Halloween has made its appearance. Don't be boo-hoo!
The shopping malls and local groceries stores have announced its arrival. I know, you probably think 'you're too old' or 'you don't have the time or energy' or 'it's just another extra expense.' But being festive at Halloween is energizing and fun and doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. Whether you're staying in, going to an adult party or Tricker Treating with the kids (studies show that people who eat candy live longer than those who don't)it's time to start your Halloween Costume adventure.
No excuses! You can probably dig through your closet and find at least a few scary (or crazy) items... if nothing else mix & match stripes with polka dots or wear a skirt with ripped tights. Play with your make-up. Eyeliner and eyeshadow are your best friends at Halloween and tease-out your hair (even add a little baby powder). You can always scour your husbands/friends closet for additional odd-ball items.
It's all about being creative and having a little (okay a lot of fun. And when you have fun - you laugh and de-stress. You're happy!
For really ambitious and talented Adventure Women try to make your own creation. There are lots of groovy patterns at the sewing shop. If you want to spend less time on your outfit, but still want to let your creativity shine - check out the local thrift shops for vintage items and previously-wore costumes. You can always add a few beads and sequins to add your own personality to the ensemble.
If you have kids (or you're going out as a couple) you can try to create a theme that encompasses your family (a witch and a black cat or a dragon and a knight or a family snack (a chocolate bar, a marshmallow and a graham cracker). The more the merrier.
Most of all, be creative, but - WARNING - don't wait until the last minute. Being rushed means being stressed and that's no fun. So start the conversation now and when Halloween arrives you'll be ready for an exciting adventure!
Take photos! Crazy, creative costumes create great memories for everyone!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Don't start and adventure without Yapta.com
Every Adventure Woman needs to check out Yapta.com. If the price of your flight is reduced you may be entitled for a refund (and who wouldn't be thrilled with that?). For an extra $15 Yapta will file your paperwork for you. Its a win, win! Really, its that easy. And with all of the money you'll save you can start another adventure!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Host your own Film Festival!
With the Venice Film Festival just ending, and the Toronto Film Festival coming to a close, it’s a great time to host your own film festival.
All you need is a little imagination and some spirited girlfriends. Pick a weekend when all of your friends can get together for a few consecutive nights. Try a Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun night pattern. Or you can go two weekends in a row of Friday and Saturday night.
Try to create a theme. A film from each decade (1970, 1980, 1990, 2000) or films around a common plot (say, marriage, motherhood, murder or travel). You can also do films centered around a particular actress (Farrah Fawcett, Bette Davis, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson).
Once you've selected a theme, you'll need to chose your films. Each friend (or group of friends) will host a 'screening or festival night.' Everyone can agree on the movies ahead of time (say vote) or let each individual host (or hostesses) select her own movie, either way, the films should center around your chosen theme.
The food should reflect the film of the night. Say, one woman selects "Gone With the Wind" for her film selection. Then all of girlfriends would arrive at her house for mint juleps and delicious southern food. Finger food is always especially delicious. Maybe try fried chicken and a few other easy appetizers.
The next night the host may select, The God Father II, for example. This calls for lots of red wine, spaghetti, and garlic bread. Yum. Come dressed as a gangster or as the character of "Kay" in a school teacher's dress. The more you're involved in the festival's spirit the better.
Maybe you can even serve a seafood buffet at the screening of Jaws! You get the picture. Whatever you do, make your menu correspond to your chosen movie.
Create a list of awards. Rate each film based on a standard list of criteria. Have everyone fill out a score sheet during the film. You can rate the films in such categories, as, 'Most Dramatic Performance' 'Best Wardrobe' 'Most sympathetic character' or 'Most handsome leading man.'
Tally the scores on the final evening and give out funny award presentations. Don't take it seriously. It's meant to be fun. And just another exciting adventure...
All you need is a little imagination and some spirited girlfriends. Pick a weekend when all of your friends can get together for a few consecutive nights. Try a Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun night pattern. Or you can go two weekends in a row of Friday and Saturday night.
Try to create a theme. A film from each decade (1970, 1980, 1990, 2000) or films around a common plot (say, marriage, motherhood, murder or travel). You can also do films centered around a particular actress (Farrah Fawcett, Bette Davis, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson).
Once you've selected a theme, you'll need to chose your films. Each friend (or group of friends) will host a 'screening or festival night.' Everyone can agree on the movies ahead of time (say vote) or let each individual host (or hostesses) select her own movie, either way, the films should center around your chosen theme.
The food should reflect the film of the night. Say, one woman selects "Gone With the Wind" for her film selection. Then all of girlfriends would arrive at her house for mint juleps and delicious southern food. Finger food is always especially delicious. Maybe try fried chicken and a few other easy appetizers.
The next night the host may select, The God Father II, for example. This calls for lots of red wine, spaghetti, and garlic bread. Yum. Come dressed as a gangster or as the character of "Kay" in a school teacher's dress. The more you're involved in the festival's spirit the better.
Maybe you can even serve a seafood buffet at the screening of Jaws! You get the picture. Whatever you do, make your menu correspond to your chosen movie.
Create a list of awards. Rate each film based on a standard list of criteria. Have everyone fill out a score sheet during the film. You can rate the films in such categories, as, 'Most Dramatic Performance' 'Best Wardrobe' 'Most sympathetic character' or 'Most handsome leading man.'
Tally the scores on the final evening and give out funny award presentations. Don't take it seriously. It's meant to be fun. And just another exciting adventure...
Monday, September 14, 2009
Adventures in the Kitchen
For those adventurers who are looking for something exciting inside the house, there is nothing more thrilling than trying out a new recipe.
Bring the kids in on the experience and it will be a real roller coaster ride into the culinary world of 'thrills and spills.' Kids, love to cook, and cooking has many benefits not always easily identified at first blush.
First, the kids need to select a recipe (with your approval) and then if you're really adventurous shop for the ingredients together. Let the kids try to locate the items in the grocery story by themselves. Next, have them read the recipe and get out the measuring tools. Believe it or not, all of these '1/2 cups and 1/4 teaspoons' are great practice for mathematics (especially practicing fractions).
Everyone loves to stir the bowl and lick the spoon. Can you blame them? Let the kids set the timer and wait for it to ring (an exercise in responsibility). And then let the treat cool when it comes out of the oven (an exercise in patience).
There are so many creative and fun cookbooks now-a-days. Let the everyone explore their creative side and make imaginative and unique creations. Have a contest among yourselves in catagories you create. Everyone's a winner.
If you don't want to eat all of the delicious items you made, bring them to school the next day as a treat for the teacher or the often forgotten school secretary. Or give them to someone who is homebound. You will have a terrific time and brighten someone else's day. And that makes you go from feeling good to great!
Looking for inspiration? Try "Hello, Cupcake!" by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson. You'll be opting for a very big adventure in fun and food.
Bring the kids in on the experience and it will be a real roller coaster ride into the culinary world of 'thrills and spills.' Kids, love to cook, and cooking has many benefits not always easily identified at first blush.
First, the kids need to select a recipe (with your approval) and then if you're really adventurous shop for the ingredients together. Let the kids try to locate the items in the grocery story by themselves. Next, have them read the recipe and get out the measuring tools. Believe it or not, all of these '1/2 cups and 1/4 teaspoons' are great practice for mathematics (especially practicing fractions).
Everyone loves to stir the bowl and lick the spoon. Can you blame them? Let the kids set the timer and wait for it to ring (an exercise in responsibility). And then let the treat cool when it comes out of the oven (an exercise in patience).
There are so many creative and fun cookbooks now-a-days. Let the everyone explore their creative side and make imaginative and unique creations. Have a contest among yourselves in catagories you create. Everyone's a winner.
If you don't want to eat all of the delicious items you made, bring them to school the next day as a treat for the teacher or the often forgotten school secretary. Or give them to someone who is homebound. You will have a terrific time and brighten someone else's day. And that makes you go from feeling good to great!
Looking for inspiration? Try "Hello, Cupcake!" by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson. You'll be opting for a very big adventure in fun and food.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Hit the Beach one last time!
The summer is waning and now is a great time to hit the beaches one last time. With kids back to school, the beaches aren't so crowded, anymore. Weather permiting, you can still have a great time splashing in the water and building sand castles with your children if you act quickly.
Try to book a ticket on the off peak days for better fares, and holiday during the week to avoid the still busy weekends. Take the kids out of school and bring a homework packet with you. Teacher's are usually agreeable to a leave of absence if it can be considered 'educational' or if you have the kids write an essay on their experiences.
Bring a picnic to the beach. Often your local hotel can provide one on request or can recommend a local eatery that specializes in picnic basket packages. A picnic on the beach is a wonderful way to have fun as a family. Rent bicycles or paddle boats afterward. Buy a bring a few float toys, too. Its always the 'more the merrier.'
Have a ball on the beach. Beach volleyball, soccer or just hitting the ball 'back and forth' is great fun and keeps everyone entertained. Have a contest who can build the most creative sandcastle and the winner gets to jumps on the other participant's creations (believe it or not this stomping of your brother or sister's sandcastle is a thrill for the winner). But make sure everyone is 'okay' with it before the contest begins. Take a photo of everyone's castle before anything is destroyed.
Collect shells, if possible, and use them to decorate hand-made frames when you get home. Have the kids select postcards and send them to friends and realities. Not only is this a wonderful treat for grandparents, but good writing practice for the kids.
Always make sure the kids are supervised near the water and don't travel too far out alone. As always, send us your beach photos and stories. We love to hear from you.
Try to book a ticket on the off peak days for better fares, and holiday during the week to avoid the still busy weekends. Take the kids out of school and bring a homework packet with you. Teacher's are usually agreeable to a leave of absence if it can be considered 'educational' or if you have the kids write an essay on their experiences.
Bring a picnic to the beach. Often your local hotel can provide one on request or can recommend a local eatery that specializes in picnic basket packages. A picnic on the beach is a wonderful way to have fun as a family. Rent bicycles or paddle boats afterward. Buy a bring a few float toys, too. Its always the 'more the merrier.'
Have a ball on the beach. Beach volleyball, soccer or just hitting the ball 'back and forth' is great fun and keeps everyone entertained. Have a contest who can build the most creative sandcastle and the winner gets to jumps on the other participant's creations (believe it or not this stomping of your brother or sister's sandcastle is a thrill for the winner). But make sure everyone is 'okay' with it before the contest begins. Take a photo of everyone's castle before anything is destroyed.
Collect shells, if possible, and use them to decorate hand-made frames when you get home. Have the kids select postcards and send them to friends and realities. Not only is this a wonderful treat for grandparents, but good writing practice for the kids.
Always make sure the kids are supervised near the water and don't travel too far out alone. As always, send us your beach photos and stories. We love to hear from you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Oktoberfest! Eat, drink & be merry!
Oktoberfest is beginning in Munich, Germany, on September 19, and will continue until October 4. While many of you won't be going to Bavaria for Oktoberfest, there is probably a festive celebration near you.
The original Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I, of Bavaria. He and his bride, invited 40,000 people for a horse race and some beer, and nearly two centuries later, it is the world's biggest beer bust. Nearly 2 million bottles of beer are consumed by about 6 million people. Beer tents can hold up to 10,000 people and 85% of those people are Germans.
Things get a bit wild at Oktoberfest with all of the pork sausages, pretzels, and of course, beer. The German's know how to have a good time - so if you can swing an international plane ticket you might be in for a once-in-a-lifetime-experience. If you can't leave the country, Ohio (yes, Ohio) claims to have the best Oktoberfest in the USA. They host 500,000 people to their event.
But most likely, a pub, bar, restaurant or tavern near you is celebrating the wedding of King Ludwig. But don't get too sentimental while you're celebrating. We're featuring the King's mistress, Jane Digby, as an Adventure Woman next week. So much for love and fidelity. Time for another beer. Cheers!
The original Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I, of Bavaria. He and his bride, invited 40,000 people for a horse race and some beer, and nearly two centuries later, it is the world's biggest beer bust. Nearly 2 million bottles of beer are consumed by about 6 million people. Beer tents can hold up to 10,000 people and 85% of those people are Germans.
Things get a bit wild at Oktoberfest with all of the pork sausages, pretzels, and of course, beer. The German's know how to have a good time - so if you can swing an international plane ticket you might be in for a once-in-a-lifetime-experience. If you can't leave the country, Ohio (yes, Ohio) claims to have the best Oktoberfest in the USA. They host 500,000 people to their event.
But most likely, a pub, bar, restaurant or tavern near you is celebrating the wedding of King Ludwig. But don't get too sentimental while you're celebrating. We're featuring the King's mistress, Jane Digby, as an Adventure Woman next week. So much for love and fidelity. Time for another beer. Cheers!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Is Paddleboarding for you?
Are you a frustrated surfer girl?
All of you surfer girls who never have had the time, patience or balance to ride the waves like a pro may fall in love with a new sport to hit the waves - paddleboarding.
Standup paddleboarding has all of the fun of surfing but requires much less finesse and agility. First of all, the platform of the board is much wider and longer than a standard surf board making it more stable. This translates to easier usage in terms of getting up on your board (and staying up). You carry a long paddle with you as your ride and this serves to made balancing and manuevering much easier. You can glide through smooth water or ride a legitimate wave. It really makes for a fun new experience.
But first of all, you have to get to the waves. If you want to try this fabulous need sport head to Hawaii. On Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort (www.turtlebayresort.com)offers lessons through Hans Hedemann(www.hhsurf.com). Hedemann also has lessons on Waikiki. If you're stateside, try Santa Barbara (see, our Adventure Woman University Travelology class on California's Galapagos Islands). Contact Blueline Paddle Surf. (www.bluelinepaddlesurf.com). Lessons are going for $75.
Have you paddlesurfed? If so, let us know what you thought of it!
All of you surfer girls who never have had the time, patience or balance to ride the waves like a pro may fall in love with a new sport to hit the waves - paddleboarding.
Standup paddleboarding has all of the fun of surfing but requires much less finesse and agility. First of all, the platform of the board is much wider and longer than a standard surf board making it more stable. This translates to easier usage in terms of getting up on your board (and staying up). You carry a long paddle with you as your ride and this serves to made balancing and manuevering much easier. You can glide through smooth water or ride a legitimate wave. It really makes for a fun new experience.
But first of all, you have to get to the waves. If you want to try this fabulous need sport head to Hawaii. On Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort (www.turtlebayresort.com)offers lessons through Hans Hedemann(www.hhsurf.com). Hedemann also has lessons on Waikiki. If you're stateside, try Santa Barbara (see, our Adventure Woman University Travelology class on California's Galapagos Islands). Contact Blueline Paddle Surf. (www.bluelinepaddlesurf.com). Lessons are going for $75.
Have you paddlesurfed? If so, let us know what you thought of it!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Time for the Last Frontier?
Alaska is America's largest state (physically) and home of the last frontier.
Adventurers have turned to Alaska for exploits and thrills for centuries. It has some of the most remote locations in the world and some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife. If you've always dreamed of getting a taste of Alaska there isn't a better time to go. The cruise ships are heading toward Alaska now and have slashed their prices due to the current economy. Some of the best Alaskan trips can be purchased for less than the going rate a few years ago.
You'll have the opportunity to see Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, the Kenai Peninsula and College Fjord. Don't forget the famous frontier towns that are loaded with great shops, delicious food and interesting museums. Ketchikan is a wonderful example of an interesting town, and Juneau is equally intriguing.
The Skagway Railway is a fun excursion and you can usually sign up for this adventure, as well as many others on the ship (register before you leave to ensure availability). Try a helicopter ride to a glacier, a whale watching trip, scouting for bears in the woods or go dog sledding. The adventures abound in Alaska.
For an example of the many cruise itineraries that are available, check out www.HollandAmerica.com. Not only are the days filled with wonderful adventures the evening have great entertainment on board. Don't forget your camera and bring a variety of clothing - it rains, gets cold at night and is relatively mild during the day.
Do you have an Alaska recommendation?
Let us hear about it!
Adventurers have turned to Alaska for exploits and thrills for centuries. It has some of the most remote locations in the world and some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife. If you've always dreamed of getting a taste of Alaska there isn't a better time to go. The cruise ships are heading toward Alaska now and have slashed their prices due to the current economy. Some of the best Alaskan trips can be purchased for less than the going rate a few years ago.
You'll have the opportunity to see Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, the Kenai Peninsula and College Fjord. Don't forget the famous frontier towns that are loaded with great shops, delicious food and interesting museums. Ketchikan is a wonderful example of an interesting town, and Juneau is equally intriguing.
The Skagway Railway is a fun excursion and you can usually sign up for this adventure, as well as many others on the ship (register before you leave to ensure availability). Try a helicopter ride to a glacier, a whale watching trip, scouting for bears in the woods or go dog sledding. The adventures abound in Alaska.
For an example of the many cruise itineraries that are available, check out www.HollandAmerica.com. Not only are the days filled with wonderful adventures the evening have great entertainment on board. Don't forget your camera and bring a variety of clothing - it rains, gets cold at night and is relatively mild during the day.
Do you have an Alaska recommendation?
Let us hear about it!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Be a Biker Chick! Start Your Bike Adventure.
No its not the Sturgis Bicycle Rally, but perhaps it's better.
Who didn't love riding their bicycle when they were a kid? It was our first taste of freedom. We could ride all over the neighborhood, visit our friends, go to the local store and buy bubble gum. It was wonderful.
Well, it still is wonderful. Biking is a great way to begin an adventure. Not only will you get yourself in shape, you will likely clear your mind. Peddling along the roadway to run an errand is actually fun and a great use of your time. Add a basket to your bike and you can collect groceries or drop off a work file.
Biking is economical, too. Once you have your bike the maintenance is at a minimum. It's easy to pick up a bike at the local thrift shop for under $25 and you can always upgrade later. All you will need is your own peddle-power and you're off!
The kids will love to bike, as well. Whether they ride their own bikes or ride on the back of yours; the biking adventure is contagious. Also, look for the bicycle attachments/trailers that are pulled from the back of your bike. The are sturdy and safe for kids to ride in. They also have covers in case of rain, and shields for too much sun. The family-friendly bike ride is not only healthy it is a great way to build terrific family memories. Ride to the local park, deliver cookies to an elderly person, or just explore your town. Whatever you do, it will be fun,and a great form of exercise.
If you are looking for a more serious adventure try, Cycle Oregon. This bike ride is reputed to be, "The Best Bike Ride in America." The ride is usually between 400-500 miles long and tackles serious hills. I tried it once and I advise anyone attempting it to train hard and show up with a good bike that has plenty of gears. This year's Cycle Oregon leaves out of Medford and is in the "Mythical State of Jefferson." The ride is sold out, but start training for next year - a great adventure! The ride costs about $850 and lasts a week (there is also a family-friendly weekend version). Go to http://www.cycleoregon.com/.
A romantic trip for two - or a great girls getaway is the a Autumn bicycle ride in the Berkshires. You ride between 100-225 mile over a five night trip. Biking is a wonderful option to car travel because you're better able to absorb the 'local flavor.' Stop to take a photograph, visit with a local or run into a family store for a quick drink; its all possible on a bicycle. Check out http://www.easyridertours.com/
Want something more exotic? Check out http://www.experienceplus.com/. They run exciting international bike rides. For example, on their Vietnam bike ride you'll travel the Mekong Delta and ride from Cambodia to the East Sea. This is an excursion any biker chick would love.
Regardless, of your adventure destination, the back of a bicycle is a great place to plan, dream and create wonderful new possibilities for you, your family and friends. Do you have a biking adventure story? Please, share it with us.
Who didn't love riding their bicycle when they were a kid? It was our first taste of freedom. We could ride all over the neighborhood, visit our friends, go to the local store and buy bubble gum. It was wonderful.
Well, it still is wonderful. Biking is a great way to begin an adventure. Not only will you get yourself in shape, you will likely clear your mind. Peddling along the roadway to run an errand is actually fun and a great use of your time. Add a basket to your bike and you can collect groceries or drop off a work file.
Biking is economical, too. Once you have your bike the maintenance is at a minimum. It's easy to pick up a bike at the local thrift shop for under $25 and you can always upgrade later. All you will need is your own peddle-power and you're off!
The kids will love to bike, as well. Whether they ride their own bikes or ride on the back of yours; the biking adventure is contagious. Also, look for the bicycle attachments/trailers that are pulled from the back of your bike. The are sturdy and safe for kids to ride in. They also have covers in case of rain, and shields for too much sun. The family-friendly bike ride is not only healthy it is a great way to build terrific family memories. Ride to the local park, deliver cookies to an elderly person, or just explore your town. Whatever you do, it will be fun,and a great form of exercise.
If you are looking for a more serious adventure try, Cycle Oregon. This bike ride is reputed to be, "The Best Bike Ride in America." The ride is usually between 400-500 miles long and tackles serious hills. I tried it once and I advise anyone attempting it to train hard and show up with a good bike that has plenty of gears. This year's Cycle Oregon leaves out of Medford and is in the "Mythical State of Jefferson." The ride is sold out, but start training for next year - a great adventure! The ride costs about $850 and lasts a week (there is also a family-friendly weekend version). Go to http://www.cycleoregon.com/.
A romantic trip for two - or a great girls getaway is the a Autumn bicycle ride in the Berkshires. You ride between 100-225 mile over a five night trip. Biking is a wonderful option to car travel because you're better able to absorb the 'local flavor.' Stop to take a photograph, visit with a local or run into a family store for a quick drink; its all possible on a bicycle. Check out http://www.easyridertours.com/
Want something more exotic? Check out http://www.experienceplus.com/. They run exciting international bike rides. For example, on their Vietnam bike ride you'll travel the Mekong Delta and ride from Cambodia to the East Sea. This is an excursion any biker chick would love.
Regardless, of your adventure destination, the back of a bicycle is a great place to plan, dream and create wonderful new possibilities for you, your family and friends. Do you have a biking adventure story? Please, share it with us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
