The Wrong Way

"Jimi Heselden, the owner of the Segway company, died last Sunday when he drove one off of a cliff. Apparently he was using a cross-country version of the famous scooter. We don't know about you guys, but we'll stick with ATVs." - From QuickHits in The DTH

I don't think I want to drive one of those any more...

Halos Hanging on Horns

Halos Hanging on Horns
What Happens When Mommy and Daddy's Angels Go to School
Benjy Downing (UNC Class of 2000)

I'm looking forward to the above book coming out. Benjy is a teacher, but when his wife went back to school they needed some extra money so he started driving the P2P (late night bus) at UNC. Benjy had a friend pass away his junior year of high school after getting in a car with drunk drivers. After this, he took on the role of DD for all of his friends - He would pick them up wherever whenever so they would get home safely. He didn't want parents to have to go through what his friend's parents did. This book is about the seriousness of this, but also playful in telling the drunken tales of students on the P2P. I can only imagine.

Say Yes to the Dress... I Did!!!!

I've always had an idea of what I liked and didn't like in a wedding dress. I actually had an exact dress picked out that I remembered ever since I saw it my senior year in college. Yet a couple of days before wedding dress shopping, I decided to throw that all out the window. I wanted the dress to find me. My mom and I had four places scheduled that we were going to on Saturday and perhaps one on Sunday. Our first appointment was at 11:30, and this boutique came highly recommended from everyone I asked (it's been around for 27 years). I was really excited, but still a bit nervous about wedding dress shopping in general. I knew it would be fun, but I wondered if I would find a dress I truly, truly loved.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the owner. She told us about the store, the layout and the various designers. What I loved most was that my mom and I got uninterrupted time to go through the floor and pick out any and all dresses we liked. At first I wasn't seeing any, but then we were finding so many. I think we ended up with a dozen or so dresses to start with. We would hang the dresses on a hook as we selected them, and the staff took them to one of the three dressing areas for us. We worked with the owner the entire two and a half hours we were there, which was delightful. We laughed together the entire time. I liked that they had my mom sit outside of the dressing area so she could just enjoy. This was also really helpful in seeing what my mom's immediate reaction was to each dress.

The owner asked me which dress I would like to try on first, and without hesitation, I pointed and said this one. We put it on, and I walked out. Mom liked it! The owner asked me what I liked about it, and I named every feature of the dress. She asked me what I didn't like, and I couldn't name one thing - so that dress went on the keep list. Then we continued to try on dresses, and I found two more that I really liked as well. It's nice that as you are trying on the dresses, the owner sees what you like and will pull more suggestions for you. This adds many more dresses to the room too!

After a couple of hours, we had it narrowed down to three finalists. I liked each one for different reasons. I put each dress on again, and it was paired with a veil. I really liked them all, but then we narrowed it down to two, and I tried each one on again. I secretly knew which one was my favorite, but I wanted my mom to agree too. She wouldn't say because she wanted me to decide - so amazing she is!

I just loved how I felt in the very first one I tried on. I couldn't stop smiling. I paraded around in it, danced around in it, I was having so much fun in it. Then I finally said, this is the one! The owner and another staff member we had been working with confessed they knew it was the one as soon as I put it on. They saw it all over my face. They even whispered this to my mom right after I put it on that first time. When the owner asked if I was ready to take it off, I of course said no. I wanted to wear it all day!

I loved the owner by the way, she is a lady from my own customer service heart. Our personalities really worked together. She even gave us each a hug at the end - so sweet.

I still cannot believe my dress ended up being the very first wedding dress I've ever tried on. I am a love at first sight kind of girl - in all aspects I guess! When you know, you know. It just feels right. I still remember exactly how I felt when I first put it on.

I can't wait for you to see it on the big day!

*Yes this is a long post. I wanted it for my memories.

Inside the Actors Studio

The Ten Questions James Lipton asks those he interviews (based on the Proust Questionnaire):

1. What is your favorite word?

2. What is your least favorite word?

3. What turns you on?

4. What turns you off?

5. What sound or noise do you love?

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

7. What is your favorite curse word?

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

9. What profession would you not like to do?

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

I teared up when I heard Betty White's response to this tenth question, If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Betty, Here is Allen."

(In regards to her late husband.)

These are nice questions. What would your responses be? Something to ponder...

Weekend Recap

This weekend was so much fun I never wanted it to end. Hank and I went to see Little Shop of Horrors in Raleigh on Friday night. We walked around a street fest beforehand, played some skee ball, and then loved the show. I caught Hank tapping his foot to the beat a few times - a sign that just maybe he liked it ; ) We ate Cook-Out afterwards which was just as good as I remember. I haven't had it in over a year. That place is always packed! I love a good Date Night.

Saturday was a perfect mommy/daughter day. We made a stop by Brueggs for breakfast in the morning and also met with the florist. Then it was off to wedding dress shop, and we found THE DRESS!!!! Then celebrated with a delicious lunch, stopped into The Cupcake Shoppe for a sweet treat, and ended the night with Shakespeare's As You Like It.

Sunday was a fun day to meet up with Hank and Dad at Top of the Hill for brunch. I highly recommend their brunch to anyone in town. There were so many great food options, live music and Gin Fizzes!! They gave free samples to try, and I fell in love. They made one for me table side - such a refreshing drink!

Cheers!

Sweet Tooth

How lovely do these treats look:

They're Sweet Lydia's S'mores. I love when a company is born simply from a person making their specialty with no other audience in mind besides their closest friends and family. Now she is making them shippable to me and to you! These ones look great:

Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow sandwiched between two Cinnamon-Sugar Grahams and covered in Milk Chocolate. Or these ones too for Halloween:

Boo! Speaking of sweet treats and Halloween... I get to decorate for Halloween tomorrow night so all is ready for October 1! Spooktacular.

Recipe: Southwest White Chicken Pizza

Wow... I had this last night for dinner, and it is really, really good. It's from the cookbook I mentioned here.



Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

1 refrigerated ready-to-use pizza crust - 12 inch (wheat from Harris Teeter)
1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. package) Philadelphia (Less Fat) Cream Cheese
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (1/4 lb.), cooked, chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onions (half of the onion)
1/3 cup picante sauce (we used HT's Medium Black Bean and Corn Salsa - Mmm)
1 avocado, thinly sliced

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees
2. Spread pizza dough with cream cheese; top with chicken and onions
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until crust is golden brown
4. Top with remaining ingredients

It's delectable.

My Crack

I haven't had this in years, and then we were reconnected at the Elaine O'Neil event I attended the other week. It's my snack of choice these days. I can't get enough!

Throw Tuesday

This throw pillow... J'adore.

My couch would love it too, very much.

Bridal Event

One of my favorite boutiques in Raleigh had this super cute bridal event two weeks ago:

Here I am with my free monogrammed tote and earrings by Moon and Lola.

There are even fun goodies inside the bag! I'm so happy my friend Kat told me about this event many months ago. This way I knew to look for it and be one of the first to RSVP. Love!

Little Shop of Horrors

It's the weekend! Heading downtown and super excited to be starting the night off by seeing the play, Little Shop of Horrors.



I'm most excited because the fiancee has never heard of Little Shop of Horrors until I mentioned it the other week. I can't wait to see what he thinks. I use to watch the movie when I was little, so I'm all levels of excited about seeing it on stage.

Lots of fun to be had this weekend, go out there and live it up!

It's T-shirt Time on 'Jersey Shore'

If you don't go to the gym, you don't look good. If you don't tan, you're pale. If you don't do laundry, you don't have any clothes.

- The Situation

Do this - You won't regret it!

My Mom just told me about this, and I did it tonight...

Go to Harris Teeter (or perhaps your nearest grocery has this as well). Head to the cream cheese section. This week Harris Teeter, specifically, has Philadelphia Cream Cheese - four for $5. When you buy four Philadelphia products (the above is the cheapest way to go) you get this super nice, heavy, classy cookbook (a $19.99 value) FREE!!

The cookbook display is located right next to the cream cheeses so you just grab your cookbook, they scan it at the register, and it's yours - FREE! It's my absolute favorite kind of cookbook too, where across from each recipe is a beauitful photo of the creation you are making - I am a visual person.

Then at your convenience, use your light cream cheeses and get to cooking! Thanks for the tip, Mom.

Unsubscribe

We live in a cluttered world. Lately I've been unsubscribing to about every company's e-mail list I have ever signed up for - except for a few that truly have e-mail marketing down to an art. It's invigorating! Bring it on additional e-mail messages... I am waiting!!

Just another day in the office...

This is a letter from a coworker to our president today. Our president e-mailed it to all of us:

Dear President,

As I know you like to know about things going on in the building...

I got a call this morning from a classmate of mine I hadn't heard from in years. He wanted to drop by to say hello, pick up a new decal for his car and introduce me to his girlfriend. He came up to my office, and we chatted for a little while. Then he mentioned he wanted to get a photo somewhere with a nice backdrop. I suggested the library downstairs. We all three went down there, figured out a good place, and I snapped a few photos of the two of them. Then he got down on his knee and proposed to her. A little shocked, I just kept snapping and snapping [photos]. She said, yes, by the way!

Just thought you'd like to know that while we may have all had a fairly average day here in the office, an alumnus and his girlfriend's lives where changed forever right here in our own building.

- Coworker

Awww...

Crazy

I think that 85 percent of Americans are rational, good people. The other 15 percent run the place. Crazy is the problem. Crazy gets on television. Normal has to make dinner.

- Jon Stewart, on Oprah

PSA

When applying to an internship that asks you to submit three simple things, don't just drop in your resume and head on - that's only one thing. We learned how to follow directions in preschool. Care a little bit and take the time to tailor a cover letter - or just include a cover letter - sometimes things in life are just that simple. Don't make trying to get an internship harder than it already is, especially when everyone else is doing more than what's asked of them. Thank you.

Life is Beautiful

"As for the rest, dream big, take risks and make it happen."

Thankful

I love my fiancee because I just read his reply e-mail and it made me shed a happy tear, laugh and smile all from a few lines. So thankful.

I Tried

Once I got home yesterday, I got all geared up... workout clothes and backpack on, helmet on and doors locked, all to ride my bike to Harris Teeter to get some groceries. I pulled out into the road, and my bike had a flat tire. I cruised back inside, grabbed my keys and took my car instead. Do I at least get an A for effort?

Currently Reading

For Pleasure:

I'm only on page 56, and I am already struggling with this book. I really want to know and read everything that is in it, but Gilbert's writing style and I just don't get along! I will press on...

For GetLit (Book Club):

Lastly, I joined the library on Sunday, and I am currently number 510 on the waitlist for:

Reason number 5548791231 why I can't wait for iPad 2 to come out.

P.S. I am still waiting for the white iPhone 4!

If it's cute, I can't say no!

Goldfish cupcake from the bakery at Harris Teeter:

I made the greatest chocolate cake ever last night, bug style:

Legend of the Guardians

Is anyone surprised that I legitimately want to see this movie on The Owls of Ga'Hoole:

True Confession Tuesday

I pulled four gray* hairs out of my head yesterday. This is a problem.

*Is it gray or grey? I always asked myself. Now I know, it's gray in US English and grey in UK English.

Positively So

I've always been a stringent believer in the power of having a positive attitude. I believe that your attitude determines your altitude.

- Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2009

Hot Pink Fun

This says, I'm seriously in love, but I love to have fun too!

Kvetch Friday

My favorite kvetches from The DTH today:

Campus tour guide: "and this is Lenoir, one of our two dining halls. If I were to take a date here, I'd call it 'len-wah." Yeah, and if I were your date, I'd leave.

Dear Marvin Austin, I liked the blue Louis Vuitton man-purse you had at Sutton's. Does your agent know where I can get one?

Guys, I know you're hot when you're jogging, but please put your shirts back on. My car insurance doesn't cover ogling-related accidents.

Happy Day!

Yesterday was a crappy day with a few high points. My personal trainer worked me so hard I was seeing black spots and my legs felt like cooked spaghetti noodles. I walked to go get water, and she told me to pick up the pace. I could barely move! I learned that I am below average according to fitness measurements she took during orientation, etc.

So far though, one event today has made up for it...

My windows passed!!!! Take that you other unfortunate company!! Thank goodness there are still establishments where customer service is at its finest : )

Colorfully Cute

You can get them here.

PT

I met up with my personal trainer for the first time last Monday. My one repetition max for lower body via leg press was 245 pounds. I impressed myself. Then I went for the arms and it was 26 pounds for upper body via chest press!?! Oh my... I have a lot of room for improvement there!! I'm recording this here so I can see where I go.

Yesterday's Delight

Here I am meeting one of my favorite artists, Elaine O'Neil.

She was on hand signing her 2011 calendar, "North Carolina Textures: Scenes from the Mountains to the Coast." Her twelve original textile collages from the calendar were on display:

Refreshments were served. The funds from the calendar sales benefitted the N.C. Cancer Hospital! It was delightful. You'll find me (and more information) on CHM's blog post here.

Photos by Andrea Griffith

Car Inspection

I went to two places to get my car inspected last week. The photometer (to gauge window tint) was broken at one, and the other closed early. The next day I went back to the one with the newly fixed photometer, and they told me my tint was too dark so they weren't even going to give me the test, because I would fail. What? That thing is still broken. That has never been an issue in the past! Yesterday I waited 30 minutes at a place, and then they told me the wait time would be longer than anticipated. So I went to another place where the wait time was an hour and 30 minutes. I headed home... I have an inspection appointment scheduled for Thursday. Here's to hoping all goes well. I'd like to treat my vehicle to a car wash already. PRETTY PLEASE!!

Tossed Greek Salad

Topped with a lemony dressing, this combination of greens, cucumber, olives and feta cheese is typical of a Greek salad.

Prep/Total Time is 15 minutes

Ingredients

12 cups torn romaine

2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

1 medium cucumber, peeled, halved and sliced

1/2 medium green pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 medium red onion, cut into rings

1/2 cup sliced ripe olives

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Lemon Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a salad bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Yield: 12 servings.

Chocolate

This is the chocolate that was on my pillow on the Wind Star each night during my trip. I found myself really looking forward to it each night too. I'm pretty certain it beats out Toblerone for me. They're Trafalgar Squares by C. Kay Cummings Candies from Salt Lake City, UT. I like the milk mint ones. I'm awfully tempted to order some even though I don't need them. How can you resist a tag line that says, "Still made by hand. Each one a masterpiece."

Specialty Beer Run

Sometimes, it's just what you do for your guy!

Basket Love

My mom has a friend who handcrafts truly beautiful baskets. Here I am with my new hot pink and black one... We match!

BBB

Saturday we spent the day with my parents at Charlotte's Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival in Uptown. It rained, but it was still fun to be eating good food with family! Here I am with Chubby:

Then it was off to Pinkberry! My favorite is their original flavor (on left):

It was everything I remember it being. I'm already ready to go back!

We spent the evening/night with our friends Kathleen and Brad. Kathleen cooked an amazing dinner with a Greek salad recipe I will be sharing here soon.

Bon Appetit!

Recap: Fattening Friday

I did pick these up on Franklin Street to import to Charlotte ; )



The footballs were a surprise... The Carolina Kremes were cuter than anticipated!

Then it was off to celebrate Friday with Mex & Margs:

Feet Up - It's Friday

Get out of your chair and move like this, because it's the weekend!



Family, friends & fun for me during these next three days : )

Enjoy yourselves!

Kvetch Friday

UNC's daily newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel, publishes a kvetching board in each Friday edition.

Kvetch: v. 1 (Yiddish) to complain

It's where students e-mail in their one-to-two sentence complaints, the best ones are compiled, and they are published. It brings some laughs each Friday. These are some of my favorites from today's edition:

Dear frat boy playing cornhole by yourself: Where are your brethren?

Really DPS, a parking ticket on my bike? How do you expect to ever catch me?

To the girl at the men's soccer game who yelled, "Oh crap, the ball just hit the player's head!" Yeah, that happens.

To the person at the business school who stole my laptop cord, it is comforting to know that corporate America is filled with people like you.

Yes Please!

I take it as a sign.

I saw this in Rhodes, Greece. I'm impressed by the fact that someone walked by this tree, saw an animal and painted eyes onto the tree so others could see it too.

I see a giraffe.

Is that the animal you see too? Or do you see something else?

Froyo

I would like to take a moment to say how impressed I am by my past client, Yogurt Pump. TCBY opened in 1981, and Yogurt Pump was open by 1982. Yogurt Pump - An independently owned store nestled in the heart of Chapel Hill has been successfully pumping yogurt for almost 30 years! Yogurt shops are now sweeping the nation, but I would say the owner of Yogurt Pump was definitely ahead of the curve with his thinking and business plan. Kudos!

P.S. On a frozen yogurt note... Pinkberry + Me, in Charlotte, THIS WEEKEND! Please visit the Pinkberry website, with your volume up, and their jingle will start playing - My second post on this, but it's too catchy - just try to get it out of your head after listening...

Sorry ice cream, I'm dreaming of a different dessert

Pinkberry shaved ice and frozen yogurt

It doesn't feel like I'm cheating when I'm eating it

'Cuz it's healthy; I'm feeling better already

Tart and sweet, fresh and airy

Blue and black, straw and raspberry

Succulent mango, tangy kiwi or pineapple

(mmm)

Topping of swirly and fluffy

Exquisite dream

Sorry ice cream

I'm on my way to Pinkberry (Pinkberry, Pinkberry, yum)

Sorry ice cream, I'm on my way to:

P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry

I wonder should I get it plain, or green tea?
Doesn't matter to me
Don't care how long I have to wait
I like it in the rain (I like it in the rain)
Or in the wintertime

Like a burst of sunshine
Good for my body
Good for my mouth
Good for my mind
Good with a family
Good with a friend
With a lover or alone

It's an obsession
Pure and delightful
Simple and heavenly
And Guilt Free
Yummy (yummy)!

(x2):

Pinkberry in me
Pinkberry
Pinkberry in me
Pinkberry
Pinkberry in me
Pinkberry
Pinkberry in me
Pinkberry

(P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry)

P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry
P-I-N-K-B-E-R-R-Y
Pinkberry

Okay, okay... It's hard for me to contain my excitement.

Pretty Tasty

I loved my pretty pre-trip flowers from Hank:

I thoroughly enjoyed this tasty Quiche Crab made by Hank's Grandma at the lake over the weekend:

Quiche Crab

9" Pie Shell (She homemade hers via Jiffy)

2 T All Purpose Flower

1/2 Cup Milk

2 Cups (8 oz.) Shredded Swiss Cheese

1/3 Cup Chopped Green Onion

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise

2 Eggs Beaten

1 (16 oz.) Package frozen crabs thawed and drained (you can buy it in a can via Phillips)

Fresh Parsley

Line quiche dish (or pie plate) with pastry and trim edges. Place buttered/cooking sprayed aluminum foil (buttered side down) over pastry and gently place into shell. Cover foil with a layer of dried beans (or baking rocks), and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Prick shell and bake 3 - 5 additional minutes. Let cool. (P.S. The rocks and/or dried beans keeps your shell from rising so there is plenty of room for the filling!)

Combine mayonnaise, flour, eggs and milk thoroughly. Stir in crab, cheese and onion. Spoon into shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until center is firm. Sprinkle with parsley.

Enjoy!

Fresh Fan

I love this lady. Charlotta was the travel director on my trip to Greece and Turkey. She truly is amazing - a fresh fan as they say in France. Everyone was obsessed.

Not only was she super cool, she had the most beautiful jewelry from around the world. Jewelry (the more unique the better) is my favorite - I prefer it over all other accessories. As Charlotta pointed out, when packing and traveling for a month for example, she makes sure to pack black pants, various black tops and black pumps. Then she spices up her outfits with jewelry and colorful pashminas. This way she is packing less but still looking great.

Above is a necklace she purchased in Cape Town, South Africa. That's only purchasable in Cape Town... No website. I'm in love and still thinking about it. Currently plotting...

Don't Blink

The time passes, minute by minute, hour by hour.

Funny, how one day you look back reflecting on the past and realize how everything is so different, yet minute by minute, hour by hour, nothing ever seemed to change.

My Sister's Keeper

During my trip I watched:

The Last Song - Sad
Date Night - Not So Funny
The Reader - Okay
Death at a Funeral - Quite Funny
Just Wright - Surprisingly Good
My Sister's Keeper...

Have you seen My Sister's Keeper? It just may be the saddest movie I've seen. I cried and cried and cried. I had to blow my nose multiple times cried. Maybe I just needed a good cry, but I was laughing and crying at the same time, because I was so shocked by the emotions this movie was pulling out of me. Besides all of the tears, it truly is a great story and a definite must-see.

Carolina Kreme

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook:



How unbluelievably innovative! I've been trying to hold out from walking to Franklin Street to try one, but I think I may crack by this weekend. Go Heels!

Embrace These

I've been in the market for a new razor. I have never used disposables, but these caught my eye. I like the idea of starting completely fresh once your blade dulls - new handle and all. This razor truly gave me the best shave that I can remember. If you're in the market, I highly recommend!

Travel Twenty

Here are some tidbits I learned on my trip to Greece and Turkey:

1. When packing, leave a lot of extra space in your suitcase. If you can bring only one personal item on the plane with you, it would be perfect. Then pack a bag in your checked-luggage that is to the carry-on specifications. This way you have plenty of room to carry-on all of your goodies on your return flight home. On Lufthansa, your carry-on should be no heavier than 8 Kilos and your checked-bag should be no more than 23 Kilos. On this note, know the metric system.

2. If your bag ends up being over the weight limit, and if you have time, take yourself to the nearest luggage store in the airport. Buy a cute suitcase for $129. Put a few things in it. Check this second bag for $50. It will still be less than $200... And you get something in return! I wish I thought of this 5 minutes sooner : )

3. Have the airline print your boarding passes all the way through on initial check-in. Make sure they check your baggage through to your final destination. Look at the tag they put on your bag yourself to be sure they are accurate. If you have a quick connection, request a priority sticker be placed on your bag.

4. If you misplace your boarding pass or didn't get them printed for all connections, the airline staff can print it for you on arrival to each of your gates... No worries!

5. I saw the most amazing thing. A guy had his iPhone, pulled up his boarding pass on his iPhone and scanned his iPhone instead of scanning a paper boarding pass. I was in love.

6. Watch what the locals do. I was given jelly and some cheese. I had no clue. I watched a German lad put the jelly on his cheese. I did it too. It was delicious.

7. People watch. It's the best way to feel the true pulse of the city you are in.

8. The US dollar is not doing so hot. Be prepared when you exchange your $20 for euros. You will be left with the equivalent of $13. In Turkey though, with the Turkish Lira, you will feel like a millionaire!

9. There is very little traffic in Europe in August. They go on their month long holiday.

10. I wouldn't shop for clothes before your trip for your trip. I would wait to clothes shop at your destination. Europeans have such amazing style for example, and you will find super cute things you can't get at home. Plus it will double over as a great souvenir!

11. I would bring some cash just to have. I would trust your ATM card while overseas for cash withdrawals only. ATM cards that are in your network are all over the place. They are easy to find and it is much cheaper to get cash out of an ATM then to exchange money and pay the exchange rate (5 euros in some cases). I would use cash in most places... Restaurants, shops, etc. I would bring a credit card for bigger purchases in more legitimate stores only and for more upscale restaurants.

12. Haggle.

13. Read everything you can before you go. Learn a lot about where you are heading. Learn a few lines like hello, thank you, how much, bathroom, etc.

14. Bring a journal to take notes about the specifics of your trip, funny quotes and interesting facts. You will be glad you did once you are home.

15. Pickpocketing happens. Have a purse you can wear across your chest. I'm not so much a fan of the backpack. If you're a guy, watch your wallet - you don't have eyes on the back of your head.

16. Bring hand sanitizer and make sure it is easily accessible. Use it often.

17. Always have an iPhone, laptop, iPad or something that will connect to Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is everywhere, and it makes it so easy to communicate, check restaurant reviews, times, etc.

18. Be prepared to communicate with your hands. Point to your watch to see what time something is opening, hold up your index finger if you are looking for the #1 or best restaurant, place or item... I love how hand gestures can break any language barrier... It's impressive.

19. If you would like to bring some cans of beer back, they will not combust in your suitcase. Someone thought I was crazy for doing so because they would explode. That is not the case! They, along with a bottle of wine, will happily make it home. I would still put them in a plastic bag though - just in case.

20. If you miss your flight, oh well. It happens all of the time. Some flight schedules are too tight to worry about. Most times the airline will rebook you, free of charge. In my case, they even paid for my hotel, dinner, breakfast and airline transfers.

C'est la vie (say la vee).. French for That's Life. Say it often, because no problem is worth worrying about when you're on your vacation/holiday.

Highlights

Acropolis - Athens, Greece

At the Beach - Milos, Greece

Fira - Santorini, Greece

Fortress of St. Nicholas - Rhodes, Greece

Castle of St. Peter - Bodrum, Turkey

Ephesus - Kusadasi, Turkey

Swimming in the Aegean Sea

Blue Mosque - Istanbul, Turkey