(photo source) Feeling a little down today? You may not be alone. A few years ago, British researchers identified the third Monday in January as "Blue Monday", the most depressing day of the year. But why is January 21 so depressing? It's really a combination of anxiety and gloominess brought on Continue reading

French Connection in Chicago
Not only did I have a very Nespresso birthday, but I also had a very French birthday! And you all know how I adore all things French. Aside from tasting a very steamy Nespresso latte - which could be considered French, Italian, or European in general, I loved perusing the vintage-looking Continue reading

A Snow Day For Adults
(photo source) When I was in elementary school, I remember waiting up for hours on any given winter's night, praying for a snow day. I would dream about sledding, hot chocolate, and, of course, no tests or homework. Now that I'm an adult, snow days have taken on a whole new meaning. I no longer Continue reading

Samantha Brown: America's Travel Sweetheart Celebrates 10 Years
Since 2000, Samantha Brown, aka the Travel Channel's Travel Goddess Extraordinaire, has taken us all over the world in search of exotic, historic, and just plain fun places to visit. In just 10 years, Brown has done what most of us can't do in a lifetime - traveled around the globe and back Continue reading

Make New Year's Goals Fun and Attainable
It has been less than a week since we welcomed in the first day of 2010, yet I'm already feeling behind on my resolutions for the year - probably because I haven't made any resolutions! After giving it some thought, I realized that I'm not much of a New Year's Resolutions type of a girl. I'm more of Continue reading

Dining Al Fresco in San Antonio
I love dining al fresco, both in the sunshine and under the stars. Dining in an outdoor cafe or bistro somehow enhances the whole dining experience. And, from the food to the wine, it makes me feel a little more European. Last night, while in San Antonio in the sweltering 100 degree weather, I opted Continue reading

Travel Chic Essentials for Your Carry On Luggage
Hello all. I am writing this post from a business trip! Yes, I am currently in San Antonio and it is hot, hot, hot! I left for the airport this morning at 5:45 AM and when I arrived at the airport, guess what I had for breakfast? That's right! Starbucks! Hmm...nothing says a business-expensed Continue reading

10 Ideas for a Great Staycation
Good morning friends! It is a gorgeous morning today - so much cooler than it has been for the last week which makes for great running. I am on vacation this week - woo hoo! But, contrary to what many of you might guess, I'm not headed to Paris or even sunny Florida, I'm staying put. Yes, this Continue reading

Top 10 American Cities with European Flair
(photo source) Although I love traveling to Europe, I definitely don't get there as often as I'd like. And, with the poor economy, not to mention weak dollar, I don't expect to return anytime soon. Although a Euro trip is not on my budget-conscious horizon, there is a way that I can experience a Continue reading

Mini-Break on a (Company) Dime
At this time each year, I find myself daydreaming about taking a vacation. Maybe it's due to the sub-zero temperatures we've been faced with or it could be the pile of work that seems to be growing on my desk, so much that my pile has been divided into several other piles. Either way, vacationing Continue reading