of those lobsters, that’s how good they were. That’s saying a lot since I am a seafood snob, having spent most of my life within an hour drive of the Atlantic Ocean. Another thing I remember about that cruise was floating around in the pool with two ladies who knew each other from New York City. They were discussing how poor the food was onboard and particularly how poor the lobster was. They commented on this Italian place in Manhattan, and a bistro in Soho, and on and on. I remember thinking at the time, “to each his own” and it’s never truer than on a cruise.

If you are that person who is only happy if running, jumping, sliding, or climbing over, around, or into something—there’s lots for you on a cruise, with plenty to do on shore excursions as well. If relaxing by the pool with a good book and a cold drink is your ideal situation—you can do that all week long if you choose. Love Broadway, comedians, live music, lectures, classes, art auctions? It’s all there. From salsa dance lessons in the morning to soaking in the hot tub in the afternoon, a cruise has something for everyone.

Birthdays and Bucket Lists

This year marks a milestone for me-my son turns 30. We mothers celebrate every birthday of our children with tender memories and this one will be no different. This birthday has a lot of significance for two reasons. First, I can no longer lie about my age. Having a 30 year old son puts me out of my 40’s forever. Secondly, I remember vividly the year he was six and I was 30. It was at his birthday party that I finally decided I had to get help and find out what was wrong with me. I struggled badly to entertain my family and a few of his friends for the birthday bash, I was fatigued, constantly, and no amount of rest seemed to help for more than a few hours. There were times when I couldn’t stand I was so weak, and even breathing was labored. My job as a classroom teacher was in jeopardy; heck, my life was in jeopardy. I knew that day if I wanted to see another birthday party for my kids I had to find answers.

Many specialists, diagnoses, and 3 years later I had an answer. It was an incurable neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis. No cures, but lots of treatments existed and were available to me. It took another three years to pull myself out of the physical and emotional valley I was in. There were times I wasn’t sure I would make it, but I fought for reasons big and small. One thing that sustained me then and now is a deep faith. I was pretty sure God wasn’t done with me yet at 33 years of age. And the thought of not being there for my kids was something I was not going to accept. Birthdays, high school, weddings, and now looking toward those grandkids! One small but significant encouraging factor was my “dream trip” list, a bucket list if you will; of all the places I wanted to visit when (not if) I got well. I checked out every book on travel in the library twice, clipped magazine articles, searched through phone books, and scoured brochure racks. I was an armchair traveler extraordinary, even planning out itineraries for myself and my friends. Is it any wonder I became a travel agent? Now, I am doing great and still enjoy planning trips, particularly as girl’s getaway travel consultant for our agency.

I gave you the above background so you will know where I speak from when I say what an honor it is to work with two noted disability specialists, Connie George, and Vicki Thorpe. These two gals work tirelessly with the tiniest of details to make sure that people with disabilities have the chance to say “I can go too”. Ladies, I salute you for your dedication and experience and the opportunity you give everyone to fulfill their own travel bucket list.

Happy traveling,


Sandy

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality Sandy Wheeler, the Chicks at Sea lady. Follow her adventures on Twitter @thedivacruiser, @ladiestravel, and www.ChicksAtSea.com.

Communication!! (Part One)

It’s no surprise to my friends that I saw the new Star Trek movie twice within the same month and that I would see it again if I could find where it was still playing. Yes, I am a trekkie, my favorite being the Original TV series. In one of the episodes, the crew finds itself aggravated by a buzzing sound which is actually an alien race trying to communicate. Supposedly they move and speak so rapidly they can’t be understood or even perceived. The problem is solved, communication is achieved, and all is well.

I thought of the episode this week while spending all morning on the phone to Philadelphia and New York trying to arrange a girl’s getaway trip to NYC for some shopping and theatre and a BFF weekend for another group in the Caribbean. Since I speak “deep south” and these gals were speaking “high north”; the conversations bordered on hilarious. I would ask a question or make a statement and they would answer me accurately—but I didn’t get it. We were not communicating. I had to ask twice and then repeat it back to be sure I had the correct information. When I would answer their questions, I am pretty sure they were nodding off. Neither side was unskilled, being contrary, or lazy. Just a bit of a communication lag, patience won out and the trips are ready to book.

One of the joys of cruising is the ability to communicate with so many different people. People from all countries, nationalities, religions, dialects—it’s awesome. Every breakfast and lunch I head for the dining room and ask for a big table. There I have met a red-headed South African physician whose voice was like music it was so pretty; an Indian physicist teaching at MIT for a year; a couple from Mississippi who rode their Harley to Ft. Lauderdale to depart; a French waitress who called me “Madame”; a Canadian gentleman who led a good-natured argument with me on religion vs. education that the whole table of eight joined in on. Where else can you find this kind of diversity and fun?

I am closing this blog entry with a couple of my favorite sayings: YOU DESERVE A CRUISE and Cruise on my sisters Cruise on!

Ya’ll call me ya hear? (I couldn’t resist)

Sandy

Sandy Wheeler, aka the diva cruiser is in reality an independent contractor for Connie George Travel Associates. Follow us on Twitter @ladiestravel, @thedivacruiser, and @ChicksAtSea. I can be reached at 252-339-9614 or email me.

Menu Terms DeMystified: Part Two

As you know from reading part I in this series, my husband and I are going on a cruise September 14-19, with a group of ladies called "Chicks At Sea". There's still time to join in, so please give me a call or email me if you would like to be a part of this fun group! This blog will feature additional French terms to make menus easier to understand and hopefully dining in a formal group setting more fun and relaxing!

Terms about how things are cooked:

A la Anglaise (ah lah AN glez) French for prepared in water or stock
Amandine (ah mahn DEEN) prepared with or often coated with almonds
Au gratin (oh GRAH tin) served with bread crumbs and/or cheese on top
Au jus (oh ZHOO) in its own natural juices
Au poivre (oh PWAHV ruh) French for with pepper
En croute (ahn KROOT) French for in a crust
Flambe (flam BAY) French for flamed
Provencale (proh VEHn SAHL) French, cooked with garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes
Saute (soh Tay) to cook in fat quickly

Remember as always, your waiter is ready to assist you in making your dining choices and will bring you anything on the menu to sample and experiment with. Second helpings are always available. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your dining companions either. People enjoy sharing knowledge, and it's a good conversation starter!

Cruise Menu Items Demystified-Chicks and Husbands at Sea!

When my husband announced he wanted a cruise for his retirement gift in September, I smiled. As realization dawned across his face, we both began to laugh out loud. As he well knew, I have spent a great deal of time and energy getting ready for our September sailing of Chicks at Sea girls getaway cruise. I told him I would be happy to take him sailing with us on Chicks at Sea. His one stipulation was that I not embarrass him at dinner by letting it be known that he didn't know what the menu items were. He, like many people, doesn't know Coq au vin from Nestle's Coco, so I thought a series of articles on menu demystification might be in order.

Many of the menu item descriptions you will see at fine dining establishments and on a cruise ship menu are derived from French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Thai, Indian, German and a multitude of other languages. Naturally, if you don't speak these languages, you like Marv, may lean over to your spouse and say: beef, chicken, pork? Let's start with French terms and start to simplify a bit.

Soup choices in French:

Bisque (BISK) French thick cream soup consisting of shellfish and spices
Bouillon (boo YON) clear broth
Consomme' (kahn soh MAY) clear, seasoned broth
Vichyssoise (vee shee SWAHZ) a cold cream, chicken stock, leek, and potato soup


Meats in French:

Beofu (BUHF) beef.
Chateaubriand (shah th bree AHn) French for a thick cut of grilled sirloin or Porterhouse steak served with vegetables and sauce
Filet mignon (fil LAY meen YAWN) French for a small, thick steak from the beef tenderloin.
Poisson (pwah SOHn) French for fish
Poulet (pooLAY) French for chicken
Saumon (soh MAHn) French for salmon
Veau (VOH) French for veal

and finally Viande (VYAHND) French for meat
and Escargots (es kahr GOH) French for snails. I didn't put it in the meat section, because, well it's snails.

Now foodies, this list is not for you, it's for the average person, so no negative comments! There are more French categories to explore, so look for the next installment soon. And, remember, the food will be just as tasty if you don't pronounce it perfectly! And, your waiters stand ready to assist you with your selection and will allow you to try any dish or dishes on the menu at no extra charge. A cruise is a wonderful place to try new things and spread your culinary wings a bit. Until our next installment, happy eating!

Sandy, the diva cruiser, is in reality, Sandy Wheeler, The Chicks at Sea lady, an independent contractor with Connie George Travel Associates. Email me with any questions or comments.

Hijinks, Hissy Fits, and Hysteria

Way back in the day in my lbtc (life before travel consultant), I taught high school for a number of years and was the sponsor for a student vocational organization that taught business skills and leadership. Our group was very good and we frequently won our tests and competitions at the regional, state, and even national level. I was young and foolish and would take a bus full of students to competitions--that was back when I could get by with only two hours sleep in a period from Thursday morning until Sunday afternoon. Now granted I stacked the deck in my favor by choosing only the brightest and best behaved students, but still it was not without it's problems.

The first category of problem is what I call hijinks, kids being kids, having silly but harmless fun. For example, we were all having dinner in the mall (or so I thought). One kid runs up and says, "come here Mrs. Nye, you have got to see this, hurry!". I took off running expecting to see blood, or at least guts. There sat one of our group in the middle of a store, playing the piano! Since no one was complaining (he played pretty darn well for a teenager) I laughed. I even let him keep the tips he made.

The second group of offense called for me to have a hissy fit. Now for those not familiar with that statement: it's when an adult finds out, lots of yelling occurs, and punishment is doled out accordingly. Had a couple of noteworthy fissy fits--once I caught some of the gals sneaking a smoke in their room and another time some of the boys (my own son included I am pretty sure) thought it would be oh so cool to write their name on their room wall with cheese-whiz and crackers. They all know who they are, so no names will be offered.

The third thing--hysteria--only happened once, when a student fell on the escalator and she and I went by ambulance to the ER in a strange town. I had to get hold of myself because the student needed me. That brings me to my point about hysteria.

I think the news media has done a pretty good job stirring up hysteria about the swine flu. Pictures of poor folks with face masks appear on every broadcast. But is this a situation where hysteria is necessary?

Let's look at the numbers. If you do research yourself, rather than allowing those face masks to scare you, you will realize that more people die each year of the regular flu and diabetes than have died of swine flu. And, we have medications for both. That's not to say I am not being careful. I am washing my hands a lot more and watching out for crowds and people who appear to be sick. But I do that anyway, don't you?

I’ve heard from a few clients who are concerned about visits to Mexico that are scheduled for their cruises for two months from now or even six months from now. The answer I give is simple. First, this too shall pass. It’s likely that this will be over in the next few months. Secondly, the cruise lines have no interest in putting their guests nor their crew in danger. We’ve seen the cruise lines change their itineraries for the next month as they take a “let’s wait and see” approach to decisions in the further future. Trust that they have everyone’s safety in mind and that the news media’s job is to keep your attention.

Don't let hysteria ruin the fun of anticipating your cruise!

Follow Up To My Last BLog--Stains on My Clothes While Cruising

I received two emails with questions as followups to my lastest article. One was “if I do as you say and only take one dressy dress for both formal cruise nights, what happens if I spill something on my dress the first night?” signed Messy Mendy from Virginia.
Well Mendy there are several ways you can handle this and still look sharp in the dining room on that second formal night. If it is a fabric that can be washed and the stain is relatively small I would use one of the strain treating sticks or cloths available on the market today. If that doesn’t take out the stain, then use those single use packets of regular clothes detergent–just wash your dress out in the sink and hang on a hanger in the bathroom to dry. Both of these are inexpensive and take up almost no room in your suitcase. While you are out enjoying your shore excursion your dress will dry and all will be well. I have done this several times with good results. Of course, the divacruiser knows to choose dresses in fabrics that are easy to pack and easy to spot clean if necessary!
If the stain is more extensive, the fabric is not washable, or requires ironing , the ship does have laundry services. Tell your cabin steward that you have an item to be dry cleaned or laundered and it will be back in your room spic and span before you know it. The cost of the drycleaning or laundering will be added to your ship’s account. Some larger ships have a self service laundry with machines that are paid for using your ship account. Personally, I try to avoid work of any kind while on board (except Pilates classes or rumba lessons).
Thanks for your question. It is my pleasure to help. Other questions can be sent to the divacruiser, aka cruise chick by clicking here.

the divacruiser, aka the cruise chick, is really Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor for Connie George Travel Associates, which sponsors the ladies cruise Chicks at Sea. See more information at: www.ChicksAtSea.com.