Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Winter Travel 2011 – Tropical Getaways For Less

Posted in Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on January 28, 2011| 1 Comment »

Winter Travel 2011 – Tropical Getaways For Less

There’s no better way to escape the winter blues than a tropical vacation! Whether you want to stay in the US or travel to exotic lands, with a little research, there are always great travel deals to be found. Here are a few incredible tropical getaways from California to Costa Rica, sure to get you in the mood for some fun in the sun!

Catalina Island (Avalon, California)

To escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, get away to the beautiful island of Catalina, just off the coast of Southern California. Available Sunday through Thursday (through April 14th), the “Free Boat, Free Zip, and Free Tours” package combines all the highlights of this quaint island for an amazing price. For just $102 per person/per night, guests will enjoy accommodations at the newly remodeled Pavilion Hotel, which includes a deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese reception. Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views from the hotel’s gardens and relax beside the large open air fire pit. Once rejuvenated, head out to experience all that Catalina has to offer. This limited time promotion includes a free zip line tour so you can view the wonder of the island from a whole new perspective! If you’re still craving more outdoor fun, the offer also includes unlimited access to the island’s Discovery Tours and Activities, including the Undersea Tour, the Behind the Scenes Casino Tour, Miniature Golf and Tennis Court rentals, to name a few. Finally, round trip transportation to/from Long Beach Harbor is also included, topping off this incredible money saving deal! For reservations, visit www.VisitCatalinaIsland.com or call 800-626-1496.

catalina at night

Los Cabos (Mexico)

Overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, is an idyllic tropical getaway for those that really want to soak up the sun! Their “Sunsational Savings” promotion offers rooms starting at just $169/night (based on double occupancy), with each deluxe room featuring the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and Jacuzzi tub. As an added bonus, guests are eligible for a complimentary upgrade at check in, based upon availability. When guests stay for two nights under the limited time promotion, they will receive the third night free, as well as a $200 food and beverage credit redeemable at any of the resorts five restaurants and bars. From traditional Mexican and Mediterranean to Steak and Seafood, guests will surely enjoy a delicious tour of world cuisines. With four infinity and cascading swimming pools, an acclaimed Spa and Fitness Center, and access to a wide selection of outdoor activities, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar is the perfect place to escape the winter blues for a “sunsational” price! To make a reservation, visit www.sheratonloscabos.com (promotion code ZS3).

Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Los Cabos

Arenal (Costa Rica)

Couples that are looking for a tropical respite this winter will love the peace and quiet of Lost Iguana Resort & Spa in Arenal, Costa Rica. Located amongst 120 acres of pure rainforest, the romantic resort’s new “Love Birds Getaway” package features daily breakfast, an in-room welcome flower arrangement and wine basket, and a cozy candlelit dinner. “Love birds” will also receive a sensual couples massage in an open-air bungalow at Lost Iguana’s full-service Balinese-themed Golden Gecko Spa. The minimum two night package in a standard deluxe room is just $420 per couple, with additional nights at $120 each. Every guest room at Lost Iguana features spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, one of the 10 most active in the world. Balconies overlook the natural beauty of the jungle, with luxury suites also featuring private outdoor Jacuzzi tubs. For those who wish to further explore the lush jungle, the resort has exclusive walking paths lined with waterfalls and exotic birds, in addition to an onsite wildlife guide that is available to answer questions and lead individualized tours. The “Love Birds Getaway” package is available through 2011 and can be booked online by visiting www.lostiguanaresort.com.

arenal volcano

Read Full Post »

Last Minute Holiday Gifts 2010

Posted in Fashion, Food, Gift Guides, Holidays 2010, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Shoes, Shopping, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on December 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Last Minute Holiday Gifts 2010

No matter how far in advance we start our holiday shopping, there always seems to be someone else on your list to shop for! Whether it’s your pet-sitting teenage neighbor, your foodie coworker, or the ultimate fashionista in your life, it’s difficult to know which gifts are best. With the help of the Internet and some amazing last minute deals, you can easily find a gift for even the most discerning person on your list, without breaking the bank!

The Fashionista

What fashionista doesn’t appreciate a fabulous pair (or two) of shoes? If you’re in need of a great gift for the style savvy set in your life, you can’t go wrong with the gift of shoes. DSW Shoes is your one stop shop for all the hottest designer shoes at incredible prices. Great for men, women and teens, a DSW Gift Card is the perfect present for those that love fantastic footwear! When you purchase a $50 DSW Gift Card this holiday season, you’ll receive a $10 gift card in return – so you can share the shoe love and get something for yourself too! Order a DSW Gift Card by December 22nd or an e-Gift Card by midnight on December 24th for Christmas delivery.

dsw gift card

The Traveler

Beautiful luggage and chic travel accessories make a wonderful gift, but they can be costly and difficult to select. For an affordable and useful gift for the jet setters in your life, try the Ultraviolet Sanitizing Wand. At just $12.99, this must have travel accessory kills 99.9% of surface germs, bacteria, molds, and fungus. Recent reports have proven that the knobs and switches on airplanes carry the highest levels of bacteria, not to mention the remote controls in hotel rooms! Ideal for travel, home and office, the compact wand will fit into your carry on or handbag so it’s readily available whenever you need it. No traveler should be without this ingenious item!

Travelon-Ultraviolet-Sanitizing-Wand-in-White

The Foodie

Igourmet.com brings the best of international gourmet products right to your kitchen at affordable prices. If you want to delight your foodie friends, give the gift of an igourmet gift basket, with products ranging from fine cheeses and condiments, delectable desserts, and wine from all around the world. As an added bonus, promotionalcodes.com is offering a $10 off coupon for any order. Combine that with any of the wonderful assortments available on igourmet (many for under $100) and you’ll be sure to impress any culinary extraordinaire!

igourmet intl gift basket

The Teen

Teens are so difficult to shop for, particularly when it comes to buying clothes. But when it comes to teen style, one item stands out above the rest – the graphic tee. From vintage inspired to modern pop culture designs, teenagers live in graphic tees, perfect with everything from jeans and shorts to leggings and skirts. Rotemgear.com is an eclectic website with a fantastic selection of ethnic, retro, and pop culture tees and products that are super reasonable. The Kitty and Dog crossbones collection ($18.99 and up) is a fun, quirky, and rocker-chic style that both teen guys and girls will adore. No matter what the teen’s taste, remember that a cool graphic tee is an easy and affordable gift that would put a smile on anybody’s face!Kitty Crossbones

The Luxury Lover

To satisfy the sweet tooth of the luxury lovers in your life, give the gift of pure decadence – a collection of delicious Champagne Petit Fours from Valerie Confections ($55). The luxurious mini confections are made of rich butter cake layered with Champagne ganache, then hand dipped in dark chocolate. As an exquisite finishing touch, each cake is topped with an edible piece of 23 karat gold. The twelve piece gift set comes beautifully packaged with an elegant gold satin ribbon. Your friends will be so impressed with this lavish gift, and you can rest easy knowing that it didn’t set you back a fortune!

CHAMPAGNE%20PF%20B

Read Full Post »

GAL Eats – Affordable Italian in NYC (New York, NY)

Posted in Food, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Restaurants, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on September 24, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Click here to read my review of three delicious and affordable Italian eateries in NYC! http://wp.me/PR9nE-8X  For more food and travel related posts, check out Kara’s Korner!

Read Full Post »

GAL Travel – Hacienda Tres Rios (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Posted in Food, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Restaurants, Spas, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 20, 2010| 2 Comments »

GAL Travel – Hacienda Tres Rios (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

When you dream of a Mexican vacation, you might imagine beautiful beaches, Mariachi bands and tropical cocktails.  At Hacienda Tres Rios in the heart of the Riviera Maya, you will experience all that and more.  Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios is an exclusive eco-friendly resort located forty five minutes south of Cancun, amongst a 326 acre nature park.  Enjoy the natural beauty of the lush jungle, mangrove forest, and coastal dunes.  The three freshwater rivers, or tres rios, that run throughout the property and the ten cenotes (cave like sinkholes with natural wells), end where the immaculate white sand beach meets the Caribbean Sea.  Hacienda Tres Rios offers travelers the best of worlds old and new – a luxuriously modern vacation destination set within the pristine beauty and historic landscape of the Mayan Riviera.

Rest

The 273 suites at Hacienda Tres Rios are immaculate.  From the local Mexican mahogany furniture, marble floors and bathrooms, luxurious bedding, and flat screen televisions, to the in room jacuzzi (available in most) and spectacular ocean views, you may never want to leave the room.  And with the unlimited, 24 hour room service available, you might never have to.  From junior suites to spacious one and two bedroom suites, Hacienda Tres Rios can accommodate everyone from couples on a romantic getaway to families on summer vacation.                    

GAL Travel Tip ~ Request an upper level suite away from the main lobby for the best overall experience.   

Indulge

All-Inclusive at Hacienda Tres Rios means Endless Luxury, the ultimate indulgence for all your food, beverage, and entertainment needs.  On the Endless Luxury plan, guests are allowed unlimited meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages during their stay.  With six restaurants on site, multiple bars, a fully stocked in room minibar, plus 24 hour room service, one can wine and dine to their heart’s content.  The Mexican cuisine at El Alebrije is deliciously inventive, with cricket empanadas and ostrich tamales as popular dishes.  The pizza at il Forno, the poolside pizzeria, is tasty and a perfect complement to a frosty piña colada.  The Hacienda Grill has savory grilled fare, from jumbo shrimp to juicy carne asada. And the International buffet at Casa La Islas, features alternating menu items each day that will leave you craving more.  All tips are included in the All-Inclusive plan, but once you experience the warmth and generosity of the property’s servers, you’ll want to take care of them too. 

GAL Travel Tip ~ Befriend the general manager of each restaurant to enjoy unique dishes off the main menu.

Enjoy

Also included in the Endless Luxury plan is exclusive access to the activities in the Tres Rios Nature Park.  Tours are available daily for all levels, from beginners to advanced.   Guests of all ages can enjoy biking through the jungle, kayaking on the pristine rivers, and snorkeling (gear included) in the amazing cenotes.  Guests can also discover the reforestation process in the botanical garden and nursery.  With additional daily activities for kids, teens and adults ranging from mask making, yoga, and tequila tasting, there is definitely something for everyone. An incredible experience for the entire family is the SenseAdventure Tour, which leads guests on a journey of the five senses.  Led by a Mayan native in the jungle of the nature park, this tour exposes you to the elements of the universe and awakens your senses inside and out.  The resort also offers fine evening entertainment, from a spectacular fire presentation to a traditional Mayan show.  However, if all you desire is a little quiet time, unwind on the comfortable beach beds overlooking the Caribbean Sea.   

GAL Travel Tip ~ Experience both the beginner and advanced cenote tours – snorkeling down the river is easier and more relaxing than kayaking.  When kayaking, prep your skin with insect repellent as you will encounter pesky critters amongst the mangroves.

Relax

Become one with the Mayan gods at the Ya’ax Che Spa, the temporary spa retreat at Hacienda Tres Rios.  Although the permanent site for the spa will not open until later this year, Ya’ax Che will not disappoint.  Signature treatments such as the Mayan Gods Ritual will leave your skin soft and supple from the cocoa bead scrub and body wrap.  The Yaa’ Kun Ritual is a romantic option for couples, combining a relaxing massage with an aromatherapy bath, topped off with two glasses of champagne and fresh fruit.  Other treatments are also available, from a la carte massages, nourishing facials, nail services and waxing.  The spa also has a full service fitness center, as well as a co-ed hydrotherapy room with a whirlpool, steam room and sauna, which guests can use at their leisure.  (Spa treatments are not included in the Endless Luxury plan.)

GAL Travel Tip ~ Inquire about the Ancient Mayan Ritual, the Temazcal Bath.  This unique, native experience is very rare and includes a steam bath performed in an authentic Mesoamerican hut.  This relaxing, purification ritual is meant to have many therapeutic benefits.

Fall 2010 Promotion

This Fall, Hacienda Tres Rios is enticing visitors to enjoy the splendor of the Riviera Maya with a special limited time promotion.  A party of 2 can enjoy a mangrove or ocean view junior suite and experience all the benefits of Endless Luxury.  When guests purchase three nights at the discounted rate of $429 per couple/per day, they will receive the fourth night free!  This promotional price is valid until October 31, 2010 and includes the suite, the All-Inclusive Endless Luxury plan, exclusive access to the nature park, and all the above mentioned tours and activities.  For more information, click here.

Read Full Post »

GAL Spas – Best Spa Deals

Posted in Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Spas, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 12, 2010| 2 Comments »

GAL Spas – Best Spa Deals

With the constant stresses of everyday life, it’s refreshing to know that some of the best spas in the country are offering incredible deals so you can rest and relax without the added anxiety of breaking the bank.  From an elegant, Zen infused spa at a renowned family resort to the old world appeal of a Korean bath house, the following GAL Spas are enticing visitors with their unique concepts, warm hospitality, and can’t pass up spa packages for summer and beyond!

nèu lotus spa (Orlando, FL)

After an action packed day at SeaWorld, unwind at the nèu lotus spa at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.  For a limited time, the property is offering a Zen infused package starting at $132 per night, which includes one night’s accommodations plus a choice of a 50 minute spa treatment at the nèu lotus spa.  Indulge with a soothing Full Lotus Massage designed to work out all the kinks, followed by a nourishing Mini-Facial that will leave you feeling fresh and revitalized.  Or if you prefer, opt for a full 50 minute massage or facial.  After your treatment, chill out poolside with a fresh fruit smoothie at the Palms Pool Bar & Grill.  To book the Escape! Spa package, call 1-800-228-9290 or use rate code SPA when making reservations online.

Stillwater Spa (Newport, RI)

The Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Newport is the ultimate treat for the senses.  This spa by the sea uses only marine based products, combined with a complete palette of services that will not disappoint.  For spa lovers and busy guests on the go, the Spa Tapas menu is the ideal way to sample the spas signature treatments.  Guests can enjoy affordable bite size treatments (20 minutes per Spa Tapa), from a relaxing Calf & Foot Massage and Mini Facial to the Hand Tension Reliever.  Order one Spa Tapa for $65, two for $75, three for $95, or four for $115.  Between 2pm-5pm, guests will also receive a complimentary spa cocktail, such as the minty Stillwater Mo-Tea-To (cocktails can be made with or without alcohol).  For more information on the Stillwater Spa Tapas, click here.

Hiatus Spa & Retreat (Dallas, TX)

Hiatus Spa & Retreat was created specifically for spa goers who love a great deal!  As the first Aveda Lifestyle Spa Club in the U.S. founded on the principal that frequent massage, facials and body treatments are a prescription for good health and a positive state of mind, Hiatus offers guests an opportunity to indulge without overindulging.  The Platinum H-Circle membership entitles guests to enjoy one of five core spa services per month.  For $59 per month (and a onetime initiation fee of $39), members can choose from a Hiatus Massage, Hiatus Facial, a Hiatus Body Polish in the rainfall Vichy shower room, an invigorating Hiatus Rosemary Mint Wrap, or the all-new Hiatus Mani-Pedi Retreat.  Additional monthly treatments are available for just $59.  As if all this wasn’t already enough, each Hiatus treatments begins with a luxurious foot soak – warm water, a sea salt scrub, and a personalized aromatherapy oil blend are the highlights of this soul grounding experience.  As the perfect cure for spa addicts in Dallas, Hiatus plans to expand to 65 locations over the next five years.  For more information, click here. 

Olympic Spa (Los Angeles, CA)

The Olympic Spa in Los Angeles’ Koreatown is a must visit GAL find for those who crave a seriously relaxing and detoxifying day at the spa.  Not for the modest or faint of heart, the Olympic Spa is a traditional Korean bath house, stripped down to the purest and most natural of services and amenities.  Don’t expect flickering candles or soft music playing here – the Olympic Spa is simply a retreat to cleanse the body and soul.  Prepare yourself for an invigorating and empowering experience, as this spa is clothing free – that’s right ladies, bathing suits are not permitted.  The only ‘clothes’ allowed in the communal pool/sauna room are towels, and the simple black undergarments worn by the female Korean therapists.  All services are performed in a communal treatment room where guests must be au natural, sans clothing, or in other words, in your birthday suit.

Once settled, experience the most affordable spa deal in Los Angeles, the Simple Soak.  For just $15, one has unlimited use of all the saunas, steam rooms, and pools at the Olympic Spa.  Relax in the extremely Warm Mineral Pool, followed by a refreshing dip in the Cool Waters Pool.  Then, stimulate your senses in the Hot Mugwort Tea Pool which promotes circulation and boosts immunity.  Replenish in one of the uniquely Korean saunas, from the Oxygen Therapy Room to the Oriental Dry Clay Sauna.  Finally, take a nap on the warm Jade floor and feel the herbal steam flood your mind, body and soul.  The Simple Soak is also included with the treatments at the Olympic Spa, including the signature ritual, the Goddess.  This almost two hour treatment begins with the famously aggressive Akasuri Body Scrub, followed by a body shampoo and Aromatherapy Massage. Next, your spirits are literally lifted as you receive an essential oil scalp massage.  While the tingling oils set in, your face is massaged with toxin releasing strokes and a purifying mask is applied to tighten your pores.  After all this, your hair is washed and rinsed, and a luxurious body emulsion oil is generously applied to your entire body to complete the incredible ritual.  For just $130, the Goddess is a must experience, affordable spa treatment that will leave you feeling renewed inside and out.

Read Full Post »

Summer Beach Bag Essentials

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Style Tips, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 16, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Summer is in full swing and many of us have big plans to hit the beach!  Whether you’re in Malibu or Miami, there’s nothing worse than taking a trip to the beach and not being fully prepared.  Well, not to worry because with this list, every sun diva will be fully equipped with the hottest Beach Bag Essentials!

1.      SkinMedica’s Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+

It’s more important than ever to protect your skin from the sun!  If you’re going to hit the beach and work on your killer tan, take a tip from Jennifer Aniston and Brooke Shields with SkinMedica’s Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($45).  Aside from being blessed with great genes, these Hollywood gals take sun protection seriously.  Provide your skin with the ultimate barrier from the sun with this ultra light weight, fragrance/oil free, and water resistant formula that boasts UV ProPlex technology, which improves performance by effecting a more uniform distribution of UV filters on the skin.  The remarkable potion also provides skin with antioxidant protection against free radical damage.  For more information on where to purchase SkinMedica products, click here. 

2.      Coolibar Packable Wide Brim Sun Hat

Now that you have the sunscreen covered, you’ll need something to help beat the intense rays of the summer sun!  Take a cue from Old Hollywood Glam cutie Katie Perry and rock a wide brimmed hat!  Coolibar’s Sun Hat is not only fashionable and chic, but the 4 inch wide brim will provide much needed shade as well as protect your skin from harsh UV rays.  Created for travel, this cool hat can be rolled, crushed, or folded in your suitcase or beach bag—and it still holds its shape.  The Coolibar Packable Wide Brim Sun Hat ($29.95) is the perfect combination of style and function!

3.      Sunglasses from Angel Eyewear

Next up, a killer pair of sunglasses!  Angel Eyewear features some of the hottest styles of the season at amazingly affordable prices!  From the glamorous Mod, to the retro Katt, these sunglasses are the epitome of summer style.  Supermodel Tyra Banks is a fan of the line, and with these sassy shades, you’ll feel like you’re struttin’ on your personal runway.  Available in a ton of frames, colors and lens options, and with prices starting as low as $45, you can stock up for summer without breaking the bank. 

4.      Youngblood’s Minerals in the Mist

After a few hours in the sweltering summer sun, you’re going to need a refreshing pick me up.  Youngblood’s Minerals in the Mist ($22 each) are a collection of revitalizing and nourishing face mists that will keep you cool as the day burns on.  Refresh is a delicious blend of tangerine and grapefruit infused with minerals and vitamins which help to protect skin cells and rejuvenate skin tissue, while also acting as cell energizers.  This beach bag essential is popular with stars like The Bachelor’s Chris Harrison and actress Mena Suvari, who like to quench their skin with every spritz!

5.      Versatile Summer Scarf

Aside from a fab bikini, your cover up is the next most important fashion item for the beach.  Luckily, there’s a versatile and affordable summer scarf that will not only act as a quick cover up, but also a dress, wrap, and even a last minute beach mat!  Affordablescarves.com is a fantastic resource for all the latest scarves in every color, print, and fabric imaginable.  The Aloha Cotton Scarf ($14.49) in a tropical purple motif is a lightweight, compact, and colorful accessory that will take you from the beach to dinner in one easy step! 

6.      Beach Read

No day at the beach would be complete without some great reading material!  Ever since the friendly folks at Amazon.com sent me a review copy of Candace Bushnell’s The Carrie Diaries, I have been hooked!  Not just for fans of the Sex and the City franchise, this book takes you right back to the dramatic days of high school, full of first loves, great friends, and crazy fashion!  Fans of the show will find themselves routing for Carrie all over again as she experiences her senior year, falls head over heels for a very “Mr. Big” like character, and follows her heart to the city of her dreams, New York!  This book is perfect for anyone who wants a lighthearted beach read!

 7.      The IcyBag

There’s nothing worse than reaching for your lip balm at the beach, to realize that it’s been melted by the scorching sun!  With the IcyBag, beachgoers like Christina Aguilera and Ashlee Simpson can tote all their beauty products and must have items in a stylish, insulated accessory bag.  No need to worry that your products will get hot, sticky or melted – the IcyBag is fully insulated and includes a custom gel pack that stays cool at least three times longer than frozen water.  You can even slip in snacks, electronics, and other items you may not want to get weathered by the sun!  The IcyBag is clever, convenient, and affordable at just $15!

8.       Best Beach Bag

With all these summer essentials, you’re going to need something glam, affordable, and luxurious to carry it all in!  Whether you’re looking for a nautical inspired tote, woven satchel, or multi functional carry-all, Amazon.com has an amazing selection for all your beach bag needs.  I love this Roxy tote ($32) with its classic and modern styling, and fun pop of color!  It’s large lined compartment and zipper pockets make it ideal for the beach, perfect to carry all the above beach bag must haves!

Read Full Post »

GAL Travel – Newport (RI)

Posted in Food, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Restaurants, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on July 9, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Check out my GAL Travel review of Newport, Rhode Island at http://wp.me/PR9nE-6t.  Click on Kara’s Korner for more food and travel related posts! 

Newport, Rhode Island

Read Full Post »

GAL Travel – Temecula Valley Wine Country (CA)

Posted in Food, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Restaurants, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Check out my GAL Travel review of the Temecula Valley Wine Country, at http://wp.me/PR9nE-2c.    Click on Kara’s Korner for more food and travel related posts!

View from Leonesse Cellars

Read Full Post »

Unique Father’s Day Gifts Under $50

Posted in Entertaining, Fashion, Food, Gift Guides, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 11, 2010| 1 Comment »

Father’s Day is just a week away – do you have a gift for Daddy Dearest?  It seems like we’re always looking to find Dad that special gift, that WOW present that will really knock his socks off!  In honor of our Proud Papas, here’s a list of Unique Father’s Day gifts that will not only impress Dear Old Dad, but also won’t break our budgets – all these gifts are under $50! 

The Cocktail Loving Dad

No matter if your Dad enjoys beer in a frosty mug or a stiff martini, the following gifts will definitely add some zest to his cocktail repertoire. 

For the Dad who loves to entertain behind the bar, Peterson’s Happy Hour ($11.56, Amazon.com) is a collection of classic cocktail recipes with a sarcastic twist.  With simple instructions for making more than fifty tasty libations, an equipment glossary, and loads of hilarious vintage photographs, Peterson’s Happy Hour will give Dad some new and inventive ideas for Cocktail Hour.  Clever concoctions like the Tech Tonic and En-Gin Trouble are perfect antidotes for the bombardment of social networking and frustrating auto troubles that Dad faces on a daily basis!

For a great conversation starter at Dad’s next soiree, give the gift of BevShots, uniquely posh prints of beers, wines, and cocktails that have been photographed under a microscope and magnified in to fine art.  On their user friendly website, you can custom create a print for Dad by selecting his favorite alcoholic beverage, or browse by color theme.  Select from Fine Art Prints starting at $24.99 on canvas, or Metallic Prints starting at $37.99.  The vibrant colors and intoxicating designs will add a modern edge to any room, from Dad’s bar to his office or den.  Dad will surely be mesmerized by the beauty of BevShots!  (For rush shipping requests, please email BevShots at media@bevshots.com and mention Your GAL Kara.)

BevShots Print - Tequila

The Fashionable Father

For the Dad that loves to discover the newest and most fabulous finds in fashion, the following gifts will surely excite!

Cuff links, ties and slippers…oh my!  Fortunately, there’s a glam new accessory available for Dad that will set him fashionably apart from the rest!  The G-Tie is a beautifully crafted accessory for men that perfectly envelopes the knot of a tie.  When worn, the G-Tie brings a sleek and polished accent to the classic suit and tie ensemble.  The affordable and environmentally friendly ECO Collection features three finishes: shiny chrome, brushed aluminum and brushed charcoal.  With prices starting at $45.00 for the skinny version and $49.00 for the regular size, Dad can look striking and confident in one of the hottest accessories on the market!

If your Dad hates the bulk of traditional wallets, the Jimi Wallet is the perfect gift!  Made from 100% recyclable materials, the Jimi is the first wallet of its kind that is compact, water resistant, and attachable.  Available in 14 colors, this must have accessory is both fashionable and affordable starting at just $14.95.  The lightweight Jimi is perfect for all Dads, from the suit and tie businessman to the outdoor adventurer.  It also makes for a handy I.D. holder as most Jimis are translucent and can be worn around your neck on a lanyard (clever idea for busy travelers).  Dad will also be proud to know that proceeds from the US made Jimi go back to the environment, through the 1% For The Planet initiative.

Jimi Wallet in Clear

The Gadget Guy

You might think finding a cool tech gift for Dad under $50 would be impossible?  Well, with all the accessories and Apps available today, all you need is a little creativity!

If Dad recently invested in an iPad, he’ll definitely love and appreciate the Neoprene Sleeve for iPad from Built ($30, Builtny.com).  This slim sleeve will protect Dad’s investment without bulk, so it’s easy to carry to business meetings or while traveling.  Available in basic black or fiery orange, Dad can rest assured that his precious iPad will be safe from the bumps and scratches of everyday life!

If Dad enjoys travelling or is in the military, Jibbigo is the ideal gift!  Jibbigo ($24.99 -$27.99, iTunes Store) is a new speech to speech translation application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (Android and Droid support coming soon).  All Dad has to do is speak a sentence in to his device, and the App instantly speaks the sentence aloud in the other language – like your very own personal interpreter!  The App also shows the translation on the screen so Dad can be sure everything is accurate.  Available in Spanish-English, Chinese-English, Japanese-English, and new Iraqi-English, Jibbigo is the perfect companion for the Dad who travels for business or pleasure, or who is in the military.  The newest Iragi-English App was created specifically for service personnel in the armed forces, so Dad can overcome frustrating language barriers.  (Update 6/16/10 – Sorry friends, but the redemption code is no longer valid.)

Jibbigo - English to Spanish

The Grill Master

For the Dad that lives to grill, the following gifts are a necessity – no BBQ aficionado should start their Summer without these essentials! 

The ultimate guide to all things BBQ is Steven Raichlen’s latest book, Planet Barbecue ($15.61, Amazon.com).  The award winning grill expert will inspire Dad with his extensive collection of recipes – Raichlen visited 60 counties and rounded up 309 of the tastiest, most tantalizing, easy-to-make, and guaranteed-to-wow recipes from every corner of the globe.  Raichlen opens the world’s doors and showcases inventive international recipes, unique grilling methods, and mouth watering full color photographs – enough to make Dad salivate! 

Grill Charms are the coolest new BBQ accessory since the branding iron, and a must have for any serious Grill Master!  Grill Charms ($19.99, Grillcharms.com) are dime sized solid stainless steel charms that are placed in food before grilling.  The charms distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures and avoid health or allergy issues.  With the Steak Collection (with MR for Medium Rare, etc.), Dad no longer has to cut into each piece of meat to find out how each is cooked.  With the Spicy Collection, Dad can now offer his guests Mild, Medium, or Spicy sauces and rubs without any confusion.  Other collections include the Charmed Life and the Pink Collection.  (For a limited time, Grill Charms is offering a $5 discount, just type “grilling” in the coupon code section at checkout.  Order by Wednesday, June 16th for arrival by Father’s Day!)

Grill Charms - Steak Collection

Read Full Post »

GAL Find of the Week: Travel

Posted in Fashion, GAL Find of the Week, Pete & Brenda: Get It Done Girls, Travel, tagged , , , , , , , on June 1, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Chic and Affordable Passport Covers, $14.99

Just in time for the Summer travel season, pb Travel’s Leather Passport Covers keep your important documents safe in a fashionable bi-fold wallet.  Available in 6 stylish colors (blue, green, orange, hot pink, light pink, and red), these GAL passport covers are available on Amazon.com for just $14.99! 

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »