Moving to San Diego almost 6 years ago and going to my first event at Comic Con I was overwhelmed! There were people everywhere most dressed up as some pop culture hero and bumping into me from all sides. I currently live in the Gaslamp which is headquarters for Comic Con so I do feel I know a thing or two about the topic. It is a fun time to be in San Diego if you know what you are getting into before you go. Below are 5 tips to help you out your first time in San Diego for Comic Con.

Mardi Gras time is one of the most fun times of year in New Orleans. Carnival season starts on January 6th also known as Three Kings Day, Epiphany, or Twelve Night. This day starts the first carnival parade with the Phunny Phorty Phellows Streetcar Ride. This krewe has been heralding in the carnival since 1878. There is also the Joan of Arc parade that parades through the French Quarter. This year (2018) the parades will really swing into full carnival fun starting on February 2nd a full 12 days before Fat Tuesday itself!

The tips below will help you prepare for your trip in many ways you probably didn't even think of. Have fun and Laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

People always ask me where they should eat when they go to New Orleans. There are so many wonderful restaurants I can not name them all but here are some of my favorites and one local favorite I have yet to visit. Enjoy!

Trying to stay fit and healthy can be challenging when traveling. I always tell my clients that the goal should be to maintain, not gain while away. And while I am an advocate for living life and enjoying all that is has to offer, going on vacation shouldn’t become a free for all to throw in the towel when it comes to health and fitness.

This is a press release I received and I thought I would pass it on : ) WASHINGTON—As the busiest three months of international travel approach, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages travelers to “Know Before You Go” when traveling to the United States or returning home this summer. CBP officers at international airports, cruise terminals and land border ports of entry around the country and at Preclearance facilities around the world are prepared for the additional traffic expected this summer. Last summer, CBP processed more than 108.3 million international travelers at U.S. ports of entry.

An advantage of living in San Diego is that I am only 5.5 hours away from the Phoenix metro area by car to see the "Boys Of Summer" in Spring Training.  My husband and I have done this trip a few years back but this time Toyota invited us an epic spring training trip we could not refuse!

I always have people asking me about products and what they should wear on vacation so I decided to create a store. The items range from books, gifts, to even clothes. I will be adding more items as the weeks go by and changing the items based on season as well. Since I am plus sized I made sure to add many plus sized items since we seem to be left out of so many stores. Check the STORE out and if you have any further questions please contact me!

The store is the last blue tab at the top all the way to the right!

I got this press release in my email today and I thought I would share because it has some great facts about traveling and your luggage.  I have always wanted to go to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama but have not made it yet. Definitely a great idea for a road trip from some of the Southern States.

In December I went on the Rhine Getaway with Viking River Cruises.  I will discuss this trip in another article because it was so amazing with all the Christmas markets at every stop! In this article I wanted to discuss how you should plan for the trip and what to take.  Hopefully this will help you plan for your Viking River Cruise in Europe.

Need some new luggage?  Checkout these deals that are going on now!  They will go fast!  I will have some vacation deals by the end of the week that you will not want to miss!

Sears

7 piece American Tourister Luggage set for $99 in Red, Blue, and Black

Forecast Hardside 3PC Luggage Set with spinners for $99 in Black or Silver

eBags.com

American Tourister Fieldbrook II 4 Pc Nested Luggage Set $49 in Black, Red/Black, and Purple/Grey

Lucus Wheeled Under the Seat Cabin Bag $45 in Red, Blue, and Black

eBags Packing Cubes - 4pc Classic Plus Set $25 in a variety of colors

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Bucket Hobo $28 in a variety of colors

Going on a road trip has its pros and cons. Pros, you’re going on an awesome adventure; cons, it can be costly. Here are some hacks you can try to balance those pros and cons to reach vacation nirvana.

Thanksgiving is only a couple days away and I thought I would share some tips I have learned over the many years of holiday travel I have done.  Hopefully these tips will help ease some of your stress this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have heard the same health myths about certain habits, foods or behaviors that can help or hurt our health. When myths are repeated from generation to generation we begin to accept them as fact. Below are the 10 most popular health myths that are going bust thanks to Dr. Christopher Calapai, a NYC board certified expert in osteopathic medicine specializing in longevity who debunks these myths with sound medical reasoning.

This past September I came back from my very first visit to the Legendary state of North Dakota.  We only had 3 whole days to explore which is not even close enough for what you need to explore this vast state!  I can definitely say that North Dakota has lots to offer in things to do from festivals, historic sites, shopping, nature and also beer or wine tasting.

While most dermatologists and doctors preach the benefits of drinking more water, water gets boring. Perhaps you’ve done just about everything to make your plain glass of water more enjoyable. If you’re running out of ideas and are tempted to reach for a caffeinated beverage you’re not alone. We talked to the experts who gave us six fresh infused water recipes that’ll pack a punch of flavor and add health and beauty benefits to your H2O! If you’re new to infused water it’s easy. Chop up the ingredients, let them sit over night in your water pitcher and sip your way to healthy hydration inside and out.

Who doesn’t want to have a relaxing and refreshing spa visit now and again to recharge your battery and feel pampered?  While it’s important that we indulge in these luxurious treatments, we must proceed with caution.

I recently was in a large shopping mall, and was quickly approached by a kiosk worker who started to buff my fingernail before I could say yes or no to his administration. After I walked away, I was preoccupied with the thought that the very same nail file had been used on countless other people, and I could potentially develop a wart on that finger now!

2002: Me and some of my intern buddies who would just get up and go
anywhere on weekends.  BTW The guy with the vest I am hugging
 I have no clue who he was he  just was a nice stranger rooting
 for the same basketball team I was.

Looking back at my early 20's I remember lots of fun crazy times but in no way would I want to do some of them now !  I am not meaning that I am too old to do these things I just have more knowledge and life experiences that makes me say why the hell did I ever sleep on the ground with no mat at a music concert venue for the whole weekend.  It was fun but I have now been around more and stayed at nicer hotels and would rather go for a day and then come back to a nice hotel room with air conditioning, a comfy mattress and running water.

These 3 wonderful things I did before I was 25 I think everyone should do while they are young because like I said life experiences do change you even if you say you will always be the way you are when 23.

For those who have not sailed Carnival before here are some tips! I have just finished my 10th Carnival Cruise and have learned these tips from some of Carnivals loyal cruisers who have become my friends!  If you have any other tips I should mention feel free to comment below!

People are always asking me how I know so much about cruising and the ins and outs?  I actually have my in-laws partially to thank for introducing my husband and I to Cruise Critic.  The other stuff I research online.  I get a bit of a rush when I find a good deal or secret way to go about something that not a lot of others have.

Living in San Diego we have so many beer festivals since we have more than 100 craft breweries! With that in mind I have become excellent at knowing how to do a beer festival. As with any festival that provides alcohol you need to think about a few things before you go. If you follow these tips you will enjoy your beer fest more and survive the morning after!