The positive effects of travel and leisure activities on health and well-being are well known.  Interactive surveys by the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) show that, despite the tightening of budgets, Americans still value vacation time as a way to strengthen family bonds, rekindle relationships and create new memories, especially during the holiday season.

However, trends in travel behavior are not immune to current economic constraints.  The USTA website also mentions the growing trend of planning “stay-cations,” or trips to destinations closer to where travelers live.  While stay-cations may give you a break from the 9-5 grind, considering trips to different locations away from home may be more advantageous.  A change of scenery effectively rejuvenates the mind and body and increases work performance levels and overall feelings of well-being when everyday life begins anew.

Where do you like to vacation or stay-cation?

Do you need something to do on New Years Eve?  How about trying a Wine-O party with your friends….

Have each of your guests bring two bottles of red or white wine.  (Usually works better if everyone brings the same color) Upon each guests arrival, you will need to keep a private list of who brought what and the number you are assigning to them. Then put 1 bottle in a paper lunch bag, with that persons number written on the outside, and tape the bag to the bottle, so people can not see the label.  The other bottle is stored in a back room until after the party.

You will need little tasting cups, paper and pencil for each guest.  Set the bottles on one table, or around the room in “tasting stations” so people can mingle about – depending on the number of guests.  Let each guest know they are to taste each wine, rank it on a scale of 1-10 and write a comment next to the number.

Once the tasting and comments are completed. You tally up  the points for each wine and determine the winner!  You can read aloud the comments they received and hear the differrence from number 1 to last place.  The winner gets to take home half of the 2nd bottle stash in your back room. The 2nd runner up gets 30% of the back room stash and and 3rd place gets to take home 20%.   The last place loser has to take their crappy bottle of wine back home.

It is a ton of fun and a clever idea for ringing in the new year with friends.  Enjoy and let me know how it goes!

I love scarves and this Blue Loopy Chenille Scarf has been a great accessory this season!  It goes great with jeans to easily wear out and about and I will definitely be wearing this while cheering on the Indianapolis Colts during their next game and into the playoffs! 

What is your favorite winter accessory?

Pick your favorite! At  The Carolina Cupcakery in Chesapeake, VA  you can choose from a number of decadent, drink-themed cupcakes.

They have more than a dozen liquor filled treats, including this one of Kahlua & Creme.

Other favorites include: Chocolate After Dinner Mint, Amaretto Joy, Champagne & Strawberry, Chocolate Guiness and Apple Martini. Cheers!

Your bridesmaids are busy ladies!  They have places to go and people to see, and intend to do all this in style.  The things these ladies will value most are gifts that will save them time and space.  Items that easily fit into a purse or briefcase are essential for this personality type.

Something else these ladies may need or want is balance in their life.  Balance is symbolized as a circle, so look for gifts like a ring , bracelet or token that is circle-shaped.  Be sure to include a thoughtful note explaining your choice.  It will be particularly powerful for your girls to open up the gift and read the personalized words and meaning behind the gift.

Whether you relish the thought of attending the office holiday party or not, you should attend.  “The company and your boss are making the effort to bring everyone together in order to build morale and teamwork among the employees” says Lydia Ramsey, business etiquette expert and author.  Just in time for holiday festivities, she offers her tricks of the trade for making the most of the event.

* Talk to your boss.  You want your boss to know that you came and if you don’t have a conversation with him or her, they may not realize you were even there.

* Don’t be in a hurry to leave.  For cocktail receptions, plan on staying at least an hour.  For sit-down events it will obviously be longer.

* Don’t be a glutton.  Food is often a way to hide from having to engage in conversation with others at events, but make sure you don’t head straight for the buffet upon arrival.  Wait 10 – 15 minutes before sampling the goodies.

* Be professional at all times.  Regardless of how casual an event is, holiday parties are still about business.  Never have more than one or two drinks and actively engage with other guests – not just the ones you are close with at the office.

Happy Holidays!

How do you express and receive love?  In Gary Chapman’s book  The Five Love Languages, he breaks down the most common ways people show and accept love, and explains how it is essential to learn how your spouse does this too. 

Whether by time, gifts, service, touch or words Dr. Champman will hlep you learn how you receive love and the best way to show your partner the kind of  love that means the most to them. 

For example if you are complimenting your spouse (showing love with words) on how they look all the time but how they receive love is by physical touch then there could be a miscommunication without even knowing it.  Learn more on this fascinating topic!

Just when you thought you had heard of all the lesser known holidays, someone invents another one. While you likely won’t find any cards at your local Hallmark store, there are a few people out there who celebrate National Cookie Day. This obscure cookie holiday occurs every year on December 4th. In respect to the cookie, here is a little history on this fabulous dessert treat.

The English word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word “koekje,” which means little cake. Bakers used to place a small amount of cake batter in the oven to test the temperature. They soon discovered that these little bits of cooked batter were quite tasty on their own, and the cookie was born!

What is your favorite cookie recipe?

The rise in environmental activism will likely result in you having to find gifts for your attendants who are eco-conscious. Whether your friends are eco-conscious for politcal, social, or lifestyle reasons will have an impact on what kind of gift you should buy.

*If your friends are trying to be socially aware and live healthier, try a custom designed or pre-mixed Granola Mix as a fresh and healthy gift option.

*If their focus is a total devotion to respecting and protecting living things, give a Blue Spruce Seedling or tree seeds in a recycled favor box.

*Ladies of course will enjoy a pretty but recycled tote bag for groceries and every day items.

Whatever you choose, take the time to find a gift that is truly eco-conscious and not just “green washed” as many items are claiming to be eco-friendly when they are not.

What gifts are you getting your Tree Hugger attendants?