November 2009 Archives

Tis the season...to gain weight? Well, for some that's definitely the case. While the holidays may bring together friends and family in settings such as parties, dinners, events and more, they can leave us with some excess "baggage" we may not want to carry; especially around our hips, belly, butt and thighs. Is there a way to enjoy the festivities without gaining a single pound? Yes! But, before you reach for that glass of eggnog, make sure to read these tips and tricks in your Holiday Weight Gain Prevention Plan.

What's worse than sitting at the dinner table with your family, surrounded by all your siblings and cousins, and all their spouses and kids, and having to explain why you're still single? Having to explain your single status to a total stranger while you're trying to relax on vacation.

There's something rejuvenating - even inspiring - about taking a vacation by yourself. But there's not a single woman on the planet who doesn't know 'the look' when she gets it. Not that look -- the look of pity from those around you who are coupled off for life, or at least the night, when you walk into a bar alone or, heaven forbid, ask for a table for one. So what do you do when you want a beach vacation by yourself but you're surrounded by lovers romping the sand? No worries single ladies, I've got some sure-fire techniques that will keep you living large alone on vacation, and matching their looks with a new look of your own.

Business travel can be hard without children but add four of them and the small feat of attending an out of town meeting suddenly seems like you need a cape larger than Superman.  I've been traveling for business since my children were babies.  They grew up on mommy being gone but it hasn't made it any easier on our home life. In fact, it's actually gotten more difficult with the increasing age of my children.  It's not uncommon for one of my teenagers to ask, "Are you going to be here in the morning or at bedtime?" or my tween to request that I build a conference center onto our house for meetings so I don't have to leave.  My children's desires to have mom around the house will continue to be a challenge, but over the years I have been able to develop some strategies to help lessen the side effects of my absence. 

There's something spectacular about traveling solo: you have the opportunity to be your own guide. The world, quite literally, is at your fingertips. Whether you choose a weekend getaway somewhere near home or indulge in an international destination that feeds your soul, traveling alone can be a life-changing experience.

Taking the first step to travel alone, especially for single women, can be an intimidating experience. But, with proper planning and a few essential travel items, you'll find inspiration wherever you go.  As a single woman traveler, I'm constantly asked same questions from women:

Where do you start?
What do you do?
Is it safe?
Don't you get lonely?

Let's cut to the chase: Of course being single has a lonely side, but meeting new people and exploring new places will rid the feeling of loneliness faster than you can say, 'Amore!'